Dynamic player management

The present invention generally relates to computer networks, and in particular to applications executed by a plurality of users on the computer network.

Computer networks such as local area networks and the Internet are increasingly being used as the backbone of various transactions and interactions between the parties. Increasingly, service providers range from online banking, which allows bank customers to initiate financial transactions over computer networks, to online games, which allow gamers to participate in a variety of games over the Internet. , Provides various services via computer network. At present, there are various different computer network configurations that facilitate the transactions and interactions that are performed.

One type of configuration is a classic client-server configuration as shown in Figure 1. In this configuration, the dedicated server computer 110 is linked over a network, eg, over the Internet, so that it can communicate with one or more client computers 120. The client computer 120 makes a service request to the server computer 110, and the server computer 110 responds to the request by transmitting data to the requesting client computer 120 via the network. The server computer 110 can be connected to a data storage device or to another computer device that facilitates transactions between the client computer and the server computer. One feature of the client-server configuration is that client computers are restricted from communicating with the server computer, so multiple client computers cannot communicate directly with each other.

For example, if a client-server configuration operates in an environment where an online game is played, the server computer 110 may be responsible for maintaining the various states associated with the online game. The server computer can be connected to another computer, such as the memory engine 140, which holds one or more instances of the game, while the server computer 110 matches players (players) and manages accounts. Manage operational or administrative matters such as. The game player on the client computer 120 can log on to the server computer 110 and receive a list of available games and participating players. The player selects a game to start or participate in, thereby identifying the memory engine that the player's computer uses to establish a client-server connection. In this way, both the server computer 110 and the memory engine 140 operate or manage an environment for playing games for one or more client computers 120.

Another type of configuration is called an integrated server configuration as shown in Figure 2. This configuration includes a dedicated server computer 110 and one or more client computers 120, each connected to the server computer 110 via a computer network. As in the case of the configuration described above, the server computer 110 supplies data to the client computer 120. However, one of the client computers 120, such as the client computer 120a, functions as an integrated server capable of supplying data to the other client computers 120. In an online game environment, the server computer 110 can perform operational functions such as player matching, account management, and chat room management, while the client computer / integrated server 120a is the memory engine described above. Can perform the functions of.

In yet another type of communication configuration, various computers are arranged in a peer-to-peer configuration, as shown in Figure 3. In a peer-to-peer configuration, each computer can communicate with other computers, so that all computers act as "peers". In one form of peer-to-peer configuration, the dedicated server 110 is connected over a network so that it can communicate with a plurality of client computers 120. The online session is first established by connecting each of the client computers 120 to an operating computer such as the server computer 110. The plurality of client computers 120 then have the ability of each of the client computers 120 to both supply data to any other client computer 120 and receive data from any other client computer 120. They are connected so that they can communicate with each other so that they have. Further, each client computer 120 can operate in a client-server relationship with a dedicated server 110. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are other communication configurations in addition to the configurations described above.

The various configurations described above allow computer users to interact over a computer network, such as in an online game environment in which a plurality of game players can play computer games on a computer network. In such scenarios, typically at least one of the computers adjusts the number of players, tracks the state of the game, and sends updates to the user about the state of the game, etc. Acts as a game manager that manages various aspects of the game. It can be understood that the continuation of gameplay may be highly dependent on all users in the game continuing to play for the entire duration of the game. Gameplay can be interrupted if one of the players in the game exits and exits in the middle of the game, especially if the exited player manages part of the game. , It may even be canceled.

For example, a sports game typically has a fixed start and a fixed end with respect to the game, with at least two players competing in the game. In the current configuration, there are often several players participating in online sports competitions, each of whom is in charge of a player belonging to a sports team. For example, in an online football game, a player can play roles such as quarterback, receiver, defense back, and running back. If one of the players suddenly leaves the game in the middle of the game, the gameplay will be interrupted or aborted. This may also apply to other types of games where the continuation of gameplay depends on each player in the gaming environment continuing to play over a particular scenario.

