JP2002200358A - Entertainment system and game execution method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow passengers seated on separate seats to execute a competition type game on a moving body. SOLUTION: A plurality of game machine bodies 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, etc., connected to a plurality of game controllers 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, etc., are connected together by a network 43 and controlled by a system controller 44 via the network 43 in this video game system. The passengers progress the game while seeing monitors 451, 452, 453, 454, 455, 456, etc. When a plurality of passengers enjoy the game in particular, the game is realized by maintaining communications among the game machine bodies 42 via the network 43.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game controller used for advancing a video game developed on a monitor such as a television, an entertainment system comprising the game controller and a game machine body, and a game execution method. About. The present invention also relates to a game software program download method for downloading a game software program to the game controller.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a moving object such as an airplane or a train, or in a hotel, a video game software is provided to a passenger or a guest for each seat or room, and a video game is played using an attached entertainment system. The service to spread is widespread. For each seat or room, passengers or hotel guests receive or distribute favorite video game software through a removable medium such as a CD-ROM or a communication medium such as a network upon request.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION CD-RO
When distributing video game software on removable media such as M, it is necessary to prepare a plurality of games having the same title, which imposes a heavy management burden. Also, for example, one C
Since a D-ROM can store only one video game software, a passenger who wants to enjoy some games needs to lend a CD-ROM each time.
This also becomes a burden on the distribution side.

In the case of distributing video game software over a network, the burden on the distributing side when distributing, for example, a CD-ROM is released. However, since the program size of video game software is usually large, an inexpensive network is used. Then, it takes time to download and it is not practical.

Further, in an entertainment system in which a plurality of game software having the same title is prepared, in a moving body such as an airplane or a train, even if passengers in distant seats desire a competitive game such as shogi or chess, Is difficult to do.

[0006] Further, when video game software is distributed over a network, a very expensive network is required for passengers who are separated from each other to execute the competitive game.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an entertainment system and a game execution method in which passengers at distant seats in a moving body can execute a competitive game.

[0008]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an entertainment system according to the present invention connects a plurality of game consoles to which a game controller is connected via a network, and performs main control via the network. In the entertainment system controlled by the unit, the game controller stores a key operation unit, a communication interface unit with the game machine main body, and a plurality of game software programs selected by the key operation unit. Means, and the game machine main body includes: a communication interface means for communicating with the game controller; and a control means for executing a plurality of game software programs selected by a key operation unit of the game controller. At least two of the game consoles When the communication is established in the body, a predetermined game software program and executes synchronously by the main control unit.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a game execution method according to the present invention uses an arbitrary game machine main body and an unspecified game by using a network connecting a plurality of game machine main bodies to which a game controller is connected. A game execution method for executing a predetermined game software program with a game machine main body, wherein a predetermined game software program is selected by a game controller connected to the arbitrary game machine main body, and an unspecified opponent When the search mode is selected, a step of transmitting a game opponent request request to all remaining game machine bodies, and an unspecified opponent game machine body in response to the game opponent request request transmitted in the above step. When a notice of consent is issued via the PC, a step of connecting a communication line between the arbitrary game machine main body and the unspecified game machine main body; A game software program similar to the game software program to be executed on any of the above game machines is taken out from the game controller, the game software programs are started on both game machines, and synchronization is established between the game machines. While proceeding with the game.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. This embodiment is a video game system as a specific example of the entertainment system of the present invention including the game controller of the present invention. In particular, the video game system is used in an aircraft.

As shown in FIG. 1, a video game system 1 used in an aircraft has a game controller 1
0, and a game machine main body 16 to which the game controller 10 is connected by a cable 15. A monitor 26 and a speaker 27 are also connected to the game machine body 16. The game controller 10 is a small (2.5 ') HD
D13 is built in. The HDD 13 drives an HD having a storage capacity of 6 GB. Normally, one title of a game is 500 MB, and the HD of the HDD 13 can store 10 titles. Although the recording medium is limited by the size of the program to be recorded, other media such as a flash disk and a semiconductor recording medium may be used. Further, these recording media may be configured to be removable.

