Game system and game processing method

Abstract

To provide a game processing system having a function to distribute an image from a master unit to a slave unit capable of allowing a game to be played in new and various ways.SOLUTION: An information processing system includes a master unit and a plurality of slave units. The master unit acquires master unit operation data according to an operation of the master unit for an operation device, and acquires slave unit operation data from each of the plurality of slave units. The master unit executes game processing on the basis of the master unit operation data and the received slave unit operation data, and generates a first image and a plurality of second images based on the game processing. The master unit outputs the first image to a display device of the master unit, and transmits the generated second images to the respective slave units. Each of the slave units transmits the slave unit operation data according to the operation of the slave unit to the operation device, and outputs the second image received from the master unit to the display device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a game system including a plurality of information processing devices and a game processing method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a technique for playing a game between a plurality of information processing devices by setting one of the plurality of information processing devices as a master device and setting the other devices as slave devices, and distributing an image from the master device to the slave devices (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, there has been room to play games in more diverse ways using an information processing system having a function of distributing an image from a master device to a slave device.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system having a function of distributing an image from a master device to a slave device and capable of playing games in new and diverse ways.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following configuration.

[0007] (First Configuration) The first configuration is a game system including a plurality of information processing devices including a master device and a plurality of slave devices. Each of the plurality of information processing devices includes at least one processor. In a first play mode among a plurality of play modes, processing corresponding to an operation input to an operation device provided in the information processing device and image output to a display device provided in the information processing device are performed. In a second play mode, processing corresponding to an operation input to an operation device externally connected to the information processing device and image output to a display device externally connected to the information processing device are performed. In a third play mode, processing corresponding to an operation input to an operation device externally connected to the information processing device and image output to a display device provided in the information processing device are performed. Communication with other information processing devices is possible in a plurality of communication modes including transmission and reception via the Internet and wirelessly. The processor of the master device among the plurality of information processing devices performs communication with each of the slave devices in a multiplayer game according to a predetermined play mode in the communication mode set for the game among the plurality of communication modes, acquires first operation data based on an input to the operation device according to the play mode, acquires second operation data received from each of the slave devices, performs game processing of the game based on the first operation data and the second operation data, generates a first image based on the game processing and a plurality of second images different from the first image, outputs the first image to the display device according to the play mode, and transmits the second images to the respective slave devices. The processor of each of the slave devices performs communication with the master device, transmits the second operation data based on an input to the operation device according to the play mode to the master device, and outputs the second image received from the master device to the display device according to the play mode.

[0008] According to the above, a game system including a master device and a plurality of slave devices can be configured using information processing devices having various play modes and communication modes, and a game can be played by multiple people by performing game processing in the master device. As a result, the game can be played in various ways.

[0009] (Second Configuration) In a second configuration, in the first configuration, the processor of the parent machine may select an item selectable in the game by a player of the parent machine based on the first operation data, and select an item selectable in the game by each player of the child machines based on the second operation data of each player, and progress the game based on each selected item. Each of the first image and the second image may include an image showing an item selectable in the game by the corresponding player, and may not include an image showing an item selectable by another player.

[0010] Based on the above, by executing the game process only on the parent device, it is possible to execute a game in which the player's items are hidden from the other player.

[0011] (Third Configuration) In a third configuration, in the second configuration, the game may be a competitive table game. The image showing the items selectable by the player may be an image of the player's hand in the competitive table game.

[0012] Based on the above, a competitive table game can be played by executing the game process only in the parent machine.

[0013] (Fourth Configuration) In a fourth configuration, in the third configuration, the competitive table game may be at least one of a card game using cards including playing cards, a mahjong game, and a Hanafuda game. Each of the first image and the second image may include at least an image showing the corresponding player's hand or tiles, and may not include an image showing the other player's hand or tiles.

[0014] According to the above, various games can be played as competitive table games.

[0015] (Fifth Configuration) In the fifth configuration, in the first configuration, the game may be a game played in the first or the third play mode and the wireless communication mode. The processor of the master device may generate, as the first image and the second image, images based on different virtual cameras in a common virtual space.

