Computer-readable storage medium having display control program stored therein, display control device, and display control system
19 claims: 18 independent, 1 dependent
- 1ネットワーク上の複数のコンピュータの通信状態を、前記複数のコンピュータに含まれる第1のコンピュータに表示する表示制御プログラムであって、 前記第1のコンピュータを、 当該第1のコンピュータとネットワークを介して通信する相手である通信相手として登録されたコンピュータの個体情報と、当該個体情報に関連付けられた当該コンピュータの識別情報とを格納する登録情報記憶手段、 前記登録情報記憶手段に格納されている個体情報の内、少なくとも1つの個体情報に対応するコンピュータである第2のコンピュータが前記ネットワークに接続しているか否かを判定する接続判定手段、 前記接続判定手段によって前記第2のコンピュータが前記ネットワークに接続していると判定された場合に、前記第2のコンピュータと通信を行っている第3のコンピュータの個体情報を取得する第1取得手段、及び、 前記第1取得手段によって取得された第3のコンピュータの個体情報と、前記第2のコンピュータの個体情報とに基づいて、前記第2のコンピュータと前記第3のコンピュータとを関係付けた通信状態を視認可能に表示す る通 信状態表示手段、として機能させる、表示制御プログラム。
- 2前記通信状態表示手段は、更に、前記第2のコンピュータの識別情報に基づいて、前記第2のコンピュータに関する情報を他のコンピュータと識別可能に表示する、請求項1に記載の表示制御プログラム。
- 3前記第1取得手段は、前記第3のコンピュータに対応する個体情報を、前記第3のコンピュータが前記第1のコンピュータの通信相手として登録されているか否かによらず取得する、請求項1または2に記載の表示制御プログラム。
- 4前記第1のコンピュータを、更に、 前記第3のコンピュータの個体情報に基づいて、当該第3のコンピュータの識別情報を取得する第2取得手段、として機能させ、 前記通信状態表示手段は、更に、前記第3のコンピュータの識別情報に基づいて、前記第3のコンピュータに関する情報を識別可能に表示する、請求項1 ないし3のいずれか に記載の表示制御プログラム。
- 5前記第1のコンピュータを、更に、 前記第3のコンピュータの個体情報に基づいて、当該第3のコンピュータの識別情報を取得する第2取得手段、及び、 前記第3のコンピュータの個体情報が、前記登録情報記憶手段に格納されているか否かを判定する記憶判定手段、として機能させ、 前記通信状態表示手段は、前記記憶判定手段によって前記第3のコンピュータに対応する個体情報が前記登録情報記憶手段に格納されていると判定された場合にのみ、前記第3のコンピュータの識別情報に基づいて当該第3のコンピュータに関する情報を識別可能に表示する、請求項1 ないし3のいずれか に記載の表示制御プログラム。
- 6前記第1のコンピュータを、更に、 前記第2のコンピュータが通信を行っているコンピュータが、予め設定された所定台数以下であるか否かを判定する台数判定手段、及び、 前記台数判定手段によって予め設定された所定台数以下であると判定された場合に、前記第2のコンピュータとの通信が可能である旨を視認可能に表示する通信可否表示手段、として機能させる、請求項1 ないし5のいずれか に記載の表示制御プログラム。
- 7前記通信可否表示手段は、前記台数判定手段によって予め設定された所定台数以下であると判定された場合に、前記第2のコンピュータとの通信が可能であるコンピュータの台数を視認可能に表示する、請求項 6 に記載の表示制御プログラム。
- 8前記第1のコンピュータを、更に、 前記第3のコンピュータの個体情報に基づいて、当該第3のコンピュータの識別情報を取得する第2取得手段、及び、 前記接続判定手段によって前記第2のコンピュータが前記ネットワークに接続していると判定された場合に、前記第2のコンピュータにおいて、前記第3のコンピュータの識別情報を前記第1のコンピュータに対して報知することが許可されているか否かを判定する報知判定手段、として機能させ、 前記通信状態表示手段は、前記報知判定手段によって報知が許可されていると判定された場合にのみ、前記第3のコンピュータの識別情報に基づいて当該第3のコンピュータに関する情報を識別可能に表示する、請求項1 ないし3のいずれか に記載の表示制御プログラム。
- 9前記第1のコンピュータを、更に、 前記登録情報記憶手段に格納された個体情報毎に、前記個体情報に対応するコンピュータに対して、前記第1のコンピュータと通信を行っているコンピュータに対応する識別情報を報知することが許可されているか否かを示す報知可否情報を対応付けて格納する報知可否記憶手段、として機能させる、請求項 8 に記載の表示制御プログラム。
- 10前記第1のコンピュータを、更に、 外部からの操作入力を受け付けて、受け付けられた操作入力に基づいて、前記登録情報記憶手段に格納された個体情報毎に、前記報知可否情報を設定し、前記報知可否記憶手段に記録する報知可否設定手段、として機能させる、請求項 9 に記載の表示制御プログラム。
- 11前記第2のコンピュータには、前記第3のコンピュータの識別情報を前記第1のコンピュータに対して報知することが許可されているか否かを示す報知可否情報が記憶されており、 前記報知判定手段は、前記第2のコンピュータから前記報知可否情報を取得し、当該報知可否情報に基づいて、前記第3のコンピュータの識別情報を前記第1のコンピュータに対して報知することが許可されているか否かを判定する、請求項 8 に記載の表示制御プログラム。
- 12前記個体情報は、前記複数のコンピュータに対してそれぞれ予め付与されたID情報である、請求項1 ないし11のいずれか に記載の表示制御プログラム。
- 13前記識別情報は、氏名情報、及び、人の顔を表現する画像である顔画像情報の内、少なくとも一方を含む、請求項1 ないし11のいずれか に記載の表示制御プログラム。
- 14前記複数のコンピュータは、外部から入力された音声情報を相互に通信可能に接続される、請求項1 ないし13のいずれか に記載の表示制御プログラム。
- 15前記複数のコンピュータは、外部から入力された文字情報を相互に通信可能に接続される、請求項1 ないし13のいずれか に記載の表示制御プログラム。
- 16前記複数のコンピュータは、外部から入力された操作入力情報を相互に通信可能に接続されると共に、前記操作入力情報に基づいて進行されるゲーム情報を通信可能に接続される、請求項1 ないし13のいずれか に記載の表示制御プログラム。
- 17ネットワーク上の複数のコンピュータの通信状態を、前記複数のコンピュータに含まれる第1のコンピュータに表示する表示制御装置であって、 当該第1のコンピュータとネットワークを介して通信する相手である通信相手として登録されたコンピュータの個体情報と、当該個体情報に関連付けられた当該コンピュータの識別情報とを格納する登録情報記憶手段、 前記登録情報記憶手段に格納されている個体情報の内、少なくとも1つの個体情報に対応するコンピュータである第2のコンピュータが前記ネットワークに接続しているか否かを判定する接続判定手段、 前記接続判定手段によって前記第2のコンピュータが前記ネットワークに接続していると判定された場合に、前記第2のコンピュータと通信を行っている第3のコンピュータの個体情報を取得する第1取得手段、及び、 前記第1取得手段によって取得された第3のコンピュータの個体情報と、前記第2のコンピュータの個体情報とに基づいて、前記第2のコンピュータと前記第3のコンピュータとを関係付けた通信状態を視認可能に表示す る通 信状態表示手段、を備える、表示制御装置。
- 18ネットワーク上の複数のコンピュータとサーバとを備え、前記複数のコンピュータの通信状態を、前記複数のコンピュータに含まれる第1のコンピュータに表示する表示制御システムであって、 前記サーバは、 前記複数のコンピュータの個体情報と、前記複数のコンピュータがそれぞれ通信を行っているコンピュータに対応する個体情報を、対応付けて格納する通信相手記憶手段、を有し、 前記第1のコンピュータは、 当該第1のコンピュータとネットワークを介して通信する相手である通信相手として登録されたコンピュータの個体情報と、当該個体情報に関連付けられた当該コンピュータの識別情報とを格納する登録情報記憶手段、 前記登録情報記憶手段に格納されている個体情報の内、少なくとも1つの個体情報に対応するコンピュータである第2のコンピュータが前記ネットワークに接続しているか否かを判定する接続判定手段、 前記接続判定手段によって前記第2のコンピュータが前記ネットワークに接続していると判定された場合に、前記サーバの前記通信相手記憶手段に格納されている、前記第2のコンピュータと通信を行っている第3のコンピュータの個体情報を取得する第1取得手段、及び、 前記第1取得手段によって取得された第3のコンピュータの個体情報と、前記第2のコンピュータの個体情報とに基づいて、前記第2のコンピュータと前記第3のコンピュータとを関係付けた通信状態を視認可能に表示す る通 信状態表示手段、を有する、表示制御システム。
- 19ネットワーク上の複数のコンピュータの通信状態を、前記複数のコンピュータに含まれる第1のコンピュータに表示するために、前記第1のコンピュータが実行する表示制御方法であって、 当該第1のコンピュータとネットワークを介して通信する相手である通信相手として登録されたコンピュータの個体情報と、当該個体情報に関連付けられた当該コンピュータの識別情報とを記憶する登録情報記憶ステップと、 前記登録情報記憶ステップで記憶された個体情報の内、少なくとも1つの個体情報に対応するコンピュータである第2のコンピュータが前記ネットワークに接続しているか否かを判定する接続判定ステップと、 前記接続判定ステップにおいて前記第2のコンピュータが前記ネットワークに接続していると判定された場合に、前記第2のコンピュータと通信を行っている第3のコンピュータの個体情報を取得する第1取得ステップ、及び、 前記第1取得ステップにおいて取得された第3のコンピュータの個体情報と、前記第2のコンピュータの個体情報とに基づいて、前記第2のコンピュータと前記第3のコンピュータとを関係付けた通信状態を視認可能に表示する通信状態表示ステップ、を含む、表示制御方法。
Independent claims19
129 paragraphs, as filed
The present invention relates to a display control program, a display control device, and a display control system, and in particular, a display control program that displays the communication status of a plurality of computers on a network on a first computer included in the plurality of computers. The present invention relates to a display control device and a display control system.
Conventionally, various game devices that send and receive data to and from other devices via a network have been proposed. For example, a game device that registers a destination for transmitting and receiving communication data only to a desired user is disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This game device has a friend registration function for registering a person who is permitted to send and receive messages in a friend list in advance.
