JP4948848B2 - Network system, component thereof, and context management method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a network system that facilitates global interaction by a plurality of computers and related technology.

It has become common for multiple users to communicate with each other via a logical space on a wide area network such as the Internet, that is, a common place constructed in an area where users can access through a network computer. Yes.
Such a shared field has a property of participation and development, that is, a property that a plurality of users participate through a computer and interact with each other. For example, as the number of participating users increases, the size of each shared field increases, and as the number of computers connected to the wide area network increases, the number of shared fields also increases.

Conventional common place management is often performed by a so-called client-server network system. That is, a computer operated by a participating user is used as a client, and a shared place accessible by these is managed in the server.
However, the management method in the conventional network system is not necessarily changed depending on the intention of the user who participates in the common place. For this reason, there is a situation in which it is not possible to flexibly cope with the above-mentioned participation and development of the common place, and communication that can be made in one common place cannot be made in another place.
In addition, if a large number of users (that is, a large number of computers) are allowed to enter and leave in the common area, the client / server network system will increase the load on the server, and simply customize communication tools. It will be very difficult to deal with it alone.
In addition, a common place usually only applies to the common place, such as various attributes unique to the place, such as rules for participating in the common place and rules for working in the common place. Therefore, when a user tries to move from one shared field to another shared field, the user must adapt to the attribute of the shared field to which the user has moved, which is very troublesome.

  The present invention relates to a network system and its components capable of freely constructing a shared field having participation and development properties, and a context management method for enabling efficient operation of such a network system. The main challenge is to provide the service.

  A first means for generating or updating a shared field accessible by a plurality of users through a computer connected to the network, and the shared field based on input information from a user who has accessed the shared field or an interaction between a plurality of users. A second means for storing in the first memory area on the network a shared field context that represents the characteristics of the field generated in the network, and a user-specific context generated in the shared field by the information input by the user in the shared field or the interaction And a third means for storing the user context in the second memory area on the network together with reference information for referring to the first memory area, and for each of a plurality of users, through the respective arbitrary computers, 2 Your users stored in the memory area To acquire a context, or a fourth means for obtaining through the reference information the user is accumulated shared field context of shared field which accesses the second memory region, to provide a network system.

The “shared field context” includes, in addition to the identification data of the shared field, for example, information such as a history indicating what kind of user participates in the shared field and what kind of interaction is performed. The purpose or reason for operating the common ground, budget, strategy, cultural background, rules, etc. are also common ground contexts. In order for a user to access and operate a shared field, it is necessary to adapt to the shared field context of the shared field.
The “user context” is attribute information unique to a user that changes every time an interaction is performed in the accessed shared field, for example, identification information for identifying the user, preference information indicating the user's preference, and the user is in the shared field. Time information at the time of access, shared field information for identifying the shared field accessed by the user, activity information indicating what activity the user has performed, what impression, empathy and satisfaction the user has Experience information indicating whether or not the user has experienced, and information such as partner information for identifying a partner user of the interaction that the user has performed in the common place.
This user context is updated based on the content of the interaction and the accompanying change in the shared field context each time an interaction is performed in the shared field accessed by the user. As a result, the user-specific attribute changes every time the shared field is accessed and the interaction is repeated.

  The first means receives, for example, a predetermined query describing conditions for generating or updating the shared field that is transmitted from any computer and distributed on the network, and generates the shared field according to the received query. Or it is configured to update. Note that the network system may be configured by further including communication means for returning information for enabling access to the generated or updated shared field to the sender of the query.

  In one embodiment, the first means further includes an arrangement / operation arbitration module that performs arrangement and operation arbitration of an object that exists in the shared field, and the arbitration by the arrangement / operation arbitration module, And a management module that controls a procedure of interaction between a plurality of users in the shared field and transmits change information generated in the shared field to the second means by the interaction.

  The second means includes, for example, a user context acquisition unit that acquires a user context of a user who has accessed the shared field, and a shared field context update unit that updates the shared field context according to the content of the acquired user context. Have.

For example, based on a request from any computer connected to the network, the third means returns at least one of the user context stored in the second memory area and the reference information to the computer. Configured as follows. Thereby, the user can acquire his own user context or can refer to the shared field context of the shared field accessed by the user without necessarily participating in the shared field.
The third means is already stored in the second memory area based on the content of the interaction and the change in the shared field context accompanying the interaction every time an interaction is performed in the shared field accessed by the user. It may be an aspect that operates to modify the user context.

  When the user context acquired by the user context acquisition means includes, for example, user-specific attribute information that changes each time an interaction is performed in the accessed shared field, the second means includes user contexts of a plurality of users. The relation information for specifying the relation between users is generated based on the attribute information included in the information, and the shared field context stored in the first memory area is updated to the one including the relation information. .

The present invention provides a context management method executed in a network system in which a plurality of computers are connected through a network.
In this method, any one of the computers connected to the network generates or updates a shared field that can be accessed by a plurality of users through each computer, and the computer that generates or updates the shared field Storing in the first memory area on the network a shared field context representing field characteristics generated in the shared field by input information from a user who has accessed the shared field or by interaction between a plurality of users, and the sharing Each of the computers that have accessed the field has information entered by a user who operates the field or a user context that is a user-specific context generated in the shared field due to the interaction, together with reference information for referring to the first memory area. In the second memory area on the network Each of a plurality of users through an arbitrary computer to acquire their own user context stored in the second memory area, or a shared place accessed by the user The shared field context is acquired through reference information stored in the second memory area.

  In the method of the present invention, a shared field is generated or updated by, for example, a computer that has received a predetermined query describing conditions for generating or updating the shared field sent from any computer connected to the network. It can be done according to a query.

The computer connected to the network acquires a user context already stored in the second memory area for a user who operates the network, and includes the acquired user context and is different from the shared field or the shared field. According to the present invention, it is also possible to access the common field. Thereby, for example, the content of the interaction that the user has performed in the past can be reflected in the next interaction.
In this case, the computer modifies the user context when the shared field or the other shared field is accessed based on the content of the interaction by the user at the accessed field and the change of the shared field context accompanying the user context. As a result, a new user context is generated, and the generated new user context is stored in the first memory area.

  In the method of the present invention, the computer that has generated or updated the shared field updates the content of the shared field context according to the content of the user context of the user who operates the computer that has accessed the shared field, for example. To work.

  In one embodiment of the method of the present invention, the user context includes user-specific attribute information that changes each time an interaction is performed in an accessed shared field, and the computer that has generated or updated the shared field Generates the relationship information for specifying the relationship between users based on the attribute information included in the user contexts of a plurality of users, and the shared field context stored in the first memory area, Update to include related information. In such an aspect, the user-specific attribute information includes, for example, identification information for identifying the user, preference information indicating the preference of the user, time information when the user accesses the common place, Shared field information for identifying the shared field accessed by the user, activity information indicating what kind of activity the user has performed, and experience expressing what emotion, empathy, and satisfaction the user has experienced Information, which is at least one piece of partner information for identifying a partner user of the interaction performed by the user in the shared field, and the computer that generated or updated the shared field has the same attribute information within a predetermined range Alternatively, the relationship information is generated by specifying a plurality of users having similar user contexts.

