JP2007020717A - Program, information storage medium, game machine and communication game system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a program capable of appropriately setting the master unit of a communication group utilizing an Ad-hoc network, and to provide an information storage medium, a game machine and a communication game system. <P>SOLUTION: A communication part is made to transmit a master unit desire request packet for requesting participation as the master unit of the communication group to the communicable range of a present machine, and in the case that the communication part receives an answer packet transmitted from the other game machine present inside the communicable range of the present machine for the transmitted master unit desire request packet, the setting state of a master unit slot is confirmed on the basis of the received answer packet, and the present machine is set as the master unit of a free master unit slot in the case of judging that there is a free master unit slot on the basis of the confirmed result. Also, in the case that the communication part does not receive the answer packet from the other game machine for the master unit desire request packet transmitted from the present machine within prescribed time, it is judged that there is the free master unit slot and the present machine is set as the master unit of the free master unit slot. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a program, an information storage medium, a game machine, and a communication game system.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a communication game system capable of performing battle play or cooperative play by performing wireless communication between a plurality of game machines. In recent years, with the spread of portable game machines (personal digital assistants), a communication game system using an ad hoc network in which each game machine constructs a network in an autonomous and distributed manner without going through a dedicated server or a dedicated router has appeared. Yes.

  In such a communication game system, since an ad hoc network is constructed by wireless communication, there may be a game machine in which transmission information from each game machine is not transmitted depending on the communication environment. In addition, when performing game play or communication cooperation play using an ad hoc network, if game information is managed individually by each game machine, the information held by each game machine may be inconsistent. For this reason, one game machine among the game machines participating in the ad hoc network is set as a parent machine, the other game machines are set as child machines, and management information is held on the parent machine side. .

By the way, when a plurality of game machines gather to construct an ad hoc network, it is necessary to determine which game machine will be the parent machine. Conventionally, an ad hoc network construction method is known in which a wireless communication terminal that first participates in a cluster (communication group) is selected as a cluster master (master unit) (see Patent Document 1). There is also known a method of sequentially setting a plurality of game devices participating in the same communication group as a parent device (see Patent Document 2).
JP 2003-318917 A JP 2004-174091 A

  However, when determining the parent machine by such a conventional method, the player of the player who has not desired to become the parent machine although the player of the other game machine desires to become the parent machine. There is a problem that the game machine is set as the parent machine.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a program, an information storage medium, a game machine, and a communication game system that can appropriately set a parent device of a communication group using an ad hoc network. There is to do.

  (1) The present invention is a game machine capable of wireless communication with other game machines, and a communication unit that transmits and receives packets to and from other game machines by wireless communication, and participation as a parent machine of a communication group A communication control unit for transmitting a request for master device request packet to the communication unit to the communicable range of the own device, and within the communicable range of the own device for the transmitted master request packet When the communication unit receives a response packet transmitted from another game machine, the master unit confirms the setting state of the master unit slot based on the received response packet, and there is an empty master unit slot based on the confirmation result. Is determined to be related to a game machine including a parent machine setting unit that sets the own machine as a parent machine of an empty parent machine slot. The present invention also relates to a program that causes a game machine to function as each of the above-described units. The present invention also relates to an information storage medium that can be read by a game machine, and stores (records) a program that causes the game machine to function as each of the above-described units.

  “Own machine” is a game machine owned by a player. The “parent machine” is a game machine that hosts a game for performing battle play or cooperative play with another game machine using wireless communication. The “parent device” is a game device that manages the child devices (game devices) that participate in (belong to) the same communication group. That is, the “child device” is a game device that participates (belongs to) the same communication group as the parent device. A communication group can be created by a game machine set as a parent machine in principle.

  According to the present invention, the setting state of the master unit slot is confirmed based on the response packet to the master unit request packet, and when it is determined that there is an empty master unit slot, Since it is set as a machine, it is possible to avoid a situation where a game machine of a player who did not want to become a parent machine is set as a parent machine, and the parent of a communication group using an ad hoc network can be avoided. The machine can be set appropriately.

  (2) In the game machine, program, and information storage medium of the present invention, the parent machine setting unit sends a response packet from another game machine to the parent machine request packet transmitted from the own machine within a predetermined time. If the communication unit does not receive the information, it may be determined that there is an empty parent device slot and the own device may be set as the parent device of the empty parent device slot. In wireless communication, response packets from other game machines may not be received depending on the communication environment. If there is no other game machine within the communicable range of the own machine, the reply packet will be returned no matter how long it waits. There is a case that does not come. Therefore, if the communication unit does not receive a reply packet within a predetermined time, it is determined that there is an empty base unit slot, and the reply packet cannot be received. It is possible to avoid a situation in which a state where it is not possible to determine whether or not it is good lasts for a long time.

(3) In the game machine, the program, and the information storage medium of the present invention, the communication control unit includes:
After the own device is set as the parent device of the communication group, a status confirmation packet including the slot information of the parent device slot in which the own device is set and the identification information of the own device is set within the communicable range of the own device. When the communication unit receives a state confirmation packet transmitted from another parent device, the base unit setting unit is specified based on the identification information included in the received state confirmation packet. When it is determined that another game machine is set as the parent machine for the same parent machine slot based on the comparison result between the slot information of the other parent machine and the slot information of the own machine Alternatively, a parent device setting release process for releasing the parent device setting of the own device may be performed. In wireless communication, the reception of response packets is delayed due to poor communication, and multiple game machines are set as parent machines in the same parent machine slot or when multiple parent machines set in the same parent machine slot approach each other. There may be situations where slots compete. If such a situation is left unattended, there is an inconvenience that the slave unit participating in each communication group cannot correctly recognize which parent unit's communication group. Therefore, if it is determined that another game machine is set as the parent machine for the same parent machine slot, the child machine is set to the own machine by canceling the parent machine setting of the own machine. It is possible to avoid the inconvenience of misrecognizing the communication group in which the user participates.

(4) In the game machine, the program, and the information storage medium of the present invention, the communication control unit includes:
After the game using wireless communication is started in the communication group including the own device, at least the parent device request packet is transmitted / received to / from the communication unit by a broadcast method between the own device and the other device. You may make it make the said communication part transmit / receive a game information packet between the other apparatuses which participate in a group by a unicast system or a multicast system. In this way, after the game is started, packet communication is performed by a unicast method or a multicast method in which a game machine to be communicated is specified between game machines in a communication group, so that a game is played between a plurality of communication groups A situation in which interference of information packets occurs can be avoided.

