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

Abstract

This information processing system comprises: a controller that includes a vibrator and allows user operation in a plurality of states including a first state in which the controller is operated on a work surface and a second state in which the controller is operated away from the work surface; and a control unit that vibrates the vibrator when a predetermined condition is satisfied. When the predetermined condition is satisfied, if the operation state of the controller is the first state, the control unit vibrates the vibrator more strongly than in the second state.

Description

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

[0001] The present disclosure relates to information processing for controlling a controller equipped with a vibrator.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, controllers equipped with vibrators have been known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] JP 2017-000757 A

[0004] In the above technology, there is room for providing the user with appropriate vibrations when using a new controller.

[0005] In view of the above, the following configuration example can be given.

[0006] (Configuration 1) Configuration 1 is an information processing system including a controller having a vibrator and operable by a user in a plurality of states including a first state in which the controller is operated on a work surface and a second state in which the controller is operated away from the work surface, and a control unit that vibrates the vibrator when a predetermined condition is satisfied. When the predetermined condition is satisfied and the operation state of the controller is the first state, the control unit vibrates the vibrator more strongly than when the operation state is the second state.

[0007] Even if the same vibration intensity is output to the controller when the controller is on the work surface (first state) and when it is not (second state), the user may experience the vibration differently. In this regard, the above configuration example makes it possible to make the vibration sensation when a predetermined condition is met when the controller is in the first state closer to the sensation when the controller is in the second state.

[0008] (Configuration 2) In Configuration 2, in Configuration 1, the control unit may start vibration when the operation state of the controller is in the first state, and then not change the strength of the vibration until the control related to the vibration is completed, even if the operation state of the controller changes from the first state to the second state.

[0009] (Configuration 3) In Configuration 3, in Configuration 1, the control unit may, after starting vibration when the operation state of the controller is in the second state, not change the strength of the vibration until control related to the vibration is completed, even if the operation state of the controller changes from the second state to the first state.

[0010] According to the above configuration example, it is possible to reduce the possibility that, once vibration has started at a predetermined strength, the strength of the vibration may change during the vibration, causing discomfort.

[0011] (Configuration 4) In Configuration 4, in any one of Configurations 1 to 3, the control unit may change the frequency at which the vibrator vibrates depending on whether the controller is in the first state or the second state.

[0012] According to the above configuration example, it is possible to vibrate at a frequency according to the state, and it is possible to make the bodily sensation of the vibration in the first state and the second state similar to each other.

[0013] (Configuration 5) In Configuration 5, in any one of Configurations 1 to 4, the information processing system may further include a vibration setting unit that allows the user to set at least one of the strength of vibration of the vibrator in the first state and the second state.

[0014] According to the above configuration example, the vibration sensation in the first state and the vibration sensation in the second state can be made closer to each other. It is conceivable that there are individual differences between users in how hard the controller is pressed against the work surface in the first state and how the controller is held in the second state. Therefore, by allowing the user to set the vibration strength in each state, the user can confirm and set the optimal level for making the vibration sensation in each state closer to each other. As a result, the vibration sensation in the first state and the vibration sensation in the second state can be made closer to each other, taking into account the individual differences.

[0015] (Configuration 6) In Configuration 6, in any one of Configurations 1 to 5, the information processing system may further include a determination unit that determines whether the controller is on the work surface. The first state may be a state in which it is determined that the controller is on the work surface, and the second state may be a state in which it is determined that the controller is not on the work surface.

[0016] According to the above configuration example, it is possible to determine whether the controller is in the first state or the second state by determining whether the controller is placed on the work surface, and thus it is possible to automatically adjust the strength of the vibration according to the state of the controller.

[0017] (Configuration 7) In Configuration 7, in any one of Configurations 1 to 5, the controller may further include a physical switch that can be operated by a user to switch between two states. The first state may be a state when the switch is in the third state, and the second state may be a state when the switch is in the fourth state.

[0018] According to the above configuration example, it is possible to determine whether the controller is in the first state or the second state based on the state of a physical switch provided on the controller. Furthermore, the user can explicitly set the state of the controller by switching the switch.

