HK1171398A - Game operating device - Google Patents

Description

Game operating device

This application is a divisional application filed on 2006, 28/06/78, application No. 200610095896.1, entitled "game console".

Cross reference to related application

The disclosure of Japanese patent application No. 2005-239983 is hereby incorporated by reference.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a game operation device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a game operating device in which a housing is held by one hand, and in this state, an operation key and an operation switching key provided on an upper surface and a lower surface of the housing are operated.

Background

Conventionally, a controller typically used for playing games is a controller of the type: the main body of the controller is held by both hands and the keys are operated by the respective fingers of both hands.

However, there is a problem in that such a controller held by both hands binds both hands of the user when operated, so that he/she cannot do anything other than the operation, which causes his/her inconvenience.

A controller as a solution to this problem is given as a prior art in Japanese patent publication No. 2004-313492A 63F 13/06.

The controller disclosed in the prior art is a controller that is held by both hands and can be separated into a right part and a left part as needed. In the separated state, the user holds only one portion and operates only by the keys provided on the portion.

The controller described in patent document 1 is a controller held by both hands, which is simply divided into two parts, and a plurality of keys are provided on the premise that a housing is held by both hands from the left and right sides. Therefore, the controller is not suitable for holding by one hand.

More specifically, the operation keys are provided on the upper surface and the side surfaces. The user operates the keys on the upper surface with the thumb and operates the keys on the side surfaces with the index finger and the middle finger, and holds the housing against the pressure from the operating finger with the ring finger and the little finger. This causes a problem of difficulty in smoothly maintaining the held state and a problem of difficulty in holding the housing when any key operation is not required and the finger is moved away from the key.

Further, another problem is that configuring the controller to be operated by one hand results in a reduction in the number of keys, which may impose a limit on the degree of flexibility in achieving input operations. In particular, these problems become more pronounced when playing games as the user is required to operate a plurality of buttons on the controller to manipulate the game character and select commands.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a novel game operating device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a game operating device that can be operated in a smooth manner even with one hand.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a game operating device that can be operated with one hand and provides a high degree of freedom of operation.

In order to solve the above problem, the present invention adopts the following configuration. In addition, reference numerals, supplementary notes (e.g., in parentheses), and the like show only the counterparts of the embodiments described later to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the present invention.

The invention described in claim 1 is a game operating device comprising: a longitudinal housing; a first operating portion having one end in a longitudinal direction disposed on a first plane of the housing in the longitudinal direction; a second operation portion provided at a position corresponding to the first operation portion and provided on a second plane opposite to the first plane of the cabinet; and a grip portion formed in the other end direction in the longitudinal direction of the housing from the second operating portion.

In the invention as set forth in claim 1, the first operating portion (26, 42: the reference numerals of the corresponding portions in the embodiment, the same applies to the latter) is provided on 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) on the opposite side of the first plane. The casing (12) is shaped and sized to be held by one hand of a game player, and a holding portion (18) for holding the casing (i.e., the controller) is formed on one end of the casing in the longitudinal direction from the second operating portion. The first operating portion and the second operating portion are operable by the fingers of one hand with the grip portion held by the palm of the hand.

According to the invention of claim 1, while the grip portion is held by the palm of one hand, the player can operate the first operation portion and the second operation portion by the fingers of the hand, which means that the player can operate the game operation device with only one hand. Therefore, even in the game, the other hand is free, and the player can play the game or achieve other purposes using the free hand.

The invention described in claim 2 is a game operation device including: a longitudinal housing having a thickness capable of being held by one hand; a first operating portion disposed on a first plane of the cabinet in a longitudinal direction; a second operating portion provided on a second plane opposite to the first plane of the casing and provided at a position that can be reached by an index finger of one hand when a thumb of the one hand is placed on the first operating portion; and a grip portion formed on the housing; wherein the grip portion is formed at a position capable of being gripped by the palm and other fingers of one hand when placing the thumb on the first operating portion and the index finger on the second operating portion.

In the invention as set forth in claim 2, the first operating portion (26, 42) is disposed on 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 disposed on the second plane (22) on the opposite side of the first plane. The casing (12) is shaped and sized to be held by one hand of a game player, and a holding portion (18) for holding the casing is formed on the casing. The holding portion is formed to be able to be held by the palm (62P) and other fingers (62c, 62d, 62e) of 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. That is, the game operating device can be operated by only one hand. The other hand is free even while playing, and the player can play the game or achieve other purposes with the free hand.

The invention described in claim 3 is a game operation device including: a longitudinal housing; a grip portion formed on a portion of the casing in a longitudinal direction and capable of being gripped by a palm of one hand; a first operating portion provided on the housing and provided at a position reachable by a thumb of one hand when holding the holding portion with the hand; and a second operating portion provided on the housing and provided at a position that can be reached by an index finger of one hand when the grip portion is held by the palm of the hand, wherein the first operating portion and the second operating portion are provided at positions corresponding to each other on a first plane and a second plane opposite to the first plane of the housing, respectively.

In the invention as set forth in claim 3, a grip portion (18) sized and shaped to be held by one hand of a game player is provided on a part (e.g., a rear end) of the longitudinal housing (12) in the longitudinal direction (C1). The holding portion is wrapped and held by the palm (62P) of one hand (62), at which time the first operating portion (26) is disposed at a position reachable by the thumb (62a) and the second operating portion (42) is disposed at a position reachable by the index finger (62 b). Further, the first operating portion and the second operating portion are provided on the first plane (20) and the second plane (22), respectively, at positions corresponding to each other. Therefore, the first operating portion and the second operating portion can be operated by the thumb and the index finger of one hand by the holding portion held by the palm of the hand. That is, the game operation device can be operated by only one hand. Therefore, even when playing the game, the other hand is free and the player can play the game or achieve other purposes using the free hand. In addition, the first operating portion and the second operating portion are provided on the first plane and the second plane of the housing at positions corresponding to each other, and therefore, when the first operating portion on the first plane is operated, the housing is held with the index finger on the second plane, and when the second operating portion on the second plane is operated, the housing is held with the thumb on the first plane, which makes the operation more smooth.

The invention described in claim 4 is the game operation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first operation part is a direction switch key including a plurality of switch contacts arranged in a polygonal shape and a single key top or a plurality of key tops for turning on/off the switch contacts; and the second operating portion is at least one operating switch key including a switch contact and a key top for turning on/off the switch contact.

In the invention recited in claim 4, the first operating portion (26) is a direction switching key having switching contacts individually designated in four directions (e.g., up, down, left, right). The switching contact of the direction switching key is arranged in a polygonal shape. Single or multiple key tops are additionally provided. In the case of a single key top, one of the four directions can be selectively specified or prescribed by operating the operating portion (26F, 268, 26R, 26L) of the key top. In the case of a multi-key top, the corresponding key top is operated.

The invention described in claim 5 is the game operation device according to claim 4, wherein in the first operation portion, the key top is provided so that the pressing direction is perpendicular to the first plane, and in the second operation portion, the key top is provided so that the pressing direction is not perpendicular to the first plane toward the grip portion.

In the invention according to claim 5, when the key top (operation portion thereof) of the direction switching key is operated, the pressing direction is a direction perpendicular to the first plane of the housing (12). However, the pressing direction of the key top of the second operation part is a direction not perpendicular to the first plane. However, in the case where the second operation portion is operated by the index finger, it is difficult to press the second operation portion in a direction perpendicular to the first plane. Therefore, the pressing direction of the second operation part is not perpendicular to the first plane. As a result, the first operating portion and the second operating portion can be provided for easy operation without impairing operability.

The invention described in claim 6 is the game operation device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second operation portion is at least one operation switching key including a switching contact and a key top of on/off switching contact, and the key top is pressed in the direction of the grip portion when the index finger is bent.

In the invention as recited in claim 6, since the second operating portion is naturally operated when the index finger is bent, the second operating portion is given good operability.

The invention described in claim 7 is the game operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a recess portion formed in the housing, wherein the second operating portion is provided in the recess portion.

In the invention as recited in claim 7, the recess portion (34) is formed on the second plane of the casing (12), for example, and the second operation portion is provided in the recess portion. Thus, the index finger can be placed in the recess, which makes it possible to operate the second operating part in a quick and reliable manner.

The invention described in claim 8 is the game operation device according to claim 7, wherein the recessed portion includes a first slope inclined toward the grip portion and a second slope inclined toward an opposite side of the grip portion, the second operation portion being provided on the first slope of the recessed portion.

In the invention according to claim 8, the recessed portion (34) includes a first slope (38) extending in the direction of the grip portion (18) and a second slope (40) extending in the opposite direction. As a result, the second operating portion can be operated quickly and reliably by merely bending the index finger into the recess toward the grip portion.

The invention described in claim 9 is the game operation device according to claim 8, wherein the recessed portion is formed in such a manner that: the inclination angle of the second inclined surface towards the first plane is smaller than that of the first inclined surface towards the first plane.

In the invention according to claim 9, the inclination angle of the first inclined surface (38) is set smaller than the inclination angle of the second inclined surface (40). This yields the advantage that gripping of the housing by both hands is facilitated and the index finger can reliably leave the second operating part.

The invention recited in claim 10 is the game-operating device according to claim 7, wherein the recessed portion includes at least a parallel surface approximately parallel to the first plane and a slope surface between the parallel surface and the grip portion, the second operating portion being provided on the slope surface.

