JP2002369969A - Program for communication game, adapter and game terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform a communication game between different types of game terminals. SOLUTION: According to a data form conversion program 37b of the portable game machine 10a side, a one-chip microcomputer 30 performs the processing for converting a piece moving data signal for describing an alternative selected by a game terminal user among an alternative group of piece movement permitted by a game rule and a rule processing data signal to XML form, and the processing for converting the piece movement signal data transmitted in the XML form from a home game machine 50a to data of a form processed by the portable game machine 10a. According to a data control program 37c, the one-chip microcomputer 30 performs the processing for transmitting a piece movement data signal converted to the XML form and the rule processing data signal to the home game machine 50a, the processing for displaying the progress of Japanese chess according to the piece movement data signal in a mode peculiar to the portable game machine 10a, and the processing for generating sound peculiar to the portable game machine 10a corresponding to the movement of the piece.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a technique for playing a communication game between different types of game terminals exemplified by a portable game machine and a home game machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, it has become possible to play a communication game between game terminals connected to a communication medium such as a telephone line or a network. There are mainly the following three methods for playing a communication game. The first is a peer-to-peer system in which a game is played between game terminals of the same type through a telephone line. The second is a lobby server system that connects to a lobby server installed on the network to search for opponents of the same type of game terminal, and if an opponent is found, exchanges data via the network without going through that server It is. Third, there is a server system in which a virtual world is built in a server installed on a network, and a number of terminals of the same type play a game in a state of being connected to the server.

[0003]

Conventionally, in any of the above-described systems, a communication game can be played only between game terminals of the same type. This is because it is considered that it is difficult to play a communication game between different types of game terminals, such as a portable game machine and a home game machine, because the format of data to be processed is different.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to realize a technology that enables a communication game to be played between different types of game terminals.

[0005]

Means for Solving the Problems, Functions and Effects In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a communication medium between one game terminal and another game terminal of a different type. Is a program for playing a game through the game. The program controls the computer that controls the game terminal to convert data describing an option selected by the game terminal user from a group of options allowed by the game rules into a predetermined format, and convert the data into a predetermined format. Causing the opponent game terminal to transmit the option description data to the opponent game terminal, and converting the option description data transmitted from the opponent game terminal in a predetermined format into a format that can be processed by the own terminal. ).

Here, the "game terminal" means a terminal capable of playing a game, and is not limited to a terminal mainly for playing a game like a home game machine or a portable game machine. Terminals, such as telephones and PDAs, whose primary purpose is not to play games are also included. "Another game terminal of a type different from that (one game terminal)" refers to, for example, one game terminal of a home game machine, a portable game machine, a personal computer, a mobile phone, a PDA, etc. It means the above-mentioned game terminal different from the terminal. For example, a personal computer and a home game machine, or a home game machine and a mobile phone are defined as different types. Note that personal computers are defined as having the same type as long as the operating system is the same, even if the hardware configuration is different. The “communication medium” includes a wired communication medium such as a telephone line, a wireless communication medium such as a microwave line, and the like, and a network (such as the Internet) is also included in the “communication medium”.
The “computer that controls the game terminal” typically includes a computer built in the game terminal, but may be a computer separate from the game terminal (for example, an adapter-type computer).

When the program of the present invention is distributed to the market, the program can be stored in a storage medium and distributed. Alternatively, the program may be stored in a storage unit of a computer connected via a communication medium, and may be distributed by transferring to another computer via the communication medium. Here, the “storage medium” refers to a medium in which a program is stored by some physical means, and which can cause a processing means such as a computer or a dedicated processor to perform a predetermined function. As the “storage medium”, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, magneto-optical disk, CD-RO
M, DVD, ROM cartridge, RAM memory cartridge with battery backup, flash memory cartridge, nonvolatile RAM cartridge, and the like.

