JP7792476B2 - 3D image display system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a stereoscopic image display system having a display unit capable of displaying a stereoscopic image.

Conventionally, there are stereoscopic image display devices that display a stereoscopic image by having a user observe two images with parallax with each eye (see, for example, Patent Document 1). For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a device in which a user can view a stereoscopic image displayed on a stereoscopic image display device by looking into the device itself, which is placed on a desk or the like.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-191463

However, because the stereoscopic image display device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is designed to be placed on a desk or other surface, users are required to always look into the stereoscopic image display device, forcing them into a playing style that restricts head movement.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a stereoscopic image display system that allows a user to view stereoscopic images in a variety of styles.

In order to achieve the above objectives, the present invention may employ the following configurations, for example. It should be understood that when interpreting the claims, the scope of the invention should be interpreted solely in accordance with the claims, and in the event of a conflict between the claims and this section, the claims shall take precedence.

One example configuration of a stereoscopic image display system of the present invention includes a portable main unit that displays a stereoscopic image, and an auxiliary device that assists the user in viewing the stereoscopic image. The auxiliary device has an engagement portion and a contact portion. The engagement portion detachably engages with the main unit. The contact portion contacts a part of the user's face when viewing the stereoscopic image. The main unit has a display portion, a first grip portion, and a second grip portion. The display portion displays a stereoscopic image consisting of a left-eye image and a right-eye image that have parallax between them. The first grip portion is held in the left hand of a user viewing the stereoscopic image, with the contact portion contacting a part of the face. The second grip portion is held in the right hand of a user viewing the stereoscopic image, with the contact portion contacting a part of the face.

As described above, by engaging the auxiliary device with the main device, a portable stereoscopic image display system can be constructed that the user can hold and view stereoscopic images. When viewing stereoscopic images from the stereoscopic image display system, the user can hold the gripping parts (first gripping part and second gripping part) provided on the main device rather than the auxiliary device, allowing for a stable posture and a variety of viewing styles.

Furthermore, when the main device is engaged with the auxiliary device, the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion may be positioned forward of the abutment portion and on the left and right sides of the auxiliary device, respectively, as viewed by the user viewing the stereoscopic image.

As a result of the above, the stereoscopic image display system can be held stably because it is supported by the left and right sides of the display unit and the contact portions in front of the display unit.

The contact portion may also include a light-shielding portion that blocks at least a portion of external light from reaching the eyes of a user viewing a stereoscopic image while the contact portion is in contact with a part of the face.

This improves the sense of immersion felt by users viewing a stereoscopic image displayed on the display unit.

Furthermore, at least a portion of the contact portion that comes into contact with the face of a user viewing a stereoscopic image may be deformed to make contact.

The above makes it possible to create a stereoscopic image display system that easily fits tightly against the user's face and causes little discomfort due to the tight contact area.

Furthermore, at least the surface of the contact portion may be made of a fibrous material.

This reduces irritation to the user's skin when it comes into contact with the device.

Furthermore, at least the interior of the contact portion may be made of a foam material or an elastic material.

The above ensures flexibility, is easy to deform when in contact, fits snugly against the user's face, and can absorb variations in the shape of the user it comes into contact with.

The auxiliary device may also include a fixing portion for fixing the contact portion. The auxiliary device may be removably fixed by the fixing portion of the auxiliary device.

As a result of the above, the contact part can be replaced to suit the user's preferences and facial shape.

The abutment portion may be configured by bending a plate-shaped member having a first main surface and a second main surface opposite the first main surface and being fixed to the fixed portion. The abutment portion may be fixable to the fixed portion by bending the plate-shaped member with the first main surface facing outward, or may be fixable to the fixed portion by bending the plate-shaped member with the second main surface facing outward.

As described above, the contact member has a reversible function, allowing you to choose the front or back of the contact part to suit your playing style and preferences.

The engagement portion may also include a first locking portion that restricts movement of the main device relative to the auxiliary device in the left-right direction of the user's viewing direction in which the stereoscopic image is viewed.

This allows the auxiliary device to be stably engaged with the main device.

The engagement portion may also include a second locking portion that restricts movement of the main device relative to the auxiliary device in the vertical direction of the user's viewing direction of the stereoscopic image.

This allows the auxiliary device to be stably engaged with the main device.

The auxiliary device may further include a left-eye lens for viewing the left-eye image displayed on the display unit, and a right-eye lens for viewing the right-eye image displayed on the display unit.

As described above, a user can view a stereoscopic image by viewing the left eye image with their left eye and the right eye image with their right eye through the left and right lenses.

The auxiliary device may also engage with the main device by covering at least a portion of the display unit and exposing at least the first and second gripping portions.

As a result of the above, the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion are exposed to the outside, making it easier for the user to grip.

The main device may further include a left speaker that outputs left audio corresponding to the stereoscopic image displayed on the display unit, and a right speaker that outputs right audio corresponding to the stereoscopic image displayed on the display unit. The auxiliary device may be attached to the main device with at least the left and right speakers exposed.

As a result of the above, audio can be output from the speakers without being obstructed. Furthermore, because the user views the 3D image displayed on the main device while placing their face against the auxiliary device, the positional relationship between the speakers and the user's ears is fixed, making it possible to output audio based on the positional relationship between the speakers and the user's ears.

Furthermore, the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion may each be detachable from the main body on which the display unit of the main device is provided.

The above will allow for even more varied play styles.

The first gripping unit and the second gripping unit may each include an operation unit operated by the user. The main body on which the display unit is provided, the first gripping unit, and the second gripping unit may each include a wireless communication unit. In this case, when the first gripping unit is detached from the main body on which the display unit is provided, operation data indicating an operation on the operation unit of the first gripping unit may be transmitted from the wireless communication unit of the first gripping unit to the wireless communication unit of the main body. When the second gripping unit is detached from the main body on which the display unit is provided, operation data indicating an operation on the operation unit of the second gripping unit may be transmitted from the wireless communication unit of the second gripping unit to the wireless communication unit of the main body.

As described above, since the first gripping unit and the second gripping unit are each provided with an operation unit, a stereoscopic image can be viewed while operating the operation unit. Furthermore, since the gripping units on which the operation units are provided can be detached from the main unit, an even greater variety of play styles becomes possible. Furthermore, since each operation unit can utilize a device provided on the main unit, there is no need to provide new operation unit functions to the auxiliary device, and existing devices can be used efficiently.

The first gripping unit and the second gripping unit may each include an operation unit operated by the user. The main body provided with the display unit and the first gripping unit may each include a first connection unit that electrically connects the first gripping unit to the main body when the first gripping unit is attached to the main body. The main body provided with the display unit and the second gripping unit may each include a second connection unit that electrically connects the second gripping unit to the main body when the second gripping unit is attached to the main body. In this case, when the first gripping unit is attached to a main body provided with a display unit, it may transmit operation data indicating an operation performed on the operation unit of the first gripping unit to the main body via the first connection unit. When the second gripping unit is attached to a main body provided with a display unit, it may transmit operation data indicating an operation performed on the operation unit of the second gripping unit to the main body via the second connection unit.

As described above, since the first gripping unit and the second gripping unit each have an operation unit, a stereoscopic image can be viewed while operating the operation unit. Furthermore, since each operation unit can utilize a device provided in the main unit, there is no need to provide new operation unit functions in the auxiliary device, and existing devices can be used efficiently.

The engagement portion may also include an upper surface engagement portion and a lower surface engagement portion. The upper surface engagement portion can abut against the upper surface of the main device when engaged with the main device to restrict upward movement of the main device relative to the auxiliary device. The lower surface engagement portion can abut against the lower surface of the main device when engaged with the main device to restrict downward movement of the main device relative to the auxiliary device. The area over which the lower surface engagement portion can abut against the lower surface of the main device when engaged with the main device may be smaller than the area over which the upper surface engagement portion can abut against the upper surface of the main device.

As a result of the above, material can be saved by reducing the size of the lower engaging portion relative to the upper engaging portion that supports the auxiliary device itself.

An example configuration of a stereoscopic image display device of the present invention displays a stereoscopic image. The stereoscopic image display device includes a contact portion, a display portion, a first grip portion, and a second grip portion. The contact portion contacts a part of the face of a user viewing a stereoscopic image. The display portion displays a stereoscopic image consisting of a left-eye image and a right-eye image with parallax between them. The first grip portion is held in the left hand of a user viewing the stereoscopic image with the contact portion in contact with a part of the face. The second grip portion is held in the right hand of a user viewing the stereoscopic image with the contact portion in contact with a part of the face. At least one of the first grip portion and the second grip portion includes an operation portion operated by the user.

As described above, when viewing a stereoscopic image displayed on a stereoscopic image display device, a play style in which the gripping parts (first gripping part and second gripping part) are held is possible, allowing the stereoscopic image to be viewed in a stable posture and in a variety of styles. Furthermore, because the first gripping part and/or the second gripping part are provided with an operating part, the stereoscopic image can be viewed while operating the operating part.

Furthermore, both the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion may each include an operating portion.

As a result of the above, since operation units are provided on both the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion, a wide variety of operations can be performed using the operation units.

The operation unit may also include a direction input unit that allows a user viewing a stereoscopic image to input a direction.

The above makes it possible to perform directional input operations while viewing a 3D image.

Furthermore, the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion may be positioned forward of the contact portion and on the left and right of the contact portion, respectively, when viewed by a user viewing a stereoscopic image.

As a result of the above, the 3D image display device can be held stably because it is supported by the left and right sides of the display unit and the contact portions in front of the display unit.

The contact portion may also include a light-shielding portion that blocks at least a portion of external light from reaching the eyes of a user viewing a stereoscopic image while the contact portion is in contact with a part of the face.

This improves the sense of immersion felt by users viewing a stereoscopic image displayed on the display unit.

Furthermore, at least a portion of the contact portion that comes into contact with the face of a user viewing a stereoscopic image may be deformed to make contact.

The above makes it possible to create a stereoscopic image display system that easily fits tightly against the user's face and causes little discomfort due to the tight contact area.

Furthermore, at least the surface of the contact portion may be made of a fibrous material.

This reduces irritation to the user's skin when it comes into contact with the device.

Furthermore, at least the interior of the contact portion may be made of a foam material or an elastic material.

The above ensures flexibility, is easy to deform when in contact, fits snugly against the user's face, and can absorb variations in the shape of the user it comes into contact with.

The device may further include a fixing portion for fixing the contact portion. The contact portion may be detachably fixed by a fixing portion of the stereoscopic image display device.

As a result of the above, the contact part can be replaced to suit the user's preferences and facial shape.

The device may also include a left-eye lens for viewing the left-eye image displayed on the display unit, and a right-eye lens for viewing the right-eye image displayed on the display unit.

As described above, a user can view a stereoscopic image by viewing the left eye image with their left eye and the right eye image with their right eye through the left and right lenses.

According to the present invention, auxiliary equipment and a stereoscopic image display system can be realized with a simple configuration.

A diagram showing the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 attached to the main body 2. FIG. 10 shows an example of a state in which the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are detached from the main body 2. Six-sided views showing an example of the main body 2 Six-sided diagram showing an example of the left controller 3 Six-sided diagram showing an example of the right controller 4 A block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the main body 2. A block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the main body 2, left controller 3, and right controller 4. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the external appearance of an auxiliary device 100. FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a state in which the main device 1 and the auxiliary device 100 are engaged with each other; FIG. 10 is a side view showing an example of a state in which the main device 1 and the auxiliary device 100 are engaged with each other. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a stereoscopic image display system. FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of the appearance of a stereoscopic image display system; FIG. 1 is a side view showing an example of the appearance of a stereoscopic image display system; FIG. 1 is a rear view showing an example of a user viewing a stereoscopic image display system. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a user viewing a stereoscopic image display system. FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a state in which a user holds a stereoscopic image display system; FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of a shoulder portion 101a. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of a shoulder portion 101b. 1 is a bottom perspective view showing an example of bottom hooks 101c and 101d. FIG. 1 is a top perspective view showing an example of bottom hooks 101c and 101d. 1A and 1B are a bottom view and a development view showing an example of a contact member 104L; 1A and 1B are a bottom view and a development view showing an example of a contact member 104S; A development view showing an example of a contact member 104 provided with a hook-and-loop fastener 104t.

