JP2003186832A - Information processing device, information processing method and its recording medium and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simplify the operation of an information processing device by preventing duplicated input operation in transmitting similar input information to different servers. <P>SOLUTION: Waiting information on admission for membership to be sent back from an ISP 101, if the admission information is sent back from the ISP 101, this information is received, stored and held on a HDD18 (S10). A registration (admission) request to an ASP102 is transmitted by connecting to an ASP server 102 (S11), admission information input guidance (screen) to be sent from the ASP102 is received (S12). And the admission information from the ASP101 held on the HDD18 is read out (S13), its input request items are filled out to bring them into an input-completed status (S14). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a recording medium therefor, and a computer program capable of executing a process of joining a provider that provides a service used via a communication medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, network communication has become widespread due to advances in communication technology and semiconductor technology. In order to enable this network communication, a usage contract (membership contract) is made with the provider, and those who are allowed to join can access the network and can communicate with other parties via the provider. Becomes

In this case, not only the provider that enables communication with other parties via the provider, but also contracts with a provider that provides a specific service, and enjoy the service provided by the provider. Things are also widely practiced.

[0004]

However, conventionally, when trying to register with a provider, the same information as the information input when joining the provider must be entered each time, which is very complicated. Sometimes I made a typo.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an information processing apparatus and an information processing which can solve the above problems and reduce the same duplicate input of information. The purpose is to provide a method. And
For example, the following configuration is provided as one means for achieving the object.

That is, an information processing apparatus capable of executing a process of joining a service provider for performing data communication with another information processing apparatus via a communication medium, the registration being input when registering with the first provider. Registration information holding means for holding information, detection means for detecting a registration request to the second provider, and registration information input request for input from the second provider in response to the registration request to the second provider. And an input reflection means for controlling the registration information, which has been stored in the storage means and has been input for registration with the first provider, as input already information, to an input completed state,
The feature is that duplicate input of similar information can be omitted.

[0007] For example, the registration information input in registering with the first provider includes information on any one of a communication control method, personal information, and credit card related information.

Further, for example, the first provider is an internet connection provider, and the registration information holding means holds personal information corresponding to input information sent together with the registration information from the first provider. .

Further, for example, the input reflection means sets the information reflected as the information for the second provider in the input information at the time of registration with the first provider to the input completed state based on the instruction from the user. And

Alternatively, there is provided an information processing method in an information processing apparatus capable of executing a process of subscribing to a service provider for performing data communication with another information processing apparatus via a communication medium, which is registration with a first provider. The registration information input request is held, and the registration information input request is input from the second provider in response to the registration request to the second provider, which is required to be input in response to the registration request to the second provider. With respect to the input information at the time of registration with the first provider that is held, the input registration information that is held is controlled as the already input information to the already input state for the input request of the same condition. Therefore, the redundant input of information can be omitted similarly.

[0011] For example, the registration information input when registering with the first provider includes information on any one of a communication control method, personal information, and credit card related information.

Further, for example, the first provider is an Internet connection provider, and the input registration information held therein is personal information corresponding to the input information sent from the first provider.

Further, for example, the information reflected as the information for the second provider among the input information held at the time of registration with the first provider is set to the input completed state based on an instruction from the user. To do.

Furthermore, a computer program that can be executed by an information processing device capable of executing a process of joining a service provider for performing data communication with another information processing device via a communication medium, the first provider The registration information holding program sequence for holding the registration information input in the storage means in the storage means, the detection program sequence for detecting the registration request to the second provider, and the second program for the registration request to the second provider. An input reflection program sequence for controlling the registration information input upon registration to the first provider held in the storage means in response to a registration information input request from the provider as already input information to an already input state. Similarly, it is characterized in that duplicate input of information can be omitted.

Alternatively, a computer-readable recording medium capable of recording a computer program executable by an information processing apparatus capable of executing a process of joining a service provider for performing data communication with another information processing apparatus via the communication medium. In addition, a registration information holding program sequence for holding the registration information input in registering with the first provider in the storage means, a detection program sequence for detecting a registration request with the second provider, and registration with the second provider. In response to a request for inputting registration information from the second provider, the registration information input in registration with the first provider, which is held in the storage unit, is controlled to be already input as already input information. It is characterized in that the input reflection program sequence can be recorded and the duplicated input of similar information can be omitted.

[0016] For example, a computer program including information about any one of a communication control method, personal information, and credit card related information can be recorded in the registration information input when registering with the first provider. And

Further, for example, the first provider is an Internet connection provider, and the registration information holding program sequence holds personal information corresponding to input information sent together with registration information from the first provider. To do.

Further, for example, in the input reflection program sequence, the information reflected as the information for the second provider in the input information at the time of registration with the first provider is set to the input completed state based on the instruction from the user. Characterize.

Furthermore, an information processing device capable of executing a subscription process to a provider that provides a service using a communication medium, and a receiving unit that receives registration information registered in the first provider from the first provider. Registration information holding means for holding the registration information received by the receiving means, detection means for detecting a registration request to the second provider, and second for the registration request to the second provider.
It is characterized by further comprising input reflection means for reflecting the information based on the registration information held in the registration information holding means in response to the registration information input request from the provider.

