Patent Publication Number: US-2021191537-A1

Title: Electronic device and feedback providing method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/516,694, filed Apr. 4, 2017, which is a National Stage Application based on PCT/JP2015/075138, filed on Sep. 3, 2015, and claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-222768, filed on Oct. 31, 2014, the entire contents of each are incorporated herein by its reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a feedback providing method. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Techniques for operating a plurality of devices in cooperation with each other at home or other locations to fulfill their respective functions have been widespread. For example, Patent Literature 1 describes a technique for effectively supporting use of a function implemented by such cooperative operation between devices. 
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     Patent Literature 1: JP 2014-032501A 
     DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
     The technique disclosed in Patent Literature 1 described above allows a setting operation including registration of a device in a system to be executed using a console displayed on the screen of a smartphone. In this case, information indicating a device to be operated is displayed only on the console, so the user sometimes has a difficulty in identifying, for example, information indicating how each device is recognized in the console. 
     Thus, the present disclosure provides a novel and improved electronic device and feedback providing method enabling intuitive identification of the state of an electronic device. 
     Solution to Problem 
     According to the present disclosure, there is provided an electronic device that implements a predetermined function, the electronic device including: an operation detection unit configured to detect a physical operation on the electronic device; a transmitter configured to transmit operation information indicating the operation to an external device; a receiver configured to receive feedback information indicating at least a type of feedback representing a state relating to the function, the feedback information being transmitted by the external device in response to the operation information; and a feedback unit configured to provide the feedback in accordance with the feedback information. 
     According to the present disclosure, there is provided a feedback providing method including, by an electronic device that implements a predetermined function: detecting a physical operation on the electronic device; transmitting operation information indicating the operation to an external device; receiving feedback information indicating at least a type of feedback representing a state regarding the function, the feedback information being transmitted by the external device in response to the operation information; and providing the feedback in accordance with the feedback information. 
     Advantageous Effects of Invention 
     The present disclosure described above allows the state of an electronic device to be identified intuitively. 
     Note that the effects described above are not necessarily limitative. With or in the place of the above effects, there may be achieved any one of the effects described in this specification or other effects that may be grasped from this specification. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrated to describe interlocking feedback during operation on a console screen in an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing for interlocking feedback during operation on a console screen in an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrated to describe interlocking feedback during operation on an electronic device in an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing for interlocking feedback during operation on an electronic device in an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting operation on a console screen in an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating an example of performing an operation on an electronic device in an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary hardware configuration of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     Hereinafter, (a) preferred embodiment(s) of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the appended drawings. In this specification and the appended drawings, structural elements that have substantially the same function and structure are denoted with the same reference numerals, and repeated explanation of these structural elements is omitted. 
     The description will be given in the following order. 
     1. System Configuration 
     2. Interlocking Feedback during Operation on Console Screen
 
3. Interlocking Feedback during Operation on Electronic Device
 
     4. Example of Setting Operation on Console Screen 
     5. Example of performing Operation on Electronic Device 
     6. Exemplary Functional Configuration of Electronic Device 
     7. Exemplary Functional Configuration of Control Device 
     8. Hardware Configuration 
     9. Supplement 
     (1. System Configuration) 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to  FIG. 1 , the system  10  includes an electronic device  100  and a control device  300 . The electronic device  100  and the control device  300  communicate with each other via the network  200 . 
     The electronic device  100  is configured to include a functional unit  101 , an indicator  103 , and an operation button  105 . The electronic device  100  implements a predetermined function through the functional unit  101 . In this illustrated example, a push button  100   a , an acceleration sensor  100   b , and a microphone  100   c  are illustrated as an example of the electronic device  100 . The push button  100   a , the acceleration sensor  100   b , and the microphone  100   c  have different functional units  101   a ,  101   b , and  101   c , respectively. The indicator  103  serves as a feedback unit that provides feedback to the user using light emission. The operation button  105  serves as an operation detection unit that detects a physical operation, that is, a button depression operation in this example, on the electronic device  100  by the user. The indicator  103  and the operation button  105  may be components that are all included in each of the push button  100   a , the acceleration sensor  100   b , and the microphone  100   c . The operation button  105  may have an icon that indicates a function of each electronic device  100 , and this icon may be printed or engraved on the operation button  105  in external appearance as an example illustrated in the figure. 
     An example of the network  200  may include a wireless communication network such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi. For example, the electronic device  100  and the control device  300  may directly communicate with each other over the wireless communication network as described above. Alternatively, the electronic device  100  and the control device  300  may indirectly communicate with each other via a router or the like. In this case, the network  200  may include the Internet, a mobile network, and an external server. 
     The control device  300  has a display  301 . The display  301  displays a console screen  3010 . The console screen  3010  includes an icon  3011  indicating each of the electronic devices  100 . In the illustrated example, the icon  3011  includes an indicator portion  3013  and an operation button portion  3015 . Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the icon  3011  includes an icon  3011   a  corresponding to the push button  100   a , an icon  3011   b  corresponding to the acceleration sensor  100   b , and an icon  3011   c  corresponding to the microphone  100   c . The icons  3011   a ,  3011   b , and  3011   c  respectively include operation button portions  3015   a ,  3005   b , and  3005   c , on each of which a symbol for indicating a function of the corresponding electronic devices  100  is displayed. The display  301  having a touch screen formed thereon allows the user to perform an operation on each of the electronic devices  100  by operating the icon  3011  displayed on the display  301 . 
     More specifically, the control device  300  may be a portable information processing terminal such as a tablet or a smartphone. Alternatively, the control device  300  may be a stationary information processing terminal such as a personal computer or a television set. In an example to be described later, the user can perform a setting operation or the like relating to the cooperative operation between the electronic devices  100  using the console screen  3010  displayed on the control device  300 . 
