WO2007088652A1

WO2007088652A1 - Information processing system, information processor, information processing program, computer-readable storage medium in which information processing program is stored and portable terminal

Info

Publication number: WO2007088652A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/317656
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kenji Yamane; Michinari Kohno
Original assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Priority date: 2006-01-31
Filing date: 2006-09-06
Publication date: 2007-08-09
Also published as: JP2007206755A

Abstract

A detecting means (KC3) receives the operation signal corresponding to the operation through a controller (20) and detects the position coordinates and the velocity vector corresponding to the operation signal with respect to an object allocated to a client device (1). A position information transmitting means (KC4) transmits a position information packet including the position coordinates and the velocity vector of the object detected by the detecting means (KC3) and the time when these are detected. A position information receiving means (KC5) receives a position information packet transmitted from another client device. A position calculating means (KC6) uses the received time when the position information receiving means (KC5) receives the position information packet and the position information packet to calculate the position coordinates at the received time of an object corresponding to the another client device.

Description

Specification

Information processing system, information processing apparatus, information processing program, computer-readable storage medium storing information processing program, and portable terminal device

The present invention relates to a technique suitable for use in an information processing system in which at least two information processing devices connected to a predetermined network share a virtual space.

Background art

In recent years, a wide variety of network games in which a plurality of client devices play a game via a network have been developed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In these network games, multiple client devices share a single virtual space on the network and play games. In this virtual space, player objects corresponding to the respective client devices participating in the network game are arranged. Each player object can move in the virtual space. Each player object is moved by each user operating a controller connected to a client device corresponding to each player object. Such a virtual space is represented by a game image. The game image is displayed on each screen of a monitor device connected to each client device. On each screen, the position of each player object in the virtual space must be displayed synchronously. Therefore, each client device periodically transmits the position information of the player object corresponding to the own device to all client devices participating in the network game. In some cases, the transmission is performed via the server apparatus, and the transmission is performed without the server apparatus. In any case, a method of transmitting the position coordinates (xO, yO) of the player object as position information and a method of transmitting the position coordinates (χθ, yO) and the velocity vector (Vx, Vy) at the position coordinates There is.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-198363

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] However, the position information is transmitted from the client device of the transmission source, even if the deviation method is V. It takes time for the destination client device to receive the location information (this is called network delay). For this reason, in the former method, the destination client device receives the past position coordinates at the time of transmission and cannot correctly grasp the position coordinates at the time of reception.

[0005] Furthermore, with the latter method, the destination client device can calculate the position coordinates (xt, yt) after t seconds using equations (a) and (b).

[0006] xt = χΟ + Vx X t · · (a)

yt = yO + VyX t---(b)

However, the position coordinates (xt, yt) calculated in this way are received by the destination client device that is equal to the position coordinate after t seconds after the source client device sends the location information. The position coordinates after t seconds may actually be different. For this reason, there is a possibility that the position of the player object corresponding to the transmission destination client apparatus is displaced between the transmission source client apparatus and the transmission destination client apparatus (hereinafter referred to as displacement). This is also partly due to network delays between the transmission and reception of location information.

[0007] Therefore, in any of the methods, there is a possibility that a position shift of each player object that can be displayed on each screen at the same time always occurs.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an information communication system that can reduce misalignment due to network delay.

Means for solving the problem

The information processing system according to the present invention arranges one or a plurality of predetermined objects in a virtual space shared by the first and second information processing apparatuses connected to a predetermined network. The predetermined object includes a first object that moves in the virtual space in response to an instruction input from a user in the first information processing device, and the first information processing device measures time. Based on the instruction signal input to the first input means, the first input means to which an instruction signal corresponding to the instruction input from the user is input, and the virtual signal of the first object Detecting position and moving speed in space 1 detection means, and a detection time at which the first detection means detects the position and moving speed of the first object is obtained from the first time measuring means, and the detection time, the position and the moving speed are obtained. First position information transmitting means for transmitting the first position information including the predetermined position information via the predetermined network. The second information processing apparatus includes: second time measuring means for measuring time; second position information receiving means for receiving the first position information via the predetermined network; and the second position information receiving means. The reception time at which the first position information is received is acquired from the second timing means, and the position of the first object in the virtual space at the reception time is obtained using the reception time and the first position information. And second position calculating means for calculating.

The invention's effect

[0010] According to the present invention, the first information processing device transmits first position information including a position and a moving speed of the first object and a detection time at which the first object is detected, and the second information The information processing device calculates the position of the first object in the virtual space at the reception time by using the first position information and the reception time at which the first position information is received. As a result, the second information processing apparatus can more accurately calculate the position of the first object in the virtual space, and can reduce the displacement due to the network delay.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a network game system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the client device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the client device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an object management table according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an object management table according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the client device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the server device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a management table according to the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing flow between the client device and the server device according to the embodiment. It is a Kens chart.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a format of a time correction packet according to the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of position information transmission processing according to the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a format of a location information packet according to the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a flow of position information relay processing according to the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of position calculation processing and drawing processing according to the embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an outline of a network game system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a management table according to the embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an object management table according to the embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a flow of position information transmission processing according to the embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a screen according to the same embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Client device

2 'server device

10 Monitor device

11 screens

20 Controller

20S CPU

21S ROM

22S RAM

23S HD

24S communication section

64 main CPU

65 Main memory

68 GPU

70 ROM 200 counters

230 Management table

640 counter

650 Object management table

651 Management table

S network game system

S 'network game system

KC1 Timekeeping method

KC2 Time information processing means

KC3 detection means

KC4 Location information transmission means

KC5 Location information receiving means

KC6 Position calculation means

KC7 drawing means

KS1 clock

KS2 communication means

KS3 time information transmission means

KS4 Location information relay means

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the common part in each figure. Further, these examples show one embodiment of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily changed within the scope of the present invention, which is not intended to limit the present invention.

Example 1

[0014] (1) Configuration

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the network game system S according to the present embodiment. The network game system S includes client devices 1A and 1B and a server device 2. . The server device 2 and each of the client devices 1A and 1B perform packet communication via the packet communication network 30 according to rCPZlP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol). The packet communication network 30 is, for example, an analog public telephone line, communication satellite line, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), LAN (Local Area Network) ^ C ATV (Community Antenna Television) network, ISDN (Integrated Digital Communication Network), etc. By means of communication, data exchange between the server device 2 and the client devices 1A and 1B is relayed.

[0015] Controllers 20A and 20B, which are operation terminals operated by a user, and monitor devices 10A and 10B are connected to each client device 1A and 1B, respectively. The monitor devices 10A and 10B are supplied with video signals and audio signals from the client devices 1A and 1B, respectively. The monitor devices 10A and 10B output audio based on the screens 11A and 11B that display images based on the video signals supplied from the client devices 1A and 1B, and audio signals supplied from the client devices 1A and 1B. A speaker (not shown) is provided.