Furthermore, a game that displays information indicating whether or not another user (hereinafter referred to as "friend") registered in the game device as a person who is permitted to send and receive is online and information indicating the game in which the friend is playing. The device is known (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).<patcit num="1"><text>Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-129735</text></patcit><nplcit num="1"><text>"Xbox Live Thorough Guide !!", Dorimaga January 31, 2003 Vol.2, Softbank Publishing Co., Ltd., January 31, 2003, pp. 62-63</text></nplcit>
<p num="0004"> However, in the game device described in Non-Patent Document 1, it is not possible to know in advance participants other than friends when considering whether or not the user participates in a game or the like in which a friend participates. Therefore, it may be difficult to determine whether or not to participate in a game or the like in which a friend participates.</p><p num="0005"> The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a display control program, a display control device, and a display control system capable of easily determining whether or not to participate in a game or the like. It is an object.</p>
<p num="0006"> In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows. The reference numerals and the reference numerals in parentheses indicate an example of the correspondence with the drawings in order to help the understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the scope of the present invention at all.</p><p num="0007"> The display control program of the present invention is a display control program that displays the communication status of a plurality of computers (3) on the network (9) on a first computer (3A) included in the plurality of computers (3). ..</p><p num="0008"> In the first invention, the first computer (3A) is used as a registration information storage means (171), a connection determination means (101), a first acquisition means (103), and a communication status display means (104). It is a display control program that makes it work. The registered information storage means (171) is associated with the individual information of the computer registered as the communication partner that communicates with the first computer (3A) via the network (9) and the individual information.<u style="single">Of the computer</u>Stores identification information.</p><p num="0009"> In the connection determination means (101), a second computer (3B), which is a computer corresponding to at least one individual information among the individual information stored in the registration information storage means (171), is connected to the network (9). Judge whether or not it is done. Further, the first acquisition means (103) is referred to as the second computer (3B) when the connection determination means (101) determines that the second computer (3B) is connected to the network (9). Acquire the individual information of the third computer (3C) that is communicating. Further, the communication status display means (104) is based on the individual information of the third computer (3C) acquired by the first acquisition means (103) and the individual information of the second computer (3B). 2 computers (<u style="single">3B</u>) And the third computer (3C) are visually displayed, and the second computer (3B)<u style="single">Information about</u>Display the second computer (3B) so that it can be distinguished from other computers based on the identification information of.</p><p num="0010"> The display control program according to the second invention is the display control program according to the first invention, and is based on the individual information of the first computer (3A) and the third computer (3C). It functions as a second acquisition means (105) for acquiring the identification information of the third computer (3C). Further, the communication status display means (104) further uses the identification information of the third computer (3C) to obtain the third computer (3C).<u style="single">Information about</u>Is displayed in an identifiable manner. Therefore, for example, the identification information of the second computer (3B) and the identification information of the third computer (3C) can be related and displayed, so that the user of the first computer (3A) can display the identification information. It becomes possible to more easily determine whether or not to participate in a game or the like running between the second computer (3B) and the third computer (3C).</p><p num="0011"> The display control program according to the third invention is the display control program according to the first invention, which includes the first computer (3A), the second acquisition means (105), and the storage determination means (memory determination means). 106), to function as. The second acquisition means (105) acquires the identification information of the third computer (3C) based on the individual information of the third computer (3C). The storage determination means (106) determines whether or not the individual information of the third computer (3C) is stored in the registration information storage means (171). Further, the communication status display means (104) is used only when it is determined by the storage determination means (106) that the individual information corresponding to the third computer (3C) is stored in the registration information storage means (171). , 3rd computer (3C) based on the identification information of the 3rd computer (3C)<u style="single">Information about</u>Is displayed in an identifiable manner. Therefore, if the third computer (3C) is not registered as a friend of the first computer (3A), the identification information of the third computer (3C) is displayed on the first computer (3A). Since it is prohibited, the privacy of the user of the third computer (3C) can be protected.</p><p num="0012"> The display control program according to the fourth invention is the display control program according to the first invention, which includes the first computer (3A), the number determination means (108), and the communication availability display means (109). To function as. The number determination means (108) determines whether or not the number of computers with which the second computer (3B) is communicating is less than or equal to a preset predetermined number (here, 3). In addition, the communication availability display means (109) can communicate with the second computer (3B) when it is determined by the number determination means (108) that the number is less than or equal to the preset predetermined number. Display visually. Therefore, the user of the first computer (3A) can easily determine whether or not communication with the second computer (3B) is possible.</p><p num="0013"> The display control program according to the fifth invention is the display control program according to the fourth invention, and the communication availability display means (109) is a predetermined number (here, a predetermined number) preset by the number determination means (108). , 3) When it is determined that the number of computers is less than or equal to (3), the number of computers capable of communicating with the second computer (3B) is visually displayed. Therefore, the user of the first computer (3A) can easily grasp the number of computers capable of communicating with the second computer (3B).</p><p num="0014"> The display control program according to the sixth invention is the display control program according to the first invention, which includes a first computer (3A), a second acquisition means (105), and a notification determination means ( Make it function as 110). The second acquisition means (105) acquires the identification information of the third computer (3C) based on the individual information of the third computer (3C). When the connection determination means (101) determines that the second computer (3B) is connected to the network (9), the notification determination means (110) is the third computer (3B) in the second computer (3B). It is determined whether or not it is permitted to notify the identification information of the computer (3C) of the first computer (3A). Further, the communication status display means (104) is based on the identification information of the third computer (3C) only when it is determined that the notification is permitted by the notification determination means (110). 3C)<u style="single">Information about</u>Is displayed in an identifiable manner. Therefore, if the second computer (3B) is not permitted to notify the identification information of the third computer (3C) to the first computer (3A), the third computer (3C) ) Is not displayed identifiablely, so that the privacy of the user of the third computer (3C) can be protected.</p><p num="0015"> The display control program according to the seventh invention is the display control program according to the sixth invention, and the first computer (3A) is further stored for each individual information stored in the registered information storage means (171). In addition, the notification availability information indicating whether or not it is permitted to notify the identification information of the computer communicating with the first computer (3A) to the computer corresponding to the individual information is stored in association with the computer. To function as a notification availability storage means (172)<u style="single">To.</u></p><p num="0016"> The display control program according to the eighth invention is the display control program according to the seventh invention, and is the operation input received by receiving the operation input from the first computer (3A) and further from the outside. Based on the above, the notification availability information is set for each individual information stored in the registration information storage means (171), and is made to function as the notification availability setting means (112) to be recorded in the notification availability storage means (172). Therefore, it is possible to easily set the notification availability information.</p><p num="0017"><u style="single">The display control program according to the ninth aspect is the display control program according to the sixth aspect, and the second computer (3B) is provided with the identification information of the third computer (3C) as the first computer. Information on whether or not notification is permitted to (3A) is stored. In this case, the notification determination means (110) acquires the notification availability information from the second computer (3B), and based on the notification availability information, the identification information of the third computer (3C) is used as the identification information of the first computer (3C). Determine whether or not notification to 3A) is permitted. Therefore, in the second computer (3B), it is possible to determine with a simple configuration whether or not to allow the identification information of the third computer (3C) to be notified to the first computer (3A). it can.</u></p><p num="0018"> No.<u style="single">10</u>The display control program according to the first invention is the display control program according to the first invention, and the individual information is ID information given in advance to each of the plurality of computers. Therefore, the plurality of computers can be easily identified.</p><p num="0019"> No.<u style="single">11</u>The display control program according to the first invention is the display control program according to the first invention, and the identification information is at least one of name information and face image information which is an image expressing a human face. including. Therefore, a user such as a third computer (3C) can be easily identified based on the identification information.</p><p num="0020"> No.<u style="single">12</u>The display control program according to the first invention is the display control program according to the first invention, and the plurality of computers are used.<u style="single">, Outside</u>The voice information input from the unit is connected so that they can communicate with each other. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine whether or not to participate in a voice chat (= chat performed via voice) executed between the second computer (3B) and the third computer (3C). It becomes.</p><p num="0021"> No.<u style="single">13</u>The display control program according to the first invention is the display control program according to the first invention, and the plurality of computers are used.<u style="single">, Outside</u>The character information input from the unit is connected so that they can communicate with each other. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine whether or not to participate in a text chat (= chat conducted via text) executed between the second computer (3B) and the third computer (3C). It becomes.</p><p num="0022"> No.<u style="single">14</u>The display control program according to the first invention is the display control program according to the first invention, and the plurality of computers are used.<u style="single">, Outside</u>The operation input information input from the unit is communicably connected to each other, and the game information to be advanced based on the operation input information is communicably connected. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily determine whether or not to participate in the game running between the second computer (3B) and the third computer (3C).</p><p num="0023"> No.<u style="single">15</u>The display control device according to the present invention is a display control device (3A) that displays the communication status of a plurality of computers (3) on the network (9) on a first computer (3A) included in the plurality of computers (3). 10, 17). The display control device (10, 17) includes a registration information storage means (171), a connection determination means (101), a first acquisition means (103), and a communication status display means (104). The registered information storage means (171) is associated with the individual information of the computer registered as the communication partner that communicates with the first computer (3A) via the network (9) and the individual information.<u style="single">Of the computer</u>Stores identification information.</p><p num="0024"> In the connection determination means (101), a second computer (3B), which is a computer corresponding to at least one individual information among the individual information stored in the registration information storage means (171), is connected to the network (9). Judge whether or not it is done. Further, the first acquisition means (103) is referred to as the second computer (3B) when the connection determination means (101) determines that the second computer (3B) is connected to the network (9). Acquire the individual information of the third computer (3C) that is communicating. Further, the communication status display means (104) is based on the individual information of the third computer (3C) acquired by the first acquisition means (103) and the individual information of the second computer (3B). The communication status related to the second computer (3C) and the third computer (3C) is displayed visually, and the second computer (3B) is based on the identification information of the second computer (3B).<u style="single">Information about</u>Is displayed so that it can be distinguished from other computers.</p><p num="0025"> No.<u style="single">16</u>The display control system according to the present invention includes a plurality of computers (3) and a server (8) on the network (9), and transfers the communication state of the plurality of computers (3) to the plurality of computers (3). It is a display control system to be displayed on the first computer (3A) included. The server (8) has a communication partner storage means (81). The first computer (3A) includes a registration information storage means (171), a connection determination means (101), a first acquisition means (103), and a communication status display means (104).</p><p num="0026"> The communication partner storage means (81) stores the individual information of the plurality of computers (3) in association with the individual information of the computer (3) with which the plurality of computers (3) are communicating with each other.</p><p num="0027"> The registered information storage means (171) is associated with the individual information of the computer registered as the communication partner that communicates with the first computer (3A) via the network (9) and the individual information.<u style="single">Of the computer</u>Stores identification information. In the connection determination means (101), a second computer (2B), which is a computer corresponding to at least one individual information among the individual information stored in the registration information storage means (171), is connected to the network (9). Judge whether or not it is done.</p><p num="0028"> Further, the first acquisition means (103) stores the communication partner of the server (8) when the connection determination means (101) determines that the second computer (3B) is connected to the network (9). The individual information of the third computer (3C) communicating with the second computer (3B) stored in the means (81) is acquired. In addition, the communication status display means (104) is based on the individual information of the third computer (3C) acquired by the first acquisition means (103) and the individual information of the second computer (3B). Second computer (<u style="single">3B</u>) And the third computer (3C) are associated with each other, and the communication status is displayed visually, and the second computer (3B) is based on the identification information of the second computer (3B).<u style="single">Information about</u>Is displayed so that it can be distinguished from other computers.</p>
<p num="0029"> According to the display control program, the display control device (3), and the display control system according to the present invention, based on the individual information of the third computer (3C) and the individual information of the second computer (3B). , Second computer (<u style="single">3B</u>) And the third computer (3C) are clearly displayed, so that the user of the first computer (3A) can use the second computer (3B) and the third computer (3C). ), It is possible to easily determine whether or not to participate in a game or the like being executed.</p><p num="0030"> That is, the second computer (3B) is a computer registered as a communication partner (so-called "friend") who communicates with the first computer (3A) via the network (9). The third computer (3C) is the computer of the communication partner communicating with the second computer (3B). Therefore, for example, since the individual information of the third computer (3C) can be displayed in association with the second computer (3B), the information about the third computer (3C) can be grasped.</p>
(Overall configuration of the game system) A game system 1 including a game device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an external view of the game system 1. Hereinafter, the game device and the game program of the present embodiment will be described by taking a stationary game device as an example. In FIG. 1, the game system 1 includes a television receiver (hereinafter, simply referred to as television) 2, a game device 3, an optical disk 4, a marker unit 6, and a controller 7. This system executes game processing on the game device 3 based on the game operation using the controller 7.