A stereoscopic image display system according to one example of this embodiment will now be described. This example of a stereoscopic image display system according to this embodiment is composed of a main unit 1 and an auxiliary device 100. The main unit 1 is composed of a main unit (information processing device; in the stereoscopic image display system according to this embodiment, it functions as the main unit) 2, a left controller 3, and a right controller 4. The left controller 3 and right controller 4 are detachable from the main unit 2. The left controller 3 and right controller 4 can be attached to the main unit 2 and used as an integrated device, or the main unit 2, left controller 3, and right controller 4 can be used separately (see FIG. 2). The main unit 1 can be used in two ways: to display images on the main unit 2, or to display images on another display device such as a television (e.g., a stationary monitor). In the former mode, the main unit 1 can be used as a portable device (e.g., a portable game console). In the latter mode, the main unit 1 can be used as a stationary device (e.g., a stationary game console).

1 is a diagram showing the left controller 3 and right controller 4 attached to the main unit 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the left controller 3 and right controller 4 are attached to and integrated with the main unit 2. The main unit 2 is a device that executes various processes (e.g., game processes) on the main unit 1. The main unit 2 is equipped with a display 12. The left controller 3 and right controller 4 are devices equipped with operation units through which the user performs input. Note that even when the left controller 3 and right controller 4 are attached to and integrated with the main unit 2, recesses are formed on the upper left surface where the left controller 3 and the main unit 2 are joined, and on the upper right surface where the right controller 4 and the main unit 2 are joined, exposing part of the side surface of the main unit 2. The exposed side surfaces of the main unit 2 in these recesses abut against shoulders 101a and 101b, respectively, of an engagement member 101 of the auxiliary device 100 (described later), and function as left and right engagement surfaces.

Figure 2 shows an example of the state in which the left controller 3 and right controller 4 have been removed from the main unit 2. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the left controller 3 and right controller 4 are detachable from the main unit 2. The left controller 3 can be attached to the left side of the main unit 2 (the side facing the positive x-axis in Figure 1) and can be attached to and detached from the main unit 2 by sliding it along the left side of the main unit 2 in the y-axis direction in Figure 1. The right controller 4 can be attached to the right side of the main unit 2 (the side facing the negative x-axis in Figure 1) and can be attached to and detached from the main unit 2 by sliding it along the right side of the main unit 2 in the y-axis direction in Figure 1. Note that hereinafter, the left controller 3 and right controller 4 may be collectively referred to as "controllers." In this embodiment, the "control device" operated by a single user may be one controller (for example, either the left controller 3 or the right controller 4) or multiple controllers (for example, both the left controller 3 and the right controller 4, or may further include other controllers), and the "control device" can be made up of one or more controllers. Furthermore, the left controller 3 and/or right controller 4 detached from the main unit 2 can also function as game controllers, in which case the main unit 2 functions as the game device main unit. Below, an example of a specific configuration of the main unit 2, left controller 3, and right controller 4 is described.

Figure 3 is a six-sided view showing an example of the main body 2. As shown in Figure 3, the main body 2 includes a substantially plate-shaped housing 11. In this embodiment, the main surface of the housing 11 (in other words, the front surface, i.e., the surface on which the display 12 is provided) is generally rectangular. In this embodiment, the housing 11 is assumed to be horizontally long. That is, in this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the main surface of the housing 11 (i.e., the x-axis direction shown in Figure 1) is referred to as the horizontal direction (also referred to as the left-right direction), the lateral direction of the main surface (i.e., the y-axis direction shown in Figure 1) is referred to as the vertical direction (also referred to as the up-down direction), and the direction perpendicular to the main surface (i.e., the z-axis direction shown in Figure 1) is referred to as the depth direction (also referred to as the front-back direction). The main body 2 can be used in a horizontal orientation. It can also be used in a vertical orientation. In this case, the housing 11 can be considered to be vertically long.

The shape and size of the housing 11 are arbitrary. As an example, the housing 11 may be of a portable size. The main unit 2 alone, or an integrated device in which the left controller 3 and right controller 4 are attached to the main unit 2, may be a portable device. The main unit 2 or the integrated device may be a handheld device. The main unit 2 or the integrated device may be a portable device.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the main body 2 includes a display 12 provided on the main surface of the housing 11. The display 12 displays images (which may be still images or videos) acquired or generated by the main body 2. Furthermore, when the main body 1 is incorporated into a stereoscopic image display system (described below), the display 12 displays a stereoscopically visible image (stereoscopic image). Specifically, a stereoscopic image is displayed by displaying a left-eye image and a right-eye image with parallax on the left and right screens of the display 12, respectively. The display 12 can display a stereoscopic image that gives the user a sense of depth by allowing the user to view the left-eye image in their left eye and the right-eye image in their right eye, respectively. In this embodiment, the display 12 is a liquid crystal display (LCD). However, the display 12 may be any type of display device.

The main body 2 also has a touch panel 13 on the screen of the display 12. In this embodiment, the touch panel 13 is of a type that allows multi-touch input (e.g., a capacitive type). However, the touch panel 13 may be of any type, and may, for example, be of a type that allows single-touch input (e.g., a resistive type).

The main body 2 is equipped with stereo speakers (i.e., a left speaker 88L and a right speaker 88R shown in FIG. 6) inside the housing 11. As shown in FIG. 3, speaker holes 11a and 11b are formed on the main surface of the housing 11. The output sound of the left speaker 88L is output from speaker hole 11a, and the output sound of the right speaker 88R is output from speaker hole 11b.

As shown in FIG. 3, the main body 2 is equipped with a left rail member 15 on the left side surface of the housing 11. The left rail member 15 is a member for removably attaching the left controller 3 to the main body 2. The left rail member 15 is provided on the left side surface of the housing 11 so as to extend in the vertical direction. The left rail member 15 has a shape that allows it to engage with the slider of the left controller 3 (i.e., the slider 40 shown in FIG. 4), and the left rail member 15 and the slider 40 form a sliding mechanism. This sliding mechanism allows the left controller 3 to be slidably and detachably attached to the main body 2.

The main body 2 also includes a left side terminal 17. The left side terminal 17 is a terminal that allows the main body 2 to communicate with the left controller 3 via a wire. The left side terminal 17 is located in a position that will come into contact with a terminal of the left controller 3 (terminal 42 shown in FIG. 4) when the left controller 3 is attached to the main body 2. The specific position of the left side terminal 17 is arbitrary. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the left side terminal 17 is located on the bottom surface of the left rail member 15. In this embodiment, the left side terminal 17 is located near the lower end of the bottom surface of the left rail member 15, and is positioned so that it is not exposed to the outside by a part of the left rail member 15.

As shown in FIG. 3, the right side of the housing 11 is provided with a configuration similar to that provided on the left side. That is, the main body 2 is provided with a right rail member 19 on the right side of the housing 11. The right rail member 19 is provided on the right side of the housing 11 so as to extend in the vertical direction. The right rail member 19 has a shape that allows it to engage with the slider of the right controller 4 (i.e., the slider 62 shown in FIG. 5), and the right rail member 19 and the slider 62 form a slide mechanism. This slide mechanism allows the right controller 4 to be slidably and detachably attached to the main body 2.

The main body 2 also includes a right-side terminal 21. The right-side terminal 21 is a terminal that allows the main body 2 to communicate with the right controller 4 via a wire. The right-side terminal 21 is located in a position that makes contact with a terminal on the right controller 4 (terminal 64 shown in FIG. 5 ) when the right controller 4 is attached to the main body 2. The specific location of the right-side terminal 21 is arbitrary. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 , the right-side terminal 21 is located on the bottom surface of the right rail member 19. In this embodiment, the right-side terminal 21 is located near the lower end of the bottom surface of the right rail member 19, and is positioned so that it is not exposed to the outside by a part of the right rail member 19.

As shown in FIG. 3, the main body 2 includes a first slot 23. The first slot 23 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 11. The first slot 23 has a shape that allows a first type of storage medium to be attached. The first type of storage medium is, for example, a storage medium (e.g., a dedicated memory card) dedicated to an information processing system and the same type of information processing device. The first type of storage medium is used, for example, to store data used by the main body 2 (e.g., application save data, etc.) and/or programs executed by the main body 2 (e.g., application programs, etc.). The main body 2 also includes a power button 28. As shown in FIG. 3, the power button 28 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 11. The power button 28 is a button for turning the power of the main body 2 on and off.

The main body 2 is equipped with an audio input/output terminal (specifically, an earphone jack) 25. That is, a microphone or earphones can be attached to the audio input/output terminal 25 of the main body 2. As shown in FIG. 3 , the audio input/output terminal 25 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 11.

The main body 2 is equipped with volume buttons 26a and 26b. As shown in FIG. 3, the volume buttons 26a and 26b are provided on the upper surface of the housing 11. The volume buttons 26a and 26b are buttons for issuing instructions to adjust the volume output by the main body 2. That is, the volume button 26a is a button for issuing an instruction to lower the volume, and the volume button 26b is a button for issuing an instruction to increase the volume.

The housing 11 also has an exhaust hole 11c. As shown in Figure 3, the exhaust hole 11c is formed on the upper side of the housing 11. The exhaust hole 11c is formed to exhaust (in other words, release) heat generated inside the housing 11 to the outside of the housing 11. In other words, the exhaust hole 11c can also be considered a heat exhaust hole.

The main unit 2 includes a lower terminal 27. The lower terminal 27 is a terminal through which the main unit 2 communicates with the cradle. As shown in FIG. 3 , the lower terminal 27 is provided on the lower surface of the housing 11. When the main unit 2 is attached to the cradle, the lower terminal 27 is connected to the terminal of the cradle. In this embodiment, the lower terminal 27 is a USB connector (more specifically, a female connector). The cradle can accommodate only the main unit 2 with the left controller 3 and right controller 4 detached from the main unit 2. As another example, the cradle can also accommodate an all-in-one device with the left controller 3 and right controller 4 attached to the main unit 2. The cradle can communicate with a stationary monitor (e.g., a stationary television), which is an example of an external display device separate from the main unit 2 (either via wired or wireless communication). When the all-in-one device or the main unit 2 alone is placed in the cradle, the information processing system can display images acquired or generated by the main unit 2 on the stationary monitor. In this embodiment, the cradle also functions to charge the all-in-one device or the main unit 2 placed on it. The cradle also functions as a hub device (specifically, a USB hub).

The main body 2 also includes a second slot 24. In this embodiment, the second slot 24 is provided on the underside of the housing 11. However, in other embodiments, the second slot 24 may be provided on the same surface as the first slot 23. The second slot 24 has a shape that allows a second type of storage medium different from the first type to be attached. The second type of storage medium may be, for example, a general-purpose storage medium. For example, the second type of storage medium may be an SD card. Like the first type of storage medium, the second type of storage medium is used, for example, to store data used by the main body 2 (e.g., application save data, etc.) and/or programs executed by the main body 2 (e.g., application programs, etc.).

The housing 11 also has an intake hole 11d. As shown in FIG. 3, the intake hole 11d is formed on the underside of the housing 11. The intake hole 11d is formed to draw (in other words, introduce) air from outside the housing 11 into the interior of the housing 11. In this embodiment, the intake hole 11d is formed on the surface opposite the surface on which the exhaust hole 11c is formed, allowing for efficient heat dissipation from inside the housing 11.

The shape, number, and installation location of each of the components (specifically, buttons, slots, terminals, etc.) provided on the housing 11 as described above are optional. For example, in other embodiments, the power button 28 and some of the slots 23 and 24 may be provided on other sides or the back of the housing 11. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the main body 2 may be configured without some of the above components.

