Center device

The present invention relates to a center device that communicates with a device on the user side.

In recent years, for example, in a desktop computer system, an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse is wirelessly connected to the main body device, and a signal related to a user's instruction operation is wirelessly transferred from the input device to the main body device side. There is a system (for example, Patent Document 1).<patcit num="1"><text>Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-199562</text></patcit>

<p> On the other hand, in recent years, the information handled by computer systems, including home video game devices, has diversified, such as restricting access to information according to the age of the user or whether or not each user is a family member. It is preferable that the processing of the above can be performed.</p><p> However, the conventional input device generally does not assume a usage mode such as a home-use game device (each player operates each controller) in which a plurality of users use each input device. .. In addition, the current situation is that home video game devices do not take into consideration situations such as authenticating users and restricting access.</p><p> The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a center device that takes into consideration various circumstances when a plurality of users such as a home-use game machine use a controller device such as an input device. , One of the purposes.</p>

<p> The present invention for solving the problems of the above conventional examples is<u style="single">It is provided with wired and wireless communication interfaces, and communicates by wire or wirelessly with a plurality of controller devices, each of which has its own unique wired communication interface identification information and wireless communication interface identification information, from the user of each controller device. In the center device that receives the instruction operation and executes the process based on the instruction operation, for each of the plurality of controller devices, when the controller device is connected by wire, the wired communication interface identification information and wireless of the controller device. Communication between the controller device and the center device, the acquisition means for acquiring the communication interface identification information, the means for associating and storing the wired communication interface identification information of each acquired controller device and the wireless communication interface identification information. When the communication interface used for is changed from wired to wireless or wireless to wired, the changed communication interface identification information stored in association with the identification information of the communication interface before the change is used to connect with the controller device. Means to continue communication and</u>It is characterized by including.</p><p><u style="single">Further, the control method of the center device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a wired and wireless communication interface, and is between a plurality of controller devices each having a unique wired communication interface identification information and a wireless communication interface identification information. A center device that communicates by wire or wirelessly, receives an instruction operation from a user of each controller device, and executes a process based on the instruction operation is used, and the controller device is wired for each of the plurality of controller devices. When connected, the step of acquiring the wired communication interface identification information and the wireless communication interface identification information of the controller device, the wired communication interface identification information of each acquired controller device, and the wireless communication interface identification information are associated with each other. When the communication interface used for communication between the controller device and the center device is changed from wired to wireless or wireless to wired, it is stored in association with the identification information of the communication interface before the change. It is characterized by executing a step of continuing communication with the controller device using the changed communication interface identification information.</u></p><p><u style="single">Further, the system according to another aspect of the present invention includes at least one controller device and said controller device, each comprising a wired and wireless communication interface, each having its own wired communication interface identification information and wireless communication interface identification information. The center device includes a center device that communicates with and by wire or wirelessly, receives an instruction operation from a user of each controller device, and executes a process based on the instruction operation, and the center device includes the plurality of the center devices. For each of the controller devices of the above, when the controller device is connected by wire, the acquisition means for acquiring the wired communication interface identification information and the wireless communication interface identification information of the controller device, and the wired communication interface of each of the acquired controller devices. When the means for associating and storing the identification information and the wireless communication interface identification information and the communication interface used for communication between the controller device and the center device are changed from wired to wireless or wireless to wired, before the change. It is characterized by including a means for continuing communication with the controller device by using the changed communication interface identification information stored in association with the identification information of the communication interface of the above.</u></p><p><u style="single">Further, the controller device according to another aspect of the present invention includes either a wired or wireless communication interface, a means for holding a unique wired communication interface identification information and a wireless communication interface identification information, or the wired or wireless communication interface. Including a means for communicating with the center device via the selected communication interface, the wired communication interface identification information and the wireless communication interface identification information are output to the center device in the center device. The wired communication interface identification information and the wireless communication interface identification information are associated and held, and when connected via the wired communication interface, they are identified by the wired communication interface identification information and are identified via the wireless communication interface. When connected, it is characterized in that it is identified by the wireless communication interface identification information.</u></p><p><u style="single">Further, the program according to another aspect of the present invention includes wired and wireless communication interfaces, and is wired or wireless with a plurality of controller devices, each of which has its own wired communication interface identification information and wireless communication interface identification information. When the controller device is connected by wire to the computer that receives the instruction operation from the user of each controller device and executes the process based on the instruction operation for each of the plurality of controller devices. , The procedure for acquiring the wired communication interface identification information and the wireless communication interface identification information of the controller device, and the procedure for associating and storing the wired communication interface identification information of each acquired controller device and the wireless communication interface identification information. , When the communication interface used for communication between the controller device and the center device is changed from wired to wireless or wireless to wired, the changed communication stored in association with the identification information of the communication interface before the change. It is characterized in that the procedure for continuing communication with the controller device and the execution of the procedure using the interface identification information are performed.</u></p>

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the center device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, an input / output unit 13, an external storage unit 14, an operation communication unit 15, and a display unit. It is configured to include 16 and a communication unit 17, and is connected to the controller device 2 by wire or wirelessly.

The control unit 11 of the center device 1 is a CPU or the like, and operates according to a program stored in the storage unit 12. The control unit 11 of the present embodiment executes a program such as a game, and also executes an authentication process of the controller device. An example of the processing content of the control unit 11 will be described in detail later.

The storage unit 12 is configured to include a storage element such as RAM (Random Access Memory), and holds a program executed by the control unit 11. The storage unit 12 also operates as a work memory for holding data required when the control unit 11 performs processing. Further, the storage unit 12 includes a storage medium such as a hard disk as a storage means (so-called non-volatile storage means) capable of holding information even when the power is turned off. In the following description, it is assumed that the storage unit 12 includes a hard disk.

