JP2005157527A - Communication system, gateway device, data relay method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication system or the like for executing information exchange between players across a server device as necessary. <P>SOLUTION: A terminal 13a transmits chat data to a server device 11x, and terminals 13b and 13c transmit the chat data to a server device 11y. When the server device 11x receives the chat data transmitted from the terminal 13a, it distributes the chat data to the terminal 13a and the gateway device 12. Also, when the server device 11x receives the chat data transmitted from the terminals 13b and 13c, it distributes the chat data to the terminals 13b and 13c and the gateway device 12. Then, the gateway device 12 transmits the chat data distributed from the server device 11x to the server device 11y, and transmits the chat data distributed from the server device 11y to the server device 11x. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication system, a gateway device, a data relay method, and a program.

In recent years, network games (online games) using networks such as the Internet have become widespread. This network game is a type of game in which a plurality of game terminals are connected via a network so that each player plays in cooperation or in a battle.
In general, in a network game, a virtual “lobby” is prepared for a player to search for a partner or an opponent (or for information exchange or the like). Specifically, a lobby server is arranged on the network, and each game terminal connects to this lobby server. That is, each player can log in to the lobby server and perform a conversation (message exchange) by chat (chat communication) with another player, thereby searching for a partner or an opponent.

Recently, a large number of various network games have been developed, and a player can play a desired game title. That is, at present, a plurality of lobby servers are arranged on the network corresponding to each network game.
Therefore, when playing a desired network game, each player logs in to the corresponding lobby server from the game terminal and searches for a partner or an opponent.

As described above, a player who plays a desired network game logs in to a lobby server corresponding to the game. Then, the player can chat with other players in the lobby server. In other words, only players who log in to the same lobby server can chat.
For this reason, for example, in a situation where the players A and B of the acquaintances are logged in to different lobby servers, the players A and B not only can chat but also the other party is in either lobby. You don't even know you are logged into the server. That is, no communication was performed between the players A and B, and the activity status and the like in the other party's lobby server could not be grasped.

Therefore, each player cannot compare the network game that he / she plays with other network games, the popularity trend of his / her network game has declined, and the popularity trend of other network games has been flourishing I could not know what happened.
Therefore, there has been a demand for information exchange between players as appropriate even when connected to different lobby servers.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a communication system, a gateway device, a data relay method, and a program capable of appropriately exchanging information between players across server devices. To do.

  The communication system according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of terminals, a plurality of server devices each connected to be communicable with any of the plurality of terminals, and a communication device connected to each of the plurality of server devices. And a gateway apparatus configured as described above, and configured as follows.

Each of the plurality of server devices includes a message reception unit, a data generation unit, a data reception unit, and a data transmission unit.
First, the message receiving unit receives a message sent from a subordinate terminal connected to the message receiving unit. The data generation unit generates first distribution data (for example, chat data) corresponding to the subordinate terminal based on the message. In addition, the data reception unit receives second distribution data (for example, chat data) sent from the gateway device. Note that the second distribution data may be a plurality of distribution data. The data transmission unit transmits the first and second distribution data to all of the terminals under the transmission, and transmits the first distribution data to the gateway device.

On the other hand, the gateway device includes a reception unit, a data conversion unit, and a transmission unit.
First, the receiving unit receives first distribution data sent from any server device. The data converter converts, for example, the protocol of the first distribution data into second distribution data corresponding to each server device that is a transmission destination except for the server device that is the transmission source. And a transmission part transmits 2nd delivery data to each server apparatus of a transmission destination, respectively.

Further, each of the plurality of terminals includes a message reception unit, a message transmission unit, a distribution data reception unit, and a message display unit.
First, a message reception part receives arbitrary messages, for example according to the instruction | indication of the player who operates a terminal. Then, the message transmission unit transmits the message to the connection destination server device.
The distribution data receiving unit receives the first and second distribution data sent from the connection destination server device. The message display unit displays a message included in the first and second distribution data.

Thus, each server device receives a message sent from a subordinate terminal, generates distribution data, and distributes it not only to all subordinate terminals but also to the gateway device. The gateway device relays the distribution data received from one of the server devices, and transmits it to each server device that is the transmission destination except for the server device that is the transmission source. Each server device also receives distribution data sent from the gateway device and transmits it to all the terminals under its control.
For this reason, each terminal can receive not only the distribution data received and distributed by the server device to which it is connected, but also the distribution data distributed from other server devices. The included message can be displayed as appropriate.

  That is, by applying the present invention, information can be exchanged between players across server devices even when each terminal is connected to different server devices.

  In addition, the gateway device deletes unnecessary data from the first distribution data (for example, chat data) received by the reception unit or the first distribution according to each server device of the transmission destination. A data correction unit for adding necessary data to the data, and the data conversion unit sends the deleted or added first distribution data to a second destination according to each server device as a transmission destination You may convert into delivery data.