[0016] <Overview of network games>

With the network game system S configured as described above, the network game is executed in each of the client devices 1A and 1B. In the network game in the present embodiment, each object corresponding to each client device 1A, 1B is arranged in a virtual space. Then, game images representing the virtual space are displayed on the screens 11A and 11B of the monitor devices 10A and 10B connected to the client devices 1A and 1B, respectively. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a game image including an object OA corresponding to the client device 1A and an object OB corresponding to the client device 1B is displayed on the screens 11A and 11B. The positions of the objects OA and OB in the virtual space are changed according to respective operations in the controllers 20A and 20B connected to the corresponding client devices 1A and 1B. Each client device 1A, 1B periodically transmits information on the positions of the objects OA, OB assigned to the own device (hereinafter referred to as a position information packet) to the server device 2. When the server apparatus 2 receives the position information packet transmitted from the client apparatuses 1A and 1B, the server apparatus 2 transmits it to all other client apparatuses other than the client apparatus that transmitted the position information packet. Each client device 1A, 1B is a class other than its own device. When the position information packet transmitted from the server apparatus 2 is received with the client apparatus power transmitted, the position of the object corresponding to the position information packet is calculated based on the position information packet. Then, each of the client devices 1A and 1B displays a corresponding object based on the calculated position, and also displays an object corresponding to the own device. As described above, the game is developed by moving the objects OA and OB arranged in the virtual space.

[0017] Configuration of client device>

Next, the hardware configuration of the client apparatuses 1A and 1B will be described with reference to FIG. In the following, if it is not necessary to distinguish between the client devices 1A and 1B, the controllers 20A and 20B, the monitor devices 10A and 10B, and the screens 11A and 11B, simply the client device 1, the controller 20, and the monitor device. 10 and screen 11, respectively. Also, it is necessary to distinguish between each device, and when it is necessary to separately describe each of the following components, add A or B after each symbol.

[0018] Client device 1 includes disk tray 3, buttons 4, 9, USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection terminal 5, IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) ld94 connection fee terminal 6, controller ports 7a, 7b, memory card Slots 8a and 8b are provided. The disc tray 3 is configured such that an optical disc such as a DVD-ROM or a CD-ROM can be loaded. Button 4 is an on-z standby z-reset button for turning the power on, standby, and resetting the game. Button 9 is an open Z close button for opening and closing the disk tray 3. The controller ports 7a and 7b are configured such that the connector 12 of the connection cable 13 connected to the controller 20 is detachable. The memory card slots 8a and 8b are configured such that a memory card (not shown) as a semiconductor memory is detachable. Although not shown, on the back side of the client device 1, a power switch, audio video output terminal (AV multi-output terminal), PC card slot, optical digital output terminal, AC power input terminal, etc. are provided. And

[0019] The controller 20 includes a first operation unit 21, a second operation unit 22, a start button 24, a selection button 25, analog operation units 23L and 23R capable of analog operation, and these analog operation units 2 3L. , 23R mode selection switch 26 and R button 28R, 28R ' , L buttons 29L and 29, a display section 27 for displaying the selected operation mode, and gripping sections 20R and 20L.

Next, the main internal configuration of the client device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main internal configuration of the client device 1.

As shown in FIG. 4, the client device 1 has a main bus 61 and a sub bus 62, and these 61 and 62 are connected to or disconnected from each other via a bus interface 63.

[0022] The main bus 61 includes a main CPU 64, a main memory 65 composed of RAM, a main DMAC (direct memory access controller) 66, and an image processing device (GPU (graphic processing) with a built-in frame memory 67. unit)) 68 is connected. Connected to the GPU 68 is a CRTC (CRT controller) 69 which is a control means for generating a video signal.

[0023] The sub-bus 62 reads out the sound data stored in the sub-CPU 73 composed of a microprocessor, the sub-memory 74 composed of RAM, the sub-DMAC 75, the ROM 70, and the sound memory 76, and outputs an audio signal. Sound processing unit (SPU) 77, IO processor (IOP) 78 that controls peripheral devices, communication unit 79, CD-ROM ^ DVD —ROM 72 Media drive 71 is connected.

The ROM 70 stores an operating system for controlling each unit of the client device 1 and various programs such as a program and a game program for realizing various functions.

[0025] The main CPU 64 reads the operating system stored in the ROM 70 via the bus interface 63 into the main memory 65 when the client device 1 is started up, and executes the read operating system, thereby Control the operation of each part. Further, the main CPU 64 includes a counter 640, and obtains the current time based on the value measured by the counter 640. In addition, the counter 640 has a timer function that outputs an end signal every predetermined time set.

[0026] The main CPU 64 executes various programs stored in the ROM 70, thereby realizing a time information processing function and a position information processing function. What is the time information processing function? It includes a time information transmission function, a time information reception function, and a time correction function. Specifically, the time information processing function means that the current time based on the value measured by the counter 640 of the main CPU 64 is transmitted to the server device by transmitting and receiving time information packets between the client device 1 and the server device 2. This is a function to synchronize with the current time in 2. The position information processing function includes a position information transmission function, a position information reception function, and a position calculation function. The position information transmission function is a function for transmitting the position information of the object assigned to the client device 1 to the server device 2 after the client device 1 participates in the network game. The position information receiving function is a function for receiving from the server device 2 position information of objects corresponding to other client devices participating in the network game. The position calculation function is a function for calculating the position of an object based on received position information. Details of these functions will be described later.

[0027] The main CPU 64 controls the media drive 71, reads application programs and various data from the media 72 loaded in the media drive 71 to the main memory 65, and executes the read application program. Realize various functions. The media 72 stores data such as game programs and game images.

[0028] In addition, the main CPU 64 performs geometry processing on the three-dimensional object data (such as the coordinate values of the vertices of the polygon) composed of a plurality of basic figures (polygons) among the various data read out to the main memory 65. To generate a display list and supply the generated display list to the GPU 68. The display list is polygon definition information for drawing a polygon, and the polygon definition information includes drawing area setting information and polygon information. The drawing area setting information also includes the offset coordinates in the frame buffer address of the drawing area and the coordinate force of the drawing clipping area for canceling drawing when the coordinates of the polygon are outside the drawing area. Polygon information consists of polygon attribute information and vertex information. Polygon attribute information is information that specifies the shading mode, α-plending mode, texture mapping mode, etc., and vertex information is coordinates in the vertex drawing area. , Vertex texture area coordinates, and vertex color information.

[0029] In addition, the main CPU 64 uses MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) or JPEG (Joi (nt Photographic Experts Group) method is used to decompress the compressed data.

The main memory 65 stores various data such as programs read from the ROM 70 and the medium 72 by the main CPU 64. In addition, an object management table 650 used by the main CPU 64 when the position information processing function described above is realized is stored. For example, an object management table 650A as shown in FIG. 5 is stored in the client device 1A, and an object management table 650B as shown in FIG. 6 is stored in the client device 1B. Yes.

[0031] This object management table 650 stores information on the position of each object in the virtual space used when executing the network game. In this embodiment, the virtual space is a two-dimensional space, and each object arranged in the virtual space is associated with a two-dimensional position coordinate. For objects corresponding to other client devices, the object ID of the object, the management ID corresponding to the object, the information included in the location information packet received from the server device 2, and the location information packet are received. The received time is stored in association with each other. The information included in the position information bucket is the position coordinates of the object in the virtual space, the velocity vector indicating the moving speed and moving direction of the object, and the detection time when these were detected. Further, the object management table 650 stores the initial coordinates of the object calculated by the main CPU 64 using the above-described position coordinates, velocity vector, detection time, and reception time. Further, for the object corresponding to the client device 1, the position coordinates detected according to the operation signal transmitted from the controller 20, the velocity vector, and the detection time when these are detected are stored. In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the object ID of the object OA is “OA”, and the object ID of the object OB is “OB”.

