Controller

Abstract

To provide a light emission control apparatus, an operation device, a light emission control method, and a program that enable richer expression of an execution status of a program based on light emission from the operation device.SOLUTION: A particular-light-emitting-area identifying section (78a) identifies, on the basis of information corresponding to an execution status of a program, a particular light emitting area that is a part of a light emitting area set on an operation device, the part corresponding to the information. A light emission control section (80) causes at least part of the light emitting area to emit light so as to enable a particular light emitting area to be recognized.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a light emission control device, an operation device, a light emission control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Among operation devices used as input devices for entertainment devices such as game devices, there are those provided with a light emitting portion that emits light in a color corresponding to the execution status of a program such as a game program executed by the entertainment device. Also, among such operation devices, there are those provided with a light emitting portion for indicating identification information of the operation device or the user.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] However, the light emitting portion in the above prior art emits light uniformly throughout in a color corresponding to the execution status of the program. Therefore, in the above prior art, there was a limit in expressing the execution status of the program by causing the operation device to emit light.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and one of its objects is to provide a light emission control device, an operation device, a light emission control method, and a program that enable a richer expression of the execution status of a program by causing an operation device to emit light.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, a light emission control device according to the present invention includes a specific light emission region specifying unit that specifies a specific light emission region that is a part corresponding to the information among the light emission regions set in the operation device based on information corresponding to the execution status of a program, and a light emission control unit that causes at least a part of the light emission region to emit light so that the specific light emission region becomes recognizable.

[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, the information includes information for causing an image to be displayed on a display unit.

[0007] In this aspect, it further includes a specific display area specifying unit that specifies a specific display area that is a part corresponding to the operation device among the reference display areas that occupy at least a part of the image. The specific light emission area specifying unit may specify the specific light emission area whose position in the light emission area corresponds to the position of the specific display area in the reference display area.

[0008] In this aspect, it further includes a display control unit that causes the display unit to display the image in which the respective play statuses of the plurality of users according to the execution status of the program of the game played by the plurality of users in the reference display area are shown. The specific display area specifying unit may specify an area in the image in which the play status of the user operating the operation device is shown as the specific display area.

[0009] In this aspect, it further includes a specific display area changing unit that changes the position of the specific display area in the reference display area. In response to the change in the position of the specific display area, the light emission control unit may change the light emission of at least a part of the light emission area so that the specific light emission area corresponding to the changed specific display area becomes recognizable.

[0010] Also, in one aspect of the present invention, the light emission area includes a plurality of partial light emission areas, and the light emission control unit causes at least one of the partial light emission areas corresponding to the specific light emission area to emit light.

[0011] Also, in one aspect of the present invention, the light emission control unit emits light of a color according to the information and at least a part of the light emission area so that the specific light emission area becomes recognizable.

[0012] Also, in one aspect of the present invention, the light emission control unit emits light of at least a part of the light emission area so that the specific light emission area becomes recognizable and the identification information associated with the operation device becomes specifiable.

[0013] In this aspect, the light-emitting region includes a first light-emitting region and a second light-emitting region. The specific light-emitting region specifying unit specifies the specific light-emitting region, which is a part of the first light-emitting region corresponding to the image. The light-emitting control unit causes at least a part of the first light-emitting region to emit light so that the specific light-emitting region can be recognized. The light-emitting control unit may cause at least a part of the second light-emitting region to emit light so that the identification information can be specified.

[0014] Also, in one aspect of the present invention, a plurality of the operation devices are connected to the light-emitting control device, and the light-emitting control unit changes the light emission of at least a part of the light-emitting region in the operation device different from the operation device in response to an operation on one of the operation devices.

[0015] Also, in one aspect of the present invention, the information includes information corresponding to the output of the sensor unit.

[0016] The operation device according to the present invention is an operation device in which a light-emitting region is set, and includes a receiving unit that receives light-emitting control information in which a part of the light-emitting region is specified based on information corresponding to the execution state of a program, and a light-emitting control unit that causes a part of the light-emitting region to emit light according to the light-emitting control information.

[0017] In one aspect of the present invention, it has a touch sensor, and at least a part of the touch sensor and the light-emitting region overlap when viewed from above.

[0018] In this aspect, a light-emitting unit may be provided at a position corresponding to a corner portion of the touch sensor.

[0019] Also, a light-emitting unit may be provided at a position corresponding to the central portion of the touch sensor.

[0020] Another operation device according to the present invention is an operation device in which a first light emitting region and a second light emitting region are set. At least a part of the first light emitting region emits light so that a specific light emitting region, which is a part corresponding to an image displayed on the display unit, can be recognized. At least a part of the second light emitting region emits light so that identification information associated with the operation device can be specified.

[0021] In one aspect of the present invention, at least a part of the first light emitting region emits light according to a control signal according to the execution state of the application program, and at least a part of the second light emitting region emits light according to a control signal according to the execution state of the system program.

[0022] Further, a light emission control method according to the present invention includes a step of specifying a specific light emitting region, which is a part corresponding to the information, among the light emitting regions set in the operation device based on information according to the execution state of the program, and a step of emitting light from at least a part of the light emitting region so that the specific light emitting region can be recognized.

[0023] Further, a program according to the present invention causes a computer to execute a procedure of specifying a specific light emitting region, which is a part corresponding to the information, among the light emitting regions set in the operation device based on information according to the execution state of the program, and a procedure of emitting light from at least a part of the light emitting region so that the specific light emitting region can be recognized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

Figure 1

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

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Figure 6B

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Figure 20

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an entertainment system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the entertainment system 10 according to the present embodiment includes an entertainment device 12, a display 14, a camera microphone unit 16, and a controller 18.

[0027] The entertainment device 12 according to the present embodiment is a computer such as a game console, a DVD player, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) player, or the like. The entertainment device 12 according to the present embodiment generates video and audio by executing a game program or playing content, which is stored, for example, or recorded on an optical disc. Then, the entertainment device 12 according to the present embodiment outputs a video signal representing the generated video and an audio signal representing the generated audio.

[0028] The entertainment device 12 according to the present embodiment includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 2A, a processor 20, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 24, and an input / output unit 26.

[0029] The processor 20 is a program control device such as a CPU that operates according to a program installed in the entertainment device 12, for example. The processor 20 according to the present embodiment also includes a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) that draws an image in a frame buffer based on graphics commands and data supplied from the CPU.

[0030] The storage unit 22 is a storage element such as a ROM or a RAM, or a hard disk drive, for example. Programs executed by the processor 20 and the like are stored in the storage unit 22. In addition, an area of the frame buffer in which an image is drawn by the GPU is secured in the storage unit 22 according to the present embodiment.

