JP4393267B2 - Game machine, communication terminal device, game system, and item exchange method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for performing communication between communication terminal devices such as a plurality of game machines.

  There is a game in which a game character operated by a player searches game items while moving in a game space. The player can use the game items acquired in the game space, and the collection of the game items improves the game characteristics. There is a conventional game system in which game machines can be exchanged by connecting game machines with a cable. By exchanging game items, it is possible to obtain game items that could not be searched, and the game performance is further improved.

In recent years, with the reduction in size and weight of information terminals, it has become common to carry information terminals such as game machines having communication functions. In recent years, a wireless communication environment in which a plurality of users can enjoy an application such as a game together using an infrastructure such as a base station or an access point has become a reality. On the other hand, research for constructing a wireless ad hoc network as on-demand communication is being conducted. Since an ad hoc network does not require a base station or an access point, a wireless network can be easily constructed even in a place where such infrastructure does not exist. In an ad hoc network, a plurality of users can bring a portable game machine and wirelessly communicate with each other so that a game can be enjoyed together.
US Publication 2001-0016516

In an ad hoc network, even if a plurality of game machines, for example, three or more game machines form a group, it is expected that exchanging game items will contribute to improving game performance. Conventional game item exchange was performed between two specific parties, but in an environment where three or more players gathered, game item exchange itself has game characteristics, so that game item exchange is possible. It is also possible to increase the enjoyment.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for exchanging items among a plurality of communication terminals.

  In order to solve the above problems, an aspect of the present invention relates to a game system in which items can be exchanged between a plurality of game machines having a communication function. In the game system of this aspect, there are a parent game machine that manages item exchange processing and other child game machines. The parent game machine receives item exchange data for specifying an item determined to be exchanged in each child game machine, and an item specified by the received item exchange data and a set of items determined by itself as exchange objects Item determination data for determining an item to be assigned to each child game machine is generated from among the items and transmitted to each child game machine. The child game machine acquires an item based on the item determination data.

  Another aspect of the present invention relates to a game system in which items can be exchanged between a plurality of game machines having a communication function. In the game system of this aspect, there is a server that manages the item exchange process. The server receives item exchange data for specifying an item determined to be exchanged in each game machine, and assigns an item to be assigned to each game machine from a set of items specified by the received item exchange data. Item determination data for determination is generated and transmitted to each game machine. The game machine acquires an item based on the item determination data.

  Still another embodiment of the present invention relates to a game machine that executes a game application. The game machine of this aspect includes a receiving unit that receives item exchange data for specifying an item determined to be exchanged from another game machine, an item identified by the received item exchange data, and itself as an exchange object An item collection unit for collecting the determined items, an item assignment unit for generating item determination data for determining an item to be assigned to another game machine from the items collected in the item collection unit, and item determination data And a transmission unit for transmitting to the other game machine.

  Still another embodiment of the present invention relates to a communication terminal apparatus having a communication function. The communication terminal device according to this aspect includes a receiving unit that receives item exchange data for specifying an item determined to be exchanged from another communication terminal device, and an item that collects items specified by the received item exchange data An aggregation unit, an item allocation unit for generating item determination data for determining an item to be allocated to another communication terminal device among the items aggregated in the item aggregation unit, and the item determination data for other communication terminal device And a transmission unit for transmitting to.

  Still another embodiment of the present invention relates to a game machine that executes a game application. The game machine of this aspect includes an item determination unit that determines an item to be submitted as an exchange target, a transmission unit that transmits item exchange data for specifying an item determined by the item determination unit, and a set of a plurality of items A receiving unit that receives item determination data for determining an item allocated from the inside, and an item acquisition unit that acquires an item based on the item determination data.

  Still another embodiment of the present invention relates to a communication terminal apparatus having a communication function. The communication terminal device according to this aspect includes an item determination unit that determines an item to be submitted as an exchange target, a transmission unit that transmits item exchange data for specifying the item determined by the item determination unit, and a set of a plurality of items The receiving part which receives the item determination data for determining the item allocated from among, and the item acquisition part which acquires an item based on item determination data are provided.

  Still another aspect of the present invention is to receive item exchange data for specifying an item determined to be exchanged from another communication terminal apparatus, and to collect items specified by the received item exchange data An item determination data for determining an item to be allocated to another communication terminal device from the aggregated items, and an item comprising the step of transmitting the item determination data to the other communication terminal device Provide replacement method.

  It should be noted that any combination of the above-described constituent elements and a conversion of the expression of the present invention between a method, an apparatus, a system, a recording medium, a computer program, etc. are also effective as an aspect of the present invention.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the technique which implement | achieves item exchange between several communication terminal devices can be provided.

  FIG. 1 shows an external configuration of a game machine 1 in this embodiment. The game machine 1 includes a main body 5 that includes an input unit 2 having direction keys 2a and operation keys 2b on which an input operation is performed by a user, a monitor 3 that outputs an image, and a speaker 4 that outputs sound. A recording medium on which the game program is recorded is inserted into the main body 5, and the game program is executed by the CPU built in the main body 5. Note that an external storage device such as a memory stick is inserted into the main body 5, and saving of game data, reading of saved data, and the like are executed by the CPU.

  The game machine 1 is configured to have a communication function. Although the game machine 1 may be a communication terminal device connected to a wired network, in the embodiment, it is assumed that the game machine 1 is a wireless communication terminal device having a wireless communication function. For example, IEEE802.11 is used as a wireless LAN standard, and a plurality of game machines 1 gather to construct a wireless ad hoc network. By constructing an ad hoc network, communication between a plurality of game machines 1 can be realized without requiring separate infrastructure such as a base station and an access point. In an ad hoc network, various types of wireless networks can be constructed. In the embodiment, a case where one game machine 1 functions as a host terminal, that is, as an access point is taken as an example.