The game controller of the video game system
The roller 10, the game machine body 16, and the monitor 26 are shown in FIG.
As shown, it can be installed around the seat 2 in the aircraft. An example
For example, sheet 2₁Passenger in front seat 2₂Seat back
K28₂Game controller connector 2 provided in
9₁And the game controller 10 via the cable 15
₁Attach the seat back 28₂Established in
Monitor 26₁Play video games while watching. Game
Machine body 16₁Is sheet 2₁Lower 30₁Attached to
, Front sheet 2₂Seat back 28₂Above connectors
TA 29₁Cables through the seat and floor
You. And the game machine body 16₁Video output and
Arm controller 10₁The input of the previous sheet 2₂Moni
TA 26₁And the connector 29 arranged beside it₁To
Supplied. In addition, sheet 2₁Seat back 28₁To
Is a monitor 2 for passengers on a further rear seat (not shown).
6 ₀Is provided. Also, monitor 26₀Next to
Nectar 29₀Is provided. This connector 29₀To
Is the game controller 10₀Is attached. Also,
Sheet 2₂Sheet 2 at the bottom of₂Game for passengers sitting in
Machine body 16₂Is attached.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the game controller 10 includes buttons such as a switch 11 on an operation surface 31, an I / O controller 12, and a 2.5-inch H
A DD 13 and an EIDE (Enhanced IDE) interface 14 are provided.

The I / O controller 12 interfaces with the game machine body 16 by collecting information on the switches 11 and the like attached to the operation surface 31 of the game controller 10. The EIDE interface 14 is 2.5
Used as an interface for the inch HDD 13.
The 2.5-inch HDD 13 has a capacity of 6 G as described above.
B, 10 for 500MB video game software
It can be stored for the title.

The game machine body 16 has a CPU 17, a RAM 20, a ROM 22, a graphic controller 23, a sound controller 24, an I / O
The controller 19 and the EIDE interface 21 are connected.

The CPU 17 executes a game according to the video game program read from the HDD 13. The RAM 20 is used when the CPU 17 executes a video game program. The ROM 22 stores a basic program corresponding to an operation system (OS).

The graphic controller 23 is a CPU 1
7, a polygon image and a 3D image are created and output to the monitor 26. Sound controller 24
Synthesizes a sound effect according to the data from the CPU 17 and outputs it to the speaker 27.

As described above, the HDD 13 built in the game controller 10 can normally store (store) a video game program for 10 titles.
This will be schematically described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 shows that the game controller 10 has an EID
A system for connecting and downloading a PC 35 via an E cable 15 is shown. The interface is a normal PC
Therefore, by directly connecting the PC 35 as shown in the figure, a download system can be constructed.

As shown in FIG. 5, if a SCSI cable 36 is used for the HDD interface, a plurality of (for example, three) game controllers 10 ₁ , 10 ₂ , and 10 ₃ can be connected to one PC 35. Connect and download at the same time. If the connection is made by the SCSI method, up to seven game controllers 10 can be connected. In addition,
A detailed description of a method of downloading the game software program to the game controller will be described later.

Next, after connecting the game controller 10 to game software program as described above is downloaded passenger borrowed, to a connector 29 arranged to the connector on the monitor 26 ₁ horizontal, until the game is started The processing procedure of the game controller 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The description from the download to the following flowchart is a specific example of the game execution method according to the present invention.

[0022] First, the connector of the game controller 10 in step S1, inserting the connector 29 which is attached to the seat back 28 _2. Then, in step S2, the HDD 13 built in the game controller 10 is automatically activated.

In step S3, the index of a video game of, for example, five titles, which is automatically recorded in the HDD 13, is read by the basic program (operating system) of the game machine body 16, and FIG.
Menu screen 37 is displayed on the monitor 26 ₁ as shown in FIG. That is, a list of game names is displayed on the monitor 26. This list display may be based on icon display in addition to the name. Any index can be used as long as it can be identified as an index.

