Information processing system

Abstract

An information processing system 1 includes a controller 6 and a notification unit. The controller 6 stores a plurality of pieces of setting information associated with manipulation of the controller 6 and selectable by a user. A notification unit of an information processing system 1 has a plurality of types of feedback systems for presenting to a user, in response to switching of setting information, a fact that setting information to be applied to manipulation of a controller 6 has been switched. Multiple types of feedback systems may provide information perceived by different types of senses.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, such controllers that are capable of storing setting information (hereinafter also referred to as “profiles”) associated with manipulation of the controller and customized by a user have been increasingly widely used. Summary of the invention

[0003] Technical issues

[0004] Conventionally, in the case of switching a profile to be applied to the manipulation of a controller, the user recognizes the profile switch based on the lighting pattern of the indicator's light or the position of the physical selector switch. In some cases, this type of feedback is not necessarily provided in a form that is convenient for the user.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for providing feedback on switching a profile to be applied to a manipulation of a controller in a form convenient for the user.

[0006] Solution to the problem

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, an information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a manipulation device and a notification unit. The manipulation device stores a plurality of setting information associated with the manipulation of the manipulation device and selectable by a user, and the notification unit has a plurality of types of feedback systems for presenting to the user the fact that the setting information to be applied to the manipulation of the manipulation device has been switched in response to the switching of the setting information.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention relates to an information processing system. The information processing system includes a manipulation device and a processor. The manipulation device stores a plurality of setting information associated with the manipulation of the manipulation device and selectable by a user, and when the setting information to be applied to the manipulation of the manipulation device is switched, the processor actuates at least one feedback system selected from a plurality of types of feedback systems to present the switching of the setting information to the user.

[0009] Note that any combination of the constituent elements and expressions of the present invention described above, which is converted into a form such as a method, a computer program, and a recording medium storing the computer program, is also effective as a mode of the present invention.

[0010] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, feedback on switching a profile to be applied to the manipulation of the controller can be easily provided in a form convenient for the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an information processing system according to an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 is a view showing an upper surface of the controller.

[0014] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the controller.

[0015] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of an information processing device.

[0016] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the functional blocks of the controller.

[0017] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing functional blocks of an information processing device.

[0018] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of profile switching using a function button.

[0019] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a function menu window.

[0020] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of sound output change using a function button.

[0021] Fig.10 is a diagram showing an example of executing both profile switching and sound output change by using a function button.

[0022] Fig.11 is a diagram showing an example of a feedback setting screen.

[0023] Fig.12 is a diagram schematically showing screen transitions associated with settings of a profile. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Figure 1 An information processing system 1 according to an embodiment is shown. The information processing system 1 includes an information processing device 10, a display device 4, a controller 6, and a headset 8. The information processing device 10 according to the embodiment is a game device, such as a fixed-type game device. The information processing device 10 is connected wirelessly or by wire to the controller 6 operated by the user. The controller 6 is a manipulation device that receives a manipulation input from the user, which is used for information processing (a game according to the embodiment) run by the information processing device 10. The controller 6 sequentially sends manipulation information indicating the manipulation input from the user to the information processing device 10. The controller 6 can also be expressed as a game controller.

[0025] The headphone 8 is a device that includes a sound transmitter (e.g., a speaker), and outputs audible sound corresponding to the electrical signal transmitted from the information processing device 10 from the sound transmitter. Note that the information processing system 1 may include headphones, a speaker of the display device 4, or a speaker built in the controller 6 as a sound output device instead of the headphone 8.

[0026] The display device 4 may be a television including a display for outputting images and a speaker for outputting sounds, or may be a computer display. The display device 4 may be connected to the information processing device 10 via a cable, or may be wirelessly connected to the information processing device 10. When receiving the manipulation information provided from the controller 6, the information processing device 10 reflects the manipulation information in the processing performed by the system software or the application software, causes the display device 4 to display an image associated with the processing result, and causes the headphone 8 to output the sound associated with the processing result.

[0027] The first to third features of the information processing system 1 will be explained as an outline of the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0028] The controller 6 according to the embodiment is capable of storing setting information associated with the manipulation of the controller and customized by the user. The setting information associated with the controller 6 may be predetermined information about the manipulation of the controller 6 including setting values, etc. In addition, the setting information associated with the controller 6 may be setting information associated with the manipulation information input generated to the information processing device 10 according to the manipulation input to the controller 6. In addition, the setting information associated with the controller 6 may be setting information associated with a change in the image generation mode provided by the information processing device 10 or a change in the image display mode provided by the display device 4 according to the manipulation input to the controller 6. In addition, the setting information associated with the controller 6 may be setting information associated with a change in the output mode of the sound from the information processing device 10, the headset 8, etc. according to the manipulation input to the controller 6. In addition, the setting information associated with the controller 6 may be setting information associated with a change in the chat mode according to the manipulation input to the controller 6.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the setting information associated with the controller will also be referred to as "profile information" or simply "profile". A specific example of the profile information will be described below. The profile information includes an identification (ID) and name of the profile, button assignment information, sensitivity information, dead zone information, and corresponding button information. The button assignment information is information indicating various types of actions, commands, and functions assigned to various buttons of the controller 6 by the user. In other words, the button assignment information is information indicating the circumstances in which various types of actions, commands, and functions are assigned to various buttons. The corresponding button information is identification information associated with the buttons of the controller 6, and the corresponding profile information is associated with each of the buttons of the controller 6, such as information indicating the circular button 72 and the cross button 73 described below.

[0030] The sensitivity information is information indicating a setting value associated with the sensitivity of the analog stick of the controller 6. The sensitivity of the analog stick specifies a manipulation amount corresponding to a manipulation amount (i.e., a tilt amount) actually input to the analog stick by a user, which is recognized by the information processing device 10. The manipulation amount recognized by the information processing device 10 is also regarded as a manipulation amount input to data processing performed by the information processing device 10. The setting value of the sensitivity may be a ratio of the manipulation amount actually input to the analog stick to the manipulation amount recognized by the information processing device 10.

[0031] The dead zone information is information containing a setting value associated with the dead zone of the analog stick of the controller 6. The dead zone of the analog stick is a range in which the manipulation input to each of the analog sticks is unacceptable, that is, a range in which the manipulation input to each of the analog sticks is ignored. The setting value of the dead zone may be a value range of the tilt amount corresponding to the dead zone.

[0032] The problem identified by the inventors is that, with the prospect that the number of pieces of profile information that can be stored in the controller will increase in the future, there is a need to develop a mechanism that enables easy switching to profile information desired by the user and among the multiple pieces of profile information stored in the controller.

[0033] The first feature of the information processing system 1 based on the above-mentioned problem recognized by the present inventors is intended to facilitate easy switching to profile information desired by the user and among a plurality of pieces of profile information stored in the controller 6. Specifically, according to the first feature, the controller 6 of the information processing system 1 stores profile information associated with the manipulation of the controller 6. In response to the input of the manipulation of the second button together with the manipulation of the first button, the controller 6 switches the profile information to be applied to the manipulation of the controller 6.

[0034] The first button is considered to be a button for causing the second button to perform a function associated with the profile information and different from the normal function. The first button includes a function button 88 described later. The second button includes a manipulation button 76, a direction button 71, and an option button 82 described later. The controller 6 according to the embodiment can perform various manipulations according to a combination of the function button 88 and other buttons.

[0035] A different problem identified by the inventors is that, with the prospect that the number of pieces of profile information that can be stored in a controller will increase in the future, it is necessary to develop a mechanism that enables a user to easily check information associated with the profile information stored in the controller (i.e., profile information that can be selected by the user).

[0036] Based on the above-mentioned problem recognized by the present inventors, the second feature of the information processing system 1 is intended to help the user easily check the information associated with the profile information stored in the controller 6. Specifically, according to the second feature, the information processing device 10 of the information processing system 1 acquires the profile information stored in the controller 6. During the execution of the application, in response to detecting the input of a predetermined manipulation using the button of the controller 6, the information processing device 10 causes the display device 4 to display the information associated with the profile information acquired from the controller 6.

[0037] Another problem identified by the present invention is that conventionally, a user recognizes the switching of profile information to be applied to the manipulation of a controller based on the lighting pattern of a light of an indicator or the position of a physical selector switch. Therefore, in some cases, feedback associated with the switching of profile information is not necessarily provided in a form that is convenient for the user.

[0038] Based on the above-mentioned problem, the third feature of the information processing system 1 is intended to provide feedback associated with the switching of the profile information to be applied to the manipulation of the controller 6 in a form convenient for the user. Specifically, according to the third feature, the controller 6 of the information processing system 1 stores a plurality of pieces of profile information associated with the manipulation of the controller 6 and selectable by the user. The notification unit of the information processing system 1 has a plurality of types of feedback systems for presenting to the user the fact that the profile information to be applied to the manipulation of the controller 6 has been switched in response to the switching of the profile information.