[0031] The communication unit 24 is a communication interface such as a network board, a wireless LAN module, or a Bluetooth (registered trademark) module, for example.

[0032] The input / output unit 26 is an input / output port such as an HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) port and a USB port.

[0033] The display 14 according to the present embodiment is, for example, a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays an image represented by a video signal output from the entertainment device 12.

[0034] The camera microphone unit 16 according to the present embodiment includes, for example, a camera 16a that outputs an image of a subject to the entertainment device 12 and a microphone 16b that acquires ambient sound, converts the sound into audio data, and outputs the audio data to the entertainment device 12. The camera 16a according to the present embodiment is a stereo camera.

[0035] The entertainment device 12 and the display 14 are connected via, for example, an AV cable, an HDMI cable, or the like. The entertainment device 12 and the camera microphone unit 16 are connected via, for example, a USB cable, an AV cable, an HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) cable, or the like.

[0036] The controller 18 (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d,...) according to the present embodiment is an operation device for performing an operation input to the entertainment device 12.

[0037] The controller 18 according to the present embodiment includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 2B, a control unit 30, a storage unit 32, a communication unit 34, an input unit 36, a sensor unit 38, a light emitting unit 40, a touch sensor 42, a vibrator 44, and an expansion terminal 46.

[0038] The control unit 30 is a control device such as a digital signal processor (DSP). The storage unit 32 is a storage element such as a memory. The communication unit 34 is a communication interface such as a wireless LAN module or a Bluetooth module. The input unit 36 is an input operation member such as a direction key, a button, an operation stick, a touch pad, or a keypad. The sensor unit 38 is a device such as an acceleration sensor, a motion sensor, a gyro sensor, or a GPS module. The light emitting unit 40 is a device including a light source such as an LED. The light emitting unit 40 may include a plurality of light sources having different colors from each other (for example, red, green, and blue light sources). Note that the light emitting unit 40 may include a light guide plate (light diffusing member) containing acrylic or polycarbonate as a material. Further, the light emitting unit 40 may be a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD). The touch sensor 42 is a device capable of detecting the position of an object such as a user's finger. The vibrator 44 is a vibration device such as an actuator. The expansion terminal 46 is a terminal such as a USB port.

[0039] FIG. 3 shows an example of the upper surface of the controller 18. In the following description, it is assumed that the upward direction in FIG. 3 is the front direction of the controller 18 and the downward direction in FIG. 3 is the rear direction of the controller 18.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, the controller 18 according to the present embodiment includes a direction key, a button, and an operation stick. The user can perform various operation inputs using the controller 18 by pressing the direction key or button provided in the controller 18 or tilting the operation stick. Further, various operation inputs can be performed using the output of the sensor unit 38 corresponding to the movement of the controller 18. In the present embodiment, the controller 18 outputs input data associated with the operation input to the entertainment device 12.

[0041] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, a touch sensor 42 capable of detecting the position of an object such as a user's finger is provided at the center of the front side of the upper surface of the controller 18 according to the present embodiment.

[0042] In this embodiment, a light-emitting region 48 is set such that at least a part thereof overlaps with the touch sensor 42 when viewed from above. Here, a region wider than the region including the region occupied by the touch sensor 42 when viewed from above may be set as the light-emitting region 48. Also, a region overlapping with the touch sensor 42 when viewed from above may be set as the light-emitting region 48. In the controller 18 according to this embodiment, for example, a light-emitting unit 40 including a light source such as an LED is provided on the lower surface (back surface) of the touch sensor 42. The light-emitting unit 40 includes a plurality of light sources having different colors from each other (for example, red, green, and blue light sources). The light-emitting unit 40 may include a light guide plate (light diffusing member) containing acrylic, polycarbonate, or the like as a material.

[0043] Also, below the touch sensor 42 and the light-emitting unit 40, a switch for detecting that the touch sensor 42 has been pressed is arranged. Therefore, the touch sensor 42 also functions as a button capable of on / off operation.

[0044] When the user performs a touch operation on the touch sensor 42 with a finger or the like, the controller 18 outputs input data indicating the position where the touch operation was performed to the entertainment device 12. Also, when the user performs an on / off operation on the above-described switch, the controller 18 outputs input data indicating that the on / off operation has been performed to the entertainment device 12. In this case, the position detected by the touch sensor 42 when the on / off operation is performed, and the input data indicating that the on / off operation has been performed may be output to the entertainment device 12.

[0045] Also, the controller 18 according to this embodiment can output input data to the entertainment device 12 by wire by connecting to the entertainment device 12 with a USB cable. Also, the controller 18 according to this embodiment can output input data to the entertainment device 12 wirelessly.

[0046] The controller 18 according to this embodiment receives a light emission control signal transmitted from the entertainment device 12. The light emission control signal includes information indicating, for example, the color to be emitted and the area to be emitted. Then, the controller 18 causes at least a part of the light emission area 48 to emit light according to the information indicated by the light emission control signal.

[0047] Also, in this embodiment, by performing a predetermined connection operation such as pressing the connection button 50 shown in FIG. 3 on the controller 18, the controller 18 and the entertainment device 12 are connected, and operation input by the controller 18 becomes possible. Further, the entertainment device 12 according to this embodiment can be connected to a plurality of controllers 18. And, in this embodiment, identification information associated with the controller 18 is assigned to the controller 18 connected to the entertainment device 12. Hereinafter, the identification information associated with the controller 18 will be referred to as the device ID of the controller 18. Here, for example, the device ID associated with the order in which the controllers 18 are connected to the entertainment device 12 may be set for the controllers 18 connected to the entertainment device 12.

[0048] Also, a table in which a unique ID for each controller 18 is associated with the device ID may be managed inside the entertainment device 12. The user ID for logging in to the entertainment device 12 may be registered in the table. The data received from the controller 18 may include the unique ID of the controller 18. And, the entertainment device 12 may be able to associate the received data with the device ID used by the controller 18 and the application for processing and the user ID. Also, in addition to the device ID, a user ID and a controller-specific ID may be used as the above-described identification information.

[0049] In the following description, it is assumed that four controllers 18 are connected to the entertainment device 12 in the order of controller 18a, controller 18b, controller 18c, and controller 18d. And it is assumed that 1 is set as the device ID for controller 18a, 2 is set as the device ID for controller 18b, 3 is set as the device ID for controller 18c, and 4 is set as the device ID for controller 18d. Note that the device ID may be information indicating a color, for example, instead of a number.

[0050] In the present embodiment, for example, an image corresponding to the play status of a game played by a plurality of users is displayed on the display 14. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a play status image 60 which is an image corresponding to the play status of a game played by a plurality of users. In the play status image 60 shown in FIG. 4, the play status of each of the four users is shown. Each user plays the game by operating the controller 18 while looking at the play status image 60 displayed on the display 14.

