JPH09294260A - Communication processing unit, terminal equipment, communication system, game system participated by many persons using the communication system and communication method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a game in which plural players take part by providing a processing means, an image data generating means and an image transmission means. SOLUTION: A TV game machine 1 acts like a so-called server and a portable game machine 20 acts like a so-called client. The portable game machines 20-1-20-N are connected to the TV game machine 1 by cables 30-1-30-N respectively. Then the portable game machines 20-1-20-N transfer a game program and image data to activate the TV game machine 1. A plurality of the portable game machines 20-1-20-N control respectively an exclusive image pattern. That is, the images displayed on the portable game machines 20-1-20-N differ from each other. Since the TV game machine 1 sends pattern data, even when a pattern specific to a terminal is displayed, the processing is simplified and the same cartridge is used for the system.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication processing device and a terminal device used to execute a program executed by a plurality of participants, a communication system and a communication method constituted by these, and ,
The present invention relates to a multiplayer game system in which a plurality of participants can play while watching the screen.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art TV game machines are becoming popular due to recent advances in computer technology and price reductions. This type of TV game machine can play various games by replacing the ROM cartridge or the CD-ROM. There are games that you can enjoy alone and games that allow multiple people to participate and compete for each other's skills.

As a conventional technique for executing a common program by a plurality of participants while displaying one screen, there is one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-265546 (conventional example 1). In the conventional example 1, a plurality of key pads are connected to one information display device, and each of the key pads is provided with a liquid crystal display for displaying a number, and information such as the individual score of the player and the remaining life allowed to participate in the game are given. Was able to be displayed. Note that there is only one image display device connected to the information processing device, and each player plays the game while looking at a common screen.

Another conventional example in which a game is played by a plurality of participants is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-116746 (conventional example 2). In this conventional example 2, a configuration is simplified by connecting a plurality of portable game machines to each other and transferring a program for a large number of people. In this case, since the same software is used, each portable game machine basically performs the same operation and displays the same screen.

By the way, most of the games that are widely used at present are to be enjoyed by one person, and in many cases, there are two persons even if they are enjoyed by a plurality of persons. For example, when two people play a martial arts game, both usually watch one TV screen.

[0006]

However, games such as mahjong games and card games require a plurality of participants. Moreover, since each participant must keep his or her tiles and hands invisible to the other, a display screen is required for each participant, and the screen displayed is unique to that participant. . If this is not secured, the game will not be established.

By the way, in an ordinary TV game machine,
One TV receiver is usually used for one main body, and if multiple screens are to be displayed, multiple TV game machines and TV receivers are required, making the system large-scale and expensive, and widely used. It becomes difficult to make it.

The conventional portable game machine has a capability of exchanging a part of data with each other, and does not have a processing capability of performing sufficient image processing. Therefore, a satisfactory result cannot be obtained even if a plurality of these portable game machines are connected.

Further, even if the processing capacity is sufficient, a wide band communication path is required to directly communicate the image data, and there is a problem in economical efficiency.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and has a relatively simple structure and is capable of providing a screen for each of a plurality of participants, a communication processing device, a terminal device, a communication system, and this communication. An object is to provide a multiplayer game system and a communication method using the system.

[0011]

A communication processing device according to the present invention corresponds to a plurality of participants based on a processing means for executing a program executed by a plurality of participants and a processing result of the processing means. Image data generating means for generating a plurality of mutually different image data, and image transmitting means for transmitting the plurality of image data to the plurality of terminal devices, respectively.

This communication processing device is for controlling a plurality of terminal devices and performs all or part of the program execution processing. The program is, for example, a mahjong game or a card game program. The plurality of image data are created corresponding to the plurality of participants. For example, in the case of a mahjong game, one's own tile distribution data is created for each north, south, east, and west. The image data may be the image itself, for example, the graphic data itself of the tile, or the image portion, for example, a code for the tile.

The communication processing apparatus according to the present invention further comprises image compression means for compressing the image data generated by the image data generation means, and the image transmission means processes the image data compressed by the compression means. It is something to send.

Known image compression methods include MPEG,
There are JPEG and other formats.

Further, the communication processing device according to the present invention comprises a program transmitting means for transmitting all or a part of the above program to the terminal device.

By transmitting the program to the terminal device in this manner, a part of the processing can be taken charge of on the terminal side.

The terminal device according to the present invention further comprises an image receiving means for receiving the image data, an image generating means for generating a display image based on the output of the receiving means, and a display section for displaying the generated image. It is equipped with.

This terminal device displays a screen for the terminal device sent from the communication processing device.

Also, the terminal device according to the present invention comprises an image expanding means for expanding the image data received by the image receiving means, and the image generating means is based on the image data expanded by the image expanding means. A display image is generated.

The image expansion method is a method corresponding to the image compression method.

Further, the terminal device according to the present invention has a first memory for storing a startup program in advance, a second memory for storing received image data, and a third memory for storing the received program. And a terminal side processing means for performing the receiving operation based on the startup program stored in the first memory and executing the program stored in the third memory.

The startup program is for performing, for example, initial settings, reception of an initial screen, reception of a program, and the like. The terminal side processing means executes the starting program and the received program.

