JP3453616B2 - Communication method, communication system, mail server, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

The present invention relates to a communication method and a communication system used for a network game using electronic mail, and particularly to a communication method applied to a network game executed between a normal mail server and a plurality of clients. , Communication systems, mail servers, and recording media
Regarding the body

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, as the number of users who own game machines has increased and the communication environment is being prepared, a network game system in which the majority of users connect to a network and participate in the game simultaneously in a virtual space Has been built. A conventional network game system has a dedicated server for receiving game information from a client, the dedicated server executes a game based on the transmitted game information from a plurality of clients, and a game result (information). Is configured to be sent to other clients.

For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 9-152999 discloses a dedicated host computer provided with a shared system block for centrally managing user IDs, billing and mail distribution, and a plurality of game blocks for processing games. A network game device that executes a number of service games in real time is disclosed.

However, a server designed exclusively for a game requires a lot of manpower and a long period of time for its production, and the life cycle of the produced game is shortened. Therefore, such a server is designed every time a new game is developed. I did
It becomes a cost problem. Further, the device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-152999 has a problem that it is not interesting because the game progresses in non-real time.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to:
A communication method, a communication system, and a mail server that are applied to a network game with excellent cost performance that can be realized without using a dedicated central management device for games and using an ordinary mail server that does not add other functions.
And providing a recording medium .

Another object of the present invention is to execute a game in real time when the client is offline and in real time when the client is online, without adding another function to a normal mail server. An object of the present invention is to provide a communication method, a communication system, a mail server, and a recording medium which have excellent possible cost performance.

Another object of the present invention is, for example, information for a user who is playing a game online (real-time user) depending on the type of game information, and a user who has interrupted the game by offline (non-real-time user). information to the user) or information or the like for a particular user, a communication method for realizing a network game a more interesting by allowing change the transmission destination of the game information, communication systems, to provide a 及 beauty recording medium is there.

Further, another object of the present invention is to enable transmission of not only a command operated by the player as game information, a status of a character, and a message but also an image of the player himself / herself, so that a network game in a virtual space can be further improved. It is to provide a communication system that can be made realistic.

[0009]

Means for Solving the Problems A communication method according to the present invention, a communication method applied to a network game executed by multiple clients to send and receive mail to and from the mail server, the information to participate in the game To
Participation sent from the client to the mail server
The information transmission step and the participation information transmission step
Enter the email address of the client that sent the additional information
Participation registration step to register in the mail server, and the participation
If the client registered in the registration step is
Connection information to the mail server
Connection information transmission step to be transmitted to
Email of the client that sent the connection information by step
Register the address on the mailing list.
And the mail of the client by the connection registration step
If the address is registered on the above mailing list,
Is it another client who has registered with the mailing list?
We will send a new mailing list to the above email upon request
Start mail sent from the server to the other client
Transmission step and connection information transmission step
The client that sent the connection information by
When disconnecting from the server, the release information is
Release information sending step to the server, and the release information
Of the client that sent the release information in the send step
Delete email address from mailing list
The removal step and the connection deletion step
Email address has been removed from the mailing list
If you have other
New mailing list upon request from Ianto
Send from the mail server to the other client
And an end mailing list transmission step .

[0010]

In the communication method according to the present invention, the game information transmitting step of transmitting the inputted game information from the client to the mail server, and the game information transmitted to the mail server are registered in the mailing list. Transferring the mail server to the other client in response to a request from another client after the connection information is sent from the client to the mail server in the connection information sending step. To do.

In the communication method according to the present invention, when the client inputs game information after transmitting the connection information in the connection information transmitting step, the mail transmission destination is registered in the participation registration according to the type of the game information. A destination deciding step of deciding to any one of the client registered in the step, the client connected and participating in the game in the connection registration step, or the specific client among the clients registered in the participation registration step; And a destination information transmitting step of transmitting the destination information together with the game information to the mail server.

The communication system according to the present invention is a communication system applied to a network game executed by a plurality of clients sending and receiving mails to and from a mail server, wherein the client provides information about participation in the game. Participation information transmitting means for transmitting to the mail server, connection information transmitting means for transmitting connection information to the mail server when connecting to the mail server after transmitting the participation information by the participation information transmitting means, and the connection information transmitting Means for releasing the connection from the mail server after transmitting the connection information by means, the release information transmitting means for transmitting the release information to the mail server, wherein the mail server transmits the participation information by the participation information transmitting means. Registration means for registering the email address of the client who made the connection, and the connection Connection registration means for registering the mail address of the client, which has transmitted the connection information by the information transmission means, in the mailing list, and, if the mail address of the client is registered in the mailing list by the connection registration means, other than that registered in the mailing list A start mailing list transmitting means for transmitting a new mailing list to the other client in response to a request from the client, and a connection deleting means for deleting the mail address of the client that has transmitted the release information by the release information transmitting means from the mailing list, When the mail address of the client is deleted from the mailing list by the connection deleting means, a new mailing list is created in response to a request from another client registered in the mailing list. Characterized in that it comprises a completion list transmitting means for transmitting to the bets.