In the invention as recited in claim 10, the recessed portion (34) includes a recess (valley) (36), and a bottom of the recess forms a plane approximately parallel to the first plane. Meanwhile, a grip portion (18) is provided at the rear end of the housing. Thus, a ramp (38) is formed to connect the bottom of the recess and the grip portion, while the second operating portion (26) is located on the ramp. Therefore, the second operating portion can be operated naturally when the finger is bent.

The invention described in claim 11 is a game operating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising; a position and/or attitude determination device disposed within the housing gripping portion to determine at least one of a position and an attitude of the housing; and an output device that outputs information on the position and/or orientation determined by the position and/or orientation determining device together with an operation signal from at least one of the first operation portion and the second operation portion in the form of an operation signal.

According to the invention of claim 11, the position and/or orientation determining means are provided in a grip portion (18) of the housing (12). The information on the position and/or posture determined by the position and/or posture determining means is output from the output means (66, 70, 72) together with an operation signal from at least one of the first operating portion (26) and the second operating portion (42). Therefore, in the invention as set forth in claim 11, the game machine realizes the progress of the game not only by the operation signals from the first operation portion and the second operation portion but also by the position and/or posture information. In addition, the position and posture of the housing can be changed by the movement of the wrist holding the housing, which enables smooth output of the position and/or posture regardless of the difference between the ways in which the individual holds the housing.

The invention recited in claim 12 is the game operating device according to claim 11, wherein the position and/or attitude determining means includes at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

In the invention recited in claim 12, the position and/or orientation determining means includes at least one of a linear acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor. Furthermore, the use of an acceleration sensor reduces costs.

The invention recited in claim 13 is the game operation device according to claim 4, wherein the first operation section further includes a press switch key including a switch contact and a key top of the on/off switch contact, which are separated from the switch contact and the key top of the direction switch key, and the press switch key is provided on the first plane of the grip section in the vicinity of the direction switch key.

In the invention according to claim 13, even if the direction switching key (26) and the depression switching key (42) are operated with the same finger, the operation switching key of the second operation part can be operated desirably.

The invention described in claim 14 is the game operation device according to claim 13, wherein the key top of the direction switching key is disposed at a higher position than the key top of the depression switching key.

In the invention recited in claim 14, the height of the direction switch (H1 of fig. 27) exceeds the height of the pressed switch (H2 of fig. 27), which reduces the occurrence of the case where the pressed switch is pressed erroneously when the direction switch is operated.

According to the present invention, it becomes easy to hold the controller with one hand while operating the first operating section and the second operating section, which can provide a new game operating device with a high degree of flexibility that can be operated by only one hand. In addition, the game-operating device of the present invention can be operated smoothly with one hand, which allows the user to play games or achieve other purposes with the other hand.

The above 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.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a controller (first controller) constituting one embodiment of the present invention,

fig. 1A shows a front side, an upper side, and a left side, while fig. 1B shows a bottom side, a rear side, and a right side.

Fig. 2 is a six-sided view of the first controller of the present embodiment except for a left side view, fig. 2A showing a front side, fig. 2B showing a flat side, fig. 2C showing a right side, fig. 2D showing a bottom side and fig. 2E showing a rear side.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the first control of the embodiment held by one hand.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the first control of the embodiment held by one hand.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a state in which the index finger is removed from the A button in FIG. 3.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the first controller shown in fig. 1 and 2 with an upper housing removed.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the first controller shown in fig. 1 and 2 with a lower case removed.

Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where a game is played by the imaging information arithmetic unit using the first controller of the present embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram of a case where the imaging range of the imaging information arithmetic unit covers the longitudinal direction of the grip portion in line therewith.

Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a case where two LED modules exist simultaneously within the angle of view of the imaging device due to the relationship between the imaging range (angle of view) of the imaging device of the first controller and the light intensity half-value angle of the LED module.

Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a case where only one LED module exists within the angle of view of the imaging device due to the relationship between the imaging range (angle of view) of the imaging device of the first controller and the half-value angle of the light quantity of the LED module.

Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a controller (second controller) constituting another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing the combination of the second controller of this embodiment and the first controller of the foregoing embodiment.

Fig. 15 is a right side view showing the combination of the second controller of this embodiment and the first controller of the foregoing embodiment.

Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a case where an operation is performed by a combination of a first controller and a second controller.

Fig. 17 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration after the first controller and the second controller are combined.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view showing a combination of another second controller and a first controller constituting another embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 19 is a perspective view of a combination of a first controller and a further second controller constituting a further embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 20 is a perspective view of a combination of a first controller and a further second controller constituting yet another embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 21 is a schematic view of a gun type adaptor constituting yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a schematic view of the adapter of the embodiment of FIG. 21 with a first controller installed.

Fig. 23 is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the first controller, fig. 23A shows a layout of the operation switching keys, particularly, the operation keys on the upper surface thereof, and fig. 23B shows the right side thereof.

Fig. 24 is a schematic diagram showing the imaging device of the first controller of fig. 23, which properly faces the display plane.

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of the first controller;

fig. 26 shows still another embodiment of the first controller, fig. 26A is a perspective view showing a rear side, an upper side, and a left side, and fig. 26B is a perspective view showing a bottom side, a front side, a plane side, and a right side.

Fig. 27 is a six-sided view except a left side view, fig. 2A showing a front side, fig. 2B showing a flat side, fig. 2C showing a right side, fig. 2D showing a bottom side and fig. 2E showing a rear side.

Fig. 28 is a perspective view illustrating the first controller shown in fig. 26 and 27 after the upper case is removed.

Fig. 29 is a side view of the first controller of this embodiment held by one hand.

Fig. 30 is a front view of the first controller of this embodiment held by one hand.

FIG. 31 is a schematic view showing a state in which the index finger is removed from the B button in FIG. 29.

Fig. 32 is a top view of the first controller of this embodiment held and operated by both hands.

Detailed Description

The controller 10 of one embodiment of the present invention shown in fig. 1 and 2 includes a longitudinal housing 12 made of, for example, plastic or metal mold. The casing 12 has a flat rectangular lower casing 14 having a desired depth and including an opening at the top surface and a bottom, and particularly, an upper casing 16 integrally assembled with the lower casing 14 in such a manner as to close the opening at the top surface of the lower casing 14 has a rectangular cross section as shown in fig. 2A and 2E as a whole.

The housing 12 has a gripping portion 18 and is sized to be held in one hand by an adult or child. Its length L (fig. 2D) in the longitudinal direction (in the direction of the center line C1 shown in fig. 2B) is set to 8-15cm, for example, and its width (orthogonal to the longitudinal direction C1) W (fig. 2D) is set to 2-4cm, for example.

Alternatively, the shape of the casing 12 is not limited to a longitudinal shape having a rectangular plane but may be a longitudinal shape having an elliptical plane or the like. Also, the cross-sectional shape thereof is not limited to a rectangle but may be a circle or other polygon.

The flat major surface of the upper housing 16 includes the upper surface 20 of the housing 12. As best seen in particular in fig. 1A and 2B, the upper surface 20 of the housing 12 is rectangular in shape extending longitudinally along the housing 12. Additionally, the upper surface 20 is equivalent to a first plane, while one surface or major surface 22 of the lower housing 18 is equivalent to a second plane opposite the first plane 20. The second plane 22 is approximately parallel to the first plane 20. Further, the upward direction is assumed to be forward (one end side) in the longitudinal direction C1 of the casing 12 and the downward direction is assumed to be rearward (the other end side) in the longitudinal direction C1 of the casing 12.

The power supply switch key 24 is provided on the upper surface 20 of the housing 12, is provided on the slightly right side of the center line (indicated by the center line C1 in fig. 28) in the width direction of the upper surface 20, and is near the front end (one end) of the housing. The power switch key 24 is intended to turn on or off the power of the game machine 112 (fig. 9) by remote operation.

Further, in this embodiment, a power source switching key for turning on or off the controller 10 is not provided by itself. The controller 10 is turned on by operating any one of the operation switching keys of the controller 10. And if no operation is performed for a preset period of time or more, the controller 10 automatically switches.

The direction switch key 26 is provided on the width-direction center line C1 of the upper surface 20, forward of the longitudinal center of the housing 12 (indicated by the center line C2 in fig. 2B). The direction switch 26 is a combination switch of a four-direction pressing switch and a center switch, and includes four-direction operation portions 26F, 26B, 26R, and 26L indicated by arrows of forward (or up), backward (or down), left, and right, and further includes a center switch 28. The operating portions 26F, 26B, 26R, and 26L are provided on the single key tops in a ring shape spaced 90 degrees apart from each other. By operating any one of them, one of contacts (not shown) provided in a polygonal shape, each corresponding to the operating portions 26F, 26B, 26R, and 26L, is selectively turned on, thereby selecting any one of up, down, right, and left. For example, by the operation of any one of the operation portions 26F, 26B, 26R, and 26L, one of those contact points is turned on to make it possible to indicate a character or object (player character or player object) operable by a player or to indicate the moving direction of a cursor.

The center switch 28 is a single push button switch and is used as a so-called B button. As is well known, the B button 28 can be used to change the game mode selected by the selection switch key 32 described later, to cancel the operation specified by the a button described later, and the like.

Furthermore, as is well known, such a combination switch described in connection with the present embodiment is well suited for use in cellular phones and the like (see, for example, http:// www.jpo.go.jp/shiryou/s _ sonota/hyoujun _ gijutsu/small _ switch/b-6-2.htm), and thus a more detailed description is omitted.

