Information processing system

Abstract

This technology provides user-friendly feedback when the profile applied to controller operations is switched. [Solution] The information processing system 1 comprises a controller 6 and a notification unit. The controller 6 stores multiple setting information related to operations on the controller 6, which can be selected by the user. The notification unit of the information processing system 1 has multiple types of feedback systems to inform the user when the setting information applied to operations on the controller 6 has been switched. The multiple types of feedback systems may provide information that is perceived by different types of senses.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an information processing system.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, controllers that can store setting information (hereinafter also referred to as "profiles") regarding operations on the controller, customized by users, have been increasingly popular.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] When the profile applied to the operation on the controller has been switched so far, the user has grasped that the profile has been switched based on the lighting mode of the indicator lamp or the position of the physical changeover switch, and it has not always been convenient feedback for the user.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for feedback in a convenient form for the user when the profile applied to the operation on the controller is switched.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, an information processing system according to an aspect of the present invention includes an operating device and a notification unit. The operating device stores a plurality of setting information regarding operations on the operating device that can be selected by the user, and the notification unit has a plurality of types of feedback systems for presenting this to the user when the setting information applied to the operation on the operating device is switched.

[0006] Another aspect of the present invention is an information processing system. This information processing system comprises an operating device and a processor. The operating device stores a plurality of setting information relating to operations on the operating device, which can be selected by the user, and the processor activates at least one of a plurality of feedback systems to inform the user when the setting information applicable to operations on the operating device has been switched.

[0007] Furthermore, any combination of the above components, as well as conversions of the expression of the present invention between methods, computer programs, recording media storing computer programs, etc., are also valid embodiments of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it becomes easier to provide feedback to the user in a way that is convenient for them, indicating that the profile applied to the operation of the controller has been switched. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the top view of the controller. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the hardware configuration of the controller. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the hardware configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing the functional blocks of the controller. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing the functional blocks of an information processing device. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of profile switching using function buttons. [Figure 8] This diagram shows an example of a function menu window. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of changing the audio output using function buttons. [Figure 10]This diagram shows an example of using function buttons to perform both profile switching and audio output changes. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of the feedback settings screen. [Figure 12] This diagram schematically shows the screen transitions related to profile settings. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Figure 1 shows an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment. The information processing system 1 comprises an information processing device 10, a display device 4, a controller 6, and headphones 8. The information processing device 10 in this embodiment is a game device, for example, a stationary game device. The information processing device 10 is connected wirelessly or via a wired connection to the controller 6 operated by the user. The controller 6 is an operation device that receives operations input by the user regarding the information processing (a game in this embodiment) performed by the information processing device 10. The controller 6 sequentially transmits operation information indicating the operations input by the user to the information processing device 10. The controller 6 can also be called a game controller.

[0011] The headphones 8 are equipped with a sound-producing element (such as a speaker) and output audible sound from the sound-producing element based on an electrical signal transmitted from the information processing device 10. The information processing system 1 may also use earphones instead of headphones 8 as a means of audio output, or it may use the speaker of the display device 4, or it may use the speaker built into the controller 6.

[0012] The display device 4 may be a television having a display that outputs images and a speaker that outputs sound, or it may be a computer display. The display device 4 may be connected to the information processing device 10 by a wired cable or by a wireless connection. When the information processing device 10 receives operation information provided by the controller 6, it reflects that operation information in the processing of the system software or application software, displays an image related to the processing result on the display device 4, and outputs sound related to the processing result from the headphones 8.

[0013] As an overview of the information processing system 1 of the embodiment, the first to third features of the information processing system 1 will be described.

[0014] The controller 6 in this embodiment can store user-customized settings information related to controller operation. The settings information of the controller 6 may include predetermined setting values ​​related to operation of the controller 6. The settings information of the controller 6 may also include settings information related to generating operation information to be input to the information processing device 10 based on input operations to the controller 6. The settings information of the controller 6 may also include settings information related to changing the image generation mode by the information processing device 10 or the image display mode by the display device 4 based on input operations to the controller 6. The settings information of the controller 6 may also include settings information related to changing the audio output mode from the information processing device 10 or headphones 8, etc., based on input operations to the controller 6. The settings information of the controller 6 may also include settings information related to changing the chat mode based on input operations to the controller 6.

[0015] In this embodiment, the controller configuration information is also referred to as "profile information" or simply "profile." A specific example of profile information is described below. Profile information includes the profile ID and name, button assignment information, sensitivity information, dead zone information, and corresponding button information. Button assignment information indicates the various actions, commands, and functions assigned by the user to each button on the controller 6. In other words, button assignment information indicates the assignment status of various actions, commands, and functions to each button. Corresponding button information is the identification information of the button on the controller 6 to which the profile information is associated, such as the ○ button 72 or × button 73 described later.

[0016] The sensitivity information is information indicating a setting value related to the sensitivity of the analog stick of the controller 6. The sensitivity of the analog stick defines the magnitude of the operation recognized by the information processing device 10 with respect to the magnitude of the operation actually input by the user to the analog stick (in other words, the tilting amount). The magnitude of the operation recognized by the information processing device 10 can also be said to be the magnitude of the operation input to the data processing in the information processing device 10. The setting value of the sensitivity may be the ratio between the amount of operation actually input to the analog stick and the amount of operation recognized by the information processing device 10.

[0017] The dead zone information is information including a setting value related to the dead zone of the analog stick of the controller 6. The dead zone of the analog stick is a range that does not accept the operation input to the analog stick, or in other words, a range that ignores the operation input to the analog stick. The setting value of the dead zone may be the value range of the tilting amount corresponding to the dead zone.

[0018] As a problem recognized by the present inventor, while the number of profile information that can be stored in the controller is expected to increase in the future, a mechanism is required that can easily switch to the desired profile information of the user from among the plurality of profile information stored in the controller.

[0019] Based on the above problem recognition of the present inventor, the first feature of the information processing system 1 is aimed at assisting in easily switching to the desired profile information of the user from among the plurality of profile information stored in the controller 6. Specifically, as the first feature, the controller 6 of the information processing system 1 stores profile information related to operations on the controller 6. When an operation on the second button is input together with an operation on the first button, the controller 6 switches the profile information applied to the operations on the controller 6.

[0020] The first button can be said to be responsible for enabling the second button to perform a function related to profile information, which is different from its normal function. The first button includes the function button 88, which will be described later. The second button includes the operation button 76, directional button 71, and OPTIONS button 82, which will be described later. In the controller 6 of this embodiment, various operations can be performed by combining the function button 88 with other buttons.

[0021] Another issue recognized by the inventors is that, as the number of profile information entries that can be stored in the controller is expected to increase in the future, there is a need for a mechanism that allows users to easily check information related to the profile information stored in the controller (i.e., user-selectable profile information).

[0022] Based on the inventor's recognition of the above-mentioned problems, the second feature of the information processing system 1 is intended to help the user easily confirm information related to the profile information stored in the controller 6. Specifically, as a second feature, the information processing device 10 of the information processing system 1 acquires the profile information stored in the controller 6. When the information processing device 10 detects that a predetermined operation using a button on the controller 6 has been input during the execution of an application, it displays information related to the profile information acquired from the controller 6 on the display device 4.

[0023] Another problem identified by this invention is that, until now, users have understood that the profile information applied to controller operation has been switched based on the illumination pattern of indicator lights or the position of a physical switch. Therefore, it was not always possible to provide feedback regarding the switching of profile information in a way that was convenient for the user.