Figure 4 is a six-sided view showing an example of the left controller 3. As shown in Figure 4, the left controller 3 includes a housing 31. In this embodiment, the housing 31 is generally plate-shaped. The main surface of the housing 31 (in other words, the front surface, i.e., the surface on the negative z-axis side shown in Figure 1) is generally rectangular. In this embodiment, the housing 31 is vertically long, that is, long in the up-down direction (i.e., the y-axis direction shown in Figure 1). The left controller 3 can also be held in a vertical orientation when detached from the main unit 2. The housing 31 has a shape and size that allows it to be held in one hand, particularly the left hand, when held in a vertical orientation. The left controller 3 can also be held in a horizontal orientation. When the left controller 3 is held in a horizontal orientation, it may be held with both hands. The shape of the housing 31 is arbitrary, and in other embodiments, the housing 31 does not have to be generally plate-shaped. Furthermore, the housing 31 does not have to be rectangular, and may be, for example, semicircular. Furthermore, the housing 31 does not have to be vertically elongated.

The vertical length of the housing 31 is approximately the same as the vertical length of the housing 11 of the main unit 2. Furthermore, the thickness of the housing 31 (i.e., the length in the front-to-rear direction, in other words, the length in the z-axis direction shown in Figure 1) is approximately the same as the thickness of the housing 11 of the main unit 2. Therefore, when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2 (see Figure 1), the user can hold the main unit 2 and left controller 3 as if they were a single device.

Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the left corner of the main surface of the housing 31 is more rounded than the right corner. That is, the connection between the upper and left sides of the housing 31 and the connection between the lower and left sides of the housing 31 are more rounded than the connection between the upper and right sides and the connection between the lower and right sides (in other words, the radius of the chamfer is larger). Therefore, when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2 (see FIG. 1), the left side of the integrated device has a rounded shape, making it easier for the user to hold.

The left controller 3 is equipped with an analog stick 32. As shown in FIG. 4 , the analog stick 32 is provided on the main surface of the housing 31. The analog stick 32 is an example of a directional input unit capable of inputting directions. The analog stick 32 has a stick member that can be tilted in all directions parallel to the main surface of the housing 31 (i.e., 360°, including up, down, left, right, and diagonal directions). By tilting the stick member, the user can input a direction corresponding to the tilt direction (and an input magnitude corresponding to the tilt angle). The directional input unit may also be a cross key or a slide stick. In this embodiment, an input can be made by pressing the stick member (perpendicular to the housing 31). In other words, the analog stick 32 is an input unit that can input a direction and magnitude corresponding to the tilt direction and tilt amount of the stick member, and can also input by pressing the stick member.

The left controller 3 has four operation buttons 33-36 (specifically, the right button 33, the down button 34, the up button 35, and the left button 36). As shown in FIG. 4, these four operation buttons 33-36 are located below the analog stick 32 on the main surface of the housing 31. In this embodiment, the main surface of the left controller 3 is provided with four operation buttons, but the number of operation buttons is arbitrary. These operation buttons 33-36 are used to issue instructions in accordance with various programs (e.g., OS programs and application programs) executed on the main unit 2. In this embodiment, the operation buttons 33-36 may also be used to input directions, and therefore are referred to as the right button 33, the down button 34, the up button 35, and the left button 36. However, the operation buttons 33-36 may also be used to issue instructions other than directional input.

The left controller 3 also has a record button 37. As shown in FIG. 4 , the record button 37 is located on the main surface of the housing 31, more specifically, in the lower right area of the main surface. The record button 37 is a button used to issue a command to save an image displayed on the display 12 of the main unit 2. For example, when a game image is displayed on the display 12, the user can press the record button 37 to save the game image displayed at the time the button was pressed to, for example, a memory unit of the main unit 2.

The left controller 3 also has a - (minus) button 47. As shown in FIG. 4, the - button 47 is located on the main surface of the housing 31, more specifically, in the upper right region of the main surface. The - button 47 is used to issue instructions in accordance with various programs (e.g., OS programs and application programs) executed on the main unit 2. The - button 47 is used, for example, as a select button in a game application (e.g., a button used to switch between selection items).

When the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, the operation units provided on the main surface of the left controller 3 (specifically, the analog stick 32 and the above-mentioned buttons 33-37, 47) are operated by, for example, the thumb of the left hand of the user holding the integrated device. Furthermore, when the left controller 3 is detached from the main unit 2 and held sideways with both hands, the above-mentioned operation units are operated by, for example, the thumbs of the left and right hands of the user holding the left controller 3. Specifically, in this case, the analog stick 32 is operated by the thumb of the user's left hand, and the operation buttons 33-36 are operated by the thumb of the user's right hand.

The left controller 3 is equipped with a first L button 38. The left controller 3 also has a ZL button 39. Like the operation buttons 33 to 36, these operation buttons 38 and 39 are used to issue instructions in accordance with the various programs executed on the main unit 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the first L button 38 is provided in the upper left portion of the side of the housing 31. The ZL button 39 is provided in the upper left portion extending from the side to the back of the housing 31 (strictly speaking, the upper left portion when the housing 31 is viewed from the front). In other words, the ZL button 39 is provided behind the first L button 38 (the positive z-axis side shown in FIG. 1). In this embodiment, since the upper left portion of the housing 31 has a rounded shape, the first L button 38 and the ZL button 39 have rounded shapes that correspond to the roundness of the upper left portion of the housing 31. When the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, the first L button 38 and ZL button 39 are located in the upper left part of the integrated device.

The left controller 3 is equipped with the slider 40 described above. As shown in FIG. 4 , the slider 40 is provided on the right side surface of the housing 31, extending in the vertical direction. The slider 40 has a shape that allows it to engage with the left rail member 15 of the main body 2 (more specifically, the groove of the left rail member 15). Therefore, when the slider 40 engages with the left rail member 15, it is fixed and cannot be removed in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction (in other words, the direction in which the left rail member 15 extends).

The left controller 3 also has a terminal 42 that enables the left controller 3 to communicate with the main unit 2 via a wire. The terminal 42 is located in a position that will come into contact with the left terminal 17 (Figure 3) of the main unit 2 when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2. The specific location of the terminal 42 is arbitrary. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the terminal 42 is located in a position that is not exposed to the outside due to the attachment surface of the slider 40. In this embodiment, the terminal 42 is located near the lower end of the attachment surface of the slider 40.

The left controller 3 also has a second L button 43 and a second R button 44. Like the other operation buttons 33 to 36, these buttons 43 and 44 are used to issue instructions in accordance with the various programs executed on the main unit 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the second L button 43 and the second R button 44 are provided on the mounting surface of the slider 40. The second L button 43 is provided above the center in the up-down direction (the y-axis direction shown in FIG. 1) on the mounting surface of the slider 40. The second R button 44 is provided below the center in the up-down direction on the mounting surface of the slider 40. The second L button 43 and the second R button 44 are located in positions that cannot be pressed when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2. In other words, the second L button 43 and the second R button 44 are buttons that are used when the left controller 3 is detached from the main unit 2. The second L button 43 and the second R button 44 are operated, for example, with the index finger or middle finger of the user's left or right hand holding the left controller 3 detached from the main body 2.

The left controller 3 is equipped with a pairing button 46. In this embodiment, the pairing button 46 is used to instruct the setting (also known as pairing) process for wireless communication between the left controller 3 and the main unit 2, and to instruct the reset process for the left controller 3. Note that in other embodiments, the pairing button 46 may have only one of the functions of the setting process and the reset process. For example, when the pairing button 46 is short-pressed (specifically, when the pairing button 46 is pressed for a period shorter than a predetermined time), the left controller 3 executes the setting process. Furthermore, when the pairing button 46 is long-pressed (specifically, when the pairing button 46 is pressed and held for the predetermined period or longer), the left controller 3 executes the reset process. In this embodiment, the pairing button 46 is provided on the mounting surface of the slider 40, as shown in FIG. 4 . In this way, the pairing button 46 is located in a position that is not visible when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2. In other words, the pairing button 46 is used when the left controller 3 is detached from the main unit 2.

In this embodiment, the buttons provided on the mounting surface of the slider 40 (specifically, the second L button 43, the second R button 44, and the pairing button 46) are arranged so as not to protrude from the mounting surface. That is, the top surfaces of the buttons (in other words, the press surfaces) are either located on the same surface as the mounting surface of the slider 40, or are located in a position recessed from the mounting surface. This allows the slider 40 to slide smoothly along the left rail member 15 when the slider 40 is mounted on the left rail member 15 of the main body 2.

Figure 5 is a six-sided view showing an example of the right controller 4. As shown in Figure 5, the right controller 4 includes a housing 51. In this embodiment, the housing 51 is generally plate-shaped. The main surface of the housing 51 (in other words, the front surface, i.e., the surface on the negative z-axis side shown in Figure 1) is generally rectangular. In this embodiment, the housing 51 is vertically long, i.e., long in the up-down direction. The right controller 4 can also be held in a vertical orientation when detached from the main body 2. The housing 51 has a shape and size that allows it to be held in one hand, particularly the left hand, when held in a vertical orientation. The right controller 4 can also be held in a horizontal orientation. When the right controller 4 is held in a horizontal orientation, it may be held with both hands.

Like the housing 31 of the left controller 3, the housing 51 of the right controller 4 has a vertical length that is approximately the same as the vertical length of the housing 11 of the main unit 2, and a thickness that is approximately the same as the thickness of the housing 11 of the main unit 2. Therefore, when the right controller 4 is attached to the main unit 2 (see Figure 1), the user can hold the main unit 2 and right controller 4 as if they were a single device.

Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the right corner of the main surface of the housing 51 is more rounded than the left corner. In other words, the connection between the upper and right sides of the housing 51 and the connection between the lower and right sides are more rounded than the connection between the upper and left sides and the connection between the lower and left sides (in other words, the radius of the chamfer is larger). Therefore, when the right controller 4 is attached to the main unit 2 (see FIG. 1), the right side of the integrated device has a rounded shape, making it easier for the user to hold.

Like the left controller 3, the right controller 4 is equipped with an analog stick 52 as a directional input unit. In this embodiment, the analog stick 52 has the same configuration as the analog stick 32 on the left controller 3. Also, like the left controller 3, the right controller 4 is equipped with four operation buttons 53 to 56 (specifically, an A button 53, a B button 54, an X button 55, and a Y button 56). In this embodiment, these four operation buttons 53 to 56 have the same mechanism as the four operation buttons 33 to 36 on the left controller 3. As shown in FIG. 5, the analog stick 52 and each of the operation buttons 53 to 56 are provided on the main surface of the housing 51. Note that in this embodiment, four operation buttons are provided on the main surface of the right controller 4, but the number of operation buttons is arbitrary.

In this embodiment, the positional relationship of the two types of operation units (analog stick and operation buttons) on the right controller 4 is opposite to the positional relationship of these two types of operation units on the left controller 3. That is, on the right controller 4, the analog stick 52 is located above the operation buttons 53 to 56, whereas on the left controller 3, the analog stick 32 is located below the operation buttons 33 to 36. This arrangement allows the left controller 3 and right controller 4 to be used with a similar operating feel when detached from the main unit 2.

The right controller 4 also has a + (plus) button 57. As shown in FIG. 5, the + button 57 is provided on the main surface of the housing 51, more specifically, in the upper left region of the main surface. Like the other operation buttons 53 to 56, the + button 57 is used to issue instructions in accordance with various programs (e.g., OS programs and application programs) executed on the main body 2. The + button 57 is used, for example, as a start button in a game application (e.g., a button used to instruct the start of a game).

The right controller 4 is equipped with a home button 58. As shown in FIG. 5 , the home button 58 is provided on the main surface of the housing 51, more specifically, in the lower left region of the main surface. The home button 58 is a button for displaying a predetermined menu screen on the display 12 of the main body 2. The menu screen is, for example, a screen on which a user can launch an application specified by the user from one or more applications executable on the main body 2. The menu screen may be displayed, for example, when the main body 2 is started up. In this embodiment, when the home button 58 is pressed while an application is being executed on the main body 2 (i.e., while an image of the application is being displayed on the display 12), a predetermined operation screen may be displayed on the display 12 (at this time, a menu screen may be displayed instead of the operation screen). The operation screen is a screen on which, for example, instructions to close the application and display a menu screen on the display 12 and instructions to resume the application can be given.