Then, in step S4, the cursor 38 of the game controller 10 is moved up and down with the cursor keys.
When the enter key is pressed in the title item of the video game to be played, the game selected in step S5 is started. Here, the number 4 “Crash Bandigu” starts.

When the user wants to end the game, the user presses the game end button in the switch 11 of the game controller 10. Then, the screen returns to the menu screen 37. In this state, the cable 15 of the controller 10 is
Can be omitted.

When the game controller 10 is removed at any time, the game machine body 16 resets all video games and shifts to a standby state.

As described above, in the video game system according to the present embodiment, the game controller 10
In addition, since a plurality of game software are stored, the passenger can freely select a game. Further, since the game is stored in the game controller 10, there is no need to manage the game software in an aircraft or the like. In addition, commercially available CD-R
Since the OM is not used, theft is prevented.

Next, another embodiment of the entertainment system having the game controller of the present invention will be described. Another embodiment is also a video game system, particularly used in an aircraft.

As shown in FIG. 8, the video game system comprises a plurality of game controllers 41 ₁ , 41 ₂ , 4
1 _{3, 41 4,} 41 5, ₄₁ 6 a plurality of game machine body which ... are connected _{42 1,} 42 _2, 42 _3, 42 4, 42
_{5, 42} and 6 ... are connected by the network 43, and a system obtained by controlling the system controller 44 via the network 43. The game controller 41 and the game machine body 42 have the same configuration as the game controller 10 and the game machine body 16 shown in FIG. In addition,
Passengers are monitors 45 ₁ , 4 installed on the back of the front seat.
5 _{2, 45 3,} 45 _4, 45 5, ₄₅ will be advanced six games while watching the ....

As shown in FIG. 2, the game machine main body 42 attached to the lower side of each seat is connected via a network 43 as shown in FIG. 8, and further connected to a higher-level system controller 44. ing. Originally,
This network 43 is a host system controller 4
4 communicates with the lower game machine main body 42 and is used to control the entire system. Here, when a plurality of passengers enjoy the game, this network 4 is used.
The game is realized by performing communication between the game machine main bodies 42 using the game device 3.

The game machine main body 42 having the same configuration as that of the game machine main body 16 shown in FIG. 1 executes the following application programs under the control of the system controller 43, and performs processing up to the start of the competitive game. .
The processing procedure up to the start of the competitive game by this application program will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, a case will be described in which a competitive game is played, but the present invention is also applicable to a case in which, for example, a role playing game or the like in which a plurality of people can participate simultaneously.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the application program. 10 to 12
Is a display example on the monitor when the application program is being executed.

First, when the application program is selected by an arbitrary passenger (hereinafter referred to as a request source) under the processing of the basic software program, the request source is caused to select a competitive game in step S11 of FIG. . Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10 (a), "1. shogi" and "2. mahjong", which are competitive games, are displayed on the monitor 45 as game menus and selected. Here, it is assumed that, for example, “1. Shogi” is selected. Next, an opponent is selected in step S12.
As a battle method on the monitor 45 as shown in FIG. 10B, “1. computer”, “2. specific person”, “3.
"Unspecified person" is displayed and selected. Here, it is assumed that, for example, “2. specific person” is selected.

In step S13, it is determined whether the selected opponent is "2. specific person" or "3. unspecified person". For example, “2.
Because the person was a "special person", it is displayed on the monitor in FIG.
Is displayed as "Please enter the seat number of the opponent." And prompt the requester to enter the seat number. Then, the process proceeds to step S20. The processing in step S20 will be described later.