Alternatively, there is provided an information processing method in an information processing apparatus capable of executing a subscription process to a provider that provides a service using a communication medium, wherein registration information registered in the first provider is received from the first provider. Holding the received registration information, detecting a registration request to the second provider, and receiving the registration information input request from the second provider in response to the registration request to the second provider, An information processing method is characterized in that information based on stored registration information is reflected.

[0021] Furthermore, it is a computer program that can be executed by an information processing device capable of performing a joining process to a provider that provides a service that uses a communication medium, and is registration information registered from the first provider to the first provider. , A registration information holding program string for holding the registration information received by the receiving program string, a detection program string for detecting a registration request to the second provider, and a registration to the second provider. An input reflection program sequence for reflecting information based on the registration information held in the registration information holding program sequence in response to the registration information input request requested from the second provider in response to the request. A characteristic computer program.

A computer readable recording medium capable of recording a computer program executable by an information processing device capable of performing a joining process to a provider that provides a service utilizing a communication medium, the computer readable recording medium comprising a first provider A reception program sequence for receiving registration information registered in one provider; a registration information retention program sequence for retaining the registration information received by the reception program sequence;
A detection program sequence for detecting a registration request to the provider, and a second program for the registration request to the second provider.
A computer-readable record characterized by recording an input reflection program sequence for reflecting information based on the registration information held in the registration information holding program sequence in response to a registration information input request from the provider. Use as a medium.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The following description describes an example applied to a game device capable of network communication via a provider connected to the network.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a game device capable of executing a network game via the Internet, which will be described later, used in an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Is. The game device 1 is roughly classified into a game device main body 2 having a main function of the game device 1 and an input device for inputting an operation instruction to the game device main body 2 (for example,
(Including a keypad, a controller, etc.) 3.

Furthermore, a memory card 5 for storing game data such as game progress data and game environment setting data can be removably attached to the game apparatus main body 2.
In addition, the game apparatus body 2 is connected to an output device (including a monitor display and a speaker) 6 that performs image display and sound output according to the game content based on the video signal and the audio signal from the game apparatus body 2. The game is configured to be executable.

Further, the game apparatus main body 2 is a CD-ROM (Co that stores programs, image data, sound data, etc. for implementing processing relating to a game to be described later.
mpact Disc Read Only Memory) 4 is installed.

The game device main body 2 includes a CPU (Central Pr
central processing unit) and ROM (Read
Read-only memory) main control unit 11, RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, interface unit 13, sound processing unit 14, graphic processing unit 15, CD-ROM 4
CD-ROM to access contents by detachably mounted
A drive 16, a communication interface 17 for performing data communication with a group of servers and other game machines via a communication medium (network) 100, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 18, and the above-described constituent elements are mutually connected. It has a bus 19 connected to.

The main control section 11 is provided with an oscillator and a timer counter (both not shown), generates a clock signal based on a timing signal output from the oscillator every predetermined period, and uses this clock signal as a timer counter. To count the time.

The RAM 12 is a main storage device used by the CPU of the main control unit 11 to execute a program,
A program executed by the CPU and data necessary for the execution are stored. The RAM 12 is also used as a work area during program execution.

The interface section 13 is constructed so that the input device 3 and the memory card 5 can be detachably connected. The interface unit 13 controls data transfer between each unit connected to the bus 19 (mainly the main control unit 11) and the input device 3 or the memory card 5.

The sound processing unit 14 is a background music (Bac
It is a circuit that performs processing for reproducing audio data such as k Ground Music) and sound effects. This sound processing unit 14
Generates an audio signal based on the data stored in the RAM 12 according to an instruction from the main control unit 11 and supplies the audio signal to the output device 6.

The graphic processor 15 has a frame buffer (not shown), and draws an image according to a command from the main controller 11 on the frame buffer. Further, the graphic processing unit 15 adds a predetermined synchronization signal to the image data drawn in the frame buffer to generate a video signal, and supplies this to the output device 6.

The CD-ROM drive 16 is a reading device for reading the data stored in the CD-ROM 4, which is a recording medium. The game device 1 has a game device body 2 with a C
By executing the control according to the game program recorded in the D-ROM 4, the control regarding the game described later is realized.

The communication interface 17 is a group of servers connected to the network 100 and other communicable devices,
For example, it manages various data exchange including HTML information with other game devices and communication control when playing a linked game.

For example, the communication interface 17 controls the exchange of information (programs and data) between the game apparatus body 2 and the communication network 100. Data such as game programs and HTML information downloaded from the external communication network 100 via the communication interface 17 and the communication line 99 can be stored in the HDD 18.

The HDD 18 is an auxiliary storage device used by the CPU of the main controller 11 to execute a program. In the HDD 18, information downloaded using the communication interface 17, information obtained by accessing, a CD-
Various data and programs such as information read from the ROM 4 can be stored.