[0051] For example, in the play area 62a located at the upper left of the play status image 60, the play status of the user operating the controller 18a is shown. Also, for example, in the play area 62b located at the upper right of the play status image 60, the play status of the user operating the controller 18b is shown. Also, for example, in the play area 62c located at the lower left of the play status image 60, the play status of the user operating the controller 18c is shown. Also, for example, in the play area 62d located at the lower right of the play status image 60, the play status of the user operating the controller 18d is shown.

[0052] And in this case, each light emitting area 48 of the controllers 18a to 18d is controlled to emit light according to the position of the play area 62 in the play status image 60 where the play status of the user operating the corresponding controller 18 is shown.

[0053] FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the partial light-emitting region 64 according to the present embodiment. In the example of FIG. 4, the light-emitting region 48 includes four partial light-emitting regions 64a, 64b, 64c, and 64d. The partial light-emitting regions 64a, 64b, 64c, and 64d are arranged at the upper end, left end, right end, and lower end of the light-emitting region 48, respectively.

[0054] In the present embodiment, for example, when the play status image 60 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display 14, for the controller 18a, the partial light-emitting region 64a located at the upper left of the light-emitting region 48 and the partial light-emitting region 64b emit light. At this time, the partial light-emitting region 64a and the partial light-emitting region 64b may emit light in a color (for example, blue) corresponding to the device ID of the controller 18a. In this case, the partial light-emitting region 64c and the partial light-emitting region 64d do not emit light.

[0055] For the controller 18b, the partial light-emitting region 64a located at the upper right of the light-emitting region 48 and the partial light-emitting region 64c emit light. At this time, the partial light-emitting region 64a and the partial light-emitting region 64c may emit light in a color (for example, red) corresponding to the device ID of the controller 18b. In this case, the partial light-emitting region 64b and the partial light-emitting region 64d do not emit light.

[0056] For the controller 18c, the partial light-emitting region 64b located at the lower left of the light-emitting region 48 and the partial light-emitting region 64d emit light. At this time, the partial light-emitting region 64b and the partial light-emitting region 64d may emit light in a color (for example, green) corresponding to the device ID of the controller 18c.

[0057] For the controller 18d, the partial light-emitting region 64c located at the lower right of the light-emitting region 48 and the partial light-emitting region 64d emit light. At this time, the partial light-emitting region 64c and the partial light-emitting region 64d may emit light in a color (for example, magenta) corresponding to the device ID of the controller 18d.

[0058] As described above, the position of the partial light-emitting region 64 that emits light in the controller 18 corresponds to the position within the play status image 60 of the play region 62 that indicates the play status of the user operating the controller 18. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the user can easily grasp where in the play status image 60 the play region 62 indicating the play status of the user is located by looking at the controller 18 that the user is operating.

[0059] Hereinafter, the functions of the entertainment device 12 according to the present embodiment will be further described, centering on the light emission control of the light-emitting region 48.

[0060] FIG. 6A is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functions implemented in the entertainment device 12 according to the present embodiment. Note that it is not necessary for all of the functions shown in FIG. 6A to be implemented in the entertainment device 12 according to the present embodiment, and functions other than those shown in FIG. 6A may be implemented.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 6A, the entertainment device 12 according to the present embodiment functionally includes, for example, an input data reception unit 70, a system program execution unit 72, an application program execution unit 74, a display control unit 76, a light emission expression specifying unit 78, and a light emission control unit 80. The light emission expression specifying unit 78 includes a specific light-emitting region specifying unit 78a and a color specifying unit 78b.

[0062] The input data reception unit 70 is mainly implemented by the communication unit 24. The system program execution unit 72, the application program execution unit 74, and the light emission expression specifying unit 78 are mainly implemented by the processor 20. The display control unit 76 is mainly implemented by the processor 20 and the input / output unit 26. The light emission control unit 80 is mainly implemented by the processor 20 and the communication unit 24.

[0063] The above functions are implemented by the processor 20 executing a program including instructions corresponding to the above functions, which is installed in the entertainment device 12 that is a computer. This program is supplied to the entertainment device 12 via a computer-readable information storage medium such as an optical disk, a magnetic disk, a magnetic tape, a magneto-optical disk, a flash memory, etc., or via the Internet or the like.

[0064] FIG. 6B is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functions implemented by the controller 18 according to the present embodiment. Note that in the entertainment device 12 according to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to implement all of the functions shown in FIG. 6B, and functions other than those shown in FIG. 6B may be implemented.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 6B, the controller 18 according to the present embodiment functionally includes, for example, an input data output unit 90, a control signal reception unit 92, and a light emission control unit 94.

[0066] The input data output unit 90 and the control signal reception unit 92 are mainly implemented by the communication unit 34. The light emission control unit 94 is mainly implemented by the control unit 30 and the light emission unit 40.

[0067] In the present embodiment, the input data reception unit 70 receives, for example, input data transmitted by the controller 18.

[0068] In the present embodiment, the system program execution unit 72 executes, for example, the system program installed in the entertainment device 12. Here, the system program execution unit 72 may execute processing according to the input data received by the input data reception unit 70.

[0069] In this embodiment, for example, the application program execution unit 74 executes an application program such as a game program installed in the entertainment device 12. Here, the application program execution unit 74 may execute processing according to the input data received by the input data reception unit 70.

[0070] In this embodiment, for example, the display control unit 76 causes a display unit such as the display 14 to display an image according to the execution status of the program. The display control unit 76 may cause a display unit such as the display 14 to display an image according to the execution status of the system program by the system program execution unit 72. Further, the display control unit 76 may cause a display unit such as the display 14 to display an image according to the execution status of the application program by the application program execution unit 74. For example, the display control unit 76 may cause the play status image 60 shown in FIG. 4 to be displayed on the display 14.

[0071] In this embodiment, for example, the light emission expression specifying unit 78 specifies the light emission expression (for example, the area to be lit and the light emission color) of the light emission area 48 of the controller 18.

[0072] In this embodiment, for example, the specific light emission area specifying unit 78a included in the light emission expression specifying unit 78 specifies a specific light emission area 96 that is at least a part of the light emission area 48. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the specific light emission area 96.

[0073] In this embodiment, for example, the specific light-emitting area specifying unit 78a specifies a specific light-emitting area 96, which is a part corresponding to the information, among the light-emitting areas 48 set in the controller 18, based on the information corresponding to the execution status of the program. The information may include information for causing an image to be displayed on the display unit. Here, the specific light-emitting area specifying unit 78a may specify the specific light-emitting area 96 based on an image controlled to be displayed by the display control unit 76. Further, for example, when the play status image 60 shown in FIG. 4 is being displayed, the specific light-emitting area 96 associated with the controller 18 is specified based on the position of the play area 62 indicating the play status of the user operating the controller 18 within the play status image 60. Here, the position of the play area 62 indicating the play status of the user operating the controller 18 within the play status image 60 and the position of the specific light-emitting area 96 within the light-emitting area 48 associated with the controller 18 may correspond to each other.

