Center device

Central device

The present invention relates to a central device for communicating with a user's device.

In recent years, a system used in desktop computer systems has become available, in which input devices including keyboards, mice, etc. are wirelessly connected to the main device, so that signals related to the user's command operations are self-input The device is transferred wirelessly to the main device side (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Application No. 2004-199562).

Since computer systems including home game devices process various information in recent times, it is better to impose restrictions on information access depending on the age of the user or whether the user is a family member.

Generally, the conventional input device does not adopt the usage mode adopted by, for example, home game devices, in which many users operate their own input devices (where each player operates his/her own controller). In addition, the current situation may be such that when the user is authenticated to enable the access restriction, the restriction is not adjusted by the home game device.

The present invention was conceived in view of the above-mentioned circumstances. One object of the present invention is to provide a central device that regulates various conditions that are expected to occur when using, for example, a home game machine, in which many users operate the control device of their own bag input device.

In order to solve the above-mentioned related technical problems, according to the present invention, a central device is provided, which is used to communicate between a plurality of controller devices, receive instruction operations performed by the user of each controller device, and according to The instruction operation is performed for processing, and the central device includes a controller device for selecting at least one controller device from the plurality of controller devices as the controller device to be verified by using communication with each of the plurality of controller devices And a device for performing verification processing on each controller device while communicating with each selected controller device.

Here, each controller device can store the first identification information and the second identification information. The central device may include a device for communicating with the server via the network. The device for performing the verification process can use the first identification information to perform the verification process and send the second identification information to the server, so that the second identification information is used in the verification process to be performed by the server.

In addition, a unique device identification information can be assigned to each of a plurality of controller devices. The central device may include a device for storing a plurality of pieces of device identification information associated with each other according to a user's instruction. A plurality of pieces of device identification information related to each other can be presented for predetermined processing.

One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The central device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is constructed to include (as shown in FIG. 1) a control part 11, a memory part 12, an input/output unit 13, an external memory part 14, an operation communication part 15, and a display part 16 and the communication part 17 are connected to the controller device 2 by wire or radio.

The control part 11 of the central device 1 can be a CPU or the like. The control part 11 operates according to a program stored in the memory part 12. The control part 11 in this embodiment executes, for example, a game program and verifies the controller device. An example of the content of the processing to be performed by the control section 11 will be described in detail later.

The memory portion 12 is constructed to include memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like, and it stores programs to be executed by the control portion 11. The memory part 12 also serves as a working memory for storing data, which is necessary for processing by the control part 1. The memory portion 12 contains a memory medium (non-volatile memory device) such as, for example, a hard disk as a memory device capable of holding information even when the power supply is stopped. In the following description, the memory portion 12 contains a hard disk.

The input/output unit 13 is a bridge chip and is connected to the control part 11, the external memory part 14 and the operation communication part 15. The input/output unit 13 selects a target according to the command input from the control part 11 to send a signal (output signal) from the control part 11. The input/output unit selectively outputs the signal from the control part 11 to the selected output target. In addition, the input/output unit 13 outputs the signals input from the external memory part 14 and the operation communication part 15 to the control part 11 respectively.

The external memory part 14 reads out information recorded in an external memory medium such as Blu-ray discs, DVDs, etc., and outputs the information to the control part 11 via the input/output unit 13.

The operating communication part 15 is constructed to include a wired connector part 41 and a radio communication part 42. The operating communication part 15 communicates with the controller device 2 in a wired or wireless manner. Here, the wired connector part 41 exchanges data via a cable such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) or the like. In fact, a plurality of wired connector parts 41 are provided, and each wired connector part supplies power to the controller device 2 connected to it (this corresponds to, for example, the bus power in the USB system).

The radio communication part 42 exchanges data via radio such as Bluetooth. Specifically, the radio communication part 42 performs multiplex communication in a predetermined manner to exchange data with a plurality of controller devices 2 existing within the communicable range.

The display part 16, which is a graphics processing board or the like, draws an image according to the command input from the control part 11, and outputs the data about the drawn image to an externally connected display device (a household television device or the like) To display in it.

The communication part 17 is a network interface such as an Ethernet (registered trademark) port. The communication part 17 is connected to, for example, a circuit line of an Internet service provider, so that it can communicate with a server on the Internet. In addition, the communication section 17 transmits various data via the Internet in accordance with instructions input from the control section 11. Furthermore, the communication part 17 receives the data sent from the Internet party and outputs the received signal to the control part 11.

Here, the controller device 2 of the game controller (for example) receives the user's operation and notifies the center device 1 of the content of the user's operation. As shown in FIG. 2, the controller device 2 includes clamping parts 20R, 20L. The user uses the right hand and the left hand to grasp the clamping parts 20 respectively. When the gripping portion 20 is grasped, the first and second operating portions 21, 22 and the analog operating portions 23R, 23L are provided in an area that can be reached by the operation of the user using his/her thumb.

Here, in the first operating portion 21, an upward direction instruction key 21a, a downward direction instruction key 21b, a right direction instruction key 21c, and a left direction instruction key 21d are provided. When using these command keys 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d, the user performs various operations. These operations, for example, include the specifications of the target to be operated (or operation target) displayed on the screen.

In addition, in the second operating part 22, there are provided a "triangle" button 22a with a triangle mark formed on it, an X button 22b with an "X" mark formed on it, an "O" button 22c with an O mark formed on it, and the top A "rectangular" button 22d with a rectangular mark is formed. The buttons 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d are assigned individual operation contents through programs. Depending on the operation target designated by the command keys 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d, the program is to be executed on the central device 1 side. The user can select and press appropriate buttons 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d to operate the operation targets specified by the command keys 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d.