  (5) In addition, the game machine of the present invention includes a display control unit that causes a display unit to display a selection menu for selecting whether to participate in the communication group as a parent device or a child device, and the communication control unit includes: The master unit request packet may be transmitted to the communicable range of the host device on the condition that a selection input for participating as a master device has been performed. In the program and information storage medium of the present invention, a game machine may function as the display control unit and the communication control unit. In this way, when the player joins his / her own device as the parent device, it is only necessary to make a selection input for participating as the parent device through the selection menu, and therefore the input interface environment of the player can be improved.

  (6) The present invention is also a game machine capable of wireless communication with another game machine, wherein a communication unit that transmits and receives packets to and from another game machine by wireless communication, and the own machine is a parent of a communication group. Communication control that transmits a status confirmation packet including slot information of the master unit slot in which the device is set and identification information of the device to the communication unit within the communicable range of the device after being set as the device And when the communication unit receives a status confirmation packet transmitted from another base unit, the slot information of the other base unit specified based on the identification information included in the received status confirmation packet and the own unit Compare with slot information, and if it is determined that another game machine is set as the parent machine for the same parent machine slot based on the comparison result, cancel the parent machine setting Base unit that performs the base unit setting release process Related to the game machine, which includes a tough, a. The present invention also relates to a program that causes a game machine to function as each of the above-described units. The present invention also relates to an information storage medium that can be read by a game machine, and stores (records) a program that causes the game machine to function as each of the above-described units.

  According to the present invention, when it is determined that another game machine is set as the parent machine with respect to the same parent machine slot, by canceling the parent machine setting of the own machine, It is possible to avoid the inconvenience that the machine erroneously recognizes the communication group in which the machine participates.

  (7) In the game machine, program, and information storage medium of the present invention, when the parent machine setting unit determines that another game machine is set as the parent machine for the same parent machine slot. The priority order between the own device and the other parent device is determined, and when it is determined that the priority order is lower than the other parent device based on the determination result, the parent device setting cancellation process is performed. Good. In this way, when the priority order is higher than other parent devices, the parent device setting is not canceled, so that a game using wireless communication can be continued.

(8) In the game machine, the program, and the information storage medium of the present invention, the parent device setting unit includes:
The priority order may be determined by comparing the identification information of the own device with the identification information of another parent device included in the received status confirmation packet. For example, the priority order may be determined based on the size of the identification number, the size of the end of the identification number, or whether the end of the identification number is an even number or an odd number.

  (9) In the game machine, the program, and the information storage medium of the present invention, the state confirmation packet includes time information associated with the parent device setting of the own device, and the parent device setting unit includes the time information of the own device. And the priority order may be determined by comparing the time information of the other base unit included in the received status confirmation packet. For example, the time when the request for participation as a parent machine is requested to other game machines, the time set as the parent machine, etc. is managed as time information, and the game machine or the destination that requested the participation to the communication group first. Alternatively, it may be determined that the priority of the game machine that forms the communication group as the parent machine is high.

(10) Further, the present invention is a communication game system that performs wireless communication between a plurality of game machines, wherein each game machine transmits and receives packets to and from other game machines by wireless communication; A communication control unit that causes the communication unit to transmit a parent device request packet for requesting participation as a parent device of the communication group to the communication range of the own device, and for the transmitted parent device request packet When the communication unit receives a response packet transmitted from another game machine existing within the communicable range of the own device, the setting state of the master unit slot is confirmed based on the received response packet, and the confirmation A parent device setting unit that sets the own device as a parent device of the empty parent device slot when it is determined that there is an empty parent device slot based on the result, and any game of the game machines The machine is the parent machine In after being set by the communication control unit of the master unit,
Within the communicable range of the own device, a state confirmation packet including slot information of the parent device slot in which the own device is set and identification information of the own device is transmitted to the communication unit, and the parent device setting of the parent device Part is
When the communication unit receives a status confirmation packet transmitted from another parent device, the slot information of the other parent device specified based on the identification information included in the received state confirmation packet and the slot information of the own device And, based on the comparison result, if it is determined that another game machine is set as the parent machine for the same parent machine slot, The present invention relates to a communication game system that performs setting cancellation processing.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the situation where the game machine of the player who did not wish to become a parent machine is set as a parent machine can be avoided, and the parent machine of the communication group using an ad hoc network can be appropriately selected. In addition, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that the slave unit erroneously recognizes the communication group in which the slave unit participates.

  Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described. In addition, this embodiment demonstrated below does not unduly limit the content of this invention described in the claim. In addition, all the configurations described in the present embodiment are not necessarily essential configuration requirements of the present invention.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are diagrams showing a system configuration of the communication game system of the present embodiment.

  In the communication game system of the present embodiment, wireless communication is performed between the plurality of game machines GT1 to GT3, and the owner of each game machine GT1 to GT3 can perform a battle play or a cooperative play.

  As an aspect of wireless communication, as shown in FIG. 1, each game machine GT1 to GT3 constructs a network in an autonomous and distributed manner, and directly transmits and receives packets including game information and the like, and FIG. As shown, there is an infrastructure mode in which each game machine GT1 to GT3 indirectly transmits and receives a packet including game information and the like via the access point ACSP. In the infrastructure mode, the Internet Inet (public communication network) can be accessed through the access point ACSP. The game machines GT1 to GT3 can transmit and receive packets including game information or firmware update information to and from the game server GS connected to the Internet Inet via the access point ACSP.

  In the ad hoc mode shown in FIG. 1, a communication group (cluster) for performing a communication battle play and a communication cooperative play is formed as follows.

  First, when a player who desires communication play with another game machine sets his own machine (game machine owned by the player) to the communication mode, as shown in FIG. 3A, the lobby basic service set (L-IBSS) is set. ).

  A basic service set (BSS) is a unit of a communication group of each game machine. Each game machine can be connected to an arbitrary basic service set, but wireless communication can be performed only between game machines connected to the same basic service set.

  In addition, a service set ID (SSID; Service Set ID) for identifying each basic service set is assigned to the basic service set, and each game machine connects to the network by specifying the service set ID. The basic service set may be different for each game application. In this case, a different service set ID is assigned for each game application.

  The lobby basic service set L-IBSS (first basic service set in a broad sense) is a basic service set in which a game machine first participates when a communication mode is started in a game application. This is a communication group that conducts play / cooperation negotiation (matching). As described above, a unique service set ID is also assigned to the lobby basic service set L-IBSS.