  In one embodiment of the method of the present invention, each of the plurality of computers is a computer that can be operated independently of each other on an equal basis, and the first memory area and the second memory area are respectively It exists on a computer that can be accessed by any computer through a network. Then, when the computer connected to the network leaves the network, it transfers all information held by itself regarding the context management to another computer in operation. Alternatively, each of the plurality of computers is a computer with a router function provided for each node specified by a network address, and holds path information of nodes adjacent to itself in a predetermined memory, If the information transferred from the adjacent node is not addressed to itself, the network address is added to the transferred information and this information is addressed to another node specified from the route information. Forward to.

  The present invention also provides a computer that operates as a component of the network system described above. The computer is a computer connected to a network, and includes a processor that executes a computer program. The processor generates, or updates, a shared field that can be accessed by a plurality of users through computers connected to the network, in cooperation with predetermined hardware resources on the network. Second means for storing in the first memory area on the network a shared field context that represents the characteristics of the field generated in the shared field due to input information from a user who has accessed the field or interaction between a plurality of users, in the shared field Third means for storing information entered by a user or a user context that is a user-specific context generated in the shared field by the interaction together with reference information for referring to the first memory area in a second memory area on the network For each of multiple users. The user context stored in the second memory area is acquired through an arbitrary computer, or the shared field context of the shared field accessed by the user is stored in the second memory area. One of the fourth means to be acquired through information is selectively formed.

  The present invention also provides a first means for generating or updating a shared field accessible to a plurality of users through a computer connected to the network, and a computer connected to the network from a user who has accessed the shared field. A second means for storing in the first memory area on the network the input field or the shared field context representing the characteristics of the field generated in the shared field by the interaction between a plurality of users, the information input by the user in the shared field or the A third means for storing a user context, which is a user-specific context generated in the shared field by interaction, in a second memory area on the network together with reference information for referring to the first memory area; On the other hand, The user context stored in the second memory area is acquired, or the shared field context of the shared field accessed by the user is acquired through the reference information stored in the second memory area. A computer program for operating as four means is provided.

  According to the present invention, when an interaction is performed between a plurality of computers in a shared field, the shared field context and the user context of the user who has accessed the shared field are stored on the network, and these are referred to by the user through the network. Because it is possible, what kind of interaction the user has done in what common place, and if there are various common places on the network, what kind of interaction has been made for a certain common place? Etc. can be referred to from anytime and anywhere. Also, by referring to these contexts, it is possible to track where users gather and where they are active.

  Furthermore, user interaction and the change of the shared field caused thereby are accumulated as contexts on the network, so that these contexts can also be used as network intelligence. For example, when a game is played between a plurality of users who have accessed the common place, the context when the game is played can be left as an asset on the network. Furthermore, it is possible to support user interaction based on the context and to lead to a common place where a desired interaction is performed.

An embodiment of a network system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In this embodiment, a plurality of network-type computers each operated by a user exist as one node of the network, and can freely participate and cooperate with computers of other nodes of the same type. An example of a network system that generates (community) is given.

  A wide variety of computers such as stationary computers, portable computers, and game consoles can be used as network computers operated by the user. In this embodiment, a game console with a network control function is used.

[Game console configuration]
The game console in this embodiment includes, as hardware resources, a control device including a processor, a semiconductor memory accessible by the processor, a camera, a microphone, a keyboard and other input devices, a printer, a display and other output devices, An external storage device, and an input / output interface unit that performs input / output control of information between the control device and an input device, an output device, an external storage device, and another computer connected to a network ing.

The functions formed on the game console are as shown in FIG. That is, in this game console, the above processor reads, for example, a predetermined computer program into the above semiconductor memory and executes it, whereby a shared space block (hereinafter abbreviated as “SS”) 100, shared space data, A block (SS Data Block) 200, a user block (User Block) 300, a user data block (User Data Block) 400, and a visualization block (Visualize Block) 500 are constructed.
These blocks 100 to 500 are preferably in a state where they can always be operated at least when connected to the network, but from a user operation detected through the input device or from another computer connected to the network. It may be activated when instructed. That is, it may be a mode in which the operation state is selectively set.

  Further, the game console does not have to include all the blocks 100 to 500 described above, and may have any one of the above blocks. That is, each of the blocks 100 to 500 is allocated to one node of the network and has a unique address. However, if the user actively accesses the network, at least the user block 300 needs to be provided.

  Each of the blocks 100 to 500 is connected to a wide-area network N such as the Internet through network controllers 110, 210, 310, 410, and 510, which will be described later. In addition, although the example which provided the network control part for every block is shown in FIG. 1, since this shows that each block 100-500 can operate | move independently from another block as mentioned above. However, the network control unit does not necessarily have to be provided in one-to-one correspondence with each block. That is, in the case of a game console having a plurality of blocks, the present invention can be implemented even if only one network control unit is provided in the game console. Furthermore, it is possible that there is a game console composed only of a network control unit having no block. In this case, necessary blocks are constructed in the game console by a query process performed by the network control unit described later.

  Each block is as follows. The shared space block 100 cooperates with the shared space data block 200 to manage a shared space on the network, that is, a shared field, for interaction with other computers connected to the network. For this purpose, the shared space block 100 is a communication that controls a procedure of interaction including communication between the shared space management unit 101 that performs processing related to generation, deletion, and update of a shared field, and other computers connected to the network. The management module 102 is configured to include an arrangement / operation arbitration module 103 that performs arrangement and operation arbitration of objects and the like in a common place.

The network control unit 110 processes a query requesting generation of a shared field from another computer, and generates a shared space block 100 and a shared space data block 200.
The “query” is, for example, an image, a game title (text), GPS information indicating the position information of the game console, a virtual world formed by a real world and a game, a scene of a program, and an already identified common place It includes information serving as a search key such as data and parameters for creating, deleting, and updating a common field, for example, parameter information that defines rules or conditions.
The shared space management unit 101 transmits digital information generated in the shared field by the generated or updated interaction in the shared field to the shared space data block 200 through the network control unit 101. In addition, information for enabling access to the common place, for example, the address of the game console that manages the common place, is transmitted to the computer that issued the query or the computer designated by the query.
Further, the digital information stored in the shared space data block 200 is sent to the network N in response to a request from another computer.

  A rule for generating a shared field is, for example, a rule that a shared field is created when at least one query is received, or a shared field is created when a plurality of similar queries are received. The rule for deleting a shared field is, for example, a rule that extinguishes the shared field when the last user leaves. The rule for changing the common field is, for example, a rule that if the query has a certain evaluation value, the game console of the user who issued the query is allowed to participate in the common field.

