JP2001321568A - Device and method of game and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simplify a procedure for network formation for facilitation. SOLUTION: One game device (terminal) and the other game device (terminal) are formed connectable by radio. A link is formed between the one terminal and the other terminal by exchanging connection request messages and connection permission messages so as to exchange information required for a game between the one terminal and the other terminal via the link. The link in between the one terminal and the other terminal is automatically formed by exchanging required messages between the one terminal and the other terminal to form a network without a manual procedure.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game device, a game method, and an information recording medium. The present invention relates to an information recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A portable portable game device is
The game can be enjoyed anytime and anywhere, but the storage capacity is much smaller than a stationary personal computer, etc. In order to enjoy an interesting game, a network-type game device that can enjoy a game while exchanging information between a plurality of game devices has been used.

In this type of game device, for example, a plurality of game devices (hereinafter, simply referred to as “terminals”) incorporating a predetermined network protocol are connected to each other in accordance with the procedure of the protocol to form a network. It is a game that enjoys the game while exchanging necessary information between terminals, and it is possible to change the game story of the own terminal by reflecting the unique information of other participating users and the game progress result Have advantages.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional network-type game apparatus, there is a problem that (1) the procedure for participating in the network is troublesome and inconvenient. For example, when a network is configured by the terminal A and the terminal B, first, the two terminals are physically connected to each other by a cable, and then identification information (hereinafter, referred to as “ID”) of the other terminal is registered in each terminal. That work had to be done artificially, which was troublesome. (2) In addition, some game devices do not support a protocol required for network participation, so that it is necessary to judge it artificially, which is convenient in that it requires a certain amount of network knowledge. There was a problem that it was bad. (3) In addition, even if another terminal (for convenience, terminal C) that can participate in the network is nearby, the terminal C cannot participate in the network unless the user of each of the terminals A and B notices it. There was a problem that the opportunity to participate in the game was missed. (4) In addition, when a network is configured by cable connection, a one-to-one network configuration is often adopted in which two terminals are connected by one cable, and three or more terminals are required to simultaneously participate in the network. There was a problem that can not be.

[0005] Accordingly, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to improve the usability by simplifying the procedure of network configuration, and to make the game more complex and improve the development by enabling a one-to-many network configuration. It is in.

[0006]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
The first terminal and the two terminals are configured to be connectable using a wireless medium as a medium, and the one terminal and the one terminal exchange a connection request message and a connection permission message between the one terminal and the two terminals. A link between the two terminals is formed, and information necessary for the game is exchanged between the one terminal and the two terminals via the link. The invention according to claim 2 is configured to enable connection between three or more terminals using a wireless medium,
A link between the plurality of terminals is formed by exchanging a connection request message and a connection permission message between the plurality of terminals, and information necessary for a game is exchanged between the plurality of terminals via the link. And when a connection request message from another terminal is received by one of the plurality of terminals, a connection permission message is transmitted from the one terminal to the other terminal, and the one An additional notification message is transmitted from one terminal to each terminal on the link, and the link is reconfigured to include the other terminal in response to the additional acknowledgment message from each terminal. According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, each of the terminals sets the timing of message transmission and reception based on a random number. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, each of the terminals sets the transmission and reception timings of the message based on a random number, and sets the radix of the random number unique to each terminal. Set based on information. The invention according to claim 5 is
In the invention according to claim 1 or 2, each terminal periodically turns on a power source during a power-off period to exchange information on a configuration of the link and a link partner. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the game method in a communication game device capable of dynamically wirelessly connecting to another communication device, a step of wirelessly connecting to the other communication device to acquire information on the other communication device; Causing a character or an item to appear in the game based on the acquired information of the other communication device. The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claim 6, further comprising a step of having a conversation while being connected to the another communication device. The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claim 6, wherein a wireless connection with another communication device is periodically attempted when the power of the communication game device is turned off or when the game is not started, The step of acquiring information of the other communication device when wirelessly connecting to another communication device in accordance with this step, and the step of acquiring information of the acquired other communication device when the power of the communication game device is turned on or the game is started. Causing a character or an item to appear in the game based on the information of the device. According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a step of judging a connection state with the other communication device, and a step of making a story of a game different depending on the connection state. Claim 10
According to the described invention, a machine-readable information recording medium is wirelessly connected to another communication device to acquire information of the other communication device, and the game progress is performed based on the acquired information of the other communication device. Record the program for performing the different steps.

[0007]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external view of the game device. The game device 1 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a “terminal”) has a case 2 having a shape suitable for carrying.
In addition, a display unit having a touch panel 3 (refer to a liquid crystal display 19 described later; FIG. 2) is provided, and a cursor key 4, various operation keys 5, a power switch 6, an antenna 7 for wireless communication, and the like are provided. I have. In addition, a touch pen 8 for operating the touch panel 3 is attached.

FIG. 2 is an internal block diagram of the game apparatus 1, wherein 10 is a high-frequency section, 11 is a modulation / demodulation section, 12 is a communication control section, 13 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit),
4 is a program memory, 15 is a data memory, 16 is a work memory, 17 is a key operation unit, 18 is a display control unit, 1
9 is a liquid crystal display, 20 is a touch panel control unit, 2
1 is an audio output unit, 22 is a speaker, 23 is a bus, and 24 is a power supply unit.

The function of each of these parts is generally as follows. <High-frequency unit 10> The high-frequency unit 10 amplifies the intermediate-frequency transmission signal modulated by the modem unit 11 into a high-frequency signal and transmits it to the air from the antenna 7, or converts the high-frequency reception signal received by the antenna 7 into an intermediate signal. Converts to frequency and modulates / demodulates 1
Output to 1. <Modulation / Demodulation Unit 11> The modulation / demodulation unit 11 modulates a transmission signal from the communication control unit 12 by a predetermined method or demodulates a reception signal from the high-frequency unit 10 by a predetermined method. The modulation / demodulation method is not particularly limited.