[0019] (Configuration 8) Configuration 8 may be any of configurations 1 to 5 above, wherein the first state is a state in which a predetermined process is executed in response to a predetermined operation on the controller, and the second state is a state in which a process different from the predetermined process is executed in response to the predetermined operation.

[0020] According to the above configuration example, it is possible to execute appropriate processing according to the operating state of the controller, such as differences in how the controller is held, and to provide appropriate vibration strength according to each state.

[0021] (Configuration 9) Configuration 9 is any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the controller may have a shape that allows the user to hold it in one hand.

[0022] When holding and operating a controller with one hand, the user grips the controller tightly, making it easier to feel the vibrations of the controller. However, when operating the controller without gripping it tightly, the difference between gripping it tightly and gripping it loosely can result in the vibrations of the controller being felt less. The above configuration example can mitigate the difference in sensation caused by different ways of holding the controller.

[0023] (Configuration 10) Configuration 10 is any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the controller can be operated like a mouse on the work surface.

[0024] According to the present disclosure, appropriate vibration control can be performed according to the manner in which the controller is used.

[0025] A block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing system 1. An example of the appearance of the controller 4. An example of the operation mode of the controller 4. An example of the posture of the controller 4. An example of the operation mode of the controller 4. An example of various data stored in the storage unit 22 of the information processing device 2. A flowchart showing details of game processing.

[0026] An embodiment will be described below.

[0027] [Hardware Configuration of Information Processing Device 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing system 1 according to this embodiment. In FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes an information processing device 2, a display unit 3, and a controller 4. The information processing device 2 includes a processor 21. The processor 21 is an information processing unit that executes various types of information processing executed in the information processing device 2. In this embodiment, the processor 21 is configured as a SoC (System-on-a-chip) that includes at least a CPU (Central Processing Unit) function and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) function. Note that in other embodiments, the CPU and GPU may be separate units. The processor 21 executes various types of information processing by executing an information processing program stored in a storage unit 22. The storage unit 22 may be 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 inserted into a slot (not shown). The information processing device may be, for example, a game device, a personal computer, or a server.

[0028] The information processing device 2 also includes a communication unit 23 for communicating with other information processing devices and a predetermined server.

[0029] The information processing device 2 also includes an input device communication unit 24 for wired or wireless communication between the information processing device 2 and various input devices. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the controller 4 is used as an example of an input device.

[0030] Furthermore, the information processing device 2 is connected to a display unit 3 (e.g., a monitor) via an image / audio output unit 25. The processor 21 outputs, for example, images and sounds generated by executing the above-described information processing to the display unit 3 via the image / audio output unit 25.

[0031] Next, a description will be given of the controller 4. First, an example of the appearance and usage of the controller 4 assumed in this embodiment will be described.

[0032] FIG. 2 shows an example of the appearance of the controller 4. In the example of FIG. 2, the controller 4 includes a generally plate-shaped housing 41. In this embodiment, the main surface of the housing 41 (the surface on the front side in the front-rear direction shown in FIG. 2) is generally rectangular. Also, in this embodiment, the housing 41 has a shape that is elongated in the left-right direction shown in FIG. 2. Furthermore, the lower corners of the main surface of the housing 41 in FIG. 2 are more rounded than the upper corners.

[0033] The controller 4 can be held in a portrait orientation as shown in Fig. 3. Although not shown, it can also be held in a landscape orientation. When the controller 4 is held landscapely, the controller 4 may be held in both hands of the user, with the right hand facing up and the left hand facing up as shown in Fig. 2.

[0034] The shape of the housing 41 is not limited, and in other embodiments, the housing 41 does not have to be substantially plate-shaped. The housing 41 does not have to be rectangular, and may be, for example, semicircular. The housing 41 does not have to be vertically elongated.

[0035] 2, the controller 4 includes an analog stick 42 as a directional input unit. The controller 4 also includes four operation buttons 43 to 46 (specifically, an A button 43, a B button 44, an X button 45, and a Y button 46). The controller 4 also includes a home button 47. As shown in FIG. 2, the analog stick 42, the operation buttons 43 to 46, and the home button 47 are provided on the main surface of the housing 41.

