JP5727705B2 - GAME SYSTEM, GAME DEVICE, GAME PROGRAM, AND GAME IMAGE OUTPUT METHOD - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game system and an image output device, and more particularly to a game system and an image output device that display a game image using a display as a display device.

  Conventionally, there is a home game system that uses a display such as a television as a display device. For example, in the game system described in Patent Document 1, a form is adopted in which a game apparatus body that executes game processing based on a game program is connected to a television by wire. That is, in the above game system, the game device reads the game program stored on the optical disc and executes the game process, the game image generated by the game process is transmitted to the television, and the game image is displayed on the television screen. Is done.

JP 2007-61271 A

  In the conventional game system, since the game device and the display are connected by wire, it is very troublesome for the user to change the display used for the game (that is, the display connected to the game device). In other words, if the user wants to change the display used for the game, the user needs to move the game device to the display location after the change after disconnecting various wires connected to the game device, which is very troublesome. there were. Therefore, it is a reality that the display used for the game is fixed and the game system is used. In the conventional game system, when the display for the game is used for other purposes, the game can be played. It was inconvenient. For example, a living room TV is often used for games at home, but in this case, while someone in the family is watching TV in the living room, other people cannot play games, which is inconvenient. there were.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a game system capable of easily changing a display device used for a game without taking time and effort.

  The present invention employs the following configurations (1) to (12) in order to solve the above problems.

(1)
The present invention is a game system including an image output device connected to a display device via wiring and a game device capable of wireless communication with the image output device. The game device includes a game processing unit, an image generation unit, a first communication unit, and a second image output unit . The image output device includes a second communication unit and a first image output unit. The game processing unit executes game processing. The image generation unit generates an image based on the game process. The first communication unit transmits an image to the image output device. The second image output unit displays the image generated by the image generation unit on another display device different from the display device connected to the image output device. The second communication unit receives an image from the game device. The first image output unit displays an image on the display device. The game device generates one type of game image, transmits the generated game image to both the image output device and the other display device, generates two types of game images, and generates one game image Is switched to the mode for transmitting the other game image to the other display device during the game.

The “image output device” is not limited as long as it is connected to the display device via wiring and can wirelessly communicate with the game device, and may further include the function of the marker device as in the embodiments described later. It may be that which does not have the function. Note that “connected to the display device via wiring” means that the display device and the image output device are separate, and the display device and the image output device are integrated together when they are connected by cable wiring. And the case where both are connected by wiring (transmission path) in the housing.
The “game device” may be any information processing device that executes a game process and generates an image based on the game process. That is, the game apparatus may be an information processing apparatus dedicated to a game or a multipurpose information processing apparatus such as a general personal computer. Further, the game device may be connected to the display device via a wiring as in an embodiment described later or (12) below, or connected to the display device in a wired manner as in a first modification described later. It may not be.
The “game system” only needs to include an image output device and a game device, and does not need to include a display device that can be connected to the image output device via wiring. That is, the game system does not need to be provided in a form including the display device.
The “game processing unit” may be any information processing unit that executes an arbitrary game process, such as the CPU 10 that executes the process of step S13 described later.
The “image generation unit” is any means that generates an image based on the game process, such as the CPU 10 (and the GPU 11b) that executes the process of step S22, S25, or S27 described later. May be.
The “first communication unit” may be anything as long as it can wirelessly communicate with the image output apparatus in addition to the high-speed wireless communication module 28 in the embodiment described later.
The “second communication unit” may be any device as long as it can wirelessly communicate with the game device in addition to the high-speed wireless communication module 34 in the embodiment described later.
The “first image output unit” may be anything as long as it outputs an image to a display device in addition to the AV-IC 36 in the embodiment described later.

  According to the configuration of (1) above, the image output device is connected to the display device via the wiring, and the game device itself is not connected to the display device by wire. Therefore, when changing the display device used for image display, the user only needs to change the connection (wiring) between the image output device and the display device, and does not need to change the wiring of the game device itself. Therefore, according to the configuration of (1) above, the display device can be easily changed as compared with the conventional configuration in which the wiring of the game device needs to be changed.

(2)
The game device may further include an image compression unit that compresses the image generated by the image. At this time, the first communication unit transmits the compressed image. The image output apparatus further includes an image expansion unit that expands an image received by the second communication unit. The first image output unit outputs the expanded image to the display device.

  The “image compression unit” performs compression processing to reduce the amount of data for the image, and the “image decompression unit” performs decompression processing to restore the compressed image to the original. However, the compression / decompression method and algorithm are arbitrary.

  According to the configuration of (2) above, the image transmitted wirelessly is in a compressed state, so the amount of data in communication from the game device to the image output device can be reduced. Thus, since the image can be transmitted to the image output device at high speed, it is possible to prevent the game operation from being adversely affected by the delay of the image.

(3)
The image output device may be further connected to the audio output device. At this time, the game apparatus further includes a sound generation unit that generates sound based on the game process. The first communication unit further transmits sound to the image output device. The second communication unit further receives sound from the game device. The image output device further includes an audio output unit that outputs audio from the audio output device.

The “sound output device” is only required to be connected to the image output device. In the embodiment described later, the speaker is included in the display device (television), but may be configured separately from the display device. Good.
The “sound generation unit” is any means that generates sound based on game processing, such as the CPU 10 (and GPU 11b) that executes the processing of step S22, S25, or S27 described later. May be.
The “audio output unit” may be any unit as long as it outputs audio to the audio output device in addition to the AV-IC 36 in the embodiment described later.
In the above (3), the audio data transmitted from the game device to the image output device may be compressed or may not be compressed.

  According to the configuration of (3) above, the image output device can output the game sound in addition to the game image.

(4)
The game system may further include an operation device that generates operation information based on the operation of the player and can output the operation information wirelessly. At this time, the game processing unit executes the game process based on the operation information output from the operation device or information generated based on the operation information.

The above “operation device” is only required to be able to output operation information wirelessly, and may be capable of wireless communication with a game device, wireless communication with an image output device, or an embodiment described later. The controller may be capable of wireless communication with both of these devices.
Further, in the embodiment described later, the operation device is a controller that outputs operation data including operation button data, marker coordinate data, and acceleration data. However, the operation device is not limited to this, and an operation performed on the operation device. Any operation information may be output.

  According to the configuration of (4) above, since the operating device performs wireless communication and is not connected to other devices by wire, it is convenient to carry. Therefore, even when the display device used for the game is changed, the user can easily carry the operation device, and as a result, the display device can be changed more easily.

(5)
The image output device may further include a first operation information receiving unit that receives operation information output from the operation device. At this time, the second communication unit transmits the operation information received by the first operation information receiving unit or information generated based on the operation information to the game device. The first communication unit receives information transmitted from the second communication unit. The game processing unit executes game processing based on the information received by the first communication unit.

The “first operation information receiving unit” may be any means as long as it receives operation information in the image output apparatus, like a controller communication module 39 in an embodiment described later.
In addition, the second communication unit may transmit “operation information received by the first operation information receiving unit” or “information generated based on the operation information”. In other words, the second communication unit may transmit the operation information received from the operation device as it is to the game device, or may perform some processing (for example, correction processing) on the operation information and then transmit the operation information to the game device. May be.

  According to the configuration of (5) above, the operation information output from the operating device is sent to the game device via the image output device. Here, the operation device is assumed to be used in the vicinity of the image output device, and may be used in a place away from the game device. In this case, wireless communication between the operation device and the game device is performed. It can be difficult. On the other hand, according to the configuration of (5) above, since wireless communication is performed between the operation device and the image output device, wireless communication can be reliably performed and operation information can be reliably transmitted.

(6)
The game device may further include a second operation information receiving unit that receives operation information output from the operation device. The game processing unit executes a game process based on the operation information received by the second operation information receiving unit.

  The “second operation information receiving unit” may be any means that receives operation information in the game device, such as a controller communication module 19 in an embodiment described later.

  With configuration (6) above, the operation information output from the operation device can be directly transmitted to the game device. In addition, when the configuration of (5) and the configuration of (6) are combined, both the case where the operating device is used around the game device and the case where it is used around the image output device In some cases, the operation information can be reliably received.

(7)
The operation device may include at least one of an acceleration sensor, an imaging device, and a gyro sensor as detection means, and may output a detection result of the detection means as operation information.

  According to the configuration of (7) above, at least one detection result among the acceleration sensor, the imaging device, and the gyro sensor is used for the game process as operation information. Therefore, an operation in which the user moves the operation device itself can be used as a game operation, and a more interesting game can be provided. In (7) above, since the operating device is wireless, it is particularly suitable for an operation of moving the operating device.

(8)
The image output apparatus may further include a predetermined imaging target. At this time, the game system includes an imaging unit that can detect an imaging target, and further includes an operation device that can output an imaging result of the imaging unit. The game processing unit executes game processing based on the imaging result of the imaging unit.

  In the embodiment described later, the “predetermined imaging target” is a marker (more specifically, an infrared LED) included in the marker unit 32, but is not limited thereto, and the imaging target is determined from an image of the imaging result. Can be recognized by a game device (which may be an image output device or an operation device). For example, the predetermined imaging target may not be a light emitting member, and may be a mark having a predetermined shape, for example.

  According to the configuration of (8) above, the image output device and the imaging target are provided integrally. Here, when considering that the user (player) plays a game facing the display device, it is preferable that the imaging target is installed around the display device. On the other hand, since the image output device is connected to the display device via wiring, it is installed around the display device. Therefore, according to the configuration of (8) above, by integrating the two configurations (image output device and imaging target) that should be installed around the display device, the user is saved the trouble of installing these configurations. be able to.

(9)
The game device may further include a reading unit that reads information from an external recording medium in which the game program is recorded. At this time, the game processing unit performs game processing based on the game program read from the reading unit.

  The “external recording medium” is a concept including an arbitrary recording medium such as a memory card and a cartridge in addition to an optical disk (disc recording medium) in an embodiment described later.

  According to the configuration of (9) above, the game program executed in the game device can be easily changed by replacing the external recording medium on which the game program is recorded.

(10)
The reading unit may be a disk drive device that reads information from a disk recording medium that can be inserted into the game apparatus.

  According to the configuration of (10) above, it is possible to more easily replace the recording medium by using a disk recording medium that can be inserted into the game device as the external recording medium. In particular, when the game device and the display device are not connected by wire, it is also possible to play the game with the game device placed at the user's hand (see FIG. 15). The replacement can be done very easily

(11)
The game apparatus may further include a network communication unit that is connectable to a network and performs communication with an information processing apparatus that can communicate via the network.

  The “network” is a concept including an arbitrary network such as the Internet or a LAN. Moreover, the said network communication part is the concept containing the arbitrary means which has the function to connect to a network other than the network communication module 18 as described in embodiment mentioned later.

