JP5243870B2 - Information processing system, information processing apparatus, and information processing program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing device, and an information processing program, and more specifically, an information processing system that communicates with a connection destination device such as a wireless access point, an information processing device included in the information processing system, And an information processing program executed by the information processing apparatus.

Conventionally, various apparatuses for connecting to a wide area network such as the Internet or a local network via a wireless LAN or the like have been developed. For example, a wireless information terminal and a wireless communication system that connect a wireless information terminal and a wireless access point via a wireless communication path are disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1). In the wireless information terminal and the wireless communication system disclosed in Patent Literature 1, when a user of a wireless information terminal selects a wireless access point that the user desires to connect to, the user is informed of congestion information and reception electric field strength of the wireless access point. By giving information, the optimum wireless access point is selected.
JP 2005-33285 A

  However, according to the wireless information terminal and the wireless communication system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the beacon signal transmitted from the wireless access point that is the connection destination includes information such as congestion information and SSID (Service Set Identifier). ing. Therefore, the user of the wireless information terminal can connect to a wireless access point with a short communication waiting time, but may attempt to connect to a wireless access point not desired by the user. That is, it becomes difficult for the wireless information terminal to connect to a specific wireless access point.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system, an information processing apparatus, and an information processing program that enable connection to a specific connection destination apparatus.

  The present invention employs the following configuration in order to solve the above problems. Note that reference numerals in parentheses, step numbers, supplementary explanations, and the like in this column indicate correspondence with embodiments described later in order to help understanding of the present invention, and limit the present invention in any way. It is not a thing.

  A first invention is a data communication system including a first communication terminal (2), a second communication terminal (1), and a connection destination device (3). The first communication terminal includes connection destination data transmission means (38, FIG. 5). The connection destination data transmission means transmits connection destination data (connection data) for communicating with the connection destination device. The second communication terminal includes connection destination data receiving means (CPU 31 executing step 38, step 54, step 56, step 61, step 63, step 64; hereinafter, only the step number is described) and communication means (S71 to S78). ). The connection destination data receiving means attempts to receive connection destination data from the first communication terminal. The communication means attempts to communicate with the connection destination device using the connection destination data received by the connection destination data receiving means. The connection destination device may be a wireless access point, another information processing device, another communication terminal, another game device, or the like.

  In a second aspect based on the first aspect, the connection destination data includes at least data indicating an identifier for identifying the connection destination device. The communication means communicates with the connection destination device using data indicating an identifier included in the connection destination data.

  In a third aspect based on the second aspect, the connection destination device is a wireless access point. The identifier is an SSID (Service Set Identifier).

  In a fourth aspect based on the second aspect, the connection destination device is a wireless access point. The identifier is a MAC address (Media Access Control address).

  In a fifth aspect based on the second aspect, data communicated between the connection destination device and the second communication terminal is encrypted with a key. The connection destination data further includes data indicating a key. The communication means communicates with the connection destination device using data indicating an identifier and a key included in the connection destination data.

  In a sixth aspect based on the first or second aspect, the connection destination device is a wireless access point that transmits beacons including data for synchronizing wireless networks at regular intervals. The second communication terminal further includes a beacon receiving unit. A beacon receiving unit is further provided to receive a beacon transmitted from the connection destination device. The communication means attempts communication with the connection destination device using the data included in the beacon received by the beacon receiving means and the connection destination data received by the connection destination data receiving means.

  In a seventh aspect based on the first or second aspect, the connection destination data receiving means attempts to receive the connection destination data using at least a dedicated protocol implemented in the first communication terminal and the second communication terminal. .

  In an eighth aspect based on the first or second aspect, the connection destination data receiving means receives the connection destination data without transmitting a radio wave when the second communication terminal is activated.

  In a ninth aspect based on the first or second aspect, the second communication terminal further includes launcher means (S55, S62). The launcher means causes the user to select an application program to be activated from among the plurality of application programs, and activates the selected application program. The launcher means that when the connection destination data receiving means receives the connection destination data, the user can execute a connection application program including a program for causing the second communication terminal to execute a procedure for connecting to the connection destination device. To inform.

  In a tenth aspect based on the ninth aspect, the connection destination data receiving means receives the connection destination data after the second communication terminal is activated and before the launcher means can accept the user's selection operation. Try.

  In an eleventh aspect based on the tenth aspect, the connection destination data receiving means receives the connection destination data even after the launcher means can accept the user's selection operation after the second communication terminal is activated. Try continuously.

  In a twelfth aspect based on the first or second aspect, the data communication system further includes a third communication terminal (1). The third communication terminal includes application receiving means, connection destination data receiving means, and communication means. The application receiving means downloads and receives a connection application program including a program for causing the third communication terminal to execute a procedure for connecting to the connection destination device, and installs the connection application program in the third communication terminal. The connection destination data receiving means attempts to receive connection destination data from the first communication terminal. The communication means tries to communicate with the connection destination device using the connection destination data received by the connection destination data receiving means when the connection application program is executed.

  In a thirteenth aspect based on the ninth or twelfth aspect, the connection application program is a viewer program for connecting to a network via a connection destination device.

  In a fourteenth aspect based on the twelfth aspect, the application receiving means downloads and receives the connection application program using a dedicated protocol implemented at least in the first communication terminal and the third communication terminal.

  In a fifteenth aspect based on the first or second aspect, the connection destination data further includes data for specifying a predetermined content. A communication means acquires the content specified by the data for specifying a predetermined content via a network by communicating with a connection destination apparatus.

  In a sixteenth aspect based on the fifteenth aspect, the second communication terminal further includes icon display control means (S76). The icon display control means prompts the user to select by acquiring an icon related to the content from the server on the network and displaying it on the display device. The communication means acquires content related to the icon (Ism) selected in response to a user operation via the network.

  In a seventeenth aspect based on the first or second aspect, the second communication terminal further includes connection destination data storage means (32, Db) and reconnection means (S81). The connection destination data storage means stores the connection destination data received by the connection destination data reception means until the start of the second communication terminal is stopped. When the connection is interrupted after connecting to the connection destination device, the reconnection means tries to connect to the connection destination device again based on the connection destination data stored in the connection destination data storage means.

  In an eighteenth aspect based on the first or second aspect, the second communication terminal further comprises reception intensity detecting means. The reception intensity detecting means detects the reception intensity when receiving the connection destination data from the first communication terminal (FIG. 7). When the connection destination data receiving means receives a plurality of connection destination data, the communication means sequentially selects the connection destination data in descending order of reception intensity and tries to communicate with the connection destination apparatus.

  In a nineteenth aspect based on the first or second aspect, the communication means attempts communication with the connection destination device using the connection destination data being received by the connection destination data receiving means.

  In a twentieth aspect based on the first or second aspect, the second communication terminal further includes connection destination data storage means. The connection destination data storage means stores the connection destination data received by the connection destination data reception means until the start of the second communication terminal is stopped. The communication means attempts to communicate with the connection destination device using the connection destination data stored in the connection destination data storage means.

  A twenty-first invention is an information processing apparatus (1) that communicates with a connection destination apparatus. The information processing apparatus includes connection destination data receiving means and communication means. The connection destination data receiving means attempts to receive connection destination data transmitted from another communication terminal and used for communication with the connection destination device. The communication means attempts to communicate with the connection destination device using the connection destination data received by the connection destination data receiving means.

  A twenty-second invention is an information processing apparatus (2) that transmits data to another communication terminal (1) that communicates with a connection destination apparatus. The information processing apparatus includes connection destination data transmission means. The connection destination data transmission means transmits connection destination data used for communication with the connection destination device by another communication terminal to the other communication terminal.

  A twenty-third invention is an information processing program executed by a computer (31) of an information processing device (1) that communicates with a connection destination device. The information processing program causes the computer to function as connection destination data receiving means and communication means. The connection destination data receiving means attempts to receive connection destination data transmitted from another communication terminal and used for communication with the connection destination device. The communication means attempts to communicate with the connection destination device using the connection destination data received by the connection destination data receiving means.

  According to the first aspect, the second communication terminal uses the connection destination data only when the connection destination data is received from the first communication terminal or when the connection destination data is once received. Communication with the connection destination device becomes possible. Therefore, the second communication terminal can avoid connecting to or connecting to a device other than the connection destination device connected using the connection destination data, and the connection destination device specified by the connection destination data. It is possible to connect only to.

  According to the second aspect, even a user who does not know the identifier of the connection destination device in advance can connect to the connection destination device, and the user can connect to an unspecified number of connection destination devices. .