An optical disk 4, which is an example of an information storage medium that is interchangeably used for the game device 3, is detachably inserted into the game device 3 (corresponding to a computer or a display control device). The optical disk 4 stores a game program to be executed by the game device 3. An optical disc 4 insertion slot is provided on the front surface of the game device 3. The game device 3 executes the game processing by reading and executing the game program stored in the optical disk 4 inserted into the insertion slot.
A television 2 which is an example of a display device is connected to the game device 3 via a connection cord. The television 2 displays a game image obtained as a result of the game processing executed by the game device 3. Further, a marker unit 6 is installed around the screen of the television 2 (upper side of the screen in FIG. 1). The marker unit 6 is provided with two markers 6R and 6L at both ends thereof. The marker 6R (similar to the marker 6L) is specifically one or more infrared LEDs, and outputs infrared light toward the front of the television 2. The marker unit 6 is connected to the game device 3, and the game device 3 can control the lighting of each infrared LED included in the marker unit 6. Further, a microphone (not shown) is arranged in the marker unit 6, and the voice information input via the microphone is input to the game device 3.
The controller 7 is an input device that gives the game device 3 operation data indicating the content of the operation performed on the own machine. The controller 7 and the game device 3 are connected by wireless communication. In this embodiment, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) technology is used for wireless communication between the controller 7 and the game device 3. In another embodiment, the controller 7 and the game device 3 may be connected by wire.
(Internal configuration of game device 3) Next, the internal configuration of the game device 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the game device 3. The game device 3 includes a CPU 10, a system LSI 11, an external main memory 12, a ROM / RTC 13, a disk drive 14, an AV-IC15, and the like.
The CPU 10 executes game processing by executing a game program stored in the optical disk 4, and functions as a game processor. The CPU 10 is connected to the system LSI 11. In addition to the CPU 10, the external main memory 12, ROM / RTC 13, disk drive 14, and AV-IC 15 are connected to the system LSI 11. The system LSI 11 performs processing such as controlling data transfer between each component connected to the system LSI 11, generating an image to be displayed, and acquiring data from an external device. The internal configuration of the system LSI will be described later. The volatile external main memory 12 stores programs such as a game program read from the optical disk 4 and a game program read from the flash memory 17, and stores various data. It is used as a work area, buffer area, etc. ROM / RTC13 is a ROM (so-called boot ROM) in which a program for booting the game device 3 is incorporated, and a clock circuit (RTC: Real Time) that counts time. Clock) and. The disk drive 14 reads program data, texture data, and the like from the optical disk 4, and writes the read data to the internal main memory 11e or the external main memory 12, which will be described later.
Further, the system LSI 11 is provided with an input / output processor (I / O processor) 11a, a GPU (Graphics Processor Unit) 11b, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 11c, a VRAM 11d, and an internal main memory 11e. Although not shown, these components 11a to 11e are connected to each other by an internal bus.
GPU11b forms a part of drawing means and generates an image according to a graphics command (drawing command) from CPU10. VRAM11d stores data (data such as polygon data and texture data) necessary for GPU11b to execute graphics commands. When an image is generated, GPU11b creates image data using the data stored in VRAM11d.
The DSP 11c functions as an audio processor and generates audio data using sound data, sound wave (timbre) data, etc. stored in the internal main memory 11e, the external main memory 12, and the like.
The image data and audio data generated as described above are read out by the AV-IC15. The AV-IC15 outputs the read image data to the TV 2 via the AV connector 16 and outputs the read audio data to the speaker 2a built in the TV 2. As a result, the image is displayed on the television 2 and the sound is output from the speaker 2a.
The input / output processor 11a transmits / receives data to / from the components connected to the input / output processor 11a, and downloads data from an external device. The input / output processor 11a is connected to the flash memory 17, the wireless communication module 18, the wireless controller module 19, the expansion connector 20, and the memory card connector 21. The antenna 22 is connected to the wireless communication module 18, and the antenna 23 is connected to the wireless controller module 19.
The input / output processor 11a is connected to the network via the wireless communication module 18 and the antenna 22, and can communicate with other game devices and various servers connected to the network. The input / output processor 11a periodically accesses the flash memory 17, detects the presence or absence of data that needs to be transmitted to the network, and if there is such data, connects the flash memory 17 to the network via the wireless communication module 18 and the antenna 22. Send. Further, the input / output processor 11a receives the data transmitted from another game device or the data downloaded from the download server via the network, the antenna 22, and the wireless communication module 18, and the received data is stored in the flash memory 17. Record. By executing the game program, the CPU 10 reads the data stored in the flash memory 17 and uses it in the game program. In the flash memory 17, in addition to data transmitted and received between the game device 3 and other game devices and various servers, save data of a game played using the game device 3 (game result data or intermediate data). May be stored.
Further, the input / output processor 11a receives the operation data transmitted from the controller 7 via the antenna 23 and the wireless controller module 19, and stores (temporarily stores) the operation data in the buffer area of the internal main memory 11e or the external main memory 12.
Further, the expansion connector 20 and the memory card connector 21 are connected to the input / output processor 11a. The expansion connector 20 is a connector for interfaces such as USB and SCSI, and can be used to connect media such as external storage media, peripheral devices such as other controllers, and wired communication connectors. By connecting, it is possible to communicate with the network instead of the wireless communication module 18. The memory card connector 21 is a connector for connecting an external storage medium such as a memory card. For example, the input / output processor 11a can access an external storage medium via the expansion connector 20 or the memory card connector 21 to store data or read data.
The game device 3 is provided with a power button 24, a reset button 25, and an eject button 26. The power button 24 and the reset button 25 are connected to the system LSI 11. When the power button 24 is turned on, power is supplied to each component of the game device 3 via an AC adapter (not shown). When the reset button 25 is pressed, the system LSI 11 restarts the start program of the game device 3. The eject button 26 is connected to the disk drive 14. When the eject button 26 is pressed, the optical disk 4 is ejected from the disk drive 14.
The controller 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. Note that FIG. 3 is a perspective view seen from the rear of the upper surface of the controller 7. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the controller 7 as viewed from the front of the lower surface.
In FIGS. 3 and 4, the controller 7 has a housing 71 formed by, for example, plastic molding, and the housing 71 is provided with a plurality of operation units 72. The housing 71 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with its front-rear direction as the longitudinal direction, and has a size that can be gripped by one hand of an adult or a child as a whole.
A cross key 72a is provided on the center front side of the upper surface of the housing 71. The cross key 72a is a cross-shaped four-way push switch, and operating parts corresponding to the four directions (front, back, left, and right) are arranged on the protruding pieces of the cross at 90 ° intervals. When the player presses any operation part of the cross key 72a, either the front, back, left, or right direction<u style="single">But</u>Be selected. For example, by operating the cross key 72a, the player can instruct the moving direction of the player character or the like appearing in the virtual game world, or can instruct the selection from a plurality of options.
The cross key 72a is an operation unit that outputs an operation signal in response to the above-mentioned direction input operation of the player, but an operation unit of another aspect may be used. For example, four push switches may be arranged in the cross direction, and an operation unit that outputs an operation signal according to the push switch pressed by the player may be provided. Further, apart from the above four push switches, a center switch is arranged at a position where the cross directions intersect, and an operation unit in which the four push switches and the center switch are combined may be provided. Further, an operation unit that outputs an operation signal according to the tilt direction by tilting a tiltable stick (so-called joystick) protruding from the upper surface of the housing 71 may be provided instead of the cross key 72a. Further, an operation unit that outputs an operation signal according to the slide direction by sliding the horizontally movable disk-shaped member may be provided instead of the cross key 72a. Further, a touch pad may be provided instead of the cross key 72a.
A plurality of operation buttons 72b to 72g are provided on the rear surface side of the cross key 72a on the upper surface of the housing 71. The operation buttons 72b to 72g are operation units that output operation signals assigned to the respective operation buttons 72b to 72g when the player presses the button head. For example, the operation buttons 72b to 72d are assigned functions as the first button, the second button, the A button, and the like. In addition, the operation buttons 72e to 72g are assigned functions as a minus button, a home button, a plus button, and the like. The operation buttons 72a to 72g are assigned their respective operation functions according to the game program executed by the game device 3. In the arrangement example shown in FIG. 3, the operation buttons 72b to 72d are arranged side by side along the center front-rear direction of the upper surface of the housing 71. The operation buttons 72e to 72g are arranged side by side between the operation buttons 72b and 72d along the left-right direction on the upper surface of the housing 71. The operation button 72f is a type of button whose upper surface is embedded in the upper surface of the housing 71 so that the player does not accidentally press it.
In addition, an operation button 72h is provided on the front side of the cross key 72a on the upper surface of the housing 71. The operation button 72h is a power switch that remotely turns on / off the power of the game device 3. The upper surface of the operation button 72h is also buried in the upper surface of the housing 71, so that the player does not accidentally press the button 72h.
In addition, a plurality of LED 702s are provided on the rear surface side of the operation button 72c on the upper surface of the housing 71. Here, the controller 7 is provided with a controller type (number) in order to distinguish it from other controllers 7. For example, the LED 702 is used to notify the player of the controller type currently set in the controller 7. Specifically, when transmitting data from the controller 7 to the wireless communication module 18, among the plurality of LEDs 702 according to the controller type, the LED corresponding to the type lights up.
Further, on the upper surface of the housing 71, a sound extraction hole for emitting sound from a speaker (speaker 706 in FIG. 5), which will be described later, is formed between the operation buttons 72b and the operation buttons 72e to 72g.
On the other hand, a recess is formed on the lower surface of the housing 71. The recess on the lower surface of the housing 71 is formed at a position where the index finger or middle finger of the player is positioned when the player grasps the front surface of the controller 7 with one hand toward the markers 6L and 6R. An operation button 72i is provided on the inclined surface on the rear surface side of the recess. The operation button 72i is an operation unit that functions as, for example, a B button.
Further, on the front surface of the housing 71, an image pickup device 743 forming a part of the image pickup information calculation unit 74 is provided. Here, the image pickup information calculation unit 74 is a system for analyzing the image data captured by the controller 7, determining a place having high brightness in the image data, and detecting the position of the center of gravity and the size of the place. Since the sampling cycle is up to 200 frames / sec, even relatively high-speed movement of the controller 7 can be tracked and analyzed. The detailed configuration of the imaging information calculation unit 74 will be described later. A connector 73 is provided on the rear surface of the housing 71. The connector 73 is, for example, an edge connector, and is used for fitting and connecting to, for example, a connection cable.
Here, in order to make the following description concrete, the coordinate system set for the controller 7 is defined. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, XYZ axes that are orthogonal to each other are defined for the controller 7. Specifically, the longitudinal direction of the housing 71, which is the front-rear direction of the controller 7, is the Z-axis, and the front surface of the controller 7 (the surface on which the image pickup information calculation unit 74 is provided) is the Z-axis positive direction. Further, the vertical direction of the controller 7 is the Y-axis, and the direction of the lower surface of the housing 71 (the surface on which the operation button 72i is provided) is the positive Y-axis direction. Further, the left-right direction of the controller 7 is defined as the X-axis, and the direction of the left side surface of the housing 71 (the side surface not represented by FIG. 3 but represented by FIG. 4) is defined as the X-axis positive direction.