<Communication Control Unit 12> The communication control unit 12 provides a signal interface between the bus 23 and the modem unit 12. The communication control unit 12 transmits a signal received from the modem unit 12 to the bus 23, or receives a signal from the bus 23. The transmission signal is transmitted to the modulation / demodulation unit 11. Note that the communication control unit 12 uses OSI (Open Sys
tem Interconnection) can be regarded as corresponding to the physical layer, data link layer, and transport layer in the reference model. <CPU 13> The CPU 13 controls the overall operation of the game apparatus 1, that is, the execution of a game and the configuration of a network with other game apparatuses, in accordance with a predetermined control program. Details of the control program will be described later.

<Program Memory 14> The program memory 14 stores the control program in a non-volatile manner (retains stored information even after power is turned off). The control program includes a program for executing a game and other programs. And a program for performing a network configuration with the other game device. <Data Memory 15> The data memory 15 stores variable information such as owner information of the game apparatus 1 and a progress result of the game. A storage device that does not lose its information even after the power is turned off (for example, a flash memory or a battery-backed-up volatile storage device) is used.

<Work memory 16> Work memory 16
Is a working storage space when the CPU 13 executes a predetermined control program, and is a volatile storage device having a high read / write speed, for example, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).
ccess Memory) or SRAM (Static Random Access Mem)
ory) is used. <Key operation unit 17> The key operation unit 17 generates key signals corresponding to operations of the cursor keys 4 and various operation keys 5 provided on the case 2, and outputs the key signals to the CPU 13 via the bus 23. I do.

<Display Control Unit 18> The display control unit 18
The display signal from the PU 13 is converted into a predetermined display format and output to the liquid crystal display 19. <Liquid crystal display 19> The liquid crystal display 19 displays a display signal from the CPU 13 under the control of the display control unit 18. This liquid crystal display 19 is the same as that shown in FIG.
Is provided below the touch panel 3, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display 19 is visually recognized through the touch panel 3.

<Touch Panel Control Unit 20> The touch panel control unit 20 takes in the touch coordinates of the touch panel 3, converts them into coordinate signals, and outputs them to the CPU 13. <Sound output unit 21> The sound output 21 power-amplifies the sound signal from the CPU 13, drives the speaker 22, and outputs the sound. <Power Supply Unit 24> The power supply unit 24 supplies necessary power to each unit of the game apparatus 1, and includes a primary battery or a secondary battery in consideration of portability of the game apparatus 1.

Next, details of a control program executed by the CPU 13 of the game apparatus 1 will be described. <Main Program> FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a main program corresponding to the control program. The main program starts executing when the power switch 6 of the game device 1 is turned on. When the program is started, first, each part of the game device 1 is initialized (Step S).
1) Then, the type of the key operation of the user or the operation event of the touch panel 3 is determined (step S2). One of the operation events is a game start event, and the game program is executed in response to the occurrence of the event (step S3). Another event is an environment setting event for registering user information, setting a game environment, and the like, and executes an environment setting program in response to the occurrence of the event (step S4). For these events, for example, two selection buttons of “start game” and “environment setting” are displayed on the liquid crystal display 19, and when one of these buttons is touched by the touch pen 8 or a finger or the like, May be generated.

<Game Program> FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a game program corresponding to step S3 in FIG. This program performs a game process (step S5) for controlling the story of the game until the user performs an end operation or reaches a predetermined game result (step S5).
6 "YES" determination). This point matches the known game device, but responds to an event such as a timer interrupt that occurs periodically during execution of the game process (step S5). Thus, a difference is that a predetermined communication process (step S7) is executed. Note that the periodic event such as a timer interrupt may occur not only during the execution of the game process but also immediately after the execution of the game process.

<Communication Processing Program> FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a communication processing program corresponding to step S7 in FIG. This program determines whether or not a link is being established with another game device (step S8). If the link is not established, the “initial link establishment process” is executed (step S9). If so, the "normal communication process" is executed (step S10), and in any case, upon completion of each process, the process returns to the game process (step S5) in FIG. Note that, for example, when the communication processing program is started by a timer interrupt, the return destination address is an execution address of the game process saved when the interrupt occurs.

According to this communication processing program, when a link has not been established with another game device, the “initial link” is periodically executed during the execution of the game process (step S5) in FIG. "Establishment processing" (step S9)
If a link has been established with another game device, the "normal communication process" is periodically executed during the execution of the game process (step S5) in FIG. 4 (step S10). ) Is obtained.

<Initial Link Establishment Processing Program> FIG. 6
9 is a flowchart of an initial link establishment processing program corresponding to step S9 in FIG. This program first monitors signals received from the high-frequency unit 10 and the modem unit 11 via the communication control unit 12 (step S
9a). Hereinafter, this monitor is referred to as “receiving operation”. Next, it is determined whether or not a predetermined carrier signal (a carrier signal defined by the communication protocol of the game device 1) has been received during the receiving operation (step S9b). After determining that the network is not configured, and transmitting a connection request message for searching for another terminal (step S9c), the process returns to the communication processing of FIG. Here, the destination of the connection request message is addressed to all terminals, and a communication packet including the connection request message is hereinafter referred to as a broadcast packet (abbreviation “BC”).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S9b that there is a carrier, the destination of the communication packet included in the carrier signal is checked, and it is determined whether the packet is a communication packet addressed to the terminal itself or a BC (step S9d). If the message is not addressed to the own terminal and is not a BC, the process directly returns to the communication processing of FIG.
In the case of, the packet type is determined (step S9e), and the processing corresponding to the packet type (step S9f)
Alternatively, after executing step S9g), the process returns to the communication processing of FIG.