  According to the third aspect, even a user who does not know the SSID in advance can connect to a wireless access point, and the user can connect to an unspecified number of wireless access points. Also, compared to the case where the SSID of the wireless access point is set to ANY, not all devices automatically connect to the wireless access point, but only the device that has received the SSID can be connected. The connection state is not disordered unlike the state set to ANY.

  According to the fourth aspect, even a user who does not know a MAC address in advance can connect to a wireless access point, and the user can connect to an unspecified number of wireless access points.

  According to the fifth aspect, even a user who does not know the identifier and key of the connection destination device in advance can connect to the connection destination device, and the user can connect to an unspecified number of connection destination devices. It becomes. Further, even if there is another connection destination device that uses the identifier of the connection destination device by chance, connection to the connection destination device can be prevented.

  According to the sixth aspect, the second communication terminal receives the connection destination data and the connection destination data from the first communication terminal and the connection destination data once receiving the beacon from the connection destination device (wireless access point). Only when the beacon is being received, communication with the connection destination device is possible using the connection destination data and the data included in the beacon.

  According to the seventh aspect, the second communication terminals that can be connected to the connection destination device can be restricted.

  According to the eighth aspect of the invention, an electromagnetic wave is prohibited from being output because a radio wave for receiving data from another device is not automatically output immediately after the power is turned on. Even in the case of an airplane (for example, in an airplane), the power of the second communication terminal can be turned on.

  According to the ninth aspect, when a plurality of application programs are displayed in a list with icons, etc., and the user is prompted to select an application program to be started, the connection is determined depending on whether connection destination data is received or not. It is notified that an application having a function of connecting to the destination device can be executed. Accordingly, it is possible to notify the user that the application can be used, and to prompt the user to start the application.

  According to the tenth and eleventh aspects of the present invention, there is provided a program for attempting to acquire connection destination data before executing and / or during display of a launcher menu and executing a procedure for connecting to the connection destination device. Informs whether the application is executable. Therefore, it is possible to immediately notify the user that the application can be used.

  According to the twelfth aspect, even if the connection application program is not installed in the third communication terminal, it is possible to connect to the connection destination device, and the second communication terminal and the third communication terminal coexist. However, a system that communicates with the connection destination device can be configured.

  According to the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to notify the user that the viewer program can be used, and to prompt the user to start the viewer program.

  According to the fourteenth aspect, the third communication terminals that can be connected to the connection destination device can be restricted.

  According to the fifteenth aspect, predetermined content can be distributed to the user.

  According to the sixteenth aspect, the content desired by the user can be selected from the content provided via the connection destination device.

  According to the seventeenth aspect, even when communication with the connection destination device is interrupted, it is possible to reconnect to the connection destination device. Can be avoided.

  According to the eighteenth aspect, since the connection destination devices are sequentially selected in the descending order of the reception strength when the connection destination data is received, the connection destination devices that communicate using the connection destination data with good reception status are preferentially connected. can do.

  According to the nineteenth aspect, the second communication terminal can communicate with the connection destination device using the connection destination data only when the connection destination data is received from the first communication terminal. Become. Therefore, the second communication terminal can communicate with the connection destination device when the area where the connection destination data can be received and the area where communication with the connection destination device overlaps.

  According to the twentieth invention, even if the area where the connection destination data can be received and the area where the connection destination device can be connected do not overlap, the connection destination data can be received once. For example, it is possible to connect to connection destination devices in different areas.

  Further, according to the information processing apparatus and the information processing program of the present invention, the same effect as the information processing system described above can be obtained.

  With reference to the drawings, an information processing apparatus that executes an information processing program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The information processing program of the present invention can be applied by being executed by an arbitrary computer system that can be displayed on the display device. However, the information processing device is executed by the game device 1 using the game device 1 as an example of the information processing device. This will be described using an information processing program. FIG. 1 is an external view of a game apparatus 1 that executes the information processing program of the present invention. Here, a portable game device is shown as an example of the game device 1. Note that the game apparatus 1 has a built-in camera, and functions as an imaging apparatus that captures an image with the camera, displays the captured image on a screen, and stores data of the captured image.

  In FIG. 1, a game apparatus 1 is a foldable portable game apparatus, and shows the game apparatus 1 in an open state (open state). The game apparatus 1 is configured in such a size that the user can hold it with both hands or one hand even in an open state.

  The game apparatus 1 includes a lower housing 11 and an upper housing 21. The lower housing 11 and the upper housing 21 are connected so as to be openable and closable (foldable). In the example of FIG. 1, the lower housing 11 and the upper housing 21 are each formed in a horizontally-long rectangular plate shape, and are coupled so as to be rotatable at their long side portions. Normally, the user uses the game apparatus 1 in the open state. Further, when the user does not use the game apparatus 1, the user stores the game apparatus 1 in a closed state. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the game apparatus 1 is not limited to the closed state and the open state, and the angle formed by the lower housing 11 and the upper housing 21 is an arbitrary angle between the closed state and the open state. The opening / closing angle can be maintained by a frictional force generated in the connecting portion. That is, the upper housing 21 can be made stationary with respect to the lower housing 11 at an arbitrary angle.

  The lower housing 11 is provided with a lower LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 12. The lower LCD 12 has a horizontally long shape, and is arranged such that the long side direction coincides with the long side direction of the lower housing 11. In the present embodiment, an LCD is used as the display device built in the game apparatus 1, but other arbitrary display devices such as a display device using EL (Electro Luminescence) are used. May be. The game apparatus 1 can use a display device having an arbitrary resolution. Although details will be described later, the lower LCD 12 is mainly used to display an image captured by the inner camera 23 or the outer camera 25 in real time.

  The lower housing 11 is provided with operation buttons 14A to 14K and a touch panel 13 as input devices. As shown in FIG. 1, among the operation buttons 14A to 14K, a direction input button 14A, an operation button 14B, an operation button 14C, an operation button 14D, an operation button 14E, a power button 14F, a start button 14G, and a select button 14H. Is provided on the inner main surface of the lower housing 11 which is the inner side when the upper housing 21 and the lower housing 11 are folded. The direction input button 14A is used for, for example, a selection operation. The operation buttons 14B to 14E are used for, for example, a determination operation or a cancel operation. The power button 14F is used for turning on / off the power of the game apparatus 1. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the direction input button 14 </ b> A and the power button 14 </ b> F are on the left and right sides (left side in FIG. 1) of the main surface with respect to the lower LCD 12 provided near the center of the inner main surface of the lower housing 11. Provided on top. In addition, the operation buttons 14B to 14E, the start button 14G, and the select button 14H are provided on the inner main surface of the lower housing 11 that is on the other side of the lower LCD 12 (right side in FIG. 1). The direction input button 14A, the operation buttons 14B to 14E, the start button 14G, and the select button 14H are used for performing various operations on the game apparatus 1.

  In FIG. 1, the operation buttons 14I to 14K are not shown. For example, the L button 14I is provided at the left end portion of the upper side surface of the lower housing 11, and the R button 14J is provided at the right end portion of the upper side surface of the lower housing 11. The L button 14I and the R button 14J are used to perform, for example, a shooting instruction operation (shutter operation) on the game apparatus 1. Furthermore, the volume button 14K is provided on the left side surface of the lower housing 11. The volume button 14K is used to adjust the volume of the speaker provided in the game apparatus 1.

  Further, the game apparatus 1 further includes a touch panel 13 as an input device different from the operation buttons 14A to 14K. The touch panel 13 is mounted so as to cover the screen of the lower LCD 12. In the present embodiment, for example, a resistive film type touch panel is used as the touch panel 13. However, the touch panel 13 is not limited to the resistive film type, and any pressing type touch panel can be used. In the present embodiment, as the touch panel 13, for example, a touch panel having the same resolution (detection accuracy) as that of the lower LCD 12 is used. However, the resolution of the touch panel 13 and the resolution of the lower LCD 12 are not necessarily matched. Further, on the right side surface of the lower housing 11, an insertion port for the touch pen 27 (broken line shown in FIG. 1) is provided. The insertion slot can accommodate a touch pen 27 used for performing an operation on the touch panel 13. In addition, although the input with respect to the touch panel 13 is normally performed using the touch pen 27, it is also possible to operate the touch panel 13 not only with the touch pen 27 but with a user's finger | toe.

  Further, on the right side surface of the lower housing 11, an insertion slot (indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1) for storing the memory card 28 is provided. A connector (not shown) for electrically connecting the game apparatus 1 and the memory card 28 is provided inside the insertion slot. The memory card 28 is, for example, an SD (Secure Digital) memory card, and is detachably attached to the connector. The memory card 28 is used, for example, for storing (saving) an image captured by the game apparatus 1 or reading an image generated by another apparatus into the game apparatus 1.