[0024] Based on the above issues, the third feature of the information processing system 1 aims to provide user-friendly feedback when the profile information applied to operations on the controller 6 has been switched. Specifically, as a third feature, the controller 6 of the information processing system 1 stores multiple profile information related to operations on the controller 6 that can be selected by the user. The notification unit of the information processing system 1 has multiple types of feedback systems to inform the user when the profile information applied to operations on the controller 6 has been switched.

[0025] The button configuration of the controller 6 shown in Figure 1 will be described below. Figure 2 shows the top view of the controller 6. The user operates the controller 6 by grasping the left gripping part 78b with their left hand and the right gripping part 78a with their right hand. The top surface of the controller 6 housing is provided with input sections: directional buttons 71, a right analog stick 77a, a left analog stick 77b, and operation buttons 76. The directional buttons 71 are configured to allow input in eight directions: up, down, left, right, and diagonally. In this embodiment, they include an up button 71a, a left button 71b, a down button 71c, and a right button 71d. The four types of operation buttons 76 are marked with different colors and different shapes to distinguish them. The operation buttons 76 include a circle button 72, a cross button 73, a square button 74, and a triangle button 75.

[0026] The right analog stick 77a and the left analog stick 77b, also called control sticks, thumbsticks, or joysticks, are used to input direction and tilt. The tilt amount can also be described as the angle to which the right analog stick 77a or left analog stick 77b is tilted. The right analog stick 77a and the left analog stick 77b also function as push-buttons that sink downward when pressed by the user and return to their original position when released. Hereafter, the right analog stick 77a and the left analog stick 77b will be collectively referred to as "analog stick 77". The operation buttons 76, directional buttons 71, and analog sticks 77 are used to operate applications (in this embodiment, a game) executed on the information processing device 10.

[0027] On the top surface of the casing, a touchpad 79 is provided in the flat area between the directional buttons 71 and the operation buttons 76. In addition to detecting touch from the user's finger, the touchpad 79 also functions as a push-button that depresses downward when pressed by the user and returns to its original position when the user releases their hand. Furthermore, a speaker 84 is provided on the top surface of the casing.

[0028] A home button 80 is located 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 unit 10, and at the same time activate the communication function for wireless connection with the information processing unit 10. After the controller 6 is connected to the information processing unit 10, the home button 80 is also used to display a menu screen or home screen on the information processing unit 10. The menu screen or home screen is a screen that allows the user to select the function or application to be executed by the information processing unit 10.

[0029] The SHARE button 81 is located to the left of the touchpad 79. The OPTIONS button 82 is located to the right of the touchpad 79. The SHARE button 81 and the OPTIONS button 82 are used to input user instructions to the OS (Operating System) or system software in the information processing device 10. In other words, the SHARE button 81 and the OPTIONS button 82 are buttons used to call up (operate) functions of the OS (Operating System) or system software in the information processing device 10. Both the SHARE button 81 and the OPTIONS button 82 may be formed as push-buttons.

[0030] The light-emitting unit 86 is provided on the lower edge of the touchpad 79. The light-emitting unit 86 includes multiple lamps (five lamps in the example in Figure 2) and displays information about the status of the controller 6 by the lighting patterns of the multiple lamps (i.e., combinations of lit and unlit states). Normally, the light-emitting unit 86 is controlled to a lighting pattern that indicates the identification information of the controller 6 (information to distinguish it from other controllers). In this embodiment, when the profile information applied to the operation of the controller 6 is switched, the light-emitting unit 86 is controlled for a short time to a lighting pattern that indicates that the profile information of the controller 6 has been switched.

[0031] The right function button 88a and the left function button 88b (hereinafter collectively referred to as "function button 88") are buttons that change or extend the functions of other buttons. In this embodiment, when an operation is input to the operation button 76 while an operation is input to the function button 88, the profile information applied to the operation to the controller 6 is switched to the profile information associated with the type of operation button 76 that was operated together with the function button 88. The right function button 88a and the left function button 88b may be functionally identical. In that case, the same function is provided regardless of whether the left or right button is operated.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, the controller 6 is composed of various input units (various buttons, sticks, etc.). The user inputs commands into the controller 6's input units while viewing the menu screen or game screen displayed on the display device 4.

[0033] Figure 3 shows the hardware configuration of the controller 6 in this embodiment. In addition to the hardware shown in Figure 2, the controller 6 includes an oscillator 90, a memory unit 92, a communication control unit 94, and a processor 96. The processor 96 performs various data processing and controls the operation of various hardware components. The processor 96 may also include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, and a SoC (System on a chip).

[0034] The vibrator 90 provides tactile stimulation to the user by vibrating based on a control signal from the processor 96. The storage unit 92 stores data that is referenced or updated by the processor 96. The communication control unit 94 controls communication with external devices. In this embodiment, the communication control unit 94 communicates wirelessly with the information processing device 10, but in a modified example, the communication control unit 94 may communicate with the information processing device 10 via wired communication.

[0035] Figure 4 shows the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 includes a main power button 20, a power-on LED 21, a standby LED 22, a system controller 24, a clock 26, a device controller 30, a media drive 32, a USB module 34, a flash memory 36, a wireless communication module 38, a wired communication module 40, a subsystem 50, and a main system 60.

[0036] The main system 60 includes a main CPU, main memory and memory controller, and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The GPU is primarily used for processing game programs. These functions may be configured as a System on a Chip (SoC) and formed on a single chip. The main CPU has the function of starting the OS and executing applications installed in the storage unit (e.g., flash memory 36 or auxiliary storage device not shown) in the environment provided by the OS. The main system 60 also has the function of controlling the display content on the display device 4.

[0037] Subsystem 50 includes a sub-CPU, main memory (memory), and a memory controller, but does not include a GPU. The number of circuit gates in the sub-CPU is less than that of the main CPU, and the operating power consumption of the sub-CPU is less than that of the main CPU. The sub-CPU operates while the main CPU is in standby mode, and its processing functions are limited in order to keep power consumption low. The sub-CPU and memory may be formed on separate chips.

[0038] The main power button 20 is an input unit that receives user input and is located on the front of the housing of the information processing device 10. It is operated to turn the power supply of the information processing device 10 to the main system 60 on or off. Hereinafter, "main power on" means that the main system 60 is in an active state, and "main power off" means that the main system 60 is in a standby state. The power on LED 21 lights up when the main power button 20 is turned on, and the standby LED 22 lights up when the main power button 20 is turned off.

[0039] The system controller 24 detects when the user presses the main power button 20. When the main power is off and the main power button 20 is pressed, the system controller 24 recognizes the press as an "on command". On the other hand, when the main power is on and the main power button 20 is pressed, the system controller 24 recognizes the press as an "off command". The system controller 24 may also obtain power on / off commands similar to those described above from the operation input from the controller 6.

[0040] The main CPU has the function of executing game programs installed on a designated memory unit or ROM medium 44, while the sub-CPU does not have such a function. However, the sub-CPU has the function of accessing the memory unit and sending and receiving data to and from external devices. The sub-CPU is configured with only these limited processing functions and can therefore operate with less power consumption compared to the main CPU. These functions of the sub-CPU are executed when the main CPU is in standby mode.

[0041] Clock 26 is a real-time clock that generates current date and time information and supplies it to the system controller 24, subsystem 50, and main system 60.

[0042] The device controller 30 is configured as a Large-Scale Integrated Circuit (LSI) that performs information transfer between devices, similar to a southbridge. 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 absorbs the differences in electrical characteristics and data transfer speeds of each device and controls the timing of data transfer.

