JP3447253B2 - COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, TRANSMISSION DEVICE USED FOR THE SAME, AND RECEPTION DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication system, and more particularly, to program data when transmitting the program data.
The present invention relates to a communication system for transmitting a control data to control a receiving device capable of executing a game and performing a new communication service.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As program data transmission, there are known FM broadcasts in which voices such as music are FM-modulated and transmitted, and television broadcasts and satellite broadcasts in which composite voice signals are combined and transmitted. . In these program transmission services, the type of data that can be originally transmitted is limited to audio and / or video, and the viewer only plays back and listens to audio and / or video, so the program can be activated at his own discretion. The service content was fixed and lacked in freshness. Even when a communication method such as data communication in which desired data is individually and bidirectionally transmitted and received using a public line is used, a program is actively activated when data of an audio and / or video program is transmitted. There was no service to enjoy. As a solution to this problem, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 54-80026 (hereinafter, "prior art") discloses a technique in which a control signal is mixed in an audio broadcast to control a controlled device in synchronization with the broadcast. Is disclosed. In addition, so-called character broadcasting, which transmits data during a vertical blanking period of television broadcasting, transmits data other than audio and video data.

[0003]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]
It is simply that the controlled device is powered on when the broadcast program is related to the controlled device. The controlled device operates during the related broadcast program and stops only when the program ends, and is not controlled according to the broadcast content in the program, so that the interest of the viewer is maintained. I can't. In addition, it is necessary to prepare a controlled device for each broadcast program, which is not practical. Further, since analog audio broadcasting is assumed, the control signal is transmitted using a frequency within the frequency band of a normal audio signal.
In this transmission method, the types of control signals are limited, and there is a possibility of malfunction. Moreover, the viewer still enjoys the broadcast passively and cannot actively enjoy it. In addition, teletext, news information, weather forecast, etc.
Information that is not related to a normal program is transmitted. It can be said that the viewer only has one more program, the viewer cannot actively enjoy it, and it does not increase the value of a normal program.

Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to
Various types of program transmission services according to program content
New value added, and the active enjoyment of viewers
A completely new communication system that can
To provide a receiving device and a receiving device. From this
Ming's other purpose is to assist or assist in the progress of the game.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a communication system, a transmitting device and a receiving device used for the communication system, which can execute a game that is different from the processing of the original program by control data while watching a useful program .

[0005]

The invention according to claim 1 is a communication system comprising a transmitting side device for simultaneously transmitting data to a large number of users and a receiving side device for receiving the data. is there. Transmitting-side apparatus, program data
Program data generating means for generating data, control data generating means for generating control data for controlling the receiving side device, and transmitting means for transmitting program data and control data. The receiving side device is a game device capable of executing a game including the first element and the second element. The first element is controlled by the player and the second element is controlled by the control data transmitted . Also, the receiving side device sends from the sending means.
Receiving means for receiving the received program data and control data
And the number for playing the program data received by the receiving means.
A set data reproducing means, input means, a first control means for controlling the first element by using the input information of the input means,
Second control means is provided for controlling the second element using the received control data.

The first control means controls the first element based on the operation of the input means by the player. The control data for controlling the second element is transmitted from the transmission side device and received by the reception side device, and the second control means controls the second element based on the received control data. Here, the first element is a game element controlled by the player, and the second element is a game element controlled by the transmitted control data.

The program data is, for example, a game capture method.
It is broadcast data that explains the operation procedure. The control data is used for the program processing of the receiving side device. For example, data for displaying an image or moving a moving image on the image display device of the receiving side device,
It is data or the like for executing a predetermined function of the program of the receiving side device. A more detailed example is data for moving and displaying the game character on the image display device of the receiving side device, but it is not limited to this example. Playback of program data and control data
The second element is controlled by the data
For example, with the explanation of the game capture method etc.
Then, the moving display of the game character is displayed.

The first control means is an input operation by the player.
The processing proceeds according to the input information of the input means
Moreover, the processing is changed according to the input information. First
2 The control means advances the processing according to the control data,
In addition, it changes the processing contents according to the control data.
It For example, the transfer of the game character as control data
Receives motion control data and displays the movement of the game character.
Is Umono.

The invention according to claim 2 is the same as that of claim 1.
In the communication system, the receiving side device is a device capable of executing a competitive game. The first element is an element to be operated by the player, and the second element is an element to be operated by the opponent.

The invention according to claim 3 is the same as that of claim 2.
In the communication system, the control data corresponds to the input information of the input means of the receiving side device. Then, the receiving side device advances the game by regarding the control data received by the receiving means as the operation of the opponent. The input information of the input means is a key code of the input means. The key code of the input means is a code indicating the operation state of the input means.

The invention according to claim 4 is the same as that of claim 1.
In the communication system, the program data generating means is a control device.
Related to game control executed by the receiving device based on the data
This is to generate continuous program data. The transmission means may be added at the timing of the associated control data to the program data, and transmits the program data and control data. Its Shi Te <br/>, second control means, in accordance with the playback of the program de <br/> over data from the program data reproducing means performs the game control based on the control data.

The invention according to claim 5 is suitable for a large number of users.
A transmission side device that transmits data simultaneously transmitted to a reception side device that is capable of executing a game and that has an input device and controls the first element of the game based on input information of the input device. . The transmitting side apparatus, the program data
The program includes a program data generating means for generating, a control data generating means for generating control data for causing the receiving side device to control the second element of the game, and a transmitting means for transmitting the program data and the control data to the receiving side device. .

The invention according to claim 6 is suitable for a large number of users.
A receiving device capable of executing a game, which receives program data and control data transmitted simultaneously . This receiving device is a receiving means for receiving program data and control data.
And the number for playing the program data received by the receiving means.
A set data reproducing means, input means, based on the input information of the input means, a first control means for controlling the first element of the game, the game by using the control data received by the receiving means And a second control means for controlling two elements.

