Information processing system, controller, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

This information processing system comprises: a controller comprising an operator that is displaced from an initial position by an operation performed by a user, a restriction member that restricts the movable range of the position of the operator to a basic movable range defined as a two-dimensional region in a first state, a resistance unit that uses magneto-viscous fluid having viscosity that changes depending on the strength of an applied magnetic field and exhibiting a resistance that depends on the viscosity when the position of the operator is displaced, and a magnetic field generation unit that applies a magnetic field to the magneto-viscous fluid; and a circuit capable of controlling the magnetic field generation unit. The circuit is capable of switching between the first state and a second state. In the second state, the circuit controls the magnetic field generation unit so that the viscosity of the magneto-viscous fluid exhibits first viscosity when the operator is positioned in a first region, or controls the magnetic field generation unit so that the viscosity of the magneto-viscous fluid exhibits second viscosity different from the first viscosity when the operator is positioned in a second region different from the first region.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system including at least a controller having operators such as buttons and sticks, a controller, an information processing method, and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, controllers equipped with operators such as buttons and sticks have been known. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-004523 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Such controllers have room for improvement in terms of the amount of information and sensation that a user receives when operating the controls.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system, a controller, an information processing method, and an information processing program that can improve the amount of information and the sensation that a user receives when operating a control. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above object can be achieved, for example, by the following configuration example.

[0007] An example of the configuration is an information processing system including: an operator that is displaced from an initial position by a user's operation; a restricting member that restricts the range of motion of the position of the operator in a first state to a basic range of motion that is a two-dimensional region; a resistance unit using a magnetorheological fluid whose viscosity changes according to the strength of a magnetic field applied thereto and that provides resistance according to the viscosity when the position of the operator is displaced; a magnetic field generating unit that applies a magnetic field to the magnetorheological fluid; and a circuit that can control the magnetic field generating unit. The circuit is capable of switching between a first state and a second state. In the second state, when the operator is located in a first region that is a region included in the basic range of motion and that is a region including the initial position, the circuit controls the magnetic field generating unit so that the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid becomes a first viscosity, and when the operator is located in a second region that is a region included in the basic range of motion and different from the first region, the circuit controls the magnetic field generating unit so that the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid becomes a second viscosity different from the first viscosity.

[0008] According to the above configuration example, the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid can be changed according to the current position of the operator, which enables various expressions using the tactile sensation of the operator.

[0009] As another configuration example, the second viscosity may be set to be higher than the first viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid.

[0010] As another configuration example, the first viscosity may be a viscosity that allows the position of the manipulator to be displaced, and the second viscosity may be a viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid that provides resistance that prevents the position of the manipulator from being substantially displaced.

[0011] According to the above configuration example, the movable range of the operator can be virtually limited to within the first area.

[0012] In another configuration example, the information processing system may further include an information processing device capable of executing a predetermined application, and the position and / or shape of the first area may be set according to a status of the predetermined application being executed on the information processing device.

[0013] According to the above configuration example, it is possible to flexibly set the size and shape of the displaceable area set as the first area according to the situation of the application.

[0014] As yet another example, the predetermined application may be an application that allows a user to operate a predetermined object as an operation target object, and the position and / or shape of the first area may be set according to a state of the operation target object during execution of the predetermined application.

[0015] According to the above configuration example, the content of the first area is set according to the state of the object to be operated by the user, so that various expressions relating to the state of the object to be operated can be made using the sensation given to the user by the operator.

[0016] As yet another example, the predetermined application may be an application that allows a user to operate a predetermined object as an operation target object in a virtual space, and the position and / or shape of the first area may be set according to the location of the operation target object in the virtual space and / or the surrounding environment of the location.

[0017] According to the above configuration example, the content of the first area can be set according to the surrounding environment of the location of the object to be operated in the virtual space. This allows various tactile expressions to be conveyed to the user about the environment, such as the terrain, in the virtual space using the operator.

[0018] As yet another configuration example, the predetermined application may be an application in which a user can select one of a plurality of objects as an operation target object, or one of the objects is automatically selected, and the position and / or shape of the first region may be set according to the selected operation target object.

[0019] According to the above configuration example, in an application in which a predetermined object can be selected from a plurality of objects, it is possible to provide various operational sensations according to the selected object.

[0020] As yet another configuration example, in the second state, information indicating that the first area and the second area are being used may be notified to the user.

[0021] As yet another configuration example, the information processing system may notify the user of information indicating the shape of the first region in the second state.

[0022] According to the above configuration example, while control is being performed using the first and second regions, the user can be made aware that the movable range of the operator is different from normal, thereby preventing the user from being confused by a sudden change in the feel of the operation.

[0023] As yet another configuration example, the information processing system may notify the user of information for instructing the user to move the operator to the first area when switching from the first state to the second state.

[0024] According to the above configuration example, when the movable range of the operator is virtually restricted to within the first area, the user can be notified of this in advance, and the user can be informed of the need to move the position of the operator prior to this.

[0025] As yet another configuration example, the information processing system may switch from the first state to the second state after the operator is displaced into the first area after the notification.

[0026] According to the above configuration example, once it is confirmed that the operator has entered the first area, control can be started in the second state.

[0027] As yet another configuration example, the information processing system may further include a displacement direction determination means for determining a displacement direction of the manipulator. When the manipulator is located within the second region, the viscosity may be controlled according to the displacement direction of the manipulator.

[0028] According to the above configuration example, when the operator is located within the second region, viscosity control can be performed based on the displacement direction.

[0029] As yet another configuration example, when the displacement direction is determined to be a first direction from the second region to the first region, the viscosity may be reduced.

[0030] According to the above configuration example, when a movement is made to return the operator to the first area, the operator can easily return.

[0031] As yet another configuration example, the first direction may be a direction toward the initial position.

[0032] According to the above configuration example, when the operator moves to return to the initial position, the operator can easily return to the initial position.

[0033] As yet another configuration example, when the displacement direction is determined to be a second direction from the second region that is different from the first direction from the second region to the first region, the viscosity may be increased or the viscosity at that time may be maintained.

[0034] According to the above configuration example, it is possible to suppress the movement of the operator away from the first area.

[0035] As yet another configuration example, the second region may be any one of a first type region having a shape with at least three corners as vertices, a second type region having a shape extending in a predetermined axial direction passing through the initial position, and a third type region having a region extending in a predetermined axial direction and a region extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction at the initial position.

