JP2004130139A - Entertainment system, communication system, communication program, computer readable recording medium with communication program stored thereon, and communication method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an entertainment system, a communication system, a communication program, a computer readable recording medium with the communication program stored thereon, and a communication method for realizing a link between the virtual world and the real world. <P>SOLUTION: A cellphone 5 is provided to communicate information with a client terminal 1 for operating characters in the virtual world, through the virtual world constructed by a server device 2. Various information can thereby be transmitted and received to and from the virtual world even from a remote place distant from the client terminal 1 to realize the link between the virtual world and the real world. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is an entertainment system, communication system, communication program suitable for application to a multiplayer network game system in which, for example, a plurality of players log in to a server device that builds a virtual world on a network and plays a video game. The present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium storing a communication program and a communication method.

Conventionally, an entertainment system, so-called multi-player, in which a server device that processes and distributes various data related to a game and a plurality of client terminal devices are connected via a communication line, and a plurality of players operate the client terminal devices to play a video game. There is a player network game system.

In this multiplayer network game system (hereinafter abbreviated as “network game system”), a server device executes a game program to construct a virtual world, and from a plurality of client terminal devices connected via communication lines. Process the sent information individually. And a server apparatus produces | generates information required for execution of each game, progress, etc., and transmits the information produced | generated to each client terminal device.

Here, the information sent from the client terminal device to the server device includes, for example, the position of the virtual character operated by the player in the virtual world and its motion information. The information sent from the server device to the client terminal device includes, for example, the position and motion data of other characters (characters operated by other players) located near the character operated directly by the player.

However, in the above network game system, when a player sends and receives information to and from the virtual world and other characters, the player must always connect the client terminal device and the server device via a communication line. .

Therefore, when the player is away from the client terminal device or the client terminal device is not connected to the server device, various information is exchanged with the virtual world, for example, dialogue with other players via a character. Cannot be sent or received.

For this reason, so far, the virtual world constructed by the network game system is a virtual space realized on the server device completely separated from the real world. The real world cannot be linked.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an entertainment system, communication system, communication program, and computer readable program storing a communication program that enable a virtual world and a real world to be linked. And a communication method are provided.

The present invention controls bidirectional information communication processing from the virtual world to the real world and from the real world to the virtual world. According to such a configuration, the user can transmit and receive various types of information including audio information to and from the virtual world at any location. The distance between the real world and the real world can be reduced, and the virtual world and the real world can be linked.

According to the present invention, since various information can be transmitted and received between the virtual world even from a remote place away from the terminal device, the distance between the real world and the virtual world is reduced, and the virtual world and the real world are reduced. A link with the world can be realized.

[First Embodiment]
In the virtual world in which the server device and the plurality of client terminal devices are connected via a communication line and the server device is constructed by operating the client terminal devices as shown in FIG. It can be applied to a network game system for playing.

[Configuration of network game system]
First, an overall configuration of a network game system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

In the network game system according to the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of client terminal devices 1 are connected via a server device 2, the Internet, a telephone exchange 3, and an ISP 4 (Internet Service Provider: ISP). Thus, the mobile phone 5 is connected.

The client terminal device 1 includes a personal computer having a communication function and a video game machine having a communication function. Each client terminal device 1 has a controller that instructs the server device 2 to perform various processes related to the network game, such as logon to the server device 2 via a communication line, logoff, operation control of characters around the virtual world, and information input. It is connected. When the client terminal device 1 is a personal computer, an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse device is used as a controller.

Each client terminal device 1 includes a voice input device such as a microphone and a voice output device such as a speaker so that voice information can be input and output. Each client terminal device 1 is connected to the output device 6 through electrical wiring. Each output device 6 outputs an image and sound of the virtual world constructed by the server device 2 and an image of characters in the virtual world according to an instruction from the client terminal device 1. For example, a display device or the like is used as the output device 6.

The server device 2 includes a player name, a player (or client terminal device 1) identifier (hereinafter referred to as a client ID), a character name operated by the player, a mobile phone number possessed by the character, a player mobile phone, and the like. 4 includes a user database 7 that stores information related to players participating in the network game in a data format as shown in FIG. 4 and a login player database 8 that stores client IDs of players who are logged on to the server device 2.

