JPH0768052A - Housing of game apparatus and game apparatus using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable key-top operation smoothly with excellent gripping property, and moreover, with the minimum momentum by allowing the holding of a game apparatus at the most natural attitude. CONSTITUTION:A housing 100 includes grip parts 10 which are provided on both sides closer to users in application and made so bulged to fit palms holding a game apparatus 1000 and a plurality of openings 30 and 32 which are provided on the tip sides thereof in application and each of which has a key top set thereon. The grip parts 10 preferably have side parts 16 protruded gently and a rear surface parts 20 so protruded as to fit a little finger, a ring finger and a middle finger holding the game apparatus 1000 following the side parts 16. The game apparatus 1000 includes a game cartridge 200 and a game machine body 1100 and the game apparatus body 1100 includes the housing 100, operating sections 300 and 400 containing a switch mechanism, a cartridge mounted section and a game computing section.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game device housing and a game device using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the spread of video games in recent years, various types of video game systems have been developed. As a video game system, for example, (a) a game cartridge having a game program built therein, a game machine main body having a calculation unit built-in, a controller (operation unit) and a display are separately configured, ( b) The controller is integrated into the game console itself,
The other game cartridge and the display are of a separately constructed type, (c) the game machine main body is integrated with the controller and the display, and the game cartridge is of a separately constructed type, (d) the game There is a type in which a game program, a controller and a display are integrally incorporated in a machine body.

By the way, as a game device including a video game machine main body or an operation unit such as a controller, a box-shaped game machine generally disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 3-50594 is generally used. is there. When using such a game device, the player usually operates the key top by moving the thumb while holding the game device in a state of sandwiching the game device with the thumb and forefinger of both hands.

[0004]

The above-mentioned conventional game device is flat, and is hard to fit into a human hand having a curved surface. At present, the grip is hardly considered. Therefore, the conventional game device is difficult to grip and is inferior in operability. When playing a game for a long time, this problem becomes more serious, and fatigue increases in proportion to the momentum of the keytop operation, especially fatigue at the first and second joints of the thumb, depending on the case. Can cause arthritis.

The present invention has been ergonomically researched and developed in order to solve such a problem, and its purpose is to be able to hold a game device in a state that is most natural and to have a grip property. An object of the present invention is to provide a housing that is excellent in operation and that allows a key top operation to be performed smoothly with a minimum amount of exercise so as not to place a burden on the thumb, and a game device using the housing.

[0006]

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a housing for a game device in which the thumb can be used to operate the key top of the operating portion while holding the housing with both hands, and the housing is provided on the front side in the use state. A grip portion provided on both sides and having a bulge adapted to the palm when the game apparatus is gripped; and a plurality of openings provided on the tip side in the used state, in which the key tops are installed, Characterize.

This housing has a grip portion, and since the grip has a bulge adapted to the palm of the game apparatus, it is easy to fit the palm and a natural grip is possible.

The grip portion has a gentle convex side surface portion, and a convex rear surface portion which is continuous with the side surface portion and which is substantially adapted to the little finger, the ring finger and the middle finger in a state of gripping the game device.
It is preferable to have In such a grip portion, the palm fits on the side surface portion, and the little finger, the ring finger, and the middle finger fit on the back surface portion, so that the game apparatus can be firmly gripped in a natural state. By providing such a grip part, it is possible to fix the game device in a relaxed state with a finger other than the thumb,
As a result, the thumb can be completely free.

It is preferable that the rear surface portion has a step portion with which the tips of the little finger, the ring finger, and the middle finger in a state of gripping the game device can contact. By forming the stepped portion on the back surface portion, the tips of the little finger, the ring finger, and the middle finger in the state of gripping the game device are hung on the stepped portion, so that the grip portion can be gripped more reliably.

The housing has an overall planar shape
It is preferable to curve in an arc shape having a center on the back side.
By curving the overall shape of the housing in this way, the game device can be held while the wrists, arms, and shoulders are relaxed, especially with both elbows free, so that the upper half of the body can be operated with less force. You can As a result, fatigue of the shoulders, elbows and wrists can be reduced even after playing for a long time.

It is preferable that one opening is formed in each of the areas where the left and right thumbs can move when the game device is held. By forming one opening in each of which the left and right thumbs can move in this way, the key top can be smoothly operated with a small stroke.