For example, when the server device of the transmission source is a visual chat environment and the server device of the transmission destination is a text chat environment, the data correction unit uses unnecessary position data (such as the current position of the character in the visual chat) from the chat data. Is deleted. In addition, when the transmission source server device is a text chat environment and the transmission destination server device is a visual chat environment, the data correction unit adds necessary position data to the chat data.
As the position data to be added, the data correction unit generates, for example, a position determined in advance according to the frequency of speech (transmission frequency of chat data) or the vicinity of the immediately preceding speaker (corresponding character), Append to chat data.

  Thereby, even if it is the state connected to the server apparatus from which environment differs, the information exchange between players which straddled the server apparatus can be performed.

In each of the plurality of terminals, the message display unit includes a message included in the first distribution data (for example, chat data) received and distributed by the server device to be connected, and the other server A message included in the second distribution data received and distributed by the device may be displayed in an identifiable manner.
For example, the display unit displays the chat data generated in the connection destination server device and the chat data generated in the other server device in separate areas.
In this case, it is possible to easily compare the activity status or the like in the connection destination server device with the activity status or the like in another server device.

  A communication system according to a second aspect of the present invention is a communication system in which a plurality of terminals, a plurality of server devices, and a gateway device are connected via a network, and is configured as follows.

  Each of the plurality of server devices is logged in from any of the plurality of terminals, receives the message sent from the subordinate terminal logged in from the gateway device, and based on the received message, The first chat data corresponding to the terminal is generated, the second chat data sent from the logged-in gateway device is received, and the first and second chat data are transmitted to all the terminals under control, The first chat data is transmitted to the gateway device.

  In addition, the gateway device logs in to each of the plurality of server devices, receives the first chat data sent from any of the server devices, and sends the received first chat data to the server device that is the transmission source. Except for this, it converts each to the 2nd chat data according to each server apparatus used as a transmission destination, and transmits the converted 2nd chat data to each server apparatus of a transmission destination.

  Further, each of the plurality of terminals logs in to any of the plurality of server apparatuses, accepts an arbitrary message in accordance with an instruction from a player who operates the terminal, and transmits the received message to the server apparatus of the login destination. . Further, the first and second chat data sent from the server device of the login destination is received, and a message included in the received first and second chat data is displayed on a predetermined display unit.

In this way, each server device receives chat data sent from a subordinate terminal and distributes it not only to all subordinate terminals but also to the gateway device. The gateway device relays chat data received from one of the server devices, and transmits the chat data to each server device that is a transmission destination except for the server device that is the transmission source. Each server device also receives distribution data sent from the gateway device and transmits it to all the terminals under its control.
For this reason, each terminal can receive not only chat data received and distributed at the server device to which it is connected, but also chat data distributed from other server devices. The included message can be displayed as appropriate.

  That is, by applying the present invention, information can be exchanged between players across server devices even when each terminal is connected to different server devices.

  A gateway device according to a third aspect of the present invention is a gateway device that is communicably connected to each of a plurality of server devices to which arbitrary terminals are connected, and includes a data reception unit, a data conversion unit, A data transmission unit is provided and configured as follows.

First, the data receiving unit receives first distribution data (for example, chat data) sent from any server device that has received a message from a subordinate terminal. The data conversion unit converts the first distribution data into second distribution data (for example, chat data) corresponding to each server device as a transmission destination, excluding the server device of the transmission source. Then, the data transmission unit transmits the second distribution data to each server device as the transmission destination.
As described above, the gateway device relays chat data received from any one of the connection destination server devices, and transmits the chat data to each server device that is the transmission destination except for the transmission source server device. For this reason, each server apparatus can receive chat data distributed from other server apparatuses, and can distribute chat data received from its own terminal to other server apparatuses.
As a result, each terminal can receive not only chat data distributed from the connection destination server device but also chat data distributed from other server devices.

  That is, by applying the present invention, information can be exchanged between players across server devices even when each terminal is connected to different server devices.

  Further, the gateway device deletes unnecessary data from the first distribution data (for example, chat data) received by the data receiving unit according to each server device of the transmission destination, or the first device The data conversion unit further includes data correction unit that adds necessary data to the distribution data, and the data conversion unit transmits the first distribution data that has been deleted or added to the second server device that is the transmission destination. May be converted into distribution data (for example, chat data).

  For example, when the transmission source server device is a visual chat environment and the transmission destination server device is a text chat environment, the data correction unit deletes unnecessary position data and the like from the chat data. Further, when the transmission source server device is a text chat environment and the transmission destination server device is a visual chat environment, the data correction unit adds necessary position data to the chat data.

  Thereby, even if it is the state connected to the server apparatus from which environment differs, the information exchange between players which straddled the server apparatus can be performed.

  A data relay method according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a data relay method for a plurality of server devices to which arbitrary terminals are connected under control of a gateway device connected to be communicable with each other, comprising: a data receiving step The data conversion step and the data transmission step are provided as follows.