[0039] Will describe Figure 1 The button configuration of controller 6 is shown. Figure 2The upper surface of the controller 6 is shown. The user holds the left holding portion 78b with the left hand and the right holding portion 78a with the right hand to manipulate the controller 6. The direction button 71, the right analog rocker 77a, the left analog rocker 77b and the manipulation button 76 each constitute an input unit and are provided on the upper surface of the housing of the controller 6. According to the present embodiment, the direction button 71 is configured to receive inputs in eight directions (i.e., upward, downward, left, right and diagonal directions) and includes an upper button 71a, a left button 71b, a lower button 71c and a right button 71d. The four types of manipulation buttons 76 have different colors and different graphics to distinguish these types. The manipulation buttons 76 include a circular button 72, a cross button 73, a square button 74 and a triangular button 75.

[0040] Each of the right analog rocker 77a and the left analog rocker 77b is also referred to as a control stick, a thumb stick or a joystick, and is tilted to input a direction amount and a tilt amount. The tilt amount is also considered to be the tilt angle of the right analog rocker 77a or the left analog rocker 77b. Each of the right analog rocker 77a and the left analog rocker 77b is also used as a press button, which sinks downward by the user's press and returns to the original position by the release of the user's hand. Each of the right analog rocker 77a and the left analog rocker 77b will also be collectively referred to as "analog rocker 77" hereinafter. The joystick 76, the direction button 71 and the analog rocker 77 are used to manipulate the application (game according to the embodiment) run by the information processing device 10.

[0041] The touch pad 79 is provided in a flat area between the direction button 71 and the manipulation button 76 on the upper surface of the housing. In addition to the function of detecting the touch of the user's finger, the touch pad 79 also has a function as a push button, which sinks downward by the user's pressing and returns to the original position by the user's hand release. In addition, a speaker 84 is also provided on the upper surface of the housing.

[0042] A home button 80 is provided between the right analog stick 77a and the left analog stick 77b. The home button 80 is used to turn on the power of the controller 6 and the information processing device 10, and simultaneously activate a communication function for wireless connection with the information processing device 10. After the connection between the controller 6 and the information processing device 10 is established, the home button 80 is also used to cause the information processing device 10 to display a menu screen or a home screen. Each of the menu screen or the home screen is a screen through which a user selects a function or application to be run by the information processing device 10.

[0043] A share button 81 is provided on the left side of the touch panel 79. An option button 82 is provided on the right side of the touch panel 79. Each of the share button 81 and the option button 82 is used to input an instruction, which is an instruction given from a user to an operating system (OS) or system software of the information processing device 10. In other words, each of the share button 81 and the option button 82 is a button for calling (manipulating) a function of the OS or system software of the information processing device 10. Each of the share button 81 and the option button 82 may be constituted by a press-type button.

[0044] A light emitting unit 86 is provided at the lower edge of the touch panel 79. The light emitting unit 86 includes a plurality of lamps ( Figure 2 The light emitting unit 86 is configured to display the state of the controller 6 in the form of a lighting pattern of the plurality of lights (ie, a combination of a light-on state and a light-off state). In a normal state, the light emitting unit 86 is set to a lighting pattern indicating identification information (information for distinguishing from other controllers) associated with the controller 6. According to an embodiment, in a case where profile information to be applied to the manipulation of the controller 6 is switched, the light emitting unit 86 is set to a lighting pattern for a short period of time, indicating that the profile information associated with the controller 6 has been switched.

[0045] Each of the right function button 88a and the left function button 88b (hereinafter also collectively referred to as "function button 88") is a button for changing or expanding the function of the other button. According to this embodiment, when the input of the manipulation of the manipulation button 76 and the input of the manipulation of the function button 88 are simultaneously performed, the profile information to be applied to the manipulation of the controller 6 is switched to the profile information corresponding to the type of the manipulation button 76 operated simultaneously with the function button 88. The right function button 88a and the left function button 88b may have exactly the same function. In this case, the same function is provided by the operation of the left button or the right button.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the controller 6 includes various types of input units (eg, various buttons and a joystick). The user inputs manipulations to the input unit of the controller 6 while viewing a menu screen or a game screen displayed on the display device 4.

[0047] Figure 3 FIG. 2 shows a hardware configuration associated with the controller 6 according to the present embodiment. Figure 2 In addition to the hardware shown in FIG. 1 , the controller 6 also includes a vibrator 90, a storage unit 92, a communication control unit 94, and a processor 96. The processor 96 runs various types of data processing and controls the operation of various types of hardware. The processor 96 may include a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, and a system on a chip (SoC).

[0048] The vibrator 90 vibrates according to the control signal received from the processor 96 to provide tactile stimulation to the user. The storage unit 92 stores data referenced or updated by the processor 96. The communication control unit 94 controls communication with external devices. According to an embodiment, the communication control unit 94 communicates wirelessly with the information processing device 10. Alternatively, the communication control unit 94 in the modified example can also communicate with the information processing device 10 by wire.

[0049] Figure 4 1 shows a hardware configuration of an information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 includes a main power button 20, a power-on light emitting diode (LED) 21, a standby LED 22, a system controller 24, a clock 26, a device controller 30, a media drive 32, a universal serial bus (USB) module 34, a flash memory 36, a wireless communication module 38, a wired communication module 40, a subsystem 50, and a main system 60.

[0050] The main system 60 includes a main CPU, a memory and a memory controller constituting a main storage device, a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc. The GPU is mainly used for arithmetic processing of game programs. These functions can constitute an SoC formed on one chip. The main CPU has a function of starting the OS and running an application installed in a storage unit (e.g., a flash memory 36 or an auxiliary storage device not shown) in an environment provided by the OS. In addition, the main system 60 has a function of controlling the display content provided by the display device 4.

[0051] The subsystem 50 includes a sub-CPU, a memory and a memory controller constituting a main storage device, etc., but does not include a GPU. The number of circuit gates of the sub-CPU is smaller than the number of circuit gates of the main CPU, and the operating power consumption of the sub-CPU is lower than that of the main CPU. The sub-CPU operates during the standby state of the main CPU and has limited processing functions in order to reduce power consumption. Note that the sub-CPU and the memory can be formed on separate chips.

[0052] The main power button 20 is provided on the front surface of the housing of the information processing device 10 as an input unit to which manipulation is input from a user, and is operated to turn on or off the power supply to the main system 60 of the information processing device 10. It is assumed hereinafter that the on state of the main power refers to the active state of the main system 60, and the off state of the main power refers to the standby state of the main system 60. When the main power button 20 is turned on, the power-on LED 21 turns on. When the main power button 20 is turned off, the standby LED 22 turns on.

[0053] The system controller 24 detects the pressing of the main power button 20 by the user. When the main power button 20 is pressed in the off state of the main power, the system controller 24 obtains the pressing operation as a "turn-on instruction". Conversely, when the main power button 20 is pressed in the on state of the main power, the system controller 24 obtains the pressing operation as a "turn-off instruction". The system controller 24 can obtain a power on / off instruction similar to the above from the manipulation input from the controller 6.

[0054] The main CPU has a function of running a game program installed in a predetermined storage unit or a read-only memory (ROM) medium 44, but the sub-CPU does not have this function. However, the sub-CPU has a function of accessing the storage unit and a function of transmitting and receiving data with an external device. The sub-CPU has only limited processing functions as described above, and thus can operate with lower power consumption than the main CPU. These functions of the sub-CPU are run when the main CPU is in a standby state.

[0055] The clock 26 constituting a real-time clock generates current date and time information, and supplies the date and time information to the system controller 24 , the subsystem 50 , and the main system 60 .

[0056] The device controller 30 constitutes a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI) for running information transfer between devices, such as a south bridge. As shown in the figure, devices such as a system controller 24, a media drive 32, a USB module 34, a flash memory 36, a wireless communication module 38, a wired communication module 40, a subsystem 50, and a main system 60 are connected to the device controller 30. The device controller 30 absorbs the difference in electrical characteristics and the difference in data transmission speed between devices to control the data transfer timing.

[0057] The media drive 32 is a drive device that drives a ROM medium 44 attached as a medium recording application software such as games and license information and reads programs, data, etc. from the ROM medium 44. The ROM medium 44 is a read-only recording medium such as an optical disc, a magneto-optical disc, and a Blu-ray disc.

[0058] The USB module 34 is a module connected to an external device via a USB cable. The flash memory 36 is an auxiliary storage device constituting an internal storage. The wireless communication module 38 is a communication protocol such as the Bluetooth (trademark or registered trademark) protocol and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 protocol, and wirelessly communicates with the controller 6 and the headset 8, for example. The wired communication module 40 communicates with external devices by wire, and is connected to the Internet, a server, etc., for example, via an acceleration point not shown.

[0059] Figure 5is a block diagram showing the functional blocks of the controller 6. Each block shown in the block diagram of this specification is implemented in hardware by elements such as a processor, CPU and memory of a computer as a typical example, an electronic circuit or a mechanical device, or in software by a computer program loaded into the memory, etc. The figure particularly shows the functional blocks implemented by their cooperation. Therefore, it can be understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be implemented in various forms according to a combination of hardware and software.

