JP2003071137A - Communication game system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To overcome a problem such that multistage buffers are required for transmission and reception sides so as to make game processing of all game machines surely reflect generated data in each of the game machines, in a communication game system using the game machines operating asynchronously. SOLUTION: At the start of the game processing, each of the game machines 100 determines whether or not received data exist in a received-data buffer 50; and in the absence of the received data, a player judges that his/her game machine 100 performs processing too early, and passes the game processing in that step. End codes are appropriately exchanged so that the other game machines 100 can suspend the generation of the received data until the game machine 100 behind in the game processing finishes processing the received data stored in the buffer 50. Thus, the multistage buffers are not required for the transmission and reception sides, and storage capacity for the buffer can be reduced.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication game system, and more particularly, to a communication game system configured to connect a plurality of game devices so that a plurality of users can play the same game at the same time. The present invention relates to a game device and a recording medium used in this communication game system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a plurality of game machines are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other, and a plurality of players operate the respective game machines to simultaneously play a game having the same content (for example, a battle game).
There is a communication game system that allows you to play.

In such a communication game system, operation data input by an operation key by a player and various game data generated by a player performing a specific key operation are transmitted by communication to all other data. Of each game machine, the game process is performed on the basis of the game data of all the game machines including the own machine received through communication. For example, when a player of a certain game machine performs a key operation for jumping the character A in the game, the game data "character A jumps" is transmitted to all the game machines,
All game machines perform game processing based on the information. In this way, the player's key operation on each game machine is reflected in the game contents of the other game machines.

In the game processing, data to be transmitted to another device in the next communication is prepared. Then, in the next communication, the game data is exchanged again between the game machines, and then each game machine performs the game processing based on the exchanged game data. The above operation is repeated while the communication game is being played.

By the way, in such a communication game system, the game machines communicate with each other at a constant cycle, and the game processing is performed in each game machine based on the game data of the other game machine and the own game machine received by the communication. I do.
That is, since the game data used for the game process in each game machine is common to all the game machines, the result of the game process in each game machine is the same. In this way, the game of the same content can be enjoyed on each game machine.

[0006]

However, in the above communication game system, there may occur a problem that the game contents of each game machine are deviated. Hereinafter, some causes will be described.

One cause is a delay in game processing. As described above, each game machine performs game processing based on the game data received in a certain communication, and at that time, prepares game data to be transmitted to another machine in the next communication. However, if the load of the game processing temporarily increases, the game processing cannot be completed by the next communication, and the game data to be transmitted cannot be prepared. As a result, the game data of the game machine in which this processing delay has occurred is not reflected in the game processing in other game machines,
There is a gap in the game contents between this game machine and another game machine.

Another cause is the difference between the communication cycle and the game processing cycle in each game machine. However, the difference between the communication cycle and the game processing cycle is not found in the game system in which the communication and the game processing are completely synchronized. For example, each game machine asynchronously performs the game processing at individual timing. This is seen in game systems that permit such things and systems in which the communication timing itself is not constant. In such a case, it is not guaranteed that the game process is performed once in each game machine in the period from one communication to the next communication. As a result, for example, in a certain game machine, if no game processing is performed in a period from one communication to the next communication, the game data to be transmitted in the next communication cannot be prepared. The game content is different between the game machine and another game machine. Further, for example, in a certain game machine, if game processing is performed twice in a period from one communication to the next communication, in this game machine, the game data used in the second game processing is the own game machine. However, as a result, the game data of the other game machine is not reflected, and a difference occurs in the game contents between this game machine and the other game machine.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention, in particular, in a communication game system in which communication and game processing are not accurately synchronized, it is possible to reliably play a game of the same content among a plurality of game machines. It is to provide a game system.

[0010]

A first aspect of the present invention is a communication game system configured to connect a plurality of game devices so that a plurality of users can play the same game at the same time. Each of the plurality of game devices includes a game processing unit, a communication unit, a transmission buffer unit, a reception buffer unit, and a processing deviation detection unit. The game processing means repeats the game processing at a constant cycle to advance the game. The communication means exchanges the generated data used for the game processing by the game processing means with all the game devices. The transmission buffer means temporarily holds the untransmitted generated data. The reception buffer means temporarily holds the received generated data. The processing deviation detecting means detects that the processing of the own game device is proceeding with respect to communication before the game processing means starts a certain number of game processing. Then, when the processing deviation detection means detects that the processing of the own game device is proceeding with respect to the communication, the game processing means passes the current game processing.

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, each game device determines by itself that the game processing is proceeding with respect to the communication, and appropriately passes the game processing, thereby not transmitting the game. The problem that the generated data is accumulated more and more is avoided, and it is possible to reliably transmit all the generated data without preparing a multi-stage buffer for holding the untransmitted generated data. Therefore, it is possible to realize a simpler and lower cost communication game system.

In a second aspect based on the first aspect, the processing shift detection means detects that the received data is not held in the reception buffer means, so that the processing of the own game device advances to the communication. It is characterized by detecting that there is.

As described above, according to the second invention, each game device confirms that the reception data is not held in the reception buffer means, so that the process of the own game device advances to the communication. You can easily detect that you are out.