First, in the data receiving step, first distribution data (for example, chat data) sent from any server device that has received a message from a subordinate terminal is received. In the data conversion step, the first distribution data is converted into second distribution data (for example, chat data) corresponding to each server device as a transmission destination, excluding the server device of the transmission source. In the data transmission step, the second distribution data is transmitted to each server device as a transmission destination.
Thus, the data relay method of the gateway device relays chat data received from any one of the connection destination server devices, and transmits the chat data to each server device that is the transmission destination except for the transmission source server device. For this reason, each server apparatus can receive chat data distributed from other server apparatuses, and can distribute chat data received from its own terminal to other server apparatuses.
As a result, each terminal can receive not only chat data distributed from the connection destination server device but also chat data distributed from other server devices.

  That is, by applying the present invention, information can be exchanged between players across server devices even when each terminal is connected to different server devices.

  A program according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is configured to cause a computer (including an electronic device) to function as the gateway device described above.

  This program can be recorded on a computer-readable information recording medium such as a compact disk, flexible disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, digital video disk, magnetic tape, and semiconductor memory.

  The above program can be distributed and sold via a computer communication network independently of the computer on which the program is executed. The information recording medium can be distributed and sold independently of the computer.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately exchange information between players across server devices.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In the following, for ease of understanding, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a game device will be described. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to information processing devices such as various computers, PDAs, and mobile phones. it can. That is, the embodiment described below is for explanation, and does not limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art can employ embodiments in which each or all of these elements are replaced with equivalent ones, and these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  In the communication system 10, a plurality of server devices 11 having a lobby function are arranged on the Internet 14, and at least one gateway device 12 is arranged. A plurality of terminals 13 in the communication system 10 are communicably connected to an arbitrary server device 11 via the Internet 14. Note that communication between the terminals 13 can also be performed by a so-called peer-to-peer communication technique. In order to facilitate understanding, a game device that can be connected to the Internet as the terminal 13 will be described below as an example.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a game device that functions as the terminal 13 of the present embodiment. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  The game apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, an interface 104, a controller 105, an external memory 106, and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). ) -ROM drive 107, image processing unit 108, audio processing unit 109, and NIC (Network Interface Card) 110.

  Note that a DVD-ROM storing a game program and data is loaded into the DVD-ROM drive 107 and the game apparatus 100 is turned on to execute the program, thereby realizing the terminal 13 of the present embodiment. Is done.

  The CPU 101 controls the overall operation of the game apparatus 100 and is connected to each component to exchange control signals and data.

  The ROM 102 records an IPL (Initial Program Loader) that is executed immediately after the power is turned on, and when this is executed, the program recorded on the DVD-ROM is read out to the RAM 103 and execution by the CPU 101 is started. The The ROM 102 stores an operating system program and various data necessary for operation control of the entire game apparatus 100.

  The RAM 103 is for temporarily storing data and programs, and holds programs and data read from the DVD-ROM and other data necessary for game progress and chat communication.

  The controller 105 connected via the interface 104 receives an operation input performed when the user executes the game. For example, the controller 105 accepts input of a character string (message) or the like according to the operation input.

  The external memory 106 detachably connected via the interface 104 stores data indicating the progress of the game, chat communication log (record) data, and the like in a rewritable manner. The user can record these data in the external memory 106 as appropriate by inputting an instruction via the controller 105.

  A DVD-ROM mounted on the DVD-ROM drive 107 stores a program for realizing the game and image data and sound data associated with the game. Under the control of the CPU 101, the DVD-ROM drive 107 performs a reading process on the DVD-ROM loaded therein, reads out necessary programs and data, and these are temporarily stored in the RAM 103 or the like.

  The image processing unit 108 processes the data read from the DVD-ROM by the CPU 101 or an image arithmetic processor (not shown) included in the image processing unit 108, and then processes the processed data on a frame memory ( (Not shown). The image information recorded in the frame memory is converted into a video signal at a predetermined synchronization timing and output to a monitor (not shown) connected to the image processing unit 108. Thereby, various image displays are possible.

The image calculation processor can execute a two-dimensional image overlay calculation, a transmission calculation such as α blending, and various saturation calculations at high speed.
In addition, the polygon information arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space and added with various texture information is rendered by the Z buffer method, and a rendering image obtained by overlooking the polygon arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space from a predetermined viewpoint position is obtained. High speed execution of the obtained operation is also possible.

  Further, the CPU 101 and the image arithmetic processor operate in a coordinated manner, so that a character string can be drawn as a two-dimensional image in a frame memory or drawn on the surface of each polygon according to font information that defines the character shape. is there. The font information is recorded in the ROM 102, but it is also possible to use dedicated font information recorded in the DVD-ROM.

  The audio processing unit 109 converts audio data read from the DVD-ROM into an analog audio signal, and outputs the analog audio signal from a speaker (not shown) connected thereto. Further, under the control of the CPU 101, sound effects and music data to be generated during the progress of the game are generated, and sound corresponding to this is output from the speaker.