If the packet type is "connection request" from another terminal, a "permit transmission" message for permitting connection to the packet transmission source terminal is output (step S9f). If the packet type is "connection permitted" from another terminal, a link establishment process with the packet transmission source terminal is performed (step S9f), and other than "connection request" and "connection permitted". In this case, the process returns to the communication process of FIG.

According to this initial link establishment process, the receiving operation is periodically performed to determine the presence or absence of a carrier signal. If the carrier signal is received, (A) the packet is addressed to its own terminal or is a BC packet. If the communication packet is a “connection request”, a “connection permission” message is transmitted to the source terminal of the packet. (B) The communication packet is addressed to the own terminal or is a BC packet. If the packet is “connection permitted”, an effect is obtained that a link is established with the source terminal of the packet.

<Structure of Communication Packet> FIG. 7 is a conceptual structure diagram of a communication packet. In this example, two types of packets are shown. The first packet 30 is a destination ID part 30
a, a type code part 30b and a transmission source ID part 30c, and the second packet 31
1a, a type code section 31b, a transmission source ID section 31c, and a data section 31d. First packet 3
0 is used for command notification between terminals, and the second packet 31 is used for data transfer from one terminal to another terminal. Destination ID of the first and second packets 30, 31
The destination IDs (IDs representing all terminals in the case of BC; hereinafter, the ID for BC is referred to as “X” for convenience) are stored in the units 30a and 31a, and the type code units 30b and 31 are stored therein.
In b, code information indicating the type of the packet is stored.
The transmission source ID sections 30c and 31c store the transmission source terminal ID of the packet, and the data section 31d stores the information body exchanged between the terminals after the link is established.

<Actual of Initial Link Establishing Process> FIG. 8 is a time run showing an example of the initial link establishing process. In this example, two terminals (the game device 1 with ID = AA1 and the ID = AA1) are used.
An example of the initial link establishment between the game device 1 of AB2; hereinafter, referred to as ID) is shown. Now, AA1 and A
It is assumed that, for example, in the state where the power switch 6 of B2 is turned on, the initial link establishment processing program (see FIG. 6) of AA1 is executed before AB2.

The AA1 performs a receiving operation (step S9a) and, after confirming that no carrier signal is received, outputs a connection request (step S9c). Similarly, AB2
Also performs a receiving operation (step S9a), and by this receiving operation, a connection request packet (BC packet) from AA1
When AB2 receives the carrier signal containing AB2, AB2 determines the packet type (step S9e). Since the packet is a connection request packet from AA1, AB2
Transmits a packet including a connection permission message to AA1. AA1 performs the receiving operation again (step S9).
a) is performed to receive this connection permission packet, and after determining the packet type, establish a link with AB2 (step S9g).

In the figure, “XccpAA1” transmitted from AA1 to AB2 represents a packet of a connection request message in a command sequence. Similarly, “AA1rcAB2” transmitted from AB2 to AA1 similarly represents a packet of the connection permission message in a command sequence. These packet structures correspond to FIG. That is, the first capital letter ("X" or "AA")
1 ") is information stored in the transmission destination ID part 30a, the middle lower case string (" ccp "or" rc ") is storage information in the type code part 30b, and the last upper case string (" AA1 ").
Or "AB2") is storage information of the transmission source ID unit 30c. Note that “XccpAA1” is obtained from AA1 to BC
(ID = X) means the connection request (ccp) transmitted,
“AA1rcAB2” means connection permission (rc) transmitted from AB2 to AA1, but the present invention is not limited to this command sequence. In short, any command sequence in the form of a packet (also referred to as a “frame”) having information on the destination and the source and command information for the destination terminal may be used.

<Normal Communication Processing> FIGS. 9 and 10 are flowcharts of a normal communication processing program corresponding to step S10 in FIG. The program first includes a high-frequency unit 10 and a modem unit 11 via a communication control unit 12.
Monitor (receive operation) the received signal from
10a). Next, it is determined whether or not a predetermined carrier signal (a carrier signal defined by the communication protocol of the game device 1) has been received during the receiving operation (step S10).
b) If not received, message to be sent (described below)
Is determined (step S10c), and if there is a message to be transmitted, it is transmitted (step S10d), and the process returns to the communication processing of FIG.

On the other hand, when the carrier signal is received in step S10b, the destination of the communication packet included in the carrier signal is checked, and it is determined whether the communication packet is a communication packet addressed to the terminal itself or a BC (step S10e). If the message is not addressed to the terminal itself and is not a BC, the process directly returns to the communication processing of FIG.
C, the packet type is determined (step S10f), and the processing corresponding to the packet type (step S10f) is performed.
After executing 10g to step S10j), the process returns to the communication processing in FIG.

Here, if the packet type is "connection request" from another terminal, a "connection permission" message notifying that the connection is permitted to the terminal (connection request terminal) of the packet transmission source, A message for transmitting an “additional notification” message notifying that a new terminal is to be added to the link that has already formed a link (step S1 described above)
0d) (step S10g), and returns to the communication processing of FIG. If the packet type is "additional notification" from another terminal, an "additional acknowledgment" message is sent to the source terminal of the additional notification message to acknowledge the notification (see step S10d above). ) (Step S10h), and returns to the communication processing of FIG. If the packet type is "additional acknowledgment" from another terminal, the additional processing for joining the terminal having issued the "connection request" to the network is completed normally (step S10i), and the communication shown in FIG. Return to processing. Alternatively, in the case of another packet type, a process corresponding to the packet type (for example, a process of transmitting and receiving game information) is executed (step S10j), and the process returns to the communication process of FIG.