[0008] In a game, for example, as in a normal wrestling game, the strength of a kick or a punch, the position at which a kick or a punch is made, or the degree of application of various wrestling techniques is performed by the user ( It is configured to change delicately depending on the pressing conditions and timings of a plurality of operation buttons. As a result, the type and amount of input data may become enormous. In order to play such a game between different types of game terminals, it is not realistic to convert a huge type or amount of input data into a predetermined format. However, the present inventor has proposed a game in which a game terminal user selects an option from among a group of options allowed by a game rule, such as shogi or go, even between different types of game terminals. If so, by causing the computer controlling the game terminal to execute the above processing,
The idea is that data for playing a game in accordance with the game rules can be transmitted and received at a minimum even between different types of game terminals. The present invention has been created based on such an idea. By using the program of the present invention, a communication game can be played between different types of game terminals. Games that can be played using this program include, for example, shogi, go, Othello (registered trademark), mahjong, chess, Shanghai, Tetris (registered trademark), puzzle bobble (registered trademark), and the like.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for controlling a game terminal to display a screen in which a game progress status based on option description data in a format that can be processed by the own terminal is decorated in a mode specific to the own terminal type. It is preferable to execute a display process (claim 2). Here, the “option description data in a format that can be processed by the own terminal” includes data describing an option selected by the user of the game terminal (own terminal). The “game progress status” includes not only the status itself after the selection of the option, but also a status determined as a result of the selection of the option based on the Gail rule (for example, a game win or loss). By using this program, even if a communication game is played between different types of game terminals, the progress of the game is displayed while gaining common recognition with the user of the opponent terminal. Regarding the screen decoration mode, the game can be played while watching the screen decorated in a mode unique to the own terminal type, without depending on the screen of the partner terminal.

[0010] The program according to claim 1 or 2 is further provided to a computer for controlling the game terminal, in accordance with the game progress status based on the option description data in a format that can be processed by the own terminal, specific to the own terminal type. It is preferable to execute a process for generating a sound (claim 3). By using this program, even if you are playing a communication game between different types of game terminals, you can play the game by listening to the sound unique to your terminal type without depending on the sound of the other terminal it can.

[0011] The present invention also implements an adapter. The adapter of the present invention is an adapter connected to a game terminal to play a game with a different type of game terminal via a communication medium. This adapter is means for converting data describing an option selected by the game terminal user using the game terminal from a group of options permitted by the game rule into a predetermined format, and an option description converted into the predetermined format. Means for transmitting data to the opponent game terminal, and means for converting option description data transmitted from the opponent game terminal in a predetermined format into data in a format that can be processed by the game terminal to which the adapter is connected (Claim 4). Here, the “adapter” may be connected to one game terminal by wire, or may transmit and receive data wirelessly. Even with this adapter, a communication game can be played between different types of game terminals.

The present invention further implements a game terminal. The game terminal of the present invention is a game terminal capable of playing a game with a different type of game terminal via a communication medium. This game terminal has means for transmitting, in a predetermined format, data describing an option selected by the game terminal user using the game terminal from a group of options permitted by the game rules, and a predetermined format from the opponent game terminal. Means for displaying a screen in which the game progress status based on the option description data transmitted in step (1) is decorated in a mode specific to the own terminal type (claim 5). According to this game terminal, a communication game can be played between the game terminal and a different game terminal. Also, according to this game terminal, even if a communication game is played with a different type of game terminal, the progress of the game is obtained while gaining common recognition with the user of the opponent terminal regarding the progress of the game. Regarding the decoration mode of the screen displaying the situation, the game can be played while watching the screen decorated in a mode unique to the own terminal type without depending on the screen of the partner terminal.

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The main features of the embodiments described below are listed. (Mode 1) A program according to any one of claims 1 to 3 converts data describing a result determined according to a game rule based on data describing an option selected by a game terminal user into a predetermined format. It is preferable to execute the processing. When this program is used, it is not necessary for the partner terminal to make a determination according to the game rules. (Mode 2) In the program according to claim 1 or 3, or the program according to mode 1, the predetermined format is XML (eXt
It is preferable to use an ensible markup language format. According to the XML format, tags for defining the type of data can be freely defined.