  FIG. 2 shows a wireless network constructed by a plurality of game machines 1. In this wireless network, one game machine 1a serves as an access point, and the other three game machines 1b, 1c, and 1d perform unicast communication with the game machine 1a. In this wireless network, four game machines 1 constitute a game system. In addition, the game machine 1a which plays the role as a parent may perform unicast communication with respect to the other game machines 1b, 1c, and 1d, and may perform multicast communication. The game machine 1a performs unicast communication when individually communicating with the other game machines 1b, 1c, and 1d, and performs multicast communication when transmitting common information to all of the other game machines. Good.

  The contents of the game of this embodiment will be described. In the game of the embodiment, two types of stages, a game stage and an item exchange stage, are provided. At the game stage, the player operates a game character (hereinafter simply referred to as “character”) on the game machine 1 to search for and obtain a game item (hereinafter simply referred to as “item”). An item is a target collected by a player in a game. In an actual game, there may be an item that cannot be exchanged with another player, but the item in the embodiment indicates an item that can be exchanged with another player.

  In the game according to the embodiment, the item is an ornament when the character decorates the room. For example, a carpet, a vase, a vase, a frame, a table, etc. decorating the room of the game space are items. The character goes out of the room and collects items. The number of items that can be placed in a room is limited, and items that exceed the limit are stored in a warehouse in the game space. The player can manipulate the character and freely change the decorations within the limit of the number of items, and can create a room of his own preference.

  In the item exchange stage, the collected items can be exchanged with other players. The exchange of items is realized by constructing the wireless network shown in FIG. One game machine declares to the surrounding game machine that an item exchange meeting will be held, and the surrounding game machine participates in the wireless network, thereby realizing the item exchange meeting. The declared game machine functions as a parent terminal (host terminal) that manages the item exchange process, and the game machine that participates in the wireless network functions as a child game machine that manages the item exchange process. In the wireless network of FIG. 2, the game machine 1a is a parent game machine, and the game machines 1b, 1c, and 1d are child game machines.

  In an environment where a wireless network has been built in advance, one game machine declares to the surrounding game machine that an item exchange meeting will be held, and the surrounding game machine participates in the item exchange meeting within the wireless network. May be. In this case, the game machine that transmits the beacon signal may function as a parent terminal that manages the item exchange process, but a game machine that does not transmit a beacon signal may function as the parent terminal. By negotiating between game machines participating in the item exchange meeting, game machines other than the game machine that has declared the item exchange meeting can function as a parent terminal.

  The child game machine submits items to the parent game machine, and the parent game machine collects items from all the child game machines and items submitted by the child game machine. The child game machine is assigned an item by the parent game machine, and acquires a new item. In the item exchange stage of the present embodiment, a plurality of players, for example, three or more players form a group, and therefore it is not known to the end which item will come around. When exchanging items with two people, you will receive the items submitted by the other party, but by forming a group with three or more people, there is a sense of expectation as to which items can be obtained, and item exchange itself It becomes possible to have game characteristics.

  The transition from the game stage to the item exchange stage may be performed in consultation with players in the real world, for example. Thereby, the circle of players can be enjoyed and the opportunity to increase communication between players in the real world can be provided. As a matter of course, an item exchange stage may be performed between strangers.

  FIG. 3 shows a sequence diagram between game machines in the item exchange stage. FIG. 3 shows only the operations of the game machine 1a functioning as a parent game machine and one game machine 1b functioning as a child game machine. The other game machines 1c and 1d are the same as the operation of the game machine 1b, and are not shown. Also in the game machine 1a, the same process as the game machine 1b, such as a process for determining a submitted item, may be performed. As described above, at the item exchange stage, participation of three or more game machines including the parent game machine improves the game performance and is effective.

  First, in the game machine 1a, when the player operates the input unit 2 to select an item exchange stage (S10), the game machine 1a declares to the surrounding game machines that an item exchange party will be held ( S12). In the IEEE 802.11 communication protocol, this declaration is executed using a beacon signal. When the surrounding game machine 1b receives this beacon signal, it displays on the monitor 3 that an item exchange meeting will be held.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of a screen for notifying that an item exchange meeting is held. When the game machine 1b receives the declaration beacon signal transmitted from the game machine 1a, the game machine 1b displays the notification shown in FIG. The player of the game machine 1b sees this display and knows that the wireless network for the item exchange meeting has been established, and determines whether or not to participate. Here, an example is shown in which a new wireless network is constructed for an item exchange event, but a wireless network is established in advance between a plurality of game machines, and an item exchange event is held within this wireless network. May be.

  When the player of the game machine 1b decides to participate (S14), the game machine 1b notifies the game machine 1a that participation has been decided (S16). The participation determination notification includes information related to the game machine 1b as well as the determination of participation. The information related to the game machine 1b may be the identification number of the game machine 1b, or the nickname of the player of the game machine 1b, and the name of the character used in the game application. Also good. Note that the game machine 1a may have received information related to the game machine in advance from game machines existing in the vicinity. The game machine 1a stores the identification number of the other game machine, the nickname of the player, and the character name in a memory in advance in association with each other in order to perform individual authentication of the other game machine. By receiving it, the player's nickname and character name may be known.