The terminal device according to the present invention further comprises a removable cartridge including the first memory, the second memory, and the third memory, and an interface section for connecting the cartridge. It is equipped with.

By making the cartridge removable, the terminal device can also execute the game by a normal program.

The communication system according to the present invention comprises a communication processing device, a plurality of terminal devices, and communication means for communicating between the communication processing device and the plurality of terminal devices. Each of the participants advances the program based on the display screens of the plurality of terminal devices.

The plurality of terminal devices may be the same or different types may be mixed. Also,
A communication system according to the present invention includes an image display device which is connected to the communication processing device and displays the progress of the program.

Further, the communication method according to the present invention includes a first step of executing a program executed by a plurality of participants, and a plurality of different steps corresponding to the plurality of participants based on the execution result of the program. A second step of generating screen data, a third step of transmitting each of the plurality of screen data, and a fourth step of receiving image data.
And a fifth step of generating a display image based on the received image data, and a sixth step of displaying the generated display image.

A multiplayer game system according to the present invention is a multiplayer game system including the communication system, wherein a plurality of mutually different image data generated by the communication processing device corresponds to a corresponding player. It is data of a unique screen that shows its own status but does not show the status of other players, the screen displayed on the terminal device is the unique screen, and the plurality of terminal devices are unique to each player. Are operated based on the screens.

A multiplayer game system according to the present invention is a multiplayer game system including the communication system, wherein a plurality of mutually different image data generated by the communication processing device corresponds to a corresponding player. It is data of a unique screen that shows its own status but does not show the status of other players, the screen displayed on the terminal device is the unique screen, and the image displayed on the image display device is This is a screen common to the players, and the plurality of terminal devices are operated by each player based on the unique screen and the common screen.

[0030]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

First Embodiment of the Invention Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment describes the case where the communication processing device of the present invention is applied to a TV game machine.

FIG. 1 shows a T according to an embodiment of the present invention.
An external view of a V game machine is shown (as an example, "Saturn (TM)" manufactured by SEGA Enterprises Co., Ltd.). In this figure, reference numeral 1 indicates a TV game machine main body.
Two connectors 2a are provided on the front surface of the TV game console body 1.
Are provided, and a peripheral (peripheral device) 2b such as a pad (PAD) for operating a game machine is connected to each of these connectors 2a via a cable 2c. A cartridge interface (I / I) for connecting a ROM cartridge is provided on the upper part of the TV game console body 1.
F) 1a and a CD-ROM drive 1b for reading a CD-ROM are provided. Although not shown, a video output terminal and an audio output terminal are provided on the back surface of the TV game console body 1. This video output terminal is connected to the video input terminal of the TV receiver 5 via the cable 4a, and the audio output terminal is connected to the cable 4
It is connected to the audio input terminal of the TV receiver 5 via b. In such a TV game machine, the TV receiver 5 is operated by the user operating the peripheral 2b.
You can play the game while watching the screen displayed in.

FIG. 2 shows a T according to the embodiment of the present invention.
It is a block diagram showing the outline of a V game machine. This TV game machine has a CPU block 10 for controlling the entire device,
It is composed of a video block 11 for controlling display of a game screen, a sound block 12 for generating sound effects and the like, a subsystem 13 for reading a CD-ROM, and the like.

The CPU block 10 is an SCU (System Co
control unit) 100, main CPU 101, RAM 10
2, ROM 103, cartridge I / F 1a, sub CP
It is composed of U104, CPU bus 105, and the like.
The main CPU 101 controls the entire apparatus. The main CPU 101 has a DS (not shown) inside.
It has the same calculation function as P (Digital Signal Processor) and can execute application software at high speed.

The RAM 102 is used as a work area for the main CPU 101. ROM103
Initial programs and the like for initial processing are written in. The SCU 100 includes buses 105, 106, 10
7, the main CPU 101, the VDP
Data is smoothly input and output between the 120, 130, the DSP 140, the CPU 141, and the like.

Further, the SCU 100 has a DMA controller inside and can transfer the character data (polygon data) in the game to the VRAM in the video block 11. As a result, application software such as a game can be executed at high speed.

The cartridge I / F 1a is for inputting application software supplied in the form of a ROM cartridge.

The sub CPU 104 is an SMPC (System Ma
nager & Peripheral Cntroller), which is a peripheral 2 that responds to a request from the main CPU 101.
It has a function of collecting peripheral data from b via the connector 2a of FIG. Based on the peripheral data received from the sub CPU 104, the main CPU 101 performs image control such as rotation conversion and perspective conversion of the character in the game screen. Any peripherals such as a pad, a joystick, and a keyboard can be connected to the connector 2a. The sub CPU 104 has a function of automatically recognizing the type of peripheral connected to the connector 2a (terminal on the main body side) and collecting peripheral data and the like according to a communication method according to the type of peripheral.

The video block 11 is a first VDP (Video Display) for drawing a polygon screen to be overwritten on a character and background image composed of polygon data of a TV game.
Processor) 120, and a second VDP 130 that performs drawing of a scroll background screen, image composition of polygon image data and scroll image data based on priority (display priority), clipping, and the like.

