Patent Description:
As one of schemes for an apparatus to identify a connected device connected to the apparatus, a scheme to use identification information of the connected device has conventionally been proposed.

<CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> are examples of the state of the art.

By way of example, a scheme for obtaining an identification code of a home electrical appliance through UART communication by an adapter with the home electrical appliance is available.

When an apparatus identifies a connected device through communication or the like, however, processing is complicated and also time-consuming.

The present disclosure aims to solve the problem above and an object thereof is to provide an operation system, a game system, and a game controller capable of identifying a connected device with a simplified scheme.

An operation system according to one aspect includes a game controller and a connected device connected to the game controller. The connected device includes a first battery for supplying electric power to the game controller, a first terminal electrically connected to the game controller, and a resistor connected to the first terminal. The game controller includes a control circuit, a second battery for supplying electric power to the control circuit, a second terminal electrically connected to the connected device, a voltage detector detecting a voltage value in accordance with a current which flows through the resistor when the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to each other, a discrimination unit discriminating a device connected to the game controller based on the voltage value detected by the voltage detector, and a switching unit making switching from the second battery to the first battery for supply of electric power to the control circuit when the device discriminated by the discrimination unit is the connected device while electric power is supplied from the second battery to the control circuit.

Since a device connected to the game controller can be discriminated based on a voltage value detected by the voltage detector, a connected device can be identified with a simplified scheme.

In the exemplary embodiment, the connected device may include a light emitter emitting light in accordance with a result of discrimination by the discrimination unit.

By providing the light emitter, connection of the connected device can readily be checked.

In the exemplary embodiment, the game controller may include a light emission control unit controlling the light emitter to emit light when the device discriminated by the discrimination unit is the connected device.

Since light emission by the light emitter can be controlled by the light emission control unit, a notification about connection of the connected device can readily be given.

In the exemplary embodiment, the second battery may be provided as being chargeable through supply of electric power from the first battery as switching from the second battery to the first battery is made by the switching unit.

In the exemplary embodiment, the light emission control unit may determine whether or not a state of charge of the second battery is equal to or higher than a prescribed level, and may have the light emitter emit light when the light emission control unit determines that the state of charge of the second battery is not equal to or higher than the prescribed level.

Since the light emitter is controlled in accordance with a state of charge, the state of charge as a result of connection of the connected device can readily be checked.

In the exemplary embodiment, the operation system includes another connected device different from the connected device. Another connected device may further include a microcomputer, a third terminal electrically connected to the game controller, and a device communication unit transmitting identification information of another connected device itself to the game controller from the microcomputer through the third terminal. The discrimination unit of the game controller may discriminate a device connected to the game controller based on any of the transmitted identification information and the voltage value detected by the voltage detector.

Since the game controller can obtain identification information from the microcomputer, discrimination as the connected device containing the microcomputer can easily be made.

A game system according to one aspect includes a game controller, a connected device connected to the game controller, and a main body apparatus. The connected device includes a first battery for supplying electric power to the game controller, a first terminal electrically connected to the game controller, and a resistor connected to the first terminal. The game controller includes a control circuit, a second battery for supplying electric power to the control circuit, a second terminal electrically connected to the connected device, a voltage detector detecting a voltage value in accordance with a current which flows through the resistor when the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to each other, a discrimination unit discriminating a device connected to the game controller based on the voltage value detected by the voltage detector, a switching unit making switching from the second battery to the first battery for supply of electric power to the control circuit when the device discriminated by the discrimination unit is the connected device while electric power is supplied from the second battery to the control circuit, and a communication unit transmitting a result of discrimination by the discrimination unit to the main body apparatus.

A device connected to the game controller can be discriminated with a simplified scheme based on a voltage value detected by the voltage detector of the game controller. Since the result of discrimination is transmitted to the main body apparatus, the main body apparatus can recognize the connected device with a simplified scheme.

In the exemplary embodiment, the main body apparatus may include an information processing unit performing information processing based on the result of discrimination by the discrimination unit.

By performing information processing based on the result of discrimination in the main body apparatus, appropriate information processing in accordance with the connected device can be performed.

In the exemplary embodiment, the information processing unit displays, on a display, information on the device connected to the game controller and discriminated based on the result of discrimination by the discrimination unit.

By showing information on the device connected to the game controller, usability can be improved.

In the exemplary embodiment, the communication unit may transmit the result of discrimination by the discrimination unit to the main body apparatus through wireless communication.

By transmitting the result of discrimination to the main body apparatus through wireless communication, information can be transmitted and received with a simplified scheme.

A game controller according to another aspect can be connected to a connected device including a first battery capable of supplying electric power and a first terminal for supplying electric power from the first battery. The game controller includes a control circuit, a second battery for supplying electric power to the control circuit, a second terminal for electrical connection to the connected device, a voltage detector detecting a voltage value in accordance with a current which flows through a resistor provided in the connected device when the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to each other, a discrimination unit discriminating a device connected to the game controller based on the voltage value detected by the voltage detector, and a switching unit making switching from the second battery to the first battery for supply of electric power to the control circuit when the device discriminated by the discrimination unit is the connected device while electric power is supplied from the second battery to the control circuit.

In the exemplary embodiment, the game controller may further include a light emission control unit controlling a light emitter provided in the connected device to emit light when the device discriminated by the discrimination unit is the connected device.

In the exemplary embodiment, the second battery may be provided as being chargeable through supply of electric power from the first battery as switching from the second battery to the first battery is made by the switching unit.

In the exemplary embodiment, the light emission control unit may determine whether or not a state of charge of the second battery is equal to or higher than a prescribed level, and control the light emitter to emit light when the device discriminated by the discrimination unit is the connected device and the light emission control unit determines that the state of charge of the second battery is not equal to or higher than the prescribed level.

Since the light emission control unit controls the light emitter based on a state of charge, the state of charge can easily be determined.

In the exemplary embodiment, the game controller may further include a communication unit transmitting a result of discrimination by the discrimination unit to a main body apparatus.

Since the result of discrimination by the discrimination unit is transmitted to the main body apparatus, the main body apparatus can recognize the connected device with a simplified scheme.

In the exemplary embodiment, the communication unit may receive an instruction from the main body apparatus based on the result of discrimination by the discrimination unit. The game controller may further include a processing execution unit performing prescribed processing in accordance with the instruction received from the main body apparatus.

Since prescribed processing can be performed in response to an instruction from the main body apparatus in accordance with the result of discrimination by the discrimination unit, usability can be improved.

In the exemplary embodiment, the game controller may further include a storage unit storing a table in which identification information for identifying a connected device and a voltage value are brought in correspondence with each other. The discrimination unit may discriminate a device connected to the game controller with reference to the table stored in the storage unit, based on the voltage value detected by the voltage detector.

A plurality of types of connected devices can be identified with a simplified scheme by using a table.

In the exemplary embodiment, the game controller can be connected to another connected device different from the connected device. Another connected device includes a microcomputer, a third terminal electrically connected to the game controller, and a device communication unit transmitting identification information of another connected device itself to the game controller from the microcomputer through the third terminal. The discrimination unit discriminates a device connected to the game controller based on any of the transmitted identification information and the voltage value detected by the voltage detector.

The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the exemplary embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

This embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding elements in the drawings have the same reference characters allotted and description thereof will not be repeated.

An apparatus configuration relating to an information processing system based on the present embodiment will be described. The information processing system based on the present embodiment is configured at least with an information processing apparatus described below.

For example, an information processing apparatus may be a portable (also referred to as mobile) device such as a portable game device, a portable telephone, or a smartphone, a stationary apparatus such as a personal computer or a home game console, or a large apparatus such as an arcade game machine. In the present example, a game device representing one example of an information processing apparatus will be described by way of example. Though a game controller provided for a game device will be described in the present example by way of example of an operation apparatus, limitation in particular to a game controller is not intended and any operation apparatus may be applicable so long as it functions as an input device capable of transmitting operation data to an information processing apparatus.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram showing appearance of a game device <NUM> based on the present embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, game device <NUM> includes a main body apparatus <NUM>, a left controller <NUM>, and a right controller <NUM>. Main body apparatus <NUM> includes a display <NUM> representing one example of a display portion and performs various types of processing including game processing in game device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram showing appearance of another manner of game device <NUM> based on the present embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, left controller <NUM> and right controller <NUM> may be constructed as being detachable from main body apparatus <NUM>. Left controller <NUM> and right controller <NUM> may integrally be constructed or left controller <NUM> and right controller <NUM> may be constructed as separate apparatuses. Thus, left controller <NUM> and right controller <NUM> corresponding to an operation portion may be constructed separately from main body apparatus <NUM>.

