Manipulation device, information processing system, and computer program

Abstract

The controller 6 is a manipulation device to which a user inputs manipulation of an application (e.g., a game) executed by the information processing device. The controller 6 comprises a control button 76, a function button 88, a storage unit 92 and a processor 96. A storage unit 92 of the controller 6 stores setting information associated with manipulation of the controller 6. A processor 96 of the controller 6 switches setting information to be applied to manipulation of the controller 6 in response to an input of manipulation of the manipulation button 76 along with an input of manipulation of the function button 88.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a manipulation device, an information processing system and a computer program. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, such controllers that are capable of storing setting information associated with manipulation of the controller and customized by the user (for example, information associated with button assignment and sensitivity) have become increasingly widely used. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Technical issues

[0004] With the prospect that the number of pieces of setting information storable in a controller will increase in the future, there is a need to develop a mechanism that enables a user to easily switch to desired setting information from among the multiple pieces of setting information stored in the controller.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a technology that facilitates easy switching to setting information that is desired by a user and that is among a plurality of pieces of setting information stored in a controller.

[0006] Solution to the problem

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a manipulation device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a first button; a second button different from the first button; a storage unit that stores setting information associated with manipulation of the manipulation device; and a changing unit that switches the setting information to be applied to the manipulation of the manipulation device in response to an input of manipulation of the second button together with an input of manipulation of the first button.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a manipulation device. The manipulation device includes a first button, a second button different from the first button, a storage unit storing setting information associated with manipulation of the manipulation device, and a processor. In response to a manipulation input of the second button together with a manipulation input of the first button, the processor switches the setting information to be applied to the manipulation of the manipulation device.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention relates to an information processing system. The information processing system includes an information processing device that runs an application and a manipulation device. The manipulation device includes a first button, a second button different from the first button, a storage unit that stores setting information associated with manipulation of the manipulation device, and a change unit that switches the setting information to be applied to the manipulation of the manipulation device in response to input of manipulation of the second button together with input of manipulation of the first button. The second button includes a button for manipulating the application and a button for manipulating the system. In response to input of manipulation of the button for manipulating the system together with input of manipulation of the first button, the information processing device causes the manipulation device to display a settings screen for the setting information associated with the manipulation of the manipulation device while the screen of the application is displayed.

[0010] Note that any combination of the constituent elements and expressions of the present invention as above converted into forms 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.

[0011] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0012] The present invention provides assistance for easily switching to a profile desired by a user and among a plurality of profiles stored in a controller. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an information processing system according to an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 is a view showing the upper surface of the controller.

[0015] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the controller.

[0016] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of an information processing device.

[0017] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing functional blocks of a controller.

[0018] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing functional blocks of an information processing apparatus.

[0019] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of profile switching using a function button.

[0020] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a function menu window.

[0021] Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of sound output change using a function button.

[0022] Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of executing both profile switching and sound output change by using a function button.

[0023] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a feedback setting screen.

[0024] Figure 12 It is a diagram schematically showing screen transitions associated with the settings of a profile. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Figure 1 An information processing system 1 according to an embodiment is shown. Information processing system 1 includes an information processing device 10, a display device 4, a controller 6, and headphones 8. Information processing device 10 according to an embodiment is a gaming device, such as a stationary gaming device. Information processing device 10 is wirelessly or wiredly connected to controller 6, which is operated by a user. Controller 6 is a manipulation device that receives manipulation input from the user for information processing (a game according to an embodiment) executed by information processing device 10. Controller 6 sequentially transmits manipulation information indicating the manipulation input from the user to information processing device 10. Controller 6 may also function as a game controller.

[0026] 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 into the controller 6 as a sound output device instead of the headphone 8.

[0027] The display device 4 may be a television set including a display for outputting images and speakers for outputting sounds, or may be a computer monitor. The display device 4 may be connected to the information processing device 10 via a cable or wirelessly. Upon receiving manipulation information provided by the controller 6, the information processing device 10 reflects the manipulation information in the processing executed by the system software or application software, causing the display device 4 to display an image associated with the processing result, and causing the headphones 8 to output the sound associated with the processing result.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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, according to the manipulation input to the controller 6, 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. In addition, according to the manipulation input to the controller 6, the setting information associated with the controller 6 may be setting information associated with a change in the image generation mode or a change in the image display mode, the image generation mode being provided by the information processing device 10 and the image display mode being provided by the display device 4. In addition, according to the manipulation input to the controller 6, the setting information associated with the controller 6 may be setting information associated with a change in the output mode of sound, and the change in the output mode of sound is from the information processing device 10, the headset 8, etc. In addition, according to the manipulation input to the controller 6, the setting information associated with the controller 6 may be setting information associated with a change in the chat mode.

[0030] 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 by the user to the various buttons of the controller 6. In other words, the button assignment information is information indicating the circumstances in which various types of actions, commands, and functions are assigned to the various buttons. The corresponding button information is identification information associated with the buttons of the controller 6, and 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.

[0031] Sensitivity information is information indicating a setting value associated with the sensitivity of the analog sticks of controller 6. The sensitivity of the analog sticks specifies the amount of manipulation recognized by information processing device 10, corresponding to the amount of manipulation actually input to the analog sticks by the user (i.e., the amount of tilt). The manipulation amount recognized by information processing device 10 is also considered to be the manipulation amount input to the data processing performed by information processing device 10. The setting value of the sensitivity can be the ratio of the amount of manipulation actually input to the analog sticks to the manipulation amount recognized by information processing device 10.

[0032] The dead zone information is information containing setting values ​​associated with the dead zones of the analog sticks of controller 6. The dead zone of the analog sticks is a range in which manipulation input to each of the analog sticks is unacceptable, that is, a range in which 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.

[0033] The problem identified by the present 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, there is a need to develop a mechanism that enables easy switching of profile information that is desired by the user and among the multiple pieces of profile information stored in the controller.

[0034] The information processing system 1, based on the above-mentioned problem identified by the present inventors, has a first feature that facilitates easy switching of profile information desired by the user and among the 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 manipulation of the controller 6. In response to input of manipulation of the second button together with input of manipulation of the first button, the controller 6 switches the profile information to be applied to the manipulation of the controller 6.

[0035] The first button is considered to be a button for causing the second button to perform a function associated with profile information and different from its normal function. The first button includes function button 88, which will be described later. The second button includes manipulation button 76, direction button 71, and option button 82, which will be described later. Controller 6 according to this embodiment can perform various manipulations based on a combination of function button 88 and other buttons.

[0036] A different problem identified by the present 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).