  The NIC 110 is for connecting the game apparatus 100 to a computer communication network (not shown) such as the Internet, and conforms to the 10BASE-T / 100BASE-T standard used when configuring a LAN (Local Area Network). Therefore, analog modems for connecting to the Internet using telephone lines, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) modems, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) modems, cables for connecting to the Internet using cable television lines A modem or the like, and an interface (not shown) that mediates between them and the CPU 101 are configured.

In addition, the game apparatus 100 uses a large-capacity external storage device such as a hard disk so that the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the external memory 106, the DVD-ROM attached to the DVD-ROM drive 107, and the like function. It may be configured.
Further, it is possible to adopt a form in which a keyboard for accepting a character string editing input from a user, a mouse for accepting various position designations and selection inputs, and the like are connected.

  Further, instead of the game apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, a general computer (a general-purpose personal computer or the like) can be used. For example, a general computer, like the game apparatus 100, includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, DVD-ROM drive, and NIC, and an image processing unit that has simpler functions than the game apparatus 100. In addition to having a hard disk as an external storage device, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic tape, and the like can be used. In addition, a keyboard, a mouse or the like is used as an input device instead of a controller.

  In consideration of the fact that network games often use not only game machines but also general computers, unless otherwise noted, the terminal will be described with reference to the game apparatus 100 shown in FIG. These can be appropriately replaced with general computer elements as necessary, and these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  The server device 11 and the gateway device 12 are realized on a general computer. However, a predetermined game device 100 in the group of game devices 100 can be used as the server device 11 and the gateway device 12. It is. The game apparatus 100 and a general computer are not greatly different in configuration and function. That is, the server device 11 and the gateway device 12 of the present invention can be realized by the game device 100. Therefore, in the following description, a general computer and the game apparatus 100 are handled in the same way.

(Outline of communication)
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a specific connection state of the communication system 10. As illustrated, terminals 13 (13a, 13b, 13c) are connected to different server apparatuses 11 (11x, 11y), respectively. That is, the terminal 13a (player A) is logged in to the server device 11x, and the terminals 13b and 13c (players B and C) are logged in to the server device 11y. That is, in this example, it is assumed that the player A and the players B and C are logged in to different server apparatuses 11 (11x and 11y) in order to perform chat communication and the like.
On the other hand, the gateway device 12 has previously logged in as the dummy player K to the server device 11x and has previously logged in as the dummy player L to the server device 11y.
The dummy player is a fictitious player different from a general player logged in from the terminal 13. Then, the dummy player receives the chat data distributed from the server device 11 (11x, 11y) and transmits the chat data received from the server device 11 to the other server device 11 in order to receive the chat data. To each server device 11. Hereinafter, logging in to the server device 11 by the dummy player is referred to as “dummy login”.

In such a connection state, the terminals 13a, 13b, and 13c perform chat communication with each other via the gateway device 12 as described below.
First, each of the terminals 13a, 13b, and 13c generates chat data from a character string (message) input by a player's operation. Then, the terminal 13a transmits chat data to the server device 11x, and the terminals 13b and 13c transmit chat data to the server device 11y.
When the server device 11x receives the chat data sent from the terminal 13a, the server device 11x distributes it to all the subordinate players who are logged in. That is, the server device 11x distributes the received chat data to the terminal 13a (player A) and the gateway device 12 (dummy player K). Similarly, when the server device 11y receives the chat data sent from the terminals 13b and 13c, the server device 11y distributes the data to the terminals 13b (player B) and 13c (player C) and the gateway device 12 (dummy player L).

Then, the gateway device 12 transmits the chat data distributed from the server device 11x to the server device 11y, and transmits the chat data distributed from the server device 11y to the server device 11x. That is, the gateway device 12 relays chat data transmitted and received between the server devices 11.
Thereby, each server apparatus 11 can acquire chat data from the other server apparatuses 11, and can distribute to the subordinate terminal 13 which has logged into self.

(Configuration of server device)
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of each server device 11 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of data collection / delivery processing executed by the server device 11. Hereinafter, description will be given with reference to these drawings.

  The server device 11 includes a chat data receiving unit 201, a terminal management unit 202, a data processing unit 203, and a chat data transmitting unit 204. Note that at least one terminal 13 (player) is logged in to the server device 11, and the dummy player receives the chat data to be distributed from the gateway device 12, and other than the received chat data. In order to transmit to the server apparatus 11, it is assumed that a dummy login has been made in advance.

The server device 11 stands by until it receives chat data sent from the terminal 13 or the gateway device 12 (step S301; No).
In other words, the chat data receiving unit 201 sends chat data (data including a message such as a character string) sent from the subordinate terminal 13 logged in to itself or chat data sent from the gateway device 12 (other server device). 11) (Chat data from 11).