According to the normal communication processing, a reception operation is periodically performed to determine the presence or absence of a carrier signal. If no carrier signal is received, a "connection permission" message to the connection request terminal or a link While transmitting the "additional notification" message to the other terminal in the "additional notification" message to the terminal that transmitted the "additional notification" message, while receiving a carrier signal,
(A) It is addressed to its own terminal or is a BC packet, and
If the communication packet is a “connection request”, the above-mentioned “connection permission” message and the “additional notification” message are transmitted, and (B) the communication packet is addressed to the own terminal or a BC packet and the communication packet is If the notification is "notification", the above "additional acknowledgment" message is transmitted. Finish,
The terminal that issued the "connection request" joins the network,
(D) The packet is addressed to the own terminal or is a BC packet, and
If the communication packet is another type, an effect of executing a process corresponding to the type, for example, a process of transmitting and receiving game information, is obtained.

<Actual of Normal Communication Processing> FIG. 11 is a time run showing an example of the normal communication processing. In this example, when a link is established between two terminals (the game device 1 with ID = AA1 and the game device 1 with ID = AB2; hereinafter, referred to as ID), the other terminal (ID = FIG. 1 shows a state in which a request for participation in a network is issued from a game device 1 of AC3 (hereinafter, referred to as an ID). That is, AC3 transmits a connection request (“XccpAA3”) when a link is established between AA1 and AB2,
This connection request is received by either AA1 or AB3. For example, if it is received by AA1, AA1 performs a receiving operation (step S10a in FIG. 9), receives a carrier signal, and determines a packet type (step S10b in FIG. 9). Since the packet is a connection request packet from AC3, AA1
A connection permission message (“AA3rcAA”
1 ''), the AC3 receives the connection permission packet, and after determining the packet type, establishes a link with AA1 (step S9g in FIG. 6).

On the other hand, when AA1 transmits the connection permission message (“AA3rcAA1”) to AC3,
An additional notification message (“AB
2capAC3 AA1 "), AB2 receives this additional notification message, and returns an acknowledgment response (additional acknowledgment) message to AA1. AA1 receives this additional acknowledgment, and normally ends the additional processing. And incorporate AC3 into the network.

Therefore, the terminals (AA1, AA) on the link
Among the B2), the terminal (AA1) that has received the addition request from the new terminal (AC3) returns a connection permission message to the terminal (AC3) and transmits the connection permission message to the other terminal (AB2) in the link. Send an "addition notice" message to add a new terminal (AC3) to the network,
The other terminal (AB2) that has received the notification exchanges a packet to return an “additional acknowledgement” message, and finally, a new terminal is added to the network configured by the linked terminals (AA1, AB2). (AC
3) can participate.

<Summary> As described above, according to the present embodiment, a connection request message and a connection permission message are exchanged between one terminal (terminal A) and another terminal (terminal B). Thus, the link between the two terminals A and B can be formed autonomously, the link procedure between the two terminals A and B can be simplified, and the network configuration can be simplified.

In addition, when a connection request is received from a new terminal (terminal C), a connection request message is sent between any terminal (eg, terminal A) on the link and the new terminal C. Exchanges with the authorization message, the two terminals A, C
A new link is formed in the meantime, and the other terminal B in the link is notified (additional notification) to that effect and the other terminal B is notified.
, A new terminal C can be added to the network, and a one-to-many network configuration can be easily performed without human intervention.

Therefore, since the procedure for joining the network can be automated, the first problem (the procedure for joining the network is cumbersome and inconvenient) can be solved. In addition, since it is not necessary to know the network protocol of the partner terminal, the second problem at the beginning (which must artificially determine whether or not a protocol necessary for network participation is supported) is solved. be able to. In addition, when a terminal capable of joining the network is nearby, the terminal can be automatically joined to the network. Therefore, the third problem at the beginning (because it is necessary to intentionally join the terminal, If you do not notice the presence of the terminal, you will miss the chance to participate in the game). Further, since a one-to-many network configuration is also supported, the fourth problem at the beginning (three or more terminals cannot be simultaneously joined to the network) can be solved.

<Regarding Avoidance of Conflict between Transmission Operation and Reception Operation> In the above embodiment, a required message is transmitted from one terminal, and this message is received by another terminal. The message receiving operation is performed in two processes (“initial link establishment process” and “normal communication process”), and these processing programs (see FIGS. 6 and 9) are the same in each terminal. Therefore, if the execution timing of the receiving operation (step S9a in FIG. 6 or step S10a in FIG. 9) matches, the message transmitted from one terminal can be received by another terminal. Some countermeasures are necessary because it may lead to the inconvenience of being unable to do so.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the period of the receiving operation is made longer than the period of the transmitting operation, and the start timing of the transmitting operation is made different for each terminal by a random number or the like. In this way, when one terminal is transmitting a message, the other terminal can be made to perform a receiving operation, and the message transmitted from one terminal can be received by each terminal without any trouble. It is preferable to use the unique information (for example, ID) of each terminal as the radix of the random number. This is because it is possible to prevent accidental coincidence of random numbers, and to increase the certainty of the above-described operation and effect (that allows one terminal to perform a receiving operation when one terminal is transmitting a message).