[0032] The GPU 68 holds a drawing context. Based on the identification information of the image context included in the display list supplied from the main CPU 64, the GPU 68 reads out the corresponding drawing context and uses this to perform rendering processing. And draw the polygon in the frame memory 67. Since the frame memory 67 can also be used as a texture memory, the pixel image on the frame memory 67 can be pasted to a polygon to be drawn as a texture. The CRTC 69 generates a video signal based on the image drawn in the frame memory 67 and supplies it to the monitor device 10 connected to the client device 1. As a result, an image is displayed on the screen 11 of the monitor device 10.

[0034] The main DMAC 66 performs DMA transfer control for each circuit connected to the main bus 61, and is connected to the sub-node 62 according to the state of the bus interface 63.

DMA transfer control is performed for each circuit.

The sub CPU 73 performs various operations in accordance with programs stored in the ROM 70.

The sub DMAC75 has a bus interface 63 power and separates the main bus 61 and the subbus 62.

Only in the V state, it is connected to the sub-node 62 and performs control such as DMA transfer for each circuit.

[0036] The IOP 78 executes a program such as an operating system for IOP stored in the ROM 70, so that an operation signal from the controller 20 and the controller 20 sent and received through the controller ports 7A and 7B. Control signals to and from the memory card ports 8A and 8B, and data input / output at the USB connection terminal 5 and IEEE1394 connection terminal 6.

The communication unit 79 controls data communication with an external device under the control of the sub CPU 73. The external device and the communication unit 79 perform data communication via the packet communication network 30.

[0038] <Functional configuration>

Next, the functional configuration of the client device 1 will be described. FIG. 7 schematically shows a functional configuration of the client device 1 according to the present embodiment. In this embodiment, the main CPU 64 executes various programs stored in the ROM 70, and the client device 1 such as the GPU 68 performs various processes in accordance with the control instruction of the main CPU 64 during the execution process of this process. The functions of the following means KC1 to KC7 are realized. In addition, the time information processing function is realized by realizing the functions of the following means KC1 to KC2. The position information processing function is realized by realizing the functions of the following means KC1, KC3 to KC7.

[0039] <Time information processing function> Time measuring means KC1 measures time. The time information processing means KC2 obtains the current time based on the time measured by the time measuring means KC1, generates a time correction packet including this time T1, and transmits this to the server device 2 via the packet communication network 30. To do. The time information processing means KC2 also includes a reception time T2 when the time correction packet transmitted by the time information processing means KC2 is received by the server device 2, and a transmission time T3 when the time correction packet is transmitted by the server device 2. A time correction packet (time reply information) including “” is received from the server device 2. Then, a time difference D between the server device 2 and the client device 1 is calculated using the reception time T4 when the time correction packet is received and the times T1 to T3 included in the time correction packet. Then, using the calculated time difference D, the current time based on the time measured by the clock means KC1 is corrected, and the current time of the server device 2 and the current time of the client device 1 are synchronized.

[0040] <Location information processing function>

The detection means KC3 sequentially receives an operation signal corresponding to the operation in the controller 20 from the controller 20, and detects a position coordinate and a velocity vector corresponding to the operation signal for the object assigned to the client device 1. .

[0041] The position information transmitting means KC4 is based on the time measured by the time measuring means KC1, and the position coordinates and velocity vectors of the object detected by the detecting means KC3 and the time at which these are detected for each predetermined time. Is transmitted to the server device 2 via the packet communication network 30.

[0042] The location information receiving means KC5 receives the location information packet of the other client device transmitted from the server device 2, and temporarily stores the reception time when the packet is received.

[0043] The position calculation means KC6 uses the reception time at which the position information reception means KC5 received the position information packet and the position information packet, at the reception time of the object corresponding to the position information packet. Calculate the position coordinates.

The drawing unit KC7 generates a game image including each object using each position coordinate calculated by the position calculation unit KC6, and displays the game image on the screen 11 of the monitor device 10.

[0045] <Configuration of server device>

Next, the main internal configuration of the server device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. Figure FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the main internal configuration of the server device 2.

The server device 2 includes a CPU 20S, a ROM 21S, a RAM 22S, an HD (Hard Disc) 23S, and a communication unit 24S, which are connected via a nose.

The ROM 21S stores an operating system and various programs for controlling each part of the server device 2. In addition, a time information transmission function for sending back a time correction packet transmitted from the client device 1 with a reception time and a reply time, and a position for transmitting the position information packet transmitted from the client device 1 to another client device. A game control program for realizing the information relay function is stored. Details of each of these functions will be described later.

[0048] The CPU 20S controls the operation of each part of the server device 2 by reading the operating system stored in the ROM 21S into the RAM 22S when the server device 2 is started up and executing the read operating system. In addition, the CPU 20S includes a counter 200, and obtains the current time based on the value measured by the counter 200. Further, the force counter 200 has a timer function for outputting an end signal every predetermined time set.

In addition, the CPU 20S realizes the following functions by executing the game control program stored in the ROM 21S. When the CPU 20S receives a packet indicating a request for participation in the network game from the client device 1, the CPU 20S assigns a management ID to the client device 1 and assigns an object corresponding to the client device 1. The object is selected from a plurality of objects predetermined in the network game. Then, a response packet including the assigned management ID and the object ID indicating the assigned object is transmitted to the client apparatus 1. When the response packet is received by the client device 1, a session between the server device 2 and the client device 1 is established. Other functions realized by executing the game control program will be described later.

[0050] The communication unit 24S controls data communication with an external device such as the client device 1 under the control of the CPU 20S. The external device and the communication unit 24S perform data communication via the packet communication network 30.

[0051] The HD23S stores a management table 230 as shown in FIG. Management table In Table 230, the management ID of the client device 1 participating in the network game, the IP address of the client device 1, and the object ID representing the player corresponding to the client device 1 in the network game are associated with each other. It is remembered.

[0052] <Functional configuration>

Next, the functional configuration of the server device 2 will be described. FIG. 7 schematically shows a functional configuration of the server apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the CPU 20S executes the game control program stored in the ROM 21S, and each part of the server device 2 such as the communication unit 24S performs various processes according to the control command of the CPU 20S during the execution of this process. Thus, the functions of the following means KS1 to KS4 are realized. Moreover, the time information transmission function is realized by realizing the functions of the following means KS1 to KS2. By implementing the functions of the following means KSl, KS3 to KS4, the location information relay function is realized.

[0053] Timekeeping means KS1 measures time. The communication means KS2 transmits / receives packets to / from the packet communication network 30.

[0054] When the time information transmission means KS3 receives the time correction packet from the client device 1, the time information transmission means KS3 obtains the reception time based on the time measured by the time measurement means KS1, and returns a reply time for returning the time correction packet. The acquired reception time and reply time are added to the time correction packet, and the time correction packet (time reply information) is transmitted to the client device 1 via the communication means KS2.

When the position information relay means KS4 receives the position information packet from the client apparatus 1, the position information relay means KS4 communicates the position information packet to all client apparatuses participating in the network game other than the client apparatus that transmitted the packet. Send via KS2.

[0056] (2) Operation

Next, an operation according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0057] It should be noted that the power supply (not shown) of the client device 1 is turned on, and the program power of the operation system or the like stored in the ROM 70 is read out and executed by the main CPU 64 into the main memory 65, and each instruction is input by the user. As a result, various program keys read from the ROM 70 or the optical disk 72 to the main memory 65 can be connected by the CPU 64. The various functions described in the above-described configuration column are realized.

