U.S. patent application number 17/839841 was filed with the patent office on 2022-09-29 for game operating device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Nintendo Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Akio IKEDA, Kuniaki ITO, Ryoji KURODA, Masahiro URATA.
Application Number | 20220305392 17/839841 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006402730 |
Filed Date | 2022-09-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220305392 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
IKEDA; Akio ; et
al. |
September 29, 2022 |
GAME OPERATING DEVICE
Abstract
A game operating device (controller) includes a longitudinal
housing, and a holding portion held by hand to be wrapped by its
palm it is formed in the housing. A direction switch is provided on
an upper surface at a position where it can be operated by thumb of
the hand holding the holding portion, and a start switch and a
select switch are provided backward thereof. An X button 46 and a Y
button are further arranged in line on the upper surface of the
housing. An imaging information arithmetic unit is provided at a
front end of the housing in a longitudinal direction in such a
manner that an imaging device thereof is exposed from a front-end
surface. A concave portion is formed on a lower surface at a
position corresponding to the direction switch. The concave portion
includes a valley and two inclined surfaces. An A button capable of
being operated by index finger of the hand holding the holding
portion is provided on the backward inclined surface. By processing
an image signal obtained by imaging an infrared ray from LED
modules by the imaging device, it is possible to obtain an
operation signal varying according to a position and/or attitude of
the controller.
Inventors: |
IKEDA; Akio; (Kyoto, JP)
; KURODA; Ryoji; (Kyoto, JP) ; URATA;
Masahiro; (Kyoto, JP) ; ITO; Kuniaki; (Kyoto,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Nintendo Co., Ltd. |
Kyoto |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006402730 |
Appl. No.: |
17/839841 |
Filed: |
June 14, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16860616 |
Apr 28, 2020 |
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17839841 |
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16212431 |
Dec 6, 2018 |
10661183 |
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16860616 |
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15494793 |
Apr 24, 2017 |
10238978 |
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16212431 |
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15052596 |
Feb 24, 2016 |
9700806 |
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15494793 |
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14631259 |
Feb 25, 2015 |
9498728 |
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15052596 |
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13071028 |
Mar 24, 2011 |
9011248 |
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14631259 |
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11446188 |
Jun 5, 2006 |
7931535 |
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13071028 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 13/235 20140902;
A63F 2300/1006 20130101; A63F 13/98 20140902; A63F 13/213 20140902;
A63F 2300/1043 20130101; A63F 13/24 20140902; A63F 2300/105
20130101; A63F 13/533 20140902; A63F 13/211 20140902; A63F 13/23
20140902; A63F 2300/1087 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63F 13/98 20060101
A63F013/98; A63F 13/211 20060101 A63F013/211; A63F 13/213 20060101
A63F013/213; A63F 13/235 20060101 A63F013/235; A63F 13/24 20060101
A63F013/24; A63F 13/533 20060101 A63F013/533; A63F 13/23 20060101
A63F013/23 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 22, 2005 |
JP |
2005-239984 |
Claims
1. A controller system for operation by a user, the controller
system comprising: a first controller configured to be held
vertically by one of the left hand or the right hand and configured
to be held horizontally by both the left hand and the right hand,
the first controller comprising a wireless communication
transceiver; and a second controller that can be held by both hands
and comprises a left grip that can be held by the left hand and a
right grip that can be held by the right hand, the second
controller comprising an attachment portion to which the first
controller is attachable, and the second controller comprising an
operating portion, wherein when the first controller is attached to
the second controller, a circuit of the first controller and a
circuit of the second controller are connected to each other, and
wherein when the first controller is attached to the second
controller and the operating portion of the second controller is
operated, a signal or data based on an operation of the operating
portion is transmitted to the circuit of the first controller and
the wireless communication transceiver of the first controller
transmits a transmission based on the signal or the data.
2. The controller system of claim 1, wherein the first controller
comprises an acceleration sensor, and wherein when the first
controller is attached to the second controller and the user holds
and moves the second controller, the acceleration sensor of the
first controller outputs a value corresponding to the movement.
3. The controller system of claim 1, wherein when the first
controller is attached to the second controller, at least a part of
the operating portion of the first controller cannot be
operated.
4. The controller system of claim 1, wherein the first controller
comprises a first electrical interface and the second controller
comprises a second electrical interface configured to be connected
to the first electrical interface when the first controller is
attached to the second controller.
5. The controller system of claim 1, wherein the second controller
comprises a concave receiving portion configured to receive the
first controller when the first controller is attached to the
second controller.
6. The controller system of claim 1, wherein the first controller
comprises a first operating portion configured to be operated by
the user and the operating portion of the second controller is a
second operating portion configured to be operated by the user.
7. The controller system of claim 6, wherein the first operating
portion is positioned on a surface of the first controller and the
second operating portion is positioned on a surface of the second
controller, the surfaces of the first controller and the second
controller facing the same direction when the first controller is
attached to the second controller.
8. The controller system of claim 6, wherein the first operating
portion of the first controller is configured to generate a signal
in response to user input, and wherein the signal or data that is
based on an operation of the second operating portion is equivalent
to the signal generated in response to user input to the first
operating portion of the first controller.
9. The controller system of claim 1, wherein the second controller
does not include a wireless communication transceiver.
10. The controller system of claim 1, wherein the second controller
is configured to be held by both hands, and wherein the left grip
is configured to be held by the left hand and the right grip
configured to be held by the right hand.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 16/860,616 filed Apr. 28, 2020; which is a continuation of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/212,431 filed Dec. 6, 2018, now
U.S. Pat. No. 10,661,183; which is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/494,793 filed Apr. 24, 2017, now U.S. Pat.
No. 10,238,978; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 15/052,596 filed Feb. 24, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No.
9,700,806; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 14/631,259 filed Feb. 25, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,498,728;
which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/071,028 filed Mar. 24, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,011,248; which
is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/446,188,
filed Jun. 5, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,931,535; which claims
priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-239984 filed Aug.
22, 2005; the contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a game operating device.
More specifically, the present invention relates to a game
operating device that analyzes movements of an operating device
through detection of a predetermined mark or pattern in an image
taken by an imaging device.
Description of the Related Arts
[0003] Some operating devices as related arts of this kind of game
operating device are disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3422383 and
Japanese Patent Laying-open No. 2002-233665.
[0004] The related art disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3422383
makes it possible to play a shooting game by arranging light
emitters at four locations in such a manner as to surround a video
screen, providing a CCD camera to a barrel of a shooting gun to
take an image containing the four light emitters, and calculating a
designation position in the video screen based on information on
image positions of the four light emitters contained in the imaging
data at that time.
[0005] As similar to that of Japanese Patent No. 3422383, the
related art of Japanese Patent Laying-open No. 2002-233665 also
makes it possible to image a target containing at least four
characteristic points in one plane, calculate an attitude parameter
of an imaging surface with respect to the plane based on the
obtained image data, and make a change to the target based on the
parameter.
[0006] Japanese Patent No. 3422383 implies no specific shape of the
input operating means but discloses the use of a "gun".
[0007] Additionally, Japanese Patent Laying-open No. 2002-233665
discloses a specific shape of the gun-type controller. In using
this gun-type controller for input operations, the direction of
designation is to be the direction of the gun barrel. However, the
portions corresponding to the barrel and the grip are separately
located, and also the directions of the barrel and the grip are
different. Thus, it is difficult to recognize intuitively the
direction of designation only with a sensation in the hand holding
the grip.
[0008] In this case, moreover, the thumb and the index finger are
just placed on the grip, and mainly the middle finger, the ring
finger, the small finger and the palm need to hold the gun.
However, the barrel significantly extends off the holding portion,
which causes a problem where the center of gravity of the entire
gun cannot be firmly held and thus it is hard to fix the attitude
of the gun. Furthermore, with occurrence of shakes due to trigger
operation, it is difficult to operate continuously the gun-type
controller at a high speed in a stable manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Therefore, it is a primary object of the present invention
to provide a novel game operating device.
[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
game operating device that is easy to operate while holding it by
one hand and makes it easy to recognize the direction of
designation.
[0011] To solve the above mentioned issues, the present invention
employs the structure described below. Besides, the reference
numerals, supplementary explanations, etc. in parentheses just show
the correspondences with the embodiments described later, for
helping the understanding of the present invention, and impose no
limitations on the present invention.
[0012] In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention relates
to a game operating device comprising a longitudinal housing, a
first operating portion provided on a first plane of the housing
along a longitudinal direction at one end in the longitudinal
direction, a second operating portion provided on a second plane
opposed to the first plane of the housing, a holding portion formed
in a direction of the other end along the longitudinal direction of
the housing from the second operating portion, and an imaging means
provided at the one end of the housing in such a manner that it can
perform imaging in a direction along the longitudinal
direction.
[0013] More specifically, and with reference to the drawings, the
first operating portion (26, 42: reference numerals indicative of
the portions corresponding to those in the embodiment. The same
applies to the following reference numerals) is provided at one end
of the first plane (20) of the longitudinal housing (12) in the
longitudinal direction (C1), and the second operating portion (42,
28) is provided on the second plane (22) opposed to the first
plane. The housing (12) is of shape and dimensions capable of being
held by one hand of the game player, the holding portion (18) for
holding the housing, i.e. the controller is formed at one end of
the housing along the longitudinal direction from the second
operating portion. The imaging means (56) is provided at the one
end (52) of the housing. Also, the imaging means can perform
imaging in the direction along the longitudinal direction of the
housing. It is thus possible to recognize or grasp intuitively the
direction of designation by the imaging means while holding the
housing.
[0014] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a game
operating device comprising a longitudinal housing having a
thickness capable of being held by one hand, a first operating
portion provided on a first plane of the housing along a
longitudinal direction, a second operating portion provided on a
second plane opposed to the first plane of the housing at a
position reached by an index finger of the one hand when a thumb of
the one hand is placed on the first operating portion, a holding
portion formed at a position where it can be held by a palm and
other fingers of the one hand when a thumb is placed on the first
operating portion and an index finger is placed on the second
operating portion, and an imaging means provided at an end opposed
to the holding portion of the housing in such a manner that it can
perform imaging in a direction along a direction in which the thumb
is faced when the thumb is placed on the first operating portion
and the holding portion is held by the palm and the other
fingers.