  Further, an insertion slot (indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 1) for accommodating the memory card 29 is provided on the upper side surface of the lower housing 11. A connector (not shown) for electrically connecting the game apparatus 1 and the memory card 29 is also provided inside the insertion slot. The memory card 29 is a recording medium that records an information processing program, a game program, and the like, and is detachably attached to an insertion port provided in the lower housing 11.

  Three LEDs 15 </ b> A to 15 </ b> C are attached to the left portion of the connecting portion between the lower housing 11 and the upper housing 21. Here, the game apparatus 1 can perform wireless communication with other devices, and the first LED 15A lights up when wireless communication is established. The second LED 15B is lit while the game apparatus 1 is being charged. The third LED 15C is lit when the power of the game apparatus 1 is on. Therefore, the three LEDs 15A to 15C can notify the user of the communication establishment status, the charging status, and the power on / off status of the game apparatus 1.

  On the other hand, the upper housing 21 is provided with an upper LCD 22. The upper LCD 22 has a horizontally long shape and is arranged such that the long side direction coincides with the long side direction of the upper housing 21. As in the case of the lower LCD 12, instead of the upper LCD 22, a display device having any other method and any resolution may be used. A touch panel may be provided so as to cover the upper LCD 22.

  The upper housing 21 is provided with two cameras (an inner camera 23 and an outer camera 25). As shown in FIG. 1, the inner camera 23 is attached to the inner main surface near the connecting portion of the upper housing 21. On the other hand, the outer camera 25 is a surface on the opposite side of the inner main surface to which the inner camera 23 is attached, that is, the outer main surface of the upper housing 21 (the outer surface when the game apparatus 1 is in a closed state, It is attached to the rear surface of the upper housing 21 shown in FIG. In FIG. 1, the outer camera 25 is indicated by a broken line. As a result, the inner camera 23 can capture an image in the direction in which the inner main surface of the upper housing 21 faces, and the outer camera 25 can rotate in the direction opposite to the image capturing direction of the inner camera 23, that is, the outer main surface of the upper housing 21. It is possible to image the direction in which the surface faces. Thus, in the present embodiment, the two inner cameras 23 and the outer cameras 25 are provided so that the imaging directions are opposite to each other. For example, the user can shoot a scene viewed from the game apparatus 1 with the inner camera 23 and shoot a scene viewed from the game apparatus 1 in the direction opposite to the user with the outer camera 25. Can do.

  Note that a microphone (a microphone 43 shown in FIG. 2) is accommodated as an audio input device on the inner main surface near the connecting portion. A microphone hole 16 is formed on the inner main surface near the connecting portion so that the microphone 43 can detect the sound outside the game apparatus 1. The position where the microphone 43 is housed and the position of the microphone hole 16 do not necessarily have to be the connecting portion. For example, the microphone 43 is housed in the lower housing 11 and the microphone 43 is placed in the lower housing 11 corresponding to the housing position. A microphone hole 16 may be provided.

  A fourth LED 26 (shown by a broken line in FIG. 1) is attached to the outer main surface of the upper housing 21. The fourth LED 26 is turned on at the time when photographing is performed by the inner camera 23 or the outer camera 25 (the shutter button is pressed). Further, it is lit while a moving image is shot by the inner camera 23 or the outer camera 25. The fourth LED 26 can notify the subject to be photographed and the surroundings that photographing by the game apparatus 1 has been performed (performed).

  In addition, sound release holes 24 are formed in the main surfaces on both the left and right sides of the upper LCD 22 provided near the center of the inner main surface of the upper housing 21. A speaker is housed in the upper housing 21 behind the sound release hole 24. The sound release hole 24 is a hole for releasing sound from the speaker to the outside of the game apparatus 1.

  As described above, the upper housing 21 is provided with the inner camera 23 and the outer camera 25 that are configured to capture images, and the upper LCD 22 that is display means for displaying various images. On the other hand, the lower housing 11 is provided with an input device (touch panel 13 and buttons 14A to 14K) for performing an operation input to the game apparatus 1, and a lower LCD 12 which is a display means for displaying various images. It is done. For example, when using the game apparatus 1, the user holds the lower housing 11 and performs input to the input device while displaying a captured image (an image captured by the camera) on the lower LCD 12 or the upper LCD 22. It can be used for such applications.

  Next, the internal configuration of the game apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the game apparatus 1.

  2, the game apparatus 1 includes a CPU 31, a main memory 32, a memory control circuit 33, a storage data memory 34, a preset data memory 35, and memory card interfaces (memory card I / F) 36 and 37. And electronic components such as a wireless communication module 38, a local communication module 39, a real-time clock (RTC) 40, a power supply circuit 41, an interface circuit (I / F circuit) 42, and the like. These electronic components are mounted on an electronic circuit board and housed in the lower housing 11 (or the upper housing 21).

  The CPU 31 is information processing means for executing a predetermined program. In the present embodiment, a predetermined program is stored in a memory (for example, the storage data memory 34) or the memory card 28 and / or 29 in the game apparatus 1, and the CPU 31 executes the predetermined program, thereby Information processing to be described later is executed. Note that the program executed by the CPU 31 may be stored in advance in a memory in the game apparatus 1, acquired from the memory card 28 and / or 29, or other programs by communication with other devices. It may be acquired from the device.

  A main memory 32, a memory control circuit 33, and a preset data memory 35 are connected to the CPU 31. In addition, a storage data memory 34 is connected to the memory control circuit 33. The main memory 32 is a storage means used as a work area or buffer area for the CPU 31. That is, the main memory 32 stores various data used for the information processing, and stores programs acquired from the outside (memory cards 28 and 29, other devices, etc.). In the present embodiment, for example, a PSRAM (Pseudo-SRAM) is used as the main memory 32. The storage data memory 34 is a storage unit for storing a program executed by the CPU 31, data of images taken by the inner camera 23 and the outer camera 25, and the like. The storage data memory 34 is configured by a nonvolatile storage medium, and is configured by, for example, a NAND flash memory in this embodiment. The memory control circuit 33 is a circuit that controls reading and writing of data with respect to the storage data memory 34 in accordance with instructions from the CPU 31. The preset data memory 35 is storage means for storing data (preset data) such as various parameters set in advance in the game apparatus 1. As the preset data memory 35, a flash memory connected to the CPU 31 via an SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) bus can be used.

  Memory card I / Fs 36 and 37 are each connected to CPU 31. The memory card I / F 36 reads and writes data to and from the memory card 28 attached to the connector according to instructions from the CPU 31. The memory card I / F 37 reads and writes data to and from the memory card 29 attached to the connector in accordance with instructions from the CPU 31. In the present embodiment, the image data captured by the inner camera 23 and the outer camera 25 is written to the memory card 28, or the image data stored in the memory card 28 is read from the memory card 28 and saved. Or is remembered. Various programs stored in the memory card 29 are read out and executed by the CPU 31.

  The information processing program of the present invention may be supplied not only to the computer system through an external storage medium such as the memory card 29 but also to the computer system through a wired or wireless communication line. The information processing program may be recorded in advance in a nonvolatile storage device inside the computer system. The information storage medium for storing the information processing program is not limited to the nonvolatile storage device, but may be a CD-ROM, a DVD, or an optical disk storage medium similar to them.

  The wireless communication module 38 is, for example, IEEE 802.11. It has a function of connecting to a wireless LAN by a method compliant with the b / g standard. Further, the local communication module 39 has a function of performing wireless communication with the same type of game device by a predetermined communication method. The wireless communication module 38 and the local communication module 39 are connected to the CPU 31. The CPU 31 transmits / receives data to / from other devices via the Internet using the wireless communication module 38, and transmits / receives data to / from other game devices of the same type using the local communication module 39. be able to.

  Further, the RTC 40 and the power supply circuit 41 are connected to the CPU 31. The RTC 40 counts the time and outputs it to the CPU 31. For example, the CPU 31 can calculate the current time (date) based on the time counted by the RTC 40. The power supply circuit 41 controls power supplied from a power supply (typically a battery, which is stored in the lower housing 11) of the game apparatus 1, and supplies power to each component of the game apparatus 1.

  Further, the game apparatus 1 includes a microphone 43 and an amplifier 44. The microphone 43 and the amplifier 44 are each connected to the I / F circuit 42. The microphone 43 detects the voice of the user uttered toward the game apparatus 1 and outputs a voice signal indicating the voice to the I / F circuit 42. The amplifier 44 amplifies the audio signal from the I / F circuit 42 and outputs it from a speaker (not shown). The I / F circuit 42 is connected to the CPU 31.