[0060] The controller 6 includes a configuration file storage unit 100 and a processing unit 102. The configuration file storage unit 100 is composed of Figure 3 The processing unit 102 performs various types of information processing. The processing unit 102 is composed of Figure 3 The processor 96 shown implements.

[0061] The profile storage unit 100 stores profile information associated with the controller 6. The profile storage unit 100 stores a plurality of pieces of profile information associated with types of corresponding manipulation buttons 76 that are different from each other. According to an embodiment, the profile storage unit 100 stores a maximum of four pieces of profile information associated with four manipulation buttons 76 (circular button 72, cross button 73, square button 74, triangle button 75).

[0062] The processing unit 102 includes a manipulation detection unit 104, a manipulation information generation unit 106, a manipulation information transmission unit 108, a change unit 110, a notification unit 112, and a setting update unit 114. A computer program (e.g., firmware) that implements at least some of the above-mentioned multiple functions may be stored in the storage unit 92 of the controller 6. The processor 96 of the controller 6 may retrieve the computer program in the main memory and execute the computer program to exert at least some of the above-mentioned multiple functions.

[0063] The manipulation detection unit 104 detects a manipulation input from the user to the controller 6. The manipulation input from the user includes a manipulation for pressing a button or tilting the analog stick 77, for example.

[0064] Referring to the profile information of the manipulation selected by the user and applied to the controller 6 and the manipulation input from the user to the controller 6 and detected by the manipulation detection unit 104, the manipulation information generation unit 106 generates the user manipulation information transmitted from the controller 6 to the information processing device 10. For example, in a case where a manipulation of a first tilt amount is input to the analog stick 77, referring to the sensitivity and the size of the dead zone indicated by the profile information of the manipulation applied to the controller 6, the manipulation information generation unit 106 may determine a second tilt amount to be input to the analog stick 77 of the information processing device 10. Thereafter, the manipulation information generation unit 106 may generate manipulation information indicating the second tilt amount of the analog stick 77.

[0065] The manipulation information transmission unit 108 transmits manipulation information, which is generated by the manipulation information generation unit 106 and indicates a manipulation performed by the user, to the information processing device 10 .

[0066] In response to the input of the manipulation of the manipulation button 76 as the second button together with the manipulation of the function button 88 as the first button, the change unit 110 switches the profile information to be applied to the manipulation of the controller 6. Specifically, in response to the manipulation of the specific manipulation button 76 together with the input of the manipulation of the function button 88, the change unit 110 switches the profile information to be applied to the manipulation of the controller 6 to the profile information among the plurality of profile information that is associated with the specific function button 88 corresponding to the manipulation target and stored in the profile storage unit 100.

[0067] In the case where the profile information to be applied to the manipulation of the controller 6 is switched, the notification unit 112 provides at least one type of feedback of multiple types to the user. The notification unit 112 has multiple types of feedback systems for presenting to the user the fact that the profile information to be applied to the manipulation of the controller 6 has been switched in response to the switching of the profile information.

[0068] Referring to the update data of the profile information transmitted from the information processing device 10 , the setting update unit 114 updates the profile information stored in the profile storage unit 100 .

[0069] Figure 6 2 is a block diagram showing functional blocks of the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 includes a storage unit 200 and a processing unit 210. The processing unit 201 performs various types of information processing. The processing unit 210 is implemented by a processor of the information processing device 10. For example, the processing unit 210 may be implemented by Figure 4 The storage unit 200 stores data referenced or updated by the processing unit 210. The storage unit 200 may include Figure 4 Flash memory 36 and ROM media 44 are shown.

[0070] The storage unit 200 includes an application storage unit 202 and a configuration file storage unit 204. The application storage unit 202 stores data on an application executable by the information processing device 10 (a game program according to the embodiment).

[0071] The profile storage unit 204 stores profile information associated with the controller 6. At least some of the plurality of pieces of profile information (a maximum of four pieces of profile information) stored in the profile storage unit 204 correspond to the profile information stored in the controller 6.

[0072] The processing unit 210 includes a profile information acquisition unit 212, a manipulation information receiving unit 214, an application execution unit 216, a setting screen forming unit 218, a display control unit 220, an audio processing unit 221, a notification unit 222, and an update instruction unit 224. A computer program that implements at least some of the above-mentioned multiple functions may be stored in the storage unit 200 of the information processing device 10. The processor (e.g., the main system 60) of the information processing device 10 may retrieve the computer program from the main memory and execute the computer program to exert at least some of the above-mentioned multiple functions.

[0073] From the controller 6 connected to the information processing device 10, the profile information acquisition unit 212 acquires profile information stored in the controller 6 and stores the acquired profile information in the profile storage unit 204. For example, the profile information acquisition unit 212 acquires a plurality of pieces of profile information stored in the controller 6 and selectable by the user.

[0074] The manipulation information receiving unit 214 receives manipulation information which is transmitted from the controller 6 connected to the information processing apparatus 10 and indicates a manipulation performed by the user on the controller 6 .

[0075] The application execution unit 216 executes an application program (a game program according to the embodiment) stored in the application storage unit 202. The application execution unit 216 advances the game according to manipulation information indicating manipulation performed by the user on the controller 6, and sequentially forms images indicating the result of the game progress (hereinafter also referred to as "game screen").

[0076] The setting screen forming unit 218 detects input of a predetermined manipulation using the function button 88 as a first button with reference to manipulation information associated with manipulation performed by the user on the controller 6 during the running of the game (e.g., during the display of the game screen). In the case where the input of the predetermined manipulation using the function button 88 is detected, the setting screen forming unit 218 generates information associated with the profile information acquired by the profile information acquiring unit 212 and stored in the profile storage unit 204. As will be described later, the information associated with the profile information includes a function menu window and a profile information setting screen.

[0077] The display control unit 220 outputs data associated with the game screen and generated by the application execution unit 216 to the display device 4, so that the display device 4 displays the game screen. In addition, the display control unit 220 outputs information to the display device 4, so that the display device 4 displays the information, which is related to the profile information associated with the controller 6 and is generated by the setting screen formation unit 218.

[0078] The audio processing unit 221 controls the sound output from the speaker or the like connected to the information processing device 10. For example, the audio processing unit 221 transmits the game audio signal generated by the application execution unit 216 to the headset 8 to output the sound of the game from the headset 8. Alternatively, the audio processing unit 221 transmits the sound of the game to the controller 6 to output the sound from the speaker 84 built in the controller 6. In addition, the audio processing unit 221 transmits a chat sound signal (e.g., speech from another user) input from an external device to the information processing device 10 to the headset 8 to output the chat sound from the headset 8. The audio processing unit 221 can output a mixture of the game sound and the chat sound from the headset 8, or output the mixture from the speaker 84 of the controller 6.

[0079] According to the manipulation input from the user to the profile information setting screen, the update instruction unit 224 sends an instruction for updating the profile information to the controller 6. The update instruction unit 224 causes the controller 6 to store the profile information edited on the profile information setting screen, that is, to reflect the editing details input to the profile information setting screen in the profile information stored in the controller 6.

[0080] In the case where the profile information to be applied to the manipulation of the controller 6 is switched, the notification unit 222 provides predetermined feedback to the user. The notification unit 112 of the controller 6 and the notification unit 222 of the information processing device 10 constitute a notification unit of the information processing system 1. The notification unit of the information processing system 1 has various types of feedback systems for presenting to the user the fact that the profile information to be applied to the manipulation of the controller 6 has been switched in response to the switching of the profile information.

[0081] Various types of feedback systems constitute components or mechanisms for providing information perceived by different types of senses of the user, and include hardware and software. The information provided to the user by the feedback system will also be referred to as "feedback". Feedback includes various types of physical phenomena using hardware, and includes physical stimulation to the user.

[0082] The various types of feedback systems include feedback systems for providing visual information as feedback and feedback systems for providing tactile information as feedback. Visual information may also be represented as visual stimulation and corresponds to information perceived by a person's visual perception (e.g., an image). Hardware that provides visual information as feedback includes either or both of the light emitting unit 86 of the controller 6 and the display device 4 different from the controller 6. Tactile information may also be represented as tactile stimulation and corresponds to information perceived by a person's tactile perception (e.g., vibration). Hardware that provides tactile information as feedback includes a vibrator 90 of the controller 6.

[0083] The notification unit of the information processing system 1 provides the user with one or more types of feedback selected by the user from a plurality of types of feedback in the case of switching the profile information to be applied to the manipulation of the controller 6. Specifically, in the case of switching the profile information to be applied to the manipulation of the controller 6, the notification unit of the information processing system 1 actuates one or more types of feedback systems corresponding to the one or more types of feedback selected by the user from a plurality of types of feedback systems.