<Other examples of countermeasures for avoiding contention> However, even with the above-described measures, as the number of terminals increases, the possibility of contention between transmission operation and reception operation increases, and failure in message exchange can be avoided. Other measures need to be taken because they may disappear. FIG. 12 shows an example of the countermeasure.
10 is an improved example of step 10e of FIG. In FIG. 12, when it is determined that there is a carrier signal (step S10b), step S11 instead of step 10e in FIG. 9 is executed. In this step S11, first, an error check (for example, CRC check) of the received packet is performed (step S11a). If the check result is OK (step S11b), then a format check of the received packet is performed (step S11b). S11c) Then, if the result is also OK (step S11d), the destination ID of the received packet is checked (step S11e). If it is addressed to the terminal itself (step S11f), the packet reception record is finally updated. (Step S11g). This improved step (step S11)
The point is that the packet reception record is updated.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of the packet reception record. The packet reception record is stored in advance in the program memory 14 of the game apparatus 1. The illustrated packet reception record 32 is composed of a plurality of data records including four fields of a transmission message 32a, an expected value 32b, a re-request upper limit count 32c, and an upper limit count reaching process 32d. Each field data of the expected value 32b, upper limit number of re-requests 32c, and upper limit number-of-times reaching process 32d of one record is referred to. For example, if the transmission message is a “connection request”, the expected value of the response message from the other terminal is “connection permitted”, and if a response that matches the expected value cannot be obtained, the “connection request”
Is repeated n times (upper limit of the number of re-requests), and if a response that matches the expected value is still not obtained, the process at the time of abnormality defined in the process at the time of reaching the upper limit (for example, “process interruption”) is executed. Alternatively, when the transmission message is “addition request”, the expected value of the response message from another terminal is “additional acknowledgment”, and if a response that matches the expected value cannot be obtained, “addition request” is set to n. Times (re-request upper limit number), and if a response that matches the expected value is not obtained even after that,
"Transfer setting" and "Transfer notification". Alternatively, when the transmission message is “connection confirmation”, the expected value of the response message from the other terminal is “confirmation response”, and if a response that matches the expected value cannot be obtained, “connection confirmation” is set to n. (Re-request upper limit number of times) is repeated, and if a response that matches the expected value is still not obtained, the abnormal-time processing ("disconnection processing" and "disconnection report") defined in the processing when the upper limit is reached is executed.

Therefore, according to this countermeasure example, even if the transmission of the transmission message fails, when the upper limit number (n) of the repetition is reached, predetermined predetermined abnormal processing is performed. It is possible to avoid a repeated loop of unnecessary transmission messages for a long time, and to prevent a freeze phenomenon of the terminal.

That is, as shown in FIG.
Packet reception record 3 periodically by timer interrupt
2 to determine whether there is a response record (expected value) corresponding to the transmission message (step S12).
If there is no response corresponding to the expected value from any of the terminals, it is determined that the re-request upper limit number has been reached (step S13). By executing, it is possible to avoid unnecessary retransmission of the transmission message and perform necessary abnormal processing.

<Relay by Terminal> In the above-described embodiment, the game devices 1 are connected wirelessly, but the reach of the radio wave is limited.
As shown in FIG. 7, some game devices 1 may belong to different areas. In the figure, consider two areas 33 and 34 that are partially overlapped. Then, in one area 33, the game apparatuses 1 and I having ID = AB2
It is assumed that the game device 1 with D = AC3 and the game device 1 with ID = AA1 belong, and the game device 1 with ID = AA1 and the game device 1 with ID = AD4 belong to the second area 34. Hereinafter, when each game device 1 is referred to by an ID, AB2, AC3 and AA1 belonging to one area 33 can communicate with each other by radio waves 35 to 37.
AA1 and AD4 belonging to the second area 34 are also radio waves 3
8, allows direct communication between AB2 and AD4 and direct communication between AC3 and AD4. This is because radio waves do not reach with effective reception power due to the distance. By the way, paying attention to the illustrated example, AA1 is located at an overlapping portion between the two areas 33 and 34, and this AA1 can directly communicate with AB2 and AC3, and can also directly communicate with AD4.
Therefore, by making AA1 function as a relay terminal, indirect communication between AB2 and AD4 and between AC3 and AD4 can be performed.

Alternatively, there may be a case as shown in FIG. In the figure, as in the above, two areas 39 and 40 that are partially overlapped are considered. It is assumed that AC3, AB2, and AA1 belong to one area 39, and AB2, AA1, and AD4 belong to the second area 40. AB2, AC3 belonging to one area 39
And AA1 can communicate with each other by radio waves 41 to 43, and AB2 and AA belonging to the second area 40.
1 and AD4 can also communicate with each other by radio waves 43 to 45, but cannot directly communicate between AC3 and AD4. However, since AB2 and AA1 are located in the overlapping portion between the two areas 39 and 40, the AB2
And AA1 function as a relay terminal, it is possible to perform indirect communication between AC3 and AD4. Which of AB2 and AA1 is the repeater is determined by the timing of the receiving operation. That is,
The one that first receives the connection request from AC3 or AD4 automatically becomes a repeater.

<Actual Game Using Network>
As described above, according to the present invention, the link configuration of the game device 1 can be automated, and a new game device 1 can be automatically added to a link that has already been formed. Without doing so, a network of a plurality of game devices 1 can be immediately constructed at any time. Therefore, a special advantage is obtained in that the game result and user information of each user can be shared on the network to improve the complexity and fun of the game.

FIG. 17 shows an example of a game process which can be realized by networking. In this example, first, in response to a link establishment event (see step S9g in FIG. 6 or step S10i in FIG. 10), information on the link partner is set,
For example, the user information is acquired (Step S21), and then the screen display reflecting the acquired information, for example, "O"
○ △△ was talking to me. Is displayed (step S22). Here, specifically, "○" is displayed.
The character “Mr. △△” may be displayed. Here, “Mr. ○” is the user name included in the acquired information. Is executed (step S23), and it is determined from the flow of the conversation whether or not the following actions are to be performed together (accompany) (step S24), and if so, a predetermined accompanying flag is turned on (step S25). And then end the event.

FIG. 18 shows an example (scene m for convenience) of a game process (see step S5 in FIG. 4) in which the accompanying flag is used. The place coming out from the inside is displayed on the screen (step S31), and then the dialogue of the elder is changed according to the on / off status of the accompanying flag (connection state) (step S32) (step S33 or step S34). . For example, if the accompanying flag is on, the elder is given a dialogue saying "Let's do this treasure to you" (step S34), and the treasure is added to the belongings list (step S35), and turned off. If so, give the elder the words, "Find and bring a friend." In this way, the subsequent game story can be changed in accordance with the content of the conversation with the link partner, making it difficult to predict the game result and improving the fun. Further, the connection state is only the ON / OFF state of the accompanying flag, but may be the number of connections or the type of the connection terminal. This will not work for two, but OK for three
For example, if the connection partner is a painter, it is OK. Further, it is difficult to predict the game result, and the fun can be improved.