As described above, the CD-ROM 4 stores programs, image data, sound data, etc. for implementing the processing relating to the game. This game program includes a program that causes the game device 1 to execute the method according to the present embodiment. CD-RO
The game software stored in M4 is a CD-ROM
The drive 16 is activated to read the necessary game program and game data, and the main controller 11 is operated according to the read program.

This game software is preinstalled in the HDD 18. According to an instruction from the main controller 11, an audio signal is generated based on the data stored in the RAM 12, and the audio signal is supplied to the output device 6. The game device 1 can also store the game software in the HDD 18.

The graphic processor 15 has a frame buffer (not shown) and draws a game image on the frame buffer under the control of the main controller 11. Further, the graphic processing unit 15 adds a predetermined synchronization signal to the image data drawn in the frame buffer to generate a video signal, and supplies this to the output device 6.

The input device 3 includes a controller operated by the player to input various game-related instructions to the game device main body 2. The input device 3 is
A command signal corresponding to the operation is sent to the game apparatus body 2 via the interface section 13.

In this embodiment, various instruction inputs such as game progress instruction input are performed by the controller 30, and the following description will be made on an example in which the controller 30 is used as the input device 3.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of a controller as the input device 3 in this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the input device according to the present embodiment.
(A) shows a plane and (b) shows a back surface.

In FIG. 2, the controller 30 has a cross key 31 for inputting movement information and the like, and operation keys for inputting various commands to the game apparatus main body 2 (for example, a button 32, a button). 33, □ button 34, ×
Button 35, start button 36, select button 4
2) is provided.

The controller 30 is also provided with a joystick 37 for inputting movement information. As shown in FIG. 2B, a plurality of operation keys (R1 button 38, R2 button 39, L1 button 40, L2 button 41) are also provided on the back surface of the controller.

All the operation keys except the start button 36 and the select button 42 are pressure-sensitive. Further, the controller 30 has a vibration (vibration) function. That is, the controller 30 has a built-in motor, and the motor is activated by receiving a predetermined control signal from the game apparatus body 2,
Can be vibrated as a whole.
Thereby, the vibration can be transmitted to the player holding the controller 30.

The intensity of vibration can be adjusted in the game apparatus body 2, and vibration intensity of three levels of "strong", "medium", and "weak" is prepared. The vibration of the controller 30 is intermittent, and it is possible to control the vibration having any strength to occur randomly.

The memory card 5 is composed of a flash memory, for example, and is an auxiliary storage device for storing game data controlled by the game apparatus main body 2. The main controller 11 controls writing of data to the memory card 5 and reading of data from the memory card 5 via the interface 13.

The output device 6 displays a game image or an HTML document received from a network based on a video signal and a voice signal from the game device main body 2 and outputs a voice. In this embodiment, a monitor device with a built-in speaker, for example, a television (TV) set is prepared as the output device 6. This monitor device has a display screen 61 for displaying an image.
And a speaker 62 for audio output.

Further, the output device 6 includes the graphic processing section 1
The image is displayed on the display screen 61 in response to the video signal from the speaker 5, and the speaker 62 outputs sound in response to the sound signal from the sound processing unit 14. Therefore,
The output device 6 functions as both a display device and an audio output device.

The main controller 11 controls the operation of the game apparatus body 2 based on the basic software stored in the ROM and the game software read from the CD-ROM 4 by the CD-ROM drive 16 and stored in the RAM 12. To do.

For example, the CPU 12 reads the graphic data from the CD-ROM 4 or transfers the HTML information or the like from the provider received by the communication interface 17 to the graphic processing unit 15, and instructs the graphic processing unit 15 to generate an image. To do. In response to this instruction, the graphic processing unit 15 uses the graphic data to generate a video signal. This video signal is
It is sent to the output device 6. As a result, the image is displayed on the display screen of the output device 6.

The game device of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration is configured to be communicable with the server device and other game devices via the network 100, and a plurality of players can be connected via the network 100. A network game capable of participating in one game is configured. This game screen can be sent as, for example, HTML information.

The present embodiment is characterized by the processing of the HTML information representing the display information when executing this network game, and the specific configuration of the embodiment will be described in detail below. To do.

The configuration of the network game system in this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. Figure 3
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a network game system that provides a network-compatible game service according to the present embodiment.

In the network game system of this embodiment, the game device 1 having the configuration shown in FIG.
A, 1b, 1c, and 1d can be connected to a network system via a communication medium, for example, the Internet 100 to an Internet service provider (hereinafter referred to as “ISP”) 101 as an example of a first provider.

In addition, the game devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d
After connecting to the ISP 101, it becomes possible to connect to another game device and also to connect to another provider via the ISP 101. Then, the service provided by the other provider can be enjoyed, and the data communication with the other communication device connected to the other provider becomes possible.