Further, it is preferable that a gentle operation surface is formed around the opening. In this way, by forming the operation surface around the opening where the key top is arranged, it is possible to move the thumb around the key top more freely and smoothly.

The housing of such a game device can be applied to a game device including a single operation section or a game machine main body in which the operation section is integrated. These game devices are described in claims 7 to 10.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game device including a game cartridge having a game program built therein, and a game machine body into which the game cartridge can be mounted.
This game machine main body includes a housing according to any one of claims 1 to 6, a key top provided in an opening of the housing, and a switch mechanism that can be turned on / off by a pressing operation of the key top. An operating unit including the cartridge mounting unit to which the game cartridge is removably mounted; and a predetermined operation based on a game program stored in the housing and stored in the game cartridge and an operation signal input from the operating unit. It is characterized by including a game calculation section for performing a game calculation and outputting a video signal for display on a separate display device.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game device including a game cartridge containing a game program and a game machine main body to which the game cartridge can be mounted.
This game machine main body includes a housing according to any one of claims 1 to 6, a key top provided in an opening of the housing, and a switch mechanism that can be turned on / off by a pressing operation of the key top. A predetermined game calculation based on an operation unit including the operation unit, a cartridge attachment unit to which the game cartridge is detachably attached, a game program stored in the housing and stored in the game cartridge, and an operation signal input from the operation unit. And a game calculation unit that outputs a video signal for display display, and a display unit that displays an image based on the video signal.

A game device according to a ninth aspect is the game device according to the first aspect.
7. A housing according to any one of claims 1 to 6, a key top provided in an opening of the housing, an operation unit including a switch mechanism that can be turned on and off by a pressing operation of the key top, and the inside of the housing. And a memory section in which a game program is stored and provided in the housing, a predetermined game operation is performed based on an operation signal input from the game program and the operation section, and a video signal for display is displayed. It is characterized by including a game calculation unit for outputting and a display unit for displaying an image based on the video signal.

A game apparatus according to a tenth aspect is turned on by the housing according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, a key top provided in an opening of the housing, and a pressing operation of the key top. An operation unit including a switch mechanism that can be turned off is included.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game machine of a type in which a game cartridge containing a game program is mounted on a game machine main body including an operation section and a video game is played by a separate display device. . A game apparatus according to an eighth aspect is a handy type in which an operation unit and a display unit are integrally configured in a game machine body and a video game is played by mounting a game cartridge. The game device according to claim 9,
This is a handy type game device in which an operation unit, a memory unit in which a game program is stored, and a display unit are integrally configured in a game machine body. According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game device of a type including only an operation section called a controller.

In these game devices, a plurality of key tops are concentrated in one opening, and each key top is formed into a divided shape having a predetermined shape in an aggregated state and arranged adjacent to each other. It is preferable to have a collective operation unit capable of performing a single operation and a plurality of mixed and combined operations.
In this way, by concentrating a plurality of key tops, for example, the key tops of the function operation unit, at one location and adjoining each other, it is of course possible to operate the key tops independently with only the operating finger (thumb)
Multiple keytops can be operated simultaneously with a single operation.

In the game device, one opening is formed in each of the regions where the left and right thumbs can move while the game device is gripped, and one opening has the key top of the collective operation unit. Is preferably installed, and the key top of the direction indicating operation unit is installed in the other opening. In this way, one opening is formed in each of the areas where the left and right thumbs can move, and the key top of the collective operation section is formed in one opening and the key top of the direction indicating operation section is formed in the other opening. By installing it, you can smoothly perform the necessary operations while the game is in progress with a minimum amount of exercise,
It is possible to operate without putting a burden on the thumb.

Further, in the game device, the center axes of the key tops of the collective operation section and the direction instruction operation section are inclined inward with respect to the front-rear direction of the housing (vertical direction in the front). It is preferably inclined at an angle. In this way, by tilting the key top of the operation portion inward with respect to the front-rear direction of the housing by a predetermined angle, the central axis of the thumb and the central axis of the key top can be aligned, and the operability of the key top can be further improved. Can be increased. The tilt angle is the age of the player,
Although it depends on the sex or the size and shape of the game device, it is preferably 5 to 30 degrees, and particularly preferably about 15 degrees.

[0022]

1 to 7 show an embodiment of a preferred game device according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a front view, FIG. 2 is a plan view, FIG. 3 is a rear view, and FIG. 4 is a bottom view. 5 is a left side view, FIG. 6 is a right side view, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view.

