JP4956071B2 - Program, information storage medium and portable electronic device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a program, an information storage medium, and a portable electronic device.

  Conventionally, portable electronic devices incorporating a wireless communication device are known. In this portable electronic device, a so-called ad hoc network is constructed by a plurality of portable electronic devices within a wireless communicable range. In this ad hoc network, infrastructure such as a base station and an access point is not necessary, so that players (users) can gather and enjoy communication games freely even in places where there is no such infrastructure.

  By the way, when a communication game is played with such a portable electronic device, not all the players gathered have game software, and only some players may have game software. . Therefore, even when a player who owns game software and a player who does not own such a game are mixed, the problem is how to realize an interface environment that enables a smooth communication game.

In such a communication game, a conventional technique for displaying a list screen of a portable electronic device that is playing the communication game is known. However, this conventional technique displays a list screen of the portable electronic device of the parent device (host) on the display unit of the portable electronic device of the child device (target). That is, on this list screen, device identification information of the portable electronic device of the parent device and identification information of the game program of the parent device are only displayed, for example, as in a list screen of FIG. 10A described later. Accordingly, since the list screen of the portable electronic device of the child device is not displayed on the display unit of the portable electronic device of the parent device, a player who owns the game software and a player who does not own the game are mixed as described above. In such a situation, the interface environment cannot be improved.
JP 2000-126455 A JP 2004-136209 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a program, an information storage medium, and a portable electronic device that can realize a smooth communication game interface environment. is there.

  The present invention provides a communication processing unit that performs communication processing via a wireless network, a game processing unit that executes game processing based on a game program and game data, and a display for displaying an image on a display unit of a portable electronic device. A display control unit that performs display control, wherein the communication processing unit searches for other portable electronic devices that exist within a communicable range, the identification information of the retrieved portable electronic device, and the retrieved portable Discriminating information for discriminating whether or not the electronic device is a game sharing portable electronic device that performs game processing based on the shared game program, from the retrieved portable electronic device, Based on the received identification information and discrimination information, the display control unit displays the retrieved identification information of the portable electronic device and the discrimination information as to whether or not it is a game sharing portable electronic device. It generates a list screen that relates to a portable electronic device for controlling display. The present invention also relates to a program that causes a portable electronic device to function as each of the above-described units, or a computer-readable information storage medium that stores the program.

  According to the present invention, other portable electronic devices existing within the communicable range are searched. And the identification information of the portable electronic device and the discrimination information of the game sharing are received from the retrieved portable electronic device. Based on the received identification information and discrimination information, a list screen showing the identification information of the portable electronic device and the discrimination information of the game sharing is generated and displayed. Accordingly, by viewing this list screen, the player can distinguish between portable electronic devices that are not game sharing and portable electronic devices that are game sharing, and select them as opponents of the communication game. Therefore, a smooth communication game can be realized, and an unprecedented interface environment can be provided to the player.

  In the portable electronic device, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the communication processing unit may share the game program when the player selects a portable electronic device for game sharing on the list screen. The transfer mode may be set to a sharing mode in which game data necessary for execution of is transmitted via a wireless network.

  By setting this sharing mode, game data required for a shared game program can be transmitted whenever necessary and used on the other party's game sharing portable electronic device. Become.

  In the portable electronic device, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the display control unit performs control to display a selection screen for a player to select a selection item, and the communication processing unit includes the sharing When the transfer mode is set as the mode, information on the selection item selected on the selection screen may be transmitted as game data via a wireless network.

  In this way, it is possible to transmit information on selection items necessary for the game process by the player selecting on the selection screen via the wireless network. As a result, only necessary game data can be transmitted at any time and used in a portable electronic device for game sharing on the other side.

  In the portable electronic device, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the communication processing unit stores character information, game stage information, and sound information when the transfer mode is set in the sharing mode. At least one of them may be transmitted as game data via a wireless network.

  In this way, it is possible to transmit character information, game stage information or sound information via a wireless network and use them as needed in the other party's game sharing portable electronic device. become.

  In the portable electronic device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, the communication processing unit may be connected to another portable type connected via a wireless network when the transfer mode is set in the sharing mode. A game data transmission request may be issued to the electronic device, and the game data may be transmitted via a wireless network when the transmission request is accepted by another portable electronic device.

  In this way, game data can be transferred under the initiative of its own portable electronic device, and the processing sequence can be simplified.

  In the portable electronic device, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the communication processing unit transmits the game data necessary for executing the shared game program via the wireless network in an encrypted state. May be transmitted.

  In this way, since game data is transmitted in an encrypted state, it is possible to ensure confidentiality.

  The present invention also provides a communication processing unit that performs communication processing via a wireless network, a game processing unit that executes game processing based on a game program and game data, and an image displayed on a display unit of a portable electronic device. A display control unit that performs display control of the mobile electronic device, the communication processing unit, for other mobile electronic devices existing within the communicable range, identification information of the mobile electronic device of its own, Related to portable electronic devices that transmit determination information for determining whether or not the electronic device is a portable electronic device for game sharing that performs game processing based on a shared game program via a wireless network To do.

  According to the present invention, identification information of one's own portable electronic device and discrimination information for game sharing are transmitted to another portable electronic device existing within a communicable range via a wireless network. The Thereby, the other portable electronic device of the other party can identify the portable electronic device using these identification information and discrimination information, or determine whether the portable electronic device is a game sharing portable device. It becomes like this. Therefore, a smooth communication game can be realized, and an unprecedented interface environment can be provided to the player.

  In the portable electronic device, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the display control unit receives the shared game program via the wireless network and then connects to another portable device connected via the wireless network. You may make it perform control which displays the standby screen of the communication battle between type | mold electronic devices.

  In this way, game data transfer and communication battle can be realized under the initiative of other portable electronic devices, and the communication battle mechanism can be simplified.

  In the portable electronic device, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the communication processing unit may share the game program when the portable electronic device is a portable electronic device for game sharing. The game data necessary for the execution may be received from another portable electronic device via a wireless network.

  In this way, it is possible to receive and use game data necessary for executing a shared game program as needed.

  The portable electronic device, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention include a storage control unit that performs storage control of the main storage device and the auxiliary storage device of the portable electronic device (the portable electronic device functions as the storage control unit). And the storage control unit writes the received game data to the main storage device when the communication processing unit receives game data necessary for execution of the shared game program via a wireless network. At the same time, it may be stored in the auxiliary storage device.

  In this way, even when the storage capacity of the main storage device is not so large, game data can be written and stored in the auxiliary storage device. The stored game data can be used for the next game, for example, and the auxiliary storage device can be used effectively.

  In the portable electronic device, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the communication processing unit receives a shared game program via a wireless network, and the storage control unit receives the received game program. Based on the game program written in the main storage device and at least one of the game data stored in the auxiliary storage device and the game data received via the wireless network. Then, the game process may be executed.

  In this way, even if the player does not own the game program, the game process can be executed by the game program received via the wireless network. As for the game data, the game data stored in the auxiliary storage device can be used, or the game data received via the wireless network can be used. Even when the main storage device has a small capacity, Efficient game processing can be realized.

  In the portable electronic device, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the display control unit performs control to display a selection screen for the player to select a selection item, and the storage control unit includes the selection screen. When the communication processing unit receives the information on the selection item selected in (2) via the wireless network, the received information on the selection item may be stored in the auxiliary storage device as game data.

  In this way, it is possible to receive information on selection items necessary for the game process by the player selecting on the selection screen via the wireless network and store it in the auxiliary storage device. As a result, only necessary game data can be received at any time and stored in the auxiliary storage device.

  In the portable electronic device, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the storage control unit stores at least one of character information, game stage information, and sound information as game data in the auxiliary storage device. You may do it.

  In this way, character information, game stage information, or sound information can be stored in the auxiliary storage device and can be used as needed.

  In the portable electronic device, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the storage control unit stores game data necessary for executing the game process in the auxiliary storage device when executing the game process. In this case, the stored game data is read from the auxiliary storage device, and the communication processing unit stores the game data necessary for executing the game processing in the auxiliary storage device when executing the game processing. If not, unsaved game data may be received via the wireless network.

  In this way, if game data is stored in the auxiliary storage device, it is not necessary to receive the game data via the wireless network. I can plan.