[0014]

First Embodiment FIG. 1 shows a state in which a portable game machine 10a and a home game machine 50a according to a first embodiment are connected to a network 92. As shown in FIG. 1, the portable game machine 10a includes a one-chip microcomputer 30 as a main processing unit. The one-chip microcomputer 30 has a RAM 28 for temporarily storing screen generation data, sound generation data, and other work data, and a home game by being connected to a network 90 via an external communication device 48. An I / O terminal 46 capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the device 50a and other terminals and servers;
Are connected to a cartridge terminal (not shown). The cartridge 37 has a ROM and a RAM. The ROM stores a game program 37a, a data format conversion program 37b, and a data control program 3
7c is stored. The RAM stores backup data 37d related to the game and the like. The one-chip microcomputer 30 includes a liquid crystal panel 14, a speaker 16
Is connected. The liquid crystal panel 14 and the speaker 16 are built in the portable game machine 10a. Further, the controller 44 is also built in the portable game machine 10a. The battery 18 can be housed in the portable game machine 10a, and when the battery 18 is housed, power can be supplied to each unit such as the one-chip microcomputer 30.

The home game machine 50a includes a main processing unit 7
0 is provided. The screen processing section 62 and the sound generation section 64 are connected to the main processing section 70. Screen generator 6
RAM 2 for temporarily storing screen generation data
60 are connected. A RAM 66 for temporarily storing sound generation data is connected to the sound generation unit 64. An external television 52 is connected to the screen generator 62 and the sound generator 64. The television 52 is connected to the monitor 5
4 and a speaker 56. The main processing unit 70 includes a work RAM 68 for temporarily storing programs and data other than the screen generation data and the sound generation data, and an I / O unit for controlling the controller 84, the communication device 88, and other peripheral devices. The / O processing unit 86 is connected. I /
The terminal of the O processing unit 86 has a detachable controller 8
4 are connected. An external communication device 88 is connected to the other terminal of the I / O processing unit 86, and is connected to the network 90 via the communication device 88 to connect with the portable game machine 10a and other terminals and servers. Data can be sent and received. The main processing unit 70 includes a CD.
The controller 72 is connected. A CD drive 74 is connected to the CD controller 72. The CD-ROM 77 accommodated in the CD drive 74 has a game program 77a and a data format conversion program 77b.
And a data control program 77c. The household game machine 50a is provided with an outlet 58 for supplying power from a commercial power supply to each unit.

The cartridge 3 on the portable game machine 10a side
7 and the game program 77a stored in the CD-ROM 77 on the side of the consumer game device 50a are configured by a program relating to game rules and a program relating to generation of a game screen and sound. ing. The program relating to the rules of the game is substantially the same between the portable game machine 10a and the home game machine 50a. On the other hand, the programs related to the screen and sound of the game are programs in consideration of the processing performance of the screen generator 62 and the sound generator 64 of the one-chip microcomputer 30 of the portable game machine 10a or the home game machine 50a, respectively. That is, the portable game machine 10a is a simple program that outputs a rough image and a simple sound, and the home game 50a is a program that outputs a fine screen and various sounds. It is a complicated program.

The data format conversion program 37b of the portable game machine 10a sends to the one-chip microcomputer 30 the user of the game terminal from the controller 4 of the portable game machine 10a from among a group of movement options of the pieces permitted by the game rules.
4 and a one-chip microcomputer 3 based on the frame movement data signal describing the option selected by the user.
A process of converting a data signal (rule processing data signal) that has been subjected to the rule processing at 0 into an XML (eXtensible Markup Language) format is executed. Further, the data format conversion program 37b executes a process for causing the one-chip microcomputer 30 to convert frame movement signal data transmitted from the consumer game device 50a in XML format into data in a format that can be processed by the portable game device 10a. Let it. On the other hand, the data format conversion program 77b on the side of the home game machine 50a causes the main processing unit 70 to execute the above-described process of reversing the portable game 10a and the home game machine 50a.