In the game machine 1000 of this embodiment, the game machine main body 1100 is provided with operation units (controllers) 300 and 4.
00 is integrated into the game cartridge 2
00 is a detachable type.

(Housing) First, the game machine main body 110
The housing 100 forming 0 will be described. The overall shape of the housing 100 has a front shape in which the corners are formed in an arc shape as shown in FIG. 1 and a planar shape that gently curves in an arc shape having a center on the back side as shown in FIG. ing. The housing 100 includes the upper housing 11
0 and the lower housing 120.

The housing 100 is provided with grip portions 10, 10 on both sides of the front side (the lower side in FIG. 1) in the used state, and the tip side in the used state (see FIG. 1).
A first opening 30 and a second opening 32, in which a key top described later in detail is arranged, are provided on the upper side). In addition, a cartridge mounting portion 50 is formed substantially in the center on the front side in the use state.

The grip portion 10 is composed of an upper surface portion 12, a side surface portion 16 and a rear surface portion 20.

As shown clearly in FIGS. 4 and 7, the upper surface portion 12 is formed by a curved surface that is gently inclined toward the front side. The shape of this curved surface is preferably formed by a curved surface adapted to the curved surface of the bulging portion of the palm which is continuous with the thumb.

The side surface portion 16 is shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 7.
As clearly shown in Fig. 1, it is composed of a gentle convex portion that is directed outward (horizontal direction). The side surface portion 16 is considered to follow the curve of the palm, and specifically, the upper tapered portion 16a is configured to be slightly flat, and the lower tapered portion 16 is formed.
b is composed of a curved surface.

As shown clearly in FIGS. 3 to 6, the rear surface portion 20 is composed of a convex portion continuous with the side surface portion 16. As shown in FIG. 3, the back surface portion 20 has a substantially triangular pyramid shape protruding toward the back surface, and has an inclined step portion 22 and a flat top portion 24.

The openings 30 and 32 are shown in FIGS.
As clearly shown in FIG. 3, it is formed on both sides of the tip side, more specifically, in a region where the portion of the thumb beyond the first joint is located in the state where the game apparatus is gripped. This opening 30,
32, as shown in FIG.
The end portion of the upper housing 110 that faces the inside is extended toward the inside to form the cylindrical portions 34 and 36.

Further, around the openings 30 and 32, more specifically, operation surfaces 40 and 40 are formed in regions where the thumb can move while holding the game device. As clearly shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the operation surface 40 is formed lower than the central portion of the upper housing 110 so that a portion of the thumb on the distal side of the second joint can move smoothly, and is directed outward. It is formed to have a gentle slope.

As shown in FIG. 9, the cartridge mounting portion 50 has an opening portion 52 and a cartridge insertion portion 54. The opening 52 is formed substantially in the center of the front side of the housing 100 (lower side in FIG. 9). Further, the cartridge insertion portion 54 is formed of a cylindrical body extending from the opening 52 toward the inside of the housing 100.

(Game Cartridge) The game cartridge 200 is composed of a plate-shaped cartridge body 210 and a stopper portion 220, as shown in FIG. Then, the cartridge body 210 is inserted into the cartridge insertion portion 54, and the stopper portion 22 is inserted.
0 is an upper housing 110 that constitutes the opening 52.
It is attached so as to abut the end of the. In consideration of the design, the stopper 220 of the game cartridge 200 is configured to have an integral shape with the housing 100 with the cartridge body 210 mounted. In addition, as shown in FIG.
A recess 42 is formed in the upper housing 110 adjacent to 0, and the recess 42 forms the game cartridge 200.
Can be easily taken out.

(Operation Unit) Next, the operation unit will be described.

In this embodiment, a plurality of operation sections are collected at one place to form a set operation section 300, and the operation sections necessary for the progress of the game are the direction instruction operation section 400 and the set operation section 3.
It has one of the features in two points, 00.

11 and 12 show the set operation unit 3
11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 1, and FIG. 12 is a plan view of the key top.

The set operation section 300 includes a start button 30.
8 and two function operation units 310 and 312.