<p> Unfortunately, current multi-user applications are not configured to be responsible if one participant device in an online session suddenly or unexpectedly leaves the online session. When a player leaves an online session, the session is illicitly interrupted or aborted. In view of what has been said so far, there is a need for multi-user applications that overcome the above drawbacks.</p>

<p> The present invention relates to an application configured to operate in an environment with a large number of participant devices on a computer network. The application manages multiple participant devices in an online session of a multi-user application so that if one of the participant devices exits the session, the session can continue uninterrupted. According to an aspect of the present invention, the application initiates an online session of a multi-user application, wherein the online session consists of a plurality of network computers linked so as to be able to communicate with a computer network. Includes two or more participant devices. If the application detects that the first participant device responsible for managing the given administrator functions associated with the execution of the multi-user application has disconnected from the online session, the application Broadcasts (broadcasts) a notification to a participant device present in the online session over a communication network, thereby allowing the first participant device to connect to the online session to the existing participant device. Notify that you declined. The initiating application then reassigns the functionality associated with the first participant device to one participant device present in the online session. Multiple participant devices can be in a peer-to-peer arrangement to communicate, or in a client-server arrangement to perform server roles. It is possible.</p><p> Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments that illustrate the principles of the invention.</p>

The objects, advantages and features of the present invention will be more easily understood from the following detailed description when reading the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a computer network system 400 composed of one or more network devices including one or more client computers 410,412 and one or more dedicated server computers 420,422. The network device is a node of computer network 430. Therefore, some of the network computers are configured as servers and some are configured as clients. The computer network 430 may include a collection of interconnected networks such as the Internet, and may include one or more local area networks at each of nodes 410,412,420,422. As used here, the term "Internet" is interconnected (public and / or dedicated), linked together by a set of standard communication protocols to form a global distributed network. Shows a collection of multiple networks.

The client computers 410,412 can transmit a data request via the network 430 to one of the server computers 420,422 configured to supply data to the client computer via the network 430 in a known manner. Server computers 420,422 may include other servers, such as database servers and / or application servers, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, or are linked in a manner communicative with each other and to the other servers described above. It may be linked in a communicable manner. Although FIG. 4 shows only two client computers 410,412 and two server computers 420,422, it should be understood that the network system 400 can include any number of client computers 410,412 and server computers 420,422. Here, the server computers 420,422 and the client computers 410,412 are sometimes collectively referred to as network computers.

The network system 400 supports a multi-user application 440 composed of a predetermined computer program, and the multi-user application 220 allows a plurality of users to use a plurality of network devices (client computers 410, 412, etc.) linked to the computer network 430. Can be used to interact in an online session. Application 440 is installed on each of the client computers, which means that a working instance of this application is stored in the memory of each of the client computers 410,412 running (running) application 440. To do. Each server computer attempting to join an online session of a multi-user application also stores an instance of application 440. To illustrate this, both servers 420,422 are illustrated with installed applications 440, but the first server computer 420 is a server for multi-user applications running by client machines 410,412. It is assumed that. Data exchange occurs between instances of application 440 during execution and is enabled (enabled) by the establishment of network socket 445 on each of the network computers. Sockets are shown in Figure 4 as boxes on individual network computers. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a network socket is one terminal of a multi-way communication link between two or more programs running on a network system 400.

The application 440 can be executed on the network devices of the network system 400 according to various communication configurations, and the responsibility for the processing related to the various applications is described in detail later, and multiple different calculations of the network 430 are performed. It can be assigned to a device. In order to develop the application 440, an application development interface is preferably used, as will be described in detail later. The application can be operated so that the associated network computer can use a communication configuration that implements any of the communication modes shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.

The multi-user application 440 can be any type of application that a user can run on a network computer linked to computer network 430. When application 440 runs on client computers 410,412, the user can interact with other users through other network computers that are also running application 440. The server computer 420 can act as a "meeting point" on the central network, through which users establish contacts, retain data, and initiate online sessions for application 440. Typically, the application 440 allows the network device on which the application 440 is operating to establish communication with other network devices such as devices 410, 412, 420, thereby initiating an online session. During an online session, multiple network computers interact and exchange data according to the programmed features of application 440.

When application 440 is launched and an online session is established between properly configured computers, the application allows these computers to interact in various configurations. Through this description, application 440 is described in an online game scenario in which application 440 comprises a computer game that can be accessed and played by multiple users using client computers 410,412 in some cases. In such cases, application 440 establishes an online session consisting of games in which network computers participate. However, it is understood that application 440 may be involved in other non-gaming scenarios, such as online banking or online travel planning, involving interactions between multiple computers on a computer network. There is a need.