FIG. 19 shows another example of the game processing which can be realized by networking. In this example, first, a link establishment event (step S9g in FIG. 6 or FIG. 10)
In step S10i), information on the link partner, for example, user information is obtained (step S41).
Next, the user gender of the link partner is compared with the user gender of the terminal itself to determine whether or not they have the same surname (step S).
42). If they are not the same, for example, "XX
Was talking to you. "Is displayed on the screen (step S43), and then" ○○ △△ is a painter of the □□ world. ""Is displayed on the screen (step S44). Here," OO "is the user name included in the acquired information, and" □ "is the name of the game program. The word "" is selected from the registered dictionary based on the acquired information. In this case, it is assumed that "acquiring a picture" is included in the acquired information as the hobby and taste of the link partner user. . next,
A chat process for performing a conversation with the link partner is executed (step S45), and it is determined whether or not any item has been acquired from the flow of the conversation (step S46).
Then, if the item has been acquired, for example, a character string “Give me a portrait of the world of □□” is displayed on the screen (step S47), and the item is added to the belonging list (step S48). , End the event. Here, “portrait” of the item name is extracted from the registered dictionary based on the hobby and taste (“drawing a picture”) of the other user included in the acquired information.

[0049] Also in this case, the acquired items can be changed according to the result of the conversation with the link partner, making it difficult to predict the game result and improving the fun.

<Countermeasure when the terminal is turned off> In the above description, the link is established by turning on the power switch 6 of the game apparatus 1, but if the power switch 6 is turned off, Even if there is a person who has the game device 1 nearby, there is a disadvantage that a link cannot be formed with the game device 1 and a chance of a network game is missed. FIG. 20 is an example in which this point is improved, and the power is periodically turned on even when the power switch 6 of the game apparatus 1 is turned off (or limited power is turned on only for the parts necessary for link establishment and item generation). ), A link formation check (step S51), acquisition of partner user information when the link succeeds (step S52), generation of an item corresponding to the user information (step S54), and addition of an item (step S54).
55), the operation of turning off the power again (step S56) is repeated.

According to this, for example, even when the game device 1 is carried around in a pocket or a bag, if a person with the game device 1 is nearby, the game device 1 is Since information can be acquired by forming a link and an item corresponding to the acquired information can be generated, when the game apparatus 1 is powered on at an arbitrary time thereafter, for example, as shown in FIG. Screen display can be performed. In the figure, reference numeral 49 denotes user information of a link partner, and reference numeral 50 denotes an item list generated from acquired information. The item list 50 includes, for example, items of “picture of OO artist” and “pan of ya” corresponding to the item and the hobby information of the user information 49.
On the screen display 51 when the game is restarted, a character string reflecting these acquired item information, for example, “XX is awakened, and when the innkeeper comes,
There was a person who left this. "XX got a picture of OO artist and bread from Takaya. Is displayed, where
“XX” is the user name of the game device 1, the time in the character string (“6:00”) is the item acquisition time, “OO” is the user name of the other game device 1, “picture” and “pan”. "" Is an item.

<Other Applications> In the above embodiment, the link formation between the game devices 1 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. At least one may be the game device 1, and the other terminal is not limited. For example, the present invention can be applied to an electronic still camera as shown in FIG. In the figure, an electronic still camera has an image generation system 52 that generates an image signal of a subject from its function.
A temporary storage storage system 53 for temporarily storing image signals to facilitate playback processing and other processing, a long-term storage storage system 54 for long-term storage of captured images, a composition check at the time of shooting, and display of reproduced images. The image signal stored in the image display system 55, the temporary storage system 53, or the long-term storage system 54, the communication system 56 for outputting or taking in the image from the outside, and the image signal when storing the image signal in the long-term storage system 54. , A compression / expansion processing system 57 for expanding the image signal read from the long-term storage storage system 54, a control system 58 for controlling the entire operation of the electronic still camera 1, and a data transfer system 59. Can be divided into Hereinafter, the configuration will be described for each system.

The image generation system 52 converts an object image into an electric signal by an image sensor, and generates and outputs an image signal of a predetermined period from the electric signal. In this example, a color image signal is generated. Alternatively, a monochrome image signal may be used. The image generation system 52 includes an optical system 60 including a photographic lens and an aperture mechanism, and an image sensor (hereinafter referred to as a CCD) 61 that converts light from a subject passing through the optical system 60 into an electric signal and outputs a frame image signal of a predetermined period. , CCD6
1, a timing generator 63 for generating various timing signals such as a signal for controlling the imaging time (electronic shutter time) of the CCD 61,
A sample-and-hold circuit 64 for removing noise by ing the frame image signal output from D61; and an analog-to-digital converter 65 for converting the frame image signal after noise removal into a digital signal. A color process circuit 6 for generating a luminance / color difference combined signal (hereinafter also referred to as “YUV signal”) using the output of
6 inclusive.

The temporary storage system 53 includes a buffer memory 68 having a predetermined storage capacity formed of a rewritable storage medium (for example, a semiconductor memory such as a DRAM or an SRAM). An image signal captured from the image generation system 52 via the system 59, or an image signal captured from the communication system 56 via the data transfer system 59, or the data transfer system 59
And a buffer area of a sufficient size (storage capacity) to develop the image signal taken in from the long-term storage system 54 via the. This buffer area is large enough to temporarily store at least one still image, but is large enough to temporarily store a plurality of images constituting a moving image when a moving image can be shot or reproduced. have. The buffer area for the still image and the buffer area for the moving image may partially overlap or may be independent. Further, the buffer memory 68 has a work area for image processing in addition to the buffer area described above, and this work area is used by the control system 58 at the time of executing image processing described later.