As described above, the direction switch key 26 of the present embodiment includes the contacts arranged in a polygonal shape (rectangle or rhombus) to represent the respective directions (four directions in the present embodiment) so as to be acted upon by the operating portions 26F, 26B, 26R, and 26L formed on the single key top. Alternatively, the operating portions 26F, 26B, 26R, and 26L may be provided with key tops, respectively, to enable one contact to be made by each corresponding key top.

In addition, the direction switch key 26 may be a cross key or a rocker. In the case where the direction switch key 26 is a rocker, any direction and position can be specified by rotating its tip in any direction by 360 degrees or shifting it in the same manner.

As can be observed from fig. 2B, the actuation switch key 30 and the selection switch key 32 having key tops arranged in the shape of japanese katakana character "ハ" and having the widthwise center line C1 of the casing 12 therebetween are provided on the upper surface 20 and rearward of the direction switch key 26. The start switch 30 is used to start (restart) and pause a game and the like. The selection switch 32 is used to select a game mode or the like.

Further, the start switch key 30 and the selection switch key 32 may be provided in an arbitrary layout, such as one horizontal line and one vertical line, without being limited to the shape of the japanese katakana character "ハ" shown in the present embodiment.

The recessed portion 34 is formed on the second plane 22 of the lower housing 14 at a position substantially corresponding to the position of the direction switching key 26. The recessed portion 34 forms a recess to extend in the width direction from the other end of the second plane 22, as can be understood from fig. 1 and 2C. In addition, as can be seen from a comparison of fig. 28 and 2C, the recessed portion 34 of the present embodiment is formed slightly in front of the direction switch key 26 strictly speaking. The recessed portion 34 is formed at a position into which the index finger of the same hand naturally extends when the player grips the controller 10, i.e., when gripping the grip portion 18 of the housing 12 with one hand as described later. Thus, the recess 36 of the recess 34 is sized (in the longitudinal direction of the housing 12) to allow the index finger to enter therein. The recess 34 has two ramps 38, 40 rising from the recess 36. The rear slope 38 is formed in a shape rising from the recess 36 toward the rear end of the housing 12, and conversely, the front slope 40 rises from the recess 36 toward the front end of the housing 12.

The a-button 12 is disposed on a ramp 38 on the rear side of the recess 34 of the lower housing 14. The a button 42 is provided on the opposite side corresponding to the direction switching key 26. Here, the respective positions indicate: the direction switching key 26 and the a button 42 are disposed closely to each other when viewed from the upper surface of the housing 12, and preferably, the direction switching key 26 and the a button 42 are disposed in an at least partially overlapping form. As shown, the bottom of the recess 36 is a plane approximately parallel to the upper surface 20 (i.e., the first plane of the housing 12), and the rear slope 38 on which the a-button 42 is provided is formed between the bottom parallel surface of the recess 36 and the grip portion 18, as previously described, the grip portion 18 being formed on the rear side (the other side) of the housing 12. In addition, the a button 42 is a press switch key having a switch contact (not shown) and a key top that turns on or off the switch contact, and the key top is provided to move in a direction perpendicular to the inclined surface 38. Therefore, as will be described later, the player can open the A button 42 by simply placing his/her index or middle finger into the recess 34 and pulling it toward him/her. The index or middle finger can be placed in the recess 34, which makes it possible to quickly and efficiently operate the a button 42 when needed.

In addition, the A button 42 allows a player character or player object to perform any action, such as a swipe, throw, catch (capture), ride, and jump. For example, in an action game, the A button 42 may define jumping, retrying, and manipulating a weapon, etc. In addition, in a Role Playing Game (RPG) or simulated RPG, the buttons 42 may define item acquisitions, selection and determination of weapons and commands, and the like.

Further, the above-mentioned grip portion 18 is formed on the cabinet in the backward direction of the recessed 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 with the palm of one hand of the player wrapping the grip portion 18. Meanwhile, since the controller 10 (i.e., the housing 12) is designed to be held in one hand with a size and thickness, the player can smoothly hold the holding portion 18 with only one hand.

Further, by pressing in a direction perpendicular to the inclined surface 38, i.e., in a direction toward the grip portion 18, the key top of the a button 42 is turned on. The inclined portion 38 is not perpendicular to the upper surface of the housing 12, i.e., the first plane 20 and the key top 42 of the last a-button 42 to be pressed in a direction not perpendicular to the upper surface 20. Conversely, the B button 28 and the direction switch key 26 are turned on by pressing them in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface 20 of the upper case 16. These pressing directions indicate: when holding the grip portion 18, the index finger and thumb can naturally exert the direction of the pressure force. This makes it possible to continuously support the outer edge of the operating portion by the thumb and the index finger in operation while holding the grip portion 18 and to perform the operation in a smooth gripping state at any time.

Further, the X button 44 and the Y button 46 are disposed on the width direction center line C1 of the chassis 12 and in the backward direction of the longitudinal center C2 of the chassis 12, on a straight line with a space therebetween. The X button 44 and the Y button 46 are used to adjust the viewpoint position and the viewpoint direction when displaying the three-dimensional game image, that is, to adjust the position and the field angle of the virtual camera.

A battery cover 48 is detachably mounted to the lower case 14 forming the grip portion 18, and a battery shown in fig. 7 is accommodated in the battery cover 48. Thus, the controller 10 operates the battery 78 as a power source. In addition, the battery cover 48 can be removed by removing the engaging hook 50 from the lower housing 14.

As described above, the battery 78, which is a relatively heavy object, is accommodated within the range of the grip portion 18 of the housing 12, and therefore the center of gravity G (fig. 2B) is reliably contained within the range of the grip portion 18. This makes it possible to smoothly achieve displacement or movement of the controller 10 while holding the grip portion 18.

An infrared imaging device 56, which will be described later in detail, constituting a part of the imaging information arithmetic unit 54 is provided on the front end surface 52 of the chassis 12 (fig. 1 and 2A), and a 32-pin edge connector 60 is provided on, for example, the rear end surface 58 of the chassis 12 (fig. 1 and 2E). The joint 60 is used to mount and connect the controller (first controller) 10 of the present embodiment to another (later-described) second controller or the like.

The controller 10 configured in this manner can be held by one hand of a game player (not shown). Fig. 3 and 4 show a state in which the player holds the controller 10 with his/her hand. Referring to the drawing, the palm 62P of the player's hand and the ball of one hand 62 (right hand in the drawing) of the middle finger 62c, ring finger 62d, and little finger 62e grip the grip portion 18 of the housing 12 in such a manner as to slightly wrap the grip portion 18. In this state, the thumb 62a of the hand 62 is placed on the direction switch 26 and the index finger 62b is placed in the recess 36 of the recessed portion 34 of the lower housing 14. More specifically, the direction switch key 26 is provided at a position accessible by the thumb 62a of the hand 62 holding the housing 12, i.e., at a position operable by the thumb 62 a. The A button 42 is provided at a position which can be reached by the index finger 62b of the hand 62 holding the housing 12, i.e., at a position operable by the index finger 62 b. Accordingly, the player can operate the direction switching key 26 by the thumb 62a and the a button 42 by the index finger 62b while holding the casing 12 by the hand 62. More specifically, the index finger 62b of the hand 62 is positioned in contact with the surface of the depression 36 of the above-described recessed portion 34 formed in the lower housing 14. By bending the index finger 62b toward him/her (rightward in fig. 3) in this state, the user can press the key top of the a-button 42 along the proximal slope 38 perpendicular to the recessed portion 34 by the ball of the index finger 62 b. As a result, the user can operate the A button 42 by the index finger 62b while holding the housing 12 by the hand 62.

Further, if the holding hand 62 is the left hand, the same action is performed.

Further, the A button 42 as described above is operated by the index finger 62 b. Alternatively, by further providing an a2 button (not shown) having the same shape as the a button in the rearward direction of the button 42, the casing 12 can be held by the palm 62P and the balls of the ring finger 62d and the little finger 62e so that the a button 42 is operated by the index finger 62b and the a2 button is operated by the middle finger 62 c.

As described above, the controller 10 of the present embodiment can realize convenient operations of the first operation part (the direction switching key 26 in the embodiment) and the second operation part (the a button 42 in the embodiment) in a state of being held by one hand. That is, the controller 10 of the present embodiment makes it possible to smoothly operate the operation portions while holding the controller 10 by one hand. Thus, the player may use the other for game play or other purposes. In addition, the controller 10 is held by only one hand, and thus the controller 10 can be more freely manipulated than if held by two hands. As a result, the support, movement, or displacement of the controller 10 can be smoothly achieved.

In addition, in the controller 10 of this embodiment, the position of the first operating portion such as the direction switching key 26 provided on the upper surface 20 of the housing 12 and the position of the second operating portion such as the a button 42 provided on the lower surface of the housing 12 are located on the upper surface 20 and the lower surface 22 of the housing 12 in correspondence with each other, whereby the housing 12 can be hooked by the thumb and the index finger (or middle finger) operating these portions, which results in a smoother operation. For example, when the direction switch key 26 is operated by the thumb 62a, the housing 12 is supported from below by the index finger 62b or the middle finger 62c located in the recessed portion 34 to operate the button 42, which makes it possible for the thumb 62a to press the direction switch key 26 in a smooth manner. Also, when the a button 42 is operated by the index finger 62b or the middle finger 62c, the casing 12 is supported from above by the thumb 62a operating the direction switching key 26, which makes it possible for the index finger 62b or the middle finger 62c to press the a button 42 in a smooth manner.