When the right controller 4 is attached to the main unit 2, the operation units provided on the main surface of the right controller 4 (specifically, the analog stick 52 and the above-mentioned buttons 53-58) are operated by, for example, the thumb of the right hand of the user holding the integrated device. Furthermore, when the right controller 4 is detached from the main unit 2 and held sideways with both hands, the above-mentioned operation units are operated by, for example, the thumbs of the left and right hands of the user holding the right controller 4. Specifically, in this case, the analog stick 52 is operated by the thumb of the user's left hand, and the operation buttons 53-56 are operated by the thumb of the user's right hand.

The right controller 4 is equipped with a first R button 60. The right controller 4 also has a ZR button 61. As shown in FIG. 5 , the first R button 60 is provided in the upper right portion of the side of the housing 51. The ZR button 61 is provided in the upper right portion extending from the side to the back of the housing 51 (strictly speaking, in the upper right portion when the housing 51 is viewed from the front). In other words, the ZR button 61 is provided behind the first R button 60 (the positive z-axis direction shown in FIG. 1 ). In this embodiment, since the upper right portion of the housing 51 has a rounded shape, the first R button 60 and the ZR button 61 have rounded shapes that correspond to the roundness of the upper right portion of the housing 51. When the right controller 4 is attached to the main unit 2, the first R button 60 and the ZR button 61 are located in the upper right portion of the all-in-one device.

The right controller 4 has a slider mechanism similar to that of the left controller 3. That is, the right controller 4 has the slider 62 described above. As shown in FIG. 5 , the slider 62 is provided on the left side surface of the housing 51, extending in the vertical direction. The slider 62 has a shape that allows it to engage with the right rail member 19 of the main body 2 (more specifically, the groove of the right rail member 19). Therefore, the slider 62 engaged with the right rail member 19 is fixed and cannot be removed in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction (in other words, the direction in which the right rail member 19 extends).

The right controller 4 also has a terminal 64 that enables the right controller 4 to communicate with the main unit 2 via a wire. The terminal 64 is located in a position that will come into contact with the right terminal 21 (Figure 3) of the main unit 2 when the right controller 4 is attached to the main unit 2. The specific location of the terminal 64 is arbitrary. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the terminal 64 is located in a position that is not exposed to the outside due to the attachment surface of the slider 62. In this embodiment, the terminal 64 is located near the lower end of the attachment surface of the slider 62.

The right controller 4, like the left controller 3, also has a second L button 65 and a second R button 66. Like the other operation buttons 53 to 56, these buttons 65 and 66 are used to issue instructions in accordance with the various programs executed on the main unit 2. As shown in FIG. 5, the second L button 65 and the second R button 66 are provided on the mounting surface of the slider 62. The second L button 65 is provided below the center in the up-down direction (the y-axis direction shown in FIG. 1) on the mounting surface of the slider 62. The second R button 66 is provided above the center in the up-down direction on the mounting surface of the slider 62. Like the second L button 43 and the second R button 44 on the left controller 3, the second L button 65 and the second R button 66 are located in positions that cannot be pressed when the right controller 4 is attached to the main unit 2, and are used when the right controller 4 is detached from the main unit 2. The second L button 65 and the second R button 66 are operated, for example, with the index finger or middle finger of the user's left or right hand holding the right controller 4 detached from the main body 2.

The right controller 4 is equipped with a pairing button 69. Like the pairing button 46 on the left controller 3, the pairing button 69 is used to instruct the setting (also known as pairing) process for wireless communication between the right controller 4 and the main unit 2, and to instruct the reset process for the right controller 4. The setting process and reset process are similar to those for the left controller 3, so a detailed explanation will be omitted. In this embodiment, the pairing button 69 is provided on the mounting surface of the slider 62, as shown in FIG. 5. In other words, for the same reason as the pairing button 46 on the left controller 3, the pairing button 69 is located in a position that is not visible when the right controller 4 is mounted on the main unit 2.

Furthermore, as with the left controller 3, the buttons on the mounting surface of the slider 62 on the right controller 4 (specifically, the second L button 65, the second R button 66, and the pairing button 69) are arranged so as not to protrude from the mounting surface. This allows the slider 62 to slide smoothly along the right rail member 19 when the slider 62 is mounted on the right rail member 19 of the main unit 2.

A window 68 is provided on the underside of the housing 51. The right controller 4 is equipped with an infrared imaging unit 123 and an infrared light emitter 124 located inside the housing 51. The infrared imaging unit 123 captures images of the area around the right controller 4 through the window 68, with the imaging direction being the downward direction of the right controller 4 (the negative y-axis direction shown in FIG. 5 ). The infrared light emitter 124 irradiates infrared light through the window 68 onto the object being imaged by the infrared imaging unit 123, with an irradiation range being a predetermined range centered on the downward direction of the right controller 4 (the negative y-axis direction shown in FIG. 5 ). Note that in the example shown in FIG. 5 , multiple infrared light emitters 124 with different irradiation directions are provided to increase the infrared light irradiation range of the infrared light emitter 124. The window 68 is intended to protect the camera lens of the infrared imaging unit 123, the light emitter of the infrared light emitter 124, and the like, and is made of a material (e.g., a transparent material) that transmits light of the wavelength detected by the camera and the light emitted by the light emitter. The window 68 may be a hole formed in the housing 51. In this embodiment, the infrared imaging unit 123 itself has a filter member that suppresses the transmission of light of wavelengths other than the light detected by the camera (infrared light in this embodiment). However, in other embodiments, the window 68 may also have a filtering function.

The right controller 4 also includes an NFC communication unit 122. The NFC communication unit 122 performs short-range wireless communication based on the NFC (Near Field Communication) standard. The NFC communication unit 122 includes an antenna 122a used for short-range wireless communication and a circuit (e.g., an NFC chip) that generates a signal (radio wave) to be transmitted from the antenna 122a. For example, the antenna 122a is provided in a lower portion of the main surface of the housing 51 near the lower side of the housing 51 where the window portion 68 is provided. When another wireless communication device (e.g., an NFC tag functioning as an information storage medium) that is the target of the short-range wireless communication is positioned in proximity to or in contact with the lower portion, the antenna 122a is provided at a position inside the housing 51 that enables short-range wireless communication with the wireless communication device. Note that short-range wireless communication is not limited to that based on the NFC standard, and may be any proximity communication (also known as contactless communication). Near-field communication includes, for example, a communication method in which radio waves from one device generate an electromotive force in another device (for example, through electromagnetic induction).

In the left controller 3 and right controller 4, the shape, number, and installation position of each component (specifically, sliders, sticks, buttons, etc.) provided on the housing 31 or 51 are arbitrary. For example, in other embodiments, the left controller 3 and right controller 4 may be provided with a directional input device of a type other than an analog stick. The slider 40 or 62 may be located in a position corresponding to the position of the rail member 15 or 19 provided on the main body 2, and may be located on the main surface or back surface of the housing 31 or 51, for example. In other embodiments, the left controller 3 and right controller 4 may be configured to not include some of the above components.

Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the main body 2. In addition to the configuration shown in Figure 3, the main body 2 includes the components 81-98 shown in Figure 6. Some of these components 81-98 may be mounted on an electronic circuit board as electronic components and housed within the housing 11.

The main body 2 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 81. The CPU 81 is an information processing unit that executes various types of information processing executed in the main body 2. The CPU 81 executes various types of information processing by running information processing programs (e.g., game programs or video display programs) stored in a storage unit (specifically, an internal storage medium such as flash memory 84, or an external storage medium inserted into each of the slots 23 and 24).

The main body 2 includes flash memory 84 and DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) 85 as examples of internal storage media built into the main body 2. The flash memory 84 and DRAM 85 are connected to the CPU 81. The flash memory 84 is a memory used primarily to store various data (which may be programs) saved in the main body 2. The DRAM 85 is a memory used to temporarily store various data used in information processing.

The main body 2 includes a first slot interface (hereinafter abbreviated as "I/F") 91. The main body 2 also includes a second slot I/F 92. The first slot I/F 91 and the second slot I/F 92 are connected to the CPU 81. The first slot I/F 91 is connected to the first slot 23 and reads and writes data from a first type of storage medium (e.g., an SD card) installed in the first slot 23 in response to instructions from the CPU 81. The second slot I/F 92 is connected to the second slot 24 and reads and writes data from a second type of storage medium (e.g., a dedicated memory card) installed in the second slot 24 in response to instructions from the CPU 81.

The CPU 81 reads and writes data from and to the flash memory 84, DRAM 85, and each of the above storage media as appropriate to perform the above information processing.

The main body 2 includes a network communication unit 82. The network communication unit 82 is connected to the CPU 81. The network communication unit 82 communicates with external devices via a network (specifically, wireless communication). In this embodiment, the network communication unit 82 connects to a wireless LAN and communicates with external devices using a method compliant with Wi-Fi standards as a first communication method. The network communication unit 82 also performs wireless communication with other main body units 2 of the same type using a predetermined communication method (e.g., communication using a proprietary protocol or infrared communication) as a second communication method. Note that wireless communication using the second communication method enables wireless communication with other main body units 2 located within a closed local network area, and realizes a function that enables so-called "local communication," in which data is sent and received by direct communication between multiple main body units 2.

The main unit 2 is equipped with a controller communication unit 83. The controller communication unit 83 is connected to the CPU 81. The controller communication unit 83 communicates wirelessly with the left controller 3 and/or right controller 4. Any communication method may be used between the main unit 2 and the left controller 3 and right controller 4, but in this embodiment, the controller communication unit 83 communicates with the left controller 3 and right controller 4 according to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard.

The CPU 81 is connected to the left terminal 17, right terminal 21, and lower terminal 27. When performing wired communication with the left controller 3, the CPU 81 transmits data to the left controller 3 via the left terminal 17 and receives operation data from the left controller 3 via the left terminal 17. When performing wired communication with the right controller 4, the CPU 81 transmits data to the right controller 4 via the right terminal 21 and receives operation data from the right controller 4 via the right terminal 21. When communicating with the cradle, the CPU 81 transmits data to the cradle via the lower terminal 27. As described above, in this embodiment, the main unit 2 is capable of both wired and wireless communication with the left controller 3 and right controller 4. When an integrated device in which the left controller 3 and right controller 4 are attached to the main unit 2 or the main unit 2 alone is attached to the cradle, the main unit 2 can output data (e.g., image data and audio data) to a stationary monitor or the like via the cradle.

Here, the main unit 2 can communicate simultaneously (in other words, in parallel) with multiple left controllers 3. The main unit 2 can also communicate simultaneously (in other words, in parallel) with multiple right controllers 4. Therefore, the user can make inputs to the main unit 2 using multiple left controllers 3 and multiple right controllers 4.

The main body 2 is equipped with a touch panel controller 86, which is a circuit that controls the touch panel 13. The touch panel controller 86 is connected between the touch panel 13 and the CPU 81. Based on signals from the touch panel 13, the touch panel controller 86 generates data indicating, for example, the position at which a touch input was made, and outputs the data to the CPU 81.

The display 12 is also connected to the CPU 81. The CPU 81 displays images generated (for example, by executing the above-mentioned information processing) and/or images acquired from the outside on the display 12.

The main body 2 includes a codec circuit 87 and speakers (specifically, a left speaker and a right speaker) 88. The codec circuit 87 is connected to the speaker 88 and the audio input/output terminal 25, and is also connected to the CPU 81. The codec circuit 87 controls the input and output of audio data to the speaker 88 and the audio input/output terminal 25. That is, when the codec circuit 87 receives audio data from the CPU 81, it performs D/A conversion on the audio data and outputs the resulting audio signal to the speaker 88 or the audio input/output terminal 25. As a result, sound is output from the speaker 88 or an audio output unit (e.g., earphones) connected to the audio input/output terminal 25. When the codec circuit 87 receives an audio signal from the audio input/output terminal 25, it performs A/D conversion on the audio signal and outputs audio data in a predetermined format to the CPU 81. The volume button 26 is also connected to the CPU 81. The CPU 81 controls the volume output from the speaker 88 or the audio output unit based on input to the volume button 26.

