Patent Publication Number: US-11641723-B2

Title: Input device and cover

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2020-065102 filed Mar. 31, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to an input device that is used for game control or the like, and a cover capable to be attached on an exterior surface of a cabinet of the input device. 
     As an example of input devices that are used for video games, a device disclosed in WO 2014/061322 is given. The input device disclosed in WO 2014/061322 includes, in its right or left portion, input members including an input stick (joystick), input buttons, a directional pad, or the like. The input device includes, as its exterior, an upper cabinet and a lower cabinet that are combined in an upward-downward direction. The upper cabinet and the lower cabinet are fixed to each other with screws. A circuit board is disposed in a space between the upper and lower cabinets. 
     SUMMARY 
     When the screws fixing the upper and lower cabinets are prevented from being exposed, an appearance of the input device can be enhanced. 
     According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an input device including: a cabinet including an upper cabinet section and a lower cabinet section that are combined in an upward-downward direction; at least one fixture fixing the upper cabinet section to the lower cabinet section; and a cover attached to an exterior surface of the cabinet to cover the at least one fixture. The exterior surface of the cabinet has an exposed region adjacent to the cover and not covered by the cover. A step is formed between the exposed region of the exterior surface of the cabinet and an exterior surface of the cover, so that the exterior surface of the cover is recessed with respect to the exposed region of the exterior surface of the cabinet. With this input device, the fixture is covered by the cover, so that the appearance of the input device can be enhanced. Further, since the exterior surface of the cover is recessed with respect to the exterior surface of the cabinet, an observer looking at the input device hardly recognizes the cover as a cover. Thus, the appearance can be further enhanced. 
     According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an input device including: a left held section on which an input member that is operated with a finger is disposed and which serves as a left portion of the input device; a right held section on which an input member that is operated with a finger is disposed and which serves as a right portion of the input device; a cabinet including an upper cabinet section and a lower cabinet section that are combined in an upward-downward direction, and a section forming the left held section and the right held section; at least one fixture fixing the upper cabinet section to the lower cabinet section; and a cover attached to an exterior surface of the cabinet to cover the at least one fixture. The at least one fixture is provided to each of the left held section and the right held section. The cover has a cover side portion covering the fixture in the left held section, a cover side portion covering the fixture in the right held section, and a cover center portion connecting the left and right cover side portions. With this input device, the fixture is covered by the cover, so that the appearance of the input device can be enhanced. Further, with this input device, the number of parts can be reduced. 
     According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cover capable to be attached on an exterior surface of a cabinet of an input device. The cabinet has a left held section which serves as a left portion of an input device and on which an input member is disposed, the input member being for operation with a finger; a right held section which serves as a right portion of the input device and on which an input member is disposed, the input member being for operation with a finger; and an upper cabinet section and a lower cabinet section that are combined in an upward-downward direction, each of the left and right held sections having at least one fixture that fixes the upper and lower cabinet sections to each other. The cover comprises a left cover side portion for covering the fixture in the left held section, a right cover side portion covering for the fixture in the right held section, and a cover center portion connecting the left and right cover side portions. 
     Note that “the upper cabinet section is fixed to the lower cabinet section” in the above-mentioned input device includes not only a mode in which these components are directly fixed to each other, but also a mode in which these components are indirectly fixed to each other through a frame accommodated in the cabinet, for example. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1 A  is a plan view illustrating an example of an input device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  1 B  is a side view of the input device illustrated in  FIG.  1 A ; 
         FIG.  1 C  is a front view of the input device; 
         FIG.  1 D  is a rear view of the input device; 
         FIG.  1 E  includes a bottom view of the input device and an enlarged view of part of the bottom view; 
         FIG.  2    is an exploded perspective view of the input device; 
         FIG.  3    is an exploded perspective view of the input device; 
         FIG.  4 A  is a sectional view taken along line IVa-IVa of  FIG.  1 C ; 
         FIG.  4 B  is a sectional view taken along line IVb-IVb of  FIG.  1 D ; 
         FIG.  5    is a bottom view illustrating a circuit board and a frame; 
         FIG.  6    is a plan view of an upper cabinet section; 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view illustrating a grip; 
         FIG.  8 A  is a sectional view taken along line VIIIa-VIIIa of  FIG.  1 A ; 
         FIG.  8 B  is a sectional view taken along line VIIIb-VIIIb of  FIG.  1 A ; 
         FIG.  9    is a sectional view taken along line IX-IX of  FIG.  1 D ; 
         FIG.  10    is a sectional view taken along line X-X of  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  11 A  is a sectional view illustrating a modified example of a sound hole, which is obtained from a cross section like the one in  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  11 B  is a sectional view taken along line XI-XI of  FIG.  11 A ; 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view illustrating a buffer member attached to the upper cabinet section; 
         FIG.  13 A  is a perspective view illustrating the buffer member in an enlarged manner; 
         FIG.  13 B  is a side view of the buffer member; 
         FIG.  14 A  is a sectional view of the input device taken along line XIVa-XIVa illustrated in  FIG.  13 B ; 
         FIG.  14 B  is a sectional view of the input device taken along line XIVb-XIVb illustrated in  FIG.  13 B ; 
         FIG.  15    is a sectional view of a modified example of the buffer member; 
         FIG.  16 A  is an exploded perspective view illustrating input buttons, the upper cabinet section, and a buffer member; 
         FIG.  16 B  is an enlarged view of  FIG.  16 A ; 
         FIG.  17    is a sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII illustrated in  FIG.  1 A ; 
         FIG.  18    is a sectional view illustrating the circuit board and the frame in cross section along line XVIII-XVIII illustrated in  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  19    is a plan view of an input member; 
         FIG.  20    is a sectional view taken along line XX-XX illustrated in  FIG.  1 A ; 
         FIG.  21 A  is a sectional view taken along line XXI-XXI illustrated in  FIG.  1 A ; 
         FIG.  21 B  is an enlarged view of  FIG.  21 A ; 
         FIG.  22 A  is a block diagram illustrating a system including an information processing apparatus and the input device; and 
         FIG.  22 B  is a block diagram illustrating functions of the information processing apparatus. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Now, an embodiment of the present disclosure is described with reference to the drawings.  FIG.  1 A  to  FIG.  1 E  and the like illustrate an input device  10  as an example of the embodiment. In the following description, in  FIG.  1 A  to  FIG.  1 D , X 1  and X 2  respectively indicate a right direction and a left direction, Y 1  and Y 2  respectively indicate a forward direction and a rearward direction, and Z 1  and Z 2  respectively indicate an upward direction and a downward direction. Note that, these directions are defined for descriptions of shapes and relative positional relations of elements (parts, members, and portions) of the input device  10 , and are not intended to limit a posture of the input device  10 . 
     The input device  10  is used as an input device for an information processing apparatus  90  (see  FIG.  22 A ; for example, video game console) having a game program execution function, a moving image reproduction function, a communication function via the Internet, and the like. The input device  10  can communicate with the information processing apparatus  90  in a wired or wireless manner, and transmits a signal based on an operation made by a user on the input device  10  to the information processing apparatus  90 . The input device  10  incorporates various sensors (acceleration sensor, gyro sensor, and the like) that are used for detecting a posture or a motion of the input device  10 , a battery, and the like. 
     Further, the input device  10  includes a first microphone  8 A and a second microphone  8 B (see  FIG.  9   ) for acquiring spoken voice of the user, and a speaker  4  (see  FIG.  1 A ). Voice data acquired through the microphones  8 A and  8 B is transmitted to the information processing apparatus  90  to be used in voice recognition processing or voice chat (voice communication) with other users. The other users&#39; voice data is output from a speaker connected to the information processing apparatus  90  or the built-in speaker  4  of the input device  10 . 
     [Input Member] 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  1 A , the input device  10  includes, in its left portion and right portion, a left held section  10 L and a right held section  10 R, respectively, that the user holds with his/her hands. The held sections  10 L and  10 R are separated from each other in a left-right direction, and a device center section  10 M is formed between front portions of the held sections  10 L and  10 R. 
     The held sections  10 L and  10 R may each include a grip  12  extending rearward beyond a rear edge of the device center section  10 M. A size of the device center section  10 M in a forward-rearward direction may be the same as those of the held sections  10 L and  10 R. In this case, the held sections  10 L and  10 R may not include the grips  12  extending rearward. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  1 A , a plurality of input members that the user operates with his/her fingers are provided on upper surfaces of front portions of the held sections  10 L and  10 R. Specifically, a plurality of input buttons  35  are provided on the upper surface of the front portion of the right held section  10 R. For example, the four input buttons  35  are disposed at end portions of a cross. Further, a cross-shaped directional pad (cross button)  19  is disposed on the upper surface of the front portion of the left held section  10 L. As illustrated in  FIG.  1 A , the input device  10  may include input buttons  17  on left and right sides of a front portion of an input member  20 . Moreover, the held sections  10 L and  10 R may each include input buttons  15  and  16  (see  FIG.  1 C ) on their front surfaces. The input buttons  15  and  16  are arranged in an upward-downward direction. The input button  16  on the lower side is a trigger button supported to be movable in the forward-rearward direction about an axis, for example. On a rear side of the input button  16 , an actuator  6  (see  FIG.  1 B ) configured to induce a reaction force to a motion of the input button  16  may be disposed. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  1 A , the input device  10  may include input sticks  31 . The input sticks  31  are disposed on left and right sides of a rear portion of the device center section  10 M, for example. The input sticks  31  can each tilt in its radial direction or tilt and pivot around a center line of an initial position. The input sticks  31  may each be supported to be movable in the upward-downward direction, thereby functioning as a button. The input sticks  31  may each be slidable in the radial direction instead of being tiltable in the radial direction. Moreover, the input device  10  may include a button  18  positioned at a center in the left-right direction on a rear side of the input member  20 . The button  18  functions as a power button of the information processing apparatus  90  to which the input device  10  is connected, or a start button for instructing start of wireless connection between the information processing apparatus  90  and the input device  10 . 