  According to the configuration of (11) above, the game device can perform communication via the network. For example, by downloading a new application or data via the network, the game device can execute the function or the game device. The content of the game played can be further enhanced. When the game apparatus has a network connection function as in the configuration (11) above, it is more troublesome to move the game apparatus or change the wiring for wiring to connect to the network. Therefore, in the case of the above (11), the present invention in which it is not necessary to move the game device even when the display device is changed is particularly effective.

(12)
The game device may be connected to another display device different from the display device connected to the image output device via wiring. At this time, the game device further includes a second image output unit that displays the image generated by the image generation unit on another display device.

  The “second image output unit” may be anything as long as it outputs an image to a display device connected to the game device, in addition to the AV-IC 15 in an embodiment described later.

  According to the configuration of (12) above, the game system can display an image on another display device connected to the game device in addition to the display device connected to the image output device. According to this, the user can select which of the two display devices is used without moving the device or changing the wiring, and can easily change the display device used in the game.

  In addition to being provided as the game system, the present invention may be provided as an image processing device included in the game system.

  According to the present invention, an image output device capable of wireless communication with a game device is included in the game system, so that the connection between the game device and the display device can be made wireless. It can be easily changed without applying.

External view of game system according to the present invention Block diagram showing the connection relationship of each device included in the game system Block diagram showing the internal configuration of the game device Block diagram showing the configuration of the image output device The perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of a 1st controller. The perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of a 1st controller. The perspective view which shows the state which removed the upper housing | casing of the 1st controller. The perspective view which shows the state which removed the lower housing | casing of the 1st controller. Block diagram showing the configuration of the first controller The figure which shows the main data memorize | stored in memory of a game device A flowchart showing the flow of processing of the game device in the normal mode A flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the game device by executing the game program Flowchart showing the flow of the image display process (step S14) shown in FIG. The figure which shows the game image displayed on two displays by the process shown in FIG. 12 for every usage form The block diagram which shows the connection relation of each apparatus contained in the game system which concerns on a 1st modification. The block diagram which shows the connection relation of each apparatus contained in the game system which concerns on a 2nd modification.

[Overall configuration of game system]
Hereinafter, a game system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external view of the game system 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a connection relationship between devices included in the game system 1. In FIG. 1, a game system 1 includes a display device represented by a television receiver or the like (hereinafter referred to as “first display”) 2, a game device 3, an optical disc 4, a first controller 5, and a marker device. 6, a second controller 7, an image output device 8, and a second display 9. The game system 1 executes a game process in the game device 3 based on a game operation using the first controller 5 and / or the second controller 7, and displays a game image or the like obtained as a result of the game process on the first display. 2 and / or the second display 9.

  An optical disk 4 that is an example of an information storage medium that can be used interchangeably with the game apparatus 3 is detachably inserted into the game apparatus 3. The optical disc 4 stores a game program to be executed on the game apparatus 3. An insertion slot for the optical disk 4 is provided on the front surface of the game apparatus 3. The game apparatus 3 executes a game process by reading and executing a game program stored in the optical disc 4 inserted into the insertion slot.

  The first controller 5 is an input device that provides the game device 3 with operation data indicating the content of the operation performed on the own device. As shown in FIG. 2, the first controller 5 and the game apparatus 3 are connected by wireless communication. In the present embodiment, for example, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) technology is used for wireless communication between the first controller 5 and the game apparatus 3. In other embodiments, the first controller 5 and the game apparatus 3 may be connected by wire.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the game apparatus 3 is connected to a first display 2 that is an example of a display device via a connection cable. The first display 2 displays a game image obtained as a result of the game process executed in the game apparatus 3. The first display 2 has a speaker 2a (FIG. 3), and the speaker 2a outputs game sound obtained as a result of the game processing. In other embodiments, the game apparatus 3 and the first display 2 may be integrated.

  A marker device 6 is installed around the first display 2 (upper side of the screen in FIG. 1). Although details will be described later, the user can perform a game operation to move the first controller 5, and the marker device 6 is used for the game device 3 to detect the movement of the first controller 5. The marker device 6 includes two markers 6R and 6L at both ends thereof. The marker 6 </ b> R (same for the marker 6 </ b> L) is specifically one or more infrared LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), and outputs infrared light toward the front of the first display 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the marker device 6 is connected to the game device 3, and lighting of each infrared LED included in the marker device 6 is controlled by the game device 3. In addition, although the marker apparatus 6 represents the aspect installed in the 1st display 2 in FIG. 1, the position and direction which install the marker apparatus 6 are arbitrary.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image output device 8 can communicate with the game device 3 wirelessly. The image output device 8 receives a game image and a game sound obtained as a result of the game processing from the game device 3. As shown in FIG. 2, the second display 9, which is an example of a display device, is connected to the image output device 8 through a wiring such as a connection cable. The second display 9 displays the game image received by the image output device 8. The second display 9 has a speaker 9a (FIG. 4), and the speaker 9a outputs the game sound received by the image output device 8. Further, the image output device 8 and the second display 9 may be integrated. That is, the image output device 8 may include a display, and the image may be directly output to the screen via the wiring inside the device. If the built-in display is portable, it is easy to carry and convenient. Further, the image output device 8 may have a built-in portable display, and may further output an image to an external display connected via a cable or the like. If there is an external display of a relatively large size such as a John device, it can be used, and even if it is not present, the screen can be viewed on a portable display, so it is possible to deal with various situations.

  Although details will be described later with reference to FIG. 4, the image output device 8 has the same function as the marker device 6. In other words, the image output device 8 includes one marker at each end thereof composed of one or more infrared LEDs. Each marker outputs infrared light toward the front of the second display 9. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, the image output device 8 is installed around the second display 9. Although FIG. 1 shows a mode in which the image output device 8 is installed on the second display 9, the position and orientation in which the image output device 8 is installed are arbitrary.

  Similar to the first controller 5, the second controller 7 is an input device that outputs operation data indicating the content of an operation performed on the own device. As shown in FIG. 2, the second controller 7 and the image output device 8 are connected by wireless communication. The operation data output from the second controller 7 is received by the image output device 8 and transmitted from the image output device 8 to the game device 3 by wireless communication. Further, in the present embodiment, the wireless communication between the second controller 7 and the image output device 8 is similar to the wireless communication between the first controller 5 and the game device 3 (Bluetooth) (registered trademark). ) Technology is used. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first controller 5 can wirelessly communicate with not only the game apparatus 3 but also the image output apparatus 8, and the second controller 7 wirelessly communicates with not only the image output apparatus 8 but also the game apparatus 3. Is possible. In other words, each of the controllers 5 and 7 may be used for communication with the game apparatus 3, or any of them may be used for communication with the image output apparatus 8. In other embodiments, the second controller 7 and the image output device 8 may be connected by wire. In the following description, when the first controller 5 and the second controller 7 are not particularly distinguished, the first controller 5 and the second controller 7 may be collectively referred to simply as “controller”. As described above, when the image output device 8 is an embodiment in which a display is incorporated, the image output device 8 may be provided with an input device such as a key, a touch panel, or an acceleration sensor. At this time, the user may operate the input device provided in the image output apparatus 8. That is, the image output device 8, the second display 9, and the second controller 7 may be formed as an integrated device. In that case, instead of transmitting operation data from the controller, operation data relating to the operation performed on the input device may be transmitted to the game apparatus 3, but communication with the controller is also used. You may do it. That is, when the image output apparatus 8 includes the input device, the second controller 7 that can communicate with the image output apparatus 8 may be omitted or may be present.

  Although detailed description of the operation will be described later, the game system 1 can display a game image using either (or both) of the two displays 2 and 9 by the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Therefore, the user can select the display used for the game (displaying the game image) from one of the two displays 2 and 9 according to the situation. For example, it is assumed that the first display 2 is installed in a living room and the second display 9 is installed in another room at home. In this case, the user determines whether to use a living room television (first display 2) or a television in another room (second display 9) as a display used for the game. Can be freely selected without any change. For example, when the living room TV is used by another person in the family or when a user wants to play a game in his / her room, the user may use the second display 9. In addition, when the user wants to play a game in the living room, the user may use the first display 2. Thus, according to the present embodiment, the user can easily change the display device used in the game without taking time and effort such as changing the wiring. It is also possible to play a game using both displays simultaneously.

[Internal configuration of game device 3]
Next, the internal configuration of the game apparatus 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the game apparatus 3. The game apparatus 3 includes a CPU 10, a system LSI 11, an external main memory 12, a ROM / RTC 13, a disk drive 14, an AV-IC 15 and the like.

  The CPU 10 executes a game process by executing a game program stored on the optical disc 4, and functions as a game processor. The CPU 10 is connected to the system LSI 11. In addition to the CPU 10, an external main memory 12, a ROM / RTC 13, a disk drive 14, and an AV-IC 15 are connected to the system LSI 11. The system LSI 11 performs processing such as control of data transfer between components connected thereto, generation of an image to be displayed, and acquisition of data from an external device. The internal configuration of the system LSI will be described later. The volatile external main memory 12 stores a program such as a game program read from the optical disc 4 or a game program read from the flash memory 17, or stores various data. Used as a work area and buffer area. The ROM / RTC 13 includes a ROM (so-called boot ROM) in which a program for starting the game apparatus 3 is incorporated, and a clock circuit (RTC: Real Time Clock) that counts time. The disk drive 14 reads program data, texture data, and the like from the optical disk 4 and writes the read data to an internal main memory 11e or an external main memory 12 described later.

  The system LSI 11 is provided with an input / output processor (I / O processor) 11a, a GPU (Graphics Processor Unit) 11b, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 11c, a VRAM 11d, and an internal main memory 11e. Although not shown, these components 11a to 11e are connected to each other by an internal bus.

  The GPU 11b forms part of a drawing unit and generates an image according to a graphics command (drawing command) from the CPU 10. The VRAM 11d stores data (data such as polygon data and texture data) necessary for the GPU 11b to execute the graphics command. When an image is generated, the GPU 11b creates image data using data stored in the VRAM 11d.

  The DSP 11c functions as an audio processor, and generates sound data using sound data and sound waveform (tone color) data stored in the internal main memory 11e and the external main memory 12.

  The image data and audio data generated as described above are read out by the AV-IC 15. The AV-IC 15 outputs the read image data to the first display 2 via the AV connector 16, and outputs the read audio data to the speaker 2 a built in the first display 2. As a result, an image is displayed on the first display 2 and a sound is output from the speaker 2a.

  The input / output processor 11a performs transmission / reception of data to / from components connected to the input / output processor 11a and downloads data from an external device. The input / output processor 11 a is connected to the flash memory 17, the network communication module 18, the controller communication module 19, the expansion connector 20, the memory card connector 21, and the image compression unit 27. An antenna 22 is connected to the network communication module 18. An antenna 23 is connected to the controller communication module 19. The image compression unit 27 is connected to a high-speed wireless communication module 28, and an antenna 29 is connected to the high-speed wireless communication module 28. Further, the controller communication module 19 is connected to the high-speed wireless communication module 28. When operation data is acquired from the image output device 7, the operation data is processed by being received by the high-speed wireless communication module 28 and then output to the controller communication module 19.