The input / output unit 13 is a so-called bridge chip, and is connected to the control unit 11, the external storage unit 14, and the operation communication unit 15. The input / output unit 13 selects an output destination of a signal (output signal) output by the control unit 11 according to an instruction input from the control unit 11, and outputs a signal of the control unit 11 to the selected output destination. Is selectively output. Further, the input / output unit 13 outputs a signal input from the external storage unit 14 and the operation communication unit 15 to the control unit 11.

The external storage unit 14 reads the recorded information from an external recording medium such as a Blu-ray Disc or a DVD, and outputs the recorded information to the control unit 11 via the input / output unit 13.

The operation communication unit 15 includes a wired connector unit 41 and a wireless communication unit 42, and communicates with the controller device 2 by wire or wirelessly. Here, the wired connector unit 41 transfers data via a cable such as USB (Universal Serial Bus). Further, a plurality of the wired connector portions 41 are provided, and each of them supplies power to the connected controller device 2 (for example, bus power in USB).

The wireless communication unit 42 exchanges data wirelessly, such as Bluetooth (Bluetooth). The wireless communication unit 42 performs multiplex communication by a predetermined method, and transmits / receives data to / from a plurality of controller devices 2 existing within a communicable range.

The display unit 16 is a graphics processing board or the like, draws an image according to an instruction input from the control unit 11, and displays the information of the drawn image to an external display (household television device, etc.). Output to and display.

The communication unit 17 is a network interface, for example, an Ethernet® port. The communication unit 17 is connected to, for example, a line of an Internet service provider, and is communicably connected to a server on the Internet via the line. Further, the communication unit 17 transmits various data via the Internet according to an instruction input from the control unit 11. In addition, it receives data coming from the Internet side and outputs it to the control unit 11.

Here, the controller device 2 is, for example, a controller for a game, accepts a user's operation, and transmits the content of the operation to the center device 1. As shown in FIG. 2, this controller device 2 has grip portions 20R and 20L. The user grips these grips 20 with his / her left and right hands, respectively. The first and second operation units 21 and 22 and the analog operation units 23R and 23L are provided at positions where the user can operate the grip portion 20 with the thumbs of the left and right hands, respectively. There is.

Here, the first operation unit 21 is provided with an upward instruction key 21a, a downward instruction key 21b, a right direction instruction key 21c, and a left direction instruction key 21d. The user uses these instruction keys 21a, 21b, 21c and 21d to perform an operation such as specifying an operation target on the screen.

In addition, the second operation unit 22 has a triangular button 22a provided with a triangular () -shaped marking, an X button 22b provided with an X-shaped (×) -shaped marking, and an O-shape. An O button 22c provided with a ("") -shaped marking and a rectangular button 22d provided with a rectangular () -shaped marking are provided. These buttons 22a, 22b, 22c and 22d are assigned operation contents by a program executed on the center device 1 side according to the operation target specified by the instruction keys 21a, 21b, 21c and 21d, for example. Be done. As a result, the user can perform an operation on the operation target specified by the instruction keys 21a, 21b, 21c and 21d by selecting and pressing the appropriate buttons 22a, 22b, 22c and 22d.

The analog operation units 23R and 23L can be tilted with the point a as the fulcrum, and in the tilted state in this way, the rotation operation around the rotation axis b passing through the fulcrum a is possible. It has become. The analog operation units 23R and 23L are designed to hold their positions in an upright state (no tilting state) during non-tilting operation (reference position). Then, when the analog operation unit 23R or the analog operation unit 23L is tilted while being pressed, the coordinate values (x, y) on the xy coordinates corresponding to the tilt amount and the tilt direction with respect to the reference position are detected, and these coordinate values are detected. Will be output to the center device 1 side as an operation output.

Further, even if the controller device 2 has a start button 24 for instructing the center device 1 to execute a program, a select button 25 for instructing to switch various modes, and a mode selection switch 26. Good.

Further, the controller device 2 is provided with a right button 28 and a left button 29 at positions where the grip portions 20R and 20L can be operated by, for example, the index fingers of each hand in a state where the grip portions 20R and 20L are gripped by the left and right hands. Each of the buttons 28 and 29 has first and second right buttons 28R1,28R2 and first and second left buttons 29L1,29L2 arranged side by side in the thickness direction of the controller.

As shown in FIG. 3, the controller device 2 includes a communication unit 31, a control unit 32, a storage unit 33, a connection unit 34, an operation receiving unit 35, a tactile presentation unit 36, and a power supply. It is composed of a part 37 and the like. Further, the communication unit 31 includes a wired connection unit 31a and a wireless connection unit 31b.

The wired connection unit 31a can be connected to the wired connector unit 41 of the operation communication unit 15 of the center device 1 via a cable. The wired connection unit 31a transmits data to be transmitted input from the control unit 32 to the center device 1 when connected to the center device 1. Further, the wired connection unit 31a receives power from the center device 1 to supply power to each unit, and also supplies charging power to the power supply unit 37.

The wireless connection unit 31b wirelessly exchanges data with the wireless communication unit 42 of the center device 1. It is assumed that identification information for wireless communication is assigned to the wireless connection unit 31b in advance.

The control unit 32 is a CPU or the like, and operates according to a program stored in the storage unit 33. Information related to authentication is transmitted to the center device 1. Further, the control unit 32 transmits the content of the instruction operation performed by the user to the operation receiving unit 35 to the center device 1 via the communication unit 31. Further, the control unit 32 controls the tactile presentation unit 36 according to an instruction input from the center device 1 via the communication unit 31.