[0036] As yet another configuration example, the first area may be set to an area of ​​the same size as the basic range of motion, and the second area may be set to be surrounded entirely by the first area and occupy a portion of the first area.

[0037] According to the above configuration example, a region in which the operator cannot be displaced can be set as the second region within a part of the basic range of motion. This allows the user to feel, for example, that nothing is displayed on the screen, but that some object is hidden at a certain position on the screen, through the tactile sensation felt by the operator. As a result, a new operating sensation never before experienced can be provided to the user.

[0038] As yet another configuration example, the information processing system may further include a user setting means for setting the position and / or shape of the second area based on an operation by a user.

[0039] According to the above configuration example, it is possible to set and provide an operational feeling according to individual differences and preferences of the user.

[0040] As yet another configuration example, the controller may include a first operator and a second operator, and a first area set for the first operator and a first area set for the second operator may be set to have different sizes and / or shapes.

[0041] According to the above configuration example, it is possible to provide the user with different operational sensations using the two operators, thereby providing the user with a variety of operational sensations. Effect of the Invention

[0042] According to this embodiment, various expressions using the tactile sensation of the operator are possible depending on the situation of the application. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0043] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system 1. As shown in FIG. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the information processing device main body 2. As shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the internal configuration of the controller 4. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a stick device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship of each part of the stick device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship of each part of the stick device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship of each part of the stick device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining a configuration example of the MRF unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing the internal configuration of the analog stick 42. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an area pattern. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an area pattern. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in storage unit 12 of information processing device main body 2. As shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the details of the application process. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an area pattern. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing details of the control process of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0044] First, an example of an information processing system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the information processing system according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes an information processing device main body 2, a monitor 3, and a controller 4. In the information processing system 1, a predetermined information processing is executed in the information processing device main body 2, and a predetermined image and sound generated as a result of the processing are output to the monitor 3. In the present embodiment, the controller 4 has a built-in communication unit capable of wireless communication, and is used by being wirelessly connected to the information processing device main body 2. In other embodiments, the information processing device main body 2 and the controller 4 may be connected by wire. Data indicating the contents of the user's operation performed on the controller 4 is transmitted from the controller 4 to the information processing device main body 2. In addition, data for controlling the operation of the controller 4 is also transmitted from the information processing device main body 2 to the controller 4. A controller control unit (described later) built into the controller 4 performs various controls of the controller 4, including transmission and reception of such data.

[0045] Next, the internal configuration of the information processing device main body 2 will be described. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the information processing device main body 2. In FIG. 2, the information processing device main body 2 includes a processor 11. The processor 11 is a circuit for controlling the information processing device main body 2. The processor 11 executes various information processes executed in the information processing device main body 2. For example, the processor 11 may be composed of only a CPU (Central Processing Unit), or may be composed of a SoC (System-on-a-chip) including multiple functions such as a CPU function and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) function. The processor 11 executes various information processes by executing an information processing program (for example, a predetermined application program) stored in the storage unit 12. Note that the storage unit 12 may be, for example, an internal storage medium such as a flash memory or a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), or may be configured to use an external storage medium or the like that is inserted into a slot not shown.

[0046] The video / audio output unit 14 is electrically connected to the processor 11, and outputs various images and sounds generated as a result of information processing executed by the processor 11 to the monitor 3. The controller communication unit 13 is connected to the processor 11. The controller communication unit 13 is for transmitting and receiving various data to and from the controller 4 that is wirelessly connected thereto.

[0047] Next, the internal configuration of the controller 4 will be described. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the internal configuration of the controller 4. In FIG. 3, the controller 4 includes a controller control unit 41, an analog stick 42, and a digital button unit 44. The controller 4 of this embodiment will be described as having only one analog stick 42, but in other embodiments, the controller 4 may include a plurality of analog sticks 42. Although not shown in the drawings, the controller 4 also includes a battery and the like. The controller 4 may also include sensors such as an optical sensor and an inertial sensor.

[0048] The controller control unit 41 is a circuit for controlling the controller 4, and includes a control microcomputer, a memory, a wireless module, an antenna, and the like. The controller control unit 41 controls a wireless module that wirelessly transmits transmission data to the information processing device main body 2 while using the memory as a storage area during processing. The memory also stores data such as a preset library, which will be described later. The controller control unit 41 also performs control related to the analog stick 42, which will be described later, in response to data from the information processing device main body 2 received by the wireless module via the antenna.

[0049] The analog stick 42 is an operator capable of inputting a direction. By tilting the analog stick 42, the user can input a direction according to the tilt direction (and input a magnitude according to the tilt angle). The digital button section 44 is one or more push-down buttons or trigger buttons.

[0050] Next, the configuration of the analog stick 42 in this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a configuration using magnetorheological fluid (hereinafter, referred to as MRF) is adopted for the analog stick 42. Here, the MRF will be briefly described. The MRF has the property that it is a fluid when no magnetic field is applied, and becomes semi-solid (generates viscosity) when a magnetic field is applied. The MRF also has the property of reacting to a magnetic field in several ms. Then, in this embodiment, the viscosity of the MRF is controlled, and the MRF is applied to the movable axis of the analog stick 42 of the controller 4, thereby dynamically controlling the ease of movement of the analog stick 42.

[0051] FIG. 4 shows an example of the appearance of parts (hereinafter, stick device) constituting the analog stick 42 assumed in this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a stick device 400 constituting the analog stick 42. In FIG. 4, the stick device 400 has a stick section 401, an outer shell section 404, an X-axis variable resistor 405, an X-axis MRF unit 406, a Y-axis variable resistor 407, and a Y-axis MRF unit 408. In addition, an X-axis driving part 402 is also provided adjacent to the stick section 401. In addition, although not shown, the stick device 400 also has a Y-axis driving part 403, which will be described later. In addition, in the state of the completed product of the controller 4, for example, a mushroom-shaped cover is used for the stick section 401 of the stick device 400.

[0052] The stick portion 401 is a rod-shaped movable part. The X-axis variable resistor 405 and the Y-axis variable resistor 407 are for detecting the inclination of the stick portion 401. The X-axis MRF unit 406 and the Y-axis MRF unit 408 are for applying MRF to the movable axis of the analog stick 42 as described above.