  When matching is completed between the game machines participating in the lobby basic service set L-IBSS and the battle play or the cooperative play is started, as shown in FIG. 3B, wireless communication is used. Thus, the game machines GT1 to GT4 constituting the communication group performing the battle play and the cooperative play belong to a basic service set different from the lobby basic service set L-IBSS. This basic service set is a game basic service set G-IBSS (second basic service set in a broad sense). The game basic service set G-IBSS is a basic service set for use by a group of game machines GT1 to GT4 that have agreed to match play or cooperative play by matching in the lobby basic service set L-IBSS. This is a basic service set independent of the service set L-IBSS. In the game basic service set G-IBSS, the game machines GT1 to GT4 in the group can individually perform wireless communication. As described above, the game basic service set G-IBSS is also given a unique service set ID. In the communication game system according to the present embodiment, after matching is completed and a member belonging to the game basic service set G-IBSS is determined, a packet in which the parent device of the game basic service set G-IBSS declares the start of the game Is transmitted to the child device, and each game machine shifts from communication in the lobby basic service set L-IBSS to communication in the game basic service set G-IBSS when the battle play or the cooperative play starts.

  As described above, in the communication game system according to the present embodiment, the lobby basic service set L-IBSS as a place for negotiation for forming a communication group and the battle play and the cooperative play using wireless communication in the group are actually performed. Since the game basic service set G-IBSS for this purpose is an independent basic service set, deterioration of the communication environment due to irrelevant traffic is prevented.

  FIG. 4 is an external view of a game machine constituting the communication game system of the present embodiment.

  The game machine GT of this embodiment includes input interfaces such as a display 12 (liquid crystal display, etc.), direction keys 14, operation buttons 16, auxiliary operation buttons 17R and 17L, a select button 18, a start button 20, and an analog stick 40. Yes. Further, the game machine GT may be provided with a sound input device (microphone) for the player to input sound (voice input) as an input interface.

  Various images (game images, display objects) are displayed on the display 12 (display unit). That is, a player character (moving object in a broad sense) operated by the player, an object (for example, a block, a moving object or a target object in a broad sense), and an image such as a background are displayed. In addition, an image notifying various game situation information such as points, points, and status is displayed.

  The player plays the game by operating the direction keys 14 and the operation buttons 16 with the left hand and the right hand while watching the game image displayed on the display 12. When the display 12 has a touch panel function, the player can input by touching the display 12. When the display 12 has a touch panel function, the player may input by touching the display 12 with his / her hand or by touching the display 12 with the tip of a stylus (input pen). May be.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the game machine GT according to the present embodiment includes a wireless communication switch 50 on the side. In the game machine GT of the present embodiment, when the wireless communication switch 50 is turned on, a communication mode in which wireless communication with other game machines is possible is set. As a wireless communication system, various systems such as a wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), and infrared (IrDA) can be considered. In particular, the game machine GT of the present embodiment has a wireless LAN function conforming to the IEEE802.11 protocol, and can perform wireless LAN communication in the above-described ad hoc mode or infrastructure mode when the wireless communication switch 50 is on. it can.

  Further, the game machine GT of the present embodiment is provided with a memory card slot 60 (portable information storage medium slot) on the side. By inserting a memory card into the memory card slot 60, it is possible to save game save data or the like in the memory card, or to read the save data or the like and use it in a game application.

  Note that although FIG. 2 shows the case where the present invention is applied to a portable game machine, the present invention is not limited to an arcade game machine (a device that can play a game by paying a price) or other than a portable game machine. It can also be applied to home game machines.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the game machine (image generation system) of the present embodiment. Note that the game machine of this embodiment does not have to include all the components (each unit) in FIG. 5, and may have a configuration in which some of them are omitted.

  The input interface 160 is for inputting operations performed by the player as data, and the function can be realized by hardware such as a controller, operation buttons, operation lever, touch panel, or microphone (sound input device). The storage unit 170 serves as a work area such as the processing unit 100 or the communication unit 196, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a RAM.

  The information storage medium 180 (a computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, and the like, and functions as an optical disk (CD, DVD, etc.), a magneto-optical disk (MO), a magnetic disk, a hard disk, and a magnetic disk. It can be realized by hardware such as a tape or a memory (ROM). The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present embodiment based on a program (data) stored in the information storage medium 180, data read from the portable information storage medium 194, and the like. That is, the information storage medium 180 stores a program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment (a program for causing a computer to execute processing of each unit). The portable information storage medium 194 stores auxiliary data (additional data) for a program for causing the computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment, such as personal data of the player and save data of the game. The portable information storage medium 194 may be a memory card, a magnetic card, an IC card, a card printed with a barcode, or the like. Further, as an alternative to the portable information storage medium 194, a memory of a portable information terminal such as a portable game machine or a cellular phone may be used.

  The display unit 190 outputs an image generated according to the present embodiment, and functions thereof are a CRT display, an LCD (liquid crystal display), an OELD (organic EL display), a PDP (plasma display panel), and a touch panel display. Alternatively, it can be realized by hardware such as an HMD (head mounted display). The sound output unit 192 outputs the sound generated by the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a speaker or headphones.

  The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (for example, a host device or another game machine), and functions thereof include hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, It can be realized by a program.

  In particular, in the game machine GT of this embodiment, the communication unit 196 has a wireless LAN function. The wireless LAN function built in the game machine GT conforms to the IEEE 802.11 standard (for example, IEEE 802.11b), and can perform packet communication (data communication) by a broadcast method, a unicast method, or a multicast method.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the broadcast method refers to data (including data) toward an unspecified number of opponents (nodes) existing within the communicable range NA1 of the own device (game machine GT1). Packet). In this method, data is transmitted by designating a special network address that means the entire communicable range NA of the own machine (game machine GT1). In the example shown in FIG. 6A, the game machines GT2 and GT3 can receive the same data (packets including data) transmitted from the game machine GT1 by the broadcast method.

  The unicast method is a communication method in which a single network address is designated and data (a packet including data) is transmitted to a specific partner (node) within the communicable range of the own device. The multicast method is a communication method for transmitting the same data (packets including data) by designating network addresses of a plurality of counterparts (nodes) within the communicable range of the own device. In the example shown in FIG. 6B, the game machine GT1 transmits data (packets including data) to the game machines GT2 and GT3 existing within the communicable range NA1 of the own machine (game machine GT1) by a multicast method. The game machines GT2 and GT3 transmit data (packets including data) to the game machine GT1 by the unicast method in which only the game machines GT1 existing in the communicable ranges NA2 and NA3 are specified. become.

  Note that a program (data) for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment is transferred from the information storage medium of the host device (game server) to the information storage medium 180 (or storage unit 170) via the network and communication unit 196. You may make it deliver. Use of the information storage medium of such a host device (game server) can also be included in the scope of the present invention.

  The processing unit 100 (processor) performs various processing such as game calculation processing, communication processing, image generation processing, or sound generation processing based on input data from the input interface 160, a program, and the like. The processing unit 100 performs various processes using the storage unit 170 as a work area. The function of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), and a program (game program).

  The processing unit 100 includes a game calculation unit 110, a communication control unit 112, a parent device setting unit 114, an image generation unit 120, and a sound generation unit 130. Note that some of these may be omitted.