The first VDP 120 of these has a system register 120a built-in and a VRAM.
(DRAM) 121 and two-sided frame buffer 12
2, 123. The polygon drawing data representing the character of the TV game is sent from the main CPU 101 to the first VDP 120 via the SCU 100, and V
The data is written to the RAM 121. The drawing data written in the VRAM 121 is, for example, a frame buffer 122 for drawing in a format of 16 or 8 bits / pixel.
(Or 123). The drawn data in the frame buffer 122 (or 123) is sent to the second VDP 130 in the display mode.

On the other hand, the second VDP 130 has the register 13
0a and color RAM 130b are built-in, and V
It is connected to the RAM 131. Also, the second VDP1
30 is the first VDP 120 and SC via bus 107
It is connected to the U100 and also to the TV receiver 5 via the memory 132 and the encoder 160.

For the second VDP 130, scroll image data is sent from the main CPU 101 to the SCU 100.
Through the VRAM 131 and the color RAM 130b. Information for controlling image display is similarly set in the register 130a of the second VDP 130. VRA
The data defined in M131 is read by the second VDP 130 according to the contents set in the register 130a, and becomes image data of each scroll screen representing the background of the character. The display priority (priority) of the image data of each scroll screen and the image data of the polygon data which has been subjected to the texture mapping sent from the first VDP 120 is determined according to the setting in the register 130a, and the final display image is displayed. Combined with the data.

When the display image data is in the palette format, the second VDP 130 reads the color data defined in the color RAM 130b according to the value and generates the display color data. When the display image data is in the RGB format, the display image data becomes display color data as it is. The display color data is stored in the memory 132 and then output to the encoder 160. The encoder 160 generates a video signal by adding a synchronization signal or the like to this image data and outputs it to the TV receiver. As a result, the game screen is displayed on the TV receiver.

The sound block 12 comprises a DSP 140 for synthesizing voice according to the PCM system or the FM system, and a CPU 141 for controlling the DSP 140. The audio data generated by the DSP 140 is D
The signals are converted into 2-channel signals by the / A converter 170 and then output to the two speakers 5a.

The subsystem 13 is a CD-ROM drive 1b, a CD I / F 180, an MPEG AUDIO 1
82, MPEG VIDEO 183 and the like. This subsystem 13 reads application software supplied in the form of a CD-ROM,
It has a function to play back moving images. The CD-ROM drive 1b reads data from a CD-ROM. The CPU 181 controls the CD-ROM drive 1b and performs processing such as error correction of read data. The data read from the CD-ROM is supplied to the main CPU 101 via the CD I / F 180, the bus 106, and the SCU 100 and used as application software. Also, MPEG A
UDIO182, MPEG VIDEO183 are MP
It is a device for restoring data compressed by the EG standard (Motion Picture Expert Group). These MPE
By restoring the MPEG compressed data written in the CD-ROM using the GAUDIO 182 and the MPEG VIDEO 183, it becomes possible to reproduce the moving image.

FIG. 3 shows an external view of a portable game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention (as an example, SEGA CORPORATION.
"Game Gear (TM)" manufactured by Enterprises). In this figure, reference numeral 6 indicates a portable game machine body. A liquid crystal display (LCD) 7 for displaying a game screen and switches (direction keys ABC, XYZ, LR switches) 8 for performing various operations are provided on the upper surface of the portable game machine 6. A screen for the player who operates this portable game machine is displayed on the LCD 7, but this screen is different for each portable game machine as described later. The portable game machine 6 is a control pad having a switch 8.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the portable game machine of FIG. The portable game machine 20 can be operated by inserting the cartridge 21.

The portable game machine 20 has a CPU 200, R
AM201, standard cell array 202, VDP2
03, VRAM204, cartridge I / F205, L
CD 206, sound generator 207, speaker 20
8, control pad 209, and battle connector 2
10 is provided.

The CPU 200 controls the entire apparatus and executes the game program. RAM201 is CPU200
Is a memory for. Standard cell array 202
Is connected to the CPU bus and interfaces with various peripheral devices. The VDP 203 generates predetermined image data on the VRAM 204 under the control of the CPU 200. The cartridge I / F 205 is an interface including a connector for connecting the cartridge 21 to the bus. L
CD206 is also shown in FIG.
The image generated by 3 is displayed. The sound generator 207 generates a sound effect of the game under the control of the CPU 200 and outputs it to the speaker 208. The control pad 209 includes the switch 8 shown in FIG. The battle connector 210 is a connector of a cable for connecting the game machine 1 of FIG. 1 and the portable game machine 6 of FIG.

The cartridge 21 is a cartridge I / F
210, boot ROM 211, program RAM 21
2 and the image data RAM 213.

The cartridge I / F 210 is connected to the cartridge I / F 205, and is for connecting the boot ROM 211, the program RAM 212, and the image data RAM 213 to the CPU bus. Boot ROM 211
Stores in advance a program for a startup operation when CPU 200 performs the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention.
The program RAM 212 stores a program sent via the battle connector 210. Image data RA
The M 213 stores the image data sent via the battle connector 210.