The data control program 37c of the portable game machine 10a causes the one-chip microcomputer 30 to execute a process of transmitting the frame movement data signal and the rule processing data signal converted into the XML format to the home game machine 50a. . Further, the data control program 37c sends the one-chip microcomputer 30 the progress of shogi based on the piece movement data signal on the portable game machine 10a side or the piece movement data signal on the home game machine 50a side to the portable game machine. 10a
And a process of generating a unique sound in the portable game machine 10a corresponding to the movement of the piece based on the piece movement data signal described above. That is, a process for generating a screen and a sound by the one-chip microcomputer 30 based on the frame movement data signal and the rule processing data signal is executed. On the other hand, the data control program 77c of the home game machine 50a causes the main processing unit 80 to execute a process of transmitting the frame movement data signal converted into the XML format and the rule processing data signal to the portable game machine 10a. The data control program 7
7c, the main processing unit 80 displays the progress status of the shogi based on the piece movement data signal on the side of the home game machine 50a or the piece movement data signal on the side of the portable game machine 10a, in a mode unique to the home game machine 50a. And a process of generating a sound unique to the home game machine 50a in accordance with the progress of shogi based on the above-mentioned piece movement data signal. That is, the frame movement data signal and the rule processing data signal are transmitted to the screen generator 62 and the sound generator 64.
And causes the generation units 62 and 64 to execute a process of generating a screen and a sound.

FIG. 2 shows the portable game machine 10a shown in FIG.
This shows data exchange when a communication game is played between the home game machine 50a and the home game machine 50a. It is assumed that the user of the portable game machine 10a operates the controller 44 to select the communication battle mode and requests a communication battle (S10). Then, the data signal output from the controller 44 is transferred to the data format conversion program 37c stored in the cartridge 37.
Thus, the one-chip microcomputer 30 converts it into a match request signal to which a <basic> tag in XML format is attached (S1)
2). The signal is transmitted from the one-chip microcomputer 30 to the main processing unit 70 of the consumer game machine 50a via the communication device 48 and the network 90 by the data control program 37b stored in the cartridge 37. The transmitted signal is stored in the CD-ROM 77 of the CD drive 74.
Is converted into a data signal in a format that can be processed by the main processing unit 70, the screen generation unit 62, the sound generation unit 64, and the like of the consumer game device 50a by the data format conversion program 77c (S14). A battle request display is output to the monitor 54 of the television 52 based on the signal (S1).
6). According to the XML format, tags can be freely defined. In this embodiment, in order to play a shogi game, four tags of <basic>, <before moving>, <after moving>, and <rule processing> are defined as shown below in order. Note that the tag may be appropriately defined according to the type of game (go, chess, othello, etc.).

The battle request display is displayed on the home game machine 50a.
It is assumed that the user operates the controller 84 and presses a button corresponding to the communication match after the user (S20). Then
The data signal output from the controller 84 is CD-
Data format conversion program 77 stored in ROM 77
b in the main processing unit 70 in XML format <basic>
It is converted into a request response signal with a tag (S22). The signal is transmitted from the main processing unit 70 to the portable game machine 10 via the communication device 88 and the network 90 by the data control program 77b stored in the CD-ROM 77.
A is transmitted to the one-chip microcomputer 30 of FIG. The data signal in XML format transmitted to the one-chip microcomputer 30 is:
The data signal is converted into a data signal in a format that can be processed by the one-chip microcomputer 30 of the portable game machine 10a by the data format conversion program 37b stored in the cartridge 37 (S24). A request response display is output to the liquid crystal panel 14 based on the signal (S26). As a result, communication is established between the game machines 10a and 50a (S30).