  The game calculation unit 110 performs a process for starting a game when a game start condition is satisfied, a process for advancing the game, a process for placing a display object (object) such as a character, a process for displaying a display object, and a game result. A process for calculating or a process for ending the game when the game end condition is satisfied is performed as the game calculation process.

  The game calculation unit 110 calculates the position / motion of the player character in the game space based on input information from the input interface 160 and the display unit 190, a program, and the like, and a game in which the player character moves / moves in the game space. Perform the operation. For example, display control processing, movement / motion processing, game information reception processing, game information transmission processing, and the like are performed.

  As the display control process, display control of an image (object) displayed on the display unit 190 can be performed. Specifically, an object to be displayed (character, target, car, ball, item, building, tree, pillar, wall, map) is generated, the display or display position of the object is indicated, or the object is deleted. Display control. That is, display control is performed such as registering a generated object in the object list, transferring the object list to the image generation unit 120 or the like, and deleting the disappeared object from the object list.

  In addition, as the display control process, when a movement or movement of a player character or object occurs according to input information of the player or the like, control for displaying an image of the generated movement or movement on the display unit 190 is performed.

  As the movement / motion processing, processing for moving an object (two-dimensional or three-dimensional object) in a game field (game space, two-dimensional or three-dimensional object space) can be performed. That is, processing for moving an object is performed based on input data input by the player from the input interface 160, a program (movement algorithm), various data (object list), and the like. More specifically, a process of sequentially obtaining object movement information (position, rotation angle, speed, or acceleration) every frame (1/60 second) is performed. Further, as movement / motion processing, processing for moving an object can also be performed. That is, a process for moving an object (motion, animation) is performed based on input data input by the player using the input interface 160, a program (motion algorithm), various data (motion data, animation data), and the like. More specifically, processing for sequentially obtaining object motion information (position, rotation angle, or shape of each part object) every frame (1/60 second) is performed. Note that a frame is a unit of time for performing object movement control processing, motion control processing, and image generation processing.

  In particular, in the game machine GT of the present embodiment, when the game calculation unit 110 performs display control processing (when functioning as a display control unit), it is selected whether to participate in a communication group as a parent machine or a child machine. The display menu 190 is displayed on the display unit 190. Further, when the game machine GT is set as the parent machine, a process for displaying the participation status of the child machine on the display unit 190 is performed. Further, when the game machine GT joins a communication group as a child machine, a process for causing the display unit 190 to display a group selection menu for allowing the player to select which of a plurality of possible communication groups to participate in is performed. On the screen of the group selection menu, whether or not to participate in each communication group, information on a parent device and a child device configuring each communication group, and the like are displayed.

  The communication control unit 112 generates a packet to be transmitted to another game machine, processes to specify a network address of a game machine that is a packet transmission destination, a process to save the received packet in the storage unit 170, and analyzes the received packet And the control processing of the communication unit 196 related to other packet transmission / reception.

  In the game machine GT according to the present embodiment, the communication control unit 112 can communicate with itself as a parent machine request packet (first packet in a broad sense) for requesting participation as a parent machine of the communication group. Processing for causing the communication unit 196 to transmit the range is performed. Specifically, on the condition that the selection input indicating that the player participates as a parent device via the input interface 160 is performed by the player, the parent device request packet is sent to the communication unit 196 with respect to the communication range of the own device. Send it. When the communication request 196 is received by the communication unit 196, a response packet (second packet in a broad sense) is transmitted to the communication unit 196. In the present embodiment, a game machine that has already been set as a parent machine can transmit a response packet to the parent machine request packet. The response packet includes information on the setting state of the parent device. Specifically, information indicating which game machine is set as the parent machine in which parent machine slot is included in the response packet. When the slave unit receives the master unit request packet, a reply packet may be transmitted. Further, the response packet may be transmitted by a unicast method to the game machine that has transmitted the parent device request packet, or may be transmitted by a broadcast method without specifying a partner when the parent device request packet is received.

  Further, after the own device is set as the parent device of the communication group, the communication control unit 112 determines the slot information of the parent device slot in which the own device is set and the own device's communication within the communicable range of the own device. A state confirmation packet (third packet in a broad sense) including identification information is transmitted to the communication unit 196. The slot information is time slot information for packet transmission / reception assigned to each game machine. A slot identification number is assigned to the time slot, and the status confirmation packet can include the slot identification number as slot information. The status confirmation packet is unique information given to each game machine owned by the player as identification information of the own machine, and can include a network address, a user ID, a serial number, and the like.

  In addition, the communication control unit 112 causes the communication unit 196 to transmit / receive at least the parent device request packet by the broadcast method between the own device and the other device, and a game using wireless communication is started within the communication group including the own device. After that, a process of causing the communication unit 196 to transmit / receive game information packets to / from other devices participating in the communication group by a unicast method or a multicast method is performed.

  The base unit setting unit 114 receives a reply packet transmitted from another game device existing within the communicable range of the base unit in response to the base unit request request packet transmitted from the base unit communication unit 196. In this case, the setting state of the master unit slot is confirmed based on the received reply packet, and if it is determined that there is an empty master unit slot based on the confirmation result, Perform processing to set as a machine.

  If the communication unit 196 does not receive a response packet from another game device in response to the parent device request packet transmitted from the communication unit 196 of the own device within a predetermined time, It is determined that there is a parent machine slot, and a process for setting the own machine as a parent machine of an empty parent machine slot is performed.

  In addition, when the communication unit 196 receives a state confirmation packet transmitted from another parent device, the parent device setting unit 114 is a slot of another parent device specified based on the identification information included in the received state confirmation packet. If the information is compared with the slot information of the own machine, and if it is determined that another game machine is set as the parent machine for the same parent machine slot based on the comparison result, Performs base unit setting release processing for canceling the base unit setting.

  In addition, when it is determined that another game machine is set as the parent machine for the same parent machine slot, the parent machine setting unit 114 determines the priority order between the own machine and the other parent machine, If it is determined that the priority order is lower than that of the other base unit based on the determination result, the base unit setting canceling process is performed.

  Specifically, the priority can be determined by comparing the identification information of the own device with the identification information of another parent device included in the received status confirmation packet. When the identification information is a number, the priority order can be determined based on the size of the number, whether the beginning or end of the number is an odd number or an even number, and the like. When the status confirmation packet includes time information associated with the parent device setting of the own device, the time information of the own device is compared with the time information of the other parent device included in the received state confirmation packet. The priority order is determined. The time information associated with the parent device setting of the own device includes, for example, the time when the parent device request packet is transmitted, the time set as the parent device, and the like. In this case, the priority order can be determined according to the order of early or late time. The priority order may be determined by a game history of the player, a lottery using a random number, or the like.