Further, in this embodiment, the center of gravity G of the controller 10 falls on or near the intersection of the width-direction center line C1 and the longitudinal center line C2 as shown in fig. 2B. As shown in fig. 2, the position of the center of gravity G is contained within the range of the grip portion 18. Therefore, when the controller 10 is gripped at the gripping portion 18, the gripping hand 62 (fig. 6) grips the position of the center of gravity G, which allows the gripping state to be maintained with high smoothness. Therefore, the movement, support, or displacement of the controller 10 can be more smoothly achieved for the imaging information arithmetic unit.

Fig. 3 shows a state where the index finger 62b presses the a button 42. When the A button 42 does not need to be pressed, the index finger 62b can be removed from the A button 42 (and vice versa for the middle finger 62 c). That is, as shown in FIG. 5, by pressing the index finger 62b (or the middle finger 62c) toward the front slope 40 of the concave portion 34, the cabinet can be stabilized in a state where the index finger 62b (the middle finger 62c) is disengaged from the A button 42. As a result, depending on whether or not the a button 42 is pressed, it is not necessary to change the state of holding the housing 12 (change the holding manner).

Fig. 6 and 7 show a state in which the upper housing 16 is removed from the controller 10 and a state in which the lower housing 14 is removed from the controller 10, respectively. As shown in fig. 6 showing the upper housing 16 removed, a base plate 64 is mounted to the upper end of the lower housing 14 in such a manner as to seal the upper end opening of the lower housing 14. The power switch key 24, the direction switch key 26, the start switch key 30, the selection switch key 32, the X button 44, and the Y button 46 are mounted on the upper main surface of the substrate 64, and they are connected to a processor 66 (fig. 8) constituting a controller circuit by appropriate wiring (not shown).

In addition, an acceleration sensor 68 and a wireless module 70 are assembled on the upper end main surface of the substrate 64 between the direction switch key 26 and the X button 44, for example, between the start switch key 30 and the selection switch key 32.

The acceleration sensor 68 is preferably a three-axis linear accelerometer that senses acceleration along the X, Y, and 2 axes. Or in another embodiment a two-axis linear accelerometer is used that only detects linear acceleration along the X-axis and the Y-axis (or another pair of axes), depending on the type of control signal required. By way of non-limiting example, the three-or two-axis linear accelerometer 68 may be of the type available from analog device.inc or STMicroelectronics, nevada, usa. Preferably, the acceleration sensor 68 is of an electrostatic capacitance type or a capacitive coupling type based on silicon wafer micro-machining MEMS (micro electro mechanical system) technology. However, other suitable existing or hereafter developed accelerometer technologies (e.g., piezoelectric or piezoresistive) may be used to provide the three-or two-axis acceleration sensor 68.

As understood by those skilled in the art, a linear accelerometer, such as the acceleration sensor 68, is only capable of detecting acceleration along a line corresponding to each axis of the acceleration sensor. In other words, the direct output of the acceleration sensor 68 is indicated by signals of linear acceleration along two or three axes thereof. As a result, the acceleration sensor 68 cannot directly detect movement, rotation, gyratory movement, angular displacement, tilt, position, attitude, or other physical characteristic along a non-linear path (e.g., an arc).

However, although those skilled in the art will be able to infer and calculate additional processing of the linear acceleration signal output from the acceleration sensor 68, additional information associated with the chassis 12 from the description herein. For example, by detecting static linear acceleration (e.g., gravity), the linear acceleration of the acceleration sensor 68 may be used to output a tilt inferred to the object relative to the gravity vector by correlating the tilt angle with the detected linear acceleration. In such an approach, the acceleration sensor 68 may be used in conjunction with the processor 66 (or another processor) to determine the tilt, attitude, or position of the housing 12. Likewise, when the housing 12 containing the acceleration sensor 68 is subjected to dynamic acceleration applied, for example, by a user's hand, various movements and/or positions of the housing 12 may be calculated or inferred through processing of the linear acceleration signals generated by the acceleration sensor 68. In another embodiment, the acceleration sensor 68 may include an embedded signal processor or other type of dedicated processor to perform any required processing of the acceleration signal output from the accelerometer therein prior to outputting the signal to the processor 66. For example, when the acceleration sensor is intended to detect static acceleration (i.e., gravity), an embedded or dedicated processor may be employed to convert the detected acceleration signal into a corresponding tilt angle.

In this embodiment, the acceleration sensor 68 and the processor 66 function as position and/or posture determining means to determine the position and/or posture of the controller 10 held by the player with his/her hand. By outputting information on the position and/or posture of the speed signal output transition from the acceleration sensor 68 except for the operation signal from the direction switching key 26, the a button 42 and obtaining the operation signal of the position or posture at the game machine end, the game operation can be performed with a high degree of freedom.

As described above, by disposing the acceleration sensor 68 in the housing 12 so that the acceleration detected by the 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 (flipping) his/her wrist and simultaneously holding the grip portion 18 of the housing 12 with his/her hand, as discussed above with reference to fig. 3 to 5. Therefore, according to the controller 10 of the present embodiment, not only the operation switching keys 24 to 32, 44, and 46 from the controller 10 but also the position and posture of the controller 10 can be utilized as controller data, thereby achieving a higher degree of freedom of operation.

Further, an acceleration sensor 68 is provided in the housing 12 of the grip portion 18, and during natural gripping, the thumb is positioned on the direction switch 26 and the index finger is positioned on the push button 42, and the remaining fingers grip the grip portion. Therefore, the method of holding the controller 10 between individuals does not make a difference, which makes it possible to perform high-precision detection without a difference under a preset standard. I.e. the above-mentioned wrist flipping action will result in a displacement of the turning axis due to its turning. In addition, since the right-hand rotation and the left-hand rotation are asymmetric, there is a possibility of causing an error. However, by disposing the acceleration sensor 68 in the housing 12 of the grip portion 18 in this embodiment, the displacement of the rotating shaft due to its rotation is reduced and the possibility of occurrence of detection errors is also reduced.

Further, in this embodiment, the acceleration sensor 68 is provided within the range of the grip portion 18 of the housing 12 (fig. 1). This brings about an advantage: that is, the position and/or orientation determining means can determine the position and/or orientation with high accuracy. Further, the position and/or posture determining means may be provided in another position of the cabinet 12 according to the purpose. For example, when the position and/or orientation determining means is moved to the rear of the housing 12, the amount of change in the position and/or orientation due to the displacement of the housing 12 becomes smaller. In contrast, the amount of change in position and/or attitude due to the position of the housing 12 when the device is moved forward of the housing 12 becomes larger. As a result, the position and/or posture determining means can be set at the most appropriate position according to the required performance.

In another exemplary embodiment, the acceleration sensor 68 may be replaced with a gyroscope sensor of any suitable technology, including, for example, the rotation of a vibrating element. An exemplary ME MS gyroscope sensor suitable for use in the present embodiments is available from analog device. Unlike the linear acceleration sensor 68, the gyro sensor is capable of directly detecting rotation (or angular velocity) about an axis defined by the gyro element (or elements) in the sensor. Therefore, due to the fundamental difference between the gyro sensor and the linear acceleration sensor, it is necessary to make a corresponding change in the processing operation of the signals output from these devices depending on the devices selected for a particular occasion. Since the nature of gyroscopes and the fundamental differences between linear accelerometers and gyroscopes are well known to those skilled in the art, a detailed description is not provided herein so as not to obscure the remainder of the disclosure. While gyroscopic sensors have certain advantages due to their ability to directly detect gyroscopic movements, linear acceleration sensors are generally more cost effective in the controller applications described herein.

The 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 antenna pattern 72 and the above-described wireless module 70. More specifically, the operation signals from the above-described respective switches and buttons 24 to 32, 44, and 46, the detection data (detection signal) from the imaging information arithmetic unit 54, and the acceleration data (acceleration signal) from the acceleration sensor 68 are modulated in the wireless module 70, thereby attenuating the radio wave signal, and the modulated weak radio wave signal is emitted from the antenna pattern 72. Therefore, by receiving the weak radio waves and demodulating and decoding them, the game machine (not shown) can obtain the operation signals from the above-described respective switching keys and buttons 24 to 32, 44, 46, the detection data from the imaging information arithmetic unit 54, and the detected acceleration data from the acceleration sensor 68. Then, the gaming machine executes a game process based on the signals, data, and game program obtained in this manner.

In addition, the crystal oscillator 74 disposed on the upper major surface of the substrate 64 is intended to generate the basic clock contained in the computer or processor 66 (FIG. 8) of the controller 10.

As shown in fig. 7 in which the lower housing 14 is removed, the imaging information arithmetic unit 54 is mounted on one side of the front end on the lower main surface of the base plate 64, and the connector 60 is mounted on one side of the rear end thereof. The imaging information arithmetic unit 54 has the infrared imaging device 56 described above and an image processing circuit 76 for processing image data imaged by the imaging device (imaging means) 56.

Further, the above-mentioned a button 42 is mounted on the lower main surface of the substrate 64 behind the imaging information arithmetic unit 54, and the aforementioned battery 78 is placed behind the a button. A vibrator 80 is mounted on the lower major surface of the base plate 64 between the battery 78 and the connector 60. The vibrator 80 may be a vibration motor or a solenoid. The vibrator 80 generates vibrations in the controller 10, and the vibrations are transmitted to the hand 62 (fig. 3) of the player holding the controller 10, which realizes a vibration-ready game. The result may provide a vibration simulation to the player.