In the communication system according to the present invention, the client further comprises game information transmitting means for transmitting the game information input after transmitting the connection information by the connection information transmitting means to the mail server, and the mail server. Is characterized by further comprising game information transfer means for transferring the game information transmitted by the game information transmission means to the other client registered in the mailing list in response to the request from the other client.

In the communication system according to the present invention, the client registers the transmission destination of the mail by the participation registration means according to the type of game information input after the connection information transmission means transmits the connection information. A destination deciding unit for deciding to be a client, a client connected and participating in the game by the connection registering unit, or a specific client among the clients registered by the participation registering unit; and destination information decided by the destination deciding unit. It is characterized by further comprising destination information transmitting means for transmitting to the mail server together with the game information.

The communication system according to the present invention is characterized in that the game information is a command operated by the player, a status of a character operated by the player, a message input by the player, or an image of the player itself.

[0017]

[0018]

The mail server according to the present invention can communicate among the participation registration means for registering the mail address of another computer that has transmitted the participation information for the game and the other computer registered by the participation registration means. Connection registration means for registering the mail address of the computer connected to the mailing list to the mailing list, and the mail address of the new computer by the connection registration means,
In the case where a start mailing list transmitting means for transmitting a new mailing list to the other computer in response to a request from another computer registered in the mailing list and information for terminating communication from the other computer are transmitted, Connection deleting means for deleting the mail address of the computer from the mailing list, and when the mail address of the computer is deleted from the mailing list by the connection deleting means, in response to a request from another computer registered in the mailing list. And an end mailing list transmitting means for transmitting a new mailing list to the other computer.

In the mail server according to the present invention, if the connection registration means registers the mail address of a computer in the mailing list and then the game information is transmitted from the computer, the mail server sends the game information to another computer registered in the mailing list. The game information transmitting means for transmitting the game information to the other computer in response to the request of 1.

[0021]

[0022]

The recording medium according to the present invention stores a computer program for transmitting and receiving mail,
In a computer-readable recording medium,
Participation registration program code means for registering an e-mail address of another computer that has transmitted participation information to the game in the computer, and communication among other computers registered in the computer by the participation registration program code means Connection registration program code means for registering the mail address of a computer connected to the mailing list as possible, and when a mail address of a new computer is registered in the computer by the connection registration program code means, register it in the mailing list. Starting mailing list transmission program code means for transmitting a new mailing list to another computer in response to a request from another computer, and information for ending the communication from the other computer to the computer. Is sent, the connection deleting program code means for deleting the mail address of the other computer from the mailing list, and if the mail address is deleted from the mailing list by the computer by the connection deleting program code means, A computer program including an end mailing list transmission program code means for transmitting a new mailing list to another computer in response to a request from another computer registered in the mailing list is characterized by being recorded.

[0024]

[0025]

In the present invention, first, the client participating in the game sends the participation information to the mail server by electronic mail, and the mail server registers the mail address of this client for participation. This allows non-real time participation in the game. Then, when the client connects to the mail server at a later date, the client sends the connection information to the mail server by e-mail. Upon receiving this connection information, the mail server adds the mail address of this client to the mailing list. Then, in response to a request from another client registered in the mailing list, the new mailing list is sent by e-mail. On the other hand, when the client releases the connection from the mail server, the client sends release information to the mail server. The mail server receiving this release information deletes the mail address of this client from the mailing list. After that, a new mailing list is sent in response to a request from another client who has subscribed to the mailing list. Therefore, the client can easily determine which client is online by searching the mailing list transmitted, and the real-time network game system can be constructed. Moreover, since the present invention uses only the functions of a normal mail server, that is, the mail transmission / reception function and the mailing list function, the cost performance is extremely high, and the cost for developing a new game can be reduced.

According to the present invention, when the client is online (the mail address of the client is registered in the mailing list) and the game information is sent from the client to the mail server, the mail server is The game information is stored. Then, the mail server sends the game information to other clients in response to requests from other clients online (other clients registered in the mailing list). Can be built. Moreover,
Since the present invention uses only the functions of a normal mail server, that is, the mail sending / receiving function and the mailing list function, the cost performance is extremely high and the cost for developing a new game can be reduced.

In the present invention, the destination to which the electronic mail is transmitted is determined according to the type of game information. Specifically, (a) whether the game is a role-playing game, when a client obtains an item that only exists in the game, or when the final goal is to defeat an enemy, whether online or offline. If it is the game information that needs to be notified to all the clients registered to participate in the game, the destination of the game information is determined to be the clients registered to participate in all the games. (B) In the case where a plurality of clients are currently online to form a role-playing game by forming a party, the game information such as the magic command or conversation at that time may be notified only to the party. The destination of the game information is another client (online client) registered in the mailing list. In addition to this, (c) When the user wants to instruct and talk with a specific client (for example, when he / she wants to have a chat in a joint operation), the game information is transmitted to the specific client. Since the destination is determined based on the game information in this way, in the case of (a) , even if the client who has not connected to the mail server for a while plays the game online even if the client participates in the game online. The behavior of other clients can be known, and the subsequent game play from non-real time to real time becomes smooth. In the case of (b), the online client registered in the mailing list can obtain the game information in real time, and the exciting game can be executed.
Further, in the case of (c), since the game information can be transmitted to a specific client, a network game that enables a precise strategy or communication with a specific user becomes possible.