     Note that, positions of the input sticks  31  and arrangement of the directional pad  19  and the input buttons  35  are not limited to the example in the input device  10 . For example, the position of the input buttons  35  and the position of the input stick  31  may be interchanged. Further, the position of the directional pad  19  and the position of the input stick  31  may be interchanged. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  1 A , the input device  10  includes the plate-like input member  20  on an upper surface of the device center section  10 M. The input member  20  is disposed in front of the left and right input sticks  31 , for example. The input member  20  includes a touch sensor. The touch sensor outputs a signal based on a position on an upper surface of the input member  20  where a finger touches. The touch sensor is a capacitive sensor, for example. The input member  20  may be supported to be movable in the upward-downward direction on the basis of a press operation by the user. The input device  10  includes a switch  23  ( FIG.  20   ) configured to detect that the input member  20  has been pressed, and the input member  20  functions as a button supporting ON/OFF operations. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  1 A , in the example of the input device  10 , a width of the input member  20  in the left-right direction gradually increases toward the front. Thus, the user easily touches the front portion of the input member  20  with his/her thumbs while holding the held sections  10 L and  10 R with the hands. 
     [Exterior Member] 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the input device  10  includes a cabinet  40  serving as an exterior member of the input device  10 . The cabinet  40  forms an exterior surface of the input device  10  and accommodates various parts of the input device  10  (a circuit board  61 , vibration motors  5 L and  5 R, and the like). The cabinet  40  includes an upper cabinet section  41  and a lower cabinet section  42  that are combined in the upward-downward direction. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the input device  10  includes a frame  51 . Various parts of the input device  10  are fixed to the frame  51 . For example, the vibration motor  5 R is held on a right portion of the frame  51  and the vibration motor  5 L is held on a left portion thereof. The vibration motors  5 L and  5 R vibrate the grips  12  on the basis of a situation in a video game executed by the information processing apparatus  90 . The actuator  6  configured to move the trigger button  16  is disposed in front of each of the vibration motors  5 L and  5 R. The circuit board  61  is fixed to a lower side of a center portion of the frame  51 . The upper cabinet section  41  covers an upper side of the frame  51  to form upper portions of the held sections  10 L and  10 R and the device center section  10 M. The lower cabinet section  42  covers a lower side of the frame  51  to form lower portions of the held sections  10 L and  10 R and the device center section  10 M. 
     The upper cabinet section  41  is attached to the frame  51  with fixtures such as screws or bolts. For example, the upper cabinet section  41  is directly fixed to the frame  51  with screws inserted from the lower side of the frame  51 . The lower side of the frame  51  is covered by the lower cabinet section  42 . Thus, the fixtures (screws) fixing the upper cabinet section  41  to the frame  51  are not exposed on the exterior surface of the input device  10 . 
     The lower cabinet section  42  (see  FIG.  2   ) is fixed to the upper cabinet section  41 , for example. Attachment positions thereof are provided on front and rear edges of the lower cabinet section  42 , for example. In more detail, the lower cabinet section  42  has, in its front edge (front edges of the left and right held sections  10 L and  10 R), openings  42   b  (see  FIG.  2   ) each for surrounding the input buttons  15  and  16 , which are arranged in the upward-downward direction. A portion  42   a  that is an upper edge of the opening  42   b  and extends along an upper side of the input button  15  has a fixed portion  42   c  (see  FIG.  4 A ). The fixed portion  42   c  is attached, with a screw  49   a , to a fixed portion  41   a  (see  FIG.  4 A ) formed at a front edge of the upper cabinet section  41 , for example. 
     The fixed portions  42   c  and  41   a  are formed such that the screw  49   a  is inserted in an oblique direction with respect to the upward-downward direction. With this, the screw  49   a  is prevented from interfering with the trigger button  16  when being inserted. The input button  15  covers front sides of the fixed portions  42   c  and  41   a  and the screw  49   a  to prevent these components from being exposed. The input button  15  may be attached to the cabinet  40  with engagement portions (for example, claw portions) formed on the input button  15 . 
     Further, as illustrated in  FIG.  3    and  FIG.  4 B , the lower cabinet section  42  has fixed portions  42   e  in its rear edge (rear edges of the left and right held sections  10 L and  10 R). The fixed portions  42   e  are each fixed, with a screw  49   b , to a fixed portion  41   f  formed at a rear edge of the upper cabinet section  41 . The frame  51  has, in its rear edge, fixed portions  51   a  protruding rearward. The fixed portions  51   a  are each fixed to the fixed portion  41   f  of the upper cabinet section  41  together with the fixed portion  42   e  of the lower cabinet section  42 . 
     An attachment structure of the cabinet sections  41  and  42  is not limited to the example in the input device  10 . For example, the frame  51  may be fixed to the lower cabinet section  42  with screws, and the upper cabinet section  41  may be fixed to the lower cabinet section  42  with screws. In another example, the cabinet sections  41  and  42  may each be attached to the frame  51  such that the two cabinet sections  41  and  42  are indirectly fixed to each other through the frame  51 . In still another example, the input device  10  may not include the frame  51 . In this case, the upper cabinet section  41  and the lower cabinet section  42  may be directly fixed to each other. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  1 A  and  FIG.  2   , the input device  10  includes, as one of its exterior members, a cover  45  attached to an exterior surface of the cabinet  40 . The cover  45  has a right cover side portion  45 R serving as a part of an exterior surface of the right held section  10 R, a left cover side portion  45 L serving as a part of an exterior surface of the left held section  10 L, and a cover center portion  45 M that connects the left and right cover side portions  45 L and  45 R and serves as a part of an exterior surface of the device center section  10 M. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  4 B , the cover  45  includes a fixture cover  45   a  covering the fixture fixing the lower cabinet section  42  (specifically, the screw  49   b ) and the fixed portions  42   e  and  41   f . The fixture cover  45   a  is positioned on a rear side of the screw  49   b  and the fixed portions  42   e ,  41   f , and  51   a  to cover these components. The fixture cover  45   a  is provided to each of the left and right cover side portions  45 L and  45 R. As illustrated in  FIG.  1 D  and  FIG.  4 B , the fixture cover  45   a  is positioned on the rear side of the left or right held section  10 L or  10 R and attached to the rear edge of the held section  10 L or  10 R (that is, the rear edge of the left or right grip  12 ). 
     The screws  49   b  are not exposed on the exterior surface of the input device  10  in this way, so that an appearance of the input device  10  can be enhanced. Further, since the left and right screws  49   b  are covered by the single cover  45 , the number of parts can be reduced, and assembly of the input device  10  can thus be simplified. 
     The screw  49   b  is inserted into the fixed portion  42   e  of the lower cabinet section  42  and the fixed portion  41   f  of the upper cabinet section  41  in the upward-downward direction. A part (lower part) of the fixture cover  45   a  is positioned below the fixed portions  42   e  and  41   f . That is, the part (lower part) of the fixture cover  45   a  is positioned in a pull-out direction of the screw  49   b  from the fixed portions  42   e  and  41   f . Another part (upper part) of the fixture cover  45   a  is positioned on a rear side of the fixed portions  42   e  and  41   f.    
     As illustrated in  FIG.  1 A , the cover side portions  45 L and  45 R are attached to inner side surfaces of the left and right grips  12 . The right fixture cover  45   a  is bent at a rear edge of the right cover side portion  45 R to be positioned on the rear side of the right grip  12 . The left fixture cover  45   a  is bent at a rear edge of the left cover side portion  45 L to be positioned on the rear side of the left grip  12 . 
     The cover center portion  45 M is positioned in the rear portion of the device center section  10 M. The cover center portion  45 M is positioned on the rear side of the input member  20 . The cover center portion  45 M has openings  45   c  in which the left and right input sticks  31  are disposed. 
     Note that, in the example of the input device  10 , the grips  12  and the cover side portions  45 L and  45 R are symmetrical in the left-right direction. Unlike the example of the input device  10 , these components may not be symmetrical in the left-right direction. In this case, the cover  45  may only have either one of the left and right cover side portions  45 L and  45 R. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  6   , the upper cabinet section  41  has a covered region  41   n  that is covered by the cover  45 . A plurality of engagement holes  41   e  are formed in the covered region  41   n , and engagement portions (for example, claw portions) of the cover  45  are engaged with the engagement holes  41   e.    
     The exterior surface of the upper cabinet section  41  has, in addition to the covered region  41   n , a region adjacent to the covered region  41   n  and not covered by the cover  45  (exposed region) (see  FIG.  1 A  and  FIG.  6   ). As illustrated in  FIG.  7    and  FIG.  8 A , a step N is formed between the exposed region of the exterior surface of the upper cabinet section  41  and an exterior surface of the cover  45 . With the step N, the exterior surface of the cover  45  is recessed from the exposed region of the exterior surface of the upper cabinet section  41 . 