[0036] The controller 4 also includes an R button 48. In the example of FIG. 2 , the R button 48 is provided in the lower right portion of the side of the housing 41. In this embodiment, the lower right portion of the housing 41 has a rounded shape, and therefore the R button 48 has a rounded shape that corresponds to the roundness of the lower right portion of the housing 41. The number and positions of operation buttons provided on the controller 4 are arbitrary. For example, an operation button that is used especially when the controller 4 is held horizontally may also be provided on the upper side of the controller 4. Furthermore, for example, another operation button may be provided on the main surface of the controller 4.

[0037] 2, a mouse sensor opening 50 is provided on the upper side of the controller 4. The controller 4 has a mouse operation sensor 103. The mouse operation sensor 103 is disposed inside the mouse sensor opening 50. The mouse operation sensor 103 is, for example, an optical mouse sensor. Although not shown, the mouse operation sensor 103 has, for example, a light source and a light receiving sensor. The controller 4 may also have a lens for focusing light emitted from the light source and / or light guided to the light receiving sensor.

[0038] By including the mouse operation sensor 103 as described above, the controller 4 can also be used as a mouse. When the controller 4 is placed on a work surface so that the surface on which the mouse sensor opening 50 is provided (the upper surface in FIG. 2 ) faces the work surface, the mouse sensor opening 50 is positioned close to the work surface. Therefore, the mouse sensor opening 50 can effectively capture reflected light from the work surface. FIG. 4 shows the orientation of the controller 4 when used as a mouse. When the controller 4 is used as a mouse, at least a portion of the upper surface of the controller 4 makes contact with the work surface. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the controller 4 being used as a mouse. As shown in FIG. 5 , the user's palm is positioned to cover the lower surface of the controller 4. The user's right thumb is positioned on the front side. For example, the user's right thumb rests on the analog stick 42. The user's right index finger is positioned on the R button 48.

[0039] As such, the controller 4 of this embodiment can be operated in a number of states, including a state in which the controller 4 is primarily operated away from the work surface, such as an operation state in which it is held and operated in one hand as shown in FIG. 3 above, or an operation state in which it is held and operated in both hands, and a state in which the controller 4 is primarily in contact with the work surface and operated as a mouse, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 above. In the following description, the state in which the controller 4 is in contact with the work surface and operated as a mouse is referred to as the "contact state." Furthermore, the state in which the controller 4 is operated away from the work surface is referred to as the "detached state." Note that even when the controller 4 is being operated as a mouse, for example, the detached state can occur if the user lifts the controller 4 to adjust its position.

[0040] Returning to FIG. 1 , the hardware configuration of the controller 4 will be described. In FIG. 1 , the controller 4 includes a communication control unit 101 that communicates with the information processing device 2. The communication control unit 101 is connected to the various components described below. In this embodiment, the communication control unit 101 can communicate with the information processing device 2 both via wired communication via a predetermined connection terminal (not shown) and via wireless communication without using the connection terminal. For example, the controller 4 may be detachably attached to the information processing device 2, and wired communication may be performed when attached. In this example, the description will be given assuming wireless communication. That is, the communication control unit 101 performs wireless communication with the input device communication unit 24. The wireless communication between the input device communication unit 24 and the communication control unit 101 is performed in accordance with, for example, the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard.

[0041] Each button 102 (specifically, the four operation buttons 43 to 46, the home button 47, and the R button 48) and analog stick 42 of the controller 4 repeatedly outputs information regarding operations performed on them to the communication control unit 101 at appropriate timing.

[0042] The mouse operation sensor 103 detects the light emitted from the light source and reflected from the ground surface. The detection result of the mouse operation sensor 103 is repeatedly output to the communication control unit 101 at appropriate timing.