When communication is established, the portable game machine 10
a of the liquid crystal panel 14 and the television 5 of the home game machine 50a
The title screen is displayed on the second monitor 54 (S4
0). When the user of the portable game machine 10a selects shogi as the game type (S50), X is set in the same manner as in the case where the battle request signal is transmitted (S52, S54).
A shogi request signal with the <basic> tag in ML format is transmitted to the consumer game device 50a. A shogi request display is output to the monitor 54 of the television 52 based on the signal (S5).
6). Assuming that the user of the home-use game machine 50a responds to the game of shogi (S60), the <basic> tag in the XML format is added in the same manner as when the request response signal is transmitted (S62, S64). A request response signal is transmitted to the portable game device 10a. Based on this signal, the liquid crystal panel 1
4 is output with a request response display (S66). As a result,
A battle start screen is displayed on each of the game machines 10a and 50a (S70).

After the battle start screen is displayed, the user of the portable game machine 10a operates the controller 44, and for example, the shogi pieces (eg, shogi pieces) on the seven columns (vertical direction) and seven rows (horizontal direction) of the shogi board. (Infantry) is moved to 7 columns and 6 rows (S8).
0). Then, the frame movement data signal output from the controller 44 is sent to the one-chip microcomputer 30. The one-chip microcomputer 30 stores the game program 3 stored in the cartridge 37 based on the piece movement data signal.
Rule processing is performed by 7a. For example, it is determined whether or not the piece has been moved to the prohibited position, whether or not the opponent's piece has been taken by moving the piece, and whether or not the game has been decided by moving the piece. . The result of this determination is further processed inside the one-chip microcomputer 30 as a rule processing data signal. After the rule processing, based on the above-mentioned frame movement data signal and the rule processing data signal, the one-chip microcomputer 30 generates a screen to be output to the liquid crystal panel 14 by the game program 37a stored in the cartridge 37 and the speaker 16 Is generated. Then, the processing results are output to the liquid crystal panel 14 and the speaker 16. As described above, in the portable game machine 10a, both the rule processing and the screen and sound generation processing are performed by the one-chip microcomputer 10.

The above-mentioned frame movement data signal and rule processing data signal are converted by the one-chip microcomputer 30 into a 7-7 signal with a <before move> tag in XML format by the data format conversion program 37d and a <after move> signal. It is converted into a tagged 7-6 signal and a <Rules processing> tagged signal (S82). Note that the signal with the <rule processing> tag indicates that there is no special information (for example, if the opponent's piece is not taken even if the piece is moved, or if the piece is moved, the game cannot be won or lost. Is not sent. When the user of the portable game machine 10a moves to the position where the piece is prohibited, the information is stored in the portable game machine 10a.
Is displayed only on the liquid crystal panel 14 of the home game machine 50.
It is not sent to a. When the user of the portable game machine 10a moves the piece again to a position where it is not prohibited, a piece movement data signal or the like is sent to the home game machine 50.

The data signal converted into the XML format is transmitted from the one-chip microcomputer 30 to the home game machine 50 via the communication device 48 and the network 90 by the data control program 37b stored in the cartridge 37.
a is transmitted to the main processing unit 70. Thus, not only the frame movement data signal but also the rule processing data signal
In order to convert the data into the L format and transmit it to the consumer game device 50a, the main processing unit 70 of the consumer game device 50 performs the rule processing redundantly based on the frame movement data signal transmitted from the portable game device 10a. No need.