When application 440 is executed, it identifies the session master, which is a network computer that performs various administrator and operational functions for this application with respect to computer-to-computer interactions that occur during an online session. The online session of this application uses registration or logon processing for a data storage device that includes information such as user identification. The logon process authenticates further participation of the application in the network environment. Preferably, this function of the session master is assigned when a client computer, such as a client computer 410 running application 440, logs on to server computer 420 and starts an online session. However, since the details regarding the case and method of such allocation are determined by the application itself, various session master allocation methods can be implemented without departing from the contents taught by the present invention.

The instance of the application running on the client computer 410 that initiates the online session of the application is called the host computer. The application on the host computer assigns the session master function to either the server computer 420 or the host computer 410. When a new client computer logs on (registers) to server computer 420 and joins an online session, server computer 420 notifies this new client of the identity of the session master computer that has already been assigned.

As will be described in detail later, the session master function enables smooth transitions between communication configurations of various networks on which application 440 can operate. Session master functionality also allows application 440 to centralize responsibilities for application-related tasks to a particular network computer, or to distribute such responsibilities among two or more network computers. To enable. The assignment of tasks can be performed simultaneously with the assignment of session master functions by an instance of application 440 on one of the network computers, and the session master tasks provide essential functions. It can be assigned to one or more of the computers on network 430 for this purpose. Here, one or more computers to which session master responsibilities are assigned are referred to as "owners" of individual session master functions. When multiple computers are collectively performing the session master function, it is understood that even if a single session master is referred to, it applies to the group consisting of the above-mentioned multiple computers. Will be. Therefore, session master task assignments are performed in the manner specified by the application, according to the instructions of the application developer.

One category of responsibilities assigned to the session master is related to application-specific features, which are features specific to the particular type of application 440 being executed. For example, if application 440 is a game type application, the session master, or group of session masters, can track game type data such as game score and game remaining time, and the game It is possible to execute a game function such as ending an online session when it is finished. The session master computer can also be assigned a responsibility to track specific game data, such as the state of objects in game environments such as football, airplanes, oceans, trees, and so on. Each of these responsibilities may be centralized on a single session master computer or split among several session master computers, depending on the behavior of the application.

The host computer performs administrator functions for computers participating in the online session. For example, whenever a network computer joins an online session of application 440, the host computer assigns an identification index number to the computer joining the session. The host computer maintains a list of identification index numbers and their associated network computers. The index number is used when sending messages and is also used to keep a record of ownership of the session master's capabilities.

As mentioned above, there can be multiple session masters in an online session. The method of assigning the session master can be determined by the application according to the behavior of the application. Application 440 can also assign to the session master the responsibility for sending update messages to update network computers with respect to the status of all network computers participating in the online session. With this responsibility, the session master will determine when the new network computer will join the online session, or when the current participant device will end the online session of application 440 and leave, as described in more detail below. Notify the participating network computers.

Also, the host computer that assigns each computer the above index number keeps a list of all network computers participating in the online session. Therefore, application 440 tracks the ownership of the session master according to the index number assigned to the computer. To track index numbers and assignments of responsibilities, application 440 may retain data structures, such as in the form of a table, such as Table 500 shown in Figure 5, which consists of an index list of network computers. it can. Table 500 includes an index number associated with each network computer participating in the online session, and also includes an indication as to whether the network computer owns the session master function. Also, the data structure of the index list with table 500 preferably specifies the communication protocol used by each network computer. Figure 5 shows that different session master tasks (C1, C2, C3) can be owned by different network computers.

In addition to specifying the communication protocol, the data structure also specifies the port to which the communication protocol is associated for each network computer. Each instance of application 440 allows an associated network computer participating in an online session to open multiple communication ports with each port associated with a particular communication protocol. The network computer communicates with other network computers using the specific ports and specific protocols specified in the data structure consisting of Table 500 shown in FIG. The port can include a network socket that an instance of application 440 uses to communicate over the network. Network computers preferably transmit port / protocol information as well as other information contained in the index list by periodically transmitting communication messages to each other over the network.