  In the portable electronic device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, the communication processing unit receives encrypted game data via a wireless network, and the storage control unit receives the received game data, You may make it preserve | save in the said auxiliary storage device with the state encrypted.

  In this way, since the game data is stored in the auxiliary storage device in an encrypted state, the content of the game data is read from the auxiliary storage device and easily known to the player. Can be prevented.

  In the portable electronic device, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the game processing unit encrypts the game data stored in the auxiliary storage device when the game data is stored in the auxiliary storage device. The game data in the state may be decrypted, and after decryption, it may be checked whether the game data is normal data.

  In this way, it is possible to simplify the decoding process and the data check process and reduce the processing load.

  In the portable electronic device, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the game processing unit may store the encrypted state received via the wireless network when the game data is not stored in the auxiliary storage device. The game data may be decrypted, and after decryption, it may be checked whether the game data is normal data.

  In this way, the game data read from the auxiliary storage device and the game data received via the wireless network can be handled equally without distinction, and the decoding process and the data check process can be performed.

  Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described. In addition, this embodiment demonstrated below does not unduly limit the content of this invention described in the claim. In addition, all the configurations described in the present embodiment are not necessarily essential configuration requirements of the present invention.

1. Configuration FIG. 1A shows an example of an external view of a portable game machine of this embodiment. In the following, the case where the portable electronic device is a portable game machine will be described. However, the portable electronic device of the present embodiment is not limited to the portable game machine, and may not be a dedicated game machine, for example.

  This portable game machine has operation units such as a direction key 12, an analog stick 14, operation buttons 16 to 19, L, R buttons 20 and 21, a select button 22, and a start button 23. The liquid crystal display 30 (display unit in a broad sense) and a speaker (not shown) (sound output unit in a broad sense) are included. While viewing the game image displayed on the display unit 30, the player operates the direction key 12 or the analog stick 14 with the thumb of the left hand and operates the operation buttons 16 to 19 with the thumb of the right hand to play the game.

  The portable game machine in FIG. 1A can perform wireless communication via a wireless LAN (wireless network in a broad sense). A wireless LAN of a portable game machine has an ad hoc mode and an infrastructure mode.

  The ad hoc mode is a mode in which communication is performed only by clients, and is used for data exchange between portable game machines, battles, game sharing, and the like. In this ad hoc mode, each portable game machine automatically searches for the same channel as the opponent, and a battle or the like is performed.

  The infrastructure mode is a mode for connecting the portable game machine to the Internet. In the infrastructure mode, by setting a wireless LAN such as SSID and WEP, it is possible to connect to the Internet via a wireless LAN access point. As a result, it is possible to download data from the server to the portable game machine or to play against other players via the Internet.

  In FIG. 1B, the portable game machines GM1 to GM4 are connected via a wireless LAN (wireless network), and the players 1 to 4 of the portable game machines GM1 to GM4 can enjoy a battle game or the like.

  In FIG. 1B, players 1 to 3 have game software, and information storage media IS1 to IS3 on which the game software is recorded are mounted on portable game machines GM1 to GM3. On the other hand, the player 4 does not own game software. In this embodiment, so-called game sharing is possible so that such a player 4 can play the game software of the information storage media IS1 to IS3.

  This game sharing is a function that uses a wireless LAN, and can transmit part of game software game programs and game data to other portable game machines that do not have game software. . For example, in FIG. 1B, the game software is downloaded to the portable game machine GM4 by wireless LAN from the portable game machine GM1 in which the information storage medium IS1 in which the game software is recorded is mounted. Then, the player 4 of the portable game machine GM4 can play the downloaded game software any number of times unless the power is turned off or other game software is started.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of a block diagram of a portable game machine (portable electronic device in a broad sense) of this embodiment. Note that the portable game machine according to the present embodiment is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 2, and some of the components shown in FIG. 2 may be omitted or other components may be added.

  The operation unit 160 is for the player to input operation data, and the function can be realized by the direction key 12, the analog stick 14, the buttons 16 to 23, the touch panel display, the microphone, or the like in FIG. .

  The main storage device 170 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100 and the wireless communication device 196 and can be realized by a RAM (VRAM) or the like. The main storage device 170 can be composed of a volatile memory that loses data when the power is turned off, but is a faster storage device than the auxiliary storage device 194. The game program and game data necessary for executing the game program are held in the main storage device 170 and are resident.

  An information storage medium 180 (a computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, and the like, and functions thereof are optical disks such as DVD, UMD (registered trademark) and CD, game cartridges (ROM cassettes), It can be realized by a memory (ROM). The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present embodiment based on a program (data) stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, the information storage medium 180 stores a program (a program for causing a computer to execute the processing of each unit) for causing a computer (portable electronic device) to function as each unit of the present embodiment. A program (data) for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment is distributed from the server (host device) to the main storage device 170, the information storage medium 180, and the auxiliary storage device 194 via the network and the wireless communication device 196. (Downloading) may be performed.

  The display unit 190 outputs an image generated according to the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by an LCD, a touch panel display, or the like. The sound output unit 192 outputs the sound generated by the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by a speaker, a sound output terminal, and the like.

  The auxiliary storage device 194 (auxiliary memory, secondary memory) is a large-capacity storage device used to supplement the capacity of the main storage device 170, and is a memory such as a Memory Stick (trademark), an SD memory card, or a multimedia card. It can be realized by a card, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or the like. The auxiliary storage device 194 can be detached from the portable game machine, but may be built-in. The auxiliary storage device 194 according to the present embodiment is a storage device used for storing save data such as a game intermediate result and personal data such as image data and music data personally owned by a player (user). .

  The wireless communication device 196 is for performing wireless communication with other portable game machines and access points via a wireless network (such as a wireless LAN). The wireless communication device 196 can be realized by hardware such as a baseband IC, an RF IC, an antenna, or firmware such as a wireless communication program. For example, the baseband IC transmits data to the RF IC, and the RF IC modulates the data and transmits radio waves from the antenna. Radio waves transmitted from other portable game machines and access points are received by the antenna, demodulated by the RF IC, and the demodulated signal is input to the baseband IC. The wireless communication device 196 may be built in a portable game machine or may be detachable from a communication connector of the portable game machine.

  The processing unit 100 (processor) performs game processing, display control processing (image generation processing), sound control processing (sound generation processing), and the like based on operation data from the operation unit 160, game programs, game data, and the like. The processing unit 100 performs various processes using the main storage device 170 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), and programs.

  The processing unit 100 includes a game processing unit 108, a communication processing unit 116, a storage control unit 118, a display control unit (image generation unit) 120, and a sound control unit (sound generation unit) 130. It should be noted that some of these components may be omitted or other components may be added.

  The game processing unit 108 performs various game processes based on operation data from the operation unit 160, game programs, game data, and the like. Here, the game process includes a process for starting a game when a game start condition is satisfied, a process for advancing the game, a process for placing and setting objects such as characters and maps, a process for controlling movement and movement of objects, There are a physical simulation process, a process for calculating a game result, a process for ending a game when a game end condition is satisfied, and the like.

  The game processing unit 108 includes an object space setting unit 110, a movement / motion processing unit 112, and a virtual camera control unit 114.

  Here, the object space setting section 110 is a primitive surface such as various objects (polygon, free-form surface, subdivision surface, etc.) representing display objects such as characters (people, robots, etc.), game stages (martial arts field, stadium, building, map). The object is arranged and set in the object space. In other words, the position and rotation angle of the object in the world coordinate system (synonymous with direction and direction) are determined, and the rotation angle (rotation angle around the X, Y, and Z axes) is determined at that position (X, Y, Z). Arrange objects. Specifically, the main storage device 170 stores (temporarily stores) model data of a moving object (character), a fixed object (building), and a background object (map, celestial sphere). Then, the object space setting unit 110 performs an object setting (arrangement) process in the object space using the model data.

  The movement / motion processing unit 112 performs movement / motion calculation (movement / motion simulation) of an object (such as a character). That is, an object (model object) is moved in the object space or an object is moved based on operation data input by the player through the operation unit 160, a program (movement / motion algorithm), various data (motion data), or the like. Perform processing (motion, animation). Specifically, a simulation process for sequentially obtaining object movement information (position, rotation angle, speed, or acceleration) and motion information (part object position or rotation angle) every frame (1/60 second). Do. A frame is a unit of time for performing object movement / motion processing (simulation processing) and image generation processing.