Left controller <NUM> can be attached to a left side (a side of a positive direction of an x axis shown in <FIG>) of main body apparatus <NUM>. Right controller <NUM> can be attached to a right side (a side of a negative direction of the x axis shown in <FIG>) of main body apparatus <NUM>. In the description below, left controller <NUM> and right controller <NUM> may collectively be referred to as a "controller". A more specific configuration example of main body apparatus <NUM>, left controller <NUM>, and right controller <NUM> will be described below,.

<FIG> is a diagram of main body apparatus <NUM> based on the present embodiment when viewed from six sides.

Referring to <FIG>, main body apparatus <NUM> has a housing <NUM> substantially in a form of a plate.

A main surface of housing <NUM> (that is, a front surface or a surface where display <NUM> is provided) is substantially in a rectangular shape. In the description below, housing <NUM> is in a horizontally long shape and a longitudinal direction of the main surface (that is, the direction of the x axis shown in <FIG>) is referred to as a lateral direction (or a left-right direction) and a direction of a short side of the main surface (that is, a direction of a y axis shown in <FIG>) is referred to as a vertical direction (or an up-down direction). A direction perpendicular to the main surface of housing <NUM> (that is, a direction of a z axis shown in <FIG>) is referred to as a direction of depth (or a front-rear direction).

Main body apparatus <NUM> can be used with its main surface being laterally oriented or with its surface being vertically oriented when a user holds the main body apparatus. Therefore, denotation as the lateral direction and the vertical direction is given for the sake of convenience of description.

A shape and a size of housing <NUM> can arbitrarily be designed. For example, in another embodiment, a protrusion portion or a grip portion for facilitating holding by a user may be added to housing <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, display <NUM> is provided on the main surface of housing <NUM> of main body apparatus <NUM>. Display <NUM> shows an image obtained or generated by main body apparatus <NUM> (which may be a still image or moving images). When game processing is performed, display <NUM> shows a virtual space and an object in the virtual space. Though display <NUM> is typically implemented by a liquid crystal display (LCD), a display apparatus of any type can be adopted.

A touch panel <NUM> is provided on a screen of display <NUM>. Typically, a device of a type accepting a multi-touch input (for example, a capacitance type) is adopted as touch panel <NUM>. For example, a device of any type such as a device of a type accepting a single-touch input (for example, a resistive film type) can be adopted as touch panel <NUM>.

Speaker holes 11a and 11b are provided in the main surface of housing <NUM> of main body apparatus <NUM> and sound generated from a speaker (a speaker <NUM> shown in <FIG>) arranged in housing <NUM> is output through speaker holes 11a and 11b.

Two speakers are provided in main body apparatus <NUM> and speaker holes <NUM>1a and 11b are provided in correspondence with respective positions of a left speaker and a right speaker. Speaker hole 11a is provided on a left side of display <NUM> in correspondence with the left speaker and speaker hole <NUM>1b is provided on a right side of display <NUM> in correspondence with the right speaker.

A position, a shape, and the number of speaker holes 11a and 11b can arbitrarily be designed. For example, in another embodiment, speaker holes 11a and 11b may be provided in a side surface or a rear surface of housing <NUM>.

A left rail member <NUM> for removably attaching left controller <NUM> to main body apparatus <NUM> is provided in a left side surface of housing <NUM>. Left rail member <NUM> extends along the up-down direction in the left side surface of housing <NUM>. Left rail member <NUM> is in a shape allowing engagement thereof with a slider (a slider <NUM> shown in <FIG>) for left controller <NUM>. A slide mechanism is formed by left rail member <NUM> and slider <NUM>. With such a slide mechanism, left controller <NUM> can slidably and removably be attached to main body apparatus <NUM>.

A left terminal <NUM> is provided in the left side surface of housing <NUM>. Left terminal <NUM> is a terminal for wired communication between main body apparatus <NUM> and left controller <NUM>. Left terminal <NUM> is provided at a position where it comes in contact with a terminal (a terminal <NUM> shown in <FIG>) of left controller <NUM> when left controller <NUM> is attached to main body apparatus <NUM>. Left terminal <NUM> should be arranged at a position where the left terminal of main body apparatus <NUM> and the terminal of left controller <NUM> are in contact with each other while left controller <NUM> is attached to main body apparatus <NUM>. By way of example, as shown in <FIG>, left terminal <NUM> is provided around a lower end portion of left rail member <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a feature similar to the feature provided in the left side surface is provided in a right side surface of housing <NUM>. A right rail member <NUM> for removably attaching right controller <NUM> to main body apparatus <NUM> is provided in the right side surface of housing <NUM>. Right rail member <NUM> extends along the up-down direction in the right side surface of housing <NUM>. Right rail member <NUM> is in a shape allowing engagement thereof with a slider (a slider <NUM> shown in <FIG>) for right controller <NUM>. A slide mechanism is formed by right rail member <NUM> and slider <NUM>. With such a slide mechanism, right controller <NUM> can slidably and removably be attached to main body apparatus <NUM>.

Right rail member <NUM> is in a shape similar to left rail member <NUM>. Right rail member <NUM> is in a grooved shape similar in cross-sectional shape to left rail member <NUM>. Right rail member <NUM> does not have to be exactly the same in shape as left rail member <NUM>. For example, another embodiment may be constructed such that slider <NUM> for right controller <NUM> cannot be engaged with left rail member <NUM> and/or slider <NUM> for left controller <NUM> cannot be engaged with right rail member <NUM> by making a size and/or a shape of the groove different between left rail member <NUM> and right rail member <NUM>.

A right terminal <NUM> is provided in the right side surface of housing <NUM>. Right terminal <NUM> is a terminal for wired communication between main body apparatus <NUM> and right controller <NUM>. Right terminal <NUM> is provided at a position where it comes in contact with a terminal (a terminal <NUM> shown in <FIG>) of right controller <NUM> when right controller <NUM> is attached to main body apparatus <NUM>. Right terminal <NUM> should be arranged at any position where the right terminal of main body apparatus <NUM> and the terminal of right controller <NUM> are in contact with each other while right controller <NUM> is attached to main body apparatus <NUM>. By way of example, as shown in <FIG>, right terminal <NUM> is provided around a lower end portion of right rail member <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a first slot <NUM> for attaching a storage medium of a first type is provided in an upper side surface of housing <NUM>. A lid portion which can be opened and closed is provided in an opening in first slot <NUM> as a typical feature, and a storage medium of the first type can be inserted in first slot <NUM> while the lid portion is open. The storage medium of the first type is, for example, a storage medium exclusively designed for game device <NUM> and a game device of the same type (for example, a dedicated memory card). The storage medium of the first type is used, for example, for storing data used in main body apparatus <NUM> (for example, data saved for an application) and/or a program executed in main body apparatus <NUM> (for example, a program for an application).

A power button <NUM> for switching on and off main body apparatus <NUM> is provided on the upper side surface of housing <NUM>.

When power button <NUM> is pressed and held (for example, power button <NUM> is continuously pressed for a prescribed time period or longer), processing for switching on and off main body apparatus <NUM> is performed.

An audio input and output terminal <NUM> (specifically an earphone jack) is provided in the upper side surface of housing <NUM>. A microphone or an earphone can be attached to audio input and output terminal <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a lower terminal <NUM> for wired communication between main body apparatus <NUM> and a cradle <NUM> which will be described later is provided in a lower side surface of housing <NUM>. Lower terminal <NUM> is provided at a position where it comes in contact with a terminal of cradle <NUM> when main body apparatus <NUM> is attached to cradle <NUM>. Typically, a universal serial bus (USB) connector (more specifically, a female connector) can be adopted as lower terminal <NUM>.

A second slot <NUM> for attaching a storage medium of a second type different from the first type is provided in the lower side surface of housing <NUM>. Second slot <NUM> may be provided in the surface where first slot <NUM> is provided. A lid portion which can be opened and closed is provided in an opening in second slot <NUM> as a typical feature, and a storage medium of the second type can be inserted in second slot <NUM> while the lid portion is open. The storage medium of the second type may be, for example, a general-purpose storage medium (for example, an SD card). The storage medium of the second type is used, for example, for storing data used in main body apparatus <NUM> (for example, data saved for an application) and/or a program executed in main body apparatus <NUM> (for example, a program for an application), similarly to the storage medium of the first type.

A position, a shape, and the number of components (specifically, a button, a slot, and a terminal) provided in housing <NUM> described above can arbitrarily be designed. For example, in another embodiment, some of power button <NUM>, first slot <NUM>, and second slot <NUM> may be provided in another side surface or the rear surface of housing <NUM>. Some of the components do not have to be provided.

<FIG> is a diagram of left controller <NUM> based on the present embodiment when viewed from six sides.