The analog operation parts 23R, 23L are suitable for an operation by being inclined with a point a serving as a fulcrum. The analog operation parts 23R, 23L are also suitable for rotating around the rotation axis b defined as passing through the point a in the inclined posture. During the operation in the non-inclined position, the operation portions 23R, 23L are held in the upright non-inclined position (reference position). When the operating parts 23R, 23L are given as tilt operations by pressing, the coordinate values (x, y) on the x-y coordinates defined according to the amount and direction of the tilt relative to the reference position are determined and It is output to the center device 1 as an operation output.

It should be noted that the controller device 2 may additionally include a start button 24 for instructing the center device 1 to start a program, a selection button 25, and a mode selection switch 26 for instructing to switch between various modes.

In addition, on the controller device 2, a right button 28 and a left button 29 are provided within a range that the user can reach by operation with his/her index finger. For example, the user's hand will grasp the clamping parts 20R, 20L with his/her right hand and left hand, respectively. The buttons 28 and 29 respectively have first and second right buttons 28R1 and 28R2 and first and second left buttons 29L1 and 29L2, which are arranged in a straight line in the vertical direction of each controller.

As shown in FIG. 3, the controller device 2 is constructed to include a communication part 31, a control part 32, a memory part 33, a connection part 34, an operation acceptance part 35, a tactile presentation part 36 and a power supply part 37. The communication part 31 includes a wired connection part 31a and a radio connection part 31b.

The wired connection part 31a is adapted to be connected to the wired connector part 41 of the operation communication part 15 of the central device 1 via a cable. The wired connection part 31a sends the transmission data input from the control part 32 to the center device 1 when it is connected to the center device 1. In addition, the wired connection part 31a is powered by the central device 1 and supplies power to individual parts of the controller device 2. It also supplies charging power to the power supply part 37.

The radio connection part 31b exchanges data with the radio communication part 42 of the center device 1 by radio. The identification information of the radio communication is assigned to the radio connection part 31b in advance.

The control part 32 may be a CPU, and it operates according to a program stored in the memory part 33. The control section 32 sends verification related information to the center device 1. In addition, the control section 32 notifies the center device 1 of the content of the instruction operation performed with respect to the operation acceptance section 35 via the communication section 31. Furthermore, the control part 32 controls the tactile presentation part 36 via the communication part 31 according to the command input from the central device 1.

The memory portion 33 is constructed to include memory elements such as NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM). The memory part 33 stores programs to be executed by the control part 32. In addition, the memory part 33 also serves as a working memory of the control part 32. Furthermore, the memory part 33 stores the identification information of the controller device 2. This is information that is uniquely assigned to each controller device in advance, and includes the identifier used in the radio communication with the center device 1 (hereinafter referred to as the controller identifier).

The connecting portion 34 has a slot for accommodating the external memory device 50, so that the control portion 32 can access the external memory device 50 accommodated in the slot. That is, in this embodiment, the control part 32 writes the user's authentication information into the external memory device 50 via the connection part 34. In the verification process, the user's verification information is read from the external memory device 50 through the connection part 34.

The operation receiving part 35 receives the signals sent from the individual operating elements equipped to the controller device 2. The individual operating elements include first and second operating parts 21, 22, analog operating parts 23R, 23L, start button 24, selection Button 25, mode selection switch 26, first and second right buttons 28R1, 28R2, and first and second left buttons 29L1, 29L2, and so on. The operation acceptance section 35 outputs the received signal to the control section 32.

The haptic presentation part 36 is a vibrator for rotating an eccentric weight via, for example, a driving motor, thereby causing the controller device 2 to vibrate. That is, under the control of the control part 32, the tactile sensation presentation part 36 causes the controller device 2 to vibrate to thereby present the tactile sensation to the user.

The power supply part 37 is constructed so as to include a rechargeable secondary battery. When the controller device 2 is not wired to the center device 1, the power supply part 37 supplies power to individual parts. On the other hand, when the controller device 2 is wire-connected to the central device 1, the power supply part 37 uses the charging power supplied through the wired connection part 31a to charge the battery.

[Verification Processing]

Here, the operation of the central device 1 in response to a request from the program being executed and/or at a predetermined timing will be described. This sequence can be when the power is turned on, etc., and the verification process with respect to the communication center device 1 is performed.

As described above, the user's authentication information is stored in the external memory device 50 that can be removed from the controller device 2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the external memory device 50 stores at least one piece of user identification information (ID), user age information (Y), and authentication key information (K) such as a pass code. The user attaches the external memory device 50 to the controller device 2 before using the central device 1.

At the same time, the hard disk (non-volatile memory) of the memory portion 12 of the central device 1 stores therein at least one piece of user authentication information preset.

It should be noted that the user identification information includes, for example, information that can be used by the central device 1 to identify within the family (such as the name of each family member referred to as "area ID" hereinafter). It also includes identification information for identification when participating in online games or the like via the central device 1 (in order to say the name of the handle called "global ID" hereinafter).

Hereinafter, it is assumed as an example: the area IDs of three family members of the households available for the center device 1 are registered in the center device 1, namely, "Taro", "Jiro", and "Hanako".

The memory part 12 of the central device 1 also stores the settings of parental control (limitation of viewing time), usage time limit, and the right to access the data stored in the memory part 12 in a manner associated with individual area IDs. and many more.