  The input / output processor 11 a is connected to a network such as the Internet via the network communication module 18 and the antenna 22, and can communicate with other game devices connected to the network and various servers including the server 110. The input / output processor 11a periodically accesses the flash memory 17 to detect the presence / absence of data that needs to be transmitted to the network. If there is such data, the input / output processor 11a communicates with the network via the network communication module 18 and the antenna 22. Send. Further, the input / output processor 11a receives data transmitted from other game devices and data downloaded from the download server via the network, the antenna 22 and the network communication module 18, and receives the received data in the flash memory 17. Remember. By executing the game program, the CPU 10 reads out the data stored in the flash memory 17 and uses it in the game program. In the flash memory 17, in addition to data transmitted and received between the game apparatus 3 and other game apparatuses and various servers, save data (game result data or intermediate data) of the game played using the game apparatus 3 May be stored.

  The input / output processor 11a receives operation data transmitted from the first controller 5 via the antenna 23 and the controller communication module 19, and stores it in the buffer area of the internal main memory 11e or the external main memory 12 (temporary storage). )

  Further, when the game image is displayed on the second display 9, the input / output processor 11 a outputs the game image data generated by the GPU 11 b to the image compression unit 27. The image compression unit 27 performs a predetermined compression process on the image data from the input / output processor 11a. The high-speed wireless communication module 28 performs wireless communication with the image output device 8. Therefore, the image data compressed by the image compression unit 27 is transmitted to the image output device 8 via the antenna 29 by the high-speed wireless communication module 28. In the present embodiment, the image data transmitted from the game apparatus 3 to the image output apparatus 8 is used for the game. In the game, if the displayed image is delayed, the operability of the game is adversely affected. For this reason, it is preferable that the transmission of image data from the game apparatus 3 to the image output apparatus 8 should be as delayless as possible. Therefore, in this embodiment, the image compression unit 27 is, for example, H.264. The image data is compressed using a highly efficient compression technique such as H.264 standard. The high-speed wireless communication module 28 performs high-speed wireless communication with the image output device 8 using, for example, a MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technique adopted in the IEEE802.11g standard.

  In the above description, the image data is transmitted from the game apparatus 3 to the image output apparatus 8. However, in the present embodiment, audio data is also transmitted together with the image data. That is, the input / output processor 11a outputs the audio data generated by the DSP 11c to the high-speed wireless communication module 28 via the image compression unit 27. The high-speed wireless communication module 28 transmits the audio data together with the image data to the image output device 8 via the antenna 29. For audio data, the image compression unit 27 may or may not perform data compression processing.

  When data (specifically, operation data from the second controller 7) is transmitted from the image output device 8 to the game device 3, the high-speed wireless communication module 28 transmits the data via the antenna 29. Receive. The received data is acquired by the input / output processor 11a. In the present embodiment, the data from the image output device 8 to the game device 3 is not compressed, so that the decompression processing is not performed on the data. However, in other embodiments, the image is not processed. The compression processing may be performed on the output device 8 side, and the expansion processing may be performed on the game device 3 side.

  Note that the wireless communication range (communication distance) between the game apparatus 3 and the image output apparatus 8 is such that wireless communication is possible even if the game apparatus 3 and the image output apparatus 8 are installed in different rooms in the home. It is preferable that there is about several tens of meters. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the range of wireless communication between the game device 3 and the first controller 5 is smaller than the range of wireless communication between the game device 3 and the image output device 8, and the game device 3 and the first controller 5 are the same. It is assumed that the controller 5 can communicate wirelessly in the same room.

  An expansion connector 20 and a memory card connector 21 are connected to the input / output processor 11a. The expansion connector 20 is a connector for an interface such as USB or SCSI. The expansion connector 20 is replaced with the network communication module 18 by connecting a medium such as an external storage medium, connecting a peripheral device such as another controller, or connecting a wired communication connector. You can communicate with the network. The memory card connector 21 is a connector for connecting an external storage medium such as a memory card. For example, the input / output processor 11a can access an external storage medium via the expansion connector 20 or the memory card connector 21 to store data in the external storage medium or read data from the external storage medium.

  The game apparatus 3 is provided with a power button 24, a reset button 25, and an eject button 26. The power button 24 and the reset button 25 are connected to the system LSI 11. When the power button 24 is turned on, power is supplied to each component of the game apparatus 3 via an AC adapter (not shown). When the reset button 25 is pressed, the system LSI 11 restarts the boot program for the game apparatus 3. The eject button 26 is connected to the disk drive 14. When the eject button 26 is pressed, the optical disk 4 is ejected from the disk drive 14.

  In the present embodiment, when the power button 24 is turned on, the system LSI 11 is supplied with power to each component of the game apparatus 3 via an AC adapter (not shown), and enters a normal energization mode (“normal” state). Mode)). On the other hand, when the power button 24 is turned off, the system LSI 11 is in a mode in which power is supplied to only some components of the game apparatus 3 and power saving control is performed to minimize power consumption (hereinafter “sleep”). Mode)). In the present embodiment, when the sleep mode is set, the system LSI 11 includes the input / output processor 11a, the flash memory 17, the external main memory 12, the ROM / RTC 13, the network communication module 18, the controller communication module 19, and the high-speed wireless communication. An instruction to stop power supply is given to the components other than the module 28. Therefore, this sleep mode is a mode in which no application is executed by the CPU 10. However, even in the sleep mode, the game apparatus 3 can receive data from the outside, and data transmitted from other game apparatuses or download servers is stored in the flash memory 17.

  Power is supplied to the system LSI 11 even in the sleep mode. However, in the sleep mode, the system LSI 11 stops supplying clocks to the components of the GPU 11b, the DSP 11c, and the VRAM 11d. As a result, power consumption is reduced by not driving these components. Although not shown, a fan for exhausting the heat of the IC such as the CPU 10 and the system LSI 11 to the outside is provided inside the housing of the game apparatus 3. In the sleep mode, this fan is also stopped.

  Further, the game apparatus 3 can switch between the normal mode and the sleep mode by a remote operation by pressing the power button of the first controller 5 (or the second controller 7). Note that when the switching by the remote operation is not performed, the controller communication module 19 may not be supplied with power in the sleep mode. Further, the game apparatus 3 may be able to be set not to use the sleep mode according to a user instruction. When the sleep mode is not used, when the power button 24 is turned off, the power supply to all circuits is completely stopped.

  In other embodiments, some of the components included in the game apparatus 3 may be configured as expansion devices that are separate from the game apparatus 3. At this time, the expansion device may be connected to the game apparatus 3 via the expansion connector 20, for example. Specifically, the expansion device includes, for example, the image compression unit 27, the high-speed wireless communication module 28, and the antenna 29, and may be detachable from the expansion connector 20. According to this, the game device can be configured to be communicable with the image output device 8 by connecting the expansion device to a game device that does not include the components.

[Internal Configuration of Image Output Device 8]
Next, the internal configuration of the image output apparatus 8 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image output device 8. The image output device 8 includes a power supply unit 31, a marker unit 32, an antenna 33, a high-speed wireless communication module 34, an image expansion unit 35, an AV-IC 36, an AV connector 37, an antenna 38, and a controller communication module 39.

  The marker unit 32 has a function equivalent to that of the marker device 6 described above, and includes two markers (specifically, one or more infrared LEDs). The power supply unit 31 is connected to the marker unit 32 and supplies power to each marker of the marker unit 32. In the present embodiment, the power supply unit 31 supplies power to the marker unit 32 when the image output device 8 is powered on. In another embodiment, the power supply unit 31 may determine whether to supply power to the marker unit 32 according to an instruction from the game apparatus 3. In another embodiment, the image output device 8 is configured not to include the functions of the marker device 6 (the power supply unit 31 and the marker unit 32), and the image output device 8 and the marker device are separate. It may be configured.

  The high-speed wireless communication module 34 performs wireless communication with the game apparatus 3 (specifically, the high-speed wireless communication module 28 of the game apparatus 3) via the antenna 33. When image data and audio data are transmitted from the game apparatus 3, the high-speed wireless communication module 34 receives the image data and audio data via the antenna 33 and outputs them to the image decompression unit 35. The image expansion unit 35 performs a predetermined expansion process on the image data (and audio data) from the high-speed wireless communication module 34 and outputs it to the AV-IC 36. The AV-IC 36 has the same function as the AV-IC 15 of the game apparatus 3, and the AV connector 37 has the same function as the AV connector 16 of the game apparatus 3. That is, the AV-IC 36 outputs the image data to the second display 9 via the AV connector 16 and outputs the audio data to the speaker 9 a built in the second display 9. As a result, an image is displayed on the second display 9, and sound is output from the speaker 9a. The AV connectors 16 and 36 may be connectors that can output to a plurality of output destinations. In another embodiment, the second display 9 and the speaker 9a may be included in the image output device 8. In this case, the AV connector 36 is not provided, and the image output device 8 is connected via wiring. Images and sounds may be output. However, even in that case, the image output device 8 may further be provided with an AV connector for external output.

  The controller communication module 39 has the same function as the controller communication module 19 of the game apparatus 3. That is, the controller communication module 39 receives operation data transmitted from the second controller 7 via the antenna 38. The received operation data is output to the high speed wireless communication module 34 and transmitted to the game apparatus 3 via the antenna 33 by the high speed wireless communication module 34. As described above, in the present embodiment, the operation data from the controller is transmitted to the game apparatus 3 by the high-speed wireless communication module 34. However, in other embodiments, the wireless communication module is different from the high-speed wireless communication module 34. May be transmitted to the game apparatus 3. The configuration of the image output device 8 is simplified by transmitting operation data to the game device 3 using a wireless communication module for receiving image data (and sound data) from the game device 3 as in the present embodiment. can do.

  The image output device is provided with a power switch (not shown). The power supply of the image output device 8 is switched by this power switch. As will be described in detail later, the power supply of the image output device 8 can be switched by a remote operation by pressing the power button of the controller 5 or 7 in the same manner as the power supply of the game device 3.

  As described above, with the configuration shown in FIG. 4, the image output device 8 can display the game image from the game device 3 on the second display 9. In this embodiment, the image output device 8 has both the function of the marker device 6 and the function of receiving image data and displaying it on the display. In other embodiments, the image output device 8 It is only necessary to have a function of receiving and displaying on the display. That is, in another embodiment, the image output device 8 may be configured not to include the power supply unit 31 and the marker unit 32. At this time, the game system 1 requires a marker device having the power supply unit 31 and the marker unit 32 separately. In the present embodiment, by integrating the above two functions into one device, the number of devices installed around the second display 9 can be reduced. Wiring can be simplified.

[Configuration of controller 5]
Next, the first controller 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views showing the external configuration of the first controller 5. FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first controller 5 viewed from the upper rear side, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the first controller 5 viewed from the lower front side.