[0058] Further, the server device 2 is powered on (not shown), and the program such as an operation system stored in the ROM 21S is read out to the RAM 22S by the CPU 20S and executed, and instructions are respectively input by the user. As a result, various programs such as the game control program read to the RAM 22S are executed by the CPU 20S, and the various functions described in the above-described configuration section are realized.

FIG. 10 is a sequence chart showing the flow of processing in the client device 1 and the server device 2.

First, when the user operates the controller 20 connected to the client device 1 to instruct the start of the network game, the main CPU 64 stores the game program for the network game from the ROM 70 in accordance with the operation. Read to memory 65 and execute it. First, a participation request packet indicating a participation request for participation in the network game is transmitted to the server device 2 via the communication unit 79 (step S 1).

When the CPU 20S of the server apparatus 2 receives the participation request packet (step S2), it assigns a management ID to the client apparatus 1. Furthermore, an object corresponding to the client device is assigned to the object represented in the game image of the network game. Then, an object ID corresponding to the object, a management ID corresponding to the client device 1, a management ID corresponding to another client device participating in the network game, and the other client device are assigned. A response packet including the object information associated with the object ID corresponding to the identified object is transmitted to the client device 1 via the communication unit 24S (step S3).

[0062] After that, when the main CPU 64 of the client device 1 receives the response packet transmitted from the server device 2 (step S4), a session between the server device 2 and the client device 1 is established. Next, the main CPU 64 of the client device 1 performs the following time information processing.

[0063] <Time information processing>

Based on the time measured by the counter 640, the main CPU 64 acquires the transmission time T1 for transmitting the time correction packet, and supports the time correction packet including the transmission time T1. The data is transmitted to the server device 2 (step S5).

On the other hand, the CPU 20S of the server device 2 performs the following time information transmission processing. When the CPU 20S receives the time correction packet transmitted from the client device 1 (step S6), the CPU 20S obtains the reception time T2 based on the time measured by the counter 200, and returns a response time for returning the time correction packet. T3 is acquired, the reception time T2 and the reply time T3 are added to the time correction packet, and this is transmitted to the client device 1 (step S7). For example, a time correction packet having a format as shown in FIG. 11 is transmitted.

[0065] When the main CPU 64 of the client device 1 receives the time correction bucket transmitted from the server device 2, the main CPU 64 acquires the reception time T4 when the time correction packet is received based on the time measured by the counter 640, Is temporarily stored in the main memory 65 (step S8). Then, using the reception time T4 and the times T1 to T3 included in the received time correction packet, the time difference D between the server device 2 and the client device 1 is calculated by the following equation (1).

[0066] D = 1/2 X {(T2-T1)-(T4— T3)} (1)

The basis of this formula (1) is as follows.

[0067] Network delay, that is, the time difference between the transmission time T1 acquired by executing Step S5 and the reception time T2 acquired by executing Step S6 is dl, and acquired by executing Step S7. If the time difference between the reply time T3 to be received and the reception time T4 acquired by executing step S8 is d2, the following equations (2) and (3) hold.

[0068] T2-Tl = D + dl (2)

T4-T3 = D + d2 (3)

Here, assuming that dl = d2, the above formula (1) is derived.

[0069] Using time difference D calculated as described above, main CPU 64 corrects the current time obtained by the value measured by counter 640 described above (step S9). For example, when the time difference is “+ l” msc, the time when lmsc is added to the current time obtained from the counter 640 is set as the current time.

[0070] The main CPU 64 of the client device 1 desirably performs such time information processing periodically. Specifically, for example, the counter 640 outputs an end signal every 1 to 2 minutes. Set. The main CPU 64 is configured to perform steps S5, S8, and S9 each time an end signal is output from the counter 640. Further, the server device 2 is configured to perform the processing of steps S6 and S7 each time a time correction packet is received from the client device 1 with the CPU 20S.

[0071] <Object information registration process>

Next, a description will be given of the case where the main CPU 64A of the client device 1A receives the response packet for both the server device 2 and the client device 1A. The case where the client device 1B receives the response packet from the server device 2 in step S4 is substantially the same as the following description, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0072] The main CPU 64A, the management ID assigned to the own device 1A included in the response packet, the object ID corresponding to the object assigned to the own device 1A, and other client devices (here, The management ID corresponding to the client apparatus 1B) and the object ID corresponding to the other client apparatus 1B are stored in the object management table 650A in association with each other. Then, the main CPU 64A determines that the object corresponding to the object ID assigned to the own device is an object to be controlled to move and display in accordance with an operation signal from the controller 20A. Further, based on the position information packet transmitted from the object force server apparatus 2 corresponding to the object ID assigned to another client apparatus, it is determined that the object is a target to be controlled to be moved and displayed.

[0073] Then, the main CPU 64A of the client device 1A performs the following position information transmission process on the object OA, and performs a position calculation process described later on the object OB. Further, the main CPU 64B of the client device 1B performs the following position information transmission process for the object OB, and performs a position calculation process described later for the object OA.

[0074] <Location information transmission processing>

Here, a description will be given of position information transmission processing when the client apparatus 1A transmits to the server apparatus 2 a position information packet related to an OA outside the boss assigned to the client apparatus 1A. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the position information transmission process. In the following description, the position coordinates assigned to the object OA will be described as (xA, yA), and the position coordinates assigned to the object OB will be described as (xB, yB).

[0076] When the operation signal detected and output every predetermined unit time is transmitted from the controller 20A according to the operation of the user in the controller 20A, the main CPU 64A of the client device 1A receives the transmitted operation signal. In response, the position coordinates of the object OA and the velocity vector are detected. In addition, every time the main CPU 64A detects the end signal output from the counter 640A (step S20: YES), the main time (hereinafter referred to as detection time) TAdt and the position coordinates (xA, yA) of the object OA , Velocity vector (VxA, VyA) is detected. Then, a position information packet including the detection time TAdt, the position coordinates (xA, yA), the velocity vector (VxA, VyA), and the management ID assigned to the client apparatus 1A is generated, and this is generated as a server apparatus 2 (Step S21). For example, a position information packet in a format as shown in FIG. 13 is transmitted.

Further, the main CPU 64A stores the above-described detection time TAdt, position coordinates (xA, yA), and velocity vector (VxA, VyA) in the object management table 650A in association with the object OA.

[0078] The case where the client apparatus 1B transmits a position information packet related to the object OB assigned to the client apparatus 1B to the server apparatus 2 is substantially the same as described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0079] <Position calculation process>

Next, the position information relay process performed by the CPU 20S of the server device 2 will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of position information relay processing.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 14, when the CPU 20S of the server device 2 receives the position information packet transmitted from the client device 1A (step S40: YES), it receives it from other client devices 1A. Transmit to the client device (step S41). Specifically, the CPU 20 S refers to the management table 230 stored in the HD 23 S, and all the client devices (here, the client device) to which a management ID other than the management ID included in the position information packet is assigned. 1B), the position information packet is transmitted.

Next, the position information transmitted from the server apparatus 2 after being transmitted from the client apparatus 1A A case where the client apparatus IB receives a packet and performs position calculation processing will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the position calculation process.