[0043] The communication control unit 101 acquires information related to the input (specifically, information related to the operation or the detection results by the sensor) from each input unit. The communication control unit 101 transmits operation data including the acquired information (or information obtained by performing predetermined processing on the acquired information) to the information processing device 2. The operation data is repeatedly transmitted once every predetermined time. The interval at which the information related to the input is transmitted to the information processing device 2 may or may not be the same for each input unit.

[0044] The operation data is transmitted to the information processing device 2, allowing the information processing device 2 to know the input made to the controller 4. For example, the information processing device 2 can know the operations made to the buttons 102 and analog stick 42 based on the operation data. Furthermore, the information processing device 2 can know movement parameters (e.g., movement direction and movement distance) related to the movement of the controller 4 relative to the work surface based on the detection result of the mouse operation sensor 103. Furthermore, the information processing device 2 in this example can determine whether the controller 4 is in contact with the ground, in other words, whether it is in the above-mentioned grounded state or separated state, based on the operation data.

[0045] The controller 4 also includes a vibrator 107. In this embodiment, the vibrator 107 is controlled by a command from the information processing device 2. That is, when the communication control unit 101 receives the command from the information processing device 2, it drives the vibrator 107 in accordance with the command. Here, the controller 4 also includes an amplifier 106. When the communication control unit 101 receives the command, it outputs a control signal corresponding to the command to the amplifier 106. The amplifier 106 amplifies the control signal from the communication control unit 101, generates a drive signal for driving the vibrator 107, and provides the drive signal to the vibrator 107. This causes the vibrator 107 to operate. Note that the vibrator 107 may be any type of actuator that generates vibrations.

[0046] [Regarding the Processing Assumed in the Present Embodiment] Next, an overview of the information processing assumable in the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the controller 4 is vibrated when a predetermined condition is satisfied in information processing, such as game processing. One example of a situation in which the controller 4 is vibrated is when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the game processing and an explosion is executed in the game. Another example is when a player character is moved in response to a predetermined user operation in the game processing. Another example of a situation other than game processing in which the controller 4 is vibrated is when, as part of system software processing, news is received and the user is notified of the reception of the news. In the present embodiment, when the controller 4 is vibrated in response to a predetermined condition for such vibration being satisfied, control is performed such that, when the controller 4 is in the above-mentioned grounded state, the vibration is stronger than when the controller 4 is in the separated state. In this example, an example of control to vibrate more strongly is described in which the amplitude is increased to cause stronger vibration. Here, when the controller 4 is in grounded state, the vibration is dissipated to the work surface, and it is therefore conceivable that the user will feel the vibration less than when the controller 4 is separated from the work surface. In other words, even if vibrations of the same strength are output, the user may feel a weaker vibration when the controller 4 is placed on the work surface than when the controller 4 is lifted. From this perspective, in this embodiment, when the predetermined condition for vibrating is met and the controller 4 is in a grounded state, the vibration is controlled to be stronger than when the controller 4 is in a separated state. This makes the vibration sensation when the predetermined condition is met closer between the mouse operation state and the controller operation state.

[0047] The processing according to this embodiment will be described in detail below. Note that in this embodiment, as an example of information processing, a game processing in which the controller 4 is vibrated in the explosion scene will be described as an example.

[0048] [Example of Data Used] Next, various data used in the processing of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 6 is a memory map showing an example of various data stored in the storage unit 22 of the information processing device 2. The storage unit 22 stores a game application 601, operation data 608, a vibration flag 612, etc.

[0049] The game application 601 includes a game program 602 and game data 603. The game program 602 is a program for executing the game processing according to this embodiment.

[0050] The game data 603 is various data used in the game processing. In FIG. 6 , the game data 603 includes vibration control data 604. The vibration control data 604 includes grounded state vibration data 606 and separated state vibration data 607. The vibration control data in this example defines vibration content for an explosion scene during the game. For example, the vibration control data is called when the player character uses a bomb in response to a user operation or when an explosion scene is shown in a video played during the game. The grounded state vibration data 606 defines vibration content for vibrating the controller 4 in the grounded state. The separated state vibration data 607 defines vibration content for vibrating the controller 4 in the separated state. Each piece of data includes, for example, amplitude information and frequency information for a certain period of time. In this embodiment, the amplitude is set to be larger in the grounded state than in the separated state, as described above. Note that in other embodiments, different vibration frequencies may be set for the grounded state and the separated state, for example. In this case, the frequency of the vibration will also be changed depending on the state of the controller 4. For example, the frequency in the grounded state may be set to a higher frequency than in the separated state, or may be set to a lower frequency. In this way, by changing the frequency depending on the state of the controller 4, the bodily sensation of the vibration in both states may be made closer.

