Abstract: The invention relates to a system including a machine capable of retrieving data from a recording medium and of executing a program retrieved from the recording medium in response to an instruction given by an operator to the machine. Particularly, the invention relates to a system which comprises of such machine and a control unit connected to the machine for controlling the machine. The control unit includes: a housing; a pair of diverging grips which are molded integral with said housing and are supportable by both palms of the operator; a plurality of finger-manipulatable controllers mounted on the housing; and a vibration motor mounted within at least one of the grips via a adapter. The vibration motor includes: a casing; a freely rotatable shaft supported by the casing; an eccentric member, mounted on the shaft, having a rotor mounted on the shaft and a plurality of coils mounted on the rotor.

Abstract: An operating device used in a game machine for playing a television game includes a main body portion of the operating device and first and second grip portions protruding from one side on respective end parts of the main body portion. A first operating unit is mounted on one end of the main body portion and a second operating unit is mounted on the opposite end of the main body portion. The first and second operating units are provided with a plurality of thrusting operators protruding from the upper surface of the main body portion and a plurality of signal input elements actuated by the thrusting operators. A third operating unit and a fourth operating unit are arranged facing each other on the proximal ends of the first and second grip portions. Each of the third and fourth operating units has a rotation member and a plurality of signal input devices actuated by the rotation member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system including a machine capable of retrieving data from a recording medium and of executing a program retrieved from the recording medium in response to an instruction given by an operator to the machine. Particularly, the invention relates to a system which comprises of such machine and a control unit connected to the machine for controlling the machine. The control unit includes: a housing; a pair of diverging grips which are molded integral with said housing and are supportable by both palms of the operator; a plurality of finger-manipulatable controllers mounted on the housing; and a vibration motor mounted within at least one of the grips via a adapter. The vibration motor includes: a casing; a freely rotatable shaft supported by the casing; an eccentric member, mounted on the shaft, having a rotor mounted on the shaft and a plurality of coils mounted on the rotor.

Abstract: An operating device is capable of both digital operation and analog operation by using a pressing operation continuously. The operating device has detecting elements (e.g., pressure-sensitive elements) for outputting analog signals according to the pressing operations of operators, and is configured such that the analog signals output from the detecting elements are subjected to level dividing by a level dividing unit and converted into multi-bit digital signals corresponding to the output levels thereof by an A/D converting unit. The operating device is also configured so as to output single-bit digital signals according to a change in the analog signals output from the detecting element. A switching unit outputs one or the other of the multi-bit digital signals and single-bit digital signals.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to allow both a digital operation and an analog operation by using pressing operation continuously. An operating device has detecting elements (e.g., pressure-sensitive elements (12)) for outputting analog signals according to pressing operations of operators (11), and is configured such that analog signals output from the detecting elements are subjected to level dividing by a level dividing unit (15) and converted into multi-bit digital signals corresponding to the output levels thereof by an A/D converting unit (16), and is also configured so as to output single-bit digital signals according to change in analog signals output from the detecting element. A switching unit (18) outputs one or the other of the multi-bit digital signals and single-bit digital signals.

Abstract: A game machine having a plurality of controllers with memory devices corresponding one-to-one to the controllers so that it is possible to store game control processes and the like personal to individual game users and improve the freedom with which a game can be joined, played and left by each of a plurality of players.

Abstract: An operating apparatus and a signal-output modulating method therefor allow analogous operations to be implemented by use of press-operational operation elements that have conventionally been used for digital operations. In the operating apparatus, detecting elements are provided, each of which is formed of a resistant material and a conductive material. The detecting elements individually output analog signals corresponding to press-operations performed on the operation elements. An output-level range of an analog signal outputted from the detecting element is divided by a level divider into multiple levels, and an analog-digital (A-D) converter performs conversion thereof to digital signals corresponding to the output levels. In addition, the output levels of the individual digital signals outputted from the A-D converter are shifted by a level corrector 17 according to a predetermined corresponding reference, and the digital signals are thereby output.

Abstract: A remote control device for remotely controlling an AV (audio visual) device includes an analog switch (30) formed of an operating element (31 or 41) and a pressure-sensitive resistor (35) which outputs a signal with various levels depending upon a pressing force applied to the operating element (31 or 41). By employing the analog switch (30 ) in a control button of the remote control device, it becomes possible to output a signal having various levels depending upon a pressing force applied to the control button (31 or 41). This allows a single control button to be used for a plurality of functions. Thus, it is possible to reduce the number of buttons, and a user can easily operate the remote control device in a simpler fashion.

Abstract: In order to reduce the number of parts and to provide sufficient direct tactile sensation transmitted to the finger tip, there is provided a tactile-force generating apparatus for generating in an input section which can be displaced from a predetermined position of an input unit for inputting information to a game machine main unit a tactile force for returning to the predetermined position, the tactile-force generating apparatus including: a coil spring for generating a tactile force independently of game information in a control pad; and a permanent magnet and an electromagnet for generating a tactile force corresponding to the game information in the control pad.

Abstract: A game machine having a plurality of controllers has removable memory devices corresponding or e-to-one to the controllers so that it is possible to store game control processes and the like personal to individual game users and improve the freedom with which a game can be joined, played and left by each of a plurality of players. Live unplugging of the controllers and the memory devices is provided for so that, even during a game, they can be freely plugged in and unplugged with respect to the game machine proper.