  The touch panel 13 is connected to the I / F circuit 42. The I / F circuit 42 includes a sound control circuit that controls the microphone 43 and the amplifier 44 (speaker), and a touch panel control circuit that controls the touch panel 13. The voice control circuit performs A / D conversion and D / A conversion on the voice signal, or converts the voice signal into voice data of a predetermined format. The touch panel control circuit generates touch position data in a predetermined format based on a signal from the touch panel 13 and outputs it to the CPU 31. For example, the touch position data is data indicating coordinates of a position where an input is performed on the input surface of the touch panel 13. The touch panel control circuit reads signals from the touch panel 13 and generates touch position data at a rate of once per predetermined time. The CPU 31 can know the position where the input is made on the touch panel 13 by acquiring the touch position data via the I / F circuit 42.

  The operation button 14 includes the operation buttons 14A to 14K and is connected to the CPU 31. From the operation button 14 to the CPU 31, operation data indicating an input status (whether or not the button is pressed) for each of the operation buttons 14A to 14K is output. The CPU 31 obtains operation data from the operation button 14 to execute processing corresponding to the input to the operation button 14.

  The inner camera 23 and the outer camera 25 are each connected to the CPU 31. The inner camera 23 and the outer camera 25 capture an image in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 31 and output the captured image data to the CPU 31. For example, the CPU 31 issues an imaging instruction to one of the inner camera 23 and the outer camera 25, and the camera that has received the imaging instruction captures an image and sends the image data to the CPU 31.

  Further, the lower LCD 12 and the upper LCD 22 are each connected to the CPU 31. The lower LCD 12 and the upper LCD 22 display images according to instructions from the CPU 31, respectively. As an example, the CPU 31 causes the lower LCD 12 to display an image acquired from either the inner camera 23 or the outer camera 25, and causes the upper LCD 22 to display an operation explanation screen generated by a predetermined process. The CPU 31 displays an object composed of a plurality of icons I on the lower LCD 12 and displays an image related to the selected icon I on the upper LCD 22. As another example, the CPU 31 causes the lower LCD 12 to display an image acquired from either the inner camera 23 or the outer camera 25, and causes the upper LCD 22 to display an operation explanation screen generated by a predetermined process.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, before a specific processing operation by the information processing program executed in the game apparatus 1 is described, the processing operation is displayed on the lower LCD 12 and / or the upper LCD 22. An example of a display form and a connection example with other devices will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a screen display example displayed on the lower LCD 12. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a plurality of icons I to be displayed are ordered. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of a system in which the game apparatus 1 is connected to the wireless access point 3.

  In FIG. 3, the lower LCD 12 displays five icons I (icons I9, I10, I11, I12, and I13), a balloon B, a slide bar SB, and a cursor C. For these images, the CPU 31 executes application software (launcher) that displays a list of files and programs registered in advance as icons I and activates the files and programs related to the icons I by touch operations on the touch panel 13 or the like. Is displayed.

  The icon I is an image associated with a file or program (typically a computer program that can be executed by the CPU 31) registered in advance. The user can activate a desired program using the icon I. Here, in this embodiment, a total of 24 icons I (icons I1 to I24) are ordered as shown in FIG. 4, and according to this order, several of these 24 icons I are displayed. It is displayed in a predetermined area Ai (hereinafter referred to as icon row display area Ai) on the screen. In FIG. 3, an area surrounded by a broken line is an icon string display area Ai. The user can cause the CPU 31 to execute the desired program by selecting the icon I corresponding to the desired program from the icon row displayed in the icon row display area Ai. In addition, the user can display and select an arbitrary icon on the lower LCD 12 by scrolling the icon row displayed in the icon row display area Ai.

  The balloon B provides the user with an explanatory text (a program name corresponding to the icon I11, a description of the program, etc.) regarding the icon (icon I11 in the example of FIG. 3) displayed at the center of the icon row display area Ai. It is an image for.

  The slide bar SB provides various functions to the user in combination with the cursor C. Twenty-four figures (for example, squares) are arranged and displayed on the slide bar SB, and these figures correspond to 24 icons I1 to I24, respectively. A cursor C indicates which icon among the icons I1 to I24 displayed on the slide bar SB is currently displayed in the icon row display area Ai. The user can move the cursor C to an arbitrary position on the slide bar SB by dragging the cursor C along the slide bar SB (that is, in the horizontal direction) using the touch pen 27. The user can also move the cursor C to the position by touching an arbitrary point on the slide bar SB with the touch pen 27. When the position of the cursor C on the slide bar SB changes, the icon I displayed in the icon row display area Ai also changes accordingly. Thus, by using the slide bar SB and the cursor C, the user can display a desired icon I from the icons I1 to I24 in the icon row display area Ai.

  When the user taps the center icon I11 in the icon row display area Ai with the touch pen 27, the program associated with the tapped icon I11 is executed. In the state of FIG. 3, when the user taps an icon I (icons I9, I10, I12, I13) other than the central icon I11 in the icon row display area Ai with the touch pen 27, the tapped icon I is an icon. The icon column is scrolled so as to move toward the center of the column display area Ai.

  It should be noted that the icon operation method as described above can be performed by substituting the hardware switch (operation button 14). For example, when the user presses the operation button 14D in the state of FIG. 3, a program related to the icon I11 at the center of the icon row display area Ai is activated. When the user presses the right button (that is, the right portion of the direction input button 14A), the icon row is scrolled rightward on the screen by one icon I. When the user presses the left button (that is, the left portion of the direction input button 14A), the icon row is scrolled to the left of the screen by one icon I.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the CPU 31 activates the launcher when the power of the game apparatus 1 is turned on. Then, when the launcher menu (FIG. 3) is displayed on the lower LCD 12 according to the user's operation, the display mode of the icon I related to the file or program usable by the user is changed, To make the distinction easier. For example, when the launcher menu is displayed on the lower LCD 12, the icon I related to the file or program that can be used by the user is highlighted (for example, the color of the upper and lower frames is changed, outline enhancement, enlargement enhancement, highlight display, etc.) )

  In the display example of FIG. 3, among the icons I9 to I13 displayed in the icon row display area Ai, the icons I11 and I13 are highlighted (change the color of the upper and lower frames to, for example, seven colors). In addition, in the icons I1 to I24 shown in FIG. 4, the icons I2, I6, I11, I13, I18, I22, and I23 are target icons that are highlighted when displayed in the icon row display area Ai. It has been shown. Further, among the figures arranged on the slide bar SB, the figure corresponding to the target icon is displayed so as to change into seven colors. In this way, by changing the display mode of the icon I related to the file or program that can be used by the user, it is possible to know that the user can use the icon I and to relate to the icon I to be highlighted. Users can be prompted to start files and programs.

  For example, the game device 1 is installed with a viewer program for displaying content received from the Internet or other game devices of the same type. When the game apparatus 1 is ready to receive the content, the icon I related to the viewer program for displaying the content is highlighted. As a result, the user knows that the game apparatus 1 is receiving content, and is prompted to start a viewer program for displaying the content.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the game apparatus 1 receives content from the Internet via the wireless access point 3. At this time, an identifier for connecting to the wireless access point 3 (for example, SSID (Service Set Identifier)), a key for connecting to the wireless access point 3 (for example, a WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) key or WPA (Wi-Fi)). (Protected Access) key) and the installation location ID indicating the installation location of the wireless access point 3 are received from the other game devices 2. Hereinafter, these data for connecting to the wireless access point 3 are collectively referred to as connection data. For example, in another game apparatus 2, a memory card 2C in which an SSID, a WEP key, and an installation location ID are recorded in advance is detachably attached, and the SSID, WEP key, and installation location ID recorded in the memory card 2C are attached. Is read. The other game apparatus 2 is installed at a predetermined point such as a storefront, and regularly encrypts the SSID, WEP key, and installation location ID (hereinafter referred to as connection data) within a predetermined range ( For example, wireless broadcasting is performed at intervals of 200 ms. Thus, the game apparatus 1 can connect to the wireless access point 3 by receiving connection data from another game apparatus 2 via the local communication module 39. Then, the game apparatus 1 takes out the SSID, WEP key, and installation location ID embedded in the connection data, and connects to the wireless access point 3 via the wireless communication module 38. The wireless access point 3 corresponds to an example of the connection destination device of the present invention, the game device 1 corresponds to an example of the second communication terminal of the present invention, and the other game device 2 corresponds to the first communication terminal of the present invention. It corresponds to an example.