A third aspect of the present invention is a communication game system configured to connect a plurality of game devices so that a plurality of users can play the same game at the same time. The game processing means, the communication means, and the transmission means. A buffer means, a reception buffer means, and an end code generation means are provided. The game processing means repeats the game processing at a constant cycle to advance the game. The communication unit exchanges the generated data used for the game processing by the game processing unit with another game device. The transmission buffer means temporarily holds the untransmitted generated data. The receiving buffer means is
Temporarily holds the received generated data. The end code generation means generates an end code as generation data at a predetermined timing. The game processing means performs the game processing without generating new generation data until the end code generating means generates the end code and receives the end codes from all the game devices connected to each other. .

As described above, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the exchange of the end code between the game devices enables the game devices which are delayed in processing to recover the delay, and as a result, the received generated data. The problem of gradual accumulation is avoided, and it is possible to reliably use all the received generated data for game processing without preparing a multistage buffer for holding the received generated data. Therefore, it is possible to realize a simpler and lower cost communication game system.

A fourth invention is characterized in that, in the third invention, the predetermined timing includes a timing of switching the game screen.

As described above, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the other game devices do not generate new generated data while the game device which is delayed in processing is recovering the delay through the exchange of the end code. However, by setting this timing as the timing of switching the screen, the game device that is delayed in processing can recover the delay without making the user feel uncomfortable.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is a game device in which a plurality of users can play the same game at the same time by connecting to another game device, the game processing means, the communication means, and the transmission buffer means. , A receiving buffer means and a processing deviation detecting means. The game processing means repeats the game processing at a constant cycle to advance the game. The communication unit exchanges the generated data used for the game processing by the game processing unit with another game device. The transmission buffer means temporarily holds the untransmitted generated data. The reception buffer means temporarily holds the received generated data. The processing deviation detection means detects that the processing of the own game device is proceeding with respect to communication before the game processing means starts a certain number of times of game processing. The game processing means is characterized in that when the processing deviation detection means detects that the processing of the own game device is proceeding with respect to the communication, the game processing means passes the current game processing.

As described above, according to the fifth aspect of the invention, the game device itself judges that the game process is proceeding with respect to the communication, and passes the game process as appropriate, so that the game device is not transmitted. The problem that generated data accumulates more and more is avoided, and it is possible to reliably transmit all generated data without preparing a multi-stage buffer for holding untransmitted generated data. Therefore, a simpler and lower cost game device can be realized.

In a sixth aspect based on the fifth aspect, the processing shift detection means detects that the received data is not held in the reception buffer means, so that the processing of the own game device advances to the communication. It is characterized by detecting that there is.

As described above, according to the sixth aspect of the invention, the game device confirms that the received data is not held in the reception buffer means, so that the process of the own game device advances to the communication. It can be easily detected that there is.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is a game device in which a plurality of users can play the same game at the same time by connecting to another game device, the game processing means, the communication means, and the transmission buffer means. , A receiving buffer means and an end code generating means. The game processing means repeats the game processing at a constant cycle to advance the game. The communication unit exchanges the generated data used for the game processing by the game processing unit with another game device. The transmission buffer means temporarily holds the untransmitted generated data. The reception buffer means temporarily holds the received generated data. The end code generator is
An end code is generated as generation data at a predetermined timing. The game processing means performs the game processing without generating new generation data until the end code generating means generates the end code and receives the end codes from all the game devices connected to each other. .

As described above, according to the seventh aspect, the game device can recover the processing delay through the exchange of the end code with another game device, and as a result, the received generation It is possible to avoid the problem that data accumulates more and more, and it is possible to reliably use all the received generated data for game processing without preparing a multi-stage buffer for holding the received generated data.
Therefore, a simpler and lower cost game device can be realized.

An eighth invention is characterized in that, in the seventh invention, the predetermined timing includes a timing of switching the game screen.

As described above, according to the eighth aspect, the game device generates new generated data through the exchange of the end code while another game device whose processing is delayed recovers the delay. However, by setting this timing as a screen switching timing, it is possible to wait for the game device that is delayed in processing to recover from the delay without making the user feel uncomfortable.

A ninth aspect of the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium, which is connected to another game device and allows a plurality of users to play the same game at the same time. A program for executing the communication step, the transmission buffer step, the reception buffer step, and the processing deviation detection step is stored. The game processing step repeats the game processing at a constant cycle to advance the game. The communication step exchanges generated data for use in the game processing by the game processing step with another game device. The transmission buffer step temporarily holds ungenerated transmission data. The reception buffer step temporarily holds the received generated data. The processing deviation detection step detects that the processing of the own game device is proceeding with respect to communication before the game processing of a certain number is started by the game processing step. When the processing deviation detecting step detects that the processing of the own game device is proceeding with respect to the communication, the game processing step passes the current game processing.

As described above, according to the ninth aspect, the game apparatus determines, according to the program recorded on the recording medium, that the game processing is proceeding for communication, and appropriately executes the game. By passing the processing, the problem that the untransmitted generated data accumulates is avoided, and all generated data is ensured without preparing a multi-stage buffer to hold the untransmitted generated data. Can be sent.

In a tenth aspect based on the ninth aspect, the processing shift detecting step detects that the received data is not held by the receiving buffer step, and the processing of the own game device advances to the communication. It is characterized by detecting that there is.

As described above, according to the tenth invention, the game device confirms that the reception data is not held by the reception buffer step according to the program recorded in the recording medium, thereby the game device itself. It is possible to easily detect that the processing of the device is proceeding for communication.