  The virtual camera control unit 114 performs a virtual camera (viewpoint) control process for generating an image viewed from a given (arbitrary) viewpoint in the object space. Specifically, processing for controlling the position (X, Y, Z) or rotation angle (rotation angle about the X, Y, Z axis) of the virtual camera (processing for controlling the viewpoint position, the line-of-sight direction or the angle of view) I do.

  For example, when an object (eg, character, ball, car) is photographed from behind using a virtual camera, the position or rotation angle of the virtual camera (the direction of the virtual camera is set so that the virtual camera follows changes in the position or rotation of the object. ) To control. In this case, the virtual camera can be controlled based on information such as the position, rotation angle, or speed of the object obtained by the movement / motion processing unit 112. Alternatively, the virtual camera may be controlled to rotate at a predetermined rotation angle or to move along a predetermined movement path. In this case, the virtual camera is controlled based on the virtual camera data for specifying the position (movement path) or rotation angle of the virtual camera.

  The communication processing unit (communication control unit) 116 performs communication processing via a wireless network (wireless LAN). Specifically, the wireless communication device 196 is controlled to realize wireless LAN protocol control such as ad hoc mode and infrastructure mode, and application control. For example, data (game program, game data) is received from another portable game machine or access point via a wireless LAN or wireless communication device 196, or another portable game device is received via a wireless LAN or wireless communication device 196. And processing to send data to the access point.

  The storage control unit 118 performs storage control (access control) for the main storage device 170 and the auxiliary storage device 194. That is, control is performed to write data to the main storage device 170 or the auxiliary storage device 194 and to read data from the main storage device 170 or the auxiliary storage device 194. For example, data (game data or the like) written in the main storage device 170 is copied and stored in the auxiliary storage device 194, or data stored in the auxiliary storage device 194 is copied and written in the main storage device 170. I do.

  The display control unit (image generation unit) 120 performs various display controls for displaying an image on the display unit 190. Specifically, display control is performed for various screens such as a character and game stage selection screen, a mode setting screen, and a usage selection screen. In addition, control is performed to generate a game image corresponding to the result of the game processing performed by the game processing unit 108 and display it on the display unit 190. In the case of generating a so-called three-dimensional game image, first, geometric processing such as coordinate transformation (world coordinate transformation, camera coordinate transformation), clipping processing, or perspective transformation is performed, and drawing data ( The position coordinates, texture coordinates, color data, normal vector, α value, etc.) of the vertexes of the primitive surface are created. Then, based on this drawing data (primitive surface data), the object (one or a plurality of primitive surfaces) after perspective transformation (after geometry processing) is stored in a drawing buffer (drawing area, VRAM) secured in the main memory 170. draw. Thereby, an image that can be seen from the virtual camera (given viewpoint) in the object space is generated. The generated image is output to the display unit 190.

  The sound control unit (sound generation unit) 130 performs sound processing based on the result of the game processing performed by the game processing unit 108, generates a game sound such as BGM, sound effect, or sound, and sends it to the sound output unit 192. Output.

  In this embodiment, the communication processing unit 116 searches for other portable game machines that exist within the wireless communicable range. And the identification information of the searched portable game machine and the discrimination information of game sharing are received from the searched portable game machine. Here, the identification information of the portable game machine is information used for identification with other portable game machines, and is a player name or a unique identifier of the device. The game sharing determination information is information for determining whether or not the searched portable game machine is a game sharing portable game machine that performs a game process based on the shared game program.

  Then, the display control unit 120 displays a list screen on which the identification information of the retrieved portable game machine and the identification information as to whether or not it is a game sharing portable game machine are displayed based on the received identification information and discrimination information. Is generated and displayed on the display unit 190. That is, on the list screen, the identification information (identification mark) of each searched portable game machine is listed and displayed. The list screen displays game sharing discrimination information (discrimination mark) in association with the identification information of each portable game machine.

  Further, when the player selects a game sharing portable game machine on the displayed list screen, the communication processing unit 116 sets the transfer mode to the sharing mode. Here, the sharing mode is a mode in which game data necessary for executing the shared game program is transmitted via the wireless network. That is, in the normal mode, game data is not transmitted. In the sharing mode, when game data is required to execute the shared game program, the game data is transmitted as needed via the wireless network.

  The game program is game software recorded on the information storage medium of the portable game machine on the host side, and describes an instruction code for executing the game process. The game data is data necessary for executing the game program, such as character information, game stage information, sound information (music data), and the like. The character information includes character model data (polygon data), image data (texture), motion data, audio data, and the like. The game stage is a unit for clearing the game. In the fighting game (the fighting field, the fighting stage), the sports field (stadium, ground) in the sports game, the race course in the racing game, and the RPG game. Maps, shooting fields in gun games, etc. The game stage information includes model data, image data, arrangement data, and the like of the game stage (combat field, stadium, building). The sound information is, for example, music data to be selected in a music game or game music data.

  In addition, the display control unit 120 performs control to display a selection screen for the player to select a selection item (for example, a character, a game stage, or music). When the transfer mode is set to the sharing mode, the communication processing unit 116 transmits information on the selection item selected on the selection screen as game data via a wireless network (wireless LAN). Specifically, selection item information such as character information, game stage information, or sound information is transmitted as game data via a wireless network.

  Further, when the transfer mode is set to the sharing mode, the communication processing unit 116 issues a game data transmission request to another portable game machine connected via the wireless network. That is, an inquiry is made as to whether or not game data can be transmitted. When another portable game machine accepts the transmission request, the game data is transmitted via the wireless network. In this case, the communication processing unit 116 transmits game data necessary for execution of the game program via the wireless network in an encrypted state.

  When the portable game machine is on the target (child device) side, the communication processing unit 116 identifies the identification information of its own portable game machine with respect to other portable game machines existing within the communicable range. And game sharing discrimination information are transmitted via a wireless network. That is, determination information for determining whether or not the own portable game machine is a game sharing portable game machine that performs game processing based on the shared game program is transmitted.

  In this case, after receiving the shared game program, the display control unit 120 performs display control of a standby screen for a communication battle with another portable game machine connected via the wireless network. This standby screen is a simple image composed of a still image and its effect image, and displays a minimum image such as a game title. The communication processing unit 116 receives game data (character, game stage) via the wireless network when the player accepts the communication battle on this standby screen (when accepting selection input). Specifically, the acceptance information (acceptance flag) is transmitted to the portable game machine on the host side via the wireless network. Thereby, the portable game machine on the host side transmits game data, and the portable game machine on the target side receives game data.

  Further, the communication processing unit 116 on the target side, when its own portable game machine is a game sharing portable game machine, plays game data (character, game stage, Music) is received from another portable game machine via a wireless network.

  Further, the storage control unit 118 on the target side receives the received game data when the communication processing unit 116 (wireless communication device 196) receives the game data necessary for executing the game processing (game program) via the wireless network. The data is written in the main storage device 170 and saved in the auxiliary storage device 194. For example, game data (encrypted game data) written in the main storage device 170 is copied and stored in the auxiliary storage device 194 as it is.

  Specifically, the communication processing unit 116 receives a game program via a wireless network prior to receiving game data. The reception (transmission) of the game program is realized by, for example, game sharing using system software of a portable game machine. Then, the storage control unit 118 writes the received game program in the main storage device 170. Thereafter, the game processing unit 108 performs game processing based on the game program written in the main storage device 170 and at least one of the game data stored in the auxiliary storage device 194 and the game data received via the wireless network. Execute.

  The target-side display control unit 120 performs control to display a selection screen for the player to select a selection item (for example, a character, a game stage, or music). When the communication processing unit 116 receives information on the selected item selected on the selection screen (character information, game stage information, sound information, etc.), the storage control unit 118 displays the received information on the selected item as game data. Are written in the main storage device 170 and stored in the auxiliary storage device 194.

  Further, the storage control unit 118 determines (confirms) whether or not game data necessary for executing the game process is stored in the auxiliary storage device 194 when the game process is executed. If stored, the game data is read from the auxiliary storage device 194 and written to the main storage device 170. In addition, when the game processing is executed, if the game data necessary for executing the game processing is not saved in the auxiliary storage device 194, the communication processing unit 116 transmits the unsaved game data via the wireless network. Receive and write to main memory 170.