     In the example of the input device  10 , the step N is formed between the exterior surfaces of the cover side portions  45 L and  45 R and the exterior surface of the upper cabinet section  41  serving as the grips  12 . The step N may extend from the front portions of the held sections  10 L and  10 R to the rear edges thereof (the rear edges of the grips  12 ). 
     When a cover is attached to a cabinet, in general, an exterior surface of the cover is made flush with an exterior surface of the cabinet or the cover is positioned to be raised compared to the exterior surface of the cabinet. In contrast to this, in the example of the input device  10 , the exterior surface of the cover  45  is positioned to be lowered (recessed) compared to the exterior surface of the cabinet  40 , so that an observer looking at the input device  10  hardly recognizes the cover  45  as a cover. With this, the appearance of the input device  10  can be enhanced. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  7  and  8 A , a step M may be formed between the exterior surfaces of the cover side portions  45 L and  45 R and an exterior surface of the lower cabinet section  42  serving as the grips  12 . This structure makes it more difficult for the observer looking at the input device  10  to recognize the cover  45 , so that the appearance of the input device  10  can be further enhanced. 
     The left and right cover side portions  45 L and  45 R are attached to the inner side surfaces of the left and right grips  12 . That is, the cover side portion  45 L or  45 R is attached to a substantial center region in the left-right direction of the exterior surface of the grip  12  (the exterior surface of the cabinet  40 ). Thus, positions of the balls of the thumbs of the user griping the grips  12  can be guided by the step N, for example. Further, a possibility that the palms of the user griping the grips  12  make contact with the step N can be reduced, which means that a comfortable grip can be achieved. In the example of the input device  10 , a boundary (the step N) between the cover side portion  45 R or  45 L and the exposed region of the upper cabinet section  41  is positioned on an inner side of a center line C 1  of the grip  12  (see  FIG.  1 A ). 
     A height of the step N may not be constant in its extending direction. In the example of the input device  10 , a height Hn 2  of the step N in a rear portion of the grip  12  (see  FIG.  8 B ) is smaller than a height Hn 1  of the step N in a front portion of the grip  12  (see  FIG.  8 A ). The user&#39;s palms tend to touch the rear portions of the grips  12 . Thus, the structure in which the height Hn 2  of the step N in the rear portions is smaller than the height Hn 1  of the step N in the front portions makes it possible for the user to grip the grips  12  in a more comfortable manner. 
     [Arrangement of Microphones] 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  9   , the input device  10  may include the two microphones  8 A and  8 B. The two microphones  8 A and  8 B are disposed at positions with different distances to the mouth of the user holding the input device  10 . The first microphone  8 A is disposed below the circuit board  61 , for example, and the second microphone  8 B is disposed above the circuit board  61 , for example. A connector  67  (for example, headset jack) mounted on the circuit board  61  is positioned between the first microphone  8 A and the second microphone  8 B. 
     To achieve voice recognition processing and voice chat, the input device  10  includes a voice input/output circuit configured to execute beam forming processing of forming directivity of sensitivities of the microphones  8 A and  8 B. The voice input/output circuit generates microphone voice data having directivity. That is, the voice input/output circuit generates, using a phase difference between microphone voice data obtained from the microphones  8 A and  8 B, data having emphasized data (signal) representing a spoken voice of the user. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  9   , for example, the second microphone  8 B is supported by the upper cabinet section  41  and disposed along an inner surface of the cover  45 . The second microphone  8 B is oriented obliquely rearward and upward, for example. 
     The cover  45  has a second sound hole V 2  at a position corresponding to the second microphone  8 B. The second microphone  8 B is held by a microphone holder  9 B made of an elastic material, for example. The microphone holder  9 B has a hole at a position corresponding to the second microphone  8 B. The second sound hole V 2  of the cover  45  is connected to the second microphone  8 B through the hole of the microphone holder  9 B. The input device  10  may not include the cover  45 . In this case, the second sound hole V 2  may be formed in the upper cabinet section  41 , and the second microphone  8 B may be supported by the frame  51 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  9   , the first microphone  8 A is disposed along an inner surface of the lower cabinet section  42 , for example. The first microphone  8 A is supported by a microphone support portion  55   a  formed at a rear edge of a holder  55  for a battery  62  (see  FIG.  20   ) disposed below the circuit board  61 , for example. The first microphone  8 A is held by a microphone holder  9 A. The microphone holder  9 A is in abutment against the inner surface of the lower cabinet section  42 . The first microphone  8 A is oriented obliquely rearward and downward, for example. 
     [Sound Hole] 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  9   , the lower cabinet section  42  has a first sound hole V 1  penetrating the lower cabinet section  42 . The microphone holder  9 A has a sealing portion  9   b  positioned between the first microphone  8 A and the inner surface of the lower cabinet section  42 . The sealing portion  9   b  is in abutment against the inner surface of the lower cabinet section  42 . The sealing portion  9   b  has a hole  9   a  at a position corresponding to the first microphone  8 A. The first sound hole V 1  of the lower cabinet section  42  is connected to the first microphone  8 A through the hole  9   a  of the microphone holder  9 A. An edge of the hole  9   a  formed in the sealing portion  9   b  is in abutment against the inner surface of the lower cabinet section  42 , so that the first sound hole V 1  is sealed from its entrance to the first microphone  8 A. 
     Note that, “the first sound hole V 1  is connected to the first microphone  8 A” means that a passage that transfers sound from the hole of the lower cabinet section  42  to the first microphone  8 A is formed. This passage is not necessarily sealed. Further, the first microphone  8 A may be separated from the inner surface of the lower cabinet section  42 . For example, the first microphone  8 A may be mounted on the circuit board  61 . In this case, a sound hole extending from an opening edge formed in the lower cabinet section  42  to the first microphone  8 A may be formed. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  1 E  and  FIG.  10   , a recessed portion  42   f  is formed in the exterior surface of the lower cabinet section  42 . The recessed portion  42   f  does not penetrate the lower cabinet section  42 . The first sound hole V 1  is formed in a bottom surface  42   k  of the recessed portion  42   f . The lower cabinet section  42  has, inside the recessed portion  42   f , the bottom surface  42   k  extending from the opening edge (entrance) of the first sound hole V 1 . An inner surface  42   g  of the recessed portion  42   f  functions as a wall surrounding the first sound hole V 1 . The recessed portion  42   f  is hereinafter referred to as “protection recessed portion.” 
     If the user chatting with another user via voice chat moves a finger along the exterior surface of the input device  10  to cover the first sound hole V 1  with the finger, an air pressure in the first sound hole V 1  suddenly changes, with the result that voice that is transmitted to the other user over voice chat may possibly have noise. In the example of the input device  10 , since the wall that is the inner surface  42   g  of the protection recessed portion  42   f  is formed around the first sound hole V 1 , the entrance of the first sound hole V 1  is less likely to be entirely covered by the finger. As a result, the generation of noise described above can be suppressed. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  10   , the protection recessed portion  42   f  is a groove, and a length of the inner region of the protection recessed portion  42   f  (a width W 1  in one of two orthogonal directions; see  FIG.  1   ) is larger than a width W 2  of the same region in the other direction (the width W 1  is hereinafter referred to as “large width” and the width W 2  is hereinafter referred to as “small width”). In the example of the input device  10 , the width W 1  is a size in the left-right direction, and the width W 2  is a size in the forward-rearward direction. 
     The small width W 2  is smaller than a width of a finger contact region when the user touches the exterior surface of the input device  10  with a finger. Meanwhile, the large width W 1  is larger than the width of the finger contact region. With the protection recessed portion  42   f  designed to have such a size, the protection recessed portion  42   f  can be prevented from being entirely covered by the finger of the user, with the result that a sudden change in air pressure in the first sound hole V 1  can be effectively suppressed. The small width W 2  is smaller than 3 mm, for example. The small width W 2  may be smaller than 2 mm. The large width W 1  is larger than 7 mm, for example. The large width W 1  may be larger than 9 mm. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  10   , the large width W 1  is larger than twice a size of the first sound hole V 1  (a size in the same direction as the large width W 1 ). The large width W 1  may be larger than three times the size of the first sound hole V 1 . Meanwhile, the small width W 2  may be the same as the size of the first sound hole V 1  or smaller than twice the size of the first sound hole V 1 . An entrance shape of the first sound hole V 1  is round, for example. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  10   , the large width W 1  is larger than a size of the first microphone  8 A (a size in the same direction as the large width W 1 ). Meanwhile, the small width W 2  is smaller than the size of the first microphone  8 A. As illustrated in  FIG.  9   , the small width W 2  may be the same as the size of the entrance of the first sound hole V 1  (the hole formed in the lower cabinet section  42 ) or larger than the entrance of the first sound hole V 1 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  1 E , the first sound hole V 1  is formed in a lower surface of the device center section  10 M. In more detail, the first sound hole V 1  is formed at a position near the rear edge of the device center section  10 M. The first sound hole V 1  is positioned at a center of the input device  10  in the left-right direction. The fingers of the user holding the input device  10  with his/her hands obliquely extend from the side surfaces of the input device  10  to the center of the input device  10  in the left-right direction. When the user moves a finger along a lower surface of the input device  10 , the finger moves in an oblique direction with respect to both the forward-rearward direction and the left-right direction. Meanwhile, the protection recessed portion  42   f  (in other words, the region inside the protection recessed portion  420  is elongated in the left-right direction. With the protection recessed portion  42   f  having this shape, the protection recessed portion  42   f  can be effectively prevented from being entirely covered by the finger obliquely moving on the lower surface side of the input device  10 . 