[0074] For example, the play area 62a located at the upper left of the play status image 60 shows the play status of the user operating the controller 18a. In this case, the specific light-emitting area 96a located at the upper left of the light-emitting area 48 may be specified as the specific light-emitting area 96 associated with the controller 18a. Similarly, the specific light-emitting area 96b located at the upper right of the light-emitting area 48 may be specified as the specific light-emitting area 96 associated with the controller 18b. Further, the specific light-emitting area 96c located at the lower left of the light-emitting area 48 may be specified as the specific light-emitting area 96 associated with the controller 18c. Also, the specific light-emitting area 96d located at the lower right of the light-emitting area 48 may be specified as the specific light-emitting area 96 associated with the controller 18d.

[0075] In this embodiment, for example, the color specifying unit 78b included in the light-emitting expression specifying unit 78 specifies a color corresponding to the device ID of the controller 18. Here, for example, when the connection process between the controller 18 and the entertainment device 12 is executed by the system program execution unit 72, the color specifying unit 78b may specify a color corresponding to the device ID of the controller 18.

[0076] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the correspondence between the device ID and the color is determined in advance. For example, it is assumed that blue, red, green, and magenta are associated with the values 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the device ID, respectively. Therefore, for the controller 18a with the device ID of 1, blue is specified as the color corresponding to the device ID. Also, for the controller 18b with the device ID of 2, red is specified as the color corresponding to the device ID. Also, for the controller 18c with the device ID of 3, green is specified as the color corresponding to the device ID. Also, for the controller 18d with the device ID of 4, magenta is specified as the color corresponding to the device ID.

[0077] In this embodiment, the light emission control unit 80 causes at least a part of the light emission region 48 to emit light so that the specific light emission region 96 can be recognized, for example. Here, the light emission control unit 80 may cause at least one partial light emission region 64 associated with the specific light emission region 96 among the plurality of partial light emission regions 64 to emit light. Also, the light emission control unit 80 may cause at least a part of the light emission region 48 to emit light in a color corresponding to information according to the execution status of the program and so that the specific light emission region 96 can be recognized.

[0078] Also, the light emission control unit 80 may cause at least a part of the light emission region 48 to emit light so that the specific light emission region 96 can be recognized and the device ID of the controller 18 can be specified. For example, the light emission control unit 80 may cause at least one partial light emission region 64 associated with the specific light emission region 96 to emit light in a color corresponding to the device ID of the controller 18. Also, in this case, the partial light emission regions 64 other than at least one partial light emission region 64 associated with the specific light emission region 96 may be controlled not to emit light.

[0079] The light emission control unit 80 may identify at least one partial light emission area 64 associated with the specific light emission area 96 based on the specific light emission area 96 identified by the specific light emission area identification unit 78a. For example, as the partial light emission areas 64 associated with the specific light emission area 96a, the partial light emission area 64a disposed at the position of the specific light emission area 96a and the partial light emission area 64b may be identified. Also, as the partial light emission areas 64 associated with the specific light emission area 96b, the partial light emission area 64a disposed at the position of the specific light emission area 96b and the partial light emission area 64c may be identified. Also, as the partial light emission areas 64 associated with the specific light emission area 96c, the partial light emission area 64b disposed at the position of the specific light emission area 96c and the partial light emission area 64d may be identified. Also, as the partial light emission areas 64 associated with the specific light emission area 96d, the partial light emission area 64c and the partial light emission area 64d disposed at the position of the specific light emission area 96d may be identified.

[0080] Then, the light emission control unit 80 may transmit a light emission control signal indicating the color identified by the color identification unit 78b and at least one partial light emission area 64 that is identified to the controller 18. And the controller 18 may receive the light emission control signal. Then, in response to the reception of the light emission control signal, the light emission unit 40 of the controller 18 may emit light so that the color corresponding to the device ID of the controller 18 and the specific light emission area 96 can be recognized. For example, the light emission unit 40 of the controller 18 may be controlled to emit light in the color indicated by the light emission control signal in the partial light emission area 64 indicated by the light emission control signal.

[0081] In this way, the partial light emission area 64a and the partial light emission area 64b of the controller 18a emit light in blue as described above. And the partial light emission area 64a and the partial light emission area 64c of the controller 18b emit light in red. And the partial light emission area 64b and the partial light emission area 64d of the controller 18c emit light in green. And the partial light emission area 64c and the partial light emission area 64d of the controller 18d emit light in magenta.

[0082] In this embodiment, for example, the input data output unit 90 outputs the above-described input data to the entertainment device 12.

[0083] In this embodiment, for example, the control signal receiving unit 92 receives the above-described light emission control signal.

[0084] In this embodiment, for example, the light emission control unit 94 causes a part of the light emission region 48 to emit light according to the light emission control signal received by the control signal receiving unit 92. The light emission control unit 94 may cause the partial light emission region 64 disposed at a position corresponding to a corner portion of the touch sensor 42, which is a part of the light emission region 48, to emit light. In this case, a light emitting unit 40 may be provided at a position corresponding to the corner portion of the touch sensor 42. Further, the light emission control unit 94 may cause the partial light emission region 64 disposed at a position corresponding to the central portion of the touch sensor 42, which is a part of the light emission region 48, to emit light. In this case, a light emitting unit 40 may be provided at a position corresponding to the central portion of the touch sensor 42.

[0085] FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a play status image 60 according to the play status of a game played by two users. The play status image 60 shown in FIG. 8 shows the play status of the user operating the controller 18a and the user operating the controller 18b. In the example of FIG. 8, the play status of the user operating the controller 18a is shown in the play area 62a located on the left side of the play status image 60. Also, for example, the play status of the user operating the controller 18b is shown in the play area 62b located on the right side of the play status image 60.

[0086] In the example of FIG. 8, as shown in FIG. 9, the left region of the light emission region 48 is specified as the specific light emission region 96a. And the right region of the light emission region 48 is specified as the specific light emission region 96b.

[0087] And in this case, as the partial light-emitting regions 64 associated with the specific light-emitting region 96a shown in FIG. 9, the partial light-emitting region 64a, the partial light-emitting region 64b, and the partial light-emitting region 64d arranged at the position of the specific light-emitting region 96a are specified. And, as the partial light-emitting regions 64 associated with the specific light-emitting region 96b shown in FIG. 9, the partial light-emitting region 64a, the partial light-emitting region 64c, and the partial light-emitting region 64d arranged at the position of the specific light-emitting region 96b are specified.