  The evaluation value of the query is, for example, the degree of similarity between the query and the existing query, or the degree of sharing between the real world and the virtual world, and each value is one of the conditions described above. Judgment is made based on whether or not the reference value is exceeded. Alternatively, a rule that only users who have specific key information are allowed to participate can be considered. In this case, it is possible to create a new common place where only users who are already known in the specific common place can participate by using the identification data of the common place of the common place played in advance as key information. It becomes possible.

Note that the shared space block 100 can also serve as a server for other computers connected to the network, if necessary. In this case, a server function is provided in the network control unit 110 or the shared space management unit 101.
By combining this technology with a well-known technology that provides a game that requires a specific billing process, the server function can set a specific place in the game as a shared place if it is a virtual world type game. Or, if it is a matching game, it is possible to match using a common place. At this time, it is possible to investigate where the user gathered and played the game by tracking the identification data of the shared place.

The shared space data block 200 manages various information generated in the shared space in cooperation with, for example, the shared space block 100 for which a link instruction is issued. Specifically, it has a data management unit 201 that records information generated in the shared place into an information file, reads information from the information file, changes or deletes the recorded information, and the like.
The data management unit 201 manages these pieces of information using, for example, a plurality of information files formed in the external storage device. Examples of information files managed by the data management unit 201 include a field context information file 202, a space information file 203, and a member information file 204. The types of information recorded in these information files will be described later.

  The user block 300 has a function of controlling the interaction between a user who operates the user data block 400 and a user who operates another computer connected to the network in cooperation with the user data block 400. More specifically, the user block 300 receives user identification data (hereinafter referred to as “UID”) input from a user who operates the user block 300, video data or image data input from the outside through an input / output interface, and other information. It has an input control unit 301 that accepts information and a user management unit 302 that manages information related to the user based on the input information.

  The user data block 400 manages information about the user who operates the user 300, for example, in cooperation with the user block 300 for which a link instruction is issued. More specifically, the user data block 400 includes a history management module 401 for managing a history of user context and other interactions representing the contents of the user's interaction.

  Items used or already used in the interaction in the shared place are recorded in the item file 404. Note that “item” means data for expressing the item. As a specific example of an item, game-specific object data performed by a user in a common place can be considered from photo data and moving image data exchanged between users. A history of user interaction in the common area is recorded in the history file 405. The user context here is, for example, what kind of activities the user has done on the spot, what kind of impression, empathy, satisfaction, what kind of objects have appeared on the spot It is information indicating whether or not there is. This user context is recorded in the user context file 406 together with the identification data of the user. When there is a relationship with an object, reference information to object data representing the object is also recorded in the user context file 406.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of the contents of the place context information file 202, the spatial information file 203, the member information file 204, the context management information file 406, the item file 404, and the history file 405. The broken lines in the figure indicate that the corresponding items are linked to each other.

  The field context information file 202 includes digital information that is an example of a shared field context generated in the shared field, that is, identification data (SS context ID: “ID” is an abbreviation of identification data, The same applies hereinafter), and reference information (SS data Block Ref, SS Block Ref: “Ref” to refer to the information file indicating which user participates through which console block and what kind of interaction is performed on the spot) "Is an abbreviation of reference information, the same applies hereinafter) and the like are recorded in a list format. In the following description, a list specified by “SS context ID” may be referred to as a “shared space list”.

  The field context information file 202 also records “field attribute information” as another example of the shared field context. “Field attribute information” includes, for example, invariant rules set in advance in the shared field, the context of participating members (users), the behavior of members in the shared field, characteristics derived from other shared fields, etc. There are variable rules that change depending on the situation. More specifically, in the common field, there are rules such as flying when an item is hit, physical rules such as presence / absence of gravity in the common field, and wind strength.

  In the spatial information file 203, for example, an expression mode of an object deployed in a shared field space to be managed is recorded as spatial information. In the example of FIG. 2, object identification data (obj ID), information for distinguishing whether the object is a member or a shared field (owner), a logical address of the shared field, and position information (pos) indicating the spread ), Shared field context reference information (SS Context Ref), polygons and texture data (object data) to represent the object, or link information (ptr: pointer) of the memory area where it exists, etc. As recorded.

  In the member information file 204, for example, identification information (UID on SS) of a user who participates as a member in a common area to be managed, identification data of a user context (User Context ID), and the member (user) are operated. Member information includes reference information (SS Block Ref) for referencing the shared space block of the game console being used, reference information (User Block Ref) for referencing the user block operated by the member (user), etc. , Each member is recorded in a list format. By tracing these listed reference information, the block of the game console that the member (user) is operating can be specified. In the following description, such a list for each member may be referred to as a “context list”.

  The context management information file 406 includes, for example, user context identification data (User Context ID), user identification data (UID, UID on SS), a plurality of shared fields, a shared field and a game console or block, a game Management information representing each connection (parent-child relationship or parallel relationship) between consoles or blocks, other reference information of digital information related to the context generated in the shared field, or a link destination thereof is recorded.

  In the item file 404, item identification data (item ID) and user context identification data (User Context ID) used by the user in the common place are recorded.

  The history file 405 records action or communication history and other user contexts. For example, when a user performs an action in the common place, the date (date), identification data (action) of the action, user identification data (user ID), and item identification data (item ID) used during the action ), User context reference information (User Context ID Ref) and the like are recorded.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the visualization block 500 is a block that visualizes various digital information acquired from the network N for each node in which the information exists, and includes a visual management unit 501, an image processing unit 502, and an output control unit 503. It has the function of. The output control unit 503 outputs image data obtained by the operation of the image processing unit 502 to a monitor, a holding medium, a printer, or the like.

  The digital information to be visualized is, for example, an event (data for expressing) occurring in each shared field, object data uploaded to each shared field, shared field context, user context, and the like. The digital information is obtained by making a broadcast request to the shared space management block 100, the shared space data management block 200, the user data block 400 and other computers connected to the network N through the user block 300, for example. be able to.

The visual management unit 501 displays, for example, the management information recorded in the context management information file 406, the relative relationship between the node in which the acquired digital information exists and the node of the user block 300 that has requested transmission of the digital information, for example, Based on this management information and route information to be described later. Then, the obtained digital information is converted into display data to be expressed in different forms according to the specified relative relationship.
The form of conversion into display data in the visual management unit 501 can be selectively switched according to the application.

  For example, in a certain application, the path length from each node of a plurality of digital information is measured based on the management information and the like, and display data based on digital information having a relatively large path length is preferentially converted. . The “path length” here is not necessarily limited to a long path through which digital information is physically propagated. When the number of nodes is large, it can be said that the path length is long. A time series change can also be a path length. When the path length is a time-series change, for example, digital information that has been forgotten by the operating user or information that has passed through a large number of users can be preferentially converted to display data.