     Note that, the shape of the protection recessed portion  42   f  is not limited to the example in the input device  10 . For example, the protection recessed portion  42   f  may be a groove elongated in the forward-rearward direction. In another example, the protection recessed portion  42   f  may have an oval shape. In still another example, the protection recessed portion  42   f  may have a cross shape, an H shape, or a T shape. In this case, the first sound hole V 1  is preferably formed in a small-width groove portion of the protection recessed portion  42   f . With this, the first sound hole V 1  can be suppressed from being entirely covered by the fingers of the user. 
     As described above, the upper cabinet section  41  has the second sound hole V 2  connected to the second microphone  8 B. The large width W 1  of an opening portion of the first sound hole V 1  in the left-right direction is larger than the width of the second sound hole V 2  in the left-right direction. Meanwhile, the small width W 2  of the opening portion of the first sound hole V 1  in a direction orthogonal to the left-right direction may be the same as the width of the second sound hole V 2  in the direction orthogonal to the left-right direction. 
     Note that, around the first sound hole V 1 , instead of the recessed portion  42   f , one or a plurality of projected portions surrounding the first sound hole V 1  may be formed.  FIG.  11 A  and  FIG.  11 B  are sectional views illustrating such a modified example.  FIG.  11 A  is a sectional view obtained from a cross section like the one in  FIG.  9   .  FIG.  11 B  is a sectional view taken along line XI-XI illustrated in  FIG.  11 A . 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG.  11 A  and  FIG.  11 B , a projected portion  42   h  is formed around the first sound hole V 1 . The projected portion  42   h  is hereinafter referred to as “protection projected portion.” The first sound hole V 1  is positioned inside a region surrounded by the protection projected portion  42   h . An inner surface  42   i  of the protection projected portion  42   h  functions as a wall surrounding the first sound hole V 1 . With the protection projected portion  42   h  formed in this manner, the entrance of the first sound hole V 1  can be suppressed by the protection projected portion  42   h  from being entirely covered by the fingers, and a sudden change in air pressure in the first sound hole V 1  can thus be suppressed. 
     A size of the region formed inside the protection projected portion  42   h  may be the same as a size of the region formed inside the above-mentioned protection recessed portion  42   f . Specifically, a width in one of two orthogonal directions may be smaller than a width in the other direction. Specifically, a width W 5  in the left-right direction (see  FIG.  11 B ) is larger than a width W 6  in the forward-rearward direction (see  FIG.  11 A ). The small width W 6  is smaller than 3 mm, for example. The small width W 6  may be smaller than 2 mm. The large width W 5  is larger than 7 mm, for example. The large width W 5  may be larger than 9 mm. 
     In still another example, a plurality of projected portions may be formed around the first sound hole V 1  to surround the first sound hole V 1  as a whole. In this case, a length (width in the left-right direction) of a region surrounded by the plurality of projected portions may be larger than a width thereof in the forward-rearward direction. Also with such a structure, the entrance of the first sound hole V 1  can be prevented from being entirely covered by the fingers, and a sudden change in air pressure in the first sound hole V 1  can thus be suppressed. 
     [Reduction of Input Stick Operation Sound] 
     The input device  10  includes, as its exterior members, the upper cabinet section  41  and the cover  45  described above. The upper cabinet section  41  has openings  43   a  (see  FIG.  6   ), and the cover  45  has openings  45   c  (see  FIG.  7   ). Inside the openings  43   a  and  45   c , the input sticks  31  can each tilt in the radial direction or tilt and pivot around the center line of the initial position. As illustrated in  FIG.  14 A , the input stick  31  has a pillar portion  31   a  and a contact portion  31   b  positioned above the pillar portion  31   a . A lower portion of the pillar portion  31   a  is supported by a support mechanism, which is not illustrated. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  14 A , a buffer member  46  is provided on inner edges of the openings  43   a  and  45   c . The buffer member  46  is made of a material different from materials of the inner edges of the openings  43   a  and  45   c  (that is, a material of the upper cabinet section  41  and a material of the cover  45 ) and also different from a material of the input stick  31  (more specifically, a material of an outer peripheral surface of the pillar portion  31   a ). The buffer member  46  protrudes inward from the inner edges of the openings  43   a  and  45   c . Thus, when the input stick  31  tilts, the pillar portion  31   a  collides with not the inner edges of the openings  43   a  and  45   c  but the buffer member  46 . With the buffer member  46 , sound generation due to collisions between the pillar portion  31   a  of the input stick  31  and the inner edges of the openings  43   a  and  45   c  can be prevented, and noise generation in voice data that is obtained from the microphones  8 A and  8 B can thus be suppressed. 
     The material of the buffer member  46  may be a material lower in rigidity than the materials of the inner edges of the openings  43   a  and  45   c  and the material of the input stick  31 . The materials of the inner edges of the openings  43   a  and  45   c , that is, the material of the upper cabinet section  41 , the material of the cover  45 , and the material of the pillar portion  31   a  of the input stick  31  are an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin or a polycarbonate resin, for example. The material of the buffer member  46  is a material containing a resin mixed with an additive (for example, sliding material), for example. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  13 A  and  FIG.  13 B , the buffer member  46  is annular. The buffer member  46  has a contact surface  46   a  in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the pillar portion  31   a  of the input stick  31 . The contact surface  46   a  extends over the entire circumferences of the openings  43   a  and  45   c . This makes it possible to smoothly operate, in a state in which the input stick  31  tilts to be in contact with the contact surface  46   a , the tilted input stick  31  to pivot. 
     In the example of the input device  10 , the buffer member  46  is a member molded separately from the upper cabinet section  41  and the cover  45 . That is, a molding step for molding the buffer member  46 , a molding step for molding the upper cabinet section  41 , and a molding step for molding the cover  45  are performed separately. Further, the buffer member  46  is attached to the inner edges of the openings  43   a  and  45   c . With the buffer member  46  molded separately from the upper cabinet section  41  and the cover  45  in this way, the steps of molding the buffer member  46  and the upper cabinet section  41  can be simplified. 
     In the example of the input device  10 , the buffer member  46  is attached to the inner edge of the opening  43   a  of the upper cabinet section  41 . The buffer member  46  has, as illustrated in  FIG.  13 A  and  FIG.  13 B , upper engagement portions  46   b  and lower engagement portions  46   c  that sandwich the inner edge of the opening  43   a  in the upward-downward direction. The upper engagement portions  46   b  and the lower engagement portions  46   c  are alternately arranged in a circumferential direction. The upper engagement portions  46   b  are positioned above the inner edge of the opening  43   a , and the lower engagement portions  46   c  are positioned below the inner edge of the opening  43   a.    
     The upper engagement portions  46   b  each protrude radially outward from an annular portion  46   e  of the buffer member  46 . On the inner edge of the opening  43   a  of the upper cabinet section  41 , a plurality of engagement portions  43   b  (see  FIG.  12   ) protruding upward are formed. The engagement portions  43   b  are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the opening  43   a . The upper engagement portion  46   b  is fitted between adjacent two engagement portions  43   b . This engagement structure of the buffer member  46  and the inner edge of the opening  43   a  regulates rotation of the buffer member  46 . For example, when the input stick  31  in abutment against the buffer member  46  is moved in the circumferential direction, the upper engagement portions  46   b  of the buffer member  46  collide with the engagement portions  43   b  of the opening  43   a , so that the buffer member  46  can be prevented from shifting in position. The interval between adjacent two engagement portions  43   b  desirably matches a width of the upper engagement portion  46   b  of the buffer member  46 . 
     Note that, the engagement structure of the buffer member  46  and the inner edge of the opening  43   a  is not limited to the example in the input device  10 . For example, a plurality of engagement portions protruding inward may be formed at the inner edge of the opening  43   a . The engagement portions may be fitted into the annular portion  46   e  of the buffer member  46 . Also with this structure, the buffer member  46  can be prevented from shifting in position when the input stick  31  tilting in the radial direction pivots. 
     The cover  45  has the openings  45   c  in which the input sticks  31  are disposed. With this structure, the engagement structure between the buffer member  46  and the inner edge of the opening  43   a  of the upper cabinet section  41  (between the upper engagement portions  46   b  and the engagement portions  43   b ) can be covered by the cover  45 . As a result, the appearance of the input device  10  can be further enhanced. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  14 A  and  FIG.  14 B , the edge of the opening  45   c  of the cover  45  is positioned above the upper engagement portions  46   b  of the buffer member  46  and the engagement portions  43   b  of the upper cabinet section  41 . Meanwhile, the annular portion  46   e  of the buffer member  46  is positioned on an inner side of the inner edge of the opening  45   c  of the cover  45 . With this structure, the engagement structure between the inner edge of the opening  43   a  of the upper cabinet section  41  and the buffer member  46  can be prevented by the cover  45  from being exposed. 
     Unlike the example of the input device  10 , the buffer member  46  may be attached to the inner edge of the opening  45   c  of the cover  45 . In this case, the contact surface  46   a , which is an inner surface of the annular portion  46   e  of the buffer member  46 , preferably protrudes inward from the inner edge of the opening  43   a  of the upper cabinet section  41 . 