[0016] According to the above, a game can be played in a common virtual space using a master device and a plurality of slave devices.

[0017] (Sixth configuration) In the sixth configuration, in the fifth configuration, the processor of the master device may further identify the positional relationship of the plurality of information processing devices, and generate the first image and the second image based on the virtual cameras arranged according to the positional relationship.

[0018] According to the above, an image based on the positional relationship of a plurality of information processing devices can be generated.

[0019] (Seventh configuration) In the seventh configuration, in the sixth configuration, each of the plurality of information processing devices may further include a touch panel provided on a display device provided in the information processing device. The processor of the slave device further transmits slave device touch input data corresponding to an input to the touch panel of the slave device to the master device, and the processor of the master device further obtains master device touch input data corresponding to an input to the touch panel of the master device, obtains the slave device touch input data received from the slave device, and based on the master device touch input data and the slave device touch input data, when a slide input across the touch panels between the information processing devices is performed, the positional relationship of the plurality of information processing devices may be identified so that the locations where the slide input is performed are adjacent.

[0020] According to the above, the positional relationship of a plurality of information processing devices can be identified based on a touch operation on a touch panel.

[0021] (Eighth configuration) In the eighth configuration, in any of the first, fifth, and sixth configurations, each of the plurality of information processing apparatuses may include a proximity detection unit that detects that the information processing apparatuses are close to each other. The processor of the master device may further start transmitting the second image to the slave device in response to the detection that the information processing apparatuses are close to each other.

[0022] According to the above, by bringing the slave device close, transmission of the second image to the slave device can be started.

[0023] (Ninth configuration) In the ninth configuration, in the eighth configuration, the proximity detection unit may perform the detection by short-range wireless communication or ultra-wideband wireless.

[0024] According to the above, proximity between information processing apparatuses can be detected using short-range wireless communication or ultra-wideband wireless.

[0025] (Tenth configuration) In the tenth configuration, in the ninth configuration, the processor of the master device may further identify the positional relationship of the plurality of information processing apparatuses based on the detection by the proximity detection unit, and generate the first image and the second image based on a virtual camera arranged according to the positional relationship.

[0026] According to the above, based on the detection of proximity by the proximity detection unit, the positional relationship of a plurality of information processing apparatuses can be identified.

Advantages of the Invention

[0027] According to the present invention, a game system including a master device and a plurality of slave devices can be configured using information processing apparatuses having various play modes and communication modes, and games can be played in various ways.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0029] (Description of the information processing device) Hereinafter, an information processing apparatus used in an example of the present embodiment will be described. An example of the information processing apparatus 1 includes a main body apparatus 2, a left controller 3, and a right controller 4. The left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are each configured to be detachable from the main body apparatus 2. That is, the information processing apparatus 1 can be used as an integrated apparatus with the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 attached to the main body apparatus 2. Further, the information processing apparatus 1 can also be used with the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 removed from the main body apparatus 2. Hereinafter, after describing the configuration of the information processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, a game system including a plurality of information processing apparatuses 1 will be described.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the information processing apparatus 1 in a state where the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are attached to the main body apparatus 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the information processing apparatus 1 in a state where the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are removed from the main body apparatus 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are each attached to the main body apparatus 2 and integrated. The main body apparatus 2 is an apparatus that executes various processes (for example, game processing) in the information processing apparatus 1.

[0031] The main body apparatus 2 includes a display 12. The display 12 displays an image generated by the main body apparatus 2. The display 12 may be any type of display device. For example, the display 12 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL display device.

[0032] Further, the main body apparatus 2 includes a touch panel 13 on the screen of the display 12. In the present embodiment, the touch panel 13 is of a type capable of multi-touch input (for example, a capacitance type). However, the touch panel 13 may be of any type, for example, a type capable of single-touch input (for example, a resistive film type).

[0033] The left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are vertically long (i.e., long in the y-axis direction shown in FIG. 1). When the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are removed from the main body device 2, they can be gripped in a vertically long orientation or in a horizontally long orientation.