In the following sections, specific examples of verification processing will be described. In response to a request from a program being executed and/or a predetermined timing such as when the power is turned on, the control section 11 of the central device 1 starts the processing shown in FIG. 5 to detect that communication is possible by wire or radio The controller device 2 (S1). It should be noted that for this detection, the detection process based on, for example, the USB system and Bluetooth can be used completely.

Thereafter, the control part 11 selects the detected at least one controller device 2 as a verification target in a predetermined manner (S2). The selection of the controller device 2 can be performed, for example, randomly or according to the detection sequence of the individual controller device 2. For example, the controller device 2 that is detected first will be selected. Alternatively, the selection can be made based on information stored in the external memory device 50 installed in each controller device 2. This selection makes it possible to select the controller device 2 with the youngest or oldest age information, wherein the age information is, for example, stored in the external memory device 50 attached to the controller device 2. It should be noted that the selection method can be specified by instructing the program of the verification process.

Subsequently, the control section 11 obtains user identification information (for example, area ID) and authentication key information from the selected controller device 2 (S3). The control part 11 then controls the display part 16 to display a screen including the message "Hello, XXX, please log in" (Hello, XXX, please log in). Figure 6 depicts the login screen and the display used to prompt the entry of the authentication key (S4).

When the user enters the verification key, the control section 11 compares the entered verification key with the verification key obtained in processing S3 to see whether the keys are consistent with each other (S5). When the keys are consistent, it is determined that the verification is completed and the information related to the user identification information and obtained in processing S3 about parental control, usage time limit, etc. is read (S6). At that point, the verification process is terminated. In contrast, at process S5, when the input verification key is not consistent with the verification key obtained at process S3, it is determined that the verification is not completed and the operation process returns to process S4 to continue the process.

Each program utilizes reading information about parental control, usage time limit, etc.

Regarding this configuration, when the youngest user is scheduled to be verified in the process S2 and the ages of the three users are 10, 15 and 20 years old, respectively, the 10-year-old user or the youngest user is selectively verified Of users. This information can be used in the process of restricting access to content subject to viewing restrictions by users younger than 12 years old.

Alternatively, the selection at processing S2 can be performed so that user identification information (for example, area ID) is obtained from the individually detected controller device 2. Only when the obtained user identification information is stored in the memory portion 12, the relevant controller device 2 is regarded as a selection target. In other words, only users pre-registered in the central device 1 are regarded as authentication targets. This configuration can avoid the application of authentication processing to users who have not been pre-registered. This situation may occur when a user who has not been pre-registered accesses and uses the controller device 2.

Or, for the selection at processing S2, a list of the obtained user identification information may be displayed so that the user can select the user to be authenticated. In this situation, the list may not include users who have not been pre-registered with the central device 1.

It should be noted that, in this embodiment, when the verification process is performed on some of the detected users of the controller device 2 and the verification is completed, the control section 11 uses the verification completion confirmation to continue various other processes. This happens without verifying other users who are not the target of verification.

Specifically, suppose that in the above example, three people (ie, "Taro", "Jiro" and "Hanako") grab their own controller device 2, and these controller devices have storage devices attached to them. Individual memory device of individual's own area ID. The center device 1 may select "Taro" as a verification target based on predetermined conditions and perform verification processing on "Taro". When the verification of "Taro" is completed, start the game program or similar programs without performing the verification process of "Jiro" and "Hanako". Also, once the verification is completed, even when communication with the controller device 2 of the user undergoing the verification process becomes no longer possible, the controller portion 11 of the center device 1 continues the ongoing process of the game or the like. In the above example, this configuration allows "Jiro" and "Hanako" to continue the game even if "Taro" leaves the position while carrying the controller device 2 with him or removing the external memory device 50 from the controller device 2.

In addition, the control part 11 in the memory part 12 uses the detection sequence of the related controller device 2 to be listed in the form of a sequence table (FIG. 7) to hold the controller device 2 when the verification process is completed. Individual pieces of identification information obtained (for example, controller identifier). Here, the controller identifier can be, for example, the identification information (intrinsic ID) uniquely assigned to each controller device 2 or the communication interface identifier of each controller device 2 (for example, Ethernet ( Registered trademark) and/or MAC address, Bluetooth device ID, USB device ID used in wireless LAN, etc.). The control section 11 stores the information elements such as inherent ID, MAC address, Bluetooth device ID, USB device ID, etc., as controller identifiers in a manner that is associated with each other. That is, when communication with the controller device 2 becomes possible, the control part 11 obtains the identification code of the communication interface owned by the other controller device 2. For example, even when the controller device 2 is in a wired connection (USB or the like), the radio communication parameters (Bluetooth, etc.) are obtained. It should be noted that the sequence table may be associated with the relevant controller identifier and additionally display the area ID, which is obtained from the corresponding controller device. In addition, information (connector identifier) for specifying the wired connection part 41 connected to the relevant controller device 2 may be additionally displayed in the sequence table in association with each other, for example. Furthermore, the information (information about the machine type) for specifying the type of the controller device 2 can also be displayed in association.

The control part 11 resets the sequence table in response to a reset request sent by the self-programming side and/or at a predetermined timing (for example, when the power is turned on). In addition, during the execution of the program, the control part 11 controls so that any controller device 2 should not be able to communicate during the execution, and the controller identifier of the other controller device 2 is not excluded from the sequence table. Furthermore, the control section 11 performs processing to receive the controller identifier from the controller device 2 at a predetermined timing (or, for example, regularly) (specifically, by requesting the controller identifier and receiving a response to it, etc.) Wait). Then, when the received controller identifier is not included in the sequence table, the control section 11 adds the controller identifier not included in the sequence table to the end of the sequence table. The same is true for the confirmation of the detection of the new controller device 2, and it issues an event signal to notify the program of the detection of the new controller device 2. On the program side (for example, a game program), upon receiving the event signal, the area ID is obtained from the controller device 2, and the area ID is used in the process to display (for example) such as "XXX now joins my people" (XXX Now joins us) to notify the new participants of the game to join. It should be noted that one of the characteristics of this embodiment is that since the verification process for other users is completed, the verification process for the Sri Lankan participant is omitted. For Sri Lankan users, this omission makes it easier to join the game without stopping the ongoing game.