[0088] In this case, the partial light-emitting region 64a, the partial light-emitting region 64b, and the partial light-emitting region 64d of the controller 18a emit light in blue. And, the partial light-emitting region 64a, the partial light-emitting region 64c, and the partial light-emitting region 64d of the controller 18b emit light in red.

[0089] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing another example of the play status image 60 according to the play status of a game played by two users. In the example of FIG. 10, the play status of the user operating the controller 18a is shown in the play area 62a located above the play status image 60. Also, for example, the play status of the user operating the controller 18b is shown in the play area 62b located below the play status image 60.

[0090] In the example of FIG. 10, as shown in FIG. 11, the upper region of the light-emitting region 48 is specified as the specific light-emitting region 96a. And, the lower region of the light-emitting region 48 is specified as the specific light-emitting region 96b.

[0091] And in this case, as the partial light-emitting regions 64 associated with the specific light-emitting region 96a shown in FIG. 11, the partial light-emitting region 64a, the partial light-emitting region 64b, and the partial light-emitting region 64c arranged at the position of the specific light-emitting region 96a are specified. And, as the partial light-emitting regions 64 associated with the specific light-emitting region 96b shown in FIG. 11, the partial light-emitting region 64b, the partial light-emitting region 64c, and the partial light-emitting region 64d arranged at the position of the specific light-emitting region 96b are specified.

[0092] In this case, the partial light-emitting regions 64a, 64b, and 64c of the controller 18a emit light in blue. And the partial light-emitting regions 64b, 64c, and 64d of the controller 18b emit light in red.

[0093] Note that the arrangement of the partial light-emitting regions 64 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of the partial light-emitting region 64. In the example of FIG. 12, the partial light-emitting regions 64a and 64b are arranged in order from the left at the upper end of the light-emitting region 48. The partial light-emitting regions 64c and 64d are arranged in order from the top at the left end of the light-emitting region 48. The partial light-emitting regions 64e and 64f are arranged in order from the top at the right end of the light-emitting region 48. The partial light-emitting regions 64g and 64h are arranged in order from the left at the lower end of the light-emitting region 48.

[0094] In the example of FIG. 12, as the partial light-emitting regions 64 associated with the specific light-emitting region 96a shown in FIG. 7, the partial light-emitting region 64a and the partial light-emitting region 64c may be specified. Also, as the partial light-emitting regions 64 associated with the specific light-emitting region 96b shown in FIG. 7, the partial light-emitting region 64b and the partial light-emitting region 64e may be specified. Also, as the partial light-emitting regions 64 associated with the specific light-emitting region 96c shown in FIG. 7, the partial light-emitting region 64d and the partial light-emitting region 64g may be specified. Also, as the partial light-emitting regions 64 associated with the specific light-emitting region 96d shown in FIG. 7, the partial light-emitting region 64f and the partial light-emitting region 64h may be specified.

[0095] In this case, the partial light-emitting regions 64a and 64c of the controller 18a emit light in blue. And the partial light-emitting regions 64b and 64e of the controller 18b emit light in red. And the partial light-emitting regions 64d and 64g of the controller 18c emit light in green. And the partial light-emitting regions 64f and 64h of the controller 18d emit light in magenta.

[0096] Similarly, when the play status image 60 shown in FIG. 8 is being displayed, the partial light-emitting regions 64a, 64c, 64d, and 64g of the controller 18a emit light in blue. And the partial light-emitting regions 64b, 64e, 64f, and 64h of the controller 18b emit light in red.

[0097] Also, when the play status image 60 shown in FIG. 10 is being displayed, the partial light-emitting regions 64a, 64b, 64c, and 64e of the controller 18a emit light in blue. And the partial light-emitting regions 64d, 64f, 64g, and 64h of the controller 18b emit light in red.

[0098] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing yet another example of the partial light-emitting region 64. In the example of FIG. 13, the partial light-emitting regions 64a, 64b, and 64c are arranged in order from the left at the upper end of the light-emitting region 48. The partial light-emitting regions 64d, 64e, and 64f are arranged in order from the left at the center of the light-emitting region 48. The partial light-emitting regions 64g, 64h, and 64i are arranged in order from the left at the lower end of the light-emitting region 48.

[0099] In this case, when the play status image 60 shown in FIG. 4 is being displayed, the partial light-emitting regions 64a, 64b, 64d, and 64e of the controller 18a may emit light in blue. Also, the partial light-emitting regions 64b, 64c, 64e, and 64f of the controller 18b may emit light in red. Also, the partial light-emitting regions 64d, 64e, 64g, and 64h of the controller 18c may emit light in green. Also, the partial light-emitting regions 64e, 64f, 64h, and 64i of the controller 18d may emit light in magenta.

[0100] Also, when the play status image 60 shown in FIG. 8 is being displayed, the partial light-emitting regions 64a, 64b, 64d, 64e, 64g, and 64h of the controller 18a may emit light in blue. And the partial light-emitting regions 64b, 64c, 64e, 64f, 64h, and 64i of the controller 18b may emit light in red.

[0101] Also, when the play status image 60 shown in FIG. 10 is being displayed, the partial light-emitting regions 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d, 64e, and 64f of the controller 18a may emit light in blue. And the partial light-emitting regions 64d, 64e, 64f, 64g, 64h, and 64i of the controller 18b may emit light in red.

[0102] In the example of FIG. 13, it is also possible to flexibly respond when a play status image 60 as shown in FIG. 14 in which three play areas 62 are arranged side by side is displayed. FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a play status image 60 corresponding to the play status of a game played by three users. The play status image 60 shown in FIG. 14 shows the play status of the user operating the controller 18a, the user operating the controller 18b, and the user operating the controller 18c. In the example of FIG. 14, the play status of the user operating the controller 18a is shown in the play area 62a located on the left side of the play status image 60. Also, for example, the play status of the user operating the controller 18b is shown in the play area 62b located in the center of the play status image 60. Also, for example, the play status of the user operating the controller 18c is shown in the play area 62c located on the right side of the play status image 60.

[0103] In this case, as shown in FIG. 15, a specific light-emitting region 96a located on the left side of the light-emitting region 48 may be specified as the specific light-emitting region 96 associated with the controller 18a. Similarly, a specific light-emitting region 96b located at the center of the light-emitting region 48 may be specified as the specific light-emitting region 96 associated with the controller 18b. Further, a specific light-emitting region 96c located on the right side of the light-emitting region 48 may be specified as the specific light-emitting region 96 associated with the controller 18c.