  In other words, the game apparatus 1 can automatically connect to the wireless access point 3 by receiving connection data from another game apparatus 2. Then, by changing the display mode of the icon I described above, the user knows that the content via the wireless access point 3 can be displayed by the game apparatus 1 that the user owns. As described above, by broadcasting the connection data in which the SSID, the WEP key, and the installation location ID are embedded, the game apparatus 1 can be automatically connected to the wireless access point 3. Therefore, it is possible to control the connection to various wireless access points 3 without pre-installing the SSID, WEP key, installation location ID and the like in the game apparatus 1 in advance, and the development of the entire system can be expected.

  In this way, by transmitting connection data such as an SSID or WEP key from another game apparatus 2, even a user who does not know the SSID or WEP key in advance can connect to the wireless access point 3, and the user However, it is possible to connect to an unspecified number of wireless access points. Here, as compared with the case where the SSID of the wireless access point 3 is set to ANY, not all the game devices 1 are automatically connected to the wireless access point 3 but permission from other game devices 2 is obtained. Since only the obtained game apparatus 1 can be connected, the connection state is not disordered unlike the state set to ANY.

  For example, connection data transmitted from another game apparatus 2 to the game apparatus 1 is performed using a protocol dedicated to these game apparatuses. That is, since the connection data can be received only by a device that communicates using the protocol, devices that can eventually connect to the wireless access point 3 are limited to devices that use the protocol. Will be.

  Thus, by receiving the connection data, the icon I related to the program for executing the procedure for connecting to the wireless access point 3 is highlighted. Note that a sign indicating that the icon I is a program for executing a procedure for connecting to the wireless access point 3 may be displayed on the icon I separately from the highlighted display. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, an indicator indicating that the program is a program for executing a procedure for connecting to the wireless access point 3 is provided at the lower right of the icon I. Thereby, even if the icon I is not highlighted, it is possible to present to the user that the icon I is an application program that connects and communicates with the wireless access point 3.

  Next, before describing the processing operation performed in the game apparatus 1, various data used when the information processing program is executed will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of various data stored in the main memory 32 in response to executing the information processing program. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of the connection data Db.

  In FIG. 6, the main memory 32 stores programs read from the memory card 28 and the memory card 29 and temporary data generated in processing. In FIG. 6, operation data Da, connection data Db, hot spot channel data Dc, image data Dd, and the like are stored in the data storage area of the main memory 32. The program storage area of the main memory 32 includes an information processing program, a viewer program for connecting to the wireless access point 3 and browsing the Internet, a launcher program for displaying a list of a plurality of icons I, and each icon I. Various program groups Pa composed of associated programs and the like are stored. It should be noted that a flag indicating whether or not the program belonging to the various program group Pa is a program for executing a procedure for connecting to the wireless access point 3 is set.

  The operation data Da includes touch coordinate data (touch coordinate data) indicating the touch position TP in the screen coordinate system where the player is touching the touch panel 13 and data indicating the state where the player is operating the operation buttons 14 (operation buttons). Data) is stored. For example, touch coordinate data and operation button data are acquired every time unit (for example, 1/60 second) in which the game apparatus 1 performs a game process, and stored and updated in the operation data Da according to the acquisition.

  The connection data Db stores data for connecting to the wireless access point 3 received from the other game apparatus 2. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the connection data Db is stored in association with data indicating an SSID, WEP key, installation location ID, reception strength, and connection success flag. Note that the data indicating the SSID, WEP key, and installation location ID stored in the connection data Db is described based on data received from another game device 2. Then, the reception intensity when the data is received from another game apparatus 2 is detected, and the reception intensity is stored in association with the data. Further, when data indicating another SSID, WEP key, and installation location ID is received from another game apparatus 2, they are stored in the connection data Db as different received data. That is, when the game apparatus 1 receives data indicating different SSIDs, WEP keys, and installation location IDs from the plurality of game apparatuses 2, the connection data together with the reception strength when received as connection data associated with each other. Stored in Db. The connection success flag is a flag that is set to ON when the connection to the wireless access point 3 is successful using the stored SSID and WEP key.

  The hot spot channel data Dc stores data obtained from a predetermined server on the network via the wireless access point 3 when the connection to the wireless access point 3 is successful.

  The image data Dd includes icon image data Dd1 and emphasized image data Dd2. The icon image data Dd1 is image data for displaying the icon I described above on the lower LCD 12 and / or the upper LCD 22. The emphasized image data Dd2 is image data for highlighting the icon I and displaying it on the lower LCD 12 and / or the upper LCD 22.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, a specific processing operation by the information processing program executed by the game apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the first half in which the game apparatus 1 performs information processing by executing the information processing program. FIG. 9 is a second half flowchart in which the game apparatus 1 performs information processing by executing the information processing program. The program for executing these processes is included in the programs stored in the memory card 28 and the memory card 29, and when the game apparatus 1 is turned on, the memory card I / F 36 is loaded. Via the memory card 28 or the memory card 29 to the main memory 32 and executed by the CPU 31.

  First, when the power supply (power button 14F) of the game apparatus 1 is turned on (step 51; abbreviated as “S” in FIGS. 8 and 9), a boot program (not shown) is executed by the CPU 31, thereby An information processing program stored in the memory card 28 or the memory card 29 is loaded into the main memory 32. Then, the loaded information processing program is executed by the CPU 31 (step 52), whereby the processing after step 53 is executed.

  In FIG. 8, the CPU 31 performs an initialization process of information processing (step 53), and advances the process to the next step. For example, as an initialization process performed by the CPU 31 in step 53, each parameter stored in the main memory 32 is initialized to a predetermined state. For example, the operation data Da, connection data Db, and hot spot channel data Dc are all initialized to a state without data. Note that all the connection success flags included in the connection data Db are initialized to OFF.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs processing for receiving connection data from another game device 2 for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds), and determines whether or not connection data has been received from the other game device 2 (step 54). . And CPU31 advances a process to the following step 61, when connection data can be received from the other game device 2. FIG. On the other hand, if the connection data cannot be received from the other game device 2, the CPU 31 proceeds to the next step 55.

  Here, when the game apparatus 1 performs a process of receiving connection data from another game apparatus 2, the game apparatus 1 receives radio waves from other machines without outputting radio waves from its own machine, so-called passive reception method. It is preferable to attempt reception. As a result, the game apparatus 1 does not automatically output radio waves for receiving connection data from other machines immediately after the power is turned on, so that an environment in which the output of electromagnetic waves is prohibited ( For example, the game apparatus 1 can be turned on even in an airplane or the like.

  In step 55, the CPU 31 activates the launcher program to display the launcher menu on the lower LCD 12, and proceeds to the next step. Here, when the launcher menu is displayed on the lower LCD 12, an icon I related to a viewer program (hereinafter referred to as a hot spot viewer) for displaying content received via the wireless access point 3 is also displayed. . Further, in step 55 described above, the game apparatus 1 is not in a state where it can be connected to the wireless access point 3 because the game apparatus 1 has not received connection data for connecting to the wireless access point 3. Therefore, since the game apparatus 1 is not in a state where processing using the hot spot viewer is possible, the icon I related to the hot spot viewer is displayed without being highlighted as shown in FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, if the icon I11 is an icon related to the hot spot viewer, the icon I11 is displayed on the lower LCD 12 in a non-highlighted manner without being distinguished from other icons I.

  When displaying the launcher menu in the above step 55, the CPU 31 refers to the flags set in the programs belonging to the various program groups Pa to execute the procedure for connecting the programs to the wireless access point 3 respectively. It is judged whether it is a program. And about the icon I relevant to the program for performing the procedure for connecting with the wireless access point 3, CPU31 gives the icon I a mark (refer to icons I11 and I13 in FIG. And displayed on the lower LCD 12.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs processing for receiving connection data from another game device 2 while displaying the launcher menu, and determines whether or not connection data has been received from the other game device 2 (step 56). Then, the CPU 31 proceeds to the next step 61 when the connection data can be received from the other game apparatus 2. On the other hand, if the connection data cannot be received from the other game apparatus 2, the CPU 31 proceeds to the next step 57.

  In step 57, the CPU 31 refers to the operation data Da to determine whether or not there is a user operation. If there is no user operation, the CPU 31 returns the process to step 55 and continues the process of performing the launcher menu without highlighting. On the other hand, if there is a user operation, the CPU 31 proceeds to the next step 58. As described above, the CPU 31 performs a process of intermittently receiving connection data from the other game device 2 (step 56 above) even while the launcher menu is displayed in a non-highlighted manner, and the connection data is obtained. When it is in a state where it can be received, the process is changed to a process according to the state in which the connection data is received (that is, the process after step 61).