According to the present invention, the command operated by the player as the game information, the status of the character operated by the player, and the message input by the player are transmitted.
It is possible to recognize the motion and status of the character of the client participating in the game. In addition to this, a message and an image of the user captured from a CCD camera or the like installed in the game are transmitted. For example, when the user first encounters a character of the client, the message and image of the user are transmitted. Network games that are virtual spaces can be made more realistic.

[0030]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiment 1 Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing an embodiment thereof. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a communication system according to the present invention. In the figure, 1, 1 ', 1' ... are client computers (hereinafter referred to as clients) of users who participate in the game, and the clients 1, 1 ',
1 '... can be connected to the Internet 3 via a telephone line or the like, and can send and receive electronic mail (hereinafter referred to as mail) with the mail server 2.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the mail server 2 according to the present invention. The hardware of the mail server 2 according to the present invention is publicly known, and its configuration will be briefly described below. In the figure, 21 is a client 1
It is an SMTP server that receives a mail sent from. The received mail is stored in the mail storage unit 23 according to an instruction from the control unit 24. When the client 1 receives the mail addressed to itself, it accesses the POP server 25. The control unit 24 acquires the mail addressed to the client 1 from the mail storage unit 23 based on the mail address output from the POP server 25, and then the POP server 25
Output to. The POP server 25 is the client 1
Send an email to.

When a mail (participation information) indicating that the client 1 will participate in the game is sent, the control unit 24 stores the mail address of the client 1 in the participation registration storage unit 22. It is possible to participate in the network game on condition that the mail address is registered in the participation registration storage unit 22. The client 1 whose email address is registered in the participation registration storage unit 22 is the Internet 3
When the game start information is transmitted to the SMTP server 21 in order to start the connection of the game (real time) by connecting to the, the control unit 24 stores the mail address of the client 1 in the mailing list storage unit 26. A plurality of mailing lists may be provided. For example, mailing lists for beginners, intermediates, and advanced users may be managed separately for each level depending on the level of the character.If the game is a school in a virtual space, it may be managed for each class. You may manage the mail address separately. Furthermore, when the mailing list is changed to another mailing list, for example, when the level of the character is improved, it is possible to change the mailing list for beginners to intermediate mailing list or change to another class.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the client 1. In the figure, 13 is a game information input unit such as a keyboard or a controller for inputting game information, for example, a command for operating a character. The input game information is sent to the MPU 14 and stored in the data storage unit 15 such as a hard disk device. MP
U14 processes the input game information according to the program stored in the data storage unit 15, and outputs the processing result to the image display unit 12 and the sound output unit 11. The game information may be input by a microphone or the like other than the data input unit such as the keyboard.

The MPU 14 outputs the game processing result as an electronic mail to the communication unit 10. For example, when a character encounters an enemy while moving and fights, and defeats the enemy, game information includes the coordinate value at which the character encounters the enemy, or the physical strength value consumed in the battle, magic points, experience values, and items obtained. The character status and the like are output to the communication unit 10 as electronic mail. The communication unit 10 transmits the game information in the form of an attached file to the SMTP server 21 of the mail server 2. The attached file may be compressed and transmitted.