FIG. 5 shows a TV game machine 1 (hereinafter also referred to as "Saturn") which is an information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention and N portable game machines 20-1 which are terminal devices. 20-N (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “game gear”). The TV game machine 1 functions as a so-called server, and the portable game machine 20 functions as a so-called client. Each of the portable game machines 20-1 to 20-N has a cable 30-
1 to 30-N are connected to the TV game machine 1.
For example, instead of the pad of the TV game machine 1, the portable game machine 6 is connected. The cable 30 used to connect the TV game machine 1 and the portable game machine 20 is an example, and other means, for example, a general communication line using a modem or the like, a wireless communication means, infrared rays, or the like. It may be a communication means or the like using the light.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of initial setting in the system of FIG.

FIG. 7 is the same game start setting flowchart.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the same operation.

Next, the operation will be described. First, the outline of the operation will be described, and then the details will be described with reference to the drawings.

The system according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a stationary TV with a high processing capability for a portable game machine.
It connects as a terminal of a game machine, transfers a game program and screen data from a TV game machine terminal, and operates a portable game machine. Each of the plurality of portable game machines controls a dedicated screen. That is, the images displayed on these portable game machines are different. Since the screen data is sent from the TV game machine, the process is simple and the cartridge is the same even when displaying the screen peculiar to the terminal.

The system according to the first embodiment of the present invention is suitable for a card game, a mahjong game, etc., in which a plurality of persons participate and the display screen of each person is different. If the screens displayed on the terminal are the same, the inside of the opponent's hands will be known, and the game will be lost. Therefore, in this type of game, it is necessary to display only one's own cards and tiles on the terminal device and display the other person's cards and tiles face down. At this time, a common screen may be displayed on the color TV 5 connected to the TV game machine 1 or a screen of a participant who operates the TV game machine 1 may be displayed. The color TV 5 may be omitted if it is not necessary to display the screen of the TV game machine 1.

Next, details of the operation will be described with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS. In the following description,
A mahjong game will be described as an example. In the case of the mahjong game, four terminals are connected, and the operation of one of them will be described. The operation is the same for other terminals.

First, the initial setting operation will be described with reference to FIG.

Step S10A (Saturn initial setting) 1) Security display, 2) Screen register initial setting,
3) Initialize the voice register.

Step S10B (initial setting of game gear) 1) Security display, 2) Screen register initial setting,
3) Clear the memory area and 4) Display "Connecting to main unit". This process is an initial setting when the game gear is used as a terminal, not as a portable game machine. That is, the boot ROM 211 of the cartridge 21 of FIG.
Thus, the CPU 200 initializes the terminal and clears the program RAM 212 and the image data RAM 213.

Step S11A (Confirmation of Pad Information) It is confirmed whether the device connected by the cable 30 is simply a pad like 2b in FIG. 2 or the game gear in FIG.

Step S11B (Waiting for connection command) After the initial setting, the game gear is in a waiting state for a connection command.

Step S12B (Declaration of game gear pad) When the pad information is confirmed from the Saturn side, a predetermined response is given. From this response, Saturn knows that the connected one is the terminal (game gear).

Step S12A (Start of connection process) If the game gear pad, start connection. On the other hand, in the case of a normal pad, the setting is changed to another mode. This confirmation is important because the operation on the Saturn side differs depending on whether the connected party is a terminal or a pad.

Step S13A (Screen Transmission / Program Transmission) The initial compressed screen and program data are transmitted from Saturn to the game gear. These data are input to the game gear via the cable 30 and the battle connector 210, and are stored in the program RAM 212 and the image data RAM 213.

Step S13B (Development of image parts / program) Based on the transmitted data, image parts such as mahjong pie are developed and a program for operation on the terminal side is developed. Also, the player number unique to the terminal is set.

Step S14A (Display of Main Screen) Saturn displays the main screen such as the title of the Mahjong game and starts the demonstration. This screen display may be different between the main body and the terminal.

Step S14B (Display of Main Screen) The game gear also displays the main screen and starts the demonstration.

The initial setting is completed in S10 to S14.

Next, the start setting operation will be described with reference to FIG.

Step S20B (Game Start Declaration) To start the game, the player presses the start button of the game gear. This declares the start of the game.

Step S20A (Game Start Declaration) After initial setting, Saturn waits for a start declaration from the pad (terminal). When a game start declaration is transmitted from any of the terminals, the game is started and the game start declaration is distributed to other pads (terminals).

Step S21B (setting of personal screen or the like) After the game start declaration (after the game start declaration is distributed in the case where another terminal makes a game declaration), the personal setting screen is displayed. If it is a mahjong game, the display screen will differ depending on whether you are northeast or southwest. Also, settings such as individual hidden techniques are made. These settings are sent to Saturn.

Step S21A (Display setting status) The setting status of all the terminals is displayed. Also, when the personal setting screen is changed, it is displayed at any time. In addition, the hidden trick of individual setting is not displayed.

Step S22A (Determination of tiles) The tiles of each person are decided by random numbers, and the game is finally started. The distribution data is transmitted to the game gear.

Step S22B (screen configuration) The own distribution screen is constructed by the received distribution data.
At this time, only your own tiles are displayed, and the tiles of other players are hidden and cannot be seen. This point is the same for all terminals. As a result, game characteristics are secured in mahjong games, card games, and the like.