Further, as described above, disposing the vibrators 80 at opposite ends of the imaging information algorithm unit 54 in the longitudinal direction of the chassis 12 reduces the possibility that the vibrations from the vibrators 80 adversely affect the imaging of the imaging information algorithm unit 54. That is, the longest distance between the vibrator 80 and the imaging information arithmetic unit 54 can be secured, which can prevent the imaging element of the imaging information arithmetic unit 54 from being blurred as much as possible.

Further, when changing the imaging direction with the imaging means or the imaging device 56, the player can hold the grip portion 18 of the housing 12 with one hand and move the wrist in that state, as described in conjunction with fig. 3 to 5. At this time, in a natural state, the imaging device 56 is disposed at the front end of the housing 12 with the thumb at the direction switch 26 and the index finger at the a button 42, and the remaining fingers hold the grip portion. This makes it possible to realize an imaging operation under a preset uniform standard regardless of differences in the manner in which the individual holds the controller 10.

Here, with reference to fig. 8, a description will be made of a circuit configuration of the controller 10 of the present embodiment.

The imaging information arithmetic unit 54 has the infrared imaging device 56 and the aforementioned image processing circuit 76 that processes the image data imaged by the imaging device 56. As shown, the imaging device 56 includes a stereoscopic imaging unit 561, such as a CMOS sensor and a CCD. An infrared filter (filter transmitting only infrared rays) 562 and a lens 563 are provided in front of the imaging unit. Therefore, the imaging device 56 generates image data by detection of pure infrared rays. Further, the image processing circuit 76 processes infrared image data obtained from the imaging device 56, detects a high-intensity portion, detects the position of the center of gravity and the region of the portion, and outputs data on them. Data regarding the location and area of the high intensity portion is input to the processor 66 from the image processing circuit 76. Further, operation signals from the aforementioned switching keys and buttons 24-32, 4, 46 are input to the processor 66. In addition, three-axis or two-axis acceleration data (acceleration signals) from the acceleration sensor 68 are also input to the processor 66.

Based on the operation signals from the operation switching keys 24 to 32, 44, 46, the processor 66 detects which operation switching key and operation button is operated at this time. The processing data is output as a controller data sequence together with the acceleration data and the high intensity portion data, and is input to the wireless module 70. The wireless module 70 modulates a carrier wave of a preset frequency with the controller data and transmits a weak radio wave signal from the antenna 72.

Further, signals and data input through the connector 60 provided at the rear end of the controller 10 are also input to the processor 66, and are processed by the processor 66 in the same manner as the aforementioned signals and data, are supplied to the wireless module 70 as control data, and are then output in the same manner as a weak radio wave signal from the controller 10.

Further, the processor 66 may be separate from the wireless module 70, and in the case of using a wireless module based on the bluetooth (registered trademark) standard or the like, it may be incorporated in the module as a microcomputer.

To play a game using the controller 10 in the game system 100, the player 102 holds the controller 10 (housing) with one hand 62, as shown in fig. 9. Then, the player 102 causes the imaging device 56 (fig. 8) of the aforementioned imaging information arithmetic unit 54 at the front end of the controller 10 to face the screen 106 of the display 104, at which time, two LED modules 108A, 108B are disposed near the screen 106 of the display 104. Each of the LED modules 108A and 108B outputs infrared rays. Meanwhile, an infrared filter (fig. 8) is incorporated in the imaging information arithmetic unit 54 of the controller 10 held by the player's hand as described above.

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 through processing of the captured image containing infrared rays. Data regarding the position and size of the intensity point is transmitted from the controller 10 to the game machine 112 by radio (weak radio wave), and is received by the game machine 112. As the player moves the controller 10 (i.e., the imaging information algorithm unit 54), the data regarding the intensity point locations and sizes changes. Thus, the game machine 112 can obtain an operation signal corresponding to the movement of the controller and realize a game progress corresponding thereto.

In this way, the imaging information arithmetic unit 54 can image a mark (infrared light from an LED in the present embodiment) and obtain an operation signal corresponding to a change in the position of the mark in the captured image. This allows coordination of direct input and rotational input to the screen, unlike the operation of the operation switch key, the operation key, or the operation button by finger manipulation. However, the principle of the imaging information arithmetic unit is well known as described in japanese patent No. 3422383, and thus a more detailed description thereof is omitted here. Further, surveillance tracking refers to the analysis of the movement of an object or camera (referred to herein as controller 10) with a particular marker or pattern as an object (image) in the screen.

Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram of the controller 10 shown in detail in fig. 1 and 2. As shown in fig. 10, the grip portion 18 is provided near one end of the longitudinal direction of the casing 12 of the controller 10, i.e., one end in the direction of the widthwise center line C1, while the imaging device 56 is mounted on the other end of the casing 12, on the center line C1 and on the opposite side of the grip portion 18. Therefore, as shown in fig. 3, a straight line (the widthwise center line C1) passing through the palm 62P of the hand 62 holding the grip portion 18 is aligned with the indication direction by the imaging device 56, which brings about an advantage of easily recognizing the facing direction of the imaging device 56. More specifically, since the direction in which an image is formed by the imaging device 56 (corresponding to the direction in which the angle of view C described later faces) is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing 12, the direction indicated by the imaging device 56 can be intuitively grasped while holding the housing 12. Here, in the case of a rectangular cabinet in the present embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the cabinet 12 is represented by the width-direction center line C1. In addition, as shown in fig. 29 described later, for example, when the index finger is placed on the center line of the direction switching key 26 and the grip portion 18 is held with the palm and other fingers, the direction imaged by the imaging device 56 indicates the direction in which the thumb is directed.

Further, the LED modules 108A, 108B and the imaging information arithmetic unit 54 of the controller 10 shown in fig. 9 have viewing angles A, B and C, respectively. In this embodiment, the viewing angles A, B are equal to each other and they are, for example, 34 ° (half-value angle), while the viewing angle C is, for example, 41 °. Also in the tracking operation, when the two LED modules 108A, 108B exist in the angle of view C of the imaging device 56 shown in fig. 10, the imaging information arithmetic unit 54 detects the movement of the imaging information arithmetic unit 54, that is, the movement of the controller 10, by using the information on the position and size of the high-intensity point from the two LED modules 108A, 108B.

However, as shown in fig. 11, when only one LED module 108A or 108B exists in the angle of view C of the imaging device 56, the imaging information arithmetic unit 54 detects the movement of the controller 10 by using information on the position and size of the high intensity spot from only one of the two LED modules 108A, 108B.

The controller 10 described above functions sufficiently by itself as a game operation device. Further, as described in one embodiment below, the controller 10 may be made to work in conjunction with another controller (or adapter).

The second controller 200 shown in fig. 13 and the first controller 10 of the foregoing embodiment are employed in the embodiment shown in fig. 13 to 17. More specifically, unlike the vertical housing 12 of the first controller 10, the second controller 200 includes a lateral housing 202. The left and right sides of the transverse housing 202 serve as grip portions 204, 206, respectively. The grip portion 204 is wrapped and held by the palm of the left hand 63, and the grip portion 206 is wrapped and held by the palm of the right hand 62, as shown in fig. 16. That is, the grip portion 204 is a left-hand grip portion and the grip portion 206 is a right-hand grip portion. The same structure is used for the different embodiments of fig. 18-20. In addition, the surface of the grip portion 204 and the surface of the grip portion 206 are located in the same plane and formed together with the upper surface of the housing 202 shown in fig. 14 and 15.

The accommodating portion 208 is formed between the left-hand grip portion 204 and the right-hand grip portion 205 of the housing 202. The accommodating portion 208 is a recessed portion of the housing 12 for accommodating the first controller 10. The accommodating portion 208 is shaped to have an open front surface and an upper surface, and its inner shape is similar to the outer shape of the cabinet 12 in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the first controller 10 and is slightly larger in size than the first controller 10. More specifically, the width Wa of the accommodating portion 208 is equal to or slightly smaller than the width w of the housing 12 of the first controller 10 shown in fig. 2D, and the depth D1 thereof is approximately equal to the thickness (T) of the housing 12 (fig. 2A and 2E). However, the length D2 of the depth thereof is set to correspond to the length of the grip portion 16 of the housing 12 of the first controller 10, as clearly shown in fig. 1. That is, the depth D2 of the receiving portion 208 is equal to or slightly longer or slightly shorter than the length of the grip portion 18 of the controller 10 (in the longitudinal direction of the first controller).

In addition, although not precisely illustrated, a joint 56 connected to a joint 56 provided to the first controller 10 is provided on the back of the accommodating portion 208. Since the connector of the first controller 10 is a male connector, the connector 210 of the second controller 200 is a female connector.

A well-known analog stick 212 and a direction switching key (digital stick) 214 are provided on the upper surface of the left-hand grip portion 204 of the housing 202 of the second controller 200. In addition, an a button 216 and a B button 218 are provided on the upper surface of the right-hand grip portion 206, and an X button 220 and a Y button 222 are provided around the slightly larger a button 216. In addition, a joystick 224 is provided to change the position, i.e., the viewpoint of the virtual camera, while displaying the three-dimensional game image in the display screen 106 (fig. 9). The functions and actions of the a button 216 and the B button 218 are the same as those of the a button 42 and the B button 28 of the first controller 10. The X button 220 is used, for example, to change the gaze (size) angle of the virtual camera about the X axis, while the Y button 222 is used, for example, to change the gaze angle about the Y axis.