[0015] More specifically, relating to this second aspect to the
drawings, the first operating portion (26, 42) is provided at one
end of the first plane (20) of the longitudinal housing (12) in the
longitudinal direction (C1), and the second operating portion (42,
28) is provided on the second plane (22) at the opposite side of
the first plane. The housing (12) is of shape and dimensions
capable of being held by one hand of the game player, the holding
portion (18) for holding the housing is formed on the housing. The
holding portion is formed at the position where it can be held by
the palm (62P) and the other fingers (62c, 62d, 62e) of the one
hand (62), when the thumb (62a) is placed on the first operating
portion and the index finger (62b) is placed on the second
operating portion. Thus, it is possible to operate the first
operating portion and the second operating portion by the thumb and
the index finger of one hand while holding the holding portion by
that hand. Moreover, the imaging means (56) is provided at the end
(52) opposed to the holding portion of the housing. In addition,
the imaging means is provided in such a manner that it can perform
imaging in the direction along the direction in which the thumb is
faced when the thumb is placed on the first operating portion and
the holding portion is held by the palm and the other fingers.
[0016] It is also a feature of the exemplary embodiment that the
first operating portion (26, 42) and the second operating portion
(42, 28) are arranged on the first plane and the second plane of
the housing, with correspondence in position between the two.
Therefore, the housing is supported by the index finger on the
second plane in operating the first operating portion on the first
plane, and the housing is supported by the thumb on the first plane
in operating the second operating portion on the second plane,
which makes the operations more stable. In addition, it is possible
to change the direction of designation of the imaging means (56)
while holding the housing between the thumb and the index finger,
which allows the direction of designation of the imaging means to
be recognized or grasped more easily.
[0017] It is also a feature of the exemplary embodiment that the
imaging means (56) is provided in the vicinity of the first
operating portion (26; 42) and the second operating portion (42;
28), which makes it easier to recognize the direction of
designation of the imaging means.
[0018] It is also a feature of the exemplary embodiment that the
concave portion (34) is formed in the second plane of the housing
(12), for example, and the second operating portion (42; 28) is
arranged in the concave portion. Accordingly, it is possible to
place the index finger in the concave portion, which makes it
possible to operate the second operating portion in a quick and
reliable manner.
[0019] It is also a feature of the exemplary embodiment that the
concave portion (34) includes the first inclined surface (38)
extending in the direction of the holding portion (18) and the
second inclined surface (40) in the opposite direction. As a
consequence, the second operating portion can be operated quickly
and reliably just by bending the index finger in the concave
portion toward the holding portion.
[0020] It is also a feature of the exemplary embodiment that the
angle of inclination of the first inclined surface (38) is set so
as to be smaller than the angle of inclination of the second
inclined surface (40). This brings about the advantages that the
housing is easy to hold by both hands and the index finger can be
reliably taken off the second operating portion.
[0021] It is also a feature of the exemplary embodiment that the
concave portion (34) includes the valley (36), for example, and the
bottom of the valley forms a plane approximately parallel to the
first plane. Meanwhile, the holding portion (18) is provided
rearward of the housing. Accordingly, the inclined surface (38) is
formed linking the bottom of the valley and the holding portion,
and the second operating portion (26) is placed on the inclined
surface. Thus, the second operating portion can be naturally
operated when the index finger is bent.
[0022] It is also a feature of the exemplary embodiment that the
vibrator (80) is arranged on the side opposed to the imaging means
(56) in the longitudinal direction of the housing (12), which
decreases a possibility that the vibrations from the vibrator
affect adversely imaging operation by the imaging information
arithmetic unit. That is, a distance becomes long between the
vibrator and the imaging information arithmetic unit, thereby
preventing an imaging element of the imaging information arithmetic
unit from being blurred as much as possible.
[0023] It is also a feature of the exemplary embodiment that the
battery (78) as a relatively heavy matter is stored within a range
of the holding portion (18) of the housing (12), and thus a center
of gravity G (FIG. 2(B)) is reliably contained within the range of
the holding portion. This makes it possible to change stably the
direction of designation of the imaging means while holding the
holding portion 18.
[0024] According to the present invention, it is easy to operate
the first operating portion and the second operating portion while
holding the controller by one hand, which makes it possible to
obtain a novel game operating device that is high in flexibility
and capable of being operated only by one hand. Additionally, the
imaging range of the imaging means contains the direction along the
longitudinal direction of the holding portion, which makes it
possible to recognize or grasp intuitively the direction of
designation of the imaging means while holding the housing.
[0025] The above described objects and other objects, features,
aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more
apparent from the following detailed description of the present
invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a controller (first
controller) forming one embodiment of the present invention, and
FIG. 1(A) presents a front side, upper side and left side, and FIG.
1(B) shows an upper side, rear side and right side.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a drawing of a hexahedron indicative of the first
controller of this embodiment, excluding a view of a left side, and
FIG. 2(A) shows a front side, FIG. 2 (B) a plane side, FIG. 2(C) a
right side, FIG. 2(D) a bottom side, and FIG. 2(E) a rear side,
respectively.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a side view of the first controller of the
embodiment held by one hand.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a front view of the first controller of the
embodiment held by one hand.
[0030] FIG. 5 is an illustrative view showing the state of FIG. 3
in which an index finger is taken off an A button.
[0031] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the first controller shown
in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 from which an upper housing is removed.
[0032] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the first controller shown
in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 from which a lower housing is removed.
[0033] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing electrical circuit
structure of this embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a situation in which a game is
played by means of an imaging information arithmetic unit with the
use of the first controller of this embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 10 is an illustrative view of a situation in which an
imaging range of the imaging information arithmetic unit covers the
longitudinal direction of the holding portion in alignment with the
same.
[0036] FIG. 11 is an illustrative view showing a situation in
which, because of a relationship between an imaging range (viewing
angle) of the imaging device of the first controller and a
half-value angle of light intensity of LED module, two LED modules
exist concurrently within the viewing angle of the imaging
device.
[0037] FIG. 12 is an illustrative view showing a situation in
which, because of a relationship between an imaging range (viewing
angle) of the imaging device of the first controller and a
half-value angle of light amount of LED module, only one LED module
exists within the viewing angle of the imaging device.
[0038] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a controller (second
controller) constituting another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0039] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a combination of the
second controller of this embodiment and the first controller of
the preceding embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 15 is a right side view showing the combination of the
second controller of this embodiment and the first controller of
the preceding embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 16 is an illustrative view showing the case of
performing an operation with the combination of the first
controller and the second controller.
[0042] FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing electric circuit
structure with the combination of the first controller and the
second controller.
[0043] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a combination of
another second controller constituting another embodiment of the
present invention and the first controller.
[0044] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a combination of still
another second controller constituting still another embodiment of
the present invention and the first controller.
[0045] FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a combination of
further another second controller constituting further another
embodiment of the present invention and the first controller.
[0046] FIG. 21 is an illustrative view showing a gun-type adapter
constituting yet another embodiment of the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 22 is an illustrative view of the adapter of FIG. 20
embodiment to which the first controller is attached.
[0048] FIG. 23 is an illustrative view showing another embodiment
of the first controller, and FIG. 23(A) shows a layout of operating
switches, in particular, on an upper surface thereof, and FIG.
23(B) denotes a right side thereof.
[0049] FIG. 24 is an illustrative view showing the imaging device
of the first controller of FIG. 23 that is correctly faced toward a
screen of a display.
[0050] FIG. 25 is an illustrative view showing still another
embodiment of the first controller.
[0051] FIG. 26 presents further another embodiment of the first
controller, and FIG. 26(A) is a perspective view showing a rear
side, upper side and left side, and FIG. 26 (B) is a perspective
view showing a bottom side, front side, plane side and right
side.
[0052] FIG. 27 is a drawing of a hexahedron excluding a view of a
left side, and FIG. 27(A) shows a front side, FIG. 27(B) a plane
side, FIG. 27(C) a right side, FIG. 27 (D) a bottom side, and FIG.
27(E) a rear side, respectively.
[0053] FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing the first controller
shown in FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 from which the upper housing is
removed.
[0054] FIG. 29 is a side view of the first controller of this
embodiment held by one hand.
[0055] FIG. 30 is a front view of the first controller of this
embodiment held by one hand.
[0056] FIG. 31 is an illustrative view showing the state of FIG. 29
in which the index finger is taken off the B button.
[0057] FIG. 32 is a top view of the first controller of this
embodiment that is held and operated by both hands.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFFERED EMBODIMENTS
[0058] A controller 10 of one embodiment of the present invention
shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 includes a longitudinal housing 12
molded of plastic or metal, for example. The housing 12 has a
required depth and includes a lower housing 14 having a shape of a
flat rectangle with a top-surface opening and an bottom, an upper
housing 16 assembled integrally with the lower housing 14 in such a
manner as to close up the top-surface opening of the lower housing
14, and in particular, has a cross-section rectangle on the whole
as shown in FIG. 2(A) and FIG. 2(E).
[0059] The housing 12 has a holding portion 18 and is of size
capable of being held by one hand of an adult or child on the
whole. Its length L (FIG. 2(D)) in a longitudinal direction (a
direction along a longitudinal center line or axis C1 shown in FIG.
2(B)) is set at 8 to 15 cm, for example, and its width (orthogonal
to the longitudinal direction C1) W (FIG. 2(D)) is set at 2 to 4
cm, for example, respectively.
[0060] Alternatively, the shape of the housing 12 is not limited to
a longitudinal shape with a plane rectangle and may be a
longitudinal shape with a plane oval or the like. Likewise, its
cross-section shape is not limited to a rectangle and may be a
circle or other polygons.
[0061] A flat main surface of the upper housing 16 constitutes an
upper surface 20 of the housing 12. As can be seen well from FIG.