When the chat data receiving unit 201 receives the chat data (step S301; Yes), the server device 11 specifies the transmission source (step S302).
That is, the terminal management unit 202 manages the address and identification information of the terminal 13 that is logged in to the gateway device 12 and the gateway device 12, and the received chat data is transmitted from any terminal 13 or the gateway device 12. It is specified whether it is what was done.

When the terminal management unit 202 specifies the transmission source, the server device 11 processes the chat data (step S303).
For example, the data processing unit 203 adds identification information for identifying the specified transmission source and predetermined attribute information to the chat data.
Specifically, when the transmission source is the subordinate terminal 13, the data processing unit 203 adds a player name (handle name, etc.) of the transmission source to the chat data, or attributes such as a character color assigned to each player. Add information to chat data.
When the transmission source is the gateway device 12, the same processing is performed on the chat data in the other server devices 11. In this case, the data processing unit 203 further adds a dummy player name (handle name or the like) to which the transmission source gateway device 12 is logged in to the chat data.

Then, the server device 11 transmits chat data to the terminal 13 and the gateway device 12 (step S304).
That is, the chat data transmission unit 204 distributes the chat data processed by the data processing unit 203 to all the terminals 13 and the gateway device 12 under control.
When the transmission source is the gateway device 12, the chat data transmission unit 204 distributes the chat data only to all the terminals 13 under the control.

As described above, when receiving the chat data transmitted from the subordinate terminal 13, the server apparatus 11 distributes it not only to all the subordinate terminals 13 but also to the gateway apparatus 12. The chat data sent from the gateway device 12 is also received and transmitted to all the terminals 13 under its control.
In other words, the server device 11 can receive the chat data sent from the other server device 11 via the gateway device 12 by treating the gateway device 12 in the same manner as the subordinate terminal 13, and the subordinate terminal 13 The chat data received from can be distributed to other server devices 11.

(Configuration of gateway device)
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the gateway device 12 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of data relay processing executed by the gateway device 12. Hereinafter, description will be given with reference to these drawings.

  The gateway device 12 includes a data reception unit 401, a server management unit 402, a data conversion unit 403, and a data transmission unit 404. Note that the gateway device 12 has previously made a dummy login to each server device 11 in order to receive chat data distributed from the server device 11 and to transmit the received chat data to other server devices 11. Shall.

  The gateway device 12 waits until it receives chat data sent from the server device 11 (step S501; No). That is, the data receiving unit 401 waits for chat data distributed from the server device 11 that is the login destination (any server device 11 that has performed a dummy login).

  When the data receiving unit 401 receives chat data (step S501; Yes), the gateway device 12 specifies a transmission source (step S502). That is, the server management unit 402 manages the address, identification information, and the like of each server device 11 that is a login destination, and specifies from which server device 11 the received chat data is distributed.

When the server management unit 402 identifies the transmission source, the gateway device 12 performs protocol conversion (step S503).
For example, the data conversion unit 403 converts the protocol of the received chat data into a protocol suitable for the other server device 11 that is the transmission destination. When there are a plurality of destination server apparatuses 11, the data conversion unit 403 performs protocol conversion corresponding to each server apparatus 11.

  And the gateway apparatus 12 transmits chat data to the other server apparatus 11 (step S504). That is, the data transmission unit 404 transmits the chat data converted by the data conversion unit 403 to another server device 11 that is a transmission destination. When there are a plurality of destination server apparatuses 11, the data transmission unit 404 transmits chat data (chat data subjected to corresponding protocol conversion) to each server apparatus 11.

As described above, the gateway device 12 relays the chat data received from any server device 11 that is the login destination, and transmits it to the other server device 11.
For this reason, each server device 11 can receive chat data sent from another server device 11, and can distribute chat data received from the terminal 13 under its control to other server devices 11.

(Terminal configuration)
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of each terminal 13 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of chat communication processing executed by the terminal 13. Hereinafter, description will be given with reference to these drawings.

  The terminal 13 includes a chat data receiving unit 601, a display unit 602, a message receiving unit 603, a chat data generating unit 604, and a chat data transmitting unit 605. It is assumed that the terminal 13 is operated by the player and logged in to an arbitrary server device 11.

The terminal 13 determines whether chat data that can be sent from the server device 11 has been received (step S701). That is, the chat data receiving unit 601 determines whether or not chat data distributed from the server device 11 that is the login destination has been received.
The NIC 110 can function as the chat data receiving unit 601.

If the terminal 13 determines that the chat data receiving unit 601 has not received chat data (step S701; No), the process proceeds to step S703 to be described later.
On the other hand, if it is determined that chat data has been received (step S701; Yes), the terminal 13 displays the received chat data (step S702).
That is, the display unit 602 displays a character string (message) included in the chat data distributed from the server device 11. At that time, the display unit 602 divides chat data generated in the server device 11 at the login destination and chat data generated in the other server device 11 (chat data relayed by the gateway device 12). It may be displayed.