[0051] For the sake of convenience, this example shows an example in which only one vibration control data 604 is used, but multiple vibration control data 604 may be prepared depending on the situation in which it is desired to vibrate the controller 4.

[0052] Although not shown, the game data 603 also includes, for example, data on various objects that appear in the game and various image and sound data.

[0053] The operation data 608 is data indicating the operation content performed on the controller 4. The operation data 608 includes button operation data 609, stick operation data 610, and mouse operation data 611. The button operation data 609 is data indicating the pressed states of the various buttons. The stick operation data 610 is data indicating the input direction and input amount of the analog stick 42. The mouse operation data 611 is data indicating the detection result of the mouse operation sensor 103.

[0054] The vibration flag 612 is a flag for indicating whether or not control (vibration control) for vibrating the controller 4 (more precisely, the vibrator 107) is in progress. During vibration control, the vibration flag 612 is set to ON. The initial value of the vibration flag 612 is OFF.

[0055] [Flowchart Example] Next, an example of a flowchart of this game processing will be described. Note that in this embodiment, the flowchart shown below is realized by one or more processors reading and executing a program stored in one or more memories. Furthermore, this flowchart is merely an example of the processing process. Therefore, the processing order of each step may be changed as long as the same results are obtained. Furthermore, the values ​​of variables and thresholds used in the determination steps are merely examples, and other values ​​may be used as necessary.

[0056] 9 is a flowchart showing details of an example of game processing according to this embodiment. The processing loop of steps S1 to S12 in FIG. 7 is repeated multiple times per second depending on the frame rate.

[0057] First, in step S1 , the processor 21 acquires the operation data 608 .

[0058] Next, in step S2, the processor 21 determines whether vibration control of the controller 4 is in progress based on the vibration flag 612. Specifically, if vibration data defined by the grounded state vibration data 606 or the separated state vibration data 607 is being played back, it is determined that vibration control is in progress. If the result of this determination is that vibration control is not in progress (NO in step S2), then in step S3, the processor 21 determines whether a condition for starting vibration control of the controller 4 (vibration start condition) is satisfied. If the result of this determination is that the vibration start condition is not satisfied (NO in step S3), the process proceeds to step S11, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the vibration start condition is satisfied (YES in step S3), the processor 21 sets the vibration flag 612 to ON in step S4.

[0059] Next, in step S5, the processor 21 determines whether the controller 4 is in the above-mentioned grounded state or separated state based on the mouse operation data 611. That is, it is determined whether the controller 4 is placed on the work surface in the position shown in FIG. 4 or not. Any method for this determination may be used, but for example, based on the mouse operation data 611, if the reflected light is detected, it is determined to be in the grounded state, and if not, it is determined to be in the separated state. Furthermore, for example, it may be determined to be in the grounded state when a change in the value related to the reflected light occurs, i.e., when it is detected that the controller 4 is moving on the work surface.

[0060] If it is determined that the vehicle is in a ground contact state (YES in step S5), in step S6, the processor 21 starts playing the vibration data defined in the ground contact state vibration data 606 that corresponds to the satisfied vibration start condition. Then, the process proceeds to step S11, which will be described later.

[0061] On the other hand, if the result of the above determination is that the vehicle is not in a ground contact state, i.e., is in a separated state (NO in step S5), in step S7, the processor 21 starts playing the vibration data defined by the separated state vibration data 607 corresponding to the satisfied vibration start condition. Then, the process proceeds to step S11, which will be described later.