On the other hand, if "3. unspecified person" is selected as the opponent in step S12, "unspecified person" is determined in step S13, and the process branches to step S14. In step S14, the system controller 44
And sends an opponent search request command to the monitor 45, and displays "Searching for an opponent. Please wait for a while." On the monitor 45 as shown in FIG. And step S
When the system controller 44 receives an opponent search request command from the requester at 15, the system controller 44 transmits a game opponent request request to all game machine bodies 42. Then, the game consoles other than the game console that issued the opponent search request receive the game opponent request from the system controller 44 and display a message for inviting the game on the monitor 45 as shown in FIG. The message "xxGame invitation from seat number xx. Will you accept it?" Is displayed, and "Yes" and "N" shown on the monitor indicate whether or not to play the game.
o ”, the user moves the cursor or the like, and then operates the enter key to make a selection. This is step S1
6 is used to determine whether a game opponent has been found. If it is determined in step S17 that there has been no input for a certain period of time, it is determined that there is no intention to play the game, and the flow advances to step S18 to transmit a message indicating that no opponent was found to the requesting game machine main body 42 who desires the competitive game. I do.

On the monitor shown in FIG.
When "s" is selected using a cursor or the like and it is determined that there is a person who wants to play a game, the fact is transmitted to the system controller 44. System controller 4
In step 4, it is determined that a game opponent has been found in step S16, and the process advances to step S19 to transmit a message in which the opponent has been found to a requestor who has been searching for an opponent in a competitive game, and to request the game opponent. The seat number where the person receiving the seat is seated is transmitted to the requesting game machine main body 42. Then, on the monitor 45 of the request source, as shown in FIG. 11 (f), "the opponent was found.""The seat number xx accepted the opponent of the game." Is displayed.

Next, in step S20, since the opponent of the game has been determined, the game machine
Connect the communication line between Then, as shown in FIG. 12 (g), a message "Connect the game machine body of seat number xx to the communication line. Please wait for a while." Is displayed on the monitor 45 of the request source. Then, when the communication line is connected in step S21, as shown in FIG. 12 (h), a message "Connected to the game machine main body with seat number xx" is displayed on the monitor, and the nickname is displayed. You can enter. "Is displayed and the nickname is accepted. While displaying the character strings on the monitor, select them using the cursor and the enter key or the like to make them nicknames. Then, in this step S21, the game software program of the other party is started. When both game software programs are started, a message "Start the game. Press the start button." Is displayed on the monitor 45 as shown in FIG.
Advance the game while keeping the two in sync. Of course, at this time, a message that the nickname can be input is also displayed on the other party, and the nickname is input by selection using the cursor and the confirmation key.

As shown in FIG. 13, the system controller 44 sends the data to the HDD 50 via the internal bus 51 to the CPU 50.
2, ROM53, RAM54 and network I / F5
5 are connected. The CPU 50 is provided with the HDD 52 or the RO
The operating system program read from M53 is executed. Then, under the processing of the operating system program, the requesting game machine body 42
When an application program relating to the game execution method of the present invention is selected, the application program is loaded from the HDD 52 into the RAM 54 and
Run at 0.

The application programs synchronize between the game machine main bodies 42. At this time, FIG.
The data of the protocol shown in FIG.
4. Communication is performed via a network 43 between the game machine main bodies 42. In FIG. 14, the destination address (To address) and the source address (From addres) are indicated by Axx.
Of these, A indicates a seat row, and AK is entered. When the seat row A is Z, the address of the system controller 44 is shown. The remaining xx indicates a seat row, and 1-99 is entered. When the seat row xx is 00, it indicates a broadcast in which data is sent in common to all seats. The source address (From addres) is followed by a byte count (Byte count), which indicates the number of bytes of data following the command code (Command code). The command code (Command code) is a command code necessary to advance the competitive game in synchronization.
Command codes 01h to 04h are command codes for searching for an opponent. Specifically, 01h is a game code (Gam
e) Opponent search request command code, 02h is a game opponent request command code, 03h is a game opponent request status (status); Yes command code, 04h is a game opponent request status (status); No command code. Also, 10h to 14h are command codes for starting the game of the opponent's game machine after the opponent is determined. Specifically, 10h is a game code (Game Sel).
ect) Command code, 11h is game start (Game
Start) command code, 12h is game stop (Gam
e Stop) Command code, 13h sends a message such as "An opponent has been decided".
nd Message) command code, and 14h is a Send Nickname command code for sending a nickname. In addition, 20h is a connect communication line (Connect communic
ation line) command code. Reference numeral 30h denotes a capsule command, which is a command code for passing data following the command as it is to the game software. Normally, it is used to send and receive commands used in the game. This command eliminates the need to create a protocol for each game even if a plurality of games are loaded.