  5 and 6, the first controller 5 has a housing 41 formed by plastic molding, for example. The housing 41 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape whose longitudinal direction is the front-rear direction (Z-axis direction shown in FIG. 5), and is a size that can be gripped with one hand of an adult or a child as a whole. A user (player) can perform a game operation by pressing a button provided on the first controller 5 and moving the first controller 5 itself to change its position and posture.

  The housing 41 is provided with a plurality of operation buttons. As shown in FIG. 5, a cross button 42a, a first button 42b, a second button 42c, an A button 42d, a minus button 42e, a home button 42f, a plus button 42g, and a power button 42h are provided on the upper surface of the housing 41. It is done. In the present specification, the upper surface of the housing 41 provided with these buttons 42a to 42h may be referred to as a “button surface”. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, a recess is formed on the lower surface of the housing 41, and a B button 42i is provided on the rear inclined surface of the recess. Functions corresponding to the game program executed by the game apparatus 3 are appropriately assigned to these operation buttons 42a to 42i. The power button 42h is used to remotely turn on / off the game apparatus 3 main body. The home button 42 f and the power button 42 h are embedded in the upper surface of the housing 41. This prevents the user from pressing the home button 42f or the power button 42h by mistake.

  A connector 43 is provided on the rear surface of the housing 41. The connector 43 is used for connecting another device to the first controller 5. Locking holes 43a are provided on both sides of the connector 43 on the rear surface of the housing 41 in order to prevent the other devices from being easily detached.

  A plurality (four in FIG. 5) of LEDs 44a to 44d are provided behind the upper surface of the housing 41. Here, the first controller 5 is given a controller type (number) to distinguish it from other main controllers. The LEDs 44a to 44d are used for the purpose of notifying the user of the controller type currently set in the first controller 5, or notifying the user of the remaining battery level of the first controller 5. Specifically, when a game operation is performed using the first controller 5, any one of the plurality of LEDs 44a to 44d is turned on according to the controller type.

  The first controller 5 has an imaging information calculation unit 45 (FIG. 8). As shown in FIG. 6, a light incident surface 45 a of the imaging information calculation unit 45 is provided on the front surface of the housing 41. The light incident surface 45a is made of a material that transmits at least infrared light from the markers 6R and 6L.

  Between the first button 42b and the home button 42f on the upper surface of the housing 41, a sound release hole 41a for releasing sound from the speaker 59 (FIG. 7) built in the first controller 5 is formed. ing.

  Next, the internal structure of the first controller 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 are diagrams showing the internal structure of the first controller 5. FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which the upper housing (a part of the housing 41) of the first controller 5 is removed. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state where the lower casing (a part of the housing 41) of the first controller 5 is removed. The perspective view shown in FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the substrate 40 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 7, a substrate 40 is fixed inside the housing 41, and each operation button 42 a to 42 h, each LED 44 a to 44 d, an acceleration sensor 47, an antenna 55, and a speaker 59 are provided on the upper main surface of the substrate 40. Etc. are provided. These are connected to a microcomputer (microcomputer) 52 (see FIG. 8) by wiring (not shown) formed on the substrate 40 or the like. In the present embodiment, the acceleration sensor 47 is disposed at a position shifted from the center of the first controller 5 with respect to the X-axis direction. This makes it easier to calculate the movement of the first controller 5 when the first controller 5 is rotated about the Z axis. Further, the acceleration sensor 47 is disposed in front of the center of the first controller 5 in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction). Further, the first controller 5 functions as a wireless controller by the wireless module 54 (FIG. 8) and the antenna 55.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 8, an imaging information calculation unit 45 is provided at the front edge on the lower main surface of the substrate 40. The imaging information calculation unit 45 includes an infrared filter 48, a lens 49, an imaging element 50, and an image processing circuit 51 in order from the front of the first controller 5. These members 48 to 51 are respectively attached to the lower main surface of the substrate 40.

  Further, the microcomputer 52 and the vibrator 58 are provided on the lower main surface of the substrate 40. The vibrator 58 is, for example, a vibration motor or a solenoid, and is connected to the microcomputer 52 by wiring formed on the substrate 40 or the like. The first controller 5 is vibrated by the operation of the vibrator 58 in accordance with an instruction from the microcomputer 52. Thereby, it is possible to realize a so-called vibration-compatible game in which the vibration is transmitted to the user's hand holding the first controller 5. In the present embodiment, the vibrator 58 is disposed slightly forward of the housing 41. That is, by arranging the vibrator 58 on the end side with respect to the center of the first controller 5, the entire first controller 5 can be vibrated greatly by the vibration of the vibrator 58. The connector 43 is attached to the rear edge on the lower main surface of the substrate 40. 7 and 8, the first controller 5 includes a crystal resonator that generates a basic clock of the microcomputer 52, an amplifier that outputs an audio signal to the speaker 59, and the like.

  Note that the shape of the first controller 5 shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the shape of each operation button, the number of acceleration sensors and vibrators, the installation positions, and the like are merely examples, and other shapes, numbers, and installations are possible. Even in the position, the present invention can be realized. In the present embodiment, the imaging direction by the imaging unit is the positive Z-axis direction, but the imaging direction may be any direction. That is, the position of the imaging information calculation unit 45 in the first controller 5 (the light incident surface 45a of the imaging information calculation unit 45) may not be the front surface of the housing 41, as long as light can be taken from the outside of the housing 41. It may be provided on another surface.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the first controller 5. The first controller 5 includes an operation unit 42 (operation buttons 42 a to 42 i), a connector 43, an imaging information calculation unit 45, a communication unit 46, and an acceleration sensor 47. The first controller 5 transmits data indicating the details of the operation performed on the own device to the game apparatus 3 as operation data.

  The operation unit 42 includes the operation buttons 42a to 42i described above, and the operation button data indicating the input state (whether or not each operation button 42a to 42i is pressed) to each operation button 42a to 42i is transmitted to the microcomputer of the communication unit 46. To 52.

  The imaging information calculation unit 45 is a system for analyzing the image data captured by the imaging unit, discriminating a region having a high luminance in the image data, and calculating the position of the center of gravity and the size of the region. Since the imaging information calculation unit 45 has a sampling period of, for example, about 200 frames / second at the maximum, it can track and analyze even a relatively high-speed controller movement.

  The imaging information calculation unit 45 includes an infrared filter 48, a lens 49, an imaging element 50, and an image processing circuit 51. The infrared filter 48 allows only infrared rays to pass from light incident from the front of the first controller 5. The lens 49 condenses the infrared light that has passed through the infrared filter 48 and makes it incident on the image sensor 50. The image sensor 50 is a solid-state image sensor such as a CMOS sensor or a CCD sensor, for example, and receives the infrared light collected by the lens 49 and outputs an image signal. Here, the markers 6 </ b> R and 6 </ b> L of the marker device 6 arranged in the vicinity of the display screen of the first display 2 are configured by infrared LEDs that output infrared light toward the front of the first display 2. Therefore, by providing the infrared filter 48, the image sensor 50 receives only the infrared light that has passed through the infrared filter 48 and generates image data, so that the images of the markers 6R and 6L can be captured more accurately. Hereinafter, an image captured by the image sensor 50 is referred to as a captured image. Image data generated by the image sensor 50 is processed by the image processing circuit 51. The image processing circuit 51 calculates the position of the imaging target (markers 6R and 6L) in the captured image. The image processing circuit 51 outputs coordinates indicating the calculated position to the microcomputer 52 of the communication unit 46. The coordinate data is transmitted to the game apparatus 3 as operation data by the microcomputer 52. Hereinafter, the coordinates are referred to as “marker coordinates”. Since the marker coordinates change corresponding to the direction (inclination angle) and position of the first controller 5 itself, the game apparatus 3 can calculate the direction and position of the first controller 5 using the marker coordinates. .

  In other embodiments, the first controller 5 may not include the image processing circuit 51, and the captured image itself may be transmitted from the first controller 5 to the game apparatus 3. At this time, the game apparatus 3 has a circuit or a program having the same function as the image processing circuit 51, and may calculate the marker coordinates.

  The acceleration sensor 47 detects the acceleration (including gravitational acceleration) of the first controller 5, that is, detects the force (including gravity) applied to the first controller 5. The acceleration sensor 47 detects the value of the acceleration (linear acceleration) in the linear direction along the sensing axis direction among the accelerations applied to the detection unit of the acceleration sensor 47. For example, in the case of a multi-axis acceleration sensor having two or more axes, the component acceleration along each axis is detected as the acceleration applied to the detection unit of the acceleration sensor. For example, the triaxial or biaxial acceleration sensor may be of the type available from Analog Devices, Inc. or ST Microelectronics NV. The acceleration sensor 47 is, for example, a capacitance type acceleration sensor, but another type of acceleration sensor may be used.

  In the present embodiment, the acceleration sensor 47 has a vertical direction (Y-axis direction shown in FIG. 5), a horizontal direction (X-axis direction shown in FIG. 5), and a front-back direction (shown in FIG. 5) with respect to the first controller 5. The linear acceleration is detected in each of the three axial directions (Z-axis direction). Since the acceleration sensor 47 detects acceleration in the linear direction along each axis, the output from the acceleration sensor 47 represents the linear acceleration value of each of the three axes. That is, the detected acceleration is represented as a three-dimensional vector (ax, ay, az) in an XYZ coordinate system (controller coordinate system) set with the first controller 5 as a reference. Hereinafter, a vector having the respective acceleration values related to the three axes detected by the acceleration sensor 47 as components is referred to as an acceleration vector.

  Data indicating the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 47 (acceleration data) is output to the communication unit 46. Note that the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 47 changes in accordance with the direction (inclination angle) and movement of the first controller 5 itself, so the game apparatus 3 uses the acceleration data to determine the direction of the first controller 5 and the like. Movement can be calculated. In the present embodiment, the game apparatus 3 determines the attitude (tilt angle) of the first controller 5 based on the acceleration data. That is, the acceleration sensor 47 is used as a sensor that outputs data for determining the tilt angle of the first controller 5.

  Based on the acceleration signal output from the acceleration sensor 47, a computer such as a processor (for example, the CPU 10) of the game apparatus 3 or a processor (for example, the microcomputer 52) of the first controller 5 performs the processing, whereby the first Those skilled in the art will readily understand from this description that additional information regarding the controller 5 can be inferred or calculated (determined). For example, when processing on the computer side is executed on the assumption that the first controller 5 on which the acceleration sensor 47 is mounted is in a stationary state (that is, processing is performed assuming that the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor is only gravitational acceleration). When executed, if the first controller 5 is actually stationary, whether or not the attitude of the first controller 5 is inclined with respect to the direction of gravity based on the detected acceleration. I can know. Specifically, when the state in which the detection axis of the acceleration sensor 47 is directed vertically downward is used as a reference, the first controller 5 is inclined with respect to the reference depending on whether 1G (gravity acceleration) is applied. It is possible to know whether it is inclined or not, and how much it is inclined with respect to the reference according to its size. Further, in the case of the multi-axis acceleration sensor 47, the degree of inclination of the first controller 5 with respect to the direction of gravity is known in more detail by further processing the acceleration signal of each axis. be able to. In this case, the processor may calculate the tilt angle of the first controller 5 based on the output from the acceleration sensor 47, or the tilt direction of the first controller 5 may be calculated without calculating the tilt angle. You may make it calculate. Thus, by using the acceleration sensor 47 in combination with the processor, the tilt angle or posture of the first controller 5 can be determined.