  Note that the communication processing unit 116 receives the encrypted game data via a wireless network. Then, the storage control unit 118 writes and stores the received game data in the auxiliary storage device 194 without being decrypted in the encrypted state. When the game data is stored in the auxiliary storage device 194, the game processing unit 108 decrypts the stored encrypted game data (decrypts), and after the decryption, It is checked whether the game data (decrypted data) is normal data. That is, the game data is checked for tampering. On the other hand, if the game data is not stored in the auxiliary storage device 194, the encrypted game data received via the wireless network is decrypted (decryption), and after decryption, the game data is Check whether the data is normal.

2. 2. Method of Present Embodiment 2.1 Display of List Screen In FIG. 1B, the portable game machine GM4 is a game sharing portable game machine. That is, the player 4 of the portable game machine GM4 does not have an information storage medium in which game software to be played in the communication battle is written. And portable game machine GM4 performs the game process of the communication battle based on the game program and game data shared from portable game machine GM1 (other portable game machines may be sufficient).

  Thus, in FIG. 1B, the portable game machines GM1, GM2, and GM3 of the players 1, 2, and 3 that own the game software, and the portable game machine GM4 of the player 4 that does not own the game software. Are mixed. Therefore, there is a problem of how to realize a communication battle game smoothly between such portable game machines GM1 to GM4 and to realize an interface environment that is easy for the player to understand.

  For this reason, in this embodiment, the interface method described below is adopted. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3A, another portable game machine existing in the communicable range CR of the portable game machine GM1 on the host side is searched. In FIG. 3A, portable game machines GM2, GM3, and GM4 around the portable game machine GM1 are searched.

  Then, the portable game machine GM1 uses the identification information (player name, device unique identifier, etc.) of the searched portable game machines GM2 to GM4 and the discrimination information as to whether or not the game sharing portable game machine is used. , Received from the searched portable game machines GM2 to GM4. Here, the game sharing determination information is information for determining whether or not the portable game machine performs a game process based on the shared game program. The identification information and the discrimination information may be integrated information.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 3B, on the display unit of the portable game machine GM1 on the host side, the identification information of the searched portable game machines GM2 to GM4 and whether or not the game sharing portable game machine is used. A list screen showing the discrimination information is displayed. This list screen is generated based on the identification information and the discrimination information received from the portable game machines GM2 to GM4 on the target side.

  For example, in FIG. 3A, portable game machines GM2, GM3. The names of GM4 players 2, 3, and 4 are “Prince”, “Queen”, and “Akira”, respectively. These names are portable game machines GM2, GM3. The name is selected or input by the players 2, 3 and 4 of GM4. In the list screen of FIG. 3B, these names are portable game machines GM2, GM3. Listed as GM4 identification information and displayed.

  In the list screen of FIG. 3B, the name (identification) of the player 4 of the portable game machine GM4 is used as the discrimination information for determining whether or not the game sharing discrimination mark “SH” is a game sharing portable game machine. Information).

  Note that the display form of the identification information and the discrimination mark is not limited to the display form of FIG. 3B, and various modifications can be made. For example, the discrimination mark may be represented by a picture icon instead of characters. A discrimination mark (discrimination information) may be displayed in association with identification information of a portable game machine that is not game sharing.

  Assume that the player 1 of the host-side portable game machine GM1 selects the game-sharing portable game machine GM4 as the opponent on the list screen of FIG. 3B. Specifically, information (flag) indicating selection as an opponent is transmitted from the portable game machine GM1 on the host side to the portable game machine GM4 on the target side. Then, when the player 4 of the portable game machine GM4 on the target side accepts this on the battle standby screen, information (flag) indicating the battle acceptance is transmitted from the GM4 to the GM1.

  As a result, the transfer mode is set to the sharing mode as shown in FIG. This sharing mode is a transfer mode in which game data necessary for executing the shared game program is transmitted from the portable game machines GM1 to GM4 as needed via the wireless LAN.

  When the transfer mode is set in this sharing mode, the information of the selection item selected on the selection screen displayed on the display unit of the portable game machine GM1 or GM4 is transmitted from the GM1 to the GM4 via the wireless LAN. Sent. Specifically, in the sharing mode, it is assumed that a sound selection screen such as a character, a game stage, and music is displayed on the display unit of the portable game machine GM1 or GM4. When the selection items of the character, game stage, and sound are selected on this selection screen, the character information, the game stage information, and the sound information are transferred as game data from the portable game machines GM1 to GM4 via the wireless LAN. Sent to.

  More specifically, the portable game machine GM1 on the host side issues a game data transmission request to the portable game machine GM4 on the target side. That is, GM1 requests that game data be transmitted from GM1 to GM4. And if portable game machine GM4 accepts this transmission request, game data will be transmitted from GM1 to GM4. In this case, the game data necessary for executing the shared game program is transmitted via the wireless LAN in an encrypted state.

  When the list screen as shown in FIG. 3B is displayed, the player 1 of the portable game machine GM1 communicates with the players 2 and 3 of the portable game machines GM2 and GM3 that own the game software. A battle can also be performed, and a communication battle can be performed with the player 4 of the portable game machine GM4 for game sharing.

  When the player 1 of the portable game machine GM1 performs a communication battle with the players 2 and 3 of the portable game machines GM2 and GM3 that are not game sharing, for example, they can select their favorite game stages. Benefits such as the ability to set the battle settings such as the number of rounds in detail. That is, in this case, since all of the players 1, 2, and 3 have game software, a competitive game with few restrictions can be played as a privilege of having game software.

  On the other hand, when the player 1 of the portable game machine GM1 performs a communication battle with the player 4 of the game sharing portable game machine GM4, for example, the game stage is fixed, the number of rounds, etc. Restrictions such as not being able to set the battle settings of the. That is, the player 1 of the portable game machine GM1 owns game software, but the player 4 of the portable game machine GM4 does not own game software. For this reason, compared with the battle game of the players who own game software, various restrictions are added to the battle game to make a difference. In this way, it is possible to give the player motivation to purchase game software. Further, the player 4 does not own the game software, but the game software owned by the player 1 can be played experimentally with some restrictions added.

  In the present embodiment, since the list screen as shown in FIG. 3B is displayed, the player 1 determines whether the opponent is a game sharing player or not by using a sharing determination mark “SH”. Can be easily judged. Then, according to the intention of the player 1, a battle game can be played with the players 2 and 3 that are not game sharing, and a battle game can be played with the player 4 of the game sharing.

  That is, while the list screen as shown in FIG. 3B is displayed on the display unit of the portable game machine GM1 of the player 1, the display of the portable game machines GM2, GM3, and GM4 of the players 2, 3, and 4 is displayed. Only the standby screen is displayed in the section. Then, when the player 1 selects one of the players 2, 3, and 4 as the opponent on the list screen of FIG. 3B, a message to that effect is displayed on the portable type of the player selected as the opponent. It is displayed on the display unit of the game machine. When the player selected as the opponent accepts the battle, a battle game is played with the player.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, a smooth battle game is realized even when a player who owns game software and a player who does not own the game software are mixed as shown in FIG. It is possible to provide a player with an unprecedented interface environment.

  In the present embodiment, the following first and second methods may be adopted.

  For example, in the first method, between a portable game machine on the host (parent machine) side that provides a game program and a portable game machine on the target (child machine) side of the game sharing on which the game program is provided When the communication game is finished, an advertisement screen for prompting purchase of the shared game program (game software) is displayed. Specifically, for example, when the player does not select replay (rematch), the game processing unit of the portable game machine determines that the game has ended, and sets a game end flag. When the game end flag is set, the display control unit performs control to display the above-described advertisement screen on the display unit. Various images (either a still image or a moving image) for promoting the shared game program are displayed on the advertisement screen. By displaying such an advertisement screen, it becomes possible to evoke the purchase intention of the target player who has played through experience, and can promote the spread of the game program. In other words, even if the manufacturer does not advertise using TV or other media, many players only play a shared communication game, and the game program is promoted naturally and spread to many players. It becomes possible.

  The data for displaying this advertisement screen is transferred from the host side to the target side in the same way as the standby screen data described later when transferring the game program from the host side to the target side by game sharing. Also good. Alternatively, as with character information and game stage information, when it is necessary to display the advertisement screen, it may be transferred to the host side or the target side as needed.