  In another application, information indicating an access state in each node where a plurality of digital information exists is acquired from the node, and display data based on digital information from a node with active access is preferentially converted. .

  In other applications, a plurality of digital information is rearranged according to the relative relationship on the network with the computer node storing the digital information, and the rearranged digital information is displayed at the same time, and according to the rearrangement order. Display data is prepared so that the display form is different from the others. In this case, the rearrangement order may be determined based on at least one of the path length at which the digital information arrives and the generation time of the digital information, or the relative relationship is quantified in advance in a predetermined table. The above relative relationship may be determined based on the quantification result recorded in the table, and the rearrangement order may be determined based on the determination result. In this case, the entire network can be regarded as outer space, and each common field emits light, which can be expressed as an appropriate image according to distance and light intensity. .

  Further, when rearranging a plurality of digital information, the display data may be prepared so that the display information becomes relatively smaller as the digital information has a lower relative relationship, and the relative relationship is lower. The display data may be prepared so that the display position of the digital information becomes farther from the predetermined display position. Alternatively, a plurality of contents weighted according to the degree of abstraction in advance may be stored, and the digital information having a lower relative relationship may be read to display data with a higher degree of abstraction.

  The image processing unit 502 converts the display data generated or prepared as described above into image data that is output to a display on a monitor, a holding medium, a printer, or the like.

[Network control unit]
Each network control unit 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 specifies the position (pointer) of the network N by, for example, an IP address, and requires route information transmitted from any node of the network N And broadcast information to surrounding nodes. These network control units 110, 210, 310, 410, and 510 hold addresses of neighboring nodes, for example, IP addresses, and if the transmitted information is not addressed to itself, it is determined by the address. Communicate to the identified neighboring node. At that time, the history of the nodes including itself is added, so that the information is transmitted to the nodes that have not been traced.
The destination at this time is not necessarily a node address. For example, it may be SS Context ID and SS Block Ref, which are shared field identifiers held by the shared space block using the network control unit, or user context ID and User Block Ref held by the user block. The path information for this is acquired by the context access unit 115 described later.

  Each network control unit 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 has a generally common configuration. Therefore, a configuration example of the network control unit 110 will be representatively described with reference to FIG.

  The network control unit 110 includes various functions formed when the processor of the game console reads and executes a computer program, that is, a known network function 111 and a message for enabling bidirectional communication with the network N. In addition to the routing unit 112, the block generation unit 113, the search message processing unit 114, the context access unit 115, the model reception unit 116, the model generation unit 117, and the model distribution unit 118 are included.

  The message routing unit 112 performs routing based on the route information file 123 having the contents illustrated in the upper part of FIG. The route information file 123 includes a neighboring node (Neighbor Node), its address (Node Address), and the type of the neighboring node (Type: router / shared space block 100 or user block connected through the network control unit of the node). Is recorded as route information. The block generation unit 113 generates necessary blocks according to messages generated inside and outside the console.

The search message processing unit 114 receives a search message from inside or outside the console, and if the received search message matches the search information recorded in the search information file 121 having the contents illustrated in the lower part of FIG. A function block generation message corresponding to the message is transmitted to itself or to a neighboring node specified by the source (or propagation source) / destination information. The node that received the generation message generates the corresponding functional block by the block generation unit, describes the SS Context ID in the shared space block column of the search information, and sets the SS Context ID and SS Block Ref to the source (or propagation source) Send back. The node that has received the SS Context ID describes the received SS Context ID and SS Block Ref in the shared space block field of the search information. In the node where the SS Context ID is described in the shared space block column, when a query that matches the search information is received thereafter, the corresponding SS Context ID and SS Block Ref are transmitted to the transmission source.
If they do not match, the received search message is recorded as new search information in the search information file 121, and the search message is transmitted to the neighboring nodes. The “search message” here is, for example, a query or an object to which an address indicating the destination is added.

The context access unit 115 performs the following functions when the network control unit 110 exists on the game console that holds the shared space block 100 and the user block 300.
(1) Information representing a context connection necessary for generating route information representing a route through which a query or an object model propagates is acquired from the corresponding data block (shared space data block 200 / user data block 400).
(2) The context necessary for visualizing the object model is acquired from the corresponding data block (shared space data block 200 / user data block 400).

  Based on the route information recorded in the route information file 123, the model receiving unit 116 distributes drawing information of the object model to neighboring nodes. The model generation unit 117 synthesizes the drawing information of the object model and the drawing information changed in accordance with the drawing information transmitted from the neighboring node, and holds it in a predetermined memory area. The model distribution unit 118 distributes drawing information of the object model to neighboring nodes based on the route information recorded in the route information file 125.

  The shared space block 100, the shared space data block 200, the user block 300, the user data block 400, and the visualization block 500 in the game console described above are transmitted from other computers to the network control units 110, 210, 310, and 410. , 510 IP addresses can be recognized as independent devices.

  Next, an operation of a system constructed by a plurality of users operating the game console configured as described above to access the network N will be described.

[Managing common areas]
Suppose a user enters a query into the network through the user block 300 of the game console. The query is, for example, an object model for requesting generation of a shared field for the user to recruit friends. The network control unit 110 included in the game console connected to the network processes a query flowing on the network. The block generation unit 113 of the node that has received the block generation message by this query processing generates the shared space block 100 and the shared space data block 200 as necessary, and passes the query to the shared space block 100. The query at this time is to generate a shared field even for a query from one user. The shared space block 100 processes a query in the shared space management unit 101 to generate a shared field.

  If the rule is to generate a shared field on condition that a query having the same or similar evaluation value from a plurality of user blocks 300 is acquired, the network control unit 110 until the condition is satisfied, The acquired query is stored as search information. Then, when queries having the same or similar evaluation value gather, a shared field is generated.

  The shared space block 100 that generated the shared field returns a shared field ID for identifying the shared field to the user block 300 that issued the query. The shared space block 100 creates a shared field context including information on users who have participated in the shared field. In addition, the network control unit 110 having the shared space block 100 adds the user context ID of the participating user and the reference information to the user block 300 to the route information. The network control unit having the user block that has received the return of the shared field ID adds the shared field ID and reference information to the shared space block 100 to the route information file 123 as route information. The addition of the route information may be performed when the shared field is generated, or context access to the shared field context and the user context when access to the shared field, which will be described later, or a network overhead process is performed. It may be performed by the department accessing.

[Access to common area]
Here, when another user (assumed to be a new user) different from the user (assumed to be an existing user) who requested the creation of a shared field accesses an already created shared field and interacts with the existing user Explain the procedure. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a procedure in this case.