Some other providers allow connection on the premise of a contract with a user, and in many cases require authentication to provide a specific application service. For example, in the case of a provider that provides network games, as a general rule, communication is possible only with users who have contracted as members, and it is possible to exchange game programs and game data. These providers are called, for example, application service providers (hereinafter referred to as “ASP”). In FIG. 3, the server group 102 functions as an ASP.

A server group 102 for controlling a game such as downloading a game program is connected to the ISP 101. The server group 102 functions as, so to speak, an ASP as an example of a second provider accessible from the game devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d.

The number of game devices to be connected is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 3, and the number of connected game devices is not limited according to the content of the game, and an arbitrary number of game devices can be connected as long as they are two or more. Of course, the game can be executed.

The POL server group 102 provides, for example, an authentication server (management server) group 111 for performing account management for user authentication, an interface between the game apparatus 1 and another server group, and contents such as audio and moving images. Server group 11 that provides browsing services
2. Message server group 113 for providing a chat or messenger environment, mail server group 114 for providing an e-mail service, user profile management, and friend list, which is player information recognized as friends, which will be described later. The server includes a profile server group (holding server) 115 that records and records the usage status of service contents of friends who are registered in the friend list, and a game server group 116 that provides a game environment.

These server groups 111 to 116 are LA
They are mutually connected via N117. The configuration of this server group is not limited to the above example, and one server device may be configured to be the whole or a plurality of server devices may be more finely shared.

The authentication server (management server) group 111 not only manages the above-mentioned user authentication, but also manages admission and withdrawal of users, and notifies other server groups of status changes at the time of status changes.

Next, the CPU of the main control unit 11 causes the CD-
RAM1 which is read from ROM4 and is the main memory
The game programs and data stored in 2 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the storage contents and storage area of the CD-ROM 54 of the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4, the CD-ROM 4 has a program storage area 4a for storing a game program executed by the main control section 11, a related data storage area 4b for storing data necessary for the progress of various games, and a tertiary storage area. An image data storage area 4c that stores modeling data of the original model and two-dimensional image data used as a background, and a sound data storage area 4 that stores sound data such as sound effects.
d, an icon data storage area 4e for storing icon information peculiar to the game such as characters appearing in the game.

In the present embodiment, this C
Of the data stored in the respective storage areas of the D-ROM 4, a part of the data necessary for the game progress at a certain stage is loaded into the RAM 12, and the game proceeds based on the data loaded into the RAM 12. It

If the next data is required for the progress of the game, the RAM 12 stores the next data required for the progress of the game among the respective data stored in the respective storage areas of the CD-ROM 4 at that time. Will be loaded.

The game progress control when a network game is being executed is controlled by the ISP 101
Connected to the game server group 116 in the server group 102 via the game server, and is performed under the control of the lobby server for executing the game, and stored in each storage area of the CD-ROM 4 according to the progress control of the lobby server. Part of the data necessary for the progress of the game is loaded into RAM12,
Alternatively, necessary data can be sent to the H
The TML information is transferred and loaded in the RAM 12,
The game progresses based on the data loaded in the AM 12.

Next, the main controller 11 controls the CD-ROM 4
The programs and data that are read from the computer or transmitted via the network and stored in the RAM 12 will be described.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the memory configuration of the RAM 12 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG.
Is a program storage area 12a for storing a program executed by the main control unit 11, a related data storage area 12b for storing data necessary for executing various processes, modeling data of a three-dimensional model, and two-dimensional image data used as a background. It has an image data storage area 12c for storing image data and the like relating to, and a sound data storage area 12d for storing sound data such as sound effects.

In this embodiment, except for the case where the game is executed from the beginning, the related data storage area 12b has
The game data read from the memory card 5 at the start of the game is read, and the game is restarted according to the read game data.

In the present embodiment, in order to perform the above-mentioned network game control, it is necessary that the game device be in a state connectable to the network. For example, in order to connect to the Internet 100 and enable data communication with other devices, etc., a provider necessary for connecting to the Internet is selected, a contract is made, a member becomes, and a member is connected to Internat. Data communication with another communication device becomes possible.

Further, when a contract is made with a specific provider such as the server 102 shown in FIG. 3 and a specific service is to be received, a specific service is to be received in addition to the above-mentioned contract with the provider. It is necessary to contract with the provider and become a member.

For example, when a contract is made with the server group 102 to receive the network game information provided by the server group 102, the contract with the server group 102 is performed, authentication is performed, a password or the like is received, and this password is used. Will be allowed to access the server.

The example of the present embodiment is characterized by the provider registration processing which is a prerequisite for executing this network game. The provider registration processing of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining registration control with the provider according to the present embodiment.

Information can be exchanged with the ISP 101 or the server group 102 by the game device main body 2 executing the provider registration program stored in the CD-ROM 4, and the authentication code (registration code issued at the time of registration thereafter (registration By sending the (number and password information) to the ISP 101 and the server group 102, for example, the game data is controlled so that it can be shared with other game executing players, and the game proceeds.