     In still another example, a buffer member may be provided to the input stick  31 . More specifically, as illustrated in  FIG.  15   , a buffer member  33  may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the pillar portion  31   a  of the input stick  31 . The buffer member  33  may be made of a material different from the material of the pillar portion  31   a , the material of the upper cabinet section  41 , and the material of the cover  45 . For example, the material of the buffer member  33  may be a material lower in rigidity than the materials of these components. The buffer member  33  may be formed together with the pillar portion  31   a  by two-color molding. Two-color molding is a method of obtaining a molded article by sequentially injecting two different resins into a mold as materials. Unlike this, the buffer member  33  may be molded separately from the pillar portion  31   a  and attached to the outer peripheral surface of the pillar portion  31   a.    
     [Reduction of Button Operation Sound] 
     The upper cabinet section  41  has a plurality of openings  44   a  (see  FIG.  6   ). The input buttons  35  are disposed inside the respective openings  44   a . The input buttons  35  are each movable in a direction intersecting with the upper cabinet section  41 , that is, in the upward-downward direction. As illustrated in  FIG.  17   , a switch  36   a  is disposed below the input button  35 . The switch  36   a  is made of an elastic material (for example, rubber), and biases the input button  35  upward toward an initial position. 
     The input button  35  has, on its base portion, stopped portions  35   b  and  35   c  (see  FIG.  16 B ) for preventing the input button  35  from popping out of the opening  44   a . The stopped portions  35   b  and  35   c  are projected portions protruding from a lower edge of the input button  35  in a radial direction of the input button  35 , for example. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  16 A , the input device  10  includes a buffer member  37 . A material of the buffer member  37  is different from the material of the upper cabinet section  41  and a material of the input button  35 . The material of the buffer member  37  is preferably a material lower in rigidity than the material of the upper cabinet section  41  and the material of the input button  35 . The material of the upper cabinet section  41  and the material of the input button  35  may be an engineering plastic, for example, a polycarbonate resin, and the material of the buffer member  37  may be a rubber, an elastomer, or the like. The buffer member  37  has stopper portions  37   a  and  37   b  (see  FIG.  16 B ) positioned between an edge of the opening  44   a  and the stopped portions  35   b  and  35   c  of the input button  35 . 
     When the input button  35  is pressed, the switch  36   a  is depressed, so that an on state is established. When a force pressing the input button  35  is released, the input button  35  is pushed up by an elastic force of the switch  36   a , with the result that the stopped portions  35   b  and  35   c  collide with the respective stopper portions  37   a  and  37   b . With the buffer member  37 , sound generation due to collisions between the stopped portions  35   b  and  35   c  and the edge of the opening  44   a  can be prevented. As a result, noise generation in voice data that is acquired by the microphones  8 A and  8 B can be prevented. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  16 B , the stopped portions  35   b  and  35   c  are disposed in the circumferential direction of the input button  35  in a distributed manner. With this, the input button  35  can be prevented from tilting when the stopped portions  35   b  and  35   c  hit the stopper portions  37   a  and  37   b . For example, the plurality of stopped portions  35   b  and  35   c  are disposed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. 
     The plurality of input buttons  35  are disposed on the upper surface of the held section  10 R. Specifically, the four input buttons  35  are disposed at the end portions of the cross. The input device  10  includes the buffer member  37  common to the four input buttons  35 . That is, the single buffer member  37  has the stopper portions  37   a  and  37   b  corresponding to each of the four input buttons  35 . With this structure, the number of parts can be reduced, and the assembly of the input device  10  can thus be simplified. Further, a space for disposing the buffer member  37  can be reduced. 
     The upper cabinet section  41  may have guide cylinders  44   b  extending downward at the edges of the openings  44   a . The input button  35  is movable inside the guide cylinder  44   b  in the upward-downward direction. The guide cylinder  44   b  has grooves  44   c  (see  FIG.  16 A ) into which the stopped portions  35   b  and  35   c  protruding from the input button  35  in the radial direction are to be fitted. The stopped portions  35   b  and  35   c  are movable in the upward-downward direction along the grooves  44   c . With this structure, rotation of the input button  35  inside the guide cylinder  44   b  is regulated. Thus, the stopped portions  35   b  and  35   c  have a function of regulating the rotation of the input button  35  and a function of reducing noise by colliding with the buffer member  37 . 
     The buffer member  37  has a center portion  37   g  (see  FIG.  16 B ) positioned at a center of the four input buttons  35  (a center of the four guide cylinders  44   b ). The stopped portions  35   b  of the four input buttons  35  protrude toward the center of the four input buttons  35 . The buffer member  37  has, in the center portion  37   g , the four stopper portions  37   a  corresponding to the respective four input buttons  35 . The stopped portions  35   b  of the four input buttons  35  collide with the respective four stopper portions  37   a.    
     Further, the buffer member  37  has annular portions  37   i  and  37   j  surrounding an outer side of the guide cylinder  44   b . As illustrated in  FIG.  16 B , the stopper portions  37   b  are formed on the annular portions  37   i  and  37   j . The stopper portions  37   b  are formed at positions away from the stopper portion  37   a  in the center portion  37   g.    
     Note that, the arrangement of the input buttons  35  with the buffer member  37  is not limited to the example in the input device  10 . For example, the number of input buttons  35  may be two or three. In a case where the number of input buttons  35  is two, the buffer member  37  may have a center portion between the two input buttons  35 , and the stopper portions  37   a  may be formed in the center portion. 
     [Damper of Circuit Board] 
     The input device  10  includes the vibration motors  5 L and  5 R disposed on the left and right held sections  10 L and  10 R (more specifically, on the grips  12 ). The vibration motors  5 L and  5 R drive in response to an instruction from the information processing apparatus (video game console), for example, to vibrate the grips  12 . The vibration motors  5 L and  5 R may be linear motors (for example, voice coil motors) or rotary motors (for example, direct-current (DC) motors). As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the vibration motors  5 L and  5 R are held by the frame  51 . The frame  51  has motor holding portions  51   c  in portions accommodated in the left and right grips  12 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the circuit board  61  is positioned below the frame  51  (first support member) and attached to the frame  51  in the upward-downward direction. The circuit board  61  is attached to the frame  51  with a fixture (specifically, screw  69  (see  FIG.  5   )), for example. In the example of the input device  10 , the screw  69  is covered by the battery  62  disposed below the circuit board  61 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  18   , dampers  68  are disposed between the circuit board  61  and the frame  51 . The dampers  68  are each made of an elastic material, for example, a rubber or an elastomer. The damper  68  is disposed at a position (damper position) away from a position at which the screw  69  is disposed (fixed position). As illustrated in  FIG.  5   , the dampers  68  are located at a plurality of positions surrounding the screw  69 . In the example of the input device  10 , the dampers  68  are disposed at four corner portions of the circuit board  61 . 
     As described above, the input device  10  includes the vibration motors  5 L and  5 R and the microphones  8 A and  8 B. When the vibration motors  5 L and  5 R drive to vibrate the circuit board  61  and contact sound is generated between the circuit board  61  and the frame  51 , the contact sound is acquired by the microphones  8 A and  8 B as noise in voice data. Even in a case where the circuit board  61  is fixed to the frame  51  with screws at a plurality of positions, minute gaps may be formed between the circuit board  61  and the frame  51  due to a difference between a coefficient of thermal expansion of the circuit board  61  and a coefficient of thermal expansion of the frame  51 . When the vibration motors  5 L and  5 R drive with such gaps, contact sound, which is noise, is generated between the circuit board  61  and the frame  51 . 
     In the example of the input device  10 , since the dampers  68  are disposed between the circuit board  61  and the frame  51 , such noise generation can be suppressed. In particular, in the example of the input device  10 , the dampers  68  are disposed to surround the fixed position (the position of the screw  69 ), so that contact sound generation that occurs when the circuit board  61  is brought into contact with the frame  51  due to the vibration of the vibration motors  5 L and  5 R can be effectively suppressed. For example, contact sound generation that occurs between the circuit board  61  and the frame  51  when the corner portions of the circuit board  61  are vibrated can be effectively suppressed. 
     Note that, as screws provided to the circuit board  61 , the single screw  69  is sufficient. With this, even in a case where the circuit board  61  and the frame  51  are thermally expanded, the screw  69  can be suppressed from being loosed due to the thermal expansion. Note that, the damper  68  may not be provided at the position at which the screw  69  is provided, that is, the fixed position. At the fixed position, the circuit board  61  may be in direct contact with the frame  51 . Further, the circuit board  61  may have a hole into which a positioning protrusion  51   d  formed on the frame  51  is fitted. 
     The circuit board  61  has holes  61   b  (see  FIG.  3   ). The holes  61   b  may be formed at an outer edge of the circuit board  61 , for example. That is, an edge of each of the holes  61   b  may be partly open. As illustrated in  FIG.  18   , the damper  68  has a cylindrical body portion  68   a  fitted into the hole  61   b  of the circuit board  61 . Further, the damper  68  has an upper flange portion  68   b  formed on an edge portion (an upper edge) of the body portion  68   a , and a lower flange portion  68   c  formed on the other edge portion (a lower edge) of the body portion  68   a.    
     As illustrated in  FIG.  18   , the frame  51  has a projected portion  51   e  fitted into the cylindrical body portion  68   a . In a case where the vibration motors  5 L and  5 R drive to relatively vibrate the circuit board  61  and the frame  51  in a direction along the circuit board  61 , the projected portion  51   e  of the frame  51  collides with the damper  68  in the direction along the circuit board  61 . 