Preferably, all computers participating in the online session keep a copy of the table 500 index list that belongs to that computer. It is understood that Table 500 is merely exemplary and that the starting host application 440 can otherwise track the client index number and session master ownership using various data structure formats. Need to be. Alternatively, multiple session computers may share one or more copies of the table.

The application 440 to be initiated can operate in various communication configurations, depending on how the application 440 assigns ownership of the session master. In the first configuration shown in FIG. 6, the initiating application 440 assigns ownership of the session master 600 to a single computer, such as the dedicated server computer 420. Therefore, the computer 420 is responsible for all tasks associated with the session master function commanded by the initiating application 440. In this way, application 440 operates in a client-server communication configuration with respect to session master functionality, and server computer 420 supplies client computer 410 with data regarding session master responsibilities.

Any computer participating in an online session of application 440 is one or more of the tasks of the session master, as if one of the client computers 410 is shown to own the session master 600a. It needs to be understood that it is also possible to have ownership of. In FIG. 6, the session master 600a is shown with a dotted line. This means that the client computer is assigned one or more session master tasks, and the client computer is associated with, or instead of, the nominal session master server computer 420. Indicates that the session master task is being executed. That is, there may be several instances of the session master between multiple computers participating in an online session, each instance of the session master is assigned a specific responsibility, and each session master's task. Is assigned to different network computers or multiple tasks are assigned to the same computer. For example, FIG. 6 shows a situation in which there are two session masters 600 and 600a, each of which is assigned a responsibility for a given function for an online session of application 440. According to the decision of the application, the server computer 420 has a predetermined responsibility, and the client computer 410 also has a predetermined responsibility. This is an integrated server configuration, in which case the client computer 410 that owns the session master 600a acts as an integrated server. An "integrated server" is a situation in which all clients send information to one client designated as an integrated server, and the integrated server propagates that information to other clients. To say. A client acting as an integrated server can also have one or more session machines.

In the other scheme shown in Figure 7, application 440 distributes ownership of the session master 600 among several computers. In the illustrated example, both client computers 410 share ownership of the session master 600. In such a case, both computers can perform the functions associated with the session master, so that the plurality of network computers in FIG. 7 have a peer-to-peer configuration. Regardless of the particular communication configuration in which application 440 operates, an application's online session includes various network participant devices consisting of network computers running the application and interacting with it according to the online session. If one of the participant devices in an online session ends the session, it may result in interruption of the other participant device that remains in the session and continues. According to certain aspects of the invention, application 440 is configured to address a situation in which a participant device terminates an online session and minimizes interruptions to a plurality of remaining participant devices. Will be done.

This will be described in more detail with reference to the flow diagram shown in FIG. 8, which describes the process of managing the termination of the participant device in the online session of the multi-user application 440. The first action, represented by the flow diagram box numbered 810, establishes that one participant device associated with the application's online session has terminated the online session. Determining that a participant device has terminated an online session can be done in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, an instance of application 440 on a network computer that participates in an online session periodically broadcasts to the network computer an update message notifying the other network computer of the presence of the network computer in the online session. Let (broadcast). If no update message is received from a particular network computer within a predetermined time, that network computer is considered to have terminated the online session. While establishing an online session, the instance of Application 440 on the computer that initiates the online session is responsible for establishing to a particular computer, such as the session master computer, that a participant device has terminated the online session. Can be assigned.

In the next action represented by the flow diagram box with the number 820, an instance of application 440 on one of the computers broadcasts a notification message to all participant devices in the online session. Is notified that a participant device (Ended Participant Device) has terminated the session. Only one of the network computers, for example the session master computer, broadcasts the notification message to all participant devices. If the session master computer is the terminated computer, one of the other network computers, such as the computer with the next index following this session master computer, broadcasts this message. The notification message preferably includes an index previously assigned to the terminated participant's network computer. In this way, the other participant device can identify the finished participant device by examining the index table discussed above with reference to FIG.