The telephone exchange 3 includes a VoIP (VoIP: Voice Over Internet Protocol, so-called Internet telephone) gateway that controls voice communication between the server device 2 and the mobile phone 5.

The ISP 4 includes an Internet server device that controls data communication such as voice mail and electronic mail between the server device 2 and the mobile phone 5.

The mobile phone 5 is connected to the server device 2 via the telephone exchange 3 or ISP 4. Here, when the server device 2 itself has a function of executing voice communication and data communication, the mobile phone 5 is directly connected to the server device 2.

[Communication between characters in the virtual world]
Next, the operation of the network game system when performing communication processing between characters in the virtual world will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the following operation of the network game system, each character in the virtual world has a name and a virtual world in which a virtual mobile phone for communicating between characters in the virtual world is held. The server device 2 is constructed.

In the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, the player operates the client terminal device 1 to log on to the server device 2, and the client terminal device 1 transmits a virtual world image, audio, and The communication is started by outputting a character image corresponding to the logged-on player to the output device 6, and the communication processing step proceeds to step S1.

In the process of step S1, the client terminal device 1 requests the server device 2 to call another character in the virtual world in response to an instruction from the player. As a result, the communication processing process shifts from the process of step S1 to the process of step S2.

Note that the processing of step S1 is executed by the player operating a controller connected to the client terminal device 1. When the server device 2 receives a character call request from the player, the character of the player who has requested the call (hereinafter referred to as a caller) uses the mobile phone to call another character's mobile phone. Is transmitted to the client terminal device 1. As a result, the server device 2 can give the player the illusion that he or she is making a phone call in the virtual world, thereby improving the reality of the virtual world and the entertainment of the network game system. It becomes possible.

In the process of step S2, in response to a character call request from the player, the server device 2 refers to the client ID stored in the login player database 8 and the player operating the character that has received the call request receives the server. By checking whether or not the device 2 is logged on, it is determined whether or not the character that has received the call request is in the virtual world. If the character requested to be called is in the virtual world as a result of the discrimination processing, the communication processing step proceeds to the processing in step S4.

In the process of step S4, the cellular phone possessed by the character operated by the caller with respect to the client terminal device 1 of the player (hereinafter referred to as the callee) in which the server device 2 operates the character that has received the call request. Sends incoming images and sounds. Thereby, the callee can recognize that there is a communication request. Thereafter, the callee operates the controller of the client terminal device 1 to perform voice communication and data communication with the caller via the mobile phone possessed by the character.

Note that when the character operated by the third party player is near the character operated by the caller and the callee, the server device 2 may be configured such that the character operated by the caller is making a phone call, The third party client terminal device 1 may be transmitted with images and sounds indicating the caller and the character's movements operated by the caller, such as the character operated by the caller. According to such a configuration, a third party can confirm communication processing between other players, and can be applied, for example, to join a conversation between a caller and a callee or to listen to a story. Thus, the reality of the virtual world can be further enhanced.

On the other hand, if the character requested to be called is not in the virtual world, the communication processing step proceeds to the processing of step S5.

In the process of step S5, the server device 2 refers to the user database 7 and determines whether or not the callee's contact information is registered in advance in addition to the mobile phone number of the character. As a result of the determination, if another contact is registered, the process proceeds to step S6.

In the process of step S6, the server device 2 calls the callee by voice communication or data communication with a registered contact directly or via the telephone exchange 3 or ISP 4. Thus, even when the character is not in the virtual world, a caller in the virtual world can call a caller in the real world and perform voice communication and data communication.

Here, when the contact information registered in the user database 7 is the mobile phone 5 of the callee, the server device 2 makes a call to the mobile phone 5 of the callee directly or via the telephone exchange 3. Therefore, even if the caller is away from the client terminal device 1 or is not logged on to the server device 2, voice communication is performed between the caller and the callee. be able to.

On the other hand, if the contact information is not registered, the communication processing step proceeds to the processing in step S7.

In the process of step S7, the server apparatus 2 notifies the caller that the callee is absent. In response to the caller absence notification from the server apparatus 2, the caller transmits a voice message to the callee from the client terminal apparatus 1 to the server apparatus 2. The server device 2 transmits a voice message as voice mail to the mobile phone 5 held by the character corresponding to the callee. Thus, when the caller next logs on to the virtual world, the message from the caller is recognized by recognizing that there was a call request from another player while he was logged off, and opening a voice mail. Can be confirmed. Further, the caller can reliably transmit a message to a callee who is not logged on to the server device 2.