[0084] The operation of the information processing system 1 having the aforementioned configuration will be described. When the controller 6 is connected to the information processing device 10, the profile information acquisition unit 212 of the information processing device 10 acquires the profile information stored in the profile storage unit 100 of the controller 6, and stores the acquired information in the profile storage unit 204. It is further assumed in the following description that the application execution unit 216 of the information processing device 10 is executing a game program, and the display control unit 220 is displaying a game screen on the display device 4.

[0085] First, operations associated with profile switching will be described. Figure 7 An example of profile switching using the function button 88 is shown.

[0086] In case 1, the user holds the controller 6 and presses the triangle button 75 as the second button while pressing the function button 88 as the first button. In this case, upon detecting the pressing of the triangle button 75 during the detection of the pressing of the function button 88, the change unit 110 of the controller 6 switches the current profile information to the profile information (e.g., the default profile) associated with the triangle button 75. Although not shown, the change unit 110 of the controller 6 switches the current profile information to the profile information (e.g., the fighting profile 1) associated with the cross button 73 in response to the user's pressing of the cross button 73 and the pressing of the function button 88.

[0087] In case 2, the user inputs a holding-down operation on the function button 88. According to an embodiment, the holding-down operation is a pressing operation that lasts for 400 milliseconds or longer. The setting screen forming unit 218 of the information processing device 10 detects the holding-down operation of the function button 88, and forms a function menu window (described later). The display control unit 220 displays the function menu window on the game screen in an overlapping manner. Even after the function menu window is displayed, when the user continuously presses the triangle button 75 while pressing the function button 88, the change unit 110 of the controller 6 detects the pressing of the triangle button 75 during the detection of the pressing of the function button 88. Accordingly, the change unit 110 switches the current profile information to the profile information associated with the triangle button 75 (e.g., the default profile). When the user stops pressing the function button 88, the display control unit 220 of the information processing device 10 ends the display of the function menu window on the game screen.

[0088] In case 3, the user presses the triangle button 75 before the pressing time of the function button 88 reaches 400 milliseconds (i.e., before the function menu window 302 is displayed), and then the pressing time of the function button 88 reaches 400 milliseconds. In this case, the change unit 110 of the controller 6 detects the pressing of the triangle button 75 during the detection of the pressing of the function button 88. In accordance with this, the change unit 110 switches the current profile information to the profile information associated with the triangle button 75 (e.g., the default profile). At the same time, the display control unit 220 of the information processing device 10 detects the manipulation of a different button (in this case, the triangle button 75) before the pressing time of the function button 88 reaches 400 milliseconds. Accordingly, the display control unit 220 blocks the display of the function menu window 302.

[0089] In the case where the switching manipulation of the profile information is performed, the change unit 110 of the controller 6 notifies the manipulation information generation unit 106 of this fact. In the case where the switching manipulation is for switching the currently selected profile information, the manipulation information generation unit 106 generates user manipulation information with reference to the profile information selected by the switching manipulation. For example, with reference to the tilt amount of the analog stick 77 given by the user and the setting values ​​of the sensitivity and the dead zone indicated by the currently selected profile information, the manipulation information generation unit 106 generates manipulation information associated with the analog stick 77. With reference to the manipulation information transmitted from the controller 6 and reflecting the currently selected profile information, the application execution unit 216 of the information processing device 10 executes an application (game program).

[0090] Figure 8 An example of a function menu window is shown. As already described above, the function menu window 302 is displayed while being superimposed on a screen indicating the running result of an application (a game screen 300 in the figure). The function menu window 302 includes a list of multiple pieces of profile information selectable by a user on the controller 6 as information corresponding to the profile information associated with the controller 6. The list of profile information includes information indicating each button of the manipulation button 76 associated with the corresponding multiple pieces of profile information. The list of profile information may include an ID and a name of each profile and corresponding button information. Figure 8 The function menu window 302 shown in FIG. 7 indicates that the default profile is associated with the triangle button 75 and the fighting profile 1 is associated with the cross button 73 .

[0091] The selected profile indicator 304 is an object indicating the profile information currently selected on the controller 6. In the case of switching the profile information to be applied to the manipulation of the controller 6, the notification unit 112 of the controller 6 notifies the information processing device 10 of the profile information applied after the switching (that is, the currently selected profile information). The setting screen forming unit 218 of the information processing device 10 adds the selected profile indicator 304 to the profile information currently selected from the pieces of profile information set on the function menu window 302.

[0092] In addition, the function menu window 302 presents a customized function for configuring file information in association with an image indicating the option button 82. Fig.12 The customization function of the profile information using the function button 88 and the option button 82 is described.

[0093] In addition, the function menu window 302 includes information indicating the assignment of shortcuts for audio manipulation. For example, Figure 8The function menu window 302 shown indicates that the upper button 71a and the lower button 71c of the controller 6 are used as shortcut keys for adjusting the volume of the headphone 8. In addition, Figure 8 The illustrated function menu window 302 indicates that the left button 71 b and the right button 71 d of the controller 6 function as shortcut keys for adjusting the balance between the game volume and the chat volume.

[0094] In response to the input of the manipulation of the direction button 71 as the second button together with the manipulation of the function button 88 as the first button, the change unit 110 of the controller 6 also runs the change process associated with the sound output. According to the embodiment, in response to the input of the manipulation of the function button 88 together with the manipulation of the direction button 71, the change unit 110 of the controller 6 sends a change instruction associated with the sound output to the information processing device 10. According to the aforementioned instruction issued from the controller 6, the audio processing unit 221 of the information processing device 10 changes the output mode of the sound from the sound output device (the headphone 8 or the speaker 84 of the controller 6 according to the embodiment).

[0095] Specifically, in response to the input of the manipulation of the upper button 71a or the lower button 71c together with the manipulation of the function button 88, the change unit 110 of the controller 6 sends a signal to the information processing device 10, which indicates an instruction for changing the volume of the speaker 84 of the headset 8 or the controller 6. For example, the simultaneous manipulation of the function button 88 and the upper button 71a can be defined as an instruction for increasing the volume, while the simultaneous manipulation of the function button 88 and the lower button 71c can be defined as an instruction for decreasing the volume. According to the aforementioned signal received from the controller 6, the audio processing unit 221 of the information processing device 10 changes the volume of the sound (e.g., game sound or chat sound) output from the speaker 84 of the headset 8 or the controller 6.

[0096] In addition, in response to the input of the manipulation of the left key 71b or the right key 71d together with the manipulation of the function button 88, the change unit 110 of the controller 6 sends an instruction to the information processing device 10, which indicates a signal of an instruction for adjusting the balance between the game volume and the chat volume. For example, the simultaneous manipulation of the function button 88 and the left key 71b can be defined as an instruction for reducing the ratio of the chat volume, while the simultaneous manipulation of the function button 88 and the right key 71d can be defined as an instruction for increasing the ratio of the chat volume. According to the aforementioned signal received from the controller 6, the audio processing unit 221 of the information processing device 10 changes the balance between the game volume and the chat volume output from the headphone 8 or the speaker 84 of the controller 6.

[0097] Fig. 9An example of sound output change using the function button 88 is shown. In Case 1, the user holds the controller 6 and presses the upper button 71a while pressing the function button 88. In this case, the change unit 110 of the controller 6 cooperates with the audio processing unit 221 of the information processing device 10 to increase the volume of the sound output from the headphone 8 by one unit.

[0098] In case 2, the user inputs a push-down manipulation of the function button 88, and starts pressing the upper button 71a before the pressing time of the function button 88 reaches 400 milliseconds. In this case, during the period in which the upper button 71a continues to be pressed, the change unit 110 of the controller 6 gradually increases the volume of the sound output from the headphone 8 or the speaker 84 of the controller 6. At the same time, before the pressing time of the function button 88 reaches 400 milliseconds, the display control unit 220 of the information processing device 10 detects the manipulation of a different button (in this case, the upper button 71a). Therefore, the display control unit 220 blocks the display of the function menu window 302.

[0099] Furthermore, in Case 2, the user continues to press the upper button 71a even after the manipulation of the function button 88 is ended. Even when the pressing of the upper button 71a is detected after the manipulation of the function button 88 is ended, the changing unit 110 of the controller 6 does not increase the volume of the sound output from the headphone 8. Note that after the manipulation of the function button 88 is ended, the application execution unit 216 of the information processing device 10 can recognize the pressing of the upper button 71a as the manipulation of the game and reflect the pressing in the progress of the game.

[0100] In case 3, the user inputs a push-down manipulation of the function button 88, and also presses the upper button 71a multiple times after the pressing time of the function button 88 reaches 400 milliseconds. The setting screen forming unit 218 of the information processing device 10 detects the push-down manipulation of the function button 88, and forms a function menu window. The display control unit 220 displays the function menu window overlappingly on the game screen. After the push-down manipulation of the function button 88 ends, the display control unit 220 ends the display of the function menu window. According to the number of times the upper button 71a is pressed, during the period of continuing to press the function button 88, the changing unit 110 of the controller 6 gradually increases the volume of the sound output from the headphone 8.