Step S23A (Main Screen Display) Saturn displays the main screen (for example, display of Tsumo's status, discard tiles, opponent's dots, dora, etc.). Players can see the progress of the game on the main screen, and their tiles can be confirmed on the terminal side. The main screen may be displayed on the terminal side if the screen display capability on the terminal side is sufficient. In this case, the color TV 5 can be omitted.

Step S23B (Waiting for Input) The game gear waits for command input from each player. When any command is input, it is sent to Saturn.

With the above steps S20 to S23, the start setting operation is completed.

Next, the operation during the game will be described with reference to FIG.

Step S30A (Ordering) The order of each player is instructed to a plurality of terminals. Each player plays in this order.

Step S30B (Waiting for turn) In each game gear, the player waits until his turn, and when Saturn instructs his turn, a predetermined operation is performed. However, in the case of a special key, it is processed by another routine (described later).
Normally, it goes in the order of northeast, southwest, but this is not the case for "Pong" and "Qi".

Step S31B (Sending of Input Data) The input data operated by the player is sent to Saturn.

Step S31A (Confirmation of Pad Information) Saturn receives operation data from the game gear, confirms it, and performs a predetermined process.

Step S32A (Change of screen status) The screen status is changed by operating the terminal, and new information is transmitted. For example, it sends out screen information about the status of new discarded tiles, reach, pong, and chi.

Step S32B (input of new data) The game gear receives the new data and updates the screen.

Next, the special key processing will be described.

Step S33A (Transmission / Reception of Conversation Data) Although not displayed on the main screen, a conversation with the game gear is conducted.

Step S33B (Transmission of Conversational Sentence) A predetermined conversational sentence is transmitted by designating an opponent in the game. Select from the character strings prepared in advance. For example, "throw away the north." You may create your own text if you can.

According to the first embodiment of the present invention, there are the following effects.

Since a terminal as a plurality of clients is connected to the TV game machine as a server and a screen unique to each terminal can be displayed, a network type game in which a plurality of players participate can be realized. That is, a new game system can be provided. Since different screens are provided to the respective players, it is particularly suitable for those who have trouble seeing the inside of the opponent's hands, such as mahjong games and card games.

Also, since each player's screen is displayed on the terminal and the main screen is displayed on the TV game machine, various effect screens can be used.
It enables deep game settings.

Since the TV game machine is used as the server and the portable game capable of the battle mode is used as the client, the system can be relatively easily constructed by using a general-purpose device without developing a dedicated server and client. Can be configured. That is, the TV game machine executes the program for operating the network game on the CD-R.
It can be read by the OM, and the portable game machine can read the boot program of the network game by the cartridge.

Further, the cartridge of the portable game machine is provided with the ROM for the starting program and the RAM for the program, the network type game is started by the ROM, and then the game of the game read from the CD-ROM by the TV game machine. Since the program is received and stored in the program RAM, various network games can be played with one cartridge. For example, by changing the CD-ROM, a mahjong game and a card game can be played with one kind of cartridge.

Further, if the program is made different for each player when the program is downloaded from the TV game machine, the same type of cartridge can be used for various players. Alternatively, the screen data sent from the TV game machine may be different for each player.

When screen data is sent from the TV game machine to each terminal, the compressed data is sent as screen parts, and the portable game machine stores this screen data in the screen data RAM and then expands it. Therefore, the size of the screen data is small and the communication line has a relatively small capacity. It is therefore economical.

Further, the TV game machine creates screen parts for each terminal, and the actual screen creation is performed by the portable game machine, that is, the screen generation is performed by the TV game machine side and the terminal side. , The processing load on the TV game machine side is reduced, and quick processing becomes possible. On the other hand, since a large part of the processing is performed on the TV game machine side, the terminal can be handled by a portable game machine having a relatively low processing capacity, which is economical.

Embodiment 2 of the Invention First Embodiment of the Invention
In, a portable game machine with program execution ability was used as a terminal device. Instead of this portable game machine, a pad with a display for performing only display and operation may be used.

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of a pad with a display.

The display pad 22 includes a controller 221, an image data RAM 222, a standard cell array 202, a VDP 203, a VRAM 204, and an I / O.
F223, LCD206, sound generator 207,
A speaker 208, a control pad 209, and a battle connector 210 are provided.

The controller 221 expands the compressed screen data sent from the TV game machine (server). Image compression is performed in MPEG, JPEG, or a specific format other than these. Controller 2
Reference numeral 21 controls the entire apparatus. However, the game program is not executed. The image data RAM 222 is a memory for storing the screen data sent from the server side. The standard cell array 202 is connected to the bus and interfaces with various peripheral devices. VDP2
Reference numeral 03 generates predetermined image data on the VRAM 204 under the control of the controller 221. The I / F 223 is an interface for receiving screen data from the server side. Even if it is compressed, the screen data in this case has a considerable amount of data, so that a transmission path having a large transmission capacity such as an optical fiber is used during serial transmission. When serially transmitted, the I / F 223 performs serial-parallel conversion of data. The I / F 223 may output the signal from the control pad 209. LCD20
6 is shown in FIG. 3, and displays the image generated by the VDP 203. Sound generator 207
Under the control of the controller 211 generates a game sound effect and outputs it to the speaker 208. The control pad 209 is composed of a plurality of switches. Match connector 2
Reference numeral 10 denotes a cable connector for connecting the TV game machine (server) and the pad with display 22. The battle connector 210 mainly inputs and outputs operation signals.