An eleventh aspect of the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium, which is connected to another game device and allows a plurality of users to play the same game at the same time. A program for executing the communication step, the transmission buffer step, the reception buffer step, and the end code generation step is stored. The game processing step repeats the game processing at a constant cycle to advance the game. The communication step exchanges generated data for use in the game processing by the game processing step with another game device. The transmission buffer step temporarily holds ungenerated transmission data. The reception buffer step temporarily holds the received generated data. The end code generation step generates an end code as generation data at a predetermined timing. From the generation of the end code by the end code generation step to the reception of the end code from all the game devices connected to each other, the game processing step performs the game processing without generating new generation data. .

As described above, according to the eleventh aspect, the game device recovers the processing delay by exchanging the end code with another game device according to the program recorded on the recording medium. As a result, the problem that the received generated data accumulates more and more is avoided, and all the received generated data can be secured without preparing a multi-stage buffer to hold the received generated data. It can be used for game processing.

A twelfth invention is the eleventh invention, wherein
The predetermined timing includes a timing of switching the game screen.

As described above, according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the game device recovers the delay by another game device whose processing is delayed by exchanging the end code according to the program recorded in this recording medium. While new generation data is not generated during this period, by setting this timing as the screen switching timing, the game device that is delayed in processing can recover the delay without making the user feel uncomfortable. Can wait

[0034]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (Overall Configuration) With reference to FIG. 1, an overall configuration of a communication game system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The communication game system includes four game machines 100a-100
d and the communication cable 200. Game console 10
0a to 100d are mutually connected via a communication cable 200. Each of the game machines 100a to 100d has operation units 10a to 10d for receiving a player's operation. Since the four game machines 100a to 100d have the same configuration, in the following description, when it is not particularly necessary to distinguish between these game machines and their constituent elements, the game machine 100 and the operation unit. A reference numeral such as 10 will be given in the description. For ease of explanation, the game machines 100a to 100d may be referred to as No. 1 machine, No. 2 machine, No. 3 machine, and No. 4 machine, respectively. Further, in this embodiment,
Since Unit 1 actively starts communication, if necessary,
Unit 1 may be referred to as a parent or a parent unit, and units 2 to 4 may be referred to as a child 1, a child 2, a child 3, or a child machine collectively.

(Structure of Each Game Machine) The structure of the game machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. Game console 100
Is an operation unit 10, a transmission data buffer 20, a communication data buffer 30, a communication terminal 40, a reception data buffer 50, a CPU 60, and an external ROM cartridge 7.
0 and a display unit 80. Communication data buffer 30
Includes an OUT area 31 and an IN area 32. The external ROM cartridge 70 is a game program recording medium that is detachably attached to the game machine 100, but here, for simplification of description, the game machine 1 will be described.
In the description, it is assumed that it is one element that makes up 00.

(Outline of operation of each game machine) Game machine 10
The outline of the operation of each unit of 0 will be described. The external ROM cartridge 70 is composed of a ROM and an SRAM that store a program for executing a game and data used in the game, and the game machine 100 executes a game process, a data transfer process, and the like according to the game program. Specifically, the game progresses by the CPU 60 performing processing such as calculation and data transfer according to the game program.

The user plays the game by operating the operation keys of the operation unit 10. The CPU 60 is
Data for use in game processing is generated based on the user's operation content input through the operation unit 10. Here, the generated data may be any data as long as it is used for game processing, and is, for example, data indicating the state of operation keys, data relating to score information, or data relating to character movements. Or
Other arbitrary data may be used. This generated data is temporarily stored in the transmission data buffer 20 in preparation for communication.

The generated data temporarily stored in the transmission data buffer 20 is transferred to the OUT area 31 of the communication data buffer 30 during communication processing. Communication data buffer 3
Reference numeral 0 is a buffer for transmitting and receiving generated data to be used for game processing with respect to another game device as a communication means, and the communication cable 200 via the communication terminal 40.
Connected to.

OUT area 3 of communication data buffer 30
The generated data transferred to No. 1 is transmitted to all the game machines 100a to 100d connected to the communication cable 200 at a predetermined communication timing. At this communication timing, the generated data of all the game machines 100a to 100d connected to the communication cable 200 are transmitted as described above, and as a result, all of the game machines 100a to 100d are transmitted.
The generated data of 100d are uniformly stored in the IN area 32 of the communication data buffer 30 of each game machine by communication.

IN area 32 of communication data buffer 30
The generated data of all the game machines 100a to 100d stored in is transferred to the reception data buffer 50 by the interrupt processing after communication. The reception data buffer 50 has a FIF
This is an O buffer (first-in first-out buffer), and a plurality of data can be stored in association with the stored order, and the plurality of data can be sequentially read in the stored order.

The CPU 60 uses the received data buffer 5
The game processing is performed based on the generated data of all the game machines 100a to 100d transferred to 0, the programs and data stored in the external ROM cartridge 70, and the game screen is displayed on the display unit 80 based on the processing result. indicate.

In FIG. 3, the generated data of each of the game machines 100a to 100d is received through the communication and received data buffers 50a to 50d.
The flow up to 50d is schematically shown. The numbers 1 to 4 described in each buffer section in the drawing indicate which machine the generated data stored in each buffer is.