The long-term storage storage system 54 is constituted by a rewritable nonvolatile storage medium, for example, a flash memory 70. The flash memory 70 stores the image of a predetermined format compressed by the compression / decompression processing system 57. It has a capacity to store tens to hundreds of files (generally, compressed images in JPEG format for still images). In addition,
The flash memory 70 has a removable shape (for example,
Card type).

The image display system 55 reproduces and displays an image signal output from the image generation system 52 at a predetermined cycle (so-called through image display) for confirming the composition, and displays an image recorded in the flash memory 70 and a communication system. A digital video encoder 73 and a digital video encoder 73 for reproducing and displaying an image taken in from the outside via 56, and for converting the size of the reproduced image to a display size.
, A touch panel 75 for detecting touch coordinates on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 74, an output signal of the touch panel 75 is converted into a predetermined format and output to the control system 58. A touch panel I / F (interface) 76 is provided.

The communication system 56 includes a communication unit 77 for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external information processing terminal (here, in particular, the above-described game terminal 1) by wireless communication. For example, the high frequency unit 10 and the modem unit 1 shown in FIG.
1 and elements corresponding to the communication control unit 12.

The compression / expansion processing system 57 compresses the image signal stored in the buffer memory 68 in a predetermined format, and expands the compressed image file stored in the flash memory 70 in the same format. The compression / decompression format standard for still images is JPEG (jo
int photographic expertstsg
group), and the extension of the standard image file is “jpg”. However, when an extension format compatible with JPEG is adopted, an extension other than jpg may be used.

The control system 58 executes a predetermined control program to control the entire operation of the electronic still camera 1.
And a key input unit 72 for generating a required key operation signal in response to the operation of various keys including a shutter key, and outputting the key operation signal to the CPU 71.

The data transfer system 59 includes a video transfer circuit 67 for arbitrating the flow of data between the systems, and a bus (a data bus, an address bus and a control line) 80 for connecting the systems.

The illustrated electronic still camera has the above-described configuration, and further includes a sound generator 78 and a speaker (or a vibration device) 79. When the communication unit 77 receives a predetermined command signal, A predetermined drive signal is given to the sound generator 78, and a predetermined notification sound is output from the speaker 79 in a loud voice.

As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 23, in the electronic still camera having such a configuration, when the power is turned on, first, each part of the camera is initialized (step S61), and then the initial link shown in FIG. A link generation process similar to the establishment process is executed (step S62). As a result of the link processing, when there is a call from the game apparatus 1 (step S63), a predetermined notification sound is output from the speaker 79 through the sound generator 78 in a loud voice. When there is no call from the game apparatus 1, the operation mode is determined in the same manner as in a normal electronic still camera (step S65). On the other hand, if the reproduction mode is selected, a control for reading out a desired image from the flash memory 70 and displaying it on the liquid crystal display 74 is executed (step S67).

According to this, the following convenient usage can be performed. That is, in FIG.
Reference numeral 81 denotes information unique to the electronic still camera, which is shown for convenience. In this example, the terminal type (“digital camera”),
Product name (“QV-9500”), maximum number of horizontal pixels (“128
0 "), the maximum number of vertical pixels (" 960 "), the minimum number of pixels (" 1/8 "), the corresponding image format (" JPEG "or" BMP "), the state (" power on, waiting "), owner Name (“XX”).

As shown in FIG. 24B, the game device 1 located near the electronic still camera first generates information on the link partner (specific information 81) as shown in FIG. Is obtained (step S71), and a required screen display (for example, "the cameraman OO @ is near.") Is performed using the obtained information (step S72). Next, an inquiry process is performed as to whether or not to call the photographer (step S73). If the call is to be made (step S74), the buzzer of the link partner is sounded (the sound generator 78 of the electronic still camera is driven). Then, a predetermined notification sound is output from the speaker 79 as a loud voice), and a photographer (owner of the electronic still camera) is found using the loud sound as a clue (step S75). Then, a request is made to take a photograph of the user (step S76), and the photograph image is transferred from the electronic still camera to the game device 1 (step S77). Next, an in-game album is created (step S78) and saved as an item (step S7).
9) After that, the required screen display (for example, “I got a photo by Mr. △△ △△.”, “Improved Familiarity, Uplifted Energy, Physical Fitness + 50p”, “If I sold this photo, I got 20,000 (Steps S80 to S8).
2) Disconnect the link with the electronic still camera and end the process.

According to this, the fun of the game can be improved by using the electronic still camera located near the game apparatus 1. In the above embodiment, the game apparatus 1 and the electronic still camera are connected. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any terminal that can be connected (for example,
TV, refrigerator, etc.).

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 25, by combining the game apparatus 1 with the headphone stereo 82, the realism of the game can be improved. In the figure, a headphone stereo 82 is provided with a main body unit 8 having a sound reproducing function (or a recording / reproducing function) and a communication function (see the high-frequency unit 10, the modem unit 11 and the communication control unit 12 in FIG. 2).
3 has a headphone 86 connected by a cable 85 and forms a link with the game apparatus 1 to transmit all or a part of the unique information 87 to the game apparatus 1. You can do it. The game device 1 located near the headphone stereo 82 first generates a link with the headphone stereo 82 as shown in FIG.
Link partner information (all or part of the unique information 87)
Is obtained (step S91), and it is determined whether or not the terminal can reproduce the game sound effect using the obtained information (step S92). Here, the headphone stereo 82
Corresponds to the terminal, the reproduction function information 90 (for example, “external sound source monaural” or “external sound source stereo”) obtained from the unique information 87 of the headphone stereo 82 is displayed on the sound setting screen of the game device 1 ( Step S
At the same time as 93), a driver for an external sound source monaural or a driver for an external sound source stereo is added to the sound reproduction driver of the game apparatus 1, and the process is terminated.