In the above processing, the character operated by the other player is called by the player's own intention. However, for example, the character may voluntarily call the player who operates himself or another player. Thereby, an illusion that characters in the virtual world are in the real world can be given to the player, such as a player receiving a call unexpectedly from a character in the virtual world.

[Communication from the real world to the virtual world]
Although the operation of the network game system is a communication process between characters in the virtual world, for example, a communication process from the real world to the virtual world may be performed. Below, with reference to FIG. 3, operation | movement of the said network game system in the case of performing the communication process from the real world to a virtual world is demonstrated.

The flowchart shown in FIG. 3 starts when the caller turns on the power of the mobile phone 5, and the communication processing step proceeds to the process of step S10.

In the process of step S10, the caller uses the mobile phone 5 to output a voice communication or data communication request for the character in the virtual world. As a result, the communication processing process shifts from the process of step S10 to the process of step S11.

Here, when requesting voice communication for a character in the virtual world, the caller inputs the IP telephone number (IP: Internet Protocol) of the server device 2 and the client ID for calling into the mobile phone 5. On the other hand, when requesting data communication for a character in the virtual world, the caller inputs a data line access number to the ISP 4, an IP address corresponding to the server device 2, and a client ID to the mobile phone 5. Examples of data to be transmitted to the character include various parameters in the virtual world, digital audio data, image data, and the like.

In the process of step S11, the cellular phone 5 refers to the information input by the caller and determines whether the process requested in step S10 is a voice communication or a data communication transmission for the character. If the requested process is voice communication as a result of the discrimination process, the communication process step proceeds to the process of step S12.

In the process of step S12, the mobile phone 5 is connected to the telephone exchange 3 via a communication line, and at the same time as the connection, as shown in FIG. The packetized information on the client ID is transmitted. The telephone exchange 3 refers to the IP telephone number of the server device 2 and establishes a VoIP connection with the server device 2 via the Internet. As a result, the communication processing process proceeds from step S12 to step S13.

In the process of step S13, the caller inputs voice for the character. The cellular phone 5 sequentially transmits the caller's voice input to the telephone exchange 3 as a voice signal. As a result, this communication processing step shifts from the processing of step S13 to step S14.

In the processing of step S14, the telephone exchange 3 converts the analog voice signal transmitted from the mobile phone 5 into digital voice data and adds a header. The telephone exchange 3 converts the digital voice data into IP packets to form digital voice data (hereinafter referred to as digital voice data) that has been converted into IP packets. As a result, the communication processing process proceeds from step S14 to step S15.

In the process of step S15, the telephone exchange 3 transmits the digital audio data attached with the client ID to the server device 2 via the Internet. Thereby, this communication process shifts from the process of step S15 to the process of step S16.

In the processing of step S16, the server device 2 compares the client ID stored in the login player database 8 with the client ID transmitted from the mobile phone 5, and searches for a character (player who operates the character) that performs voice communication. To do. As a result, the communication processing process shifts from the process of step S16 to the process of step S17. Here, in the process of step S16, if the character to be voice-communicated is not in the virtual world as a result of the search, the contact information of the callee is called with reference to the user database 7.

In the processing of step S17, the server device 2 interrupts the client terminal device 1 of the player corresponding to the client ID, and transfers the digital audio data transmitted from the telephone exchange 3 to the client terminal device 1. As a result, the communication processing process shifts from the process of step S17 to the process of step S23.

On the other hand, if the requested process is data communication, the communication process step proceeds to the process of step S18.

In the process of step S18, the mobile phone 5 connects to the ISP 4 corresponding to the input data line access number, and simultaneously with the connection, the IP address corresponding to the server device 2 and the client terminal device 1 as shown in FIG. The packetized information on the client ID is transmitted to the ISP 4. The ISP 4 refers to the IP address of the server device 2 and connects to the server device 2 via the Internet. As a result, the communication processing process shifts from the process of step S18 to the process of step S19.

In the process of step S19, the player inputs data to be transmitted to the character to the mobile phone 5, and the mobile phone 5 transmits the data to the ISP 4. Thereby, this communication processing process shifts from the process of step S19 to the process of step S20.