The next action is that the participant device that ended the session performs any session administrator function that would affect other participant devices in the online session, as represented by the decision box with the number 830. It depends on whether or not you were responsible for what you did. Administrator functions include functions such as filtering communication messages, assigning identification indexes, maintaining scores, tracking session counts, tracking items located in the online world, and tracking the location of participants online and in the world. Including. If the participant device that ended the session was responsible for performing any of these functions, the result of decision box 830 would be "YES" and the process would be a flow diagram box with a number of 840. Proceed to the operation represented by. In this operation, application 440 reassigns the responsibility of the administrator of the terminated participant device to another participant's network computer that is still present in the online session. The reassignment of administrator responsibilities is preferably performed by an instance of application 440 on a particular computer, such as a computer with the next index following the index of the computer that ended the online session. For example, the computer with the first index may end the session. At that time, an instance of the application on the computer with the following consecutive indexes (as identified in Table 500 shown in Figure 5) performs the reassignment of tasks on the terminated computer.

The way application 440 reassigns responsibilities is subject to change. In certain embodiments, application 440 automatically selects a participant device to which responsibilities are reassigned based on a predetermined factor. Some of the above factors are related to the state of the participant's network computer. The state can include, for example, the communication environment, the geographical location, and the hardware specifications of the network computer, as well as the preference information unique to each user.

The communication environment is related to whether or not the participant's network computer has a large bandwidth performance by using a cable modem or a DSL or the like. Preferably, the participant device with higher bandwidth performance is given a higher priority to assume the responsibility of the terminated participant device. The geographic location of the participant equipment can also be a factor in determining which participant equipment the responsibilities of the terminated participant equipment are reassigned to. For example, in order to minimize the waiting time for communication, a participant device having a central positional relationship with other participant devices may be given a higher priority. Another factor is the hardware specifications of the network computers participating in the online session. Application 440 may give higher priority to network computers with the hardware capabilities that best fit the reassigned responsibilities, such as computers with powerful data processing capabilities.

In another embodiment of the operation of the flow diagram box 840, application 440 simply randomly reassigns the responsibilities of the terminated participant device to the other one of the participant devices in the online session. .. Application 440 can also consider preference information specific to each user. Some users may specify to application 440 that they do not wish to be assigned the responsibility to manage any application functionality. Users may also specify that responsibilities should be reassigned to a particular Participant Device if another Participant Device terminates the online session. Instead, application 440 broadcasts a message to all participant devices in the online session asking if there is a participant device that wants to take over the responsibilities previously assigned to the terminated participant device. It may be done.

The next operation is represented by a flow diagram box with a number of 850. This behavior occurs after application 440 reassigns the responsibilities of the terminated participant device. The operation of the flow diagram box 850 also occurs if the terminated participant device has no obligation to reassign and results in a "NO" result in the decision box with the number 830. To do. In this operation, application 440 attempts to acquire a new participant device to replace the terminated participant device. This attempt is preferably performed by an instance of application 440 on a particular computer, such as a session master computer. This behavior is related to acquiring a replacement participant device for an online session to replace the terminated participant device, rather than reassigning the administrator functionality of the terminated participant device. It should be understood that this behavior differs from that of Flow Diagram Box 840 in that respect.

For example, an online session may be an online football game, in which case the plurality of participant devices are each a player on a common team. One of the participant devices may be assigned administrator functions, including tracking scores and game times. The same participant device may have played a quarterback role in the game. When the participant device exits the online game during the game, application 440, in action 840, administers the exited participant device's administrator function (ie, the responsibility to record the score and game time). Reassigns to another participant device, and then attempts to acquire a new participant device in operation 850 that takes over the role of the terminated participant device as a quarterback.

The way application 440 attempts to acquire alternate participant devices for online sessions may change. In one embodiment, application 440 automatically assigns a network computer instead of a person as a replacement for a terminated participant device. This causes the network computer to perform the function of the terminated participant device. In another embodiment, application 440 maintains a list of network computers that may be able to join an online session, and then sends a message to these computers inviting them to join the session. Application 440 may keep the online session in pause mode while the alternate participant device is acquired.

Application 440 is preferably developed using a software development kit (SDK) that provides a library of object and communication message definitions used by application 440. The software development kit includes a predetermined application interface, and applications developed using the SDK can operate on a network system such as the network system 400 through this application interface. The application interface can reside within a central network server, such as server 420, and a network computer with application 440 may log on to this central network server to run an online session of the application. it can. By using the object and message types provided by the SDK, application 440 can be developed to include the features described above. The SDK preferably includes a structure of object definitions that provides client-based definitions of the objects utilized by application 440. An object definition contains multiple characteristics that are associated with each object and used by the application to perform interactions with the client over the computer network.