[0082] When the main CPU 64B of the client device 1B receives the position information packet transmitted from the server device 2 (step S60: YES), the main CPU 64B refers to the object management table 650B stored in the main memory 65B. The object corresponding to the management ID included in the location information packet is specified. The object specified here is an object OA corresponding to the client device 1A. Next, the position coordinates, velocity vector, and detection time included in the position information packet are stored in the object management table 650B in association with the management ID. Further, the main CPU 64B obtains the reception time Trv at which the position coordinate packet is received based on the value measured by the counter 640B, and stores it in the object management table 650B. Next, the main CPU 64B uses the reception time Trv stored in the object management table 650B, the position coordinates (xA, yA), the velocity vector (VxA, VyA) included in the position information packet, and the detection time Tdt to determine the reception time. The position coordinates (xAi, yAi) of the object OA are calculated using the calculation formulas (4) and (5) (step S61).

[0083] xAi = (Trv— Tdt) X VAx + xA (4)

yAi = (Trv— Tdt) XVAy + yA (5)

Then, the calculated position coordinates (xAi, yAi) are stored as initial coordinates in the object management table 650B stored in the main memory 65B.

[0084] Next, the main CPU 64B determines whether or not the drawing time has arrived based on the value measured by the counter 640B (step S62), and the determination result is affirmative. If there is any (step S62: YES), the object management table 650B is referred to, and the position coordinates of each object at the time Trn are calculated for all objects stored in the object management table 650B. Here, the objects stored in the object management table 650B are the objects OA and OB. The position coordinates (xArn, yArn) of the object OA are calculated by equations (6) and (7) using the velocity vector, the detection time, the initial coordinates, and the drawing time stored in the object management table 650B. [0085] xArn = (Trn— Trv) XVxA + xAi (6)

yArn = (Trn— Trv) XVyA + yAi (7)

For the object OB corresponding to the client device IB, the position coordinate at the drawing time is calculated using the position coordinate, velocity vector, detection time, and the above drawing time stored in the object management table 650B.

[0086] Next, the main CPU 64B uses the position coordinates calculated in step S61 to issue an instruction to the GPU 68B to draw a game image including each object (step S63). According to this drawing command, GPU68B draws a game image including object OA and object OB in frame memory 67B, and CRTC69 generates a video signal based on the drawn image! Supply to screen 11B of monitor device 10B. As a result, a game image G as shown in FIG. 2 is displayed on the screen 11B.

[0087] As described above, the main CPU 64B of the client apparatus 1B performs the position calculation process every time it receives the position information packet from the server apparatus 2, and performs the drawing process at every predetermined time.

[0088] Upon receiving the position information packet transmitted from the server device 2, the client device 1A also receives an object corresponding to another client device (in this case, an object OB corresponding to the client device 1B). For some), position calculation processing is performed, and drawing processing is performed every predetermined time. For example, when the drawing process is performed on the client apparatus 1A at the same time as the drawing process is performed on the client apparatus 1B described above, the screen 11A as well as the screen 11B is illustrated in FIG. A game image G as shown is displayed. That is, with the above-described configuration, the positions of the object OA and the object OB that can be displayed on the screen 11A and the screen 11B at the same time are substantially the same.

[0089] By reducing the displacement as described above, it is possible to provide the user with a game image with a little uncomfortable feeling, and to improve the convenience for the user.

[0090] Further, in each client device 1A, 1B, the above time information processing is performed, and the time in each is synchronized with the time in server device 2, so that each time in each client device 1A, 1B is synchronized. , Due to time lag measured in each device Therefore, the positional deviation that occurs can be reduced. As a result, user convenience can be further improved.

Example 2

In the first embodiment described above, the server apparatus 2 is configured to mediate communication between the client apparatus 1A and the client apparatus 1B. In the present embodiment, a configuration in which a plurality of client devices 1C, ID, and 1E communicate with each other by P2P (peer-to-peer) without using the server device 2 will be described. Hereinafter, the description of the parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted, or the description will be made using the same reference numerals.

[0092] (1) Configuration

As shown in FIG. 16, in the network game system ^, the client devices 1C, ID, and 1E are connected in a full mesh. As a result, a network is constructed and each packet communication is performed.

Next, differences in the internal circuit configuration of the client device 1 from the above-described first embodiment will be described. Note that the client device 1C, ID, and 1E are simply referred to as the client device 1 when it is not necessary to distinguish between them. In addition, each device must be described separately. If it is necessary to distinguish between the following components, add C, D, or E after each symbol.

For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the main memory 65 stores a management table 651 similar to the management table 230 stored in the HD 23S of the server device 2 in the first embodiment described above. Here, it is assumed that objects having object IDs “OC”, “OD”, and “OE” are assigned to the client apparatuses 1C, ID, and 1E, respectively.

In addition, the main memory 65 of the client device 1 stores an object management table 650 similar to that in the first embodiment described above. For example, an object management table 650C as shown in FIG. 18 is stored in the client device 1C.

The ROM 70 also has a function for communicating with other client devices, a function for generating a session for executing a network game, and a participation in the generated session. In addition, a program for realizing a function of participating in a network game and a session generation function is stored. In the present embodiment, one of the client devices 1C, ID, and 1E is first created a session for executing the network game of client devices, and the session is managed. For example, it manages system management information and information transmitted to all client devices 1 participating in the session. A client device that performs such processing is hereinafter referred to as a host. Further, the client devices other than the host participate in the network game by participating in the already generated session.

Furthermore, the ROM 70 includes the time correction function in the first embodiment described above, the time information transmission function included in the server device 2 in the first embodiment described above, the second position information transmission function, and the above-described first function. Various programs for realizing the position calculation function in one embodiment are stored.

Here, the time correction function, the time information transmission function, and the second position information transmission function will be described with respect to differences from the first embodiment.

[0098] <Time correction function and time information transmission function>

In this embodiment, in the time information processing described in the first embodiment, the client device 1C, ID, or 1E is one of the client device forces. Performs information transmission processing. The host does not perform time information processing. A client device other than the host performs time information processing and transmits a time correction bucket to the host.

Each client device 1C, ID, 1E has a time correction function and a time information transmission function as described above.

[0100] <Second location information transmission function>

In the present embodiment, the client device 1 transmits the position information packet of the object assigned to the own device to all other client devices participating in the network game. Specifically, the message is transmitted to all client apparatuses other than the own apparatus registered in the management table 651.

[0101] Each client device 1C, ID, and 1E has the second position information transmission function as described above. [0102] (2) Operation

Next, an operation according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0103] Note that the client device 1 is powered on (not shown), and the program power of the operation system or the like stored in the ROM 70 is read and executed by the main CPU 64 into the main memory 65, and each instruction is input by the user. As a result, the various program coins CPU 64 read out from the ROM 70 or the optical disk 72 to the main memory 65 execute the various functions described in the above-mentioned configuration section.

In this embodiment, it is assumed that the client device 1C first generates a session for executing a network game and becomes a host.

First, when the user power of the client device 1C is operated to operate the controller 20C connected to the client device 1C to instruct the start of the network game, the main CPU 64C responds to the operation with a game program for the network game. Is read into ROM70C main memory 65C and executed. Then, a session for executing the network game is generated. Then, a management ID corresponding to the client device 1C is assigned. Furthermore, an object corresponding to the client device 1C is assigned to the object represented in the game image of the network game. Then, the object ID corresponding to the object and the management ID corresponding to the client device 1 are stored in the management table 651. Then, it waits for another client device (here, client device ID, 1E) to participate in the session. That is, it waits for the participation request packet described in the first embodiment to be transmitted from the client apparatus ID 1E.