  In step 58, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the instruction indicated by the user operation is an instruction to select execution of an application (for example, a hot spot viewer) that needs to be connected to the wireless access point 3. If the CPU 31 instructs to select an application that needs to be connected to the wireless access point 3, the CPU 31 proceeds to the next step 59. On the other hand, the CPU 31 proceeds to the next step 67 in the case of another instruction that does not require connection to the wireless access point 3.

  In step 59, the CPU 31 displays a screen for informing the user to reset the game apparatus 1 on the lower LCD 12. Then, the CPU 31 waits for the user to perform a reset operation on the game apparatus 1 (step 60), and returns to step 54 according to the reset operation to repeat the process. For example, in step 59 above, a character image such as “Corresponding hot spot is not found. Please start in a place with a hot spot” is displayed on the lower LCD 12 so that the user resets the game apparatus 1. Prompted.

  On the other hand, in step 67, the CPU 31 performs processing according to the user's instruction, and ends the processing according to the flowchart. In addition, although the process performed at step 67 can consider various processes according to a user's instruction | indication, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted here.

  When the CPU 31 receives connection data from another game device 2 (Yes in Step 54, Yes in Step 56), the CPU 31 acquires the connection data and describes it in the connection data Db (Step 61). Proceed with the process. For example, when connection data is received from another game device 2, the SSID, WEP key, and installation location ID embedded in the connection data are decrypted, and the decrypted data is described in association with the connection data Db. To do. Further, the signal strength when the connection data is received is detected, and the data indicating the signal strength is also described in the connection data Db in association with the decoded data. Here, when the CPU 31 receives connection data from each of the plurality of game apparatuses 2, the CPU 31 decodes the connection data and describes the connection data together with the reception strength in the connection data Db.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when connection data is received from each of the plurality of game apparatuses 2, the connection data is described in the order of the strong reception strength, thereby omitting the description of the reception strength numerical value in the connection data Db. It doesn't matter.

  Further, when new connection data is further received from another game device 2, in addition to the data already described in the connection data Db, only the data related to the new connection data may be described, or already the connection data Only the data related to the new connection data may be described after erasing all the data described in Db.

  Next, the CPU 31 activates a launcher program to display a launcher menu on the lower LCD 12 (step 62), and proceeds to the next step. Here, when the launcher menu is displayed on the lower LCD 12, an icon I related to the hot spot viewer is also displayed. In step 62, since the game apparatus 1 has acquired connection data for connecting to the wireless access point 3, the game apparatus 1 can be connected to the wireless access point 3. Therefore, since the game apparatus 1 is in a state where processing using the hot spot viewer is possible, the icon I related to the hot spot viewer is highlighted. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, if the icon I11 is an icon related to the hot spot viewer, the icon I11 is highlighted and displayed on the lower LCD 12 so as to be distinguished from other icons I.

  When displaying the launcher menu in the above step 62, the CPU 31 refers to the flags set for the programs belonging to the various program groups Pa to execute the procedure for connecting the programs to the wireless access point 3, respectively. It is judged whether it is a program. Then, the CPU 31 highlights and displays the icon I related to the program for executing the procedure for connecting to the wireless access point 3 on the lower LCD 12. In addition, for the icon I related to the program for executing the procedure for connecting to the wireless access point 3, the CPU 31 gives an icon I (see icons I11 and I13 in FIG. And displayed on the lower LCD 12. Further, the CPU 31 displays the graphic corresponding to the icon I related to the program for executing the procedure for connecting to the wireless access point 3 among the graphics arranged on the slide bar SB so that the graphic changes to seven colors. Displayed on the LCD 12.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a process of receiving connection data from another game device 2 while displaying the launcher menu, and determines whether or not connection data can be received from the other game device 2 (step 63). If the CPU 31 becomes unable to receive connection data from another game device 2, the CPU 31 deletes the data described in the connection data Db and proceeds to step 55. On the other hand, if the connection data can be received from the other game apparatus 2, the CPU 31 proceeds to the next step 64.

  In step 64, the CPU 31 acquires the connection data and describes it in the connection data Db, and proceeds to the next step. For example, when the connection data acquired in step 64 is different from the connection data acquired in step 61, only the different connection data may be added and described in the connection data Db in the process of step 64. If the connection data acquired in step 64 is the same as the connection data acquired in step 61, the description of the connection data Db may not be changed in the process of step 64.

  Next, the CPU 31 refers to the operation data Da to determine whether or not there has been a user operation (step 65). If there is no user operation, the CPU 31 returns the process to step 62 and continues the process of displaying the launcher menu with highlighting. On the other hand, if there is a user operation, the CPU 31 proceeds to the next step 66. In this way, the CPU 31 performs a process of determining whether reception of connection data from other game devices 2 is intermittently interrupted even when the launcher menu is displayed in a highlighted manner (step 63 above). If the connection data cannot be received, the process is changed to a process corresponding to the state in which the connection data is not received (that is, the process after step 55).

  In step 66, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the instruction indicated by the user operation is an instruction to select execution of an application (for example, a hot spot viewer) that needs to be connected to the wireless access point 3. Then, in the case of an instruction to select an application that needs to be connected to the wireless access point 3, the CPU 31 proceeds to the next step 71 (FIG. 9). On the other hand, in the case of another instruction that does not require connection to the wireless access point 3, the CPU 31 advances the process to step 67.

  Proceeding to FIG. 9, in step 71, the CPU 31 prompts the user for permission to connect to the wireless access point 3, and displays a display on the lower LCD 12 urging the user to enter the permission. Then, the CPU 31 proceeds to the next step 72 when the user inputs with permission to connect to the wireless access point 3 with reference to the operation data Da (Yes in step 71). On the other hand, when the user makes an input for disallowing connection to the wireless access point 3 (No in step 71), the CPU 31 proceeds to the next step 83.

  In step 72, the CPU 31 receives beacons transmitted by the wireless access point 3 at regular intervals to synchronize the wireless network via the wireless communication module 38. Then, the CPU 31 tries to connect to the wireless access point 3 via the wireless communication module 38 using the information embedded in the received beacon and the connection data described in the connection data Db (step 73). Here, when a plurality of pieces of connection data are described in the connection data Db, the CPU 31 tries to connect to the wireless access point 3 using connection data having the strongest reception strength.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the connection to the wireless access point 3 has been successful (step 74). If the connection to the wireless access point 3 fails, the CPU 31 selects other connection data described in the connection data Db (step 75), and uses the connection data and the information embedded in the beacon. And attempt to connect to the wireless access point 3 again. On the other hand, if the connection to the wireless access point 3 is successful, the CPU 31 updates the connection data Db by setting the connection success flag corresponding to the connection data successfully connected to ON, and proceeds to the next step 76. .

  In step 76, the CPU 31 stores data obtained from a predetermined server on the network via the wireless access point 3 in the hot spot channel data Dc, and displays a screen based on the data on the lower LCD 12 and / or the upper LCD 22. To display. Then, the CPU 31 advances the processing to the next step.

  For example, when connecting to the server using the hot spot viewer, the server transmits data corresponding to the installation location ID used at the time of connection to the game apparatus 1. As an example, when the other game apparatus 2 and the wireless access point 3 are installed at a store, the server stores the name of the store according to the installation location ID, a service list provided by the store (for example, browseable) Homepage, download program, etc.), the file URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the icon displayed for each service, and the connection destination address when the icon is selected are transmitted to the game apparatus 1. Then, the game apparatus 1 uses the data received from the server to display an icon indicating a provided service on the lower LCD 12 to prompt the user to select (hot spot channel screen). In FIG. 11, another game apparatus 2 and a wireless access point 3 are installed in the store A, and icons Ism 1 and Ism 2 indicating the service menu 1 and the service menu 2 provided by the store A are displayed on the lower LCD 12. A displayed example is shown.

  Next, the CPU 31 waits for the user to select the presented service with reference to the operation data Da (step 77). When the user selects the presented service (Yes in step 77), the CPU 31 proceeds to the next step 78.

  In step 78, the CPU 31 displays a WEB (World Wide Web) site corresponding to the service selected by the user on the lower LCD 12 and / or the upper LCD 22. For example, the CPU 31 refers to the hot spot channel data Dc, obtains a connection destination address corresponding to the icon Ism1 or Ism2 selected by the user, and connects to the WEB site using the connection destination address. Then, the CPU 31 advances the processing to the next step.