1(A) and FIG. 2(B) in particular, the upper surface 20 of the
housing 12 is a rectangle extending along the longitudinal
direction of the housing 12. Also, the upper surface 20 is
equivalent to a first plane, and a surface or main surface 22 of
the lower housing 18 is equivalent to a second plane opposed to the
first plane 20. The second plane 22 is approximately parallel with
the first plane 20. Besides, an upward direction is assumed to be
forward (side of one end) and a downward direction is assumed to be
backward (side of the other end) in the longitudinal direction C1
of the housing 12.
[0062] A power switch 24 is provided on the upper surface 20 of the
housing 12, on the slightly right side of the center in a width
direction of the upper surface 20 (indicated by the transverse
center line or axis C1 in FIG. 2(B)) in the vicinity of the housing
front end (one end). The power switch 24 is intended to turn on or
off an electric power source to a game machine 112 (FIG. 9) by a
remote operation.
[0063] Besides, in this embodiment, a power switch for turning on
or off the controller 10 itself is not provided. The controller 10
is turned on by operating any one of the operating switches of the
controller 10, and is automatically turned off if no operation is
performed for a predetermined period of time or more.
[0064] A direction switch 26 is provided on the width-direction
center line C1 of the upper surface 20, forward of the
longitudinal-direction center of the housing 12 (indicated by a
center line C2 in FIG. 2(B)). The direction switch 26 is a combined
switch of four-direction push switches and center switch, and
includes operating portions 26F, 26B, 26R and 26L for four
directions indicated by arrows, forward (or up), backward (or
down), right and left, and also includes a center switch 28. The
operating portions 26F, 26B, 26R and 26L are arranged on a single
key top, in a shape of a ring with a turn of 90 degrees among them.
By operating any one of them, one of contacts (not shown) which are
arranged in a shape of a polygon corresponding individually to
these operating portions 26F, 26B, 26R and 26L is selectively
turned on, thereby selecting any one of the directions of upward,
downward, right and left. For example, by operating any one of the
operating portions 26F, 26B, 26R and 26L, one of those contacts is
turned on to make it possible to designate a movement direction of
a character or object (player character or player object) capable
of being operated by a game player or to designate a movement
direction of a cursor.
[0065] The center switch 28 is a single push-button switch and may
be used as a so-called B button. As is well known, the B button 28
can be used for changing the game mode selected by means of a
select switch 32 described later, canceling the action decided by
means of an A button described later, and so on.
[0066] Besides, as is well known, such a combined switch as
described in relation to the embodiment is highly utilized for
cellular telephones and the like (see
http://www.jpo.go.jp/shiryou/s_sonota/hyoujungijutsu/small_switch/b-6-2.h-
tm, for example), and thus a more detailed description of it is
omitted.
[0067] As stated above, the direction switch 26 of the embodiment
includes the contacts (not shown) arranged in the shape of a
polygon (rectangle or rhombus) as to indicate individual directions
(the four directions in the embodiment) so that these contacts are
operated by means of the operating portions 26F, 26B, 26R and 26L
formed on a single key top. Alternatively, the operating portions
26F, 26B, 26R and 26L may be provided as individual key tops so
that one contact is operated by means of each corresponding key
top.
[0068] In addition, the direction switch 26 may be a cross key or a
joystick. In the case of the direction switch 26 as a joystick, an
arbitrary direction and position can be designated by turning its
tip end 360 degrees in an arbitrary direction or deflecting the
same.
[0069] As can be seen well from FIG. 2(B), a start switch 30 and a
select switch 32 having key tops arranged in a shape of the
Japanese KATAKANA character "1'" with the width-direction center
line C1 of the housing 12 between them are provided on the upper
surface 20, backward of the direction switch 26. The start switch
30 is used for starting (re-starting) and pausing a game and the
like. The select switch 32 is used for selecting a game mode,
etc.
[0070] Additionally, the start switch 30 and the select switch 32
may be provided in an arbitrary layout such as one transverse line
and one vertical line, not limited to the shape of the Japanese
KATAKANA character "" presented in relation to the embodiment.
[0071] A concave portion 34 is formed on the second plane 22 of the
lower housing 14, at a position approximately corresponding to the
position of the direction switch 26. The concave portion 34 is a
concave formed so as to reach from one end of the other of the
second plane 22 in a width direction, as can be understood from
FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 (C). Additionally, strictly speaking, the concave
portion 34 of this embodiment is formed slightly forward of the
direction switch 26, as can be seen from a contrast between FIG.
2(B) and FIG. 2(C). The concave portion 34 is formed at a position
where, when the player holds the controller 10, i.e., the holding
portion 18 of the housing 12 by one hand as described later, the
index finger of the same hand naturally falls. Therefore, a width
of a valley 36 of the concave portion 34 (in the longitudinal
direction of the housing 12) is formed in a size that allows the
index finger to come into there. The concave portion 34 has two
inclined surfaces 38 and 40 rising from the valley 36. The former
inclined surface 38 is formed with a rise from the valley 36 toward
the rear of the housing 12, and conversely, the latter inclined
surface 40 is rising from the valley 36 toward the front of the
housing 12.
[0072] An A button 42 is provided on the inclined surface 38 on the
rear side of the concave portion 34 of the lower housing 14. The A
button 42 is provided at a position corresponding to the direction
switch 26. Here, the corresponding position means a position where
the direction switch 26 and the A button 42 are arranged close to
each other as viewed through from the upper surface of housing 12,
and more preferably, the direction switch 26 and the A button 42
are arranged in such a manner as to be at least partially
overlapped. As can be seen well from the illustration, the bottom
of the valley 36 is on a plane approximately parallel with the
upper surface 20, i.e., the first plane of the housing 12, and the
rear inclined surface 38 on which the A button 42 is arranged is
formed between the bottom parallel surface of the valley 36 and the
holding portion 18 formed on the rear (other) side of the housing
12 described earlier. Also, the A button 42 is a push switch having
a switch contact (not shown) and a key top for turning on or off
the switch contact, and the key top is provided so as to move in a
direction perpendicular to the inclined surface 38. Therefore, as
described later, the player can turn on the A button 42 just by
putting his/her index finger or middle finger in the concave
portion 34 and pulling it toward him/her. That is, the index finger
or the middle finger can be positioned in the concave portion 34,
which makes it possible to operate the A button 42 quickly and
reliably when needed.
[0073] Besides, the A button 42 allows a player character or a
player object to perform an arbitrary action such as punching,
throwing, capturing (obtaining), riding and jumping. For example,
in an action game, the A button 42 makes it possible to designate
jumping, punching and manipulating a weapon, etc. Also, in a
role-playing game (RPG) or simulation RPG, the A button 42 makes it
possible to designate the obtainment of an item, the selection and
decision of a weapon and a command, and so on.
[0074] In addition, the above stated holding portion 18 is formed
on the housing, backward of the concave portion 34, i.e., the A
button 42. As described later, in using the controller 10, the
controller 10, i.e., the housing 12 is held in such a manner that
the player's palm of one hand wraps the holding portion 18. At that
time, the player can hold stably the holding portion 18 only by one
hand because the controller 10, i.e., the housing 12 is of a size
or thickness capable of being held by one hand.
[0075] Moreover, the key top of the A button 42 is turned on by
pushing it in the direction perpendicular to the inclined surface
38, that is, the direction toward the holding portion 18. The
inclined part 38 is not perpendicular to the upper surface of the
housing 12, that is, the first plane 20 and, in the end, the key
top of the A button 42 is pushed in a direction not perpendicular
to the upper surface 20. On the contrary, the B button 28 and the
direction switch 26 are turned on by pushing them in the direction
perpendicular to the upper surface 20 of the upper housing 16.
These push directions mean directions in which the index finger and
the thumb can apply pressure naturally in holding the holding
portion 18. This makes it possible to support a periphery of the
operating portion continuously by the thumb and the index finger
during the operation while holding the holding portion 18, and
perform the operation in the stable holding state at any time.
[0076] Furthermore, an X button 44 and a Y button 46 are arranged
on the width-direction center line C1 and backward of the
longitudinal-direction center C2 of the housing 12, in a straight
line with a spacing between the two. These X button 44 and Y button
46 are used to make adjustments to view point position and view
point direction in displaying a three-dimension game image, that
is, make adjustments to a position and a field angle of a virtual
camera.
[0077] A battery cover 48 is detachably attached to the lower
housing 14 forming the holding portion 18, and a battery 78 shown
in FIG. 7 is stored inside the battery cover 48. Thus, the
controller 10 operates with the battery 78 as a power source. In
addition, the battery cover 48 can be detached by removing an
engagement pawl 50 from the lower housing 14.
[0078] As stated above, the battery 78 as a relatively heavy matter
is stored within a range of the holding portion 18 of the housing
12, and thus a center of gravity G (FIG. 2(B)) is reliably
contained within the range of the holding portion 18. This makes it
possible to perform stably the displacement or movement of the
controller 10 while holding the holding portion 18.
[0079] An infrared imaging device 56 forming one part of an imaging
information arithmetic unit 54 described later in detail is
arranged on a front-end surface 52 (FIG. 1 and FIG. 2(A)) of the
housing 12, and a 32-pin edge connector 60 is provided on a
rear-end surface 58 (FIG. 1 and FIG. 2(E)) of the housing 12, for
example. The connector 58 is used to attach and connect the
controller of this embodiment (the first controller) 10 to another
second controller (described later), and so on.
[0080] The controller 10 structured in such a manner can be held by
one hand of the game player (not shown). FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show a
state in which the player holds the controller 10 by his/her hand.
Referring to these drawings, a player's palm 62P and balls of
middle finger 62c, ring finger 62d and small finger 62e of one hand
62 (right hand in the drawings) hold the holding portion 18 of the
housing 12 in such a manner as to wrap the holding portion 18
lightly. In the state, a thumb 62a of the hand 62 is positioned on
the direction switch 26 and an index finger 62b is positioned in
the valley 36 of concave portion 34 of the lower housing 14. More
specifically, the direction switch 26 is arranged at a position
reached by the thumb 62a of the hand 62 holding the housing 12,
that is, at a position capable of being operated by the thumb 62a.
The A button 42 is arranged at a position reached by the index
finger 62b of the hand 62 holding the housing 12, that is, at a
position capable of being operated by the index finger 62b.