Abstract: An electronic device having a cabinet formed from two halves that are joined together have provided therein multiple boards that are stacked and housed. The joining of the cabinet halves secures the boards in position within the cabinet and assures electrical continuity between boards, such that the positioning and arrangement of the boards within the cabinet upon assembly of the cabinet is not compromised by the cabinet being moved or flipped over.

Abstract: An external storage device connected to an entertainment system for storing game information is provided. Even if there are plural types of entertainment systems, and the correspondence between the types of entertainment systems and the kind of the external storage device cannot be grasped, the external storage device can be readily connected to the entertainment system without any trouble. The external storage device 230 connected to the entertainment system to receive information from the entertainment system and store the information therein has a portion to-be-mounted to engage with a receiving portion 603 of the entertainment system for electrical connection with the entertainment system. The portion to-be-mounted 603 has a shape preventing itself from engaging with the receiving portion of a predetermined particular type of entertainment system out of the entertainment systems in systematized series, for preventing a connection with the predetermined particular type of the entertainment system.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a main unit which has operation switches, and an operation panel which has operation buttons that press the operation switches and which is rotatably mounted on the main unit. The operation panel can be freely attached to and detached from the main unit and can be replaced with another operation panel if needed. The ability to replace the operation panel makes it possible to have multiple types of operation panels available and to select operation panels whose operation buttons are different and mount them on the main unit.

Abstract: A manipulating device for an entertainment system is provided which overcomes the problems that might occur when an excessive force is applied thereto and permits smooth operation. A manipulating device 1 comprises an operating portion 10 and a stopper portion 40 that supports the operating portion 10. Leg portions 41 of the stopper portion 40 opens when depressive pressure is applied to the operating portion 10, and closes and restores the operating portion 10 to its initial position when the depressive pressure is released.

Abstract: A main memory stores an operating guidance program for displaying operating guidance on a display monitor and enabling control members of a manual control input device to emit continuous or flickering light in relating to the operating guidance. Based on a command from the manual control input device, a CPU executes the operating guidance program stored in the main memory. The operating guidance program enables the control members to emit continuous or flickering light sequentially and displays operating guidance for at least the control members which are emitting continuous or flickering light on the display monitor. Not only the operating guidance is displayed on the display monitor, but also visual sensations are given to the game player by controlling the control members to emit continuous or flickering light on the manual control input device.

Abstract: A main memory stores a program for enabling a plurality of control members of a manual control input device to emit light in a video game. A CPU executes the program stored in the main memory based on control commands from the manual control input device. The program sends light emission data to control member groups of the manual control input device to enable the control member groups to light successively. Since the control members of the manual control input device emit continuous or flickering light, the user can enjoy the video game because of visual sensations produced by the manual control input device.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to enhance communications functions of a portable electronic equipment (1) that has optical communications functions so that the light beams emitted from other equipment with which it communicates can be adequately received even when the equipment (1) is being carried by a user. According to the present invention, a light-reflecting member (20) is attached to a strap body (10) used to carry the portable electronic equipment (1) in a hanging down position. The light-reflecting member (20) is positioned near a light receiver (4) provided on the top part (1a) of the portable electronic equipment (1) and reflects light beams used for optical communication from the surroundings and guides them to the light receiver (4).

Abstract: An operating apparatus and a signal-output modulating method therefor allow analogous operations to be implemented by use of press-operational operation elements that have conventionally been used for digital operations. In the operating apparatus, detecting elements are provided, each of which is formed of a resistant material and a conductive material. The detecting elements individually output analog signals corresponding to press-operations performed on the operation elements. Output-level range of an analog signal outputted from the detecting element is divided by a level divider into multiple levels, and an analog-digital (A-D) converter performs conversion thereof to an analog signal converted digital signals corresponding to the output levels. In addition, output levels of the individual digital signals outputted from the A-D converter are shifted by a level corrector 17 according to a predetermined corresponding reference, and the digital signals are thereby output.

Abstract: An actuating device for a game machine is disclosed in which the hand or fingers do not fatigue on prolonged use, thereby imparting an optimum feel for the user. The actuating device has a main body unit and first and second grips projecting from one side of the main body unit at opposite ends thereof. Vibration-imparting units are enclosed within the first and second grips. First and second actuating units are mounted at opposite ends of the main body unit. The first and second actuating units include plural thrusting actuators which protrude from the upper surface of the main body unit. Third and fourth actuating units are arranged on the proximal ends of the first and second grips so as to confront one another. The third and fourth actuating units include rotation actuators and signal input elements actuated by the rotation actuators.

Abstract: In a strap assembly for carrying a portable device, in order to protect a user against the action of an unexpected sudden external force, a cord for installing the strap assembly to the portable device is passed through an installation hole of a coupling from the inside such that a knot of a strap is supported by the rim of the installation hole. Coupling holes in both ends of the strap hung from the body of the user are fitted over support posts formed on the inner bases of first and second coupling members. Tapered surfaces are formed on portions of the cylindrical side surfaces of support posts. When the first and second coupling members are closed together with their rims superposed, protrusions of one member engage recesses of another coupling member. If a tension load in excess of a given level is applied to the portable device, a reactive force from the strap acts upon the tapered surfaces, resulting in force components that release the engaged state of these protrusions and recesses.