  Next, the CPU 31 monitors whether or not communication with the wireless access point 3 has been disconnected during browsing of the WEB site (step 79) and whether or not the user has performed a reset operation (step 80). When communication with the wireless access point 3 is disconnected (Yes in step 79), the CPU 31 attempts to reconnect to the wireless access point 3 using the connection data that has been successfully connected last (step 81). Note that the CPU 31 refers to the connection data Db and treats the connection data in which the connection success flag is set to ON as the connection data that has been successfully connected last. If the CPU 31 succeeds in reconnection to the wireless access point 3 (Yes in step 82), the CPU 31 returns to step 76 and repeats the process. On the other hand, when the reconnection to the wireless access point 3 fails (No in Step 82) or when the user performs a reset operation (Yes in Step 80), the CPU 31 stores the data described in the connection data Db. Erasing and returning to step 54, the process is repeated.

  On the other hand, when the user inputs to disallow connection to the wireless access point 3 (No in step 71), the CPU 31 displays a screen for informing the user to reset the game apparatus 1 on the lower LCD 12. (Step 83). Then, the CPU 31 waits for the user to perform a reset operation on the game apparatus 1 (step 84), erases the data described in the connection data Db in response to the reset operation, and returns to step 54 to process. repeat. For example, in step 83 described above, a character image such as “The hot spot channel cannot be used unless it is connected to the Internet” is displayed on the lower LCD 12, and the user is prompted to reset the game apparatus 1.

  Thus, the game device 1 according to the present embodiment is connected to the wireless access point 3 that can communicate using the connection data only when the connection data is received from the other game device 2. Is possible. Therefore, the game apparatus 1 can avoid trying to connect to or be connected to a wireless access point other than the wireless access point 3, and connects the wireless access point 3 as a connection destination apparatus specified by the connection data. be able to.

  In the above description, an example of changing the display mode of the icon I by changing the color of the upper and lower frames of the icon I related to the application that can be used by acquiring connection data to, for example, seven colors and emphasizing it. Although used, the display mode of the icon I may not be changed in order to realize the present invention.

  Further, in the specific processing operation by the information processing program described above, the game device 1 can be used by acquiring the connection data only when the game device 1 is receiving connection data from another game device 2. An example where the application is executable is used. Thus, in a state where the game apparatus 1 is arranged at a position where an area where connection data transmitted from another game apparatus 2 can be received and an area where connection data can be connected to the wireless access point 3 are overlapped. An application that can be used by acquiring connection data can be executed.

  However, even if the game apparatus 1 is in another state, the application may be executable. For example, when the game device 1 receives connection data from another game device 2, the received connection data is stored until the game device 1 is turned off, and the game device 1 is turned off. To erase the connection data. While the connection data is stored, the application that can be used by acquiring the connection data can be executed. Thereby, even if the area where the connection data transmitted from the other game device 2 can be received and the area where the connection data can be connected to the wireless access point 3 do not overlap, the game device 1 transmits the connection data. Once received, connection to the wireless access point 3 in a different area is possible.

  In addition, the above-described game apparatus 1 stores in the memory in advance various programs such as a viewer program for displaying content received by connecting to the wireless access point 3 and launcher application software for displaying a list of icons I. However, at least one of these programs may be acquired from the outside. For example, at least one of the programs may be acquired from the memory card 28 and / or 29, or may be acquired from another device through communication with the other device.

  As an example, when a viewer program is acquired from another device by communication, the other game device 2 transmits the viewer program by wireless broadcast in addition to the connection data. Then, after receiving and installing the viewer program transmitted from the other game device 2, the game device 1 executes the subsequent processing by receiving the connection data described above. Specifically, the viewer program transmitted from the other game apparatus 2 is executed using a protocol dedicated to the game apparatus that transmits and receives. As a result, even when the game apparatus in which various programs are not installed in advance and the game apparatus 1 in which the various programs are installed in advance are mixed, the processing for both the game apparatuses to connect to the wireless access point 3 is performed. It becomes possible.

  In this case, the other game apparatus 2 may acquire a viewer program for distribution to the game apparatus 1 via the wireless LAN. As a result, it is easy to update the viewer program for distribution to the game apparatus 1, and processing using the latest viewer program is always possible.

  In the above description, an example in which connection data such as an SSID or a WEP key is transmitted from another game apparatus 2 is used. However, the apparatus that transmits the connection data may not be a game apparatus. For example, the connection data may be periodically wirelessly broadcast from a dedicated terminal or general-purpose terminal that transmits the connection data.

  In the above description, the wireless access point 3 is used as an example of the connection destination device, and the system in which the game apparatus 1 is connected to the wireless access point 3 is described as an example. However, the connection destination device of the present invention is another device. It does not matter. For example, the wireless access point 3 is a relay device for connecting to a network, but may be connected only between the game device 1 and the connection destination device of the present invention. For example, a game device different from the game device 1 may be prepared as a connection destination device, and the game devices may be directly connected to each other.

  When the user selects an icon I related to an application that cannot be used because connection data has not been acquired (Yes in step 58 shown in FIG. 8), the game device 1 is reset to the user. In addition to displaying the notification screen on the lower LCD 12, explanations (tutorials) may be displayed for usage and functions related to the application. Accordingly, the user can know the usage method of the above-described hot spot viewer, the meaning of changing the display mode of the icon I, and the like.

  In the specific processing operation by the information processing program described above, when the user selects a service displayed on the hot spot channel (Yes in step 77 shown in FIG. 9), the WEB site corresponding to the service provides However, the service may be other contents provided. For example, when the service is provided in the form of a native application or the like, and the user selects the service displayed on the hot spot channel, the native application corresponding to the service is transmitted via the wireless access point 3 to the game device. It may be downloaded to 1.

  In the above description, the SSID is used as an example of an identifier for connecting to the wireless access point 3 included in the connection data transmitted from the other game device 2, but another identifier different from the SSID is used as the connection data. May be included. For example, an identification number such as a MAC address (Media Access Control address) uniquely set for each wireless access point 3 may be included in the connection data together with the SSID or instead of the SSID.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the physically separated lower LCD 12 and upper LCD 22 are arranged one above the other as an example of the liquid crystal display unit for two screens (in the case of two upper and lower screens) has been described. However, the configuration of the display screen for two screens may be other configurations. For example, the lower LCD 12 and the upper LCD 22 may be arranged on the left and right on one main surface of the lower housing 11. In addition, the lower LCD 12 is the same as the lower LCD 12 and has a vertically long LCD that is twice as long as the lower LCD 12 (that is, an LCD that is physically one and has two display screens vertically). It may be arranged on one main surface of the housing 11 so that two images are displayed up and down (that is, displayed adjacently without the upper and lower boundary portions). In addition, a horizontally long LCD having the same vertical width as the lower LCD 12 and having a horizontal length twice as long as the lower LCD 12 is arranged on one main surface of the lower housing 11 so that two game images are horizontally displayed. May be displayed (that is, displayed adjacent to each other without the left and right boundary portions). That is, two images may be displayed by physically dividing one screen into two. Regardless of the image format, if the touch panel 13 is disposed on the screen on which the display image displayed on the lower LCD 12 is displayed, the present invention can be similarly realized. When the two images are displayed by physically dividing one screen into two, the touch panel 13 may be disposed on the entire screen.

  In the above-described embodiment, the touch panel 13 is integrally provided in the game apparatus 1. However, it goes without saying that the present invention can be realized even if the game apparatus and the touch panel are configured separately. In addition, the touch panel 13 may be provided on the upper surface of the upper LCD 22 and the display image displayed on the lower LCD 12 described above may be displayed on the upper LCD 22. Furthermore, although two display screens (lower LCD 12 and upper LCD 22) are provided in the above embodiment, the number of display screens may be one. That is, in the above-described embodiment, the touch panel 13 may be provided with only the lower LCD 12 as a display screen without providing the upper LCD 22. In the above embodiment, the touch panel 13 may be provided on the upper surface of the upper LCD 22 without providing the lower LCD 12, and the display image displayed on the lower LCD 12 may be displayed on the upper LCD 22.

  Moreover, in the said Example, although the touch panel 13 was used as an input means of the game device 1 which implement | achieves a coordinate input, you may use another pointing device. Here, the pointing device is an input device that specifies an input position and coordinates on the screen. For example, a mouse, a trackpad, a trackball, or the like is used as an input means, and is calculated from an output value output from the input means. The present invention can be similarly realized by using the position information of the screen coordinate system.