Here, for example, the user power of the client device 1D operates the controller 20D connected to the client device 1D to instruct to start the network game and to instruct to participate in the session generated by the client device 1C. Then, in response to the operation, the main CPU 64D reads out the game program for the network game to the ROM 70D power main memory 65D and executes it. Then, the main CPU 64D transmits a participation request packet to the client device 1C.

[0107] Next, the main CPU 64C of the client device 1C is transmitted to the client device 1D. When the participation request packet is received, a response packet is generated and transmitted to the client apparatus 1D in the same manner as the server apparatus 2 in the first embodiment described above.

Subsequently, when the main CPU 64D of the client device 1D receives the response packet transmitted from the client device 1C, it performs the following time information processing. At this time, the client device

1C becomes the host described above and performs time information transmission processing.

Note that the same processing as described above is performed when the client device 1E participates in a session, and the following time information processing is performed.

[0110] <Time information processing>

Based on the value measured by the counter 640D, the main CPU 64D of the client apparatus 1D transmits a time correction packet in which the transmission time T1 is set to the client apparatus 1C in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above.

[0111] On the other hand, when the main CPU 64C of the client device 1C receives the time correction packet transmitted from the client device 1D, the main CPU 64C sets the reception time T2 and the return time T3 to return the time correction packet to the time correction packet. In addition to this, this is transmitted to the client device 1D.

[0112] When the main CPU 64D of the client device 1D receives the time correction packet in which the client device 1C power is also transmitted, the reception time T4 when the time correction packet is received and the times T1 to T3 indicated in the received time correction packet Are used to calculate the time difference D between the client device 1C and the client device 1D in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above. Then, based on the calculated time difference, the current time measured by the counter 640D of the main CPU 64D of the client apparatus 1D is corrected.

[0113] Similarly to client device 1D, client device 1E transmits a time correction packet to client device 1C to perform time information processing, and corrects the current time obtained from the value measured by counter 640D of main CPU 64D. To do.

[0114] <Second location information transmission process>

Next, a game is started with the client device 1C, ID, 1E, and the client device 1C transmits a position information packet related to the object OC assigned to the client device 1C to another client device (here, When sending to client device ID, 1E) The second position information transmission process will be described. When the client device 1D transmits a position information packet related to the object OD assigned to the own device to another client device, and the client device 1E sends another position information packet related to the object OE assigned to the own device to the other device. The case of transmission to the client device is also substantially the same as the following description, so the description is omitted.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second location information transmission process according to the present embodiment.

[0116] The main CPU 64C of the client device 1C receives the end signal output from the counter 640C according to the OC outside the object calculated according to the operation signal corresponding to the user operation in the controller 20C, as in the first embodiment. Is detected (step S20: YES), the detection time TCdt, the position coordinates (xC, yC) indicating the display position of the object OC, and the velocity vector (VxC, VyC) are detected. And (xC, yC), (VxC, VyC), and a location information packet including the management ID corresponding to the client device 1C are generated and transmitted to the client device ID and 1E, respectively (step S22). ).

[0117] <Position calculation process>

On the other hand, when receiving the position information packet transmitted from the client apparatus 1C, the main CPUs 64D and 64E of the client apparatus ID, 1E perform steps S61 to S63 shown in FIG. 15 as in the first embodiment described above. A position calculation process and a drawing process are performed.

[0118] Main CPU 64C power of client device 1C The same applies when the location information packet transmitted from client device ID, 1E is received.

As a result of the above, for example, when drawing processing is performed at the same time in the above-described client devices 1C, ID, 1E, the same game image as shown in FIG. 20 is displayed on the screens 11C, 11D, 11E. G 'is displayed. That is, with the above-described configuration, the positions of the objects OC, OD, and OE that can be displayed on the screens 11C, 11D, and 11E at the same time are substantially the same.

As described above, the positional deviation can be reduced by transmitting and receiving the time correction packet and the position information packet between the client apparatuses participating in the network game without using the server apparatus 2. [0121] It should be noted that the connection form in the case where a plurality of client apparatuses 1 perform communication may be other connection forms than the full-mesh type as described above. In addition, it may be connected using a communication network such as the Internet or an intranet.

[0122] Further, the selection of the client device 1 serving as a host may be arbitrary, for example, may be performed by using a random number, or may be performed by a predetermined method. May be. For example, the client device 1 having the best connection environment may be selected. As for the connection environment, for example, information related to the connection environment such as the transmission band and the line speed used by the client device 1 is registered in advance, and the superiority or inferiority of the connection environment is determined by a predetermined method based on this information. Based on this, the connection environments of a plurality of client devices 1 may be compared, and the client device 1 with the best connection environment may be selected.

[0123] <Modification 1>

In each of the above-described embodiments, the client device 1 is configured to perform time information processing, position information transmission processing, position calculation processing, and drawing processing every predetermined time. The time interval for performing each process may or may not be the same, and the timing for performing each process may or may not be the same.

[0124] In the time information processing, the client device 1 transmits a time correction packet in accordance with a clock (not shown) provided in the main CPU 64 of the client device 1, and sets a time interval for correcting the time. Also good.

Further, the power configured to include the counter 640 inside the main CPU 64 of the client device 1 may be configured to be provided separately from the main CPU 64. Similarly, the server device 2 may be configured to include the counter 200 separately from the CPU 20S. Counters 640 and 200 can be used as long as the values are incremented periodically according to the output timing of the clock provided in the CPU.

[0126] <Modification 2>

In each of the above-described embodiments, the server device 2 is configured so that the reception time T2 for receiving the time correction packet transmitted from the client device 1 and the return time T3 for returning the time correction packet are different. However, this is received at the same time as the time correction packet is received. The received reception time T2 may be added to the time correction packet, and the time correction packet may be transmitted to the client device 1. In this case, assuming that the reception time Τ2 and the reply time Τ3 are the same, the time difference D is calculated using the above-described formula (1).

[0127] <Modification 3>

Objects included in the game image may represent various characters, various animals, creatures, plants, various objects, or parts of a person or animal such as hands or feet. .

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, an object corresponding to the client device 1 is configured to select and assign the intermediate forces of a plurality of predetermined objects. However, an object corresponding to the client device may be generated by an arbitrary method each time the client device participates in the network game.

[0129] Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, one position coordinate assigned to each of the objects OA and OB has been described. In this case, a plurality of position coordinates may be assigned to the objects OA and OB. In this case, a plurality of position coordinates at the same time can be identified in one position information packet. It may be configured to include and transmit. Even when a plurality of position coordinates are assigned to each of the objects OA and OB, for example, only one position coordinate set in advance as a representative of the plurality of position coordinates is used as the position information packet. It may be configured to be included in the transmission. Then, the client device 1 that has received such a position information packet calculates initial coordinates relative to the position coordinates based on the representative position coordinates included in the position information packet, and calculates a movement amount of the position coordinates. . Then, each initial coordinate for a plurality of other position coordinates may be calculated based on the calculated movement amount.

In each of the above-described embodiments, one object is associated with one client device 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of objects may be associated with each other. In this case, regarding the position coordinates of a plurality of objects, those detected at the same time may be included in one position information packet and transmitted. Alternatively, a separate position information packet may be transmitted for each object, and the position coordinate detection timing may be different for each object, and each position information packet may be transmitted. It is also possible to change the timing of sending the packet.