Referring to <FIG>, left controller <NUM> has a housing <NUM> substantially in a form of a plate. A main surface of housing <NUM> (that is, a front surface or a surface on a side of a negative direction of the z axis shown in <FIG>) is substantially in a rectangular shape. Housing <NUM> is in a vertically long shape, that is, long in the up-down direction (that is, the direction of the y axis shown in <FIG>).

Left controller <NUM> can be used with its main surface being vertically oriented or with its surface being horizontally oriented when a user holds the left controller while the left controller is detached from main body apparatus <NUM>.

An analog stick <NUM> is provided in left controller <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, analog stick <NUM> is provided on the main surface of housing <NUM>. Analog stick <NUM> represents one example of a direction instruction portion with which a direction can be input. Analog stick <NUM> includes a stick member which can be tilted in all directions (that is, a <NUM>° direction including up, down, left, right, and diagonal directions) in parallel to the main surface of housing <NUM>. The analog stick is an analog input device with which a user can input a direction in accordance with a direction of tilt by titling the stick member. Analog stick <NUM> may further be constructed to be able to give an input of magnitude in accordance with an angle of tilt in addition to input of a direction in accordance with a direction of tilt when the stick member is tilted. Alternatively, a slide stick may implement the direction instruction portion. The slide stick is an input portion having a stick member slidable in all directions in parallel to the main surface of housing <NUM>, and the user can give an input in accordance with a direction of slide by sliding the stick member. The slide stick may further be constructed also to give an input of magnitude in accordance with an amount of slide. Alternatively, the direction instruction portion may be implemented as an input portion indicating a direction through an operation to press a button. For example, the direction instruction portion may be implemented as an input portion indicating a direction with a cross-shaped key or four buttons corresponding to up, down, left, and right directions, respectively. In the present embodiment, an input can be given by pressing the stick member (in the direction perpendicular to housing <NUM>). Analog stick <NUM> in the present embodiment is an input portion with which an input of a direction and magnitude in accordance with a direction of tilt and an amount of tilt of the stick member can be given and an input resulting from pressing of the stick member can be given.

Left controller <NUM> includes four operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM> (specifically, a right direction button <NUM>, a down direction button <NUM>, an up direction button <NUM>, and a left direction button <NUM>). As shown in <FIG>, these four buttons <NUM> to <NUM> are provided under analog stick <NUM> on the main surface of housing <NUM>. Though four operation buttons are provided on the main surface of left controller <NUM> in the present embodiment, any number of operation buttons may be provided. These operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM> are used for giving an instruction in accordance with various programs (for example, an OS program or an application program) executed in main body apparatus <NUM>. Since operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM> may be used for giving an input of a direction in the present embodiment, operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM> are also referred to as right direction button <NUM>, down direction button <NUM>, up direction button <NUM>, and left direction button <NUM> for the sake of convenience of description. Operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM> may be used for giving an instruction other than an input of a direction.

An operation portion (specifically, analog stick <NUM> and operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM>) provided on the main surface of left controller <NUM> is operated, for example, with the left thumb of a user who holds game device <NUM> when left controller <NUM> is attached to main body apparatus <NUM>. When left controller <NUM> is used as being detached from main body apparatus <NUM>, the operation portion is operated, for example, with the left thumb of the user who holds left controller <NUM>.

A first L button <NUM> and a ZL button <NUM> are provided in left controller <NUM>. These operation buttons <NUM> and <NUM> are used for giving an instruction in accordance with various programs executed in main body apparatus <NUM>, similarly to operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM> described above. As shown in <FIG>, first L button <NUM> is provided in an upper left portion on the side surface of housing <NUM>. ZL button <NUM> is provided in an upper left portion as extending from the side surface to the rear surface of housing <NUM> (strictly speaking, the upper left portion when housing <NUM> is viewed from the front). ZL button <NUM> is provided in the rear of first L button <NUM> (a side of a positive direction of the z axis shown in <FIG>). Since the upper left portion of housing <NUM> is rounded in the present embodiment, first L button <NUM> and ZL button <NUM> are in a rounded shape in conformity with rounding of the upper left portion of housing <NUM>.

When left controller <NUM> is attached to main body apparatus <NUM>, first L button <NUM> and ZL button <NUM> are arranged in the upper left portion of game device <NUM> (see <FIG>). Therefore, a user who holds game device <NUM> can operate first L button <NUM> and ZL button <NUM> with his/her left forefinger or long finger.

Left controller <NUM> has terminal <NUM> for wired communication between left controller <NUM> and main body apparatus <NUM>. Terminal <NUM> is provided at a position where it comes in contact with left terminal <NUM> (<FIG>) of main body apparatus <NUM> when left controller <NUM> is attached to main body apparatus <NUM>. Terminal <NUM> should be arranged at any position where main body apparatus <NUM> and left controller <NUM> are in contact with each other while left controller <NUM> is attached to main body apparatus <NUM>. By way of example, as shown in <FIG>, terminal <NUM> is provided around a lower end portion of the surface where slider <NUM> is attached.

Left controller <NUM> includes a second L button <NUM> and a second R button <NUM>. These buttons <NUM> and <NUM> are used for giving an instruction in accordance with various programs executed in main body apparatus <NUM> similarly to other operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, second L button <NUM> and second R button <NUM> are provided in the surface where slider <NUM> is attached. Second L button <NUM> is provided above the center in terms of the up-down direction (the direction of the y axis shown in <FIG>) on the surface where slider <NUM> is attached. Second R button <NUM> is provided under the center in terms of the up-down direction on the surface where slider <NUM> is attached. Second L button <NUM> and second R button <NUM> are arranged at positions where they cannot be pressed while left controller <NUM> is attached to main body apparatus <NUM>. Second L button <NUM> and second R button <NUM> are used while left controller <NUM> is detached from main body apparatus <NUM>. Second L button <NUM> and second R button <NUM> are operated, for example, with a forefinger or a long finger of left and right hands of a user who holds left controller <NUM> detached from main body apparatus <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram of right controller <NUM> based on the present embodiment when viewed from six sides.

Referring to <FIG>, right controller <NUM> has a housing <NUM> substantially in a form of a plate. A main surface of housing <NUM> (that is, a front surface or a surface on the side of the negative direction of the z axis shown in <FIG>) is substantially in a rectangular shape. Housing <NUM> is in a vertically long shape, that is, long in the up-down direction.

Right controller <NUM> can be used with its main surface being vertically oriented or with its surface being horizontally oriented when a user holds the right controller while the right controller is detached from main body apparatus <NUM>.

An analog stick <NUM> is provided in right controller <NUM> as a direction instruction portion as in left controller <NUM>. Analog stick <NUM> is constructed substantially similarly to analog stick <NUM> in left controller <NUM>. Right controller <NUM> includes four operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM> (specifically, an A button <NUM>, a B button <NUM>, an X button <NUM>, and a Y button <NUM>) similarly to left controller <NUM>. These four operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM> are substantially the same in mechanism as four operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM> in left controller <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, analog stick <NUM> and operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM> are provided on the main surface of housing <NUM>. Though four operation buttons are provided on the main surface of right controller <NUM> in the present embodiment, any number of operation buttons may be provided.

Positional relation between two types of operation portions (analog stick <NUM> and the operation buttons) in right controller <NUM> is opposite to positional relation of these two types of operation portions in left controller <NUM>. In right controller <NUM>, analog stick <NUM> is arranged under operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM>, whereas in left controller <NUM>, analog stick <NUM> is arranged above operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM>. With such arrangement, when two controllers are used as being detached from main body apparatus <NUM>, both of the controllers can be used with similar operational feeling.

When right controller <NUM> is attached to main body apparatus <NUM>, the operation portion (specifically analog stick <NUM> and operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM>) provided on the main surface of right controller <NUM> is operated, for example, with the right thumb of a user who holds game device <NUM>. When right controller <NUM> is used as being detached from main body apparatus <NUM>, the operation portion is operated, for example, with the right thumb of a user who holds right controller <NUM>.

A first R button <NUM> and a ZR button <NUM> are provided in right controller <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, first R button <NUM> is provided in an upper right portion on the side surface of housing <NUM>. ZR button <NUM> is provided in an upper right portion as extending from the side surface to the rear surface of housing <NUM> (strictly speaking, the upper right portion when housing <NUM> is viewed from the front). ZR button <NUM> is provided in the rear of first R button <NUM> (the side of the positive direction of the z axis shown in <FIG>). Since the upper right portion of housing <NUM> is rounded in the present embodiment, first R button <NUM> and ZR button <NUM> are in a rounded shape in conformity with rounding of the upper right portion of housing <NUM>.