  In the second technique, a limit is imposed on the number of times the shared game program is played. That is, in the communication game using the shared game program, there is a restriction that the game stage cannot be freely selected as described above. However, other than these restrictions, game play is normally possible, and there is a risk of affecting the sales of game programs (game software). Such a situation can be prevented by limiting the number of times the game program is played.

  Specifically, after the game program is transferred to the target side, the game processing unit of the portable game machine on the target side counts the number of times the shared game program is played. When it is determined that the number of plays has reached a given number of plays, game play by the game program is prohibited. That is, even when the target player selects replay (rematch), the game processing is not started without permitting it. In this way, it is possible to place a limit on the number of times the target player can play.

  In this case, the number-of-plays information of the game program may be stored in, for example, a nonvolatile auxiliary storage device. By doing so, even when the portable game machine is turned off, the number-of-plays information does not disappear, so that the number of times of play can be more reliably restricted. Further, the host may count the number of plays. That is, after transferring the game program to the target side, the game processing unit of the portable game machine on the host side counts the number of times of play. Then, when the number of times of play reaches a given number of times of play, the communication game with the portable game machine on the target side is prohibited, or the transmission of game data is prohibited. This makes it possible to limit the number of plays.

2.2 Details of Processing Sequence Next, an example of a detailed processing sequence of the portable game machine of the present embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the portable game machine on the target side receives the game program from the host side or via the wireless LAN, and writes the received game program in the main storage device. Specifically, the program is transferred by game sharing realized by the system software of the portable game machine, and written to the main memory on the target side.

  In this case, not only the game program main body but also the image data of the standby screen, sound initialization data, fonts, and the like are transferred via the wireless LAN and written to the main memory on the target side. Here, the standby screen is a screen displayed on the target side in FIG. 4C, and the sound initialization data is data (sound list data) for initializing the sound routine. The font is used for displaying characters on the screen. In addition, basic motion data (common motion header) common to all characters such as standing motion and walking motion may be transferred by game sharing. That is, when the amount of transfer data for game sharing by the system software is, for example, 8 Mbytes, data that can be transmitted in 8 Mbytes is transferred in addition to the game program. More specifically, in addition to the game program, the minimum data resident in the main storage device in the game process is transferred and written to the main memory device on the target side.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4B, the host-side portable game machine GM1 searches for a target-side portable game machine that exists within the communicable range. Then, the identification information (player name, device unique identifier, etc.) of the retrieved portable game machine and game sharing discrimination information are received from the portable game machine on the target side.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4C, in the portable game machine GM1 on the host side, the identification information of the searched portable game machine and the discrimination information as to whether or not it is a game sharing portable game machine are provided. The displayed list screen is displayed.

  On the other hand, at this time, as shown in FIG. 4C, a standby screen is displayed on the display unit of the target portable game machine in order to wait for a match application. The image data of the standby screen is transferred to the target main storage device by the game sharing in FIG. In this embodiment, the game data is received via the wireless LAN on the condition that the player accepts the communication battle on the standby screen of FIG. 4C.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 4D, when the player 1 of the host-side portable game machine GM1 selects the game-sharing portable game machine GM4 as the opponent on the list screen of FIG. 4C. To do. Specifically, information (flag) indicating selection as an opponent is transmitted from the portable game machine GM1 on the host side to the portable game machine GM4 on the target side. Then, when the player 4 of the portable game machine GM4 on the target side accepts this on the battle standby screen, information (flag) indicating the battle acceptance is transmitted from the GM4 to the GM1. Thereby, the transfer mode is set to the sharing mode.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5A, a character selection screen (selection screen for a player to select a selection item in a broad sense) is displayed on the display units of the portable game machines GM1 and GM4 on the host side and the target side. ) Is displayed. Then, the players 1 and 4 on the host side and the target side select a desired character on this character selection screen. For example, in FIG. 5A, the player 1 on the host side selects the character C1, and the player 4 on the target side selects the character C2.

  Next, in FIG. 5B, the host side transmits game data to the target side, and the target side receives it. The received game data, which is information about the characters C1 and C2 and the game stage ST1, is written to the main storage device and stored in the auxiliary storage device. At this time, the target side receives the encrypted game data via the wireless LAN. The received game data is written in the main storage device in an encrypted state and is stored in the auxiliary storage device.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, a selection screen for the player to select selection items such as a character and a game stage is displayed. When the target side receives information on the selection item selected on the selection screen from the host side, the target side stores the received information on the selection item in the auxiliary storage device as game data.

  In FIG. 5B, the game program, the information on the characters C1 and C2, and the information on the game stage ST1 are read from the main storage device. Then, the read data in the encrypted state is decrypted, and a tampering check is performed to determine whether the decrypted data is correct data. If the data is correct, game processing is executed.

  That is, the game data is encrypted and recorded in the information storage medium IS1 of the portable game machine GM1 on the host side in FIG. The host side transmits the encrypted game data as it is to the target side. Then, the target side stores the received encrypted game data as it is in the auxiliary storage device. In this way, the data contents (image data, motion data, audio data, etc.) of the characters C1, C2 and game stage ST1 as game data are read from the auxiliary storage device and easily known to the player. , The situation where confidentiality leaks can be prevented. Further, the decryption process of the encrypted game data and the check process of the decrypted data can be simplified, and the processing load can be reduced and the process can be simplified.

  Next, in FIG. 5C, the battle game by the characters C1 and C2 selected in FIG. 5A is finished, and the character is reselected on the character selection screen. For example, in FIG. 5C, the player 1 on the host side selects the character C3, the player 4 on the target side selects the character C2, and the next battle game is played using these characters C3 and C2.

  In FIG. 5D, it is checked whether or not the information about the characters C3 and C2 and the game stage ST1 necessary for executing the next game process exists in the auxiliary storage device. In this case, in FIG. 5B, information on the character C2 and the game stage ST1 is stored in the auxiliary storage device. Therefore, the information about the character C2 and the game stage ST1 is read from the auxiliary storage device and written to the main storage device without being received by the wireless LAN. In this case, encrypted game data is read from the auxiliary storage device and written to the main storage device.

  On the other hand, the information of the character C3 is not stored in the auxiliary storage device. Accordingly, the information on the character C3 is received from the portable game machine GM1 on the host side via the wireless LAN and written to the main storage device. In this case, the encrypted game data is received from the host side and written into the main storage device. The received character C3 information is stored in the auxiliary storage device. The reception of the information on the character C3 and the reading of the information on the character C2 may be performed by parallel processing.

  In FIG. 5D, the game program, the information on the characters C3 and C2, and the information on the game stage ST1 are read from the main storage device. Next, the read encrypted data is decrypted, and a tampering check is performed to determine whether the decrypted data is correct data. If the decrypted data is correct data, game processing is executed.

  In this way, the game data read from the auxiliary storage device and the game data received via the wireless LAN can be handled equally without distinction, and the decryption process and the data check process can be performed, thereby simplifying the process. Can be In addition to checking for unauthorized tampering by the player, an error check of data generated when the auxiliary storage device is saved or read can be performed in a single process, thereby reducing the processing load.

  In the state shown in FIG. 5B, when a battle is performed using the same character without reselecting the character, the main storage device stores information on the characters C1, C2 and game stage ST1 to be used. Remaining. Therefore, the next battle can be performed without reading from the auxiliary storage device or receiving via the wireless LAN.

  On the other hand, when the character is reselected, the processes shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D are performed. In this case, when the data is read, the information on the game stage ST1 on the main storage device is also destroyed. Therefore, the information on the game stage ST1 needs to be read again from the auxiliary storage device.

  5A to 5D, the case where a character is selected has been described. However, the game stage may be arbitrarily selected by the player as a selection item.

  Also, the reception of game data from the host side can be realized by the method shown in FIGS. 6 (A) and 6 (B). Specifically, the portable game machine GM4 on the target side receives a game data transmission request from the portable game machine GM1 on the host side (other portable electronic device in a broad sense).

  In FIG. 6A, the information of the character C3 that has received the transmission request is not stored in the auxiliary storage device. Therefore, in this case, the target side accepts the transmission request from the host side. And the information of the character C3 which is game data is received from the portable game machine GM1 on the host side via the wireless LAN.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 6B, the information of the character C2 that has received the transmission request is stored in the auxiliary storage device. Therefore, in this case, the target side rejects the transmission request from the host side. And the information of the character 2 which is game data is read from an auxiliary storage device.