[0043] The media drive 32 is a drive device that drives a ROM medium 44 containing application software such as games and license information, and reads programs and data from the ROM medium 44. The ROM medium 44 is a read-only recording medium such as an optical disc, magneto-optical disc, or Blu-ray disc.

[0044] The USB module 34 is a module that connects to external devices via a USB cable. The flash memory 36 is an auxiliary storage device that constitutes the internal storage. The wireless communication module 38 communicates wirelessly with, for example, the controller 6 and headphones 8 using communication protocols such as Bluetooth (trademark or registered trademark) protocol or IEEE 802.11 protocol. The wired communication module 40 communicates with external devices via a wired connection and connects to the internet, servers, etc., via, for example, an access point (not shown).

[0045] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the functional blocks of the controller 6. Each block shown in the block diagrams of this specification can be realized in hardware terms by elements such as a computer processor, CPU, and memory, as well as electronic circuits and mechanical devices, and in software terms by computer programs loaded into memory, etc., but here we are depicting functional blocks that are realized through the cooperation of these. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be realized in various ways by combinations of hardware and software.

[0046] The controller 6 comprises a profile storage unit 100 and a processing unit 102. The profile storage unit 100 is implemented by the storage unit 92 shown in Figure 3. The processing unit 102 performs various information processing. The processing unit 102 is implemented by the processor 96 shown in Figure 3.

[0047] The profile storage unit 100 stores profile information of the controller 6. The profile storage unit 100 stores each of the multiple profile information, associating each with a different operation button 76. In this embodiment, the profile storage unit 100 stores up to four profile information, associating each of the four operation buttons 76 (○ button 72, × button 73, □ button 74, △ button 75).

[0048] The processing unit 102 includes an operation detection unit 104, an operation information generation unit 106, an operation information transmission unit 108, a modification unit 110, a notification unit 112, and a setting update unit 114. A computer program (e.g., firmware) implementing at least some of these functions may be stored in the storage unit 92 of the controller 6. The processor 96 of the controller 6 may perform at least some of these functions by reading this computer program into main memory and executing it.

[0049] The operation detection unit 104 detects user operations input to the controller 6. User operations include, for example, pressing buttons or tilting the analog stick 77.

[0050] The operation information generation unit 106 generates user operation information to be transmitted from the controller 6 to the information processing device 10 based on profile information to be applied to operations on the controller 6, selected by the user, and user operations input to the controller 6, detected by the operation detection unit 104. For example, when a first tilt amount operation is input to the analog stick 77, the operation information generation unit 106 may determine a second tilt amount of the analog stick 77 to be input to the information processing device 10 based on the sensitivity and dead zone size indicated by the profile information to be applied to operations on the controller 6. The operation information generation unit 106 may then generate operation information indicating the second tilt amount of the analog stick 77.

[0051] The operation information transmission unit 108 transmits the user's operation information generated by the operation information generation unit 106 to the information processing device 10.

[0052] When the modification unit 110 receives input for both the function button 88 (as the first button) and the operation button 76 (as the second button), it switches the profile information applied to the operation on the controller 6. Specifically, when the modification unit 110 receives input for both the function button 88 and a specific operation button 76, it switches the profile information applied to the operation on the controller 6 to the profile information associated with the specific function button 88 being operated from among the multiple profile information stored in the profile storage unit 100.

[0053] The notification unit 112 provides the user with at least one of several types of feedback when the profile information applied to the operation of the controller 6 is switched. The notification unit 112 has several types of feedback systems for informing the user when the profile information applied to the operation of the controller 6 is switched.

[0054] The setting update unit 114 updates the profile information stored in the profile storage unit 100 based on the profile information update data transmitted from the information processing device 10.

[0055] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the functional blocks of the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 comprises a storage unit 200 and a processing unit 210. The processing unit 210 performs various information processing. The processing unit 210 is implemented by the processor of the information processing device 10, and may be implemented, for example, by the main system 60 shown in Figure 4. The storage unit 200 stores data that is referenced or updated by the processing unit 210. The storage unit 200 may include the flash memory 36 and ROM medium 44 shown in Figure 4.

[0056] The storage unit 200 includes an application storage unit 202 and a profile storage unit 204. The application storage unit 202 stores data for applications (in this embodiment, a game program) that can be executed on the information processing device 10.

[0057] The profile storage unit 204 stores the profile information of the controller 6. At least some (up to four profile information entries) of the multiple profile information entries stored in the profile storage unit 204 correspond to the profile information stored in the controller 6.

[0058] The processing unit 210 includes a profile information acquisition unit 212, an operation information reception unit 214, an application execution unit 216, a settings screen generation 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 implementing at least some of these multiple functions may be stored in the storage unit 200 of the information processing device 10. The processor of the information processing device 10 (for example, the main system 60) may perform at least some of these multiple functions by reading this computer program into main memory and executing it.

[0059] The profile information acquisition unit 212 acquires profile information stored in the controller 6 from the controller 6 connected to the information processing device 10, and stores the acquired profile information in the profile storage unit 204. For example, the profile information acquisition unit 212 acquires multiple user-selectable profile information stored in the controller 6.

[0060] The operation information receiving unit 214 receives user operation information for the controller 6 transmitted from the controller 6 connected to the information processing device 10.

[0061] The application execution unit 216 executes the application program (a game program in this embodiment) stored in the application storage unit 202. The application execution unit 216 advances the game according to the user's operation information to the controller 6 and sequentially generates images (hereinafter also referred to as "game screens") that show the progress of the game.

[0062] The settings screen generation unit 218 detects, during game execution (for example, while the game screen is displayed), that a predetermined operation has been input using the function button 88 as the first button, based on user operation information to the controller 6. When the settings screen generation unit 218 detects that a predetermined operation has been input using the function button 88, it generates information related to the profile information acquired by the profile information acquisition unit 212 and stored in the profile storage unit 204. As will be described later, the information related to the profile information includes a function menu window and a profile information settings screen.

[0063] The display control unit 220 displays the game screen on the display device 4 by outputting the game screen data generated by the application execution unit 216 to the display device 4. The display control unit 220 also displays the information related to the controller 6 profile information generated by the settings screen generation unit 218 on the display device 4 by outputting that information to the display device 4.

[0064] The audio processing unit 221 controls the audio output from speakers or other devices connected to the information processing device 10. For example, the audio processing unit 221 sends the audio signal of the game generated by the application execution unit 216 to the headphones 8, causing the game audio to be output from the headphones 8. Alternatively, the audio processing unit 221 sends the game audio to the controller 6, causing it to be output from the speaker 84 built into the controller 6. Furthermore, the audio processing unit 221 sends the audio signal of chat (e.g., speech from another user) input to the information processing device 10 from an external device to the headphones 8, causing the chat audio to be output from the headphones 8. The audio processing unit 221 may mix the game audio and chat audio and output them from the headphones 8, or it may output them from the speaker 84 of the controller 6.

[0065] The update instruction unit 224 sends an update instruction to the controller 6 in response to the user's operation on the profile information settings screen. The update instruction unit 224 stores the edited profile information on the profile information settings screen in the controller 6; in other words, it reflects the edits made on the profile information settings screen in the profile information stored in the controller 6.

[0066] The notification unit 222 provides predetermined feedback to the user when the profile information applied to the operation of the controller 6 is switched. 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 multiple types of feedback systems for informing the user when the profile information applied to the operation of the controller 6 is switched.

[0067] Multiple types of feedback systems are means or mechanisms that provide information perceived by different types of user senses, and include hardware and software. The information provided to the user by a feedback system is also called "feedback." Feedback includes various physical phenomena using hardware and includes physical stimuli to the user.