When right controller <NUM> is attached to main body apparatus <NUM>, first R button <NUM> and ZR button <NUM> are arranged in the upper right portion of game device <NUM> (see <FIG>). Therefore, a user who holds game device <NUM> can operate first R button <NUM> and ZR button <NUM> with his/her right forefinger or long finger.

Right controller <NUM> has terminal <NUM> for wired communication between right controller <NUM> and main body apparatus <NUM>. Terminal <NUM> is provided at a position where it comes in contact with right terminal <NUM> (<FIG>) of main body apparatus <NUM> when right controller <NUM> is attached to main body apparatus <NUM>. Terminal <NUM> should be arranged at any position where main body apparatus <NUM> and right controller <NUM> are in contact with each other while right controller <NUM> is attached to main body apparatus <NUM>. By way of example, as shown in <FIG>, terminal <NUM> is provided around a lower end portion of the surface where slider <NUM> is attached.

A position, a shape, and the number of components (specifically, a slider, a stick, a button, and an LED) provided in housing <NUM> of left controller <NUM> and/or housing <NUM> of right controller <NUM> can arbitrarily be designed. For example, in another embodiment, the controller may include a direction instruction portion of a type different from the analog stick. Slider <NUM> or <NUM> may be arranged at a position in accordance with a position of left rail member <NUM> and right rail member <NUM> provided in main body apparatus <NUM>, and for example, may be arranged in the main surface or the rear surface of housing <NUM> or <NUM>. Some of the components do not have to be provided.

Right controller <NUM> includes a second L button <NUM> and a second R button <NUM> as in left controller <NUM>. These buttons <NUM> and <NUM> are used for giving an instruction in accordance with various programs executed in main body apparatus <NUM> similarly to other operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, second L button <NUM> and second R button <NUM> are provided on a surface where slider <NUM> is attached. Second L button <NUM> is provided under the center in terms of the up-down direction (the direction of the y axis shown in <FIG>) on the surface where slider <NUM> is attached. Second R button <NUM> is provided above the center in terms of the up-down direction on the surface where slider <NUM> is attached. Second L button <NUM> and second R button <NUM> are arranged at positions where they cannot be pressed while right controller <NUM> is attached to main body apparatus <NUM>. Second L button <NUM> and second R button <NUM> are used while right controller <NUM> is detached from main body apparatus <NUM>. Second L button <NUM> and second R button <NUM> are operated, for example, with a forefinger or a long finger of left and right hands of a user who holds right controller <NUM> detached from main body apparatus <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram showing appearance when game device <NUM> based on the present embodiment is used together with a cradle. The game system shown in <FIG> includes game device <NUM> and cradle <NUM>.

Cradle <NUM> is constructed to be able to carry game device <NUM> and constructed to be able to communicate with a television <NUM> representing one example of an external display apparatus separate from display <NUM> of game device <NUM>. When game device <NUM> is carried on cradle <NUM>, an image obtained or generated by game device <NUM> can be shown on television <NUM>. Communication between cradle <NUM> and television <NUM> may be wired communication or wireless communication.

Cradle <NUM> may have a function to charge placed game device <NUM> and a function as a communication hub apparatus (for example, a USB hub).

An internal configuration of each apparatus associated with the information processing system based on the present embodiment will initially be described.

<FIG> is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of main body apparatus <NUM> based on the present embodiment.

Main body apparatus <NUM> includes components shown in <FIG>. The components shown in <FIG> are accommodated in housing <NUM>, for example, as being mounted on an electronic circuit substrate as electronic components.

Main body apparatus <NUM> includes a central processing unit (CPU) <NUM> corresponding to an information processing unit (or a processor) performing various types of processing including game processing. CPU <NUM> reads and executes a program stored in an accessible storage unit (specifically, an internal storage medium such as a flash memory <NUM> or an external storage medium attached to first slot <NUM> or second slot <NUM>).

Main body apparatus <NUM> includes flash memory <NUM> and a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) <NUM> by way of example of an embedded internal storage medium. Flash memory <NUM> is a non-volatile memory mainly storing various types of data (which may be a program) saved in main body apparatus <NUM>. DRAM <NUM> is a volatile memory temporarily storing various types of data used in information processing.

Main body apparatus <NUM> includes a first slot interface (I/F) <NUM> and a second slot interface <NUM>. The first slot interface is connected to first slot <NUM> and reads and writes data from and into a storage medium of the first type (for example, an SD card) attached to first slot <NUM>, in response to an instruction from CPU <NUM>. Second slot interface <NUM> is connected to second slot <NUM> and reads and writes data from and into a storage medium of the second type (for example, a dedicated memory card) attached to second slot <NUM>, in response to an instruction from CPU <NUM>.

Main body apparatus <NUM> includes a network communication unit <NUM> for communication (specifically, wireless communication) with an external apparatus through a network. For example, a communication module authorized for Wi-Fi is employed for network communication unit <NUM> and network communication unit <NUM> communicates with an external apparatus through wireless LAN. In another embodiment, main body apparatus <NUM> may have a function for connection and communication with a mobile communication network (that is, a portable telephone communication network) in addition to (or instead of) a function for connection and communication with wireless LAN.

Main body apparatus <NUM> includes a controller communication unit <NUM> for wireless communication with left controller <NUM> and/or right controller <NUM>. Though any scheme is applicable for communication between main body apparatus <NUM> and each controller, for example, a communication scheme under the Bluetooth™ specifications can be adopted.

CPU <NUM> is connected to left terminal <NUM>, right terminal <NUM>, and lower terminal <NUM>. CPU <NUM> transmits and receives data to and from left controller <NUM> through left terminal <NUM> when wired communication with left controller <NUM> is established. CPU <NUM> transmits and receives data to and from right controller <NUM> through right terminal <NUM> when wired communication with right controller <NUM> is established. Data transmitted from CPU <NUM> to left controller <NUM> or right controller <NUM> is, for example, data for controlling a vibration generation portion of left controller <NUM> or right controller <NUM>. Data received by CPU <NUM> from left controller <NUM> or right controller <NUM> is, for example, operation data output in response to an operation by a user of the operation portion in left controller <NUM> or right controller <NUM>. CPU <NUM> transmits data to cradle <NUM> through lower terminal <NUM> when it communicates with cradle <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, main body apparatus <NUM> can establish both of wired communication and wireless communication with left controller <NUM> and right controller <NUM>.

Main body apparatus <NUM> includes a touch panel controller <NUM> for control of touch panel <NUM>. Touch panel controller <NUM> generates data indicating a position of a touch input in response to a signal from touch panel <NUM>, and outputs the data to CPU <NUM>.

Display <NUM> shows an image generated by execution of various types of processing by CPU <NUM> and/or an image obtained from the outside.

Main body apparatus <NUM> includes a codec circuit <NUM> and speaker <NUM> (specifically, the left speaker and the right speaker). Codec circuit <NUM> controls input and output of audio data to and from speaker <NUM> and audio input and output terminal <NUM>. More specifically, when codec circuit <NUM> receives audio data from CPU <NUM>, it outputs an audio signal resulting from D/A conversion of the audio data to speaker <NUM> or audio input and output terminal <NUM>. Thus, sound is output from speaker <NUM> or an audio output portion (for example, an earphone) connected to audio input and output terminal <NUM>. When codec circuit <NUM> receives an audio signal from audio input and output terminal <NUM>, it subjects the audio signal to AID conversion and outputs audio data in a prescribed format to CPU <NUM>.

Main body apparatus <NUM> includes an electric power control unit <NUM> and a battery <NUM>. Electric power control unit <NUM> controls supply of electric power from battery <NUM> to each component based on a command from CPU <NUM>. Electric power control unit <NUM> controls supply of electric power in accordance with an input onto power button <NUM>. When an operation to turn off power supply is performed on power button <NUM>, electric power control unit <NUM> stops supply of electric power totally or in part, and when an operation to turn on power supply is performed on power button <NUM>, it starts full supply of electric power. When an instruction to switch to a sleep mode is given to power button <NUM>, electric power control unit <NUM> stops supply of electric power to some components including display <NUM>, and when an instruction to switch to an ON mode is given to power button <NUM>, it starts supply of electric power.

When an external charging apparatus (for example, cradle <NUM>) is connected to lower terminal <NUM> and electric power is supplied to main body apparatus <NUM> through lower terminal <NUM>, battery <NUM> is charged with supplied electric power. Battery <NUM> of main body apparatus <NUM> is preferably higher in charging capacity than a battery of left controller <NUM> and right controller <NUM>.