When the MPU 14 is online, the MPU 14 accesses the POP server 25 of the mail server 2 at regular intervals (for example, every 1 to 3 seconds or 1 minute is appropriately set according to the content of the game) or by the operation of the client. Then, check if the mail (game information) addressed to you has arrived. When the game information addressed to itself has arrived, the content is stored in the data storage unit 15. This game information is the action, status or message of the character of another client 1. These game information is MPU1
4 is data-processed according to the program stored in the data storage unit 15, and the image display unit 12 or the audio output unit 11 is processed.
Is output to.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when the client 1 registers for participation (new registration) in the mail server 2 in order to participate in the game. First, the client 1 accesses the game manager's home page and downloads the game software to the data storage unit 15 (step S41). FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an initial setting screen of the downloaded game software. Frame 51
When "New registration" is clicked on (menu frame), a screen for inputting user's personal information and character settings is displayed in frames 52 and 53. In the frame 52, the name and address of the user of the client 1 and the mail address used in the communication system according to the present invention are input. Further, in the frame 53, a character name, sex, type (profession such as warrior, monk, wizard, etc.) and ability value (physical strength value, agility value, intelligence level, etc.) are input or selected. And after the user confirms the input contents, frame 5
When "send" in 4 is clicked, the participation information is transmitted from the client 1 to the mail server 2 as an electronic mail (step S42 in FIG. 4). The mail server 2 that has received the participation information stores the client 1 in the participation registration storage unit 22.
Register your e-mail address (participation registration) (step S
43). This allows the client 1 to participate in the game. The POP server 25 is the mail server 2
May be used, or a POP server provided in another mail server may be used. In this case, the mail address of another mail server may be specified in the "E-Mail" box in the frame 52.
In addition, enter the POP server, POP account, POP password, and SMTP server.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure when the client 1 who has registered for participation connects to the mail server 2 to connect and participate in the game. First, the user activates the game software to display the initial screen of FIG. 5 (step S61). When the user clicks "Start game connection" in the frame 51 in FIG. 5, the connection information is sent from the client 1 to the SMTP server 21 of the mail server 2 as an electronic mail (step S62). The connection information includes the mail address of the client 1, character status, connection request command (mailing list addition command), and the like. Upon receiving the connection information, the control unit 24 compares the mail address group stored in the participation registration storage unit 22 with the mail address of the client 1 and determines whether there is a match (step S63). As a result of the determination, if the connection information transmitted from the client 1, that is, the mail address is not stored in the participation registration storage unit 22 (No in step S63), the client 1 determines that the registration has not been made yet and participates. A message for prompting registration (hereinafter referred to as participation registration request information) is transmitted to the client 1 (step S64, A). When the participation registration request information is transmitted, the process proceeds to step S61 (A). In this case, a message such as "You are not registered to participate. First, please register first." Is displayed on the image display unit 12.

When it is determined in step S63 that they match (Yes in step S63), the control unit 24 registers the mail address of the client 1 in the mailing list storage unit 26 (mailing list connection registration) (step S65). On the other hand, the clients 1 ′, 1 ′, ... Which have already connected to the game (registered in the mailing list), check the POP server 25 in order to confirm whether or not there is a newly started client.
A reception request is made to (step S66). Mail server 2
The control unit 24 determines whether there is a reception request from other clients 1 ', 1' ... (Step S67). If it is determined that there is no reception request (N in step S67)
o), Wait until there is a reception request. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a reception request (Yes in step S67),
The control unit 24 refers to the mailing list storage unit 26 and sends the mailing list from the other POP server 25 to the clients 1 ', 1' ... (Step S68). The other clients 1 ', 1' ... Receive the mailing list (step S69). And client 1 ', 1'
The MPU 14 compares the mailing list stored in the data storage unit 15 with the new mailing list that was sent, and displays the mail address of the client 1 who newly joined (the client whose mail address does not match as a result of comparison) in the image display unit. 12, and a new mailing list is stored in the data storage unit 15 (step S612). As a result, it is possible to recognize the existence of the client 1 that has newly started the connection. Further, the control unit 24 transmits the mailing list in response to the request from the client 1 (step S68). Client 1
Receives the mailing list (step S61)
0). Then, the MPU 14 displays the mailing list on the image display unit 12 and stores the mailing list in the data storage unit 15 (step S611). As a result, the user of the client 1 can recognize the presence of the user of the clients 1 ', 1', ... Currently playing. In addition to the email address, the email storage unit 23
It is also possible to attach the character status of the client 1 and the like stored in the above and send it.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure when the client 1 plays a game. First,
The online user inputs game information from the game information input unit 13 (step S71). The input game information (for example, an operation command) is output to the MPU 14 and the game is executed according to the program stored in the data storage unit 15 (step S72). The processing result of the game which is the game information (for example, experience value, damage, money, etc. obtained by battle) is transmitted from the client 1 to the SMTP server 21 of the mail server 2 as an electronic mail (step S73). This game information is stored in the mail storage unit 23 of the mail server 2 (step S7).
4).

Clients 1 ', 1' ... who are already connected to the game (registered in the mailing list) receive the POP server 25 in order to confirm whether or not new game information exists in the mail storage unit 23. A request is made (step S75). The control unit 24 of the mail server 2 determines whether there is a reception request from another client 1 ', 1' ... (Step S76). If the result of determination is that there is no reception request (No in step S76), the system waits until there is a reception request. On the other hand, if the result of the determination is that there is a request for reception (Yes in step S76), the control unit 24 refers to the mailing list storage unit 26 to update the new game information transmitted from the client 1 and stored in the mail storage unit 23. To client 1 ', 1' ... (mailing list registered) (step S77). In this way, by utilizing the mail distribution function of the mailing list, an online game using electronic mail in real time becomes possible.