  On the other hand, when it is assumed that the first controller 5 is in a dynamic state (a state in which the first controller 5 is moved), the acceleration sensor 47 includes the first controller 5 in addition to the gravitational acceleration. Therefore, the direction of movement of the first controller 5 can be known by removing the gravitational acceleration component from the detected acceleration by a predetermined process. Even if it is assumed that the first controller 5 is in a dynamic state, an acceleration component corresponding to the motion of the acceleration sensor is removed from the detected acceleration by a predetermined process. It is possible to know the inclination of the first controller 5 with respect to the direction of gravity. In another embodiment, the acceleration sensor 47 is a built-in process for performing a predetermined process on the acceleration signal before outputting the acceleration signal detected by the built-in acceleration detection means to the microcomputer 52. An apparatus or other type of dedicated processing apparatus may be provided. A built-in or dedicated processing device converts the acceleration signal into a tilt angle (or other preferred parameter) if, for example, the acceleration sensor 47 is used to detect static acceleration (eg, gravitational acceleration). It may be a thing.

  In this embodiment, for example, a capacitance type acceleration sensor is used as a sensor that outputs a value that changes according to the movement of the controller. However, other types of acceleration sensors or gyro sensors are used. May be. However, the acceleration sensor detects acceleration in a linear direction along each axis, whereas the gyro sensor detects angular velocity associated with rotation. In other words, when a gyro sensor is employed instead of the acceleration sensor, the nature of the detected signal is different, and therefore both cannot be easily replaced. Therefore, when calculating the attitude (tilt angle) using a gyro sensor instead of the acceleration sensor, for example, the following changes are made. Specifically, the game apparatus 3 initializes the posture value in the detection start state. Then, the angular velocity data output from the gyro sensor is integrated. Further, using the integration result, the amount of change in posture is calculated from the initialized posture value. In this case, the calculated posture is represented by an angle.

  As already described, when the inclination angle (posture) is calculated by the acceleration sensor, the inclination angle is calculated using the acceleration vector. Therefore, the calculated tilt angle can be expressed as a vector, and the absolute direction can be calculated without performing initialization. In the case of using an acceleration sensor and the case of using a gyro sensor. Is different. In addition, since the property of the value calculated as the tilt angle also differs depending on whether it is an angle or a vector as described above, when replacing the acceleration sensor with the gyro sensor, the data of the tilt angle is included. Even for this, it is necessary to perform predetermined conversion.

  The communication unit 46 includes a microcomputer 52, a memory 53, a wireless module 54, and an antenna 55. The microcomputer 52 controls the wireless module 54 that wirelessly transmits data acquired by the microcomputer 52 to the game apparatus 3 while using the memory 53 as a storage area when performing processing. The microcomputer 52 is connected to the connector 43.

  Data output from the operation unit 42, the imaging information calculation unit 45, and the acceleration sensor 47 to the microcomputer 52 is temporarily stored in the memory 53. These data are transmitted to the game apparatus 3 as the operation data. That is, the microcomputer 52 outputs the operation data stored in the memory 53 to the wireless module 54 when the transmission timing to the controller communication module 19 of the game apparatus 3 arrives. The wireless module 54 modulates a carrier wave having a predetermined frequency with operation data using, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) technology, and radiates a weak radio signal from the antenna 55. That is, the operation data is modulated into a weak radio signal by the wireless module 54 and transmitted from the first controller 5. The weak radio signal is received by the controller communication module 19 on the game apparatus 3 side. By demodulating and decoding the received weak radio signal, the game apparatus 3 can acquire operation data. And CPU10 of the game device 3 performs a game process based on the acquired operation data and a game program. Note that wireless transmission from the communication unit 46 to the controller communication module 19 is sequentially performed at predetermined intervals, but game processing is generally performed in units of 1/60 seconds (one frame time). Therefore, it is preferable to perform transmission at a period equal to or shorter than this time. The communication unit 46 of the first controller 5 outputs each operation data to the controller communication module 19 of the game apparatus 3 at a rate of once every 1/200 seconds, for example.

  By using the first controller 5, the user can perform an operation of tilting the first controller 5 to an arbitrary inclination angle in addition to the conventional general game operation of pressing each operation button. In addition, according to the first controller 5, the user can also perform an operation of instructing an arbitrary position on the screen by the first controller 5 and an operation of moving the first controller 5 itself.

  The first controller 5 has been described above with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, the second controller 7 is the same as the first controller 5, and therefore detailed description regarding the second controller 7 is omitted. In other embodiments, the first controller 5 and the second controller 7 do not have to be the same input device. For example, the number and arrangement of buttons, the presence or absence of the acceleration sensor 47, or the housing The shape and the like may be different.

[Processing of each device in the game system]
Next, processing of the game apparatus 3 and the like in the game system 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. First, main data used in the processing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing main data stored in the memory of the game apparatus 3 (external main memory 12, internal main memory 11e, or flash memory 17). As shown in FIG. 10, a game program 61, operation data 62, and processing data 63 are stored in the memory of the game apparatus 3.

  The game program 61 is a program for executing a game process (the process shown in FIG. 12). Part or all of the game program 61 is read from the optical disc 4 and stored in the memory at an appropriate timing after the game apparatus 3 enters the normal mode described above.

  The operation data 62 is operation data transmitted from the first or second controller 5 or 7 to the game apparatus 3. In addition, when a plurality of controllers are wirelessly connected to the game system 1, the same number of operation data as the controller is stored in the memory. As described above, since the operation data is transmitted from the controller to the game apparatus 3 at a rate of once every 1/200 second, the operation data 62 stored in the memory is updated at this rate. The operation data 62 includes operation button data, marker coordinate data, and acceleration data. The operation button data is data indicating an input state for each of the operation buttons 42a to 42i. The marker coordinate data is data indicating coordinates calculated by the image processing circuit 51 of the imaging information calculation unit 45, that is, the marker coordinates. The acceleration data is data indicating the acceleration (acceleration vector) detected by the acceleration sensor 47.

  The processing data 63 is data used in processing (FIGS. 11 to 13) in the game apparatus 3. The processing data 63 includes wireless flag data 64, two-image flag data 65, and controller data 66. In addition to the data shown in FIG. 10, the processing data 63 includes data necessary for the game process, such as image data of various objects appearing in the game and data indicating various parameters of the object.

  The wireless flag data 64 indicates the contents (on or off) of the wireless flag. The wireless flag is a flag indicating whether an image generated in the game apparatus 3 is transmitted to the image output apparatus 8 by wireless output. That is, in a mode in which an image is transmitted to the image output device 8 by wireless output (wireless output mode), the wireless flag is set to ON, and a mode in which the image is not transmitted to the image output device 8 by wireless output (non-wireless). In the output mode), the wireless flag is set to off.

  The two-image flag data 65 indicates the contents (on or off) of the two-image flag. The two-image flag is a flag indicating whether or not two types of images are generated as a result of processing in the game apparatus 3. As an example of generating two types of images, for example, a case where two people play a game can be considered. Specifically, this is a case where two types of game images are generated based on the viewpoint of each character operated by two players (users). When two types of images are generated, the two-image flag is set on, and when only one type of image is generated, the two-image flag is set off.

  The controller data 66 is data indicating information related to the controller used for the operation. In the present embodiment, the user can use a controller that establishes wireless communication with the game apparatus 3 or the image output apparatus 8 for operation. That is, the controller data 66 includes information for identifying the controller and information indicating whether the communication established (wirelessly connected) device is the game device 3 or the image output device 8 (hereinafter “connection”). At least. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the number of controllers that can be wirelessly connected to the game apparatus 3 or the image output apparatus 8 simultaneously is four. Therefore, controller data 66 indicating information on up to four controllers is stored in the memory.

(Operation of each device when starting the game system 1)
First, the operation of each device when the game system 1 is activated will be described. Here, as described above, each of the controllers 5 and 7 has a function of performing wireless communication with both the game apparatus 3 and the image output apparatus 8. However, in the following description, a case where the first controller 5 communicates with the game apparatus 3 and the second controller 7 communicates with the image output apparatus 8 will be described as an example. That is, a case where the first controller 5 is used around the game apparatus 3 (typically in the same room) and the second controller 7 is used around the image output apparatus 8 will be described as an example. It is assumed that game device 3 and image output device 8 are installed in different rooms in the home.

  In the present embodiment, in order to start the game system 1, the game apparatus 3 may be turned on or the image output apparatus 8 may be turned on. The power on / off of the game apparatus 3 and the image output apparatus 8 can be switched by the power button provided on each apparatus, and can also be performed by pressing the power button of each controller 5 or 7. it can. That is, in this embodiment, the game system 1 can be started using a controller. Details will be described below.

  When the power button 42h of the first controller 5 is pressed while the game apparatus 3 is in the sleep mode, the first controller 5 sends operation data indicating that the power button 42h has been pressed to the game apparatus 3. Send. The controller communication module 19 of the game apparatus 3 receives the operation data transmitted from the first controller 5 via the antenna 23. When the operation data is received, the game apparatus 3 supplies power to each component and shifts to the normal mode. On the other hand, when the operation data indicating that the power button is pressed is received from the first controller 5 in the normal mode, the game apparatus 3 shifts to the sleep mode. Note that the power supply of the game apparatus 3 (switching between the normal mode and the sleep mode) can also be performed using the power button 24 provided on the game apparatus 3.

  On the other hand, the power supply of the image output device 8 can be switched by remote operation by pressing the power button of the second controller 7, as in the game device 3. That is, the controller communication module 39 of the image output device 8 is supplied with power even when the power is off (sleep mode), and can receive operation data from the second controller 7. When the power button of the second controller 7 is pressed when the power is off, the second controller 7 transmits operation data indicating that the power button has been pressed to the image output device 8. The controller communication module 39 receives the operation data transmitted from the second controller 7 via the antenna 38. When the operation data is received, the image output device 8 supplies power to each component and shifts to the normal mode. On the other hand, when operation data indicating that the power button has been pressed is received from the second controller 7 when the power is on (normal mode), the image output device 8 turns off the power. Note that the power supply of the image output device 8 can also be switched by a power button (not shown) provided on the image output device 8.