For example, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, in step S14, the system controller 4
In the process of sending the opponent search request command to No. 4, the command code of the above protocol is Command 01h. In the process of step S15 (the system controller sends a game opponent request to all game machine bodies),
d 02h. Further, in the display (game invitation) on the monitor shown in FIG.
When "o" is selected by the cursor and the enter key, the command code of the above protocol becomes Command 03h or 04h. The message in which the partner is found in step S19 of FIG. 9 is transmitted by Command 13h. The message content at this time is described in the data Date area. To connect the communication line between the game machines in step S20, the communication line is connected by Command 20h, the nickname is transmitted by 14h, and the game is selected by 10h. When the game is started in step S21, Command 11h is set.

Next, after the processing before the start of the competitive game is performed by the application program shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9, the request source (master side) is actually executed.
An example of communication in a battle-type game (for example, a shogi game) performed between a player and an opponent (slave side) will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the master issues an initial screen instruction by the capsule command Command 30h. Then, the slave displays the initial screen on the monitor. Next, the rearward setting that the slave side is rearranged from the master side is performed by the capsule command Command 30h. In each subsequent process, the above capsule command Comm
and 30h are used. Then, a game start instruction is issued from the master side, and at the same time, a time count (Time Count) on the master side is started. The time count display according to the time count is performed not only on the master side but also on the slave side monitor. If the first move is hit on the master side during this time count, the time count is stopped, the first move setting data is sent to the slave by the capsule command Command 30h, and the first move is displayed on the monitor on the slave. Show first move. At this time,
The attack right is transferred from the master side to the slave side by the capsule command Command 30h. Then, the slave side starts time counting. If the first move is performed on the slave side during this time count, the time count is stopped, the setting data of the first move is sent to the master side by the capsule command 30h, and the master side displays the second move on the monitor. Show one move. At this time, the attack right is transferred from the slave to the master, and the master starts time counting. Then, the above series of processing is repeated until the jam is determined, and when the jam is determined, the game ends.

As described above, according to the entertainment system shown in FIG. 8, the passengers who are separated from each other can execute a competitive game such as shogi or chess. A game software program is already stored in the game controller connected to the main body, and the game is progressed in synchronization with the protocol data shown in FIG. 14 under the control of the system controller. Does not require expensive and expensive networks.

Next, a method of downloading the game software program to the game controller, which has been schematically described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

Although the game controller is small (2.5 ') as described above, it has, for example, a storage capacity of 6 GB.
, A maximum of 10 titles can be stored in a 500 MB game software program.

FIG. 16 shows a specific example of a method of downloading a game software program to the game controller. This specific example is a download system that executes the above download method as a download application program. A commercially available personal computer (PC) 61 is used as a game software program server, and game controllers 41 ₁ , 41 ₂ ,.
Using the SCSI interface 69 ₁ is to interface with 1 _7.

The PC 61 sends an HDD 64, a network I / F 65, and a CD-R to the CPU 62 via the internal bus 63.
OM player 66, DVD-ROM player 67,
A memory 68 such as a RAM and the SCSII / F (#
1) 69 ₁ ... SCSII / F (#n) 69 _n is connected.

The CPU 62 includes an HDD 64, a CD-ROM
The operating system program read from the player 66 or the DVD-ROM player 67 is executed. Then, when the execution of the download application program is selected under the processing by the operating system program, the program is transferred to the HD.
D64, CD-ROM player 66 or DVD-RO
The data is read from the M player 67 and loaded into the memory 68, and is executed by the CPU 62. This download application program will be described later.