For example, when the terminal 13a of FIG. 3 is taken as an example, the display unit 602 displays the chat data of the server device 11x (server X) and the chat data of the server device 11y (server Y) as shown in FIG. Are displayed separately. That is, the display unit 602 displays chat data generated in the server X in the display area da1, and displays chat data generated in the server Y in the display area da2.
Thereby, the player can easily compare the activity status or the like in the server device 11x as the login destination with the activity status or the like in the other server device 11y.
Note that the image processing unit 108 and the connected monitor can function as the display unit 602.

Returning to FIG. 9, the terminal 13 determines whether or not an arbitrary character string has been input (step S703). That is, the message receiving unit 603 determines whether or not an arbitrary character string (message) has been received by an operation of a player who performs chat.
Note that the controller 105 can function as the message reception unit 603.

If the terminal 13 determines that no character string has been input (step S703; No), the process proceeds to step S706 described below.
On the other hand, if it is determined that a character string has been input, the terminal 13 generates chat data (step S704). That is, the chat data generation unit 604 generates chat data of a protocol suitable for the login destination server apparatus 11 based on the input character string.
Note that the CPU 101 can function as the chat data generation unit 604.

And the terminal 13 transmits chat data to the server apparatus 11 (step S705). That is, the chat data transmission unit 605 transmits the chat data generated by the chat data generation unit 604 to the server device 11 that is the login destination.
The NIC 110 can function as the chat data transmission unit 605.

The terminal 13 determines whether or not the end of chat communication is instructed by the player (step S706).
If it is determined that the end of chat communication is not instructed, the terminal 13 returns the process to step S701 and repeatedly executes the processes of steps S701 to S706 described above.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the termination is instructed, the terminal 13 executes a predetermined logout process, logs out from the server device 11, and ends the chat communication process.

As described above, each terminal 13 can receive not only chat data generated in the server device 11 at the login destination but also chat data generated in the other server devices 11, and these chat data can be received. Data can be appropriately displayed to the player.
For this reason, even if each terminal 13 is connected to a different server device 11, information exchange between players can be performed. For example, in the connection state shown in FIG. 3, the player A can chat with the players B and C connected to the other server device 11y. Then, the player A can grasp the activity status and the like in the other server device 11y, and the players B and C can grasp the activity status and the like in the other server device 11x.

In the above embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the chat data generated in the server apparatus 11 at the login destination and the chat data generated in the other server apparatus 11 are displayed separately in areas. The chat data of each server device 11 may be displayed in the same area.
For example, in the connection state shown in FIG. 3, as shown in FIG. 11, the terminal 13a brings together the chat data of the server device 11x as the login destination and the chat data of the other server device 11y in the display area da3. indicate. In this case, the terminal 13a displays the chat data generated in the server device 11y as being emitted from one dummy player K.

In the above embodiment, the text chat communication (text chat) has been described as an example. However, the present invention can also be applied to chat communication (visual chat) using a character that can move in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional space. is there.
In this visual chat, each terminal 13 adds character position data (data indicating the current position and the like) to the chat data and transmits the data to the server device 11. Then, when the server device 11 receives the chat data including the position data transmitted from the subordinate terminal 13, the server device 11 distributes the chat data to all the subordinate terminals 13 and the gateway device 12.
When the received chat data includes position data, the gateway apparatus 12 corrects the position data in order to replace the spatial position in the transmission source server apparatus 11 with the spatial position in the transmission destination server apparatus 11. . Then, chat data including the corrected position data is transmitted to another server device 11.

Each terminal 13 arranges a character at a corresponding spatial position in accordance with the position data included in the received chat data, and displays a character string (message) of the chat data in association with the corresponding character. At this time, since each terminal 13 also receives chat data generated in the other server device 11, the characters of the other server device 11 can be arranged in the same space, and a message can be displayed in association therewith.
For example, in the connection state shown in FIG. 3, as shown in FIG. 12, the terminal 13a arranges the character ch1 of the server device 11x that is the login destination, displays the message ms1, and also displays the character ch2 of the other server device 11y. Is displayed and the message ms2 is displayed. In this case, the terminal 13a displays the chat data generated in the server device 11y as being emitted from one dummy player K.
Thus, even in the visual chat, information can be exchanged between players with each terminal 13 connected to a different server device 11.

Furthermore, in the case where the text chat environment and the visual chat environment coexist in different server apparatuses 11, the present invention can be appropriately applied.
In this case, the gateway device 12 adds necessary information to the chat data to be relayed, or deletes unnecessary information from the chat data to be relayed.
Specifically, the gateway device 12 further includes a data correction unit 801 as shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the gateway device 12 according to another embodiment.

The data correction unit 801 deletes unnecessary position data from the text chat received by the data reception unit 401 when transmitting chat data from the visual chat environment to the text chat environment. In addition, when chat data is transmitted from the bi-text chat environment to the visual chat environment, position data necessary for the chat data is added.
That is, the data correction unit 801 deletes unnecessary position data from the chat data or adds necessary position data to the chat data in accordance with the other server device 11 that is the transmission destination.
As the position data to be added, for example, the data correction unit 801 generates a position determined in advance according to the frequency of speech (transmission frequency of chat data) or the vicinity of the immediately preceding speaker (corresponding character). Add to chat data.