Specifically, the start button 308 and the two function operating sections 310 and 312 are provided in each key top 30.
The plane shape of 8a, 310a, and 312a is formed into a fan shape obtained by dividing an ellipse into three. Each of these key tops 308
a, 310a, 312a are arranged adjacent to each other in a concentrated manner at one location of the operation surface 40 at the upper right position of FIG. 1 of the housing 100, and these key tops 308a, 310a, 312a are arranged.
It is formed to have an elliptical shape in the state where they are assembled.

The key tops 308a, 310a,
312a has a flange 314 for locking on the lower end side,
The upper portion is projected from the first opening portion 30 formed in the housing 100, and the flange 314 is brought into contact with the lower edge portion of the tubular portion 34 forming the first opening portion 30 to prevent the falling off. ing. In addition, each key top 308
a, 310a, 312a on the adjacent upper side and the adjacent side of the flange 314, respectively, contact surfaces 320a, 320a.
b is formed.

Furthermore, each key top 308a, 310a,
The switch unit 322 is disposed below the 312a. The switch portion 322 is formed on the board holding portion 326 formed in the lower housing 120 so as to project.
8 is mounted and fixed, the holding member 332 is mounted and fixed on the printed circuit board 328, and the piezoelectric switch 330 is held by the holding member 332.
The holding member 332 is an elastically deformable plate-shaped member such as rubber, and each key top 308 of the holding member 332.
Projections 334 having a substantially U-shaped cross section are formed at positions corresponding to a, 310a, and 312a, respectively, in contact with the lower surfaces of the key tops 308a, 310a, and 312a to support the key tops 308a, 310a, and 312a. The piezoelectric switch 3 is formed on the lower surface of the center of each of the protrusions 334.
30 is attached. This piezoelectric switch 330
Uses a so-called piezoelectric rubber that becomes electrically conductive when compressed, and has key tops 308a, 310a, 312.
When the holding member 332 is deformed by pressing a, and the piezoelectric switch 330 is pressed on the printed board 328 to change its conductivity, a switch operation signal is supplied to the circuit of the printed board 328.

As described above, the set operation unit 300 of this embodiment
, The key tops 308a, 310a, 312
By arranging a on the upper housing 110 at a single upper right position so as to be adjacent to each other, it is possible to operate the key tops 308a, 310a, and 312a individually with only the operating finger (thumb), as well as one finger. 30 times in key top
Various mixing and combination operations of two simultaneous or three simultaneous 8a, 310a, and 312a can be easily performed.

The key tops 308a, 310a,
Since the 312a are adjacent to each other, it is possible to easily return the operating finger to the neutral position after performing the key operation once as compared with the case where the key tops are scattered.

Further, the key tops 308a, 310a, 3
Since the 12a are adjacent to each other, the belly part of the operating finger is less likely to hit the corners of the key tops 308a, 310a, and 312a, so that the operating finger is less likely to hurt and can withstand long-time operation sufficiently. obtain.

The key tops 308a, 310a,
Since the 312a are centrally arranged in one place, the space occupied on the upper housing 110 is small, and the key tops 308a, 310a, 312a have a predetermined shape such as an elliptical shape when assembled, which is good in design. Moreover, as for the mechanism of the switch portion 322, it is sufficient to attach the plurality of piezoelectric switches 330 to one holding member 332, so that the number of parts can be omitted and the cost can be reduced.

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the key tops 308a, 310a, 312 are formed.
Each of the key tops 308a and 310 is located at the substantially central portion of the upper surface of a.
a, 312a for operating two or three simultaneous operation fingers 344 are left, and a flat oval convex portion 346 for independently operating each of the key tops 308a, 310a, 312a at the outer edge thereof. 348 and 350 are formed.

Therefore, by using the insertion portion 344 of the operating finger, it is possible to easily perform an appropriate mixed combination operation of two or three key tops 308a, 310a, 312a, and each key top 308a, 310a, 310a. 312a
By using the convex portions 346, 348, 350, it is possible to easily and surely perform the single operation of (1) without causing an erroneous operation.

The plane shape of the gathering operation section 300 is not limited to an ellipse, and may be another shape such as a circle. Also,
The number of key tops that configure the set operation unit 300 is not limited to three, and may be four or five.

13 and 14 show a direction indicating operation section 400 of this embodiment, FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view thereof, and FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along the line D--D in FIG.