The housing 12 of the first controller 10 is inserted into the opening of the front surface of the accommodating portion 208 of the second controller 200 from the other end (rear end) thereof. The housing 12 is then pushed in until the connector 56 of the first controller 10 is connected to the connector 210 of the accommodating portion 208. Thus, the first controller 10 is combined with the second controller 200, as shown in fig. 14.

In a state where the first controller 10 and the second controller 200 are combined, the grip portion 18 of the first controller 10 is almost buried in the accommodating portion 208, as particularly observed from fig. 14 and 15. This is because the depth of the receiving portion 208 is set to be equal to or slightly longer or slightly shorter than the length of the grip portion 18. Therefore, the center of gravity of the first controller 10 is supported by the second controller 200, and thus the first controller 10 can be smoothly supported by the second controller 200.

Further, the width of the accommodating portion 208 is set to be equal to or slightly longer than the width of the housing 12 of the first controller 10, and the depth thereof is formed to be equal to or slightly longer than the thickness of the housing 12. Therefore, when the first controller 10 is inserted or mounted in the housing portion 208 of the second controller 200, no rattling occurs between the first controller 10 and the second controller 200. In addition, as can be 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 does not protrude from the surface of the second controller 200 or interfere with the operation of the second controller 200.

When the first controller 10 and the second controller 200 are combined with each other, the player holds the holding portions 204, 206 of the housing 202 of the second controller 200 with the left hand 63 and the right hand 62, respectively, as shown in fig. 16. In this state, all the operation switching keys and buttons of the first controller 10 need not be used, but only some of them are used. However, the wireless transmission function of the first controller 10 and the imaging function of the imaging information arithmetic unit can be used as they are.

When the first and second controllers 10, 200 are combined with each other as shown in fig. 14 and 15, the circuit configuration is shown in fig. 17. More specifically, in fig. 17, the operation switching keys 212 and 224 are the operation switching keys and buttons of the second controller 200, and the operation signals from these operation switching keys 212 and 224 are input from the connector 210 to the processor 66 of the first controller 10 through the connector 60. Therefore, the processor 66 processes the operation signals from the second controller 200 in the same manner as the operation signals from the first controller 10 and inputs them as controller data into the wireless module 70. Accordingly, the operation signals from the respective switching keys and buttons 212 and 224 of the second controller 200 can be wirelessly transmitted as controller data by weak radio waves from the line module 70 through the antenna 72. As a result, the combination of the first controller 10 and the second controller 200 functions as a wireless controller.

In addition, the imaging information arithmetic unit 54 of the first controller 10 is not affected by the combination of the second controller 200 and the first controller 10. Therefore, by moving the housing 202 of the second controller 200 held by both hands to the left and right or up and down as shown in fig. 16, a game can be played by using the function of the imaging information arithmetic unit of the first controller 10.

Further, in a state where the first controller 10 and the second controller 200 are combined with each other, the first operating portion is typically the aforementioned direction switch key 26 of the first controller 10, and the second operating portion is synonymously referred to as the a button 42. The third operating portion is a rocker 212 provided in the left-hand grip portion 204 of the second controller 100 and a direction switching key 214. The fourth operation part is an a button 216 or the like provided in the right-hand grip part 206 of the second controller 200. However, the counterparts of the third operating portion and the fourth operating portion may be interchanged. In either case, the third operating portion and the fourth operating portion are operable by the thumb 63a of the left hand 63 and the thumb 62a of the right hand 62, as shown in fig. 16.

As described above, in the first controller 10, the first operating portion (direction switching key 26) is provided at a position operable by the thumb 62, and the second operating portion (a button 42) is provided at a position operable by the index finger 62b or the middle finger 62c when the first controller 10 is held by the holding portion 18. Therefore, in the first controller 10, it is somewhat difficult to operate the X button 44 and the Y button 46 provided within the range of the grip portion 18. In contrast, in the second controller 200, the X button 220 and the Y button 222 are both provided in the right-hand grip portion 206 of the housing 202 and are easily operated by the thumb 62a in a state where the grip portion 297 is gripped by the right hand 62 (fig. 16).

As described above, the first controller 10 controlled by one hand can be made easier to be operated by one hand by providing the minimum necessary number of operation switching keys or keys therein. However, depending on the kind of game, the aforementioned X button 44 and Y button 46 may need to be operated with high frequency. The X button 44 and the Y button 46 in the first controller 10 are not necessarily convenient to operate because they are provided within the range of the grip portion 18. That is, the player may be dissatisfied with only the first controller 10 due to difficulty in operating the X button 44 and the Y button 46. In this case, by combining the second controller 200 with the first controller 10, since the X button 220 and the Y button 222 of the second controller 200 become easy to operate, it is possible to prevent the player from making such dissatisfaction.

In addition, a rocker 212 and a direction switch key 214 are provided as direction indicating means in the second controller 200. Meanwhile, the rocker 212 and the direction switching key 214 are provided in the left-hand grip portion 204 of the housing 202 and are easily operated with the thumb 63a in a state where the grip portion 204 is gripped by the left hand (fig. 16). Therefore, when the first and second controllers 10 and 200 are combined with each other, the direction indicating means also becomes easy to operate, and in addition, the operation switching key 26 is initially set at a position where the first controller 10 is easy to operate, and the direction indicating means used more frequently has convenient operability regardless of whether the first controller 10 is used alone or in combination with the second controller 200.

Further, in the embodiment of fig. 13-17, the button 216, the B button 218, the X button 220, and the Y button 222 are provided on the right-hand grip portion 206 of the second controller 200. Alternatively, in this embodiment, the a button 216 and the B button 218 may be omitted from the second controller 200, so that only the X button 220 and the Y button 222 are provided in the second controller 200.

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 therefore some operation switching keys and operation buttons having repetitive functions can be omitted from the second controller 200, which achieves cost reduction. On the other hand, when the controllers are used in combination, the x button 44 and the Y button 46 of the first controller 10 become difficult to operate to some extent, and the functions of these buttons are covered by operation switching keys (buttons) provided independently on the second controller 200. This eliminates the inconvenience of operation due to the combined use of the controller.

The embodiment shown in fig. 18 is the same as the embodiment shown in fig. 13 to 17 except that the operation switching key provided on the upper surface of the right-hand grip portion 206 of the housing 202 of the second controller 200 is slightly different from the embodiment shown in fig. 13 to 16. Hereinafter, the repetitive description is omitted, and the same reference numerals are given to the same operation switching keys or operation buttons. In the embodiment of fig. 18, the upper surface of the right hand gripping portion 206 of the housing 202 is provided with an a button 216, a B button 218, an X button 220, a 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 the a button 216 and the B button 218 of the above-described embodiment. The X button 220, Y button 222, C button 226, and D button 228 perform the same function as the rocker 224 in the previous embodiment.

Further, in the embodiment of fig. 18, the a button 216 and the B button 218 are omitted from the right-hand grip portion 206 of the second controller 200, so that only the X button 220 and the Y button 222 are provided in the second controller 200 as in the embodiment of fig. 13 to 17. This realizes cost reduction and prevents reduction in operability when the controller is used in combination.

The embodiment of fig. 19 is similar to the embodiment of fig. 13-17, except as noted below. Specifically, in both the embodiments of fig. 13-16 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 grip portion 18 of the first controller 10 is almost buried within the housing 202 of the second controller 200. In contrast, in the embodiment of fig. 19, the width of the housing 202 is slightly smaller compared to the embodiment of fig. 13-16 and the embodiment of fig. 18, and a majority of the grip portion 18 of the first controller 10 is exposed outside of the housing 202. Thus, this embodiment is somewhat unstable relative to the previous embodiments. However, as in the previous embodiment, the upper surfaces 20, 203 of the housings 12, 202 of the first and second controllers 10, 202 are flush with each other.

Because the width of the housing 202 is slightly shorter, the rocker 212 provided in the left hand grip portion 204 of the housing 202 of the embodiment of fig. 18 is omitted and some changes are made to the toggle key of the right hand grip portion 206 in this embodiment. In this embodiment, only the A button 216, B button 218, x button 220, and Y button 222 are provided on the right hand grip portion 206.

Further, in the embodiment of fig. 19, as with the embodiment of fig. 13-17, the a button 216 and the B button 218 of the right hand grip portion 206 of the second controller 200 may be omitted such that only the X button 220 and the Y button 222 are provided on the second controller 200. This can realize cost reduction and prevent reduction in operability caused by the combined use of the controllers.

The embodiment of fig. 20 is the same as the embodiment of fig. 19 except as previously described. Specifically, as described in the embodiment of fig. 19, the grip portion 18 of the first controller 10 protrudes from the housing 202 of the second controller 200 or is exposed to the outside of the housing 202 longer than the embodiments of fig. 13 to 16 and the embodiment of fig. 18. Thus, in this embodiment, only the A button 216 and the B button 218 are disposed in the right hand gripping portion 206 of the housing 202. Alternatively, these buttons 216 and 218 may be used as an X button and a Y button different from the a button and the B button.