[0037] The second feature of information processing system 1, based on the aforementioned problem identified by the present inventors, is to help a user easily check information associated with profile information stored in controller 6. Specifically, according to the second feature, information processing device 10 of information processing system 1 acquires profile information stored in controller 6. During the execution of an application, in response to detecting an input of a predetermined manipulation using a button of controller 6, information processing device 10 causes display device 4 to display information associated with the profile information acquired from controller 6.

[0038] Another problem identified by the present invention is that users typically identify the switching of profile information to be applied to controller manipulation based on the lighting pattern of an indicator light 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 user-friendly manner.

[0039] In response to the above-mentioned issues, the third feature of information processing system 1 is intended to provide user-friendly feedback related to the switching of profile information to be applied to manipulations of controller 6. Specifically, according to the third feature, controller 6 of information processing system 1 stores multiple pieces of profile information associated with manipulations of controller 6 and selectable by the user. The notification unit of information processing system 1 includes various types of feedback systems for presenting to the user the fact that the profile information to be applied to manipulations of controller 6 has been switched in response to the switching of profile information.

[0040] Will describe Figure 1 The button configuration of the controller 6 is shown. Figure 2 The top surface of the controller 6 is shown. The user grips the left grip portion 78b with their left hand and the right grip portion 78a with their right hand to manipulate the controller 6. The directional buttons 71, the right analog stick 77a, the left analog stick 77b, and the manipulation buttons 76 each constitute an input unit and are provided on the top surface of the housing of the controller 6. The directional buttons 71 are configured to receive input in eight directions (i.e., up, down, left, right, and diagonal directions) and, according to this embodiment, include an up button 71a, a left button 71b, a down button 71c, and a right button 71d. The four types of manipulation buttons 76 have different colors and different graphics to distinguish them. The manipulation buttons 76 include a circular button 72, a cross button 73, a square button 74, and a triangular button 75.

[0041] Each of the right analog stick 77a and the left analog stick 77b is also referred to as a control stick, thumb stick, or joystick, and is tilted to input direction and tilt. The tilt is also referred to as the tilt angle of the right analog stick 77a or the left analog stick 77b. Each of the right analog stick 77a and the left analog stick 77b also functions as a push button, which sinks downward when pressed by the user and returns to its original position when the user releases their hand. Each of the right analog stick 77a and the left analog stick 77b will also be collectively referred to as the "analog stick 77" hereinafter. The joystick button 76, the directional buttons 71, and the analog stick 77 are used to manipulate applications (games according to the embodiment) running on the information processing device 10.

[0042] A touchpad 79 is provided in a flat area between the directional buttons 71 and the manipulation buttons 76 on the upper surface of the housing. In addition to detecting the touch of a user's finger, the touchpad 79 also functions as a push button, sinking downward when pressed by the user and returning to its original position when the user releases their hand. Furthermore, a speaker 84 is provided on the upper surface of the housing.

[0043] 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 the 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 and the home screen is a screen through which the user selects a function or application to be executed by the information processing device 10.

[0044] A share button 81 is provided on the left side of the touchpad 79. An option button 82 is provided on the right side of the touchpad 79. Each of the share button 81 and the option button 82 is used to input instructions from the user to the 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 invoking (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 can be formed as a press-type button.

[0045] 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 In the example, five lights are displayed, and information associated with the status of controller 6 is displayed in the form of a lighting pattern of the multiple lights (i.e., a combination of a lit state and a dark state). In a normal state, light emitting unit 86 is set to a lighting pattern that indicates identification information associated with controller 6 (information used to distinguish it from other controllers). According to an embodiment, if the profile information to be applied to the operation of controller 6 is switched, light emitting unit 86 is set to the lighting pattern for a short period of time to indicate that the profile information associated with controller 6 has been switched.

[0046] Each of the right function button 88a and the left function button 88b (hereinafter collectively referred to as "function button 88") is a button used to change or expand the function of the other button. According to this embodiment, when a manipulation input to the manipulation button 76 and a manipulation input to the function button 88 are simultaneously performed, the profile information applied to the manipulation of the controller 6 is switched to the profile information corresponding to the type of manipulation button 76 that was manipulated simultaneously with the function button 88. The right function button 88a and the left function button 88b can have exactly the same functions. In this case, the same function is provided by manipulation of the left or right button.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, the controller 6 includes various types of input units (eg, various buttons and a joystick). While viewing a menu screen or a game screen displayed on the display device 4, the user inputs manipulations to the input units of the controller 6.

[0048] Figure 3 FIG. 4 shows a hardware configuration associated with the controller 6 according to the present embodiment. Figure 2 In addition to the hardware shown in FIG, the controller 6 includes a vibrator 90, a storage unit 92, a communication control unit 94, and a processor 96. The processor 96 performs 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).

[0049] The vibrator 90 vibrates according to a 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, in a modified example, the communication control unit 94 may communicate with the information processing device 10 via a wired connection.

[0050] 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.

[0051] The main system 60 includes a main CPU, memory and a memory controller constituting a main storage device, a graphics processing unit (GPU), and the like. The GPU is primarily used for arithmetic processing of game programs. These functions can be implemented as a single-chip SoC. The main CPU boots up the operating system (OS) and runs applications installed in a storage unit (e.g., flash memory 36 or an unillustrated auxiliary storage device) within the OS-provided environment. The main system 60 also controls the display content provided by the display device 4.

[0052] Subsystem 50 includes a sub-CPU, memory constituting a main storage device, a memory controller, and the like, but does not include a GPU. The sub-CPU has fewer circuit gates than the main CPU, and its operating power consumption is lower than that of the main CPU. The sub-CPU operates during the main CPU's standby state and has limited processing capabilities to reduce power consumption. Note that the sub-CPU and memory can be implemented on separate chips.

[0053] 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 manipulations are input from the 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 on, the power-on LED 21 turns on. When the main power button 20 is off, the standby LED 22 turns on.

[0054] The system controller 24 detects a user pressing the main power button 20. When the main power button 20 is pressed while the main power is off, the system controller 24 interprets the pressing operation as a "power on instruction." Conversely, when the main power button 20 is pressed while the main power is on, the system controller 24 interprets the pressing operation as a "power 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.

[0055] The main CPU has the function of running a game program installed in a predetermined storage unit or read-only memory (ROM) medium 44, while the sub-CPU does not have this function. However, the sub-CPU has the function of accessing the storage unit and transmitting and receiving data to and from external devices. As described above, the sub-CPU has only limited processing capabilities and can therefore operate with lower power consumption than the main CPU. These sub-CPU functions are executed when the main CPU is in a standby state.

[0056] 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 subsystems 50 , and the main system 60 .