The invention according to claim 7 is suitable for a large number of users.
However, it is a communication system composed of a transmitting side device that simultaneously transmits data and a receiving side device that receives the data. Then, the transmission side device determines the program generating the program data.
A data generating means, a control data generating means for generating control data for controlling the receiving side device, and a transmitting means for transmitting the program data and the control data are provided. The receiving device is a device capable of executing a game including the first element controlled by the player. The receiving-transmitting Hand
Receiving program data and control data sent from the
Playback of program data received by receiving means and receiving means
Program data reproducing means, input means, first control means for controlling the first element by using the input information of the input means, and second control for controlling the first element by using the received control data. A control means is provided.

The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claim 7.
In the communication system, the control data is data that causes the first element to perform a model operation.

The invention according to claim 9 is suitable for a large number of users.
However, it is a communication system composed of a transmitting side device that simultaneously transmits data and a receiving side device that receives the data. The receiving-side device is a device that can execute a game, includes an input unit, and controls the game based on the input information of the input unit. The sending device is the program data
And transmitting means for transmitting control data corresponding to the input information of the input means. Then, the receiving side apparatus, program de
It is characterized in that the game process is performed while reproducing the data and regarding the control data as the input information of the input means.

According to the present invention, a program transmission service is provided.
To provide a wide variety of added value according to the content of the program,
In addition, it is a completely new way for viewers to enjoy themselves actively.
Communication service, transmitting device used therefor, and receiving device
Can be provided. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to play a game while playing a program that is useful for assisting or assisting the progress of the game, such as a game capture method, or to enjoy a competitive game with a player at the transmitting station. You can use a completely new game.

[0018]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is an overall block diagram for explaining the unidirectional mass communication system and the principle of the present invention. On the transmitting side, a broadcasting station 10 for transmitting audio signals and control data (packet data) for audio broadcasting is provided. The audio signal and the control data transmitted from the broadcasting station 10 are frequency-modulated to the upstream frequency (for example, 14 GHz) by the transmitter 21 of the satellite transmitting station (earth station) 20,
It is transmitted to the broadcasting satellite 30 via the transmitting antenna 22.
The broadcasting satellite 30 includes a transponder (not shown), a power supply (not shown), etc., frequency-modulates the received data to a downlink frequency (for example, 12 GHz), and then broadcasts it from a parabolic antenna (not shown) to the ground. To do. In addition, a plurality of broadcasting stations 10 may be connected to one satellite transmitting station 20. Further, when the satellite broadcast program is a pay broadcast, the scramble circuit 23 may scramble for the purpose of making only the members viewable.

At the viewer's house on the receiving side, a receiving antenna 41 is provided.
In addition to satellite broadcasting (BS) tuner 42, decoder 5
0, a reception adapter 60, and an information processing unit 70 are provided. The information processing unit 70 is a device having an image processing function such as a personal computer or a video game machine, and an information storage medium 80 such as a cartridge or a floppy disk is detachably mounted therein. An information storage medium (hereinafter referred to as “cartridge”) 80 includes a non-volatile memory (ROM) 81 that stores program data for realizing a desired operation determined by a purpose of use and a writing / writing unit.
A readable memory (RAM) 82 is built in and housed in a case or the like. Then, the audio signal output from the decoder 50 and the image signal output from the information processing unit 70 (or the audio signal generated based on the image signal and the program) are provided to the image display device 90 such as a television receiver or a CRT.

FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram on the broadcast station side. The broadcasting station 10 is provided with an audio signal generator 11. The audio signal generator 11 generates an audio signal for audio broadcasting, and includes, for example, a compact disk player 11a and a digital audio tape player 11b for playing music. Also, the audio signal generator 11
Includes a microphone 11c, an analog-digital converter 11d, and a sampling timing generator 11e for converting the voices of program participants such as announcers, moderators, commentators, etc. into analog signal-digital (PCM) signals. The digital signal obtained by PCM-modulating the music output by the compact disc player 11a and / or the digital audio tape player 11b and the digital signal obtained by PCM-modulating the sound output from the analog-digital converter 11d are respectively transmitted through the interface 12a. It is given to the central processing unit (CPU) 13 via the.
The voice data including the music and human voice is temporarily stored in the voice buffer RAM (hereinafter referred to as “voice RAM”) 14. A control data generator 15 for generating control data is also connected to the CPU 13. The control data generator 15 generates control information for controlling the terminal device on the receiving side in relation to the audio broadcasting and for giving some change (or influence) to the control of the terminal device.
For example, it includes a keyboard 15a for keying in control data. If the audio broadcast is an audio broadcast for explaining the game contents of the video game or relaying the competition situation between the player and the viewer in the studio, the control data generator 1
5 includes a video game machine 15b and a controller (or operation device) 15c. A key code related to the key operation of the controller 15c is given to the CPU 13 via the control data interface 12b. CPU13
Is a key code buffer RAM (hereinafter referred to as “key code RAM”) that stores the key code given from the control data generator 15.
Write to 16).

The CPU 13 includes a program memory (not shown) in which a program for controlling transmission of audio data and control data for broadcasting is stored in advance. This CP
Based on the program, U13 adds control data such as a key code temporarily stored in the key code RAM 15 in association with the transmission of the voice data stored in the voice RAM 14, and the data format shown in FIG. Converted to send buffer RAM (hereinafter referred to as "transmit RAM")
Write to 17. At the transmitting station 10, the voices and music (BGM) of the program participants are recorded on the tape in advance, and control data is added for each appropriate phrase of the recorded voices.
The audio data and the control data may be written in the transmission RAM 17 after editing for insertion.