The client 1 ', which has received the game information,
1 '... outputs the game information to the MPU 14 (step S78). The clients 1 ', 1' ... Execute the game according to the program stored in the data storage unit 15 based on the received game information (step S79). Then, the processing result is displayed on the image display unit 12 (step S7).
10). The display contents include, for example, a status display of the client 1 after the battle and a message (text data) from the client 1.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure when the client 1 releases the connection and ends the game. When the user clicks the game end icon in the frame 51 of FIG. 5 (step S81), the process for ending the game is started. It should be noted that a message such as "I am in the process of disconnecting. Please wait for a while." Is displayed on the image display unit 12 until all the processes described below are completed. Then, the client 1 transmits the release information as an email to the SMTP server 21 of the mail server 2 to release the connection (step S).
82). The release information is a command for deleting the mail address of the client 1 from the mailing list storage unit 26. In addition to the release information, the character status at the end of the game may be transmitted as an attached file.

When the release information is received, the control unit 24 deletes the mail address of the client 1 stored in the mailing list storage unit 26 (step S83). The clients 1 ', 1' ... who have already joined the game (registered in the mailing list) make a reception request to the POP server 25 in order to confirm whether the contents of the mailing list storage unit 26 have been changed (step S8
4). The control unit 24 of the mail server 2 determines whether or not there is a reception request from another client 1 ', 1' ... (Step S85). If the result of determination is that there is no reception request (No in step S85), the system waits until there is a reception request. On the other hand, if there is a reception request as a result of the determination (Yes in step S85), the control unit 24 refers to the mailing list storage unit 26 to transfer the mailing list to the client 1 and other clients 1 ', 1' ... (Mailing list registered). It is transmitted (step S86).

If the clients 1 ', 1' ... Receive the mailing list (step S87), the MP
U14 compares the mailing list stored in the data storage unit 15 with the new mailing list transmitted, and releases the connection to the client 1 (the client having a mail address that does not match as a result of the comparison) in the image display unit 12. The new mailing list is displayed and stored in the data storage unit 15 (step S8).
8). When the client 1 receives the mailing list (step S89), the MPU 14 displays the transmitted new mailing list on the image display unit 12 and stores the new mailing list in the data storage unit 15 (step S810). Then, the image display unit 12 displays a message such as "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. The game is ended by disconnecting the telephone line. Thank you." (Step S811). And M of client 1
The PU 14 disconnects the telephone line (step S812).

Embodiment 2 FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a communication system according to the present invention.
In the figure, 1, 1 ', 1' ... Are clients that are currently connected (online) to the Internet 3. Clients stored in the participation registration storage unit 22 of the mail server 2 but not currently connected to the Internet (offline) are indicated by 1b. In the first embodiment, using the mail distribution function of the mailing list for the game information, the connected client 1 and the connected other client 1 ',
The invention of transmitting / receiving to / from 1 '... has been described. In addition to this, in the second embodiment, according to the game information, the client 1 is connected to the unconnected clients 1b, 1b ..., The connecting clients 1 ', 1' ..., or a specific client (1 'or 1b). The invention for transmitting and receiving game information between the two will be described.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the processing for determining the destination of the electronic mail according to the game information. First, the MPU 14 in FIG. 3 executes a game based on the program stored in the data storage unit 15 and generates game information to be transmitted as an electronic mail (step S10).
1). Then, it is determined whether the game information is addressed to a specific client (step S102). For example,
If the game is a war simulation game and the client 1 keeps the joint operation with the other specific client 1'secret to the client 1 and the clients 1 ', 1'other than the specific client 1' ... The information is addressed to a particular client. When the game information is addressed to the specific client in this way (Yes in step S102), the destination of the game information is addressed to the specific client (step S103). If the game information should not be transmitted only to a specific client (No in step S102), it is determined whether the game information is for all clients (step S104).

For example, in a role-playing game, if a client 1 obtains an item that is the only item in the game, or if the final goal is to defeat an enemy, participate in the game both online and offline. If it is the game information that needs to be notified to all the clients 1 ', 1' ... and the clients 1b, 1b ... that are present (Yes in step S104), the MPU 14
Determines that the destination of the game information is addressed to the clients participating in all the games (step S10).
5). If not for all clients (No in step S104), the clients 1 ', 1' ... Registered in the mailing list are the destinations of the game information (that is,
The destination is determined to be the mailing list mail address) (step S106).

The second embodiment is configured as described above, and other configurations and operations are similar to those of the first embodiment. Therefore, corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be given. Omit it.

Third Embodiment FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the invention according to the third embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 16 denotes an image pickup unit such as a CCD camera, which can pick up an image of the user or the like from the game information input unit 13 according to an operation. The image pickup signal output from the image pickup unit 16 is digitized by the A / D conversion unit 17, and this image data is output to the MPU 14. Also,
This image data is attached to an electronic mail and transmitted as one of the game information to other clients 1 ', 1' ... Or clients 1b, 1b. Other client 1 '
Therefore, when the image data is transmitted, the image is displayed on the image display unit 12. The image data may be compressed and transmitted / received.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for transmitting / receiving image data between clients. When the client 1 connects to the mail server 2 (online) to start a game and receives the mailing list of the clients 1 ′, 1 ′, ... Which are currently connected and participating in the game (step S610), the MPU 14 causes the data storage unit 15 to operate.
Is searched to search all past mailing list histories for the existence of the mail addresses of the clients 1 ', 1' ... (Step S121). If the search result mail address does not exist (No in step S121), that is, if there is a client 1'who has never played in the connected state in the past, the MPU 14 requests the image of the user of the client 1 '. Therefore, an electronic mail (addressed to the client 1 ') is created and transmitted to the mail server 2 (step S123). The user of the client 1'reads this mail, picks up an image by the image pickup unit 16, and sends it to the client 1 as an attached file of the electronic mail. Of course, the message can be included in the email. Then, the client 1 accesses the POP server 25 and receives the image data of the client 1 '(step S
124).