[0034] The left controller 3 includes an analog stick 31 for the user to perform direction input and a plurality of operation buttons 32 for performing pressing operations. The right controller 4 includes an analog stick 41 for the user to perform direction input and a plurality of operation buttons 42 for performing pressing operations. Also, the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 may be provided with an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor inside, and may be capable of detecting movement and posture. Hereinafter, the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 may be collectively referred to as the "first controller".

[0035] The main body device 2 (information processing device 1) with the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 attached is sized to be portable by the user. For example, the user holds the left controller 3 integrated with the main body device 2 with the left hand and the right controller 4 integrated with the main body device 2 with the right hand, and uses the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 to perform game operations while viewing the game image displayed on the front display 12 and plays the game. In this way, in a state where the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are attached to the main body device 2, the play mode in which the user performs game operations using the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 and plays the game while viewing the game image displayed on the display 12 may be hereinafter referred to as the "portable mode".

[0036] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 can be removed from the main body device 2. When the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are removed from the main body device 2, the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are wirelessly connected to the main body device 2. For example, a stand for standing the main body device 2 is provided on the back surface of the main body device 2. The user can place the main body device 2 on the table in a state where the main body device 2 is stood up using the stand so that the screen of the display 12 is substantially perpendicular to the table. Alternatively, the user may place the main body device 2 on the table so that the screen of the display 12 of the main body device 2 faces upward. The user can remove the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 from the main body device 2, perform a game operation using the left controller 3 and / or the right controller 4, and play the game while viewing the game image displayed on the display 12 of the main body device 2 placed on the table. In this way, the play mode in which the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are wirelessly connected to the main body device 2 and the user performs a game operation using the left controller 3 and / or the right controller 4 and plays the game while viewing the game image displayed on the display 12 may be described as the "table mode" hereinafter. Note that a second controller 7 (see FIG. 5), which is different from the left controller 3 and the right controller 4, may be wirelessly connected to the main body device 2. The second controller may be a controller that can be gripped and operated by the user with both hands. The play mode in which such a second controller is wirelessly connected to the main body device 2 and the user performs a game operation using the second controller and plays the game while viewing the game image displayed on the display 12 is also referred to as the "table mode". Note that hereinafter, the first controller and the second controller may be collectively referred to as the "controller".

[0037] In addition, the user can also connect the main body device 2 to a stationary monitor (e.g., a TV) 5 via the cradle 6 and play the game while viewing the game images displayed on the stationary monitor 5 (see Fig. 5). The main body device 2 is provided with a lower terminal 27 (see Fig. 3) for connection to the cradle 6. The main body device 2 is wired-connected to the stationary monitor 5 via the cradle 6. In this way, the play mode in which the user plays the game while viewing the images displayed on an external stationary monitor 5 different from the display 12 may be described as the "stationary mode". When the information processing apparatus 1 operates in the stationary mode, the first controllers (the left controller 3 and the right controller 4) are removed from the main body device 2 and wirelessly connected, and the user may perform game operations using the first controllers. Alternatively, when the information processing apparatus 1 operates in the stationary mode, with the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 attached to the main body device 2, another first controller or a second controller may be wirelessly connected to the main body device 2, and the user may perform game operations using the first controller or the second controller.

[0038] Next, the internal configuration of the information processing apparatus 1 will be described. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the information processing apparatus 1.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 3, the main body device 2 includes a processor 81. The processor 81 is an information processing unit that executes various information processes executed in the main body device 2. The processor 81 may be composed of, for example, one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units), or may be composed of a SoC (System-on-a-chip) including one or more CPUs and one or more GPUs (Graphics Processing Units). The processor 81 executes various information processes by executing an information processing program (e.g., a game program) stored in a storage unit (specifically, an internal storage medium such as a flash memory 84, or an external storage medium mounted on the slot 23, etc.).

[0040] The main body device 2 includes a flash memory 84 and a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) 85 as an example of an internal storage medium built therein. The flash memory 84 and the DRAM 85 are connected to the processor 81. The flash memory 84 is mainly a memory used for storing various data (which may be a program) stored in the main body device 2. The DRAM 85 is a memory used for temporarily storing various data used in information processing.