  According to the methods of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the host side can take the initiative in transferring game data. And since the communication battle by game sharing is led by the host side, it is desirable that the game side is also led by the host side as shown in FIGS. 6 (A) and 6 (B). However, the target side may issue a game data transmission request, and the host side may transmit the game data to the target side based on the transmission request.

  According to the method of the present embodiment described above, game data used in a game is stored in the auxiliary storage device every time the player plays the game. Therefore, the game data stored in the auxiliary storage device increases as the number of game plays of the player increases. If the game data stored in the auxiliary storage device increases, the probability (frequency) of finding game data necessary for the game processing from the auxiliary storage device increases, but the game data must be received via the wireless LAN. The probability of not being reduced. Therefore, as the number of plays increases, the waiting time of the player tends to decrease, and the player can enjoy the game more comfortably.

  In particular, in a martial arts game or the like, a player often selects a character to be used for game play from among his or her favorite 3 to 5 characters. Therefore, once these characters are selected, it is not necessary to receive information about these characters via the wireless LAN, and the game can be enjoyed speedily.

  In addition, according to the method of the present embodiment, game data stored in the auxiliary storage device can be exchanged between players and enjoyed. As a result, the auxiliary storage device can be given a premium value.

  Also, the game sharing game program disappears from the main memory when the portable game machine is turned off, and it is necessary to load a new game program. However, the game data stored in the nonvolatile auxiliary storage device does not disappear even when the portable game machine is turned off. Therefore, even if you turn off the handheld game console and play again with your friend the next day after playing a battle game with your friend, you can load the game program into the main memory again by game sharing. Just by using the game data saved in the auxiliary storage device, the game can be enjoyed in the same state as the previous day.

2.3 Storage in auxiliary storage device A portable game machine is desired to be inexpensive and compact. For this reason, the main storage device of a portable game machine is generally smaller in capacity (for example, 32 Mbytes) than a large-capacity main storage device built in a personal computer or the like. Therefore, the game program (and a part of the game data) received from the portable game machine GM1 on the host (parent device) side by the game sharing is stored in the main storage device of the portable game machine GM4 on the target (child device) side. If written, the free space of the main storage device of GM4 will not be so much. Accordingly, all game data recorded in the information storage medium IS1 of the host-side portable game machine GM1 cannot be transmitted to the target-side portable game machine GM4 at a time.

  In this case, every time game data necessary for the game process is generated, a method in which the game data is received by the portable game machines GM1 to GM4 can be considered. Taking a martial arts game as an example, when the players 1 and 4 of the portable game machines GM1 and GM4 select a desired character on the character selection screen, information on the character (model data, image data, sound data) is required. Therefore, GM4 receives the character information from GM1.

  However, the communication speed of the wireless LAN (wireless network) connecting the portable game machines GM1 and GM4 is slower than that of wired communication. Therefore, in the method in which the portable game machine GM4 receives the game data from the GM1 every time the game data necessary for the game processing is generated, the player will wait for a long time during the reception period. Therefore, the efficiency of the game processing is reduced, and the player's comfortable game play is hindered.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when game data necessary for execution of game processing (game program) is received via a wireless network, the received game data is written to the main storage device and saved to the auxiliary storage device. ing.

  For example, in FIG. 7A, when the target-side portable game machine GM4 receives game data 1 from the host-side portable game machine GM1, the received game data 1 is written to the main storage device of the target-side GM4. . The written game data 1 is copied and stored in the auxiliary storage device. Similarly, when the target side receives the game data 2, the received game data 1 is written into the main storage device of the GM 4 and saved in the auxiliary storage device. Then, a game process (matching game) is executed based on the game program and game data 1 and 2 stored in the main storage device.

  In the next game (match), as shown in FIG. 7B, game data 1 and 3 are required to execute the game process. In this case, in this embodiment, it is checked whether or not the game data 1 and 3 are stored in the auxiliary storage device. In FIG. 7B, game data 1 is stored in the auxiliary storage device. The game data 1 is data stored in the previous game (match) as shown in FIG. In this case, the game data 1 is read from the auxiliary storage device and written to the main storage device without being received from the portable game machine GM1 on the host side.

  On the other hand, the game data 3 is not stored in the auxiliary storage device. Accordingly, the game data 3 is received from the portable game machine GM1 on the host side via the wireless LAN and written to the main storage device. Based on the game program and the game data 1 and 3 thus written in the main storage device, the game process is executed. The newly received game data 3 is stored in the auxiliary storage device.

  In FIG. 7A, the game data 1 and 2 received from the portable game machine GM1 on the host side are written not only in the main storage device but also in the auxiliary storage device. In this way, when the storage capacity of the main storage device is not so large, the game data 1 and 2 can be written and stored in the auxiliary storage device having a larger storage capacity than the main storage device. It becomes possible. The game data 1 and 2 written in the main storage device disappear when the power is turned off, but the game data 1 and 2 written in the auxiliary storage device which is a nonvolatile storage device are turned off. Will not disappear. Accordingly, the game data 1 and 2 written in the auxiliary storage device can be used for the next game or the like, or exchanged with other players via a personal computer or a network.

  That is, in the portable game machine, the auxiliary storage device is used for storing user personal data such as saved data.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, this auxiliary storage device is used for storing game data originally recorded on an information storage medium. By doing so, it is possible to make game processing more efficient and to create a way to enjoy the game than ever before.

  For example, in FIG. 7B, the auxiliary storage device functions as a cache memory. That is, in the method of the comparative example, it is necessary to receive both the game data 1 and 3 from the portable game machine GM1 on the host side in FIG. Since the communication speed of the wireless LAN is slow, the player waits for a long time during this reception period, and a comfortable game environment cannot be realized.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the game data 1 saved in the previous game is read from the auxiliary storage device functioning as a cache memory, written in the main storage device, and the game process is executed. Therefore, the game data 1 need not be received from the host side via the wireless LAN. Therefore, compared with the method of the comparative example, the reception time can be shortened and a comfortable play environment can be provided to the player. Note that the method of using the game data stored in the auxiliary storage device is not limited to FIG. For example, the game data stored in the auxiliary storage device may be used for other purposes such as data exchange.

2.4 Game Screen FIGS. 8A to 13B show examples of screens sequentially displayed on the display unit in the sequence processing of the present embodiment.

  8A to 9C are examples of screens displayed on the host-side portable game machine. When transferring the game sharing described with reference to FIG. 4A, the screens shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C are displayed on the host side.

  In FIG. 8A, a standby screen for a game sharing request from another player is displayed. When there is a game sharing request from another player, a screen for selecting whether to permit the request is displayed as shown in FIG. 8B. When the player on the host side permits a game sharing request, a game program or the like is transferred by game sharing, and a progress bar screen as shown in FIG. 8C is displayed. By displaying such a progress bar screen, the player can grasp the waiting time for the transfer.

  9A to 9C are displayed on the host side when the list screen described in FIGS. 4C and 4D is displayed or when a battle is prepared. In the list screen of FIG. 9A, a player name as identification information and a sharing discrimination mark “SH” as game sharing discrimination information are displayed. Also, player rank information and battle history information are displayed.

  With the sharing discrimination mark “SH” on the list screen of FIG. 9A, the player on the host side can recognize that the portable game machine of the player 4 is a game sharing portable game machine. In FIG. 9B, the player on the host side selects this game sharing portable game machine as the opponent. Thereby, the transfer mode is set to the sharing mode, and a screen informing that transfer preparation is in progress as shown in FIG. 9C is displayed.

  FIG. 10A to FIG. 12B are examples of screens displayed on the portable game machine on the target side. When transferring the game sharing described with reference to FIG. 4A, the screen of FIG. 10A is displayed on the target side.

  In FIG. 10A, the title name of the game software to be shared and the name of the player who is the owner of the game software are displayed. Subsequently to the screen of FIG. 10A, the screens of FIG. 10B and FIG. 10C are displayed.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10B, a use selection screen for the player to select whether or not to use the auxiliary storage device for storing game data is displayed. The game data is stored in the auxiliary storage device on condition that the player has selected to use the auxiliary storage device.