(Communication processing) Each game machine 100a-100
Before describing a more specific operation of d, first, a communication method between game machines will be briefly described. In the present embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that communication is performed by the main unit 100a driving. Specifically, communication is started by the master device 100a in synchronization with the start timing of the vertical blanking period of the master device 100a (hereinafter referred to as the V blanking period). When the communication is started, first, the generated data of the master device 100a stored in the OUT area 31a of the communication data buffer 30a of the master device 100a is output to the communication cable 200 through the communication terminal 40a, and this generated data is transmitted by the communication. All game machines 100a-1 connected to the cable 200
00d communication data buffers 30a to 30d
Are stored in the IN areas 32a to 32d.

When the data transmission from the parent device 100a is completed, the data transmission from the child device 100b is subsequently started. Similar to the case of the master unit 100a, the OU of the slave unit 100b
The generated data of the child device 100b stored in the T area 31b is I of each of the game machines 100a to 100d.
The parent device 100 previously stored in the N areas 32a to 32d.
It is added to the generated data of a and stored. And so on
Data transmission from the child device 100c and the child device 100d is sequentially performed. When the transmission of the generated data of all the game machines 100a to 100d is completed in this way, each of the game machines 100a to 100d
All game consoles 100 are installed in the 0d IN areas 32a to 32d.
The generated data of a to 100d are prepared.

When one data communication is completed as described above, an interrupt process (hereinafter referred to as an SIO interrupt process) after completion of communication, which will be described later, occurs in each of the game machines 100a to 100d. In the SIO interrupt processing, writing and reading of generated data with respect to the communication data buffer 30 are mainly performed. In the SIO interrupt process, the generated data of all the game machines 100a to 100d stored in the IN area 32 of the communication data buffer 30 is transferred to the reception data buffer 50 which is a FIFO buffer. The generated data transferred to the reception data buffer 50 are stored in the reception data buffer 50 in the order in which they are stored.
Used for game processing.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 4, in the communication game system according to the present embodiment, each game machine performs a game process at its own timing, that is,
Four game consoles are operating asynchronously. On the other hand, the communication process is started at the V blank start timing of the parent. When the communication is started, the data in the communication data buffer 30 is exchanged in all game machines as described above.
At this time, with respect to the child device, communication data is exchanged by hardware regardless of the processing of the CPU 60. Therefore, the child device cannot know the timing of communication. In such a communication system, if the slave device writes or reads the generated data to or from the communication data buffer 30 at a desired timing, the write or read timing may coincide with the communication timing. ,as a result,
The generated data may be destroyed or lost. In order to prevent this problem, dummy communication and SIO interrupt processing are used in this embodiment. The communication method will be briefly described below in detail.

As shown in FIG. 5, the master unit first starts dummy communication at the timing of the start of the V blank. This dummy communication is a communication that is performed only for generating post-communication SIO interrupt processing in all game machines, and meaningful data is not exchanged here. When the dummy communication ends, an SIO interrupt occurs in each game machine. When the SIO interrupt occurs, each game machine performs the SIO interrupt process. In this SIO interrupt process, as described above, the generated data is written to and read from the communication data buffer 30. However, in the SIO interrupt process after the dummy communication, the transmission data buffer 20 generated in the game process is generated. The generated data stored in is transferred to the OUT area 31 of the communication data buffer 30. Here, since the SIO interrupt process is an interrupt process that occurs immediately after communication, there is no possibility that the transfer timing to the OUT area 31 will coincide with the communication timing, and the generated data as described above will not be generated. The generated data can be safely written in the communication data buffer 30 without causing a problem such as destruction or loss.

In all game machines, the parent machine waits until the writing of the generated data into the communication data buffer 30 is completed, and then starts the second communication to exchange the written generated data. . The waiting time here is set to a predetermined time in consideration of the time until the generated data is surely written in all the game machines. For example, after dummy communication, there is a possibility that the slave unit is performing an interrupt process prior to the SIO interrupt process, or there is a delay in the occurrence of the SIO interrupt. Is set. In the second communication, the data written in the communication data buffer 30 in the SIO interrupt process after the dummy communication is exchanged between all the game machines. As a result, in the IN area 32 of the communication data buffer 30 of each of the game machines 100a to 100d, the generated data of all the game machines are stored. When this second communication is completed, each game machine 100
The SIO interrupt occurs again in a to 100d. In this SIO interrupt processing, each game machine 100a-100
The d transfers the generation data of all the game machines stored in the IN area 32 to the reception data buffer 50. Here again, there is no risk that the timing of reading data from the IN area 32 and the communication timing will match, and the generated data can be safely stored in the communication data buffer 30 without the problem of destruction or loss of the generated data as described above. Can be read.

Note that communication of other generated data can be considered by utilizing the setting of the waiting time between the dummy communication and the subsequent communication. That is, data that can be generated or acquired in a short time equivalent to this waiting time, for example, operation key data, can be acquired and stored in the transmission data buffer 20 at the timing of the first dummy communication. This ensures that this data is stored in the communication data buffer 30 in the dummy communication in the next communication and is received in the IN area 32 of the communication data buffer 30 of all the game machines in the second communication of this time. It In this method, only one transmission data buffer 20 needs to be prepared.

In the communication game system according to the present embodiment, as described above, since the data is written in and read from the communication data buffer 30 in the SIO interrupt processing, the problem that the generated data is destroyed does not occur. In the above description, after dummy communication,
Although it has been stated that the generated data is exchanged by performing the second communication, it is also possible to perform the communication after the dummy communication a plurality of times. In this case, in the SIO interrupt process after the second communication, in addition to the read of the generated data, the generated data to be transmitted in the third communication is further added to the communication data buffer 3
The data may be written in 0 and the generated data may be exchanged by the third communication. In this way, it is possible to set the number of times of communication after dummy communication to any value,
As a result, a large amount of generated data can be exchanged in one V blank period regardless of the capacity of the communication data buffer 30.