[0053] FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship of each part when the stick device 400 is viewed from above. Also, FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show schematic diagrams (sectional views) showing the positional relationship of each part when the stick device 400 is viewed from the side. FIG. 6 is a diagram assuming a case when viewed from the left side in FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is a diagram assuming a case when viewed from the bottom side in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 7, the stick unit 401 is arranged so that the center of the stick unit 401 is located at the center position of the outer shell 404. Also, the stick unit 401 is arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the stick unit 401 is parallel to the Z axis. In the following description, this central position is called the initial position, and the attitude in which the longitudinal direction of the stick unit 401 is parallel to the Z axis is called the initial state.

[0054] 5, an X-axis driving part 402 and a Y-axis driving part 403 are provided adjacent to the stick part 401. The X-axis driving part 402 moves an X-axis variable resistor 405 in conjunction with the movement of the stick part 401 in the X-axis. The Y-axis driving part 403 moves a Y-axis variable resistor 407 in conjunction with the movement of the stick part 401 in the Y-axis. Therefore, although not directly shown in these figures, the X-axis driving part 402 is connected (inside the outer shell part 404) so ​​as to move in conjunction with the X-axis variable resistor 405. The Y-axis driving part is similarly connected so as to move in conjunction with the Y-axis variable resistor 407.

[0055] In this embodiment, the stick can be tilted up to a circular opening in the outer shell 404. That is, the circular opening also restricts the basic movable area of ​​the stick 401 (analog stick 42). In other embodiments, a restricting member having a similar function may be provided at the base of the stick 401 as a restricting member. Alternatively, the housing of the controller 4 itself in the completed controller 4 may be used as the restricting member. That is, an opening of a predetermined shape may be provided at a location where the stick device 400 is attached in the housing, and (the shape of) this opening may be set as the limit of the movable area of ​​the analog stick 42 in the X-axis and Y-axis. In this embodiment, since the opening is circular, the two-dimensional area of ​​the circle is the movable area of ​​the analog stick 42 on the XY plane. In the following description, the movable range limited by such a physical restricting member is called the basic movable range.

[0056] Although not shown, a return force application unit, which is a mechanism for returning the stick part 401 to its initial position, is also provided below the stick part 401. The return force application unit may be configured with an elastic body such as a coil spring inside and a member that transmits a return force for returning the stick part 401 to its initial position and returns the stick part 401 to its vertical position. In this embodiment, the greater the inclination of the stick part 401, the greater the return force for returning the stick part 401 to its initial position. The return force application unit returns the above-mentioned drive components linked to the stick part 401 to their reference positions. The mechanism for applying the return force is known, so a detailed description will be omitted. For example, the return force application unit having the elastic body may be disposed so as to be perpendicular to the bottom surface of the outer shell part 404. A configuration in which a force is applied directly or indirectly to the drive components to keep the drive body in its reference state is conceivable.

[0057] In this embodiment, an example in which an elastic body is used as the return force application section is shown. In other embodiments, a configuration using, for example, a magnet may be used as long as it has a similar function. Also, a configuration using a return mechanism that can actively control the return force may be used. In this case, a gear, a motor, etc. may be used in addition to or instead of the elastic body, magnet, etc.

[0058] Next, the stick device 400 includes an X-axis variable resistor 405 and a Y-axis variable resistor 407 adjacent to the outer shell 404. Variable resistors are known technology and will not be described in detail, but they are used to detect the tilt and displacement direction of the stick 401. Each variable resistor is provided with a rotating shaft connected to each of the drive components. The drive components rotate the rotating shaft in conjunction with the tilt and return movement of the stick 401. A resistance value according to the rotation of the rotating shaft is detected. The digital value calculated based on this resistance value allows the processor 11 or the controller control unit 41 to determine the direction in which the stick 401 is moving (hereinafter, the displacement direction) and the tilt of the stick 401 (hereinafter, these are simply referred to as the "position of the analog stick").

[0059] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the displacement direction of the stick 401 is calculated by software using the processor 11 or the controller control unit 41, but the subject of the calculation is not limited to this. For example, in other embodiments, a configuration may be adopted in which the displacement direction is mechanically detected by using a predetermined sensor.

[0060] Furthermore, the stick device 400 includes an X-axis MRF unit 406 adjacent to the outer side of the X-axis variable resistor 405. Similarly, the stick device 400 includes a Y-axis MRF unit 408 adjacent to the outer side of the Y-axis variable resistor 407. In this embodiment, the rotation shaft 411 used in the X-axis variable resistor 405 is configured to extend further outward, and the X-axis MRF unit 406 is arranged to cover this rotation shaft 411. Similarly, the rotation shaft 412 used in the Y-axis variable resistor 407 is also configured to extend further outward, and the Y-axis MRF unit 408 is arranged to cover this rotation shaft 412. Note that, regarding the rotation shaft, for example, the rotation shaft used in the X-axis variable resistor 405 and the rotation shaft in the MRF unit may be configured to be linked so as to be interlocked. In the following description, the X-axis MRF unit 406 and the Y-axis MRF unit 408 may be collectively referred to simply as MRF units.

[0061] Next, the configuration of the MRF unit will be described. FIG. 8 is a simplified schematic diagram for explaining a configuration example of the MRF unit. In FIG. 8, (a part of) the rotating shaft 411 connected (or coupled) to the variable resistor is arranged so as to penetrate the MRF container 421 filled with MRF. In addition, a magnetic field generating unit 422 is provided so as to cover the outside of the MRF container 421. The magnetic field generating unit 422 is, for example, a coil. In addition, the MRF unit is configured so as to be able to pass a current to the magnetic field generating unit 422. A magnetic field can be generated by passing a predetermined amount of current to the magnetic field generating unit 422. This makes it possible to change the viscosity of the MRF in the MRF container 421. That is, by controlling the amount of current given to the magnetic field generating unit 422, i.e., the amplitude, it is possible to control the strength of the magnetic field, and thus the level of the viscosity of the MRF can be controlled. By increasing the viscosity of the MRF, it is possible to provide resistance to the rotational force of the rotating shaft 411. Since the rotation axis 411 is connected so as to move in conjunction with the tilt of the stick portion 401 as described above, a change in viscosity of the MRF can provide resistance to a force that attempts to tilt the stick portion 401. That is, in this embodiment, the configuration is such that it is possible to control the ease of movement of the stick portion 401 by controlling the viscosity of the MRF.