[0041] The main body device 2 includes a slot interface (hereinafter abbreviated as "I / F") 91. The slot I / F 91 is connected to the processor 81. The slot I / F 91 is connected to the slot 23 and reads and writes data to and from a predetermined type of storage medium (for example, a dedicated memory card) mounted on the slot 23 in accordance with an instruction from the processor 81.

[0042] The processor 81 appropriately reads and writes data between the flash memory 84 and the DRAM 85, and each of the above storage media, and executes the above information processing.

[0043] The main body device 2 includes a network communication unit 82. The network communication unit 82 is connected to the processor 81. The network communication unit 82 communicates (specifically, wirelessly communicates) with an external device via a network. In the present embodiment, the network communication unit 82 can directly perform wireless communication with other main body devices 2 existing within the communication range of its own device by a predetermined communication method (for example, a communication method based on a proprietary protocol or a method compliant with the Wi-Fi standard). Further, the network communication unit 82 can communicate with other main body devices 2 connected to a local area network including the access point via a wireless LAN access point existing within the communication range of its own device by a method compliant with the Wi-Fi standard. Such direct communication with other main body devices 2 and communication within the local area network via a wireless LAN access point are hereinafter referred to as "local communication". Also, the network communication unit 82 can be connected to a wireless LAN and connected to the Internet by a method compliant with the Wi-Fi standard, and can communicate with other devices connected to the Internet. Note that the main body device 2 can be connected to a wired LAN and can be connected to the Internet via the wired LAN. For example, the main body device 2 may be connectable to a wired LAN via the cradle 6. Such communication with other devices via the Internet is hereinafter referred to as "Internet communication".

[0044] The main body device 2 includes a controller communication unit 83. The controller communication unit 83 is connected to the processor 81. The controller communication unit 83 performs wireless communication with the left controller 3 and / or the right controller 4. Also, the controller communication unit 83 can perform wireless communication with a second controller. The communication method between the main body device 2 and the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 (or the second controller) is arbitrary, but in the present embodiment, the controller communication unit 83 performs communication in accordance with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard between the left controller 3 and the right controller 4.

[0045] The processor 81 is connected to the left terminal 20, the right terminal 21, and the lower terminal 27. When the processor 81 performs wired communication with the left controller 3, it transmits data to the left controller 3 via the left terminal 20 and receives operation data from the left controller 3 via the left terminal 20. Also, when the processor 81 performs wired communication with the right controller 4, it transmits data to the right controller 4 via the right terminal 21 and receives operation data from the right controller 4 via the right terminal 21. Further, when the processor 81 communicates with the cradle 6, it transmits data to the cradle 6 via the lower terminal 27. Thus, in this embodiment, the main body device 2 can perform both wired communication and wireless communication with the left controller 3 and the right controller 4, respectively. Also, when the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are attached to the main body device 2 as an integrated device or when the main body device 2 alone is attached to the cradle 6, the main body device 2 can output data (e.g., image data and audio data) to the stationary monitor 5 via the cradle 6.

[0046] Here, the main body device 2 can communicate with a plurality of left controllers 3 simultaneously (in other words, in parallel). Also, the main body device 2 can communicate with a plurality of right controllers 4 simultaneously (in other words, in parallel). Therefore, a plurality of users can simultaneously input to the main body device 2 using a set of the left controller 3 and the right controller 4, respectively. As an example, while the first user inputs to the main body device 2 using the first set of the left controller 3 and the right controller 4, it is possible for the second user to input to the main body device 2 using the second set of the left controller 3 and the right controller 4.

[0047] The main body device 2 includes a touch panel controller 86 which is a circuit for controlling the touch panel 13. The touch panel controller 86 is connected between the touch panel 13 and the processor 81. The touch panel controller 86 generates data indicating, for example, the position where a touch input has been made based on a signal from the touch panel 13 and outputs it to the processor 81.