Fig. 21 shows a gun type adapter 300, like a universal gun type controller, the adapter 300 having a stock 302 for hand gripping. Stock 302 is provided with a trigger 306 surrounded by trigger ring 304. Barrel 308 extends from stock 302 through the magazine. Additionally, gun shaft 308 is removable from butt 302 by a connector 310.

In addition, the first controller 10 may be installed in place of the barrel 308 by pulling the barrel 308 out of the adapter 310 and inserting the adapter 60 of the controller 10 into the adapter 310. In this case, the shooting game is made more fun by replacing the a button 42 of the controller 10 with the trigger 306.

In the first controller 10 of the embodiment shown in fig. 23, the operation switching keys and buttons 24-32, 44, 46 are changed in shape and layout as compared with the embodiment of fig. 1. In particular, the direction switch 26 is not a combination switch of the embodiment of fig. 1, but a direction switch constituted by a cross key frequently used in game machines. The cross key, i.e., the direction switch key 26 is similar to the direction switch key 214 of the second controller 200. In addition, in the first controller 10 of the present embodiment, the activation switch 30 and the selection switch 32 are provided as lateral lines, instead of being provided in the shape of the character "ハ" as described previously.

Further, a plurality of (four in the present 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 the present embodiment. The light from the LEDs 821-824 can be seen from the outside, but they are buried in the upper surface 20 of the chassis 12 and do not project outside as seen in fig. 23B. Alternatively, it is entirely acceptable to arrange them to be convex in fig. 23B. When the first controller 10 transmits a radio wave as a control signal (control data), since the LEDs corresponding to the number of controllers are turned on, these LEDs 821-824 indicate the number of controllers.

For example, when the gaming machine 112 shown in FIG. 9 is designed to accept four controllers simultaneously, each four game players uses the first controller 10. Selective illumination of the LEDs 821-824 allows each user to confirm which of the first through fourth controllers is his/her own controller. For example, when the LED821 of his/her controller 10 is turned on, the player knows that the controller is given his own use as the first controller.

Further, in the embodiment of fig. 23, unlike the previous embodiments, the front end surface 52 of the casing 10 is formed as a slope rather than orthogonal to the axis in the longitudinal direction of the casing 12. In addition, the imaging device 56 of the imaging information arithmetic unit is mounted on the front end slope, and thus the central axis within the imaging range of the imaging information arithmetic unit, that is, the imaging device 56 obliquely intersects the axis in the longitudinal direction of the housing 12. Thus, the housing 12 as a whole may be tilted by holding the housing 12 in the holding portion and facing the front end bevel 52, i.e., the imaging device 56 directly facing the flat surface 106 of the display 104. As a result, according to the present embodiment, the player sits on his/her chair and operates the controller 10 and feels that his/her hands are not so fatigued.

That is, in the foregoing embodiment, the front end surface of the housing 12 is orthogonal to the axis in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, in order to direct the imaging device 56 mounted thereto toward the plane 106, it is necessary to hold the controller 10 in such a manner that the upper surface 20 of the housing 12 faces upward and the axis thereof is in a horizontal state. In addition, in this state, it is necessary to bring the imaging device 56 to a position within the plane 106. In this case, the wrist holding the grip portion 18 will be subjected to excessive stress. In contrast, in the embodiment of FIG. 23, the imaging device 56 is directed toward the plane 106 even when the wrist is at a natural angle or holding the housing 12 or is in a natural state. This can reduce fatigue of the player's wrist without causing excessive stress to the player's wrist.

Based on the same idea, as in the embodiment shown in fig. 25, the front end 12H of the casing 12 of the controller 10 is separated from the other part and is mounted to the front end of the other part by the shaft 84. In this way, since the leading end 12H can be folded in a manner indicated by a broken line as needed, the imaging surface of the imaging device 56 of the imaging information arithmetic unit is displaced as shown in fig. 25. Therefore, as in the embodiment shown in fig. 23 and 24, the effect of reducing the wrist fatigue can be expected. Further, if the embodiment of fig. 25 does not require this, the leading end 12H can be held in a perpendicular state (state indicated by a solid line in fig. 25) according to the axis in the longitudinal direction.

Fig. 26-28 illustrate yet another embodiment of the first controller 10. The controller 10 of this embodiment is similar to the controller of the embodiment shown in fig. 1 and 2, except for several aspects described below. A repetitive description hereinafter will be omitted and the same reference numerals will be given to the same or like parts.

The controller 10 of this embodiment further includes a housing 12 having a rectangular shape or a shape similar to the rectangular shape in the longitudinal and lateral directions, and the housing 12 is formed of a lower housing 14 and an upper housing 16. In addition, a grip portion 18 of a size or thickness that can be gripped by one hand is formed at the rear end of the housing 12. Further, the direction switch key 26 is provided on the upper surface 20 of the housing 12 on the opposite side (front end) of the grip portion 18 in the longitudinal direction C1 (fig. 27). Further, in this embodiment, the direction switch key 26 is a so-called cross key, instead of the combination switch key as shown in the embodiment of fig. 1. Further, the a button 42 is provided below (near the trailing end) the cross key, i.e., the direction switch key 26 located at the center of the housing 12 in the width direction. While in the foregoing embodiment the a-button 42 is disposed within the recess 34 of the bottom surface 22 of the chassis 12, in the present embodiment the a-button 42 may be modified to be disposed on the upper surface 20 of the chassis 12. Since the a button 42 is operated more frequently than the B button, this is intended to allow the a button 42 to be quickly and reliably operated by the thumb, as can be understood from fig. 29 described later. The direction switching key 26 and the a button 42 correspond to the first operation portion in this embodiment. Therefore, the direction switching key 26 and the a button 42 are a key top that is pressed in a direction orthogonal to the first plane 20 and a press switching key having a contact point (not shown) that can be acted on by the key top.

In addition, in this embodiment, as can be understood from fig. 27C, the height H1 of the key top of the cross key (i.e., the direction switching key 26) from the first plane 20 is higher than the height H2 of the key top of the a button 42 from the plane 20. That is, the direction switch key 26 is disposed higher than the a button 42. This is intended to prevent the a button 42 from being inadvertently pressed while the cross key (i.e., the direction switching key 26) is operated.

The actuation switch key 30 and the selection switch key 32 are arranged on a straight line in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (width direction), and the menu switch key 86 is arranged therebetween. The menu switching key 86 is used to select a game menu item (e.g., single player game mode, cooperation mode, etc.) executed by the controller 10 and to immediately switch the game mode to a menu to be provided after game start, etc. The center line of the menu switch 86 is aligned with the center line of the a button 42 in the width direction of the housing 12, and the actuation switch 30 and the selection switch 32 are disposed at positions spaced right and left from and at a uniform interval from the menu switch 86 (e.g., the a button 42).

With the above-mentioned button arrangement, for example, when the controller 10 is operated with the right hand, the player does not have to bend the fingers but only slides the thumb placed on the a button 42 to quickly operate the selection switch key 32. In addition, in the case of left-handed operation, the start switch key 30 is a switch key suitable for quick operation in the same manner. Therefore, by changing the key assignment of the selection switch 32 and the activation switch 30 by a software program or the like, a quick operation can be performed regardless of whether the user is left-handed or right-handed.

Further, the menu switch key 86 and the power switch key 24 are provided in a form of being sunk or buried in a hole formed on the upper surface 20 of the housing 12, so that they are not visible as shown in the side view of fig. 27C. Although these switching keys function only at special occasions such as when starting a game, since operating these switching keys during the game causes some inconvenience such as data loss, these switching keys 24, 86 are provided in a recessed structure, and therefore these operating keys are provided in a form that can be intentionally operated at the start of a game but cannot be inadvertently operated during the game.

Further, in the controller 10 of this embodiment, LEDs 821-824 indicating the number of controllers are provided as in the controller of FIG. 23. However, the LEDs 821-824 of the embodiment of FIG. 23 are disposed at one end (the front end) of the chassis 112, whereas in the present embodiment they are disposed at the other end (the rear end) of the chassis 12.

A recess 34 is formed on the lower surface 22 of the housing at a position approximately corresponding to the position of the above-described direction switch 26, on the opposite side of the grip portion 18 in the longitudinal direction. In the foregoing embodiment, the recessed portion 34 has the recess 36 having a plane parallel to the first plane 20, whereas in the present embodiment, the recessed portion 34 has no recess and includes the first slope 38 and the second slope portion 40 having a gentle slope. In addition, the B button 28 is provided at a first inclined surface 38 extending in the direction of the grip portion 18. In addition, the B button 28 is provided at a position corresponding to the direction switching key 26 and the a button 42 forming the first operating portion. Further, the respective positions indicate positions where the B button 28 is close to the direction switching key 26 and the a button 42 when viewed from the upper surface of the housing 12.

Further, in the foregoing embodiment, the a button is provided on the lower surface of the housing, however, the a button 42 in this embodiment is provided at a position that is more easily pressed than the center switch key of the foregoing embodiment. Thus, assuming the button as a frequently used a button and assuming the switching key on the lower surface 22 of the casing as a B button, this makes the button operation more convenient,

further, in this embodiment, the B button 28 corresponds to a second operation portion. The B button thus has a key top pressed in a direction perpendicular to the inclined surface 38 but not perpendicular to the first plane 20, and contacts (not shown) are turned on or off through the key top.