On the other hand, the audio data and the control data written in the transmission RAM 17 are stored in the CP according to the broadcast time of the program.
The signal is read by U13, and a synchronization signal and an error correction code are added as necessary, and the signal is supplied to the modulation circuit 18. The audio data and the control data thus synchronized are modulated by the modulation circuit 18 and then transmitted by the transmission circuit 1.
9 to the satellite transmission station 20. Satellite transmitter station 2
The operation of 0 is as described with reference to FIG. Therefore, in this embodiment, the control data related to the content of the audio broadcast (voice message) is added to each phrase or paragraph with audio (hereinafter collectively referred to as "phrase") and transmitted. Become. However, although the audio data and the control data differ depending on the program or broadcast content, they will be described later in detail together with specific operations.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a data format transmitted from the satellite transmitting station. In the case of a practical broadcasting satellite, a transponder (not shown) of the broadcasting satellite 30.
Has a transmission capacity of 4 channels. Each channel has a transmission capability of 1 system for video broadcasting, 4 systems for audio broadcasting, and 480 bits / frame for data transmission. The data transmission time for one frame in this case is 2 Mbps. In the data format of one channel except for video broadcasting, one frame is composed of 2048 bits / ms as shown in the upper part of FIG. The control code is 64 for the data structure of one frame.
32 bits for each of the first voice system to the fourth voice system
An independent data system (data channel) for transmitting 0 bits, control data, etc. is composed of 480 bits, and an error correction code is composed of 224 bits. The independent data system is composed of a plurality of packets, one of which is used as a message information packet. The message information packet is
There is one for every nine frames (so-called one superframe). The message information packet has a total number of bits of 288.
Specifically, as shown in the middle part of FIG. 3, the header is 16 bits, the type identification is 8 bits, the protocol number is 4 bits, the spare is 2 bits, and the message information identification is 4 bits. The station identification code is 8 bits, the program number is 12 bits, the program time information is 32 bits, the message information section is 120 bits, and the error correction of the message information packet is 82 bits. Therefore, the transmission capacity of message data (control data) for audio broadcasting is 9
There will be 120 bits per frame. As shown in the lower part of FIG. 3, this message information portion is composed of 8 bits for command and 112 bits for data out of 120 bits.

FIG. 4 is a detailed block diagram of the receiving side. On the receiving side, as described with reference to FIG. 1, the receiving antenna 41 and the satellite broadcasting (BS) tuner 42 are provided.
In addition, a decoder 50, a reception adapter 60, and an information processing unit 70 are provided. The BS tuner 42 includes a tuning circuit that selects a desired broadcasting station, and a demodulation circuit that demodulates the reception data (voice data and control data) modulated in the frequency band of 12 GHz. Decoder 50
Includes an extraction circuit 51 and a separation / decoding circuit 52. The extraction circuit 51 has a synchronization extraction function and a control code extraction function. The separating / combining circuit 52 separates the audio system, the video system, and the message information packet (particularly, the audio data and the control data) based on the regularity of the data format shown in FIG. And a digital-analog conversion circuit for converting voice data into a voice signal. The separation / decoding circuit 52 supplies the separated video signal to the terminal 53a of the changeover switch 53, the audio signals from the audio systems 1 and 2 to the terminal 53b, and the audio signals from the audio systems 3 and 4 via the mixer 54. 53d
Control data to the receiving adapter 60. The changeover switch 53 is connected to the terminals 53a and 53b when the user selects video broadcasting, and is connected to the terminals 53c and 53d when the user selects audio broadcasting. When the broadcast program is scrambled for the purpose of viewing only by members, in order to decode the scramble and decode it into the original audio data and control data in association with the extraction circuit 51 and the separation / decoding circuit 52. A descrambler 55 is provided.

The reception adapter 60 includes an asynchronous communication interface 61 and a buffer RAM 62. The asynchronous communication interface 61 generates an interrupt signal (IRQ) every time it receives a message information packet and gives it to the information processing unit 70 such as a video game machine or a personal computer, and stores the control data in a first-in first-out mode. And give it a temporary memory. The control data stored in the buffer RAM 62 is given to the information processing unit 70. Information processing unit 70
Originally performs an operation such as image processing based on only the program stored in the ROM 81 of the cartridge 80 and the operation state of the controller (operator) 71. However, when the control data from the broadcasting satellite 30 is received, In addition to the program in the ROM 81, an operation involving a change in which control data is added (that is, an operation affected by the control data) is executed. Then, a video (video) signal based on the processing result of the information processing unit 70 is given to the terminal 53d of the changeover switch 53, and an audio signal (audio signal) such as a game sound effect is inputted to the terminal of the changeover switch 53 via the mixer 54. 53
given to c. Therefore, the image display device 90 such as a television receiver displays the video of the program selected by the changeover switch 53 and outputs the sound related to the program. In this embodiment, the changeover switch 53 is the terminal 53.
When receiving an audio broadcast by being connected to c and 53d, it is possible to display an image processed by the information processing unit 70 and output a commentary or auxiliary sound related to the display. Become.

A more specific application example will be described below. 5 shows a memory map of the ROM 81 (the game ROM is referred to as 81A in the following description) when the present invention is applied to a video game commentary broadcast, and FIG. 6 is a case where the present invention is applied to a video game commentary broadcast. 7 and 9 show flowcharts of the respective operations. Particularly, in this application example, the broadcasting station 10
When the player broadcasts a strategy (or commentary) for a game by voice, by transmitting control data such as a key code input by operating the controller 15b or the keyboard 15a in association with the voice, the viewer can A case where the operator himself operates the controller 71 to learn the optimum playing technique according to the model performance while listening to the capture method by voice is shown.

In FIG. 5, the ROM 81A has program storage areas 811 to 81 similar to general game software.
3 and a character data storage area 814. The storage area 811 is an area for storing a main program, and stores various main programs such as title screen display, initial setting, jump processing for each scene number, game over determination, and game over processing. The storage area 812 is an area for storing a game processing subroutine program for each scene number, for example, determining the coordinates of the enemy character, moving the enemy character, attacking the enemy character, hitting, hitting, etc. It stores various subroutine programs of. The storage area 813 is an area for storing an interrupt processing subroutine program, and stores, for example, a subroutine program such as interrupt sequence number processing and jump processing for each scene number. The minimum unit of the storage area 814 is 8 × 8
An area for storing 8-dot character data,
For example, font data of the main character, ally character, enemy character, background character, etc. is stored. Further, the ROM 81A includes a table storage area 815 for converting the key code of the transmitted instruction information and other program / data storage area 816 as storage areas specific to this embodiment.