Battery <NUM> is connected to left terminal <NUM> and right terminal <NUM>. When left controller <NUM> is connected to main body apparatus <NUM>, electric power is fed from battery <NUM> of main body apparatus <NUM> to left controller <NUM> through left terminal <NUM>. When right controller <NUM> is attached to main body apparatus <NUM>, electric power is fed from battery <NUM> of main body apparatus <NUM> to right controller <NUM> through right terminal <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of left controller <NUM> and right controller <NUM> based on the present embodiment,.

<FIG> also depicts components of main body apparatus <NUM> associated with left controller <NUM> and right controller <NUM>.

Left controller <NUM> includes a communication control unit <NUM> for communication with main body apparatus <NUM>. Communication control unit <NUM> can communicate with main body apparatus <NUM> through both of wired communication through terminal <NUM> and wireless communication not through terminal <NUM>.

Terminal <NUM> includes a communication terminal 42A used for communication, a power supply terminal 42B used for power feed, and an identification terminal 42C used for detection of a connected device.

Terminal <NUM> is provided as being connectable to left terminal <NUM> of main body apparatus <NUM>.

Left terminal <NUM> includes a communication terminal 17A used for communication, a power supply terminal 17B used for power feed, and an identification terminal 17C used for detection of a connected device. When terminal <NUM> and left terminal <NUM> are connected to each other, communication terminal 42A and communication terminal 17A are electrically connected to each other. Power supply terminal 42B and power supply terminal 17B are electrically connected to each other. Identification terminal 42C and identification terminal 17C are electrically connected to each other.

Communication control unit <NUM> selects wired communication or wireless communication depending on whether or not left controller <NUM> is attached to main body apparatus <NUM>, and establishes communication under a selected communication method. While left controller <NUM> is attached to main body apparatus <NUM>, communication control unit <NUM> establishes communication with main body apparatus <NUM> through communication terminal 42A. While left controller <NUM> is detached from main body apparatus <NUM>, communication control unit <NUM> establishes wireless communication with main body apparatus <NUM> (specifically, controller communication unit <NUM>). Communication control unit <NUM> should only be able to establish communication with main body apparatus <NUM>, and for example, it may be configured to establish only either wired communication or wireless communication. While left controller <NUM> is detached from main body apparatus <NUM>, wireless communication is established by way of example, however, wired communication may be established, for example, through a cable.

Left controller <NUM> includes, for example, a memory <NUM> such as a flash memory. Communication control unit <NUM> is implemented, for example, by a microprocessor and performs various types of processing by executing firmware stored in memory <NUM>.

Left controller <NUM> includes an operation button group <NUM> (specifically operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) and analog stick <NUM>. Information on an operation onto operation button group <NUM> and analog stick <NUM> is repeatedly output to communication control unit <NUM> with a prescribed period.

Communication control unit <NUM> obtains information on an input from each of operation button group <NUM> and analog stick <NUM> (for example, information on an operation by a user). Communication control unit <NUM> transmits data including obtained information (or information obtained by subjecting obtained information to prescribed processing) to main body apparatus <NUM>. Data is transmitted to main body apparatus <NUM> repeatedly with a prescribed period. A period of transmission of information on an input to main body apparatus <NUM> may or may not be identical among input devices.

Main body apparatus <NUM> can know an input given to left controller <NUM> based on transmitted data. More specifically, main body apparatus <NUM> can discriminate an operation onto operation button group <NUM> and analog stick <NUM>.

Left controller <NUM> includes an electric power supply unit <NUM> including a battery. Electric power supply unit <NUM> controls supply of electric power to each component of left controller <NUM>. When left controller <NUM> is attached to main body apparatus <NUM>, the battery is charged by power feed from main body apparatus <NUM> through power supply terminal 42B.

Right controller <NUM> is configured basically similarly to left controller <NUM> described above. Right controller <NUM> includes terminal <NUM>, a communication control unit <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, an operation button group <NUM> (specifically operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>), analog stick <NUM>, and an electric power supply unit <NUM>.

Since other components of right controller <NUM> have features and functions the same as those of corresponding components described in connection with left controller <NUM>, detailed description will not be repeated.

Terminal <NUM> includes a communication terminal 64A used for communication, a power supply terminal 64B used for power feed, and an identification terminal 64C used for detection of a connected device.

Terminal <NUM> is provided as being connectable to right terminal <NUM> of main body apparatus <NUM>.

Right terminal <NUM> includes a communication terminal 21A used for communication, a power supply terminal 21B used for power feed, and an identification terminal 21C used for detection of a connected device. When terminal <NUM> and right terminal <NUM> are connected to each other, communication terminal 21A and communication terminal 64A are electrically connected to each other. Power supply terminal 21B and power supply terminal 64B are electrically connected to each other. Identification terminal 21C and identification terminal 64C are electrically connected to each other.

Communication control unit <NUM> selects wired communication or wireless communication depending on whether or not right controller <NUM> is attached to main body apparatus <NUM>, and establishes communication under a selected communication method. When right controller <NUM> is attached to main body apparatus <NUM>, communication control unit <NUM> establishes communication with main body apparatus <NUM> through communication terminal 64A.

Right controller <NUM> includes electric power supply unit <NUM> including a battery. Electric power supply unit <NUM> controls supply of electric power to each component of right controller <NUM>. While right controller <NUM> is attached to main body apparatus <NUM>, the battery is charged by power feed from main body apparatus <NUM> through power supply terminal 64B.

When the controller is attached to main body apparatus <NUM>, a first terminal (that is, left terminal <NUM> or right terminal <NUM>) of main body apparatus <NUM> and a second terminal (that is, terminal <NUM> or <NUM>) of the controller are electrically connected to each other as abutting on each other.

When the controller is attached to main body apparatus <NUM>, whether or not connection is established is determined based on a connected identification terminal. Wired communication can be carried out through the connected communication terminal. Power can be fed through the connected power supply terminal.

The controller can also include a vibration mechanism, an acceleration sensor, and a gyro sensor.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an expansion battery <NUM> which can be connected to the controller based on an embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, expansion battery <NUM> is connected to left controller <NUM>, Expansion battery <NUM> is provided to be able to supply electric power to left controller <NUM>. Specifically, a terminal <NUM> which can electrically be connected to left controller <NUM> is provided in expansion battery <NUM>.

Terminal <NUM> includes a communication terminal 201A used for communication, a power supply terminal 201B used for power feed, and an identification terminal 201C used for detection of a connected device. As terminal <NUM> and terminal <NUM> are connected to each other, communication terminal 42A and communication terminal 201A are electrically connected to each other. Power supply terminal 42B and power supply terminal 201B are electrically connected to each other. Identification terminal 42C and identification terminal 201C are electrically connected to each other.

An LED <NUM> indicating a state of charge to left controller <NUM> is provided in expansion battery <NUM>.

Similarly to left controller <NUM>, a terminal <NUM> which can electrically be connected to right controller <NUM> is provided in expansion battery <NUM>. Terminal <NUM> includes a communication terminal 203A, a power supply terminal 203B used for power feed, and an identification terminal 203C used for detection of a connected device. As terminal <NUM> and terminal <NUM> are connected to each other, communication terminal 64A and communication terminal 203A are electrically connected to each other. Power supply terminal 64B and power supply terminal 203B are electrically connected to each other. Identification terminal 64C and identification terminal 203C are electrically connected to each other.

LED <NUM> emits light during charging of right controller <NUM> as in left controller <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of left controller <NUM> and expansion battery <NUM> based on the embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, electric power supply unit <NUM> is provided in left controller <NUM>.

Electric power supply unit <NUM> includes a voltage detector <NUM>, a state-of-charge sensing unit <NUM>, a current regulator <NUM>, a resistor R1, a battery V1, a diode D1, and switches SW1 and SW2.

A node N1 is connected to identification terminal 42C with resistor R1 being interposed.

A node N0 is connected to power supply terminal 42B.

Diode D1 has an anode connected to node N0 and a cathode connected to node N1 with current regulator <NUM> being interposed. Current regulator <NUM> is provided between diode D1 and node N1.

Battery V1 is connected between node N1 and a ground voltage GND. Switch SW1 is connected between a node N2 and node N0. Switch SW2 is connected between node N2 and node N1. Voltage detector <NUM> is connected to node N0. Switches SW1 and SW2 are controlled in accordance with an instruction from communication control unit <NUM>.

Node N2 is connected to a power supply line so that electric power necessary for each unit is supplied.

State-of-charge sensing unit <NUM> is provided in correspondence with battery V1, and senses a state of charge of battery V1 and outputs the state of charge to communication control unit <NUM>.

Expansion battery <NUM> includes a battery V2, a diode D2, a resistor R2, LED <NUM>, and a switch SW3.

Resistor R2 is connected between identification terminal 201C and ground voltage GND.