The direction indicating operation section 400 is the key top 4
The key top 410 includes a key top body 412 having an elliptical planar shape, and the key top body 4
A finger placement recess 414 formed in the center of the reference numeral 12 and four direction indicating portions 41 formed in the finger placement recess 414.
6a to 416d.

The key top body 412 has a locking flange 420 on the lower end side, and a contact projection for forming a switch on the lower surface at a position corresponding to the direction indicating portions 416a to 416d. 422a to 422d (42
2a, 422b only) and bearing recess 424 (FIG. 1).
4)).

The finger mounting recess 414 has a substantially elliptical planar shape having a minor axis X and a major axis Y, and its surface is a concave curved surface substantially conforming to the curved surface of the belly portion of the operating finger (usually thumb). I am configuring.

The elliptical shape is not particularly limited, but considering the fitting property with a finger, the ratio of the diameters of the axis X and the axis Y is preferably 1: 1.1 to 1: 1.5, and particularly, 1:
1.2-1: 1.3 is preferable.

The concave curved surface has a radius of curvature in the axis X direction of 16 to 20 mm, more preferably 1 considering the age and sex of the player such as children, adults, men and women.
7 to 19 mm, the radius of curvature in the axis Y direction is 14 to 18 mm,
More preferably, it is 15 to 17 mm.

The concave curved surface may have a partially different radius of curvature in consideration of the shape of the finger, operability, etc. For example, the radius of curvature of the curved surface on the right side of the axis Y is 15.9 m.
m and the radius of curvature of the curved surface on the left side may be set to 16.2 mm.

Such a finger placement recess 414 fits the operating finger, and the key top 410 can be operated only by tilting the finger or with an extremely small stroke.

Further, by aligning the length direction of the operating finger with the long axis Y direction of the finger placement concave portion 414, the operation direction can be accurately grasped by the long axis Y and the short axis X.
Blind operation is possible while looking at the screen.

The direction indicating portions 416a to 416d are symmetrically provided at four locations along the axis X and the axis Y in the finger placement recess 414. Each of the direction indicating portions 416a to 416d is composed of a semi-elliptical convex portion having a planar shape that is gently formed with respect to the finger placing concave portion 414. In addition, each direction indicator 416a-41
Markers 418 indicating directions are formed on the 6d.

Such direction indicating sections 416a to 416d
By forming the notch, not only the direction can be easily recognized by the tactile sensation, but also the pressing force of the finger is applied to the direction indicating portions 416a to 416.
The key tops 410 can be operated with a comparatively small force because they act in a concentrated manner on the convex portion forming d.

Further, the direction support portions 416a-416d.
Is formed by a gentle convex portion with respect to the finger placement concave portion 414, it fits the operating finger without any discomfort, and the finger can be played for a long time without causing pain.

In the direction indicating operation section 400, a plurality of board holding portions 436 are formed on the lower housing 120, and the printed board 440 is placed and fixed on these board holding portions 436. In addition, a holding member 442 that constitutes a switch unit is provided on the printed circuit board 440.
The holding member 442 is made of an elastic material similarly to the holding member 332 of the collecting operation unit 300, and has four protruding portions 443a to 443d (only 443a and 443b are shown) having a substantially U-shaped cross section. Then, the protrusion 443a
Piezoelectric switches 444a to 44 are provided in the center of the lower surface of 443d to 443d.
4d (only 444a and 444b are shown) are formed.

The key top 410 is the upper housing 11
Through the second opening 32 formed in 0, the flange portion 420 is mounted in a state of being locked to the edge portion of the tubular portion 36 forming the opening portion 32. In this state, the key top 410
The contact projections 422a to 422d of the holding member 44 are
The two piezoelectric switches 444a to 444d are installed at positions corresponding to the respective piezoelectric switches 444a to 444d. Further, the tip end of the support shaft 438 provided in the lower housing 120 is inserted into the bearing recess 424 of the key top 410. At this time, a predetermined clearance C is provided between the upper end of the support shaft 438 and the bearing recess 424.
1 is provided. A predetermined clearance C2 is also provided between the printed board 440 and each of the piezoelectric switches 444a to 444d, and the clearance C2 is set to be larger than the clearance C1.

Next, such a direction indicating operation section 400
The operation of will be described.

When the key top 410 is not operated, as shown in FIG. 14, the elasticity of the holding member 442 pushes the key top 410 upward, and the flange 420 of the key top 410 has the second opening 32. The key top 410 is held in a predetermined posture because the key top 410 is locked to the edge of the tubular portion 36 that constitutes the.