For example, in the connection state shown in FIG. 3, it is assumed that the server device 11x (terminal 13a) side is a text chat environment, while the server device 11y (terminals 13b and 13c) side is a visual chat environment.
In this case, the gateway device 12 adds position data to the chat data received from the server device 11x and transmits the chat data to the server device 11y.
Further, when the chat data received from the server device 11y includes location data, the gateway device 12 transmits chat data from which unnecessary location data has been deleted to the server device 11y. That is, a necessary character string (message) is extracted and transmitted to the server apparatus 11x.

Then, when the chat data from which the position data has been deleted is sent from the gateway device 12, the server device 11x distributes the chat data to the subordinate terminal 13a. Thus, the terminal 13a displays chat data (message) in a text chat environment as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, for example.
On the other hand, when the chat data to which the position data is added is sent from the gateway device 12, the server device 11 y distributes the chat data to the subordinate terminals 13 b and 13 c. Thus, the terminals 13b and 13c display chat data in which characters are arranged in spatial positions in a visual chat environment as shown in FIG. 12, for example.
As described above, even when the text chat environment and the visual chat environment coexist, information can be exchanged between players in a state where each terminal 13 is connected to a different server device 11.

(Other embodiments)
In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the gateway device 12 logs in to each server device 11 as one dummy player, and all chat data generated in the other server devices 11 (the chat data of each player). ) Have been collectively described and transmitted to the login destination server device 11. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, each terminal 13 displays all chat data (chat data of each player) generated in the other server device 11 as an utterance of one dummy player.
However, the chat data of each player generated in the other server device 11 may be displayed on each terminal 13 as a statement from a plurality of dummy players.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of another connection state of the communication system 10. In FIG. 14, unlike FIG. 3, the gateway device 12 logs in to the server device 11x as dummy players K and M (dummy login). This is because two players are logged in to the server device 11y, and the same number of dummy players are logged in to the server device 11x.
That is, the gateway device 12 logs in the dummy player to the other server device 11 in accordance with the number of terminals 13 (players) logged in to the server device 11. Therefore, for example, even when a plurality of terminals 13 are logged in to the server device 11x, the gateway device 12 logs in a plurality of dummy players to the server device 11y according to the number.
As an example of the timing of the dummy login, when the gateway device 12 is notified from each server device 11 that the new terminal 13 has logged in, a new dummy player is sent to the other server devices 11 in response thereto. log in.
As an example of the timing of logout, when the gateway device 12 is notified from each server device 11 that the terminal 13 has logged out (logged off), the corresponding dummy player is sent from another server device 11 in response thereto. Log out.

Then, when the chat data of the terminal 13b (player B) is distributed from the server device 11y, the gateway device 12 transmits the chat data to the server device 11x through the corresponding dummy player K. On the other hand, when the chat data of the terminal 13c (player C) is distributed from the server device 11y, the chat data is transmitted to the server device 11x through the corresponding dummy player M.
On the other hand, when receiving each chat data sent from the gateway device 12 through the two dummy players, the server device 11x distributes them to the subordinate terminals 13a.
Then, when receiving each chat data, the terminal 13a displays it as originating from different dummy players.

For example, when the server device 11x (terminal 13a) is in a text chat environment, the terminal 13a is one in which the utterances of the players B and C are uttered by the dummy players K and M, respectively, as shown in FIG. Display as.
If there is no need to identify the dummy players K and M, as shown in FIG. 15 (b), the dummy players K and M are replaced with information indicating the utterance of the dummy player (in this example, a star). The utterances of players B and C may be displayed.

In addition, when the server device 11x (terminal 13a) is in a visual chat environment, the terminal 13a is uttered by the players B and C from the dummy players K and M, respectively, as shown in FIG. 16 (a). Display as.
When there is no need to identify the dummy players K and M, as shown in FIG. 16 (b), the dummy players K and M are replaced with information indicating the utterance of the dummy player (in this example, an asterisk). The utterances of players B and C may be displayed.
Also in this case, information can be exchanged between players with each terminal 13 connected to a different server device 11.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately exchange information between players across server devices.