The external appearance of this pad with a display is the same as that shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 shows a TV game machine 1 (hereinafter also referred to as "Saturn") which is an information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and N display pads 22-1 to 22-N. It is a figure which shows the connection relation of. T
The V game machine 1 functions as a so-called server, and the display pad 22 functions as a so-called client (terminal). Pads with display 22-1 to 22
-N is TV by cables 30-1 to 30-N
It is connected to the game machine 1. The cable 30 used to connect the TV game machine 1 and the pad 22 with the display is an example, and other means such as a general communication line using a modem or the like, a wireless communication means, infrared rays, or the like is used. It may be an optical communication means or the like.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of initial setting in the system of FIG.

FIG. 12 is the same game start setting flowchart.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the same operation.

Next, the operation will be described. First, the outline of the operation will be described, and then the details will be described with reference to the drawings.

In the system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, a stationary TV game machine having a high processing capability transmits images individually to a plurality of pads with a display and receives operation signals from the pads with a display. To do. The TV game machine executes the game program, generates a dedicated screen for each player according to the situation, compresses these screens by MPEG, JPEG, etc.,
Send to the corresponding pad with display. That is, the images displayed on these pads with a display are different. At this time, the image data sent by the TV game machine is in a screen format that is displayed on the pad with a display as it is. Since the TV game machine processes the game and generates a screen for each player, even when a screen peculiar to the terminal is displayed,
Only the image decompression process needs to be performed on the terminal side, which simplifies the terminal process and eliminates the need for a CPU.

As in the case of the first embodiment of the invention, the system of the second embodiment of the present invention is suitable for a card game, a mahjong game, etc. in which a plurality of people participate and the display screen of each person is different.

Next, details of the operation will be described with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS. In the following description, a mahjong game will be described as an example. In the case of the mahjong game, four terminals are connected, and the operation of one of them will be described. The operation is the same for other terminals.

First, the initial setting operation will be described with reference to FIG.

Step S10A (Saturn initial setting) 1) Security display, 2) Screen register initial setting,
3) Initialize the voice register.

Step S10B (initial setting of pad with display) 1) Security display, 2) Screen register initial setting,
3) Clear the memory area and 4) Display "Connecting to main unit". That is, the controller 211 initializes the terminal and clears the image data RAM 222.

Step S11A (Confirmation of Pad Information) It is confirmed whether the device connected by the cable 30 is a normal pad like 2b in FIG. 2 or a pad with a display in FIG.

Step S11B (Waiting for connection command) After the initial setting, the pad with a display is in a waiting state for a connection command.

Step S15B (pad declaration with display) When the pad information is confirmed from the Saturn side, a predetermined response is given. This response tells Saturn that what is connected is a pad with a display.

Step S15A (Start Connection Process) If the game gear pad, start connection. On the other hand, in the case of a normal pad, the setting is changed to another mode. This confirmation is important because the operation on the Saturn side differs depending on whether the connected partner is a pad or a pad with a display. In the case of a pad with a display, unique screen data for each pad is compressed before being sent.

Step S16A (Send Initial Compressed Screen) The initial compressed screen is sent from Saturn to the pad with display. These data are cable 30, I / F223
Is input to the pad with a display via the, and stored in the image data RAM 222. The initial screen may be different for each pad.

Step S16B (Expansion of Initial Compressed Screen) The transmitted initial compressed screen data is expanded and the initial screen is displayed. Known MPEG, JPEG or a dedicated method is used for image compression / decompression. Also, the pad settings such as the player number unique to the terminal are set.

Step S17A (Display of Main Screen) Saturn displays the main screen such as the title of the Mahjong game and starts the demonstration. The main screen is compressed and sent.

Step S17B (Display of Main Screen) The pad with a display expands and displays the same compressed main screen, and starts the demonstration.

The initial setting is completed by the above S10, S11, and S15 to S17.

Next, the start setting operation will be described with reference to FIG.

Step S20B (Game Start Declaration) To start the game, the player presses the pad game gear with display. This declares the start of the game.

Step S20A (Game Start Declaration) After initialization, Saturn waits for a start declaration from the pad (terminal). When a game start declaration is transmitted from any of the terminals, the game is started and the game start declaration is distributed to other pads (terminals).

Step S21B (setting of personal screen etc.) After the game start declaration (after the game start declaration is distributed in the case where another terminal makes a game declaration), the personal setting screen is displayed. If it is a mahjong game, the display screen will differ depending on whether you are northeast or southwest. Also, settings such as individual hidden techniques are made. These settings are sent to Saturn.

Step S21A (Display setting status) The setting status of all the terminals is displayed. Also, when the personal setting screen is changed, it is displayed at any time. In addition, the hidden trick of individual setting is not displayed.

Step S24A (Determination of tiles) The tiles of each person are decided by random numbers, and the game is finally started. Saturn creates screen data for the tiles based on the tile data for each player, compresses the image data, and sends the compressed image data to the pad with a display. Thus, in the case of the second embodiment of the present invention,
A screen for each player (for each pad) is created on the server side, Saturn.