[0062] As described above, the strength of the vibration for the grounded state is preset to be stronger than that for the separated state, so as a result of the above control, for example, even for the same explosion scene, the controller 4 will vibrate more strongly when the controller 4 is in the grounded state than when it is in the separated state.

[0063] Next, the process when it is determined in step S2 that vibration control is in progress (NO in step S2) will be described. In this case, first, in step S8, the processor 21 continues the vibration data playback process. Next, in step S9, the processor 21 determines whether or not the playback of the vibration data has ended. If the determination result shows that the playback of the vibration data has ended (YES in step S9), the processor 21 sets the vibration flag 612 to OFF in step S10. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S11. On the other hand, if the playback of the vibration data has not yet ended (NO in step S9), the process of step S10 is skipped.

[0064] By the above-described control, in this embodiment, when vibration control is being performed on the controller 4, the vibration control continues at the strength defined by the vibration data being played, even if the state of the controller 4 changes. In other words, if vibration control is started when the controller 4 is in a grounded state, the vibration strength remains unchanged, even if the controller changes to a separated state during vibration. The same is true in the reverse case. This control reduces the risk of the user feeling uncomfortable when the vibration strength changes while the controller 4 is vibrating.

[0065] Next, in step S11, processor 21 executes other game processes and outputs game images and sounds that reflect the results of the execution.

[0066] Next, in step S12, processor 21 determines whether the condition for ending the game processing is satisfied. If the condition is not satisfied (NO in step S12), the process returns to step S1 and the processing is repeated. If the condition is satisfied (YES in step S12), the game processing ends.

[0067] In this manner, in this embodiment, when the controller 4 is placed on a work surface and operated in a grounded state, the controller 4 is controlled to vibrate more strongly than when it is operated away from the work surface in a separated state. This makes it possible to make the sensation of vibration when a predetermined condition is met when the controller 4 is placed on a work surface similar to that when it is not.

[0068] [Modifications] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which vibration data is prepared in advance for vibrating the controller 4. In this regard, in other embodiments, the user may be able to set the strength of the vibration in the above-mentioned grounded state and the strength of the vibration in the above-mentioned separated state.

[0069] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which whether the controller 4 is in a grounded state or a separated state is determined based on the mouse operation data 611. However, the determination of grounded or separated state may be made by other means. For example, the determination of grounded or separated state may be made by an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor if the controller 4 is equipped with these, or may be made by an external camera or the like.

[0070] The vibration control data 604 is prepared in advance as part of the game application (part of the game data) in the above example. As another example, the system of the information processing device 2 may have the vibration control data. For example, when a predetermined notification condition on the system is satisfied, vibration based on the vibration control data held by the system may be realized.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the game app includes vibration data for the grounded state and vibration data for the separated state as vibration data corresponding to a certain vibration start condition. However, for example, the game app may include only one vibration data corresponding to a certain vibration start condition, and may output the vibration data (hereinafter referred to as basic vibration data) by changing it depending on the state of the controller 4. For example, when the controller 4 is in the grounded state, vibration control may be performed by amplifying the amplitude of the basic vibration data. Alternatively, when the controller 4 is in the separated state, vibration control may be performed by decreasing the amplitude of the basic vibration data. Note that the basic vibration data may be vibration data when the controller 4 is in the grounded state or vibration data when the controller 4 is in the separated state.

[0072] As another example, the game app may output vibration data to the system side regardless of the state of the controller 4, and the system side may execute processing according to the state of the controller 4. For example, the game program may be configured to output both the grounded state vibration data 606 and the separated state vibration data 607 corresponding to a predetermined vibration start condition to the system side when the condition is met. The system side may then control vibration using either one of the data depending on the state of the controller 4. Alternatively, the game app may output basic vibration data to the system side, and the system may change the basic vibration data depending on the state of the controller 4.

[0073] As another example, a game application or system may be configured to generate vibration data each time in response to the vibration start conditions, in which case the strength of the generated vibration may be varied by taking into account the state of the controller 4 at that time.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the determination of whether the controller 4 is in a grounded state or a separated state is performed by the processor 21. In this regard, in other embodiments, the state of the controller 4 may be determined by the controller 4 itself, rather than by the processor 21.