Accordingly, the player can operate the direction switch 26 by the
thumb 62a and operate the A button 42 by the index finger 62b while
holding the housing 12 by the hand 62. More specifically, the index
finger 62b of the hand 62 is positioned in such a manner as to make
contact with a surface of the valley 36 of the above stated concave
portion 34 formed in the lower housing 14. By bending the index
finger 62b toward him/her (rightward in FIG. 3) in that state, the
user can push the key top of the A button 42 by the ball of the
index finger 62b in a direction perpendicular to the near-side
inclined surface 38 of the concave portion 34. Consequently, the
player can operate the A button 42 by the index finger 62b while
holding the housing 12 by the hand 62.
[0081] Besides, the same applies if the holding hand 62 is a left
hand.
[0082] In addition, the A button 42 is described above as being
operated by the index finger 62b. Alternatively, by further
providing an A2 button (not shown) of the same shape as the A
button backward of the A button 42, the housing 12 may be held by
the palm 62P and the balls of the ring finger 62d and small finger
62e so that the A button 42 can be operated by the index finger 62b
and the A2 button 32 by the middle finger 62c, respectively.
[0083] As stated above, the controller 10 of this embodiment, under
the state of being held by one hand, allows the first operating
portion (the direction switch 26 in the embodiment) and the second
operating portion (the A button 42 in the embodiment) to be easily
operated. That is, the controller 10 of this embodiment makes it
possible to operate each of the operating portions with stability
while holding the controller 10 by one hand. Therefore, the player
can use the other hand for playing a game or for another purpose.
Moreover, since it can be held only by one hand, the controller 10
can be handled more freely as compared with the case of holding by
the both hands. As a consequence, it is possible to perform
smoothly the carrying, movement or displacement of the controller
10.
[0084] Additionally, in the controller 10 of this embodiment, the
position of the first operating portion, for example, the direction
switch 26 provided on the upper surface 20 of the housing 12 and
the position of the second operating portion, e.g., the A button 42
provided on the lower surface of the housing 12 correspond to each
other on the upper and lower surfaces 20 and 22 of the housing 12
so that the housing 12 can be caught by the thumb and the index
finger (or middle finger) operating these portions, resulting in
further stable operations. For example, when the direction switch
26 is operated by the thumb 62a, the housing 12 is supported from
underneath by the index finger 62b or the middle finger 62c
positioned in the concave portion 34 for operating the A button 42,
which makes it possible to push the direction switch 26 by the
thumb 62a in a stable manner. Likewise, when the A button 42 is
operated by the index finger 62b or the middle finger 62c, the
housing 12 is supported from above by the thumb 62a for operating
the direction switch 26, which make it possible to push the A
button 42 by the index finger 62b or the middle finger 62c with
stability.
[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the center of gravity G of
the controller 10 falls a cross point of the width-direction center
line C1 and the longitudinal-direction center line C2 shown in FIG.
2(B) or a vicinity thereto. The position of the center of gravity G
is contained in a range of the holding portion 18, as can be seen
well from FIG. 2. Therefore, when the controller 10 is held at the
holding portion 18, the holding hand 62 (FIG. 6) supports the
position of the center of gravity G, which allows the holding state
to be maintained with greatly high stability. Thus, it is possible
to perform further smoothly the movement, carrying or displacement
of the controller 10 for the imaging information arithmetic
unit.
[0086] FIG. 3 shows a state that the index finger 62b presses the A
button 42. When it is not necessary to press the A button 42, the
index finger 62b may be moved off the A button 42 (the same applies
to the middle finger 62c). That is, as shown in FIG. 5, by pushing
the index finger 62b (or the middle finger 62c) against the
front-end inclined surface 40 of the concave portion 34, it is
possible to make the housing stable in the state that the A button
42 is released from the index finger 62b (the middle finger 62c).
Consequently, it is not necessary to change the state of holding
the housing 12 (change a holding manner), depending on whether to
press the A button 42 or not.
[0087] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 illustrate the state that the upper
housing 16 is removed from the controller 10 and the state that the
lower housing 14 is removed from the controller 10, respectively.
As shown in FIG. 6 indicating the removal of the upper housing 16,
a substrate 64 is attached to an upper end of the lower housing 14
in such a manner as to seal the upper opening of the lower housing
14. The above described power switch 24, direction switch 26, start
switch 30, select switch 32, X button 44 and Y button 46 are
mounted on an upper main surface of the substrate 64, and they are
connected to a processor 66 (FIG. 8) constituting a controller
circuit by means of appropriate wiring (not shown).
[0088] Moreover, an acceleration sensor 68 and a wireless module 70
are assembled on the upper main surface of the substrate 64,
between the direction switch 26 and the X button 44, for example,
between the start switch 30 and the select switch 32.
[0089] The acceleration sensor 68 is preferably a three-axis linear
accelerometer that detects linear acceleration along each of an X
axis, Y axis and Z axis. Alternatively, a two-axis linear
accelerometer that only detects linear acceleration along each of
an X axis and Y axis (or other pair of axes) may be used in another
embodiment depending on the type of control signals desired. As a
non-limiting example, the three-axis or two-axis linear
accelerometer 68 may be of the type available from Analog Devices,
Inc. or STMicroelectronics N.V. Preferably, the acceleration sensor
68 is an electrostatic capacitance or capacitance-coupling type
that is based on silicon micro-machined MEMS
(microelectromechanical systems) technology. However, any other
suitable accelerometer technology (e.g., piezoelectric type or
piezoresistance type) now existing or later developed may be used
to provide the three-axis or two-axis acceleration sensor 68.
[0090] As one skilled in the art understands, a linear
accelerometer, such as acceleration sensor 68, is only capable of
detecting acceleration along a straight line corresponding to each
axis of the acceleration sensor. In other words, the direct output
of the acceleration sensor 68 is limited to signals indicative of
linear acceleration (static or dynamic) along each of the two or
three axes thereof. As a result, the acceleration sensor 68 cannot
directly detect movement along a non-linear (e.g. arcuate) path,
rotation, rotational movement, angular displacement, tilt,
position, attitude or any other physical characteristic.
[0091] However, through additional processing of the linear
acceleration signals output from the acceleration sensor 68,
additional information relating to the housing 12 can be inferred
or calculated, as one skilled in the art will readily understand
from the description herein. For example, by detecting static
linear acceleration (i.e., gravity), the linear acceleration output
of the acceleration sensor 68 can be used to infer tilt of the
object relative to the gravity vector by correlating tilt angles
with detected linear acceleration. In this way, the acceleration
sensor 68 can be used in combination with the processor 66 (or
another processor) to determine tilt, attitude or position of the
housing 12. Similarly, various movements and/or positions of the
housing 12 can be calculated or inferred through processing of the
linear acceleration signals generated by the acceleration sensor 68
when the housing 12 containing the acceleration sensor 68 is
subjected to dynamic accelerations by, for example, the hand of a
user. In another embodiment, the acceleration sensor 68 may include
an embedded signal processor or other type of dedicated processor
for performing any desired processing of the acceleration signals
output from the accelerometers therein prior to outputting signals
to processor 66. For example, the embedded or dedicated processor
could be used to convert the detected acceleration signal to a
corresponding tilt angle when the acceleration sensor is intended
to detect static acceleration (i.e., gravity).
[0092] In this embodiment, the acceleration sensor 68 and processor
66 function as a position and/or attitude determining means for
determining the position and/or attitude of the controller 10 held
by the player with his/her hand. By outputting information on the
position and/or attitude through conversion of the acceleration
signal output from the acceleration sensor 68, in addition to
operation signals from the direction switch 26, the A button 42,
etc. and obtaining operation signals for position or attitude at
the game machine side, it is possible to perform game operations
with a high degree of flexibility.
[0093] As stated above, by arranging the acceleration sensor 68
within the housing 12 so that the acceleration detected by
acceleration sensor 68 can be used to determine the attitude and
position of the housing 12, i.e. the controller 10, the player can
easily change the position and attitude of the controller 10 by
moving (turning) the wrist of his/her hand while holding the
holding portion 18 of the housing 12 by that hand described above
with reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 5. Therefore, according to the
controller 10 of this embodiment, it is possible to utilize not
only operation signals from the operating switches 24 to 32, 44 and
46 of the controller 10 but also the position and attitude of the
controller 10 as controller data, allowing further higher degrees
of operations.
[0094] Moreover, the acceleration sensor 68 is provided within the
housing 12 of the holding portion 18, and in the course of nature,
the thumb is placed on the direction switch 26 and the index finger
is placed on the A button 42, and the remaining fingers support the
holding portion. Thus, no variations occur among individuals in the
way to hold the controller 10, which makes it possible to perform
high-precision detection without variations under predetermined
criteria. That is, the above mentioned turning operation of the
wrist may result in a displacement of a rotational axis due to its
rotation. Also, since right-handed rotation and left-handed
rotation are asymmetrical, there is a possibility of causing an
error. However, by providing the acceleration sensor 68 within the
housing 12 of the holding portion 18 as in this embodiment, the
displacement of the rotation axis due to its rotation is reduced
with a decreased possibility of detection errors.
[0095] Additionally, in the embodiment, the acceleration sensor 68
is set up within a range of the holding portion 18 of the housing
12 (FIG. 1). This brings about an advantage that the position
and/or attitude determining means can determine the position and/or
the attitude with high accuracy. Besides, the position and/or
attitude determining means may be arranged at another position
within the housing 12 according to the purpose. For example, as the
position and/or attitude determining means is moved backward of the
housing 12, the amount of change in position and/or attitude due to
the displacement of the housing 12 becomes smaller. On the
contrary, as the means is moved forward of the housing 12, the
amount of change in position and/or attitude due to the
displacement of the housing 12 becomes larger. Consequently, the
position and/or attitude determining means may be arranged at the
most appropriate position according to required performance.
[0096] In another exemplary embodiment, the acceleration sensor 68
may be replaced with a gyro-sensor of any suitable technology
incorporating, for example, a rotating or vibrating element.
Exemplary MEMS gyro-sensors that may be used in this embodiment are
available from Analog Devices, Inc. Unlike the linear acceleration
sensor 68, a gyro-sensor is capable of directly detecting rotation
(or angular rate) around an axis defined by the gyroscopic element
(or elements) therein. Thus, due to the fundamental differences
between a gyro-sensor and an linear acceleration sensor,
corresponding changes need to be made to the processing operations
that are performed on the output signals from these devices
depending on which device is selected for a particular application.