[0101] Fig.10An example is shown in which both profile switching and sound output change are executed by using the function button 88. The user presses the upper button 71a before pressing the function button 88, and starts pressing the function button 88 while continuously pressing the upper button 71a. Since the upper button 71a has been pressed before pressing the function button 88, a specific operation (for example, volume increase processing) is not executed when the function button 88 is pressed. The application execution unit 216 of the information processing device 10 recognizes the pressing of the upper button 71a before the manipulation of the function button 88 as a manipulation of the game, and reflects the pressing in the progress of the game.

[0102] The user sequentially presses the triangle button 75, the down button 71c, and the cross button 73 during the depression of the function button 88. When the depression of the triangle button 75 is detected, the change unit 110 of the controller 6 switches the current profile information to the profile information (e.g., the default profile) associated with the triangle button 75. During the period of both the continued depression of the function button 88 and the continued depression of the down button 71c, the change unit 110 of the controller 6 gradually reduces the volume of the sound output from the headphone 8. When the depression of the cross button 73 and the depression of the function button 88 are detected, the change unit 110 of the controller 6 switches the current profile information to the profile information (e.g., the fighting profile 1) associated with the cross button 73.

[0103] As described above, in response to the input of the manipulation of the manipulation button 76 together with the manipulation of the function button 88, the change unit 110 of the controller 6 executes the change process associated with the setting item of the type determined by one press (i.e., one manipulation). According to an embodiment, the setting item of the type determined by one press is profile information associated with the controller 6. However, in a modified example, the setting item may be an application to be executed, or a manipulation target (e.g., a game character) included in the application.

[0104] In addition, in response to the input of the manipulation of the direction button 71 together with the manipulation of the function button 88, the change unit 110 of the controller 6 runs a change process corresponding to the setting item whose value is changed successively. According to an embodiment, the setting item whose value is changed successively corresponds to the volume and the sound balance. However, in a modified example, the setting item may be the brightness, luminance, chromaticity, etc. of an image of an application, or the moving speed, etc. of a manipulation target (e.g., a game character) included in the application.

[0105] According to the information processing system 1 of the embodiment, the user is allowed to quickly switch the profile information to be applied to the manipulation of the controller 6. Therefore, the usability of the controller 6 is improved. For example, if the user recognizes the manipulation button 76 associated with the desired profile information, which corresponds to the profile information to be used after switching, the user can switch the current profile information to the desired profile information by one manipulation using the function button 88 and the manipulation button 76, regardless of which profile information is currently selected. In other words, the user is allowed to switch the profile information to be applied to the manipulation of the controller 6 during the running of the game without looking away from the screen. In addition, according to the information processing system 1 of the embodiment, the necessity of providing hardware dedicated to the profile information switching can be eliminated by using a command method for realizing the profile information switching.

[0106] The operation associated with the notification given to the user about the profile information switching will be described later. In the case where the change unit 110 of the controller 6 switches the profile information to be applied to the manipulation, the notification unit 112 of the controller 6 can control the operation of one or both of the light emitting unit 86 and the vibrator 90 according to the predetermined feedback setting. Specifically, the notification unit 112 can provide feedback to the user using one or both of visual information and tactile information according to one switching of the profile information.

[0107] For example, in the case where the indicator of the controller is selected as the feedback system, the notification unit 112 may send a signal to the light emitting unit 86 indicating an instruction to emit light for a predetermined period of time in a pattern indicating the switching of the profile information. In this case, feedback of the use of visual information indicating the switching of the profile is provided to the user through the light emission from the light emitting unit 86 in the above-mentioned pattern. In addition, in the case where the vibration of the controller is selected as the feedback system, the notification unit 112 may send a signal to the vibrator 90 indicating an instruction to vibrate for a predetermined period of time. In this case, feedback of the use of tactile information indicating the switching of the profile is provided to the user through the vibration of the vibrator 90.

[0108] In the case where the change unit 110 of the controller 6 switches the profile information to be applied to the manipulation, the notification unit 112 of the controller 6 also transmits data indicating the switching of the profile information to the information processing device 10 to notify the information processing device 10 of the switching of the profile information. In the case where a notification about the switching of the profile is given from the controller 6, in which the screen notification is specified as the feedback system in the predetermined feedback setting, the notification unit 222 of the information processing device 10 causes the display device 4 to display information (e.g., an image or a message) indicating that the profile information has been switched. The information associated with the switching of the profile information may be displayed overlappingly on an image associated with an application currently running and displayed on the display device 4. In this case, feedback using visual information indicating the switching of the profile is provided to the user. Specifically, according to the setting given by the user, the visual information as feedback may be displayed on both the display unit (the light emitting unit 86 according to the embodiment) of the controller 6 and the display device 4 different from the controller 6.

[0109] The setting screen forming unit 218 of the information processing device 10 generates data about a screen (hereinafter also referred to as a "feedback setting screen") for setting a mode of feedback of profile switching according to a manipulation performed by a user. The display control unit 220 causes the display device 4 to display the feedback setting screen. The feedback setting screen may be one of the screens associated with the system setting of the information processing device 10.

[0110] Fig.11 An example of a feedback setting screen is shown. The feedback setting screen 330 includes information indicating a plurality of types of feedback systems that can be selected by the user. As already described, the plurality of types of feedback systems use different types of hardware, specifically, including (1) an indicator of the controller (a feedback system using the light emitting unit 86 of the controller 6), (2) vibration of the controller (a feedback system using the vibrator 90 of the controller 6), and (3) screen notification (a feedback system using the display device 4).

[0111] The soft switch 332 is arranged in the area of ​​the corresponding feedback system on the feedback setting screen 330. The user sets the soft switch 332 corresponding to the desired feedback system to ON. According to this embodiment, any feedback mode can be selected from options ranging from no feedback (selecting OFF for all three feedback systems) to simultaneously running three types of feedback (selecting ON for all three feedback systems) on the feedback setting screen 330.

[0112] The notification unit 222 of the information processing device 10 stores information indicating ON / OFF of feedback using screen notification in the setting details on the feedback setting screen 330. In a case where the feedback using screen notification is set to ON, the notification unit 222 notifies the user of the switching of the profile information via the screen of the display device 4. Also, the notification unit 222 transmits the setting details of the feedback setting screen 330 to the controller 6.

[0113] The notification unit 112 of the controller 6 stores, in the setting details on the feedback setting screen 330, information indicating on / off of feedback given by the indicator of the controller 6, and information indicating on / off of feedback given by the vibration of the controller 6. In a case where the feedback using the indicator of the controller 6 is set to on, the notification unit 112 notifies the user of the switching of the profile information by using the light emitting unit 86. In a case where the feedback using the vibration of the controller 6 is set to on, the notification unit 112 notifies the user of the switching of the profile information by using the vibrator 90.

[0114] According to the information processing system 1 of the embodiment, feedback can be provided in a user-friendly form when profile information to be applied to manipulation of the controller 6 is switched. In addition, according to the information processing system 1, the user can be easily notified that setting information has been switched.

[0115] Next, operations associated with configuration file setting and editing will be described. Fig.12 The screen transition associated with the profile setting is schematically shown. During the execution of the application (during the display of the game screen 300 according to the embodiment), the setting screen forming unit 218 of the information processing device 10 detects the input of the manipulation of the option button 82 as the second button together with the manipulation of the function button 88 as the first button with reference to the manipulation information associated with the manipulation performed by the user on the controller 6. In the case where the input of the manipulation of the function button 88 is detected together with the input of the manipulation of the option button 82, the setting screen forming unit 218 generates data of the setting screen about the profile information (hereinafter also referred to as the "profile setting screen"). The display control unit 220 of the information processing device 10 causes the display device 4 to display the profile setting screen instead of the game screen 300.

[0116] The profile setting screen includes a profile top screen 310 and a profile editing screen 320. When the option button 82 is manipulated together with the function button 88 during display of the game screen 300 (which may include the function menu window 302), the transition from the game screen 300 to the profile top screen 310 is normally performed.

[0117] The profile top screen 310 is a screen for selecting profile information to be stored in the controller 6 and profile information to be erased (deleted) from the controller 6. The profile top screen 310 includes a profile creation button 312 and profile information stored in the controller 6. The profile creation button 312 is a soft button for creating a new profile. By pressing the profile creation button 312, a transition is made to a profile editing screen 320 described below.

[0118] The profile information to be set on the profile top screen 310 may be any profile information stored in the profile information acquisition unit 212 of the information processing device 10. Each profile information on the profile top screen 310 includes the ID and name of the corresponding profile, and the corresponding button information. An image indicating the type of the manipulation button 76 associated with the corresponding profile information is added to each profile information. Moreover, a record button 314, a delete button 316, and an edit button 318 are set for each profile information. Any of the profile information described above may be profile information pre-set by a user for the information processing device 10, profile information downloaded and acquired and set by a different user via a network, or the like.