The received image data is displayed on the image display unit 12 of the client 1 (step S125). On the other hand, in step S121, if there is a match history in the past, that is, if the mail address of the client 1 ′ exists in the data storage unit 15 (Yes in step S121).
s), the image data already stored in the data storage unit 15 in the past is read and the client 1 ′ is displayed on the image display unit 12.
The image of the user is displayed (step S122). In this way, by displaying the image of the user who newly competes, the game in the virtual space can be made more realistic. Further, when the image of the user has already been stored due to the competition in the past, the image data is not transmitted / received, so that the communication time can be shortened.
If image data is requested, it may be possible to reject the image transmission by the user's selection. Alternatively, an image of a character appropriately selected by the user may be transmitted.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a game execution screen of the invention according to the third embodiment. Clicking "Start Game Connection" in frame 51 starts the game and displays frames 55 to 57. The frame 55 displays the game screen being played, and the frame 56 displays the character status of the user of the client 1. In the frame 57, images, messages, and character statuses of the users of the clients 1 ', 1', ... Which are participating in the game (registered in the mailing list) are displayed. The image displayed in the user 1 column is an image captured and transmitted by user 1. The image displayed in the user 2 column is the character image transmitted when the user 2 refuses to transmit the image. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the user image of the client who played the game at the same time in the past is not transmitted / received due to the communication cost problem.
Each time the game information is transmitted, the user may be imaged and the image (still image or moving image) data may be transmitted as an attached file. With this configuration, the present invention can be applied to a chat or network conference system using the ordinary mail server 2.

The third embodiment is configured as described above, and other configurations and operations are similar to those of the first and second embodiments, and therefore, corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals. Detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Fourth Embodiment FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a communication system according to the fourth embodiment. The computer program for executing the communication system according to the first to third embodiments may be pre-installed and provided in the mail server 2 and the client 1 as in the fourth embodiment, or the CD-ROM, the M
It is also possible to provide it with a portable recording medium such as O. Further, the computer program can be provided by being propagated as a carrier wave via a line. The contents will be described below.

The client 1 shown in FIG. 14 is registered to participate in the mail server 2 to connect to the mailing list, and the start mailing list is sent to the clients 1 ', 1' ... Registered in the mailing list, and the connection is released. In this case, the mail address of the client 1 is deleted from the mailing list and the program for transmitting the end mailing list to the clients 1 ', 1' ... registered in the mailing list is recorded on the recording medium 2a (CD
-ROM, MO, DVD-ROM, etc.) is installed in an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk (not shown) of the mail server 2. Such a program is loaded into the main memory (not shown) of the mail server 2 and executed.
This functions as the mail server 2 of the present invention as described above.

Also, to the client 1, the participation information is transmitted to the mail server 2 shown in FIG. 14, the connection information is transmitted, the destination is determined according to the game information, the game information is transmitted, and the connection is released. In this case, the recording medium 1a (CD-ROM, MO, DVD-ROM, etc.) in which the program for transmitting the release information is recorded is installed in an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk (not shown) of the client 1. Such a program is loaded into a main memory (not shown) of the client 1 and executed. This functions as the client 1 of the present invention as described above.

Further, the transmission medium 1c in FIG.
A coaxial cable, an optical fiber cable, a wireless line, and a LAN-to-LAN connecting device such as a router or a bridge for propagating and supplying program information as a carrier wave. The client 1 is a mail server 2 via the transmission medium 1c.
Program information for storing participation information, transmitting connection information, transmitting game information, and transmitting release information when disconnecting, to the mail server 2 stored in the client computer 1 It can be downloaded to the device. The downloaded program is loaded into the main memory (not shown) of the client 1 and executed. This functions as the client 1 of the present invention as described above.