  For example, the use selection screen in FIG. 10B notifies the player that the game can be played more comfortably by using the free capacity of the auxiliary storage device as a cache memory. When the use of the auxiliary storage device is permitted on this use selection screen and the cache memory function is enabled, a message screen shown in FIG. 10C is displayed. When the auxiliary storage device is in use, a message is sent to the effect that the auxiliary storage device is not removed from the main body or the main body is not turned off. In addition, a message is transmitted that the cache data (game data) from the auxiliary storage device can be deleted by the save data management of the main system software of the portable game machine. That is, the cache data stored in the auxiliary storage device can be deleted using a normal save data management menu. Therefore, the player can delete the cache data by using the normal save data management menu when the free space of the auxiliary storage device is exhausted or becomes small and personal data cannot be stored.

  FIG. 11A shows a screen for the player on the target side to select the player name (identification information) displayed on the list screen on the host side in FIG. 4C. For example, in FIG. 11A, a plurality of candidate names are presented. When the target player selects a desired name from these, the selected name becomes identification information of the portable game machine of the target player. Then, as shown in FIG. 4C and FIG. 9A, the name is displayed on the list screen as identification information.

  FIG. 11B is an example of a standby screen on the target side in FIG. On this standby screen, minimum information such as the title name of the game software is displayed. The standby screen image data is transferred from the host side during the game sharing transfer shown in FIG.

  FIG. 11C is a screen for selecting whether or not to accept the battle application from the host side described in FIG. When the application for the battle is accepted, a screen as shown in FIG. 12 (A) is displayed. Then, a screen notifying that the communication battle is being prepared is displayed as shown in FIG.

  13A and 13B are common to the host and the target after the preparation for the communication battle is completed and synchronization is established between the host portable game machine and the target portable game machine. It is an example of the screen displayed. That is, in this embodiment, when communication synchronization is established, key data that is operation data of the operation unit is communicated between the host and the target every frame (1/60 seconds). The host and target portable game machines perform game progress processing, character movement / motion processing, game image generation processing, game sound generation processing, and the like based on key data communicated for each frame. Run synchronously. By doing so, the game image and game sound on the host side and the game image and game sound on the target side are generated in synchronization.

  FIG. 13A is an example of the character selection screen described with reference to FIG. The player on the host side and the target side selects a character desired by the player on the character selection screen shown in FIG. Thereby, a battle screen between characters as shown in FIG. 13B is displayed. As described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5D, the information of the character selected on the character selection screen in FIG. 13A is stored in the auxiliary storage device or the communication target of the wireless LAN. Become.

  FIG. 13A is an example of a quick selection screen with a small amount of image data. By using such a quick selection screen, the amount of data communication between the host and the target can be reduced. On the other hand, in the normal mode that is not a communication battle, the player can select not only the quick selection screen of FIG. 13A but also a character selection screen that has a large amount of image data and is finely drawn. In FIG. 13A, the player can select only the character, but the player may be able to select a game stage (fighting field) in which the character battles.

2.5 Detailed Processing Example Next, a detailed processing example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 14 to 16 show processing examples of the portable game machine on the host side.

  If it is determined that the battle game has not started and the game program is to be transferred (steps S1 and S2), the game program is transferred by game sharing (step S3). As a result, the processing described in FIG. 4A is performed, and the screens in FIGS. 8A to 8C are displayed on the host side.

  Next, an opponent in the wireless communicable range is searched (step S4). The opponent identification information and game sharing discrimination information are received from the target side (step S5), and a list screen is generated and displayed based on the received identification information and discrimination information (step S6).

  Next, the player selects an opponent (step S7), and waits for a response from the opponent (step S8). Then, it is determined whether or not the opponent has accepted the battle (step S9). If not accepted, the process returns to step S4. On the other hand, if it is accepted, it is determined whether or not the opponent is sharing (game sharing portable game machine) (step S10). If it is sharing, the transfer mode is set to sharing mode (parent Machine) (step S11). On the other hand, if it is not sharing, the transfer mode is set to the normal mode (step S12), and a battle setting screen for setting the number of rounds and the like is displayed (step S13).

  As described above, the processing described in FIGS. 4B to 4D is performed, and the screens of FIGS. 9A to 9C are displayed on the host side.

  Next, a character selection screen is displayed (step S14). Then, one game data file is read and written to the main storage device (step S15). Here, one game data file is one character information file or one game stage information file. Then, it is determined whether or not the transfer mode is the sharing mode (step S16). If the sharing mode is set in step S11 of FIG. 14, a game data file transmission request is issued to the target (step S17). ). That is, the host requests the target to transmit a game data file. And it waits for acceptance of the target with respect to this transmission request (step S18).

  Next, it is determined whether or not a transmission acceptance has been received (step S19). If the transmission acceptance has been received, one game data file on the main storage device is transmitted to the target (step S20). On the other hand, if the transmission is not accepted, this transmission is not performed. That is, in this case, the target uses a game data file stored in the auxiliary storage device.

  Next, one game data file on the main storage device is decrypted and decrypted (step S21). Then, it is determined whether or not the decrypted data is normal data (step S22). If the decrypted data is not normal, the process returns to step S15. On the other hand, if it is normal, it is determined whether or not reading of all the game data files has been completed (step S23), and if not, the process returns to step S15.

  As described above, the host-side processing described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 6B is performed.

  Next, a battle process is started (step S24), and when the battle ends, a game result display screen is displayed (step S25). Next, a rematch selection screen is displayed (step S26), and it is determined whether or not the player has selected a rematch and whether or not a character is reselected (steps S27 and S28). If the rematch is not selected, the game is terminated. On the other hand, if a rematch is selected and the character is reselected (if a different character is selected), the process returns to step S14 in FIG. 14, while the rematch is selected but the character is reselected. If not (when the same character is used), the process returns to step S24.

  17 to 19 show processing examples of the portable game machine on the target side. First, a game program is received by game sharing (step S31). Then, an auxiliary storage device use selection screen is displayed (step S32). Next, it is determined whether or not the player has selected the use of the auxiliary storage device (step S33). When the use is selected, the cash flag is turned on (step S34), and when the use is not selected. The cache flag is turned off (step S35). Then, a player name selection screen is displayed (step S36), and its own identification information (name) and game sharing determination information are transmitted to the host (step S37).

  As described above, the processing described in FIGS. 4A and 4B is performed, and the screens of FIGS. 10A to 11A are displayed on the target side.

  Next, it waits for a battle from the host (step S38), and determines whether or not a battle is desired (step S39). If a match is desired, it is determined whether or not the player has accepted the match (step S40). If accepted, information notifying that the match has been accepted is transmitted to the host (step S41).

  As described above, the processing described in FIG. 4C is performed, and the screens in FIGS. 11B to 12B are displayed.

  Next, a character selection screen is displayed (step S42). Then, it waits for a host transmission request (step S43). Next, it is determined whether or not the cash flag set in steps S34 and S35 of FIG. 17 is on and whether or not the game file is on the auxiliary storage device (steps S44 and S45). If the cache flag is off or if the game data file is not on the auxiliary storage device, a transmission acceptance is given to the host (step S46). That is, the host transmission request is accepted. Then, one game data file is received from the host (step S47).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the cash flag is on (step S48). If the cash flag is on, the received game data file is copied from the main storage device to the auxiliary storage device and stored (step S49), and off. If this is the case, this storage is not performed. Then, one game data file on the main storage device is decrypted and decrypted (step S50), and it is determined whether or not the decrypted data is normal data (step S51). If the data is not normal, the process returns to step S43. If the data is normal, it is determined whether or not the reading of all the game data files has been completed (step S52). If not completed, the process returns to step S43.

  If it is determined in steps S44 and S45 that the cache flag is on and the game data file is on the auxiliary storage device, the game data file is copied from the auxiliary storage device to the main storage device (step S53). Then, one game data file on the main storage device is decrypted and decrypted (step S54). Next, it is determined whether or not the decrypted data is normal data (step S55). If the decrypted data is not normal data, the process proceeds to step S46. On the other hand, if the data is normal, the host transmission is rejected (step S56), and the process proceeds to step S52.

  As described above, the processing on the target side described in FIGS. 5A to 6B is performed.

  Next, a battle process is started (step S57), and when the battle ends, a game result display screen is displayed (step S58). Then, the host waits for a rematch selection (step S59), and determines whether or not a rematch is selected and whether or not a character is reselected (steps S60 and S61). If the rematch is not selected, the process returns to step S38 in FIG. On the other hand, if a rematch is selected and the character is reselected (if a different character is selected), the process returns to step S43 in FIG. 18, while the rematch is selected but the character is reselected. If not (when the same character is used), the process returns to step S57.

