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Nintendo files multiple Nintendo Switch patents (controller, dock, architecture*)

R

Rösti

Unconfirmed Member
15178984-maincvsrb.png


*Architecture=System floor plan (limited)

On June 10, 2016, Nintendo Co., Ltd. filed in the US via the United States Patent and Trademark Office several patent applications related to Nintendo Switch. They were published today December 15, 2016. The applications are:

Appl. No. 15/178972, GAME CONTROLLER
Appl. No. 15/178991, GAME CONTROLLER
Appl. No. 15/179011, GAME CONTROLLER
Appl. No. 15/178984, SUPPORTING DEVICE, CHARGING DEVICE AND CONTROLLER SYSTEM
Appl. No. 15/179022, INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM, INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE, CONTROLLER DEVICE AND ACCESSORY


The applications are quite similar in content. Therefore I have chosen to focus on the one called Supporting Device, Charging Device and Controller System. It gives good information on how the controller functions and also provides information on system architecture. It is quite lengthy and the drawings amount is 63. Due to character limitation, I will select parts I deem more interesting of the application.

Inventors: IWAO; Toshiaki; (Kyoto, JP) ; TAKEI; Masaya; (Kyoto, JP) ; FUJITA; Kumpei; (Kyoto, JP) ; IKUTA; Hiroki; (Kyoto, JP) ; HIROSE; Shinji; (Kyoto, JP) ; AKAMA; Tetsuya; (Kyoto, JP) ; TSUCHIYA; Hitoshi; (Kyoto, JP)
Applicant: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
Kyoto
JP
Family ID: 1000002022311
Appl. No.: 15/178984
Filed: June 10, 2016

Abstract

An example supporting device supports two game controllers. The supporting device includes a support section and a main section connected to the support section. The support section includes a first slide member and a second slide member. The first slide member is provided in an area of the support section toward a first side in a predetermined direction, and the second slide member is provided in an area toward a second side. The slide members are capable of slidably engaging with rail members of the respective game controllers in a predetermined slide direction. The first slide member includes a first terminal provided on a first opposing surface. The second slide member includes a second terminal provided on a second opposing surface. The main section includes a first grip portion for being gripped by a user, and a second grip portion for being gripped by the user.

Claims

1. A game controller supporting device for supporting a first game controller and a second game controller, wherein: the first game controller includes a first rail member configured for allowing the first game controller to be attached to the supporting device; the second game controller includes a second rail member configured for allowing the second game controller to be attached to the supporting device; the supporting device includes: a support section; and a main section connected to the support section; the support section includes: a first slide member in an area of the support section toward a first side in a predetermined direction, the first slide member being configured to slidably engage with the first rail member of the first game controller in a first slide direction; and a second slide member in an area of the support section toward a second side in the predetermined direction, the second slide member being configured to slidably engage with the second rail member of the second game controller in a second slide direction; the first slide member includes: a first groove having a bottom surface formed along the first slide direction; a first facing surface, wherein the first slide member has a first side and a second side in the first slide direction, and the first facing surface is in an end portion on the first side of the first slide member so as to face a portion of the bottom surface of the first groove; and a first terminal on the first facing surface, which first terminal is configured to be electrically connected to the first game controller; the second slide member includes: a second groove having a bottom surface formed along the second slide direction; a second facing surface, wherein the second slide member has a first side and a second side in the second slide direction, and the second facing surface is in an end portion on the first side of the second slide member so as to face a portion of the bottom surface of the second groove; and a second terminal on the second facing surface, which second terminal is configured to be electrically connected to the second game controller; the main section includes: a first grip portion on a first side of the main section in the predetermined direction configured for being gripped by a user; and a second grip portion on a second side of the main section in the predetermined direction configured for being gripped by the user; the support section includes: a connector; a power supply configured to supply power, via the connector, to the first game controller via the first terminal, and to the second game controller via the second terminal; and a light-emitter configured for emitting light indicating that the power supply is supplying power to at least one of the first game controller and the second game controller; the first game controller includes a first stop member, wherein the first stop member is configured so that when the first rail member has been inserted up to a predetermined first position into the first slide member, the first stop member resists a slide movement, in an opposite direction, of the first rail member against the first slide member, the opposite direction being a direction opposite to a direction in which the first slide member is insertable into the first rail member; the first slide member includes a first stop-receiving portion, wherein the first stop member is further configured so that when the first rail member of the first game controller has been inserted up to the first position into the first slide member, the first stop member engages with the first stop-receiving portion; the second game controller includes a second stop member, wherein the second stop member is configured so that when the second rail member has been inserted up to a predetermined second position into the second slide member, the second stop member resists a slide movement, in an opposite direction, of the second rail member against the second slide member, the opposite direction being a direction opposite to a direction in which the second slide member is insertable into the first rail member; and the second slide member includes a second stop-receiving portion, wherein the second stop member is further configured so that when the second rail member of the second game controller has been inserted up to the second position into the second slide member, the second stop member engages with the second stop-receiving portion.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

[0003] There are conventional controllers capable of accommodating an information processing device therein. For example, there is a controller capable of accommodating a mobile telephone by means of a left key plate and a right key plate. Specifically, the controller includes a spring for sliding one key plate toward the other key plate so that the mobile telephone is sandwiched between the left and right key plates, thereby accommodating the mobile telephone.