In the following description, as an example, a case is described in which a user who wants to execute a network game provided by the ASP 102 is enrolled in an Internet service provider who is recommended to enroll, and then the ASP 102 is subsequently enrolled. explain. In this case, I
There may be a case where a user who has a contract with the SP tries to join the ASP 102, and in this case the IS
There is no need to register for P.

In FIG. 6, first, in step S1, it is determined whether or not to execute a network game. If the network game is not to be executed, the process proceeds to step S2, and a corresponding process such as executing the game by the game machine main body alone is executed.

On the other hand, when the network game is executed in step S1, the process proceeds to step S3 and the ISP1
It is checked whether or not the membership process for 01 has been completed. IS
If the enrollment process for P101 is not yet performed, the process proceeds to step S4 and subsequent steps, and the enrollment process for the ISP 101 is performed.

First, in step S4, for example, the game machine controller 3 is used to connect to the ISP 101 to access (call) the ISP 101. When connected to the ISP, the process proceeds to step S5, and an enrollment request is sent out. The ISP 101, which has received this admission request, returns a guidance screen (enrollment information input screen) for inputting each necessary information necessary for admission to the requesting game machine,
The process moves to the process of accepting membership information in which the necessary items have been entered and permitting membership.

Therefore, on the side of the game machine that has sent the admission request, the admission screen (enrollment information input guidance screen) returned from the ISP 101 is received and displayed on the display screen 61 in the following step S6. The user who confirms this membership screen sequentially inputs the necessary items. After confirming each input item, a transmission instruction is given to the ISP 101.

FIG. 7 shows a detailed example of the membership information for the ISP 101. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of necessary input items when joining the ISP 101 according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 7 shows input items when the membership process for the ISP 101 is performed.

In FIG. 7, 71 indicates an input item example, 72 indicates an input result example, and 73 indicates input item contents. In the example shown in FIG. 7, as input items to the ISP 101, the user's surname and given name in kanji and the surname and given name entered in kanji are input in katakana. Further, an input guidance screen for inputting the age and sex, the address of the user, the zip code, the telephone number, and the control method of which communication control procedure is used to perform communication control is displayed and input.

There is no restriction on the configuration and input method of the input guidance screen described above, and there is no restriction on the display example and the input method of the input guidance screen if necessary items can be input. However, in the present embodiment, it is desirable to adopt an input method in which the number of input enable buttons or the number of keys is very small as shown in FIG. 2 and the number of key operations is small.

Further, the user is made to input the settlement method of the network usage fee, and the input of the necessary items is completed. For this payment method, a general payment method on the Internet or the like can be selected and executed. For example, when making a payment using a credit card, a credit number, a personal identification number, and an expiration date are input. . It should be noted that a prepaid number and a personal identification number for payment by another prepaid method are input.

When the input of the necessary input items is completed in this way, confirmation input of the input result is requested, for example. When the confirmation input is obtained, the process proceeds from step S7 to step S8, and the input personal enrollment information is transmitted to the ISP 101.

The ISP 101 which has received this receives, for example, this input information in the subsequent step S9 as the partner A
It is returned to the admission requesting game machine as personal information processed for SP (eg ASP102) transmission.

At this time, the ISP 10 when the admission is permitted
The account information, password information, address information at the time of access, domain name, etc. for 1 are attached, and the information necessary for access from the game machine is added and returned.

Therefore, at the game machine side, step S10 is performed.
In (1), it waits for the enrollment information to be returned from the ISP 101, and when the enrollment information is returned from the ISP 101, this is received and stored in a non-volatile storage means, for example, the HDD 18, and held. Then, the process proceeds to step S11.

In step S11, the password information and the like necessary for setting the access right sent when the admission is permitted is sent to the ISP 101 to make a connection request to the ISP 101. Upon receipt of this, the ISP 101 permits access if a password or the like for permitting access right setting has been correctly sent, and enables Internet communication via the ISP 101.

At the subsequent step S12 and thereafter, the ASP 10
Perform the procedure for admission to 2. First, in step S12, the user connects to the ASP server 102 from the game machine and the ASP1
A registration (membership) request to 02 is sent.

Upon receiving the admission request, the ASP 102 returns a guidance screen (enrollment information input screen) for inputting each necessary information necessary for admission to the requesting game machine,
The process moves to the process of accepting membership information in which the necessary items have been entered and permitting membership.

For this reason, on the game machine side that has sent the admission request, the admission screen (enrollment information input guidance screen) returned from the ASP 102 in the following step S13.
To receive. Then, in step S14, the HDD 18
Further, the personal information processed in step S10 and processed by the ISP 101 for transmission with the affiliated ASP (eg ASP 102) is read out.

IS read out in the subsequent step S15
Fill in the input request items as if they were entered for the input items on the admission screen (enrollment information input guidance screen) returned from the ASP 102 sent from the ASP 102 using the admission registration information from P101. I will enter the input state.

Here, for the input items that cannot be embedded in the input request items, manual input is required separately. It should be noted that although the input items here also include registration information for the ISP 101, this registration information is provided first.
Since it has been sent when the membership procedure for 1 was performed, it can be embedded in the membership information column without input from the controller 3 or the like.