Due to the fact that the nature of gyroscopes is known to one
skilled in the art, as well as the fundamental differences between
linear accelerometers and gyroscopes, further details are not
provided herein so as not to obscure the remainder of the
disclosure. While gyro-sensors provide certain advantages due to
their ability to directly detect rotational movement, linear
acceleration sensors are generally more cost effective when used in
connection with the controller applications described herein.
[0097] An antenna pattern 72 is formed on the upper main surface of
the substrate 64, and the controller 10 is provided as a wireless
controller by the means of the antenna pattern 72 and the above
mentioned wireless module 70. More specifically, the operation
signals from the above stated individual switches and buttons 24 to
32, 44 and 46, and the detection data (detection signal) from the
imaging information arithmetic unit 54 and acceleration data
(acceleration signal) from the acceleration sensor 68 are modulated
in the wireless module 70 to weak radio wave signals, and the
modulated weak radio wave signals are emitted from the antenna
pattern 72. Accordingly, the game machine (not shown), by receiving
the weak radio waves and performing demodulation and decoding on
them, can obtain the operation signals from the above stated
individual switches and buttons 24 to 32, 44 and 46, and the
detection data from the imaging information arithmetic unit 54 and
the detected acceleration data from the acceleration sensor 68.
Then, the game machine makes the game progress, based on the
signals, data and game programs obtained in such a manner.
[0098] In addition, a crystal oscillator 74 provided on the upper
main surface of the substrate 64 is intended to generate a basic
clock of a computer or processor 66 (FIG. 8) contained in the
controller 10.
[0099] As shown in FIG. 7 in which the lower housing 14 is removed,
the imaging information arithmetic unit 54 is attached to an edge
of the front end on the lower main surface of the substrate 64, and
the connector 60 is attached to an edge of the rear end thereof.
The imaging information arithmetic unit 54 has the above mentioned
infrared imaging device 56 and an image processing circuit 76 for
processing image data imaged by the imaging device (imaging means)
56.
[0100] Additionally, the above described A button 42 is attached to
the lower main surface of the substrate 64 backward of the imaging
information arithmetic unit 54, and the aforesaid battery 78 is
stored further backward thereof. A vibrator 80 is attached to the
lower main surface of the substrate 64, between the battery 78 and
the connector 60. The vibrator 80 may be a vibrating motor or
solenoid, for example. The vibrator 80 creates vibrations in the
controller 10, and the vibrations are transmitted to the player's
hand 62 (FIG. 3) holding it, which realizes a vibration-ready game.
Consequently, it is possible to provide the player with a vibratory
stimulus.
[0101] Besides, as stated above, arranging the vibrator 80 on the
opposite side of the imaging information arithmetic unit 54 in the
longitudinal direction of the housing 12 would decrease the
possibility that the vibrations from the vibrator 80 affect
adversely imaging by the imaging information arithmetic unit 54.
That is, a longest distance can be secured between the vibrator 80
and the imaging information arithmetic unit 54, which makes it
possible to prevent the imaging element of the imaging information
arithmetic unit 54 from being blurred as much as possible.
[0102] Besides, in changing the direction of imaging with the
imaging means or imaging device 56, the player may hold the holding
portion 18 of the housing 12 by one hand and move the wrist of the
hand in that state, as already described with reference to FIG. 3
to FIG. 5. At that time, the imaging means 56 is provided at the
front end of the housing 12, the thumb is placed on the direction
switch 26 and the index finger is placed on the A button 42 in the
course of nature, and the remaining fingers support the holding
portion. This makes it possible to perform an imaging operation
under predetermined uniform criteria, independent of variations
among individuals in the way to hold the controller 10.
[0103] Here, referring to FIG. 8, a description is given as to
electric circuit structure of the controller 10 of the
embodiment.
[0104] The imaging information arithmetic unit 54 has the infrared
imaging device 56 and the aforesaid image processing circuit 76 for
processing image data imaged by the imaging device 56. As
illustrated, the imaging device 56 includes a solid imaging element
561 such as a CMOS sensor and a CCD. An infrared filter (a filter
permeable to infrared rays only) 562 and a lens 563 are arranged
frontward of the imaging element 561. Accordingly, the imaging
device 56 generates image data through detection of infrared rays
alone. In addition, the image processing circuit 76 processes the
infrared image data obtained from the imaging device 56, senses a
high-intensity portion, detects the portion's center-of-gravity
position and area, and outputs the data on them. The data on the
position and area of the high-intensity portion is input from the
image processing circuit 76 to the processor 66. Moreover, the
operation signals from the aforementioned switches and buttons 24
to 32, 4 and 46 are input into the processor 66. In addition, the
three-axis or two-axis acceleration data (acceleration signal) from
the acceleration sensor 68 is also input into the processor 66.
[0105] Based on the operation signals from the operating switches
24 to 32, 44 and 46, the processor 66 detects which one of the
operating switches and operating buttons is being operated from
time to time. The operation data is output as a sequence of
controller data together with the acceleration data and the
high-intensity portion data, and is input into the wireless module
70. The wireless module 70 modulates a carrier wave of
predetermined frequency with the controller data, and emits the
weak radio wave signal from the antenna 72.
[0106] Besides, the signals and data input through the connector 60
provided at the rear end of the controller 10 are also input into
the processor 66, and processed by the processor 66 as with the
aforementioned signals and data, provided as controller data to the
wireless module 70, and then output as a weak radio wave signal
from the controller 10 in the same manner.
[0107] Additionally, the processor 66 may be independent from the
wireless module 70, and, in using a wireless module based on
Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard, etc., it may be
contained as a microcomputer in the module.
[0108] In order to play a game using the controller 10 in a game
system 100, a player 102 holds the controller 10 (the housing
thereof) by one hand 62, as shown in FIG. 9. Then, the player 102
faces the imaging device 56 (FIG. 8) of the aforementioned imaging
information arithmetic unit 54 at the front end of the controller
10 toward a screen 106 of a display 104. At that time, two LED
modules 108A and 108B are set up in a vicinity of the screen 106 of
the display 104. Each of the LED modules 108A and 108B outputs
infrared rays. Meanwhile, the infrared filter 562 (FIG. 8) is
incorporated into the imaging information arithmetic unit 54 of the
controller 10 held by the player, as described above.
[0109] The image processing circuit 76 (FIG. 8) of the imaging
information arithmetic unit 54 obtains information on the positions
and areas of the LED modules 108A and 108B as high-intensity point
information, by processing the taken image containing the infrared
rays. Data on the positions and magnitudes of the intensity points
is transmitted from the controller 10 to a game machine 112 by
radio (weak radio waves), and received by the game machine 112.
When the player moves the controller 10, i.e. the imaging
information arithmetic unit 54, the data on the intensity point
positions and magnitudes is changed. By taking advantage of this,
the game machine 112 can obtain an operation signal corresponding
to the movement of the controller and make the game progress
according to that.
[0110] In this manner, the imaging information arithmetic unit 54
can image a marker (an infrared light from the LED in the
embodiment) and obtain an operation signal according to a change in
the position of the marker in the taken image. This allows
coordinate direct input and rotational input to the screen, unlike
operations with the operating switches, operating keys or operating
buttons which are manipulated with fingers. However, the principle
of the imaging information arithmetic unit is well known as
described in Japanese Patent No. 3422383, and thus a more detailed
explanation on it is omitted here. Besides, motion tracking means
an analysis of the movement of an object or camera (the controller
10 here) with a specific mark or pattern as a target in the screen
(image).
[0111] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the controller 10 illustrated
in detail in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, for example. As depicted in FIG.
10, the holding portion 18 is set up near a one end of the
longitudinal direction of the housing 12 of the controller 10, that
is, a one end of the direction along the width-direction center
line C1, and the imaging device 56 is installed at the other end of
the housing 12, on the center line C1 and on the opposite side of
the holding portion 18. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 3, a straight
line (the width-direction center line C1) passing through the palm
62P of the hand 62 holding the holding portion 18 is in alignment
with the direction of designation by the imaging device 56, which
brings about an advantage that it is easy to recognize the
direction in which the imaging device 56 is faced. More
specifically, since the direction of imaging by the imaging device
56 (corresponding to a direction in which a viewing angle C
described later is faced) is in parallel with the longitudinal
direction of the housing 12, it is possible to grasp the direction
of designation by the imaging device 56 through intuition while
holding the housing 12. Here, the longitudinal direction of the
housing 12, in the case of a rectangular housing as with the
embodiment, is represented by the width-direction center line C1,
for example. In addition, when the thumb is placed in the center of
the direction switch 26, for example, and the holding portion 18 is
held by the palm and the other fingers as shown in FIG. 29
described later, the direction of imaging by the imaging device 56
denotes a direction in which the thumb is faced.
[0112] Besides, the LED modules 108A and 108B shown in FIG. 9 and
the imaging information arithmetic unit 54 of the controller 10
have viewing angles A, B and C, respectively. In the embodiment,
the viewing angles A and B are equal to each other and they are
34.degree. (half-value angle), for example, and the viewing angle C
is 41.degree., for example. Additionally, in tracking operation,
when the two LED modules 108A and 108B exist within the viewing
angle C of the imaging device 56 as shown in FIG. 10, the imaging
information arithmetic unit 54 detects the movements of the imaging
information arithmetic unit 54, i.e. the controller 10, by using
the information on the positions and magnitudes of high-intensity
points from the two LED modules 108A and 108B.
[0113] However, when only one LED module 108A or 108B exists within
the viewing angle C of the imaging device 56 as shown in FIG. 11,
the imaging information arithmetic unit 54 detects the movement of
the controller 10 by using the information on the position and
magnitude of high-intensity point from only one of the two LED
modules 108A and 108B.
[0114] The above described controller 10 sufficiently carries out
the functions as a game operating device by itself. Furthermore, as
in an embodiment described below, it is possible to make the
controller 10 cooperate with another controller (or an
adapter).