  Although the present embodiment has been described in detail as described above, it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications can be made without departing from the novel matters and effects of the present invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the present invention. For example, in the specification or drawings, terms (portable game machines, wireless LANs, character game stages, etc.) described at least once together with different terms (portable electronic devices, wireless networks, selection items, etc.) in a broader sense or the same meaning ) May be replaced by the different terms anywhere in the specification or drawings.

  Further, the list screen display method, game data storage method, game program transfer method, wireless communication method, and the like are not limited to those described in the present embodiment, and equivalent processing and methods are also within the scope of the present invention. included. The present invention can be applied not only to martial arts games but also to various games such as racing games, gun games, RPG games, and sports games. The portable electronic device may not be a dedicated game machine.

FIG. 1A is an appearance example of a portable game machine, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram of a wireless LAN of the portable game machine. The example of the block diagram of the portable game machine of this embodiment. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C are explanatory diagrams of the technique of this embodiment for displaying a list screen of identification information and discrimination information. 4A to 4D are explanatory diagrams of a processing sequence according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D are explanatory diagrams of a processing sequence according to this embodiment. 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams of a processing sequence according to the present embodiment. FIGS. 7A and 7B are explanatory diagrams of a method for storing game data in an auxiliary storage device. 8A to 8C show examples of screens displayed on the host side. 9A to 9C show examples of screens displayed on the host side. 10A to 10C are examples of screens displayed on the target side. 11A to 11C show examples of screens displayed on the target side. 12A and 12B show examples of screens displayed on the target side. 13A and 13B are examples of screens that are displayed in common on the host and the target. The detailed example of the process by the side of the host of this embodiment. The detailed example of the process by the side of the host of this embodiment. The detailed example of the process by the side of the host of this embodiment. The detailed example of the process by the side of the target of this embodiment. The detailed example of the process by the side of the target of this embodiment. The detailed example of the process by the side of the target of this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

GM1-GM4 portable game machine, IS1-IS4 information storage medium,
12 direction keys, 14 analog sticks, 16-23 buttons,
100 processing unit, 108 game processing unit, 110 object space setting unit,
112 movement / motion processing unit, 114 virtual camera control unit, 116 communication processing unit,
118 storage control unit, 120 display control unit, 130 sound control unit,
160 operation unit, 170 main storage device, 180 information storage medium, 190 display unit,
192 sound output unit, 194 auxiliary storage device, 196 wireless communication device

Claims (20)

A communication processing unit that performs communication processing via a wireless network;
A game processing unit that executes game processing based on a game program and game data;
As a display control unit that performs display control for displaying an image on a display unit of a portable electronic device,
A program for causing a portable electronic device to function,
The communication processing unit
Search for other portable electronic devices that exist within the communicable range, and the searched portable electronic device identification information and the searched portable electronic device perform game processing based on the shared game program Receiving discrimination information for discriminating whether or not it is a portable electronic device for game sharing from the searched portable electronic device,
The display control unit
Based on the received identification information and discrimination information, a list screen is generated and displayed that shows the retrieved identification information of the portable electronic device and the discrimination information as to whether or not it is a game sharing portable electronic device. A program characterized by performing control. In claim 1,
The communication processing unit
When the player selects a portable electronic device for game sharing on the list screen, the transfer mode is set to the sharing mode in which game data necessary for executing the shared game program is transmitted via the wireless network. A program characterized by setting. In claim 2,
The display control unit
Control to display a selection screen for the player to select a selection item,
The communication processing unit
When the transfer mode is set to the sharing mode, the program transmits the information on the selection item selected on the selection screen as game data via a wireless network. In claim 2 or 3,
The communication processing unit
When the transfer mode is set in the sharing mode, the program transmits at least one of character information, game stage information, and sound information as game data via a wireless network. In any of claims 2 to 4,
The communication processing unit
When the transfer mode is set in the sharing mode, a game data transmission request is issued to another portable electronic device connected via a wireless network, and the transmission request is transmitted to another portable electronic device. A program characterized by transmitting game data via a wireless network when a device accepts the program. In any of claims 2 to 5,
The communication processing unit
A program characterized in that game data necessary for executing a shared game program is transmitted via a wireless network in an encrypted state. A communication processing unit that performs communication processing via a wireless network;
A game processing unit that executes game processing based on a game program and game data;
As a display control unit that performs display control for displaying an image on a display unit of a portable electronic device,
A program for causing a portable electronic device to function,
The communication processing unit
Game share in which the identification information of the portable electronic device and the portable electronic device perform game processing based on the shared game program with respect to other portable electronic devices existing within the communicable range A program for transmitting discrimination information for discriminating whether or not a portable electronic device is a ring through a wireless network. In claim 7,
The display control unit
After receiving a shared game program via a wireless network, control is performed to display a standby screen for a communication battle with another portable electronic device connected via the wireless network. Program to do. In claim 7 or 8,
The communication processing unit
When the portable electronic device of the user is a portable electronic device for game sharing, the game data necessary for executing the shared game program is received from another portable electronic device via the wireless network. A program characterized by that. In any one of Claims 7 thru | or 9,
As a storage control unit that performs storage control of a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device of a portable electronic device,
Make portable electronic devices work,
The storage control unit
When the communication processing unit receives game data necessary for executing a shared game program via a wireless network, the received game data is written to the main storage device and stored in the auxiliary storage device A program characterized by In claim 10,
The communication processing unit
Receive shared game programs over a wireless network,
The storage control unit
Write the received game program to the main storage device,
The game processing unit
Game processing is executed based on a game program written in the main storage device and at least one of game data stored in the auxiliary storage device and game data received via a wireless network. program. In claim 10 or 11,
The display control unit
Control to display a selection screen for the player to select a selection item,
The storage control unit
When the communication processing unit receives information on a selection item selected on the selection screen via a wireless network, the received selection item information is stored in the auxiliary storage device as game data. program. In any of claims 10 to 12,
The storage control unit
A program for storing at least one of character information, game stage information, and sound information as game data in the auxiliary storage device. In any of claims 10 to 13,
The storage control unit
When game data necessary for executing the game process is stored in the auxiliary storage device when executing the game process, the stored game data is read from the auxiliary storage device,
The communication processing unit
When game processing is executed, if game data necessary for execution of game processing is not saved in the auxiliary storage device, the game data not saved is received via a wireless network. program. In any of claims 10 to 14,
The communication processing unit
Receive encrypted game data over the wireless network,
The storage control unit
A program for storing received game data in the auxiliary storage device in an encrypted state. In claim 15,
The game processing unit
When the game data is stored in the auxiliary storage device, the encrypted game data stored in the auxiliary storage device is decrypted, and after decryption, whether the game data is normal data or not is determined. A program characterized by checking. In claim 16,
The game processing unit
If the game data is not stored in the auxiliary storage device, the encrypted game data received via the wireless network is decrypted, and after decryption, it is checked whether the game data is normal data. A program characterized by that.   A computer-readable information storage medium, wherein the program according to any one of claims 1 to 17 is stored. A communication processing unit that performs communication processing via a wireless network;
A game processing unit that executes game processing based on a game program and game data;
A display control unit that performs display control for displaying an image on the display unit of the portable electronic device,
The communication processing unit
Search for other portable electronic devices that exist within the communicable range, and the searched portable electronic device identification information and the searched portable electronic device perform game processing based on the shared game program Receiving discrimination information for discriminating whether or not it is a portable electronic device for game sharing from the searched portable electronic device,
The display control unit
Based on the received identification information and discrimination information, a list screen is generated and displayed that shows the retrieved identification information of the portable electronic device and the discrimination information as to whether or not it is a game sharing portable electronic device. A portable electronic device characterized by performing control. A communication processing unit that performs communication processing via a wireless network;
A game processing unit that executes game processing based on a game program and game data;
A display control unit that performs display control for displaying an image on the display unit of the portable electronic device,
The communication processing unit
Game share in which the identification information of the portable electronic device and the portable electronic device perform game processing based on the shared game program with respect to other portable electronic devices existing within the communicable range What is claimed is: 1. A portable electronic device that transmits discrimination information for determining whether or not a ring is a portable electronic device via a wireless network.

Images