(Method of Absorbing Process Misalignment) In the communication game system according to the present embodiment, each game machine generates generated data in a certain game process, exchanges the generated data by communication, and in the next game process. The game progresses by repeating the process of performing the process based on the generated data of all the game machines received by the immediately preceding communication and generating the generated data again. However, in the present embodiment, since the processing of each game machine is not synchronized, when the game processing is attempted, the generated data of all the game machines to be used in the game processing cannot be received yet. It can happen. The coping method in that case will be described below.

FIG. 6 shows an example of communication timing and game processing timing in the master unit and the two slave units. The child 1 performs the game process G1a based on the generated data of all the game machines received in the communication T1. Similarly, communication T
2, the game processing G1b is performed based on the generated data of all game machines received in 2, the game processing G1c is performed based on the generated data of all game machines received in communication T3, and the generated data of all game machines received in communication T4. The game process G1d is performed based on In this way, when the communication cycle and the game processing cycle are completely the same, the game can proceed without causing any particular problems.

On the other hand, the child 2 has a game processing cycle slightly shorter than the communication cycle, as shown in FIG. 6, due to a slight deviation of the clock frequency from the parent. Child 2
Performs the game processing G2a based on the generated data of all the game machines received in the communication T1. Similarly, communication T2
The game processing G2b is performed based on the generation data of all the game machines received in step S3, and the game processing G2c is performed based on the generation data of all the game machines received in communication T3.

However, the child 2 executes this game process G2c.
Game processing G2 before the communication T4 is performed.
I will welcome d. When the game process G2d is performed here,
The generated data newly generated in the game process G2d will be stored in the transmission data buffer 20. In the transmission data buffer 20, the game process G2 will be stored.
The generated data generated in c is still stored without being transmitted, and this generated data will be lost by overwriting. Conventionally, a method of preparing a plurality of stages of transmission data buffers to solve this problem is known. However, in a game machine having a slightly shorter game cycle (child 2 in this case), the number of stages of the transmission data buffer must be increased infinitely. Further, when a large amount of data is accumulated in the transmission data buffer, the data to be transmitted will be transmitted with a delay, and the response of the game will be deteriorated. Therefore, in this embodiment,
This problem is dealt with by not performing the game process G2d. As a result, the generated data generated in the game process G2c is transmitted in the communication T4 without being lost by overwriting. Then, in child 2, communication T4
The game process G2e is performed based on the generated data of all the game machines received at.

As described above, in the communication game system according to the present embodiment, as a characteristic process, when each game machine performs a certain game process, it is determined whether or not communication has been performed since the last game process. It is determined that the game process is not performed when communication is not performed. This avoids the problem that a game machine with a short game processing cycle becomes faster than other game machines, and data loss does not occur without providing multiple stages of the transmission data buffer 20. The advantage is that the required buffer capacity can be reduced.

Various methods are conceivable as methods for determining whether or not communication has been performed since the previous game processing when performing a certain game processing. For example, this can be determined depending on whether or not there is received data in the IN area 32 of the communication data buffer 30. Further, for example, the OUT area 31 of the communication data buffer 30
It can also be determined by whether or not the transmission data remains. Further, for example, a flag or the like can be used to determine whether or not communication has been performed since the previous game processing.

Although the case where the game processing cycle is shorter than the communication cycle has been described above, conversely, the game processing cycle is longer than the communication cycle, or the game load is temporarily increased, or the like. There may be a case where the game processing is delayed with respect to the communication, as in the case where the processing is not completed in the normal processing period. The child 1 shown in FIG. 7 shows the former situation, and the child 2 shown in FIG. 7 shows the latter situation.

In FIG. 7, the child 1 performs the game process G1a based on the generated data of all the game machines received in the communication T1. Similarly, the game process G1b is performed based on the generated data of all the game machines received in the communication T2. However, before the game processing based on the generated data of all game machines received in the communication T3 is performed, the communication T
Reach 4. However, the generated data of all the game machines received in the communication T3 is stored in the reception data buffer 50 in the SIO interrupt process immediately after the communication T3, and the generated data of all the game machines received in the communication T4 is the communication data. Since it is added to the received data buffer 50 in the SIO interrupt process immediately after T4, the received data is not lost, and the child 1 is based on the generated data of all game machines received in the communication T3 in the game process G1c. The game processing is performed by the game processing, and thereafter, the game processing is sequentially performed in the order stored in the reception data buffer 50.

On the other hand, in FIG. 7, the child 2 performs the game process G2a based on the generated data of all the game machines received in the communication T1. Similarly, the game process G2b is performed based on the generated data of all the game machines received in the communication T2.
I do. However, the child 2 has a large processing load in the game process G2b, and the game process G2c is performed until after the communication T4.
Can't start. However, the generated data of all the game machines received in the communication T3 is stored in the reception data buffer 50 in the SIO interrupt process immediately after the communication T3, and the generated data of all the game machines received in the communication T4 is the communication data. Since it is added to the received data buffer 50 in the SIO interrupt process immediately after T4, the received data is not lost, and the child 2 is based on the generated data of all the game machines received in the communication T3 in the game process G2c. Game processing by
The game processing is sequentially executed in the order stored in the reception data buffer 50.