  When the power of the image output device 8 is turned on / off, the high speed wireless communication module 34 transmits an instruction to the game device 3 to turn on / off the power. When the high-speed wireless communication module 28 of the game apparatus 3 receives this instruction, the game apparatus 3 turns on / off its own power according to the instruction (switches between the normal mode and the sleep mode). Thus, in the present embodiment, the power supply switching instruction from the controller 5 or 7 is transmitted not only directly to the game apparatus 3 but also to the game apparatus 3 via the image output apparatus 8. Therefore, the user can turn on / off the power of the game apparatus 3 using the controller even from the location of the image output apparatus 8 away from the game apparatus 3. In another embodiment, the game apparatus 3 may be configured such that the power on / off cannot be switched by a signal from the image output apparatus 8, and the power button 24 (or controller) provided on the game apparatus 3 may be used. The power on / off may be switched only by the power button.

  When the game apparatus 3 is powered on using the controller, the CPU 10 stores the controller data 66 in the memory. That is, the CPU 10 communicates information for identifying a controller on which an operation for turning on the power of the game apparatus 3 is performed, whether the controller establishes wireless communication with the game apparatus 3, or the image output apparatus 8. Data indicating information indicating whether wireless communication is established (connection information) is stored in the memory as controller data 66. When the power of the game apparatus 3 is turned on by the power switch provided in the game apparatus 3 or the image output apparatus 8, the controller data 66 is not stored when the power is turned on.

(Processing of the game apparatus 3 when starting the normal mode)
Next, with reference to FIG. 11, the process of the game apparatus 3 in the above-described normal mode (a mode in which power is supplied to each component of the game apparatus 3 and the normal energization state is set) will be described. When an instruction to start the game system 1 is given by the user in the sleep mode described above, power is supplied to each component of the game apparatus 3 via an AC adapter (not shown), and the normal mode is started. . After entering the normal mode, the CPU 10 or the like of the game apparatus 3 starts executing the processing shown in FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process flow of the game apparatus 3 in the normal mode. At the time when the series of processes shown in FIG. 11 is started, data indicating OFF is stored as the wireless flag data 64 in the memory. In the series of processes, first, in step S1, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the image output apparatus 8 is powered on. Here, in the present embodiment, when the power of the image output device 8 is turned on, the high-speed wireless communication module 34 of the image output device 8 executes processing for establishing wireless communication with the game device 3. Therefore, the determination in step S1 can be made based on whether or not communication between the game apparatus 3 and the image output apparatus 8 is established. That is, the determination process in step S <b> 1 is a process of determining whether or not data can be transmitted to the image output device 8. If the determination result of step S1 is affirmative, the process of step S2 is executed. On the other hand, if the determination result of step S1 is negative, the process of step S2 is skipped and the process of step S3 is executed.

  In step S <b> 2, the CPU 10 sets the mode of the game apparatus 3 relating to the wireless output to the image output device 8 to the wireless output mode. That is, the CPU 10 stores data indicating ON as the wireless flag data 64 in the memory. Following step S2, the process of step S3 is executed.

  In step S3, the CPU 10 generates a menu image. The menu image is an image for accepting an instruction to start various applications that can be executed on the game apparatus 3 (including game program applications stored on the optical disc 4). The game apparatus 3 can execute a plurality of types of applications, and generates an image (icon) representing each application as a menu image. Note that the CPU 10 may generate an image in which a cursor that can be operated by the controller is superimposed on the menu image. When outputting a sound (for example, BGM or an operation sound output when a user gives an instruction) together with the menu image, the CPU 10 generates the sound. Following step S3, the process of step S4 is executed.

  The menu image generated in step S3 is displayed on the first display 2 and / or the second display 9. Control on which display the menu image is displayed (steps S4 to S6 below) is performed by the input / output processor 11a. That is, in step S4, the input / output processor 11a determines whether or not the wireless output mode is set. The determination in step S4 is made based on whether or not the wireless flag data 64 stored in the memory indicates ON. If the determination result of step S4 is negative, the process of step S5 is executed. On the other hand, when the determination result of step S4 is affirmative, the process of step S6 is executed.

  In step S <b> 5, the input / output processor 11 a outputs the menu image (and sound) generated in step S <b> 3 to the first display 2. Specifically, the menu image data is read by the AV-IC 15 and output to the first display 2 via the AV connector 16. Note that the audio data generated in step S3 is read by the AV-IC 15 and output to the speaker 2a of the first display 2 via the AV connector 16. As described above, according to step S5, the menu image is displayed only on the first display 2. Following step S5, the process of step S7 described later is executed.

  On the other hand, in step S6, the input / output processor 11a outputs the menu image (and sound) generated in step S3 to the first display 2 and wirelessly outputs it to the image output device 8. The process for outputting the menu image to the first display 2 is the same as in step S5. In step S6, the input / output processor 11a further outputs the menu image data to the image compression unit 27. In response to the output of the menu image data, the image compression unit 27 compresses the data by a predetermined method. The high-speed wireless communication module 28 transmits the compressed data to the image output device 8 via the antenna 29. In the image output device 8, the compressed data is received by the high-speed wireless communication module 34 via the antenna 33 and output to the image expansion unit 35. The image decompression unit 35 decompresses the compressed data. The expanded menu image data is read by the AV-IC 36 and output to the second display 2 via the AV connector 37. The menu image is displayed on the second display 9 by the above processing.

  Note that the audio data generated in step S3 is transmitted from the high-speed wireless communication module 28 to the image output device 8 via the antenna 29, like the menu image data. The audio data received by the image output device 8 is read by the AV-IC 36 and output to the speaker 9 a of the second display 9 via the AV connector 37. Note that the game apparatus 3 may perform the compression process on the audio data as well as the image data and transmit the audio data to the image output apparatus 8. At this time, the image output apparatus 8 receives the received (compressed) audio. Decompress data.

  According to the above step S6, the menu image is displayed on the first display 2 and the menu image is also displayed on the second display 9. Therefore, even when the user plays a game at a place where the first display 2 is installed, or when the user plays a game at a place where the second display 9 is installed, the user can display the menu image. Can be visually recognized. Further, according to the present embodiment, when the image output device 8 is powered on (Yes in step S4), the menu image is displayed on the second display 9, so that the user can select the image output device. The menu image can be displayed on the second display 9 only by turning on the power supply 8 without performing any special setting operation. Following step S6, the process of step S7 is executed.

  In step S7, the CPU 10 determines whether or not a new controller wireless connection is detected. Here, in this embodiment, when a button of a controller that is not wirelessly connected to the game apparatus 3 or the image output apparatus 8 is pressed, the controller transmits a signal for establishing wireless communication. And the process which establishes wireless communication between the game device 3 or the image output device 8 which received the said signal is performed. When wireless communication is established between the new controller and the image output device 8, the image output device 8 sends a signal indicating that the new controller has been detected from the high-speed wireless communication module 34 via the antenna 33. It transmits to the game apparatus 3.

  Accordingly, in step S7, the CPU 10 determines whether or not wireless communication is established between the game apparatus 3 and the new controller, and wireless communication is performed between the image output apparatus 8 and the new controller. It is determined whether it has been established. The latter determination can be made based on whether or not a signal indicating that a new controller has been detected is received from the image output device 8 in the high-speed wireless communication module 28 of the game apparatus 3. If either of the two determinations is affirmative, the CPU 10 determines that the determination result of step S7 is affirmative. On the other hand, when both of the above two determinations are negative, the CPU 10 determines that the determination result of step S7 is negative. If the determination result of step S7 is affirmative, the process of step S8 is executed. On the other hand, when the determination result of step S7 is negative, the process of step S8 is skipped and the process of step S9 described later is executed.

  In step S8, the CPU 10 registers a new controller in which wireless communication with the game apparatus 3 or the image output apparatus 8 has been established. That is, controller data 66 indicating information related to the new controller (identification information of the controller and information indicating whether the device with which communication is established is the game device 3 or the image output device 8) is stored in the memory. Is done. Following step S8, the process of step S9 is executed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the controller used for the operation when the menu image is displayed may communicate with either the game apparatus 3 or the image output apparatus 8, and the controller is a game. The user can decide whether to communicate with the device 3 or the image output device 8. Therefore, all the controllers used for the operation may communicate with one of the game apparatus 3 and the image output apparatus 8 and there may be no controller that communicates with the other. That is, the game system 1 according to the present embodiment can be used in a form in which the user exists in both the room in which the game apparatus 3 is installed and the room in which the image output apparatus 8 is installed. It is also possible to use in such a form that the user exists only in one of them and the user does not exist in the other.

  In step S9, the CPU 10 acquires operation data from the controller. In the present embodiment, the operation data acquisition path includes a path directly transmitted from the controller to the game apparatus 3 and a path indirectly transmitted from the controller to the game apparatus 3 via the image output apparatus 8. . In step S9, the CPU 10 acquires operation data from the controller for both of the two paths. That is, when the first controller 5 capable of communicating with the game apparatus 3 exists, the CPU 10 receives the operation data transmitted from the first controller 5 by the controller communication module 19 and stores it in the memory. When there is a second controller 7 that can communicate with the image output device 8, the controller communication module 39 of the image output device 8 receives operation data from the second controller 7, and the high-speed wireless communication module 34 performs the operation. Data is transmitted to the game apparatus 3. The CPU 10 receives the operation data transmitted from the image output device 8 by the high-speed wireless communication module 28 and stores it in the memory. Following step S9, the process of step S10 is executed.

  In the present embodiment, when the operation data received from the second controller 7 is transmitted to the game apparatus 3, the image output device 8 transmits the received operation data as it is. Here, in another embodiment, the image output device 8 performs some processing on the operation data received from the second controller 7 and transmits the processed operation data to the game device 3. Also good. For example, for acceleration data and marker coordinate data included in the operation data, a predetermined correction process is performed on the acceleration value indicated by the acceleration data and the coordinate value indicated by the marker coordinate data for use in the game process. May be performed. The image output apparatus 8 may transmit the corrected operation data to the game apparatus 3 after performing such correction processing on the received operation data.

  In step S <b> 10, the CPU 10 executes processing according to the operation by the controller. The operation that can be performed when the menu image is displayed may be any operation. For example, the operation may include an operation of moving a cursor displayed on the menu image or a menu image. This includes operations that execute applications. In step S10, it is possible to execute a game program stored in the optical disc 4, but details of processing by executing the game program will be described later. Following step S10, the process of step S1 is executed. Thereafter, the processes in steps S1 to S10 are repeatedly executed until the power of the game apparatus 3 is turned off.

  As described above, when the menu image is displayed, the menu image is displayed on the first display 2 and also on the second display 9 (when the power of the image output device 8 is on). The menu image is also displayed. Therefore, the user visually recognizes the menu image even when the game is played at the place where the first display 2 is installed or when the game is played at the place where the second display 9 is installed. be able to. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user can easily change the display device (either the first display 2 or the second display 9) used in the game without taking the trouble of changing the wiring. can do.