[0115] In the embodiment represented in FIG. 13 to FIG. 17, a
second controller 200 shown in FIG. 13 and the first controller 10
of the embodiment described earlier are employed. More
specifically, the second controller 200 includes a transverse
housing 202, unlike the longitudinal housing 12 of the first
controller 10. Left and right sides of the transverse housing 202
function as holding portions 204 and 206, respectively. The holding
portion 204 is wrapped and held by the palm of the left hand 63,
and the holding portion 206 is wrapped and held by the palm of the
right hand 62, as illustrated in FIG. 16. That is, the holding
portion 204 is a left-hand holding portion and the holding portion
206 is a right-hand holding portion. The same thing applies to a
different embodiment of FIG. 18 to FIG. 20. In addition, a surface
of the holding portion 204 and a surface of the holding portion 206
are located in the same plane, and form together an upper surface
203 of the housing 202 shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15.
[0116] A receiving portion 208 is formed between the left-hand
holding portion 204 and right-hand holding portion 205 of the
housing 202. The receiving portion 208 is a concave portion for
accepting the housing 12 of the first controller 10. The receiving
portion 208 has a shape with opened front surface and upper
surface, and its inner shape is similar to the outer shape of the
housing 12 (FIG. 2(E)) in a direction orthogonal to the
longitudinal direction of the first controller 10, and is slightly
larger in dimensions than the same. More specifically, a width Wa
of the receiving portion 208 is equal to or slightly larger than
the width W of the housing 12 of the first controller 10 shown in
FIG. 2(D), and a depth D1 of the same is almost equal to the
thickness T of the housing 12 (FIGS. 2(A) and (E)). However, a
length D2 of depth of the same is set in correspondence with the
length of the holding portion 18 of the housing 12 of the first
controller 10 clearly illustrated in FIG. 1, for example. That is,
the depth D2 of the receiving portion 208 is equal to or slightly
longer than or slightly shorter than the length of the holding
portion 18 of the first controller 10 (in the longitudinal
direction of the first controller).
[0117] Additionally, although not illustrated with precision, a
connector 210 to be connected with the connector 56 provided to the
first controller 10 is arranged in a back of the receiving portion
208. Since the connector 56 of the first controller 10 is a male
connector, the connector 210 of the second controller 200 is a
female connector.
[0118] A well-known analog joystick 212 and direction switch
(digital joystick) 214 are arranged on the upper surface of the
left-hand holding portion 204 of the housing 202 of the second
controller 200. Also, an A button 216 and B button 218 are provided
on the upper surface of the right-hand holding portion 206, and an
X button 220 and Y button 222 are provided so as to surround the
slightly larger A button 216. Moreover, a joystick 224 is provided
for changing a position, i.e. view point of a virtual camera while
a three-dimensional game image is displayed in the display screen
106 (FIG. 9). The functions and actions of the A button 216 and B
button 218 are the same as those of the A button 42 and B button 28
of the first controller 10. The X button 220 is used to change an
angle of gaze around an X axis of the virtual camera, for example,
and the Y button 222 is used for changing an angle of gaze around
the Y axis, for example.
[0119] The housing 12 of the first controller 10 is inserted from
its other end (rear end) thereof into the opening of the front
surface of the receiving portion 208 of the second controller 200.
Then, the housing 12 is pushed into until the connector 56 of the
first controller 10 is connected to the connector 210 of the
receiving portion 208. By doing that, the first controller 10 is
combined with the second controller 200, as shown in FIG. 14.
[0120] In the state of a combination of the first controller 10 and
the second controller 200, the holding portion 18 of the first
controller 10 is almost buried in the receiving portion 208, as can
be seen well from FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 in particular. This is
because the depth of the receiving portion 208 is set as to be
equal to or slightly longer than or slightly shorter than the
length of the holding portion 18. Accordingly, the center of
gravity of the first controller 10 is supported by the second
controller 200, and thus the first controller 10 can be stably
supported by the second controller 200.
[0121] Moreover, the width of the receiving portion 208 is set as
to be equal to or slightly longer than the width of the housing 12
of the first controller 10, and the depth of the same is formed so
as to be equal to or slightly longer than the thickness of the
housing 12. Thus, when the first controller 10 is inserted into or
attached to the receiving portion 208 of the second controller 200,
no rattle occurs between the first controller 10 and the second
controller 200. In addition, as can be well understood from FIG.
15, the upper surface 20 of the housing 12 of the first controller
10 is flush with the upper surface 203 of the housing 202 of the
second controller 200, and thus the first controller 10 never
protrudes from the surface of the second controller 200 or
interferes with the operation of the second controller 200.
[0122] When the first controller 10 and the second controller 200
are combined to each other, the player holds the holding portions
204 and 206 of the housing 202 of the second controller 200 by the
left hand 63 and the right hand 62, respectively, as shown in FIG.
16. In that state, there is no need for using all the operating
switches and buttons of the first controller 10 but a few of them.
However, the wireless transmission function of the first controller
10 and the function of the imaging information arithmetic unit can
be used as they are.
[0123] When the first and second controllers 10 and 200 are
combined with each other as shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the
electric circuit structure is as shown in FIG. 17. More
specifically, in FIG. 17, the operating switches 212 to 224 are the
operating switches and buttons of the second controller 200, and
operation signals from these operating switches 212 to 224 are
input from the connector 210 through the connector 56 into the
processor 66 of the first controller 10. Accordingly, the processor
66 processes the operation signal from the second controller 200 in
the same manner as the operating signals from the first controller
10, and inputs them as controller data into the wireless module 70.
Therefore, the operating signals from the individual switches and
buttons 212 to 24 of the second controller 200 can be wirelessly
transmitted as controller data via weak radio waves from the wires
module 70 through the antenna 72. As a consequence, the combination
of the first controller 10 and second controller 200 functions as a
wireless controller.
[0124] In addition, the imaging information arithmetic unit 54 of
the first controller 10 is never affected by the combination of the
first controller 10 and the second controller 200. Thus, by
displacing the housing 202 of the second controller 200 held by
both hands as shown in FIG. 16 from side to side or up and down, it
is possible to play a game with the use of the function of the
imaging information arithmetic unit of the first controller 10.
[0125] Besides, in the state where the first controller 10 and the
second controller 200 are combined with each other, the first
operating portion is typically the aforesaid direction switch 26 of
the first controller 10, and the second operating portion is the A
button 42 in the same sense. The third operating portion is the
joystick 212 and the direction switch 214 provided in the left-hand
holding portion 204 of the second controller 200. The fourth
operating portion is the A button 216, etc. provided in the
right-hand holding portion 206 of the second controller 200.
However, the correspondences of the third operating portion and the
fourth operating portion may be exchanged. In either case, the
third operating portion and the fourth operating portion can be
operated by the thumb 63a of the left hand 63 and the thumb 62a of
the right hand 62, as shown in FIG. 16.
[0126] As described above, in the first controller 10, the first
operating portion (the direction switch 26) is arranged at a
position that can be operated by the thumb 62, and the second
operating portion (the A button 42) is arranged at a position that
can be operated by the index finger 62b or the middle finger 62c
when the first controller 10 is held at the holding portion 18.
Thus, in the first controller 10, it is a little hard to operate
the X button 44 and the Y button 46 provided within a range of the
holding portion 18. On the contrary, in the second controller 200,
the X button 220 and the Y button 222 are both provided in the
right-hand holding portion 206 of the housing 202 and are easy to
operate by the thumb 62a in the state that the holding portion 206
is held by the right hand 62 (FIG. 16).
[0127] As stated above, it is possible to make the one-handed first
controller 10 easier to operate by one hand by arranging a minimum
required number of operating switches or keys therein. However, the
aforementioned X button 44 and Y button 46, for example, may need
to be operated with considerable frequency depending on the kind of
a game. In the first controller 10, the X button 44 and the Y
button 46 are not necessarily easy to operate because they are
provided in the range of the holding portion 18. That is, the
player may be dissatisfied with the first controller 10 alone due
to difficulty of operating the X button 44 and the Y button 46. In
this case, by combining the second controller 200 and the first
controller 10, it is possible to prevent the player from having
such dissatisfaction because the X button 220 and the Y button 222
of the second controller 200 are easy to operate.
[0128] In addition, the joystick 212 and the direction switch 214
are arranged as direction designation means in the second
controller 200 as well. Meanwhile, the joystick 212 and the
direction switch 214 are provided in the left-hand holding portion
204 of the housing 202 and easy to operate by the thumb 63a in the
state that the holding portion 204 is held by the left hand 63
(FIG. 16). Accordingly, when the first and second controllers 10
and 200 are combined with each other, the direction designation
means also becomes easy to operate. Moreover, the direction switch
26 is originally provided in the first controller 10 at an
easy-to-operate position, the direction designation means to be
used with a relatively high frequency has easy operability in both
the cases of the first controller 10 is used singly and in
combination with the second controller 200.
[0129] Besides, in the embodiment of FIG. 13 to FIG. 17, the A
button 216, the B button 218, the X button 220 and the Y button 222
are arranged in the right-hand holding portion 206 of the second
controller 200. Alternatively, in the case of this embodiment, it
is possible to eliminate the A button 216 and the B button 218 from
the second controller 200 so that only the X button 220 and the Y
button 222 are arranged in the second controller 200.
[0130] That is, even when the first controller 10 and the second
controller 200 are combined with each other, the A button 42 and
the B button 28 (FIG. 1) can be operated without hindrance, and
thus it is possible to eliminate some operating switch(es) and
operating button(s) with duplicate functions from the second
controller 200, resulting in cost reduction. On the other hand, the
X button 44 and the Y button 46 of the first controller 10 becomes
hard in some degree to operate at the time of the controller
combination, and the functions of these buttons are covered by the
operating switches (buttons) separately provided in the second
controller 200. This would eliminate the inconvenience of operation
resulting from the controller combination.