As described above, in the communication game system according to the present embodiment, since the FIFO buffer is used as the reception data buffer 50, by additionally storing the reception data in the reception data buffer 50 every time communication is completed, The received data of is surely used for game processing without being lost.

(Method for preventing too much data from being accumulated in the received data buffer) As described above, in the game machine in which the game processing is delayed with respect to the communication, the received data buffer 50
In addition, the received data will be sequentially accumulated according to the delay. In order to deal with this, it is possible to simply increase the number of stages of the FIFO of the reception data buffer 50, but if the same number of reception data as the number of stages of the prepared FIFO are stored, further reception is performed. If the data is stored, the received data will be lost. Therefore, increasing the number of FIFO stages is not reliable. Therefore, in the communication game system according to the present embodiment, in order to prevent the reception data from being accumulated in the reception data buffer 50 in this manner, end codes are exchanged between game machines at appropriate timings. Through the exchange of this end code, until the game machine whose processing is delayed completes the game processing using the received data that has been accumulated, other game machines are delayed without generating new generated data. Only the game processing is continued using the generated data of the game machine that is present. Below, FIG.
The process using this end code will be specifically described with reference to.

In FIG. 8, a set of data to be sent in one frame is used, and each game machine is set to 20 times after the game is started.
The transmission data of each game machine in each frame when the end code is transmitted after sending 00 sets of data is shown. In the nth frame in FIG. 8, parent and child 1
Is transmitting its 1999th set of generated data,
Child 2 is the 1998 set of generated data, and Child 3 is 199
The 7th set of generated data is transmitted. That is, at this stage, the child 2 is one frame behind the parent and the child 3 is two frames behind the parent. In the child 1 whose processing is not delayed from the parent, the generated data of all the game machines are stored in the received data buffer 50 in the SIO interrupt processing after communication, and the processing of reading the generated data in the next game processing is repeated. . That is, in the child 1, the reception data buffer 50
Is a state in which only one set of generated data is stored at most. On the other hand, in the child 2, the reception data buffer 50
Indicates that one set of generated data is always stored, and at most two sets of generated data are stored. Also,
In the child 3, the reception data buffer 50 always stores two sets of generated data, and a maximum of three sets of generated data is stored.

In FIG. 8, the parent and child 1 transmit the 2000th set of generated data in the (n + 1) th frame, and transmit the end code in the subsequent (n + 2) th frame. After transmitting the end code, data “0” is continuously transmitted until the end code is received from all the game machines. That is, during this period, the game process based on the generated data transmitted from the other game machine is continued, and the process is advanced without generating the generated data of the own game machine. In this way, the game machine, which is delayed in other processing, waits until it finishes processing the data accumulated in the received data buffer 50. On the other hand, the child 2 and the child 3 receive the received data buffer 5 even after the parent and the child 1 have finished transmitting the 2000th set of generated data.
The game processing is continued based on the generated data stored in 0.

Child 2 has 200 in the (n + 2) th frame.
After transmitting the 0th set of generated data, the end code is transmitted in the (n + 3) th frame, and thereafter, the data “0” is continuously transmitted until the end codes from all the game machines are aligned. The child 3 finishes transmitting the 2000th set of generated data in the (n + 3) th frame, and transmits the end code in the (n + 4) th frame. At this time, no generated data remains in the reception data buffers 50 of all the game machines. Since the child 3 transmits the end code in the n + 4th frame, the end codes from all the game consoles are received in all the game consoles in the n + 5th frame. Restart processing. Thus, in the (n + 6) th frame, all game machines transmit the generated data of the first set.

As described above, by arranging the processes by using the end code at appropriate timings, it is possible to solve the problem that the received data is accumulated in the received data buffer 50. In the above example, the end code is inserted after the 2000 sets of generated data are transmitted, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the end code may be inserted at any timing. However, in order to make the instantaneous interruption of the processing by the end code inconspicuous, it is preferable to insert the end code when switching the game screen or when the game screen does not move. Further, if the speed at which the number of received data is accumulated in the received data buffer 50 is high for some reason, the end code insertion interval may be shortened accordingly.

(Processing by CPU) The operation of the CPU 60 of the game machine 100 in the communication game system according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the game program is started, the CPU 60 makes initial settings in step S100, and proceeds to step S200. Step S200
Then, it is determined whether or not the received data exists in the received data buffer 50. If the received data exists, the process proceeds to step S300, and if the received data does not exist, the process proceeds to step S400. In step S200, game processing is performed based on the game program, received data, and the like. The game process is basically a process executed within one frame (1/60 second). When the game process ends, a V blank waiting process is performed in step S400. In this V blank waiting process, a predetermined process such as a sound process is executed after waiting for the start of a V blanking period that occurs at a cycle of 1/60 seconds. When the V blank waiting process ends,
In step S500, it is determined whether or not the game is over. If the game is to be continued, the process returns to step S200. If not, the process is ended. That is, after waiting for the V blanking period, the predetermined process in the V blank waiting process is executed, and the game process is performed.
By repeating the operation of waiting for the blanking period,
The processing of the CPU 60 proceeds.

Each of the game machines 100a to 100d operates according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, but at the start of the V blanking period and at the end of the data communication, a V blank interrupt process and an S described later are performed.
IO interrupt processing occurs. Further, in the parent device, a timer interrupt process for starting the communication next to the dummy communication is further generated.