[0048] Further, the display 12 is connected to the processor 81. The processor 81 displays an image generated (for example, by executing the above information processing) and / or an image acquired from the outside on the display 12.

[0049] The main body device 2 includes a codec circuit 87 and speakers (specifically, a left speaker and a right speaker) 88. The codec circuit 87 is connected to the speakers 88 and the audio input / output terminal 25 and is also connected to the processor 81. The codec circuit 87 is a circuit that controls the input / output of audio data to / from the speakers 88 and the audio input / output terminal 25.

[0050] Further, the main body device 2 includes an acceleration sensor 89. In the present embodiment, the acceleration sensor 89 detects the magnitude of acceleration along a predetermined three axes (for example, the xyz axes shown in FIG. 1). Note that the acceleration sensor 89 may detect acceleration in one-axis or two-axis directions.

[0051] Further, the main body device 2 includes an angular velocity sensor 90. In the present embodiment, the angular velocity sensor 90 detects the angular velocity around a predetermined three axes (for example, the xyz axes shown in FIG. 1). Note that the angular velocity sensor 90 may detect the angular velocity around one axis or two axes.

[0052] The acceleration sensor 89 and the angular velocity sensor 90 are connected to the processor 81, and the detection results of the acceleration sensor 89 and the angular velocity sensor 90 are output to the processor 81. The processor 81 can calculate information regarding the movement and / or posture of the main body device 2 based on the detection results of the acceleration sensor 89 and the angular velocity sensor 90 described above.

[0053] The main body device 2 includes a power button 24, a power control unit 97, and a battery 98. The power control unit 97 is connected to the battery 98 and the processor 81. Although not shown, the power control unit 97 is also connected to each part of the main body device 2 (specifically, each part that receives power supply from the battery 98, the left terminal 20, and the right terminal 21). The power control unit 97 controls the power supply from the battery 98 to each of the above parts based on a command from the processor 81.

[0054] In addition, the battery 98 is connected to the lower terminal 27. When an external charging device (for example, the cradle 6) is connected to the lower terminal 27 and power is supplied to the main body device 2 through the lower terminal 27, the supplied power is used to charge the battery 98.

[0055] The left controller 3 includes a terminal 35 connected to the left terminal 20 of the main body device 2. The left controller 3 also includes a control unit 30. The control unit 30 is connected to each component including the terminal 35. The control unit 30 controls the communication method that the left controller 3 performs with the main body device 2. In the present embodiment, the control unit 30 can communicate with the main body device 2 both through wired communication via the terminal 35 and through wireless communication via an antenna (not shown). That is, when the left controller 3 is attached to the main body device 2, the control unit 30 communicates with the main body device 2 through the terminal 35. Also, when the left controller 3 is removed from the main body device 2, the control unit 30 performs wireless communication with the main body device 2 (specifically, the controller communication unit 83). The wireless communication between the controller communication unit 83 and the control unit 30 is performed according to, for example, the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard.

[0056] In addition, the left controller 3 includes a memory 33 such as a flash memory. The control unit 30 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer (also referred to as a microprocessor), and executes various processes by executing the firmware stored in the memory 33.

[0057] The left controller 3 includes an analog stick (described as "stick" in FIG. 3) 31 and a plurality of operation buttons 32. Information regarding operations performed on the analog stick 31 and each operation button 32 is output to the repetition control unit 30 at appropriate timings.

[0058] Further, the left controller 3 includes a sensor 34. The sensor 34 includes an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor. The acceleration sensor detects the magnitude of acceleration along the xyz axis directions shown in FIG. 1, and the angular velocity sensor detects the angular velocity around each of the xyz axes. The detection results of the acceleration sensor and the angular velocity sensor are output to the repetition control unit 30 at appropriate timings.

[0059] The control unit 30 acquires information regarding input (specifically, information regarding operations on the analog stick 31 and each operation button 32, and information regarding the detection results by the sensor 34) from each operation button 32, the analog stick 31, and the sensor 34. The control unit 30 transmits operation data including the acquired information (or information obtained by performing predetermined processing on the acquired information) to the main body device 2. Note that the operation data is repeatedly transmitted at a rate of once every predetermined time. Note that the intervals at which the information regarding the input is transmitted to the main body device 2 may be the same or different for each input unit.