[0057] The device controller 30 constitutes a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI), such as a south bridge, that facilitates information transfer between devices. As shown in the figure, devices such as the system controller 24, media drive 32, USB module 34, flash memory 36, wireless communication module 38, wired communication module 40, subsystem 50, and main system 60 are connected to the device controller 30. The device controller 30 controls data transfer timing by accommodating differences in electrical characteristics and data transmission speeds between devices.

[0058] 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.

[0059] The USB module 34 is a module that connects to external devices via a USB cable. The flash memory 36 is a secondary storage device that constitutes the internal memory. The wireless communication module 38 uses communication protocols such as Bluetooth (trademark or registered trademark) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 protocol, and wirelessly communicates with, for example, the controller 6 and the headset 8. The wired communication module 40 communicates with external devices via wires, and connects to, for example, the Internet, a server, etc. via an acceleration point (not shown).

[0060] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating the functional blocks of the controller 6. Each block shown in the block diagrams of this specification is implemented in hardware by components such as a processor, CPU, and memory of a computer, an electronic circuit, or a mechanical device, as a typical example, or in software by a computer program loaded into the memory. This diagram specifically illustrates the functional blocks implemented through their collaboration. Therefore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these functional blocks can be implemented in various forms using a combination of hardware and software.

[0061] 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 .

[0062] The profile storage unit 100 stores profile information associated with the controller 6. The profile storage unit 100 stores a plurality of profile information items associated with different types of corresponding manipulation buttons 76. According to an embodiment, the profile storage unit 100 stores a maximum of four profile information items associated with the four manipulation buttons 76 (the circular button 72, the cross button 73, the square button 74, and the triangle button 75).

[0063] 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 aforementioned 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 from the main memory and execute the computer program to implement at least some of the aforementioned functions.

[0064] The manipulation detection unit 104 detects a manipulation input from the user to the controller 6. For example, the manipulation input from the user includes a manipulation for pressing a button or tilting the analog stick 77.

[0065] The manipulation information generation unit 106 generates user manipulation information to be transmitted from the controller 6 to the information processing device 10, 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. For example, in the case where a manipulation of a first tilt amount is input to the analog stick 77, the manipulation information generation unit 106 may determine a second tilt amount to be input to the information processing device 10, referring to the sensitivity and the size of the dead zone indicated by the profile information of the manipulation applied to the controller 6. Thereafter, the manipulation information generation unit 106 may generate manipulation information indicating the second tilt amount of the analog stick 77.

[0066] 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 apparatus 10 .

[0067] In response to the input of the manipulation of the manipulation button 76 as the second button together with the input of the manipulation of the function button 88 as the first button, the changing unit 110 switches the profile information to be applied to the manipulation of the controller 6. Specifically, in response to the input of the manipulation of the specific manipulation button 76 and the input of the manipulation of the function button 88, the changing unit 110 switches the profile information to be applied to the manipulation of the controller 6 to profile information among the plurality of pieces of profile information that are associated with the specific function button 88 corresponding to the manipulation target and that are stored in the profile storage unit 100.

[0068] In the case of switching the profile information to be applied to the manipulation of the controller 6, the notification unit 112 provides the user with at least one type of feedback from among a plurality of types of feedback. The notification unit 112 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.

[0069] 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 .

[0070] Figure 6 1 is a block diagram showing the 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.

[0071] 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).

[0072] 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.

[0073] The processing unit 210 includes a profile information acquisition unit 212, a manipulation information reception unit 214, an application execution unit 216, a settings screen formation 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 aforementioned functions may be stored in the storage unit 200 of the information processing device 10. The processor of the information processing device 10 (e.g., the main system 60) may retrieve the computer program from the main memory and execute the computer program to implement at least some of the aforementioned functions.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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 .

[0076] The application execution unit 216 executes the application program (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 manipulations performed by the user on the controller 6, and sequentially forms images indicating the results of the game progress (hereinafter also referred to as "game screens").

[0077] The settings screen forming unit 218 detects input of a predetermined manipulation using the function button 88 as the first button, with reference to manipulation information associated with manipulations performed by the user on the controller 6 during the running of the game (for example, during the display of the game screen). Upon detecting input of the predetermined manipulation using the function button 88, the settings 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 settings screen.

[0078] 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, causing the display device 4 to display the game screen. Furthermore, the display control unit 220 outputs information associated with the profile information associated with the controller 6 and generated by the settings screen formation unit 218 to the display device 4, causing the display device 4 to display the information.

[0079] The audio processing unit 221 controls the sound output from the speakers or the like connected to the information processing device 10. For example, the audio processing unit 221 transmits a game audio signal generated by the application execution unit 216 to the headphones 8, so that the game sound is output from the headphones 8. Alternatively, the audio processing unit 221 transmits the game sound to the controller 6, so that the sound is output from the speakers 84 built into the controller 6. Furthermore, the audio processing unit 221 transmits a chat sound signal (e.g., speech from another user) input from an external device to the headphones 8, so that the chat sound is output from the headphones 8. The audio processing unit 221 can output a mixture of the game sound and the chat sound from the headphones 8, or output the mixture from the speakers 84 of the controller 6.

[0080] In accordance with a manipulation input from the user to the profile information setting screen, the update instruction unit 224 transmits 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.

[0081] In the event that 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 the 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.

[0082] Various types of feedback systems constitute devices or mechanisms for providing information perceived by different types of user senses and include both hardware and software. The information provided to the user by a feedback system will also be referred to as "feedback." Feedback includes various types of physical phenomena using hardware and includes physical stimulation directed to the user.

[0083] Various types of feedback systems include those for providing visual information as feedback and those for providing tactile information as feedback. Visual information can also be represented as visual stimuli and corresponds to information perceived by human visual perception (e.g., images). 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 that is separate from the controller 6. Tactile information can also be represented as tactile stimuli and corresponds to information perceived by human tactile perception (e.g., vibrations). Hardware that provides tactile information as feedback includes the vibrator 90 of the controller 6.

[0084] 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 provides the user with one or more types of feedback selected by the user from the plurality of types of feedback. 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 activates one or more types of feedback systems corresponding to the one or more types of feedback selected by the user from the plurality of types of feedback systems.

[0085] 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 the game screen on the display device 4.

[0086] First, operations associated with profile switching will be described. Figure 7 An example of profile switching using the function button 88 is shown.

[0087] In Case 1, the user holds the controller 6 and simultaneously presses the triangle button 75, which is the second button, while pressing the function button 88, which is the first button. In this case, upon detecting the pressing of the triangle button 75 while detecting the pressing of the function button 88, the changing unit 110 of the controller 6 switches the current profile information to the profile information associated with the triangle button 75 (e.g., the default profile). Although not shown, the changing unit 110 of the controller 6 switches the current profile information to the profile information associated with the cross button 73 (e.g., the fighting profile 1) in response to the user pressing the cross button 73 and the function button 88.