     The system  10  in the illustrated example uses the electronic devices  100  as elements for implementing their respective functions, combines these elements, and operates them in cooperation with each other to allow an operation or a function intended by the user to be performed. In the control device  300 , the operation on the icon  3011  corresponding to each of the electronic devices  100  allows the cooperative operation between the electronic devices (elements)  100  to be set up or the setting thereof to be changed. In the system  10  as described above, an example of the electronic device  100  is not limited to the illustrated push button, acceleration sensor, and microphone, but may include an element for implementing various functions. For example, the electronic device  100  may implement a function of a camera, a human presence detector, a loudspeaker, a light emitting diode (LED) lamp, or the like. 
     Moreover, although the plurality of electronic devices  100  are designed in a similar shape and they have the respective functions (push button, acceleration sensor, and microphone) in the illustrated example, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to such examples. For example, the electronic devices  100  may be designed to have different shapes or may have a plurality of functions. In a case where the electronic device  100  has a plurality of functions, one of the functions may be usable for cooperation between devices in the system  10 , and a function usable for cooperation between devices may be selectable. 
     More specifically, for example, a system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to cause independently operable electronic devices, for example, consumer electronics (CEs) to be operated in cooperation with each other. In this case, each of the electronic devices is configured to include a functional unit, a feedback unit, and an operation detection unit, which is similar to the electronic device  100  in the system  10  described above. The feedback unit and the operation detection unit, as well as the function unit, may have different configurations for each of the electronic devices. In other words, the feedback unit is not limited to the configuration that provides feedback using light emission, like the indicator  103 , but may be implemented as a display that provides feedback by displaying an image, a loudspeaker that provides feedback by voice, or a vibrator that provides feedback by vibration. Furthermore, the operation detection unit is not limited to the configuration that detects a depression operation of a button including the operation button  105 , and may be implemented as a device that detects various other operations, such as a slide switch or a touch screen. 
     (2. Interlocking Feedback During Operation on Console Screen) 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrated to describe interlocking feedback during operation on a console screen in an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the electronic device  100  includes two push buttons  100   a   1  and  100   a   2  and a microphone  100   c  in a system  10   a  similar to that described above with reference to  FIG. 1 . Accordingly, also in a control device  300 , a console screen  3010  includes icons  3011   a   1  and  3011   a   2  respectively corresponding to the push buttons  100   a   1  and  100   a   2  and an icon  3011   c  corresponding to the microphone  100   c.    
     In this illustrated example, the user touches the icon  3011   a   1  displayed on the display  301 . The control device  300  causes an indicator portion  3013  included in the icon  3011   a   1  to emit light in response to the operation by the user. Furthermore, the control device  300  transmits a feedback instruction to the push button  100   a   1  serving as the electronic device  100  corresponding to the icon  3011   a   1 , and then the push button  100   a   1  that has received this instruction causes the indicator  103  to emit light. 
     As described above, the system  10   a  includes the two push buttons  100   a   1  and  100   a   2 . In the illustrated example, these two electronic devices have a similar appearance and the icons  3011   a   1  and  3011   a   2  displayed in association with these two electronic devices have a similar appearance, so they are difficult to distinguish from each other as they are. While, the present embodiment causes the indicator portion  3013 , which is included in the icon  3011   a   1  displayed on the console screen  3010  and selected by the user&#39;s touch operation, and the indicator  103 , which is included in the push button  100   a   1  corresponding to the icon  3011   a , to emit light having a color or pattern in common with each other, so that the user can recognize easily what device is selected. In other words, in the illustrated example, the type of feedback provided by the indicator  103  of the push button  100   a   1  corresponds to the type of feedback provided in the control device  300 . This allows, for example, an operation (e.g., a setting operation) for causing the push button  100   a   1  to function in cooperation with another electronic device  100  to be performed intuitively. 
     Although, in the above example, the push button  100   a   1  and the control device  300  provide feedback indicating a recognition state (being recognized as the icon  3011   a   1 ) of the push button  100   a   1  in the control device  300 , feedback indicating other states relating to the push button  100   a   1  may be provided. 
     For example, feedback indicating a state of cooperation of the push button  100   a   1  with another electronic device  100  in the cooperative operation between the plurality of electronic devices  100  managed by the control device  300  may be provided. For example, in the illustrated example, there is a case where the control device  300  recognizes each of the push button  100   a   1  and the microphone  100   c  and further sets the cooperative operation between the push button  100   a   1  and the microphone  100   c . In this case, selection of the icon  3011   a   1  causes the indicator portion  3013  of the icon  3011   c  corresponding to the microphone  100   c  and the indicator  103  of the microphone  100   c , in addition to the indicator portion  3013  of the icon  3011   a   1  and the indicator  103  of the push button  100   a   1 , to emit light having a color or pattern in common or corresponding color or pattern. 
     Furthermore, for example, feedback indicating a state including a communication condition between the control device  300  and the electronic device  100  or a remaining battery level of the electronic device  100  may be provided. For example, in a case where the icon  3011   a   1  is selected in the illustrated example, the color and/or pattern of light emitted from the indicator portion  3013  of the icon  3011   a   1  and the indicator  103  of the push button  100   a   1  may be changed in accordance with a state including the communication condition between the control device  300  and the electronic device  100  or the remaining battery level of the electronic device  100 . More specifically, for example, the color of light emitted from the indicator portion  3013  and the indicator  103  may be changed to green for the satisfactory communication condition, to orange for the moderately satisfactory communication condition, and to red for the unsatisfactory communication condition. This may be similarly applied to the remaining battery level, that is, the color of emitted light may be changed to green for the sufficient state, to orange for the slight deficient state, and to red for the deficient state. Furthermore, the pattern of emitted light allows a state including the communication condition or the remaining battery level to be represented, for example, by changing the frequency of blinking. 