Diode D2 is connected in series between power supply terminal 201B and a node N3. Diode D2 has an anode connected to node N3 and a cathode connected to power supply terminal 201B. Battery V2 is connected between node N3 and ground voltage GND. Switch SW3 and LED <NUM> are connected in series between node N3 and ground voltage GND. Switch SW3 is controlled in accordance with an instruction from communication control unit <NUM>.

Communication control unit <NUM> includes a discrimination unit <NUM>, a switch control unit <NUM>, a processing execution unit <NUM>, a communication unit <NUM>, and a light emission control unit <NUM>.

Discrimination unit <NUM> discriminates a device connected to terminal <NUM> based on a voltage value detected by voltage detector <NUM>. Discrimination unit <NUM> outputs a control signal CT for regulating a current to current regulator <NUM>.

Switch control unit <NUM> controls switching of switches SW1 and SW2 in accordance with a result of discrimination by discrimination unit <NUM>. For example, when no device is connected to terminal <NUM>, switch control unit <NUM> turns on switch SW2. Thus, battery V1 is connected to the power supply line and electric power necessary for each unit is supplied. When discrimination as connection of a connected device is made in accordance with a result of discrimination by discrimination unit <NUM> while electric power necessary for each unit is supplied from battery V1, switch control unit <NUM> turns off switch SW2 and turns on switch SW1 Battery V1 and the power supply line are thus electrically connected and disconnected to and from each other. As switch SW1 is turned on, terminal <NUM> and the power supply line are electrically connected to each other and power can be fed through terminal <NUM>.

Communication unit <NUM> performs processing for wireless communication and processing for wired communication with an external device.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, communication unit <NUM> transmits attachment information on another attached apparatus to main body apparatus <NUM>. In the present example, communication unit <NUM> transmits attachment information (an identification code) based on a result of discrimination by discrimination unit <NUM> to main body apparatus <NUM>. When another apparatus is not attached, communication unit <NUM> can also transmit attachment information (an identification code) indicating absence of attachment.

Processing execution unit <NUM> performs prescribed processing in accordance with an instruction from an external device received at communication unit <NUM>.

Light emission control unit <NUM> controls the LED provided in the device based on a result of discrimination by discrimination unit <NUM> and a result of sensing by state-of-charge sensing unit <NUM>. In the present example, a command to turn on switch SW3 is output.

As a result of connection between terminal <NUM> and terminal <NUM>, identification terminal 42C of left controller <NUM> and identification terminal 201C of expansion battery <NUM> are electrically connected to each other. Power supply terminal 42B of left controller <NUM> and power supply terminal 201B of expansion battery <NUM> are electrically connected to each other. Communication terminal 42A of left controller <NUM> and communication terminal 201A of expansion battery <NUM> are electrically connected to each other.

In the present example, as a result of electrical connection between identification terminal 42C and identification terminal 201C, a current flows from battery V1 through resistors R1 and R2 toward ground voltage GND. As a current path is formed, connection with a connected device is detected.

Voltage detector <NUM> detects a voltage based on division of resistances of resistor R1 and resistor R2 as a result of formation of the current path.

Discrimination unit <NUM> detects a connected device based on a detected voltage value and discriminates the connected device. In the present example, a resistance value of resistor R2 is different depending on a type of a connected device connected to the controller. Therefore, a voltage value detected by voltage detector <NUM> is different depending on a type of a device.

Discrimination unit <NUM> instructs switch control unit <NUM> to switch based on a result of discrimination.

Switch control unit <NUM> gives an instruction to turn off switch SW2 and turn on switch SW1. Accordingly, instead of battery V1, battery V2 supplies electric power to each unit in left controller <NUM>.

Battery V1 is chargeable and dischargeable, As switch SW is switched by switch control unit <NUM>, battery V1 is charged as a result of supply of electric power from battery V2 when electric power is supplied from battery V2 to each unit in left controller <NUM>.

Current regulator <NUM> regulates a charging current in charging of battery V1 from battery V2. Specifically, a charging current for battery V1 is regulated in accordance with control signal CT from discrimination unit <NUM>.

Light emission control unit <NUM> outputs a command signal for having the LED emit light based on a result of discrimination by discrimination unit <NUM> and a result of sensing by state-of-charge sensing unit <NUM>. The command signal is input to switch SW3 through communication terminal 42A and communication terminal 201A from communication control unit <NUM>.

Specifically, light emission control unit <NUM> outputs a command signal to turn on switch SW3 when a connected device is discriminated as a device having an LED as a result of discrimination by discrimination unit <NUM> and battery V1 is in a prescribed state of charge. The prescribed state of charge refers to battery V1 not being fully charged by way of example. When battery V1 is fully charged, battery V1 is not charged by battery V2. In such a case, light emission control unit <NUM> does not output a command signal to turn on switch SW3 and hence LED <NUM> does not emit light. Therefore, fully charged battery V1 can easily be recognized. When light emission control unit <NUM> outputs a command signal to turn on switch SW3 and LED <NUM> emits light, battery V1 being charged can easily be recognized. For example, expansion battery <NUM> may be removed and attached from and to left controller <NUM> based on a state of emission of light by LED <NUM>. In the present example, light emission control unit <NUM> outputs a command signal for having the LED emit light based on a result of discrimination by discrimination unit <NUM> and a result of sensing by state-of-charge sensing unit <NUM>. A command signal for having the LED emit light only in accordance with a result of discrimination by discrimination unit <NUM>, however, may be output. Thus, a connection state can easily be checked.

A connected device described below is also similar in circuit configuration or in configuration of the battery and the LED to expansion battery <NUM>. A resistance value of resistor R2 is different depending on a type of a connected device.

<FIG> is a diagram of appearance of an expansion grip <NUM> based on the embodiment.

Expansion grip <NUM> for attaching left controller <NUM> and right controller <NUM> detached from main body apparatus <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. Expansion grip <NUM> represents one example of a connected device to which a controller can be attached. Expansion grip <NUM> is a connected device with which a user performs an operation.

Expansion grip <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>. Left controller <NUM> and right controller <NUM> can be attached to housing <NUM>. Therefore, with expansion grip <NUM>, a user can perform an operation as integrally holding two controllers of left controller <NUM> and right controller <NUM> detached from main body apparatus <NUM>. Expansion grip <NUM> has a mechanism similar to the mechanism of main body apparatus <NUM> as the mechanism for attachment of the controller. Therefore, left controller <NUM> and right controller <NUM> can be attached to expansion grip <NUM> as in attachment of main body apparatus <NUM>.

Expansion grip <NUM> has a grip portion for a user to hold. Specifically, left controller <NUM> is attached to expansion grip <NUM> on the left of the center in the lateral direction. Expansion grip <NUM> includes a left grip portion <NUM> on the left of a portion where left controller <NUM> is attached. Right controller <NUM> is attached to expansion grip <NUM> on the right of the center in terms of the lateral direction. Expansion grip <NUM> includes a right grip portion <NUM> on the right of a portion where right controller <NUM> is attached. Therefore, a user can easily operate each of left controller <NUM> and right controller <NUM> attached to expansion grip <NUM> by holding grip portions <NUM> and <NUM>.

Expansion grip <NUM> has a left terminal <NUM> similar to left terminal <NUM> of main body apparatus <NUM> at a position where connection with terminal <NUM> of left controller <NUM> attached to the expansion grip itself can be made. Expansion grip <NUM> has a right terminal <NUM> similar to right terminal <NUM> of main body apparatus <NUM> at a position where connection with terminal <NUM> of right controller <NUM> attached to the expansion grip itself can be made. Therefore, when left controller <NUM> and right controller <NUM> are attached to expansion grip <NUM>, expansion grip <NUM> is electrically connected to left controller <NUM> and right controller <NUM>.

Left terminal <NUM> and right terminal <NUM> each include a communication terminal, a power supply terminal, and an identification terminal which can be connected to the communication terminal, the power supply terminal, and the identification terminal of terminals <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, similarly to terminals <NUM> and <NUM> of expansion battery <NUM>.

Therefore, when the controller and expansion grip <NUM> are connected to each other, communication and supply of electric power therebetween can be enabled. Though not shown, expansion grip <NUM> includes a power supply terminal similar to a power supply terminal of cradle <NUM>. Therefore, expansion grip <NUM> can receive power feed through the power supply terminal from a not-shown charging apparatus (such as an AC adapter) when the charging apparatus is connected to the power supply terminal. Expansion grip <NUM> supplies electric power supplied through the power supply terminal to left controller <NUM> and right controller <NUM> through the left terminal and the right terminal.