The data signal in XML format transmitted to the main processing unit 70 is converted into a data signal in a format that can be processed by the consumer game machine 50a by a data format conversion program 77b stored in a CD-ROM 77. (S84). The data signal converted into a format that can be processed by the consumer game device 50a is transmitted to the screen generation unit 62 and the sound generation unit 64 by the data control program 77c. In each of the generating units 62 and 64, a process of generating a screen to be output to the monitor 54 and the speaker 56 of the television 52 and a process of generating a sound are performed based on the data signal. Then, the processing results are transmitted to the monitor 54 of the television 52 and the speaker 5.
6 (S86). As described above, even when the screen and the sound on the side of the home game machine 50a are output based on the data signal transmitted from the portable game machine 10a, the screen generation unit 62 and the sound generation unit 64 of the home game machine 50a output the data. Process the data signal. For this reason, the home game machine 50
In a, a shogi game can be played with a detailed screen and various sounds unique to the home game machine 50a, independent of the portable game machine 10a.

After the piece moved by the user of the portable game machine 10a is output to the monitor 54 of the television 52 of the home game machine 50a, the user of the home game machine 50a operates the controller 84, for example, 6 rows of shogi board (vertical)
It is assumed that shogi pieces (infantry) in three rows (horizontal direction) are moved to six columns and four rows (S90). Then, the controller 84
The frame movement data signal output from the
Sent to In the main processing section 70, the same rule processing as described in S80 is performed by the game program 77a stored in the CD-ROM 77 based on the piece movement data signal. After the rule processing, based on the frame movement data signal and the rule processing data signal, the screen generation unit 62 and the sound generation unit 64 output to the monitor 54 of the television 52 by the game program 77a stored in the CD-ROM 77. A process of generating a screen to be output and a process of generating a sound to be output to the speaker 56 are performed. Then, the processing results are output to the monitor 54 and the speaker 56. Thus, in the home game machine 50a, the main processing unit 70
The rule processing is performed by the screen generation unit 62 and the sound generation unit 64
, A screen and a sound generation process are respectively performed.

The above-mentioned frame movement data signal and rule processing data signal are processed by the main processing section 70 by the data format conversion program 77b in the form of an XML-formatted <before> tag 6-3 signal and a <after-movement> signal. 6-4 with tags
The signal is converted into a signal with a <rule processing> tag (S92). The signal is transmitted from the main processing unit 70 to the one-chip microcomputer 30 of the portable game machine 10a via the communication device 88 and the network 90 by the data control program 77c stored in the CD-ROM 77. The data signal in the XML format transmitted to the one-chip microcomputer 30 is converted into a data signal in a format that can be processed by the portable game machine 10a by the data format conversion program 37b stored in the cartridge 37 (S
94). The data control program 37c causes the one-chip microcomputer 30 to generate a screen and sound to be output to the liquid crystal panel 14 and the speaker 16 based on the data signal. Then, the processing results are output to the liquid crystal panel 14 and the speaker 16 (S96). As described above, even when the screen and sound of the portable game machine 10a are output based on the data signal transmitted from the consumer game machine 50a, the data signal is processed by the one-chip microcomputer 30 of the portable game machine 10a. I do. For this reason, there is no problem even if the portable game machine 10a has lower screen and sound processing performance than the home game machine 50a, and there is no problem with the screen and sound within the performance range of the portable game machine 10a. You can play shogi games.

When the match is continued, the above-mentioned S80 to S80
86, and the same exchanges as S90 to S96 are repeated (S100).

After the match is continued, the portable game machine 10
Assume that the user of a operates the controller 44 to move, for example, a shogi piece (gold general) in six columns (vertical direction) and two rows (horizontal direction) of the shogi board to five columns and one row (S110). ). It is assumed that as a result of performing the same rule processing as in S80 described above, it is determined that a king has been placed due to the movement of the piece (gold general). Then, after the rule processing, the screen and sound generation processing is performed based on the frame movement data signal and the rule processing data signal. As a result, the winning display screen is output to the liquid crystal panel 14, and the sound corresponding thereto is output from the speaker 16. Output (S
110).