In step S20, the ISP 4 attaches the client ID to the data transmitted from the mobile phone 5 and transmits it to the server device 2 as packet data. Thereby, this communication processing process shifts from the process of step S20 to the process of step S21.

In the process of step S21, the server device 2 refers to the client ID stored in the login player database 8 and the client ID transmitted from the ISP 4, and determines the character corresponding to the client ID (player who operates the character). Search for. Thereby, in this communication processing step, the process of step S21 shifts to the process of step S22.

In the process of step S22, the server device 2 interrupts the client terminal device 1 of the client corresponding to the client ID, and transmits the data transmitted by the ISP 4 to the client terminal device 1. Thereby, this communication processing process shifts from the process of step S22 to the process of step S23.

When voice communication and data communication are performed from the mobile phone 5 to the character in the virtual world via the Internet by the processing of step S12 to step S17 or step S18 to step 22, this communication processing step is performed in step S23. Transition to processing.

In the process of step S23, the client terminal device 1 outputs video and audio corresponding to the information transferred from the server device 2 to the output device 6. As a result, when receiving voice communication, the caller can perform communication processing between the mobile phone 5 and the client terminal device 1 by voice. Further, when receiving data communication, the client terminal device 1 can receive data transmitted from the mobile terminal 5. Thereafter, the communication processing process shifts from the process of step S23 to the process of step S24.

In the process of step S24, the server apparatus 2 obtains information on a change in the state of the character that performs voice communication or data communication with the mobile phone 5 (in this case, there has been voice communication or data communication via the mobile phone 5). It transmits to the client terminal device 1 of the player who operates another character. Information transmitted to the client terminal device 1 of another player includes, for example, an image image in which a character operated by a player who has received voice communication is receiving a call. Thereby, the player can recognize that other players are performing communication processing, and a series of processing is completed.

[Second Embodiment]
The present invention, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, comprises a dispatch server device comprising an application program that is constantly executed on the client terminal device and a database for referring to the client terminal device connected to the communication line. It can be applied to the system.

[Configuration of communication system]
First, the overall configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

In the network game system according to the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 7, the client terminal device 1 is connected to the mobile phone 5 via the dispatch server device 9, the Internet, the telephone exchange 3, and the ISP 4. It is the composition which becomes.

The client terminal device 1 always executes an application program that does not require user input (hereinafter simply referred to as a program). Further, an output device 6 is connected to the client terminal device 1 through an electrical wiring. The output device 6 outputs various information accompanying the execution of the program, such as the execution result of the program and error information, in accordance with instructions from the client terminal device 1. As the program, for example, a computer program for constructing a virtual world can be applied.

The telephone exchange 3 includes a VoIP gateway that controls voice communication with the dispatch server device 9.

The ISP 4 includes an Internet server device that controls data communication with the dispatch server device 9.

The mobile phone 5 is connected to the dispatch server device 9 via the telephone exchange 3 or ISP 4. The dispatch server device 9 is connected to the telephone exchange 3 and ISP 4 via the Internet. Here, when the dispatch server device 9 itself has a function of executing voice communication and data communication, the mobile phone 5 is directly connected to the dispatch server device 9.

Further, the dispatch server device 9 includes a reference database 10 that stores an identifier of the client terminal device 1 connected via a communication line and information related to a program executed on the client terminal device 1.

[Communication operation from mobile phone to application program]
Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, the operation of the communication system when communicating from the mobile phone to the application program will be described.

The flowchart shown in FIG. 8 starts when the user turns on the power of the mobile phone 5, and this communication processing step proceeds to the processing of step S30.

In the process of step S30, the user uses the mobile phone 5 to output a communication request to the program being executed on the client terminal device 1. Thereby, this communication processing process shifts from the process of step S30 to the process of step S31.

When requesting communication by voice, the user inputs the IP telephone number of the dispatch server device 9 and the identifier of the client terminal device 1 having a program to be connected to the mobile phone 5. On the other hand, when requesting data communication for the program, the user inputs the data line access number to the ISP 4, the IP address of the dispatch server device 9, and the identifier of the client terminal device 1 having the program for data communication to the mobile phone 5. To do. If direct voice communication or data communication is possible between the mobile phone 5 and the dispatch server device 9, the user inputs the telephone number of the dispatch server device 9 and the identifier of the client terminal device 1.