Therefore, by connecting expansion grip <NUM> to the charging apparatus, left controller <NUM> and right controller <NUM> attached to expansion grip <NUM> can be charged. As set forth above, expansion grip <NUM> has a function to charge the controller attached to the expansion grip itself. Expansion grip <NUM> includes charging means (that is, the power supply terminal and the left terminal or the right terminal) for charging the controller attached to expansion grip <NUM> with electric power fed to expansion grip <NUM>. Thus, the controller can be charged while the controller is attached to the expansion grip. Thus, convenience of the controller can be improved. When left controller <NUM> and right controller <NUM> are attached to expansion grip <NUM>, wireless communication is established between each of left controller <NUM> and right controller <NUM> and main body apparatus <NUM> (as in the example in which left controller <NUM> and right controller <NUM> are detached from main body apparatus <NUM>). Even while the controller is attached to expansion grip <NUM>, left controller <NUM> and right controller <NUM> can communicate with main body apparatus <NUM>.

Expansion grip <NUM> contains a microcomputer (CPU) <NUM> and a communication unit <NUM>. Left controller <NUM> and right controller <NUM> obtain apparatus identification information indicating attachment to expansion grip <NUM>, which is transmitted from microcomputer <NUM> through communication unit <NUM>, when the controller is attached to expansion grip <NUM>. The apparatus identification information is, for example, identification information provided for each apparatus (more specifically, identification information specific to an apparatus). In the present embodiment, the apparatus identification information includes information indicating a type of an apparatus so that a type of the apparatus can be specified based on the apparatus identification information.

The controller can determine (or sense) that an apparatus to which the controller is attached is expansion grip <NUM>, that is, attachment of the controller itself to expansion grip <NUM>, based on the identification information. When the controller is detached from expansion grip <NUM>, the controller transmits a notification about detachment from expansion grip <NUM> through wireless communication to main body apparatus <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a trial play stand expansion battery <NUM> which can be connected to the controller based on the embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, trial play stand expansion battery <NUM> is connected to left controller <NUM>. Trial play stand expansion battery <NUM> is provided to be able to supply electric power to left controller <NUM>.

Specifically, trial play stand expansion battery <NUM> is provided with a terminal <NUM> which can electrically be connected to left controller <NUM>.

Terminal <NUM> includes a power supply terminal 401B used for power feed and an identification terminal 401C used for detection of a connected device. As a result of connection between terminal <NUM> and terminal <NUM>, power supply terminal 42B and power supply terminal 401B are electrically connected to each other. Identification terminal 42C and identification terminal 401C are electrically connected to each other.

Trial play stand expansion battery <NUM> is provided with a terminal <NUM> which can electrically be connected to right controller <NUM>. Terminal <NUM> includes a power supply terminal 403B used for power feed and an identification terminal 403C used for detection of a connected device. As a result of connection between terminal <NUM> and terminal <NUM>, power supply terminal 64B and power supply terminal 403B are electrically connected to each other. Identification terminal 64C and identification terminal 403C are electrically connected to each other.

Trial play stand expansion battery <NUM> is connected to an AC plug terminal <NUM> and an AC adapter <NUM>. AC plug terminal <NUM> can be connected to a connector of an AC power supply. AC adapter <NUM> converts AC power supply to DC power supply so as to supply electric power to trial play stand expansion battery <NUM>. According to such a configuration, trial play stand expansion battery <NUM> can constantly receive power feed from the AC power supply. Trial play stand expansion battery <NUM> supplies electric power to left controller <NUM> and right controller <NUM> through terminal <NUM> and/or terminal <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a fixed expansion battery <NUM> which can be connected to a plurality of controllers based on the embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, fixed expansion battery <NUM> is provided to be able to supply electric power to a plurality of controllers. In the present example, two left controllers <NUM> and two right controller <NUM> can be connected. Fixed expansion battery <NUM> is provided to be able to supply electric power to a plurality of left controllers <NUM> and a plurality of right controllers <NUM>.

Terminals <NUM> and <NUM> which can be connected to left controller <NUM> and terminals <NUM> and <NUM> which can be connected to right controller <NUM> are provided. Terminals <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are connected to an electric power supply unit <NUM> provided with a battery.

Each terminal includes a communication terminal, a power supply terminal, and an identification terminal which can be connected to the communication terminal, the power supply terminal, and the identification terminal, respectively, of terminal <NUM> or <NUM>, similarly to terminal <NUM> or <NUM> of expansion battery <NUM>.

Therefore, when the controller and fixed expansion battery <NUM> are connected to each other, communication and supply of electric power therebetween can be enabled. Though not shown, fixed expansion battery <NUM> includes a power supply terminal similar to the power supply terminal of cradle <NUM>. Therefore, fixed expansion battery <NUM> can receive power feed through the power supply terminal from a not-shown charging apparatus (such as an AC adapter) by connecting the charging apparatus to the power supply terminal. Fixed expansion battery <NUM> supplies electric power supplied through the power supply terminal to left controller <NUM> and right controller <NUM> through the terminal.

A plurality of LEDs indicating a state of charge are provided in fixed expansion battery <NUM>. Specifically, the fixed expansion battery includes an LED <NUM> indicating a state of charge of the controller connected to terminal <NUM>, an LED <NUM> indicating a state of charge of the controller connected to terminal <NUM>, an LED <NUM> indicating a state of charge of the controller connected to terminal <NUM>, and an LED <NUM> indicating a state of charge of the controller connected to terminal <NUM>.

Emission of light from the LED is controlled under a scheme the same as above through the communication terminal used for communication.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a discrimination table used by discrimination unit <NUM> based on the embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, a discrimination table may be stored in advance in memories <NUM> and <NUM>. The discrimination table is provided with a plurality of pieces of identification information ID0 to ID4 (identification codes). A voltage value, an amount of a charging current, a notification about charging, and an exemplary device are set in association with identification information. The exemplary device is given as an item for illustration and such information does not have to be stored.

By way of example, a voltage value (P0 to P1), an amount of a charging current Q1, a notification about charging (no), and an exemplary device (a main body and an expansion grip) are set in association with identification information ID0.

A voltage value (P1 to P2), amount of a charging current Q1, a notification about charging (no), and an exemplary device (a trial play stand expansion battery) are set in association with identification information ID1.

A voltage value (P2 to P3), an amount of a charging current Q2 (<Q1), a notification about charging (yes), and an exemplary device (a fixed expansion battery) are set in association with identification information ID2.

A voltage value (P3 to P4), amount of a charging current Q1, a notification about charging (yes), and an exemplary device (an expansion battery) are set in association with identification information ID3.

Identification information ID4 is an item indicating connection of no device, and nothing is set as a voltage value, an amount of a charging current, a notification about charging, and an exemplary device.

In the present embodiment, a connected device connected to a controller is identified based on a result of detection by voltage detector <NUM> described above. A resistance value of resistor R2 described with reference to <FIG> is different for each device. Specifically, resistor R2 of each of main body apparatus <NUM> and expansion grip <NUM> is set to have a resistance value at which a voltage value within a range from P0 to P1 is detected in attachment to the controller.

Resistor R2 of trial play stand expansion battery <NUM> is set to have a resistance value at which a voltage value within a range from P1 to P2 is detected in attachment to the controller.

Resistor R2 of fixed expansion battery <NUM> is set to have a resistance value at which a voltage value within a range from P2 to P3 is detected in attachment to the controller.

Resistor R2 of expansion battery <NUM> is set to have a resistance value at which a voltage value within a range from P3 to P4 is detected in attachment to the controller.

Voltage detector <NUM> detects a voltage value within the range from P3 to P4 when expansion battery <NUM> is connected to the controller.

Discrimination unit <NUM> identifies a connected device as the expansion battery corresponding to identification information ID3 by using the discrimination table based on the voltage value.

Discrimination unit <NUM> instructs switch control unit <NUM> to switch conducting switch SW2 to switch SW1 based on a result of discrimination. Accordingly, the controller operates by receiving power feed from expansion battery <NUM>.

Discrimination unit <NUM> outputs control signal CT to current regulator <NUM> such that amount of a charging current Q1 is attained based on a result of discrimination. Thus, current regulator <NUM> regulates the amount of the charging current in charging of the battery of the controller from expansion battery <NUM>.

Light emission control unit <NUM> controls LED <NUM> provided in expansion battery <NUM> based on a result of discrimination by discrimination unit <NUM> and a result of sensing by state-of-charge sensing unit <NUM>. Specifically, since the item of the notification about charging corresponding to identification information ID3 indicates "yes", light emission control unit <NUM> recognizes that an LED for giving a notification about charging is provided. Then, when light emission control unit <NUM> determines that battery V1 is fully charged based on a result of sensing by state-of-charge sensing unit <NUM>, it does not output a command signal to turn on switch SW3. When light emission control unit <NUM> determines that battery V1 is not fully charged based on a result of sensing by state-of-charge sensing unit <NUM>, it outputs a command signal to turn on switch SW3. Accordingly, LED <NUM> emits light.