When the key top 410 is pressed and tilted by a finger, the key top 410 descends and the spindle 43 is moved.
8 and the clearance C1 between the bearing recess 424 of the key top 410 and the key top 410 are
38 is rotated in the tilt direction of the finger with the fulcrum as the fulcrum, and the switch
The N state is set. For example, when the key top 410 is tilted in the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 14, the key top 410 rotates about the support shaft 438 in the direction of arrow A, and as a result, the contact projection 22a descends. Along with this, the protrusion 43a of the holding member 442 is pressed, the piezoelectric switch 44a descends and comes into contact with the printed circuit board 440, and as a result, it is turned on.

When the key top 410 is not tilted and is simply pressed downward, the clearance C
Since 1 is set to be smaller than the clearance C2, none of the piezoelectric switches 444a to 444d come into contact with the printed board 440, and malfunction is prevented.

One of the characteristic points of the game apparatus 1000 of this embodiment is that the operation units 300 and 400 are provided in a tilted state as shown in FIG.

Specifically, the central axis (long axis Y) of the group operating section 300 is the front-back direction of the game apparatus 1000 (see FIG. 1).
(In the up-and-down direction), it is installed inclining at a specific inclination angle θ1. Further, the direction indicating operation section 400 is installed such that its central axis (long axis Y) is inclined inward with respect to the front-rear direction at a specific inclination angle θ2. These tilt angles θ
1, θ2 is preferably 5 to 30 degrees, more preferably
It is preferable that the angle is around 15 degrees, and θ1 and θ2 are the same. Such inclination angles θ1 and θ2 are set in accordance with the direction of the thumb H1 when the game apparatus 1000 is held. Tilt angle θ when gripping in the most natural state
It has been confirmed that 1 and θ2 are about 15 degrees regardless of age and sex.

(Block Circuit) Next, an example of the block circuit of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The game device 1000 includes a game calculation section 60 formed by using a CPU and the like, an internal memory 62,
It has operation parts 300 and 400. A display device 2000 is connected to the game device 1000, and a game cartridge 200 is detachably attached.

The game calculation section 60 includes an operation section 300,
A predetermined game calculation is performed according to the input signal output from 400 and the game program written in the program memory 230 in the game cartridge 200, and this calculation data is output to the display device 2000.

As the display device 2000,
For example, a home TV device is used, and the game calculation unit 60 is used.
A game screen is displayed on the display based on the data input from, and sound such as a sound effect is output from the speaker.

(Operation) Next, mainly the housing 100
The operation and effect depending on the form and the installation state of the operation units 300 and 400 will be described. (1) Upper Body Area FIG. 16 shows a state where a player holds the game device 1000 of the present invention, FIG. 16 (A) is an explanatory view of this state seen from the front, and FIG. 16 (B) shows It is explanatory drawing seen from the upper part.

The game device 1000 of the present invention has the shape of a gentle flat surface that bulges upward when the game device is held, and the position of the operating finger when the operation units 300 and 400 hold the game device. Since it is installed in
As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the palm is slightly upward while the game apparatus 1000 is held, the wrists and elbows are slightly outward, and the sides are open. This state is the most natural form when grasping something smaller than the shoulder width, and in particular, both elbows are in a free state, so that the arm and shoulder are in a relaxed pose. Therefore, the upper half of the body is not put into force, and fatigue of the shoulders, elbows and wrists can be suppressed even after playing for a long time.

On the other hand, when a conventional box-type game device 2000 as shown in FIG. 17 is used, the grip angle is determined by the position of the key top, and the wrist and both elbows are fixed. It becomes a pose. Therefore, the arms and shoulders are cramped, which makes the player considerably tired after playing for a long time. (2) Wrist Area The game device 1000 of the present invention has the grip portion 10, and since the grip portion 10 is configured by a curved surface adapted to the shape of the palm in a gripped state, it is easy to fit to the palm and surely. Grip is possible.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the back side of the game apparatus 1000 when it is held. As is apparent from this figure, the palm fits the side surface portion 16 of the grip portion 10, and the little finger, the ring finger, and the middle finger fit the convex back surface portion 20, and as a result, the game apparatus 1000 is firmly fixed in a natural state. Can be grasped. Then, by bringing the tips of the little finger, the index finger, and the middle finger into contact with the step portion 22 of the back surface portion 20, the grip performance can be further enhanced.