  The user block 300 of the game console operated by the new user checks whether or not there is a shared place where participation is possible via the network. First, the user receives input of self-identification information (UID) used by the user (L11). The user block 300 recognizes this UID (L12), and presents the user with a shared space list (to be described later), which is a list of shared spaces that can participate, that is, a shared space (L13). When there is no shared space to join the shared space list, a shared space search request is made (L14: No, L15), the list is updated (L16), and the process returns to step S13.

  The shared space search request is made by sending a query to the network N. As in the case of generating a shared field, information for identifying the type of shared field, such as an image, a game title (text), GPS information indicating the position information of the game console, a virtual world formed by a real world and a game, One scene of the program may be included in the query, or all types may be matched. In either case, for example, only a network within a certain range is searched by adding a rule specifying only the number of times of query propagation.

  The query input to the network N is propagated based on “network adjacency” determined by route information or the like. When search information describing a shared field that matches this query is found, the shared field ID of the shared field is returned to the user block 300. By acquiring the shared field context based on these shared field IDs, the above-described shared space list is generated in the memory of the user block 300.

The shared space list has the contents shown in the upper part of FIG. 5, for example. The shared space list 2a illustrated in FIG. 5 includes a context ID for identifying a shared field context (shared space context ID) and a list of reference information to the shared field data block (to the shared space data block 200). Ref List) is listed. In the figure, <ptr> represents a pointer. The shared space list 2a is an empty list in the initial state.
As shown in the figure, in the case of a shared field that already exists, reference information (Ref) to the shared space block is described, and when there is no shared field, reference information to the shared space block 100 is described. (Ref) is not described.

When the shared space where the user can participate is found in the shared space list 2a, the game console checks whether there is shared space block reference (Ref) information by referring to the shared space list 2a (L14: Yes, L17). When there is shared space block reference (Ref) information (L17: Yes), the game console generates a user context (L18) and transmits the user context to the shared space block 100. Then, the user context is registered in the shared space management unit 101, and for example, the context list 2b having the contents shown in the lower part of FIG. 5 is generated or updated.
In the context list 2b, user context IDs of users who participate in the sharing field, reference information (Ref) of the user data block 400, and reference information (Ref) of the user block are listed.

  In L17, when there is no shared space block reference (Ref) information (L17: No), the game console newly generates a shared space block 100 (L20), and generates a user context (L21). Let me register.

  FIG. 7 shows a procedure for generating a shared field performed by the game console operated by the user with the specified friend recorded in the user context.

In FIG. 7, first, a P2P connection is made with the fellow game console (M11). And a common field is produced | generated between the fellow game consoles, and contexts, such as member information, an item, and a history, are mutually shared (M12). Specifically, these contexts are communicated to each other, and their own item file 404 and history file 405 are updated as necessary.
The placement / motion arbitration module 103 determines the placement of the objects in the common field space and creates the above-described spatial information (M13), and the communication management module 102 sets field attribute information (rules, etc.) (M14). ). At this time, the user may select and determine from the context recorded on the fellow game console and the predetermined rule group. Thereafter, the shared field ID is assigned (M15), and the shared field context is generated (M16) and the user context is generated (M17). When the shared field is generated in this way, various actions in the shared field become possible.

  The user can leave the currently shared field and join another shared field. Even if the user leaves the previous shared field and joins another shared field, the context of the previous shared field can be reflected. For example, in the example of FIG. 8, after the user joins the sharing field from the game console A (1 a), the user leaves the sharing field and moves to the other sharing field connected by the network N to the game console B (1 b). The state of participation from is shown.

  In the example of FIG. 8, on the network N, in addition to the shared space lists 2a and 2b, a plurality of context lists 3a, 3b,. The user follows the game console B through the lists 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b through the lists 2a, 2b, 3a, and 3b, and recorded in the game console A. Current contexts, eg history, items.

  The user can also refer to the context in the previous shared field without going through another shared field. FIG. 9 shows a state when referring to the context of the game console A directly from the game console B.

  The user records (records) a UID (User ID), an item, and a history in a predetermined file when leaving the shared place where the user has participated using the game console A. At that time, the pointer (ptr) of the game console A is also registered in the context list 3a. The context list 3a may be a shared space block of the game console A or may exist in other game consoles.

Thereafter, the user issues a search request (search req) for the context list 3a registered by the user to the latest context list 3c from the game console B. In the context list 3c, as in the shared space list, the addresses and context list IDs of the context list 3b in the vicinity of the self are recorded, and if the search request (search req) does not target the self, the neighborhood To the address context list 3a.
As each context list 3a, 3b passes through itself, the history of the context list ID that has been traced is added, and a search request (search req) is transmitted to a neighboring context list that has not yet been traced. In this way, the history, items, etc. recorded in the game console A can be referred to.

[Example of context management]
Next, an example of context management in the network system of this embodiment will be specifically described. FIG. 10 is an overall view showing one state of this network system. A plurality of game consoles 1001 to 1010 operated by the user are connected to the network N via the network control unit having the configuration illustrated in FIG.

  In the figure, the blocks exemplified as being included in the game console are operating in the game console. Each user can use all the blocks 100 to 500 in the game console that he / she operates, but can also use the blocks of other game consoles via the network N.

  There are two shared spaces (shared spaces) that are currently active. Of these two shared spaces, the shared space 1 is generated by two of the game console 1001 and the game console 1002. The shared space 2 is generated only by the game console 1006. α, β, γ, and δ are used as symbols for distinguishing four users who are accessing the network system. For example, the visualization block α, user block α, and user data block α in the game console 1003 are blocks used by the user α. The same applies to the other blocks. A monitor having a display is connected to each visualization block. Input devices such as a keyboard and a camera are connected to each user block.

A change in state when each user α to δ accesses the network system configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
At the initial stage when the shared field is not yet generated, the shared space block 200 and the shared space data block 100 do not exist, and only the network control unit 110 exists in the console.

  FIG. 11 shows a state when the user α newly generates a shared field for holding the game X with the user δ. In FIG. 11, a user α and a user δ are keywords for generating the shared field 1, for example, game names, through game consoles 1003 (for user α) and 1004 (for user δ) operated by the user α and user δ, respectively. Run “Game X” on Network N.

The state of the network system changes as shown in FIG. In FIG. 12, the shared space block 1-A of the game console 1002 receives a keyword flowing in the network N, generates a shared field 1 for the game X and a context of the shared field 1, and a shared space data block In 1-A, the context (SS Context Data) is recorded. The shared space block 1-A also transmits the ID (SS Context ID) of the shared field 1 generated at the same time and the reference information of the context of the shared field 1 to the user block α and the user block δ. In the field context information file 202, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 21, the field context associated with the generation of the shared field 1 is set through the shared space block 1-A.
In FIG. 21, the context management information file 406 records reference information (reference information) to a DB (database or information file) associated with the context, for example, a pointer (ptr) of a recording file such as a game score. An area to be provided is provided.