It is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of the communication system of this embodiment. It is a mimetic diagram showing the outline composition of the game device of this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the specific connection state in this communication system. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of a server apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the data collection delivery process performed with a server apparatus. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of a gateway apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the data relay communication process performed in a gateway apparatus. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the outline | summary structure of a terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the chat communication process performed with a terminal. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the chat data displayed on another area | region corresponding to a server apparatus. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the chat data displayed on the same area | region. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a display of visual chat. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of the gateway apparatus of other embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the other connection state in this communication system. (A), (b) is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a display of a text chat. (A), (b) is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a display of visual chat.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Communication system 11 Server apparatus 12 Gateway apparatus 13 Terminal 14 Internet 100 Game apparatus 101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
104 Interface 105 Controller 106 External Memory 107 DVD-ROM Drive 108 Image Processing Unit 109 Audio Processing Unit 110 NIC
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 201 Chat data reception part 202 Terminal management part 203 Data processing part 204 Chat data transmission part 401 Data reception part 402 Server management part 403 Data conversion part 404 Data transmission part 601 Chat data reception part 602 Display part 603 Message reception part 604 Chat data production | generation Part 605 Chat data sending part

Claims (8)

A communication system comprising: a plurality of terminals; a plurality of server devices each connected to be communicable with any of the plurality of terminals; and a gateway device connected to be communicable with each of the plurality of server devices. ,
Each of the plurality of server devices is
A message receiving unit for receiving a message sent from the terminal under its control connected to itself;
Based on the message, a data generation unit that generates first distribution data corresponding to the terminal under control,
A data receiving unit for receiving second distribution data sent from the gateway device;
A data transmission unit that transmits the first and second distribution data to all of the terminals under control thereof, and transmits the first distribution data to the gateway device;
The gateway device is
A receiving unit for receiving first distribution data sent from any of the server devices;
A data converter that converts the first distribution data into second distribution data corresponding to each server device as a transmission destination, excluding the server device as a transmission source;
A transmission unit that transmits the second distribution data to each of the server devices as transmission destinations,
Each of the plurality of terminals is
A message accepting unit that accepts any message;
A message transmission unit that transmits the message to the connection destination server device;
A distribution data receiving unit that receives the first and second distribution data sent from the server device of the connection destination;
A message display unit for displaying a message included in the first and second distribution data,
It is characterized by that. The communication system according to claim 1,
The gateway device is
A data correction unit that deletes unnecessary data from the first distribution data received by the reception unit or adds necessary data to the first distribution data according to each server device of the transmission destination In addition,
The data conversion unit converts the deleted or added first distribution data into second distribution data corresponding to each server device as a transmission destination.
It is characterized by that. The communication system according to claim 1 or 2,
In each of the plurality of terminals,
The message display unit includes a message included in the first distribution data received and distributed by the server device as a connection destination, and a second distribution data received and distributed by the other server device. Display identifiable messages,
It is characterized by that. A communication system in which a plurality of terminals, a plurality of server devices, and a gateway device are connected via a network,
Each of the plurality of server devices is
Logged in from any of the plurality of terminals, and logged in from the gateway device,
Receive a message sent from the terminal under the login,
Based on the received message, generate first chat data corresponding to the terminal under its control,
Receiving second chat data sent from the logged-in gateway device;
The first chat data and the second chat data are transmitted to all the terminals under the control, and the first chat data is transmitted to the gateway device.
The gateway device is
Log in to each of the server devices,
Receiving the first chat data sent from any of the server devices;
The received first chat data is converted into second chat data corresponding to each server device as a transmission destination, excluding the server device as a transmission source,
The converted second chat data is transmitted to each server device of the transmission destination,
Each of the plurality of terminals is
Log in to any of the plurality of server devices,
Accept any message according to the instructions of the player operating the terminal,
Send the received message to the server device of the login destination,
Receiving the first and second chat data sent from the server device of the login destination;
Displaying a message included in the received first and second chat data on a predetermined display unit;
It is characterized by that. Each of a plurality of server devices to which an arbitrary terminal is connected, and a gateway device connected to be communicable,
A data receiving unit that receives the first distribution data sent from any of the server devices that received the message from the terminal under control thereof;
A data converter that converts the first distribution data into second distribution data corresponding to each server device as a transmission destination, excluding the server device as a transmission source;
A data transmission unit configured to transmit the second distribution data to each of the transmission destination server devices,
It is characterized by that. The gateway device according to claim 5,
A data correction unit that deletes unnecessary data from the first distribution data received by the data reception unit or adds necessary data to the first distribution data according to each server device as a transmission destination Further comprising
The data conversion unit converts the deleted or added first distribution data into second distribution data corresponding to each server device as a transmission destination.
It is characterized by that. Each of a plurality of server devices to which an arbitrary terminal is connected, and a gateway device connected to be communicable with each other,
A data receiving step of receiving first distribution data sent from any one of the server devices that has received a message from a subordinate terminal;
A data conversion step of converting the first distribution data into second distribution data corresponding to each server device as a transmission destination, excluding the server device as a transmission source;
A data transmission step of transmitting the second distribution data to each of the server devices of transmission destinations,
A method characterized by that. Each of a plurality of server devices to which arbitrary terminals are connected, and a computer that is communicably connected,
A data receiving unit for receiving first distribution data sent from any one of the server devices that has received communication data from a subordinate terminal;
A data converter that converts the first distribution data into second distribution data corresponding to each server device that is a transmission destination, excluding the server device that is a transmission source;
A data transmission unit that transmits the second distribution data to each of the server devices of the transmission destination;
A program characterized by functioning as

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