[0062] Note that, for the sake of convenience, FIG. 8 is a simplified drawing, but a more specific configuration of the MRF unit will be described below. The basic mechanism is similar to the structure of bicycle or automobile disc brakes. In these disc brakes, the rotating wheel is directly clamped between mechanical parts, and the rotation is stopped by friction between the parts. However, when using an MRF as in this embodiment, the friction is changed by controlling the viscosity of the fluid, and the movement in the rotational direction is restricted.

[0063] Next, the (electrical) internal configuration of the analog stick 42 will be described. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing the internal configuration of the analog stick 42. In FIG. 9, the analog stick 42 includes an X-axis variable resistor 405, an X-axis MRF unit 406, a Y-axis variable resistor 407, and a Y-axis MRF unit 408. These components are electrically connected to the controller control unit 41, and are capable of transmitting and receiving predetermined data. The controller control unit 41 can receive signals (for example, voltage values) from the X-axis variable resistor 405 and the Y-axis variable resistor 407. Based on these signals, the controller control unit 41 can calculate the position, displacement direction, and position change speed (displacement speed) of the stick unit 401. Furthermore, the controller control unit 41 can transmit the calculation results to the information processing device main unit 2. The position of the analog stick 42 is expressed, for example, as two-dimensional coordinates on a two-dimensional plane with the center position as the initial position (origin). Furthermore, based on data transmitted from the information processing device main body 2, the controller control section 41 can transmit a signal for controlling the viscosity of the MRF unit to each MRF unit, as will be described next.

[0064] Next, each MRF unit will be described. First, the X-axis MRF unit 406 includes a voltage-current conversion circuit unit 431 and the magnetic field generating unit 422 as described above, and the two are electrically connected. By applying a predetermined voltage to the voltage-current conversion circuit unit 431 from the controller control unit 41, a current based on the voltage can be output to the magnetic field generating unit 422. As a result, the viscosity of the MRF can be changed as described above. Similarly, the Y-axis MRF unit 408 also includes a voltage-current conversion circuit unit 431 and a magnetic field generating unit 422, and the same control as above is possible. In this manner, in this embodiment, the X-axis and Y-axis in the stick unit 401 are configured to be affected by the viscosity change of the MRF individually. Basically, the ease of movement (viscosity) of the analog stick 42 is presented by the sum of the two axes, the X-axis and the Y-axis. On the other hand, for example, it is also possible to create a state in which the stick unit 401 can be moved only in the X-axis direction by increasing only the viscosity of the MRF of the Y-axis MRF unit 408.

[0065] By controlling the viscosity of the MRF with the above-mentioned configuration, in this embodiment, various sensations can be presented to the user (the finger) operating the analog stick 42. For example, by controlling the viscosity of the MRF according to a predetermined scene in an application, various sensations according to the scene can be given to the fingertip of the user operating the analog stick 42. In addition, in the case of a controller 4 having a plurality of analog sticks 42, it is also possible to control the viscosity of each analog stick individually. This makes it possible to provide the user with a new operational sensation that has never been experienced before.

[0066] [First Example] Next, a first embodiment using the above-mentioned configuration will be described. In the first embodiment, the viscosity of the MRF is controlled according to the current position of the analog stick. Specifically, in the first embodiment, two types of viscosity are used: a viscosity that allows the analog stick 42 to be freely moved without resistance (hereinafter, the first viscosity), and a high viscosity that prevents the analog stick 42 from being moved with a normal force (hereinafter, the second viscosity). Then, for the basic range of motion, a region having the first viscosity and a region having the second viscosity are defined in advance. FIG. 10 shows an example of the definition of the region. In FIG. 10, a rectangular region including the center of the basic range of motion is defined as the first region. In addition, other regions (regions shown by a hatched pattern) that surround the entire circumference of the first region are defined as the second region. In this example, the first viscosity is assigned to the first region, and the second viscosity is assigned to the second region. Then, depending on which region the analog stick 42 is in, the viscosity of the MRF is controlled to be the first viscosity or the second viscosity. That is, if the current position of the analog stick 42 is in the first region, the viscosity of the MRF is controlled to be the first viscosity, and if the current position of the analog stick 42 is in the second region, the viscosity of the MRF is controlled to be the second viscosity. In other words, when the position of the analog stick 42 is in the first region, the first viscosity is set in the entire range of motion of the analog stick 42, that is, the entire basic range of motion. On the other hand, outside the first region, that is, in the second region, the second viscosity is set for the entire basic range of motion including the first region in FIG. 10. As a result of this control, the user can experience as if the range of motion shown in FIG. 10 exists.

[0067] Here, a supplementary explanation will be given regarding the second viscosity. As described above, in this embodiment, the second viscosity is an example of a high viscosity that does not allow the analog stick 42 to be moved with a normal force, but if a force significantly greater than the normal force is applied to the fingertip, the analog stick 42 can be moved (however, the operation feels quite "heavy"). In other words, the second viscosity is a resistance that does not allow the MRF to substantially displace the operator. In other embodiments, the second viscosity may be a resistance that allows the operator to be moved with a force that is not "significantly large," although a force greater than the first viscosity is required. For example, the force is quantified from 1 to 10, and the normal force (force at the first viscosity) is "1." In the first embodiment, the second viscosity is assumed to be such that the control element cannot be displaced unless a force close to "10" is applied, but in other embodiments, the second viscosity may be such that the control element can be displaced to some extent with a force of about "5".

[0068] In this embodiment, the first viscosity is set to a degree that allows the analog stick 42 to be moved freely without resistance, but in other embodiments, not performing viscosity control may be treated as equivalent to control at the first viscosity.

[0069] Here, the first and second regions may have any shape and any position. Furthermore, a plurality of combinations of patterns of the first and second regions (hereinafter, referred to as region patterns) may be prepared and used according to the situation. As an example, in this embodiment, a case where the region patterns to be used are used according to the situation and scene of the application being executed will be described as an example.