[0119] The record button 314 is a soft button for recording corresponding profile information in the controller 6. In the case where the user selects the record button 314 corresponding to specific profile information, the update instruction unit 224 of the information processing device 10 sends a signal indicating an instruction for storing the profile information to the controller 6. The setting update unit 114 of the controller 6 stores the profile information specified by the aforementioned signal in the profile storage unit 100.

[0120] The delete button 316 is a soft button for deleting the corresponding profile information from the controller 6. In the case where the user selects the delete button 316 corresponding to specific profile information, the update instruction unit 224 of the information processing device 10 sends a signal indicating an instruction for deleting the profile information to the controller 6. The setting update unit 114 of the controller 6 erases the profile information specified by the aforementioned signal from the profile storage unit 100.

[0121] The edit button 318 is a soft button for editing the corresponding profile information. When the user selects the edit button 318 corresponding to the specific profile information, the setting screen forming unit 218 of the information processing device 10 generates data about the profile editing screen 320 for which the current setting value determined by the corresponding profile information is set. The display control unit 220 causes the display device 4 to display the profile editing screen 320.

[0122] The profile editing screen 320 is a screen provided for allowing the user to edit details of a new profile or an existing profile (e.g., profile information stored in the controller 6). The profile editing screen 320 includes a screen element for editing function assignments to buttons, a screen element for adjusting the sensitivity of the analog stick 77, and a screen element for adjusting the dead zone of the analog stick 77.

[0123] According to the embodiment, when a specific profile is edited on the profile editing screen 320, the update instruction unit 224 of the information processing device 10 reflects the editing details in the specific profile information stored in the profile storage unit 204 on each occasion, and transmits the editing details to the controller 6 on each occasion. The setting update unit 114 of the controller 6 reflects the editing details on the profile editing screen 320 stored in the profile storage unit 100. In a modified example, upon transition from the profile editing screen 320 to a different screen, the editing details on the profile editing screen 320 may be reflected in the profile information stored in each of the information processing device 10 and the controller 6.

[0124] When an input of a predetermined back manipulation by the user is detected during display of the profile editing screen 320, the display control unit 220 of the information processing device 10 ends display of the profile editing screen 320 and again displays the profile top screen 310. Furthermore, when a manipulation of the options button 82 and a manipulation of the function button 88 by the user are detected during display of the profile top screen 310, the display control unit 220 ends display of the profile top screen 310 and again displays the game screen 300.

[0125] According to the embodiment, in some cases, the profile editing screen 320 is displayed during the execution of the application (for example, during the display of the game screen 300). For example, the display transition from the game screen 300 to the profile editing screen 320 via the profile top screen 310 is performed in some cases. During the execution of the game in the background and during the display of the profile editing screen 320 as described above, when the user's manipulation of the option button 82 and the manipulation of the function button 88 are detected, the display control unit 220 of the information processing device 10 ends the display of the profile editing screen 320 and displays the game screen 300 again. In other words, a direct transition from the profile editing screen 320 to the game screen 300 is achieved.

[0126] Furthermore, in a state where the most recently displayed profile setting screen is the profile editing screen 320, in response to detecting the manipulation of the option button 82 and the manipulation of the function button 88 by the user during display of the game screen 300, the display control unit 220 ends displaying the game screen 300 and again displays the same profile editing screen 320. The same profile editing screen 320 is provided to edit the same profile information as that included in the profile editing screen 320, which is the original screen before transition to the game screen 300.

[0127] Specifically, under the condition that direct transition from the profile editing screen 320 to the game screen 300 has been achieved, the display control unit 220 does not transition to the profile top screen 310, but directly transitions to the profile editing screen 320, which is the original screen before transition to the game screen 300, according to the manipulation of the function button 88 and the option button 82 on the game screen 300. The display control unit 220 determines the screen transition based on the manipulation of the first button and the predetermined second button (the function button 88 and the option button 82) during display of the game screen 300, according to the history of the screen transition.

[0128] In addition, a back button 322 is arranged on the profile editing screen 320. The back button 322 is a soft button for switching the currently running application screen. In order to display the profile editing screen 320 when the game is currently being played in the background, the display control unit 220 sets the back button 322 as a graphic indicating an active state.

[0129] In the case where the user selects the return button 322 indicating the active state on the profile editing screen 320, the display control unit 220 ends the display of the profile editing screen 320, and displays the game screen 300 again as when the manipulation of the function button 88 and the option button 82 is input. In other words, a direct transition is made from the profile editing screen 320 to the game screen 300. In the case of direct transition from the profile editing screen 320 to the game screen 300 by using the return button 322, a direct transition from the game screen 300 to the profile editing screen 320 is similarly achieved by inputting the manipulation of the function button 88 and the option button 82 on the game screen 300.

[0130] According to the information processing system 1 of the embodiment, during the execution of the application, according to a predetermined manipulation input from the user by using the function button 88 of the controller 6, information indicating the profile information associated with the controller 6 is presented to the user. In this way, it is possible to implement assistance in the manipulation performed by the user regarding the profile of the controller 6. For example, the information processing system 1 can present a plurality of pieces of profile information that can be selected by the user to the user, and assist the user in selecting the profile information, wherein the function menu window 302 is displayed when the function button 88 is pressed down.

[0131] Furthermore, in order to set the profile information, the user can easily (1) edit the profile information on the profile editing screen 320, (2) move the screen back to the game screen 300 and check the editing result of the profile information (e.g., check the action of the game character, etc.), and (3) move the screen back to the same profile editing screen 320 as in (1) above, and edit the profile information again based on the check result in (2) above. In other words, the information processing device 10 can help the user achieve efficient optimization of the profile information through a trial and error process.

[0132] The present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments. The above embodiments are presented only as examples. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made by combining various constituent elements and various processing processes, and these modifications are also included in the scope of the present invention.

[0133] A modification example is described. The various types of feedback systems included in the notification unit of the information processing system 1 (for example, one or both of the notification unit 112 of the controller 6 and the notification unit 222 of the information processing device 10) may also include a feedback system that provides auditory information as feedback indicating switching of the profile information associated with the controller 6. The auditory information may also be expressed as auditory stimulation and corresponds to information perceived by a person's auditory perception (for example, an audio signal).

[0134] For example, feedback using sound may be selected as the feedback system when switching profile information on the feedback setting screen 330. In the case where feedback using sound is selected as the feedback system when switching profile information, the notification unit 112 of the controller 6 may output a predetermined sound indicating the switching profile information from a speaker (not shown) of the controller 6. Furthermore, in the case where feedback using sound is selected as the feedback system when switching profile information, the notification unit 222 of the information processing device 10 may output a predetermined sound indicating the switching profile information from the headphone 8.

[0135] The notification unit of the information processing system 1 according to this modification can provide feedback to the user using at least two of visual information, tactile information, and auditory information at one switching of the profile information. The feedback means convenient for the user may vary according to each user. However, in this modification, by adding feedback using auditory information, feedback of the profile switching can be easily provided in a form convenient for each user. In addition, the user can further easily recognize that the profile information has been switched.

[0136] Different variations are described. According to the user's manipulation, the setting screen forming unit 218 of the information processing device 10 can form a setting screen (also referred to as a "menu setting screen") through which the user sets the display details of the function menu window 302. The display control unit 220 can also cause the display device 4 to display the menu setting screen. Any pattern can be selected from a plurality of patterns associated with display details on the menu setting screen. The setting screen forming unit 218 can form the function menu window 302, which includes details determined by the pattern selected on the menu setting screen.

[0137] The multiple modes of display details that can be selected on the menu setting screen may include modes of "all functions", "currently assigned profiles", and "currently selected profiles". The "all functions" mode is for using Figure 8 The illustrated function button 88 displays a mode in which a list of all setting change functions is displayed. The "currently assigned profile" mode is a mode for displaying a plurality of profile information ( Figure 8 The "Currently Selected Profile" mode is a mode for displaying the profile information currently selected via the controller 6 (in the example of the default profile, sniper rifle profile, combat profile 1 and combat profile 2). Figure 8 In the example shown, this is the mode of the fighting profile 1).

[0138] Any combination of the embodiments and the variations described above is also useful as a way to implement the present invention. The new embodiment created by any combination has the advantageous effects of both the combined embodiments and variations. In addition, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the functions implemented by the various constituent features described in the claims are implemented by a single unit included in the various constituent elements presented in the embodiments and variations or by the collaborative operation of these.

[0139] The technical ideas described in the embodiments and the above-mentioned modified examples can be expressed in the modes described in each of the following sections.

[0140] [Section 1-1]

[0141] A manipulation device, comprising:

[0142] First button;

[0143] a second button different from the first button;

[0144] a storage unit that stores setting information associated with manipulation of the manipulation device; and

[0145] A changing unit that switches setting information to be applied to the manipulation of the manipulation device in response to input of the manipulation of the second button together with the manipulation of the first button.

[0146] The manipulation device enables a user to quickly switch setting information to be applied for manipulation, thereby improving the usability of the manipulation device.