       FIG. 3  is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing for interlocking feedback during operation on the console screen in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to  FIG. 3 , the control device  300  detects an operation input (a touch operation in the above example) on the icon  3011  displayed on the console screen  3010  (S 101 ). In this case, the control device  300  transmits a state inquiry to the electronic device  100  (S 103 ) as necessary, and the electronic device  100  transmits a state response to the control device  300  in response to the inquiry (S 105 ). More specifically, for example, the remaining battery level of the electronic device  100  and the strength of radio waves for communication received by the electronic device  100  (radio waves received from the control device  300 , a router, or the like) are notified to the control device  300  by the response of the electronic device  100 . 
     Next, the control device  300  determines the type of feedback to be provided (S 107 ). For example, the control device  300  determines a color and/or pattern of light to be emitted from the indicator portion  3013  displayed on the console screen  3010  and the indicator  103  of the electronic device  100  so that the colors and/or patterns are in common. In this case, the state of the electronic device  100  notified by the response from the electronic device  100  in S 103  and S 105  and the state of the electronic device  100  recognized independently by the control device  300 , more specifically, the state of cooperation, the state of communication, the remaining battery level, and the like may be incorporated in the type of the feedback. 
     Furthermore, also in a case where simply the association between the electronic device  100  and the icon  3011  is represented, the control device  300  may change the type of feedback each time. For example, in the example illustrated in  FIG. 2 , in the case where the icon  3011   a   1  is selected and then the icon  3011   a   2  is selected, the control device  300  may cause the color and/or pattern to be emitted from the indicator portion  3013  of the icon  3011   a   1  and the indicator  103  of the push button  100   a   1  to be different from the color and/or pattern to be emitted from the indicator portion  3013  of the icon  3011   a   2  and the indicator  103  of the push button  100   a   2 . This makes it possible for the user to identify easily what electronic device  100  corresponds to each of the plurality of icons  3011 , for example, in a case where the user sequentially selects the icons  3011  on the console screen  3010 . 
     Next, the control device  300  transmits a feedback instruction to the electronic device  100  (S 109 ). The feedback instruction includes information indicating the type of feedback determined in S 107 . The electronic device  100  outputs feedback based on the feedback instruction received from the control device  300  (S 111 ). In the example of  FIG. 2 , the electronic device  100  outputs the feedback by causing the indicator  103  to emit light. In addition, at the same time, the control device  300  also outputs the feedback (S 113 ). In the example of  FIG. 2 , the control device  300  outputs the feedback by causing the indicator portion  3013  of the icon  3011  to emit light through the console screen  3010 . 
     (3. Interlocking Feedback During Operation on Electronic Device) 
       FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrated to describe interlocking feedback during operation on the electronic device in one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 4 , in a system  10   a  that is similar to that described above with reference to  FIG. 3 , the user presses down the operation button  105  of the push button  100   a   2 . The push button  100   a   2  causes the indicator  103  to emit light in response to this operation. Furthermore, the push button  100   a   2  notifies the control device  300  that the operation has been performed, and the control device  300  causes the indicator portion  3013  of the icon  3011   a   2  corresponding to the push button  100   a   2  to emit light. In this case, the indicator  103  of the push button  100   a   2  and the indicator portion  3013  of the icon  3011   a   2  emit light having, for example, a color and/or pattern in common. In the illustrated example, the control device  300  determines the color and/or pattern of light to be emitted. 
     As described above, the system  10   a  includes the two push buttons  100   a   1  and  100   a   2 . In the illustrated example, these two electronic devices have a similar appearance, and the icons  3011   a   1  and  3011   a   2  displayed in association with them also have a similar appearance, so they are difficult to distinguish from each other as they are. Thus, in the present embodiment, the indicator  103  of the push button  100   a   2  that is subject to the depression operation of the operation button  105  by the user and the indicator portion  3013  of the icon  3011   a   2  corresponding to the push button  100   a   2  are caused to emit light having a color or pattern in common. Thus, it is possible for the user identify easily how the device operated by the user is recognized in the control device  300 . This allows, for example, the operation for causing the push button  100   a   2  to function in cooperation with another electronic device  100  later (e.g., a setting operation) to be intuitive performed. 
     Similar to the interlocking feedback during operation on the console screen as described above, with respect to the interlocking feedback during operation on the electronic device illustrated in  FIG. 4 , there may be provided not only feedback indicating a state where the push button  100   a   2  is recognized as the icon  3011   a   2  in the control device  300  but also feedback indicating a state including a cooperation state between the push button  100   a   2  and another electronic device  100 , a communication condition between the control device  300  and the push button  100   a   2 , and a remaining battery level of the push button  100   a   2 . A specific example for representing the state using the color or pattern of light emitted from the indicator  103  and the indicator portion  3013  may be similar to the interlocking feedback during operation on the console screen as described above. 
       FIG. 5  is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing for interlocking feedback during operation on the electronic device in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to  FIG. 5 , the electronic device  100  detects an operation input (depression operation in the above example) on the operation button  105  (S 201 ). In this case, the electronic device  100  notifies the control device  300  of the detected operation (S 203 ). As in the above example, in the case where the state including the communication condition or the remaining battery level of the electronic device  100  is represented through the feedback, the electronic device  100  notifies the control device  300  of such a state in S 203 . 