[0070] [Examples of control applications envisaged in this embodiment] Here, some examples of the situations of the above applications and the use of the area patterns are given. First, an application for operating a virtual object based on a user input for operating a specific object is assumed. In such an application, for example, the area pattern to be used may be changed between a scene in which the user is made to operate a menu screen or the like and a scene in which the user is made to operate a specific operation object. In such a case, in a scene in which the menu screen or the like is operated, control is performed based on an area pattern in which the entire basic range of motion is the first viscosity (that is, an area pattern in which the second area does not exist). On the other hand, in a scene in which the specific operation object is operated, control may be performed in which viscosity control is performed based on a specific area pattern that also uses the second area so that an operation feeling that matches the characteristics of the operation object can be provided. In addition, in a scene in which the menu screen or the like is operated, an area pattern for the menu screen that matches the layout of the menu screen may be used, while in a scene in which the user is made to operate a specific operation object, an area pattern for the operation object may be used separately from this. In this way, by using area patterns according to the situation and scene in the application, a variety of operation feelings can be provided to the user.

[0071] As another example of switching according to a situation or scene, the following control may be performed. First, an application is assumed in which an object to be operated is moved in a virtual three-dimensional space using the analog stick 42. Also, a parameter called a vitality value is set for this object to be operated, and it is set so that it cannot act when the vitality value becomes 0. In such an application, the object to be operated can usually be operated using the entire basic range of motion, but when the vitality value falls below a certain value, for example, viscosity control based on the area pattern shown in FIG. 10 is performed. This allows the user to feel that the operation is limited to within the first area, and when the object to be operated is in an unfavorable state, for example, "difficulty in moving due to reduced vitality" can be expressed by the operation feeling of the analog stick 42.

[0072] As another example of the switching control, the following control is also conceivable. First, as in the above, an application for moving an object to be operated in a virtual three-dimensional space is assumed. Then, a control is conceivable in which the contents of the first region and the second region are set according to the topography and properties of the place in the virtual space where the object to be operated is located, or the surrounding environment. For example, when the place where the object to be operated is located is a place where it is relatively easy to move (for example, a place where the moving speed of the operation object is set to be relatively fast with respect to the input of the analog stick), operation using the entire basic range of motion is made possible. On the other hand, when the place where it is relatively difficult to move (for example, a place where the moving speed of the operation object is set to be relatively slow with respect to the input of the analog stick), viscosity control is performed using a predetermined region pattern, etc. In this case, for example, a range that is a circle about half the size of the basic range of motion is defined as the first region having the above-mentioned first viscosity, etc. In addition, for example, when an obstacle such as a wall exists around the operation object, a control is conceivable in which a region pattern according to the obstacle (and the positional relationship between the operation object and the obstacle) is used. For example, when the controlled object is in a position where there are walls in front and to the right, viscosity control is performed using an area pattern whose shape is defined so that the analog stick 42 does not tilt upwards or to the right.

[0073] As another example of control, viscosity control may be performed using an area pattern that normally has a limited range of motion, and depending on the application situation, the area pattern may be changed to one in which the entire basic range of motion is usable (i.e., the range of motion is expanded).

[0074] As another example of switching control, in the case of an application in which an object to be operated can be selected from among a plurality of objects, a control may be performed in which a (different) area pattern is set according to the selected object to be operated. The selection method may be selected at the user's discretion, or may be selected automatically. In the case of such an application, area patterns corresponding to each object to be operated are defined. Then, viscosity control may not be performed on the selection screen of the object to be operated, and after the selection, viscosity control may be performed based on the area pattern corresponding to the selected object to be operated.

[0075] In addition, although the explanation is slightly different from the above-mentioned illustrative explanation of the distinction between the two, an area pattern as shown in FIG. 11 may be used as an example of the area pattern. In FIG. 11, an approximately triangular area is defined as the second area, and the other areas are defined as the first area. The first area is the first viscosity, and the second area is the second viscosity. In addition, as a scene of an application using this, a scene is assumed in which an object to be operated is moved using the first area having the same size as the basic range of motion. In particular, a case is assumed in which the correlation between the position of the analog stick 42 and the position of the object to be operated is fixed. In such a case, the user can basically feel that the analog stick 42 can be freely moved over the entire basic range of motion, while being given a feeling that the analog stick 42 is difficult to move only in the second area. In other words, the user can be provided with a feeling of "getting stuck" in the second area. Furthermore, in this case, the second area may be displayed so that the appearance on the screen of the second area is the same as that of other areas. Furthermore, the position of the second area may be controlled so as to change sequentially according to the position (coordinates) of the object to be operated in the virtual space. This makes it possible to provide an application that relies on the tactile sensation obtained from the analog stick 42 to locate the position of the second area, which is invisible on the screen.

[0076] [Details of the process of the first embodiment] The process according to the first embodiment will be described in detail below. First, an example of data used in the process is shown. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in the storage unit 12 of the information processing device 2. The storage unit 12 stores an application program 511, area definition data 512, area of ​​use data 514, viscosity definition data 515, operation data 516, and the like.

[0077] The application program 511 is a program for implementing a predetermined application.

[0078] The area definition data 512 is data that defines the first area and the second area as described above. Here, although only one area pattern may be used, the present embodiment uses a case where a plurality of area patterns are used as an example. Therefore, the area definition data 512 stores information that defines the contents of each area pattern as area pattern information 513.

[0079] The data structure of each area pattern information 513 may be any structure as long as the range of each area and the type of viscosity can be specified, but for example, the following data structure is conceivable: That is, the entire basic range of motion is shown as a 100 x 100 two-dimensional array, and information is defined in each array to specify whether the first or second viscosity control is to be performed at that coordinate.

[0080] Next, the area data 514 used is data for designating the area pattern currently being used from among the above-mentioned plurality of area patterns.

[0081] The viscosity definition data 515 is a parameter for realizing the first viscosity and the second viscosity described above. Specifically, it is a parameter for specifying three items, namely, amplitude, frequency, and application time, which are output from the controller control unit 41 to the voltage-current conversion circuit unit 431 for each of the first viscosity and the second viscosity (hereinafter, these three items are referred to as viscosity parameters). In the controller 4, a voltage command value that forms a waveform having the viscosity parameters as components is output to the voltage-current conversion circuit unit 431, and a current based on this is output to the magnetic field generation unit 422. The viscosity of the MRF can be changed by the magnetic field generated as a result. In this embodiment, a viscosity parameter corresponding to the first viscosity or a viscosity parameter corresponding to the second viscosity is determined according to the current position of the analog stick 42, and is output from the application (via the system software) to the controller control unit 41.