In the process of step S31, the mobile phone 5 refers to the information input from the user, and determines whether the process requested in the process of step S30 is voice communication or data communication for the program. As a result of the determination, if the requested process is voice communication, the process proceeds to step S32.

In the process of step S32, the mobile phone 5 refers to the information input from the user, and determines whether or not the dispatch server device 9 can receive voice.

For example, when the user inputs the telephone number of the dispatch server device 9, the mobile phone 5 determines that the dispatch server device 9 can receive voice. On the other hand, when the user inputs the IP telephone number of the dispatch server device 9, the mobile phone 5 determines that the dispatch server device 9 cannot receive the voice.

And as a result of the discrimination process, when the dispatch server device 9 can receive the voice, this communication processing step moves to the process of step S37, and conversely, when the voice cannot be received, In this communication processing step, the process proceeds to step S33.

In the processing of step S33, the mobile phone 5 connects to the telephone exchange 3 and simultaneously transmits the IP telephone number of the dispatch server device 9 and the identifier of the client terminal device 1. The telephone exchange 3 establishes a VoIP connection with the dispatch server device 9 via the Internet according to the IP telephone number of the dispatch server device 9. As a result, the communication processing process proceeds from step S33 to step S34.

In the process of step S34, the user inputs sound for the program. The cellular phone 5 sequentially transmits the contents of the user's voice input to the telephone exchange 3 as voice signals. As a result, the communication processing process proceeds from step S34 to step S35.

In step S35, the telephone exchange 3 forms digital audio data from the analog audio signal transmitted from the mobile phone 5. As a result, the communication process proceeds from step S35 to step S36.

In the processing of step S36, the telephone exchange 3 transmits digital voice data attached with the identifier of the client terminal device 1 to the dispatch server device 9 via the Internet. As a result, the communication processing process shifts from the process of step S36 to the process of step S45.

In the process of step S37, the mobile phone 5 refers to the telephone number of the dispatch server device 9 to connect to the dispatch server device 9, and transmits the identifier of the client terminal device 1 simultaneously with the connection. As a result, the communication process proceeds from step S37 to step S38.

In the process of step S38, the user uses the mobile phone 5 to input voice for the program. The mobile phone 5 sequentially transmits the contents of the user's voice input to the dispatch server device 9 as voice data. As a result, the communication process proceeds from step S38 to step S45. On the other hand, when the requested process is data communication, the communication process step proceeds to the process of step S39.

In the process of step S39, the mobile phone 5 refers to the content input by the user and determines whether or not direct data communication with the dispatch server device 9 is possible.

For example, when the user inputs the telephone number of the dispatch server device 9, it is determined that the mobile phone 5 can directly perform data communication with the dispatch server device 9. On the other hand, when the data line access number to the ISP 4 and the IP address of the dispatch server device 9 are input, it is determined that the mobile phone 5 cannot directly communicate with the dispatch server device 9.

And as a result of the discrimination process, when the data communication can be performed directly with the dispatch server device 9, the communication process step moves to the process of step S40, and conversely, when the data communication cannot be performed directly, In this communication processing step, the process proceeds to step S42.

In the processing of step S40, the mobile phone 5 refers to the telephone number of the dispatch server device 9 and makes a data connection to the dispatch server device 9. Thereby, this communication processing process shifts from step S40 to step S41.

In the process of step S41, the user uses the mobile phone 5 to input data to the program. The mobile phone 5 transmits the input data and the identifier of the client terminal device 1 to the dispatch server device 9. As a result, the communication processing step proceeds from step S41 to step S45.

In the process of step S42, the mobile phone 5 connects to the ISP 4 corresponding to the input data line access number, and at the same time transmits the IP address corresponding to the dispatch server device 9 and the identifier of the client terminal device 1 to the ISP 4. The ISP 4 refers to the IP address of the dispatch server device 9 and connects to the dispatch server device 9 via the Internet. Thereby, this communication processing process shifts from the process of step S42 to the process of step S43.

In the process of step S43, the user inputs data to be transmitted to the program to the mobile phone 5, and the mobile phone 5 transmits the data to the ISP 4. Thereby, this communication processing process shifts from the process of step S43 to the process of step S44.