     Next, the control device  300  determines the type of feedback to be provided (S 205 ). For example, the control device  300  determines a color and/or pattern of light to be emitted from the indicator  103  of the electronic device  100  and the indicator portion  3013  displayed on the console screen  3010  so that the colors and/or patterns are in common. In this case, the state of the electronic device  100  notified from the electronic device  100  in S 203  and the state of the electronic device  100  recognized independently by the control device  300 , more specifically, the state of cooperation, the state of communication, the remaining battery level, or the like may be incorporated in the type of the feedback. Furthermore, similar to the example of the interlocking feedback during operation on the console screen, the type of feedback may be changed each time even in the case where simply the association between the electronic device  100  and the icon  3011  is represented. 
     In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device  100  instead of the control device  300  may execute the feedback type determination processing described in S 205 . In this case, the electronic device  100  notifies the control device  300  of the type of the feedback as well as the operation notification in S 203  (the feedback type determination processing is executed prior to the notification in S 203 ). In this case, for example, the state including the communication condition or the remaining battery level of the electronic device  100  also can be incorporated in the type of the feedback. 
     Next, the control device  300  transmits a feedback instruction to the electronic device  100  (S 207 ). The feedback instruction includes information indicating the type of the feedback determined in S 205 . The electronic device  100  outputs feedback based on the feedback instruction received from the control device  300  (S 209 ). In the example of  FIG. 4 , the electronic device  100  outputs the feedback by causing the indicator  103  to emit light. In addition, at the same time, the control device  300  also outputs the feedback (S 211 ). In the example of  FIG. 4 , the control device  300  outputs the feedback by causing the indicator portion  3013  of the icon  3011  to emit light through the console screen  3010 . 
     (4. Example of Setting Operation on Console Screen) 
       FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting operation on a console screen in an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 6 , an icon  3001  indicating the electronic device  100  and an operation label  3017  are displayed on the console screen  3010  displayed on the display  301  of the control device  300  in the system  10  described above with reference to  FIG. 1 . More specifically, in the illustrated example, the operation label  3017  indicating “pressed” and “long pressed” is displayed together with the icon  3011   a  corresponding to the push button  100   a . The operation label  3017  indicates an operation (an operation performed by the electronic device  100  itself and/or an operation performed by the user to the electronic device  100 ) that is set for the electronic device  100  corresponding to the icon  3011 . 
     In the illustrated example, as shown in (a), the user touches the icon  3011   a  displayed together with the operation label  3017 . This operation means addition of an operation that is set for the electronic device  100  corresponding to the icon  3011   a . On the other hand, as shown in (b), the control device  300  causes an operation label addition menu  3019  to be displayed. When the user touches the operation label addition menu  3019  indicating “double pressed”, the control device  300  adds an operation label  3017   a  indicating “double pressed” to the operation label  3017  displayed together with the icon  3011   a  as shown in (c). 
     Furthermore, when the user touches the added operation label  3017   a , the control device  300  causes an operation label setting menu  3021  to be displayed as shown in (d). In the illustrated example, the operation label setting menu  3021  includes “execute”, “edit setting”, and “delete”. Here, when the user touches the operation label setting menu  3021  of “execution”, as shown in (e), the control device  300  highlights (specifically, e.g., blinks or changes the color) the operation label  3017   a , and causes the indicator portion  3013  of the icon  3011   a  to emit light. Furthermore, similarly to the example of the interlocking feedback during operation on the console screen described above, the control device  300  transmits a feedback instruction to the push button  100   a  corresponding to the icon  3011   a , and the push button  100   a  that has received this feedback instruction causes the indicator  103  to emit light. In this regard, the color or pattern of light emitted from the indicator portion  3013  of the icon  3011   a  and the color or pattern of light emitted from the indicator  103  of the push button  100   a  are in common. 
     In the example described above, the indicator portion  3013  of the icon  3011  and the indicator  103  of the electronic device  100  corresponding to the icon  3011  provide a type of feedback in common in accordance with the step of the setting operation using the icon  3011  on the console screen  3010  displayed on the control device  300 . This allows the user who performs the setting operation on the console screen  3010  to recognize easily which of the electronic devices  100  is subject to the setting operation. 
     Moreover, in the above example, the operation that is set using the operation label addition menu  3019  or the operation label setting menu  3021  corresponds to the operation added by the user to the push button  100   a . Thus, in the step shown in (e) of  FIG. 6 , the feedback outputted from the push button  100   a  is only the light emission of the indicator  103 . On the other hand, for example, in the case where the operation that is set using the operation label addition menu  3019  or the operation label setting menu  3021  is an operation performed independently by the electronic device  100 , the electronic device  100  may perform the operation that is set, in addition to causing the indicator  103  to emit light, in the step shown in (e) of  FIG. 6 . More specifically, for example, in the case where the electronic device  100  is a loudspeaker that outputs sound, outputting sound using the function unit  101  (operation that is set) may be executed, in addition to light emission of the indicator  103 . 
     (5. Example of Performing Operation on Electronic Device) 
       FIG. 7  is a view illustrating an example of performing an operation in an electronic device in an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 7 , in the system  10  described above with reference to  FIG. 1 , the user performs an operation on the push button  100   a , and feedback corresponding to the feedback from the push button  100   a  for the performed operation is provided through an icon  3011   a  and an operation label  3017  included in the console screen  3010  displayed on the display  301  of the control device  300 . 
     In the illustrated example, as shown in (a), the user performs the operation of “double pressed” on the function unit  101   a  (button) of the push button  100   a . In this case, the push button  100   a  outputs feedback by causing the indicator  103  to emit light in response to the performed operation. Furthermore, the push button  100   a  notifies the control device  300  of the performed operation. Thus, as shown in (b), in the control device  300 , on the console screen  3010  displayed on the display  301 , the indicator portion  3013  of the icon  3011   a  corresponding to the push button  100   a  and the indicator  103  of the push button  100   a  emit light having a color or pattern in common. Furthermore, the operation label  3017   a  indicating the operation of “double pressed” is highlighted (specifically, e.g., blinked or its color is changed) on the console screen  3010 , which is similar to the example described with reference to  FIG. 6 . 