[0088] In Case 2, the user inputs a holding operation on function button 88. According to an embodiment, a holding operation is a pressing operation that lasts 400 milliseconds or longer. The settings screen forming unit 218 of the information processing device 10 detects the holding operation of function button 88 and forms a function menu window (described later). The display control unit 220 displays the function menu window overlaid on the game screen. If the user continues to hold down function button 88 after the function menu window is displayed, while continuing to hold down triangle button 75, the change unit 110 of the controller 6 detects the holding down of triangle button 75 while detecting the holding down of function button 88. Accordingly, the change unit 110 switches the current profile information to the profile information associated with triangle button 75 (e.g., the default profile). When the user stops holding down 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.

[0089] In Case 3, the user presses triangle button 75 before the function button 88 is pressed for 400 milliseconds (i.e., before the function menu window 302 is displayed), and the pressing time of function button 88 subsequently reaches 400 milliseconds. In this case, the change unit 110 of the controller 6 detects the pressing of triangle button 75 while detecting the pressing of function button 88. In response, the change unit 110 switches the current profile information to the profile information associated with triangle button 75 (e.g., the default profile). Simultaneously, the display control unit 220 of the information processing device 10 detects manipulation of a different button (in this case, triangle button 75) before the pressing time of function button 88 reaches 400 milliseconds. Accordingly, the display control unit 220 blocks the display of the function menu window 302.

[0090] When a profile information switching operation is performed, the controller 6's changing unit 110 notifies the manipulation information generation unit 106 of this fact. If the switching operation 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 operation. For example, the manipulation information generation unit 106 generates manipulation information associated with the analog stick 77 by reference to the tilt amount and sensitivity of the analog stick 77 provided by the user, as well as the setting value of the dead zone indicated by the currently selected profile information. Referring 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 the application (game program).

[0091] Figure 8 An example of a function menu window is shown. As described above, function menu window 302 is displayed when superimposed on a screen indicating the results of an application execution (game screen 300 in the figure). Function menu window 302 includes a list of multiple profile information items selectable by the user on controller 6, as information corresponding to the profile information associated with controller 6. The list of profile information includes information indicating each of the manipulation buttons 76 associated with the corresponding multiple profile information items. The list of profile information may include the ID and name of each profile, as well as the 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 .

[0092] The selected profile indicator 304 is an object indicating the profile information currently selected on the controller 6. When the profile information to be applied to the manipulation of the controller 6 is switched, the notification unit 112 of the controller 6 notifies the information processing device 10 of the profile information applied after the switching (i.e., 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 various pieces of profile information set on the function menu window 302.

[0093] In addition, the function menu window 302 presents a customization function for configuring file information in association with an image indicating the option button 82. Figure 12 The customization function of the profile information using the function button 88 and the option button 82 is described.

[0094] 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 function menu window 302 shown 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.

[0095] In response to inputting manipulation of the directional button 71 (second button) together with inputting manipulation of the function button 88 (first button), the change unit 110 of the controller 6 also executes a change process associated with sound output. According to an embodiment, in response to inputting manipulation of the function button 88 together with inputting manipulation of the directional button 71, the change unit 110 of the controller 6 transmits a change instruction associated with sound output to the information processing device 10. Based on the aforementioned instruction issued from the controller 6, the audio processing unit 221 of the information processing device 10 changes the sound output mode of the sound output device (the headphone 8 or the speaker 84 of the controller 6 according to an embodiment).

[0096] Specifically, in response to inputting manipulation of the upper button 71a or the lower button 71c together with inputting manipulation of the function button 88, the changing unit 110 of the controller 6 transmits a signal to the information processing device 10 indicating an instruction to change the volume of the speaker 84 of the headset 8 or the controller 6. For example, simultaneous manipulation of the function button 88 and the upper button 71a can be defined as an instruction to increase the volume, while simultaneous manipulation of the function button 88 and the lower button 71c can be defined as an instruction to decrease the volume. Based on the aforementioned signals 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.

[0097] Furthermore, in response to inputting manipulation of left button 71b or right button 71d in conjunction with manipulation of function button 88, change unit 110 of controller 6 transmits a signal indicating an instruction for adjusting the balance between the game volume and the chat volume to information processing device 10. For example, simultaneous manipulation of function button 88 and left button 71b can be defined as an instruction for decreasing the ratio of the chat volume, while simultaneous manipulation of function button 88 and right button 71d can be defined as an instruction for increasing the ratio of the chat volume. Based on the aforementioned signals received from controller 6, audio processing unit 221 of information processing device 10 changes the balance between the game volume and the chat volume output from headphones 8 or speaker 84 of controller 6.

[0098] Figure 9An example of changing the sound output 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 changing 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.

[0099] In Case 2, the user inputs a push-down operation on function button 88 and begins pressing upper button 71a before the pressing time of function button 88 reaches 400 milliseconds. In this case, while upper button 71a continues to be pressed, changing unit 110 of controller 6 gradually increases the volume of the sound output from headphones 8 or speaker 84 of controller 6. Simultaneously, before the pressing time of function button 88 reaches 400 milliseconds, display control unit 220 of information processing device 10 detects manipulation of a different button (in this case, upper button 71a). Therefore, display control unit 220 blocks the display of function menu window 302.

[0100] Furthermore, in Case 2, the user continues to press the upper button 71a even after the manipulation of the function button 88 is completed. Even when the pressing of the upper button 71a is detected after the manipulation of the function button 88 is completed, the changing unit 110 of the controller 6 does not increase the volume of the sound output from the headphones 8. Note that after the manipulation of the function button 88 is completed, the application execution unit 216 of the information processing device 10 can recognize the pressing of the upper button 71a as a manipulation of the game and reflect the pressing in the progress of the game.

[0101] In Case 3, the user presses down on function button 88 and, after the function button 88 has been pressed for 400 milliseconds, presses up button 71a multiple times. The settings screen forming unit 218 of the information processing device 10 detects the press-down operation on function button 88 and forms a function menu window. The display control unit 220 displays the function menu window overlaid on the game screen. After the press-down operation on function button 88 ends, the display control unit 220 ends the display of the function menu window. Based on the number of times up button 71a is pressed, while function button 88 is held down, the changing unit 110 of the controller 6 gradually increases the volume of the sound output from headphones 8.

[0102] Figure 10An example is shown in which both profile switching and sound output changes are executed using function button 88. The user presses upper button 71a before pressing function button 88, and begins pressing function button 88 while continuing to press upper button 71a. Because upper button 71a was already pressed before pressing function button 88, a specific operation (e.g., volume increase processing) is not executed when function button 88 is pressed. The application execution unit 216 of the information processing device 10 recognizes the pressing of upper button 71a before the operation of function button 88 as an operation for the game, and reflects this pressing in the progress of the game.