The fourth embodiment is configured as described above, and other configurations and operations are similar to those of the first and third embodiments, and therefore, corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals. Detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0059]

According to the present invention, first, participate in the game.
Clients who send emails to the mail server
And the mail server sends mail for this client.
Register your address. This allows for non-real time
It becomes possible to participate in the game. And the client later
If the client connects to the mail server, the client
The connection information to the e-mail server. This connection
Upon receiving the connection information, the mail server
Email address to the mailing list. And
Is it another client on the mailing list?
A new mailing list will be sent to
To send. Meanwhile, the client is
When disconnecting, the client goes to the mail server
Send release information. Mail server that received this release information
Ba mails this client from the mailing list
Delete the address. Then subscribe to the mailing list
New requests at the request of other clients
Send mailing list. Therefore, the class
Ian to search the mailing list that is sent
Allows users to see which clients are online
Easy to judge, real-time network
It is possible to build a game system. Moreover, the present invention
Is a normal mail server function, that is, a mail transmitter / receiver
Only the Noh and mailing list functions are used.
Very high performance, develop new games
The cost can be reduced.

[0060]

In the present invention, when the client is online (the mail address of the client is registered in the mailing list) and the game information is sent from the client to the mail server, the mail server is The game information is stored. Then, the mail server sends the game information to other clients in response to requests from other clients online (other clients registered in the mailing list). Can be built. Moreover,
Since the present invention uses only the functions of a normal mail server, that is, the mail sending / receiving function and the mailing list function, the cost performance is extremely high and the cost for developing a new game can be reduced.

In the present invention, the destination to which the electronic mail is transmitted is determined according to the type of game information. Specifically, (a) whether the game is a role-playing game, when a client obtains an item that only exists in the game, or when the final goal is to defeat an enemy, whether online or offline. If it is the game information that needs to be notified to all the clients registered to participate in the game, the destination of the game information is determined to be the clients registered to participate in all the games. (B) In the case where a plurality of clients are currently online to form a role-playing game by forming a party, the game information such as the magic command or conversation at that time may be notified only to the party. The destination of the game information is another client (online client) registered in the mailing list. In addition to this, (c) In the case of instructing a specific client to have a conversation, for example, to have a chat in a joint operation, the game information is transmitted to the specific client. Since the destination is determined based on the game information in this way, in the case of (a) , even if the client who has not connected to the mail server for a while plays the game online even if the client participates in the game online. The behavior of other clients can be known, and the subsequent game play from non-real time to real time becomes smooth. In the case of (b), the online client registered in the mailing list can obtain the game information in real time, and the exciting game can be executed.
Further, in the case of (c), since the game information can be transmitted to a specific client, a network game that enables a precise strategy or communication with a specific user becomes possible.

According to the present invention, the command operated by the player as the game information, the status of the character operated by the player, and the message input by the player are transmitted.
It is possible to recognize the motion and status of the character of the client participating in the game. In addition to this, a message and an image of the user captured from a CCD camera or the like installed in the game are transmitted. For example, when the user first encounters a character of the client, the message and image of the user are transmitted. The present invention can exert excellent effects such as making a network game that is a virtual space more realistic.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a communication system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a mail server according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a client.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when a client registers for participation (new registration) in a mail server in order to participate in a game.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an initial setting screen of the downloaded game software.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when a client who has registered for participation connects to a mail server to connect and participate in a game.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when a client plays a game.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when a client releases a connection and ends the game.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a communication system according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process of determining an email destination according to game information.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an invention according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for transmitting / receiving image data between clients.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a game execution screen of the invention according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a communication system according to a fourth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 1 ', 1b client 1a recording medium 1c Transmission medium 2 mail server 2a recording medium 12 Image display section 13 Game information input section 15 Data storage 16 Imaging unit 21 SMTP server 22 Participation registration storage section 23 Mail storage 25 POP server 26 Mailing list storage

Continued front page       (56) References JP-A-8-117443 (JP, A)                 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-286380 (JP, A)                 JP-A-10-309377 (JP, A)                 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-146980 (JP, A)                 JP-A-11-196126 (JP, A)                 JP-A-11-319319 (JP, A)                 JP 2001-266044 (JP, A)                 JP 2002-11251 (JP, A)                 JP 2002-35427 (JP, A)

Claims (10)