[0131] An embodiment shown in FIG. 18 is the same as the embodiment
shown in FIG. 13 to FIG. 17 except that the operating switches
provided on upper surface of the right-hand holding portion 206 of
the housing 202 of the second controller 200 are slightly different
from those of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 to FIG. 16. A
duplicate description is omitted below, with assignment of the same
reference numerals to similar operating switches or operating
buttons. In the embodiment of FIG. 18, provided on the upper
surface of the right-hand holding portion 206 of the housing 202
are the A button 216, the B button 218, the X button 220, the Y
button 222, a C button 226, and a D button 228. The A button 216
and the B button 218 have the same functions as those of the A
button 216 and the B button of the above described embodiment. The
X button 220, the Y button 222, the C button 226 and the D button
228 realize the equivalent functions of the joystick 224 of the
preceding embodiments.
[0132] Besides, in the embodiment of FIG. 18, the A button 216 and
the B button 218 may be eliminated from the right-hand holding
portion 206 of the second controller 200 so that only the X button
220 and the Y button 222 are arranged in the second controller 200,
as in the case of the embodiment of FIG. 13 to FIG. 17. This makes
it possible to achieve cost reduction and prevent a decrease in
operability at the time of the controller combination.
[0133] An embodiment of FIG. 19 is identical with the embodiment of
FIG. 13 to FIG. 17 and the embodiment of FIG. 18 except for a point
described below. Specifically, in both the embodiment of FIG. 13 to
FIG. 16 and the embodiment of FIG. 18, the housing 202 has a
sufficient width (in the longitudinal direction of the first
controller 10) and thus the holding portion 18 of the first
controller 10 is almost buried in the housing 202 of the second
controller 200. On the contrary, in the embodiment of FIG. 19, the
width of the housing 202 is slightly smaller as compared with the
embodiment of FIG. 13 to FIG. 16 and the embodiment of FIG. 18,
most part of the holding portion 18 of the first controller 10 is
exposed from the housing 202. Accordingly, this embodiment is
slightly unstable as compared with the preceding embodiments.
However, the upper surfaces 20 and 203 of the respective housings
12 and 202 of the first controller 10 and second controller 200 are
flush with each other as in the cases of the preceding
embodiments.
[0134] Since the width of the housing 202 is slightly shorter, the
joystick 212 provided in the left-hand holding portion 204 of the
housing 202 of FIG. 18 embodiment is omitted and some changes are
made to the switches of the right-hand holding portion 206 in this
embodiment. In this embodiment, only the A button 216, the B button
218, the X button 220 and the Y button 222 are arranged in the
right-hand holding portion 206.
[0135] Besides, in the embodiment of FIG. 19, the A button 216 and
the B button 218 of the right-hand holding portion 206 of the
second controller 200 may be eliminated so that only the X button
220 and the Y button 222 are arranged in the second controller 200,
as in the case of the embodiment of FIG. 13 to FIG. 17. This makes
it possible to achieve cost reduction and prevent a decrease in
operability with the controller combination.
[0136] An embodiment of FIG. 20 is the same as the embodiment of
FIG. 19 except for a point described below. Specifically, as with
the FIG. 19 embodiment, the holding portion 18 of the first
controller 10 protrudes or is exposed longer from the housing 202
of the second controller 200 as compared with the embodiment of
FIG. 13 to FIG. 16 and the embodiment of FIG. 18. Thus, also in
this embodiment, only the A button 216 and the B button 218 are
provided in the right-hand holding portion 206 of the housing 202.
Alternatively, these buttons 216 and 218 may function as X button
and Y button, not as A button and B button.
[0137] Shown in FIG. 21 is a gun-type adapter 300. The adapter 300
has a butt 302 for holding by hand, as with general gun-type
controllers. The butt 302 is provided with a trigger 306 surrounded
by a trigger guard 304. A gun barrel 308 extends from the butt 302
through a magazine. Besides, the gun barrel 308 can be detached by
a connector 310 with respect to the butt 302.
[0138] In addition, by pulling out the gun barrel 308 from the
connector 310 and inserting the connector 60 of the controller 10
into a connector 310, the first controller 10 can be attached
instead of the gun barrel 308. In this case, it is possible to make
the shooting game more interesting by allowing the trigger 306 to
be used in place of the A button 42 of the controller 10.
[0139] In the first controller 10 of an embodiment shown in FIG.
23, the operating switches and buttons 24 to 32, 44 and 46 are
changed in shape and layout as compared with the embodiment of FIG.
1. The direction switch 26, in particular, employs not the combined
switch of FIG. 1 embodiment but a direction switch formed of a
cross key frequently used in game machines. The cross key, i.e. the
direction switch 26 may be identical with the direction switch 214
of the second controller 200. Also, in the first controller 10 of
this embodiment, the start switch 30 and the select switch 32 are
arranged in a sideway line, not arranged in the shape of the
character "1'" as with the preceding embodiments.
[0140] Moreover, a plurality of (four in this embodiment)
light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 821, 822, 823 and 824 are provided at
one end (front end) of the upper surface 20 of the controller 10 of
this embodiment. Light from the LEDs 821 to 824 can be visually
recognized from outside, but they are buried in the upper surface
20 of the housing 12 and thus do not appear to protrude in FIG.
23(B). Alternatively, it is absolutely acceptable that they are
arranged so as to appear to protrude. When the first controller 10
transmits a radio wave signal as a controller signal (controller
data), these LEDs 821 to 824 indicate the number of the controller
because the LED corresponding to the controller number is turned
on.
[0141] For example, when the game machine 112 shown in FIG. 9 is
designed to accept four controllers at a time, each of four game
players uses the first controller 10. The selective lighting of the
LEDs 821 to 824 allows each of the users to ascertain which is
his/her own controller, out of the first to fourth ones. When the
LED 821 of his/her controller 10 is turned on, for instance, the
player can understand that the controller is assigned as first
controller.
[0142] Additionally, in the embodiment of FIG. 23, the front-end
surface 52 of the housing 10 is formed as an inclined surface, not
a surface orthogonal to an axis along the longitudinal direction of
the housing 12, unlike the preceding embodiments. Also, the imaging
device 56 of the imaging information arithmetic unit is attached to
the inclined front-end surface, and thus a central axis in the
imaging range of the imaging information arithmetic unit, i.e. the
imaging device 56 crosses obliquely the axis along the longitudinal
direction of the housing 12. Accordingly, the housing 12 can be
inclined on the whole by holding the housing 12 at the holding
portion 18 and facing the inclined front-end surface 52, i.e. the
imaging device 56 straight toward the screen 106 of the display
104. Consequently, according to this embodiment, the player may
feel less tiredness on his/her hand in operating the controller 10
in his/her chair, for example.
[0143] That is, in the preceding embodiments, the front-end surface
of the housing 12 is orthogonal to the axis along the longitudinal
direction. Accordingly, in facing the imaging device 56 attached
thereto straight toward the screen 106, it is necessary to hold the
controller 10 in such a manner that the upper surface 20 of the
housing 12 is faced upward and that the axis is in a horizontal
state. Also, in that state, the imaging device 56 needs to be
brought to a place within the screen 106. In that case, the wrist
of the hand holding the holding portion 18 may be under too much
tension. On the contrary, in the embodiment of FIG. 23, the imaging
device 56 can be faced straight toward the screen 106 even while
holding the housing 12 by the wrist at a natural angle or in a
natural state. This makes it possible to reduce the tiredness on
the player's wrist without causing excessive stress on it.
[0144] Based on the same idea, as with an embodiment shown in FIG.
25, a front end 12H of the housing 12 of the controller 10 is
separated from another part and is attached to a front end of the
other part by means of a shaft 84. By doing this, since the front
end 12H can be folded in such a manner as indicated by dotted lines
if required, an imaging surface of the imaging device 56 of the
imaging information arithmetic unit is displaced according to that,
as shown in FIG. 25. Thus, as with the embodiments shown in FIG. 23
and FIG. 24, the effect of reducing wrist tiredness can be
expected. Besides, if this is not required for the embodiment of
FIG. 25, the front end 12H may be in an upright state (a state
indicated by solid lines in FIG. 25) according to the axis along
the longitudinal direction.
[0145] FIG. 26 to FIG. 28 represents still another embodiment of
the first controller 10. The controller 10 of this embodiment is
identical with the controller of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and
FIG. 2 except for points described below. Duplicate descriptions
are omitted below with assignment of the same reference numerals to
the same or similar components.
[0146] The controller 10 of this embodiment also includes the
housing 12 of a longitudinal and cross rectangular shape or a shape
close thereto that is structured by the lower housing 14 and the
upper housing 16. Also, the holding portion 18 of a size or
thickness capable of being held by one hand is formed at the rear
end of the housing 12. In addition, the direction switch 26 is
arranged on the upper surface 20 of the housing 12, at the side
(front end) opposite to the holding portion 18 in the longitudinal
direction C1 (FIG. 27). Besides, in this embodiment, the direction
switch 26 is a so-called cross key, not a combined switch such as
that of the FIG. 1 embodiment. Additionally, the A button 42 is
provided below (near the rear end) of the cross key, i.e. the
direction switch 26, at center of the housing 12 in a width
direction. In the preceding embodiments, the A button 42 is
provided in the concave portion 34 on the bottom surface 22 of the
housing 12, and in this embodiment, the A button 42 is changed so
as to be arranged on the upper surface 20 of the housing 12. This
is intended to allow the A button 42 to be operated by the thumb
quickly and reliably because the A button 42 is operated more
frequently than the B button 28, as can be well understood from
FIG. 29 described later, for example. The direction switch 26 and
the A button 42 correspond to the first operating portion in this
embodiment. Accordingly, the direction switch 26 and the A button
42 are a key top pushed in a direction orthogonal to the first
plane 20 and a push switch having contacts (not shown) operated by
the key top.
[0147] Moreover, in this embodiment, as understood well from FIG.
27(C) especially, a height H1 from the first plane 20 of the key
top of the cross switch, i.e. the direction switch 26 is made
higher as compared with a height H2 from the first plane 20 of the
key top of the A button 42. That is, the direction switch 26 is set
to be higher than the A button 42. This aims to prevent the A
button 42 from being pushed by accident while the cross key, i.e.
the direction switch 26 is operated.