The main body 2 includes a power control unit 97 and a battery 98. The power control unit 97 is connected to the battery 98 and the CPU 81. Although not shown, the power control unit 97 is also connected to various components of the main body 2 (specifically, the components receiving power from the battery 98, the left terminal 17, and the right terminal 21). The power control unit 97 controls the power supply from the battery 98 to the various components based on commands from the CPU 81. The power control unit 97 is also connected to the power button 28. The power control unit 97 controls the power supply to the various components based on input to the power button 28. That is, when the power button 28 is operated to turn the power off, the power control unit 97 stops the power supply to all or some of the various components. When the power button 28 is operated to turn the power on, the power control unit 97 starts the power supply to all or some of the various components. The power control unit 97 also outputs information indicating the input to the power button 28 (specifically, information indicating whether the power button 28 is pressed) to the CPU 81.

The battery 98 is also connected to the lower terminal 27. When an external charging device (e.g., a cradle) is connected to the lower terminal 27 and power is supplied to the main body 2 via the lower terminal 27, the supplied power is charged into the battery 98.

The main body 2 also includes a cooling fan 96 for dissipating heat inside the main body 2. When the cooling fan 96 is operating, air outside the housing 11 is introduced through the air intake 11d and air inside the housing 11 is released through the air exhaust 11c, thereby dissipating heat inside the housing 11. The cooling fan 96 is connected to the CPU 81, and the operation of the cooling fan 96 is controlled by the CPU 81. The main body 2 also includes a temperature sensor 95 for detecting the temperature inside the main body 2. The temperature sensor 95 is connected to the CPU 81, and the detection result of the temperature sensor 95 is output to the CPU 81. The CPU 81 controls the operation of the cooling fan 96 based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 95.

Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the main unit 2, left controller 3, and right controller 4. Note that details of the internal configuration of the main unit 2 are omitted from Figure 7, as they are shown in Figure 6.

The left controller 3 is equipped with a communication control unit 101 that communicates with the main unit 2. As shown in FIG. 7 , the communication control unit 101 is connected to various components, including the terminal 42. In this embodiment, the communication control unit 101 is capable of communicating with the main unit 2 both via wired communication via the terminal 42 and via wireless communication without using the terminal 42. The communication control unit 101 controls the communication method used by the left controller 3 with the main unit 2. That is, when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, the communication control unit 101 communicates with the main unit 2 via the terminal 42. When the left controller 3 is detached from the main unit 2, the communication control unit 101 communicates wirelessly with the main unit 2 (specifically, the controller communication unit 83). Wireless communication between the controller communication unit 83 and the communication control unit 101 is performed according to, for example, the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard.

The left controller 3 also includes memory 102, such as a flash memory. The communication control unit 101 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer (also called a microprocessor), and performs various processes by executing firmware stored in the memory 102.

The left controller 3 is equipped with buttons 103 (specifically, buttons 33 to 39, 43, 44, and 46). The left controller 3 also has an analog stick (referred to as "stick" in Figure 7) 32. Each button 103 and analog stick 32 repeatedly outputs information about operations performed on it to the communication control unit 101 at appropriate timing.

The left controller 3 is equipped with an acceleration sensor 104. In this embodiment, the acceleration sensor 104 detects the magnitude of linear acceleration along three predetermined axes (for example, the x, y, and z axes shown in FIG. 4). The acceleration sensor 104 may detect acceleration along one or two axes. The left controller 3 is also equipped with an angular velocity sensor 105. In this embodiment, the angular velocity sensor 105 detects angular velocity around three predetermined axes (for example, the x, y, and z axes shown in FIG. 4). The angular velocity sensor 105 may detect angular velocity around one or two axes. The acceleration sensor 104 and the angular velocity sensor 105 are each connected to the communication control unit 101. The detection results of the acceleration sensor 104 and the angular velocity sensor 105 are repeatedly output to the communication control unit 101 at appropriate timing.

The communication control unit 101 acquires information related to input (specifically, information related to operation or detection results by the sensors) from each input unit (specifically, each button 103, analog stick 32, each sensor 104 and 105). The communication control unit 101 transmits operation data including the acquired information (or information obtained by performing predetermined processing on the acquired information) to the main unit 2. The operation data is repeatedly transmitted once every predetermined time. The interval at which information related to input is transmitted to the main unit 2 may or may not be the same for each input unit.

By transmitting the above operation data to the main unit 2, the main unit 2 can obtain inputs made to the left controller 3. In other words, the main unit 2 can determine operations made to each button 103 and analog stick 32 based on the operation data. The main unit 2 can also calculate information about the movement and/or posture of the left controller 3 based on the operation data (specifically, the detection results of the acceleration sensor 104 and angular velocity sensor 105).

The left controller 3 is equipped with a vibrator 107 for notifying the user by vibration. In this embodiment, the vibrator 107 is controlled by commands from the main unit 2. That is, when the communication control unit 101 receives the command from the main unit 2, it drives the vibrator 107 in accordance with the command. Here, the left controller 3 is equipped with an amplifier 106. When the communication control unit 101 receives the command, it outputs a control signal corresponding to the command to the amplifier 106. The amplifier 106 amplifies the control signal from the communication control unit 101, generates a drive signal for driving the vibrator 107, and provides it to the vibrator 107. This causes the vibrator 107 to operate.

The left controller 3 is equipped with a power supply unit 108. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 108 has a battery and a power control circuit. Although not shown, the power control circuit is connected to the battery and to each part of the left controller 3 (specifically, each part that receives power from the battery). The power control circuit controls the power supply from the battery to each of the above parts. The battery is also connected to terminal 42. In this embodiment, when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, the battery is charged by power supplied from the main unit 2 via terminal 42 under certain conditions.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the right controller 4 is equipped with a communication control unit 111 that communicates with the main unit 2. The right controller 4 also has a memory 112 connected to the communication control unit 111. The communication control unit 111 is connected to each component, including the terminal 64. The communication control unit 111 and memory 112 have the same functions as the communication control unit 101 and memory 102 of the left controller 3. Therefore, the communication control unit 111 can communicate with the main unit 2 both via wired communication via the terminal 64 and wireless communication that does not use the terminal 64 (specifically, communication in accordance with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard), and controls the method of communication between the right controller 4 and the main unit 2.

The right controller 4 has input sections similar to those of the left controller 3 (specifically, the buttons 113, analog stick 52, acceleration sensor 114, and angular velocity sensor 115). Each of these input sections has the same function as the input sections of the left controller 3 and operates in the same way.

The right controller 4 also has a vibrator 117 and an amplifier 116. The vibrator 117 and amplifier 116 operate in the same manner as the vibrator 107 and amplifier 106 of the left controller 3. That is, the communication control unit 111 operates the vibrator 117 using the amplifier 116 in accordance with commands from the main unit 2.

The right controller 4 is equipped with a power supply unit 118. The power supply unit 118 has the same functions as the power supply unit 108 of the left controller 3 and operates in the same manner. That is, the power supply unit 118 controls the power supply to each component that receives power from the battery. Furthermore, when the right controller 4 is attached to the main unit 2, under certain conditions, the battery is charged by power supplied from the main unit 2 via the terminal 64.

The right controller 4 is equipped with an NFC communication unit 122 that performs short-range wireless communication based on the NFC standard. The NFC communication unit 122 has the functionality of a so-called NFC reader/writer. Here, short-range wireless communication in this specification includes a communication method in which radio waves from one device (here, the right controller 4) are used (e.g., by electromagnetic induction) to generate an electromotive force in another device (here, a device in close proximity to the antenna 122a). The other device can operate using the generated electromotive force and may or may not have a power source. The NFC communication unit 122 becomes capable of communicating with the communication target when the right controller 4 (antenna 122a) and the communication target come close to each other (typically, when the distance between them is less than 10 centimeters). The communication target is any device capable of short-range wireless communication with the NFC communication unit 122, such as an NFC tag or a storage medium with NFC tag functionality. However, the communication target may also be another device with NFC card emulation functionality.

The right controller 4 includes a processing unit 121. The processing unit 121 is connected to the communication control unit 111 and the NFC communication unit 122. The processing unit 121 executes management processing for the NFC communication unit 122 in response to commands from the main body unit 2. For example, the processing unit 121 controls the operation of the NFC communication unit 122 in response to commands from the main body unit 2. The processing unit 121 also controls the startup of the NFC communication unit 122 and controls the operation (specifically, reading, writing, etc.) of the NFC communication unit 122 with respect to a communication target (e.g., an NFC tag). The processing unit 121 also receives information to be transmitted to the communication target from the main body unit 2 via the communication control unit 111 and passes it to the NFC communication unit 122, and obtains information received from the communication target from the NFC communication unit 122 and transmits it to the main body unit 2 via the communication control unit 111.

Next, with reference to Figures 8 to 10, we will explain the auxiliary device 100, which is an example of a device that forms a stereoscopic image display system by engaging with the main device 1. Note that Figure 8 is a perspective view showing an example of the external appearance of the auxiliary device 100. Figure 9 is a front view showing an example of the state in which the main device 1 and the auxiliary device 100 are engaged. Figure 10 is a side view showing an example of the state in which the main device 1 and the auxiliary device 100 are engaged.

In Figures 8 to 10, the auxiliary device 100 has an engaging member 101, a lens frame member 102, a lens 103, an abutment member 104, and a screw member 105.

The engaging member 101 has an opening 101a that sandwiches the front and rear surfaces of the main unit 2 when engaging with the main unit 1. The opening 101 is formed between a front surface that comes into contact with part of the front surface of the main unit 2 (the surface on which the display 12 is provided) and a rear surface that comes into contact with part of the rear surface of the main unit 2. The front surface and rear surface of the engaging member 101 are fixed via the top surface. Therefore, the opening 101a forms a gap surrounded by the front, rear, and top surfaces of the engaging member 101. The opening 101a is open on its bottom surface (the surface on the negative y-axis side in the figure) and both side surfaces (the side on the positive x-axis side and the side on the negative x-axis side in the figure) so that it can be engaged from the top side of the main unit 1. When the auxiliary device 100 is engaged with the main unit 1 from the top side, the front surface of the engaging member 101 contacts the front surface of the main unit 2, the rear surface of the engaging member 101 contacts the rear surface of the main unit 2, and the top surface of the engaging member 101 contacts the top surface of the main unit 2. The front surface of the engaging member 101 has a pair of viewing windows on the left and right sides of the display 12 so as not to obstruct the view of the images (left-eye image and right-eye image) displayed on the display 12 when engaged with the main unit 1. The top surface of the engaging member 101 also has multiple holes formed therein so as not to overlap with the components (e.g., the power button 28, the volume buttons 26a and 26b, the exhaust hole 11c, and the audio input/output terminal 25) provided on the top surface of the main unit 2. Furthermore, shoulders 101a and 101b that protrude laterally are provided on both ends of the top surface of the engaging member 101. Note that shoulders 101a and 101b abut against the two corners of the top surface of the main body 2 when engaging with the main body device 1, but this will be explained in detail later.

The lens frame member 102 has an eight-shaped configuration that surrounds the periphery of a pair of viewing windows formed on the front surface of the engaging member 101, and is fixed to the outer surface of the front surface of the engaging member 101 (i.e., the side opposite the opening 101a). In this embodiment, the lens frame member 102 is threadedly engaged with the engaging member 101 by multiple screw members 105 and is fixed so as to protrude outward from the front side of the engaging member 101. The lens frame member 102 has a pair of lens frames that are open so as not to obstruct the view of the images (left-eye image and right-eye image) displayed on the display 12 through the pair of viewing windows formed on the front surface of the engaging member 101. The lens frame member 102 also has fixing pins 102a at multiple locations on the outer wall that forms the outer periphery of the surface that interfaces with the engaging member 101.