  In response to the notification of participation decision, the game machine 1a determines whether or not to participate in the item exchange meeting. For example, information related to the game machine 1b for which participation has been applied may be displayed on the monitor 3 of the game machine 1a, and the player of the game machine 1a may determine whether or not the game machine 1b is allowed to participate by looking at the information. Further, there is a limit on the number of people in the item exchange meeting, and the game machine 1a may determine whether or not the game machine 1b is allowed to participate in accordance with the number of people who have already confirmed participation.

  When accepting the participation of the game machine 1b (S18), the game machine 1a notifies the game machine 1b that the participation is accepted (S20). When the player of the game machine 1b knows that the participation has been accepted, the player determines an item to be submitted to the item exchange meeting as an exchange target (S22). At this time, items held by the game machine 1b are displayed as a list on the monitor 3, and the player selects an item from the list. The game machine 1b generates item exchange data for specifying the selected item, and transmits it to the game machine 1a (S24).

  The game machine 1a receives item exchange data from the game machine 1b. Note that the same processing as that performed by the game machine 1b is also executed in the game machines 1c and 1d, and the game machine 1a also receives item exchange data from the game machines 1c and 1d. Although not shown, the game machine 1a also determines an item to be exchanged. The game machine 1a collects the items specified by the item exchange data received from the other game machines 1b, 1c, and 1d, and the items that the game machine 1a has determined to be exchanged to generate an item list (S26). The item list is associated with the item and information related to the game machine that submitted the item.

  FIG. 5 shows an item list generated by the host game machine. In FIG. 5, for convenience of explanation, a code for identifying a game machine in the embodiment is described as the game machine ID, but actually, an identification number such as a MAC address is described in the list. In this example, the player name of the game machine 1a is “Joe”, the character name used in the game application is “Bovine”, and the item to be submitted to the item exchange party is “Vase”. Similarly, the player name of the game machine 1b is “Mike”, the character name is “cat”, the item to be submitted is “table”, the player name of the game machine 1c is “Nancy”, the character name is “horse”, and submitted. The item to be played is “pot”, the player name of the game machine 1d is “George”, the character name is “pig”, and the item to be submitted is “picture frame”.

  The game machine 1a transmits the generated item list to the game machines participating in the item exchange meeting (S28). At this time, the item list may be transmitted by unicast communication to each of the game machines 1b, 1c, and 1d, but may be transmitted by multicast communication. The game machine 1b displays the item list on the monitor 3 (S30).

  FIG. 6 shows an example of an item list screen. On the monitor of the game machine 1b, a player other than the player and an item submitted by the player are displayed in association with each other. The player of the game machine 1b can see the items currently displayed by viewing this display. Note that the timing at which the item list is transmitted from the game machine 1a may be, for example, a timing at which an item list is updated by adding an item from another game machine, or may be a regular timing. The game machine 1b updates the item list to be displayed every time a new item list is transmitted. If the game machine 1b has not yet transmitted item exchange data to the game machine 1a, a message prompting transmission may be displayed on the screen.

  The game machine 1a shuffles the collected items and starts a process of determining items to be allocated to itself and other game machines (S32). Specifically, the game machine 1a orders the game machines participating in the item exchange meeting including itself, and after giving the same order to each item submitted from each game machine, The shuffle process is executed by setting the correspondence between the item order and the item order so that the correspondence between the item order and the item order is shifted.

  FIG. 7 is an image diagram illustrating an example of shuffle processing. FIG. 7A shows a state in which the same order is given to the game machine and the item. In this state, the same order is assigned to the game machine and the items exhibited by the game machine. That is, the game machine 1a and the vase are associated with each other in the order 1, the game machine 1b and the table are associated with each other in the order 2, the game machine 1c and the vase are associated with each other in the order 3, and Is associated with the game machine 1d and the frame. This order may be set in the order of listing.

  FIG. 7B shows a state in which the correspondence between the game machine order and the item order is shifted. During the shuffle process, the correspondence is shifted one by one at a predetermined timing, thereby preventing the items that the user has sent from being assigned to the items. The timing for shifting the correspondence is set to time T. Immediately after the start of the shuffle process, the correspondence is shifted to the state shown in FIG. 7B, and when the time T elapses, one more correspondence is shifted. In the process of shifting the correspondence, the transition to the state shown in FIG. 7A is prohibited. Therefore, when the time 3T elapses after the start of the shuffle process, the state transitions to the state shown in FIG.

The following items are assigned to the game machine 1b as time passes.
(Immediately after the start of shuffle processing) Vase (after time T) Frame (after time 2T) Vase (after time 3T) Vase (after time 4T) Frame

  That is, for the game machine 1b, items are provisionally assigned cyclically in the order of vase, frame, and vase. Thus, it is preferable that the game machine 1a assigns an item so that an item submitted from another game machine does not return to the other game machine. Note that the game machine 1a assigns items so that the vase does not return to itself as well as other game machines.

  When the game machine 1a starts the shuffle process, the game machine 1a notifies the game machine 1b to that effect (S34). In the game machine 1b, the monitor 3 is shuffled as time passes (S36).

  FIG. 8 shows an example of a screen displayed during the shuffle process. The character shown in the center of the screen is a cat used in the game machine 1b. FIG. 8A shows an example of a screen displayed from the start of shuffle processing to the elapse of time T in the game machine 1b. FIG. 8B shows an example of a screen displayed from the time T after the time T elapses until the time 2T elapses on the game machine 1b. FIG. 8C shows an example of a screen displayed from the time 2T after the time 2T elapses until the time 3T elapses. During the shuffling process, it is preferable that an expression form indicating that the character at the center of the screen is assigned an item is generated at that timing. In the display modes shown in FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C, when the shuffle process is stopped, the character acquires an item that the character has. For example, when the shuffle process is completed on the display screen shown in FIG. 8C, the character obtains the item “claw” held in the hand.