[0103] While the user is pressing the function button 88, the triangle button 75, the down button 71c, and the cross button 73 are pressed in sequence. Upon detecting the pressing of the triangle button 75, the changing unit 110 of the controller 6 switches the current profile information to the profile information associated with the triangle button 75 (e.g., the default profile). While the function button 88 and the down button 71c are both pressed, the changing unit 110 of the controller 6 gradually reduces the volume of the sound output from the headphones 8. Upon detecting the pressing of the cross button 73 and the pressing of the function button 88, the changing unit 110 of the controller 6 switches the current profile information to the profile information associated with the cross button 73 (e.g., the fighting profile 1).

[0104] As described above, in response to the input of manipulation of the manipulation button 76 together with the input of manipulation of the function button 88, the change unit 110 of the controller 6 executes a change process associated with the setting item of the type determined by a single press (i.e., a single manipulation). According to an embodiment, the setting item of the type determined by a single 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 included in the application (e.g., a game character).

[0105] Furthermore, in response to the manipulation input of the direction button 71 and the manipulation input of the function button 88, the change unit 110 of the controller 6 executes a change process corresponding to the setting item whose value is sequentially changed. According to an embodiment, the setting item whose value is sequentially changed corresponds to the volume and sound balance. However, in a modified example, the setting item may be the brightness, luminance, chroma, etc. of an application image, or the movement speed of a manipulation target (e.g., a game character) included in the application.

[0106] According to the information processing system 1 of the embodiment, the user can 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 identifies the manipulation button 76 associated with the desired profile information, which corresponds to the profile information to be used after the switch, the user can switch the current profile information to the desired profile information by a single manipulation using the function button 88 and the manipulation button 76, regardless of which profile information is currently selected. In other words, the user can switch the profile information to be applied to the manipulation of the controller 6 during the operation of the game without taking their eyes off the screen. In addition, according to the information processing system 1 of the embodiment, the necessity of providing hardware dedicated to profile information switching can be eliminated by using a command method for implementing profile information switching.

[0107] The following describes the operation associated with notifying the user of a profile information switch. When the controller 6's change unit 110 switches the profile information to be applied to the operation, the controller 6's notification unit 112 can control the operation of one or both of the light emitting unit 86 and the vibrator 90 according to a predetermined feedback setting. Specifically, the notification unit 112 can provide feedback to the user using one or both of visual information and tactile information based on a single switch of the profile information.

[0108] For example, if the controller's indicator is selected as the feedback system, notification unit 112 may send a signal to light unit 86 indicating an instruction to illuminate for a predetermined period of time in a mode indicating a profile information switch. In this case, in this mode, light from light unit 86 provides the user with visual feedback indicating profile switching. Furthermore, if vibration of the controller is selected as the feedback system, notification unit 112 may send a signal to vibrator 90 indicating an instruction to vibrate for a predetermined period of time. In this case, vibration of vibrator 90 provides the user with tactile feedback indicating profile switching.

[0109] When the changing 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 profile information switch to the information processing device 10, notifying the information processing device 10 of the profile information switch. If, in a predetermined feedback setting, screen notification is specified as the feedback system, and a notification regarding the profile switch is given from the controller 6, the notification unit 222 of the information processing device 10 causes the display device 4 to display information (e.g., an image or message) indicating that the profile information has been switched. Information associated with the profile information switch may be displayed superimposed 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 profile switch is provided to the user. Specifically, depending on the settings set by the user, the visual information serving as feedback may be displayed on both the display unit of the controller 6 (the light emitting unit 86 according to the embodiment) and the display device 4, which is separate from the controller 6.

[0110] In response to a user's manipulation, the settings screen forming unit 218 of the information processing device 10 generates data regarding a screen for setting a mode for feedback regarding profile switching (hereinafter also referred to as a "feedback settings screen"). The display control unit 220 causes the display device 4 to display the feedback settings screen. The feedback settings screen may be one of the screens associated with the system settings of the information processing device 10.

[0111] Figure 11 An example of a feedback setting screen is shown. The feedback setting screen 330 includes information indicating various types of feedback systems that can be selected by the user. As already described, the various types of feedback systems use different types of hardware, specifically, (1) a controller indicator (a feedback system using the light emitting unit 86 of the controller 6), (2) a controller vibration (a feedback system using the vibrator 90 of the controller 6), and (3) a screen notification (a feedback system using the display device 4).

[0112] Soft switches 332 are arranged in the areas of the corresponding feedback systems on the feedback settings 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 on the feedback settings screen 330, ranging from no feedback (selecting OFF for all three feedback systems) to simultaneously operating three types of feedback (selecting ON for all three feedback systems).

[0113] The notification unit 222 of the information processing device 10 stores information indicating whether feedback using screen notification is turned on or off, among the setting details on the feedback setting screen 330. If 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. Furthermore, the notification unit 222 transmits the setting details of the feedback setting screen 330 to the controller 6.

[0114] The notification unit 112 of the controller 6 stores, among 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.

[0115] According to the information processing system 1 of the embodiment, feedback can be provided in a user-friendly form when switching profile information applied to manipulation of the controller 6. In addition, according to the information processing system 1, the user can be easily notified that setting information has been switched.

[0116] Next, operations associated with configuration file setting and editing will be described. Figure 12 The following diagram schematically illustrates screen transitions associated with profile settings. While an application is running (while the game screen 300 according to this embodiment is displayed), the settings screen creation unit 218 of the information processing device 10, referring to manipulation information associated with user manipulation of the controller 6, detects input of the second button, option button 82, along with input of the first button, function button 88. Upon detecting input of the function button 88 along with input of the option button 82, the settings screen creation unit 218 generates data for a settings screen regarding profile information (hereinafter also referred to as a "profile settings screen"). The display control unit 220 of the information processing device 10 causes the display device 4 to display the profile settings screen instead of the game screen 300.

[0117] The profile setting screen includes a profile top screen 310 and a profile editing screen 320. When the option button 82 is operated together with the function button 88 while the game screen 300 (which may include the function menu window 302) is displayed, the transition from the game screen 300 to the profile top screen 310 is normally performed.

[0118] Profile top screen 310 is a screen for selecting profile information to be stored in controller 6 and profile information to be erased (deleted) from controller 6. Profile top screen 310 includes a profile creation button 312 and profile information stored in controller 6. Profile creation button 312 is a soft button for creating a new profile. Pressing profile creation button 312 switches to profile edit screen 320, described below.