  The image generation unit 120 performs drawing processing based on the results of various processes (game processing) performed by the processing unit 100, thereby generating an image and outputting the image to the display unit 190. In this case, the image generated by the image generation unit 120 may be a so-called two-dimensional image or a three-dimensional image. When a three-dimensional image is generated, first, geometric processing such as coordinate transformation (world coordinate transformation, camera coordinate transformation), clipping processing, or perspective transformation is performed. Based on the processing result, drawing data (primitive The position coordinates of the vertices of the surface, texture coordinates, color data, normal vectors or α values) are created. Then, based on the drawing data (primitive surface data), the image information can be stored in the drawing buffer (frame buffer or intermediate buffer) for each object (one or a plurality of primitive surfaces) after perspective transformation (after geometry processing). Draw in the buffer (VRAM). As a result, an image that can be seen from the virtual camera (given viewpoint) in the object space is generated.

  The sound generation unit 130 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100, generates game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, or sounds, and outputs the game sounds to the sound output unit 192.

  Note that the game system according to the present embodiment may be a system dedicated to the single player mode in which only one player can play, and not only such a single player mode but also a multiplayer mode in which a plurality of players can play. A system may be provided. Further, when a plurality of players play, game images and game sounds to be provided to the plurality of players may be generated using one terminal, or connected via a network (transmission line, communication line) or the like. Alternatively, it may be generated using a plurality of terminals (game machine, mobile phone).

2. 2. Method of this embodiment 2.1 Master device setting method In this embodiment, a game machine that intends to participate in a communication group as a parent device broadcasts a parent device request packet and is transmitted from another game device. A method is adopted in which the availability of the parent device is determined by checking the empty state of the parent device slot based on the response packet to the parent device request packet.

  FIG. 7 schematically shows a time slot state diagram for a communication group formed by each game machine in the communication game system of the present embodiment.

  In the communication game system of the present embodiment, two communication groups G-IBSS1 and G-IBSS2 can coexist in the game application, and game machines that can participate in each communication group G-IBSS1 and G-IBSS2 are parent machines. There are 4 units including the machine and the slave unit. That is, one parent device and three child devices can participate in each communication group G-IBSS1 and G-IBSS2.

  As shown in FIG. 7, each of the communication groups G-IBSS1 and G-IBSS2 is assigned one parent device slot PS1 and PS2, and each parent device slot PS1 and PS2 has a slot identification number. “P001” and “P002” are assigned as (slot information). Further, each of the communication groups G-IBSS1 and G-IBSS2 is assigned with three slave unit slots CS1 and CS2, and has slot identification numbers “C101”, “C102”, “C103”, “C201”. , “C202”, “C203”. Game machines participating in the communication groups G-IBSS1 and G-IBSS2 can perform wireless packet communication using time slots corresponding to these parent device slots or child device slots.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 8, when the game machine GT1 intends to join the communication group as a parent machine, the parent machine request packet PRP is transmitted to the entire communicable range NA1 of the own machine by the broadcast method. That is, an inquiry is made as to whether or not the own device can be set as the parent device.

  At this time, assuming that the game machine GT2 within the communicable range NA1 of the game machine GT1 is the parent machine, the game machine GT2 is conditioned on receiving the parent machine request packet PRP from the game machine GT1. A reply packet AP is transmitted to GT1 by the unicast method. Note that the reply packet AP may be transmitted by the broadcast method to the entire communicable range NA2 of the game machine GT2. In the example shown in FIG. 8, in the reply packet AP transmitted from the game machine GT2, which is the parent machine, information notifying that the game machine GT2 is already set as the parent machine and which parent machine the game machine GT2 is set to. Information indicating whether the slot is set.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 9A, when the game machine GT1 receives the response packet AP from the game machine GT2 with respect to the parent machine request packet PRP transmitted from the own machine, the received response packet AP is analyzed, and the parent machine request request packet PRP is analyzed. Check the setting status of the machine, in other words, the availability of the master slot. In this case, since it can be determined that there is an empty parent machine slot for one game machine, GT1 sets itself as a parent machine in a parent machine slot different from the parent machine slot in which game machine GT2 is set. Perform the process.

  In addition, since the communication game system of the present embodiment uses a wireless LAN, the response packet AP may not reach from the game machine GT2 due to poor communication or the like. At this time, the game machine GT1 counts a predetermined time, and if the response packet AP cannot be received until the predetermined time elapses, the game machine GT1 determines that there are two empty parent machine slots and determines its own machine. Is set as the parent device of one of the empty parent device slots. By doing so, it is possible to avoid a situation in which a state in which it is not possible to determine whether or not to set as a parent device continues for a long time due to the inability to receive the reply packet AP.

  Next, in the example shown in FIG. 10, there is a game machine GT2 that is another parent machine in the communication range NA1 of the game machine GT1 that wants to participate as the parent machine, and the communication range NA2 of the game machine GT2. The game machine GT7, which is another parent machine, exists outside the communicable range NA1 of the game machine GT1.

  Here, the game machines GT2 and GT7, which are the parent machines, transmit status confirmation packets SCP2 and SCP7 to the communicable ranges NA2 and NA7 of their own machines by the broadcast method, respectively. The status confirmation packet includes identification information (for example, serial number, network address, etc.) of the own device and slot information (for example, slot identification number “P001” or “P002”) of the parent device slot in which the own device is set. It is a packet that contains. That is, the game machine GT2 receives the state confirmation packet SPC7 transmitted from the game machine GT7 and analyzes the contents of the packet, thereby determining which parent machine the game machine GT7 existing in the communicable range NA2 of its own machine is. You can check if the slot is set. Further, the game machine GT7 receives the state confirmation packet SPC2 transmitted from the game machine GT2 and analyzes the contents of the packet, whereby the game machine GT2 existing in the communicable range NA7 of the game machine GT7 becomes the parent machine. You can check if the slot is set. As described above, according to the method of the present embodiment, the parent devices can confirm each other's setting state of the parent device slot through the state confirmation packet.

  In the example shown in FIG. 10, when the game machine GT2 receives the parent machine request packet PRP transmitted from the game machine GT1, the slot information of the parent machine slot of the own machine (game machine GT2) and the state confirmation packet The slot information of the parent machine slot of the game machine GT7 acquired by the reception of the SPC 7 is included in the response packet AP and transmitted to the game machine GT1.

  Then, the game machine GT1 that has received the response packet AP from the game machine GT2 can grasp that two parent machine slots have already been set by analyzing the received response packet AP. 11, it can be determined that the own machine (game machine GT1) cannot be set as the parent machine.