As described above, by providing the grip portion 10, the game apparatus 1000 can be fixed in a natural state without applying force with fingers other than the thumb, and as a result, the thumb as the operating finger is completely free. It can be in a different state. (3) Finger area As described above, in addition to making the thumb completely free, the operability of the thumb can be dramatically improved by adopting the configuration described below. (A) Installation Position of Operation Unit Grip state by providing the collective operation unit 300 and the direction instruction operation unit 400 at positions where the left and right thumbs are directly lowered on the surface of the game device 1000 while holding the game device 1000 You can move your thumb efficiently with, and you can operate key tops quickly. Particularly, unlike a game device in which a plurality of keytops are normally provided in a separated state, in the present invention, by providing a collective operation unit 300 in which a plurality of keytops are concentrated, a long-time role-playing game and quick reaction can be achieved. In the required sports shooting game, it is possible to operate the key top smoothly with a minimum stroke. (B) Key Top Attachment Angle In the game device 1000 of the present invention, the collective operation unit 3
00 and the key tops of the direction indicating operation section 400 are provided such that the central axes thereof are inclined inward with respect to the front-back direction of the housing 100 by a predetermined angle. This is because the thumb faces inward as shown in FIG. 1 when the game apparatus 1000 is gripped, so that the operability of the keytop can be improved by aligning the central axis of the thumb with the central axis of the keytop. It can be increased. The inclination angle of the key top depends on the angle of the thumb when the game device 1000 is gripped, but is preferably around 15 degrees in general, and may be 5 to 5 depending on the age and sex of the player or the size and shape of the game device.
It can be selected in the range of 30 degrees. (C) Operation Surface Around Operation Unit In the game device 1000 of the present invention, the operation unit 30
A gentle operation surface 40 is provided at a position slightly lower than the key top surface around 0,400. This operation surface 40
Needs to be formed in a region where at least the thumb can move while holding the game device 1000. By providing such an operation surface 40, the thumb can be moved more freely when the key top is operated.

By tilting the operation surface 40 gently toward the outside, the movement of the thumb can be made smoother. As shown in FIG. 2, when the game device 1000 is gripped, the thumb H1 is placed on the key top with a slight inclination outward, and therefore, the inclination angle of the thumb HI and the angle of the operation surface 40. By aligning with, the thumb will move more smoothly.

The preferred game device of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the invention. The embodiment relates to an embodiment of the game device according to claim 7, but the housing of the present invention is applied to a game device of a type that is held by both hands, or a game machine main body or a controller constituting the game device. can do. Specifically, in addition to the above-mentioned embodiment, it can be applied to a game device corresponding to claims 8 to 10. That is, in the housing of the present invention, the operation unit and the display unit are integrally configured in the game machine main body, and a handy type game device for playing a video game by mounting the game cartridge, the game machine main body, the operation unit, the game unit. The present invention can also be applied to a handy-type game device in which a memory unit storing a program and a display unit are integrally configured, such as a game device including only an operation unit called a controller.

The overall or detailed form of the housing may take various forms without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, the shape and arrangement of the operation unit can take other configurations. For example, the function operation unit does not necessarily need to be concentrated in one place, and can be dispersed and arranged in a region that does not impair operability. Is.

[0080]

According to the present invention, by providing the housing with the grip portion, the game apparatus can be gripped in a state that is closest to the natural body, the grip performance is excellent, and the thumb is minimized so as not to burden the thumb. It is possible to provide a housing that allows a key top operation to be performed smoothly with the amount of exercise and a game device using the housing.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a suitable game device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the game device shown in FIG.

3 is a rear view of the game device shown in FIG. 1. FIG.

4 is a bottom view of the game device shown in FIG. 1. FIG.

5 is a left side view of the game device shown in FIG. 1. FIG.

6 is a right side view of the game device shown in FIG. 1. FIG.

7 is a perspective view of the game device shown in FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a game cartridge.

9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG.

10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG.

11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view of a group operation unit shown in FIG.

1. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the direction indicating operation unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD of FIG.

15 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a video game system using the game device shown in FIG.

FIG. 16 shows a usage state of the game device of the present invention,
(A) is an explanatory view of the usage state seen from the front, and (B) is an explanatory view of the usage state seen from above.