[0119] The profile information to be set on the profile top screen 310 can 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, as well as corresponding button information. An image indicating the type of operation button 76 associated with the corresponding profile information is added to each profile information. In addition, a record button 314, a delete button 316, and an edit button 318 are provided for each profile information. Any of the profile information described above can be profile information pre-set by the user for the information processing device 10, profile information downloaded and acquired via the network, and then set by a different user, etc.

[0120] The record button 314 is a soft button for recording corresponding profile information in the controller 6. When the user selects the record button 314 corresponding to specific profile information, the update instruction unit 224 of the information processing device 10 transmits a signal indicating an instruction to store 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.

[0121] The delete button 316 is a soft button for deleting the corresponding profile information from the controller 6. When the user selects the delete button 316 corresponding to specific profile information, the update instruction unit 224 of the information processing device 10 transmits a signal indicating an instruction to delete 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.

[0122] Edit button 318 is a soft button for editing the corresponding profile information. When the user selects edit button 318 corresponding to a specific profile information, setting screen forming unit 218 of information processing device 10 generates data for a profile editing screen 320, which sets the current setting values ​​determined by the corresponding profile information. Display control unit 220 causes display device 4 to display profile editing screen 320.

[0123] The profile editing screen 320 is a screen provided to allow 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 screen elements 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.

[0124] 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, when switching 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.

[0125] When an input of a predetermined back manipulation by the user is detected while the profile edit screen 320 is displayed, the display control unit 220 of the information processing device 10 ends display of the profile edit 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 while the profile top screen 310 is displayed, the display control unit 220 ends display of the profile top screen 310 and again displays the game screen 300.

[0126] According to an embodiment, in some cases, the profile editing screen 320 is displayed while an application is running (e.g., while the game screen 300 is being displayed). For example, in some cases, a display transition is made from the game screen 300 to the profile editing screen 320 via the profile top screen 310. While a game is running in the background and the profile editing screen 320 is being displayed as described above, if the display control unit 220 of the information processing device 10 detects user manipulation of the options button 82 and the function button 88, the display control unit 220 of the information processing device 10 ends displaying the profile editing screen 320 and re-displays the game screen 300. In other words, a direct transition from the profile editing screen 320 to the game screen 300 is achieved.

[0127] Furthermore, in a state where the most recently displayed profile setting screen is the profile editing screen 320, in response to detecting the user's manipulation of the options button 82 and the manipulation of the function button 88 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 original screen of the profile editing screen 320 before transition to the game screen 300.

[0128] 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, based on 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) while the game screen 300 is displayed, according to the history of screen transitions.

[0129] Furthermore, a back button 322 is provided on the profile editing screen 320. The back button 322 is a soft button for switching to the currently running application screen. In order to display the profile editing screen 320 when the game is currently running in the background, the display control unit 220 sets the back button 322 as a graphic indicating the active state.

[0130] When 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 operation 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 directly transitioning 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 operation of the function button 88 and the option button 82 on the game screen 300.

[0131] According to the information processing system 1 of the embodiment, during the execution of an application, information indicating profile information associated with the controller 6 is presented to the user in accordance with a predetermined manipulation input from the user by using the function button 88 of the controller 6. In this manner, assistance can be provided regarding 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.

[0132] Furthermore, to set 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 edited results of the profile information (e.g., check the actions 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 results in (2) above. In other words, the information processing device 10 can help the user achieve efficient optimization of profile information through a trial and error process.

[0133] The present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments. The above embodiments are presented as examples only. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the various components and the various processing procedures, and these modifications are also included in the scope of the present invention.

[0134] A modified example will be described. The various types of feedback systems included in the notification unit of the information processing system 1 (e.g., 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 the switching of profile information associated with the controller 6. The auditory information may also be represented as auditory stimulation and corresponds to information perceived by a person's auditory sense (e.g., an audio signal).

[0135] For example, the feedback system for switching profile information using sound feedback can be selected on the feedback setting screen 330. If the feedback system for switching profile information using sound feedback is selected, the notification unit 112 of the controller 6 can output a predetermined sound indicating the switching of profile information from the speaker (not shown) of the controller 6. Furthermore, if the feedback system for switching profile information using sound feedback is selected, the notification unit 222 of the information processing device 10 can output a predetermined sound indicating the switching of profile information from the headphones 8.

[0136] The notification unit of information processing system 1 according to this variation can provide user feedback using at least two of visual, tactile, and auditory information when profile information is switched. The user-friendly feedback mechanism can vary depending on the user. However, in this variation, by adding feedback using auditory information, feedback on profile switching can be easily provided in a form that is convenient for each user. Furthermore, the user can easily recognize that profile information has been switched.

[0137] Various variations will be described. The settings screen forming unit 218 of the information processing device 10 can form a settings screen (also referred to as a "menu settings screen") through which the user can set the display details of the function menu window 302 according to user manipulation. The display control unit 220 can also cause the display device 4 to display the menu settings screen. Any pattern can be selected from a plurality of patterns associated with display details on the menu settings screen. The settings screen forming unit 218 can form the function menu window 302, which includes the details determined by the pattern selected on the menu settings screen.

[0138] The multiple modes of display details that can be selected on the menu setting screen may include modes of "all functions", "currently assigned profile" and "currently selected profile". The "all functions" mode is for using Figure 8 The illustrated function button 88 displays a list of all setting change functions. 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 information of the profile 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, the mode is for the combat profile 1).

[0139] Any combination of the embodiment and the variations described above is also useful as a way to implement the present invention. A new embodiment created by any combination has the advantageous effects of both the combined embodiment and the 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 can be implemented by a single unit included in the various constituent elements presented in the embodiment and the variations, or by the coordinated operation of these.

[0140] The technical ideas described in the embodiments and the above-described modified examples can be expressed in the modes described in each of the following sections.

[0141] [Section 1-1]

[0142] A manipulation device, comprising:

[0143] First button;

[0144] a second button different from the first button;

[0145] a storage unit that stores setting information associated with manipulation of the manipulation device; and

[0146] A changing unit switches setting information to be applied to the manipulation of the manipulation device in response to an input of the manipulation of the second button together with an input of the manipulation of the first button.

[0147] The manipulation device enables a user to quickly switch setting information to be applied for manipulation, thereby improving the usability of the manipulation device.

[0148] [Verses 1-2]

[0149] Manipulation equipment according to Section 1-1, including:

[0150] A generating unit generates manipulation information with reference to setting information of a manipulation to be applied to a manipulation device, the manipulation information being associated with the manipulation performed by the user and transmitted from the manipulation device to an external information processing device.

[0151] 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.

[0152] [Verses 1-3]

[0153] A manipulation device according to clause 1-1 or 1-2, wherein:

[0154] The storage unit stores a plurality of pieces of setting information associated with corresponding second buttons different from each other, and

[0155] In response to an input of a manipulation of a specific second button together with the input of 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.