Next, the internal structure of the controller 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. Note that FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the controller 7 with the upper housing (a part of the housing 71) removed, as viewed from the rear surface side. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the controller 7 with the lower housing (a part of the housing 71) removed from the front side. Here, the substrate 700 shown in FIG. 6 is a perspective view seen from the back surface of the substrate 700 shown in FIG.
In FIG. 5, a substrate 700 is fixed inside the housing 71, and operation buttons 72a to 72h, an acceleration sensor 701, an LED 702, an antenna 754, and the like are provided on the upper main surface of the substrate 700. Then, these are connected to the microcomputer 751 or the like (see FIGS. 6 and 7) by the wiring (not shown) formed on the substrate 700 or the like. In addition, the wireless module 753 (see FIG. 7) and the antenna 754 allow the controller 7 to function as a wireless controller. A crystal oscillator 703 (not shown) is provided inside the housing 71 to generate the basic clock of the microcomputer 751 described later. Further, a speaker 706 and an amplifier 708 are provided on the upper main surface of the substrate 700. Further, the acceleration sensor 701 is provided on the substrate 700 on the left side of the operation button 72d (that is, not in the central portion of the substrate 700 but in the peripheral portion). Therefore, the acceleration sensor 701 can detect the acceleration including the component due to the centrifugal force in addition to the directional change of the gravitational acceleration according to the rotation about the longitudinal direction of the controller 7. From the detected acceleration data, the game device 3 or the like can determine the rotation of the controller 7 with good sensitivity.
On the other hand, in FIG. 6, the imaging information calculation unit 74 is provided on the front end edge on the lower main surface of the substrate 700. The image pickup information calculation unit 74 is composed of an infrared filter 741, a lens 742, an image sensor 743, and an image processing circuit 744 in this order from the front of the controller 7, and each is attached to the lower main surface of the substrate 700. Further, the connector 73 is attached to the rear end edge on the lower main surface of the substrate 700. Further, a sound IC 707 and a microcomputer 751 are provided on the lower main surface of the substrate 700. The sound IC 707 is connected to the microcomputer 751 and the amplifier 708 by wiring formed on the board 700 or the like, and outputs an audio signal to the speaker 706 via the amplifier 708 according to the sound data transmitted from the game device 3.
Then, the vibrator 704 is mounted on the lower main surface of the substrate 700. The vibrator 704 is, for example, a vibration motor or a solenoid. The vibrator 704 is connected to the microcomputer 751 by wiring formed on the board 700 or the like, and its operation is turned on / off according to the vibration data transmitted from the game device 3. Since vibration is generated in the controller 7 by operating the vibrator 704, the vibration is transmitted to the hand of the player holding it, and a so-called vibration-compatible game can be realized. Here, since the vibrator 704 is arranged slightly forward of the housing 71, the housing 71 vibrates greatly while being held by the player, and the vibration is easily felt.
Next, the internal configuration of the controller 7 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. Note that FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the controller 7.
In FIG. 7, the controller 7 includes a communication unit 75 inside the operation unit 72, the image pickup information calculation unit 74, the acceleration sensor 701, the vibrator 704, the speaker 706, the sound IC 707, and the amplifier 708 described above. ..
The image pickup information calculation unit 74 includes an infrared filter 741, a lens 742, an image sensor 743, and an image processing circuit 744. The infrared filter 741 allows only infrared rays to pass from light incident from the front of the controller 7. The lens 742 collects infrared rays transmitted through the infrared filter 741 and emits them to the image sensor 743. The image sensor 743 is a solid-state image sensor such as a CMOS sensor or a CCD, and captures infrared rays focused by the lens 742. Therefore, the image sensor 743 captures only the infrared rays that have passed through the infrared filter 741 to generate image data. The image data generated by the image sensor 743 is processed by the image processing circuit 744. Specifically, the image processing circuit 744 processes the image data obtained from the image sensor 743 to detect the high-luminance portion, and the communication unit 75 transmits the processing result data indicating the result of detecting the position coordinates and the area thereof. Output to. The image pickup information calculation unit 74 is fixed to the housing 71 of the controller 7, and the image pickup direction can be changed by changing the direction of the housing 71 itself.
The controller 7 preferably includes a 3-axis (X, Y, Z-axis) acceleration sensor 701. The three-axis accelerometer 701 linearly accelerates in three directions, that is, in the vertical direction (Y-axis shown in FIG. 3), the left-right direction (X-axis shown in FIG. 3), and the front-back direction (Z-axis shown in FIG. 3). Is detected.
The communication unit 75 includes a microcomputer (microcomputer) 751, a memory 752, a wireless module 753, and an antenna 754. The microcomputer 751 controls the wireless module 753 that wirelessly transmits transmission data while using the memory 752 as a storage area during processing. Further, the microcomputer 751 controls the operation of the sound IC 707 and the vibrator 704 according to the data from the game device 3 received by the wireless module 753 via the antenna 754. The sound IC 707 processes sound data and the like transmitted from the game device 3 via the communication unit 75. Further, the microcomputer 751 operates the vibrator 704 in response to vibration data (for example, a signal for turning on or off the vibrator 704) transmitted from the game device 3 via the communication unit 75.
Operation signals (key data) from the operation unit 72 provided on the controller 7, acceleration signals in the three-axis directions (acceleration data in the X, Y, and Z-axis directions) from the acceleration sensor 701, and imaging information calculation unit 74. The processing result data is output to the microcomputer 751. The microcomputer 751 temporarily stores each input data (key data, X, Y, and Z-axis direction acceleration data, processing result data) in the memory 752 as transmission data to be transmitted to the wireless communication module 18. Here, the wireless transmission from the communication unit 75 to the wireless communication module 18 is performed at predetermined intervals, but since the game processing is generally performed in units of 1/60 seconds, it is more than that. It is necessary to perform transmission in a short cycle. Specifically, the processing unit of the game is 16.7 ms (1/60 seconds), and the transmission interval of the communication unit 75 composed of Bluetooth (registered trademark) is 5 ms. When the transmission timing to the wireless communication module 18 arrives, the microcomputer 751 uses the transmission data stored in the memory 752 as a series of operation information.<u style="single">No</u>Output to line module 753. Then, the wireless module 753 radiates operation information as a radio signal from the antenna 754 using a carrier wave of a predetermined frequency, for example, using Bluetooth (Bluetooth; registered trademark) technology. That is, the key data from the operation unit 72 provided in the controller 7, the X, Y, and Z-axis direction acceleration data from the acceleration sensor 701, and the processing result data from the imaging information calculation unit 74 are transmitted from the controller 7. .. Then, the wireless communication module 18 of the game device 3 receives the radio wave signal, and the game device 3 demolishes or decodes the radio wave signal to perform a series of operation information (key data, X, Y, and Z-axis direction acceleration). Data and processing result data) are acquired. Then, the CPU 10 of the game device 3 performs game processing based on the acquired operation information and the game program. When the communication unit 75 is configured by using the technology of Bluetooth (registered trademark), the communication unit 75 can also have a function of receiving transmission data wirelessly transmitted from another device.
The above hardware configuration is merely an example, and the present invention can be applied to any computer system. For example, it can be applied to a computer system including a personal computer instead of the game device 3.
Next, the configuration of the display control system according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of the display control system according to the present invention. The display control system according to the present invention includes a plurality of game devices 3 (3A, 3B, 3C: corresponding to computers) and a server device 8 (servers) on the Internet 9 (corresponding to a network). It is a display control system that displays the communication status of the game device 3B on the game device 3A.
Further, here, a case where the game device 3A is communicably connected to another game device 3 (for example, the game device 3B or the like) via the Internet 9 and voice information is communicated with each other will be described. The voice information emitted from the user of the game device 3A is input to the game device 3A via a microphone arranged in the marker unit 6 connected to the game device 3A, and transmitted to the game device 3B via the Internet 9. Is output from the speaker 2a of the TV 2 connected to the game device 3B. Similarly, the voice information emitted from the user of the game device 3B is input to the game device 3B via the microphone arranged in the marker unit 6 connected to the game device 3B, and is input to the game device 3B via the Internet 9. It is transmitted to and output from the speaker 2a of the TV 2 connected to the game device 3A. In this way, the user of the game device 3A can have a conversation (so-called "chat") with the user of the game device 3B.
In the present embodiment, a case where the game device 3A communicates voice information with another game device 3 (for example, a game device 3B, etc.) via the Internet 9 (= when a chat is executed) will be described. It may be a form in which information is communicated with each other (= a form in which text chat is executed), or a form in which operation input information and game information are communicated with each other (= a form in which a game is executed).
In the present embodiment, the case where the network is the Internet 9 will be described, but the network may be another type of network such as LAN (Local Area Network) and WAN (Wide Area Network). Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the computer is the game device 3 will be described, but the computer may be a personal computer, a mobile phone, or the like. Further, in the present embodiment, the case where three game devices 3 are connected will be described, but a form in which four or more game devices 3 are connected may also be used. Further, the game device 3A, the game device 3B, and the game device 3C correspond to the first computer, the second computer, and the third computer, respectively.
FIG. 9 is a functional configuration diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the display control system according to the present invention.<u style="single">Hereinafter, the functional configurations of the server device 8 and the game device 3 will be described by taking the case where the game device 3 is the game device 3A as an example.</u>The server device 8 functionally includes a communication partner storage unit 81, an identification information storage unit 82, and a notification processing unit 83. Functionally, the CPU 10 of the game device 3 has a connection determination unit 101, a communication partner acquisition unit 102, a first acquisition unit 103, a communication status display unit 104, a second acquisition unit 105, a storage determination unit 106, and a first prohibition unit 107. , The number determination unit 108, the communication availability display unit 109, the notification determination unit 110, the second prohibition unit 111, and the notification availability setting unit 112 are provided. The flash memory 17 of the game device 3 functionally includes a registration information storage unit 171 and a notification availability storage unit 172.
The server device 8 is stored in advance in a computer such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) arranged in a suitable place in the server device 8 and in a ROM (Read Only Memory) or the like arranged in a suitable place in the server device 8. By executing the control program, the memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) arranged at an appropriate position of the server device 8 functions as the communication partner storage unit 81 and the identification information storage unit 82, and the computer is notified. It functions as a functional unit such as the processing unit 83.
Further, the CPU 10 of the game device 3 executes the display control program according to the present invention stored in advance on the optical disk 4 (see FIG. 2) or the like to execute the connection determination unit 101, the communication partner acquisition unit 102, and the first acquisition unit. 103, communication status display unit 104, second acquisition unit 105, storage determination unit 106, first prohibition unit 107, number determination unit 108, communication availability display unit 109, notification determination unit 110, second prohibition unit 111, notification availability setting It functions as a functional unit such as unit 112. Further, the CPU 10 of the game device 3 executes the display control program according to the present invention stored in advance on the optical disk 4 (see FIG. 2) or the like to store the flash memory 17, the registered information storage unit 171, and the notification availability storage unit. It functions as a functional part such as 172.
In the communication partner storage unit 81 (corresponding to the communication partner storage means), the individual information of a plurality of (here, three) game devices 3 (3A, 3B, 3C) and the plurality of game devices 3 communicate with each other. It is a functional unit that stores individual information corresponding to the game device 3 in association with each other. Here, the individual information is information for identifying the game device on the network, and is a device ID (Identification) given in advance to the game device 3. This device ID is, for example, the IP address, MAC address, and unique number generated from those addresses of the Ethernet (registered trademark) card of each game device.<u style="single">Any of</u>Is.