In the process of step S44, the ISP 4 attaches the identifier of the client terminal device 1 to the data transmitted from the mobile phone 5 and transmits it to the dispatch server device 9 as packet data. As a result, the communication processing process shifts from the process of step S44 to the process of step S45.

When the voice and data are transmitted to the dispatch server device 9 by the above processing, this communication processing step shifts to the processing in step S45.

In the processing of step S45, the dispatch server device 9 searches for the client terminal device 1 to be connected with reference to the identifier stored in the reference database 10 and the transmitted identifier. As a result, the communication processing step shifts from the processing in step S45 to the processing in step S46.

In the processing of step S46, the dispatch server device 9 interrupts the program of the client terminal device 1 corresponding to the transmitted identifier, and transfers the transmitted voice and data to the program. Thereby, the user can perform various controls by voice and data on the program executed in the client terminal device 1, and a series of communication processing is completed.

When communicating with a program executed on the client terminal device 1 using the mobile phone 5, the dispatch server device 9 refers to the reference database 10 and connects via a communication line. A list of user names of the client terminal devices 1 and program names being executed on the client terminal device 1 may be transmitted to the mobile phone 5. According to such a configuration, the user refers to the contents of the list, for example, communicates with another user's program, or among a plurality of programs executed on one client terminal device. It is possible to select and communicate a desired program.

[Communication operation from application program to mobile phone]
The operation of the communication system is a communication process from the mobile phone to the program. However, for example, the program may communicate with the mobile phone as necessary. Below, with reference to FIG. 9, operation | movement of the said communication system in the case of communicating from a program to a mobile telephone is demonstrated.

The flowchart shown in FIG. 9 starts when the program executed on the client terminal device 1 reaches a preset processing status, and the communication processing step proceeds to the processing of step S50. Here, the preset processing status includes conditions such as an error and a predetermined time.

In the processing of step S50, the client terminal device 1 outputs a connection request to the mobile phone 5 of the user registered in advance to the dispatch server device 9. Thereby, this communication processing process shifts from the process of step S50 to the process of step S51.

In the process of step S51, the dispatch server device 9 determines whether the process requested in the process of step S50 is voice communication or data communication for the user's mobile phone 5 registered in advance. Note that the process in which the program performs voice communication with the mobile phone 5 is used, for example, when reproducing digital voice data such as a message included in the program, or in a warning notification to a user at a remote location. If the requested process is voice communication as a result of the discrimination process, the communication process step proceeds to the process of step S52.

In the process of step S52, it is determined whether or not the dispatch server device 9 can make a voice call. If the dispatch server device 9 is capable of making a voice call as a result of the discrimination process, the communication processing step proceeds to the process of step S57. A processing process shifts to processing of Step S53.

In the process of step S53, the dispatch server device 9 establishes a VoIP connection with the telephone exchange 3 via the Internet. As a result, the communication process shifts from step S53 to step S54.

In the process of step S54, the program transmits the digital voice data and the telephone number of the mobile phone 5 to be called to the telephone exchange 3 via the dispatch server device 9. As a result, the communication processing process proceeds from step S54 to step S55.

In step S55, the telephone exchange 3 calls the mobile phone 5. As a result, the communication processing process proceeds from step S55 to step S56.

In the process of step S56, the telephone exchange 3 converts the digital audio data into an analog audio signal and transmits it to the mobile phone 5, and the series of processing steps is completed.

In the process of step S57, the dispatch server device 9 calls a mobile phone according to the telephone number designated by the program. As a result, this communication processing step is handed over from step S57 to step S58.

In the process of step S58, the program transmits audio data to the dispatch server device 9. The dispatch server device 9 transmits the voice data transmitted from the program to the mobile phone 5, and a series of processing steps is completed.

On the other hand, if the requested process is data communication, the communication process step proceeds to the process of step S59.

In the process of step S59, it is determined whether or not the dispatch server device 9 is capable of data communication. If the dispatch server device 9 is capable of data communication as a result of the discrimination processing, the communication processing step shifts to the processing of step S60. Conversely, if data communication is not possible, the communication processing step The process proceeds to step S62.

In the process of step S60, the dispatch server device 9 connects to the mobile phone 5 according to the telephone number designated by the program. As a result, the communication processing step shifts from step S60 to step S61.

In the process of step S61, the program transmits data to the dispatch server device 9. The dispatch server device 9 transmits data to the connected mobile phone 5, and a series of processing steps is completed.