[0156] The manipulation device can quickly and easily switch the setting information to the setting information desired by the user among a plurality of pieces of setting information.

[0157] [Verses 1-4]

[0158] 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.

[0159] 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 the first button and a button for manipulating an application or a combination of the first button and a button for manipulating a system.

[0160] [Verses 1-5]

[0161] The manipulation device according to clauses 1-4, wherein:

[0162] The storage unit stores the setting information associated with the button for manipulating the application, and

[0163] In response to an input of manipulation of the button for manipulating the application together with the input of 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.

[0164] The manipulation device enables a user to quickly switch setting information by using a button for manipulating an application.

[0165] [Verses 1-6]

[0166] The manipulation device according to paragraph 1-4 or 1-5, wherein the changing unit further executes a change process associated with sound output in response to an input of manipulation of the button for manipulating the application together with the input of the manipulation of the first button.

[0167] The manipulation device also enables the user to change a mode of sound output by using buttons for manipulating an application.

[0168] [Verses 1-7]

[0169] A manipulation device as described in any of Sections 1-1 to 1-3, wherein:

[0170] The second button includes a direction key and a specific button different from the direction key, and

[0171] In response to the input of the manipulation of the specific button together with the input of the manipulation of the first button, the changing unit switches the setting information to be applied to the manipulation of the manipulation device, and in response to the input of 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.

[0172] The manipulation device can implement change processing for an environment suitable for 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).

[0173] [Verses 1-8]

[0174] A manipulation device as described in any of Sections 1-1 to 1-3, wherein:

[0175] The second button includes multiple types of buttons, and,

[0176] The changing unit switches the setting information to be applied to the manipulation of the manipulation device or executes a change process associated with sound output according to the type of the second button inputted along with the manipulation of the first button.

[0177] The manipulation device can realize processing for change of environment suitable for the type of button corresponding to the manipulation target (for example, switching of setting information, and change processing associated with sound output).

[0178] [Verses 1-9]

[0179] A manipulation device, comprising:

[0180] First button;

[0181] a second button different from the first button;

[0182] a storage unit that stores setting information associated with manipulation of the manipulation device; and

[0183] processor, where

[0184] The processor switches setting information to be applied to the manipulation of the manipulation device in response to an input of the manipulation of the second button together with an input of the manipulation of the first button.

[0185] The manipulation device enables a user to quickly switch setting information applied to manipulation, thereby improving the usability of the manipulation device.

[0186] [Verses 1-10]

[0187] An information processing system, comprising:

[0188] An information processing device that runs an application; and

[0189] Manipulation equipment, wherein

[0190] The manipulation device comprises:

[0191] First button,

[0192] a second button different from the first button,

[0193] a storage unit that stores setting information associated with manipulation of the manipulation device,

[0194] a generating unit that generates manipulation information indicating a manipulation performed by a user with reference to the setting information, and

[0195] a changing unit that switches setting information to be applied to the manipulation of the manipulation device in response to an input of the manipulation of the second button together with an input of the manipulation of the first button, and

[0196] The information processing device receives the manipulation information transmitted from the manipulation device and executes the application with reference to the manipulation information.

[0197] 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.

[0198] [Verses 1-11]

[0199] An information processing system according to clauses 1-10, wherein:

[0200] in response to an input of manipulation of a button for manipulating the application together with the input of 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

[0201] The information processing device changes a pattern of sound output from a sound output device according to the change instruction associated with the sound output.

[0202] The information processing system enables a user to quickly implement changes associated with sound output in the form of changes in approximate setting information.

[0203] [Verses 1-12]

[0204] A computer program for a manipulation device, the manipulation device including 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:

[0205] In response to an input of manipulation of the second button together with an input of manipulation of the first button, a function of the setting information to be applied to the manipulation of the manipulation device is switched.

[0206] 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.

[0208] [Section 2-1]

[0209] An information processing device, comprising:

[0210] an acquisition unit that acquires setting information stored in the manipulation device and associated with manipulation of the manipulation device; and

[0211] 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.

[0212] 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.

[0213] [Section 2-2]

[0214] An information processing device according to Section 2-1, wherein:

[0215] The acquisition unit acquires a plurality of pieces of setting information stored in the manipulation device and selectable by a user, and

[0216] 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.

[0217] 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 select the setting information.

[0218] [Verses 2-3]

[0219] The information processing device according to Section 2-2, wherein the predetermined manipulation is a pressing manipulation of the first button.

[0220] 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.

[0221] [Verses 2-4]

[0222] An information processing device according to clause 2-2 or 2-3, wherein

[0223] 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

[0224] The list includes information indicating second buttons respectively associated with the plurality of pieces of setting information.

[0225] The information processing device can help a user select desired setting information from among a plurality of pieces of setting information.

[0226] [Verses 2-5]

[0227] The information processing apparatus 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.

[0228] The information processing device can further assist voice manipulation performed by the user.

[0229] [Verses 2-6]

[0230] 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.

[0231] The information processing apparatus can provide a setting screen for setting information to a user according to easy manipulation of the user.

[0232] [Verses 2-7]

[0233] 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.

[0234] The information processing device can help a user select setting information to be stored in or erased from a manipulation device.

[0235] [Verses 2-8]

[0236] 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.

[0237] The information processing device can help a user edit setting information.

[0238] [Verses 2-9]

[0239] An information processing device according to Section 2-8, wherein, in response to detecting an input of a manipulation of a second button different from the first button together with a manipulation of the first button during display of a screen of an application, and in a case where the setting screen for setting information that was most recently displayed 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.

[0240] The 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.

[0241] [Verses 2-10]

[0242] The information processing apparatus according to Section 2-8 or 2-9, wherein a button for transitioning to a screen of a currently running application is arranged on a screen for editing details of the setting information.

[0243] The 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.

[0244] [Verses 2-11]

[0245] The information processing device according to any one of Sections 2-1 to 2-10, further comprising:

[0246] Update unit, where:

[0247] 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

[0248] The updating unit causes the manipulation device to store the setting information edited on the setting screen.

[0249] The information processing device can reflect the editing details of the setting information given from the user on the setting screen in the manipulation device.

[0250] [Verses 2-12]

[0251] An information processing device, comprising:

[0252] processor,

[0253] The processor runs

[0254] a step of acquiring setting information stored in the manipulation device and associated with manipulation of the manipulation device; and

[0255] During execution of the application, in response to detecting an input of a predetermined manipulation using a first button provided on the manipulation device, 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.