The storage unit 33 includes a memory element such as NVRAM (nonvolatile RAM). The storage unit 33 stores a program executed by the control unit 32. The storage unit 33 also operates as a work memory of the control unit 32. Further, the storage unit 33 contains identification information of the controller device 2 (information unique to each controller device such as an identifier used for wireless communication with the center device 1 (hereinafter referred to as a controller identifier)). It is stored.

The connection unit 34 includes a socket that accepts the external memory device 50, and causes the control unit 32 to access the external memory device 50 accepted by this socket. That is, in the present embodiment, the control unit 32 writes the user authentication information to the external memory device 50 via the connection unit 34. Further, during the authentication process, the user's authentication information is read from the external memory device 50 via the connection unit 34.

The operation receiving unit 35 includes the first and second operation units 21,22, the analog operation unit 23R, 23L, the start button 24, the select button 25, the mode selection switch 26, and the first and second right buttons 28R1,28R2. , 1st and 2nd left buttons 29L1, 29L2, etc., receive signals transmitted from each operation element included in the controller device 2 and output them to the control unit 32.

The tactile presentation unit 36 is, for example, a vibrator that rotates an eccentric weight by driving a motor to vibrate the controller device 2, and receives control from the control unit 32 to vibrate the controller device 2 to present a tactile sensation to the user. ..

The power supply unit 37 includes a rechargeable secondary battery. The power supply unit 37 supplies power to each unit when the controller device 2 is not connected to the center device 1 by wire. Further, when the controller device 2 is connected to the center device 1 by wire, the power supply unit 37 charges the battery by the charging power supply supplied via the wired connection unit 31a.

[Authentication process] Here, the operation of the center device 1 will be described. The center device 1 performs authentication processing of the controller device 2 capable of communicating at a request from the program being executed and / or at a predetermined timing such as when the power is turned on.

As described above, the user authentication information is stored in the external memory device 50 that can be attached to and detached from the controller device 2. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, the external memory device 50 stores at least one user identification information (ID), user age information (Y), and authentication key information (K) such as a passcode. ing. The user attaches the external memory device 50 to the controller device 2 before using the center device 1.

On the other hand, at least one of the user's authentication information is preset and stored in the hard disk (nonvolatile storage means) of the storage unit 12 of the center device 1.

For example, the user identification information includes information that can be identified in the home where the center device 1 is installed (hereinafter referred to as "local ID" such as the name of the person) and a network game or the like via the center device 1. It shall include the identification information (so to speak, handle name, hereinafter referred to as "global ID") used when performing.

In the following, as an example, the center device 1 has three local IDs ("Taro", "Jiro", and "Jiro", respectively) belonging to the home in which the center device 1 is installed, "Taro", "Jiro", and "Hanako". It is assumed that "Hanako") is registered.

In addition, the storage unit 12 of the center device 1 is associated with these local IDs, such as parrent lock (viewing restriction), usage time restriction, and setting of access right to data in the storage unit 12. Suppose it is stored.

Next, a specific processing example of the authentication processing will be described. The control unit 11 of the center device 1 starts the process shown in FIG. 5 at a predetermined timing such as when the program is being executed or / and when the power is turned on, and communicates by wire or wirelessly. Detect possible controller device 2 (S1). For this detection, for example, USB or Bluetooth detection processing can be used as it is.

The control unit 11 selects at least one of the detected controller devices 2 as an authentication target by a predetermined method (S2). This selection may be made, for example, randomly, in the order of detection (for example, selecting the first detected controller device 2), or an external memory device mounted on each controller device 2. Based on the information stored in 50, for example, the controller device 2 having the smallest or largest age information stored in the mounted external memory device 50 may be selected from the controller devices 2. .. This selection method may be specified from the program side that performs the authentication process.

The control unit 11 acquires the user identification information (for example, the local ID) and the authentication key information from the selected controller device 2 (S3). Then, as the login screen, as shown in FIG. 6, "XX-san, Hi. Please login" and the screen, such as, a display that prompts you to enter the authentication key, to perform on the display unit 16 (S4).

When the user inputs the authentication key here, the control unit 11 compares the input authentication key with the authentication key acquired in the process S3, and checks whether or not they match (S5). If they match, it is assumed that the authentication has been completed, and the parrent lock information, usage time limit information, etc. associated with the user identification information acquired in the process S3 are read out (S6), and the authentication is performed. End the process. If they do not match in the process S5, it is assumed that the authentication has not been completed, for example, the process returns to the process S4 and the process is continued.

The information on the parrent lock and the information on the usage time limit read out here are used by each program.

As a result, for example, in the above process S2, if the user with the smallest age is to be authenticated, when the ages of the users are three, 10 years old, 15 years old, and 20 years old, the minimum age is 10 years old. Users are selectively authenticated and can be used for processing such as restricting access to content that restricts viewing under the age of 12.

Further, at the time of selection in the process S2, user identification information (for example, local ID) is acquired from each detected controller device 2, and when the acquired information is stored in the storage unit 12, the selection target May be. That is, only the users registered in the center device 1 in advance are subject to the authentication process. As a result, for example, when an unregistered user visits and uses the controller device 2, the authentication process is not performed on the unregistered user.

Further, in the process S2, the acquired user identification information may be displayed in a list so that the user himself / herself can select the user to be the target of the authentication process. In this case as well, users who are not registered in the center device 1 may not be included in the list.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 11 performs authentication processing on, for example, a part of the detected users of the controller device 2, and when the authentication is completed, authenticates other users who are not the target of the authentication processing. Without performing it, various processes are continued assuming that the authentication is completed.