Further, in this embodiment, the inclination angle of the second slope 40 extending toward the front end 52 of the housing 12 with respect to the first plane 20 is set smaller than the inclination angle of the first slope 38 with respect to the first plane 20, as can be understood from fig. 26 and 27C. That is, the second slope 40 has a gentle slope compared to the first slope 38. Thus, by making the second ramp 40 more gradual in slope than the first ramp 38, there is the advantage of making it easier to hold the controller with both hands as shown in FIG. 32, and because the finger can be moved sufficiently in the removal direction, the index finger can be moved away from the B button 28 correctly.

Further, as can be understood from fig. 28, since the layout of the start switch 30, the menu switch 86, and the selection switch 32 is arranged on a horizontal line in this embodiment, the wireless module 70 is arranged on the right side of the cabinet 12 in the width direction. In addition, compared to the foregoing embodiment, the power supply switching key 24 is provided on the left side of the chassis 12 of the substrate 64 in the width direction, and the antenna pattern 72 is provided on the front end on the right side of the substrate 64 in the width direction. As described above, by providing the antenna pattern 72 at the front end on the right side of the housing 12 in the width direction, there is an advantage that even in the case of holding with both hands as shown in fig. 32, weak radio wave emission from the antenna 72 is not affected by the hand holding the housing 12 (i.e., the controller 10), that is, the antenna pattern 72 is provided on the side opposite to the hand holding the controller 10 in the width direction of the housing 12.

Further, in the embodiment of fig. 26-28, the switch key disposed in the recess 34 on the lower surface of the housing 12 is the B button 28. Alternatively, the B button 28 may be replaced with an operation device having a Z button function. In addition, the Z button can be used as a trigger switch, for example, in a shooting game, and can also be operated when a non-player object is aimed by a player object (so-called Z-aim feature).

Fig. 29 and 30 show a state in which the controller 10 of the above-described structure is held by a hand of a game player. Referring to these drawings, the palm 62P of the player's right hand 62 and the balls of the middle finger 62c, ring finger 62d, and little finger 62e grip the grip portion 18 of the housing 12 in such a manner as to slightly wrap the grip portion 18. In this state, the thumb 62a of the hand 62 is placed on the direction switch 26, and the index finger 62b is placed in the recessed portion 34 of the lower housing 14. Specifically, the direction switch key 26 is provided at a position that can be reached by the thumb at 62 holding the housing 12, i.e., at a position that can be operated by the thumb 62 a. The B button 28 is disposed at a position reached by the index finger 62B of the hand 62 holding the casing 12, i.e., at a position operable by the index finger 62B. Therefore, the player can operate the direction switching key 26 with the thumb 62a and the 8-button 28 with the index finger 62b while holding the casing 12 with the hand 62. More specifically, the index finger 62b of the hand 62 is positioned to come into contact with the surface of the second slope 40 having a gentle inclination in the front end direction of the above-described concave portion 34 formed in the lower case 14. By bending the index finger 62B toward him/her in that state (rightward in fig. 29), the user can press the key top of the B-button 28 with the ball of the index finger 62B in a direction perpendicular to the proximal slope 38 of the recessed portion 34. Further, in the case of the present embodiment, the a button 42 is operated by the thumb 62a of one hand 62 just like the direction switching key 26, which can be seen particularly from fig. 29. That is, in this embodiment, the direction switching key 26 can be operated by extending the thumb 62a and the a button 42 can be operated by bending the thumb 62 a. As a result, the direction switching key 26 and the a button 42 can be operated by the thumb 62 a. Therefore, the thumb 62a may also be placed on the a button 42 in the operation waiting state (rest state) instead of the direction switching key 26.

Fig. 29 shows a state where the 8-button (or Z-button 28) is pressed with the index finger 62 b. When it is not necessary to press the B button 28, the index finger 62B (or the middle finger 62c) may be moved away from the B button 28. More specifically, by placing the index finger 62B (or the middle finger 62c) on the second slope 40 of the concave portion 34, the index finger 62B (the middle finger 62c) can be stably placed in a state of being separated from the B button 28. Therefore, depending on whether the B button (or Z button) 28 is pressed, there is no need to change the state of holding the casing 12 (to pass the casing 12 from one hand to the other).

As described above, the controller 10 of the present embodiment makes it easy to operate the first operating portion (the direction switching key 26 and the a button 42 in this embodiment) and the second operating portion (the a button 42 in this embodiment) while holding the controller 10 with one hand. That is, in the controller 10 of this embodiment, it is expected that the operation portions are operated in a smooth manner while the controller 10 is held with one hand, which produces an excellent effect of allowing a game to be played or other purposes with the other hand and enabling smooth operation with both hands. Fig. 32 shows a state of being held by both hands. In addition, in this embodiment, the push button 42 is provided on the grip portion near the direction switching key 26. Further, the B button 28 is provided on the back of the area in which the direction switching key 26 and the a button 42 are provided (in other words, immediately later of the back of the direction switching key 26), which makes it easy to smoothly operate the a button 42 and the B button with one hand. Further, as described above, since the direction switching key 26 is at a higher position than the a button 42, the a button is difficult to be pressed by mistake.

In the case of being held 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 the same time, due to the commonality between the right and left hands, the controller 10 (i.e., the housing 12) is held in a manner that the upper surface 20 (FIG. 27) is constrained by the thumbs 62a, 63a and the bottom surface 22 (FIG. 27) is supported on both sides by the index fingers 62b, 63 b. Therefore, the direction switching key 26 and the a button 42 can be operated with the ball of the thumb 63a of the left hand 63, while the B button 28 (fig. 26 and 27) can be operated with the tip of the index finger 63B of the left hand. In addition, the X button 44 and the Y button 46 are operated by the thumb of the right hand 62.

However, when the user is held by both hands, the manner of holding the controller and operating the operation switching keys and the operation buttons by the hand and fingers is not limited to the example of fig. 32. The a button 42 can be operated, for example, by extending the thumb 62a of the right hand 62 or the like. Further, holding in the manner shown in fig. 32 can prevent radio transmission through the antenna 72 (fig. 28) from being affected by the holding hand.

Although the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail, it is to be 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.

Claims (20)

1. A game operating apparatus, comprising:

a longitudinal housing;

a first operating portion provided on a first plane of the housing in a longitudinal direction at one end in the longitudinal direction;

a second operation portion provided on a second plane opposite to the first plane at a position corresponding to the first operation portion;

a grip portion formed from the second operating portion toward the other end in the longitudinal direction.

2. A game-operating device according to claim 1,

the housing has a thickness capable of being held by one hand;

the second operating portion is disposed at a position that can be reached by an index finger of the one hand when a thumb of the one hand is placed on the first operating portion;

the holding portion is formed at a position capable of being held by the palm and other fingers of the one hand when the thumb is placed on the first operating portion and the index finger is placed on the second operating portion.

3. The game operating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,

the first operating portion and the second operating portion are disposed at positions corresponding to each other on the first plane and the second plane, respectively.

4. A game-operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

the first operating part is a direction switching key including a plurality of switching contacts arranged in a polygonal shape and a single key top or a plurality of key tops for turning on/off the switching contacts;

the second operation portion is at least one operation switching key including a switching contact and a key top for turning on/off the switching contact.

5. A game-operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

the key top in the first operation part is disposed so that the pressing direction is perpendicular to the first plane;

the key top in the second operation part is disposed such that a pressing direction is toward the grip part and is not perpendicular to the first plane.

6. A game-operating device according to any one of claims 2 to 5,

the second operating portion is at least one operating switching key including a switching contact and a key top for turning on/off the switching contact,

when the index finger is bent, the key item is pressed in the direction of the grip portion.

7. A game-operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,

further comprising a recess formed in the housing, the second operating portion being disposed in the recess.

8. A game-operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,

further comprising:

position and/or posture determining means provided in the holding portion for detecting at least one of a position and a posture of the housing; and

and an output device that outputs information of the position and/or orientation detected by the position and/or orientation determination device in the form of an operation signal together with an operation signal from at least one of the first operation portion and the second operation portion.

9. A game-operating device according to claim 8,

the position and/or attitude determination means comprises at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyroscope sensor.

10. A game-operating device according to any one of claims 4 to 9,

the first operating part further includes a push switch key including a switch contact and a key top for turning on/off the switch contact, which are separated from the switch contact and the key top of the direction switch key,

the pressing switch key is provided on the first plane of the grip portion in the vicinity of the direction switch key.

11. A game-operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,

and a power switching key and/or a menu switching key provided in a form of being sunk or buried in a hole formed on the housing.

12. A game-operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 11,

and an image forming device provided at the one end of the housing so as to be capable of forming an image in the longitudinal direction.

13. The game-operating apparatus of claim 12,

the imaging device can shoot an image containing infrared rays, so that the position information of a transmitting source which emits the infrared rays in the image is acquired.

14. A game-operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 13,

the portable electronic device further comprises a vibrator arranged in the shell and corresponding to the holding part.

15. A game-operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 14,

the portable electronic device further comprises a battery arranged in the shell at a position corresponding to the holding part.

16. A game-operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 15,

the game system also comprises a wireless module, so that game operation is carried out in a wireless control mode.

17. A game-operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 16,

the wireless module is arranged on the right side of the width direction of the machine shell.

18. A game-operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 17,

the button is arranged on the first plane and positioned on the holding part.

19. A game-operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 18,

also included are a plurality of LEDs for identifying from a plurality of game operating devices.

20. A game-operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 19,

and the connector is also used for connecting other controllers or adapters.