On the programming side, for example, the sequence table stored in the memory portion 12 can be used to manage the game participants. For this management, for example, a table for associating participant numbers with serial numbers in the sequence table is created on the program side, and stored in the memory part 12. At the same time, the operation communication part 15 that has received the instruction operation performed via the controller device 2 outputs information about the received instruction operation to the control part 11. The output information is together with the controller identifier of the controller device 2 through which the instruction operation is performed.

The control part 11 checks where the received controller identifier is listed in the sequence table stored in the memory part 12 to find its serial number. Then, the control section 11 uses the received information to confirm the instruction operation of the participant with the participant number associated with the serial number to perform the required processing.

For the control section 11, this configuration makes it possible to control appropriate characters based on the instruction operation signal input from each controller device 2 according to the operation of each user (even in a plurality of user control In the game of its own characters).

It should be noted that since the controller device 2 is suitable for wired or radio connection, it may happen that the user initially uses the controller device 2 via the wired connection and later pulls out the connection line to switch to the radio connection. In this embodiment, the USB device ID, or the parameter information of wired communication, and the Bluetooth device ID, or the parameter information of wireless communication are held as controller identifiers in order to be associated with each other. As described above, the controller device 11 can find the Bluetooth device (ie, the controller device 2) corresponding to the device whose wired connection is disconnected, and the content of the sequence table does not change.

Conversely, during the game, it may also happen that the controller device 2 initially used via a radio connection may switch to a wired connection. Also in this situation, the content of the sequence table does not change because the controller identifier of the controller device 2 whose connection state is switched is stored in the sequence table.

As described above, when the communication interface of the controller device 2 used in the communication between the controller device 2 and the central device 1 is changed, the central device 1 continues to communicate with the controller device. The same applies to the identification code of the communication interface used after the change, and the identification code is stored so as to be associated with the identification code of the communication interface used before the change. Regarding this configuration, the control section 11 of the central device 1 can reliably determine by which user the instruction operation transmitted from each controller device 2 is initially performed.

That is, with regard to the configuration of associating each participant of the game program with a controller identifier, like the above sequence table, the control section 11 of the central device 1 can reliably determine which user has executed each The instruction operation transmitted by the controller device 2. During the game, whether it is wired or wireless connection, or even when the connection is switched, this determination can be made.

[Users with the same name]

The control part 11 can compare the user identification information bar (for example, area ID) obtained from the individually detected controller devices 2 to see if there is any controller device 2 for which the same area ID is set. When there are such controller devices 2 for which the same area ID is set, the control section 1 performs predetermined identification processing.

For example, this situation may occur when a visitor user with an area ID that is the same as the area ID of "Taro" other than the registered "Taro" uses the controller device.

In this situation, the control section 11 issues a temporarily distinguishable area ID to individual users who have the same area ID set for themselves. The temporary area ID can be formed, for example, by adding different numbers to individual initial area IDs. For example, when the initial area ID is "Taro", the area IDs "Taro 1" and "Taro 2" can be issued and stored in the memory part 12 in a manner that is associated with individual controller identifiers. The sequence table.

Also, in this situation, the control section 11 notifies a plurality of users having the same user identification information of the assigned temporary area IDs. For example, the issued temporary area IDs can be displayed on the display part 16 one by one. At the same time, it is possible to output an instruction requesting to vibrate the haptic presentation portion 36 to the controller device 2 identified by the controller identifier corresponding to the displayed temporary area ID.

Regarding this configuration, for example, each user can know his/her temporarily assigned area ID by looking at the name shown on the display when his/her controller display 2 is vibrated. The tactile presentation part 36 is used to present each user with his/her area ID temporarily assigned above. However, in the case where the controller device 2 in use has a device such as a liquid crystal device capable of displaying letters or the like, the temporarily assigned area ID or the obtained area ID can be displayed on the display device.

[Network Processing]

When the central device 1 is connected to the Internet, the control part 11 can send user identification information (the second identification information according to the present invention, for example, a global ID). The identification information and the zone ID (the first identification information according to the present invention) are independently set to the server on the Internet as the identification information of the user of each controller device 2 to be performed by the server Used in the verification process.

That is, when the central device 1 accesses a server on the Internet and receives a verification request, the central device 1 selects at least one of the detected controller devices 2 as the controller device for verification. This is accomplished using the same predetermined method in the processing of processing S2 shown in FIG. 5. Then, while requesting verification, the central device 1 obtains the global ID stored in the external memory device 50 attached to the selected controller device 2 and sends the obtained global ID.

Regarding this configuration, different user identification information can be set for use in servers on the Internet and in the home environment. This leads to enhanced convenience.

In addition, the central device 1 can communicate with another central device 1 via the Internet, and send the other central device 1 the area ID to be used in the verification process by the other central device 1. That is, when the global ID is used for authentication in an attempt to connect to the Internet, the area ID is sent via the Internet for authentication in an attempt to access another central device 1.