     In the example described above, in the case where an operation is performed on the electronic device  100 , the electronic device  100  detects the performed operation as a predetermined physical operation (in the example of  FIG. 7 , the function unit  101   a  (button) of the push button  100   a  functions as an operation detection unit), and transmits information indicating the operation to the control device  300 . The control device  300  determines the type of feedback to be provided in common by the indicator portion  3013  of the icon  3011  corresponding to the electronic device  100  and the indicator  103  of the electronic device  100 . The control device  300  transmits the determined type of feedback to the electronic device  100 , and the electronic device  100  outputs the feedback by the light emission of the indicator  103 . The control device  300  also outputs the feedback by causing the indicator portion  3013  displayed on the console screen  3010  to emit light. Furthermore, the control device  300  may additionally provide feedback indicating the detected operation itself, for example, highlights the operation label  3017 . 
     This allows the user who is performing an operation on the electronic device  100  to identify easily what type of the icon  3011  on the console screen  3010  is recognized by the electronic device  100  or what type of operation performed on the electronic device  100  is recognized. The type of feedback (e.g., the color or pattern of light to be emitted) may be changed in accordance with the recognized type of operation. 
     Moreover, the electronic device  100  on which an operation is performed is the push button  100   a  in the above example. However, in another example, an operation is performed on various types of electronic devices  100  including the acceleration sensor  100   b  and the microphone  100   c  illustrated in  FIG. 1 , and feedback for the performed operation may be provided by the electronic device  100  itself and the control device  300 . More specifically, for example, an operation including shaking, flipping, and tapping can be performed on the acceleration sensor  100   b . In this case, the functional unit  101   b  (the portion having a built-in sensor) of the acceleration sensor  100   b  serves as the operation detection unit. Furthermore, for example, an operation including an input by uttered voice (contents or sound volume may be identified) and input by handclapping can be performed on the microphone  100   c . In this case, the functional unit  101   c  (the portion having a built-in sound collecting structure) of the microphone  100   c  serves as an operation detection unit. 
     (6. Exemplary Functional Configuration of Electronic Device) 
       FIG. 8  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The electronic device  100  illustrated in  FIG. 8  is included, for example, in the system  10  or  10   a  according to the present embodiment described above. 
     The electronic device  100  is configured to include an operation detection unit  110 , a controller  120 , a storage unit  130 , a transmitter-receiver  140 , and a feedback unit  150 . Moreover, the hardware configuration of the device that can implement the electronic device  100  will be described later. Furthermore, the configuration (other than the operation detection unit  110  and the feedback unit  150 ) for the electronic device  100  implements its function and the configuration for the electronic device  100  to identify its own state (e.g., communication condition and remaining battery level) are similar to the configuration of a typical electronic device, and thus their illustrations will be omitted. 
     The operation detection unit  110  detects a physical operation on the electronic device  100 . An example of the physical operation includes an operation on an operating component included in the operation detection unit  110  (e.g., pressing a button and touching a touch screen), an operation on the entire electronic device  100  (e.g., shaking, flipping, and tapping), and/or an operation involving a change in physical states near the electronic device  100  (e.g., making a voice and darkening by covering with hand). More specifically, for example, the operation detection unit  110  may include a switch that is switched by an operation. An example of such a switch is the operation button  105  of the electronic device  100  described above with reference to  FIG. 1  or other figures. Furthermore, for example, the operation detection unit  110  may include a sensor whose detection value changes with an operation. An example of the sensor may include an acceleration sensor. An example of such a sensor is the functional unit  101   b  (the portion having a built-in sensor) of the acceleration sensor  100   b  or the functional unit  101   c  (the portion having a built-in sound collecting structure) of the microphone  100   c  described above with reference to  FIG. 1  or other figures. 
     The controller  120  controls the operation of the entire electronic device  100 . For example, the controller  120  acquires operation information indicating the detected operation from the operation detection unit  110 , and transmits it to the control device  300  via the transmitter-receiver  140  and the network  200 . Furthermore, for example, the controller  120  causes the feedback unit  150  to provide feedback in accordance with the feedback information received from the control device  300  via the network  200  and the transmitter-receiver  140 . Furthermore, in some examples, the controller  120  may determine the type of feedback provided by the feedback unit  150  for the operation detected by the operation detection unit  110  (i.e., the feedback information may be generated independently). The controller  120  is implemented by allowing, for example, a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) to be executed in accordance with a program stored in the storage unit  130 . 
     The storage unit  130  stores temporarily or permanently various pieces of information or data to be processed by the controller  120 . For example, the storage unit  130  stores temporarily operation information indicating the operation detected by the operation detection unit  110  and feedback information used to cause the feedback unit  150  to provide feedback. Furthermore, for example, the storage unit  130  may store a program executed by a processor that implements the controller  120 . In a case where the controller  120  generates the feedback information independently, the storage unit  130  may store the operation detected by the operation detection unit  110  and/or information for associating between the state of the electronic device  100  and the type of feedback provided by the feedback unit  150 . The storage unit  130  is implemented by, for example, various storage devices that constitute random-access memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM), and/or a removable medium and its driver. 