The V blank interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG. In V blank interrupt processing, C
In step S602, the PU 60 first performs a sound process and a V blank process that are generally executed in a normal game device, and proceeds to step S604. In step S604, it is determined whether or not the own device is the master device, and if it is the master device, the process proceeds to step S606, and if it is the slave device, the process ends. In step S606, the game machine 100
The data communication process between a to 100d is started, and then the process is ended. The communication started here is the dummy communication shown in FIG.

As described above, in the V blank interrupt process, the process for the base unit 100a to start data communication is executed. That is, the data communication is executed at the start timing of the V blanking period of the parent device. In this embodiment, the master device 100a starts data communication in synchronization with the start timing of the V blanking period of the master device 100a, but this is an example, and data communication is started at any other timing. Alternatively, a device having a data communication control function may be separately provided, and this device may start data communication.

Next, the SIO interrupt processing will be described with reference to FIG. SIO interrupt processing is performed by the master unit 1
This is an interrupt process that occurs in each of the game machines 100a to 100d when the communication started by 00a is completed.

In the SIO interrupt processing, the CPU 60
In step S702, it is determined whether or not the communication immediately before this interrupt processing is dummy communication. If it is dummy communication, the process proceeds to step S704. If it is not dummy communication, that is, communication subsequent to dummy communication. In that case, the process proceeds to step S710. Various methods are conceivable as a method for determining whether or not the immediately preceding communication is dummy communication. As an example, a variable for counting the number of times of communication is prepared, the value of this variable is incremented each time communication is completed, and it is reset when communication following dummy communication is completed. It can be determined whether or not the dummy communication is performed based on the value.

If the last communication was a dummy communication,
In step S704, the generated data stored in the transmission data buffer 20 is output to the OUT of the communication data buffer 30.
Transfer to area 31 and proceed to step S706. In step S706, it is determined whether or not the own device is the parent device, and if it is the parent device, the process proceeds to step S708, and if it is the child device, the process ends. In step S708, the count of the timer is started, and the process is ended. This timer is for counting the time until the master device starts the communication next to the dummy communication.

On the other hand, if the last communication is not the dummy communication, the generated data of all the game machines stored in the IN area 32 of the communication data buffer 30 by the last communication is stored in the reception data buffer 50 in step S710. Then, the process ends.

Next, the timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG. This timer interrupt process is a process that occurs only in the parent device, and is an interrupt process that occurs when the timer started in step S708 of the flowchart in FIG. 11 counts a predetermined time. In the timer interrupt process, the CPU 60 starts communication in step S802 and proceeds to step S804. The communication started here is the communication following the dummy communication, that is, the second communication shown in FIG. Then, in step S804, the timer is reset and the process ends.

Originally, the writing of data to the communication data buffer 30 and the reading of data from the communication data buffer 30 may be performed at any timing. However, in order to avoid a hardware error caused by simultaneous reading and writing of data with respect to the communication data buffer 30 and data communication, the reading and writing of data with respect to the communication data buffer 30 is performed by the data communication as in this embodiment. It is preferably performed immediately after completion.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the base unit 10
At the timing of the start of the 0a V blanking period, the main unit 1
00a starts dummy communication, and after the dummy communication ends, each of the game machines 100a to 100b transfers the generated data to be transmitted in the subsequent communication to the OUT area 31 of the communication data buffer 20 in the SIO interrupt process. After that, the parent device 100a counts a certain time,
Start the second communication in the timer interrupt process. Each of the game machines 100a to 100d has S after the second communication.
IN of communication data buffer 30 in IO interrupt processing
The reception data stored in the area 32 is transferred to the reception data buffer 50. As described above, the reception data buffer 50 is a so-called first-in first-out type FIFO buffer, and the received data is stored in order in the reception data buffer 50, and is sequentially used in the game processing in the stored order.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, each game machine perceives itself that the process of its own game machine is progressing because there is no received data in the received data buffer 50, and appropriately performs the game process. To pass. This solves the problem that untransmitted data accumulates in a game machine with a fast processing, that is, in a game machine whose game processing cycle is shorter than the communication cycle. Therefore, a multistage buffer is provided on the transmission side. All generated data can be reliably transmitted without incident. Therefore, the required buffer capacity is reduced, which simplifies the configuration of the game console,
The cost can be reduced.

Also, by exchanging end codes between game machines at a specific timing, a game machine with slow processing, that is, a game machine with a game processing cycle longer than a communication cycle or a game machine with a processing delay occurs. ,
It is possible to solve the problem that the data not yet used for the game process is accumulated in the reception data buffer 50. As a result, all the received data can be reliably used for the game processing without providing a multistage buffer on the receiving side. Therefore, since the required buffer capacity is reduced, the configuration of the game machine can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

As described above, the data generated by each game machine is surely transmitted to all the game machines, and all the game machines of the transmission destination receive the generated data as follows.
Since they can be used for game processing in the order in which they are received, there is no difference in game contents between game machines.

In this embodiment, a plurality of game machines 1
00a to 100d are connected via the communication cable 200, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of computer terminals operating according to a game program are connected to a network, and data communication is performed between the terminals via the network. May be performed. Also, wireless communication may be performed between the game machines.