Then, the embedding control is appropriately performed, the items that need to be input are input, and when the necessary enrollment information is input, the process proceeds to step S16, and the enrollment information is transmitted to the ASP 102. Upon receiving this, the ASP 102 permits the membership of this user, and step S17
Proceed to.

If the subscription to the ASP 102 has been completed, or if it has been completed, in step S17, the desired network game software is downloaded by connecting to the ASP permitted to join and the game is executed.

On the other hand, if the admission process to the ISP 101 is completed in step S4, the process proceeds to step S20,
It is checked whether or not the admission process to the ASP 102 is completed. If the joining process to the ASP 102 is not completed, the process proceeds to step S11, and after connecting to the ISP 101, ASP1
02 to access the ASP 102 to perform membership processing.

On the other hand, if the joining process to the ASP 102 is completed in step S20, the network game is ready to be executed, and the process proceeds to step S21 to connect to the ISP 101 to connect to the Internet. After that, the process advances to step S17 to connect to the ASP 102 and start the network game.

As described above, according to this embodiment, when it is necessary to join an affiliated Internet service provider prior to joining the ASP, for example, when the Internet service provider is joined, the input membership is entered. Keep information and join afterwards A
By duplicating the input information at the time of joining the SP and automatically controlling the input information to the input state, duplicate input is not required. For example, input from a full keyboard such as a game machine controller. When no means is provided, a troublesome work can be effectively omitted, and a very easy-to-use device with a simple input procedure can be provided.

(Second Embodiment) In the above description,
An example has been described in which the ASP enrollment return information returned from the ISP is used to embed ASP enrollment information.
However, the present invention is not limited to the above example, and is not limited to a general special ISP affiliated with an ASP, and even a user enrolled in a general general ISP can join the ASP. The network game may be controlled to be executable.

An embodiment of the second invention according to the present invention controlled as described above will be described below. In the second embodiment, since the information for ASP enrollment is not returned from the ISP, the input result is recorded in the HDD 18 as it is for each item.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, the enrollment information transmitted after transmitting the ISP enrollment information shown in step S8 in the flow chart shown in FIG. 6 of the above-described first embodiment is stored in the HDD 18. Save to.

After receiving the admission screen from the ASP, the admission information transmitted to the ISP is read from the HDD 18 and the corresponding input item is embedded. Depending on the ISP, it may not be possible to reliably correspond to the ASP.
In this case, the predicted input candidates may be assigned to the input screen, and the predicted input candidates for the next run can be selected as necessary, as in the case of Kana-Kanji conversion, and the confirmation input may be performed.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the personal information set at the time of joining the ISP is stored in the HD, for example.
An ASP that saves it in D18 and then performs the enrollment procedure
Personal information that was previously stored in the HDD 18, for example, at the time of membership registration can be reflected in the ASP membership procedure and the corresponding input items can be automatically controlled to the input state, preventing duplicated input and simplifying the operation. It is possible to eliminate the trouble of inputting twice.

Particularly when the input means from the full keyboard is not provided as in a game machine, the troublesome work can be effectively omitted, and a very easy-to-use device having a simple input procedure can be provided.

(Third Embodiment) In the above description,
The example of embedding the ASP enrollment information using the ASP enrollment return information returned from the ISP, or the example of directly storing the enrollment information in the HDD 18 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above example, and a cookie (cookie) for a WWW browser to manage / identify a user in a game machine or the like that uses web browsing software for resource management by a web browsing browser software manager. To use AS
Information necessary for joining P may be generated.

A third embodiment of the present invention in which a WWW browser uses a cookie (cookie) for managing / identifying a user to generate information necessary for joining an ASP will be described below.

In the third embodiment, if the enrollment information is transmitted to the ISP and the input is permitted in the processing shown in FIG. 6 of the above-described first embodiment, for example, Internet communication becomes possible. , WWW browser, ie ISP
Is a cookie (Cook for managing / identifying users)
(ie) The personal information generated from the enrollment information processed as the storage data is sent to the user side.

That is, in the third embodiment, the WWW sent from the ISP is replaced with the process of step S9 of FIG.
The browser uses the character information string "Cookie" to identify the user.
"e" is returned to the admission request game machine. The user machine receives this cookie information. Since this cookie information needs to be stored in the communication device, it is stored in the HDD 18 or the like and used for subsequent user confirmation.

For this reason, instead of the process of step S10, the user machine (game machine) uses the HDD 18 for the user identification cookie information sent from the enrolled ISP.
Save to.

Then, when the ASP enrollment screen in step S13 is received, the cookie information is read from the HDD 18 instead of the processing in steps S14 and S15, and embedded in the ASP enrollment information based on the read cookie information.
And it transmits to ASP.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the cookie information, which is generally used by the WWW browser, can be used to prevent a duplicate input operation and simplify the operation.

Particularly when the input means from the full keyboard is not provided as in a game machine, the troublesome work can be effectively omitted, and a very easy-to-use device having a simple input procedure can be provided.