When application 440 is developed using the SDK, application 440 can be loaded into one or more network computers, and an online session can be established according to the behavior shown in the flow diagram box in Figure 9. Will be. In the first operation represented by the flow diagram box numbered 910, the network computer on which the application 440 is loaded connects to the network computer that contains the application interface software in memory. For example, one or more client computers 410 in the network system 400 shown in FIG. 4 may have an application 440 loaded in memory, even if the server computer 420 includes an application interface. Good. In such a case, the client computer 410 establishes a communication connection with the server computer 410 via the network 430.

In the next operation represented by the flow diagram box numbered 920, application 440 registers the object according to the object definitions available in the library of the application interface. Application 440 also registers any message filter used during the online session, as represented by the flow diagram box with the number 920.

In the next operation, represented by a flow diagram box numbered 950, application 440 defines a session master and assigns ownership of the session master to one of the network computers. Ownership of the session master can be assigned to one computer, or it can be assigned to multiple computers. Application 440 also specifies whether ownership of the session master is dedicated to a particular computer, or whether ownership may be transferred (migrated) to another computer. ..

During this operation, application 440 assigns a client index to each of the network computers participating in the online session and also establishes the index table described above. Application 440 can be configured such that the first network computer logging on to the server computer becomes the session master and also receives an initial value of the index, such as an index of 1 or zero. It needs to be understood that the initial value of the index can change. Subsequent network computers that log on then receive the next available index. After ownership of one or more session masters is established, an online session of application 440 is initiated, as represented by a flow diagram box with a number of 950.

As mentioned earlier, the network computer shown in the block diagram of FIG. 4 constitutes the nodes of the computer network system 400. FIG. 10 is a block diagram of one computer in the system 400 of FIG. 1 and shows the hardware components contained in one of the computers. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that devices 410 and 420 may all have similar computer structures, or may have alternative structures consistent with the capabilities described herein. There will be.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary computer 1000, which can also be configured with any of the network computers. Each computer 1000 is Intel Corporation (Intel) in Santa Clara, California, USA It operates under the control of a central processing unit (CPU) 1002, such as an integrated circuit chip associated with a "Pentium®" microprocessor available from Corporation. Computer users can enter commands and data from the keyboard and computer mouse 1004 and see the inputs and computer outputs on the display 1006. The display is typically a video monitor or flat panel display. The computer 1000 also includes a direct access storage device (DASD) 1008 such as a hard disk drive. The memory 1010 typically comprises a volatile semiconductor random access memory (RAM). Each computer preferably comprises a program product reader 1012 that receives a program product storage device 1014, which can optionally read data from the program product storage device 1014 (and optionally a program). The product reader 1012 can write data to this program product storage device 1014). The program product reader may include, for example, a disk drive, and the program product storage device shall include a removable storage medium such as a magnetic floppy disk, a CD-R disk, a CD-RW disk, or a DVD disk. Is possible.

Each computer 1000 communicates with other computers over the computer network 1020 (such as the Internet or intranet) using a network interface 1018 that allows communication between the network 1020 and the computer over the connection 1022. be able to. The network interface 1018 typically includes, for example, a network interface card (NIC) or a modem that allows communication over various networks.

CPU1002 operates under the control of programming steps that are temporarily stored in memory 1010 of computer 1000. When the above programming steps are performed, the computer performs its function. In this way, the programming step implements the functionality of application 440. The programming step can be received from DASD1008, received via program product storage 1014, or received via network connection 1022. The program product storage drive 1012 can accommodate the program product 1014, read the programming steps recorded therein, and transfer the programming steps to memory 1010 for execution by the CPU 1002. As mentioned earlier, program product storage includes any one of multiple removable media that stores computer-readable instructions, including magnetic floppy disks and CD-ROM storage disks. It is possible. Other suitable program product storage devices can include magnetic tapes and semiconductor memory chips. In this way, the processing steps required for the operation according to the present invention can be embodied on the program product.

Instead, the program steps can be received over the network 1020 and stored in the operating memory 1010. In this network method, the computer is programmed via network interface 1018 after network communication has been established over network connection 1022 by a known method that would be understood by those skilled in the art without further explanation. Receives data including and stores it in memory 1010. This program step is then executed by CPU1002, which configures computer processing.