For example, as in the example already described, three people, "Taro", "Jiro", and "Hanako", attach and hold the external memory device 50 that stores their local IDs on each controller device 2. Suppose you are. At this time, for example, the center device 1 selects "Taro" as an authentication target according to a predetermined condition, and performs an authentication process on "Taro". Here, when the authentication for "Taro" is completed, the programs such as games are executed for "Jiro" and "Hanako" without performing the authentication process. Further, once the authentication is completed, the control unit 11 of the center device 1 continues processing such as a game even if communication with the controller device 2 of the user who is the partner of the authentication process cannot be performed. To do. As a result, for example, even if "Taro" goes out with the controller device 2 carried in the above example, or if the external memory device 50 is removed from the controller device 2, "Jiro" and "Hanako" will play the game. You will be able to continue playing.

The control unit 11 further holds the identification information (for example, the controller identifier) of the controller device 2 detected at the time when the authentication process is completed in the storage unit 12 as a permutation table in the order of detection, for example (FIG. 7). Here, the controller identifier is, for example, an identification information (unique ID) uniquely assigned to the controller device 2, a communication interface identification code of the controller device 2 (for example, Ethernet (registered trademark) or / and a MAC address used in wireless LAN, etc. , Bluetooth device ID, USB device ID, etc.), and the control unit 11 stores these, unique ID, MAC address, Bluetooth device ID, USB device ID, and other information elements in association with each other as a controller identifier. That is, when the control unit 11 can communicate with the controller device 2, the control unit 11 acquires the identification code of each communication interface included in the controller device 2. For example, even when connected by wire (USB, etc.), wireless (Bluetooth, etc.) communication parameters are acquired. In this permutation table, the local ID acquired from the corresponding controller device may be associated with the controller identifier. Further, the permutation table may be associated with, for example, information (connector identifier) that identifies which of the wired connector units 41 to which the controller device 2 is connected. Further, the type of the controller device 2 (information about the model) and the like may be associated.

The control unit 11 resets the permutation table when a reset request is made from the program side and / or at a predetermined timing (for example, when the power is turned on). Further, the control unit 11 controls so that the controller identifier is not excluded from the permutation table even if there is a controller device 2 that cannot communicate in the middle of the program processing, for example. On the other hand, the control unit 11 performs a process of receiving the controller identifier from the controller device 2 (processing of requesting the controller identifier and receiving the response, etc.) at predetermined timings (for example, periodically), and the received controller identifier. If it is not included in the memorized sequence table, it is assumed that a new controller device 2 has been detected, and the controller identifier that is not included in the sequence table is added to the end of the sequence table and the program side is notified. It issues an event signal notifying that a new controller device 2 has been detected. On the program side (for example, a game program), when this event signal is received, a local ID is acquired from the controller device 2, and a participant who jumps into the game appears like "Mr. XX has arrived!" It is used for processing such as notifying that. Here, one of the characteristics of the present embodiment is that the authentication process of another user has already been completed, so that the authentication process of the user who newly participates in the game or the like is omitted. .. This makes it easy for the user to participate without interrupting the game.

Further, the program side manages, for example, a game player by using the permutation table stored in the storage unit 12. As an example of processing, the game program side generates a table for associating the sequence number on the permutation table with the player number and stores it in the storage unit 12. On the other hand, when the instruction operation is input from the controller device 2, the operation communication unit 15 outputs the information of the instruction operation to the control unit 11 together with the controller identifier of the controller device 2 to which the input of the instruction operation is input. There is.

The control unit 11 checks the position on the permutation table stored in the storage unit 12 to obtain the sequence number, obtains the sequence number, and determines the player number associated with the sequence number. The process is performed assuming that it is an instruction operation related to the player.

As a result, even in a game in which a plurality of users control their respective characters, the control unit 11 responds according to each user's operation based on the instruction operation signal input from each controller device 2. The processing of controlling the character to be performed can be executed.

Since the controller device 2 can be connected both by wire and wirelessly, the user pulls out the controller device 2 which was initially connected by wire during game play and switches to wireless connection. It is possible to do things. As described above, in the present embodiment, the USB device ID, which is the parameter information of the wired communication, and the Bluetooth device ID, which is the parameter information of the wireless communication, are associated with each other and are held as the controller identifier. The contents of the table are not changed, and the control unit 11 can identify which Bluetooth device (that is, controller device 2) corresponds to the disconnected wired connection device.

On the contrary, the controller device 2 originally connected wirelessly may be switched to the wired connection during the game play, but in this case as well, the controller identifier of the controller device 2 whose connection mode has already been switched. Is stored in the permutation table, so the contents of the permutation table are unchanged.

By making it possible to associate each player on the game program side with the controller identifier as in the example of this permutation table, the wired / wireless connection mode can be set regardless of whether the connection mode is wired or wireless. Even if the switching is performed in the middle, the control unit 11 of the center device 1 can reliably identify from which user the instruction operation from each controller device 2 is performed.

[User with the same name] Further, the control unit 11 compares the user identification information (for example, local ID) acquired from each of the detected controller devices 2 and checks whether or not there is a controller device 2 in which the same local ID is set. When there is a controller device 2 to which the same local ID is set, a predetermined identification process may be executed.

This occurs, for example, when a user who has set the same local ID as this "Taro" in addition to the registered "Taro" visits from the outside and the user uses the controller device 2.