Step S24B (screen configuration) The received image data is decompressed and the own distribution screen is displayed. At this time, only your own tiles are displayed, and the tiles of other players are hidden and cannot be seen. This point is the same for all terminals. As a result, game characteristics are secured in mahjong games, card games, and the like.

Step S23A (Main Screen Display) Saturn displays the main screen (for example, display of Tsumo's status, discard tiles, opponent's dots, dora, etc.). Players can see the progress of the game on the main screen, and their tiles can be confirmed on the terminal side. The main screen may be displayed on the terminal side if the screen display capability on the terminal side is sufficient. In this case, the color TV 5 can be omitted.

Step S23B (Waiting for Input) The pad with a display waits for the input of a command from each player. When any command is input, it is sent to Saturn.

With the above steps S20 to S24, the start setting operation is completed.

Next, the operation during the game will be described with reference to FIG.

Step S30A (Order Indication) The order of each player is instructed to a plurality of terminals. Each player plays in this order.

Step S30B (Waiting for turn) Each pad with a display waits for its turn, and performs a predetermined operation when Saturn instructs its turn. However, in the case of a special key, it is processed by another routine (described later). Normally, it goes in the order of northeast, southwest, but this is not the case for "Pong" and "Qi".

Step S31B (Sending of Input Data) The input data operated by the player is sent to Saturn.

Step S31A (Confirmation of Pad Information) Saturn receives operation data from the game gear, confirms it, and performs a predetermined process.

Step S34A (Change of screen status) The screen status is changed by operating each pad, and new information is sent. For example, it sends out screen information about the status of new discarded tiles, reach, pong, and chi. At this time, a screen for each pad is created, compressed, and then transmitted.

Step S32B (Expansion of New Screen Data) The display pad receives the new screen data and expands it to update the screen.

The special key processing is the same as in the case of the first embodiment, and therefore its explanation is omitted.

According to the second embodiment of the present invention, there are the following effects.

Pads with a display as a plurality of clients are connected to the TV game machine as a server,
Since a screen unique to each pad can be displayed, a network type game in which multiple players participate can be enabled. That is, a new game system can be provided. Since different screens are provided to the respective players, it is particularly suitable for those who have trouble seeing the inside of the opponent's hands, such as mahjong games and card games.

Further, since the respective screens of the players are displayed on the pad with the display and the main screen is displayed on the TV game machine, various effect screens can be used and a deep game setting is possible. .

Since a dedicated pad with a display is used, it is possible to improve the screen resolution, the number of colors to be developed and the processing speed as required, and it is possible to provide a high quality screen.

Further, since most of the processing is performed on the TV game machine side and only the screen expansion and other control are performed on the pad side with a display, the pad does not need much processing ability. Therefore, in the case of the dedicated pad, it is not necessary for each terminal to have a CPU, the configuration is simplified, and the size, weight and power consumption are reduced. Also, CP
Since there is no U, the program cartridge becomes unnecessary. Although it may be necessary depending on the type of game, it can be dealt with by injecting the program from the I / F even in that case, so that even in this case, the dedicated program cartridge can be omitted.

Since the program with the pad with the display is not processed, the CD-R is used on the TV game machine side.
By exchanging OM, various network-type games become possible. For example, by changing the CD-ROM, a mahjong game and a card game can be played.

When screen data is sent from the TV game machine to each pad, it is sent as a compressed screen and expanded by each pad, so the size of the screen data is small and the communication line is relatively small. The capacity is enough. It is therefore economical.

The plurality of terminals connected to the TV game machine do not have to be of the same type. For example, assuming that four terminals are connected to the TV game machine, two of these terminals are shown in the first embodiment of the invention,
The other two units may be those shown in the second embodiment of the invention. In this case, the TV game machine may perform the game start setting and operation according to the type of terminal recognized in the initial setting.

[0150]

As described above, according to the present invention, the processing means for executing the program executed by the plurality of participants, and the plurality of participants corresponding to each other on the basis of the processing result of the processing means. Since the image data generating means for generating a plurality of different image data and the image transmitting means for transmitting the plurality of image data to each of the plurality of terminal devices are provided, a game in which a plurality of players participate is possible.

Further, according to the present invention, the image compression means for compressing the image data generated by the image data generation means is provided, the amount of screen data can be reduced, and the load on the communication line is lightened. It is therefore economical.

Further, according to the present invention, since the program transmission means for transmitting all or a part of the above-mentioned program to the terminal device is provided, the processing on the terminal device side can be changed by changing the program to be transmitted. .

Further, according to the present invention, it is provided with the image receiving means for receiving the image data, the image generating means for generating the display image based on the output of the receiving means, and the display section for displaying the generated image. Therefore, a game in which multiple players participate will be possible.

Further, according to the present invention, it is provided with an image expanding means for expanding the image data received by the image receiving means, and the image generating means displays the display image based on the image data expanded by the image expanding means. Is generated, the amount of screen data can be reduced and the load on the communication line is lightened. It is therefore economical.