Although the CPU 60 executes the various operations described in the present embodiment in accordance with the game program stored in the external ROM cartridge 70, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the game machine itself executes the game program. It may be stored or a part of the operations may be processed by hardware. Further, when a plurality of game machines simultaneously process the same content, the external ROM cartridge 70 may be inserted into each game machine, or only one of the game machines may be inserted to play the game. It may be used in possible systems.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a communication game system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a game machine 100.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a flow of data generated by each game machine.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the entire system when each game machine is operating asynchronously.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining communication processing in detail.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the game machine when the game processing cycle is earlier than the communication cycle.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the game machine when the game processing cycle is slower than the communication cycle and when a processing delay occurs.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an operation of each game machine and an effect thereof when using the end code.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a main operation of the CPU 60.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the CPU 60 during V blank interrupt processing.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the CPU 60 during SIO interrupt processing.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the CPU 60 during timer interrupt processing.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Operation part 20 send data buffer 30 communication data buffer 31 OUT area 32 IN area 40 communication terminal 50 receive data buffer 60 CPU 70 External ROM cartridge 80 Display 100 game consoles 200 communication cable

Continued front page    (72) Inventor Hidetaka Minoru             5-21-2 Asakusabashi, Taito-ku, Tokyo N             Dicube Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2C001 BB04 CB02 CB08                 5B045 BB28 BB42 CC06

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A communication game system configured to connect a plurality of game devices so that a plurality of users can play the same game at the same time, wherein each of the plurality of game devices advances a game. Game processing means that repeats the game processing at a fixed cycle, communication means that exchanges generated data for use in the game processing by the game processing means with all game devices, and untransmitted generated data temporarily. And a receiving buffer means for temporarily holding the received generated data, and processing of the own game device for communication before the game processing means starts a certain game processing. Processing deviation detecting means for detecting that the game is progressing, the game processing means is provided with the processing deviation detecting means. When the processing is advanced to the communication is detected, characterized by those times pass game process, the communication game system. 2. The processing deviation detecting means detects that the processing of the own game device is proceeding with respect to communication by detecting that received data is not held in the reception buffer means. The communication game system according to claim 1. 3. A communication game system configured to connect a plurality of game devices so that a plurality of users can play the same game at the same time, wherein each of the plurality of game devices advances the game. Game processing means that repeats the game processing at a fixed cycle, communication means that exchanges generated data for use in the game processing by the game processing means with all game devices, and untransmitted generated data temporarily. And a receiving buffer means for temporarily holding the received generated data, and an end code generating means for generating an end code as the generated data at a predetermined timing. After the end code generation means has generated the end code, the Until receiving a-coded, and performing a game process without generating new product data, communication game system. 4. The communication game system according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined timing includes a timing of switching a game screen. 5. A game device that allows a plurality of users to play the same game at the same time by connecting to another game device, and game processing means for repeating the game process at a constant cycle to advance the game. , Communication means for exchanging generated data for use in game processing by the game processing means with all game devices, transmission buffer means for temporarily holding untransmitted generated data, and received generated data And a processing deviation detecting means for detecting that the processing of the own game device is proceeding with respect to the communication before the game processing means starts a game processing of a certain number of times. The game processing means is provided when the processing deviation detecting means detects that the processing of the own game device is proceeding with respect to communication. A game device that passes the current game process. 6. The processing deviation detection means detects that the processing of the own game device is proceeding with respect to communication by detecting that received data is not held in the reception buffer means. The game device according to claim 5, wherein 7. A game device that allows a plurality of users to play the same game at the same time by connecting to another game device, and game processing means that repeats the game process at a constant cycle to advance the game. , Communication means for exchanging generated data for use in game processing by the game processing means with all game devices, transmission buffer means for temporarily holding untransmitted generated data, and received generated data Is provided with a reception buffer means for temporarily holding, and an end code generation means for generating an end code as generated data at a predetermined timing, the game processing means is configured to operate after the end code generation means generates the end code. , Generate new generation data until receiving end code from all game devices connected to each other A game device characterized by performing a game process without performing the game. 8. The game device according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined timing includes a timing of switching a game screen. 9. A computer-readable recording medium, which is connected to another game device and allows a plurality of users to play the same game at the same time, at a fixed cycle for advancing the game. A game processing step for repeating the game processing, a communication step for exchanging generated data used for the game processing by the game processing step with all game devices, and a transmission for temporarily holding untransmitted generated data. A buffer step, a receive buffer step for temporarily holding the received generated data, and a process of the own game device is proceeding with respect to communication before a game process of a certain time is started by the game process step. A process deviation detecting step for detecting that the game processing step is performed. A recording medium having a program recorded thereon, characterized in that the game process of this time is passed when it is detected by the detection step that the process of the own game device is proceeding with respect to communication. 10. The processing deviation detecting step detects that processing of the own game device is proceeding with respect to communication by detecting that received data is not held by the receiving buffer step. The recording medium according to claim 9. 11. A computer-readable recording medium, which is connected to another game device and allows a plurality of users to play the same game at the same time, in a predetermined cycle in order to progress the game. A game processing step for repeating the game processing, a communication step for exchanging generated data used for the game processing by the game processing step with all game devices, and a transmission for temporarily holding untransmitted generated data. A buffer step, a reception buffer step for temporarily holding the received generated data, and an end code generating step for generating an end code as the generated data at a predetermined timing, the game processing step, the end code generating The steps generate the end code and then connect to each other. A recording medium having a program recorded thereon, characterized in that the game process is performed without generating new generation data until the end code is received from all the game devices. 12. The recording medium according to claim 11, wherein the predetermined timing includes a timing of switching a game screen.