[0004] It is only the controller that includes a holding mechanism (i.e., the key plates), but the mobile telephone does not include a holding mechanism. Therefore, the controller can easily come off the mobile telephone.

[0005] Thus, the present application discloses a supporting device with which it is possible to reduce the possibility of the supporting device coming off the information processing device.

[0006] An example supporting device described herein is a device for supporting a first game controller and a second game controller. The first game controller includes a first rail member configured for allowing the first game controller to be attached to the supporting device. The second game controller includes a second rail member configured for allowing the second game controller to be attached to the supporting device.

[0007] The supporting device includes a support section and a main section connected to the support section.

[0008] The support section includes a first slide member and a second slide member. The first slide member is in an area of the support section toward a first side in a predetermined direction, the first slide member being configured to slidably engage with the first rail member of the first game controller in a first slide direction. The second slide member is in an area of the support section toward a second side in the predetermined direction, the second slide member being configured to slidably engage with the second rail member of the second game controller in a second slide direction.
Drawings

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[0074] FIG. 17 is an exploded view showing an example of a reinforcement member and an insulation sheet provided on a slider;

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[0087] FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing an example internal configuration of the main unit;

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[0088] FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing an example internal configuration of the information processing device;

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[0089] FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing an example internal configuration of the cradle;

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[0109] FIG. 52 is a diagram showing an example accessory to which controllers can be attached;

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[0111] FIG. 54 is a six-sided view showing another non-limiting example extension grip;

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[0114] FIG. 57 is a block diagram showing an example internal configuration of the extension grip shown in FIG. 54;

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[0778] FIG. 60 is a diagram showing an example HMD accessory to which the main unit 2 can be attached. An HMD accessory 230 shown in FIG. 60 includes a housing 231 and belts 232a and 232b. One end of the belt 232a is attached to one end of the housing 231, and one end of the belt 232b is attached to the other end of the housing 231. Although not shown in the figure, the other end of the belt 232a can be removably connected to the other end of the belt 232b. Thus, the housing 231 can be mounted on the head of the user by connecting together the two belts 232a and 232b around the head of the user. Note that there is no particular limitation on the mechanism for allowing the HMD accessory 230 to be mounted on the head of the user.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0121] An information processing system, an information processing device, a controller device and an accessory according to an example of the present embodiment will now be described. In the present embodiment, the information processing system includes an information processing device 1 and a cradle 5 (see FIG. 28). The information processing device 1 of the present embodiment includes a main unit 2 and controllers 3 and 4, which can be attached to and detached from each other, and the controllers 3 and 4 can be used separately from the main unit 2 (see FIG. 2). The information processing device 1 can be used both in a mode of use in which images are displayed on the main unit 2 and in another mode of use in which images are displayed on a separate display device such as a TV. The information processing device 1 is used as a portable device (e.g., a portable game device) in the former mode, and the information processing device 1 is used as a console-type device (e.g., a console-type game device) in the latter mode.

[0395] The main unit 2 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 81. The CPU 81 is an information processing section for executing various information processes to be executed on the main unit 2. The CPU 81 executes various information processes by executing an information processing program stored in a storage section that can be accessed by the CPU 81 (specifically, an internal storage medium such as a flash memory 84 or external storage media attached to the slots 23 and 24, etc.).

[0396] The main unit 2 includes, as an example internal storage medium provided in the main unit 2, the flash memory 84 and a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) 85. The flash memory 84 and the DRAM 85 are connected to the CPU 81. The flash memory 84 is a memory used primarily for storing various data (which may be programs) saved on the main unit 2. The DRAM 85 is a memory used for temporarily storing various data and instructions used in information processes.

[0397] The main unit 2 includes a first slot interface (hereinafter abbreviated as "I/F") 91. The main unit 2 also includes a second slot I/F 92. The slot I/Fs 91 and 92 are connected to the CPU 81. The first slot I/F 91 is connected to the first slot 23, and reads and writes data from and to a storage medium of the first type (e.g., an SD card) inserted in the first slot 23, in response to an instruction from the CPU 81. The second slot I/F 92 is connected to the second slot 24, and reads and writes data from and to a storage medium of the second type (e.g., a dedicated memory card) inserted in the second slot 24, in response to an instruction from the CPU 81.
Source: Search "15/178984" at http://appft.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html

Each part of the controller and system are detailed in the application. I cannot provide it all due to aforementioned character limits. But I think the drawings and the information posted should be enough for a thread.
 