[0082] The operation data 516 is stored data output at a predetermined cycle from the controller control unit 41. The operation data 516 includes data indicating the position of the analog stick 42 and data indicating the pressed states of various buttons.

[0083] [Example of process flow according to this embodiment] Next, a specific example of the viscosity control process in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing an example of the viscosity control process according to this embodiment. First, in step S1, the processor 11 determines the above-mentioned area pattern to be used according to the situation and scene of the application at that time. Any method of determination may be used, and it is possible to determine, for example, whether or not the vitality value of the object to be operated has become equal to or less than a predetermined value, or whether or not the position of the object to be operated in the virtual space is located within a predetermined area. Then, information specifying the determined area pattern is set in the use area data 514.

[0084] Next, in step S2, the processor 11 calculates the current position of the analog stick 42 based on the operation data 516.

[0085] Next, in step S3, the processor 11 determines the above-mentioned viscosity parameters based on the area pattern set in the usage area data 514 and the current position of the analog stick 42. That is, depending on the current position of the analog stick 42, the processor 11 determines the viscosity parameters according to the first viscosity or the viscosity parameters according to the second viscosity.

[0086] In addition, in another embodiment, the process of step S3 may be performed such that a preset of the viscosity parameters is stored in the memory of the controller control unit 41, and the preset is designated in the process of step S3.

[0087] Next, in step S4, the processor 11 performs viscosity control of the MRF based on the determined viscosity parameter. In this embodiment, the processor 11 outputs the viscosity parameter from the application (via the system software) to the controller control unit 41. In response to this, the controller control unit 41 controls the strength of the magnetic field applied to the MRF unit based on the viscosity parameter. This controls the viscosity of the MRF.

[0088] In another embodiment, when the controller has a preset as described above, the viscosity of the MRF may be controlled by (subjective) control of the controller control unit 41 based on the preset specified in step S3 above, regardless of the output from the application.

[0089] Next, in step S5, the processor 11 executes other processes in the application, such as a process of moving an operation object based on the current position of the analog stick 42.

[0090] Next, in step S6, the processor 11 generates an image reflecting the results of the above processing, and outputs it to the monitor 3.

[0091] Next, in step S7, processor 11 determines whether or not a condition for terminating the application is satisfied. For example, it determines whether or not an operation instructing to terminate the application has been performed. If the result of the determination is that the termination condition is satisfied (YES in step S7), the application processing is terminated. If the condition is not satisfied (NO in step S7), the process returns to step S1 and the process is repeated.

[0092] In this way, in the first embodiment, viscosity control of the MRF is performed based on the current position of the analog stick 42. Furthermore, by using area patterns that define the shape, size, and range of an area, multiple area patterns are used depending on the application situation. This allows the user to experience a variety of operational sensations depending on the application situation.

[0093] (Second Example) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the above-described first embodiment, viscosity control is performed based on the current position of the analog stick 42. In contrast, in the second embodiment, an example will be described in which viscosity control is further performed based on the displacement direction of the analog stick 42.

[0094] The process assumed in the second embodiment is a process assuming a case where, for example, when two regions, the first region and the second region as shown in FIG. 10, are defined as region patterns, the current position of the analog stick 42 is located within the second region, as shown in FIG. 14. This assumes, for example, a state in which the analog stick 42 is located outside the boundary of the first region, and the viscosity of the MRF changes from the first viscosity (low viscosity) to the second viscosity (high viscosity), causing the analog stick 42 to not move (with normal force). In this case, in the second embodiment, a predetermined method (described later) is used to detect or calculate the displacement direction of the analog stick 42 from this position. Then, if the displacement direction is toward the first region, the viscosity is controlled to be reduced. On the other hand, if the displacement direction is toward the first region, the viscosity is controlled to be increased. That is, in the second embodiment, when the analog stick 42 is located outside the first region, it is further determined whether the analog stick 42 is moving away from or toward the first region, and the viscosity is controlled according to the result.

[0095] FIG. 15 shows an example of the flow of control processing according to the second embodiment. This processing can be executed when the current position of the analog stick is outside the first region as shown in FIG. 14 above. First, in step S21, the processor 11 calculates or detects the displacement direction of the analog stick 42. Next, in step S22, the processor 11 determines whether the displacement direction is a direction toward or away from the first region. Any method may be used to calculate, detect, and determine the displacement direction, but two methods will be briefly described here as examples.

[0096] (First method: A method that judges based on the relative position before and after the movement) First, as a first method, a method of determining based on the relative positions before and after the movement of the analog stick 42 will be described. Here, as described above, the second viscosity is "high enough that the analog stick 42 cannot be moved with normal force", but it is also high enough that the analog stick 42 can be moved by applying a force greater than normal to the fingertip. Therefore, it is assumed that the analog stick 42 can be moved outside the first region (although the movement will be slow) by applying a force greater than normal. Then, in this method, the processor 11 calculates, for example, a movement vector based on the coordinates before and after the movement of the analog stick 42. Then, the processor 11 determines whether the direction of the movement vector is a direction approaching or moving away from the first region. With this method, the displacement direction of the analog stick 42 can be calculated and determined.

[0097] (Second method: Using sensors) Next, a second method will be described as another example. In the second method, a high-precision sensor capable of detecting the displacement direction is mounted on the analog stick 42, and the detection result is utilized. For example, a force sensor is mounted on the analog stick 42 as an example of the sensor. In this case, the displacement direction in which the analog stick will be displaced can be instantly grasped according to the finger force applied to the analog stick 42. Therefore, the processor 11 can determine the displacement direction based on the detection result of the force sensor, and determine whether the displacement direction is a direction approaching the first area.

[0098] As a result of the above-mentioned determination, if the displacement direction is a direction approaching the first region (YES in step S22), in step S23, the processor 11 performs control to make the viscosity of the MRF smaller than the current viscosity. For example, it is possible to reduce the viscosity by multiplying the current viscosity by a predetermined coefficient defined in advance, or a coefficient according to the magnitude of the movement vector or the magnitude of the force detected by the force sensor. This makes it easier to move the analog stick 42 within the first region.

[0099] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S22 above is that the displacement direction is not a direction approaching the first region (NO in step S22), in step S24, the processor 11 performs control to make the viscosity of the MRF greater than the current viscosity, thereby making it more difficult for the analog stick 42 to move.