In this case, the control unit 11 issues a temporary local ID that can be identified with each other to each user for which the same local ID is set. This temporary local ID may be, for example, the original local ID with different numbers added. For example, if the original local IDs are both "Taro", "Taro1" and "Taro2" are issued and stored in the permutation table of the storage unit 12 in association with each controller identifier.

Further, in this case, the control unit 11 notifies a plurality of users having the same user identification information of the temporary local IDs assigned to them. For example, the temporary local IDs issued to the display unit 16 are sequentially displayed one by one, and the tactile presentation is performed to the controller device 2 identified by the controller identifier corresponding to the displayed temporary local IDs. Outputs an instruction to drive the unit 36.

As a result, each user can know the temporarily assigned local ID by the name displayed on the screen while the controller device 2 is vibrating, for example. Here, the tactile presentation unit 36 can present the local ID temporarily assigned to each user, but if the controller device 2 is equipped with a device capable of displaying characters or the like, for example, a liquid crystal display device, the controller device 2 may display characters or the like. , The temporarily assigned local ID or the acquired local ID may be displayed for the display device.

[Network processing] Further, when the center device 1 is connected to the Internet, the control unit 11 refers to the server on the Internet as a local ID (the first one referred to in the present invention) as user identification information of the user of each controller device 2. The user identification information (second identification information referred to in the present invention, for example, the global ID) set separately from the identification information) may be transmitted and used for the authentication process in the server.

That is, when the center device 1 accesses the server on the Internet and receives an authentication request, at least one of the detected controller devices 2 is detected by the same process as the process S2 in FIG. The target of authentication is selected by a predetermined method. Then, the global ID in the external memory device 50 mounted on the selected controller device 2 is acquired, and the global ID is transmitted to request authentication.

In this way, the user identification information on the Internet server and the user identification information in the home environment can be made different, and the convenience is improved.

Further, the center device 1 communicates with another center device 1 via the Internet, sends a local ID to the other center device 1, and performs authentication processing at the other center device 1. You may provide it. That is, when connecting to the Internet, authentication may be performed using the global ID, and when accessing another center device 1 via the Internet, the local ID may be sent for authentication.

In this case, the center device 1 that directly communicates with the user's controller device 2 (hereinafter referred to as the user-side center device for distinction) and another center device 1 (hereinafter referred to as the remote center device for distinction). (Call) is processed as follows.

That is, the user-side center device 1 sends out the user's local ID to the address of the remote center device 1 and requests authentication by an instruction operation from the user. The remote center device 1 checks whether the local ID received as the authentication request is registered in the remote center device 1, and if it is registered, sends an authentication key request to the user-side center device 1. To do.

The user-side center device 1 receives the request for the authentication key and prompts the user to input the authentication key. When the user inputs an authentication key here, the user-side center device 1 compares the input authentication key with the authentication key stored in the external memory device 50 mounted on the controller device 2 used by the user. Then, it is determined whether or not these match, and the determination result is sent to the remote center device 1.

When the remote center device 1 receives the information of the judgment result indicating that the authentication keys match, the information such as the setting of the access right to the data in the hard disk, which is associated with the previously received local ID, is displayed. read out. Then, when a request for acquiring data in the hard disk is further received from the center device 1 on the user side, the presence or absence of the access right to the data related to the acquisition request is determined based on the read information, and the access right is granted. If it is determined that there is, the data related to the acquisition request is read from the hard disk and sent to the user-side center device 1 via the Internet.

According to this example, for example, when a user plays a game using the center device 1 on the go, the stored data of the game stored in the center device 1 at home can be acquired, and even on the go. , The game can be continued, and the convenience can be improved.

In addition, by doing so, the authentication operation is simplified by letting the user set in advance in the external memory device 50 without having to bother to input the user identification information such as the user name. It can be done and convenience can be improved.

[Controller device that does not use the external memory device 50] In the description so far, it has been assumed that the external memory device 50 holding the user identification information and the like is attached to each controller device 2, but this is not always necessary. For example, when the external memory device 50 is not mounted on some of the controller devices 2, the control unit 11 may select the controller device 2 on which the external memory device 50 is mounted in the process S2 shown in FIG. Good.

If the external memory device 50 is not installed in all the controller devices 2, the control unit 11 displays a display such as "Enter user identification information" on the display unit 16 to display the user identification information. Is requested, and the authentication process may be performed using the input user identification information.

Further, one user may use a plurality of controller devices 2. For example, as a dedicated controller device used in a vehicle racing game or the like, it is conceivable to provide a steering wheel unit and a pedal unit such as an accelerator or a brake as separate controller devices 2. In this case, for example, the handle unit may be equipped with the external memory device 50, and the corresponding pedal unit may not need to be equipped with the external memory device 50.

In this way, in consideration of the case where at least one of the users uses the plurality of controller devices 2, the control unit 11 of the center device 1 has the controller device 2 (user identification information acquired) to which the external memory device 50 is not mounted. When a controller device 2) that cannot be detected is detected, the following processing may be performed.

In this case, the control unit 11 displays a list of user identification information acquired from each controller device 2, and also displays a list of controller devices 2 for which user identification information could not be acquired in association with each user identification information. Is displayed as a selectable menu.

For example, the user performs an operation of selecting the controller device 2 to be used from the menu displayed corresponding to the user identification information of the user.

For example, in the case of the above-mentioned steering wheel unit and pedal unit, the control unit 11 acquires user identification information from the external memory device 50 mounted on the steering wheel unit and displays it on the display unit 16. In addition, in correspondence with this user identification information, a menu including information representing the pedal unit is displayed (Fig. 8). The user performs an instruction operation to select a pedal unit from this menu.