"touch panel controller" I assume that confirms touch screen even though we pretty much knew about it anyway?

Edit: "Touch panel" as well.
 

LordKano

Member
One of the pic suggests that it will be possible to play with four joycons on one console, implying we will be able to buy them separately and without the need to have a tablet for them ?
 
the drawings are kinda detailed. the buttons on the side of joycons are interesting.
also, seems maximum of 2 full controller / 4 half joycons are allowed to connect at 1 time?
 
One of the pic suggests that it will be possible to play with four joycons on one console, implying we will be able to buy then separately and without the need to have a tablet for them ?

Which means they learned from the Wii U where you COULDN'T BUY A REPLACEMENT FUCKING TABLET
 

Vuze

Member

VR Headset?

E: Ah well
[0776] [5-3. Accessory for Main Unit]

[0777] The information processing system may include an accessory to which the main unit 2 can be attached. An HMD accessory to be described below as an example accessory can be used as a so-called HMD (head mounted display) with the main unit 2 attached thereto.

[0778] FIG. 60 is a diagram showing an example HMD accessory to which the main unit 2 can be attached. An HMD accessory 230 shown in FIG. 60 includes a housing 231 and belts 232a and 232b. One end of the belt 232a is attached to one end of the housing 231, and one end of the belt 232b is attached to the other end of the housing 231. Although not shown in the figure, the other end of the belt 232a can be removably connected to the other end of the belt 232b. Thus, the housing 231 can be mounted on the head of the user by connecting together the two belts 232a and 232b around the head of the user. Note that there is no particular limitation on the mechanism for allowing the HMD accessory 230 to be mounted on the head of the user.

[0779] As shown in FIG. 60, the housing 231 includes two openings 231a. The openings 231a are located so as to face the eyes of the user with the housing 231 mounted on the head of the user. Although not shown in the figure, the HMD accessory 230 includes a lens provided in each of the openings 231a.

[0780] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 60, the housing 231 includes an insertion slot 231b for receiving the main unit 2 attached thereto (or inserted thereinto). That is, the main unit 2 can be attached to the HMD accessory 230 by inserting the main unit 2 into the insertion slot 231b. If the main unit 2 is attached so that the display 12 is facing the openings 231a, the display 12 can be viewed through the lenses through the openings 231a. That is, the housing 231 supports the display 12 so that the user can view the display 12 of the main unit 2.

[0781] With such a configuration, a user can view images on the display 12 when the HMD accessory 230 with the main unit 2 attached thereto is mounted on the head of the user. That is, the HMD accessory 230 with the main unit 2 attached thereto functions as a so-called HMD. Note that the HMD accessory 230 may present images of a wide viewing angle to a user by enlarging the viewing angle of the images on the display 12 through the lenses. This can enhance the sense of immersion for a user looking at the images. Note that the main unit 2 may perform a predetermined conversion process on the images displayed on the display 12 so that appropriate images are viewed through the lenses.

[0782] Note that in the present embodiment, the main unit 2 includes the acceleration sensor 89 and the angular velocity sensor 90, and can calculate the movement and/or the attitude of the main unit 2 based on the detection results of these sensors. Therefore, the main unit 2 can calculate the movement and/or the attitude of the HMD accessory 230 to which the main unit 2 is attached, and perform a predetermined process in accordance with the movement and/or the attitude. Note that the predetermined process, for example, is a process of controlling a virtual camera for producing images to be displayed on the display 12 based on the movement and/or the attitude of the HMD accessory 230, and more specifically is a process of changing the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera depending on the attitude, for example.

[0783] In other embodiments, if the main unit 2 does not have sensors for sensing the movement and/or the attitude of the main unit 2 (e.g., an acceleration sensor and/or an angular velocity sensor), the HMD accessory 230 may include the sensors. Then, the HMD accessory 230 may transmit the detection results of the sensors (or information obtained by performing a predetermined process on the detection results) to the main unit 2. The main unit 2 may calculate the movement and/or the attitude of the HMD accessory 230 based on the information transmitted from the HMD accessory 230.

[0784] In the present embodiment, the controllers 3 and 4 may be used while they are removed from the main unit 2. Therefore, even with the main unit 2 attached to the HMD accessory 230, the controllers 3 and 4 can be used as controller devices. That is, a user can operate the controllers using the hands while the HMD accessory 230 with the main unit 2 attached thereto is mounted on the head of the user.

[0785] As described above, the information processing device 1 of the present embodiment, with the use of the HMD accessory 230 described above, can be used in a mode in which it is used as an HMD. In the present embodiment, since the controllers can be removed from the main unit 2, it is possible to reduce the weight of the device or devices to be mounted on the head of the user. A user can perform operations using removed controllers.
 