The SCSII / F69 of the PC 61 has a maximum of seven game controllers 41 ₁ , 41 per bus.
41 _2, can be connected to the ... 41 _7. Therefore, SCSI
If n I / Fs are provided, n × 7 game controllers can be connected, and a game software program can be downloaded to many n × 7 game controllers at a time. As shown in FIG. 17, the IDs for the n SCSII / Fs can be set by simply pressing the connection connector and setting the IDs by the numbers assigned to the connection connectors.

Next, a process for executing the download application program in the download system shown in FIG. 16 will be described with reference to FIG. First, as shown in FIG. 16 described above, the PC and n × 7 game controllers are connected, and then the PC is turned on.
Activate the download application program on C. When the download application program is started, a search is first made to determine what game software program has been downloaded to the connected game controller.

Next, at the time when the search is completed, as shown in FIG. 18A, the user is asked to select whether to download the game software or to erase the game software already recorded in the controller. P
"Game controller maintenance" on C monitor
Is displayed to select whether “1. Download” or “2. Here, "1. Download"
Is selected, a list of game software recorded on the PC is displayed as shown in FIG. 18 (b), and a game software to be downloaded is selected. Here, an example is shown in which, for example, “3. Shogi” and “6. Baseball” are selected. When the selection is made, the user presses the decision button further. When the determination button is pressed, the download is set to a star, and during download, as shown in FIG. 18 (c), the fact that the download is in progress and how much download has been completed are indicated by%. When the download is completed, the screen automatically returns to the first screen in FIG.

On the other hand, when "2. Erase" is selected on the first screen shown in FIG. 18A, a mode for erasing the game software is set. This is used when the storage medium built into the game controller, in this example, the capacity of the HDD becomes full and new game software cannot be downloaded as it is, or when the game controller is discarded.

First, when the deletion is selected on the first screen as described above, the list of the game software of the connected game controller is displayed on the PC as shown in FIG.
Display on the monitor. Then, a game deletion screen for inputting the name of the game to be deleted is displayed on the monitor as shown in FIG. Here, it is assumed that the deletion of “chess” is selected. Then, the background color of the selected game name "chess" is changed as shown in FIG. 19 (f), and a confirmation dialog is displayed as shown in FIG. 19 (g). Here, a message "Can I delete the selected game?" Is also displayed, and the confirmation is performed by operating the confirmation button and the cancel button. Here, when the confirmation button is pressed, the deletion is executed, and when the deletion is completed, the display returns to the list display. When the end button is pressed on the list display screen, the screen returns to the menu screen shown in FIG.

Therefore, this download system 6
0, a large number (n ×
7) Game software can be downloaded to one game controller. That is, since the game software program is downloaded offline from the video game system, the game software program can be replaced at a high speed.

FIG. 20 shows another specific example of a method of downloading a game software program to a game controller. Another specific example is also a download system that executes the above download method as a download application program, but uses an IEEE 1394 interface as an interface between the game controller and a PC.

In this download system 70, P
C71 sends the HDD 7 to the CPU 72 via the internal bus 73.
4. Network I / F 75, CD-ROM player 76, DVD-ROM player 77, memory 78 such as RAM, and IEEE1394 I / F (# 1) 79
₁ ... IEEE 1394 I / F (#n) 79 _n is connected. CPU 72, HDD in this PC 71
The configurations and operations of the network 74, the network I / F 75, the CD-ROM player 76, the DVD-ROM player 77, and the memory 78 are the same as those in the PC 61 shown in FIG.

The IEEE1394 I / F of the PC 71 includes:
Up to 16 game controllers 4 per bus
1 _{1, 41} 2, can be connected.. _{41 16.} Therefore,
If n IEEE 1394 I / Fs are provided, n × 16 game controllers can be connected, and a game software program can be downloaded to many n × 16 game controllers at a time.

The processing for executing the download application program in the download system shown in FIG. 20 is the same as that described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19. Therefore, according to the download system 70, the game software can be downloaded to a large number (n × 16) of game controllers using the IEEE1394II / F of the PC. That is, since the game software program is downloaded offline from the video game system, the game software program can be replaced at a high speed.