All of the network computers in the network system 400 shown in FIG. 4 may have a structure similar to that shown in FIG. 10, and thus the details described for the computer 1000 in FIG. It needs to be understood that it is interpreted as applicable to all computers in System 400. As long as a computer is capable of communicating with other computers over a network as shown in Figure 4 and supporting the features described herein, any network computer will have an alternative structure. It needs to be understood that it may have.

For example, referring to FIG. 11, the client computer 420 can include a computer entertainment system such as the video game system 1100. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an exemplary hardware configuration of the video game system 1100.

The video game system 1100 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 1100 associated with main memory 1105. The CPU 1100 operates under the control of the programming step stored in the OS-ROM 1160 or the programming step transferred from the game program storage medium to the main memory 1105. The CPU 1100 is configured to process information and execute instructions according to this programming step.

The CPU 1100 is connected via a dedicated bus 1125 so that it can communicate with the input / output processor (IOP) 1120. The IOP1120 connects the CPU1100 to the OS ROM1160, which is composed of a non-volatile memory that stores program instructions of the operating system and the like. The instructions are preferably transferred to the CPU via the IOP1120 when the main unit 110 starts up.

The CPU 1100 is connected so as to be able to communicate with the graphics processing unit (GPU) 1110 via the dedicated bus 1115. GPU1110 is a drawing processor configured to execute drawing processing and form (formulate) an image according to an instruction received from CPU1100. For example, the GPU 1110 can render graphics images based on the display list generated by and received from the CPU 1100. The GPU may include a buffer for storing graphics data. The GPU 1110 outputs an image to the AV output device 175.

The IOP1120 controls the exchange of data between the CPU1100 and a plurality of peripheral components according to the instructions stored in the IOP memory 1130. Peripheral components may include one or more input controllers 1122, a memory card 1140, a USB1145, and an IEEE1394 serial bus 1150. In addition, bus 1155 is connected so that it can communicate with IOP 1120. Bus 1155 is linked to several additional components, including OS ROM 1160, Sound Processor Device (SPU) 1165, Optical Disk Control Device 1175, and Hard Disk Drive (HDD) 1180.

The SPU1165 is configured to generate sounds such as music, sound effects and voice according to commands received from CPU1100 and IOP1120. The SPU1165 may include a sound buffer for storing waveform data. The SPU1165 generates a sound signal and transmits the signal to the speaker.

The disk control unit 1175 is an optical disk drive that accepts removable storage media such as magnetic floppy disks, optical CD-ROM disks, CD-R disks, CD-RW disks, DVD disks, and the like. It is configured to control a program reader that can be equipped.

The memory card 1140 can include a storage medium on which the CPU 1100 can write and store data. Preferably, the memory card 1140 can be inserted and removed from the IOP 1120. The user can use the memory card 1140 to store or store data. In addition, the video game system 1100 is preferably equipped with at least one hard disk drive (HDD) 1180 capable of writing and storing data.

A data I / O interface, such as the IEEE1394 serial bus 1150 or universal serial bus (USB) 1145 interface, is preferably connected so that it can communicate with the IOP1120, so a video game system such as for network 430 in Figure 4. Allows data to be transferred to and from this video game system 1100.

The systems and methods described above improve the situation in which network users of an application, such as game players, act as an integrated server (IS) for the application, thereby in traditional implementations of the application. Maintain an application environment in which the application terminates when this IS user wishes to log off. As mentioned above, as an alternative, some applications (such as applications that play games with multiple users) differ as described above, with the exiting user's functionality (and data) being moved from the exiting user to a different user. Allow users to continue their online sessions and take over IS missions. This type of handoff is typically somewhat awkward and may not be achieved smoothly. In the case of a game environment, for example, a player leaving the game environment may suddenly disappear from the game environment, thereby interrupting the experience of the game played by another player. The multi-user application according to the present invention notifies all user machines when another user leaves the session, so that the application can be continuously used even if there is a user who leaves or joins. Tolerate. Appropriate adjustments can also be made for a more comfortable application environment. This notification is generated using the disconnect function that guarantees proper IS operation and communication. That is, the application server or IS of this application can broadcast a message to all clients in the application environment notifying them that a user has left or joined, which is necessary. If there is, it is possible to guarantee the appropriate functions of these users.