  The game machine 1b performs this display process using the item list acquired from the game machine 1a. For example, the game machine 1a may transmit only information indicating the passage of time to the game machine 1b, and the game machine 1b may switch the screen based on the time information. The game machine 1b can also switch the screen based on its own clock. In these cases, it is not necessary to transmit large size data from the game machine 1a to the game machine 1b, which is preferable from the viewpoint of power saving. The game machine 1b can control the screen display shown in FIG. 8 by receiving the order given to the items from the game machine 1a and knowing the item associated immediately after the start of the shuffle process. Specifically, the game machine 1b knows that the items are ordered in the order of the vase, the table, the pot, and the frame, and knows that the item associated immediately after the start of the shuffle is the vase, so that its own item “ Except for “table”, controls display during shuffling. Note that it is also possible to generate screen control data for each of the game machines 1b, 1c, and 1d on the game machine 1a side and transmit it to each game machine.

  It is also possible to include the item “table” in the screen. When the item is cyclically displayed, it is preferable that an expression is generated so that the player does not perform an expression that the character holds the table, that is, the table does not return to the player. An expression form in which the character obtains the table may be generated. In this case, it is preferable that the game machine 1a determines the end timing of the shuffle process so that the shuffle process does not end at that moment.

  In the example of FIG. 8, an item that is currently assigned is shown in the center, an item assigned last time is shown on the left side, and an item assigned next time is shown on the right side. In order to produce an expectation of item assignment, it is also possible to display items assigned one after another on the right side.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the game machine 1a ends the shuffle process, and generates item determination data for determining items to be assigned to the game machine including itself (S38). The item determination data may be a signal for instructing to stop the shuffle process. The timing to end the shuffle process may be set randomly on the game machine 1a side. In addition, you may give the authority which determines the stop of a shuffle process to either of the game machines 1 which have participated in the item exchange party. In this case, the game machine 1a may receive the stop instruction from the game machine having the stop authority, wait for a short random time, and then generate item determination data instructing to stop the shuffle process. The item determination data may be data that directly specifies an item assigned to the game machine. For example, the item determination data may be “vase” for the game machine 1b, “table” for the game machine 1c, “vase” for the game machine 1d, “ Data specifying “frame” may be used. This item determination data is unicast transmitted to each game machine.

  The finally assigned item may be determined immediately after the start of the shuffle process. In this case, the game machine 1a may generate item determination data for specifying items assigned to the other game machines.

  The game machine 1a transmits item determination data to the game machines 1b, 1c, and 1d (S40). In order to enhance the production effect, music flows from the speaker 4 of each game machine 1 during the shuffle process, and the game machines 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d stop the music at the same time as receiving the item determination data, and finish the shuffle process. May be notified to each player. When the game machine 1b receives the item determination data, the game machine 1b acquires the item displayed at the center of the monitor 3 (S42). In addition, when displaying the acquired item, it is preferable to display in the aspect including the information relevant to the submitted game machine. For example, in the case where the acquired item is a pot, when the character places the pot in the room, a display of “A pot received from Nancy” is added to the pot. Positioning as an item received from Nancy, not just an item, is performed in the game, so that a player's personal premiere can be generated, and the effect of the game can be enhanced.

  When the item determination data is generated immediately after the start of the shuffle process, the game machine 1a may transmit the item determination data to the game machines 1b, 1c, and 1d in advance. Each game machine may perform shuffle display, stop the shuffle display after a lapse of a predetermined time, and acquire an item specified by the item determination data.

  Hereinafter, the functional configuration of the game machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. In FIG. 9, the function of the game machine 1 as a parent game machine will be mainly described, and in FIG. 10, the function of the game machine 1 as a child game machine will be mainly described. Note that the game machine 1 according to the embodiment can function as both a parent game machine and a child game machine.

  FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of the game machine 1. FIG. 9 shows the function of the game machine 1 as a parent game machine. The game machine 1 is configured as a wireless communication terminal device, and includes a processing device 10 that mainly performs operations related to game processing and item exchange processing, and a wireless interface device 60 that performs operations related to communication. The processing device 10 and the wireless interface device 60 are provided as separate hardware, and the processing device 10 and the wireless interface device 60 are electrically connected by a bus. Note that the processing device 10 is configured as a host PC and also has a function of managing the operation of the wireless interface device 60. The wireless interface device 60 has a CPU.

  The item exchange function of the game machine 1 in the present embodiment is realized by the CPU, the memory, a program loaded in the memory, and the like in the processing device 10 and the wireless interface device 60, and here, a configuration realized by the cooperation thereof is drawn. ing. The program may be built in the game machine 1 or supplied from the outside in a form stored in a recording medium. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will understand that these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by hardware only, software only, or a combination thereof. In the illustrated example, the CPU 12 of the processing apparatus 10 has functions as a stage setting unit 14, a participation permission / inhibition determination unit 16, an item collection unit 18, an item allocation unit 20, and an application processing unit 22. The wireless interface device 60 has a function of transmitting and receiving packets to and from other game machines in the wireless network.

  The input unit 2 includes direction keys and operation keys that accept operation instructions from the user. The monitor 3 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel and outputs an image, and the speaker 4 outputs sound. The external storage device 42 is configured as a storage device such as a memory stick, and is used for saving game data. A disc-shaped recording medium 50 is inserted into the media drive 46, and programs and data recorded on the recording medium 50 are read out. The read program and data are stored in the memory unit 40 and used for processing in the CPU 12.