(Processing by game program)
Next, processing performed by the game apparatus 3 by executing the game program stored on the optical disc 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the game apparatus 3 by executing the game program. When the user issues an instruction to execute the game program when the menu image is displayed (FIG. 11), the game apparatus 3 starts executing the game program. That is, after each unit such as the main memory is initialized, the game program is read into the main memory, and the CPU 10 starts executing the game program. The flowchart shown in FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processing performed after the above processing is completed.

  In the process shown in FIG. 12, first, in step S11, the CPU 10 sets an image generation mode. Here, in the present embodiment, there are two types of modes (image generation mode) relating to the generation of the game image (one image mode and two image mode). The one image mode is a mode in which one type of image is generated as a result of processing in the game apparatus 3, and the two image mode is a mode in which two types of images are generated as a result of processing in the game apparatus 3. In step S11, it is determined whether the image generation mode is set to the 1 image mode or the 2 image mode. In the present embodiment, when not in the wireless output mode, the CPU 10 automatically sets the image generation mode to the single image mode. In this case, since only the first display 2 is used, it is not necessary to generate two types of images.

  The image generation mode may be set in any way, but may be set in accordance with an instruction from a player (user), for example. The image generation mode may be set based on, for example, the connection information of the controller used for the operation (whether it is wirelessly connected to the game device 3 or wirelessly connected to the image output device 8). That is, the CPU 10 refers to the controller data 66 stored in the memory and identifies the connection information of the controller. When one of the game apparatus 3 and the image output apparatus 8 and all the controllers are wirelessly connected, the single image mode is set. In this case, it is assumed that the device without the wirelessly connected controller is not used by the player, that is, only one display is used. On the other hand, when there is a controller wirelessly connected to the game apparatus 3 and there is a controller wirelessly connected to the image output apparatus 8, the two-image mode is set. This is because it is assumed that both displays are used.

  In the present embodiment, the image generation mode is set only at the beginning of the game (the beginning of the process shown in FIG. 12). Here, in another embodiment, the image generation mode may be set during the game (in the processing loop of steps S12 to S15). For example, the CPU 10 may change the setting of the image generation mode when there is a predetermined instruction from the player during the game. In other embodiments, the image generation mode may be set before the game is started (for example, when a menu image is displayed).

  When the image generation mode is set to the single image mode in step S11, the CPU 10 stores data indicating OFF in the memory as the two-image flag data 65. On the other hand, when the image generation mode is set to the 2-image mode, the CPU 10 stores data indicating ON in the memory as the 2-image flag data 65. Following step S11, the process of step S12 is executed.

  In step S12, the CPU 10 acquires operation data. The process of step S12 is the same as step S9 described above, and the CPU 10 acquires operation data from both the controller that can directly communicate with the game apparatus 3 and the controller that can indirectly communicate with the image output apparatus 8. To do. Following step S12, the process of step S13 is executed.

  In step S13, the CPU 10 executes a game process based on the game operation (the operation data acquired in step S12). The specific process executed in step S13 may be any process. For example, the process of controlling the action of the game character that is the operation target of the player, or the case where the cursor is displayed as a game image. Is a process of moving the cursor. In the present embodiment, since the marker (marker unit 32 of the image output device 8) is installed on the second display 9 similarly to the first display 2, whichever of the two displays 2 and 9 is used. Even in this case, the CPU 10 can perform a game process based on the marker coordinate data. Further, in step S13, in addition to the game process based on the game operation, a process not directly related to the game operation (for example, a process for automatically controlling the operation of other game characters appearing in the game space) is executed. May be. Following step S13, the process of step S14 is executed.

  In step S14, the CPU 10 executes image display processing. The image display process is a process of generating and displaying an image representing a game situation (for example, an image representing a game space in which a player character appears) based on the game process in step S13. The details of the image display process will be described below with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the image display process (step S14) shown in FIG. In the image display process, first, in step S21, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the wireless output mode is set. The determination in step S21 is performed based on whether or not the wireless flag data 64 stored in the memory indicates ON, similar to the determination in step S4. If the determination result of step S21 is negative, the processes of steps S22 and S23 are executed. On the other hand, if the determination result of step S21 is affirmative, the process of step S24 described later is executed.

  In step S22, the CPU 10 generates one game image. The game image generated in step S22 may be any image. For example, an image of the game space including the player character is generated. When there are a plurality of player characters, it is preferable that the game image is generated so as to include all the player characters. For example, the CPU 10 may adjust an area (display area) displayed as a game image in the game space so as to include all player characters, or generate a plurality of types of images including each player. A game image (that is, a game image obtained by dividing one screen into a plurality of screens) may be generated by combining the plurality of types of images into one screen. In step S22, the CPU 10 generates a game sound corresponding to the game image. Following step S22, the process of step S23 is executed.

  In step S <b> 23, the CPU 10 outputs the game image generated in step S <b> 22 to the first display 2. Specifically, the CPU 10 outputs game image data from the AV-IC 15 to the first display 2 via the AV connector 16. Thereby, the game image is displayed on the first display 2. In step S23, since the image output device 8 is not used, no game image is displayed on the second display 9. In the present embodiment, a game image is output to the first display 2, a game sound is output to the speaker 2 a of the first display 2, and a game sound is pronounced from the speaker 2 a. After step S23, the CPU 10 ends the image display process.

  On the other hand, in step S24, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the image generation mode is the two-image mode. The determination in step S21 can be made depending on whether the two-image flag data 65 stored in the memory indicates ON or OFF. If the determination result of step S24 is negative, the processes of steps S25 and S26 are executed. On the other hand, if the determination result of step S24 is affirmative, the processes of steps S27 and S28 described later are executed.

  In step S25, the CPU 10 generates one game image. Step S25 is the same as step S22. In step S26 subsequent to step S25, the CPU 10 outputs the game image generated in step S22 to the first display 2 and wirelessly outputs it to the image output device 8. Specifically, the game image and game sound data are output to the first display 2 and the speaker 2a in the same manner as in step S23. Furthermore, the game image data is compressed by the image compression unit 27 and then transmitted to the image output device 8 via the antenna 29 by the high-speed wireless communication module 28. In the image output device 8, game image data is received by the high-speed wireless communication module 34 via the antenna 33. The received game image data is expanded by the image expansion unit 35 and then output from the AV-IC 36 to the second display 9 via the AV connector 37. Thereby, the game image is displayed on the second display 9. In the present embodiment, game sound data is transmitted from the game apparatus 3 to the image output apparatus 8 together with the game image data, and is output to the speaker 9 a of the second display 9 by the image output apparatus 8. After step S26 described above, the CPU 10 ends the image display process.

  On the other hand, in step S27, the CPU 10 generates two types of game images. One of the two types of game images generated in step S27 is a first game image to be displayed on the first display 2, and the other is a second game to be displayed on the second display 9. It is an image. The two types of game images may be any images. For example, when there are two players, the CPU 10 may generate two types of game images corresponding to each player. More specifically, the CPU 10 generates a game image including a player character operated by one player as a first game image, and generates a game image including a player character operated by the other player as a second game. It may be generated as an image. Note that which of the two types of game images is the first game image and which is the second game image can be determined based on the connection information indicated by the controller data 66. That is, referring to the connection information, it is possible to specify which of the two controllers is wirelessly connected to the game apparatus 3 and which is wirelessly connected to the image output apparatus 8. Therefore, the CPU 10 uses the game image including the player character that can be operated by the controller wirelessly connected to the game apparatus 3 as the first game image, and the player character that can be operated by the controller wirelessly connected to the image output apparatus 8. May be generated as the second game image. Thus, the two types of game images generated in step S <b> 27 may be generated based on the connection information indicated by the controller data 66.

  In step S27, the CPU 10 generates two types of game sounds according to the two types of game images. The game sound corresponding to the first game image is output to the speaker 2a in the same manner as in step S22. The game sound corresponding to the second game image is transmitted to the image output device 8 in the same manner as in step S26, and then output to the speaker 9a. Following step S27, the process of step S28 is executed.

  In the above description, the case where two types of game images corresponding to two players are generated has been described as an example. Here, in another embodiment, two types of game images may be generated for one player (that is, the case where there is one controller used in the game in step S11). Alternatively, the image generation mode may be set to the two-image mode). For example, for the purpose of making it easier for one player to grasp the position of the player character in the game space, the CPU 10 displays a game image representing a relatively wide game space and a game space having a relatively narrow area. May be generated as two types of game images.

  In step S <b> 28, the CPU 10 outputs the two types of game images generated in step S <b> 27 to the first display 2 and wirelessly outputs them to the image output device 8. That is, the CPU 10 outputs the first game image to the first display 2 and wirelessly outputs the second game image to the image output device 8. The specific processing operation for outputting each game image in step S28 is the same as step S26 described above except that the content of the game image is different. By step S28, the first game image is displayed on the first display 2, and the second game image is displayed on the second display 9. After step S28 described above, the CPU 10 ends the image display process.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 12, the process of step S15 is executed after the image display process of step S14. That is, in step S15, the CPU 10 determines whether or not to end the game. The determination in step S15 is made based on, for example, whether or not the game is cleared, whether or not the game is over, and whether or not the player gives an instruction to stop the game. If the determination result of step S15 is negative, the process of step S12 is executed again. Thereafter, the processing loop of steps S12 to S15 is repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S15 that the game is to be ended. On the other hand, when the determination result of step S15 is affirmative, the CPU 31 ends the process shown in FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing game images displayed on two displays by the processing shown in FIG. Here, the game system 1 can be used in four usage modes, that is, first to fourth usage modes shown in FIG.

  In the first usage mode, the image output device 8 is not used. In this case, since the power of the image output device 8 is off, the wireless flag is set to off. Accordingly, as a result of the determination in step S21 being negative, the game image A is output and displayed only on the first display 2.

  In the second usage mode, the image output device 8 is used, and the first display 2 is not used for games (the first display 2 is turned off or used for other purposes). It is a form. In this case, since the power of the image output device 8 is on, the wireless flag is set to on. Further, since the first display 2 is not used for a game, there is no controller wirelessly connected to the game apparatus 3, and the image generation mode is set to the single image mode. Therefore, the determination result in step S21 is affirmative, and the determination result in step S24 is negative. As a result, the game image A is output to each display 2 and 9. However, in the second usage mode, the first display 2 is not used for a game, and therefore, no game image is displayed on the first display 2 (although a game image is output). As a result, the game image A is displayed only on the second display 9.

  In the third usage mode, the image output device 8 is used, and the two displays 2 and 9 are used for the game. However, in the third usage mode, the image generation mode is set to the single image mode. In this case, as in the second usage mode, the determination result in step S21 is affirmative, and the determination result in step S24 is negative. As a result, the game image A is output to the displays 2 and 9. Moreover, since the 1st display 2 is used for a game in the 3rd utilization form, the same game image A is displayed on each display 2 and 9. FIG.