(Fourth Embodiment) In each of the embodiments described above, an example has been described in which the necessary input items on the ASP enrollment screen are embedded in the user machine. However, the present invention is not limited to the above example, and the file held in the HDD 18 of the user machine including the items required for membership is returned to the ASP as it is from the user machine, and the file necessary for the membership is registered in the ASP. Items may be extracted and embedded, and re-entry may be prompted only for missing input items.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention in which necessary items are embedded in the ASP as described above will be described below.

In the fourth embodiment, after sending a request to join the ASP, the information stored in the HDD 18 is read by the ASP and returned to the ASP. When the ISP is an ASP affiliated ISP as in the first embodiment,
H for the enrollment information returned from the ISP for the ASP enrollment procedure
It is read from the DD18 and sent to the ASP, and the ASP that has received the ASP enrollment information creates a confirmation screen and sends it back to the user machine. It will be.

At this time, the user is prompted to enter the items that need to be entered on the confirmation screen, and after all the required items have been entered, the confirmation information is returned to the ASP to complete the enrollment procedure. .

In the case of the second embodiment, HD
The input information is transmitted when joining the ISP stored in D. In the case of the third embodiment, the cookie information is A
It will be sent to the SP.

In this case, it is desirable that the cookie information is programmed so that it can be transferred only to the ASP permitted by the ISP in advance for the purpose of ensuring security and cooperating business.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the necessary input items can be more surely embedded because the necessary items are embedded on the ASP side, and finer control is possible. Become. When the input of the necessary input items is completed in this way, confirmation input of the input result is requested, for example. When the confirmation input is obtained, the process proceeds from step S7 to step S8, and the entered individual enrollment information is I
Send to SP101. ISP 101 that received this
Then, for example, in a game machine or the like that uses web browsing software that causes the web browsing browser software manager to manage the resources as input information, a WWW browser uses a cookie (Co
cookie), and the character information string "Cookie" for identifying the user is returned to the admission requesting game machine.

(Other Embodiments) The present invention has been specifically described based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications thereof. Of course, it is possible to make appropriate changes without departing from the scope of the invention.

Further, in the above description, the case where the present invention is implemented by a home-use game machine has been described, but the present invention may be implemented by a general-purpose computer such as a personal computer or an arcade game machine as a platform.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment and its modification, the program and data for realizing the present invention are stored in the CD.
-ROM, and this CD-ROM was used as an information recording medium. However, the information recording medium is a CD-RO.
The present invention is not limited to M, and may be other computer-readable magnetic or optical recording medium such as a magnetic disk or a ROM card, or a semiconductor memory.

Further, the program and data for realizing the present invention are not limited to the form provided by a medium such as a CD-ROM which can be attached to and detached from the game machine or the computer. The save data is
It may be a form of receiving from another device connected via a communication line, for example, a server group and recording in a memory, or further, a memory of another device connected via a communication line or the like. The above-mentioned program and data may be recorded in and the program and data may be used via a communication line or the like.

[0125]

As described above, according to the present invention, when similar input information is transmitted to different servers, duplicate input operations can be prevented and the operations can be simplified.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the input device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a network game system that provides a network-compatible game service according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the detailed configuration of the CD-ROM of the present embodiment.

5 is a diagram showing a memory configuration of the main memory shown in FIG. 2 of the present embodiment example.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining registration control with a provider according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of necessary input items when joining a provider according to the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Game Device 2 Game Device Main Body 3 Input Device 4 CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) 5 Memory Card 6 Output Device 11 Main Control Unit 12 RAM (Random Access Memory) 13 Interface Unit 14 Sound Processing Unit 15 Graphic processing unit 16 CD-ROM drive 17 Communication interface 18 HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 19 Bus 30 Controller 31 Cross key 32 ○ button 33 △ button 34 □ button 35 × button 36 Start button 37 Joystick 38 R1 button 39 R2 Button 40 L1 Button 41 L2 Button 42 Select Button 61 Display Screen 62 Speaker 99 Communication Line 100 Network (Internet) 101 Internet Service Provider (ISP) 102 PO Servers 111 authentication server (administration server) group 112 group of content servers 113 message servers 114 mail server group 115 profile server group (holding server) 116 game server group

Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G06F 17/60 ZEC G06F 17/60 ZEC