In FIG. 6, when broadcasting to teach a strategy of a game and an operation procedure in that case, the viewer connects various devices on the receiving side as shown in FIG. 4 prior to broadcasting. Explanation of strategy method The cartridge 80 of the same game as the game to be broadcast is mounted on the information processing unit 70 and is on standby. Then, at the broadcast start time, the commentator or another model performer operates the controller 15b to perform the model operation in parallel with the commentary explaining the capture method by voice.

More specifically, when the broadcast starts, the commentator etc. explain the introduction message of the program (for example, "Please attach the XX game cassette to the video game machine and turn on the power switch"). To do. Next, the commentator explains the outline of the scenario of the game, the operation method of the controller 15b, and the like, and then uses the controller 15b to perform an operation that serves as a model for the game. For example, when the screen (or scene) number for starting the game is input by operating the controller 15b, audio data corresponding to the audio of the explanation (for example, "what screen do you want to start?") Is audio RAM.
In addition to being temporarily stored in 14, the key code for screen selection is temporarily stored in the key code RAM 16. Then, the voice data and the key code data (control data) are temporarily stored in the transmission data memory 16 via the CPU 13 and sequentially transmitted. Next, the commentator gives a voice comment while playing (for example, how to attack which enemy character in which scene, how to avoid the enemy character's attack, and how to obtain advantageous items. Then, the voice data and control data such as a key code are sequentially transmitted in the same manner. In this way, the commentator sequentially explains the solution to the game during the broadcast of the program, and also teaches by playing the model play by operating the controller 71. Instead of transmitting the key code based on the operation of the controller 71, the coordinate data and the moving direction data of the main character may be transmitted based on the operation of the controller 71. Further, instead of the model operation, the key code of the keyboard 15a may be transmitted in order to transmit a message in characters to be transmitted to the player who is the viewer. When the end time of the program is reached, the end of the broadcast is announced by voice, and the end code is transmitted to end the broadcast. The announcer then broadcasts a voice message for another program.

While the above game-related explanation is broadcast, the following processing or operation is performed on the receiving side. That is, on the receiving side, when the power switch is turned on, the information processing unit 70 starts the operation of the main routine shown in FIG. 7 based on the program of the ROM 81A. First, step (abbreviated as "S" in the figure) 1
At 01, the game is initialized (for example, the score register and the life are reset). Step 102
At, a video signal for displaying the title screen is generated. In step 103, the controller 71
It is determined whether or not the start switch (not shown) has been operated. If the start switch is not operated, the demonstration screen is displayed in step 104, the process returns to step 102, and the operations of steps 102 to 104 are repeated until the start switch is pressed. On the other hand, when it is determined in step 103 that the start switch has been pressed, the process proceeds to step 105, and a subroutine for game processing is executed (see FIG. 9 described later). Then, in step 106, it is determined whether or not the game is over, and the processes of steps 105 and 106 are repeated until the game is over.

When a game commentary broadcast is received during execution of the main routine described above or a game processing subroutine described later, an interrupt signal is given to the information processing unit 70, and at the same time control data is received as buffer information in the buffer RAM 6
Temporarily stored in 2. In response to this interrupt signal, the information processing unit 70 executes the interrupt processing shown in FIG. That is, in step 111, the reception information stored in the buffer RAM 62 is read. Step 11
2, the received information read is the screen (or scene)
It is determined whether or not the number. When it is determined that the screen number is the screen number, the screen number is read in step 113, and then the process proceeds to step 121 shown in FIG. 9 described later as a jump destination (J1). On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not the screen number, it is determined in step 114 whether or not it is an end code. If it is determined that the received code is not the end code, after converting the received information into a key code in step 115,
Return to the process before the interrupt. On the contrary, when it is determined that the end code is received in step 114, step 1
After displaying the score in 16, the process returns to step 102 of FIG. 7 as the jump destination (J2).

Game processing subroutine (step 10
The details of 5) are performed according to the flow shown in FIG. 9 based on the program stored in the ROM 81A, for example. That is, in step 121, the received screen number data is read from the buffer RAM 62. Based on this scene number, in step 122, the setting of the scene (that is, the processing for displaying the image and outputting the sound of the scene) is performed. After that, the coordinates of the main character are calculated in step 123 in the same manner as the normal game processing. In step 124, calculations are performed to determine the coordinates of the enemy character. Step 125
At, calculations for the movement and attack of the enemy character are performed. In step 126, it is determined whether or not the received data includes the key code. When it is determined that the key code is present, in step 127,
The process of the model operation is performed based on the key operation state of the model player playing at the broadcasting station. After that, or after it is determined that the received data does not include the key code, it is determined in step 128 whether or not there is a key input by the player who is the viewer. When it is determined that a key input has been made, in step 129, a motion process of the hero character according to the key input (for example, a process of jumping, attacking, moving vertically and horizontally) is performed. After that, or after it is determined in step 128 that there is no key input, the effectiveness of the main character's attack is determined in step 130. Step 13 if not a valid attack
In 1, the effectiveness of the enemy's attack is judged. If the enemy's attack is not valid, the process returns to step 123. If the enemy's attack is effective, a process for extinguishing the main character is performed in step 132, and then the process returns to the original (main routine).

Further, when it is determined that the attack of the main character is effective in the above-mentioned step 130, the elimination process of the enemy character is performed in step 133. In the following step 134, it is judged whether or not all the enemies determined by the program have been defeated (that is, the enemies remain). If the enemies remain, the process returns to step 131. On the other hand, if there are no enemies left, the screen number is incremented in step 135, the process proceeds to the next screen, and the next screen can be played.

Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the player who is the viewer does not operate the controller 71 while listening to the message of the voice that advises the capture of the game, the game based on the operation of the model performer on the transmitting station side. As a result, the viewer can visually check the model operation on the screen, and learn the strategy of the game along with the actual progress of the game. In addition, according to the explanation by the audio broadcast, the viewer performs the exemplary play by operating it himself,
It is also possible to practice the strategy.

It should be noted that this embodiment is not limited to the case of receiving the game-related broadcast, and the game can be independently enjoyed as in the case of the conventional game software. In that case, after determining in step 103 that the start switch has been pressed, the game process shown in FIG. 9 may be executed without executing the interrupt process shown in FIG.

By the way, in the embodiment shown in FIGS.
In addition to teaching how to conquer the game, one of the program participants at the broadcasting station and an unspecified number of viewers can also play the same game. In that case, the program participants play on the video game machine 15c in the broadcasting station 10, and the commentator gives an audio commentary. In addition, the game cartridge 80
The ROM 81A previously stores a program for a battle game with a computer and a program for converting a computer-side key code into a received key code. Then, when a key operation code when a program participant is playing a competitive game with a computer is added to an audio broadcast and transmitted, in the information processing unit (video game machine) 70 on the viewer side that receives the code. The received key code is regarded as the operation of the opponent on the computer side and the game proceeds. This has the advantage that an unspecified number of viewers can enjoy a battle game with a famous game player while staying at home.

Further, as another embodiment, the game program stored in the ROM 81 of the cartridge 80 is essential data essential for the game (for example, in the case of a baseball game, the game is performed according to the rules of baseball). Program data and character data for realizing image display for that, and change data (for example, as individual / team data, if it is a batter, batting rate by opponent pitcher, misstep rate by each opponent team, stolen base success rate, etc. If it is a pitcher, the RAM 82 for storing data such as the defense rate and hit rate for each opponent batter may be backed up by a battery (not shown). In that case, in connection with another audio broadcast, data to be updated for each team is transmitted over a plurality of frames, the receiving side stores the received data in an updated manner, and the data stored in the RAM 82 is used as the original data. You may make it process so that various programs may be changed. In this way, even with the same game cartridge, a wide variety of games can be enjoyed just by receiving the update data and temporarily storing it.

Next, as another application of the present invention, an embodiment for transmitting a weather forecast or news will be described. 10 shows a memory map of the ROM 81 (the game ROM is referred to as 81B in the following description) when the present invention is applied to weather forecast and news broadcasting, and FIG. 11 shows the present invention for receiving the weather forecast and news programs. An explanation example and an operation example by voice when applied are shown, and FIGS. 12 to 15 show flowcharts of respective operations. In particular, in this application example, when the weather forecast or news is broadcast by voice from the broadcasting station 10, the keyboard 15a is operated in association with the voice to show a figure associated with the weather forecast (for example, a map or a type of weather is shown). Marks, precipitation probability, etc.), or by inputting news as text information and transmitting the key code, the weather forecast and news are notified to the viewer by voice and video.

In FIG. 10, the ROM 81B includes a program storage area 81a-81f and a data storage area 81g-.
81k and. The storage area 81a is an area for storing a main program, and stores various programs such as title screen display, initial setting, and waiting for key input. The storage area 81b is an area for storing a menu program, and stores, for example, a menu program such as menu screen display, key operation processing, and jump processing. The storage areas 81c to 81e are areas for storing subroutine programs, and programs corresponding to menus are stored therein. For example, the storage area 81c stores the program for controlling the display control of the Japan map and the weather mark when the menu is weather forecast. When the menu is a news program, the storage area 81d is
It stores a program for displaying a news screen frame and temporarily storing news character data. The storage area 81d stores programs for display control of other types of menus. The storage area 81f is an area for storing the program of the interrupt subroutine, and for example, processing for each control data (or each instruction information), rewriting of the background image (BG), rewriting of the register, writing to the RAM 82, etc. It stores various programs. Storage area 81g
Is an area for storing data for interpreting received information (also referred to as instruction information). The storage area 81h is an area for storing coordinate data for each city used when a map is displayed in a program such as a weather forecast. The storage area 81i is an area for storing character font data used when displaying characters in a news program. The storage area 81j is an area for storing background data. The storage area 81k is an area for storing other programs and data.

In FIG. 11, when viewing the weather forecast or news, the viewer attaches the weather forecast / news broadcasting cartridge 80B to the information processing unit 70 and waits before broadcasting. When the broadcast start time comes, the operator operates the keyboard 15a and operates the keys corresponding to the weather information and the contents of the news, while the announcer reads the weather forecast and the news aloud. For example, the title music of the music that has been broadcast until then is changed, and the theme music of the weather forecast is played. At this time, a designation code for changing the background image into a weather forecast image is input and transmitted in parallel with the change of the song title. After that, the announcer said, "We will send you the weather forecast for what day and time in what month."
To enter the weather forecast instruction code. This instruction code is transmitted together with the voice data. Next, the announcer reads the weather information of each place (for example, "Okinawa region has fine weather, memory 20 ° C, precipitation probability 0%"). At this time, the operator generates a code related to the weather by operating a key in which the region is "Okinawa", the weather type is "clear", and the precipitation probability is "0%". This key code is transmitted together with the voice data. After that, similarly, the weather forecast of each place is transmitted by voice and key code. When the broadcasting of the weather forecasts for all regions is finished, the announcer says "the weather forecast for what month, day, and hour will end.", And a code for specifying another background image is input.

Then, news is broadcast. In this case, the news of the day is broadcast by voice and the operator operates the keyboard 15a to input the character information summarizing the news contents, in the same procedure as the weather forecast broadcasting. The key code of this character information is transmitted sequentially.