[0068] Multiple types of feedback systems include feedback systems that provide visual information as feedback and feedback systems that provide tactile information as feedback. Visual information, also known as visual stimuli, is information (e.g., images) perceived by human vision. Hardware that provides visual information as feedback includes either or both the light-emitting unit 86 of the controller 6 and a display device 4 different from the controller 6. Tactile information, also known as tactile stimuli, is information (e.g., vibration) perceived by human touch. Hardware that provides tactile information as feedback includes the vibrator 90 of the controller 6.

[0069] When the profile information applied to the operation of the controller 6 is switched, the notification unit of the information processing system 1 provides the user with one or more types of feedback selected by the user from among several types of feedback. Specifically, when the profile information applied to the operation of the controller 6 is switched, the notification unit of the information processing system 1 activates one or more feedback systems corresponding to one or more types of feedback selected by the user from among several types of feedback systems.

[0070] The operation of the information processing system 1 with the above configuration will now be explained. 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 it in the profile storage unit 204. Furthermore, in the following explanation, it will be assumed 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.

[0071] First, let's explain the operation related to switching profiles. Figure 7 shows an example of switching profiles using the function button 88.

[0072] In Case 1, the user grasps the controller 6 and presses the function button 88 as the first button while simultaneously pressing the triangle button 75 as the second button. In this case, when the controller 6's modification unit 110 detects the press of the triangle button 75 while detecting the press of the function button 88, it switches to the profile information associated with the triangle button 75 (e.g., default profile). Although not shown, if the user presses the cross button 73 while pressing the function button 88, the controller 6's modification unit 110 switches to the profile information associated with the cross button 73 (e.g., fighting profile 1).

[0073] In Case 2, the user inputs a long press operation on the function button 88. In this embodiment, the long press operation is a press operation that continues for 400 milliseconds or more. The setting screen generation unit 218 of the information processing device 10 detects the long press operation on the function button 88 and generates 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 press the function button 88 and the triangle button 75 after the function menu window is displayed, the controller 6's change unit 110 detects the press of the triangle button 75 while detecting the press of the function button 88, and switches to the profile information associated with the triangle button 75 (e.g., default profile). When the user stops pressing the function button 88, the display control unit 220 of the information processing device 10 terminates the display of the function menu window on the game screen.

[0074] Case 3 illustrates a scenario where the user presses the △ button 75 before the function button 88 reaches a press time of 400 milliseconds (i.e., before the function menu window 302 is displayed), and then the function button 88 reaches a press time of 400 milliseconds. In this case, the change unit 110 of the controller 6 detects the press of the △ button 75 while detecting the press of the function button 88, and switches to the profile information associated with the △ button 75 (e.g., the default profile). On the other hand, the display control unit 220 of the information processing device 10 detects that another button (in this case, the △ button 75) has been operated before the function button 88 reaches a press time of 400 milliseconds, and suppresses the display of the function menu window 302.

[0075] The change unit 110 of the controller 6 notifies the operation information generation unit 106 when a profile information switching operation is performed. The operation information generation unit 106 generates user operation information based on the currently selected profile information, and when a profile information switching operation is performed, based on the profile information selected by that operation. For example, the operation information generation unit 106 generates operation information for the analog stick 77 based on the amount of tilt of the analog stick 77 by the user and the sensitivity and dead zone settings indicated by the currently selected profile information. The application execution unit 216 of the information processing device 10 executes the application (game program) based on the operation information sent from the controller 6 that reflects the currently selected profile information.

[0076] Figure 8 shows an example of a function menu window. As previously described, the function menu window 302 is displayed superimposed on the screen showing the application execution results (game screen 300 in the figure). The function menu window 302 includes a list of multiple profile information that the user can select on the controller 6, as information related to the profile information of the controller 6. The list of profile information includes information on the operation button 76 associated with each of the multiple profile information. The list of profile information may also include the profile ID, name, and corresponding button information. The function menu window 302 in Figure 8 shows that the default profile is associated with the △ button 75 and the fighting profile 1 is associated with the × button 73.

[0077] The selected profile indicator 304 is an object that indicates the profile information currently selected in the controller 6. When the profile information applied to an operation in the controller 6 is switched, the notification unit 112 of the controller 6 notifies the information processing device 10 of the profile information to be applied after the switch (i.e., the currently selected profile information). The setting screen generation unit 218 of the information processing device 10 adds the selected profile indicator 304 to the currently selected profile information among the profile information set in the function menu window 302.

[0078] Furthermore, the function menu window 302 presents the profile information customization function in association with an image showing the OPTIONS button 82. The profile information customization function using the function button 88 and the OPTIONS button 82 will be described later in relation to Figure 12.

[0079] Furthermore, the function menu window 302 includes information on shortcut assignments for voice control. For example, the function menu window 302 in Figure 8 shows that the up button 71a and down button 71c of the controller 6 function as shortcut keys for adjusting the volume of the headphones 8. In addition, the function menu window 302 in Figure 8 shows that the left button 71b and right button 71d of the controller 6 function as shortcut keys for adjusting the balance between game volume and chat volume.

[0080] When the controller 6's modification unit 110 receives input for both the operation of the function button 88 (the first button) and the operation of the directional button 71 (the second button), it further performs modification processing related to audio output. In this embodiment, when the controller 6's modification unit 110 receives input for both the operation of the function button 88 and the operation of the directional button 71, it sends an instruction to the information processing device 10 to modify the audio output. The audio processing unit 221 of the information processing device 10 changes the mode of audio output from the audio output device (in this embodiment, headphones 8 or the speaker 84 of the controller 6) in response to the instruction from the controller 6.

[0081] Specifically, when the controller 6's modification unit 110 receives input for operation of the function button 88 along with an operation of the up button 71a or down button 71c, it sends a signal to the information processing unit 10 instructing it to change the volume of the headphones 8 or the controller 6's speaker 84. For example, operation of the function button 88 + up button 71a may instruct an increase in volume, and operation of the function button 88 + down button 71c may instruct a decrease in volume. The audio processing unit 221 of the information processing unit 10 changes the volume of the audio (e.g., game audio or chat audio) output from the headphones 8 or the controller 6's speaker 84 according to the above signal received from the controller 6.

[0082] Furthermore, when an operation is input to the left button 71b or right button 71d along with the function button 88, the modification unit 110 of the controller 6 sends a signal to the information processing unit 10 instructing adjustment of the balance between game volume and chat volume. For example, the operation of the function button 88 + left button 71b may instruct a decrease in the chat volume ratio, and the operation of the function button 88 + right button 71d may instruct an increase in the chat volume ratio. The audio processing unit 221 of the information processing unit 10 changes the balance between the game volume output from the headphones 8 or the speaker 84 of the controller 6 and the chat volume according to the above signal received from the controller 6.

[0083] Figure 9 shows an example of changing the audio output using the function button 88. In Case 1, the user grasps the controller 6 and presses the function button 88 while simultaneously pressing the up button 71a. In this case, the change unit 110 of the controller 6 works in conjunction with the audio processing unit 221 of the information processing device 10 to increase the volume of the audio output from the headphones 8 by one unit.

[0084] In Case 2, the user inputs a long press operation on the function button 88, but also starts pressing the up button 71a before the press time of the function button 88 reaches 400 milliseconds. In this case, the modification unit 110 of the controller 6 gradually increases the volume of the sound output from the headphones 8 and the speaker 84 of the controller 6 during the period when the up button 71a is held down. In addition, the display control unit 220 of the information processing device 10 detects that another button (in this case, the up button 71a) has been operated before the press time of the function button 88 reaches 400 milliseconds, and suppresses the display of the function menu window 302.