  In the game stage, the application processing unit 22 moves the character and advances the game based on an operation instruction in the input unit 2 from the player. As will be described with reference to FIG. 10, the character can search for and acquire an item, and the acquired item is stored in the memory unit 40.

  The stage setting unit 14 shifts the stage from the game stage to the item exchange stage based on an operation instruction from the input unit 2 of the player. The stage setting unit 14 broadcasts a beacon signal indicating that an item exchange party will be held from the transmission unit 64 of the wireless interface device 60 to surrounding game machines. If a wireless network has already been established, a packet signal indicating that an item exchange meeting will be held is broadcast.

  The receiving unit 62 receives a packet signal indicating a decision to participate in the item exchange meeting from surrounding game machines. The participation permission / rejection determination unit 16 determines permission / inhibition of participation of surrounding game machines. This determination may be made by the player of the game machine 1 or autonomously by the game machine 1. Approval of participation is notified to surrounding game machines by the transmission unit 64.

  For example, when an item exchange is performed a predetermined number of times or more with a specific opponent within a predetermined period in the progress of the game, the participation permission / refusal determination unit 16 may refuse to participate in the item exchange meeting of the opponent. The number of participations in the game exchange meeting may be allowed without limitation, but the participation value of the item exchange meeting can be increased by giving a certain limit.

  The receiving unit 62 receives item exchange data for specifying an item determined to be exchanged from a game machine that has accepted the participation. The item exchange data is stored in the memory unit 40. The item collection unit 18 reads the item exchange data stored in the memory unit 40 and collects the item specified by the item exchange data and the item that is determined as the exchange target. The item collection unit 18 generates an item list in which items and information related to the game machine that submitted the item are associated with each other. The memory unit 40 may hold information about surrounding game machines in advance, and the item collection unit 18 may generate an item list using information held in advance in the memory unit 40. The transmission part 64 transmits an item list to the game machine which participates in an item exchange party.

  When the item collection unit 18 generates the item list based on the item exchange data from all the game machines participating in the item exchange party, the item allocation unit 20 starts the shuffle process. Specifically, the item allocation unit 20 generates item determination data for determining items to be allocated to itself and other game machines from among the collected items. Here, it is preferable that the item assignment unit 20 assigns items so that items submitted from other game machines do not return to the other game machines. Similarly, the item assignment unit 20 assigns items so that the items submitted by the item assignment unit 20 do not return to itself. As long as this condition is satisfied, the item allocation unit 20 can take various allocation methods.

  For example, the item allocation unit 20 orders the game machines participating in the item exchange party, and after giving the same order to the items submitted from each game machine, the order of each game machine and the order of the items Item assignment may be performed by setting the correspondence between the two so that the correspondence between the two is shifted. This is the item allocation method described with reference to FIG. 7, and the submitted items can be prevented from returning to the same game machine. Moreover, the item allocation part 20 may take the method of allocating an item to a game machine at random, and changing allocation sequentially so that it may be canceled when an item returns to the same game machine. By preventing the submitted item from returning to his / her place, the significance of participation in the item exchange meeting can be increased, and the game performance can be improved.

  Even if the child game machine that submitted the item has left the item exchange meeting, the item allocating unit 20 shuffles more items than the number of participants, and sends it to itself and the child game machine. May be allocated. The remaining items may be contested between participating game machines, or may be received by the parent game machine. In this case, the player who leaves the item exchange meeting before the item is allocated loses the item. After leaving once, returning to the item exchange meeting, if the item has not yet been assigned, it may be treated as if it had participated from the beginning. On the other hand, when the child game machine that submitted the item leaves the item exchange meeting, the item allocation unit 20 may delete the item submitted by the child game machine from the item exchange meeting. In this case, the child game machine may be configured to delete the submitted item when the item is acquired, instead of deleting the item from the memory when the item is submitted.

  Further, the item allocation unit 20 may include an item that is different from the items aggregated in the item aggregation unit 18 as an allocation target when a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, by making it possible to acquire rare item items that are very difficult to search at the game stage at the item exchange meeting, it is possible to increase the motivation for the player to participate in the item exchange meeting. In addition, it is preferable that rare items appear rarely instead of appearing every time an item exchange party is held. Thereby, the game property of an item exchange party can be improved.

  For example, the rare item may be allowed to appear only when a predetermined number of people or more participate. This enhances the motivation of holding an item exchange party with a large number of people. Communication between players can be promoted through a game, and human relations in the real world can be made smooth. For example, a rare item may be allowed to appear only when seven or more people participate in an item exchange party. Moreover, the appearance probability of a rare item may be set higher as the number of people increases, and the appearance probability may be set lower as the number of people decreases.

  In addition, a rare item may be allowed to appear according to the state of the character in the game application. For example, in a game application in which a character is redesigned when a character is inside a room and an item is collected when the character is outside the room, it is rare if all the player characters are outside the room. Item items may be allowed to appear. By combining the conditions such as the number of participants in the item exchange party and the status of each character, and determining the appearance of rare items by calculation using random variables, the player can understand the conditions for the appearance of rare items. It is preferable not to do so.

  When the rare item is included in the allocation target, a virtual player different from the actual player may participate in the item exchange meeting as the rare item item provider. It is preferable that participants of the exchange party exchange items without being aware of the virtual player as a player operated by the computer. At this time, the virtual player also receives the item through the exchange party.

  Note that the item allocation unit 20 may cause the virtual player to participate in the item exchange meeting in addition to the case where the rare item is provided. For example, if there is no participant or there are very few participants even though the item exchange meeting is declared, the item exchange meeting can be activated by causing the virtual players to participate in the exchange meeting. it can. In particular, when there is no desire to participate in an item exchange meeting from one game machine, the player recognizes that another player has participated by allowing at least one virtual player to participate. You can enjoy the exchange party.

  FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of the game machine 1. FIG. 10 shows the function of the game machine 1 as a child game machine. The game machine 1 is configured as a wireless communication terminal device, and includes a processing device 10 that mainly performs operations related to game processing and item exchange processing, and a wireless interface device 60 that performs operations related to communication. The processing device 10 and the wireless interface device 60 are provided as separate hardware, and the processing device 10 and the wireless interface device 60 are electrically connected by a bus. Note that the processing device 10 is configured as a host PC and also has a function of managing the operation of the wireless interface device 60. The wireless interface device 60 has a CPU.

  The item exchange function of the game machine 1 in the present embodiment is realized by the CPU, the memory, a program loaded in the memory, and the like in the processing device 10 and the wireless interface device 60, and here, a configuration realized by the cooperation thereof is drawn. ing. The program may be built in the game machine 1 or supplied from the outside in a form stored in a recording medium. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will understand that these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by hardware only, software only, or a combination thereof. In the illustrated example, the CPU 12 of the processing device 10 functions as a stage setting unit 14, a participation determination unit 24, an item determination unit 26, an item management unit 28, an item acquisition unit 30, a display processing unit 32, and an application processing unit 22. Have. The wireless interface device 60 has a function of transmitting and receiving packets to and from other game machines in the wireless network.

  The game machine 1 preferably has both a function as a parent game machine shown in FIG. 9 and a function as a child game machine shown in FIG. Thereby, the game machine 1 can hold an item exchange party by itself and can participate in the item exchange party. Of the configurations shown in FIG. 10, those given the same reference numerals as the configurations shown in FIG. 9 realize the same or similar functions and operations as those configurations.

  In the game stage, the application processing unit 22 moves the character and advances the game based on an operation instruction in the input unit 2 from the player. The character collects items outside the room on the game space. When a character encounters another character in the game, it interacts with that character and receives an item. The received items are stored in the warehouse. The character takes out the collected items from the warehouse, places them in the room, and changes the room. The memory unit 40 also functions as an item storage unit that distinguishes and stores items arranged in a room and items stored in a warehouse.

  When the receiving unit 62 receives a beacon signal or a packet signal indicating that an item exchange meeting is to be held, the display processing unit 32 displays that fact on the monitor 3. When the player gives an operation instruction to determine participation in the item exchange party at the input unit 2, the participation determination unit 24 causes the transmission unit 64 to transmit a notification of participation determination to the parent game machine. When the receiving unit 62 receives a packet signal indicating acceptance of participation from the parent game machine, the stage setting unit 14 shifts the stage from the game stage to the item exchange stage.

  The display processing unit 32 displays a list of held items on the monitor 3. The display processing unit 32 reads item information from the memory unit 40 that stores the items to be stored, and generates an item holding list. In the possession list of items, the current state, that is, the state of whether the item is displayed in the room or stored in the warehouse may be described. The player looks at the current state of the item and determines an item to be submitted as an exchange target. When determining an item displayed in the room as an exchange target, the item determination unit 26 uses a character to pay attention to the player. In particular, for items that have been decorated in the room for a long time, it is presumed that the player and the character like the item, so the character urges the player to pay attention in order to avoid incorrect selection by the player. Is preferred.

  Moreover, the appearance probability may be set to the item. If the appearance probability is low, it indicates that the item is difficult to obtain, and if the appearance probability is high, it indicates that the item is easy to obtain. Whether the appearance probability is high or low may be determined on the basis of a predetermined threshold, and when a plurality of appearance probabilities are set, they are classified in advance into a high appearance probability and a low appearance probability. Also good. Since an item having a low appearance probability has a high value, when the player selects such an item as an exchange target, the character urges the player to pay attention. This process is performed by the item determination unit 26. When the player does not know the value of the item, the character can tell the player so that the player can recognize the rare degree of the item and refrain from exhibiting. In this way, by setting the rarity of the item, it is possible to improve the game performance and satisfy the player's satisfaction.

  The item determination unit 26 determines an item selected by the player from the item holding list as an item to be submitted to the item exchange meeting. The item determination unit 26 generates item exchange data for specifying the item to be submitted, and the transmission unit 64 transmits the item exchange data to the parent game machine.

  The item management unit 28 manages items stored in the memory unit 40. Specifically, the item management unit 28 has a function of deleting a stored item from the memory unit 40 and adding the acquired item to the memory unit 40. When the transmission unit 64 transmits the item exchange data to the parent game machine, the item management unit 28 deletes the item specified by the item exchange data from the memory unit 40. In addition, the timing which deletes an item may be the timing which acquired the new item in the item exchange party.

  Note that if the item exchange data has not been transmitted to the parent game machine after the decision to participate in the item exchange party, the item decision unit 26 notes that the item has not yet been submitted to the player. This attention is made through the character. By calling attention, the player can quickly select an item and exhibit it at an item exchange party.

  The parent game machine lists items submitted to the item exchange meeting by the child game machine and itself, and transmits the item list to the child game machine. The receiving unit 62 receives the item list, and the display processing unit 32 causes the monitor 3 to display the item list. An example of the display mode of the item list is shown in FIG. The player sees the items included in the item list, and has an expectation for item exchange when the desired item is exhibited.

  When the shuffle process is started, the display processing unit 32 causes the monitor 3 to display an image indicating that the shuffle process is being performed based on the item list. FIG. 8 shows an example of a display mode during the shuffle process.