Next, a detailed operation when the viewer views the program when the weather forecast or news is broadcast by voice and key input according to the procedure shown in FIG. 11 will be described.
In this case, the viewer attaches the weather forecast / news program cartridge 80 to the information processing unit 70 prior to the start of the broadcast time so that the information processing unit 70 can be installed.
Executes the programs shown in FIGS. First,
The main routine will be described with reference to FIG. In step 201, a weather forecast / news title screen is displayed. In step 202, the controller 7
It is determined whether or not the start switch included in 1 is pressed. If not, the process returns to step 201,
Wait until the start switch is pressed. And
When the start switch is pressed, the menu screen is displayed in step 203. In this menu screen, for example, in addition to characters such as "weather forecast" and "news" as a command for selecting a menu to be broadcast, "end selection" for designating the end of menu selection
, Etc. are displayed. In step 204, a key operation for selecting a menu is performed. At this time, if a menu other than the selection end is selected, it is determined in step 205 that the selection is not completed, and the subroutine processing for each menu selected in step 206 is performed. The processing of each menu is shown in FIG.
Alternatively, a detailed description will be given with reference to FIG.

When an interrupt signal is received during execution of the main routine described above or each of the menu processing subroutines described later, the interrupt processing shown in FIG. 13 is executed. That is, in step 211, the instruction information stored in the buffer RAM 62 is read. In step 212, the instruction information is decrypted based on the conversion table. In step 213, it is determined whether the title screen or the background screen is being displayed. If it is determined that it is not being displayed, it is determined in step 215 whether or not the operation based on the previous interrupt signal is being performed. If an interrupt is in progress,
After the respective information received in step 215 is stored in the RAM 82, the operation before the interruption is returned to. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 213 that the image is being displayed, it is determined in step 216 whether the received data is a background image rewriting command. If it is not a rewrite command, a jump destination for each instruction is obtained based on the program in step 217. In the following step 218, it is determined whether or not the jump destination is the first jump destination (J1), and J
If it is 1, the process proceeds to step 231 (FIG. 14), and if it is not J1, the process proceeds to step 251 (FIG. 15) of the third jump destination (J3).

If it is determined in step 216 that the instruction is a rewrite instruction, a jump destination for each instruction is obtained in step 219. Continued Step 220
After the display processing is performed in, the operation returns to the operation before the interrupt processing. If it is determined in step 214 that the interrupt operation is in progress, the jump destination for individual processing is determined in step 221. And step 2
In 22, the jump destination is the second jump destination (J2).
If it is J2, the process proceeds to step 237 shown in FIG. 14, and if it is not J2, the fourth jump destination (J
4) Step 257 (FIG. 15).

For example, when the weather forecast program is selected in step 204, the weather forecast subroutine shown in FIG. 14 is executed. First, in step 231, a map of Japan is displayed. In step 232, it is determined whether or not there is an interrupt signal (IRQ). If there is no interrupt signal, wait for the interrupt signal to come. On the other hand, when it is determined that the interrupt signal has arrived, the coordinates of the corresponding city are obtained based on the instruction information exchange table in step 233, and the weather mark, memory, and precipitation probability are obtained. In step 234, the map of the city (prefecture) or the area to which the city belongs (Kanto region, Kinki region, etc.) is displayed, and RA is received first.
Information relating to the weather forecast temporarily stored in M82, such as a mark indicating the type of weather, temperature, and probability of precipitation, is displayed in association with the map of the city. At this time, since the audio signal of the weather forecast is directly output from the separation / decoding circuit 52 (see FIG. 4) to the changeover switch 53, the audio broadcast of the weather forecast is displayed from the image display device 90 in parallel with the graphic / character display. Flowed. Then, in step 235, the value of the corresponding register is updated. In step 236, it is determined whether or not there is a key input. If there is no key input, the process returns to step 232, and if there is a key input, the process returns to the original main routine. As described above, the broadcasting of the weather forecast by voice and the image display by figures / characters are completed.

By the way, in this embodiment, only the control data for display control of characters and figures is stored in the backup RAM 82 without watching the weather forecast broadcast at that time, and the backup is made after the program ends. You can also know the weather forecast based on the data. In that case,
After the weather forecast menu is selected in step 204, the weather forecast menu process is performed in step 206. That is, go to step 237,
A map of Japan is displayed. In the following step 238,
The coordinates of each city are obtained, and the weather forecast data is read. In step 239, a map of a city (prefecture) or an area to which the city belongs (Kanto region, Kinki region, etc.) is displayed, and information related to the weather forecast received previously and temporarily stored in the RAM 82, such as the weather information, is displayed. The mark indicating the type, temperature, probability of precipitation, etc. are displayed in association with the map of the city. In step 240, it is judged whether or not the display of all the received cities is completed, and if the display is not completed, step 238-
Repeat 240. When the display is completed, step 241
In (1), it waits until there is any key input, and when there is a key input, it returns to the main routine.

When the news program is selected in step 204, the news subroutine shown in FIG. 15 is executed based on the program stored in the storage area 81e. First, in step 251, a frame of the news screen is displayed. In step 252, it is determined whether or not there is an interrupt signal (IRQ). If there is no interrupt signal, wait for the interrupt signal to come. On the other hand, when it is determined that the interrupt signal arrives, a character font is obtained based on the character code of news in step 253. If it is determined in step 222 that the address is the fourth interrupt destination (43), step 2
After 52, the process proceeds to step 253. Continued Step 254
In, the news data is converted into character information and sequentially displayed in the news screen frame. At this time, since the audio signal of the news broadcast is directly output from the separation / decoding circuit 52 (see FIG. 4) to the changeover switch 53, the audio of the news is broadcast from the image display device 90 in parallel with the character display. In step 255, the character information is temporarily stored in the RAM 82. In step 256, it is determined whether or not there is a key input. If there is no key input, the process returns to step 252, and if there is a key input, the process returns to the original main routine. As described above, the broadcast of news by voice and the image display by text are completed.