  As described above, according to the setting method of the parent device of the present embodiment, the setting state of the parent device slots PS1 and PS2 is confirmed based on the reply packet AP to the parent device request packet PRP, and there is an empty parent device slot. If it is determined, the game machine of the player who did not wish to become the parent machine is set as the parent machine because the own machine is set as the parent machine of the empty parent machine slot. This can be avoided, and the parent device of the communication group using the ad hoc network can be set appropriately.

2.2 Master Unit Setting Cancellation Method The communication game system according to the present embodiment employs a configuration in which battle play or cooperative play is performed using wireless communication. There is a possibility that a race condition occurs in which the parent device is set in the same parent device slot.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 12A, the game machine GT1 wishes to participate as a parent machine and transmits a parent machine request packet PRP to the entire communicable range NA1. If the parent machine request request packet PRP transmitted by the game machine GT1 does not reach the existing game machine GT2 that is already set as the parent machine in the parent machine slot PS1 due to communication failure or the like, the game machine GT1 enters the parent machine slot PS1. When set as a parent device, a race condition occurs for the parent device slot PS1.

  Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 12B, a parent machine request packet PRP from a game machine GT1 that wishes to participate as a parent machine is sent to a parent machine slot PS1 that exists within the communicable range NA1 of the game machine GT1. Although it arrived at the set game machine GT2, it is erroneously determined that the reply packet AP from the game machine GT2 does not reach the game machine GT1 within a predetermined time due to poor communication or the like, and the parent machine slot PS1 is empty. If the game machine GT1 is set as the parent machine in the parent machine slot PS1, a race condition occurs for the parent machine slot PS1.

  Even if there is no problem during the setting process of the master unit, there is a case where a race condition of the master unit slot occurs later.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 13 (A), when the game machine GT1 and the game machine GT2 do not exist within the mutual communicable ranges NA1 and NA2, and both are normally set in the parent machine slot PS1, As shown in FIG. 13B, when the game machine GT1 moves into the communicable range NA2 of the game machine GT2, the game machines GT1 and GT2 exist in the communicable ranges NA1 and NA2. In such a case, a race condition occurs for the parent machine slot PS1.

  Thus, when a race condition of the master unit slot occurs, the slave unit cannot be correctly recognized by the master unit of the communication group in which the slave unit participates, resulting in an adverse effect such as packet interference.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when it is determined that another game machine is set as a parent machine for the same parent machine slot, a parent machine setting release process for releasing the parent machine setting of the own machine is performed. Adopt a method.

  Specifically, after the own device is set as the parent device of the communication group, the slot information of the parent device slot in which the own device is set and the identification information of the own device are set within the communicable range of the own device. A status confirmation packet including the broadcast is transmitted. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the game machines GT1 to GT3 set as the parent machines broadcast the status confirmation packets SCP1 to SCP3 to their communicable ranges NA1 to NA3, respectively.

  When the status confirmation packet is received, the slot information of the other parent device specified based on the identification information included in the received status confirmation packet is compared with the slot information of the own device. Based on the comparison result, it is determined whether or not the setting of the parent device of the own device should be cancelled.

  According to FIG. 14, the game machine GT1 receives the state confirmation packet SCP2 transmitted from the game machine GT2 existing in the communicable range NA1 of the game machine GT1. The game machine GT2 receives the state confirmation packet SCP1 transmitted from the game machine GT1 existing within the communicable range NA2 of the own machine and the state confirmation packet SCP3 transmitted from the game machine GT3. The game machine GT3 receives the state confirmation packet SCP2 transmitted from the game machine GT2 existing within the communicable range NA3 of the game machine GT3.

  Then, the game machines GT1 to GT3 analyze the received state confirmation packet to determine whether or not the parent machine slot of the transmission source parent machine competes (overlaps) with the parent machine slot of the own machine. According to FIG. 15A, since game machine GT1 and game machine GT2 are both set to the same parent machine slot PS1, it is determined that slot contention has occurred. The game machine GT3 determines that there is no slot contention with the game machine GT2. In the case shown in FIG. 15A, the game machines GT1 and GT2 that have been determined that the parent machine setting is duplicated in the same parent machine slot PS1 cancels the parent machine setting to the parent machine slot PS1. In this case, the communication group having the game machine GT1 as the parent machine and the communication group having the game machine GT3 as the parent machine are dissolved. However, according to this method, an abnormal situation in which a child device participating in each communication group cannot correctly recognize which of the game devices GT1 and GT2 is the parent device of the communication group in which the own device participates. It can be avoided.

  On the other hand, with the method shown in FIG. 15A, all communication groups of the master unit in which the slot contention has occurred are dissolved, and many players are affected. For this reason, if any parent device cancels the setting when slot contention occurs, the number of players affected by the cancellation of the parent device setting can be reduced.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15B, when the competitive state of the parent machine slot PS1 is confirmed between the game machines GT1 and GT2, the priority order between the game machines GT1 and GT2 is compared, and only the lower game machines are compared. A method of canceling the setting of the master unit can be considered. In the example shown in FIG. 15B, it is determined that the game machine GT1 has a lower priority than the game machine GT2, and the game machine GT1 cancels the parent machine setting for the parent machine slot PS1. Yes.

  Various methods can be considered as a method for determining the priority order between game machines. For example, the timing of requesting participation as the parent device of the communication group is in order of early or late, the timing set as the parent device of the communication group is in the order of early or late, the game machine's serial number, etc. Prioritize the game consoles in descending order of identification numbers in order of increasing or decreasing numbers, whether the end of the identification number unique to the game console is even or odd, or using random numbers. Each game machine can determine whether or not the setting should be canceled.

2.3 Display Control Method FIGS. 16A to 16E show examples of display screens when participating in a communication group as a parent device.

  In the display control method of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16A, a selection menu including icons 201 and 202 for causing a player to select whether to participate in a communication group as a parent device or a child device is displayed. To do. An icon 201 is an icon for selecting participation in a communication group as a parent device. An icon 202 is an icon for selecting participation in a communication group as a slave unit. The player can select the icons 201 and 202 by performing an input for moving the selection mark 210 up and down. Then, when the player puts the selection mark 210 on the icon 201 and makes a decision input, a base unit setting process is performed by broadcasting a base unit request request packet and inquiring whether or not the base unit can be set. If it can be set as a machine, the screen of FIG. 16B is displayed.

  In the screen shown in FIG. 16B, a communication group participation member list 220 including a message display for waiting for the participation of the slave unit is displayed. In the case shown in FIG. 16B, since the child device has not yet participated, only the user name “Oh ah” of the own device is displayed as a participating member. Then, when the child device joins the communication group of the own device, as shown in FIG. 16C, the display content of the participating member list 220 is updated, and the user name “good” of the newly participating child device is updated. Is displayed. The child machines are accepted until the capacity of the communication group is reached, and when the total number of the parent machines and the child machines reaches the capacity, as shown in FIG. A name is displayed, and a message is displayed to notify that the number of participants in the communication group has reached the capacity.