Based on the settings made via this screen, the control unit 11 has a menu associated with the controller identifier of the controller device 2 from which each user identification information has been acquired and the user identification information of the controller device 2. The controller identifier of the controller device 2 (shown as the related controller identifier) selected in the above is associated with the controller identifier and stored in, for example, the sequential table of the storage unit 12 (FIG. 9).

In a program such as a game, for example, when an instruction operation is input from the pedal unit, the controller identifier of the handle unit associated with the controller identifier of the pedal unit is referred to, and the user identification related to the handle unit is further performed. You will be able to get information. In addition, since the sequence number on the permutation table of the pedal unit can also be acquired, the handle unit and the corresponding pedal unit can be associated with one player (user), and the controller devices are separate from each other. You will be able to progress the game based on the signal from 2.

Although the controller device 2 has been described here, for example, an information presenting device for a headset (headphones, etc.) can also be associated by setting an identifier in the same manner as the controller identifier and using the above menu.

According to this, for example, when the user performs an instruction operation for adjusting the playback volume of the headphones using the controller device 2, the control unit 11 stores the instruction operation in association with the controller identifier of the controller device 2 that has received the instruction operation. An instruction for adjusting the volume is sent using the identifier of the headphone as the communication destination. As a result, the user can control the volume of the headphone for which the association is set by using the controller device 2, and the convenience can be improved.

Although the headphone is taken as an example here, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a head-mounted display or various force sense presentation devices may be used. When various information presenting devices can be connected in this way, each information presenting device may register elements of information that can be controlled from the associated controller device 2 in advance in the control unit 11. .. For example, in the case of headphones, the control unit 11 preliminarily indicates that "volume" is used as the name of the control target, the direction key is used as the setting button, and the set value is a value from "0" to "255". Output to. The control unit 11 uses this information to perform a process of accepting the user's settings.

[External memory device 50] In the description so far, the external memory device 50 may be, for example, a semiconductor memory device, but the external memory device 50 connected to the controller device 2 is not limited to this, and is shown in FIG. 10, for example. As described above, the control element 51, the storage element 52, and the biometrics sensor unit 53 may be provided.

Here, the control element 51 is, for example, a microcomputer (microcomputer) chip, and operates according to a preset program. When the control element 51 receives a request for information stored in the storage element 52 from the controller device 2 side, the control element 51 executes a predetermined authentication process. The authentication process performed by the control element 51 will be described later.

The storage element 52 is a non-volatile memory element such as EEPROM, and as shown in FIG. 4, at least one user identification information (ID), user age information (Y), and authentication key information (K). And holds. However, here, the authentication key information is set as information that can be compared with the information acquired from the biometrics sensor unit 53.

The biometrics sensor unit 53 is a sensor that outputs biological information such as a fingerprint pattern, a fundus pattern, and a vein pattern of the palm.

Here, the authentication process performed by the control element 51 will be described. When the control element 51 receives a request for information stored in the storage element 52 from the controller device 2 side, the control element 51 waits for acquisition of biometric information such as a fingerprint pattern from the biometrics sensor unit 53. When the biometric information is acquired here, the biometric information is compared with the authentication key information stored in the storage element 52. Then, as a result of this comparison, when a predetermined condition such as matching of each information is satisfied, the information requested from the controller device 2 is read from the storage element 52 and output to the controller device 2.

Further, as a result of comparison, if the above predetermined conditions are not satisfied, a signal such as an error indicating that information cannot be provided is transmitted to the controller device 2.

In this way, stronger authentication can be performed and security can be improved as compared with the case where a passcode or the like is used as the authentication key.

Further, for example, an instruction for inputting the biometric information of the user in a game program or the like executed by the control unit 11 may be transmitted to the controller device 2. In this case, the controller device 2 requests biometric information from the control element 51 of the external memory device 50. In this case, the control element 51 waits for the acquisition of biometric information such as a fingerprint pattern from the biometrics sensor unit 53. When the biometric information is acquired here, the biometric information is output to the controller device 2. The controller device 2 transmits and outputs the input biometric information to the center device 1.

Further, the external memory device 50 may be provided with a mounting portion to which a strap or the like can be attached, for example, in its housing.

Further, here, by making the external memory device 50 detachable from the controller device 2, one controller device 2 can be used properly by a plurality of users, but the external memory device 50 shown in FIG. 10 can be used properly. The controller device 2 may be provided internally with the above configuration and may be a controller device 2 that stores information for each user.

[Starting the controller device] Further, since the controller device 2 of the present embodiment can be driven by a battery, it is preferable to stop the power supply when not in use. Therefore, the controller device 2 is provided with a sensor for detecting swing (the controller device 2 is gripped by the user), and when the non-grasping time elapses a predetermined time threshold value, the control unit 32 sets a predetermined power saving mode (for example, a mode in which the operation of the communication unit 31 is stopped).

Further, when the control unit 32 detects that the user has grasped it by the sensor while in the power saving mode, the control unit 32 executes a process of returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode, and the communication unit 31 To resume the operation of.

For example, the control unit 32 first determines whether or not it is connected to the center device 1 via the wired connection unit 31a as a process of returning to the normal mode. That is, the control unit 32 determines whether or not the device ID of the communication partner is connected to the center device 1 via the wired connection unit 31a depending on whether or not the device ID of the communication partner is a predetermined ID of the center device 1. Here, when connected to the center device 1 via the wired connection unit 31a, communication is started as it is via the wired connection unit 31a.