[0104] Then, as the partial light-emitting regions 64 associated with the specific light-emitting region 96a, the partial light-emitting region 64a, the partial light-emitting region 64d, and the partial light-emitting region 64g shown in FIG. 13 may be specified. Then, as the partial light-emitting regions 64 associated with the specific light-emitting region 96b, the partial light-emitting region 64b, the partial light-emitting region 64e, and the partial light-emitting region 64h shown in FIG. 13 may be specified. Then, as the partial light-emitting regions 64 associated with the specific light-emitting region 96c, the partial light-emitting region 64c, the partial light-emitting region 64f, and the partial light-emitting region 64i shown in FIG. 13 may be specified.

[0105] Then, the partial light-emitting region 64a, the partial light-emitting region 64d, and the partial light-emitting region 64g of the controller 18a may emit light in blue. Then, the partial light-emitting region 64b, the partial light-emitting region 64e, and the partial light-emitting region 64h of the controller 18b may emit light in red. Then, the partial light-emitting region 64c, the partial light-emitting region 64f, and the partial light-emitting region 64i of the controller 18c may emit light in green.

[0106] Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the partial light-emitting region 64 may be a substantially rectangular region. In the example of FIG. 16, the partial light-emitting region 64a located at the upper left of the light-emitting region 48 is the partial light-emitting region 64 associated with the specific light-emitting region 96a shown in FIG. 7. And the partial light-emitting region 64b located at the upper right of the light-emitting region 48 is the partial light-emitting region 64 associated with the specific light-emitting region 96b shown in FIG. 7. And the partial light-emitting region 64c located at the lower left of the light-emitting region 48 is the partial light-emitting region 64 associated with the specific light-emitting region 96c shown in FIG. 7. And the partial light-emitting region 64d located at the lower right of the light-emitting region 48 is the partial light-emitting region 64 associated with the specific light-emitting region 96d shown in FIG. 7.

[0107] Further, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the partial light-emitting region 64 may be a strip-shaped region. The partial light-emitting regions 64a, 64b, 64c, and 64d shown in FIG. 17 respectively correspond to the partial light-emitting regions 64a, 64b, 64c, and 64d shown in FIG. 5. The partial light-emitting regions 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d, 64e, 64f, 64g, and 64h shown in FIG. 18 respectively correspond to the partial light-emitting regions 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d, 64e, 64f, 64g, and 64h shown in FIG. 12.

[0108] Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the light-emitting region 48 may include a first light-emitting region 48a, a second light-emitting region 48b, and a third light-emitting region 48c. The first light-emitting region 48a is, for example, a region that emits light so that the specific light-emitting region 96 can be recognized. The second light-emitting region 48b is, for example, a region that emits light so that the device ID of the controller 18 can be specified. The third light-emitting region 48c is, for example, a region that emits light in a color according to the execution status of the game program.

[0109] Here, at least a part of the first light-emitting region 48a and the third light-emitting region 48c may emit light according to a control signal according to the execution status of the application program by the application program execution unit 74. And at least a part of the second light-emitting region 48b may emit light according to a control signal according to the execution status of the system program by the system program execution unit 72.

[0110] In the example of FIG. 19, the first light-emitting region 48a includes partial light-emitting regions 64a, 64b, 64c, and 64d. And the second light-emitting region 48b includes partial light-emitting regions 64e, 64f, 64g, and 64h. The partial light-emitting regions 64a, 64b, 64c, and 64d are respectively arranged at the upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right of the first light-emitting region 48a. The partial light-emitting regions 64e, 64f, 64g, and 64h are respectively arranged in a row side by side from left to right. Note that the arrangements of the first light-emitting region 48a, the second light-emitting region 48b, the third light-emitting region 48c, and the partial light-emitting region 64 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 19.

[0111] Regarding the second light-emitting region 48b, the partial light-emitting region 64 at a position corresponding to the device ID of the controller 18 may be controlled to emit light. For example, regarding the controller 18a, the partial light-emitting region 64e may be controlled to emit light. Also for example, regarding the controller 18b, the partial light-emitting region 64f may be controlled to emit light. Also for example, regarding the controller 18c, the partial light-emitting region 64g may be controlled to emit light. Also for example, regarding the controller 18d, the partial light-emitting region 64h may be controlled to emit light.

[0112] Alternatively, regarding the second light-emitting region 48b, the number of partial light-emitting regions 64 corresponding to the device ID of the controller 18 may be controlled to emit light. For example, regarding the controller 18a, the partial light-emitting region 64e may be controlled to emit light. Also for example, regarding the controller 18b, the partial light-emitting region 64e and the partial light-emitting region 64f may be controlled to emit light. Also for example, regarding the controller 18c, the partial light-emitting region 64e, the partial light-emitting region 64f, and the partial light-emitting region 64g may be controlled to emit light. Also for example, regarding the controller 18d, the partial light-emitting region 64e, the partial light-emitting region 64f, the partial light-emitting region 64g, and the partial light-emitting region 64h may be controlled to emit light.

[0113] Also, the second light-emitting region 48b may be controlled to emit light in a color corresponding to the device ID of the controller 18.

[0114] And for the first light-emitting region 48a, similar to the content described above, for example, light emission control may be performed according to the play status image 60.

[0115] Here, for example, light emission control may be performed according to the play status image 60 shown in FIG. 20. The play status image 60 shown in FIG. 20 shows the play status of a game played by one user. Here, for example, it is assumed that the play status of the user operating the controller 18a is shown in the play status image 60 shown in FIG. 20.

[0116] In the reference display region 98, which is the lower left region of the play status image 60 shown in FIG. 20, a list of weapons that can be used by the user in the game play is shown. Also, the number of times each weapon can be used is shown. In the example of FIG. 20, a pistol, a machine gun, a grenade, and a landmine are shown in the upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right of the reference display region 98, respectively. And it is shown that the pistol can be used 5 times, the machine gun can be used 10 times, and the landmine can be used 3 times. On the other hand, it is shown that the grenade cannot be used.

[0117] And in this embodiment, for example, according to an operation of touching the touch sensor 42 or an operation of pressing down the touch sensor 42, a weapon corresponding to the position detected by the touch sensor 42 is used. For example, by performing an operation of touching the upper left region of the touch sensor 42, the pistol is used once in the game.

[0118] In this case, the specific light-emitting area specifying unit 78a may specify, as the specific display area 100, an area surrounding the upper left, upper right, and lower right of the reference display area 98 where a weapon with a usable number of times of 1 or more is shown. Then, the specific light-emitting area specifying unit 78a may specify a specific light-emitting area 96 whose position within the light-emitting area 48 is associated with the position of the specific display area 100 within the reference display area 98. For example, an area surrounding the upper left, upper right, and lower right of the first light-emitting area 48a shown in FIG. 19 may be specified as the specific light-emitting area 96. And the display control unit 76 may control the partial light-emitting areas 64a, 64b, and 64d associated with the specific light-emitting area 96 to emit light. In this case, the partial light-emitting area 64c does not emit light.