[0085] In Case 2, the user continues to press the up button 71a even after finishing the operation of the function button 88. The controller 6's modification unit 110 does not increase the volume of the audio output from the headphones 8 even if it detects that the up button 71a has been pressed after the function button 88 has been pressed. The application execution unit 216 of the information processing device 10 may recognize the pressing of the up button 71a after the function button 88 has been pressed as an operation on the game and reflect it in the game's progress.

[0086] In Case 3, the user inputs a long press operation on the function button 88, and after 400 milliseconds have elapsed since the function button 88 was pressed, the user presses the up button 71a multiple times. The setting screen generation unit 218 of the information processing device 10 detects the long press operation on the function button 88 and generates a function menu window, and the display control unit 220 displays the function menu window overlaid on the game screen. The display control unit 220 terminates the display of the function menu window when the long press operation on the function button 88 ends. The modification unit 110 of the controller 6 gradually increases the volume of the sound output from the headphones 8 according to the number of times the up button 71a was pressed during the period in which the function button 88 was held down.

[0087] Figure 10 shows an example of using the function button 88 to perform both profile switching and audio output change. The user presses the up button 71a before pressing the function button 88, and while continuing to hold down the up button 71a, begins to long-press the function button 88. Because the up button 71a is pressed before the function button 88 is pressed, no special action (e.g., volume increase processing) is performed at the timing of the function button 88 press. The application execution unit 216 of the information processing device 10 recognizes the press of the up button 71a before the operation of the function button 88 as an operation on the game and reflects it in the progress of the game.

[0088] The user presses the △ button 75, the down button 71c, and the × button 73 in sequence while holding down the function button 88. When the controller 6's modification unit 110 detects the press of the △ button 75, it switches to the profile information associated with the △ button 75 (e.g., default profile). During the period when the function button 88 is held down and the down button 71c is held down, the controller 6's modification unit 110 gradually decreases the volume of the sound output from the headphones 8. When the controller 6's modification unit 110 detects the press of the × button 73 along with the press of the function button 88, it switches to the profile information associated with the × button 73 (e.g., fighting profile 1).

[0089] Thus, when an operation is input to both the function button 88 and the operation button 76, the modification unit 110 of the controller 6 performs modification processing related to a setting item that is determined by a single press (in other words, a single operation). In this embodiment, the setting item that is determined by a single press is the profile information of the controller 6, but as a variation, it may be the application to be executed, or the object of operation within the application (for example, a game character, etc.).

[0090] Furthermore, when an operation is input to both the function button 88 and the direction button 71, the controller 6's modification unit 110 performs modification processing on setting items whose values ​​change continuously. In this embodiment, the setting items whose values ​​change continuously are volume and sound balance, but as a variation, they may be the brightness, lightness, saturation, etc., of the application's image, or the movement speed of the object being manipulated within the application (e.g., a game character, etc.).

[0091] According to the information processing system 1 of the embodiment, the user can quickly switch the profile information applied to the operation of the controller 6, thereby improving the usability of the controller 6. For example, if the user knows which operation button 76 is associated with the desired profile information to switch to, they can switch to the desired profile information with a single operation using the function button 88 and the operation button 76, regardless of what profile information is currently selected. In other words, the user can switch the profile information applied to the operation of the controller 6 without taking their eyes off the screen while the game is running. Furthermore, according to the information processing system 1 of the embodiment, by performing the switching of profile information in a command manner, special hardware for switching profile information is not required.

[0092] Next, the operation of notifying the user of the switching of profile information will be described. When the change unit 110 of the controller 6 switches the profile information to be applied to the operation, the notification unit 112 of the controller 6 can control the operation of one or both of the light-emitting unit 86 and the vibrator 90 according to a predetermined feedback setting. That is, the notification unit 112 can provide the user with feedback using one or both of the visual information and the tactile information in response to a single switching of the profile information.

[0093] For example, if the controller's indicator is selected as the feedback system, the notification unit 112 may send a signal to the light-emitting unit 86 instructing it to emit light for a predetermined time in a manner that indicates that the profile information has switched. In this case, the light-emitting unit 86 emits light in the manner described above, providing the user with visual feedback indicating that the profile has switched. Alternatively, if the controller's vibration is selected as the feedback system, the notification unit 112 may send a signal to the vibrator 90 instructing it to vibrate for a predetermined time. In this case, the vibrator 90 vibrates, providing the user with tactile feedback indicating that the profile has switched.

[0094] When the change unit 110 of the controller 6 switches the profile information to be applied to the operation, the notification unit 112 of the controller 6 further notifies the information processing device 10 of the profile information switch by sending data indicating that the profile information has been switched to the information processing device 10. The notification unit 222 of the information processing device 10 displays information (images, messages, etc.) indicating that the profile information has been switched on the display device 4 if the controller 6 has notified the information information switch and screen notification is specified as the feedback system in the predetermined feedback settings. The information information switch may be displayed overlaid on an image of the running application displayed on the display device 4. In this case, the user is provided with feedback using visual information indicating the profile switch. That is, the visual information as feedback may be displayed on both the display unit of the controller 6 (light-emitting unit 86 in this embodiment) and a display device 4 different from the controller 6, depending on the user's settings.

[0095] The setting screen generation unit 218 of the information processing device 10 generates data for a screen (hereinafter also referred to as the "feedback setting screen") that sets the type of feedback for profile switching in response to user operations. The display control unit 220 displays the feedback setting screen on the display device 4. The feedback setting screen may also be one of the system setting screens of the information processing device 10.

[0096] Figure 11 shows an example of the feedback settings screen. The feedback settings screen 330 includes information indicating multiple types of feedback systems that the user can select. As previously described, the multiple types of feedback systems use different hardware from each other and specifically include (1) controller indicator (a feedback system using the light-emitting part 86 of the controller 6), (2) controller vibration (a feedback system using the vibrator 90 of the controller 6), and (3) screen notification (a feedback system using the display device 4).

[0097] A soft switch 332 is placed in the area of ​​each feedback system on the feedback setting screen 330. The user sets the soft switch 332 corresponding to the desired feedback system to ON. In the feedback setting screen 330 of this embodiment, any feedback mode can be selected from no feedback (all three feedback systems are set to OFF) to parallel execution of the three types of feedback (all three feedback systems are set to ON).

[0098] The notification unit 222 of the information processing device 10 stores information from the settings of the feedback setting screen 330 indicating whether feedback via screen notification is on or off. If feedback via screen notification is set to on, the notification unit 222 notifies the user of the change in profile information via the screen of the display device 4. The notification unit 222 also transmits the settings of the feedback setting screen 330 to the controller 6.

[0099] The notification unit 112 of the controller 6 stores information from the settings of the feedback setting screen 330 indicating whether the controller 6's indicator feedback is on or off, and information indicating whether the controller 6's vibration feedback is on or off. When the controller 6's indicator feedback is set to on, the notification unit 112 notifies the user of the profile information change using the light-emitting unit 86. When the controller 6's vibration feedback is set to on, the notification unit 112 notifies the user of the profile information change using the vibrator 90.

[0100] According to the information processing system 1 of the embodiment, when the profile information applied to the operation of the controller 6 is switched, feedback can be provided in a way that is convenient for the user. In addition, the information processing system 1 makes it easier for the user to recognize that the setting information has been switched.