On the other hand, if it is not connected to the center device 1 via the wired connection unit 31a (if the wired connection unit 31a is not connected to another device, or even if it is connected, the connection destination is the center device 1. When the power of the center device 1 is turned off), the control unit 32 tries to communicate with the center device 1 via the wireless connection unit 31b. If the center device 1 starts wireless communication with the controller device 2, the control unit 32 wirelessly sends information or the like indicating the content of the instruction operation to the center device 1.

In this way, when the user grips the controller device 2, the center device 1 side detects the controller device 2.

Note that the center device 1 maintains power supply to communication interfaces such as the wired connector section 41 and the wireless communication section 42 when the power is turned off by the user's operation, and inputs from the controller device 2. When the power is received, the power supply to each part of the center device 1 may be started (that is, it may be turned on).

In this case, the center device 1 may supply power to a part of the communication interface such as the wired connector unit 41 and the wireless communication unit 42, for example, the wireless communication unit 42. In this way, when the controller device 2 and the center device 1 are connected by wire, even if the controller device 2 is activated, the wired communication with the center device 1 cannot be performed, and wireless communication is started. To do. As a result, the center device 1 is turned on, and the controller device 2 detects the wired connection with the center device 1 and switches to the wired communication (that is, the information of the instruction operation is output by the wired connection). ..

In addition, when a method such as Bluetooth, in which one side acts as a master to perform communication control, is adopted as wireless communication, the center device 1 is turned off as described above, and power is supplied to the wireless communication unit 42. If so, the controller device 2 first becomes the master and starts communication, and after the center device 1 is turned on, the center device 1 acquires the master authority and the controller device 2 becomes the slave. And start communication.

[Operation of controller device] Further, the control unit 32 of the controller device 2 transmits information of the user's instruction operation via the wired connection unit 31a based on the device authentication result of the wired connection destination when the controller device 2 is connected by wire and power is supplied. It is also possible to select whether to transmit via the wireless connection unit 31b or to transmit the information of the user's instruction operation to the center device 1 via the selected wired connection unit 31a or the wireless connection unit 31b.

This is to enable the signal of the instruction operation to be sent to the center device 1 even when the controller device 2 is connected to a personal computer (a USB compatible device other than the center device 1) by USB, for example. In this case, the device authentication may be performed by using the device authentication process obtained in the normal connection sequence of the connection interface, such as the device authentication process in USB.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the center device 1 can perform processing in consideration of various circumstances when a plurality of users such as a home-use game machine use the controller device 2 such as each input device. Will be.

"Another example of a controller device" Further, the controller device 2 is not limited to the appearance example shown in FIG. Hereinafter, another example of the controller device 2 will be described. 11 and 12 are perspective views of the controller device 2 of another example described below, and FIG. 13 is a plan view thereof. As shown in FIG. 13, the controller device 2 has a substantially crescent-shaped main body 70. Further, on the front side of the central portion of the main body, columnar protrusions 71L, R for providing two analog operation portions 23L, R are formed.

The end of the crescent-shaped main body 70 is a so-called grip portion 20L, R. In this controller device 2, when the user holds the grip portion 20 with the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger of each hand, the grip portion 20 is formed to be slightly longer so as to protrude toward the front side of the user. In addition, when the user holds and holds the grip portion 20 with the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger of each hand, a position that can be operated with the index finger, four buttons 28 (28R1, R2) on the outer peripheral side of the main body, 29 (29L1, L2) is provided. At this time, the operation units 21, 22 and / or the analog operation unit 23 are provided at positions that can be operated with the thumb.

According to the controller device 2 that can be supported in this way, the user can operate the wrist while keeping the line connecting the elbow to the back of the hand in a straight line, and the wrist naturally extends, so that the wrist can be operated for a long time. You can reduce the feeling of fatigue.

Further, since the grip portion 20 is formed to be slightly longer, the controller device 2 can be reliably gripped even when one grip portion 20 is held with one hand, and the operability is improved.

The main body 70 is formed to be rounded as a whole, and houses each part shown in FIG. 3 inside. Further, the main body 70 is provided with operation units 21 and 22 in substantially the same manner as those shown in FIG. These operation units 21 and 22 are arranged so that they can be operated up, down, left, and right in each of the four directions. Further, the main body 70 is different in that the home button 27 is provided in addition to the buttons shown in FIG. When this home button 27 is pressed, the center device 1 side presents a predetermined home screen (screen at the start of the game) and a screen inquiring whether to end the game and shift to the predetermined mode. Perform processing such as.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, in the controller device 2, the operation units 21 and 22 are arranged so as to be inclined in the directions of the grip portions 20L and R, respectively. For example, the line segment D connecting the centers of the buttons of the operation units 21a and b and the line segment E connecting the centers of the buttons of the operation units 22a and bb are not in the direction of the center line C of the controller device 2, but are extensions of the grip portion 20. They are arranged so that they are offset according to the direction.

In this way, since the entire operating portions 21 and 22 are arranged so as to be inclined toward the grip portion 20, the operation in the gripped portion 20 becomes easy.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the button 28 and the analog operation unit 23R are arranged on a straight line G parallel to the center line C of the controller device 2. Similarly, the button 29 and the analog operation unit 23L are arranged on the controller device 2. It is arranged on a straight line F parallel to the center line C of. This also improves operability when the grip portion 20 is gripped. Similarly, the buttons 28 and 29 are arranged on both shoulders of the main body, so that the operability when the user grips the grip portion 20 can be improved.

Further, according to the controller device 2, by making the surface of the main body on which the operation units 21, 22 and the like are arranged curved, the operation units 21 and 22 can be made to protrude more from the main body of the controller device 2. The strokes of the operation units 21 and 22 can be deepened to improve operability.