[0131] In the above-described embodiment, one object is statically associated with one object, and one client device 1 associated with the object is associated with the object in the virtual space. It was configured to be able to move in. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A plurality of client devices 1 are assigned to one object, and one object is moved in accordance with the operation of the controller 20 connected to each client device 1. It may be configured. In this case, the object may be configured to be dynamically associated with the client device 1. For example, the client device 1 that can move and display the object is assigned at predetermined time intervals, and each client device 1 The object may be configured to move only within a predetermined time. Further, for example, when a predetermined operation is performed in a certain controller 20, the client device 1 connected to the controller 20 may be configured to move the object.

In each of the embodiments described above, the client apparatus 1 is configured to periodically transmit the position information packet of the object corresponding to the own apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the value of the velocity vector detected in accordance with the operation signal transmitted from the controller 20 is changed only when the value is different from the value detected immediately before the value is detected. It may be configured to transmit position information packets.

[0133] In each of the above-described embodiments, the virtual space is a two-dimensional space, and the two-dimensional coordinates are used as the position coordinates of the object placed in the virtual space. However, in the present invention, the present invention is not limited to this, and even if the virtual space is a one-dimensional space, the position coordinates of an object placed in a virtual space that is good in a three-dimensional or more multidimensional space are one-dimensional coordinates. Alternatively, it may be a multidimensional coordinate of 3 dimensions or more.

In addition, the size of the screen 11 of the monitor device 10 connected to the client device 1 used in each of the above-described embodiments may be the same in all the monitor devices 10. Different configurations may be used depending on the monitor device 10.

[0135] In addition, a game image may be generated without correcting the position coordinates of each object calculated in the above-described manner and displayed on the screen 11! For example, each position coordinate may be corrected to a value corresponding to the size of the screen 11, a game image may be generated using the corrected position coordinate, and the game image may be displayed on each screen 11.

[0136] <Modification 4>

In each of the above-described embodiments, the position information of the object corresponding to the own device is also stored in the object management table 650, and the object at the drawing time is referred to by referring to the object management table 650 in the drawing process of step S63. It was configured to calculate the position of. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For the object, for example, during the rendering process in step S63, an operation signal is acquired from the controller 20, and the position coordinates detected in accordance with the operation signal are acquired. Alternatively, the drawing process may be performed immediately after the object is stored in the object management table 650.

[0137] <Modification 5>

In each of the above embodiments, the number of client devices 1 participating in the network game may be increased or decreased. When a new client device joins or joins and is disconnected from the network, information indicating that fact is sent to the other client devices participating in the network game. Configure to Based on the information, the client device that has received the information adds object information corresponding to the newly joined client device to the object management table 650, or the object corresponding to the client device that has been disconnected from the network. Or delete the information.

[0138] In addition, in the second embodiment described above, when the client device 1 serving as the host is disconnected from the network, it is desirable that another client device be assigned to the host. In this case, it is also possible to send the information stored in the management table 651 to the client device that newly becomes the host.

[0139] Alternatively, when a client device participates in a session, all information stored in the management table 651 is also transmitted to the client device 1 so that all client devices participating in the session share a common host power. A management table 651 may be provided. [0140] <Modification 6>

In the embodiment described above, the controller 20 and the client device 1 are connected via the cable 13 to perform communication. However, the controller 20 and the client device 1 may be configured to perform wireless communication using a communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) without using a cable.

[0141] The communication performed between the client devices 1 or between the client device 1 and the server device 2 may be wired communication or wireless communication.

[0142] In the above-described embodiment, the controller 20, the client device 1, and the monitor device 10 are configured separately. However, the client device 1, the controller 20, and the screen 11 of the monitor device 10 may be integrally formed.

[Modification 7]

In each of the above-described embodiments, a system for playing a network game has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is a system in which client devices connected to a network and participating in a predetermined session share a virtual space and can display part or all of a common image at the same time. OK.

[0144] <Modification 8>

In the above embodiment, the various programs are configured to be stored in the ROM 70 of the client device 1. However, it may be configured to be stored in another storage unit such as the sub memory 74, or the execution subject of these programs may be configured to be the sub CPU 73. In addition, the time correction function and the position information processing function in each of the above-described embodiments may be realized by a single program or may be realized by a plurality of programs.

[0145] The above description of each embodiment is an example of the present invention. For this reason, the present invention is not limited to each of the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea according to the present invention, even if other than the above-described embodiments. Of course, it is possible.

Industrial applicability

In the present invention, at least two information processing devices connected to a predetermined network are virtual It is suitable for use in an information processing system sharing a space.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] An information processing system in which one or a plurality of predetermined objects are arranged in a virtual space shared by first and second information processing apparatuses connected to a predetermined network, wherein the predetermined objects are A first object that moves in the virtual space in response to an instruction input from a user in one information processing apparatus;

The first information processing apparatus includes:

A first time measuring means for measuring time;

First input means for receiving an instruction signal corresponding to an instruction input from a user, and detecting the position and moving speed of the first object in the virtual space based on the instruction signal input to the first input means First detecting means to perform,

A detection time at which the first detection means detects the position and movement speed of the first object is obtained from the first time measurement means, and a first time including the detection time and the position and movement speed of the first object. First position information transmitting means for transmitting position information via the predetermined network,

The second information processing apparatus includes:

A second timing means for measuring time;

A second location information receiving means for receiving the first location information via the predetermined network;

The second position information receiving means obtains the reception time when the first position information is received from the second time measuring means, and uses the reception time and the first position information to obtain the first time at the reception time. A second position calculating means for calculating a position in the virtual space outside the one object.

An information processing system characterized by this.

[2] The predetermined object includes a plurality of the first objects,

The first detection means detects positions and movement speeds of the plurality of first objects in the virtual space based on an instruction signal input to the first input means, and the first position information is Each position and each moving speed of the plurality of first objects detected by the first detection means, and detection times when these were detected The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein:

[3] The first detection means detects a moving direction of the first object,

The first position information includes a moving direction of the first object.

The information processing system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein

[4] The predetermined object includes a second object that moves in the virtual space in response to an instruction input from a user in the second information processing apparatus,

The second information processing apparatus includes:

Second input means for receiving an instruction signal corresponding to an instruction input from a user, and detecting the position and moving speed of the second object in the virtual space based on the instruction signal input to the second input means Second detecting means for

A detection time at which the second detection means detects the position and movement speed of the second object is acquired from the second time measurement means, and a second time including the detection time and the position and movement speed of the second object. Second location information transmission means for transmitting location information via the predetermined network,

The first information processing apparatus includes:

First position information receiving means for receiving the second position information transmitted via the predetermined network;

The first position information receiving means obtains the reception time when the second position information is received from the first time measuring means, and the reception time and the second position information are used to obtain the reception time at the reception time. A first position calculating means for calculating a position in the virtual space outside the second object.

The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that:

[5] The second information processing apparatus includes second drawing means for drawing an image representing a virtual space in which the outside of the first object is arranged based on the position calculated by the second position calculating means.

5. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing system is any one of claims 1 to 4.

[6] The second information processing apparatus is arranged based on the second object arranged based on the position detected by the second detecting means and the position calculated by the second position calculating means. A second rendering means for rendering an image representing a virtual space including the first object;

The information processing system according to claim 4, wherein:

[7] In the second information processing apparatus, the first position information received by the second position information receiving unit, the reception time acquired by the second position calculating unit, and the second position calculating unit Second storage means for storing the calculated position at the reception time, and the second position calculation means, when the second drawing means draws the image, the drawing time when the second drawing means draws the image. Using the drawing time, the reception time stored in the second storage means, and the movement speed included in the position and the first position information at the reception time. Calculate the position of the first object

The information processing system according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein:

[8] Second display means for displaying the image drawn by the second drawing means is provided.