Appears to confirm a few suspicions about the modularity of the device and the joy-cons themselves.

1. Possible VR Cradle
2. Alternate joy-con configurations with actual d-pads.
3. Shoulder buttons on joy-cons.
 
R

Rösti

Unconfirmed Member
One of the pic suggests that it will be possible to play with four joycons on one console, implying we will be able to buy then separately and without the need to have a tablet for them ?

This is in the detailed descriptions:

[0508] FIGS. 37(a) and 37(b) are diagrams showing example modes of use where three or more controllers are used. FIGS. 37(a) and 37(b) show cases in which a total of four controllers, i.e., two left controllers 3a and 3b and two right controllers 4a and 4b, are used. Note that it is assumed here that the controllers are detached from the main unit 2. When four controllers are used, one can possibly conceive at least a mode in which four users each use one controller (FIG. 37(a)), and a mode in which two users each use two controllers (specifically, a pair of left and right controllers) (FIG. 37(b)).

[0509] (Mode in which Each User Uses One Controller)

[0510] In FIG. 37(a), each user uses one of the four controllers 3a, 3b, 4a and 4b. That is, in the present embodiment, where four controllers are provided, four users, User A to User D, are allowed to perform operations each using a respective controller. For example, based on an operation performed on a controller, the information processing device 1 executes an information process of controlling the action of an object associated with that controller. Note that also in the modes of use shown in FIGS. 37(a) and 37(b), as in the modes of use shown in FIG. 34 and FIG. 35, each user is enabled to perform an operation on an operation section provided on the controller and/or to perform an operation of moving the controller itself.

[0511] In FIG. 37(a), the main unit 2 communicates, in wireless communication, with each of the four controllers 3a, 3b, 4a and 4b. In the present embodiment, the main unit 2 distinguishes the four controllers 3a, 3b, 4a and 4b from one another. That is, the main unit 2 identifies from which of the four controllers the operation data has been received. Note that in the case of FIG. 37(a), the main unit 2 distinguishes between the left controller 3a and the left controller 3b, and distinguishes between the right controller 4a and the right controller 4b. Note that the method for distinguishing each controller will be described later.

[0512] (Mode in which Each User Uses a Pair of Controllers)

[0513] In FIG. 37(b), each user uses a pair of controllers from the four controllers 3a, 3b, 4a and 4b. That is, User A uses a pair of the left controller 3a and the right controller 4a, and User B uses a pair of the left controller 3b and the right controller 4b. Thus, in the present embodiment, where four controllers are provided, two users can each operate a pair of controllers (which can also be referred to as a set of controllers).
 

ZeroX03

Banned
Ah, extremely interesting stuff. I understand all of this clearly and have gained great insight into the Switch as a result, but I wouldn't want to steal the privilege from anyone of summarizing this information into a much easier to understand form for people who are not grasping the text and pictures quite as capably as I.
 

Sesuadra

Unconfirmed Member
Control+F "SD Card slot"

A storage medium of the second type may be, for example, a general-purpose storage medium, e.g., an SD card. As is the storage medium of the first type, the storage medium of the second type is used for storing data used in the main unit 2 (e.g., application save data, etc.) and/or for storing programs to be executed on the main unit 2 (e.g., application programs, etc.).
.
 
R

Rösti

Unconfirmed Member
VR Headset?
Yes.

[0778] FIG. 60 is a diagram showing an example HMD accessory to which the main unit 2 can be attached. An HMD accessory 230 shown in FIG. 60 includes a housing 231 and belts 232a and 232b. One end of the belt 232a is attached to one end of the housing 231, and one end of the belt 232b is attached to the other end of the housing 231. Although not shown in the figure, the other end of the belt 232a can be removably connected to the other end of the belt 232b. Thus, the housing 231 can be mounted on the head of the user by connecting together the two belts 232a and 232b around the head of the user. Note that there is no particular limitation on the mechanism for allowing the HMD accessory 230 to be mounted on the head of the user.
 
Can't wait for someone who has more free time than me to confirm that the joycons are basically Wii-mote 3.0 via this documentation. The pressure is on folks, who will be the first?
 

cw_sasuke

If all DLC came tied to $13 figurines, I'd consider all DLC to be free
VR possibility ? Touchscreen ? SD Card ? Gyro controls ?

Nintendo checking them boxes.
 

asagami_

Banned
Touchcreen yeeeeees.

It's almost like Switch is the culmination from the 10 years of innovative ideas since the DS/Wii. Cool.
 

Branduil

Member
Can't wait for someone who has more free time than me to confirm that the joycons are basically Wii-mote 3.0 via this documentation. The pressure is on folks, who will be the first?

There's an acceleration sensor, angular velocity sensor, and magnetic force sensor.
 
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