[0060] By transmitting the above operation data to the main body device 2, the main body device 2 can determine operations on the analog stick 31 and each operation button 32 based on the operation data. Further, the main body device 2 can acquire information regarding the movement and / or posture of the left controller 3 based on the operation data (specifically, the detection results of the sensor 34).

[0061] Although not shown, the left controller 3 includes a battery that supplies power to each of the above components. Further, the left controller 3 may include a vibrator.

[0062] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the right controller 4 includes a terminal 45 connected to the right terminal 21 of the main body device 2, a control unit 40, a memory 43, a stick 41, a plurality of operation buttons 42, and a sensor 44. Since each of these units has the same function as each of the above units of the left controller 3, the description thereof is omitted.

[0063] (Description of a game system including a plurality of information processing devices) Hereinafter, an example of a game system 10 for playing a game according to the present embodiment to be described later will be described. The game system 10 is a system configured by a plurality of information processing devices 1 communicating with each other. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the game system 10, and is a diagram showing an outline of the game system 10 configured by a plurality of information processing devices 1 performing local communication. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the game system 10, and is a diagram showing an outline of the game system 10 configured by a plurality of information processing devices 1 performing Internet communication.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the game system 10 includes a plurality of information processing devices 1. For example, the game system 10 includes an information processing device 1a, an information processing device 1b, an information processing device 1c, and an information processing device 1d.

[0065] Note that in FIGS. 4 and 5, the game system 10 is illustrated as including four information processing apparatuses 1, but the number of information processing apparatuses 1 included in the game system 10 may be arbitrary. Also, in any of the communication modes shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the plurality of information processing apparatuses 1 included in the game system 10 may operate in the portable mode, the stationary mode, the table mode, or a combination thereof. For example, in the communication mode shown in FIG. 4, the information processing apparatuses 1a to 1d may all operate in the portable mode, the stationary mode, the table mode, or a combination of the portable mode, the stationary mode, and the table mode. Further, in the game system 10 shown in FIG. 5, the stationary-mode information processing apparatuses (1a and 1b) and the portable-mode information processing apparatuses (1c and 1d) are mixed, but may include a table-mode information processing apparatus, or the information processing apparatuses 1a to 1d may all be in the portable mode, the stationary mode, or the table mode.

[0066] In FIGS. 4 and 5, the information processing apparatus 1a functions as a master device. The information processing apparatus 1a that is the master device executes a game program. The processor 81 of the information processing apparatus 1a executes game processing related to a predetermined game by executing the game program. For example, an external storage medium storing a game program is attached to the slot 23 of the information processing apparatus 1a, and the processor 81 of the information processing apparatus 1a can read the game program stored in the external storage medium into the DRAM 85 and execute it. Note that the game program may be stored in the flash memory 84 of the information processing apparatus 1a or in another storage device readable by the information processing apparatus 1a. The predetermined game may be any game such as a racing game, a card game, a table game, a sports game, a fighting game, a shooting game, a role-playing game, a music game, or the like.

[0067] On the other hand, in FIGS. 4 and 5, the information processing apparatuses 1b to 1d function as slave units. The information processing apparatuses 1b to 1d, which are slave units, may not store a game program for executing the predetermined game and may not be able to execute the game program. That is, an external storage medium storing the game program is not attached to the slot 23 of the slave unit, and the game program is not stored in the flash memory 84 of the slave unit either.

[0068] Note that although the slave unit also stores a game program, any one of the plurality of information processing apparatuses 1 may function as a master unit, and the remaining information processing apparatuses 1 may function as slave units, and the game processing may be executed only by the master unit.

[0069] In addition, among the plurality of slave units, there may be a device that functions only as a slave unit.