(57) [Claims] 1. In a communication method applied to a network game executed by a plurality of clients sending and receiving mails to and from a mail server, information for participating in a game is sent from the client to the mail.
And participation information transmitting step of transmitting to the Rusaba, class which has transmitted the participation information by the participation information transmitting step
Register your email address with the email server
The participation registration step and the client registered in the participation registration step
When connecting to the mail server, the connection information is
Connection information to be sent to the server, and the connection information sent by the connection information sending step.
Add Ianto's email address to the mailing list
Connection registration step and the mail address of the client by the connection registration step.
If the mail is registered on the above mailing list,
Requests from other clients registered on the ring list
A new mailing list will be sent to the mail server upon request.
From the start mailing list sent to the other client from
And the client that transmitted the connection information in the connection transmission step and the connection information transmission step.
When the client disconnects from the mail server
In case of cancellation, send cancellation information to the mail server
The communication step and the transmission of the release information in the release information transmission step.
Delete the client's email address from the mailing list
The connection deletion step to remove the mail and the mail address of the client by the connection deletion step.
If the email is deleted from the mailing list,
From other clients registered on the
A new mailing list will be sent to the mail server upon request.
End mailing to be sent from the client to the other client
Communication method characterized by comprising a list transmission step. 2. The input game information is used as the client information.
Game information transmission step sent from the
And the game information sent to the mail server.
From other clients registered on the
The other clauses Ryan from the mail server in response to a request
And a step of transmitting the connection information
Connection information from the client to the mail server
2. The process is executed after being transmitted to the server.
Communication method described in . 3. Connection information by the connection information transmitting step
If the client inputs game information after sending the
Depending on the type of information, the e-mail transmission
The client registered at the
Clients joining the game at Tep
Or the class registered in the registration step above.
Addressed to one of the specific clients in the client
The destination determining step and the destination information determined in the destination determining step are stored in the
Address information to be sent to the mail server together with system information
The communication method according to claim 1 , further comprising a communication step . 4. A plurality of clients communicate with a mail server.
Network executed by sending and receiving mail between
In a communication system applied to a game, the client sends information about participation in the game to the mail server.
The additional information transmission means, and after the participation information is transmitted by the participation information transmission means,
When connecting to a mail server, the connection information is
Connection information transmitting means for transmitting to the server, and after transmitting the connection information by the connection information transmitting means.
When disconnecting from the mail server, enter the release information before
Release information transmitting means for transmitting the participation information to the mail server, and the mail server transmits the participation information by the participation information transmitting means.
Participation registration means for registering Ant's e-mail address, and the client that sent the connection information by the connection information sending means.
Add Ant's email address to the mailing list
The connection registration means and the mail address of the client by the connection registration means
If you are registered on the above mailing list ,
Requests from other glisted clients
New mailing list depending on the other clients
To the start mailing list transmission means for transmitting to the start mailing list and the client that has transmitted the release information by the release information transmission means.
Remove Ant's email address from the mailing list
Connection deleting means and the mail address of the client
If deleted from the mailing list,
Requests from other clients registered in the list
New mailing list depending on other clients
End mailing list sending means for sending to
A communication system characterized by the above. 5. The client is input after transmitting the connection information by the connection information transmitting means.
A game that sends the input game information to the mail server.
Further comprising a beam information transmission means, the mail server, the game information transmitted by the game information transmitting unit
Other clients subscribed to the mailing list
A client that forwards to another client in response to a request from
A system further comprising a network information transfer unit.
The communication system according to 4 . 6. The mail transmission destination of the client according to the type of game information input after the connection information is transmitted by the connection information transmission means.
The client registered by the participation registration means,
Clients who are participating in the game through connection registration means
Ant or the client registered by the participation registration means.
Destination determined to be one of the specific clients in the ant
The determining means and the destination information determined by the destination determining means are used as the game information.
Address information transmitting means for transmitting to the mail server together with the information
The communication system according to claim 4 , further comprising: 7. The game information includes a command operated by a player and a cache operated by the player.
The status of the character and the message entered by the player.
Or an image of the player himself.
The communication system according to 5 or 6 . 8. A mail server, which is a mail server and sends the game participation information to another computer.
Of the participation registration means for registering the email address and another computer registered by the participation registration means.
Of which, e-mail of a computer connected to enable communication
Connection registration means for registering addresses in the mailing list
And the mail registration of the new computer by the connection registration means.
If you registered a reply, please subscribe to the above mailing list
New computer in response to a request from another computer
A start message for sending the ring list to the other computer.
The information to terminate the communication was sent from the ringing list sending means and another computer.
Mailing the email address of the computer, if
The connection deleting means to be deleted from the list, and the mail address of the computer by the connection deleting means.
If the email is deleted from the mailing list,
From other computers registered in the ringing list
New mailing lists will be added to the other comps on request.
And a means for sending the finished mailing list to the computer.
A mail server that features 9. A computer by the connection registration means.
After registering your email address on the mailing list
If the game information is sent from the computer,
Is it another computer registered on the mailing list?
To the other computer in response to the request from
It is characterized by further comprising a game information transmission means for transmitting information.
The mail server according to claim 8, which is used as a charge. 10. A computer for sending and receiving mail.
Computer program is recorded and can be read on a computer.
In addition to transmitting the participation information for the game to the computer in a removable recording medium,
Registration to register the e-mail address of another computer
Program code means and the program for registering participation in the computer.
Communication is possible among other computers registered by Dan
Enter the email address of the computer connected to
Connection registration program code to be registered in the ringing list
Means for connecting the computer to the connection registration program code
Register a new computer email address
If you have other
New mailing list upon request from computer
Initiating mailing list to send mail to other computers
Ends communication from the other computer to the sending program code means and the computer
If the information to be sent is sent, the
Delete the email address from the mailing list
Removal program code means and the connection deletion program code hand to the computer.
The email address will be deleted from the mailing list
If it is removed, other than subscribed to the mailing list
New mailing messages in response to requests from other computers
End mailing list to send the list to another computer
Computer program including a program transmission means
A computer characterized in that the program is recorded.
Readable recording medium.