The identification information storage unit 82 can identify a plurality of (here, three) game devices 3 (3A, 3B, 3C).<u style="single">individual</u>It is a functional unit that stores information in association with identification information that can identify each game device 3. Here, the identification information is information generated by the user to identify the computer, and is the name information corresponding to the user of the game device 3 and the image representing the face of the person corresponding to the user of the game device 3. It is information such as face image information.
The notification processing unit 83 reads out the notification availability information stored in the notification availability storage unit 172 of the other game device 3 (here, the game device 3B) in response to the request from the notification determination unit 110, and the notification determination unit 83. It is a functional part that outputs to 110.
The registration information storage unit 171 (corresponding to the registration information storage means) is a game device 3 (here, a game device 3B, which is pre-registered by a user as a communication partner who communicates with the game device 3A via the Internet 9). 3C)<u style="single">individual</u>It is a functional unit that stores information and identification information. In other words, the registration information storage unit 171 is information capable of identifying the game device 3 (here, the game devices 3B and 3C) registered as a friend in the game device 3A.<u style="single">individual</u>Stores information and identification information. As described above, in the present embodiment,<u style="single">individual</u>The information is a device ID assigned in advance to the game device 3, respectively. In addition, these<u style="single">individual</u>The information and the identification information are sent to the server device 8 and stored in the communication partner storage unit 81, the identification information storage unit 82, and the like.
The notification availability storage unit 172 (corresponding to the notification availability storage unit 171) is used for each individual information stored in the registration information storage unit 171 with respect to the game device 3 (for example, the game device 3B) corresponding to the individual information. It is a functional unit that stores the notification availability information indicating whether or not it is permitted to notify the identification information corresponding to the game device 3 (for example, the game device 3C) communicating with the device 3A. In other words, the notification availability information stored in the notification availability storage unit 172 is registered as a friend of the game device 3 (here, the game device 3A) provided with the notification availability storage unit 172. For each game device 3 (for example, game device 3B), identification information (here, name information, face image information, etc.) corresponding to the game device 3 of the other party with which the game device 3A is chatting is provided. This is information indicating whether or not to allow notification.
In the connection determination unit 101 (corresponding to the connection determination means), the game device 3 (here, the game device 3B) corresponding to one individual information among the individual information stored in the registration information storage unit 171 is connected to the Internet 9 It is a functional part that determines whether or not it is connected to (= whether or not it is chatting).
The communication partner acquisition unit 102 (corresponding to a part of the first acquisition means) is a communication partner storage unit of the server device 8 when the connection determination unit 101 determines that the game device 3B is connected to the Internet 9. It is a functional unit that acquires individual information corresponding to the game device 3 (here, the game device 3C) that is stored in 81 and is communicating with the game device 3B.
The first acquisition unit 103 (corresponding to a part of the first acquisition means) communicates with the game device 3B when the connection determination unit 101 determines that the game device 3B is connected to the Internet 9. This is a functional unit that acquires identification information of the game device 3 (here, the game device 3C). Specifically, the first acquisition unit 103 acquires the identification information of the game device 3C from the identification information storage unit 82 of the server device 8 based on the individual information of the game device 3C acquired by the communication partner acquisition unit 102. To do.
The communication status display unit 104 (corresponding to the communication status display means) displays the communication status in which the game device 3B and the game device 3C are related based on the identification information of the game device 3C acquired by the first acquisition unit 103. It is a functional unit that is visually displayed on TV 2. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, as a communication state in which the game device 3B and the game device 3C are related, the communication status display unit 104 has a friend display unit 911 and a game device 3C on which user information of the game device 3B is displayed. The friend display unit 914 on which the user information of the above is displayed, and the two-line 916 indicating that the game device 3B and the game device 3C are executing a chat are displayed.
In this way, the communication state in which the game device 3B and the game device 3C are related is visually displayed based on the identification information of the game device 3C, so that the user of the game device 3A can visually display the game device 3B and the game. It is possible to easily determine whether or not to participate in the chat being executed with the device 3C.
That is, the game device 3B is a game device 3 registered as a communication partner (so-called "friend") who communicates with the game device 3A via the Internet 9. Further, the game device 3C is a game device 3 of a communication partner communicating with the game device 3B. Therefore, for example, since the identification information that can identify the game device 3C can be displayed in association with the game device 3B, it is possible to grasp the information such as the name related to the user of the game device 3C.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the communication status display unit 104 has a friend display unit 911 on which the user information of the game device 3B is displayed, a friend display unit 914 on which the user information of the game device 3C is displayed, and , The case of displaying the two lines 916, which indicates that the game device 3B and the game device 3C are executing a chat, will be described. However, the communication status display unit 104 associates the game device 3B with the game device 3C. The communication status may be displayed in another mode. For example, when the mark indicating the game device 3B is selected by the user of the game device 3A, the user information of the game device 3C may be displayed. In this case, since the user information of the game device 3C can be displayed on one screen, more detailed information can be displayed as the user information of the game device 3C.
Further, the communication status display unit 104 uses the game device 3B and the game based on the identification information of the game device 3C acquired by the first acquisition unit 103 and the identification information of the game device 3B acquired by the second acquisition unit 105. The communication status associated with the device 3C is displayed visually.
In this way, for example, the identification information of the game device 3B and the identification information of the game device 3C can be displayed in relation to each other, so that the user of the game device 3A can display the other party chatting with the game device 3B. Since the user information and the like of the game device 3C can be grasped, it becomes possible to more easily determine whether or not to participate in the chat executed between the game device 3B and the game device 3C.
The second acquisition unit 105 (corresponding to the second acquisition means) is a functional unit that acquires identification information corresponding to the game device 3B. Specifically, the second acquisition unit 105, like the first acquisition unit 103, has the identification information corresponding to the game device 3B from the identification information storage unit 82 of the server device 8 based on the individual information of the game device 3B. To get.
The memory determination unit 106 (corresponding to the memory determination means) is a function unit that determines whether or not the individual information of the game device 3C of the other party chatting with the game device 3B is stored in the registration information storage unit 171. Is. In other words, the memory determination unit 106 determines whether or not the game device 3C of the other party chatting with the game device 3B is registered as a friend of the game device 3A.
When the storage determination unit 106 determines that the individual information of the game device 3C is not stored in the registration information storage unit 171, the first prohibition unit 107 refers to the communication status display unit 104 with respect to the game device 3B. And the game device 3C<u style="single">communication</u>It is a functional unit that prohibits the display of the status in a visible manner. That is, the first prohibition unit 107 prohibits the display of the user information and the like of the game device 3C on the game device 3A when the game device 3C is not a friend of the game device 3A.
In this way, when the game device 3C is not registered as a friend of the game device 3A, it is prohibited that the identification information such as the user information of the game device 3C is displayed on the game device 3A. It is possible to protect the privacy of 3C users.
In the present embodiment, when the game device 3C is not registered as a friend of the game device 3A, the case where the first prohibition unit 107 prohibits the identification information of the game device 3C from being displayed on the game device 3A will be described. However, the first prohibition unit 107 may be in a form that prohibits at least a part of the identification information of the game device 3C from being displayed on the game device 3A. For example, the first prohibition unit 107 prohibits the display of the name information included in the identification information of the game device 3C, and does not prohibit the display of the face image information included in the identification information of the game device 3C ( = The face image information of the game device 3C is displayed). In this case, the user can select an item for which display is prohibited in order to protect privacy, and the convenience of the game device 3 can be improved.
The number determination unit 108 (corresponding to the number determination means) determines whether or not the number of game devices 3 with which the game device 3B is chatting is less than or equal to a preset predetermined number (here, two). It is a functional part.
The communication availability display unit 109 (corresponding to the communication availability display means) chats with the game device 3B when it is determined by the number determination unit 108 that the number is less than or equal to the predetermined number (here, two) set in advance. It is a functional unit that visually displays that it is possible. Further, the communication availability display unit 109 can communicate with the game device 3B when it is determined by the number determination unit 108 that the number is less than or equal to a predetermined number (here, two) set in advance.<u style="single">3 of</u>Display the number of units visually.
For example, as shown in FIG. 15, when it is determined by the number determination unit 108 that the number is less than or equal to a predetermined number (here, 2 units) set in advance, the communication availability display unit 109 chats with the game device 3B. The vacant seat display unit 915 indicating the number of game devices 3 (here, two) that can participate in the game is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the game device 3B is chatting with one game device 3, and two vacant seat display units 915 are displayed, so that two games are further included in this chat. It can be seen that device 3 can participate.
In this way, the user of the game device 3A can easily determine whether or not it is possible to participate in the chat with the game device 3B depending on the presence or absence of the vacant seat display unit 915. Further, the number of vacant seat display units 915 allows the user of the game device 3A to easily grasp the number of game devices 3 capable of participating in the chat with the game device 3B.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, a case where the communication availability display unit 109 displays whether or not chat with the game device 3B is possible depending on the presence or absence of the vacant seat display unit 915 will be described. The possibility display unit 109 may display in another mode whether or not chat with the game device 3B is possible. For example, the communication availability display unit 109 may display whether or not chat with the game device 3B is possible based on the character information.
Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the communication availability display unit 109 displays the number of game devices 3 capable of participating in the chat with the game device 3B according to the number of vacant seat display units 915. However, the communication availability display unit 109 may display the number of game devices 3 capable of participating in the chat with the game device 3B in another mode. For example, the communication availability display unit 109 may display the number of game devices 3 capable of participating in the chat with the game device 3B by using the character information.
When the connection determination unit 101 determines that the game device 3B is connected to the Internet 9, the notification determination unit 110 (corresponding to the notification determination means) sets the identification information of the game device 3C in the game device 3B. This is a functional unit that determines whether or not notification to device 3A is permitted. In other words, the notification determination unit 110 is set in the game device 3B to notify the game device 3A of the communication status of the game device 3B (= user information of the game device 3C which is the communication partner, etc.). Determine if it is.
Specifically, the notification determination unit 110 is permitted to notify the game device 3A of the identification information of the game device 3C based on the notification availability information for the game device 3A in the notification availability storage unit 172 of the game device 3B. Judge whether or not it has been done. Here, the notification determination unit 110 acquires notification availability information for the game device 3A stored in the notification availability storage unit 172 of the game device 3B via the notification processing unit 83 of the server device 8. That is, the notification determination unit 110 requests the notification processing unit 83 of the server device 8 for notification availability information for the game device 3A in the notification availability storage unit 172 of the game device 3B. Then, when the notification processing unit 83 receives this request, it requests the game device 3B to transmit the notification availability information for the game device 3A stored in the notification availability storage unit 172. Then, when the notification processing unit 83 receives the notification availability information for the game device 3A from the game device 3B, the notification processing unit 83 transfers this information to the game device 3A.
When the notification determination unit 110 determines that the notification is not permitted, the second prohibition unit 111 visually recognizes the communication state in which the game device 3B and the game device 3C are related to the communication status display unit 104. It is a functional part that prohibits display as possible. In other words, the second prohibition unit 111 is permitted in the game device 3B to notify the game device 3A of the communication status of the game device 3B (= user information of the game device 3C which is the communication partner, etc.). If not, the display of the communication status of the game device 3B is prohibited.
In this way, when the game device 3B is not permitted to notify the game device 3B of the communication state of the game device 3B, the communication state in which the game device 3B and the game device 3C are related is changed. Since it is not displayed, the privacy of the user of the game device 3C can be protected. Further, based on the notification availability information for the game device 3A in the notification availability storage unit 172 of the game device 3B, it is determined whether or not the communication status of the game device 3B can be notified to the game device 3A. Whether or not the communication status can be notified can be determined with a simple configuration.