[0101] Next, the operation related to setting and editing profiles will be explained. Figure 12 schematically shows the screen transitions related to setting profiles. While the application is running (in this embodiment, while the game screen 300 is being displayed), the setting screen generation unit 218 of the information processing device 10 detects that an operation has been input to both the function button 88, which is the first button, and the OPTIONS button 82, which is the second button, based on the user's operation information to the controller 6. When the setting screen generation unit 218 detects that an operation has been input to both the function button 88 and the OPTIONS button 82, it generates data for the profile information setting screen (hereinafter also referred to as the "profile setting screen"). The display control unit 220 of the information processing device 10 displays the profile setting screen on the display device 4 instead of the game screen 300.

[0102] The profile settings screen includes the profile top screen 310 and the profile editing screen 320. When the OPTIONS button 82 is pressed along with the function button 88 while the game screen 300 (which may include the function menu window 302) is displayed, the screen usually transitions from the game screen 300 to the profile top screen 310.

[0103] The profile top screen 310 is a screen for selecting profile information to be stored in the controller 6 and profile information to be erased (deleted) from the controller 6. The profile top screen 310 includes a profile creation button 312 and the profile information to be stored in the controller 6. The profile creation button 312 is a soft button for creating a new profile, and pressing the profile creation button 312 transitions to the profile editing screen 320, which will be described later.

[0104] The profile information on the profile top screen 310 can be set to 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 profile ID, name, and corresponding button information, and an image indicating the type of operation button 76 associated with each profile information is attached. In addition, each profile information is set to record button 314, delete button 316, and edit button 318. The arbitrary profile information may be profile information previously set by the user in the information processing device 10, or profile information set by other users that has been downloaded via the network.

[0105] The record button 314 is a soft button for recording the corresponding profile information to the controller 6. When the user selects the record button 314 corresponding to a certain profile information, the update instruction unit 224 of the information processing device 10 sends a signal to the controller 6 instructing it to store that profile information. The setting update unit 114 of the controller 6 stores the profile information specified by the above signal in the profile storage unit 100.

[0106] 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 a certain profile information, the update instruction unit 224 of the information processing device 10 sends a signal to the controller 6 instructing it to delete that profile information. The setting update unit 114 of the controller 6 erases the profile information specified by the above signal from the profile storage unit 100.

[0107] The edit button 318 is a soft button for editing the corresponding profile information. When the user selects an edit button 318 corresponding to a certain profile information, the setting screen generation unit 218 of the information processing device 10 generates data for a profile editing screen 320 with the current setting values ​​defined by that profile information. The display control unit 220 displays the profile editing screen 320 on the display device 4.

[0108] The profile editing screen 320 is a screen in which the user edits the contents of a new profile or an existing profile (for example, profile information stored in controller 6). The profile editing screen 320 includes screen elements for editing function assignments to buttons, screen elements for adjusting the sensitivity of analog stick 77, and screen elements for adjusting the dead zone of analog stick 77.

[0109] In this embodiment, the update instruction unit 224 of the information processing device 10 reflects the edited content in the specific profile information stored in the profile storage unit 204 whenever a specific profile is edited on the profile editing screen 320, and transmits the edited content to the controller 6 each time. The setting update unit 114 of the controller 6 reflects the edited content on the profile editing screen 320 in the specific profile information stored in the profile storage unit 100. As a variation, the timing of reflecting the edited content on the profile editing screen 320 in the profile information stored in the information processing device 10 and the controller 6 may be the timing of transitioning from the profile editing screen 320 to another screen.

[0110] If the system detects that the user has entered a predetermined back operation while the profile editing screen 320 is displayed, the display control unit 220 of the information processing device 10 terminates the display of the profile editing screen 320 and displays the profile top screen 310 again. Also, if the system detects that the user has operated the function button 88 while simultaneously operating the OPTIONS button 82 while the profile top screen 310 is displayed, the display control unit 220 terminates the display of the profile top screen 310 and displays the game screen 300 again.

[0111] In this embodiment, the profile editing screen 320 may be displayed while the application is running (for example, while the game screen 300 is being displayed). For example, the profile editing screen 320 may be displayed from the game screen 300 via the profile top screen 310. In this way, if the game is running in the background and the user has operated the function button 88 while the OPTIONS button 82 is being displayed, the display control unit 220 of the information processing device 10 will terminate the display of the profile editing screen 320 and display the game screen 300 again. That is, it will directly transition from the profile editing screen 320 to the game screen 300.

[0112] Furthermore, if the display control unit 220 detects that the user has operated the function button 88 while operating the OPTIONS button 82 during the display of the game screen 300, and the most recently displayed profile settings screen was the profile editing screen 320, it terminates the display of the game screen 300 and displays the same profile editing screen 320 again. The same profile editing screen 320 edits the same profile information as the profile editing screen 320 from which the transition to the game screen 300 originated.

[0113] In other words, the display control unit 220, on the condition that the user has directly transitioned from the profile editing screen 320 to the game screen 300, will not transition to the profile top screen 310 in response to the operation of the function button 88 + OPTIONS button 82 on the game screen 300, but will instead directly transition back to the profile editing screen 320, which was the source of the transition to the game screen 300. The display control unit 220 determines the screen transition in response to the operation of the first button and a predetermined second button (function button 88 + OPTIONS button 82) while the game screen 300 is displayed, according to the screen transition history.

[0114] Additionally, a back button 322 is placed on the profile editing screen 320. The back button 322 is a soft button used to transition to the screen of the currently running application. When the display control unit 220 displays the profile editing screen 320 while the game is running in the background, it sets the appearance of the back button 322 to indicate that it is active.

[0115] If the user selects the active back button 322 on the profile editing screen 320, the display control unit 220 terminates the display of the profile editing screen 320 and displays the game screen 300 again, similar to when the function button 88 + OPTIONS button 82 is pressed. In other words, it transitions directly from the profile editing screen 320 to the game screen 300. Even if the user transitions directly from the profile editing screen 320 to the game screen 300 using the back button 322, if the function button 88 + OPTIONS button 82 is pressed on the game screen 300, the user will transition directly from the game screen 300 to the profile editing screen 320.

[0116] According to the information processing system 1 of the embodiment, when a user inputs a predetermined operation using the function button 88 of the controller 6 while the application is running, information related to the profile information of the controller 6 is presented to the user. This supports the user's operation regarding the controller 6's profile. For example, by displaying the function menu window 302 when the function button 88 is pressed and held, multiple profile options that the user can select are presented to the user, and the user's selection of profile information can be supported.

[0117] Furthermore, in setting profile information, the user can easily (1) edit profile information on the profile editing screen 320, (2) move to the game screen 300 to check the results of the edited profile information (for example, checking the movement of the game character), and (3) return to the same profile editing screen 320 as in (1) and edit the profile information again based on the results of the check in (2). In other words, the information processing device 10 can help the user efficiently optimize profile information through trial and error.

[0118] The present invention has been described above based on examples. These examples are illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in combinations of each component and each processing process, and that such modifications also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0119] A modified example will be described. The notification unit of the information processing system 1 (for example, one or both of the notification unit 112 of the controller 6 and the notification unit 222 of the information processing device 10) may further include a feedback system that provides auditory information as feedback indicating the switching of profile information of the controller 6. Auditory information can also be called auditory stimuli, and is information perceived by human hearing (for example, a speech signal).

[0120] For example, the feedback settings screen 330 may allow the user to select voice feedback as the feedback system when switching profile information. The notification unit 112 of the controller 6 may output a predetermined sound from the speaker (not shown) of the controller 6 to indicate that the profile information has been switched when the profile information has been switched and voice feedback has been selected as the feedback system. In addition, the notification unit 222 of the information processing device 10 may output a predetermined sound from the headphones 8 to indicate that the profile information has been switched when the profile information has been switched and voice feedback has been selected as the feedback system when switching profiles.