The above-mentioned frame movement data signal and rule processing data signal are converted by the one-chip microcomputer 30 into a 6-2 signal tagged <before movement> and <after movement> in XML format by the data format conversion program 37d. It is converted into a tagged 5-1 signal and a <rule processing> tagged loss signal (as viewed from the consumer game machine 50) (S1).
12). The data signal converted into the XML format is transmitted to the main processing unit 70 of the consumer game device 50a, and is converted into a data signal in a format that can be processed by the consumer game device 50a (S114). Is generated, the losing display screen is output to the monitor 54 of the television 52, and the sound corresponding thereto is output from the speaker 56 (S
116).

After the winning display and the losing display are displayed on each of the game machines 10a and 50a, when the user of the portable game machine 10a selects the battle end request mode (S120), S52 is performed.
In the same manner as in the case where the battle request signal is transmitted in S54, the battle end request signal with the <basic> tag is transmitted to the consumer game device 50a (S122, S124). A battle end request display is output to the monitor 54 of the television 52 based on the signal (S126). Home game console 50
Suppose that the user of a responds to the end of the match (S13
0), similarly to the case where the request response signal is transmitted in S62 and S64, the request response signal with the <basic> tag is transmitted to the portable game device 10a (S132, S13)
4). A request response display is output to the liquid crystal panel 14 based on the signal (S136).

As a result, a battle end screen is displayed on each of the game machines 10a and 50a (S140). After the battle end screen is displayed, a battle end process is performed (S150).
As a result, the battle ends (S160). When the match ends, the connection of the communication line between the portable game device 10a and the home game device 50a is disconnected (S170).

According to the first embodiment, as described above, the data format conversion program 37b and the data control program 3
7c is stored in the portable game machine 1
0a, a CD-ROM 77 storing a data format conversion program 77b and a data control program 77c.
Is accommodated in the home game machine 50a, so that a communication game such as shogi can be played even between different types of game machines such as the portable game machine 10a and the home game machine 50a. For this reason, it is possible to play a communication game such as shogi with more people.

Second Embodiment FIG. 3 shows a state in which a portable game machine 10b and a home game machine 50b according to a second embodiment are connected to a network 90. The portable game machine 10b according to the second embodiment includes a program storage unit 42, and the home game 50b includes a program storage unit 82 in that the portable game machine 10a according to the first embodiment and the home game machine Different from 50a. A program supply server 92 is connected to the network 90.
b, 50b, from this server 92, each game machine 10b,
A data format conversion program 92a corresponding to 50b;
The data control program 92b can be downloaded, and these programs 92a and 92b can be stored in the respective program storage units 42 and 82. As described above, the program storage unit 42 or the program storage unit 82 of the second embodiment plays the same role as the cartridge 37 or the CD-ROM 77 of the first embodiment. For this reason, according to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a communication game such as shogi is performed even between different types of game machines such as the portable game machine 10b and the home game machine 50b. Can be.