In the present embodiment, when the communication status of the game device 3B is not permitted to be notified to the game device 3A, the second prohibition unit 111 displays the identification information of the game device 3C on the game device 3A. The case where the above is prohibited will be described, but any form may be used as long as the second prohibition unit 111 prohibits at least a part of the identification information of the game device 3C from being displayed on the game device 3A. For example, the second prohibition unit 111 prohibits the display of the name information included in the identification information of the game device 3C, and does not prohibit the display of the face image information included in the identification information of the game device 3C ( = The face image information of the game device 3C is displayed). In this case, the user can select an item for which display is prohibited in order to protect privacy, and the convenience of the game device 3 can be improved.
Further, in the present embodiment, the second prohibition unit 111 determines whether or not the communication status of the game device 3B with respect to the game device 3A can be notified based on the notification availability storage unit 172 of the game device 3B. A case will be described, but as will be described later with reference to FIG. 21, the second prohibition unit 111 uses the game device 3A based on the notification availability information stored in the notification availability storage unit 172 of the game device 3A and the game device 3B. It may be in the form of determining whether or not the communication status of the game device 3B can be notified.
Further, the second prohibition unit 111 determines whether or not the communication status of the game device 3B with respect to the game device 3A can be notified based on the notification availability storage unit 172 of the game device 3B and the game device 3C. But it's okay. That is, for example, the second prohibition unit 111 stores the notification availability information to the effect that the communication status of the game device 3B can be notified to the game device 3A in the notification availability storage unit 172 of the game device 3B, and Only when the notification availability storage unit 172 of the game device 3C stores notification availability information indicating that the communication status of the game device 3C can be notified to the game device 3B, the game is sent to the game device 3A. It may be in a form of determining that the communication status of the device 3B can be notified. In this case, the privacy of the user of the game device 3C can be protected more reliably.
The notification availability setting unit 112 (corresponding to the notification availability setting means) receives the operation input from the controller 7, and based on the received operation input, notifies each individual information stored in the registration information storage unit 171. This is a functional unit that sets availability information and records it in the notification availability storage unit 172. In this way, since the notification availability information is set based on the operation input from the controller 7, the notification availability information can be easily set.<u style="single">Although the functional configuration of the game device 3A has been described so far, the game devices 3B and 3C also have the same functional configuration as the game device 3A. Therefore, the description of the functional configuration of the game devices 3B and 3C will be omitted.</u>
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the display control device according to the present invention. In addition, here,<u style="single">The game device 3 is the game device 3A, and the game device 3A</u>The registration information storage unit 171 stores individual information that can identify the game device 3 registered as a friend in advance, and the notification availability storage unit 172 is stored in the notification availability storage unit 172 by the notification availability setting unit 112 in advance. A case will be described in which notification availability information is set for each individual information stored in 171 and the set notification availability information is stored in association with each other. Further, in the communication partner storage unit 81 of the server device 8, individual information capable of identifying a plurality of game devices 3 in advance and individual information corresponding to the game devices 3 with which the plurality of game devices 3 are communicating with each other are stored in advance. When the individual information that can identify a plurality of game devices 3 and the identification information that can identify each game device 3 are stored in association with each other in the identification information storage unit 82. explain. It is assumed that the game device 3A corresponding to the own device is connected to the server device 8 in advance via the Internet 9.<u style="single">Hereinafter, the procedure of the processing performed by the game device 3A will be described with reference to FIG.</u>
First, in step S101, the connection determination unit 101 reads out the number N of individual information stored in the registration information storage unit 171 (= the number of game devices 3 registered as friends in the game device 3A). Then, in step S103, the communication partner acquisition unit 102 initializes the value of the number counter M that counts the number of the game devices 3 to 0. Next, in step S105, the communication partner acquisition unit 102 lists the device IDs (= individual information) of all the game devices 3 included in the group in which the game device 3A, which is its own device, is chatting (hereinafter, "ID". "List") is read from the communication partner storage unit 81 of the server device 8.
When the process of step S105 is completed, or when the process of step S125 is completed, in step S107, the communication status display unit 104 or the like reads the ID list read in step S105 (or is read in step S125). From the issued ID list), the host display process, which is the process of displaying the game device 3 corresponding to the virtual "host" on the television 2, is performed. Here, the "host" is the game device 3 on the side that applied for the chat, out of the two game devices 3 that participated in the chatting group for the first time.
Then, in step S109, the communication status display unit 104 or the like displays the game device 3 corresponding to a virtual "host" from the ID list read in step S105 (or the ID list read in step S125). The conversation partner display process, which is the process of displaying the game device 3 which is the conversation partner (= chat partner) of the TV 2, is performed. Next, in step S111, the communication availability display unit 109 or the like displays the conversation partner (or the conversation partner of the "host" game device 3 from the ID list read in step S105 (or the ID list read in step S125). = Performs vacant seat display processing, which is a process of displaying a virtual "vacant seat", which is the number of game devices 3 that can be a chat partner), on TV 2.
If the processing of step S111 is completed, the processing of step S127 is completed, or YES in step S121, the connection determination unit 101 reads the value of the number counter M in step S101 in step S113. It is determined whether or not the number is N or more. When it is determined that the value of the number counter M is equal to or greater than the number N (YES in step S113), the process ends. If it is determined that the value of the number counter M is less than the number N (NO in step S113), the process proceeds to step S115.
In step S115, the connection determination unit 101 increments the value of the number counter M by 1. Then, in step S117, the notification determination unit 110 notifies the game device 3A in the notification availability storage unit 172 of the game device 3 which is the Mth friend among the game devices 3 registered as friends in the game device 3A. The information is read out via the notification processing unit 83 of the server device 8. Next, in step S119, the second prohibition unit 111 determines whether or not the notification availability information read in step S117 is information indicating that notification is possible. If the notification availability information read in step S117 is information indicating notification availability (YES in step S119), the process proceeds to step S121. If the notification availability information read in step S117 is information indicating that notification is not possible (NO in step S119), the process proceeds to step S127.
In step S121, the communication status display unit 104 determines whether or not the Mth friend has already been displayed on the television 2. Here, when the M-th friend has already been displayed on the television 2, the device corresponding to the M-th friend in the ID list read in step S105 (or the ID list read in step S125). This is the case when the ID (= individual information) is included. When it is determined that the Mth friend has been displayed on TV 2 (<u style="single">Step</u>If YES) in S121, the process proceeds to step S113. When it is determined that the Mth friend has not been displayed on TV 2 (<u style="single">Step</u>In (NO) in S121, in step S123, the connection determination unit 101 determines whether or not the Mth friend is online (whether or not it is connected to the server device 8 via the Internet 9). If the Mth friend is determined not to be online (<u style="single">Step</u>For NO) in S121, the process proceeds to step S127. If the Mth friend is determined to be online (<u style="single">Step</u>If YES) in S121, the process proceeds to step S125.
If YES in step S123, the communication partner acquisition unit 102, M-th of all the game apparatus 3 of a device ID that friend is included in the group is performed chat (= number body information) list (= ID list ) Is read from the communication partner storage unit 81 of the server device 8. When the process of step S125 is completed, the process proceeds to step S107.
If NO in step S119 or NO in step S123, in step S127, the communication status display unit 104 displays that the Mth friend is offline. Here, to indicate that the user is offline, for example, the background color of the area for displaying the name and face image of the Mth friend (= the color of the attribute display section described later) is gray (the screens shown in FIGS. 15 to 20). In the figure, it is indicated by the shaded area of the horizontal line). When the process of step S127 is completed, the process proceeds to step S113.
FIG. 11 is a detailed flowchart showing an example of the host display process executed in step S107 of the flowchart shown in FIG. First, in step S201, the communication status display unit 104 corresponds to the "host" from the ID list read in step S105 shown in FIG. 10 (or the ID list read in step S125 shown in FIG. 10). Read the device ID (= individual information) to be used. Next, in step S203, the communication status display unit 104 reads the name information and face image information (= identification information) corresponding to the device ID read in step S201 from the identification information storage unit 82 of the server device 8.
Then, in step S205, the communication status display unit 104 determines whether or not the game device 3 corresponding to the "host" is the game device 3A corresponding to the own device. This determination is performed based on whether or not the device ID corresponding to the "host" read in step S201 matches the device ID included in the user information stored in advance in the game device 3A. If it is determined that the "host" is the own device (YES in step S205), the process proceeds to step S207. If it is determined that the "host" is not the own device (NO in step S205), the process proceeds to step S209.
In step S209, the communication status display unit 104 determines whether or not the game device 3 corresponding to the host is the game device 3 registered as a friend of the own device. This determination is based on whether or not the device ID corresponding to the "host" read in step S201 matches any of the device IDs of the friends stored in the registration information storage unit 171 of the game device 3A. Is done. If it is determined that the "host" is a friend of the own device (YES in step S209), the process proceeds to step S211. If it is determined that the "host" is not a friend of the own device (NO in step S209), the process proceeds to step S213.
In step S207, the communication status display unit 104 displays the host as its own device, and returns the process to step S109 of the flowchart shown in FIG. Here, to indicate that the device is the own device, for example, the background color of the area for displaying the name and face image of the own device (= the color of the attribute display section described later) is red (the screen views shown in FIGS. 15 to 20). Then, it is displayed by shading the vertical line). In addition, the indication that it is a "host" is, for example, yellow on the outer circumference of the area for displaying the name and face image of the device (in the screen views shown in FIGS. 15 to 20, it is indicated by shaded horizontal lines with narrow intervals). It is displayed with a ring (= host mark described later).
In step S211 the communication status display unit 104 displays the host as a friend of the own device, and returns the process to step S109 of the flowchart shown in FIG. Here, to indicate that the user is a friend of the own device, for example, the background color of the area for displaying the name and face image of the device (= the color of the attribute display section described later) is blue (the screens shown in FIGS. 15 to 20). In the figure, it is indicated by the shaded shade on the lower left).
In step S213, the communication status display unit 104 displays the host as a friend of a friend of the own device, and returns the process to step S109 of the flowchart shown in FIG. Here, the "friend of a friend of the own device" is a registration information storage unit of the game device 3 in the game device 3 in which the device ID is stored as a friend in the registration information storage unit 171 of the game device 3A which is the own device. It points to the game device 3 in which the device ID is stored as a friend in 171. To indicate that the device is a friend of a friend of the device, for example, the background color of the area for displaying the name and face image of the device (= the color of the attribute display section described later) is yellowish green (screen view shown in FIG. 19). Then, it is displayed by a grid-like shading consisting of two types of diagonal lines).
FIG. 12 is a detailed flowchart showing an example of the conversation partner display process executed in step S109 of the flowchart shown in FIG. First, in step S301, the communication status display unit 104 talks to the "host" from the ID list read in step S105 shown in FIG. 10 (or the ID list read in step S125 shown in FIG. 10). Find the number of devices H of the other party. For example, when a chat is being performed between two game devices 3, the number of devices H of the conversation partner is "1", and when a chat is being performed between the three game devices 3. , The number of devices H of the conversation partner is "2", and when a chat is being performed between the four game devices 3, the number of devices H of the conversation partner is "3". Next, in step S303, the communication status display unit 104 initializes the number counter L, which is a counter for counting the number of conversation partners, to "1". And step<u style="single">S30</u>When the process of 3 is completed, or when the process of step S321 is completed, in step S305, the communication status display unit 104 reads the ID list (or in FIG. 10) in step S105 shown in FIG. From the ID list read in step S125 shown), the device ID of the Lth conversation partner is read.