     The transmitter-receiver  140  transmits and receives various kinds of information or data via the network  200 . For example, the transmitter-receiver  140  transmits the operation information indicating the operation detected by the operation detection unit  110  to the control device  300  that is an external device. As described above, the control device  300  operates an electronic device  100  in cooperation with another electronic device  100 . Furthermore, for example, the transmitter-receiver  140  receives feedback information indicating at least the type of feedback representing the state relating to the function of the electronic device  100 , which is transmitted by the control device  300  based on the operation information. For example, in the case where only the interlocking feedback during operation on the console screen is implemented among the examples of the present embodiment described above, the transmitter-receiver  140  may only receive the feedback information from the control device  300  (without the function of transmission) as the function of the present embodiment. On the other hands, in the case where only the interlocking feedback during operation on the electronic device is implemented among the examples of the present embodiment described above and the controller  120  generates feedback information independently, the transmitter-receiver  140  may only transmit the feedback information to the control device  300  (without the function of reception). 
     The feedback unit  150  provides feedback in accordance with the feedback information received by the transmitter-receiver  140  (or generated by the controller  120 ). An example of the feedback provided by feedback unit  150  includes visual feedback. In this case, the feedback unit  150  includes a light emitter, and the type of feedback may include the color or pattern of light emitted from the light emitter. An example of such a light emitter is the indicator  103  of the electronic device  100  described above with reference to  FIG. 1  or other figures. Although the indicator  103  illustrated in  FIG. 1  is strip-shaped, the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. For example, the indicator provided in the electronic device may enclose one side of the electronic device, be a circle, or be one or a plurality of points. In addition, as the feedback unit  150  for providing visual feedback, a display may be provided. 
     Alternatively, an example of the feedback provided by feedback unit  150  may include non-visual feedback. The non-visual feedback may be, in particular, auditory feedback or tactile feedback. In this case, the feedback unit  150  includes, for example, a loudspeaker or a vibrator, and the type of feedback may include a pattern of voice and vibration. Moreover, even in a case where the feedback is nonvisual, feedback provided through the icon displayed on the console screen by the control device  300  may be visual. In this case, the feedback provided through the icon may be a visual representation of the non-visual feedback provided by the feedback unit  150 . The type of feedback provided through the icon by the control device  300  and the type of non-visual feedback provided by the feedback unit  150  correspond to each other. More specifically, for example, effects indicating voice or vibration (e.g., a character such as “BEEP” or a broken line) are displayed on the icon displayed on the control device  300  in accordance with the pattern of voice or vibration outputted by the feedback unit  150 . 
     (7. Exemplary Functional Configuration of Control Device) 
       FIG. 9  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of the control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The control device  300  illustrated in  FIG. 9  is included, for example, in the system  10  or  10   a  according to the present embodiment described above. 
     The control device  300  is configured to include an operation unit  310 , a controller  320 , a storage unit  330 , a transmitter-receiver  340 , and a display unit  350 . Moreover, the hardware configuration of the device that can implement the control device  300  will be described later. Furthermore, as described above, the control device  300  may be, for example, an information processing terminal. However, the configuration for implementing a typical function as the information processing terminal is similar to that of a typical information processing terminal, so its illustration will be omitted. 
     The operation unit  310  acquires a user&#39;s operation on an icon included in the console screen displayed on the display unit  350 . The operation unit  310  may include, for example, a pointing device such as a touch screen, a mouse, and a touch pad. Such a pointing device is an example of the touch screen formed on the display  301  in the example described above with reference to  FIG. 1  or other figures. Furthermore, the operation unit  310  may include, for example, a camera for acquiring a user&#39;s gesture operation. 
     The controller  320  controls the operation of the entire control device  300 . For example, the controller  320  acquires information indicating the operation acquired by the operation unit  310 , and regards the information as a user operation on the electronic device  100  corresponding to the icon included in the console screen displayed on the display unit  350 . Furthermore, the controller  320  transmits an instruction for causing the electronic device  100 , which is the target of the operation, to operate according to the user&#39;s operation via the transmitter-receiver  340  and the network  200 . Alternatively, the controller  320  adds, changes, and/or deletes the operation that is set for the electronic device  100 , more specifically, the cooperative operation with another electronic device  100  in accordance with the user&#39;s operation, and incorporates it in the setting information of the electronic device  100  stored in the storage unit  330 . In conjunction with or as an alternative to the above-described processing, the controller  320  receives operation information indicating the detected operation from the electronic device  100  via the network  200  and the transmitter-receiver  340 , and may determine the type of feedback corresponding to the received operation information. In this case, the controller  320  further generates feedback information including information used to specify the determined type of feedback, and transmits it to the electronic device  100  via the transmitter-receiver  340  and the network  200 . The controller  320  is implemented by allowing, for example, a processor such as CPU to be executed in accordance with a program stored in the storage unit  330 . 
     The storage unit  330  stores temporarily or permanently various pieces of information or data to be processed by the controller  320 . For example, the storage unit  330  stores temporarily information indicating the operation acquired by the operation unit  310 , the operation information received by the transmitter-receiver  340  from the electronic device  100 , or the feedback information generated by the controller  320 . Furthermore, for example, the storage unit  330  may store a program executed by a processor that implements the controller  320 . In a case where the controller  320  generates the feedback information, the storage unit  330  may store the operation detected in the electronic device  100  and/or information for associating between the state of the electronic device  100  and the type of feedback. The storage unit  330  is implemented by, for example, various storage devices that constitute RAM or ROM, and/or a removable medium and its driver. 