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

That is, in response to the instruction operation performed by the user, the user-side central device 1 sends the user's area ID and verification request, thereby addressing the remote central device 1. The remote center device 1 determines whether the area ID received as a verification request is registered in itself. When the received area ID is registered, the remote center device 1 sends a verification key request to the user-side center device 1.

Upon receiving the verification key request, the user-side central device 1 prompts the user to input the verification key. When the user inputs the verification key, the user-side central device 1 compares the entered verification key with the key stored in the external memory device 50 installed in the controller device 2 used by the user to determine the secrets. Whether the keys are consistent with each other. Then, the user-side central device 1 sends the comparison result to the remote central device 1.

The remote center device 1 that has received the comparison result indicating the consistency of the keys reads out the right to access the data stored in the hard disk in a manner associated with the area ID received earlier or in a similar manner Information about the settings. After that, after further receiving a request from the user-side central device 1 to obtain data stored in the hard disk, the remote center device 1 determines whether the user-side central device 1 has access to the information based on the read information. The right to the requested information. When it is determined that the user-side central device 1 has the right, the requested data is read from the hard disk and sent to the user-side central device 1 via the Internet.

In this example, when the user uses the central device 1 to participate in a game anywhere except at home, the user can obtain information about the game stored in the central device 1 in his/her home. This allows the user to continue the game at a location other than at home. This flexibility leads to enhanced convenience.

In addition, this configuration can save the user from the trouble of inputting user identification information such as the user name. By pre-setting the user identification information in the external memory device 50, the verification operation can be simplified. This also leads to enhanced convenience.

[Controller device not using external memory device 50]

It should be noted that although the controller device 2 installed with the external memory device 50 (in which user identification information and the like are stored) is described in the above description, this configuration is not always necessary. For example, when some controller devices 2 do not have an external memory device 50 installed, the control part 11 can select a controller device 2 with an external memory device 50 installed in the process S2 shown in FIG. 5.

Alternatively, when the controllerless device 2 is equipped with an external memory device 50, the control part 11 controls the display part 16 to display a message such as "please input user identification information" to prompt the input of the user identification information. This input ensures that the entered user identification information is used to perform the authentication process.

In addition, there may be a situation where a single user can use two or more controller devices 2. This situation may be when the handle unit and pedal unit for acceleration and braking are provided as independent controller devices dedicated to, for example, racing games or similar games. In this situation, the external memory device 50 can be mounted to, for example, a handle unit, and the corresponding pedal unit need not be equipped with the external memory device 50.

Considering the situation where at least one user uses two or more controller devices 2, as described above, when the controller device 2 without the external memory device 50 is detected (meaning that it cannot be obtained from it) When the user recognizes the controller device 2) of the information, the control section 11 of the central device 1 can perform the following processing.

In this situation, in addition to the list of user identification information obtained from the individual controller device 2, the control section 11 displays it in a manner associated with each user identification information (as a means for allowing the user to choose Menu) A list of the controller device 2 in which user identification information cannot be obtained from the list.

Then, for example, the user selects the controller device 2 he/she uses from among the controller devices 2 listed in the menu displayed in association with his/her own user identification information.

For example, under the above-mentioned situation of using the handle unit and the pedal unit, the control section 11 obtains user identification information from the external memory device 50 mounted to the handle unit, and displays the obtained user identification information on the display section 16. . The control part 11 additionally displays a menu containing information indicating the pedal unit in a manner associated with the user identification information (FIG. 8 ). Then, the user instructs to select the pedal unit from the menu.

Based on the settings established via the screen, the control section 11 makes the controller identifier of the controller device 2 (from which the user identification information is obtained) selected from the menu associated with the user identification information of the former controller device 2 The controller identifier of the controller device 2 (shown as the relevant controller identifier) is associated. The control part 11 stores the relevant controller identifier in, for example, the sequence table of the memory part 12 (FIG. 9).

In a game program or similar programs, when the instruction operation is performed through the pedal unit, the controller identifier of the handle unit associated with the controller identifier of the other pedal unit can be obtained. In addition, user identification information associated with the other handle unit can be obtained. Furthermore, the serial number of the pedal unit listed in the sequence table can be obtained. This makes it possible to associate the handle unit and the pedal unit with a single participant (user). Regarding this configuration, the game can be executed based on the signal sent from the independent controller device 2.

It should be noted that although the controller device 2 is described above, other types of information presentation devices such as headsets (headphones or the like) can be set similar to the identifier of the controller identifier. This ability allows to define associations by using the above menu.

Regarding this configuration, for example, when the user uses the controller device 2 to instruct to adjust the volume of the sound reproduced from the headset, the control section 11 sends an instruction requesting volume adjustment. This occurs while addressing the identifier of the headset, which is stored in association with the controller identifier of the controller device 2. Device 2 accepts the instruction operation. Regarding this configuration, the user can use the controller device 2 to control the sound volume of the headset associated with the setting accordingly. This ability leads to enhanced convenience.

It should be noted that although the headset is referred to as an example in the above, this is not a limited example. Head-mounted displays and various other force presentation devices can also be used. When various information presentation devices are connectable, as described above, each information presentation device can pre-register information elements that can be controlled from the related controller device 2 to the control part 11 . For example, in the case of a headset, it outputs to the control section 11 in advance the "sound volume" as the name of the target to be controlled, the "direction keys" as the setting button to be used, and the change in the setting value "0" to "255", and so on. This allows the control section 11 to process to accept the settings specified by the user using this information.

[External memory device 50]

It should be noted that although the external memory device 50 may be the semiconductor memory device described above, the external memory device 50 to be connected to the controller device 2 is not limited to the semiconductor memory device. As shown in FIG. 10, the controller device 2 may include, for example, a control element 51, a memory element 52 and a biometric sensor part 53.