[0119] In the above examples, the reference display area 98 was an area occupying a part of the play status image 60, but the reference display area 98 may be an area occupying the entire play status image 60. For example, in the examples of FIGS. 4, 8, 10, and 14, the area occupying the entire play status image 60 corresponds to the reference display area 98. And the play area 62 corresponds to the specific display area 100.

[0120] Also, in this embodiment, in response to the user performing a predetermined play area change operation, the input data reception unit 70 may receive input data indicating the occurrence of the play area change operation from the controller 18 operated by the user.

[0121] And the application program execution unit 74 may change the position of the specific display area 100 within the play status image 60 in response to the reception of the input data. For example, assume that a play area change operation is performed when the play status image 60 shown in FIG. 8 is being displayed. In this case, the arrangement of the play area 62 within the play status image 60 may be changed so that the play area 62a is located on the right of the play status image 60 and the play area 62b is located on the left of the play status image 60.

[0122] Then, in response to the change in the position of the specific display area 100, the light emission control unit 80 may change the light emission of at least a part of the light emission area 48 so that the specific light emission area 96 associated with the changed specific display area 100 becomes recognizable. For example, for the controller 18a, the light emission may be changed so that the partial light emission areas 64a, 64c, and 64d shown in FIG. 5 emit light in blue. Also, for the controller 18b, the light emission may be changed so that the partial light emission areas 64a, 64b, and 64d shown in FIG. 5 emit light in red.

[0123] Also, in the present embodiment, until the execution of the application program is started, the light emission control unit 80 may control the area and the light emission color that emit light within the light emission area 48 according to the execution status of the system program by the system program execution unit 72. Then, after the execution of the application program is started by the light emission control unit 80, the area and the light emission color that emit light within the light emission area 48 may be controlled according to the execution status of the application program by the application program execution unit 74.

[0124] For example, assume that the light emission unit 40 is provided on the front surface of the controller 18. In this case, before the execution of the game program is started, the light emission unit 40 may be controlled to emit light in a color corresponding to the device ID. The light emission control is the light emission control according to the execution status of the system program.

[0125] When the execution of the game program starts, the application program execution unit 74 may acquire an image captured by the camera 16a and identify the user's arrangement based on the positions of the images of the plurality of light emitting units 40 included in the image. Then, the application program execution unit 74 may determine the arrangement of the play area 62 in the initial state based on the identified user arrangement. Then, the display control unit 76 may cause the display 14 to display a play status image 60 in which the play area 62 is arranged according to the determination. Then, the light emission control unit 80 may execute the above-described light emission control based on the play status image 60. The light emission control is light emission control according to the execution status of the application program.

[0126] For example, assume that it is identified that the user operating the controller 18a is on the left and the user operating the controller 18b is on the right facing the display 14. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, a play status image 60 in which the play area 62a is arranged on the left and the play area 62b is arranged on the right may be displayed on the display 14. Then, the partial light emission areas 64a, 64b, and 64d shown in FIG. 5 of the controller 18a may be controlled to emit light in blue. Then, the partial light emission areas 64a, 64c, and 64d shown in FIG. 5 of the controller 18b may be controlled to emit light in red.

[0127] Conversely, assume that it is identified that the user operating the controller 18a is on the right and the user operating the controller 18b is on the left facing the display 14. In this case, a play status image 60 in which the play area 62a is arranged on the right and the play area 62b is arranged on the left may be displayed on the display 14. Then, the partial light emission areas 64a, 64c, and 64d shown in FIG. 5 of the controller 18a may be controlled to emit light in blue. Then, the partial light emission areas 64a, 64b, and 64d shown in FIG. 5 of the controller 18b may be controlled to emit light in red.

[0128] Also, in the present embodiment, initially, when one user is playing a game and the number of users playing the game increases by one, the arrangement of the play area 62 may be changed. For example, initially, the play area 62 may be changed from the entire area of the play status image 60 to half of the area of the play status image 60. Also, for example, in a battle royale type game, initially, when four users are playing the game and an event in the game (such as a player kill) occurs and the number of playable users changes to two, the play area 62 may be changed from 1 / 4 of the area of the play status image 60 to half of the area of the play status image 60. Then, the above-described light emission control may be performed in response to the detection of such a change in the play area 62.

[0129] Also, for example, in order to direct the user's attention to the controller 18, the vibrator 44 of the controller 18 may be vibrated, or an image representing the state of the controller 18 that is emitting light may be displayed on the display 14. Also, the state of the controller 18 may be recognized without ever looking at it by methods such as slightly shifting the timing of the display of the image and shifting the feedback timing to the controller 18.

[0130] Note that the light emission control according to the execution status of the program is not limited to the above. In the following description, it is assumed that the arrangement of the light emission area 48 is as shown in FIG. 19. Also, the selection operation for the partial light emission area 64 in the following description refers to, for example, an operation of touching or pressing the touch sensor 42 at the position of the partial light emission area 64.

[0131] For example, gesture actions in a game may be assignable to the upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right regions of the touch sensor 42. Then, the partial light-emitting regions 64 associated with the regions to which the gesture actions are assigned may be controlled to emit light, and the partial light-emitting regions 64 to which the gesture actions are not assigned may be controlled not to emit light. For example, when gesture actions are assigned to the upper left region and the upper right region, the partial light-emitting regions 64a and 64b may be controlled to emit light, and the partial light-emitting regions 64c and 64d may be controlled not to emit light.

[0132] Also, for example, the special moves of characters in a game may be assigned to the left region and the right region of the touch sensor 42. In response to a selection operation on the partial light-emitting region 64a or the partial light-emitting region 64c, the special move assigned to the left region may be performed, and in response to a selection operation on the partial light-emitting region 64b or the partial light-emitting region 64d, the special move assigned to the right region may be performed. When a special move is performed in the game, the partial light-emitting region 64 corresponding to the region to which the special move is assigned may be controlled to blink for a predetermined time. And during this time, the special move may not be able to be performed. And then, the partial light-emitting region 64 may be controlled to emit light. After the partial light-emitting region 64 is controlled to emit light, the special move corresponding to the partial light-emitting region 64 may be made available.

[0133] Also, for example, the partial light-emitting region 64 associated with the direction of an object in a game may be controlled to emit light.

[0134] Also, for example, a game program may be executed in which the user memorizes that the partial light-emitting regions 64 emit light in an irregular order, and performs a selection operation on the partial light-emitting regions 64 in the order in which they emit light.