[0121] In this modified version, the notification unit of the information processing system 1 may provide the user with feedback using at least two of the following: visual information, tactile information, and auditory information, triggered by a single profile information switch. While the most convenient feedback method may differ for each user, this modified version, by adding auditory feedback, makes it easier to provide feedback on profile switching in a way that is convenient for each user. It also makes it easier for the user to recognize that the profile information has been switched.

[0122] Let's describe another variation. The setting screen generation unit 218 of the information processing device 10 may generate a setting screen (also called the "menu setting screen") in which the user sets the content displayed in the function menu window 302 according to the user's operation. The display control unit 220 may display the menu setting screen on the display device 4. The menu setting screen may allow the user to select one of several patterns regarding the display content. The setting screen generation unit 218 may generate a function menu window 302 that includes the content defined by the pattern selected on the menu setting screen.

[0123] The menu settings screen may offer multiple display patterns, including "All Functions," "Assigned Profile," and "Selected Profile." The "All Functions" pattern displays a list of all setting change functions using the function button 88, as shown in Figure 8. The "Assigned Profile" pattern displays a list of profile information currently assigned to the operation button 76 of the controller 6 (in the example in Figure 8, this would be the default profile, sniper rifle profile, melee profile 1, and melee profile 2). The "Selected Profile" pattern displays the profile information currently selected on the controller 6 (in the example in Figure 8, this would be melee profile 1).

[0124] Any combination of the above-described embodiments and modifications is also useful as an embodiment of the present invention. The new embodiments resulting from these combinations possess the combined effects of each of the embodiments and modifications. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the functions to be performed by each component described in the claims can be achieved by each component shown in the embodiments and modifications individually or in combination thereof.

[0125] The technical concepts described in the above embodiments and modifications can be expressed in the manner described in the following sections. [Item 1-1] The first button, A second button, which is different from the first button mentioned above, A storage unit that stores setting information related to the operation of the control device, When an operation is performed on both the first and second buttons, a change unit switches the setting information to be applied to the operation of the control device. An operating device equipped with the following features. This control device allows users to quickly switch between settings applied to the operation, thereby improving the convenience of the control device. [Item 1-2] The system further includes a generation unit that generates user operation information to be transmitted from the operating device to an external information processing device based on setting information applied to the operation of the operating device. The operating device described in item 1-1. This operating device allows the user's selected settings to be reflected in the user's operation information transmitted from the operating device to the information processing device. [Item 1-3] The memory unit stores each of the multiple setting information, associating them with different second buttons. The modification unit, when an operation is input for a specific second button along with an operation for the first button, switches the setting information applied to the operation of the control device to the setting information associated with the specific second button. The operating device described in item 1-1 or 1-2. This operating device allows users to quickly and easily switch between multiple configuration settings to their desired setting. [Item 1-4] The second button includes a button used for operating the application and a button used for operating the system. An operating device as described in any of items 1-1 to 1-3. This control device allows the user to quickly instruct the execution of various processes related to switching setting information by combining the first button with a button used for operating the application, or by combining the first button with a button used for operating the system. [Items 1-5] The storage unit stores the setting information in association with the buttons used to operate the application. When an operation on the first button is input along with an operation on a button used to operate the application, the modification unit switches the setting information applied to the operation on the control device to the setting information associated with the button used to operate the application. The operating device described in items 1-4. This control device allows users to quickly switch between settings using buttons used to operate the application. [Items 1-6] The modification unit further performs modification processing related to audio output when an operation on a button used to operate the application is input along with an operation on the first button. The operating device described in item 1-4 or 1-5. According to this control device, the user can further change the manner of audio output using buttons used to operate the application. [Items 1-7] The second button includes a directional key and a specific button different from the directional key. The modification unit switches the setting information applied to the operation of the control device when an operation to the first button is input along with an operation to the specific button, and when an operation to the directional key is input along with an operation to the first button, it performs modification processing for setting items whose values ​​change continuously. An operating device as described in any of items 1-1 to 1-3. This control device enables environment modification processes that are tailored to the type of button being operated, such as specific buttons or directional keys (for example, switching setting information or modifying setting items whose values ​​change continuously). [Items 1-8] The aforementioned second button includes multiple types of buttons, The modification unit switches the setting information applied to the operation of the control device, or performs modification processing related to audio output, depending on the type of operation input to the second button along with the operation of the first button. An operating device as described in any of items 1-1 to 1-3. This control device enables environmental modification processes (for example, switching setting information or modifying audio output) that are appropriate for the type of button being operated. [Items 1-9] The first button, A second button, which is different from the first button mentioned above, A storage unit that stores setting information related to the operation of the control device, Equipped with a processor, When an operation is input for both the first and second buttons, the processor switches the setting information to be applied to the operation of the control device. Operating device. This control device allows users to quickly switch between settings applied to the operation, thereby improving the convenience of the control device. [Items 1-10] An information processing device that runs an application, Equipped with an operating device, The aforementioned operating device is The first button, A second button, which is different from the first button mentioned above, A storage unit that stores setting information related to the operation of the aforementioned operating device, A generation unit that generates user operation information based on the aforementioned setting information, When an operation is performed on both the first and second buttons, a change unit switches the setting information to be applied to the operation of the control device. It has, The information processing device receives the operation information transmitted from the operating device and executes the application based on the operation information. Information processing system. According to this information processing system, by executing the application based on operation information that reflects the settings selected by the user, the application's progress can be better reflected in the user's intentions and actions. [Item 1-11] When the operating device modification unit receives input for both the first button and a button used to operate the application, it transmits an instruction to the information processing device to modify the audio output. The information processing device changes the manner of audio output from the audio output device in response to an instruction to change the audio output. The information processing system described in item 1-10. According to this information processing system, users can quickly implement changes related to audio output in a manner similar to changing configuration information. [Item 1-12] An operating device comprising a first button, a second button different from the first button, and a storage unit for storing setting information related to the operation of the operating device, A computer program for implementing a function that switches the setting information applied to the operation of the operating device when an operation is input for the second button along with an operation for the first button. According to this computer program, users can quickly switch the setting information applied to the operation of the control device, thereby improving the convenience of the control device.