  The item acquisition unit 30 acquires an item based on item determination data transmitted from the parent game machine. The item management unit 28 stores the item acquired by the item acquisition unit 30 in the memory unit 40 in association with information related to the game machine that submitted the item. As a result, the item acquired at the item exchange meeting is stored in association with the nickname of the player who submitted the item, the name of the character being used, and the like.

  When the character places the item acquired at the item exchange party in the room, the display processing unit 32 displays the item on the monitor 3 in a form including the nickname of the player who submitted the item and the name of the character used. To do. For example, if you obtain a vase from the game machine 1c and place the vase in the room, a display such as “A vase I got from Nancy” or “A vase I got from a horse at Nancy's horse” is attached to the vase. Is done. Thereby, since an item having discriminating power can be displayed instead of a simple item, an effect that the player has an attachment to the item acquired at the item exchange party can be expected.

  In the above, this invention was demonstrated based on the Example. This embodiment is an exemplification, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the combination of each component and each processing process, and such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. . In the above-described embodiment, the case where the item exchange meeting is held in the ad hoc network has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the ad hoc network but can be applied to an infrastructure network.

  Further, the present invention can be applied not only to wireless communication but also to wired communication via physical wiring. The present invention can also be applied to a network that combines wireless communication and wired communication.

  FIG. 11 shows a modification of the game system. In this modification, game machines 1b, 1c, and 1d are connected to the network 101. The function of the parent game machine 1a described in the embodiment is executed by the server 100. That is, the server 100 functions as a communication terminal device that manages an item exchange process by holding an item exchange meeting. The server 100 is configured to have at least the functional blocks shown in FIG. The network 101 may be a wired network such as the Internet or an intranet, or may be a wireless network that performs wireless communication. The server 100 may hold an item exchange meeting autonomously at a predetermined timing, or may hold an item exchange meeting in response to a request from the game machine 1.

  In the embodiment, the game machine is notified of the item exchange meeting and decides whether or not to participate, but in a modified example, the game machine searches the surrounding item exchange meeting and participates. It may be taken. The game machine can recognize a wireless network built around by executing a search process in IEEE802.11. By selecting a wireless network to be joined, that is, an item exchange meeting, the game machine can participate in an intended item exchange meeting. Thereby, it is possible to widen the circle between the players and increase communication between the players.

  In the embodiment, since the game system has been described, the item is positioned as an object that can be exchanged in the game application. However, the present invention can also be used in communication systems other than the game system, such as a file exchange system. . In a communication system other than a game system, an item may be an object that can be exchanged by communication. In other words, the item only needs to have an exchange value such as significant data such as music data and can be exchanged. As described above, the present invention can be used for a system in which three or more people are gathered to perform a present (item) exchange party by communication.

It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of the game machine in an Example. It is a figure which shows the wireless network constructed | assembled by several game machines. It is a sequence diagram between game machines in an item exchange stage. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen which notifies holding of an item exchange party. It is a figure which shows the item list which a host game machine produces | generates. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen of an item list. It is an image figure which shows an example of a shuffle process. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen displayed during a shuffle process. It is a functional block diagram of a main game machine. It is a functional block diagram of a child game machine. It is a figure which shows the modification of a game system.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 2 ... Input part, 3 ... Monitor, 4 ... Speaker, 5 ... Main body, 10 ... Processing apparatus, 12 ... CPU, 14 ... Stage Setting unit, 16 ... participation permission / rejection determination unit, 18 ... item collection unit, 20 ... item allocation unit, 22 ... application processing unit, 24 ... participation determination unit, 26 ... item determination 28 ... Item management unit 30 ... Item acquisition unit 32 ... Display processing unit 40 ... Memory unit 42 ... External storage device 46 ... Media drive 50 ... ..Recording medium, 60... Wireless interface device, 62... Receiving unit, 64... Transmitting unit, 100.

Claims (16)