FIG. 17 shows a state in which a conventional type game device is used, (A) is an explanatory view of the usage state seen from the front, and (B) is an explanatory view of the usage state seen from above.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory perspective view showing a state where the game apparatus of the present invention is gripped.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 grip part 12 upper surface part 16 side surface part 20 back surface part 22 step part 30 first opening part 32 second opening part 40 operation surface 50 cartridge mounting part 54 cartridge insertion part 60 game calculation part 62 internal memory 100 housing 110 upper housing 120 Lower housing 200 Game cartridge 300 Collective operation unit 308, 310, 312 Key top 400 Directional operation unit 410 Key top 1000 Game device 1100 Game machine main body

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A housing for a game device in which a thumb can be used to operate a key top of an operating unit while holding it with both hands, and the housing is provided on both sides of the front side in a used state, and is provided on a palm with the game device gripped. A housing for a game device, comprising: a grip portion having a corresponding bulge; and a plurality of openings provided at a tip end side in a use state and in which the key tops are installed. 2. The gentle grip according to claim 1, wherein the grip portion has a gentle convex side surface, and a convex shape that is continuous with the side surface and that is adapted to the little finger, the ring finger, and the middle finger when the game device is held. A housing for a game device, the housing having a back portion. 3. The housing of the game device according to claim 2, wherein the back surface portion has a step portion with which the tips of the little finger, the ring finger, and the middle finger in a state of gripping the game device can contact. 4. The housing for a game device according to claim 1, wherein the overall plane shape is curved in an arc shape having a center on the back side. 5. The one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the openings is formed in a region where the left and right thumbs can move in a state where the game device is gripped. The housing of the game device. 6. The housing for a game device according to claim 1, wherein a gentle operation surface is formed around the opening. 7. A game cartridge including a game program and a game machine main body to which the game cartridge can be attached, the game machine main body comprising the housing according to any one of claims 1 to 6. A key top provided in an opening of the housing, and an operation unit including a switch mechanism that can be turned on and off by a pressing operation of the key top, a cartridge mounting unit to which the game cartridge is detachably mounted, and A predetermined game calculation is performed based on a game program stored in the housing and stored in the game cartridge and an operation signal input from the operation unit, and a video signal for display is output to a separate display device. A game device comprising: a game calculation unit. 8. A game cartridge including a game program therein, and a game machine body into which the game cartridge can be mounted, the game machine body being the housing according to any one of claims 1 to 6. A key top provided in an opening of the housing, and an operation section including a switch mechanism that can be turned on / off by a pressing operation of the key top, a cartridge mounting section to which the game cartridge is detachably mounted, the housing A game operation unit provided inside the game cartridge, which performs a predetermined game operation based on a game program stored in the game cartridge and an operation signal input from the operation unit, and outputs a video signal for display on the display; A display unit for displaying an image based on a signal, Game device according to claim. 9. A housing according to any one of claims 1 to 6, a key top provided in an opening of the housing, and a switch mechanism capable of being turned on and off by a pressing operation of the key top. An operation unit including the same, a memory unit built in the housing for storing a game program, and provided in the housing for performing a predetermined game calculation based on the game program and an operation signal input from the operation unit. A game device comprising: a game calculation unit that outputs a video signal for display display; and a display unit that displays an image based on the video signal. 10. A housing according to any one of claims 1 to 6, a key top provided in an opening of the housing, and a switch mechanism capable of being turned on and off by a pressing operation of the key top. A game device comprising: an operation unit including; 11. The key top according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein a plurality of key tops are concentrated in one of the openings, and each key top is formed into a divided shape having a predetermined shape in a state of being adjacent to each other. A game machine having a collective operation section arranged so that each key top can be operated independently and a plurality of mixed combinations can be operated. 12. The opening according to claim 11, wherein one opening is formed in each of the areas where the left and right thumbs can move when the game device is held, and one opening has a key of the collective operation section. A game machine, in which a top is installed and a key top of a direction indicating operation unit is installed in the other opening. 13. The key top of each of the collective operation section and the direction instruction operation section according to claim 12, wherein central axes of the key tops are inclined inwardly with respect to a front-rear direction of the housing (a vertical direction in a front surface). Three
A game device characterized by being inclined at 0 degree. 14. The game device according to claim 13, wherein the inclination angle is about 15 degrees.