[0256] The information processing device can present information corresponding to setting information associated with the manipulation of the manipulation device to the user in response to input of a predetermined manipulation from the user via the first button of the manipulation device during execution of the application, thereby helping the user perform the manipulation associated with the setting information.

[0257] [Verses 2-13]

[0258] An information processing system, comprising:

[0259] An information processing device that runs an application; and

[0260] Manipulation equipment, wherein:

[0261] the manipulation device stores setting information associated with manipulation of the manipulation device, and

[0262] The information processing device includes

[0263] an acquisition unit that acquires setting information stored in the manipulation device and associated with the manipulation of the manipulation device, and

[0264] and a display control unit that, during 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.

[0265] During the operation of the application, in response to input of a predetermined manipulation from the user via the first button of the 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 perform the manipulation associated with the setting information.

[0266] [Verses 2-14]

[0267] A computer program for causing an information processing device to:

[0268] a function of acquiring setting information stored in a manipulation device and associated with manipulation of the manipulation device, and

[0269] 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.

[0270] The computer program may, in response to an input of a predetermined manipulation from the user via a first button of the manipulation device during execution of the application, present 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.

[0271] [Section 3-1]

[0272] An information processing system, comprising:

[0273] operating equipment; and

[0274] Notification unit, wherein

[0275] the manipulation device stores a plurality of pieces of setting information associated with manipulation of the manipulation device and selectable by a user, and

[0276] 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.

[0277] 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.

[0278] [Section 3-2]

[0279] The information processing system of Section 3-1, wherein the multiple types of feedback systems provide information perceived by different types of senses.

[0280] 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.

[0281] [Section 3-3]

[0282] The 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.

[0283] In cases where visual perception is convenient for the user, the information processing system may use visual information to provide feedback to the user.

[0284] [Verses 3-4]

[0285] The information processing system according to Section 3-3, wherein the visual information is displayed on a display unit of the manipulation device.

[0286] 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.

[0287] [Verses 3-5]

[0288] The information processing system according to Section 3-3, wherein the visual information is displayed on a display device different from the manipulation device.

[0289] 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.

[0290] [Verses 3-6]

[0291] 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.

[0292] The information processing system enables the user to further easily recognize the switching of setting information.

[0293] [Verses 3-7]

[0294] The information processing system of any of Sections 3-1 to 3-6, wherein the plurality of types of feedback systems includes a feedback system that provides tactile information.

[0295] In cases where tactile perception is convenient for the user, the information processing system may use tactile information to provide feedback to the user.

[0296] [Verses 3-8]

[0297] The information processing system of any of Sections 3-1 to 3-7, wherein the plurality of types of feedback systems includes a feedback system that provides auditory information.

[0298] In cases where auditory perception is convenient for the user, the information processing system may use auditory information to provide feedback to the user.

[0299] [Verses 3-9]

[0300] 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.

[0301] The information processing system enables the user to further easily recognize the switching of setting information.

[0302] [Verses 3-10]

[0303] 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.

[0304] The information processing system can provide feedback in a form that is selectable by the user and convenient for the user.

[0305] [Verses 3-11]

[0306] An information processing system, comprising:

[0307] operating equipment; and

[0308] processor, where

[0309] the manipulation device stores a plurality of pieces of setting information associated with manipulation of the manipulation device and selectable by a user, and,

[0310] 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.

[0311] 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.

[0312] Industrial Applicability

[0313] The present invention is applicable to a system including a manipulation device to which manipulation is input.

[0314] Reference Signs List

[0315] 1: Information Processing System

[0316] 4: Display device

[0317] 6: Controller

[0318] 10: Information processing equipment

[0319] 76: Operation button

[0320] 88: Function button

[0321] 100: Configuration file storage unit

[0322] 110: Change unit

[0323] 112: Notification unit

[0324] 212: Configuration file information acquisition unit

[0325] 220: Display control unit

[0326] 222: Notification unit

Claims

1. A manipulation device, comprising: First button; a second button different from the first button; a storage unit storing setting information associated with the manipulation of the manipulation device; and A changing unit switches setting information to be applied to the manipulation of the manipulation device in response to an input of the manipulation of the second button together with an input of the manipulation of the first button.

2. The manipulation device according to claim 1, further comprising: 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 the manipulation performed by the user and is transmitted from the manipulation device to an external information processing device.

3. The manipulation device according to claim 1, wherein: The storage unit stores a plurality of pieces of setting information associated with corresponding second buttons different from each other, and In response to an input of a manipulation of a specific second button together with the input of 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.

4. The manipulation device according to claim 1, wherein: The second buttons include a button for manipulating an application and a button for manipulating a system.

5. The manipulation device according to claim 4, wherein: the storage unit stores the setting information associated with the button for manipulating the application, and The changing unit switches the setting information to be applied to the manipulation of the manipulation device to the setting information associated with the button for manipulating the application in response to an input of a manipulation of the button for manipulating the application together with an input of the manipulation of the first button.

6. The manipulation device according to claim 4, wherein: The change unit further executes a change process associated with sound output in response to an input of a manipulation of the button for manipulating the application together with the input of the manipulation of the first button.

7. The manipulation device according to claim 1, wherein: The second button includes a direction key and a specific button different from the direction key, and In response to an input of a manipulation of the specific button together with an 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 an input of a manipulation of the direction key together with an input of the manipulation of the first button, runs a change process associated with a setting item whose value changes successively.

8. The manipulation device according to claim 1, wherein: The second button includes a plurality of types of buttons, and, The changing unit switches the setting information to be applied to the manipulation of the manipulating device or executes a change process associated with sound output, according to the type of the second button to which the manipulation is input together with the input of the manipulation to the first button.

9. A manipulation device, comprising: First button; a second button different from the first button; a storage unit storing setting information associated with the manipulation of the manipulation device; and processor, where The processor switches setting information to be applied to the manipulation of the manipulation device in response to an input of the manipulation of the second button together with an input of the manipulation of the first button.

10. An information processing system comprising: An information processing device running an application; and Manipulation equipment, wherein The manipulation device comprises: First button, a second button different from the first button, a storage unit storing setting information associated with the manipulation of the manipulation device, a generating unit, referring to the setting information, the generating unit generating manipulation information indicating a manipulation performed by a user, and a changing unit that switches setting information to be applied to the manipulation of the manipulation device in response to an input of the manipulation of the second button together with an input of the manipulation of the first button, and The information processing device receives the manipulation information transmitted from the manipulation device, and executes the application with reference to the manipulation information.

11. The information processing system according to claim 10, wherein: in response to an input of manipulation of a button for manipulating the application together with the input of 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 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.

12. 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: In response to an input of manipulation of the second button together with an input of manipulation of the first button, a function of setting information to be applied to the manipulation of the manipulation device is switched.

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