A receiving unit for receiving item exchange data for specifying an item determined to be exchanged from another game machine;
An item collection unit for collecting an item specified by the received item exchange data and an item determined to be exchanged by itself, and generating an item list in which the item is associated with information related to the game machine that submitted the item; ,
After ordering the game machines participating in the item exchange and applying the same order to each item submitted from each game machine, the correspondence between the game machine order and the item order is shifted. In order to prevent items submitted from other game machines from returning to the other game machines, items to be assigned to other game machines were determined from the items assembled in the item collection unit. An item allocation unit for generating item determination data;
A transmission unit for transmitting the item list and the item determination data to another game machine;
A game machine comprising:   2. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the item assigning unit includes, in an assignment target, an item different from the items assembled in the item collecting unit when a predetermined number or more of game machines participate in the item exchange. .   3. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the item assigning unit causes the virtual game machine to participate in the item exchange and includes an item different from the items assembled in the item collecting unit as an assignment target. A receiving unit for receiving item exchange data for specifying an item determined to be exchanged from another communication terminal device;
An item collection unit for collecting items specified by the received item exchange data and generating an item list;
After ordering the communication terminal devices participating in the item exchange and applying the same order to each item submitted from each communication terminal device, the correspondence between the order of each communication terminal device and the order of the items is shifted. By setting the correspondence between the two items, the items submitted from the other communication terminal device will not return to the other communication terminal device. An item allocation unit that generates item determination data that determines the items to be allocated,
A transmission unit that transmits the item list and the item determination data to another communication terminal device;
A communication terminal device comprising: An item determination unit for determining items to be submitted as exchange targets;
A transmission unit for transmitting item exchange data for specifying the item determined in the item determination unit;
An item list in which an item is associated with information related to the game machine that submitted the item, and a receiving unit that receives item determination data for determining an item to be allocated from a set of a plurality of items;
A display processing unit that displays on the screen an expression mode that shows a state in which items are assigned by shuffle processing in which items assigned over time are switched using an item list;
An item acquisition unit for acquiring an item based on the item determination data;
A game machine comprising: In the shuffle process, the items included in the item list are provisionally assigned every predetermined time,
The game machine according to claim 5, wherein the item acquisition unit acquires an item based on item determination data at the end of the shuffle process.   During the shuffle process, the display processing unit displays at least the previously assigned item, the currently assigned item, and the next assigned item on the screen, and is currently assigned at a predetermined timing. The game machine according to claim 5 or 6, wherein an item assigned to the item previously assigned is switched to an item currently assigned to the item assigned next time and displayed on the screen.   The game machine according to claim 5, wherein the display processing unit performs a display process during the shuffle process according to an order given to the item and the game machine that submitted the item. . An item storage unit for storing items to be held;
An item management unit for managing items stored in the item storage unit,
Item management department
When the item is acquired in the item acquisition unit, the item determined in the item determination unit is deleted from the item storage unit,
The game machine according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein when the item is acquired by the item acquisition unit, the acquired item is added to the item storage unit.   The game machine according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the display processing unit displays the acquired item in a form including information relating to the game machine that submitted the item. An item determination unit for determining items to be submitted as exchange targets;
A transmission unit for transmitting item exchange data for specifying the item determined in the item determination unit;
An item list in which an item is associated with information related to a communication terminal device that has submitted the item; a receiving unit that receives item determination data for determining an item to be allocated from a set of a plurality of items;
A display processing unit that displays on the screen an expression mode that shows a state in which items are assigned by shuffle processing in which items assigned over time are switched using an item list;
An item acquisition unit for acquiring an item based on the item determination data;
A communication terminal device comprising: A game system in which items can be exchanged between a plurality of game machines having a communication function, and there are a parent game machine that manages item exchange processing and other child game machines,
The parent game machine receives the item exchange data for specifying the item determined to be exchanged in each child game machine, and collects the item specified by the received item exchange data and the item determined by itself as the exchange object Then, an item list that associates the item with information related to the game machine that submitted the item is generated, the game machines that participate in the item exchange are ordered, and each game machine is submitted. After the same ordering is applied to the items, the correspondence between the order of each game machine and the order of the items is set so that the items submitted from each child game machine can be returned to the child game machine. Item decision data that determines the items to be assigned to each child game machine from the set of items. To generate the data, and sends it to each child game machine,
A child game machine acquires an item based on item determination data, The game system characterized by the above-mentioned. A game system in which items can be exchanged between a plurality of game machines having a communication function, and there is a server that manages an item exchange process,
The server receives item exchange data for specifying an item determined to be exchanged in each game machine, collects items specified by the received item exchange data, and submits the item and the item. After creating an item list in association with information related to the item, ordering the game machines participating in the item exchange, and applying the same order to each item submitted from each game machine, each game By setting the correspondence between the machine order and the item order so that the items submitted from each game machine do not return to the game machine, each game machine is assigned to each game machine. Generate item determination data that determines the items to be assigned to each game machine,
A game system, wherein an item is acquired based on item determination data. Receiving item exchange data for identifying an item determined to be exchanged from another communication terminal device;
The item collection unit collects the item specified by the received item exchange data and the item determined to be exchanged by itself, and associates the item with information related to the communication terminal device that submitted the item. Generating step;
The item allocation unit orders communication terminal devices participating in the item exchange, and after giving the same ordering to each item submitted from each communication terminal device, the order of each communication terminal device and the order of items By setting the correspondence between the two so that the correspondence is shifted, the item submitted from the other communication terminal device is not returned to the other communication terminal device, so that other items are collected from the items gathered in the gathering step. Generating item determination data for determining items to be allocated to the communication terminal device;
Transmitting an item list and item determination data to another communication terminal device;
An item exchange control method comprising: To a computer having a communication function,
A function of receiving item exchange data for specifying an item determined to be exchanged from another communication terminal device;
The item exchange unit collects the item specified by the received item exchange data and the item that is determined to be exchanged by itself, and an item list that associates the item with information related to the communication terminal device that submitted the item. A function to generate ,
After the ordering of the communication terminal devices participating in the item exchange is performed by the item allocation unit and the same ordering is applied to each item submitted from each communication terminal device, the order of each communication terminal device and the item By setting the correspondence between the two so that the correspondence of the order is shifted, the item submitted from the other communication terminal device does not return to the other communication terminal device, so that the other communication terminal from among the collected items A function for generating item determination data for determining an item to be allocated to the device;
A function for transmitting an item list and item determination data to another communication terminal device;
A program to realize To a computer having a communication function,
A function of receiving item exchange data for specifying an item determined to be exchanged from another communication terminal device;
The item exchange unit collects the item specified by the received item exchange data and the item that is determined to be exchanged by itself, and an item list that associates the item with information related to the communication terminal device that submitted the item. A function to generate ,
After the ordering of the communication terminal devices participating in the item exchange is performed by the item allocation unit and the same ordering is applied to each item submitted from each communication terminal device, the order of each communication terminal device and the item By setting the correspondence between the two so that the correspondence of the order is shifted, the item submitted from the other communication terminal device does not return to the other communication terminal device, so that the other communication terminal from among the collected items A function for generating item determination data for determining an item to be allocated to the device;
A function for transmitting an item list and item determination data to another communication terminal device;
The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the program for implement | achieving .

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