[0147] [Verses 1-2]

[0148] Manipulation equipment according to Section 1-1, including:

[0149] A generating unit refers to setting information of a manipulation to be applied to a manipulation device, the generating unit generating manipulation information which is associated with a manipulation performed by a user and is transmitted from the manipulation device to an external information processing device.

[0150] The manipulation device may reflect the setting information selected by the user in manipulation information given by the user and transmitted from the manipulation device to the information processing device.

[0151] [Verses 1-3]

[0152] A manipulation device according to clause 1-1 or 1-2, wherein:

[0153] The storage unit stores a plurality of pieces of setting information associated with corresponding second buttons different from each other, and

[0154] In response to input of a manipulation of a specific second button together with the manipulation of the first button, the changing unit switches the setting information to be applied to the manipulation of the manipulation device to setting information associated with the specific second button.

[0155] The manipulation device can quickly and easily switch the setting information to the setting information desired by the user and among the plurality of setting information.

[0156] [Verses 1-4]

[0157] The manipulation device according to any one of Sections 1-1 to 1-3, wherein the second button includes a button for manipulating an application and a button for manipulating a system.

[0158] The manipulation device enables a user to quickly issue instructions for executing various processes associated with switching of setting information according to a combination of a first button and a button for manipulating an application or a combination of the first button and a button for manipulating a system.

[0159] [Verses 1-5]

[0160] A manipulation device according to clauses 1-4, wherein:

[0161] the storage unit stores the setting information associated with the button for manipulating the application, and

[0162] In response to input of a manipulation of the button for manipulating the application together with the manipulation of the first button, the changing unit switches the setting information to be applied to the manipulation of the manipulating device to the setting information associated with the button for manipulating the application.

[0163] The manipulation device enables a user to quickly switch setting information by using a button for manipulating an application.

[0164] [Verses 1-6]

[0165] The manipulation device according to paragraph 1-4 or 1-5, wherein, in response to the manipulation of the button for manipulating the application together with the input of the manipulation of the first button, the change unit further executes a change process associated with sound output.

[0166] The manipulation device also enables the user to change the mode of sound output by using a button for manipulating the application.

[0167] [Verses 1-7]

[0168] A manipulation device as described in any of Sections 1-1 to 1-3, wherein:

[0169] The second button includes a direction key and a specific button different from the direction key, and

[0170] In response to the manipulation of the specific button together with the input of the manipulation of the first button, the change unit switches the setting information to be applied to the manipulation of the manipulation device, and in response to the manipulation of the direction key together with the input of the manipulation of the first button, runs the change processing associated with the setting items whose values ​​are successively changed.

[0171] The manipulation device can implement processing for changing an environment adapted to the type of button corresponding to the manipulation target (such as a specific button and a direction key) (for example, switching of setting information, and change processing associated with setting items whose values ​​are successively changed).

[0172] [Verses 1-8]

[0173] A manipulation device as described in any of Sections 1-1 to 1-3, wherein:

[0174] The second button includes a plurality of types of buttons, and,

[0175] According to the type of the second button, a manipulation of the second button is input together with an input of a manipulation of the first button, the changing unit switches the setting information to be applied to the manipulation of the manipulation device or executes a change process associated with a sound output.

[0176] The manipulation device can implement processing for adapting to changes in the environment of the type of button corresponding to the manipulation target (for example, switching of setting information, and change processing associated with sound output).

[0177] [Verses 1-9]

[0178] A manipulation device, comprising:

[0179] First button;

[0180] a second button different from the first button;

[0181] a storage unit that stores setting information associated with manipulation of the manipulation device; and

[0182] processor, where

[0183] In response to input of manipulation of the second button together with manipulation of the first button, the processor switches setting information to be applied to manipulation of the manipulation device.

[0184] The manipulation device enables a user to quickly switch setting information applied to the manipulation, thereby improving the usability of the manipulation device.

[0185] [Verses 1-10]

[0186] An information processing system, comprising:

[0187] An information processing device that runs an application; and

[0188] Manipulation equipment, wherein

[0189] The manipulation device comprises:

[0190] First button,

[0191] a second button different from the first button,

[0192] a storage unit that stores setting information associated with the manipulation of the manipulation device,

[0193] a generating unit that generates manipulation information indicating a manipulation performed by a user with reference to the setting information, and

[0194] a changing unit that switches setting information to be applied to the manipulation of the manipulation device in response to input of the manipulation of the second button together with the manipulation of the first button, and

[0195] The information processing device receives the manipulation information transmitted from the manipulation device, and executes the application with reference to the manipulation information.

[0196] The information processing system runs an application with reference to manipulation information in which setting information selected by a user is reflected, and thereby reflects the user's intention and manipulation in the progress of the application in a more preferred manner.

[0197] [Verses 1-11]

[0198] An information processing system according to clauses 1-10, wherein:

[0199] in response to input of a manipulation of a button for manipulating the application together with the manipulation of the first button, the changing unit of the manipulating device transmits a change instruction associated with sound output to the information processing device, and

[0200] The information processing device changes a mode of sound output from a sound output device according to the change instruction associated with the sound output.

[0201] The information processing system enables a user to rapidly implement changes associated with sound output in the form of changes in proximity setting information.

[0202] [Verses 1-12]

[0203] A computer program for a manipulation device, the manipulation device comprising a first button, a second button different from the first button, and a storage unit storing setting information associated with manipulation of the manipulation device, the computer program causing the manipulation device to implement:

[0204] In response to input of manipulation of the second button together with manipulation of the first button, a function of setting information to be applied to the manipulation of the manipulation device is switched.

[0205] The computer program enables a user to quickly switch setting information to be applied to manipulation of a manipulation device, thereby improving the usability of the manipulation device.

[0206] [Section 2-1]

[0207] An information processing device, comprising:

[0208] an acquisition unit that acquires setting information stored in the manipulation device and associated with the manipulation of the manipulation device; and

[0209] A display control unit that, during execution of an application, causes a display unit to display information associated with the setting information acquired by the acquisition unit and associated with the manipulation of the manipulation device in response to detecting an input of a predetermined manipulation using a first button provided on the manipulation device.

[0210] During execution of the application, in response to input of a predetermined manipulation from the user via a first button of the manipulation device, the information processing device presents information corresponding to setting information associated with the manipulation of the manipulation device to the user, thereby helping the user perform the manipulation associated with the setting information.

[0211] [Section 2-2]

[0212] An information processing device according to Section 2-1, wherein:

[0213] The acquisition unit acquires a plurality of pieces of setting information stored in the manipulation device and selectable by a user, and

[0214] The display control unit displays a list of the plurality of pieces of setting information as the information corresponding to the setting information associated with the manipulation of the manipulation device.

[0215] The information processing device can provide the user with information associated with a plurality of pieces of setting information that the user can select, thereby helping the user to select the setting information.

[0216] [Section 2-3]

[0217] The information processing device according to Section 2-2, wherein the predetermined manipulation is a pressing manipulation of the first button.

[0218] The information processing apparatus can provide the user with information associated with a plurality of pieces of setting information that the user can select, according to easy manipulation of the first button.

[0219] [Verses 2-4]

[0220] An information processing device according to clause 2-2 or 2-3, wherein

[0221] The plurality of pieces of setting information acquired by the acquisition unit are respectively associated with the different second buttons provided on the manipulation device, and

[0222] The list includes information indicating second buttons respectively associated with the plurality of pieces of setting information.

[0223] The information processing device can help a user select desired setting information from among a plurality of pieces of setting information.

[0224] [Verses 2-5]

[0225] The information processing device according to any one of Sections 2-2 to 2-4, wherein the list includes information associated with assignment of a shortcut to voice manipulation in addition to the plurality of pieces of setting information.

[0226] The information processing device can further assist voice manipulation performed by the user.

[0227] [Verses 2-6]

[0228] An information processing device according to any one of Sections 2-1 to 2-5, wherein the display control unit displays a setting screen for the setting information as information corresponding to the setting information associated with the manipulation of the manipulation device in response to detecting input related to the manipulation of the first button and the manipulation of a second button different from the first button.

[0229] The information processing apparatus can provide a setting screen for setting information to a user according to easy manipulation of the user.

[0230] [Verses 2-7]

[0231] The information processing device according to paragraph 2-6, wherein the setting screen is a screen for selecting setting information to be stored in or erased from the manipulation device.

[0232] The information processing device can help a user select setting information to be stored in or erased from a manipulation device.

[0233] [Verses 2-8]

[0234] The information processing device according to paragraph 2-6, wherein the setting screen is a screen for editing details of setting information stored in the manipulation device.

[0235] The information processing device can help a user edit setting information.

[0236] [Verses 2-9]

[0237] An information processing device according to Section 2-8, wherein, in response to detecting an input of an operation of a second button different from the first button connected to an operation of a first button during display of a screen of an application, and in a case where the most recently displayed setting screen for setting information is a screen for editing details of the setting information, the display control unit displays the same screen for editing details of the setting information.