  When the ID of the shared field 1 is sent to the user block α and the user block δ, the state of the network system changes as shown in FIG. That is, based on the received ID of the shared field 1, the user block α generates a user context (User Context Data) and records this in the user data block α. Further, a corresponding entry is generated in the context management information file 406, and the reference information of the shared field 1 is set. FIG. 22 shows this state. Similar to the user block α, the user block δ generates a user context (User Context Data) and records this in the user data block δ of the game console 1005. The shared space block 1-A also sets reference information for each user context. Thereby, the context (SS Context Data) of the shared field 1 and each user context (User Context Data) are linked to each other. The shared space block 1-A generates member information from the information received from the user block α and the user block δ, and records this in the member information file 204. The user block α records the history in the history file 405 of the user data block α. FIG. 23 shows these states. Broken lines indicate linked data.

  Thereafter, when the user block α arranges the content for the game X in the shared field 1, the shared space block 1-A updates the spatial information file 203. The user block α updates the history file 405. FIG. 24 shows these states.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 14, it is assumed that the user β operates the user block β of the game console 1010 to send a search message “game X” to the network N and starts searching for a common place where the game X is performed. The shared space block 1-A of the game console 1002 returns reference information to the shared field context (SS Context Data) to the user block β.

  The state of the network system changes as shown in FIG. That is, the user block β generates each user context (User Context Data) and records it in the user data block β of the game console 1009. The user block β also sets reference information to the shared field context (SS Context Data). Thereby, the context (SS Context Data) of the shared field 1 and the user context (User Context Data) of the user β are linked to each other, and the user β can participate in the shared field 1 where the game X is held.

  Here, it is assumed that the user δ and the user β decide to generate a new shared field 2 derived from the current shared field 1 in order to hold a new game. The state of the network system at this time is as shown in FIG. In other words, the user δ and the user β flow the unique sharing field ID determined by both from the game consoles 1004 and 1010 to the network N, respectively.

  The state of the network system changes as shown in FIG. That is, the shared space block 2 of the game console 1006 receives the shared field ID on the network N, generates the shared field 2 and the shared field context (SS Context Data), and stores the context (SS in the shared space data block 2. Record Context Data). Also, the generated shared field ID (SS Context ID) and reference information to the shared field 2 are transmitted to the user block δ and the user block β.

  The state of the network system changes as shown in FIG. That is, the user data block δ generates a derived context that drags the user context for the shared field 1 that is the previous shared field as a new user context, and records this in the user data block δ. In addition, reference information to the common place 2 is set. FIG. 25 shows the update state in this case. The user block β performs the same operation. Thereby, the context of the shared field 2 and the user contexts of the user δ and the user β are linked.

  Here, it is assumed that the user β invites the user γ to the sharing field 2. FIG. 19 shows the state of the network system at this time. The user β sends the shared field ID of the shared field 2 to the user block γ through the user block β.

  The state of the network system changes as shown in FIG. That is, the user block γ that has received the shared field ID of the shared field 2 generates a user context (User Context Data) and records this in the user data block γ of the game console 1009. In addition, reference information to the common place 2 is set. Thereby, the context (SS Context Data) of the shared field 2 and the user context (User Context Data) of the user γ are linked to each other, and the user γ can participate in the shared field 2.

  As is clear from the above explanation, the user can freely use the shared space block in a network space that spans multiple game consoles so that the user can enjoy each other without depending on the operation of a specific server. It can be generated at any time and can be removed from the common place at any time. For example, it is possible to create a different common space for each group having the same interest at any time, and leave it as necessary. In the conventional mechanism managed by a specific server, it is very difficult to manage such a common place.

In this embodiment, the user context and the shared field context generated by the interaction are held in the network N so that the user can search and refer to them from any node at any time. , Who the user has been interacting with, what kind of interaction, what kind of interaction has been done in a certain common place when interacting while walking across various common places Etc. can be examined. It is also possible to track which common place other users are gathering.
Furthermore, since the context can be referred to even when the user leaves and joins another shared place, the role of the Internet society in one shared place can be referred to when joining another shared place. Yes, you can communicate with your familiar situation.

  Although the present invention has shown an example of a game console that can play a role as a server in a shared space block, the above-mentioned shared space list and context list are provided to a plurality of servers that exist independently on the network. A large number of game consoles may be configured to access these servers and identify a fellow game console to create a shared venue with that fellow game console.

<Overview processing of network>
As described above, in the network system of the present invention, the digital information stored in the network can be visualized by the visualization block 500 of an arbitrary node.
By using this visualization block 500, it is possible to overlook the situation of the entire network from the viewpoint of each user.
For example, each of the plurality of shared venues stores digital information including the context generated in the shared venue, so that the stored digital information can be distributed at any time to the game consoles of the users who have participated in the shared information. Since the distributed digital information propagates through the network N starting from the shared field (shared field node), digital information from various shared fields reaches the user's game console in various states. The received digital information is appropriately combined and visualized in the visualization block 500 of the game console, so that the activity history and the like of the network N that the user has traced so far can be visually viewed. For example, when you look at the universe, each star emits its own light, but it looks different depending on the distance from where you are looking. In the bird's-eye view process, an expression similar to the appearance of the stars is stored in the network N and is performed based on the distributed digital information.

  Specifically, in the visualization block 500, digital information arrived from a nearby user node or shared field node is received, and the visual management unit 501 generates display data. The visual management unit 501 also records the generated display data in a predetermined memory area by linking with the identification data of the shared field node where the display data exists. The image processing unit 502 performs predetermined image processing on the recorded display data to change how the image is displayed. The result of the image processing is output to an output device such as a monitor display via the output control unit 503.

  FIG. 26 shows an example in which each shared field stores an image group having time information as an attribute, for example, a snapshot of activities in each shared field, as digital information to be visualized.

  In other words, it is assumed that there is three snapshots taken by a user on October 5, 2004, and October 7, 2004 in a certain common place A. These snapshots can be accessed and displayed at any time on the user node. It is clear from the context accumulation method described above that the user can display these three snapshots from the user node A when the user moves from the shared field node to the user node A. When viewed from the object side, the object has propagated from the shared field node A to the user node A. Similarly, with user activities in the network N, snapshots of October 5, 2004 and October 7, 2004 are propagated from the user node A to the user node B. Furthermore, instead of the disappearance of the snapshot of the same month, the snapshot of the same month is added.

  Similarly, in the common place B, there are three snapshots taken by the user on October 5, 2004, and October 7, 2004. After this is propagated to the user node D, the user node C , October 5th and 7th, 2004 snapshots are propagated. In this case, the procedure of the network overhead processing performed by the game console is as shown in FIG. 27, for example.

  In other words, in accordance with a request from the user, the visual management unit 501 of the visualization block 500 of the game console analyzes the chain state of the node due to the user's activity from the context management information or the like (F101). The visual management unit 501 arranges the remaining data among the display data linked to the context management information, that is, the snapshot image, in the newest order (F102). The visual management unit 501 repeats F101 and F102 for other display data (F103: No). When the rearrangement of all the display data is completed (F103: Yes), the visual management unit 501 removes the latest display data (F104).