Here, the home button 27 may include an LED (light emitting diode) or the like. For example, when the controller device 2 is connected to the center device 1 by wire and when it is wirelessly connected to the center device 1, it emits light in different colors (for example, yellow for wireless, blue for wired, etc.). You may try to do it. Further, when the power is off, the LED may be turned off. Further, the blinking may be controlled when communication is being performed. In this way, the LED can be used as an access lamp.

Further, the LED may be controlled to emit light based on the instruction from the center device 1. The center device 1 is, for example, specified by a user (such as notifying a user to play during a game) and the state of the center device 1 (whether the game is being played or content such as a video is being played). The color of the LED may be different for each.

For example, the center device 1 may assign different identifiers to each controller device 2 in the order in which wireless communication is possible, and control the light emission of the LEDs with a predetermined color for each identifier. As a result, for example, when a plurality of controller devices 2 exist, the user can identify which controller device 2 enables the instruction operation.

Further, this light emission control may be performed on the game program side so that the colors are different for each player of the game. For example, the first player may be lit in red, the second player may be lit in blue, or the like. In this case, the lighting color may be selected by the game program. As a result, for example, the cursor color representing the character to be controlled in the game can be matched with the lighting color of the LED of the controller device 2, and the user's game operability can be improved.

Further, the LED may change the mode of light emission (control of color, blinking, etc.) depending on the state of charge of the power supply unit 37 built in the controller device 2. For example, when the battery is fully charged, the light is emitted in blue, when the charged amount is less than a predetermined amount, the light is emitted in red, and when the amount requires further charging, the light is blinked.

Further, the lighting / blinking or extinguishing control may be performed in a color according to the state of the power supply unit 37, such as blinking green during charging and lighting in green when charging is completed.

Although it has been described here that the home button 27 has an LED built-in, the LED may be arranged in another place, for example, near the start button 24 or near the USB terminal. Further, it may be arranged in each of these places. Further, a plurality of them may be built in the controller device 2 to control the color of the entire controller device 2.

Further, although it has been described here as a multicolor LED, each state may be expressed by changing the blinking method (blinking length or pattern), and the multicolor LED does not necessarily have to be used.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, when the controller device 2 is placed on the floor or desk, the operation units 21 and 22 are maintained substantially parallel to the floor or desk surface by the support legs 61 and 62. Will be done. 14 and 15 are side views of the controller device 2.

Further, in this state, the grip portion 20 also acts as a palm rest, and the user can perform the operation with the palm in contact with the grip portion 20, and the posture of the hand can be maintained in a natural state for a long time. You can reduce the feeling of fatigue caused by the operation of.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the buttons 28 and 29 are arranged on a curved surface formed on the upper surface side of the main body, and the pressing direction X of the buttons 28R1 and 29L1 and the pressing direction Y of the buttons 28R2 and 29L2 are slightly different from each other. It is different. As a result, the user can easily know which button the index finger is hanging on. 14 and 15 are side views of the controller device 2.

16 and 17 are top views of the controller device 2. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the USB port as the wired communication unit 31a is arranged on the bottom surface side of the controller device 2. As a result, when the controller device 2 is placed on the floor or desk, the controller device 2 is not lifted by the USB wire. Further, by arranging the USB port on the bottom side in this way, the center of gravity of the weight is on the bottom side, and the controller device 2 can be stably placed on the floor or the like.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the controller device 2 at AA', and FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the controller device 2. As shown in this cross-sectional view, a recess 63 extending in the left-right direction of the controller device 2 is arranged adjacent to the support leg 61. A finger can be hung on the recess 63, and the user can support the controller device 2. In FIG. 18, the internal structure of the controller device 2 is omitted.

<figref num="1">It is a block diagram of the structure of the center apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="2">It is a perspective view which shows the appearance example of the controller apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="3">It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the controller apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="4">It is explanatory drawing which shows the information example included in the external memory device which concerns on embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="5">It is a flowchart which shows the authentication processing example in the center apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="6">It is explanatory drawing which shows the login screen example of the center apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="7">It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the permutation table held in the center apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="8">It is explanatory drawing which shows the setting screen example of the controller device of the center device which concerns on embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="9">It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the permutation table held in the center apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="10">It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the external memory device which concerns on embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="11">It is a perspective view which shows the appearance example of another controller device which concerns on embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="12">It is a perspective view which shows the appearance example of another controller device which concerns on embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="13">It is a top view which shows the appearance example of another controller apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="14">It is a side view which shows the appearance example of another controller apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="15">It is a side view which shows the appearance example of another controller apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="16">It is a top view which shows the appearance example of another controller apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="17">It is a top view which shows the appearance example of another controller apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="18">It is sectional drawing which shows the appearance example of another controller apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="19">It is a bottom view which shows the appearance example of another controller apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention.</figref>

Code description

1 center device, 2 controller device, 11,32 control unit, 12,33 storage unit, 13-person output unit, 14 external storage unit, 15 operation communication unit, 16 display unit, 17,31 communication unit, 20 grip unit, 21 , 22 Operation unit, 23 Analog operation unit, 24 Start button, 25 Select button, 26 Mode selection switch, 27 Home button, 28, 29 button, 34 Connection unit, 35 Operation reception unit, 36 Tactile presentation unit, 37 Power supply unit, 41 Wired connector, 42 Wireless communication, 50 External memory device, 51 Control element, 52 Memory element, 53 Biometrics sensor, 61, 62 Support legs, 63 Recess.