Next, in step S307, the communication status display unit 104 reads the name information and face image information (= identification information) corresponding to the device ID read in step S305 from the identification information storage unit 82 of the server device 8. .. Next, in step S309, the communication status display unit 104 determines whether or not the game device 3 corresponding to the Lth conversation partner is the game device 3A corresponding to the own device. Note that this determination is based on whether or not the device ID corresponding to the Lth conversation partner read in step S305 matches the device ID included in the user information stored in advance in the game device 3A. Will be. Corresponds to the Lth conversation partner<u style="single">Game device 3</u>If is determined to be the own device (YES in step S309), the process proceeds to step S311. If it is determined that the game device 3 corresponding to the Lth conversation partner is not its own device (NO in step S309), the process proceeds to step S313.
In step S313, the communication status display unit 104 determines whether or not the game device 3 corresponding to the Lth conversation partner is the game device 3 registered as a friend of the own device. In this determination, whether or not the device ID corresponding to the Lth conversation partner read in step S305 matches any of the device IDs of the friends stored in the registration information storage unit 171 of the game device 3A. It is done based on. If it is determined that the Lth conversation partner is a friend of the own device (YES in step S313), the process proceeds to step S315. If it is determined that the Lth conversation partner is not a friend of the own device (NO in step S313), the process proceeds to step S317.
In step S311, the communication status display unit 104 displays the Lth conversation partner as its own device, and proceeds to step S319. In step S315, the communication status display unit 104 displays the Lth conversation partner as a friend of the own device, and proceeds to step S319. In step S317, the communication status display unit 104 displays the Lth conversation partner as a friend of a friend of the own device, and proceeds to step S319. In step S319, the communication status display unit 104 determines whether or not the value of the number counter L is equal to or greater than the number H read in step S301. When it is determined that the value of the number counter L is equal to or greater than the number H (YES in step S319), the process returns to step S111 shown in FIG. If it is determined that the value of the number counter L is less than the number H (NO in step S319), the process proceeds to step S321. In step S321, the communication status display unit 104 increments the value of the number counter L by "1" and returns the process to step S305.
FIG. 13 is a detailed flowchart showing an example of the vacant seat display process executed in step S111 of the flowchart shown in FIG. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a chat is performed between a maximum of four game devices 3. First, in step S401, the communication availability display unit 109 has the number of devices H (= the number of game devices 3 corresponding to the conversation partner of the "host") obtained in step S301 shown in FIG. 12 being "2" or less. Judge whether or not. When it is determined that the number of devices H is "2" or less (<u style="single">Step</u>If YES) in S401, the process proceeds to step S403. When it is determined that the number of devices H is larger than "2" (<u style="single">Step</u>For NO) in S401, the process returns to step S113 shown in FIG.
In step S403, the communication availability display unit 109 obtains the number of vacant seats P using the following equation (1). Number of vacant seats P = Predetermined number (here, 3)-Number of devices H (1) As described above, in the present embodiment, since it is premised that chat is performed between a maximum of four game devices 3, the number of vacant seats P is calculated by the above equation (1).
Next, the communication availability display unit 109 displays the vacant seats for the number of vacant seats P obtained in step S403 on the television 2, and returns the process to step S113 shown in FIG. Here, the vacant seat display is displayed by, for example, as shown in FIGS. 15 to 20, the vacant seat mark 915 or the like associated with the display indicating the host. The display indicating the "host" is displayed by the host mark 911d or the like in the screen views shown in FIGS. 15 to 20. Further, the association is shown by two lines 916 and the like in the screen views shown in FIGS. 15 to 20. Further, the vacant seat mark is displayed by a gray vacant seat mark 915 or the like (indicated by shaded horizontal lines in the screen views shown in FIGS. 15 to 20).
FIG. 14 is a chart showing an example of various information stored in the game device 3 and the server device 8. FIG. 14A is a chart showing an example of user information stored in the game device 3A corresponding to the own device. As user information, for example, the device ID and the player name are stored as "3333" and "Yamada", respectively. FIG. 14B is a chart showing an example of registration information regarding friends stored in the registration information storage unit 171 and the notification availability storage unit 172 of the game device 3A corresponding to the own device. As the registration information, the device ID, the player name, the IP address, and the notification availability information of the game device 3 registered as a friend are described. Here, as friends of the game device 3A, three game devices 3 whose player names are "Sato", "Sasaki", and "Suzuki" are registered.
FIG. 14C is a diagram showing an example of an ID list stored in the communication partner storage unit 81 of the server device 8 when the game device 3A connects to the server device 8 via the Internet 9. The ID list includes the name of the group in which the chat is performed, the device IDs of the game devices 3 that make up the group, and the player names corresponding to each device ID. As shown in the figure, here, in group 1, chat is performed by two game devices 3 whose player names are "Sato" and "Suzuki", respectively.
FIG. 14 (d) is a chart showing an example of an ID list when the game device 3 having the player name Sasaki participates in the chat of group 1 shown in FIG. 14 (c). Similar to FIG. 14C, the ID list includes the group name in which the chat is performed, the device IDs of the game devices 3 constituting the group, and the player names corresponding to each device ID. Here, in group 1, the player name<u style="single">But"</u>The game device 3 which is "Sasaki" participates, and the chat is performed by the three game devices 3.
FIG. 15 is a screen view showing an example of a communication status display screen displayed on the television 2 connected to the game device 3A operated by the player name Yamada corresponding to the chart shown in FIG. On the communication status display screen 910, the own device display unit 913 is displayed in the upper left part of the screen, the friend display unit 912 is displayed in the lower left part of the screen, and the friend display units 911 and 914 are displayed in the right side of the screen. .. The own device display unit 913 is a display unit that displays information about the game device 3A, which is the own device, and includes a player name display unit 913a, a face image display unit 913b, and an attribute display unit 913c.
The player name display unit 913a is a display unit that displays the player name registered as the user information of the game device 3A, and here, "Yamada" is displayed based on the user information shown in FIG. 14 (a). ing. The face image display unit 913b is a display unit that displays a face image registered as user information of the game device 3A. It should be noted that only a plurality of face images can be set for one game device 3 according to the number of users. For example, two face images are displayed on the face image display unit 914b of the friend display unit 914, and it can be seen that the game device 3 corresponding to the friend display unit 914 is used by two users.
In the attribute display unit 913c, the corresponding game device 3 is a game device 3A corresponding to the own device, a game device 3 corresponding to a friend of the own device, or a friend of a friend of the own device. It is a display unit that shows the attributes of the game device 3 or not by color information. For example, in the case of the game device 3A corresponding to the own device, it is displayed in red (in the screen view shown in FIGS. 15 to 20, it is indicated by a shaded vertical line). Further, in the case of the game device 3 corresponding to the friend of the own device, the game device 3 is displayed in blue (in the screen view shown in FIGS. 15 to 20, it is indicated by a shaded shade with a downward slash to the left). If the game device 3 corresponds to a friend of a friend of the own device, it is displayed in yellow-green (in the screen view shown in FIG. 19, it is indicated by a grid-like shade consisting of two types of diagonal lines).
The friend display unit 912 is a display unit that displays information about the game device 3 operated by the user with the player name "Sasaki", and like the own device display unit 913, the player name display unit 912a and the face image display unit 912b. , And the attribute display unit 912c is included. However, since the game device 3 operated by the user with the player name "Sasaki" is the game device 3 corresponding to a friend of the own device, the attribute display unit 912c is blue (in the screen views shown in FIGS. 15 to 20). It is displayed as shaded by a diagonal line that descends to the left).
The friend display units 911 and 914 are display units that display information about the game device 3 operated by the user of the player names "Sato" and "Suzuki", respectively, and are the player name display units like the friend display unit 912. It includes 911a, 914a, face image display units 911b, 914b, and attribute display units 911c, 914c. Further, between the friend display unit 911 and the friend display unit 914, a two-line 916 indicating that they are chat partners with each other is displayed. Further, a host mark 911d indicating that the host is a host is displayed on the outer periphery of the friend display unit 911. In addition, vacant seat marks 915 indicating that there are vacant seats are displayed on the lower left side and the lower right side of the friend display unit 911 via the two main lines 916. Since only two vacant seat marks 915 are displayed, it can be seen that there are two vacant seats.
FIG. 16 is a screen view showing an example of a communication status display screen displayed on the television 2 connected to the game device 3 operated by the player name Sasaki corresponding to the chart shown in FIG. On the communication status display screen 920, the friend display unit 923 is displayed in the upper left part of the screen, the own device display unit 922 is displayed in the lower left part of the screen, and the friend display units 921 and 924 are displayed in the right side of the screen. .. Compared with FIG. 15, the display unit corresponding to the game device 3 of the player name Sasaki, which was displayed as the friend display unit 912 in FIG. 15, is displayed as the own device display unit 922 in FIG. On the contrary, the display unit corresponding to the game device 3 having the player name Yamada, which was displayed as the own device display unit 913 in FIG. 15, is displayed as the friend display unit 923 in FIG. Here, since the game devices 3 having the player names "Suzuki" and "Sato" are both registered as friends in the game device 3 having the player name "Sasaki", the friend display units 921 and 924, respectively. Is displayed as.
FIG. 17 is an example of a participation application screen displayed on the TV 2 connected to the game device 3 operated by the player name Sasaki when the player name Sasaki applies for participation in a chat performed in group 1. It is a screen view which shows. On the participation application screen 930, friend display units 931 and 932 are displayed in the substantially central part of the screen, message display units 933 are displayed in the upper part of the screen, and buttons 934 and 935 are displayed in the lower part of the screen.
The friend display units 931 and 932 are display units that display the members already included in the group to which the player name "Sasaki" applies for participation, and are the player names like the friend display units 911 and 914 shown in FIG. The display units 931a and 932a, the face image display units 931b and 932b, the attribute display units 931c and 932c, and the host mark 931d are included. In the message display unit 933, a message prompting confirmation as to whether or not to apply for participation in the chat held in group 1 is displayed as "Do you want to apply for conversation with this member?" The Yes button 934 is a button selected when applying, and the No button 935 is a button selected when not applying. When the Yes button 934 is selected and the information that the application is accepted is input from the game device 3 of the player name "Sato" corresponding to "Host", the player name "Sasaki" is entered into the chat performed in Group 1. You can participate.
FIG. 18 shows an example of a communication status display screen displayed on the TV 2 connected to the game device 3A operated by the player name Yamada when the player name Sasaki participates in a chat performed in group 1. It is a screen view which shows. In FIG. 18, as compared with the communication status display screen 910 shown in FIG. 15, the vacant seat mark 915 displayed on the lower left side of the friend display unit 911 that displays information about the game device 3 of the player name Sato in FIG. Is replaced by the friend display unit 942 that displays information about the game device 3 with the player name "Sasaki". That is, the game device 3 having the player name "Sasaki" participates in the chat of the group 1 composed of the game device 3 having the player name "Sato" and the game device 3 having the player name "Suzuki". As shown in (d), it can be seen that group 1 has become a group consisting of three game devices 3.
FIG. 19 shows a television 2 connected to the game device 3A operated by the player name Yamada when the player name Suzuki is not registered as a friend in the game device 3A operated by the player name Yamada. It is a screen view which shows an example of the communication state display screen which is displayed. If the game device 3 operated by the player name "Suzuki" is not registered as a friend in the game device 3A operated by the player name "Yamada", the memory determination unit 106 controls the game operated by the player name "Suzuki". It is determined that device 3 is not registered as a friend of game device 3A. Then, the first prohibition unit 107 prohibits the display of the user information and the like of the game device 3 operated by the player name "Suzuki" on the game device 3A. Therefore, in FIG. 15, the player name and the face image are at positions corresponding to the friend display unit 914 (= display position of the friend display unit 954) that displays information about the game device 3 operated by the user with the player name Suzuki. User information such as is not displayed. In the present embodiment, when the friend is not registered in advance, the received user information or the like is prohibited from being displayed by the first prohibition unit 107. For example, in the case of a friend who is not registered in advance, the device ID You may want to receive only only.