[0075] Furthermore, the controller 4 itself may or may not be aware of the state of the controller 4. In the latter case, for example, the controller 4 may not be aware of its own state, but may always send the same set of input signals to the information processing device 2, and the information processing device 2 may determine and store the state of the controller 4.

[0076] The user may be able to set the strength of the vibration when the controller 4 is in the grounded state and / or the separated state. For example, the user may be able to set how much stronger or weaker the strength of the vibration should be in the grounded state and the separated state compared to a reference vibration strength. Alternatively, the user may be able to set how much stronger the strength of the vibration should be in the grounded state compared to the separated state.

[0077] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment and modified examples, the vibration intensity is controlled depending on whether the controller 4 is in a grounded state or a separated state. Alternatively, the vibration intensity may be controlled depending on the operation state of the controller 4. For example, the vibration intensity may be controlled depending on whether the controller 4 is in a state where it is primarily operated as a handheld controller like a general game controller while separated from the ground, such as in an operation state where it is held and operated in one hand as shown in FIG. 3 or an operation state where it is held and operated in both hands (hereinafter referred to as the "controller operation state"), or a state where it is primarily operated as a mouse on a work surface as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 (hereinafter referred to as the "mouse operation state"). Specifically, when the controller 4 is in the mouse operation state, the vibration may be stronger than when it is in the controller operation state. Note that in the mouse operation state, the controller 4 is primarily operated on a work surface, and thus, similar to the grounded state, this corresponds to a state where it is operated on a work surface. In the controller operation state, the controller 4 is primarily operated while lifted, and thus, similar to the separated state, this corresponds to a state where it is operated away from the work surface. When the controller 4 is in the mouse operation state, there is a possibility that the vibrations will escape to the work surface as described above, and in addition, the user may feel the vibrations even weaker because the controller 4 is not held tightly in the hand as in the controller operation state, but is instead resting on the hand. Therefore, by making the vibrations stronger in the mouse operation state than in the controller operation state, it is possible to provide the user with a similar vibration sensation regardless of the state of use of the controller 4.

[0078] Note that the processing executed in response to an operation on the same input unit may differ between the mouse operation state and the controller operation state. For example, the processing in an application or system executed in response to pressing the R button 48 may differ between the mouse operation state and the controller operation state. Alternatively, operations on some input units may be ignored in some operation states. Alternatively, when an input unit for directional operation, such as the analog stick 42, is operated in a certain direction, processing corresponding to the operation in a different direction may be executed in the mouse operation state and the controller operation state. As an example, the interpretation of the directional input may differ between the mouse operation state and the controller operation state.

[0079] The method for determining whether the operation state of the controller 4 is the mouse operation state or the controller operation state is not particularly limited. For example, the controller 4 may include a physical switch that can be switched by the user, and the processor 21 may determine which state the controller 4 is in based on the state of the physical switch. Alternatively, the information processing device 2 may perform a process that prompts the user to specify the operation state of the controller 4 to be used at the time of startup or during startup. In this process, the information processing device 2 may determine that the controller 4 is in a grounded state when a predetermined button on the controller 4 is pressed, and may determine that the controller 4 is in a separated state when another predetermined button is pressed. Alternatively, the user may be able to arbitrarily select the operation state from a setting menu of a game app or system.

[0080] The controller operation state may be set to a single-handed operation state as shown in Figure 3 and an operation state in which the controller 4 is held and operated with both hands. In this case, the vibration may be weaker in either operation state than in the mouse operation state, or in at least one of the operation states than in the mouse operation state. There may be three or more different controller operation states, and other operation states may be included in addition to or instead of the controller operation state and the mouse operation state.

[0081] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the controller 4 can be operated as a mouse, but it does not have to be operable as a mouse. For example, instead of mouse operation, the controller 4 may be operated by tilting it while in contact with the ground, or by pressing it against the ground. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the controller 4 can be operated by lifting it up, but it may be operable only as a mouse. Even if only mouse operation is possible, button operation on a separated controller 4 may still be possible.