  The visual management unit 501 calculates an image size and a display position when each snapshot is displayed as an image based on the context management information of the propagation source (F105). At this time, when multiple pieces of information are propagated from one common field via different paths, the amount of information (for example, the individual data size or number of snapshots) is measured, and the one with the larger amount of information Information is preferentially converted to display data. The image processing unit 502 converts the image into an image, combines predetermined background data with the image (F106), and outputs the combined image to the output control unit 503. The output control unit 503 displays the composite image on the display of the user node, for example, the user node A in FIG.

  An example of the screen displayed on the display existing in the user node A by the above-described overhead view processing is shown in the lower part of FIG. The upper part of FIG. 28 shows three snapshots 2001 to 2003 managed in the user node A. These snapshots 2001 to 2003 are arranged on the time space 3001 with the image size adjusted so as to become smaller as the shooting time becomes older.

  The visual management unit 501 may rearrange the order of the display data according to the number of nodes to be propagated instead of the snapshot shooting time. Alternatively, the visual management unit 501 may perform the above rearrangement so that the image size and the display position thereof change according to the combination of the shooting time and the number of nodes. At this time, the visual management unit 501 converts the data to display data that is displayed at the center position as the user node to be displayed is closer to the user node or closer to the shared field node, for example.

  Furthermore, the snapshot shooting time that can be distributed by the shared field node is limited, and the visual management unit 501 calculates “the number of shots = the number of accesses to the shared field” so that the active shared field You may be able to make the information reach far away.

In the network system of the present invention, model information in a three-dimensional space having a plurality of levels of abstraction is prepared for each object in an information file (not shown) of the visualization block 500, and this model information is used as weighted drawing information. Can also be visualized as
For example, if the target of an activity of interest has the lowest level of abstraction, set a numerical value “1” for the target, a numerical value “2” for the space for performing the activity, and a numerical value “3” for the surrounding information of the space. In addition, model information corresponding to these numerical values representing the degree of abstraction can be read from the information file and displayed on the user node.

  FIG. 29 shows an example of a display image on the user node of the user who participates in the race game when the race game is played in the common field node. In this example, the common field node is provided with an image of a race car, an image of a course for driving a car, and an image of a city where the course exists in an information file.

  A numerical value “3” having the highest abstraction level is set for the city image, a numerical value “2” having a slightly high abstraction level is set for the course image, and a numerical value “1” having the lowest abstraction level is set for the car image. At the user node closest to the common ground node, an image centered on the racing vehicle is displayed, and at the next user node, an image of the course on which the racing vehicle is running is viewed from above, The image of the city is displayed at the user node farthest from the shared field node.

FIG. 30 is a procedure diagram of a network overhead process performed by the game console (visualization block 500) of each user node for enabling such display.
In other words, the visual management unit 501 analyzes the chain state of the node due to the user's activity from the context management information or the like in accordance with the request input of the overhead view processing from the user (F201). The visual management unit 501 also checks the level of abstraction that the user has with respect to the display data (image represented by the model information) of the shared field (F202). Then, the visual management unit 501 removes the display data with the lowest abstraction level and adds “−1” to the abstraction level for the remaining display data (F203). The processes of F201 and F202 are repeated until the abstraction level becomes “0” (F204: No). When the abstraction level becomes “0” (F204: Yes), the visual management unit 501 calculates the display position of each image based on the context management information of the context of the propagation source (F205). Based on the display data thus prepared, the image processing unit 502 converts the image into an image, combines the background data and the image (F206), and sends the combined image to the output control unit 503. The output control unit 503 displays the composite image on the display of the user node.

  FIG. 29 shows an example of a racing game. In the case of a soccer game, for example, a numerical value “3” is displayed on the soccer stadium image, a numerical value “2” is displayed on the soccer field image in the stadium, and the soccer field is played. A numerical value “1” is set in the image of the player to be performed.

  Through the overhead view processing as described above, the visualization block 500 displays the digital information existing in each shared field node according to the relative relationship of the individual user nodes to each of the plurality of shared field nodes existing in the network N. Can be changed. This process can also be applied to community networks. In other words, the image of the other party whose relationship is deeper can be displayed larger in the center of the display screen, or the amount of information to be displayed can be increased so that a large amount of information in a large-scale community network can be grasped visually. Can be. As a result, it is possible to contribute to the efficiency of data distribution.

The block diagram of the game console used when implementing this invention. The figure which showed an example of the information managed in a game console, and these relationship. The block diagram of the network control part connected to a game console. The figure which showed an example of the information managed in a network control part. The figure which showed the example of the content of the shared space list and the context list. The procedure explanatory drawing in the case of making it a new user different from the existing user, but interacting with the existing user by accessing the already created common area. Explanatory drawing of the procedure of shared space generation by the game console which a user operates. Explanatory drawing which showed the state from which the user leaves | separates from the shared field which is participating now, and participates in another shared field. Explanatory drawing which showed the state when referring the context currently recorded on the game console which the user operated before from another game console. The whole figure showing one state of the network system for explaining the example of context management. The network state figure which showed the state when the user (alpha) newly produces | generates the common field for holding the game X with the user (delta). The state explanatory view of a shared space block when a shared field is newly generated. The state explanatory view of user block alpha and user block delta when shared field ID is received. A state explanatory view when user beta starts searching for a common place where game X is played. State explanatory drawing of user block beta. The state explanatory drawing of a network system when the user (delta) and the user (beta) produce | generate the new common field 2 derived from the present common field 1. FIG. The state explanatory drawing of the shared space block which produces | generates the shared field 2. FIG. FIG. 6 is a state explanatory diagram of the network system when the user δ shifts from the previous shared field to another shared field by dragging the user context. The state explanatory view of a network system when the user (beta) invites the user (gamma) to the sharing field 2. FIG. The state explanatory view of a network system when user (gamma) participates in the common field 2. FIG. The state explanatory view of each information file in a network system. The state explanatory view of each information file in a network system. The state explanatory view of each information file in a network system. The state explanatory view of each information file in a network system. The state explanatory view of each information file in a network system. Explanatory drawing which showed the concept of the bird's-eye view process in case a common field has the snapshot which has time information as an attribute as an object. Processing procedure explanatory drawing of a 1st bird's-eye view process. The figure which showed the example of the visualization information displayed by a 1st bird's-eye view process. The conceptual explanatory view of the 2nd bird's-eye view process. Processing procedure explanatory drawing of a 2nd bird's-eye view process.