In the process of step S62, the dispatch server device 9 connects to the ISP 4 via the Internet. As a result, the communication processing step shifts from the processing of step S62 to step S63.

In the process of step S63, the program transmits data and the telephone number of the mobile phone 5 that transmits the data to the dispatch server device 9. The dispatch server device 9 transmits data and the telephone number of the mobile phone 5 that transmits data to the ISP 4 via the Internet. As a result, the communication processing process proceeds from step S63 to step S64.

In the process of step S64, the ISP 4 connects to the mobile phone 5 according to the telephone number transmitted by the program. As a result, the communication processing process proceeds from step S64 to step S65.

In the process of step S65, the ISP 4 transmits the digital data transmitted from the dispatch server device 9 to the mobile phone 5. This completes a series of processing steps.

[Effect of the embodiment]
As is clear from the above description, in the entertainment system and communication system of this embodiment, the user can perform voice communication or data communication with a program executed at a remote place using a mobile phone. At any position, various information including voice information can be transmitted to and received from the program.

Further, when the program is a network game program provided by the server device via a communication line, voice communication or data communication may be performed between a virtual world realized by the network game program and a mobile phone in the real world. Therefore, it is possible to send and receive information to and from the virtual world even when away from the client terminal device. As a result, it is possible to give the player the illusion that the virtual world is the real world, and a link between the virtual world and the real world can be realized.

Furthermore, when the program is constantly executed on the client terminal device, voice communication or data communication can be performed between the program and the mobile phone, so that the program is away from the client terminal device. However, it is possible to control the program. It is also possible to send a message such as a warning notice to a user at a remote location from the program. Thereby, a link with a program and a user is realizable.

In addition, the entertainment system of this embodiment can perform information communication with other characters in the virtual world via the virtual communication terminals possessed by the characters in the virtual world. And entertainment.

[Other embodiments]
As mentioned above, although the invention made by the present inventors has been described by the above embodiment, it should not be understood that the description and the drawings constituting a part of this disclosure limit the present invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples and operational techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

For example, in the above embodiment, the communication processing is performed using the mobile phone 5, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a portable information terminal (Personal Digital Assistant: PDA), pager, transceiver Any device having a communication function such as the above may be used.

Further, the operation of the communication system of the above embodiment may be programmed and stored in a computer-readable recording medium. When executing the communication operation, the recording medium is read into the computer system, the program is stored in a storage unit such as a memory in the computer system, and the communication program is executed by the arithmetic device, thereby implementing the present invention. It is possible to realize communication processing in the form of

Here, the recording medium includes, for example, a computer-readable recording medium capable of recording a program such as a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a magnetic tape.

1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a network game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows operation | movement of the network game system shown in FIG. It is a flowchart figure which shows the other operation | movement of the network game system shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the data format of a user database. It is a schematic diagram which shows the telephone number (access number) at the time of performing voice communication. It is a schematic diagram which shows the telephone number (access number) in the case of performing data communication. It is a schematic diagram which shows the whole structure of the communication system used as embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows operation | movement of the communication system shown in FIG. It is a flowchart figure which shows operation | movement of the communication system shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Client terminal device, 2 ... Server apparatus, 3 ... Telephone switching center, 4 ... ISP (ISP: Internet Service Provider), 5 ... Mobile phone, 6 ... Output device, 7 ... User database, 8 ... Login player database, 9 ... dispatch server device, 10 ... reference database

Claims (19)