[0135] In the above examples, control of the emission color may also be performed.

[0136] For example, in a game where success is determined if the order in which selection operations are performed on the partial light-emitting regions 64 is a predetermined order, and failure otherwise, the light emission color of the partial light-emitting region 64 on which the selection operation is performed may be controlled to change from white to yellow. And if it is a success, the light emission color of all the partial light-emitting regions 64 may be controlled to be green, and if it is a failure, the light emission color of all the partial light-emitting regions 64 may be controlled to be red.

[0137] For example, a program of a game may be executed in which the partial light-emitting regions 64 included in the light-emitting region 48 of the controller 18 emit light randomly in various colors, and a selection operation on the partial light-emitting region 64 that emits the light emission color corresponding to the device ID of the controller 18 results in success.

[0138] For example, an operation for determining the position of the play area 62 may be enabled at the start of the game.

[0139] For example, for each of the controllers 18a to 18d, at the start of the game, the partial light-emitting region 64a, the partial light-emitting region 64b, the partial light-emitting region 64c, and the partial light-emitting region 64d may be controlled to emit light in white. Here, for example, when a selection operation on the partial light-emitting region 64a is performed on the controller 18a, the play area 62a shown in FIG. 4 may be determined as the play area 62 of the user who performed the selection operation. And in this case, the partial light-emitting region 64a of the controller 18a may be changed to blue, and the partial light-emitting region 64a of the other controllers 18 may be controlled not to emit light. In this way, the light emission control unit 80 may change the light emission of at least a part of the light-emitting region 48 in a controller 18 different from the controller 18 in response to an operation on one controller 18.

[0140] Also, in a program that utilizes the sensor unit 38 such as a motion sensor included in the controller 18, the light emission control in the present embodiment may be utilized. For example, in a game where a ball virtually placed in the controller 18 rolls, the partial light emission region 64 associated with the current position of the ball may be controlled to emit light. Also, for example, when the controller 18 is horizontal, not all of the partial light emission regions 64 emit light, and when the controller 18 is tilted, the partial light emission region 64 at a position corresponding to the tilt may be controlled to emit light. For example, when the left front of the controller 18 is tilted downward, the partial light emission region 64a may be controlled to emit light. In this way, the information according to the execution status of the above-described program may include the information according to the output of the sensor unit 38.

[0141] Also, in a racing game that utilizes the motion sensor included in the controller 18, the light emission control in the present embodiment may be utilized for the display of the rev limit, winkers, and hazards.

[0142] Also, for example, the partial light emission region 64 may be used as an option in a game that mimics a quiz program. Then, the partial light emission region 64 where the selection operation is performed may be controlled to emit light. At this time, it may be controlled to emit light in a light emission color according to the device ID. And when it is the correct answer, the third light emission region 48c may be controlled to emit light in green, and when it is the wrong answer, the third light emission region 48c may be controlled to emit light in red.

[0143] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0144] For example, in the storage unit 32 of the controller 18, there may be stored emission color data indicating an emission color and emission pattern data indicating an emission pattern such as an area to be emitted, which are associated with the device ID. Then, in response to the transmission of a connection request from the controller 18 to the entertainment device 12, the entertainment device 12 may transmit the device ID set in the controller 18 to the controller 18. And the controller 18 may execute emission control as described above based on the emission color data and emission pattern data associated with the device ID.

[0145] Also, for example, the functions of the touch sensor 42 and the light emitting unit 40 included in the controller 18 may be implemented by a touch panel including a liquid crystal display. In this case, for areas other than the specific light emitting area 96 within the light emitting area 48, it may be controlled to emit light in a color different from the color corresponding to the device ID of the controller 18. For example, for areas other than the specific light emitting area 96 within the light emitting area 48, it may be controlled to emit white light.

[0146] Also, the position, shape, or size of the partial light emitting area 64 is not limited to the above. Also, the light emitting area 48 does not have to be set on the upper surface of the controller 18. For example, part or all of the light emitting area 48 may be set on the front surface of the controller 18.

[0147] Also, the above specific character strings, numerical values, and specific character strings and numerical values in the drawings are examples and are not limited to these character strings and numerical values.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0148] 10 Entertainment system, 12 Entertainment device, 14 Display, 16 Camera microphone unit, 16a Camera, 16b Microphone, 18, 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d Controller, 20 Processor, 22 Memory unit, 24 Communication unit, 26 Input / output unit, 30 Control unit, 32 Memory unit, 34 Communication unit, 36 Input unit, 38 Sensor unit, 40 Light emitting unit, 42 Touch sensor, 44 Vibration unit, 46 Expansion terminal, 48 Light emitting area, 48a First light emitting area, 48b Second light emitting area, 48c Third light emitting area, 50 Connection button, 60 Play status image, 62, 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d Play area, 64, 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d, 64e, 64f, 64g, 64h, 64i Partial light emitting area, 70 Input data reception unit, 72 System program execution unit, 74 Application program execution unit, 76 Display control unit, 78 Light emitting expression specifying unit, 78a Specific light emitting area specifying unit, 78b Color specifying unit, 80 Light emitting control unit, 90 Input data output unit, 92 Control signal reception unit, 94 Light emitting control unit, 96, 96a, 96b, 96c, 96d Specific light emitting area, 98 Reference display area, 100 Specific display area.

Claims

One of a plurality of controllers for performing operation input on an entertainment device, wherein each of the plurality of controllers has a first light-emitting region including a plurality of partial light-emitting regions that emit light according to the execution status of a game program executed on the entertainment device, and a second light-emitting region that emits light according to the execution status of a system program executed on the entertainment device, and in response to a user operation on a specific partial light-emitting region that is any of the partial light-emitting regions included in the first light-emitting region of the one controller, the light emission of the specific partial light-emitting region included in the first light-emitting region of a controller different from the one controller among the plurality of controllers is changed, Controller.

2. The first light-emitting region at least partially overlaps with an operation unit having a switch for detecting being pressed, The controller according to claim 1.

3. The first light-emitting region emits light in a color according to the execution status of a game program, The controller according to claim 1.

4. The light emission state of the first light-emitting region changes according to a user input related to a game program, The controller according to claim 1.

5. The first light-emitting region changes the color of light emitted when a user operation is performed, The controller according to claim 1.

6. The second light-emitting region emits light so that identification information associated with the controller can be specified, The controller according to claim 1.

7. The second light-emitting region emits white light, The controller according to claim 1.

8. Information related to a game is determined by a user operation on the first light-emitting region, The controller according to claim 1.

9. further having a storage unit that stores data indicating a light emission color or a light emission pattern, The controller according to claim 1.

Images