  In addition, in the case of a stationary game device in which a player holds a game controller and enjoys a game, a pointing device of another aspect is also conceivable. For example, a camera fixed to the housing of the game controller can be used as the pointing device. In this case, the captured image captured by the camera changes in accordance with the change in position indicated by the housing of the game controller. Therefore, by analyzing this captured image, it is possible to calculate the coordinates indicated by the housing with respect to the display screen.

  In the above embodiment, the portable game apparatus 1 and the stationary game apparatus have been described. However, the information processing program of the present invention is executed by an information processing apparatus such as a general personal computer, and the present invention. May be realized.

  In addition, the shape of the game apparatus 1 described above, the shapes, numbers, and installation positions of the various operation buttons 14 and the touch panel 13 provided on the game apparatus 1 are merely examples, and other shapes, numbers, and installation positions. However, it goes without saying that the present invention can be realized. In addition, the execution order of the steps used in the information processing described above is merely an example, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be realized even in other execution orders.

  Further, in the above embodiment, based on the flag as described above, it is determined whether or not the application is connected to the wireless access point among the plurality of application programs, and the display mode of the icon related to the application is changed. However, the display mode of icons related to a predetermined specific application (including a program for executing a procedure for connecting to a wireless access point) may be changed. In this case, the determination based on the flag is not necessary.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail above, the above description is merely illustrative of the present invention in all respects and is not intended to limit the scope thereof. It goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  An information processing system, an information processing apparatus, and an information processing program of the present invention can be connected to a specific connection destination device, and are included in a system that communicates with a connection destination device such as a wireless access point. It is also useful as a program executed by these devices.

1 is an external view of a game apparatus 1 that executes an information processing program according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the game apparatus 1 of FIG. The figure which shows the example of a screen displayed on lower LCD12 of FIG. The figure which shows an example in which the some icon I displayed on lower LCD12 of FIG. 1 was ordered The figure for demonstrating an example of the system which the game device 1 of FIG. 1 connects with the wireless access point 3 The figure which shows an example of the various data memorize | stored in the main memory 32 according to running an information processing program The figure for demonstrating an example of the connection data Db of FIG. The first half flowchart in which the game apparatus 1 performs information processing by executing an information processing program according to an embodiment of the present invention. The second half flowchart in which the game apparatus 1 performs information processing by executing the information processing program according to the embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows an example in which icon I11 was displayed on lower LCD12 by the non-highlighting display, without distinguishing from other icons I The figure which shows an example in which icon Ism1 and Ism2 were displayed on lower LCD12

Explanation of symbols

1, 2 ... Game device 11 ... Lower housing 12 ... Lower LCD
13 ... Touch panel 14 ... Operation buttons 15, 26 ... LED
16 ... Microphone hole 21 ... Upper housing 22 ... Upper LCD
23 ... Inner camera 24 ... Sound release hole 25 ... Outer camera 27 ... Touch pens 28, 29 ... Memory card 31 ... CPU
32 ... Main memory 33 ... Memory control circuit 34 ... Storage data memory 35 ... Preset data memory 36, 37 ... Memory card I / F
38 ... Wireless communication module 39 ... Local communication module 40 ... RTC
41 ... Power supply circuit 42 ... I / F circuit 43 ... Microphone 44 ... Amplifier 3 ... Wireless access point

Claims (17)

  A data communication system including a first communication terminal, a second communication terminal, and a connection destination device,
  The first communication terminal includes connection destination data transmission means for transmitting connection destination data for communicating with the connection destination device.
  The second communication terminal is
    Connection destination data receiving means for attempting to receive the connection destination data from the first communication terminal;
    Using the connection destination data received by the connection destination data receiving means, and a communication means for attempting communication with the connection destination device,
  The second communication terminal further includes a reception strength detection means for detecting a reception strength when the connection destination data is received from the first communication terminal,
  Data communication in which, when the connection destination data receiving means receives a plurality of the connection destination data, the communication means sequentially selects connection destination data in descending order of the reception strength and tries to communicate with the connection destination device. system. The connection destination device is a wireless access point that transmits beacons including data for synchronizing wireless networks at regular intervals,
The second communication terminal further comprises a beacon receiving means for receiving a beacon transmitted from the connection destination device,
2. The communication unit according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit attempts communication with the connection destination device using data included in a beacon received by the beacon reception unit and connection destination data received by the connection destination data reception unit. Data communication system.   2. The data communication system according to claim 1, wherein the connection destination data receiving unit attempts to receive the connection destination data by using a dedicated protocol implemented at least in the first communication terminal and the second communication terminal.   2. The data communication system according to claim 1, wherein the connection destination data receiving unit receives the connection destination data without transmitting a radio wave when the second communication terminal is activated. The second communication terminal further includes launcher means for causing a user to select an application program to be started from among a plurality of application programs and starting the selected application program,
The launcher means can execute a connection application program including a program for causing the second communication terminal to execute a procedure for connecting to the connection destination device when the connection destination data receiving means receives the connection destination data. The data communication system according to claim 1, wherein the user is notified of the fact. 6. The data according to claim 5 , wherein the connection destination data receiving unit attempts to receive the connection destination data after the second communication terminal is activated and before the launcher unit can accept a user's selection operation. 7. Communications system. The connected data receiving means, the second from the communication terminal is activated after the launcher means becomes possible to accept a selection operation of a user, continuously attempts to receive the said connected data, according to claim 6 The data communication system described in 1. The data communication system further includes a third communication terminal,
The third communication terminal is
An application receiving unit that downloads and receives a connection application program including a program for causing the third communication terminal to execute a procedure for connecting to the connection destination device, and installs the connection application program in the third communication terminal;
Connection destination data receiving means for attempting to receive the connection destination data from the first communication terminal;
The data communication system according to claim 1, further comprising: a communication unit that attempts to communicate with the connection destination device using the connection destination data received by the connection destination data reception unit when the connection application program is executed. The data communication system according to claim 5 or 8 , wherein the connection application program is a viewer program for connecting to a network via the connection destination device. The data communication system according to claim 8 , wherein the application receiving means downloads and receives the connection application program by using a dedicated protocol implemented at least in the first communication terminal and the third communication terminal. The connection destination data further includes data for specifying a predetermined content,
The data communication system according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit acquires content specified by data for specifying the predetermined content via a network by communicating with the connection destination device. The second communication terminal further includes icon display control means for prompting a user to select by acquiring an icon related to the content from a server on the network and displaying the icon on a display device,
The data communication system according to claim 11 , wherein the communication unit acquires content related to the icon selected in accordance with a user operation via the network. The second communication terminal is
Connection destination data storage means for storing the connection destination data received by the connection destination data receiving means until activation of the second communication terminal is stopped;
In the case where the connection is interrupted after connecting to the connection destination device, the reconnection unit further attempts to connect to the connection destination device again based on the connection destination data stored in the connection destination data storage unit, The data communication system according to claim 1.   The data communication system according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit attempts to communicate with the connection destination device using the connection destination data being received by the connection destination data reception unit.   The second communication terminal further comprises connection destination data storage means for storing the connection destination data received by the connection destination data receiving means until activation of the second communication terminal stops,
  The data communication system according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit attempts to communicate with the connection destination device using connection destination data stored in the connection destination data storage unit.   A communication control method for controlling a data communication system including a first communication terminal, a second communication terminal, and a connection destination device,
  A connection destination data transmission step for causing the first communication terminal to transmit connection destination data for communicating with the connection destination device;
  A connection destination data reception step for causing the second communication terminal to try to receive the connection destination data from the first communication terminal;
  Using the connection destination data received in the connection destination data reception step in the second communication terminal, and a communication step for attempting communication with the connection destination device.
  The communication control method further includes a reception strength detection step of causing the second communication terminal to detect a reception strength when the connection destination data is received from the first communication terminal,
  When a plurality of the connection destination data is received in the connection destination data reception step, the communication step sequentially selects connection destination data in descending order of the reception strength and tries communication with the connection destination device. Method.   A data communication program to be executed by a computer of a data communication system including a first communication terminal, a second communication terminal, and a connection destination device,
  Causing the computer of the first communication terminal to function as connection destination data transmission means for transmitting connection destination data for communicating with the connection destination device;
  A computer of the second communication terminal;
    Connection destination data receiving means for attempting to receive the connection destination data from the first communication terminal;
    Using the connection destination data received by the connection destination data receiving means, function as a communication means for attempting communication with the connection destination device,
  Causing the computer of the second communication terminal to further function as reception intensity detection means for detecting reception intensity when the connection destination data is received from the first communication terminal;
  Data communication in which, when the connection destination data receiving means receives a plurality of the connection destination data, the communication means sequentially selects connection destination data in descending order of the reception strength and tries to communicate with the connection destination device. program.

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