A server device for constructing a virtual world;
A terminal device connected to the server device via a communication line and operating a character in the virtual world assigned to the player;
A login player database for storing identification information of the terminal device connected to the server device;
When the first player operates the character and requests information communication with the second player, the terminal device of the second player connects to the server device with reference to the login player database. Determining means for determining whether or not
If the terminal device of the second player is not connected to the server device, calling means for calling the registered communication destination of the second player;
Communication means that establishes a communication line between the terminal device of the first player and the communication destination in response to a communication destination called by the calling means, and performs information communication processing;
The communication means establishes a communication line between the terminal devices of the first and second players and performs information communication processing when the terminal device of the second player is connected to the server device. A featured entertainment system. A communication device connected to the server device via a communication line;
In response to a request for information communication with the character operated by the second player from the communication device, the determination means refers to the login player database so that the terminal device of the second player is the server. Determine if it is connected to the device,
When the terminal device of the second player is connected to the server device, the communication means establishes a communication line between the communication device and the terminal device of the second player, and performs information communication processing. The entertainment system according to claim 1, wherein the entertainment system is performed. The server device constructs a virtual world in which each character owns a mobile terminal device, and when the second player's terminal device is connected to the server device, the character's mobile terminal device operated by the second player The entertainment system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an image and sound from which the call is made are transmitted to the terminal device of the second player. When the communication destination does not respond, the server device receives information communication content from a communication request source, and transmits the information communication content as a voice mail to a character operated by the second player. The entertainment system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 5. When communicating voice information between the server device and the communication device, the voice information is converted into packetized digital data and information communication processing is performed. 5. The described entertainment system. A terminal device for constructing a virtual world;
A server device connected to the terminal device via a communication line;
A communication system comprising: a communication device connected to the server device via a communication line, and communicating voice information and digital information with the virtual world via the server device. The server device has a database that stores identification information of the terminal device,
The communication device transmits identification information of a terminal device that constructs a virtual world to communicate to the server device, and the server device transmits the transmitted identification information of the terminal device and the identification information stored in the database. The communication system according to claim 6, wherein a communication line is established between the communication device and the virtual world with reference to the communication system. The communication system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the virtual world transmits voice information to the communication device via the server device in accordance with a predetermined processing status. The communication according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein when voice information is communicated between the server device and the communication device, the voice information is converted into packetized digital data for communication. system. A process for determining whether or not the character exists in the virtual world in response to a communication request for the character in the virtual world;
When the character exists in the virtual world, a process of establishing a communication line between the communication request source and the terminal device of the player who operates the character to perform information communication;
When the character does not exist in the virtual world, a process of calling the communication destination registered by the player operating the character;
A communication program that causes a computer to execute a process of establishing a communication line between a communication request source and the communication destination and performing an information communication process in response to a response from a call destination communication destination. Each character in the virtual world possesses a mobile terminal device, and when the character exists in the virtual world, the terminal of the player who operates the character and the image and sound that the mobile terminal device owned by the character calls The communication program according to claim 10, which causes a computer to execute processing to be transmitted to the apparatus. 11. When the communication destination does not respond, the information communication content is received from the communication request source, and the computer is caused to execute a process of transmitting the information communication content as voice mail to the character. Item 12. The communication program according to Item 11. 13. When communicating voice information with the contact information, the voice information is converted into packetized digital data, and information communication processing is performed. 13. Communication program. With reference to the transmitted identifier of the terminal device, a process of establishing a communication line with the virtual world constructed on the terminal device corresponding to the identifier;
A communication program for causing a computer to execute processing for communicating voice information and digital information with the virtual world in which a communication line is established. The communication program according to claim 14, wherein when communicating voice information with the virtual world, the voice information is converted into packetized digital data for communication. A process for determining whether or not the character exists in the virtual world in response to a communication request for the character in the virtual world;
When the character exists in the virtual world, a process of establishing a communication line between the communication request source and the terminal device of the player who operates the character to perform information communication;
When the character does not exist in the virtual world, a process of calling the communication destination registered by the player operating the character;
Stores a communication program characterized by causing a computer to execute a process of establishing a communication line between a communication request source and the communication destination and performing an information communication process in response to a response from a call destination communication destination Computer-readable recording medium. With reference to the transmitted identifier of the terminal device, a process of establishing a communication line with the virtual world constructed on the terminal device corresponding to the identifier;
A computer-readable recording medium storing a communication program, which causes a computer to execute processing for communicating voice information and digital information with the virtual world in which a communication line is established. In response to a communication request for a character in the virtual world, determine whether the character exists in the virtual world,
When the character exists in the virtual world, information communication is established by establishing a communication line between the communication request source and the terminal device of the player who operates the character,
If the character does not exist in the virtual world, call the communication destination registered by the player operating the character,
A communication method for establishing information communication processing by establishing a communication line between a communication request source and the communication destination in response to a call destination communication destination responding. With reference to the identifier of the transmitted terminal device, establish a communication line with the virtual world constructed on the terminal device corresponding to the identifier,
A communication method for communicating voice information and digital information with the virtual world in which a communication line is established.

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