[0082] In other embodiments, other parameters related to the vibration may be changed in addition to or instead of changing the vibration intensity as described above in accordance with the state of the controller 4. For example, consider a control method that gives the user the illusion of a force sensation of being pulled in one direction by the vibration. In this case, the parameters related to the vibration may be changed so that the bodily sensation is similar between the grounded state and the separated state.

[0083] In another embodiment, for example, the controller 4 may be controlled not to vibrate when in the grounded state. Conversely, the controller 4 may be controlled not to vibrate when in the separated state.

[0084] In the above embodiment, when vibration of the controller 4 is started in the grounded state, the vibration intensity is not changed even if the state of the controller 4 changes to the separated state during vibration control. In this regard, in other embodiments, the vibration intensity may be changed depending on the state of the controller 4 even during vibration. For example, if the controller 4 changes to the separated state while being vibrated based on vibration data for the grounded state, vibration control may be switched to vibration data for the separated state in response to the change in state.

[0085] Furthermore, although the above embodiment illustrates the case where one controller 4 is used, two or more controllers 4 may be used. In this case, the same process may be executed for a specific or unspecified controller 4 among the two or more controllers 4, or for all of the two or more controllers.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the above-described processing is performed by a single information processing device 2. The information processing device 2 may include multiple storage devices and processors. The processing may be performed by sharing the processing among these devices. The information processing device may also be a server, and the processing may be performed in a distributed system consisting of multiple information processing devices including the server.

[0087] The information processing system, information processing program, and information processing method according to the present disclosure can provide information processing that appropriately vibrates a controller.

[0088] 2 Information processing device 4 Controller 21 Processor 22 Storage unit 24 Input device communication unit

Claims

1. A controller equipped with a vibrator, capable of user operation in multiple states, including a first state in which it is operated on a work surface and a second state in which it is operated away from the work surface, The system includes a control unit that vibrates the vibrator when predetermined conditions are met, The control unit is an information processing system that, when the predetermined conditions are met, vibrates the vibrator more strongly when the controller is in the first state than when it is in the second state.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit starts the vibration when the operating state of the controller is in the first state, and does not change the intensity of the vibration even if the operating state of the controller changes from the first state to the second state until the control related to the vibration is completed.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit starts the vibration when the controller is in the second state, and until the control related to the vibration is completed, the intensity of the vibration does not change even if the controller's operating state changes from the second state to the first state.

4. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes the frequency at which the vibrator vibrates depending on whether the controller is in the first state or the second state.

5. The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising a vibration setting unit that allows a user to set at least one of the vibration intensity of the oscillator in the first state and the second state.

6. The information processing system further includes a determination unit that determines whether the controller is on the work surface, The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the first state is determined to be a state in which the controller is located on the work surface, and the second state is determined to be a state in which the controller is not located on the work surface.

7. The controller further includes a physical switch that allows the user to switch between two states. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the first state is the state when the switch is in the third state, and the second state is the state when the switch is in the fourth state.

8. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the first state is a state in which a predetermined process is executed in response to a predetermined operation on the controller, and the second state is a state in which a process different from the predetermined process is executed in response to the predetermined operation.

9. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the controller is shaped so that a user can grasp it with one hand.

10. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the controller is a controller capable of mouse operation on the work surface.

11. A processor in an information processing system that includes a controller equipped with an oscillator and capable of user operation in multiple states, including a first state in which it is operated on a work surface and a second state in which it is operated away from the work surface, When the predetermined conditions are met, the vibrator is vibrated, An information processing program that, when the predetermined conditions are met, causes the oscillator to vibrate more strongly than when the controller is in the first state than when it is in the second state.

12. A processor in an information processing system that includes a controller equipped with an oscillator and capable of user operation in multiple states, including a first state in which it is operated on a work surface and a second state in which it is operated away from the work surface, When the predetermined conditions are met, the vibrator is vibrated, An information processing method in which, when the predetermined conditions are met, the operating state of the controller is the first state, the vibrator is vibrated more strongly than when it is in the second state.