Explanation of symbols

2a, 2b ... shared space list, 3a, 3b, 3c ... context list, 100 ... shared space block, 200 ... shared space data block, 300 ... user block, 400 ... user Data block, 500 ... Visualization block, 110, 210, 320, 410, 510 ... Network control unit, 111 ... Network function, 112 ... Message routing unit, 113 ... Block generation unit, 114: Search message processing unit, 115: Context access unit, 116: Model reception unit, 117: Model generation unit, 118: Model distribution unit, 121: Search information file, 123 ... Route information file, 125 ... Visual information file, 101 ... Shared space management unit, 102 ... Communication management module 103 ... Arrangement / motion arbitration module 201 ... Data management unit 202 ... Field context information file 203 ... Spatial information file 204 ... Member information file 301 ..Input control unit 302 ... User management unit 401 ... History management module 404 ... Item file 405 ... History file 501 ... Visualization management unit 502 ... Image Processing unit, 503... Output control unit, N... Network

Claims (16)

A method executed in a network system in which a plurality of computers are connected through a network,
Any one of the computers connected to the network generates or updates a shared field that can be accessed by a plurality of users through each computer and can communicate with each other; and
The computer that has generated or updated the shared field displays a shared field context on the network that represents the characteristics of the field generated in the shared field by the input information from the user who has accessed the shared field or the interaction between a plurality of users. Accumulating in a first memory area;
Reference for each computer accessing the shared field to refer to the first memory area for information input by a user who operates the shared field or a user context that is a user-specific context generated in the shared field due to the interaction Storing in a second memory area on the network together with information;
Each of a plurality of users is allowed to acquire their own user context stored in the second memory area through an arbitrary computer, or the shared field context of the shared field accessed by the user is the second Through the reference information stored in the memory area,
The content of the shared field context is updated according to the interaction between the users ,
The user context is generated or updated when a user participates in a common area, and
A computer connected to the network acquires a user context already stored in the second memory area for a user who operates the network, and is different from the shared field or the shared field with the acquired user context. Access to the common areas
A context management method in a network system. The shared field is generated or updated by a computer that has received a predetermined query describing conditions for generating or updating the shared field, which is sent from any computer connected to the network, according to the query.
The management method according to claim 1. When a new shared field derived from a certain shared field is generated, the computer generates a new user context from a user context for the original shared field, and the generated new user context is the second user context. Accumulate in memory area,
The management method according to claim 2 . The computer that generated or updated the shared field generates the shared field context.
The management method according to claim 1. The user context includes user-specific attribute information that changes each time an interaction is performed in the accessed shared field.
The management method according to claim 4 . Each of the plurality of computers is a computer that can operate independently on an equal basis, and each of the first memory area and the second memory area exists on a computer accessible by any computer through the network. ,
The management method according to claim 1. When the computer connected to the network leaves the network, it transfers all the information it holds regarding context management to other computers in operation.
The management method according to claim 6 . Each of the plurality of computers is a computer with a router function provided for each node specified by a network address, and holds path information of nodes adjacent to itself in a predetermined memory,
If the information transferred from the adjacent node is not addressed to itself, the network address is added to the transferred information and this information is addressed to another node specified from the route information. Forward to
The management method according to claim 6 . A first means for generating or updating a shared field that is accessible to a plurality of users and capable of communicating with each other through computers connected to a network;
Second means for storing, in a first memory area on the network, a shared field context representing a field characteristic generated in the shared field by input information from a user who has accessed the shared field or by interaction between a plurality of users;
Information entered by the user in the shared field or a user context that is a user-specific context generated in the shared field by the interaction is stored in a second memory area on the network together with reference information for referring to the first memory area. A third means to:
Each of a plurality of users is allowed to acquire their own user context stored in the second memory area through an arbitrary computer, or the shared field context of the shared field accessed by the user is the second And fourth means for obtaining through reference information stored in the memory area,
The shared field context is updated according to the interaction between the users and stored by the second means.
The user context is generated or updated when a user participates in a common area, and
A computer connected to the network acquires a user context already stored in the second memory area for a user who operates the network, and is different from the shared field or the shared field with the acquired user context. Access to the common areas
Network system. The first means receives a predetermined query describing conditions for generating or updating the shared field that is transmitted from any computer and distributed on the network, and generates or updates the shared field according to the received query.
The network system according to claim 9 . Further comprising communication means for returning information for enabling access to the shared field generated or updated by the first means to the sender of the query.
The network system according to claim 10 . The first means further includes an arrangement / operation arbitration module that performs arrangement and operation arbitration of objects to be present in the shared field;
A management module that sets field attribute information in the common field under the mediation by the placement / operation mediation module;
The network system according to claim 9 . The second means includes user context acquisition means for acquiring a user context of a user who has accessed the shared field, and shared field context update means for generating the shared field context according to the content of the acquired user context. ,
The network system according to claim 9 . The third means returns a user context stored in the second memory area and at least one of the reference information to the computer based on a request from any of the computers connected to the network.
The network system according to claim 9 . A computer connected to a network,
Including a processor for executing a computer program;
This processor, in cooperation with predetermined hardware resources on the network,
A first means for generating or updating a shared field that is accessible to a plurality of users through a computer connected to a network and capable of communicating with each other;
Second means for storing, in a first memory area on the network, a shared field context representing a field characteristic generated in the shared field by input information from a user who has accessed the shared field or by interaction between a plurality of users;
Information entered by the user in the shared field or a user context that is a user-specific context generated in the shared field by the interaction is stored in a second memory area on the network together with reference information for referring to the first memory area. A third means to
Each of a plurality of users is allowed to acquire their own user context stored in the second memory area through an arbitrary computer, or the shared field context of the shared field accessed by the user is the second Selectively forming any of the fourth means for obtaining through the reference information stored in the memory area;
The shared field context is updated according to the interaction between the users and stored by the second means .
The user context is generated or updated when a user participates in a common area, and
A computer connected to the network acquires a user context already stored in the second memory area for a user who operates the network, and is different from the shared field or the shared field with the acquired user context. Access to the common areas
A computer in a network system. Computer connected to network
A first means for generating or updating a shared field that is accessible to a plurality of users through a computer connected to a network and capable of communicating with each other;
Second means for storing, in a first memory area on the network, a shared field context representing a field characteristic generated in the shared field by input information from a user who has accessed the shared field or by interaction between a plurality of users;
Information entered by the user in the shared field or a user context that is a user-specific context generated in the shared field by the interaction is stored in a second memory area on the network together with reference information for referring to the first memory area. A third means to
Each of a plurality of users is allowed to acquire their own user context stored in the second memory area through an arbitrary computer, or the shared field context of the shared field accessed by the user is the second Operate as fourth means to obtain through the reference information stored in the memory area,
The shared field context is updated according to the interaction between the users and stored by the second means .
The user context is generated or updated when a user participates in a common area, and
A computer connected to the network acquires a user context already stored in the second memory area for a user who operates the network, and is different from the shared field or the shared field with the acquired user context. Access to the common areas
Computer program.

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