By the way, in this embodiment, only the control data for controlling the display of characters and figures is stored in the backup RAM 82 without watching the news broadcast at that time, and the backup data is stored in the backup data after the program ends. The news can be viewed later as textual information as well. In that case, after the news menu is selected in step 204, the news screen frame is displayed in step 257. In step 258, the news data (code data) stored in the backup RAM 82 is read. Step 259
In, the news data is converted into character information and sequentially displayed in the news screen frame. At this time, news broadcasting by voice is not performed. In step 260, it is judged whether or not the display of all the received news data has been completed, and if the display is not completed, steps 258-2
Repeat 60. When the display is completed, the process waits until there is any key input in step 261, and returns to the original state if there is a key input.

Next, as still another application example of the present invention, an embodiment for broadcasting an educational program will be described. Figure 1
6 shows a memory map of a ROM 81 (the game ROM is referred to as 81C in the following description) when the present invention is applied to educational broadcasting, and FIG. 17 is an example of audio explanation and operation when the present invention is applied to educational broadcasting. An example is shown in FIGS.
1 shows a flowchart of each operation. Particularly, in this application example, when broadcasting the test guidance, hints, and explanations from the broadcasting station 10 by voice, the keyboard 15a is associated with the voice.
You can specify the code of the text information related to the test by inputting or input the news as text information and send the control data such as the key code to provide test guidance, commentary, scoring, etc. with audio and video. It is intended to inform the viewer.

In FIG. 16, the ROM 81B includes a program storage area 81l to 81r and a data storage area 81s.
81t and. The storage area 81l is an area for storing a main program, and stores programs such as curriculum menu display, initial setting, and menu selection processing. The storage area 81m is an area for storing a program for displaying a menu screen, and stores programs for displaying a menu screen, key operation processing, jump processing, and the like. The storage areas 81c to 81e are areas for storing menu subroutine programs, and programs corresponding to menus are stored therein. For example, the storage area 81
n stores a menu program for displaying the preparation screen. The storage area 81o stores a menu program for screen display, question display, scoring processing, etc. for the test. The storage area 81p stores programs such as a review screen display. The storage area 81r stores an interrupt subroutine program, specifically, a jump processing program for each instruction. The storage area 81s stores data for interpreting the instruction information. Storage area 81
The t stores other programs and data.

In FIG. 17, the viewer prepares for a certain subject prior to viewing the educational broadcast, and then performs a test for confirming the understanding of the preparation in parallel with the educational broadcast. In that case, the viewer attaches the educational cartridge 80C corresponding to the broadcast program to the information processing unit 70 and stands by before the broadcast. And at the broadcast start time, along with the announcer reading the contents of the educational program aloud,
The operator operates the keyboard 15a to perform a key operation corresponding to the explanation of the announcer or the instruction to the viewer.
For example, as the introduction of the program, it is notified that it is the time of the test program. In parallel with this, the operator inputs a code indicating the test mode, and the code is transmitted. Next, the subject to be broadcast at that time and the menu number (or the number of pages in the unit / reference book, etc.) are transmitted. Prior to the start of the exam, the preparatory items that are the scope of the exam will be explained. After that, the start of the test and the test time will be announced. In parallel with this, a key code for instructing the start of the test is input and transmitted along with the audio description. During the exam time, explanations and hints on the question will be read aloud, and if necessary, key input will be sent as text information and sent. When the test time has elapsed, a message notifying the end of the test is transmitted by voice, and at the same time, an end instruction code is input and transmitted.
Subsequently, the scoring start message is transmitted by voice, and at the same time, the grading instruction code is input and transmitted. After that, explanations of the exam questions and suggestions of items to be reviewed will be announced by voice. At this time, character information indicating a review point is input and transmitted as necessary.

Next, a detailed operation when the viewer views the program while the educational program by voice and key input is being broadcast by the procedure shown in FIG. 16 will be described. in this case,
When the viewer mounts the educational program cartridge 80C on the information processing unit 70 prior to the broadcast time, the information processing unit 70 executes the programs shown in FIGS. 18 to 20. First, the main routine is executed according to the flow shown in FIG. 18 based on the program stored in the storage area 81l. That is, in step 301,
The curriculum menu screen is displayed. Step 3
In 02, a key operation for selecting a menu is performed. Subroutine processing is performed for each menu selected in step 303. The processing of each menu will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 19 described later.

The menu processing is executed according to the flow shown in FIG. 19 based on the program stored in the storage area 81m. That is, in step 311,
A sub menu is displayed. The displayed menu includes, for example, “preparation”, “review”, and “end”. Step 3
At 12, the menu is selected by key input. Then, it is determined whether or not the menu selected in step 313 is the preparation mode. If the preparation mode has been selected, the storage area 81n in step 314 is selected.
The program is executed and the preparation process is performed. If the mode is not the preparation mode, it is determined in step 315 whether or not the mode is the review mode. If review mode is selected,
In step 316, the program in the storage area 81p is executed, and the review process is performed. Thereafter, in 317, it is determined whether or not the end is selected. If not, the process returns to step 311, and if the end is selected, the process returns to the original.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, a case where a test is conducted while viewing an educational program will be described. In step 321, the instruction information temporarily stored in the buffer RAM 62 is read into the information processing unit 70. At step 322, it is determined whether the received data is the test start code. When it is determined that the code is the test start code, the process proceeds to step 323 and the initialization is performed. Subsequently, in step 324, it is determined whether the received data is a test start instruction. When it is determined that the instruction is the test start instruction, the test start processing is performed in step 325. At step 326, the test question or the hint is displayed, and at the same time, the viewer answers. In step 327, it is determined whether the received data is the test end instruction. When the test end instruction code is received, the test end process is performed. Continued Step 3
At 29, it is determined whether the received data is a scoring instruction. Upon receiving the scoring instruction, in step 330,
The scoring process is performed. In the following step 331, the scoring result is processed, and in step 332, the scoring result is stored in the backup RAM 82, and then the process returns to the original.

According to this embodiment, by transmitting the control data such as character information along with the audio broadcasting of the educational program and displaying it on the screen, the hint of the test and the points of the preparation / review are voiced and / or Alternatively, if the text is broadcast, the memory of the viewer can be increased and the learning effect can be improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall block diagram for explaining the principle of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram on the broadcast station side to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a data format transmitted from a satellite transmission station.