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

The memory device 52 is a non-volatile memory device such as EEPROM. As shown in Figure 4, it stores at least one piece of user identification information (ID), user age information (Y), and verification key information (K). It should be noted that the verification key information is information that can be compared with the information obtained from the biometric sensor part 53.

The biometric sensor part 53 is used to output information unique to living organisms, including, for example, fingerprint patterns, fundus patterns, palm vein patterns, and so on.

Hereinafter, the verification process to be performed by the control element 51 will be described. When a request for information stored in the memory element 52 is received from the controller device 2 side, the control element 51 is caused to be in a state of waiting to receive biometric information such as fingerprint patterns sent from the biometric sensor part 53. When the biological information is obtained, the obtained biological information is compared with the verification key information stored in the memory element 52. When the comparison result satisfies predetermined conditions such as the obtained biometric information being consistent with other verification key information, the information requested by the controller device 2 is read from the memory element 52. This information is then output to the controller device 2.

On the other hand, when the comparison result does not satisfy the predetermined condition, a signal such as an error signal that tells that the requested information cannot be presented is sent to the controller device 2.

Compared with the situation where a password or its analogue is used as a verification key, this configuration enables stricter verification. Therefore, this configuration achieves enhanced security.

In addition, the game program to be executed by the control section 11 can be configured to send a command requesting the input of the user's biological information to the controller device 2. In this situation, the controller device 2 requests the control element 51 of the external memory device 50 to send biometric information. Next, the control element 51 waits to receive the biometric information such as a fingerprint pattern sent from the biometric sensor part 53. When the biological information is obtained, the control element 51 outputs the obtained biological information to the controller device 2, and the controller device then sends the received biological information to the central device 1.

The external memory device 50 may have a pedestal portion formed on its housing, and a strap or the like may be connected to the pedestal portion.

It should be noted here that the external memory device is removable relative to the controller device 2 so as to allow two or more users to share a single controller device 2. In the above description, the controller device 2 can be incorporated into the structure of the external memory device 50 as shown in FIG. 10 to form the controller device 2 that stores the information of each user.

[Startup of Controller Device]

In addition, it is preferable that when the controller device 2 is not in use, the controller device 2 that can be driven by a battery is kept powered off. Specifically, the controller device 2 may have a sensor for detecting the rocking movement (that is, the fact that the controller device 2 is grasped by the user). When the time period during which the controller device 2 is not grasped exceeds a predetermined time threshold, the control part 32 sets a predetermined power saving mode (for example, a mode in which the operation of the communication part 31 is suspended).

In addition, when the fact that the controller device 2 is grasped by the user is detected by the sensor, the control part 32 in the power saving mode performs processing to switch from the power saving mode to the normal mode to thereby restore the communication part 31 operate.

For example, as a process of transitioning to the normal mode, the control section 32 determines whether the controller device 2 is connected to the center device 1 via the wired connection section 31a. Specifically, the control section 32 checks, for example, whether the device ID of the communication party is the ID of the predetermined center device 1 to thereby determine whether the controller device 2 is connected to the center device 1 via the wired connection section 31a. When it is determined that the controller device 2 is connected to the center device 1 via the wired connection portion 31a, communication is started via the wired connection portion 31a.

Meanwhile, when it is determined that the controller device 2 is not connected to the center device 1 by the wired connection portion 31a (that is, when the wired connection portion 31a is not connected to another device, or when even the wired connection portion 31 is connected to another device, When the connected device is not the central device 1, or when the central device 1 is not powered), the control part 32 attempts to communicate with the central device 1 via the radio connection part 31b. When the center device 1 and the controller device 2 start radio communication, thereafter, the control section 32 sends information about the content of the instruction operation to the center device 1 by radio.

As mentioned above, when the user grabs the controller device 2, the central device 1 detects the controller device 2.

It should be noted that the central device 1 can maintain power to the communication interface. This power supply includes the wired connector part 41 and the radio communication part 42, and the central device 1 is kept powered off due to the user's operation, and after receiving the input from the controller device 2, it starts to send the power to the central device 1 individually. Partially powered (that is, switched on).

In this situation, the central device 1 can maintain power to some communication interfaces including the wired connector part 41 and the radio communication part 42. For example, the central device 1 can maintain power to the radio communication part 42. Regarding this configuration, even when the controller device 2 connected to the center device 1 through a wired connection is activated, the controller device 2 cannot communicate with the center device 1 via a wire. The controller device 2 starts communication by radio. Immediately, the device 1 is turned on, and the controller device 2 detects and switches to the wired connection with the central device 1 (that is, the controller device 2 outputs information about the instruction operation via the wire).

Also, assuming that wireless communication such as Bluetooth is used, it is executed by a communication method in which a communication party acts as a master and controls the communication. In this situation, when the central device 1 remains powered off and the radio communication part 42 remains powered, as described above, the controller device 2 starts to communicate while acting as the master. After that, when the central device 1 is turned on, the central device 1 obtains the right to act as the master and starts communication with the controller device 2 which then acts as a controlled device.

[Operation of Controller Device]

In addition, the control part 32 of the controller device 2 can select the wired connection part 3 or the radio connection part 31b when it is connected by a wire and powered, and the wired connection is used based on the verification result of the device connected to the controller device 2. The part 31a or the radio connection part 31b sends information about the user's instruction operation. The control part 32 sends information about the user's instruction operation to the center device 1 via the selected one of the wired connection part 31a and the radio connection part 31b.