Communication unit <NUM> transmits identification information ID3 to main body apparatus <NUM> as a result of discrimination by discrimination unit <NUM>. Controller communication unit <NUM> of main body apparatus <NUM> obtains identification information ID3 transmitted from communication unit <NUM>. Then, the information is given from controller communication unit <NUM> of main body apparatus <NUM> to CPU <NUM>. CPU <NUM> can recognize connection of expansion battery <NUM> to the controller in accordance with obtained identification information ID3. On the side of main body apparatus <NUM>, CPU <NUM> performs information processing upon receiving the information.

CPU <NUM> can perform prescribed representation processing by way of example of information processing. Specifically, information on expansion battery <NUM> may be shown on display <NUM> in accordance with identification information ID3. CPU <NUM> may adjust a parameter for operation data transmitted from the controller by way of another example of information processing, because operational feeling of the controller may be different between before and after connection of expansion battery <NUM>.

Main body apparatus <NUM> may instruct the controller to perform prescribed processing depending on a recognized connected device. For example, by way of example, CPU <NUM> may give an instruction to change some of functions of the controller in accordance with obtained identification information ID3. For example, CPU <NUM> may output an order to stop a vibration mechanism when the controller is provided with the vibration mechanism.

Communication unit <NUM> of the controller receives the order and outputs the order to processing execution unit <NUM>. Processing execution unit <NUM> may change to setting for not using the vibration mechanism based on the order transmitted from main body apparatus <NUM>.

Since the function of the controller can be changed under the control by main body apparatus <NUM> depending on a type of a connected device, usability can be improved.

When expansion grip <NUM> is connected to the controller, voltage detector <NUM> detects a voltage value within the range from P0 to P1.

When the controller is connected to expansion grip <NUM>, the controller obtains apparatus identification information from microcomputer <NUM> of expansion grip <NUM> through communication unit <NUM>.

Discrimination unit <NUM> identifies a connected device as an expansion grip corresponding to identification information ID0 based on the detected voltage value and the apparatus identification information (identification information specific to the expansion grip) by using the discrimination table.

In the present example, discrimination unit <NUM> identifies a connected device as the expansion grip corresponding to identification information ID0 based on the detected voltage value and the apparatus identification information, however, determination may be made based on any one of them.

Discrimination unit <NUM> instructs switch control unit <NUM> to switch conducting switch SW2 to switch SW1 based on a result of discrimination. Accordingly, the controller operates by receiving power feed from expansion grip <NUM>.

Discrimination unit <NUM> outputs control signal CT to current regulator <NUM> such that amount of a charging current Q1 is attained based on a result of discrimination. Thus, current regulator <NUM> regulates the amount of the charging current in charging of the battery of the controller from expansion grip <NUM>.

Since expansion grip <NUM> is provided with no LED, light emission control unit <NUM> does not output a command signal.

Communication unit <NUM> transmits identification information ID0 and apparatus identification information to main body apparatus <NUM> as a result of discrimination by discrimination unit <NUM>. Controller communication unit <NUM> of main body apparatus <NUM> obtains identification information ID0 and the apparatus identification information transmitted from communication unit <NUM>. Then, the information is given from controller communication unit <NUM> of main body apparatus <NUM> to CPU <NUM>. CPU <NUM> can recognize connection of expansion grip <NUM> to the controller in accordance with obtained identification information IDd and the apparatus identification information. On the side of main body apparatus <NUM>, CPU <NUM> can perform information processing as described above upon receiving the information.

When expansion grip <NUM> is connected to the controller, main body apparatus <NUM> can easily discriminate that the device contains the microcomputer because apparatus identification information from microcomputer <NUM> is obtained.

Voltage detector <NUM> detects a voltage value within the range from P1 to P2 when trial play stand expansion battery <NUM> is connected to the controller.

Discrimination unit <NUM> identifies a connected device as an expansion battery corresponding to identification information ID1 by using the discrimination table based on the voltage value.

Discrimination unit <NUM> instructs switch control unit <NUM> to switch conducting switch SW2 to switch SW1 based on a result of discrimination. Accordingly, the controller operates by receiving power feed from trial play stand expansion battery <NUM>.

Discrimination unit <NUM> outputs control signal CT to current regulator <NUM> such that amount of a charging current Q1 is attained based on a result of discrimination. Thus, current regulator <NUM> regulates the amount of the charging current in charging of the battery of the controller from trial play stand expansion battery <NUM>.

Since trial play stand expansion battery <NUM> is provided with no LED, light emission control unit <NUM> does not output a command signal.

Communication unit <NUM> transmits identification information ID1 to main body apparatus <NUM> as a result of discrimination by discrimination unit <NUM>. Controller communication unit <NUM> of main body apparatus <NUM> obtains identification information ID1 transmitted from communication unit <NUM>. Then, the information is given from controller communication unit <NUM> of main body apparatus <NUM> to CPU <NUM>. CPU <NUM> can recognize connection of trial play stand expansion battery <NUM> to the controller in accordance with obtained identification information ID1. On the side of main body apparatus <NUM>, CPU <NUM> can perform information processing as described above upon receiving the information.

Voltage detector <NUM> detects a voltage value within the range from P2 to P3 when fixed expansion battery <NUM> is connected to the controller.

Discrimination unit <NUM> identifies a connected device as the fixed expansion battery corresponding to identification information ID2 by using the discrimination table based on the voltage value.

Discrimination unit <NUM> instructs switch control unit <NUM> to switch conducting switch SW2 to switch SW1 based on a result of discrimination. Accordingly, the controller operates by receiving power feed from fixed expansion battery <NUM>.

Discrimination unit <NUM> outputs control signal CT to current regulator <NUM> such that amount of a charging current Q2 is attained based on a result of discrimination. Thus, current regulator <NUM> regulates the amount of the charging current in charging of the battery of the controller from fixed expansion battery <NUM>.

In the present example, amount of charging current Q2 is set to a value smaller than amount of charging current Q1. Since fixed expansion battery <NUM> is provided to be able to charge a plurality of controllers, the amount of the charging current is set to a value smaller than amount of charging current Q1 in order to appropriately distribute a current.

Light emission control unit <NUM> controls a corresponding LED provided in fixed expansion battery <NUM> based on a result of discrimination by discrimination unit <NUM> and a result of sensing by state-of-charge sensing unit <NUM>. Specifically, since the item for the notification about charging corresponding to identification information ID2 indicates "yes", light emission control unit <NUM> recognizes that an LED for giving a notification about charging is provided. Then, when light emission control unit <NUM> determines that battery V1 is fully charged based on a result of sensing by state-of-charge sensing unit <NUM>, it does not output a command signal for turning on switch SW3. When light emission control unit <NUM> determines that battery V1 is not fully charged based on a result of sensing by state-of-charge sensing unit <NUM>, it outputs a command signal for turning on switch SW3. Accordingly, a corresponding LED emits light.

Communication unit <NUM> transmits identification information ID2 to main body apparatus <NUM> as a result of discrimination by discrimination unit <NUM>. Controller communication unit <NUM> of main body apparatus <NUM> obtains identification information ID2 transmitted from communication unit <NUM>. Then, the information is given from controller communication unit <NUM> of main body apparatus <NUM> to CPU <NUM>. CPU <NUM> can recognize connection of fixed expansion battery <NUM> to the controller in accordance with obtained identification information ID2. On the side of main body apparatus <NUM>, CPU <NUM> can perform information processing as described above upon receiving the information.

Claim 1:
An operation system comprising:
a game controller (<NUM>); and
a connected device (<NUM>) connected to the game controller,
the connected device including
a first battery (V2) for supplying electric power to the game controller,
a first terminal (<NUM>, 201C) electrically connected to the game controller, and
a first resistor (R2) connected to the first terminal and connected to ground,
the game controller including
a control circuit (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>),
a second battery (V1) for supplying electric power to the control circuit,
a second terminal (<NUM>, 42C) electrically connected to the connected device,
a second resistor (R1),
a voltage detector (<NUM>) detecting a voltage value based on a division of the resistances of the first and second resistors (R1, R2) when a current flows through the first and second resistors (R1, R2) toward ground when the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to each other,
a discrimination unit (<NUM>) discriminating a device connected to the game controller based on the voltage value detected by the voltage detector, and
a switching unit (SW1, SW2) making switching from the second battery to the first battery for supply of electric power to the control circuit when the device discriminated by the discrimination unit is the connected device while electric power is supplied from the second battery to the control circuit.