[0100] In addition, in another embodiment, the process of step S24 may be controlled to maintain the current viscosity rather than increasing the viscosity. In this case, the difficulty in moving the analog stick 42 can be maintained.

[0101] This concludes the detailed description of the processing according to the second embodiment.

[0102] In this way, in the second embodiment, viscosity control is performed based on the displacement direction of the analog stick 42. As a result, when the analog stick 42 is located outside the first region in a region pattern such as that shown in Fig. 14, for example, and particularly when it is located near the boundary between the two regions, suitable viscosity control can be performed for the operational feel of the analog stick 42.

[0103] [Variations] In addition, when changing (switching) the area pattern to be used depending on the situation of the application, etc., a notification may be issued before the actual change, for example, to the effect that "the movable range of the analog stick 42 will be changed, so please return the position of the analog stick 42 to the initial position," and control may be performed to change the area pattern to be used after waiting for the position of the analog stick 42 to return to the initial position. The position to be returned to is not limited to the initial position, and may be a predetermined position. In addition, the timing of such control is not limited to before the change of the area pattern, and a notification to return to the initial position after the change may be issued, but viscosity control may not be started until the position of the analog stick 42 actually returns. In addition, when the area pattern to be used is changed, a notification indicating this may be displayed. The notification may be displayed for a predetermined time after changing the area pattern to be used and then erased, or may be displayed continuously while the area pattern to be used is being changed. In addition, an image indicating the size or shape (relative to the basic movable range) of the area pattern to be used may be displayed together with or instead of the notification.

[0104] In another embodiment, the area pattern may be changed arbitrarily by the user, not by the application status. For example, a predetermined button may be defined as a switching button, and the first area pattern and the second area pattern may be switched each time the button is pressed. Alternatively, a control may be performed to enable a predetermined area pattern only while the button is pressed. In addition, regarding the assignment of the button, a button having such a function may be assigned as a button setting in a predetermined application. Alternatively, such a button may be assigned as a function of the system.

[0105] The content of the definition of the area pattern may be arbitrarily set by the user. This is to allow each user to reflect their preference and individual differences in the amount of force applied to their fingertips. For example, assume that a user prefers a shorter distance than the standard when performing an input of tilting to the maximum, that is, the distance from the center to the outer edge of the basic range of motion. In this case, for example, the following operation and setting process may be performed. First, a predetermined setting screen is displayed, and a circular image corresponding to the basic range of motion is displayed. Also, a slider that can change the size of the circle in stages is displayed (the size of the basic range of motion is 100%). Then, the user is made to specify the size of the circle with the slider, and to tilt the analog stick from the center position of the circular image to the outer edge position. This operation is repeated, and if the user finds the size of the circle that he or she likes, a process may be performed to define an area pattern in which the outside of the size of the circle set by the slider at that time is the second area with the second viscosity, and the inside of the circle is the first area with the first viscosity, and to store the area pattern as the user-set area pattern. Here, assume that the size of the circle of the first area thus set is 80% of the basic range of motion. In this case, the tilt of the analog stick 42 stops at a position that is 80% of the basic range of motion, and 100% tilt input is not possible based on the basic range of motion. Therefore, when the area pattern set by the user is being used, the input value can be corrected so that even a tilt of 80% based on the basic range of motion is treated as a 100% tilt input (so that the analog stick 42 is treated as being fully tilted).

[0106] Also, in the above embodiment, the case of a controller having only one analog stick 42 has been exemplified. In other embodiments, a controller having two analog sticks 42, such as a so-called "right stick" and a "left stick", may be used. In this case, the size of the basic range of motion is the same for both, but the area patterns used for the "right stick" and the "left stick" may be different. For example, an area pattern in which only left-right movement is defined as the area pattern used for the "right stick", and an area pattern in which only up-down movement is defined as the area pattern used for the "left stick", etc.

[0107] In addition, the position of the MRF unit in the analog stick 42 described above is an example and is not limited to the above. For example, a configuration in which the stick portion 401 is in direct contact with the MRF may be adopted, or any other position may be provided as long as it can affect the ease of movement of the stick portion 401.

[0108] In addition, in the second embodiment, an example was given in which the current viscosity is increased or decreased depending on whether the displacement direction is a direction approaching the first region. In other embodiments, the control is not limited to this, and various other controls may be performed. For example, a warning may be displayed when the displacement direction moves away from the first region. Also, for example, when an operation in which the displacement direction moves away from the first region continues for a predetermined period of time or more, control may be performed such that the entire basic range of motion becomes the first viscosity. In other words, the execution of the viscosity control that limits the range of motion as described above may be stopped (release of the range of motion limit).

[0109] In the first embodiment, the parameters for realizing the first viscosity and the second viscosity are defined in advance and used as the viscosity definition data 515. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the parameters may be calculated each time according to the application situation.

[0110] In the above example, an information processing system is illustrated in which the information processing device main body 2, the monitor 3, and the controller 4 are separate configurations. In addition, the above configuration and control can be applied to a portable information processing device in which the information processing device main body, a predetermined display unit, and an analog stick and buttons are integrated. [Industrial Applicability]

[0111] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The information processing system according to the present invention can provide a new operational feeling to the user, and is useful for applications such as controllers used in various information processing devices such as personal computers. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1. Information Processing Systems 2 Monitors 3. Information processing device 4. Controller 11 Processors 12 Storage section 13 Controller communication section 14 Video and audio output section 41 Controller control section 42 Analog Stick 44 Digital button section 401 Stick part 402 X-axis drive parts 403 Y-axis drive parts 404 Outer Wall 405 X-axis variable resistor 406 X-axis MRF unit 407 Y-axis variable resistor 408 Y-axis MRF unit

Claims

1. An operator that is displaced from an initial position by a user's operation; a restriction member that restricts a movable range of the position of the operator in a first state to a basic movable range that is a two-dimensional area; a resistance unit using a magnetorheological fluid whose viscosity changes according to the strength of a magnetic field applied thereto, and which provides resistance according to the viscosity when the position of the manipulator is displaced; A controller including a magnetic field generating unit that applies a magnetic field to the magnetorheological fluid; A circuit capable of controlling the magnetic field generating unit, The circuit comprises: The first state and the second state are switchable, In the second state, when the operator is located in a first region that is a region included in the basic range of motion and that includes the initial position, the magnetic field generating unit is controlled so that the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid becomes a first viscosity; when the operator is located in a second region that is included in the basic range of motion and that is different from the first region, the magnetic field generating unit is controlled so that the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid becomes a second viscosity that is different from the first viscosity; When the second state is reached, notifying a user of information indicating that the first area and the second area are being used; an information processing system that notifies the user of information for instructing the user to move the operator to the first area when switching from the first state to the second state;

2. The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the second viscosity is set so that the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid is higher than the first viscosity.

3. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the first viscosity is a viscosity that allows the position of the operator to be displaced, and the second viscosity is a viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid that provides resistance that prevents the position of the operator from being substantially displaced.

4. The information processing system further includes an information processing device capable of executing a predetermined application, 4. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the position and / or shape of the first area is set according to a state of the predetermined application being executed on the information processing device.

5. the predetermined application is an application that allows the user to operate a predetermined object as an operation target object, The information processing system according to claim 4 , wherein the position and / or the shape of the first area is set depending on a state of the operation target object during execution of the predetermined application.

6. the predetermined application is an application that allows the user to operate a predetermined object as an operation target object in a virtual space, The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the position and / or shape of the first area is set according to a location of the operation target object in the virtual space and / or a surrounding environment of the location of the operation target object.

7. the predetermined application is an application in which the user can select one of a plurality of objects as an operation target object, or one of the objects is automatically selected; The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein a position and / or a shape of the first area is set in accordance with the selected operation target object.

8. The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein in the second state, the information processing system notifies the user of information indicating a shape of the first region.

9. The information processing system includes: The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein after the notification, the control is switched from the first state to the second state after the control is displaced into the first area.

10. the information processing system further includes a displacement direction determination means for determining a displacement direction of the operator; The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the viscosity is controlled in accordance with a displacement direction of the operator when the operator is located within a second region.

11. The information processing system according to claim 10 , wherein the viscosity is reduced when the displacement direction is determined to be a first direction from the second region to the first region.

12. The information processing system according to claim 11 , wherein the first direction is a direction toward the initial position.

13. The information processing system of claim 10, wherein when the displacement direction is determined to be a second direction from the second region that is different from a first direction from the second region to the first region, the viscosity is increased or the current viscosity is maintained.

14. 14. An information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the first region is one of a first type region having a shape with at least three corners as vertices, a second type region having a shape extending in a predetermined axial direction passing through the initial position, and a third type region having an area extending in a predetermined first direction and an area extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction at the initial position.

15. 14. An information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the first area is set to an area of ​​the same size as the basic range of motion, and the second area is set to a position whose entire circumference is surrounded by the first area and occupies a portion of the first area.

16. The information processing system according to claim 1 , further comprising a user setting unit configured to set a position and / or a shape of the first area based on an operation by the user.

17. the controller includes a first operator and a second operator; An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the first area set for the first operator and the first area set for the second operator are set to have different sizes and / or shapes.

18. An operator that is displaced from an initial position by a user's operation; A restriction member that restricts a movable range of the position of the operator to a basic movable range, which is a two-dimensional area; a resistance unit using a magnetorheological fluid whose viscosity changes according to the strength of a magnetic field applied thereto, and which provides resistance according to the viscosity when the position of the manipulator is displaced; a magnetic field generating unit that applies a magnetic field to the magnetorheological fluid; A controller including a circuit capable of controlling the magnetic field generating unit, changing the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid to a predetermined viscosity by causing the circuit to control the strength of the magnetic field of the magnetic field generating unit in accordance with the current position of the operator; the circuit is switchable between the first state and a second state; In the second state, when the operator is located in a first region that is a region included in the basic range of motion and that includes the initial position, the circuit is caused to control the magnetic field generating unit so that the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid becomes a first viscosity, and when the operator is located in a second region that is a region included in the basic range of motion and that is different from the first region, the circuit is caused to control the magnetic field generating unit so that the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid becomes a second viscosity that is different from the first viscosity. When the second state is reached, notifying a user of information indicating that the first area and the second area are being used; a controller that notifies the user of information for instructing the user to move the operator to the first area when switching from the first state to a second state;

19. An operator that is displaced from an initial position by a user's operation; a restriction member that restricts a movable range of the position of the operator in a first state to a basic movable range that is a two-dimensional area; a resistance unit using a magnetorheological fluid whose viscosity changes according to the strength of a magnetic field applied thereto, and which provides resistance according to the viscosity when the position of the manipulator is displaced; A controller including a magnetic field generating unit that applies a magnetic field to the magnetorheological fluid; A circuit capable of controlling the magnetic field generating unit. the circuit is switchable between the first state and a second state; in the second state, when the operator is located in a first region that is a region included in the basic range of motion and that includes the initial position, the circuit is caused to control the magnetic field generating unit so that the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid becomes a first viscosity, and when the operator is located in a second region that is a region included in the basic range of motion and that is different from the first region, the circuit is caused to control the magnetic field generating unit so that the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid becomes a second viscosity that is different from the first viscosity; When the second state is reached, notifying a user of information indicating that the first area and the second area are being used; An information processing method for notifying a user of information for instructing the user to move the operator to the first area when switching from the first state to a second state.

20. An operator that is displaced from an initial position by a user's operation; a restriction member that restricts a movable range of the position of the operator in a first state to a basic movable range that is a two-dimensional area; a resistance unit using a magnetorheological fluid whose viscosity changes according to the strength of a magnetic field applied thereto, and which provides resistance according to the viscosity when the position of the manipulator is displaced; A controller including a magnetic field generating unit that applies a magnetic field to the magnetorheological fluid; An information processing program to be executed by a computer of an information processing system including a circuit capable of controlling the magnetic field generating unit, The computer includes: switching between the first state and a second state different from the first state; In the second state, when the operator is located in a first region that is included in the basic range of motion and that includes the initial position, the magnetic field generating unit is controlled so that the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid becomes a first viscosity, and when the operator is located in a second region that is included in the basic range of motion and that is different from the first region, the magnetic field generating unit is controlled so that the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid becomes a second viscosity that is different from the first viscosity; When the second state is reached, notifying a user of information indicating that the first area and the second area are being used; an information processing program that notifies the user of information for instructing the user to move the operator to the first area when switching from the first state to a second state;

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