Further, according to the present invention, the first memory for storing the starting program in advance, the second memory for storing the received image data, the third memory for storing the received program, Since the terminal-side processing unit that performs the receiving operation based on the startup program stored in the first memory and executes the program stored in the third memory is provided, the terminal device can be changed by changing the program to be transmitted. The processing on the side can be changed.

Further, according to the present invention, a detachable cartridge including the first memory, the second memory and the third memory, and an interface section for connecting the cartridge are provided. Therefore, by connecting the cartridge in which the other program is stored, the terminal device can be caused to perform another operation.

Further, according to the present invention, the communication processing device, the plurality of terminal devices, and communication means for performing communication between the communication processing device and the plurality of terminal devices are provided. Since each participant advances the program based on the display screens of the plurality of terminal devices, a game in which a plurality of players participate is possible.

Further, according to the present invention, since the image display device for displaying the progress status of the program is provided, which is connected to the communication processing device, various effect screens can be used by displaying a common screen. This allows for deep game settings.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a TV game machine to which an information processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a TV game machine to which the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a portable game machine to which the terminal device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a portable game machine and a block diagram of a program cartridge to which the terminal device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 5 is a configuration example of a game system using the information processing device and the terminal device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of initial setting according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of game start setting according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart during operation according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a pad with a display to which the terminal device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 10 is a configuration example of a game system using the information processing device and the terminal device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of initial setting according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of game start setting according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart during operation according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Game console main body (information processing device) 1a Cartridge I / F 1b CD-ROM drive 2a Connector 2b Peripheral (pad) 2c Cable 4a, 4b Cable 5 TV receiver 6 Portable game console (pad with display) 7 LCD (liquid crystal) Display 8 switch 10 CPU block 11 video block 12 sound block 13 subsystem 100 SCU 101 main CPU 104 sub CPU 120 first VDP 120a system register 121 VRAM 122, 123 frame buffer 130 second VDP 130a register 130b color RAM 131 VRAM 132 Frame memory 160 Encoder 20 Portable game machine 200 CPU 201 RAM 202 Standard cell array 203 V P 204 VRAM 205 Cartridge I / F 206 LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 207 Sound Generator 208 Speaker 209 Control Pad 21 Cartridge 210 Cartridge I / F 211 Boot ROM 212 Program RAM 213 Image Data RAM 221 Controller 222 Image Data RAM 223 I / F (Interface) 30 cables

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Naohiko Kobayashi 1-22-1 Haneda, Ota-ku, Tokyo SEGA Enterprises Inc. (72) Inventor Koji Horikawa 1-2-12 Haneda, Ota-ku, Tokyo No. Stock Company SEGA Enterprises

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. Processing means for executing a program executed by a plurality of participants, and image data generation for generating a plurality of different image data corresponding to the plurality of participants based on a processing result of the processing means. A communication processing device comprising: a means and an image transmitting means for transmitting the plurality of image data to a plurality of terminal devices, respectively. 2. An image compression means for compressing the image data generated by the image data generation means, wherein the image transmission means transmits the image data compressed by the compression means. 1. The communication processing device according to 1. 3. The communication processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a program transmission unit that transmits all or part of the program to a terminal device. 4. Image receiving means for receiving image data,
A terminal device comprising: an image generation unit that generates a display image based on the output of the reception unit; and a display unit that displays the generated image. 5. An image expanding means for expanding the image data received by the image receiving means is provided, and the image generating means generates a display image based on the image data expanded by the image expanding means. The terminal device according to claim 4. 6. A first memory for storing a boot program in advance, a second memory for storing received image data, and a third memory for storing the received program.
5. The terminal device according to claim 4, further comprising a terminal-side processing unit that performs a receiving operation based on a startup program stored in the first memory and executes the program stored in the third memory. . 7. The first memory, the second memory,
7. The terminal device according to claim 6, further comprising: a detachable cartridge including the third memory, and an interface unit for connecting the cartridge. 8. The communication processing device according to claim 1, a plurality of terminal devices according to claim 4, a communication processing device, and a plurality of terminal devices. And a communication unit for communicating with each other, wherein each of the plurality of participants advances the program based on the display screens of the plurality of terminal devices. 9. The communication system according to claim 8, further comprising an image display device which is connected to the communication processing device and displays a progress status of the program. 10. A first step of executing a program executed by a plurality of participants, and a second step of generating a plurality of mutually different screen data corresponding to the plurality of participants based on an execution result of the program. A step, a third step of transmitting each of the plurality of screen data, a fourth step of receiving image data, a fifth step of generating a display image based on the received image data,
A sixth step of displaying the generated display image. 11. A multiplayer game system including the communication system according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of different image data generated by the communication processing device indicate a corresponding player's own state. Data of a unique screen that does not indicate the state of the player, the screen displayed on the terminal device is the unique screen, and the plurality of terminal devices are operated by each player based on the unique screen. A multiplayer game system characterized by the following. 12. A multiplayer game system comprising the communication system according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of mutually different image data generated by the communication processing device indicate a corresponding player's own state. Data of a unique screen that does not indicate the state of the player, the screen displayed on the terminal device is the unique screen, the image displayed on the image display device is a screen common to each player, The multiplayer game system, wherein each of the plurality of terminal devices is operated by each player based on the unique screen and the common screen.