     The transmitter-receiver  340  transmits and receives various kinds of information or data via the network  200 . For example, the transmitter-receiver  340  transmits the feedback information generated by the controller  320  to the electronic device  100 . In addition, the transmitter-receiver  340  may receive operation information indicating the operation detected in the electronic device  100  from the electronic device  100 . In this case, the feedback information to be transmitted to the electronic device  100  may be generated by the controller  320  in response to the received operation information. For example, in the case where only the interlocking feedback during operation on the console screen is implemented among the examples of the present embodiment described above, the transmitter-receiver  340  may only transmit the feedback information to the electronic device  100  (without the function of reception) as the function of the present embodiment. On the other hands, in the case where only the interlocking feedback during operation on the electronic device is implemented among the examples of the present embodiment described above and the controller  120  of the electronic device  100  generates feedback information, the transmitter-receiver  340  may only receive the feedback information from the electronic device  100  (without the function of transmission). 
     The display unit  350  displays an icon representing the electronic device  100  controlled by the control device  300 . The icon may have a shape similar to some or all of the actual electronic devices  100 , for example, like the icon  3011  described above with reference to  FIG. 1  or other figures. Furthermore, the icon may have a portion corresponding to the feedback unit  150  of the electronic device  100  (e.g., the indicator portion  3013  in the example of  FIG. 1 ). Furthermore, information on a functions or operation of the electronic device  100  may be displayed in conjunction with the icon. Such information on a functions or operation of the electronic device  100  is an example of the operation label  3017 , the operation label addition menu  3019 , or the operation label setting menu  3021  described above with reference to  FIG. 6  or other figures. The display unit  350  is implemented by various display devices, for example, like the display  301  in the example of  FIG. 1 . 
     As described above, in the present embodiment, the display unit  350  displays an icon on the console screen, and an operation on the icon is accepted via the operation unit  310 . In addition, the display unit  350  provides feedback for an operation on the displayed icon or an operation on the electronic device  100  corresponding to the icon. In this case, the display unit  350  outputs feedback, for example, in accordance with the feedback information generated by the controller  320 . More specifically, for example, in the case where visual feedback is provided by light emission of a light emitter (e.g., the indicator  103 ) in the electronic device  100 , the display unit  350  may change its display so that all or part of the icons (e.g., the indicator portion  3013 ) appears as if it emits light. Furthermore, for example, in a case where non-visual (e.g., auditory or tactile) feedback is provided in the electronic device  100 , the display unit  350  displays a change of the visual representation of the feedback. 
     (8. Hardware Configuration) 
     Next, referring to  FIG. 10 , a hardware configuration of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described.  FIG. 10  is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. An illustrated apparatus  900  may be implemented as, for example, the electronic device  100  and/or the control device  300  according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     The apparatus  900  is configured to include a central processing unit (CPU)  901 , read-only memory (ROM)  903 , and random-access memory (RAM)  905 . In addition, the apparatus  900  may be configured to include a host bus  907 , a bridge  909 , an external bus  911 , an interface  913 , an input device  915 , an output device  917 , a storage device  919 , a drive  921 , a connection port  923 , and a communication device  925 . Furthermore, the apparatus  900  may be configured to include an imaging device  933  and a sensor  935 , as necessary. The apparatus  900  may include a processing circuit such as a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), in conjunction with or in place of the CPU  901 . 
     The CPU  901  serves as an arithmetic processing apparatus and a control apparatus, and controls the overall operation or a part of the operation of the apparatus  900  according to various programs recorded in the ROM  903 , the RAM  905 , the storage apparatus  919 , or a removable recording medium  927 . The ROM  903  stores programs, operation parameters, and the like used by the CPU  901 . The RAM  905  temporarily stores programs used in executing the CPU  901  and various parameters that change as appropriate in executing such programs. The CPU  901 , the ROM  903 , and the RAM  905  are connected with each other via the host bus  907  configured from an internal bus such as a CPU bus or the like. The host bus  907  is connected to the external bus  911  such as a Peripheral Component Interconnect/Interface (PCI) bus via the bridge  909 . 
     The input device  915  is a device operated by a user, such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch screen, a button, a switch, and a lever. The input device  915  may be a remote control device that uses, for example, an infrared ray or other radio waves. Alternatively, the input device  915  may be an external connection device  929 , such as a mobile phone, which corresponds to an operation of the apparatus  900 . The input device  915  includes an input control circuit that generates input signals based on information inputted by a user and outputs it to the CPU  901 . The user inputs various types of data to the apparatus  900  and instructs the apparatus  900  to perform a processing operation by operating the input device  915 . 
     The output device  917  includes a device that can report acquired information to a user using visual, auditory, or tactile sense. The output device  917  may be, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electro-luminescence (EL) display, an audio output device such as a loudspeaker and a headphone, or a vibrator. The output device  917  outputs a result obtained through a process performed by the apparatus  900 , in the form of video such as text and an image, audio such as voice and sound, or vibration. 
     The storage device  919  is a device for data storage configured as an example of a storage unit of the apparatus  900 . An example of the storage device  919  includes a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a semiconductor storage device, an optical storage device, or a magneto-optical storage device. The storage device  919  stores therein the programs and various data executed by the CPU  901 , various data acquired from an outside, and the like. 
     The drive  921  is a reader/writer for the removable recording medium  927  such as a magnetic disk, an optical disc, a magneto-optical disk, and a semiconductor memory, and built in or externally attached to the apparatus  900 . The drive  921  reads out information recorded on the mounted removable recording medium  927 , and outputs the information to the RAM  905 . Furthermore, the drive  921  writes the record into the mounted removable recording medium  927 . 
     The connection port  923  is a port used to connect the devices to the apparatus  900 . The connection port  923  may be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, an IEEE 1394 port, and a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) port. Furthermore, the connection port  923  may be an RS-232C port, an optical audio terminal, a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) (registered trademark) port, and so on. The connection of the external connection device  929  to the connection port  923  makes it possible to exchange various data between the apparatus  900  and the external connection device  929 . 