  The fourth usage mode is a mode in which the image output device 8 is used and the two displays 2 and 9 are used in a game. However, in the fourth usage mode, the image generation mode is set to the two-image mode. In this case, the determination result in step S21 is affirmative, and the determination result in step S24 is affirmative. As a result, the game image A is output to the first display 2, and the second display 9 (what is the game image A? A (different) game image B is output. Therefore, in the fourth usage mode, the game image A is displayed on the first display 2 and the game image B is displayed on the second display 9.

  In the present embodiment, the game apparatus 3 always outputs a game image to the first display 2, but in other embodiments, the game image to the first display 2 in a predetermined case. May be stopped. For example, the CPU 10 may determine whether or not to output a game image to the first display 2 based on connection information indicated by the controller data 66. Specifically, the CPU 10 determines whether or not there is a controller wirelessly connected to the game apparatus 3 from the connection information, and if not, stops outputting the game image to the first display 2. You may make it do.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the user (player) can also use the game system 1 as the first usage mode in which the first display 2 is used for the game. In addition, it is also possible to use the game system 1 as a second usage mode in which the second display 9 is used for a game. That is, according to the present embodiment, the user can freely select which of the first display 2 and the second display 9 is used for the game without changing the game apparatus 3 or the wiring of the display at all. The display device used for the game can be easily changed.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the user can also use the game system 1 as a third usage mode in which the same one game image is displayed on the two displays 2 and 9. It is also possible to use the game system 1 as a fourth usage pattern in which different game images are displayed on the two displays 2 and 9. That is, according to this embodiment, the user can play a game using a plurality of display devices in one game device.

[Other embodiments]
The above-described embodiment is an example for carrying out the present invention. In other embodiments, the present invention can be implemented with, for example, the configuration described below.

(Example of a game system that does not use two display devices simultaneously)
In the above embodiment, the game system 1 that can use two display devices (displays 2 and 9) at the same time has been described as an example. However, the game system according to the present invention does not use two display devices at the same time. May be. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a connection relationship between devices included in the game system 101 according to the first modification. In FIG. 15, the game system 101 includes a game device 3, a controller 5, an image output device 8, and a display 9. 15, the same components as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the game system 101 is configured to include only one display device. In the game system 101, when another display different from the display 9 is used for the game, the user disconnects the wiring between the image output device 8 and the display 9, and newly installs another display used for the game and the image output device 8. Connect to

  Here, since the game apparatus 3 and the display are conventionally connected, the wiring between the game apparatus 3 and the display has to be changed in order to change the display used for the game. In addition, since the game apparatus 3 is also connected with wiring for connecting to a network such as the Internet, for example, to change the display used in the game, wiring other than wiring with the display must be changed. I must. Therefore, conventionally, changing the display used in the game is very troublesome for the user because all the various wirings connected to the game apparatus 3 must be changed.

  On the other hand, according to the game system 101, in order to change the display used for the game, it is only necessary to remove the wiring between the image output device 8 and the display 9, and it is necessary to change the wiring of the game device 3. Absent. Further, since the image output device 8 has a simple configuration compared to the game device 3, the size and weight can be made smaller than that of the game device 3, and it is easier to carry than the game device 3. Accordingly, the game system 101 can easily change the display device used in the game as compared to the conventional one, as in the above embodiment.

  In the game system 101, the display 9 and the game apparatus 3 are not connected by wire, so that the user can install the game apparatus 3 at a free position regardless of the position of the display 9. Therefore, it is possible to install the game apparatus 3 at the user's hand, for example. Here, conventionally, since the game apparatus is connected to the display by wire, it is usual that the game apparatus main body is installed around the display. Therefore, when the recording medium to be mounted on the game device is replaced (that is, the game software is replaced), the user has to go to the periphery of the display each time, and the replacement of the recording medium is troublesome. On the other hand, according to the game system 101, the user can easily exchange the optical disk 4 mounted on the game apparatus 3 without going to the periphery of the display 9.

(Modified example of controller wireless communication)
In the above-described embodiment, the controller can wirelessly communicate with the game apparatus 3 and the image output apparatus 8, but in other embodiments, the controller may be capable of wireless communication only with the game apparatus 3. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a connection relationship between devices included in the game system 111 according to the second modification. In FIG. 16, the game system 111 includes a first display 2, a game device 3, an optical disk 4, a first controller 5, a marker device 6, a second controller 7, an image output device 108, and a second display 9. including. In FIG. 16, the same components as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

  In the game system 111 shown in FIG. 16, the image output device 108 does not have a function of performing wireless communication with the controller. Therefore, the second controller 7 performs wireless communication with the game apparatus 3. In this case, the second controller 7 used around the image output device 108 needs to perform wireless communication with the game device 3 located at a distance (compared to the image output device 108). Therefore, in the game system 111, the range in which the controller and the game apparatus 3 can communicate with each other is preferably set to such an extent that communication is possible even if they are arranged in different rooms (for example, about several tens of meters). . In other embodiments, a controller that can communicate wirelessly only with the game apparatus 3 and a controller that can wirelessly communicate with both the game apparatus 3 and the image output apparatus 8 may be used.

(Modification regarding the number of image output devices)
In the above embodiment, the number of image output devices included in the game system 1 is one. However, even if there are a plurality of image output devices (and displays connected thereto) included in the game system. Good. At this time, the game apparatus 3 performs wireless communication with each of the image output apparatuses 8. The game apparatus 3 may perform wireless communication with the two image output apparatuses 8 in a time division manner or may divide a frequency band. By increasing the number of sets of image output devices 8 and displays, the number of display devices that can be used simultaneously can be increased. In the above embodiment, the case where the game apparatus 3 generates two types of images (step S27) has been described as an example. However, when there are three or more display devices used in the game system 1, the game apparatus 3 is Three or more types of images may be generated. Also, the game system 101 shown in FIG. 15 and the game system 111 shown in FIG. 16 may have a plurality of image output devices.

  As described above, the present invention can be used as a game system used at home, for example, for the purpose of easily changing a display device used in a game without trouble.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game system 2 1st display 2a Speaker 3 Game device 4 Optical disk 5 1st controller 6 Marker apparatus 7 2nd controller 8 Image output device 9 2nd display 9a Speaker 18 Network communication module 19 Controller communication module 27 Image compression Unit 28 high-speed wireless communication module 32 marker unit 34 high-speed wireless communication module 35 image expansion unit 39 controller communication module 61 game program

Claims (14)

A game system including an image output device connected to a display device via a wiring, and a game device capable of wireless communication with the image output device,
The game device includes:
A game processing unit for executing game processing;
An image generation unit for generating an image based on the game process;
A first communication unit for transmitting the image to the image output device ;
A second image output unit that displays an image generated by the image generation unit on another display device different from the display device connected to the image output device ;
The image output device includes:
A second communication unit for receiving the image from the game device;
A first image output unit for displaying the image on the display device ;
The game device generates one type of game image, generates the generated game image to both the image output device and the other display device, and generates and generates two types of game images. The game system is configured to switch the mode in which the game image is transmitted to the image output device and the other game image is transmitted to the other display device during the game. The game device further includes an image compression unit that compresses the image generated by the image,
The first communication unit transmits a compressed image,
The image output device further includes an image expansion unit that expands an image received by the second communication unit,
The game system according to claim 1, wherein the first image output unit outputs the decompressed image to the display device. The image output device is further connected to an audio output device;
The game device further includes a sound generation unit that generates sound based on the game process,
The first communication unit further transmits the sound to the image output device,
The second communication unit further receives the sound from the game device,
The game system according to claim 1, wherein the image output device further includes an audio output unit that outputs the audio from the audio output device. Further including an operation device that generates operation information based on an operation of the player and can output the operation information wirelessly;
4. The game process according to claim 1, wherein the game processing unit executes the game process based on operation information output from the operation device or information generated based on the operation information. 5. The described game system. The image output device further includes a first operation information receiving unit that receives operation information output from the operation device,
The second communication unit transmits the operation information received by the first operation information receiving unit or information generated based on the operation information to the game device,
The first communication unit receives information transmitted from the second communication unit,
The game system according to claim 4 , wherein the game processing unit executes the game processing based on information received by the first communication unit. The game device further includes a second operation information receiving unit that receives operation information output from the operation device,
The game system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the game processing unit executes the game processing based on operation information received by the second operation information receiving unit.   7. The operation device according to claim 4, wherein the operation device includes at least one of an acceleration sensor, an imaging device, and a gyro sensor as detection means, and outputs a detection result of the detection means as the operation information. The game system according to claim 1. The image output device further includes a predetermined imaging target,
The game system includes an imaging unit that can detect the imaging target, and further includes an operation device that can output an imaging result of the imaging unit,
The game system according to claim 1, wherein the game processing unit executes the game processing based on an imaging result of the imaging unit. The game apparatus further includes a reading unit that reads information from an external recording medium in which a game program is recorded,
The game system according to claim 1, wherein the game processing unit performs a game process based on a game program read from the reading unit.   The game system according to claim 9, wherein the reading unit is a disk drive device that reads information from a disk recording medium that can be inserted into the game apparatus.   The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a network communication unit that is connectable to a network and that communicates with an information processing device capable of communicating via the network. The described game system. A game device capable of wireless communication with an image output device connected to a display device via wiring,
A game processing unit for executing game processing;
An image generation unit for generating an image based on the game process;
A first communication unit for transmitting the image to the image output device;
A second image output unit that displays an image generated by the image generation unit on another display device different from the display device connected to the image output device;
The image output device receives the image from the game device and causes the display device to display the image;
The game device generates one type of game image, generates the generated game image to both the image output device and the other display device, and generates and generates two types of game images. A game device that switches between a mode in which the game image is transmitted to the image output device and a mode in which the other game image is transmitted to the other display device during the game. A game program executed on a computer of a game device capable of wireless communication with an image output device connected to a display device via wiring,
Game processing means for executing game processing;
Image generating means for generating an image based on the game process;
Transmission control means for causing the communication unit of the game device to transmit the image to the image output device;
Causing the computer to function as second image output means for displaying an image generated by the image generation means on another display device different from the display device connected to the image output device;
The image output device receives the image from the game device and causes the display device to display the image;
The image generation means generates one type of game image, generates a generated game image to both the image output device and the other display device, and generates two types of game images. A game program for switching between a mode in which one game image is transmitted to the image output device and another game image is transmitted to the other display device during the game. A game image output method executed in a game system including an image output device connected to a display device via a wiring, and a game device capable of wireless communication with the image output device,
The game device includes:
Run the game process
An image is generated based on the game process,
Sending the image to the image output device;
Display the generated image on another display device different from the display device connected to the image output device;
The image output device includes:
Receiving the image from the game device;
Displaying the image on the display device;
The game device generates one type of game image, generates the generated game image to both the image output device and the other display device, and generates and generates two types of game images. A game image output method of switching between a mode in which the game image is transmitted to the image output device and a mode in which the other game image is transmitted to the other display device during the game.

Images