[0126] [Item 2-1] An acquisition unit that acquires setting information related to the operation of the operating device stored in the operating device, When it is detected that a predetermined operation has been input using the first button provided on the operating device while the application is running, the display control unit displays information related to the setting information regarding the operation on the operating device acquired by the acquisition unit on the display unit. An information processing device equipped with the following features. According to this information processing device, when a user inputs a predetermined operation using the first button of the control device while an application is running, it can present the user with information related to the settings information for the operation of the control device and assist the user in performing operations related to the settings information. [Item 2-2] The acquisition unit acquires a plurality of user-selectable setting information stored in the operating device, The display control unit displays a list of the multiple setting information as information related to setting information for operation of the operating device. The information processing device described in item 2-1. This information processing device can provide the user with information about multiple selectable settings, thereby assisting the user in selecting the appropriate settings. [Item 2-3] The aforementioned predetermined operation is a long press operation on the first button. The information processing device described in item 2-2. According to this information processing device, the user can be provided with information about multiple selectable settings in response to a simple operation of the first button. [Item 2-4] Each of the multiple pieces of setting information acquired by the acquisition unit is associated with a different second button provided on the operating device. The list includes information about the second button associated with each of the multiple setting information items. An information processing device as described in item 2-2 or 2-3. This information processing device can assist users in selecting their desired configuration information from among multiple configuration options. [Item 2-5] The aforementioned list includes, in addition to the multiple setting information, information on voice control shortcut assignments. An information processing device as described in any of items 2-2 to 2-4. According to this information processing device, it can further support voice control by the user. [Item 2-6] When the display control unit detects that an operation has been performed on the first button and an operation on a second button different from the first button, it displays the setting information screen as information related to the setting information for the operation of the operating device. An information processing device as described in any of items 2-1 to 2-5. According to this information processing device, a settings screen can be provided to the user in response to simple user operations. [Item 2-7] The aforementioned settings screen is a screen for selecting setting information to be stored in the operating device or to be deleted from the operating device. Information processing device as described in item 2-6. This information processing device can assist the user in selecting which setting information to store in the operating device or erase from the operating device. [Item 2-8] The aforementioned settings screen is a screen for editing the contents of the setting information stored in the operating device. Information processing device as described in item 2-6. This information processing device can assist users in editing configuration information. [Item 2-9] If the display control unit detects that an operation on the first button and an operation on a second button different from the first button have been input while the application screen is being displayed, and the most recently displayed setting information screen was a screen for editing the contents of the setting information, then it displays the same screen for editing the contents of the setting information. Information processing device as described in item 2-8. This information processing device enables direct screen transitions between application screens and configuration information settings screens, thereby assisting users in efficiently editing configuration information while confirming the results. [Item 2-10] The screen for editing the aforementioned configuration information contains buttons that transition to the screen of the currently running application. An information processing device as described in item 2-8 or 2-9. This information processing device enables direct screen transitions between application screens and configuration information settings screens, thereby assisting users in efficiently editing configuration information while confirming the results. [Item 2-11] With an additional update section, The display control unit displays the setting information screen as information related to the setting information for operation of the operating device. The update unit stores the setting information edited on the setting screen in the operating device. An information processing device as described in any of items 2-1 to 2-10. According to this information processing device, the user's edits to the settings information on the settings screen can be reflected in the operating device. [Item 2-12] Equipped with a processor, The processor includes the step of acquiring setting information related to operations on the operating device, which is stored in the operating device. If it is detected that a predetermined operation has been input using the first button provided on the operating device while the application is running, the following steps are performed: display information related to the setting information regarding the operation on the operating device acquired in the acquisition step on the display unit. Information processing device. According to this information processing device, when a user inputs a predetermined operation using the first button of the control device while an application is running, it can present the user with information related to the settings information for the operation of the control device and assist the user in performing operations related to the settings information. [Item 2-13] An information processing device that runs an application, Equipped with an operating device, The operating device stores setting information related to the operation of the operating device, The aforementioned information processing device is An acquisition unit that acquires setting information related to the operation of the operating device stored in the operating device, The system includes a display control unit which, when it is detected that a predetermined operation has been input using a first button provided on the operating device during the execution of the aforementioned application, displays information related to the setting information concerning the operation to the operating device acquired by the acquisition unit on the display unit. Information processing system. According to this information processing system, when a user inputs a predetermined operation using the first button of the control device while the application is running, the system can present the user with information related to the settings for the operation of the control device and assist the user in performing operations related to the settings. [Item 2-14] A function to acquire setting information related to the operation of the operating device stored in the operating device, When it is detected that a predetermined operation has been input using the first button provided on the operating device while the application is running, the function displays information related to the setting information regarding the operation on the operating device acquired by the acquisition function on the display unit. A computer program to implement this in an information processing device. According to this computer program, when the user inputs a predetermined operation using the first button of the control device while the application is running, it can present the user with information related to the settings for operating the control device and assist the user in operating the control device.

[0127] [Item 3-1] It comprises an operating device and a notification unit, The operating device stores a plurality of setting information related to operations on the operating device that can be selected by the user. The notification unit has multiple types of feedback systems for informing the user when the setting information applicable to the operation of the operating device has been switched. Information processing system. This information processing system allows for user-friendly feedback when the settings applied to the operation of a control device are changed, and makes it easier for the user to recognize that the settings have been changed. [Item 3-2] The aforementioned multiple types of feedback systems provide information perceived by different types of senses. The information processing system described in item 3-1. This information processing system allows for user-friendly feedback and makes it easier for users to recognize when their settings have been changed. [Item 3-3] The aforementioned multiple types of feedback systems include a feedback system that provides visual information. Information processing systems as described in item 3-1 or 3-2. According to this information processing system, visual feedback can be provided to the user when visual perception is convenient for the user. [Item 3-4] The aforementioned visual information is displayed on the display unit of the operating device. The information processing system described in item 3-3. According to this information processing system, by displaying visual information as feedback on the operating device operated by the user, it becomes easier for the user to recognize that the setting information has been changed. [Item 3-5] The aforementioned visual information is displayed on a display device different from the aforementioned operating device. The information processing system described in item 3-3. This information processing system makes it easier for users to recognize that their settings have been switched when they view a display device different from the operating device. [Item 3-6] The aforementioned visual information is displayed on both the display unit of the operating device and a display device other than the operating device. The information processing system described in item 3-3. This information processing system makes it easier for users to recognize when their settings have been changed. [Item 3-7] The aforementioned multiple types of feedback systems include a feedback system that provides tactile information. An information processing system as described in any of items 3-1 to 3-6. According to this information processing system, tactile feedback can be provided to the user when tactile sensing is convenient for the user. [Item 3-8] The aforementioned multiple types of feedback systems include a feedback system that presents auditory information. An information processing system as described in any of items 3-1 through 3-7. According to this information processing system, auditory feedback can be provided to the user when auditory perception is convenient for the user. [Item 3-9] The notification unit provides feedback to the user using at least two of the following: visual information, tactile information, and auditory information. Information processing systems as described in item 3-1 or 3-2. This information processing system makes it easier for users to recognize when their settings have been changed. [Item 3-10] The notification unit provides the user with one or more types of feedback selected by the user from among the multiple types of feedback. Information processing systems as described in items 3-1 to 3-9. This information processing system allows users to provide feedback in a format that is convenient for them and that they have selected. [Item 3-11] Equipped with an operating device and a processor, The operating device stores a plurality of setting information related to operations on the operating device that can be selected by the user. When the setting information applied to the operation of the operating device is switched, the processor To present this to the user, activate at least one of several types of feedback systems. Information processing system. This information processing system allows for user-friendly feedback when the settings applied to the operation of a control device are changed, and makes it easier for the user to recognize that the settings have been changed. [Industrial applicability]

[0128] The present invention can be applied to a system that includes an operating device into which an operation is input. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 1 Information processing system, 4 Display device, 6 Controller, 10 Information processing device, 76 Operation buttons, 88 Function buttons, 100 Profile storage unit, 110 Change unit, 112 Notification unit, 212 Profile information acquisition unit, 220 Display control unit, 222 Notification unit.

Claims

[Claim 1] It comprises an operating device, a display device different from the operating device, and a notification unit. The operating device stores a plurality of setting information related to operations on the operating device that can be selected by the user. The display device displays the execution result of an application based on the operation input to the operating device. The operating device is provided with a first button and a plurality of second buttons different from the first button. Each of the aforementioned set information is associated with a different second button provided on the operating device. When the operation of the first button is performed along with the operation of a specific second button, the operating device switches to apply the setting information associated with the second button to the operation of the operating device. The notification unit has multiple types of feedback systems for informing the user when the setting information applicable to the operation of the operating device has been switched. The aforementioned multiple types of feedback systems include a feedback system that provides visual information, The visual information is displayed on both the display device and the display unit of the operating device. Information processing system.

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