Therefore, according to this example, by carrying the game device 1 and the headphone stereo 82 together, the game sound effect of the game device 1 can be transferred to the headphone stereo 82 and heard with good sound quality. Realism can be improved.

[0068]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, by exchanging a required message between one terminal and two terminals, the link between the one terminal and the two terminals can be automatically configured. . Therefore, a one-to-one network can be configured without performing artificial procedures. Claim 2
According to the described invention, by performing a required message exchange between one of the terminals on the link and the new terminal, the link between the one terminal and the new terminal can be automatically configured, and , Upon receiving an additional acknowledgment message from another terminal in the link, a network including the new terminal can be configured. Therefore, a one-to-many network can be configured without performing artificial procedures. According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the transmission timing and the reception timing of each terminal are set at random, contention of the transmission timing or the reception timing between the terminals is avoided, and the data transfer between the terminals is favorably performed. It can be carried out. According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the randomness of the transmission timing and the reception timing of each terminal is further improved, and the competition of the transmission timing or the reception timing between the terminals can be more reliably avoided. According to the invention described in claim 5,
Since the link can be configured periodically even while the power is off, for example, even if the terminal is kept in a pocket or a bag, information can be exchanged with another terminal, and the game can proceed secretly . According to the invention described in claim 6, a character or an item based on information of another communication device can appear in the game, and the interest of the game can be improved. According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, a conversation with another communication device can be enjoyed, and the interest of the game can be further improved. According to the invention of claim 8, information of another communication device is acquired while the power of the communication game device is turned off or the game is not started, and a character or an item based on the information is appeared when the game is restarted. Can be done. According to the ninth aspect, the story development of the game can be changed in accordance with the connection state with another communication device. According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, a function of wirelessly connecting to another communication device to acquire information of the other communication device by an organic combination of a hardware asset including a microcomputer and the program, And a function of making the progress of the game different based on the acquired information of the other communication device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a game device.

FIG. 2 is an internal block diagram of the game device.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a main program.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a game program.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a communication processing program.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an initial link establishment processing program.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual structural diagram of a communication packet.

FIG. 8 is a time run illustrating an example of an initial link establishment process.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart (1) of a normal communication processing program;
/ 2).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart (2/2) of a normal communication processing program.

FIG. 11 is a time run illustrating an example of a normal communication process.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of countermeasures for avoiding contention.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of packet reception recording.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a timer interrupt process using a packet reception record.

FIG. 15 is an area diagram (part 1) when some game devices belong to different areas.

FIG. 16 is an area diagram (part 2) when some game devices belong to different areas.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of game processing that can be realized by networking.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a game process in which the accompanying flag is used.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing another example of the game processing that can be realized by networking.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a countermeasure when a terminal is turned off.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display when a countermeasure at the time of powering off a terminal is applied.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram of an electronic still camera.

FIG. 23 is an operation flowchart of the electronic still camera.

FIG. 24 is an operation flowchart of the game apparatus including a procedure for generating unique information of the electronic still camera and a link with the electronic still camera.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of a combination of a game device and a headphone stereo.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an operation flowchart of a game device including a procedure for generating a link with a headphone stereo, and a screen display example of the game device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game device (terminal) 10 High frequency part 11 Modulation / demodulation part 12 Communication control part 13 CPU 14 Program memory 15 Data memory 16 Work memory 17 Key operation part 18 Display control part 19 Liquid crystal display 20 Touch panel control part 21 Audio output part 22 Speaker 23 Bus 24 Power supply section

Claims (10)

[Claims] A first terminal and a second terminal that can be connected to each other by using a wireless medium as a medium, and a connection request message and a connection permission message are exchanged between the one terminal and the two terminals. A game, wherein a link between the one terminal and the two terminals is formed, and information necessary for the game is exchanged between the one terminal and the two terminals via the link. apparatus. 2. A method for connecting between three or more terminals by using a wireless medium as a medium, and exchanging a connection request message and a connection permission message between the plurality of terminals to establish a connection between the plurality of terminals. A link is configured, and information required for a game is exchanged between the plurality of terminals via the link, and a connection request message from another terminal is transmitted to one of the plurality of terminals. Upon receipt, the one terminal transmits a connection permission message to the other terminal, and the one terminal transmits an additional notification message to each of the linked terminals, and an additional acknowledgment message from each terminal. And reconstructing the link so as to include the other terminal in response to the request. 3. The game device according to claim 1, wherein each of the terminals sets the timing of transmission and reception of the message based on a random number. 4. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein each terminal sets transmission and reception timings of a message based on a random number, and sets a radix of the random number based on information unique to each terminal. The game device according to claim 2. 5. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein, during a power-off period, the power is periodically turned on to exchange the link configuration and information with a link partner.
Or the game device according to claim 2. 6. A game method in a communication game device capable of dynamically wirelessly connecting to another communication device, comprising: a step of wirelessly connecting to the other communication device to obtain information of the other communication device; Causing a character or an item to appear in the game based on the information of the other communication device. 7. The game method according to claim 6, further comprising the step of having a conversation while being connected to said another communication device. 8. A step of periodically attempting a wireless connection with another communication device when the power of the communication game device is turned off or when the game is not running, and in response to the step, wirelessly connecting with another communication device. Acquiring the information of the other communication device when connected, and turning on the power of the communication game device or starting the game, during the game, a character or an item based on the acquired information of the other communication device during the game. 7. The game method according to claim 6, further comprising the step of: 9. The game method according to claim 6, further comprising: determining a connection state with the other communication device; and varying a story of the game according to the connection state. 10. A step for executing a step of wirelessly connecting to another communication device to obtain information of the other communication device, and a step of making a game progress different based on the obtained information of the other communication device. A machine-readable information recording medium on which a program is recorded.