  In addition, even though the player desires to participate as a parent machine and selects the icon 201 in the selection menu shown in FIG. If it cannot be set, a message display 230 for notifying that there is no empty master unit slot is displayed on the selection menu screen as shown in FIG.

  In the display control method according to the present embodiment, since the base unit setting process including the process of broadcasting the base unit request packet is started only by selecting and selecting an icon from the selection menu, the player input is started. The interface environment can be improved.

  FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B show examples of display screens when joining a communication group as a parent device.

  As shown in FIG. 17A, in the selection menu, when the player puts the selection mark 210 on the icon 202 and makes a decision input, the parent device is searched. That is, when the status confirmation packet is received by trying to acquire the status confirmation packet that the base unit is broadcasting, the screen shown in FIG. 17B is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 17B, when the status confirmation packet is received, the participating group lists 241 and 242 of the communication group corresponding to the communication group are displayed based on the received status confirmation packet. The player moves the selection mark 250 to the left and right, matches the selection mark 250 to the participating member list 242 of the communication group that desires to participate, and completes the participation as a slave unit. In the example shown in FIG. 17B, since the communication group corresponding to the participating member list 241 has reached the number of participating members, a message display notifying that the communication group cannot participate. Is made.

  In the display control method of the present embodiment, the participation member list for displaying the participating members is displayed on the display of the game machine that desires to participate as a child device as well as whether or not to participate in the communication group. It becomes possible to join any communication group that exists within the communication range of the machine.

3. Process of this embodiment Next, a detailed example of the process of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the parent device setting process.

  First, when a selection request for parent device is input from the player (Y in step S10), a parent device request packet is transmitted to the communicable range of the own device by a broadcast method (step S11). Waiting for reception of a response packet to the request packet (steps S12 and S16).

  When a reply packet is received (Y in step S12), the received reply packet is analyzed to check the setting state of the master unit (step S13). As a result of checking the setting state of the parent device, if it is determined that there is an empty parent device slot (Y in step S14), the own device is set as the parent device in the empty parent device slot (step S15). If it is determined that there is no empty base unit slot (N in step S14), the base unit setting process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if no response packet is received even after a predetermined time has elapsed since there is no communication failure or other game machines within the communicable range of the own machine (N in step S12, Y in step S16) ), It is determined that there is an empty parent device slot, and the own device is set as the parent device of the empty parent device slot (step S15).

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the parent device setting release process.

  First, the game machine set as the parent machine transmits a status confirmation packet including the identification information of the own machine and the slot information of the parent machine slot in which the own machine is set within the communication range of the own machine by a broadcast method. (Step S20).

  Next, when a status confirmation packet is received from another parent device (Y in step S21), the slot information of the parent device slot of the own device and the other parent device identified based on the received status confirmation packet It is compared with the slot information of the parent device slot to determine whether or not there is duplication (contention) of the parent device slot (step S22).

  If it is determined that the parent machine slot of the own machine and the parent machine slot of another parent machine overlap (Y in step S22), the setting to the parent machine slot of the own machine is canceled ( Step S23), a packet for notifying that the setting of the parent device has been released (parent device setting release notification packet) is transmitted by the broadcast method (step S24). As a result, the communication is terminated and the communication group is dissolved.

  Note that the processing from step S20 to S22 is repeated until the player inputs to determine the start of the game (N in step S25). On the other hand, when the game is started (Y in step S25), the process proceeds to a processing routine for transmitting and receiving game information packets by intra-group communication using the unicast method.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the parent device setting cancellation process. About FIG. 20, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted about the same process as the flowchart of FIG. 19, and only a different point is demonstrated.

  In this processing example, when it is determined that the parent machine slot of the own machine and the parent machine slot of the other parent machine overlap (Y in step S20), the priority order between the own machine and the other parent machine. Are compared (step S221), and if the priority is lower than the partner as a result of the comparison (Y in step S22), the setting of the parent device is canceled (step S23). The priority order can be determined based on identification information unique to each parent device, time information related to the setting of each parent device, and the like.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a game information packet transmission process when intra-group communication is performed using the unicast method.

  The game information packet transmission process (step S31) to the child device or the parent device is performed when the packet transmission timing arrives (Y in step S30). The packet transmission timing varies depending on the data included in the game information packet. For example, for a packet for the parent machine to declare the start of the game, it is determined that the transmission timing has come when the player of the parent machine makes a decision to start the game. Packets including game management information are transmitted at regular or irregular intervals as the game progresses. In addition, a packet including synchronization information for synchronizing the progress of the game between the game machines in the communication group has a packet transmission timing periodically every frame update.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a game information packet reception error process when performing intra-group communication in the unicast method. In wireless communication, if a communication failure is left unattended, the player is confused. Therefore, a timeout period is set in advance when a game information packet is received.

  Specifically, when a game information packet cannot be received from the child device or the parent device (N in step S41), a time-down counter countdown process is performed (step S42). If the game information packet cannot be received before the count value of the timeout counter reaches 0 (Y in step S43), it is determined that a communication error has occurred, and the process proceeds to error processing. On the other hand, if the game information packet can be received from the child device or the parent device before the count value of the timeout counter becomes 0 (Y in step S40), the timeout counter is reset (step S41).

  The present invention is not limited to the one described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made.

  For example, in the description or drawings, it is cited as a broad or synonymous term (communication group, lobby basic service set, game basic service set, parent device request packet, response packet, status confirmation packet, slot identification number, etc.). Other terms (cluster, first basic service set, second basic service set, first packet, second packet, third packet, slot information, etc.) Can also be replaced with broad or synonymous terms.

  Further, the present invention can be applied to various game systems (image generation systems) such as a business game system, a home game system, a large attraction system in which a large number of players participate, a simulator, a multimedia terminal, or a mobile phone.