The present invention relates to the above-mentioned aircraft,
The application is not limited to the video game system, but is also applied to trains or accommodations.

[0060]

According to the present invention, passengers in distant seats of a moving object can execute a competitive game without using an expensive network.

[0061]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a video game system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the video game system.

FIG. 3 is an external view of a game controller included in the video game system.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of downloading game software to the game controller.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining another specific example of downloading game software to the game controller.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the video game system.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a menu screen.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a video game system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an application program executed by the upper video game system for performing processing until a competitive game is started.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example on a monitor of the game machine when the application program is being executed.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example on the monitor of the game machine when the application program is being executed, as in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display example on the monitor of the game machine when the application program is being executed, similarly to FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a system controller.

FIG. 14 is a view showing a protocol of data passing through a network in the video game system shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of communication in a competitive game (shogi game).

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system that executes a method of downloading a game software program to a plurality of game controllers.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a method of setting an SCSII / F ID in the download system shown in FIG. 16;

18 is a diagram showing a display example (download) on a monitor of a PC when a download application program is executed by the download system shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing another display example (erase) on the monitor of the PC when the download application program is executed by the download system shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating another configuration of a system that executes a method of downloading a game software program to a plurality of game controllers.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 40 video game system, 10, 41 game controller, 13 HDD, 16, 42 game machine main body, 26 monitor, 43 network, 44 system controller

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An entertainment system in which a plurality of game consoles to which a game controller is connected are connected via a network, and the main controller controls the plurality of consoles via the network. The controller comprises: a key operation unit; a communication interface unit for communicating with the game machine main unit; and a storage unit storing a plurality of game software programs selected by the key operation unit. Communication interface means for communicating with each of the game controllers; and control means for executing a plurality of game software programs selected by a key operation unit of each of the game controllers. At least two of the plurality of game machine bodies are provided. When communication is established between two game consoles ,
An entertainment system, wherein a predetermined game software program is executed while being synchronized by the main control means. 2. The main control means according to claim 1, wherein when a predetermined game software program is selected by an arbitrary game controller connected to an arbitrary game machine main body and an unspecified opponent search mode is selected, the remaining main control means is activated. 2. The entertainment system according to claim 1, wherein a game partner request is transmitted to all game machine bodies. 3. The communication device according to claim 2, wherein the main control means connects a communication line between the game machines when an unspecified partner sends a consent notice through an unspecified game machine. The described entertainment system. 4. The main control means retrieves a game software program similar to a predetermined game software program to be executed on the arbitrary game machine main body from an unspecified opponent side from a game controller and activates the game machine main body. The entertainment system according to claim 3, wherein: 5. The main control means, when a predetermined game software program is started in both game machine bodies,
5. The entertainment system according to claim 4, wherein the game proceeds while synchronizing between the game machine bodies. 6. The predetermined game software program,
The entertainment system according to claim 1, wherein the entertainment system is a battle-type game software program. 7. A predetermined game software program is executed between an arbitrary game machine body and an unspecified game machine body using a network connecting a plurality of game machine bodies to which a game controller is connected. When a predetermined game software program is selected by a game controller connected to the arbitrary game machine body and an unspecified opponent search mode is selected, all remaining game machine bodies are Transmitting a game opponent request request to the game opponent request, and receiving an acceptance notification from the unspecified opponent via the unspecified game machine body in response to the game opponent request request transmitted in the above step, the arbitrary game Connecting a communication line between the game device main body and the unspecified game device main body; and a predetermined game software program to be executed by the arbitrary game machine main body. A game software program similar to that of the game machine from the game controller of the unspecified game machine main body, starting the game software program in both game machine main bodies, and proceeding the game while synchronizing between the game machine main bodies; A game execution method, comprising: 8. The predetermined game software program,
9. The game execution method according to claim 7, wherein the game execution program is a battle-type game software program.