     Further, as illustrated in  FIG.  18   , the upper flange portion  68   b  is sandwiched between the circuit board  61  and the frame  51  in the upward-downward direction. In other words, the upper flange portion  68   b  is sandwiched between the circuit board  61  and the frame  51  in an attachment direction of the circuit board  61  and the frame  51 . Thus, noise generation due to collisions between parts of the circuit board  61 , specifically, the corner portions of the circuit board  61  and the frame  51  in the attachment direction of the circuit board  61  and the frame  51  can be suppressed. 
     In this way, in the example of the input device  10 , the damper  68  has the portion sandwiched in the attachment direction of the circuit board  61  and the frame  51  (the upper flange portion  68   b ) and the portion sandwiched in a direction orthogonal to the attachment direction (the direction along circuit board  61 ) (the body portion  68   a ). With this, a collision between the circuit board  61  and the frame  51  can be effectively suppressed. 
     Note that, a shape of the damper  68  is not limited to the example in the input device  10 . For example, the frame  51  may not have the projected portion  51   e . In this case, the body portion  68   a  of the damper  68  may not be cylindrical. For example, the body portion  68   a  may be columnar. The flange portions  68   b  and  68   c  may be formed at edge portions of the columnar body portion  68   a.    
     The input device  10  includes the lower cabinet section  42  (second support member) on the side opposite to the frame  51  across the circuit board  61 . As illustrated in  FIG.  18   , the damper  68  has the portion sandwiched between the lower cabinet section  42  and the circuit board  61 . Specifically, the above-mentioned lower flange portion  68   c  is sandwiched between the lower cabinet section  42  and the circuit board  61 . Thus, contact sound generation that occurs between the circuit board  61  and the lower cabinet section  42  due to the vibration of the circuit board  61  can be suppressed. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  18   , the frame  51  has a contact portion  51   f  in contact with the upper flange portion  68   b  of the damper  68 . The lower cabinet section  42  has a contact portion  42   j  in contact with the lower flange portion  68   c  of the damper  68 . The contact portion  51   f  of the frame  51  and the contact portion  42   j  of the lower cabinet section  42  face each other in the upward-downward direction. Thus, sufficient contact pressures can be secured between the frame  51  and the damper  68  and between the lower cabinet section  42  and the damper  68 . In the example of the input device  10 , the contact portion  42   j  of the lower cabinet section  42  is a cylindrical portion protruding upward, and an upper edge of the contact portion  42   j  is in contact with the lower flange portion  68   c  of the damper  68 . 
     Note that, the input device  10  may include, for each of the plurality of dampers  68  provided on the circuit board  61 , the structure described with reference to  FIG.  18   , that is, the body portion  68   a , the flange portions  68   b  and  68   c , and the contact portions  42   j  and  51   f.    
     As described above, the vibration motors  5 L and  5 R are disposed in the grips  12  and positioned at the rear edges of the left and right held sections  10 L and  10 R. The circuit board  61  is accommodated in the device center section  10 M positioned between the left and right held sections  10 L and  10 R. The circuit board  61  is positioned in front of the vibration motors  5 L and  5 R when seen from a bottom surface of the input device  10  (see  FIG.  5   ). The dampers  68  are positioned at the corner portions of the circuit board  61 . The damper  68  positioned at each rear corner portion is positioned between the fixed position at which the screw  69  is provided and the vibration motor  5 L and  5 R when seen from the bottom surface of the input device  10 . In other words, a straight line connecting the screw  69  to the damper  68  intersects with the vibration motor  5 L and  5 R. With the dampers  68  and the vibration motors  5 L and  5 R disposed in this way, contact sound generation at positions near the vibration motors  5 L and  5 R can be suppressed. 
     As described above, the vibration motors  5 L and  5 R are voice coil motors, for example. In this case, a vibration direction of vibrators (that is, movable portions) of the vibration motors  5 L and  5 R may intersect with the attachment direction of the circuit board  61  and the frame  51  (the upward-downward direction). In the example of the input device  10 , the vibrator is disposed to vibrate in an extending direction of the grip  12 , and vibrates in an oblique forward-rearward direction. Thus, the corner portions of the circuit board  61  can be suppressed from being largely vibrated in the attachment direction of the circuit board  61  and the frame  51  (the upward-downward direction) when the vibration motors  5 L and  5 R drive. 
     The input device  10  includes the microphones  8 A and  8 B disposed in the device center section  10 M. The microphones  8 A and  8 B are disposed above or below the circuit board  61  to be away from the circuit board  61 , and are supported by members different from the circuit board  61  and the frame  51 . Specifically, as illustrated in  FIG.  9   , the second microphone  8 B is supported by not the frame  51  but the upper cabinet section  41 , and is in contact with the inner surface of the cover  45  through the microphone holder  9 B. Further, the first microphone  8 A is supported by the microphone support portion  55   a  formed at the rear edge of the battery holder  55 , which supports the battery  62 , and is in abutment against the inner surface of the lower cabinet section  42  through the microphone holder  9 A. 
     Note that, the support structure of the circuit board  61  is not limited to the example in the input device  10 . For example, the input device  10  may not include the frame  51 . In this case, the circuit board  61  may be attached to the lower cabinet section  42 . Further, one of the flange portions of the damper  68  may be sandwiched between the lower cabinet section  42  and the circuit board  61 , and the other flange portion of the damper  68  may be sandwiched between the upper cabinet section  41  and the circuit board  61 . 
     [Light Emitting System] 
     The upper surface of the input device  10  has a right region in which the input buttons  35  are disposed (the upper surface of the right held section  10 R), a left region in which the directional pad  19  is disposed (the upper surface of the left held section  10 L), and a center region that is a region between the right and left regions. In the example of the input device  10 , the upper surface of the input member  20  forms the center region. The input member  20  is positioned in a front portion of the device center section  10 M, and a front edge of the input member  20  forms a front edge of the input device  10 . A frontmost portion of the input member  20  is bent downward to form a front surface of the input device  10 . The upper cabinet section  41  has an opening  41   h  (see  FIG.  6   ). The input member  20  is disposed inside the opening  41   h  of the upper cabinet section  41 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  20   , the input member  20  includes a surface panel  21  forming the upper surface of the input device  10  and a circuit board  22  attached to a lower surface of the surface panel  21 . The touch sensor is disposed between the circuit board  22  and the surface panel  21 . The input member  20  may include a frame  24  attached to the surface panel  21  to cover a lower side of the circuit board  22 . 
     Further, the input member  20  is supported to be movable in the upward-downward direction, thereby functioning as a button. In the example of the input device  10 , the switch  23  is mounted on a lower surface of the circuit board  22 . Meanwhile, the frame  51  disposed below the input member  20  has a press portion  51   g  protruding upward at a position corresponding to the switch  23 . When the input member  20  is pressed, the press portion  51   g  presses the switch  23 . The switch  23  may be mounted on the circuit board  61 . In this case, the input member  20  may have a press portion. 
     Note that, the structure of the input member  20  is not limited to the example in the input device  10 . For example, the input member  20  may be configured with the touch sensor but without the button function. In contrast, the input member  20  may be configured with the button function but without the touch sensor. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  19   , the input device  10  has a light emitting region Es formed along an outer edge of the input member  20 . The light emitting region Es has a plurality of first light emitting portions E 1  and second light emitting portions E 2 . The plurality of first light emitting portions E 1  are light emitting portions configured to indicate identification information assigned to a plurality of input devices connected to the information processing apparatus. The second light emitting portions E 2  are light emitting portions configured to emit light on the basis of information different from the identification information. A light emitting surface of a light diffusing member  71  surrounding the outer edge of the input member  20  (see  FIG.  2   ), which is described later, forms the light emitting region Es. 
     In an example illustrated in  FIG.  22 A , the plurality of input devices  10  are connected to the information processing apparatus  90  that is a video game console. The information processing apparatus  90  includes a control apparatus  91  and a communication apparatus  92 . The communication apparatus  92  is an interface configured to enable wireless or wired communication with the input devices  10 . The control apparatus  91  includes a microprocessor, and includes an identification information assignment unit  91   a  as its function as illustrated in  FIG.  22 B . 
     The identification information assignment unit  91   a  assigns, to the plurality of input devices  10 , identification numbers as identification information identifying each of the input devices  10 , in accordance with rules defined in advance. The identification information may be assigned by system software of the information processing apparatus  90  on the basis of information associated with users using the input devices  10 , or on the basis of information identifying the input devices  10  themselves. Further, the identification information may be numbers, color information, character strings, or combinations of two or more of them. The identification information may take any form as long as being unique information specifying the input devices  10  or the users. The input device  10  receives an identification number assigned thereto from the information processing apparatus  90 , and causes the first light emitting portions E 1  to emit light on the basis of the identification number. For example, the input device  10  having 1 assigned as its identification number causes one of the plurality of first light emitting portions E 1  (for example, the first light emitting portion E 1  positioned at the center) to emit light. Further, the input device  10  having 2 assigned as its identification number causes two of the plurality of first light emitting portions E 1  (for example, the two first light emitting portions E 1  opposite to each other across the center) to emit light. The input device  10  selectively drives a plurality of first light sources S 1  (see  FIG.  19   ) corresponding to the respective first light emitting portions E 1 . 