Even when the controller device 2 is connected to, for example, a personal computer (a USB adaptable device other than the central device 1) via USB, this configuration is used to enable the transmission of signals indicating operation to the central device 1. The device verification to be performed under this condition can be achieved by using any data obtained in the normal connection sequence of the connection interface, such as the device verification process in the USB system.

As described above, in this embodiment, the central device 1 can adjust the processing that takes into account various situations that may occur when, for example, a home game machine is used, in which multiple users use their own controllers including input devices. Device 2.

[Another example of controller device]

The controller device 2 is not limited to an example having the appearance shown in FIG. 2. Hereinafter, another example of the controller device 2 will be described. 11 and 12 are perspective views showing another example of the controller device 2 described below, and FIG. 13 is a plan view thereof. This controller device 2 has a crescent-shaped main body 70 as shown in FIG. 13 and two formed at the middle part of the main body on the side close to the user (in which two analog operation parts 23L, 23R are formed). Two cylindrical protrusions 71L, 71R.

The end portions of the crescent-shaped body 70 constitute clamping portions 20L, 20R. This controller device 2 is formed so that when the user uses his/her middle finger, ring finger, and little finger to grasp the holding part 20, the holding part 20 is long enough to protrude toward the user. In addition, the four buttons 28 (28R1, 28R2), 29 (29L1, 29L2) are formed when the user uses his/her middle finger, ring finger and little finger to grasp the clamping portion 20 while using his/her index finger to reach The outer circumference side of the main body at a position within the range. In addition, the operating parts 21, 22 and/or the analog operating part 23 are formed in positions within the reach of the user using his/her thumb.

According to the controller device 2 that can be supported as described above, the user can operate the controller device 2 using a wire connecting his/her elbows and backhands that keep straight. This allows the user to naturally stretch his/her wrist, and thus reduces the fatigue that the user can feel on his/her wrist due to long-term operation.

In addition, since the clamping portion 20 is formed relatively long, even when the controller device 2 is held by only one hand that grasps a clamping portion 20, the controller device 2 can be held stably. This stability can enhance operability.

The main body 70 has an overall circular shape and incorporates the individual parts shown in FIG. 3. In addition, the operating parts 21 and 22 are formed on the main body 70, which are substantially similar to the operating parts shown in FIG. 2. The operating parts 21 and 22 are arranged so as to be operable in the four directions of up, down, right and left. Unlike the controller device 2 shown in FIG. 2, in addition to the individual buttons shown in FIG. 2, a home button 27 is formed on the main body 70. In response to pressing the start button 27, the central device 1 performs processing to display a predetermined start screen (the screen displayed when the game starts) or a screen for asking whether to end the game and switch to a predetermined mode.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 13, the operating portions 21, 22 are arranged so as to be inclined in the directions of the clamping portions 20L, 20R on the controller device 2, respectively. For example, the line segment D connecting the centers of the buttons of the operating portions 21a, 21b and the line segment E connecting the centers of the operating portions 22a, 22b are defined as being relative to the extension of the clamping portion 20 instead of the center line of the controller device 2 Shift in the direction of C.

As described above, the overall inclined configuration of the operating parts 21 and 22 toward the clamping part 20 can facilitate the user's operation while the user grasps the clamping part 20.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 13, the button 28 and the analog operation portion 23R are arranged on a straight line G parallel to the center line C of the controller device 2. Similarly, a button 29 and an analog operation portion 23L are arranged on a straight line F parallel to the center line C of the controller device 2. This configuration also helps to enhance the operability when the user grasps the clamping portion 20. In addition, the arrangement of the buttons 28 and 29 on the two shoulders of the main body can also enhance the operability when the user grasps the clamping portion 20.

In addition, according to this controller device 2, since the surface on which the operating portions 21, 22, etc. are formed on the main body is curved, the operating portions 21, 22 protruding from the main body of the controller device 2 can be formed. This makes it possible to realize a deeper stroke of the operating parts 21, 22 that can also enhance operability.

It should be noted that the start button 27 may incorporate an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like. Depending on whether the controller device 2 is wired or wirelessly connected to the central device 1, different lighting methods can be used. For example, different light colors can be emitted (e.g., yellow for radio connections and blue for wired connections). In addition, the LED can be controlled so that it does not emit any light when the power is off, and blinks while performing communication. This configuration enables the use of LEDs as access lights.

In addition, the LED can be controlled to emit light based on instructions sent from the central device 1. For example, the central device 1 can use different colors of LEDs to specify the user (to specify the user to participate in the game during the game) and the individual status of the central device 1 (whether it is participating in the game or reproducing video content or similar content). ).

The central device 1 can assign different identifiers to the individual controller devices 2 according to the order in which the controller devices 2 become radio-communicable, and use the color determined for each identifier to perform LED lighting control. Regarding this configuration, for example, when there are a plurality of controller devices 2, the user can know which controller device 2 is allowed to perform the instruction operation next.

In addition, lighting control can be performed on the game program side, so that different colors of light are emitted for each game participant. For example, red light can indicate the first participant, and blue light can indicate the second participant. In this situation, the color of the light can be selected by the game program. For example, this configuration makes it possible to use the same color for the cursor representing the character to be controlled in the game and for the lighting of the LED of the controller device 2, so that the user's game operability can be enhanced.

In addition, depending on the charge state of the power supply part 37 incorporated in the controller device 2, the light emitting mode of the LED (control color, blinking, etc.) can be changed. For example, blue light can be emitted with respect to a full charge state. Red light can be emitted for a state of charge less than a predetermined amount, and when the amount of charge is reduced below the level that needs to be recharged, the light can flicker.