In the case of a system that operates as the integrated server (IS) described above and has a network device that supplies application data to other users, an IS failure or exit from the application environment assigns a different user as a new IS. Responded by The application can assign a new IS by automatically performing a shift process or by sending a broadcast message to all users and waiting for a response. In the case of automatic selection, the application uses the bandwidth available to the user, the geographic location of the potential new IS, the user's preferences for being considered as an IS, and the technical specifications. , A new IS can be assigned according to considerations, including resources available on the user's machine, or a new IS can be assigned using a random selection process. If an application is designed to send a broadcast message, the message typically asks for voluntary consent to act as a new IS.

In addition, new users who log in to the system after an IS failure and new users who might otherwise have registered with the failed IS may be converted to different ISs instead. It reduces the workload of groups serviced by IS, which is possible and is now unavailable. In this way, new participants wishing to join an IS application environment can instead be moved to different ISs and different user groups. Alternatively, the application can respond to a failed IS by eliminating or disbanding an online session of a group operated by an unavailable IS and forming a new online group with the new IS. These alternatives can be selected by the application developer configuring the application for operation according to the invention.

If individual users leave during an online session, the consequences can be somewhat more problematic. In the context of playing an online game, for example, a predetermined minimum number of users (players) is required to advance the game. According to the present invention, an application responds by sending a message to another user on the network, inviting the other user to join an online session and join a multi-user application (game, etc.). be able to. Alternatively, the application can be configured to call an artificial intelligence module to perform integrated server missions.

As described above, the present invention has been described with respect to a preferred embodiment at the present time so that the meaning of the present invention can be conveyed. However, the system and applications have a number of configurations to which the present invention can be applied, although not specifically described herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the present invention should not be understood solely in the particular embodiments described herein and generally has broad applicability for multi-user applications. Therefore, all modifications, modifications, or equivalent arrangements and implementations within the appended claims should be within the scope of the present invention.

<figref num="1">It is a figure which shows the computer network arranged in the communication configuration of a client-server type network.</figref><figref num="2">It is a figure which shows the computer network arranged in the structure of the integrated network communication server.</figref><figref num="3">It is a figure which shows the computer network arranged in the communication configuration of the peer-to-peer type network.</figref><figref num="4">It is a figure which shows the computer network system which executes the multi-user application configured according to this invention.</figref><figref num="5">It is a figure which shows the data structure including the index and the session master information of the computer for a multi-user application.</figref><figref num="6">It is a figure which shows the computer network system in which a multi-user application is arranged in the first type communication configuration.</figref><figref num="7">FIG. 5 illustrates a computer network system in which a multi-user application is placed in another type of communication configuration.</figref><figref num="8">It is a flow diagram which shows the process which manages the termination of one participant apparatus in the online session of a multi-user application.</figref><figref num="9">It is a flow diagram which shows the operation step associated with the multi-user application establishing an online session.</figref><figref num="10">It is a block diagram of a computer in the network shown in FIG. 4, and is a block diagram which shows a hardware component.</figref><figref num="11">It is a block diagram of the computer entertainment system in the network shown in FIG. 4, and is the block diagram which shows the hardware component.</figref>

Code description

400 ... Computer Network System, 410,412 ..., Client Computer 420,422 ... Dedicated Server Computer, 430,1020 ... Computer Network, 440 ... Multi-User Application, 445 ... Network Socket, 500 .. Table, 600,600a ... session master, 1000 ... computer, 1002 ... central processor (CPU), 1004 ... keyboard and computer mouse, 1006 ... display, 1008 ... direct access storage (DASD), 1010 ... Memory, 1012 ... Program Product Reader, 1014 ... Program Product Storage, 1018 ... Network Interface, 1022 ... Connection, 1100 ... Video Game System, 1105 ... main memory, 1110 ... graphics processor (GPU), 1115, 1125 ... dedicated bus, 1120 ... input / output processor (IOP), 1122 ... input controller, 1130 ... IOP memory, 1140 ... memory card, 1145 ... universal serial bus (USB), 1150 ... IEEE1394 serial bus, 1155 ... bus, 1160 ... OS ROM, 1165 ... sound processor device ( SPU), 1175 ... disk controller, 1180 ... hard disk drive (HDD).