The lens 103 is composed of a pair of left-eye lens 103L and right-eye lens 103R, for example a pair of Fresnel lenses. The left-eye lens 103L and right-eye lens 103R are each fitted into a lens frame of the lens frame member 102. Specifically, the left-eye lens 103L is fitted into one of the lens frames which is open so as not to obstruct the field of view of the left-eye image displayed on the display 12, and when the user looks into the left-eye lens 103L with their left eye, they can see the left-eye image. Furthermore, the right-eye lens 103R is fitted into the other lens frame which is open so as not to obstruct the field of view of the right-eye image displayed on the display 12, and when the user looks into the right-eye lens 103R with their right eye, they can see the right-eye image.

The abutment member 104 is formed by deforming a flexible, soft sheet-like member. Specifically, the abutment member 104 is a sheet-like member that is wrapped around and fixed to the outer wall of the lens frame member 102, and is fixed to the outer wall of the lens frame member 102 via multiple fixing pins 102a. Therefore, the abutment member 104 is fixed so that it protrudes outward from the front side of the engagement member 101, cylindrically surrounding the lens frame member 102. One end face of the abutment member 104 is fixed in contact with the front face of the engagement member 101. The other end face of the abutment member 104 is located on the front side of the lens 103 when viewed from outside the auxiliary device 100, and when engaged with the main unit 1, this other end face is located on the front-most side of the auxiliary device 100 (negative z-axis direction).

The abutting member 104 abuts against the face of the user looking into the stereoscopic image display system, adjusting the positional relationship between the user's eyes and the lenses 103. The other end surface also functions as a face pad that deforms to fit the user's face. For example, the abutting member 104 is made of a highly flexible sheet-like material, such as a foam or elastic material, so that it can deform and fit closely to the user's face. As one example, the abutting member 104 may be made of a urethane sponge sheet obtained by thermally compressing a sheet member approximately 10 mm thick to approximately 3 to 5 mm, and the sheet thickness and length (depth direction length) may be adjusted depending on the hardness required for viewing using the stereoscopic image display system. Furthermore, the abutting member 104 may have a stretchy fiber material attached to the surface of a foam or elastic sheet-like material to reduce irritation to the user's face.

As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the auxiliary device 100 is attached to the main device 1 by engaging it from the top side of the main device 1 along the front and back sides of the main unit 2. The auxiliary device 100 can be removed from the main device 1 by lifting it from the attached state along the front and back sides of the main unit 2 toward the top side of the main device 1. In this way, the auxiliary device 100 is configured to be detachable from the main device 1. When the auxiliary device 100 is attached to the main device 1, the opening 101a of the engaging member 101 engages from the top side of the main device 1. In this state, the weight of the auxiliary device 100 is applied from the top side of the main device 1, so it can be stably attached to the main device 1 without being secured by any other fixing members.

Next, a stereoscopic image display system in which the main device 1 and auxiliary device 100 are engaged will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 16. Note that Figure 11 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the stereoscopic image display system. Figure 12 is a front view showing an example of the appearance of the stereoscopic image display system. Figure 13 is a side view showing an example of the appearance of the stereoscopic image display system. Figure 14 is a rear view showing an example of the appearance of a user viewing the stereoscopic image display system. Figure 15 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a user viewing the stereoscopic image display system. Figure 16 is a front view showing an example of the state in which the stereoscopic image display system is being held by a user. Note that Figures 11 to 16 show an example in which bottom hooks 101c and 101d, described below, are attached, but the stereoscopic image display system of this example does not necessarily have to have bottom hooks 101c and 101d.

In Figures 11 to 13, the stereoscopic image display system is configured by engaging auxiliary device 100 with main device 1. Here, auxiliary device 100 is engaged so as to cover main unit 2 of main device 1. When auxiliary device 100 is engaged with main device 1, only the left-eye image displayed in the left region of display 12 can be seen through left-eye lens 103L, and only the right-eye image displayed in the right region of display 12 can be seen through right-eye lens 103R. Therefore, by looking at left-eye lens 103L with the left eye and right-eye lens 103R with the right eye, the user of the stereoscopic image display system can view the left-eye image and right-eye image with parallax, thereby displaying a stereoscopic image that gives the user a sense of three-dimensionality.

In addition, in the stereoscopic image display system, even when the auxiliary device 100 is engaged with the main device 1, the speaker holes 11a and 11b of the main unit 2 remain open to the outside. Specifically, as described above, speaker holes 11a and 11b are formed in the lower main surface of the housing 11 of the main unit 2, and the output sound of the left speaker 88L is output from speaker hole 11a, and the output sound of the right speaker 88R is output from speaker hole 11b (see Figure 3). To prevent the sounds output from the left speaker 88L and right speaker 88R from being blocked by the auxiliary device 100, the engaging member 101 is sized so that part of it does not lie in the space in front of the speaker holes 11a and 11b of the main unit 2.

In addition, in the stereoscopic image display system, even when the auxiliary device 100 is engaged with the main unit 1, the left controller 3 and right controller 4 remain exposed to the outside. Specifically, when the auxiliary device 100 is engaged with the main unit 1, the parts of the left controller 3 attached to the main unit 2 (specifically, the front, back, top, bottom, and left side of the left controller 3) protrude from the left side of the engagement member 101 (the positive x-axis side in the figure) and are exposed to the outside. In addition, when the auxiliary device 100 is engaged with the main unit 1, the parts of the right controller 4 attached to the main unit 2 (specifically, the front, back, top, bottom, and right side of the right controller 4) protrude from the right side of the engagement member 101 (the negative x-axis side in the figure) and are exposed to the outside. In other words, when the stereoscopic image displayed on the display 12 is viewed through the left eye lens 103L and the right eye lens 103R while the auxiliary device 1 is engaged with the main unit 1, a play style is possible in which the left controller 3 and right controller 4 attached to the main unit 2 are held with both hands.

For example, as shown in Figures 14 to 16, when a user holds a stereoscopic image display system in which the auxiliary device 100 is engaged with the main unit 1 and views a stereoscopic image displayed on the display 12, the user can hold the left controller 3 attached to the main unit 2 with the left hand and the right controller 4 attached to the main unit 2 with the right hand. By holding the components of the main unit 1 in this way, even when the underside of the auxiliary device 100 is open (i.e., the configuration of the auxiliary device 100 shown in Figures 8 to 10 without underside hooks 101c and 101d), the weight of the auxiliary device 100 allows it to remain stably engaged with the main unit 1.

As described above, the left controller 3 attached to the main unit 2 is provided with multiple operation units (e.g., a directional input unit such as the analog stick 32, operation buttons 33 to 36, record button 37, - button 47, first left button 38, and ZL button 39). Therefore, a user of the stereoscopic image display system can use their left hand, which is holding the stereoscopic image display system, to operate the operation units provided on the left controller 3 while viewing the stereoscopic image displayed on the display 12. As an example, a user of the stereoscopic image display system can view the stereoscopic image displayed on the display 12 by operating the analog stick 32, operation buttons 33 to 36, record button 37, - button 47, etc. with the thumb of their left hand and operating the first left button 38, ZL button 39, etc. with the index finger or middle finger of their left hand.

As described above, the right controller 4 attached to the main unit 2 is provided with multiple operation units (e.g., a directional input unit such as the analog stick 52, operation buttons 53-56, record button 37, + button 57, home button 58, first R button 60, and ZR button 61). Therefore, a user of the stereoscopic image display system can operate the operation units provided on the right controller 4 with their right hand, which is holding the stereoscopic image display system, while viewing the stereoscopic image displayed on the display 12. As an example, a user of the stereoscopic image display system can view the stereoscopic image displayed on the display 12 by operating the analog stick 52, operation buttons 53-56, record button 37, + button 57, home button 58, etc. with the thumb of their right hand, and operating the first R button 60, ZR button 61, etc. with the index finger or middle finger of their right hand.

As described above, when viewing a stereoscopic image displayed on the display 12, the left controller 3 attached to the main unit 2 functions as a left-hand grip for the user to hold in their left hand, and the right controller 4 attached to the main unit 2 functions as a right-hand grip for the user to hold in their right hand. However, one of the left and right grips does not necessarily have to be provided with an operating unit. Even if an operating unit is provided on one of the left and right grips, the user can view the stereoscopic image by operating both grips in their left and right hands. Furthermore, if the effect of being able to operate while viewing a stereoscopic image is not desired, neither the left nor right grips need to be provided with an operating unit.

When viewing a stereoscopic image displayed on the display 12 using a stereoscopic image display system in which the auxiliary device 100 is engaged with the main device 1, the user can contact the front end surface (the other end surface) of the abutment member 104 of the auxiliary device 100 against their face. In this way, when the user looks into the left-eye lens 103L and the right-eye lens 103R while contacting the front end surface of the abutment member 104 against their face, the shape of the abutment member 104 allows the depth distance and vertical/horizontal positioning of the user's eyes and the left-eye lens 103L and the right-eye lens 103R to be adjusted to positions appropriate for the stereoscopic image. Furthermore, as described above, the abutment member 104 that contacts the user's face is made of a material that is gentle on the user's skin, so the user is less likely to experience discomfort from contact with the abutment member 104. Furthermore, the contact member 104 is formed by bending a highly flexible sheet-like member, and can be easily deformed by adjusting the force with which the user contacts the contact member 104, allowing it to fit closely to the user's face. Furthermore, by configuring the contact member 104 to be easily deformable, it may also be possible to adjust the focal length from the user's eyes to the stereoscopic image. While the strength of the deformation of the contact member 104 can be adjusted by the material and sheet thickness of the contact member 104, in this embodiment, it can also be adjusted by the depth length of the contact member 104 (the length in the z-axis direction shown in the figure). Specifically, in this embodiment, the depth length of the contact member 104 can be relatively long, and by forming the depth length in the range of 50 to 110 mm, it is possible to ensure the softness of the member that contacts the face when viewing a stereoscopic image display system. In this way, the sheet thickness of the contact member 104 in this embodiment can be made relatively thin. Furthermore, the contact member 110 of this embodiment can be configured with a relatively thin sheet thickness and/or a relatively long depth, thereby ensuring flexibility, easily deforming when in contact, easily fitting closely to the user's face, and accommodating variations in the shape of the user's face. Furthermore, the contact member 110 of this embodiment may have irregularities formed on the sheet surface, making it possible to vary the localized hardness.

Furthermore, when viewing a stereoscopic image displayed on the display 12 using a stereoscopic image display system, the abutment member 110 can block external light from reaching the left-eye lens 103L and the right-eye lens 103R. This can improve the sense of immersion of the user viewing the stereoscopic image displayed on the display 12. Note that the light blocking provided by the abutment member 110 does not have to completely block external light. For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , a gap may be formed in part of the cylindrical abutment member 110. Note that the gap in the abutment member 110 illustrated in FIG. 11 is formed at a position below the midpoint between the left-eye lens 103L and the right-eye lens 103R, which is the position where the nose of a user viewing a stereoscopic image displayed on the display 12 would come into contact. In other words, the gap in the abutment member 110 can prevent strong contact between the abutment member 110 and the user's nose, thereby reducing discomfort caused by contact between the abutment member 104 and the nose, even if the light blocking performance is somewhat reduced.

In this way, the stereoscopic image display system of this embodiment enables a play style in which the left controller 3 and right controller 4 attached to the main unit 2 are held in both hands while being operated, allowing for viewing of stereoscopic images displayed on the display 12. Here, the left controller 3 and right controller 4 attached to the main unit 2 each function as a portion (grip) that the user holds in both hands to view the stereoscopic image display system, and therefore these grips are not located on the auxiliary device 100 but on the main unit 1. Furthermore, the grips for the user to hold with the left hand and the grips for the user to hold with the right hand are located on the left and right sides of the auxiliary device 100 engaged with the main unit 1, respectively, and are located behind the front end surface (contact portion) of the auxiliary device 100 that contacts the user's face (i.e., forward as seen from the user). In this way, by locating the left and right grips on the left and right sides of the auxiliary device 100 and in front of the contact portion, the stereoscopic image display system can be held stably.