     Meanwhile, the second light emitting portions E 2  are the light emitting portions configured to emit light on the basis of the information different from the identification information (identification numbers) as described above. The information different from the identification information is, for example, a command that is generated according to a situation in a video game being executed, and is transmitted from the information processing apparatus  90  executing the game program. As illustrated in  FIG.  22 B , the control apparatus  91  of the information processing apparatus  90  includes a game processing unit  91   b  as its function. When executing the game program, the game processing unit  91   b  generates a moving image as a result of the execution, displays the moving image on a display apparatus, which is not illustrated, and transmits, to the input device  10 , a light emission command for the second light emitting portions E 2 . On receipt of the light emission command, the input device  10  causes the second light emitting portions E 2  to emit light. The input device  10  drives a second light source S 2  (see  FIG.  20   ) corresponding to the second light emitting portions E 2 . The second light source S 2  may include, for example, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) of different emission colors so as to be able to emit light of any color. That is, emission states of the second light emitting portions E 2  are controlled on the basis of control information for the input device  10  generated by an application program being executed by the information processing apparatus  90 , depending on a state of the application program. Thus, the second light emitting portions E 2  of the input device  10  at the hands of the user can be caused to emit light with a color and a timing suitable for an effect produced in the application being executed in synchronization with a status of an image displayed or sound output by the application. Further, another example of the information different from the identification information is information associated with a state of the input device  10 . The input device  10  may monitor a connection state between the input device  10  and the information processing apparatus  90  or a state of charge of the battery, for example, and cause the second light emitting portions E 2  to emit light on the basis of control information generated by the input device  10  itself according to the monitored state. Further, the information associated with the state of the input device  10  may be light emission control information for the second light emitting portions E 2  that is generated according to the state of the input device  10  monitored by the system software of the information processing apparatus  90  and is transmitted to the input device  10 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  19   , the first light emitting portions E 1  and the second light emitting portions E 2  are provided in the light emitting region Es along the outer edge of the input member  20  (center region). Thus, visibility of both the first light emitting portions E 1  configured to indicate the identification information and the second light emitting portions E 2  configured to indicate the information different from the identification information can be enhanced. 
     The light emitting region Es surrounds the outer edge of the input member  20 . As illustrated in  FIG.  19   , in the example of the input device  10 , the light emitting region Es extends along left, rear, and right edges of the input member  20 . Thus, the light emitting portions E 1  and E 2  can be flexibly positioned. Unlike the example of the input device  10 , the light emitting region Es may be formed along left, front, and right edges of the input member  20 , or may be formed along the four edges (left, rear, right, and front edges) of the input member  20 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  19   , the plurality of first light emitting portions E 1  may be arranged in line along the rear edge of the input member  20 . With this, the user can easily grasp an identification number indicated by the first light emitting portions E 1 . The width of the input member  20  in the left-right direction may be larger than the width thereof in the forward-rearward direction. Thus, the rear edge of the input member  20  is longer than the right and left edges of the input member  20 . Thus, an interval between adjacent two first light emitting portions E 1  can be easily secured. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  19   , the second light emitting portions E 2  may be provided along the left and right edges of the input member  20 . With this, the outer edge of the input member  20  is surrounded by the light emitting portions E 1  and E 2 , so that the visibility of the light emitting portions E 1  and E 2  can be enhanced, and the appearance of the input device  10  can also be enhanced. 
     Note that, the arrangement of the light emitting portions E 1  and E 2  is not limited to the example in the input device  10 . For example, the plurality of first light emitting portions E 1  may be disposed along each of the left and right edges of the input member  20 , and the second light emitting portion E 2  may be disposed along the rear edge of the input member  20 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  20   , the first light sources S 1  configured to cause the first light emitting portions E 1  to emit light are provided to the input member  20 . More specifically, the first light sources S 1  are mounted on the circuit board  22  of the input member  20 . The plurality of first light sources S 1  are arranged along a rear edge of the circuit board  22  (see  FIG.  19   ). The first light sources S 1  each include an LED. The first light source S 1  may be a monochrome LED, or may include a plurality of LEDs of different emission colors so as to be able to emit light of any color. The frame  24  of the input member  20  has through holes  24   a  at positions corresponding to the first light sources S 1 . Light from the first light source S 1  passes through the through hole  24   a  to enter the light diffusing member  71  to illuminate the light diffusing member  71 . This illuminated portion is the first light emitting portion E 1 . 
     Meanwhile, the second light source S 2  configured to cause the second light emitting portions E 2  to emit light is mounted on the circuit board  61  below and away from the input member  20  as illustrated in  FIG.  20   . Light from the second light source S 2  is guided to left and right side portions  71   b  of the light diffusing member  71  through a light guide member  72 . The second light source S 2  is disposed at a center of the circuit board  61  in the left-right direction. As illustrated in  FIG.  2    and  FIG.  20   , the light guide member  72  has, at its rear edge, an incident surface  72   a  positioned in front of the second light source S 2 . The light guide member  72  has a right light guide portion  72   b  extending in a forward right direction from the incident surface  72   a , and a left light guide portion  72   c  extending in a forward left direction from the incident surface  72   a . As illustrated in  FIG.  21 A , front portions of the left and right light guide portions  72   c  and  72   b  are positioned below the left and right side portions  71   b  of the light diffusing member  71 . Light from the left and right light guide portions  72   c  and  72   b  enter the side portions  71   b  of the light diffusing member  71  to illuminate the side portions  71   b . Thus, the side portions  71   b  function as the second light emitting portions E 2 . 
     With the use of the light guide member  72 , the second light emitting portions E 2  provided along the left and right edges of the input member  20  can be caused to emit light by the single second light source S 2 , and the number of parts of the input device  10  can thus be reduced. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2    and  FIG.  21 A , the front portions of the left and right light guide portions  72   c  and  72   b  are supported by a reflection member  73 . The reflection member  73  is disposed under the light guide portions  72   c  and  72   b , and reflects light from lower sides of the light guide portions  72   c  and  72   b  upward. Lower surfaces of the light guide portions  72   c  and  72   b  may have a plurality of recessed portions  21   e  (see  FIG.  21 A ) for reflecting light travelling through the light guide portions  72   c  and  72   b  upward. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  21 A , the frame  51  is disposed on upper sides of the light guide portions  72   c  and  72   b . The frame  51  has through holes  51   i . Light from the upper sides of the light guide portions  72   c  and  72   b  passes through the through holes  51   i  to enter the side portions  71   b  of the light diffusing member  71  disposed on the upper side of the frame  51 . 
     In this way, in the input device  10 , the light sources S 1  and S 2  are separately attached to the circuit board  22  of the input member  20  and the circuit board  61 . Thus, the light sources S 1  and S 2  can be more flexibly positioned, with the result that the light emitting portions E 1  and E 2  can be flexibly positioned. 
     Note that, the arrangement of the light sources S 1  and S 2  is not limited to the example in the input device  10 . For example, in a case where the first light emitting portions E 1  are provided along the left and right edges of the input member  20 , the first light sources S 1  may be mounted on left and right edges of the circuit board  22  of the input member  20 . In this case, the second light source S 2  may be disposed along the rear edge of the circuit board  22 . 
     [Light Diffusing Member] 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the light diffusing member  71  has a rectangular frame shape and surrounds the outer edge of the input member  20 . The light diffusing member  71  has a rear portion  71   a  disposed along the rear edge of the input member  20 , the side portions  71   b  disposed along the left and right edges of the input member  20 , and a front portion  71   c  disposed along the front edge of the input member  20 . The light diffusing member  71  is integrally formed from a resin, for example. The light diffusing member  71  is a member configured to internally diffuse incident light and emit the light from a wide range of the light diffusing member  71 . 
     A shape of the light diffusing member  71  is not limited to the above-mentioned one. The light diffusing member  71  may not have the front portion  71   c , for example. Further, the light diffusing member  71  may not be integrally formed. For example, the left and right side portions  71   b  of the light diffusing member  71  may be separately molded. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  21 B , the side portion  71   b  of the light diffusing member  71  has a light emitting surface  71   e  that emits light. The left and right side portions  71   b  each have the light emitting surface  71   e . The light emitting surface  71   e  has a first region  71   g  exposed in a gap between an inner edge  41   i  of the opening  41   h  formed in the upper cabinet section  41  and the outer edge of the input member  20 , and a second region  71   h  positioned on the inner side of the outer edge of the input member  20  and below a peripheral portion  21   a  of the input member  20 . With this structure, an area (width) of the light emitting surface  71   e  can be increased without enlarging the gap between the inner edge  41   i  of the opening  41   h  of the upper cabinet section  41  and the outer edge of the input member  20 . As a result, the light emitting surface  71   e  can be made conspicuous, and the appearance of the input device  10  can be further enhanced. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  21 B , a gap G 1  is preferably formed between the light emitting surface  71   e  and the outer edge of the input member  20  in the upward-downward direction. With this, the user easily sees a lower edge  71   i  of the light emitting surface  71   e . Further, the gap G 1  allows the input member  20  to move in the upward-downward direction. Thus, the input member  20  can function as the press button. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  21 B , an upper portion  71   k  of the light diffusing member  71  has a slope  71   j  facing the inner edge of the opening  41   h  of the upper cabinet section  41 . The gap G 1  between the light emitting surface  71   e  and the outer edge of the input member  20  is larger than a gap between the slope  71   j  and the inner edge of the opening  41   h.    