[0238] An information processing apparatus can help a user efficiently edit setting information while checking the results by enabling direct screen transition between a screen of an application and a setting screen of setting information.

[0239] [Verses 2-10]

[0240] The information processing device according to paragraph 2-8 or 2-9, wherein a button for switching to a screen of a currently running application is arranged on a screen for editing details of setting information.

[0241] An information processing apparatus can help a user efficiently edit setting information while checking the results by enabling direct screen transition between a screen of an application and a setting screen of setting information.

[0242] [Verses 2-11]

[0243] The information processing device according to any one of Sections 2-1 to 2-10, further comprising:

[0244] Update unit, where:

[0245] the display control unit displays a setting screen for the setting information as the information corresponding to the setting information associated with the manipulation of the manipulation device, and

[0246] The updating unit causes the manipulation device to store the setting information edited on the setting screen.

[0247] The information processing device can reflect the edit details of the setting information given from the user on the setting screen in the manipulation device.

[0248] [Verses 2-12]

[0249] An information processing device, comprising:

[0250] processor,

[0251] The processor runs:

[0252] a step of acquiring setting information stored in the manipulation device and associated with the manipulation of the manipulation device; and

[0253] During execution of the application, in response to detecting an input of a predetermined manipulation using a first button provided on the manipulation device, a step of causing a display unit to display information associated with the setting information acquired in the acquiring step and associated with the manipulation of the manipulation device.

[0254] The information processing device can present information corresponding to setting information associated with the manipulation of the manipulating device to the user in response to input of a predetermined manipulation from the user via a first button of the manipulating device during execution of an application, thereby helping the user perform the manipulation associated with the setting information.

[0255] [Verses 2-13]

[0256] An information processing system, comprising:

[0257] An information processing device that runs an application; and

[0258] Manipulation equipment, wherein:

[0259] The manipulation device stores setting information associated with manipulation of the manipulation device, and

[0260] The information processing device comprises

[0261] an acquisition unit that acquires setting information stored in the manipulation device and associated with the manipulation of the manipulation device, and

[0262] A display control unit that, during the execution of the application, causes a display unit to display information corresponding to the setting information acquired by the acquisition unit and associated with the manipulation of the manipulation device in response to detecting an input of a predetermined manipulation using a first button provided on the manipulation device.

[0263] During the execution of the application, in response to input of a predetermined manipulation from the user via a first button of a manipulation device, the information processing system can present to the user information corresponding to the setting information associated with the manipulation of the manipulation device, thereby helping the user to perform the manipulation associated with the setting information.

[0264] [Verses 2-14]

[0265] A computer program for causing an information processing device to:

[0266] a function to acquire setting information stored in the manipulation device and associated with the manipulation of the manipulation device, and

[0267] During execution of an application, in response to detecting an input of a predetermined manipulation using a first button provided on the manipulation device, a function of causing a display unit to display information corresponding to the setting information acquired by the acquisition function and associated with the manipulation of the manipulation device.

[0268] The computer program may present information corresponding to the setting information associated with the manipulation of the manipulation device to the user in response to an input of a predetermined manipulation via a first button of the manipulation device during execution of the application, thereby helping the user to perform the manipulation associated with the setting information.

[0269] [Section 3-1]

[0270] An information processing system, comprising:

[0271] Manipulate equipment; and

[0272] A notification unit, wherein

[0273] the manipulation device stores a plurality of pieces of setting information which are associated with manipulation of the manipulation device and can be selected by a user, and

[0274] The notification unit has a plurality of types of feedback systems for presenting to the user, in response to the switching of the setting information, the fact that the setting information to be applied to the manipulation of the manipulation device has been switched.

[0275] The information processing system can provide feedback on the fact that setting information to be applied to the manipulation of the manipulation device has been switched in a form convenient for the user, and enable the user to easily recognize the switching of the setting information.

[0276] [Section 3-2]

[0277] The information processing system of Section 3-1, wherein the multiple types of feedback systems provide information perceived by different types of senses.

[0278] The information processing system can provide feedback in a form convenient for the user and can enable the user to easily recognize switching of setting information.

[0279] [Section 3-3]

[0280] An information processing system according to Section 3-1 or 3-2, wherein the multiple types of feedback systems include a feedback system that provides visual information.

[0281] In situations where visual perception is convenient for the user, the information processing system may use the visual information to provide feedback to the user.

[0282] [Sections 3-4]

[0283] The information processing system according to Section 3-3, wherein the visual information is displayed on a display unit of the manipulation device.

[0284] An information processing system enables a user to easily recognize switching of setting information by displaying visual information as feedback on a manipulation device manipulated by the user.

[0285] [Verses 3-5]

[0286] An information processing system according to Section 3-3, wherein the visual information is displayed on a display device different from the manipulation device.

[0287] An information processing system enables a user to easily recognize switching of setting information in a case where the user views a display device different from a manipulation device.

[0288] [Verses 3-6]

[0289] The information processing system according to Section 3-3, wherein the visual information is displayed on both a display unit of the manipulation device and a display device different from the manipulation device.

[0290] The information processing system enables the user to further easily recognize the switching of setting information.

[0291] [Verses 3-7]

[0292] An information processing system according to any of Sections 3-1 to 3-6, wherein the multiple types of feedback systems include a feedback system that provides tactile information.

[0293] In situations where tactile perception is convenient for the user, the information processing system may use tactile information to provide feedback to the user.

[0294] [Verses 3-8]

[0295] An information processing system according to any of Sections 3-1 to 3-7, wherein the multiple types of feedback systems include a feedback system that provides auditory information.

[0296] In cases where auditory perception is convenient for the user, the information processing system may use auditory information to provide feedback to the user.

[0297] [Verses 3-9]

[0298] The information processing system according to Section 3-1 or 3-2, wherein the notification unit provides feedback to the user using at least two of visual information, tactile information, and auditory information.

[0299] The information processing system enables the user to further easily recognize the switching of setting information.

[0300] [Verses 3-10]

[0301] The information processing system according to any one of Sections 3-1 to 3-9, wherein the notification unit provides the user with one or more types of the feedback selected by the user from among the plurality of types of feedback.

[0302] The information processing system can provide feedback in a form that is selectable by the user and convenient for the user.

[0303] [Verses 3-11]

[0304] An information processing system, comprising:

[0305] Manipulate equipment; and

[0306] processor, where

[0307] the manipulation device stores a plurality of pieces of setting information which are associated with manipulation of the manipulation device and can be selected by a user, and,

[0308] In case of switching the setting information to be applied to the manipulation of the manipulation device, the processor actuates at least one feedback system selected from a plurality of types of feedback systems for presenting the switching of the setting information to the user.

[0309] The information processing system can provide feedback on the fact that setting information to be applied to the manipulation of the manipulation device has been switched in a form convenient for the user, and enable the user to easily recognize the switching of the setting information.

[0310] Industrial Applicability

[0311] The present invention is applicable to a system including a manipulation device to which manipulation is input.

[0312] Reference numerals list

[0313] 1: Information Processing System

[0314] 4: Display device

[0315] 6: Controller

[0316] 10: Information processing equipment

[0317] 76: Manipulation Buttons

[0318] 88: Function button

[0319] 100: Configuration file storage unit

[0320] 110: Change unit

[0321] 112: Notification unit

[0322] 212: Configuration file information acquisition unit

[0323] 220: Display control unit

[0324] 222: Notification unit

Claims

1. An information processing system, comprising: Operate equipment; and A notification unit, wherein The manipulation device stores a plurality of pieces of setting information which are associated with manipulation of the manipulation device and can be selected by a user, and The notification unit has a plurality of types of feedback systems for presenting to the user, in response to the switching of the setting information, the fact that the setting information to be applied to the manipulation of the manipulation device has been switched.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein: The various types of feedback systems provide information perceived by different types of senses.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein: The various types of feedback systems include feedback systems that provide visual information.

4. The information processing system according to claim 3, wherein: The visual information is displayed on a display unit of the operating device.

5. The information processing system according to claim 3, wherein: The visual information is displayed on a display device different from the manipulation device.

6. The information processing system according to claim 3, wherein: The visual information is displayed on both the display unit of the manipulation device and a display device different from the manipulation device.

7. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein: The various types of feedback systems include feedback systems that provide tactile information.

8. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein: The various types of feedback systems include feedback systems that provide auditory information.

9. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein: The notification unit provides feedback to the user using at least two of visual information, tactile information, and auditory information.

10. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein: The notification unit provides the user with one or more types of feedback selected by the user from among the plurality of types of feedback.

11. An information processing system comprising: Operate equipment; and processor, where The manipulation device stores a plurality of pieces of setting information which are associated with manipulation of the manipulation device and can be selected by a user, and, In a case where the setting information to be applied to the manipulation of the manipulation device is switched, the processor actuates at least one feedback system selected from a plurality of types of feedback systems for presenting the switching of the setting information to the user.

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