[0148] The start switch 30 and the select switch 32 are arranged in
one straight line in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal
direction (width direction), and also a menu switch 86 is provided
between them. The menu switch 86 is used to select a menu item of a
game to be executed by means of the controller 10 (for example, a
one-person play mode, a match-up mode, etc.) and to switch the game
mode instantly to the menu to be provided immediately after the
startup of the game machine or the like. The center of the menu
switch 86 is aligned with that of the A button 42 in the width
direction of the housing 12, and the start switch 30 and the select
switch 32 are arranged at positions with uniform spacing at left
and right from the menu switch 86 (i.e. the A button 42).
[0149] With such a button layout as mentioned above, in
manipulating the controller 10 with the right hand, for example,
the player can operate the select switch 32 quickly just by sliding
the thumb placed on the A button 42 without having to bending the
thumb. Additionally, in the case of operation with the left hand,
the start switch 30 is a switch suitable for a quick operation in
the same manner. Accordingly, it is possible to perform a quick
operation regardless of whether the user is right-handed or
left-handed, by making a change to the assignments of the select
switch 32 and the start switch 30 through the use of a software
program or the like.
[0150] Besides, the menu switch 86 and the power switch 24 are
provided in such a manner as to be caved in or buried in holes
formed on the upper surface 20 of the housing 12 so that they are
invisible from a side view as shown in FIG. 27(C). These switches
24 and 86 are caved because, although they may be operated only on
specific occasions such as the time of starting the game, operating
these switches by accident during the game would cause some
inconvenience such as data loss, and thus these switches are
designed to be capable of being intentionally operated at the game
start but incapable of being unconsciously operated during the
game.
[0151] Furthermore, in the controller 10 of this embodiment, the
LEDs 821 to 824 for indicating the controller numbers are provided
as with the controller of FIG. 23. However, the LEDs 821 to 824 of
FIG. 23 embodiment are provided at one end (front end) of the
housing 12, whereas those of this embodiment are arranged at the
other end (rear end) of the housing 12.
[0152] The concave portion 34 is formed on the lower surface 22 of
the housing, at a position approximately corresponding to the
position of the above mentioned direction switch 26, on the side
opposite to the holding portion 18 in the longitudinal direction.
In the preceding embodiments, the concave portion 34 has the valley
36 with a plane parallel to the first plane 20, and in this
embodiment, the concave portion 34 has no valley and includes the
first inclined surface 38 and the second inclined part 40 that have
gentle inclination. Also, the B button 28 is provided on the first
inclined surface 38 extending in the direction of the holding
portion 18. In addition, the B button 28 is provided at a position
corresponding to the direction switch 26 and the A button 42
forming the first operating portion. Besides, the corresponding
position denotes a position where the B button 28 is arranged close
to the direction switch 26 and the A button 42 when viewed through
the upper surface of the housing 12.
[0153] Besides, the A button is arranged on the lower surface of
the housing in the preceding embodiments, whereas the A button 42
of this embodiment is arranged at a position easier to press as
compared with the center switch of the preceding embodiments. Thus,
this button is assumed to be the frequently-used A button and the
switch on the lower surface 22 of the housing is assumed to be the
B button, which makes button operations to be easier.
[0154] Additionally, in this embodiment, the B button 28
corresponds to the second operating portion. The B button 28
therefore has a key top to be pushed in a direction perpendicular
to the inclined surface 38 but non-perpendicular to the first plane
20, and a contact (not shown) turned on or off by the key top.
[0155] Moreover, in this embodiment, an angle of inclination of the
second inclined surface 40 extending toward the front end 52 of the
housing 12, with respect to the first plane 20 is set as to be
smaller than an angle of inclination of the first inclined surface
38 with respect to the first plane 20, as can be well understood
from FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 (C). That is, the second inclined surface
40 has gentle inclination as compared with the first inclined
surface 38. In this manner, by making the second inclined surface
40 more gentle in inclination than the first inclined surface 38,
there are such advantages that it is easier to hold the controller
with both hands as shown in FIG. 32 described later and it is
possible to take the index finger properly off the B button 28
because the finger can be sufficiently moved in the direction of
the takeoff.
[0156] Furthermore, as can be understood from FIG. 28, because of a
layout of the start switch 30, the menu switch 86 and the select
switch 32 arranged in one horizontal straight line, in this
embodiment, the wireless module 70 is arranged on the right side of
the housing 12 in the width direction. Also, the power switch 24 is
provided on the left side of the housing 12 of the substrate 64 in
the width direction, in contrast to the preceding embodiments, and
the antenna pattern 72 is arranged at the front end on the right
side of the substrate 64 in the width direction. As stated above,
by arranging the antenna pattern 72 at the front end on the right
side of the housing 12 in the width direction, there is such an
advantage that, even in the case of holding with both hands as
shown in FIG. 32, the emission of weak radio waves from the antenna
72 is not affected by the hands holding the housing 12, that is,
the controller 10. That is, the antenna pattern 72 is arranged on
the side opposite to the hands holding the controller 10, in the
width direction of the housing 12.
[0157] Besides, in the embodiment of FIG. 26 to FIG. 28, the switch
provided in the concave portion 34 on the lower surface of the
housing 12 is the B button 28. Alternatively, the B button 28 may
be replaced with an operating means having the functions of the Z
button. In addition, the Z button is used as a trigger switch in a
shooting game, for example, and also operated on occasions when a
non-player object is to be targeted by a player object (a so-called
Z-targeting feature), etc.
[0158] FIG. 29 and FIG. 30 show the state that the controller 10
such structured as stated above is held by the game player's hand.
Referring to these drawings, the palm 62P and the balls of middle
finger 62c, ring finger 62d and small finger 62e of the player's
right hand 62 hold the holding portion 18 of the housing 12 in such
a manner as to wrap the holding portion 18 lightly. In the state,
the thumb 62a of the hand 62 is positioned on the direction switch
26, and the index finger 62b is positioned in the concave portion
34 of the lower housing 14. Specifically, the direction switch 26
is arranged at a position reached by the thumb 62a of the hand 62
holding the housing 12, that is, at a position capable of being
operated by the thumb 62a. The B button 28 is arranged at a
position reached by the index finger 62b of the hand 62 holding the
housing 12, that is, at a position capable of being operated by the
index finger 62b. Accordingly, the player can operate the direction
switch 26 by the thumb 62a and operate the B button 28 by the index
finger 62b while holding the housing 12 by the hand 62. More
specifically, the index finger 62b of the hand 62 is positioned in
such a manner as to make contact with the surface of the second
inclined surface 40 having gentle inclination in the front-end
direction of the above stated concave portion 34 formed in the
lower housing 14. By bending the index finger 62b toward him/her
(rightward in FIG. 29) in that state, the user can push the key top
of the B button 28 by the ball of the index finger 62b in a
direction perpendicular to the near-side inclined surface 38 of the
concave portion 34. Additionally, in the case of this embodiment,
the A button 42 is to be operated by the thumb 62a of the one hand
62 as with the direction switch 26, as can be seen well from FIG.
29 in particular. That is, in this embodiment, the direction switch
26 is operated by extending the thumb 62a and the A button 42 is
operated by bending the thumb 62a. As a consequence, both the
direction switch 26 and the A button 42 are operated by the thumb
62a. Thus, the thumb 62a may also be placed in an operation-waiting
state (rest state) on the A button 42, not on the direction switch
26.
[0159] FIG. 29 shows a state that the B button (or the Z button) 28
is pushed by the index finger 62b. When it is not required to push
the B button 28, the index finger 62b (or the middle finger 62c)
may be taken off the B button 28. More specifically, by placing the
index finger 62b (or the middle finger 62c) on the second inclined
surface 40 of the concave portion 34, it is possible to make the
index finger 62b (the middle finger 62c) stable in the state of
being separated from the B button 28. Thus, there is no need for
changing the state of holding the housing 12 (passing the housing
12 from one hand to the other) depending on whether or not to push
the B button (or Z button) 28.
[0160] As described above, the controller 10 of this embodiment
makes it easy to operate the first operating portion (the direction
switch 26 and the A button 42 in the embodiment) and the second
operating portion (the A button 42 in the embodiment) while holding
the controller 10 by one hand. That is, in the controller 10 of
this embodiment, it is possible to operate the individual operating
portions in a stable manner while holding the controller 10 by one
hand, which brings about a highly favorable effect of allowing the
other hand to be used for playing a game or for another purpose,
and which also makes it possible to perform operations in a state
of holding by both hands. FIG. 32 shows the state of holding by
both hands. Additionally, in this embodiment, the A button 42 is
arranged at a place on the holding portion in vicinity of the
direction switch 26. Moreover, the B button 28 is arranged at the
back of the area in which the direction switch 26 and the A button
42 are arranged (in other words, slightly rearward of the immediate
back of the direction switch 26), which makes it easy to operate
the A button 42 and the B button by one hand in a stable manner.
Furthermore, as stated above, since the direction switch 26 is in a
higher position than the A button 42, it is possible to make the A
button hard to press by mistake.
[0161] In the case of holding by both hands, as shown in FIG. 32,
the front end of the housing 12 is held by the left hand 63, and
the rear end of the housing 12 is held by the right hand 62. At
that time, with commonality between the right hand and the left
hand, the controller 10, i.e. the housing 12 is held in such a
manner that the upper surface 20 (FIG. 27) is retained by the balls
of the thumbs 62a and 63a and the bottom surface 22 (FIG. 27) is
supported by the sides of the index fingers 62b and 63b.
Accordingly, the direction switch 26 and the A button 42 are
operated by the ball of the thumb 63a of the left hand 63, and the
B button 28 (FIG. 26 and FIG. 27) is operated by the tip of the
index finger 63b of the left hand. Also, the X button 44 and the Y
button 46 are operated by the thumb 62a of the right hand 62.
[0162] However, in the case of holding by both hands, the manner in
which the controller is held, and the hands and fingers to operate
the individual operating switches and operating buttons are not
limited to the example of FIG. 32. Thus, for example, it is
possible to operate the A button 42 by reaching out the thumb 62a
of the right hand 62 or the like. Besides, holding in such a manner
as shown in FIG. 32 would prevent radio emission through the
antenna 72 (FIG. 28) from being affected by the holding hand.
[0163] Although the present invention has been described and
illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by
way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way
of limitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention being
limited only by the terms of the appended claims.
* * * * *
References