Furthermore, the color determined depending on the state of the power supply part 37 can be used to control continuous illumination, flickering, and blackening from the light. For example, during charging, the green light can flash, and after the charging is completed, the green light can continuously emit light.

It should be noted that although the LED incorporated in the initial button 27 is described above, the LED may be arranged in other positions, such as near the start button 24 or the USB terminal. Alternatively, the LEDs can be placed in individual locations. Alternatively, two or more LEDs can be incorporated in the controller device 2 to control the overall color of the controller device 2.

It should be noted that although multi-color LEDs are involved in the above description, the way of emitting light is not limited to this example. For example, different flashing methods (flashing duration and/or patterns) can be adapted to express individual situations. Therefore, multi-color LEDs are not mandatory.

The controller device 2 is placed on the floor or table so that the operating parts 21, 22 are maintained substantially parallel to the surface of the floor or table by the supporting legs 61, 62 as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. 14 and 15 are side views showing the controller device 2.

Regarding this posture, the holding part 20 also serves as a palm rest that allows the user to use his/her holding part to be in contact with the holding part 20 to operate. This helps the user to keep his/her palms in a natural position, and therefore helps to reduce the fatigue that the user can feel due to long-term operation.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 14, the buttons 28 and 29 are arranged on the curved surface formed on the upper surface side of the main body so that the angles of the direction X in which the buttons 28R1 and 29L1 are pressed and the direction Y in which the buttons 28R2 and 29L2 are pressed Slightly different. Regarding this configuration, the user can easily understand which button his/her finger is hooked on. 14 and 15 are side views showing the controller device 2.

16 and 17 are top views showing the controller device 2. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, a USB port serving as a wired communication portion 31a is provided on the floor surface side of the controller device 2. This configuration can prevent the controller device 2 from being suspended by the USB cable when it is placed on the floor or on the table. Also, regarding the configuration of providing the USB port on the floor surface side, the center of gravity of the weight is located on the floor surface side. This position ensures the stable placement of the controller device 2 on the floor or the like.

Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the controller device 2 along the line AA'. FIG. 19 is a bottom view showing the controller device 2. As shown in the cross-sectional view, a recess 63 extending in the right and left direction of the controller device 2 is formed adjacent to the support leg 61. The user can hook his/her fingers on the recess 63 to thereby support the controller device 2. It should be noted that the internal structure of the controller device 2 is not shown in FIG. 18.

<p>1. . . Central device</p><p>2. . . Controller device</p><p>11. . . Control section</p><p>12. . . Memory part</p><p>13. . . Input/output unit</p><p>14. . . External memory part</p><p>15. . . Operation communication part</p><p>16. . . Show part</p><p>17. . . Communication part</p><p>20. . . Clamping part</p><p>20L. . . Clamping part</p><p>20R. . . Clamping part</p><p>twenty one. . . The first operation part</p><p>21a. . . Up arrow command key</p><p>21b. . . Down arrow command key</p><p>21c. . . Right direction command key</p><p>21d. . . Left direction command key</p><p>twenty two. . . The second operation part</p><p>22a. . . "Triangle" button</p><p>22b. . . X button</p><p>22c. . . "O" button</p><p>22d. . . "Rectangle" button</p><p>23L. . . Analog operation part</p><p>23R. . . Analog operation part</p><p>twenty four. . . start up button</p><p>25. . . Select button</p><p>26. . . Mode selector switch</p><p>27. . . Initial button</p><p>28. . . Right button</p><p>28R1. . . First right button</p><p>28R2. . . Second right button</p><p>29. . . Left button</p><p>29L1. . . First left button</p><p>29L2. . . Second left button</p><p>31. . . Communication part</p><p>31a. . . Wired connection part</p><p>31b. . . Radio connection part</p><p>32. . . Control section</p><p>33. . . Memory part</p><p>34. . . Connection part</p><p>35. . . Operation acceptance part</p><p>36. . . Tactile presentation part</p><p>37. . . Power section</p><p>41. . . Wired connector part</p><p>42. . . Radio communication part</p><p>50. . . External memory device</p><p>51. . . control element</p><p>52. . . Memory device</p><p>53. . . Biometric sensor part</p><p>61. . . Support leg</p><p>62. . . Support leg</p><p>63. . . Recess</p><p>70. . . Crescent body</p><p>71L. . . Cylindrical protrusion</p><p>71R. . . Cylindrical protrusion</p>

Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of a central device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a controller device according to an embodiment of the present invention; A block diagram of an example of the structure of a controller device of an embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in an external memory device according to an embodiment of the present invention; A flowchart of an example of the verification process performed in the central device of an embodiment; FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the login screen of the central device according to an embodiment of the present invention; A diagram of an example of a sequence table in a central device of an embodiment; FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen of a controller device according to an embodiment of the present invention; A diagram of another example of the sequence table in the central device of an embodiment; FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of an external memory device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the structure according to the present invention A perspective view of an example of the appearance of another controller device according to an embodiment; FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of another controller device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of another controller device according to the present invention A plan view of an example of the appearance of another controller device according to an embodiment; FIG. 14 is a side view showing an example of the appearance of another controller device according to an embodiment of the present invention; A side view of an example of the appearance of another controller device according to an embodiment; FIG. 16 is a top view of an example of the appearance of another controller device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an embodiment according to the present invention Example of a top view of an example of the appearance of another controller device; FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the appearance of another controller device according to an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the appearance of another controller device according to the present invention A bottom view of an example of the appearance of another controller device of the embodiment.