Furthermore, when viewing a stereoscopic image displayed on the display 12 via the auxiliary device 100 while holding the left controller 3 and right controller 4 attached to the main unit 2 with both hands, operation information operated on the left controller 3 and/or right controller 4 is transmitted to the main unit 2 via a wired connection between them. Specifically, operation information operated on the left controller 3 is transmitted to the main unit 2 via terminal 42 of the left controller 3 and the left-side terminal 17 that contacts terminal 42. Furthermore, operation information operated on the right controller 4 is transmitted to the main unit 2 via terminal 64 of the right controller 4 and the right-side terminal 21 that contacts terminal 64.

When using the stereoscopic image display system of this embodiment, at least one of the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 may be detached from the main unit 2. For example, when the left controller 3 is detached from the main unit 2, the user views the stereoscopic image displayed on the display 12 via the auxiliary device 100 while holding the right controller 4 attached to the main unit 2 in their right hand, and operates the detached left controller 3 by itself in their left hand. In this case, operation information entered into using the left controller 3 and/or right controller 4 detached from the main unit 2 is transmitted to the main unit 2 via wireless communication with the main unit 2. Specifically, operation information entered into using the left controller 3 is wirelessly transmitted from the communication control unit 101 of the left controller 3 and received by the controller communication unit 83 of the main unit 2. Operation information entered into using the right controller 4 is wirelessly transmitted from the communication control unit 111 of the right controller 4 and received by the controller communication unit 83 of the main unit 2.

When engaged with the main unit 1, the auxiliary device 100 is restricted from moving at least in the front-to-back direction (the z-axis direction in the figure; the depth direction) and the left-to-right direction (the x-axis direction in the figure) of the main unit 1 held by the user. The auxiliary device 100 is also restricted from moving downward (the negative y-axis direction in the figure) of the main unit 1 held by the user. Specifically, the auxiliary device 100 is prevented from moving backward (the positive z-axis direction in the figure) of the main unit 1 by engaging the front of the main unit 1 held by the user (specifically, the surface of the main unit 2 on which the display 12 is provided) with the front portion of the engagement member 101 in abutting contact. The auxiliary device 100 is prevented from moving forward (the negative z-axis direction in the figure) of the main unit 1 by engaging the back of the main unit 1 held by the user (specifically, the back of the main unit 2) with the rear portion of the engagement member 101 in abutting contact. The auxiliary device 100 is prevented from moving downward (in the negative y-axis direction in the figure) by engaging the upper surface of the main device 1 held by the user (specifically, the upper surface of the main body 2) with the upper surface of the engaging member 101 in contact with each other.

Movement of the auxiliary device 100 in the left-right direction of the main unit 1 is prevented by shoulders 101a (see Figures 8 and 10) and 101b. The configuration of shoulders 101a and 101b will be described below with reference to Figures 17 and 18. Figure 17 is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of shoulder 101a. Figure 18 is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of shoulder 101b. Figures 17 and 18 show the auxiliary device 100 engaged with the left controller 3 and/or right controller 4 detached from the main unit 2 to clarify the engagement state of shoulders 101a and 101b.

The upper surface of the engaging member 101 of the auxiliary device 100 has shoulders 101a and 101b at both ends, each projecting outward from both sides. As shown in FIG. 17 , shoulder 101a is provided as part of the left side surface of the engaging member 101, at a position where it abuts against the upper left side surface of the main body 2 with which it engages. Specifically, shoulder 101a is part of the left side surface of the engaging member 101 that abuts against the top, front, and back surfaces of the engaging member 101, respectively, and is sized to abut only against the left side surface portion of the main body 2 that is exposed to the outside even when the left controller 3 is attached (the above-mentioned left locking surface). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 18 , shoulder 101b is provided as part of the right side surface of the engaging member 101, at a position where it abuts against the upper right side surface of the main body 2 with which it engages. Specifically, shoulder portion 101b is a part of the right side of engaging member 101 that contacts the top, front, and back surfaces of engaging member 101, respectively, and is formed with a size that allows it to contact only the right side portion of main body 2 that is exposed to the outside even when the right controller 4 is attached (the right locking surface described above).

The distance (internal dimension) between shoulder 101a and shoulder 101b is formed to provide a predetermined fit with respect to the external width near the top surface of main unit 2 (i.e., the distance between the left and right locking surfaces). Therefore, when auxiliary device 100 is engaged with main unit 2 while left controller 3 and right controller 4 are attached, the inner surface of shoulder 101a of engaging member 101 abuts against the upper left side surface (left locking surface) of main unit 2, and the inner surface of shoulder 101b of engaging member 101 abuts against the upper right side surface (right locking surface) of main unit 2, thereby preventing auxiliary device 100 from moving left and right in the direction of main unit 1 (x-axis direction in the figure). Furthermore, even if the auxiliary device 100 is engaged with the left controller 3 and/or right controller 4 detached from the main unit 2, the inner surface of the shoulder 101a abuts against the upper left side surface (left locking surface) of the main unit 2, and the inner surface of the shoulder 101b abuts against the upper right side surface (right locking surface) of the main unit 2, so the auxiliary device 100 is locked and prevented from moving left and right in the main unit 1 (x-axis direction in the figure).

The auxiliary device 100 may also be locked and restricted from moving upward relative to the main device 1 (positive y-axis direction in the figure) when held by the user. For example, the auxiliary device 100 may be locked upward relative to the main device 1 by providing a member on the underside of the engaging member 101 that abuts against the underside of the main body 2. Below, with reference to Figures 19 and 20, we will explain the bottom hooks 101c and 101d that prevent the auxiliary device 100 from moving upward relative to the main device 1. Figure 19 is a bottom perspective view showing an example of the bottom hooks 101c and 101d. Figure 20 is a top perspective view showing an example of the bottom hooks 101c and 101d.

19 and 20, bottom hooks 101c and 101d are provided at separate locations as part of the detachable bottom surface of engaging member 101. Bottom hooks 101c and 101d are each provided so as to be able to open and close opening 101a of engaging member 101. For example, bottom hooks 101c and 101d are each made of an elastic band-shaped member (e.g., a belt member made of a fiber or rubber material) or a flexible band-shaped member (e.g., a silicone material), with one end fixed to the front or back surface of engaging member 101. The other ends of bottom hooks 101c and 101d are configured to be detachably attached to the back or front surface of engaging member 101, and when coupled, the other ends are arranged across the bottom surface from the front to the back surface of engaging member 101. As an example, the other ends are detachably coupled by hook-and-loop fasteners or magnetic force between the back or front surface of engaging member 101 and the other ends. As another example, the other end has an engagement hole formed therein for engaging with a fixing pin provided on the rear or front surface of the engaging member 101, and is detachably coupled by engaging the fixing pin with the engagement hole. With this configuration, the lower hooks 101c and 101d close the opening 101a by coupling the other end to the rear or front surface of the engaging member 101, and open the opening 101a by removing the other end from the rear or front surface of the engaging member 101.

When opening 101a is open, bottom hooks 101c and 101d engage opening 101a with main unit 2 as described above, and move auxiliary device 100 downward relative to main unit 1, thereby enabling auxiliary device 100 to be attached to main unit 1. When opening 101a is open, bottom hooks 101c and 101d allow auxiliary device 100 to be removed from main unit 1 by moving the attached auxiliary device 100 upward relative to main unit 1. When opening 101a is closed, the top surfaces of bottom hooks 101c and 101d, which span from the front to the back of engagement member 101, abut against a portion of the underside of main unit 2. Therefore, when the opening 101a is closed, the bottom hooks 101c and 101d are engaged and prevent the auxiliary device 100 from moving upward on the main device 1.

Even when the auxiliary device 100 provided with the bottom hooks 101c and 101d is engaged with the main unit 1, the speaker holes 11a and 11b of the main unit 2 remain open to the outside. As an example, as shown in FIG. 19, when the bottom hook 101c is positioned over the speaker hole 11a with the opening 101a closed, hole 101e is formed in the bottom hook 101c at a position overlapping with the speaker hole 11a. Also, when the bottom hook 101d is positioned over the speaker hole 11b with the opening 101a closed, hole 101f is formed in the bottom hook 101d at a position overlapping with the speaker hole 11b. As another example, the bottom hooks 101c and 101d are positioned so that they do not overlap with the speaker holes 11a and 11b with the opening 101a closed. In either example, the bottom hooks 101c and 101d do not block the speaker holes 11a and 11b, so the sounds output from the left speaker 88L and right speaker 88R are not blocked by the bottom hooks 101c and 101d.

The abutment member 104 may also be configured to be detachable from the auxiliary device 100. Specifically, the abutment member 104 is fixed as part of the auxiliary device 100 via multiple fixing pins 102a of the lens frame member 102 so as to cylindrically surround the outer wall of the lens frame member 102. The abutment member 104 is then removed from the auxiliary device 100 by removing it from the multiple fixing pins 102a. When the abutment member 104 is configured to be detachable from the auxiliary device 100 in this way, multiple abutment members 104 of different shapes may be prepared. As an example, it is possible to prepare abutment members 104L for adults and abutment members 104S for children, each with a different face size that the abutment member 104 will come into contact with.

Below, examples of contact members 104 with different shapes will be described with reference to Figures 21 and 22. Note that Figure 21 is a bottom view and a developed view showing an example of a contact member 104L suitable for adult users. Figure 21 is a bottom view and a developed view showing an example of a contact member 104S suitable for child users.

In FIG. 21, when the abutment member 104L is fixed by multiple fixing pins 102a so as to cylindrically surround the outer wall of the lens frame member 102, the other end face of the abutment member 104L (the end face that abuts against the user's face when engaged with the main unit 1) forms an arc shape (i.e., an arc end face with an inner diameter RL) that conforms to the abutting object with an outer diameter RL. Here, the outer diameter RL is the typical facial shape of an adult user with whom the abutment member 104L is expected to abut, and is calculated based on the circumference (head circumference) passing through the space between the eyebrows of a typical adult user, etc.

The abutment member 104L is formed with multiple engagement holes 104a for engaging with the multiple fixing pins 102a, respectively. The multiple engagement holes 104a are formed near one end surface that contacts the front surface of the engagement member 101 when attached to the auxiliary device 100, at intervals appropriate for engaging with each of the multiple fixing pins 102a. When the abutment member 104L is removed from the auxiliary device 100, it can be straightened out as a single sheet-like member, becoming a symmetrical flat plate as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 21. In other words, because the abutment member 104L is composed of a flexible, flexible sheet-like member with a symmetrical shape, it can be attached to the auxiliary device 100 with the front and back of the sheet-like member reversed. In this way, the abutment member 104L is reversible, allowing the front and back of the sheet-like member to be configured with different designs and shapes, allowing users to select the front and back of the abutment member 104L to suit their play style and preferences.

22, when the abutment member 104S is fixed to the outer wall of the lens frame member 102 by multiple fixing pins 102a so as to cylindrically surround the outer wall, the other end face of the abutment member 104S (the end face that abuts against the user's face when engaged with the main unit 1) forms an arc shape (i.e., an arc end face with an inner diameter RS) that conforms to the abutting object and has an outer diameter RS. Here, the outer diameter RS is the typical facial shape of a child user with whom the abutment member 104S is expected to abut, and is calculated based on the circumference (head circumference) of a typical child user, passing between the eyebrows. Therefore, the outer diameter RS is shorter than the outer diameter RL. Note that the depth direction length of the abutment member 104S (e.g., the length from the innermost part of the arc shape to one end face that abuts against the front surface of the engagement member 101) and the depth direction length of the abutment member 104L may be the same length. The depth direction length affects the distance from the eyes of the user using the stereoscopic image display system to the lens 103 (i.e., the distance to the display 12), and affects the focal length for the image displayed on the display 12. Therefore, the depth direction length may be the same if the focal length for each user is to be the same.