     As illustrated in  FIG.  21 B , a top portion of the side portion  71   b  of the light diffusing member  71  (an upper edge of the light emitting surface  71   e ) is lower than the upper surface of the input member  20  (an upper surface of the surface panel  21 ). Further, the top portion of the side portion  71   b  is lower than an upper surface of the upper cabinet section  41 . Thus, a groove is formed between the outer edge of the input member  20  and the inner edge  41   i  of the opening  41   h  of the upper cabinet section  41 . The input member  20  is surrounded by this groove. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  21 B , the light emitting surface  71   e  tilts in the first region  71   g  and the second region  71   h  to extend downward toward the inner side of the outer edge of the input member  20 . Thus, the user can see the lower edge  71   i  of the light emitting surface  71   e  by tilting the input device  10 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  21 B , the peripheral portion  21   a  of the input member  20  may have a slope  21   b  facing the tilted light emitting surface  71   e . With this, the user easily sees the lower edge  71   i  of the light emitting surface  71   e.    
     The light diffusing member  71  has the upper portion  71   k  having the light emitting surface  71   e  and a wall portion  71   m  extending downward from the upper portion  71   k . The wall portion  71   m  extends downward beyond a lower surface of the frame  24  of the input member  20 , reaching the frame  51  having the circuit board  61  and the like attached thereto. Light that has passed through the through hole  51   i  of the frame  51  enters the wall portion  71   m , thereby illuminating the light emitting surface  71   e  of the light diffusing member  71 . Note that, a light-shielding member  74  may be provided on an exterior surface of the wall portion  71   m . The light-shielding member  74  can prevent light from leaking from unintentional positions. A reflection member may be provided on the wall portion  71   m  instead of the light-shielding member  74  or in addition to the light-shielding member  74 . 
     As described above, the input member  20  is movable in the upward-downward direction and functions as the button. Meanwhile, the light diffusing member  71  is fixed to the upper cabinet section  41 . Thus, when the input member  20  is pressed, the light emitting surface  71   e  does not move. With this, for example, an effect that the input member  20  moves in the upward-downward direction in the light can be provided. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the light diffusing member  71  has attached portions  71   n  laterally extending from the side portions  71   b , for example. The attached portions  71   n  are attached to a lower surface of the upper cabinet section  41  with fixtures, for example, screws. The attachment structure of the light diffusing member  71  is not limited to the example in the input device  10 . The light diffusing member  71  may be attached to the frame  51 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  21 A , the upper portion  71   k  of the side portion  71   b  of the light diffusing member  71  has an inner wall portion  71   p  having the light emitting surface  71   e  and extending obliquely downward from a top portion of the upper portion  71   k . The frame  24  of the input member  20  has stopped portions  24   b  laterally protruding. A lower edge of the inner wall portion  71   p  is positioned on an upper side of the stopped portion  24   b  to function as a stopper portion configured to prevent the input member  20  from coming out upward. By using the light diffusing member  71  as the stopper portion in this way, the number of parts can be reduced. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  20   , the rear portion  71   a  of the light diffusing member  71  may also have a projected portion  71   r  that functions as a stopper portion. The projected portion  71   r  is engaged with a rear edge of the frame  24  to regulate the upward motion of the input member  20 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  20   , the front portion  71   c  of the light diffusing member  71  is positioned in front of the input member  20 . In more detail, the front portion  71   c  is positioned in front of the frame  24  of the input member  20 . With this, the front portion  71   c  of the light diffusing member  71  functions as a stopper configured to prevent the input member  20  from coming out forward. 
     In the example of the input device  10 , the front portion  71   c  of the light diffusing member  71  is exposed forward through a gap between a front edge  21   f  of the input member  20  and an edge of the cabinet  40  (an upper edge  42   d  of the lower cabinet section  42 ). Light entering the side portions  71   b  of the light diffusing member  71  may be diffused inside the light diffusing member  71  to illuminate the front portion  71   c.    
     CONCLUSION 
     As described above, the input device  10  includes the cabinet  40  including the upper cabinet section  41  and the lower cabinet section  42  that are combined in the upward-downward direction, the screws  49   b  fixing the upper cabinet section  41  to the lower cabinet section  42 , and the cover  45  attached to the exterior surface of the cabinet  40  to cover the screws  49   b . The exterior surface of the cabinet  40  has the exposed region adjacent to the cover side portions  45 L and  45 R and not covered by the cover  45 . The step N is formed between the exposed region of the exterior surface of the cabinet  40  and the exterior surfaces of the cover side portions  45 L and  45 R, and the exterior surface of the cover  45  is recessed compared to the exposed region of the exterior surface of the cabinet  40 . With this input device, the screws  49   b  are covered by the cover  45 , so that the appearance of the input device  10  can be enhanced. Further, since the exterior surface of the cover  45  is recessed compared to the exterior surface of the cabinet  40 , the observer looking at the input device  10  hardly recognizes the cover  45  as a cover. Thus, the appearance of the input device  10  can be further enhanced. 
     Further, the input device  10  includes the left held section  10 L serving as the left portion of the input device  10 , the right held section  10 R serving as the right portion of the input device  10 , the cabinet  40  including the upper cabinet section  41  and the lower cabinet section  42  that are combined in the upward-downward direction, the screws  49   b  fixing the upper cabinet section  41  to the lower cabinet section  42 , and the cover  45  attached to the exterior surface of the cabinet  40  to cover the screws (fixtures)  49   b . The screws  49   b  are provided to the respective left and right held sections  10 L and  10 R. The cover  45  includes the fixture cover  45   a  covering the screw  49   b  in the right held section  10 R, the fixture cover  45   a  covering the screw  49   b  in the left held section  10 L, and the center portion  45 M connecting the left and right fixture covers  45   a . With the input device  10 , the screws  49   b  are covered by the cover  45 , so that the appearance of the input device  10  can be enhanced. Further, with the input device  10 , the number of parts can be reduced. 
     The input device  10  includes the first microphone  8 A, the cabinet  40  accommodating the first microphone  8 A, the first sound hole V 1  formed in the cabinet  40  and connected to the first microphone  8 A, and the input buttons  35 , the directional pad  19 , and the like serving as the input members that the user operates with his/her fingers. The exterior surface of the cabinet  40  (the exterior surface of the lower cabinet section  42 ) has one or a plurality of wall portions (the inner surface of the protection recessed portion  42   f  or a side surface of the protection projected portion  42   h ) surrounding the first sound hole V 1 . With the input device  10 , a possibility that the opening edge of the first sound hole V 1  is entirely covered by the fingers is reduced, and noise due to the fingers in contact with the first sound hole V 1  can thus be reduced. 
     Further, the input device  10  includes the cabinet  40  having the openings  43   a , the input sticks  31  movable inside the openings, and the buffer members  46 . The buffer members  46  are each provided to one of the inner edge of the opening  43   a  and the outer peripheral surface of the input stick  31 , and is made of a material different from the material of the inner edge of the opening  43   a  and the material of the outer peripheral surface of the input stick  31 . With the input device  10 , noise generation in voice data that is acquired by the microphones  8 A and  8 B can be suppressed. 
     Further, the input device  10  includes the upper cabinet section  41  having the openings, the input buttons  35  positioned inside the openings and movable in the upward-downward direction, the switches  36   a  made of an elastic material and configured to bias the input buttons  35  toward their initial positions, and the buffer member  37 . The input buttons  35  each have the stopped portions  35   b  and  35   c  configured to prevent the input button  35  from popping out of the opening. The buffer member  37  is made of a material different from the material of the upper cabinet section  41  and the material of the input button  35 , and has the stopper portions  37   a  and  37   b  positioned between the inner edge of the opening of the upper cabinet section  41  and the stopped portions  35   b  and  35   c  of the input button  35 . With the input device  10 , noise generation due to operation sound from the input buttons  35  in voice data that is acquired by the microphones  8 A and  8 B can be effectively suppressed. 
     Further, in the input device  10 , the dampers  68  are disposed between the circuit board  61  and the frame  51 . With the input device  10 , noise generation in voice data that is acquired by the microphones  8 A and  8 B can be suppressed. 
     The input member  20  is disposed in the center region of the upper surface of the input device  10 . The upper surface of the input device  10  has the light emitting region Es formed along the outer edge of the input member  20 . The light emitting region has the first light emitting portions E 1  configured to indicate the identification information assigned to the plurality of input devices  10  connected to the information processing apparatus, and the second light emitting portions E 2  configured to emit light on the basis of the information different from the identification information. With this, the visibility of the first light emitting portions E 1  and the second light emitting portions E 2  can be enhanced. 
     The input device  10  includes the upper cabinet section  41  having the opening, the input member  20  that is disposed inside the opening and has the upper surface to be touched by the user with his/her fingers, and the light diffusing member  71  disposed along the outer edge of the input member  20  and having the light emitting surface  71   e . The light emitting surface  71   e  has the first region  71   g  exposed through the gap between the inner edge of the opening of the upper cabinet section  41  and the outer edge of the input member  20 , and the second region  71   h  positioned on the inner side of the outer edge of the input member  20  and below the peripheral portion  21   a  of the input member  20 . With this, the conspicuity of the light emitting surface  71   e  can be enhanced without changing the gap between the outer edge of the input member  20  and the inner edge of the opening  41   h , and the appearance of the input device  10  can be further enhanced. 
     It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occur depending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they are within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.