     The communication device  925  is a communication interface including, for example, a communication device for connection to a communication network  931 . The communication device  925  may be, for example, a communication card for a local area network (LAN), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi, or a wireless USB (WUSB). The communication device  925  may also be, for example, a router for optical communication, a router for asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL), or a modem for various types of communication. For example, the communication device  925  transmits and receives signals in the Internet or to and from another communication device by using a predetermined protocol such as TCP/IP. The communication network  931  connected to the communication device  925  is a network established through wired or wireless connection. The communication network  931  may include, for example, the Internet, a home LAN, infrared communication, radio wave communication, or satellite communication. 
     The imaging device  933  is a device that captures an image of a real space by using an image sensor such as a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) and charge-coupled device (CCD) and various members such as a lens for controlling formation of an image of a subject onto the image sensor, and generates the captured image. The imaging device  933  may capture still images or moving images. 
     The sensor  935  is various sensors such as an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an illuminance sensor, a temperature sensor, a barometric sensor, and a sound sensor (microphone). The sensor  935  acquires information regarding a state of the apparatus  900  such as a posture of a housing of the apparatus  900 , and information regarding an environment surrounding the apparatus  900  such as luminous intensity and noise around the apparatus  900 . Furthermore, the sensor  935  may include a global positioning system (GPS) receiver that receives GPS signals to measure latitude, longitude, and altitude of the apparatus. 
     The exemplary hardware configuration of the apparatus  900  has been described. Each of the structural elements described above may be configured by using a general purpose component or may be configured by hardware specialized for the function of each of the structural elements. Such a configuration may be changed appropriately in accordance with the technical level at the time of implementation. 
     (9. Supplement) 
     The embodiments of the present disclosure may include, for example, the information processing device (the electronic device or the control device) as described above, a system, a method of information processing executed by the information processing device or the system, a program for causing the information processing apparatus to execute its function, and a non-transitory, tangible medium having the program stored therein. 
     The preferred embodiment(s) of the present disclosure has/have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, whilst the present disclosure is not limited to the above examples. A person skilled in the art may find various alterations and modifications within the scope of the appended claims, and it should be understood that they will naturally come under the technical scope of the present disclosure. 
     Furthermore, the effects described in this specification are merely illustrative or exemplified effects, and are not limitative. That is, in conjunction with or in the place of the above effects, the technology according to the present disclosure may achieve other effects that are clear to those skilled in the art based on the description of this specification. 
     Additionally, the present technology may also be configured as below. 
     (1) 
     An electronic device that implements a predetermined function, the electronic device including: 
     an operation detection unit configured to detect a physical operation on the electronic device; 
     a transmitter configured to transmit operation information indicating the operation to an external device; 
     a receiver configured to receive feedback information indicating at least a type of feedback representing a state relating to the function, the feedback information being transmitted by the external device in response to the operation information; and a feedback unit configured to provide the feedback in accordance with the feedback information. 
     (2) 
     The electronic device according to (1), 
     wherein the state includes a recognition state of the electronic device in the external device. 
     (3) 
     The electronic device according to (2), 
     wherein the external device includes a control device configured to cause the electronic device and another device to operate in cooperation with each other, and 
     the electronic device and the other device are both recognized by the control device. 
     (4) 
     The electronic device according to (3), 
     wherein the state includes a state of cooperation between the electronic device and the other device. 
     (5) 
     The electronic device according to any one of (1) to (4), 
     wherein the operation detection unit includes a switch configured to be switched by the operation. 
     (6) 
     The electronic device according to any one of (1) to (5), 
     wherein the operation detection unit includes a sensor whose detection value is changed by the operation. 
     (7) 
     The electronic device according to (6), 
     wherein the operation detection unit includes an acceleration sensor. 
     (8) 
     The electronic device according to (7), 
     wherein the operation includes an operation of shaking, flipping, or tapping the electronic device. 
     (9) 
     The electronic device according to any one of (1) to (8), 
     wherein the state includes a recognition state of the operation in the external device. 
     (10) 
     The electronic device according to any one of (1) to (9), 
     wherein the state includes a communication state of the electronic device. 
     (11) 
     The electronic device according to any one of (1) to (10), 
     wherein the state includes a remaining battery level of the electronic device. 
     (12) 
     The electronic device according to any one of (1) to (11), 
     wherein the feedback includes visual feedback. 
     (13) 
     The electronic device according to (12), 
     wherein the visual feedback has a type corresponding to a type of visual feedback provided in the external device. 
     (14) 
     The electronic device according to (12) or (13), 
     wherein the feedback unit includes a light emitter, and 
     the type of the feedback includes a light emission color or a light emission pattern of the light emitter. 
     (15) 
     The electronic device according to any one of (1) to (14), 
     wherein the feedback includes non-visual feedback. 
     (16) 
     The electronic device according to (15), 
     wherein the non-visual feedback has a type corresponding to a type of feedback obtained as a visual representation of the non-visual feedback provided in the external device. 
     (17) 
     A feedback providing method including, by an electronic device that implements a predetermined function: 
     detecting a physical operation on the electronic device; 
     transmitting operation information indicating the operation to an external device; 
     receiving feedback information indicating at least a type of feedback representing a state regarding the function, the feedback information being transmitted by the external device in response to the operation information; and 
     providing the feedback in accordance with the feedback information. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
     
         
           10  system 
           100  electronic device 
           101  functional unit 
           103  indicator 
           105  operation button 
           110  operation detection unit 
           120  controller 
           130  storage unit 
           140  transmitter-receiver 
           150  feedback unit 
           200  network 
           300  control device 
           301  display 
           310  operation unit 
           320  controller 
           330  storage unit 
           340  transmitter-receiver 
           350  display unit