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus capable of executing a process of joining a provider that provides a service to be used via a communication medium, the registration information holding unit holding registration information input when registering with a first provider. Detecting means for detecting a registration request to the second provider; and a registration information input request input from the second provider in response to the registration request to the second provider,
And an input reflection unit for controlling the registration information, which has been stored in the storage unit and has been input for registration with the first provider, as input information and is in an input state, and it is possible to omit duplicate input of the same information. Information processing device. 2. The registration information input upon registration with the first provider includes information on any one of a communication control method, personal information, and credit card related information. Information processing equipment. 3. The first provider is an Internet connection provider, and the registration information holding means holds personal information corresponding to input information sent together with the registration information from the first provider. Item 1
Alternatively, the information processing apparatus according to claim 2. 4. The information reflected by the input reflection means as the information for the second provider in the input information at the time of registration with the first provider is set to the input completed state based on the instruction from the user. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 5. An information processing method in an information processing apparatus capable of executing a subscription process to a provider that provides a service to be used via a communication medium, the method comprising retaining registration information input when registering with a first provider. The registration information input request requested from the second provider is held in response to the registration request to the second provider, which is requested to be input in response to the registration request to the second provider. Among the input information at the time of registration with the first provider, for the input request of the same condition, by controlling the input registration information that has been held as already input information to the already input state, duplicate input of similar information is possible. An information processing method characterized by being omissible. 6. The registration information input when registering with the first provider includes information on any one of a communication control method, personal information, and credit card related information. Information processing method. 7. The first provider is an internet connection provider, and the input registration information held therein is personal information corresponding to the input information sent from the first provider. Alternatively, the information processing method according to claim 6. 8. The information reflected as the information for the second provider in the input information held at the time of registration with the first provider is set to the input completed state based on an instruction from the user. The information processing method according to any one of claims 5 to 7. 9. A computer program that can be executed by an information processing device capable of executing a process of joining a provider that provides a service used via a communication medium, the registration information input when registering with a first provider. A registration information holding program sequence to be stored in the storage means, a detection program sequence to detect a registration request to the second provider, and a registration information input requested from the second provider in response to the registration request to the second provider. It is provided with an input reflection program sequence for controlling the registration information input upon registration with the first provider held in the storage means in response to the request as already input information, and omitting duplicate input of similar information. A computer program characterized by: 10. The registration information input when registering with the first provider includes information on any one of a communication control method, personal information, and credit card-related information. Computer program. 11. The first provider is an Internet connection provider, and the registration information holding program sequence holds personal information corresponding to input information sent together with registration information from the first provider. The computer program according to claim 9 or 10. 12. The input reflection program sequence sets the information reflected as the information for the second provider in the input information at the time of registration with the first provider to the input completed state based on the instruction from the user. The computer program according to any one of claims 9 to 11. 13. A computer-readable recording medium capable of recording a computer program executable by an information processing device capable of executing a process of joining a provider that provides a service to be used via a communication medium. The registration information holding program sequence that causes the storage unit to retain the registration information input in the registration of the above, the detection program sequence that detects the registration request to the second provider, and the second provider in response to the registration request to the second provider. It is possible to record an input reflection program sequence for controlling the registered information, which is input in response to the input request from the user, in the storage means and registered in the first provider as the already input information to be in the input state. A computer-readable recording medium characterized in that the duplicated input of information can be omitted. 14. A computer program including information about any one of a communication control method, personal information, and credit card related information can be recorded in the registration information input when registering with the first provider. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 13. 15. The provider is an Internet connection provider, and the registration information holding program sequence is
The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 13 or 14, which holds personal information corresponding to input information sent from the first provider together with registration information. 16. The input reflection program sequence sets the information reflected as the information for the second provider in the input information at the time of registration with the first provider to the input completed state based on the instruction from the user. Claim 13
A computer-readable recording medium according to claim 15. 17. An information processing device capable of executing a joining process to a provider that provides a service using a communication medium, the receiving device receiving registration information registered in the first provider from the first provider, Registration information holding means for holding the registration information received by the receiving means, detection means for detecting a registration request to a second provider, and an input request from the second provider for the registration request to the second provider. In response to the registration information input request
An information processing apparatus comprising: an input reflection unit that reflects information based on the registration information held in the registration information holding unit. 18. An information processing method in an information processing apparatus capable of executing a joining process to a provider that provides a service that uses a communication medium, the method including receiving registration information registered in the first provider from the first provider. Holding the received registration information, detecting a registration request to the second provider, and receiving the registration information input request from the second provider in response to the registration request to the second provider, An information processing method characterized by reflecting information based on stored registration information. 19. A computer program that can be executed by an information processing device capable of performing a joining process to a provider that provides a service using a communication medium, the registration information being registered from the first provider to the first provider. A receiving program sequence to be received, a registration information holding program sequence to hold the registration information received by the receiving program sequence, a detection program sequence to detect a registration request to a second provider, and a registration request to the second provider. To the registration information input request from the second provider,
A computer program, comprising: an input reflection program sequence for reflecting information based on the registration information held in the registration information holding program sequence. 20. A computer-readable recording medium capable of recording a computer program executable by an information processing apparatus capable of performing a joining process to a provider that provides a service using a communication medium, the computer-readable recording medium comprising: A reception program sequence for receiving registration information registered in one provider, a registration information retention program sequence for retaining the registration information received by the reception program sequence, and a detection program sequence for detecting a registration request to the second provider, In response to the registration information input request from the second provider in response to the registration request to the second provider,
A computer-readable recording medium for recording an input reflection program sequence for reflecting information based on the registration information retained in the registration information retention program sequence.