8. The information processing system according to claim 5, wherein the information processing system is any one of claims 5 to 7.

[9] The first information processing apparatus includes first drawing means for drawing an image representing a virtual space in which the outside of the first object is arranged based on the position detected by the first detection means. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

[10] The first information processing device is arranged based on the first object arranged based on the position detected by the first detecting means and the position calculated by the first position calculating means. First drawing means for drawing an image representing a virtual space including a second object is provided.

The information processing system according to claim 4, wherein:

[11] The first information processing apparatus includes the second position information received by the first position information receiving unit, the reception time acquired by the first position calculating unit, and the first position calculating unit. And a first storage means for storing the position at the reception time calculated by the first position, and the first position calculation means, when the first drawing means draws the image, the drawing time as the first timekeeping. Using the drawing time, the reception time stored in the first storage means, and the moving speed included in the position and the second position information at the reception time. Calculate the position of the second object

The information processing system according to claim 10.

[12] First display means for displaying an image drawn by the first drawing means is provided.

12. The information processing system according to claim 9, wherein the information processing system is any one of claims 9 to 11.

[13] One of the first and second information processing devices is

A time information transmitting means for transmitting the first time information indicating the transmission time to the other information processing apparatus;

Time response information is transmitted from the other information processing apparatus that has received the first time information and includes the first time information and second time information indicating the reception time at which the first time information was received. Time information receiving means,

Using the reception time when the time information receiving means receives the time reply information and the time indicated by the first time information and the second time information included in the time reply information, the other information processing apparatus A time correction unit that corrects the time measured by the time measuring unit of the one information processing device using the calculated time difference, and the other information processing device includes:

When the first time information transmitted from the one information processing apparatus is received, the second time information indicating the reception time and the time return information including the first time information Time information return means for transmitting to the device is provided

The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the information processing system is characterized in that:

[14] The time reply information includes third time information indicating a reply time for replying the time reply information, The time correction means includes a reception time when the time information reception means receives the time reply information, and a time indicated by each of the first time information, the second time information, and the third time information included in the time reply information. The information processing system according to claim 8, wherein a time difference from the other information processing apparatus is calculated using.

[15] It further comprises a server device connected to a predetermined network,

The server device includes position information relay means for transmitting the first position information transmitted from the first information processing apparatus to the second information processing apparatus.

15. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing system is any one of claims 1 to 14.

[16] A server device connected to a predetermined network is further provided,

The server device includes position information relay means for transmitting the second position information transmitted from the second information processing apparatus to the first information processing apparatus.

12. The information processing system according to claim 4, wherein the information processing system is any one of claims 4, 6, 10, and 11.

[17] At least one information processing device of the first and second information processing devices is:

A first time information transmitting means for transmitting first time information indicating a transmission time to the server device;

Time information receiving means for receiving time reply information that is transmitted from the server device that has received the first time information and includes the first time information and second time information indicating the time at which the first time information is received. When,

Using the reception time when the time information receiving means receives the time reply information and the times indicated by the first time information and the second time information included in the time reply information, the time with the server device A time correction unit that calculates a difference and corrects the time measured by the time measuring unit of the information processing apparatus using the calculated time difference;

The server device

A third timing means for measuring time;

When the first time information transmitted from the information processing apparatus is received, the time reply information including the second time information indicating the reception time and the first time information is included in the information. Time information return means for transmitting to the information processing device

The information processing system according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein

[18] A first information processing apparatus that arranges one or more predetermined objects in a virtual space shared by the first and second information processing apparatuses connected to a predetermined network, wherein the predetermined objects are A first object that moves in the virtual space in response to an instruction input from a user in the first information processing apparatus,

A first time measuring means for measuring time;

A detection time at which the first detection means detects the position and movement speed of the first object is acquired from the first time measurement means, and a first time including the detection time and the position and movement speed of the first object is obtained. First position information transmitting means for transmitting position information via the predetermined network.

An information processing apparatus characterized by that.

[19] A second information processing apparatus that arranges one or a plurality of predetermined objects in a virtual space shared by the first and second information processing apparatuses connected to a predetermined network, wherein the predetermined objects are A first object that moves in the virtual space in response to an instruction input from a user in the first information processing apparatus,

A second timing means for measuring time;

Second position information receiving means for receiving first position information including the position and moving speed of the first object and the detection time at which they were detected via the predetermined network; and the second position information receiving means Acquires the reception time at which the first position information is received from the second time measuring means, and uses the reception time and the first position information to use the virtual object outside the first object at the reception time. A second position calculating means for calculating a position in space.

An information processing apparatus characterized by that.

[20] One or a plurality of predetermined objects are arranged in a virtual space shared by the first and second portable terminal devices connected to a predetermined network, and the predetermined objects are in the first portable terminal device A first object that moves in the virtual space in response to a user force instruction input; and a second object that moves in the virtual space in response to an instruction input from a user in the second portable terminal device; A first mobile terminal device including

An input means for inputting an instruction signal corresponding to an instruction input from a user;

A time measuring means for measuring time;

Detection means for detecting a position and a moving speed of the first object in the virtual space based on an instruction signal input to the input means;

A detection time at which the detection means detects the position and moving speed of the first object is acquired from the time measuring means, and first position information including the detection time, the position and the moving speed is obtained as the predetermined position. Position information transmitting means for transmitting via a network;

Position information receiving means for receiving second position information including the position and moving speed of the second object and the detection time at which they were detected via the predetermined network; and the position information receiving means (2) The reception time when the position information is received is acquired from the time measuring means, and the position in the virtual space outside the second object at the reception time is calculated using the reception time and the second position information. A position calculation means; a virtual object including the first object arranged based on the position detected by the detection means; and the second object arranged based on the position calculated by the position calculation means. A drawing means for drawing an image representing a space;

Display means for displaying an image drawn by the drawing means.

The portable terminal device characterized by the above-mentioned.

[21] Information processing for causing a computer of a first information processing apparatus to place one or more predetermined objects in a virtual space shared by first and second information processing apparatuses connected to a predetermined network A program,

The predetermined object includes a first object that moves in the virtual space in response to an instruction input from a user in the first information processing apparatus, A first input step in which an instruction signal corresponding to an instruction input of user force is input, and a position and a moving speed of the first object in the virtual space are detected based on the instruction signal input in the first input step. A first detection step to

A detection time at which the position and movement speed of the first object are detected in the first detection step is acquired, and first position information including the detection time and the position and movement speed of the first object is obtained as the predetermined position. A first location information transmission step for transmitting via a network of

An information processing program characterized by that.

[22] Information processing for causing a computer of a second information processing apparatus to place one or more predetermined objects in a virtual space shared by the first and second information processing apparatuses connected to a predetermined network A program,

The predetermined object includes a first object that moves in the virtual space in response to an instruction input from a user in the first information processing apparatus,

A second position information receiving step for receiving, via the predetermined network, first position information including the position and moving speed of the first object and the detection time at which they were detected;

Obtaining the reception time at which the first position information was received in the second position information reception step, and using the reception time and the first position information, the virtual space outside the first object at the reception time A second position calculating step for calculating the position at

An information processing program characterized by that.

[23] A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 21 or claim 22.