The abutment member 104S is formed with multiple engagement holes 104a for engaging with the multiple fixing pins 102a, respectively. The engagement holes 104a of the abutment member 104S are also formed near one end face that contacts the front face of the engagement member 101 when attached to the auxiliary device 100, at intervals appropriate for engaging with each of the multiple fixing pins 102a. When the abutment member 104S is removed from the auxiliary device 100, it can be straightened out as a single sheet-like member, resulting in a symmetrical flat plate shape as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 22. In other words, because the abutment member 104S is also composed of a flexible, flexible sheet-like member with a symmetrical shape, it can be attached to the auxiliary device 100 with the front and back of the sheet-like member reversed. In this way, the abutment member 104S is also reversible, allowing the front and back of the sheet-like member to be configured with different designs and shapes, allowing users to select the front and back of the abutment member 104S to suit their play style and preferences.

In this way, by preparing multiple contact members 104 of different shapes to suit the user of the stereoscopic image display system and configuring them to be easily attached and detached from the auxiliary device 100, it is possible to create a group of flexible contact members 104 that easily fit snugly against the user's face and do not cause discomfort.

In the above-described embodiment, an example was used in which a contact member 104L for adults and a contact member 104S for children were prepared, but multiple contact members 104 may be prepared for different users. For example, multiple contact members 104 with different shapes may be prepared depending on gender, race, age, eyesight, country of release, etc.

In the above-described embodiment, the abutting member 104 is configured to be detachable from the auxiliary device 100 by engaging the multiple fixing pins 102a with the multiple engagement holes 104a. However, the abutting member 104 may be configured to be detachable in other ways. For example, as shown in FIG. 23 , one surface (e.g., a loop surface) of a hook-and-loop fastener 104t is provided along the surface of one end of the abutting member 104 that contacts the front surface of the engagement member 101 attached to the auxiliary device 100. Then, at the position where the fixing pin 102a is provided on the outer wall of the lens frame member 102 that forms the outer periphery of the interface with the engagement member 101, a second surface (e.g., a hook surface) that can be attached to the one surface of the hook-and-loop fastener 104t is provided in place of the fixing pin 102a. In this way, the abutting member 104 may be configured to be detachable from the auxiliary device 100 by providing a hook-and-loop fastener 104t in place of the fixing pin 102a and the engagement holes 104a. Furthermore, if the contact member 104 provided with the hook-and-loop fastener 104t can be attached to the auxiliary device 100 upside down, one surface (e.g., the loop surface) of the hook-and-loop fastener 104t may also be provided on the back side of the contact member 104 along the one end surface.

In this way, in this embodiment, by engaging the auxiliary device 100 with the main unit 1, a portable stereoscopic image display system can be constructed that the user can hold and view stereoscopic images. When viewing stereoscopic images from the stereoscopic image display system, the user holds the grips (left controller 3 and right controller 4) provided on the main unit 1 rather than the auxiliary device 100, allowing for a stable posture and a variety of viewing styles. Furthermore, because both grips of the stereoscopic image display system are each provided with an operation unit, the stereoscopic images can be viewed while operating the operation unit. Furthermore, because the operation units provided on both grips can both use devices provided on the main unit 1, there is no need to provide new operation units for the stereoscopic image display system in the auxiliary device 100, and existing devices can be used efficiently.

Furthermore, in the stereoscopic image display system of this embodiment, the user views the stereoscopic image displayed on the main unit 1 while placing their face against the auxiliary device 100, so the positional relationship between the stereo speakers (left speaker 88L and right speaker 88R) provided on the main unit 1 and the user's ears is also fixed, with the left and right speakers positioned near the user's ears. Therefore, the main unit 1 can output audio based on the positional relationship between the audio output device and the viewer's ears, without forcing the use of earphones or speakers. For example, the main unit 1 can control the sound source using so-called stereophonic technology based on the positional relationship between the audio output device and the viewer's ears.

While the above-described embodiment uses an example in which the main unit 1 and auxiliary device 100 are combined to form a stereoscopic image display system, a similar stereoscopic image display system may also be formed using an all-in-one device configured in the same housing. Here, the term "all-in-one housing" refers to a device configured as an all-in-one unit, in which a display unit that displays a stereoscopic image, a pair of lenses for viewing the image displayed on the display unit, two grips provided on the left and right sides of the display unit, and an operation unit provided on at least one of the grips are all mounted on the same housing. In other words, the all-in-one device configured in the same housing may have accessories (e.g., abutment members in the combined device) that can be attached and detached from the all-in-one device. Even when a stereoscopic image display system is formed using such an all-in-one device configured in the same housing, the stereoscopic image displayed on the display unit can be viewed by placing the face against the abutment. Because grips are provided on the left and right sides of the display unit and an operation unit is provided on at least one of the grips, the user can view the stereoscopic image in a variety of play styles, such as holding both grips with their left and right hands.

In the above-mentioned all-in-one device configured in the same housing, at least one of the gripping parts may be detachable from the all-in-one device. In this case, an operating part may be provided on the gripping part that is detachable from the all-in-one device.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an example was used in which a stereoscopic image was displayed by displaying a left-eye image and a right-eye image, which have parallax relative to each other, on the left and right screens of the display 12, respectively. However, the left-eye image and the right-eye image may also be displayed on separate screens. For example, if the display 12 provided on the main body 2 is configured with multiple display screens, the left-eye image is displayed on one of the multiple display screens, and the right-eye image is displayed on another of the multiple display screens. In this case, the user can view a stereoscopic image via the auxiliary device 100 by viewing with their left eye the left-eye image displayed on one of the multiple display screens via the left-eye lens 103L, and viewing with their right eye the right-eye image displayed on another of the multiple display screens via the right-eye lens 103R.

The 3D images displayed on the main unit 1 may be displayed as game images by the CPU 81 executing information processing (game processing) in response to operations on the operation unit, or as moving or still images by the CPU 81 performing video playback or still image playback in response to operations on the operation unit. In other words, the 3D images displayed on the main unit 1 are generated by the CPU 81 of the main unit 2 performing information processing (e.g., game processing, video playback processing, still image playback processing), but at least a portion of the processing for generating the 3D images may be performed by another device. For example, if the main unit 2 is configured to communicate with yet another device (e.g., a server, another image display device, another game device, another mobile terminal, another information processing device), the above processing may be performed in cooperation with the other device. In this way, performing at least a portion of the above processing by another device enables processing similar to that described above. The above-described information processing may be performed by one processor or by cooperation between multiple processors included in an information processing system consisting of at least one information processing device. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, information processing can be performed by the CPU 81 of the main body 2 executing a predetermined program, but some or all of the above processing may also be performed by a dedicated circuit provided in the main body 2.

Here, according to the above-mentioned modified example, the present invention can also be realized in so-called cloud computing system configurations and distributed wide area network and local network system configurations. For example, in a distributed local network system configuration, the above processing can be performed cooperatively between a stationary information processing device (stationary game device) and a portable information processing device (portable game device). Note that in these system configurations, there are no particular limitations on which device performs the above-mentioned processing, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be realized regardless of the division of processing load.

The program may be supplied to the main unit 2 via an external storage medium such as an external memory, or may be supplied to the device via a wired or wireless communication line. The program may also be pre-recorded in a non-volatile storage device within the device. The information storage medium for storing the program may be a non-volatile memory, a CD-ROM, a DVD, or similar optical disk storage media, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, or magnetic tape. The information storage medium for storing the program may also be a volatile memory for storing the program. Such storage media can be considered to be computer-readable recording media. For example, the various functions described above can be provided by having a computer read and execute the program from such a recording medium.

The present invention has been described in detail above. However, the foregoing description is in all respects merely illustrative of the present invention and is not intended to limit its scope. It goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the scope of the present invention should be interpreted solely by the claims. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that, from the description of specific embodiments of the present invention, they will be able to implement equivalent scopes based on the description of the present invention and their common general technical knowledge. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, it should be understood that the terms used in this specification are used in the same way as commonly used in the relevant field. Therefore, unless otherwise defined, all technical terms and terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. In the event of any conflict, the present specification (including definitions) will take precedence.

As described above, the present invention can be used as auxiliary equipment and stereoscopic image display systems that can be realized with a simple configuration.

1...Main unit 2...Main unit 3...Left controller 4...Right controller 11...Housing 12...Display 81...CPU
83... Controller communication unit 85... DRAM
88...speaker 111...communication control unit 121...processing unit 123...infrared image capturing unit 124...infrared light emitting unit 100...auxiliary equipment 101...engaging member 102...lens frame member 103...lens 104...abutment member 105...screw member

Claims (12)

A stereoscopic image display system including a main device and an auxiliary device detachably attached to the main device,
The main body device includes:
a main body having a display unit on the front for displaying an image;
a first controller that can be detachably attached to left and right side surfaces of the main body and that can be held by a user's left hand, and a second controller that can be held by the user's right hand;
The auxiliary equipment includes:
a lens for allowing a user to view the image displayed on the display unit;
a front surface on which the lens is provided ;
an upper portion having a top surface and formed above the front surface ;
The auxiliary equipment includes:
an opening is formed at a position opposite to the upper portion,
the battery is attached to the main body device by being inserted through the opening in a direction from the top surface to the bottom surface of the main body part;
When the device is attached to the main body, the upper portion is supported by contacting the upper surface of the main body,
When the first controller and the second controller are attached to the main unit,
left and right ends of the upper part are located more inward than a first operation unit provided on an upper surface of the first controller facing a front surface of the first controller , which is the front side of the main body, and a second operation unit provided on an upper surface of the second controller facing a front surface of the second controller, which is the front side of the main body;
A stereoscopic image display system in which the left and right ends of the front surface are located more inward than a third operating unit provided on the front surface of the first controller and a fourth operating unit provided on the front surface of the second controller. The stereoscopic image display system of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary device is configured so that the first controller and the second controller are detachably attached to the main unit when the auxiliary device is attached to the main unit. The stereoscopic image display system of claim 2, wherein the auxiliary device is configured to be attached to the main unit such that, when the auxiliary device is attached to the main unit, the boundaries between the main unit and the first controller and the second controller are exposed. The stereoscopic image display system of claim 3, wherein the auxiliary device is configured so that, when attached to the main device and viewed from the front, the left and right ends of the auxiliary device are located between the boundary portion and the display unit. the first controller and the second controller each include a slider;
the main body includes rails on the left and right side surfaces, and the slider is inserted from one end of the rails;
5. The stereoscopic image display system according to claim 2, wherein the auxiliary device is configured to be attached to the main body with the one end of the rail exposed. The auxiliary device further includes an opening/closing unit that opens and closes the opening,
The stereoscopic image display system according to claim 1, wherein the opening/closing unit is attached to the main body device by being inserted through the opening in a direction from the top surface to the bottom surface of the main body unit while the opening is open. The stereoscopic image display system of claim 6, wherein the opening/closing section closes the opening by covering at least a portion of the opening. The stereoscopic image display system of claim 7, wherein the opening/closing unit includes two opening/closing devices that openably and closably cover the opening from the front side to the rear side of the auxiliary device. the main body device further includes an input/output terminal;
9. The stereoscopic image display system according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary device is configured to be attached to the main body with the input/output terminals exposed. the main body device further includes an exhaust hole;
The stereoscopic image display system according to claim 1 , wherein the auxiliary device is configured to be attached to the main body with the exhaust hole exposed. the main body device further includes a slot into which a storage medium can be inserted;
The stereoscopic image display system according to claim 1 , wherein the auxiliary device is configured to be attached to the main body with the slot exposed. The stereoscopic image display system described in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the auxiliary device is attached to the main unit to which the first controller and the second controller are attached, and is supported by the main unit by applying at least a portion of the auxiliary device's own weight to the top surface of the main unit when the first controller and the second controller are held in the user's left and right hands, respectively.