The figure which shows the system configuration example of the communication game system of this embodiment. The figure which shows the system configuration example of the communication game system of this embodiment. The figure which shows the structural example of the communication group of the communication game system of this embodiment. The external view of the game machine of this embodiment. The functional block diagram of the game machine of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the radio | wireless communication function of the game machine of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the setting method of the main | base station of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the setting method of the main | base station of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the setting method of the main | base station of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the setting method of the main | base station of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the setting method of the main | base station of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the setting cancellation | release method of the main | base station of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the setting cancellation | release method of the main | base station of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the setting cancellation | release method of the main | base station of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the setting cancellation | release method of the main | base station of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the display control method of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the display control method of this embodiment. The flowchart which shows the specific process example of this embodiment. The flowchart which shows the specific process example of this embodiment. The flowchart which shows the specific process example of this embodiment. The flowchart which shows the specific process example of this embodiment. The flowchart which shows the specific process example of this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

GT, GT1-GT9 game machine,
ACSP access point, Inet Internet, GS game server,
L-IBSS lobby basic service set, G-IBSS game basic service set,
PS1, PS2 master unit slot, CS1, CS2 slave unit slot,
NA1-NA3, NA7 communication range,
PRP master unit request packet, AP reply packet, SCP status confirmation packet,
12 display, 14 direction keys, 16 operation buttons,
17R, 17L Auxiliary operation buttons, 18 select buttons, 20 start buttons,
40 analog stick, 50 wireless communication switch, 60 memory card slot,
100 processing unit,
110 game calculation unit, 112 communication control unit, 114 parent device setting unit,
120 image generators, 130 sound generators,
160 input interface, 170 storage unit, 180 information storage medium,
190 display unit, 192 sound output unit, 194 portable information storage medium, 196 communication unit

Claims (13)

A program for a game machine capable of wireless communication with other game machines,
A communication control unit that causes a communication unit to transmit a parent device request packet for requesting participation as a parent device of a communication group to the communicable range of the own device;
When the communication unit receives a response packet transmitted from another game machine that is within the communicable range of the own device with respect to the transmitted parent device request packet, the parent device is based on the received response packet. Check the setting status of the slot, and if it is determined that there is an empty base unit slot based on the check result, the base unit setting unit that sets the own unit as the base unit of the empty base unit slot,
A program characterized by causing a game machine to function. In claim 1,
The base unit setting unit
If the communication unit does not receive a reply packet from another game machine in response to the parent machine request packet transmitted from the own machine within a predetermined time, it is determined that there is an empty parent machine slot, and the own machine Is set as a parent device of an empty parent device slot. In claim 1 or 2,
The communication control unit
After the own device is set as the parent device of the communication group, a status confirmation packet including the slot information of the parent device slot in which the own device is set and the identification information of the own device is set within the communicable range of the own device. Sending to the communication unit,
The base unit setting unit
When the communication unit receives a status confirmation packet transmitted from another parent device, the slot information of the other parent device specified based on the identification information included in the received state confirmation packet and the slot information of the own device And, based on the comparison result, if it is determined that another game machine is set as the parent machine for the same parent machine slot, A program characterized by performing a setting cancellation process. In any one of Claims 1-3,
The communication control unit
Causing the communication unit to transmit and receive at least the parent device request packet by a broadcast method between the own device and the other device,
After a game using wireless communication is started in a communication group including the own device, the communication unit transmits / receives game information packets to / from other devices participating in the communication group by a unicast method or a multicast method. A program characterized by that. In any one of Claims 1-4,
Let the computer function as a display control unit that displays on the display a selection menu for selecting whether to join the communication group as a parent device or a child device,
The communication control unit
A program that causes the communication unit to transmit the parent device request packet to a communicable range of the own device on condition that a selection input for participating as a parent device has been performed. A program for a game machine capable of wireless communication with other game machines,
After the own device is set as the parent device of the communication group, a status confirmation packet including the slot information of the parent device slot in which the own device is set and the identification information of the own device is set within the communicable range of the own device. A communication control unit for transmitting to the communication unit;
When the communication unit receives a status confirmation packet transmitted from another parent device, the slot information of the other parent device specified based on the identification information included in the received state confirmation packet and the slot information of the own device And, based on the comparison result, if it is determined that another game machine is set as the parent machine for the same parent machine slot, As the base unit setting part that performs the setting release processing,
A program characterized by causing a computer to function. In any one of Claims 3-6,
The base unit setting unit
When it is determined that another game machine is set as the parent machine with respect to the same parent machine slot, the priority order between the own machine and the other parent machine is determined, and another game machine is determined based on the determination result. A program characterized in that when it is determined that the priority order is lower than that of a parent device, the parent device setting cancellation process is performed. In claim 7,
The base unit setting unit
A program characterized in that the priority is determined by comparing the identification information of its own device with the identification information of another parent device included in the received status confirmation packet. In claim 7,
The status confirmation packet is
Including time information associated with the base unit settings
The base unit setting unit
A program characterized in that the priority is determined by comparing the time information of its own device with the time information of another parent device included in the received status confirmation packet.   An information storage medium readable by a computer, wherein the program according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is stored. A game machine capable of wireless communication with other game machines,
A communication unit that transmits and receives packets to and from other game machines by wireless communication;
A communication control unit that causes the communication unit to transmit a parent device request packet for requesting participation as a parent device of a communication group to the communicable range of the own device;
When the communication unit receives a response packet transmitted from another game machine that is within the communicable range of the own device with respect to the transmitted parent device request packet, the parent device is based on the received response packet. Check the setting state of the slot, and if it is determined that there is an empty parent device slot based on the confirmation result, a parent device setting unit for setting the own device as the parent device of the empty parent device slot,
Including game consoles. A game machine capable of wireless communication with other game machines,
A communication unit that transmits and receives packets to and from other game machines by wireless communication;
After the own device is set as the parent device of the communication group, a status confirmation packet including the slot information of the parent device slot in which the own device is set and the identification information of the own device is set within the communicable range of the own device. A communication control unit for transmitting to the communication unit;
When the communication unit receives a status confirmation packet transmitted from another parent device, the slot information of the other parent device specified based on the identification information included in the received state confirmation packet and the slot information of the own device And, based on the comparison result, if it is determined that another game machine is set as the parent machine for the same parent machine slot, A base unit setting unit for performing a setting cancellation process;
Including game consoles. A communication game system for performing wireless communication between a plurality of game machines,
Each game machine
A communication unit that transmits and receives packets to and from other game machines by wireless communication;
A communication control unit that causes the communication unit to transmit a parent device request packet for requesting participation as a parent device of a communication group to the communicable range of the own device;
When the communication unit receives a response packet transmitted from another game machine that is within the communicable range of the own device with respect to the transmitted parent device request packet, the parent device is based on the received response packet. Check the setting state of the slot, and if it is determined that there is an empty parent device slot based on the confirmation result, a parent device setting unit for setting the own device as the parent device of the empty parent device slot,
Including
After any one of the game machines is set as a parent machine,
The communication control unit of the base unit is
Within the communicable range of the own machine, the state check packet including the slot information of the parent machine slot in which the own machine is set and the identification information of the own machine is transmitted to the communication unit,
The base unit setting unit of the base unit is
When the communication unit receives a status confirmation packet transmitted from another parent device, the slot information of the other parent device specified based on the identification information included in the received state confirmation packet and the slot information of the own device And, based on the comparison result, if it is determined that another game machine is set as the parent machine for the same parent machine slot, A communication game system characterized by performing a setting cancellation process.

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