FIG. 4 is a detailed block diagram of a receiving side to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 5 shows a memory map of a ROM when the present invention is applied to a commentary broadcast of a video game.

FIG. 6 shows an example of audio explanation and an operation example when the present invention is applied to an explanation broadcast of a video game.

FIG. 7 shows a main routine flowchart when the present invention is applied to a video game.

FIG. 8 shows an interrupt processing flowchart when the present invention is applied to a video game.

FIG. 9 shows a subroutine flowchart when the present invention is applied to a video game.

FIG. 10 shows a memory map of a ROM when the present invention is applied to weather forecast and news broadcasting.

FIG. 11 shows an audio explanation and an operation example when the present invention is applied to weather forecast and news broadcasting.

FIG. 12 shows a main routine flowchart when the present invention is applied to weather forecast and news broadcasting.

FIG. 13 shows an interrupt processing flowchart when the present invention is applied to weather forecast and news broadcasting.

FIG. 14 shows a subroutine flowchart when the present invention is applied to weather forecast broadcasting.

FIG. 15 shows a subroutine flowchart when the present invention is applied to news broadcasting.

FIG. 16 is a ROM when the present invention is applied to educational software.
Shows a memory map of.

FIG. 17 shows an audio explanation and an operation example when the present invention is applied to the broadcasting of an educational program.

FIG. 18 shows a main routine flowchart when the present invention is applied to educational software.

FIG. 19 shows a flowchart of menu processing when the present invention is applied to educational software.

FIG. 20 shows a flowchart of interrupt processing when the present invention is applied to educational software.

FIG. 21 shows a flowchart of a subroutine when the present invention is applied to broadcasting of educational software.

[Explanation of symbols]

10; Broadcasting station 11; Audio signal generator (audio signal generating means, audio data generating means) 13; CPU 14; Audio buffer RAM 15; Control data generator (control data generating means) 20; Satellite transmitting station 30; Broadcast satellite 41, 42; receiving means 50; decoder 52; separation / decoding circuit (data separation means / voice data demodulation means) 60; reception adapter 70; information processing unit (information processing means) 80; cartridge (information storage medium)

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) Reference JP-A-54-80026 (JP, A) JP-A-61-263380 (JP, A) JP-A-62-227393 (JP, A) JP-A-63- 16739 (JP, A) JP-A 64-36282 (JP, A) US Patent 5051822 (US, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 7 / 10,7 / 14- 7/173 H04N 7/00-7/088 H04H 1/00 A63F 13/12

Claims (9)

(57) [Claims] 1. A large number of communication system constituted by a receiving device for receiving a transmission side apparatus and the data to be transmitted at the same time data to the user, the transmitting-side apparatus generates the program data comprising program data generating means, the control data generating means for generating control data for controlling the receiving device, and a transmitting means for transmitting the control data and the program data, the receiving-side apparatus is controlled by the player A device capable of executing a game including a first element and a second element controlled by the control data, wherein the program data transmitted from the transmission means and the control
Receiving means for receiving data, to reproduce the program data received by said receiving means
Program data reproducing means that an input unit, the entering force means of the first control means by using the input information to control the first element, and the second by using the control data received by said receiving means A communication system comprising second control means for controlling elements. 2. The receiving device is a device capable of executing a competitive game, wherein the first element is an element to be operated by a player, and the second element is an element to be operated by an opponent. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The control data corresponds to input information of an input means of the reception side device, and the reception side device regards the control data received by the reception means as an operation of an opponent and plays a game. The communication system according to claim 2, further comprising: 4. The program data generation means is configured to control the control data.
Game control executed in the previous SL receiving device based on the over data
Is intended to generate the associated program data, said transmitting means adds at timing associated with the control data in the program data state, and are not to transmit the control data and the program data, pre-Symbol second control means turn by the program data reproducing means
The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the game control is performed based on the control data in accordance with the reproduction of the set data. 5. A simultaneous transmission to a large number of users
A transmitting device which transmits data to a receiving device capable of executing a game, the transmitting device having an input device and controlling the first element of the game based on input information of the input device, and generating program data. Program data generating means, control data generating means for generating control data for causing the receiving side device to control the second element of the game, and transmitting means for transmitting the program data and the control data to the receiving side device. A transmitting device provided. 6. Toward number of users that are sent at the same time
Receives the program data and control data, a viable receiving apparatus a game, receiving means for receiving a previous SL program data and the control data, and reproduces the program data received by said receiving means
A program data reproducing means, an input means, a first control means for controlling the first element of the game based on the input information of the input means, and a first game of the game using the control data received by the receiving means. A receiving device comprising a second control means for controlling two elements. 7. A large number of communication system constituted by a receiving device for receiving a transmission side apparatus and the data to be transmitted at the same time data to the user, the transmitting-side apparatus generates the program data Program data generating means, control data generating means for generating control data for controlling the receiving side device, and transmitting means for transmitting the program data and the control data, wherein the receiving side device is controlled by a player An apparatus capable of executing a game including a first element, the program data transmitted from the transmitting unit, and the control
Receiving means for receiving data, to reproduce the program data received by said receiving means
Program data reproducing means, input means, first control means for controlling the first element by using input information of the input means, first control means for controlling the first element by using the received control data characterized in that it comprises two control means, passing
Belief system. 8. The communication system according to claim 7, wherein the control data is data that causes the first element to perform a model operation. 9. A communication system comprising a transmission side device for simultaneously transmitting data to a large number of users and a reception side device for receiving the data, wherein the reception side device can execute a game. A device, including an input means, for performing game control based on input information of the input means, wherein the transmission side device transmits program data and control data corresponding to the input information of the input means, The receiving side device receives the program data and then receives the program data.
Reproduces the over data, and performs a game process is regarded as receiving the control data input information of the input means the system <br/> control data communication system.