If the player name "Suzuki" is not registered as a friend in the game device 3A operated by the player name "Yamada", the game device 3 operated by the user with the player name "Suzuki" has the player name "Yamada". Is a friend of the game device 3A operated by "(= game device 3 of the player name" Sasaki "). Therefore, the attribute display unit 954c of the friend display unit 954 corresponding to the game device 3 operated by the user with the player name "Suzuki" is yellowish green (in the screen diagram shown in FIG. 19, a grid-like net consisting of two types of diagonal lines). It is displayed by multiplying).
FIG. 20 shows a game device operated by the player name Yamada.<u style="single">3A</u>A game device operated by the player name "Sasaki" when offline<u style="single">To 3</u>It is a screen view which shows an example of the communication state display screen displayed on the connected television 2. A game device operated by the player name "Yamada"<u style="single">3A</u>Is a game device operated by the player name "Yamada" when<u style="single">3A</u>The attribute display unit 963c of the friend display unit 963 corresponding to is displayed in gray, which is a color indicating that the user is offline (in the screen view shown in FIGS. 15 to 20, the horizontal line is shaded).
FIG. 21 is a chart illustrating an example of a method for determining whether or not notification is possible, which is performed by the notification determination unit 110. FIG. 21A is a chart showing an example of friend registration information stored in the notification availability storage unit 172 of the game device 3A operated by the player name Yamada. FIG. 21B is a chart showing an example of friend registration information stored in the notification availability storage unit 172 of the game device 3 operated by the player name Sasaki. FIG. 21 (c) is a chart showing an example of the determination result of whether or not the notification is possible by the notification determination unit 110 in the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 21 (c), in the present embodiment, in the game device 3 (device ID = 2222) operated by the player name Sasaki, the game device 3A (device ID = 3333) operated by the player name Yamada. When the notification availability information for) is information indicating "notification possible", the notification determination unit 110 sets the communication status of the game device 3 (device ID = 2222) operated by the player name "Sasaki" to the player name "Yamada". It is determined that the game device 3A (device ID = 3333) operated by "" can be notified. Further, in the game device 3 (device ID = 2222) operated by the player name "Sasaki", the information indicating that the notification availability information for the game device 3A (device ID = 3333) operated by the player name "Yamada" indicates "notification not possible". If, the notification determination unit 110 controls the communication status of the game device 3 (device ID = 2222) operated by the player name Sasaki by the game device 3A (device ID = 3333) operated by the player name Yamada. It is determined that the notification is not possible.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 21D, the notification determination unit 110 may determine whether or not notification is possible. That is, in the game device 3 (device ID = 2222) operated by the player name "Sasaki", the information indicating that the notification availability information for the game device 3A (device ID = 3333) operated by the player name "Yamada" indicates "notification possible". In addition, in the game device 3A (device ID = 3333) operated by the player name "Yamada", the notification availability information for the game device 3 (device ID = 2222) operated by the player name "Sasaki" is "notification possible". The communication status of the game device 3 (device ID = 2222) operated by the player name "Sasaki" is changed to the game device 3A (device ID = 3333) operated by the player name "Yamada" only when the information indicates It is determined that the notification is possible. In this case, since the communication status is notified only when it is set that the communication status can be notified to each other, privacy can be further protected.
The display control device according to the present invention is not limited to the game device 3 according to the above embodiment, and may have the following forms. (A) In the present embodiment, the CPU 10 functionally uses the connection determination unit 101, the communication partner acquisition unit 102, the first acquisition unit 103, the communication status display unit 104, the second acquisition unit 105, and the storage determination unit 106. The case where the first prohibition unit 107, the number determination unit 108, the communication availability display unit 109, the notification determination unit 110, the second prohibition unit 111, the notification availability setting unit 112, etc. are provided has been described, but the connection determination unit 101, the communication partner acquisition Unit 102, 1st acquisition unit 103, communication status display unit 104, 2nd acquisition unit 105, memory determination unit 106, 1st prohibition unit 107, number determination unit 108, communication availability display unit 109, notification determination unit 110, 2nd At least one of the prohibition unit 111 and the notification availability setting unit 112 may be configured by hardware such as an electric circuit.
(B) In the present embodiment, the case where the CPU 10 includes the first prohibited unit 107 and the second prohibited unit 111 has been described, but the CPU 10 may also include at least one of the first prohibited unit 107 and the second prohibited unit 111. good.
(C) In the present embodiment, the case where the identification information is the name information and the face image information has been described, but any form may be used as long as the identification information includes at least one of the name information and the face image information. Further, when the display of the identification information is prohibited by at least one of the first prohibition unit 107 and the second prohibition unit 111, the communication status display unit 104 replaces the identification information with the initials that are difficult to identify an individual. , It may be in the form of displaying information such as a face image consisting only of the outline of the face. In this case, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the user participates in chat or the like while protecting privacy.
The present invention can be applied to, for example, a display control program, a display control device, and a display control system. In particular, it can be applied to a display control program, a display control device, and a display control system for displaying the communication status of a plurality of computers on a network on a first computer included in the plurality of computers.
<figref num="1">External view of the game system according to the embodiment of the present invention</figref><figref num="2">Block diagram showing the configuration of the game device</figref><figref num="3">Perspective view from the rear of the upper surface of the controller</figref><figref num="4">Underside the controller<u style="single">Forward</u>Perspective view seen from</figref><figref num="5">A perspective view showing a state in which the upper housing of the controller is removed.</figref><figref num="6">A perspective view showing a state in which the lower housing of the controller is removed.</figref><figref num="7">Block diagram showing controller configuration</figref><figref num="8">A block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the display control system according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="9">Functional configuration diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the display control system according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="10">A flowchart showing an example of the operation of the display control device according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="11">A detailed flowchart showing an example of the host display process executed in step S107 of the flowchart shown in FIG.</figref><figref num="12">A detailed flowchart showing an example of the conversation partner display process executed in step S109 of the flowchart shown in FIG.</figref><figref num="13">A detailed flowchart showing an example of the vacant seat display process executed in step S111 of the flowchart shown in FIG.</figref><figref num="14">Chart showing an example of various information stored in the game device and server device</figref><figref num="15">A screen view showing an example of a communication status display screen displayed on a television connected to a game device operated by the player name "Yamada" corresponding to the chart shown in FIG.</figref><figref num="16">A screen view showing an example of a communication status display screen displayed on a television connected to a game device operated by the player name "Sasaki" corresponding to the chart shown in FIG.</figref><figref num="17">Screen diagram showing an example of a participation application screen displayed on a TV connected to a game device operated by the player name "Sasaki" when the player name "Sasaki" applies for participation in a chat conducted in group 1.</figref><figref num="18">Screen diagram showing an example of a communication status display screen displayed on a TV connected to a game device operated by the player name "Yamada" when the player name "Sasaki" participates in a chat performed in group 1.</figref><figref num="19">Communication status display screen displayed on the TV connected to the game device operated by the player name "Yamada" when the player name "Suzuki" is not registered as a friend in the game device operated by the player name "Yamada". Screen view showing an example</figref><figref num="20">A screen view showing an example of a communication status display screen displayed on a TV connected to a game device operated by the player name "Sasaki" when the game device operated by the player name "Yamada" is taken offline.</figref><figref num="21">A chart illustrating an example of a method for determining whether or not notification is possible, which is performed by the notification determination unit.</figref>
1 game system 2 Television receiver (television) 2a speaker 3 Game device (computer, display control device) 3A gaming device (first computer) 3B gaming device (second computer) 3C gaming device (third computer) 4 optical disc 6 Marker part 6R, 6L marker 7 controller 10 CPU 101 Connection judgment unit (connection judgment means) 102 Communication partner acquisition unit (part of the first acquisition method) 103 1st acquisition department (part of the 1st acquisition means) 104 Communication status display unit (communication status display means) 105 Second acquisition department (second acquisition means) 106 Memory judgment unit (memory judgment means) 107 1st Prohibition 108 Number determination unit (unit determination means) 109 Communication availability display unit (communication availability display means) 110 Notification judgment unit (Notification judgment means) 111 Second Ban 112 Notification availability setting unit (Notification availability setting means) 11 System LSI 11a I / O processor 11b GPU 11c DSP 11d VRAM 11e Internal main memory 12 External main memory 13 ROM / RTC 14 disk drive 15 AV-IC 16 AV connector 17 Flash memory 171 Registration information storage unit (registration information storage means) 172 Notification availability storage unit (notification availability storage means) 18 Wireless communication module 19 Wireless controller module 20 expansion connector 21 Memory card connector 22 antenna 23 antenna 24 Power button 25 reset button 26 Eject button 40 Display control program 41 Distance data 42 normal vector data 43 block data 44 Model data 71 housing 72 Operation unit 73 connector 74 Imaging Information Calculation Unit 75 Communication Department 700 board 701 accelerometer 702 LED 703 Crystal oscillator 704 vibrator 705 battery 706 speaker 707 Sound IC 708 amp 741 Infrared filter 742 lens 743 Image sensor 744 Image processing circuit 751 Microcomputer 752 memory 753 wireless module 754 antenna 8 Server device (server) 81 Communication partner storage unit (communication partner storage means) 82 Identification information storage unit 83 Notification processing unit 9 Internet (network)
21 sheets
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Every citation, both ways
| Document | Relation | Office |
|---|---|---|
| JP2006254328A | Cites | Japan |
| JP2003125366A | Cites | Japan |
| JP2007150769A | Cites | Japan |
| JP2006191975A | Cites | Japan |
5 members in 2 offices
Priority claims2
| Document | Office | Kind | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008265553 | Japan | A | |
| JP20080265553 | – | – | – |
Members5
| Document | Office | Kind | |
|---|---|---|---|
| US2010093442A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| JP2010097279A | Japan | A | |
| JP5352178B2This record | Japan | B2 | |
| US8949396B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US2015087425A1 | United States of America | A1 |
20 legal events, as the office reported them to INPADOC
Over the term
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Numbers
- Publication
- 5352178
- Publication, DOCDB
- 5352178
- Publication, EPODOC
- JP5352178B
- Application
- 265553
- Application, DOCDB
- 2008265553
- Application, EPODOC
- JP20080265553
Titles2
- Japanese
- 表示制御プログラム、表示制御装置、及び、表示制御システム
- English
- Display control program, display control device, and display control system
Classification
- CPC, 28
- A63F13/537
- A63F13/87
- A63F2300/535
- A63F2300/5546
- A63F2300/572
- A63F2300/1037
- A63F13/77
- A63F2300/5566
- A63F13/30
- A63F13/71
- A63F13/79
- A63F13/795
- A63F2300/105
- A63F13/35
- A63F2300/552
- A63F2300/40
- A63F13/215
- A63F13/285
- A63F2300/532
- A63F2300/303
- A63F2300/556
- A63F13/335
- A63F2300/1081
- A63F2300/407
- A63F2300/401
- A63F2300/208
- A63F2300/50
- A63F13/211
- IPC, 4
- G06F13 00
- A63F13 33
- A63F13 35
- A63F13 795