Third Embodiment FIG. 4 shows a state in which a portable game machine 10c and a home game machine 50c according to a third embodiment are connected to a network 90. An adapter 47 is connected to the I / O terminal 46 of the portable game machine 10c of the third embodiment, and an adapter 87 is connected to the I / O processing unit 86 of the home game machine 50c. It differs from the portable game machine 10a and the home game machine 50a of the first embodiment. Adapter 47 connected to portable game machine 10c
Has a data format converter 47a and a data controller 47b. The data format conversion unit 47a is a data format conversion program 37a for the portable game machine 10a of the first embodiment.
Has the same function as the function realized by. The data control unit 47b has the same function as the function realized by the data control program 37b on the portable game machine 10a side of the first embodiment. The adapter 87 connected to the consumer game device 50c has a data format converter 87a and a data controller 87b. The data format conversion unit 87 a
It has the same function as the function realized by the data format conversion program 77a on the consumer game machine 50a side of the embodiment. The data control unit 87b has the same function as the function realized by the data control program 77b on the side of the consumer game device 50a of the first embodiment. Therefore, if the adapter 47 is connected to the portable game machine 10c and the adapter 87 is connected to the home game machine 50c as in the third embodiment, the data format conversion program and the data communication program are stored in the cartridge 36 or the CD-ROM 76. Is stored, a communication game such as shogi can be played between different types of game machines such as the portable game machine 10c and the home game machine 50c.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 5 shows a state in which a portable game machine 10d and a home game machine 50d according to a fourth embodiment are connected to a network 90. The portable game machine 10d of the fourth embodiment has a data format conversion unit 38 and a data control unit 40.
The home game machine 50d is provided with a data format conversion unit 78 and a data control unit 80, so that the portable game machine 10a and the home game machine 50a of the first embodiment are provided.
And different. Data format converter 3 of portable game machine 10d
8 has the same function as the function realized by the data format conversion program 37a on the portable game machine 10a side of the first embodiment. The data control unit 40 has the same function as the function realized by the data control program 37b on the portable game machine 10a side of the first embodiment. Home game console 5
The 0d data format conversion unit 87a has the same function as the function realized by the data format conversion program 77a on the consumer game device 50a side of the first embodiment. The data control unit 87b has the same function as the function realized by the data control program 77b on the side of the consumer game device 50a of the first embodiment. For this reason, the portable game 10 of the fourth embodiment
d or the home game machine 50d, the portable game machine 10d and the home game machine 50d are different types of games even if a cartridge or the like in which the data format conversion program and the data communication program are stored or an adapter is not connected. A communication game such as shogi can be played between machines.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various modified and improved forms based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. For example, in the above embodiment, as the predetermined format,
The case where the XML format is used has been described.
TML (Hyper Text Markup Language) format, SGM
L (Standard Generalized Markup Language) format, etc.
Various formats can be used.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a portable game machine and a home game machine according to a first embodiment are connected to a network.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing data exchange between the portable game machine and the home game machine of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which a portable game machine and a home game machine according to a second embodiment are connected to a network.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which a portable game machine and a home game machine according to a third embodiment are connected to a network.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which a portable game machine and a home game machine according to a fourth embodiment are connected to a network.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10a to 10d: portable game machine 30: one-chip microcomputer 36, 37: cartridge 37b: data format conversion program 37c: data control program 50a to 50d: home game machine 62: screen generator 64: sound generator 70: main Processing unit 77: CD-ROM 77b: Data format conversion program 77c: Data control program

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A program for playing a game between a game terminal and another game terminal different from the game terminal via a communication medium, wherein a computer controlling the game terminal allows a game rule. A process of converting data describing an option selected by the game terminal user from the option group into a predetermined format, a process of transmitting the option description data converted to the predetermined format to the opponent game terminal, A process of converting option description data transmitted from the game terminal in a predetermined format into a format that can be processed by the terminal itself. 2. A computer for controlling a game terminal,
The program according to claim 1, wherein the program executes a process of displaying a screen in which a game progress status based on option description data in a format that can be processed by the own terminal is decorated in a mode specific to the own terminal type. 3. A computer for controlling a game terminal,
The program according to claim 1, wherein the program executes a process of generating a sound unique to the type of the terminal according to a game progress state based on the option description data in a format that can be processed by the terminal. 4. An adapter connected to a game terminal for playing a game with a different type of game terminal via a communication medium, wherein the adapter allows a game terminal user to select one of options allowed by the game rules. Means for converting the data describing the options selected using the game terminal into a predetermined format, means for transmitting the option description data converted into the predetermined format to the opponent game terminal, An adapter having means for converting option description data transmitted in a format into data in a format that can be processed by a game terminal to which the adapter is connected. 5. A game terminal capable of playing a game between different types of game terminals via a communication medium, wherein a user of the game terminal uses the game terminal from a group of options permitted by the game rules. Means for transmitting data describing the selected option in a predetermined format, and decorating the game progress status based on the option description data transmitted in a predetermined format from the opponent game terminal in a mode specific to the terminal type. A game terminal comprising means for displaying a screen.