[0070] Also, the master unit and each slave unit may be the same type of information processing apparatus (for example, the same type of game apparatus). Also, the master unit and each slave unit may be different types of information processing apparatuses. Also, the plurality of slave units may include the same type of information processing apparatus as the master unit and a different type of information processing apparatus from the master unit.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 4, the master unit and each slave unit may directly communicate by local communication (for example, a communication method using a proprietary protocol or a method compliant with the Wi-Fi standard). Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the master unit and each slave unit may communicate via the Internet 8. In the present embodiment, a predetermined game is executed using the master unit and the slave units. The master unit and each slave unit establish a connection before starting the predetermined game.

[0072] Specifically, the host device acquires operation data corresponding to an operation on the host device's controller (the first controller or the second controller). Here, the operation data corresponding to the operation on the host device's controller is referred to as "host device operation data". Also, the slave device transmits operation data corresponding to an operation on the slave device's controller (the first controller or the second controller) to the host device. Here, the operation data transmitted from the slave device to the host device is referred to as "slave device operation data".

[0073] The host device performs game processing based on the host device operation data. Also, the host device receives the slave device operation data transmitted from the slave device and performs game processing based on the slave device operation data. The content of the game processing varies depending on the type of game.

[0074] Next, the host device generates image data based on the result of the game processing. Specifically, the host device generates image data for the host device and image data for the slave device.

[0075] The host device outputs the generated image data for the host device to the display 12 or the stationary monitor 5. Thereby, the game image for the host device is displayed on the host device's display 12 or the stationary monitor 5. Also, the host device transmits the generated image data for the slave device to the slave device. The slave device receives the image data for the slave device transmitted from the host device and outputs the image data for the slave device to the display 12 or the stationary monitor 5. Thereby, the game image for the slave device is displayed on each slave device's display 12 or the stationary monitor 5. Note that the host device may generate audio data for the host device and output an audio based on the audio data. Also, the host device may generate audio data for the slave device, transmit it to the slave device, and an audio based on the audio data for the slave device may be output at the slave device.

[0076] As described above, the game system 10 for playing the game according to this embodiment includes a plurality of information processing apparatuses 1. Any one of the plurality of information processing apparatuses 1 functions as a parent device, and the other information processing apparatuses 1 function as child devices. Game processing is performed based on the parent device operation data corresponding to the operation performed on the parent device. Also, the child device operation data corresponding to the operation performed on the child device is transmitted from the child device to the parent device, and game processing based on the child device operation data is performed on the parent device. The parent device generates a game image according to the result of the game processing, and displays the game image on its own display 12 or the stationary monitor 5. Further, the parent device transmits the game image according to the result of the game processing to the child device, and the game image is displayed on the child device. Thereby, a game is played in the game system 10 including the parent device and the child devices.

[0077] Next, the game of this embodiment performed using the game system 10 as described above will be described.

[0078] As the game of this embodiment, a first type of game and a second type of game are played. First, the first type of game will be described.

[0079] (First type of game) The first type of game is a multiplayer game played by a plurality of users, and is a game in which each user plays while viewing the game image displayed on the screen of his or her own information processing apparatus 1 (the screen of the display 12 or the stationary monitor 5). For example, the first type of game is a competitive table game in which each user plays without viewing the game image displayed on the screen of another user's information processing apparatus 1.

[0080] The first type of game may be executed in the game system 10 configured by a plurality of information processing apparatuses 1 in which the portable mode, the stationary mode, and the table mode are mixed. Also, the first type of game may be executed in the game system 10 configured by a plurality of information processing apparatuses 1 operating in any one of the portable mode, the stationary mode, and the table mode.

[0081] In addition, the first type of game can be executed either by local communication or by Internet communication. Note that the first type of game may be configured to be executable only by either local communication or Internet communication.

[0082] Hereinafter, a case where a mahjong game is played as the first type of game using the four portable mode information processing apparatuses 1 (1a to 1d) shown in FIG. 4 will be described. For example, the mahjong game is played by four users (users A to D). The information processing apparatus 1a, which is the master apparatus, is used by user A, and the information processing apparatuses 1b to 1d, which are slave apparatuses, are used by users B to D, respectively. Hereinafter, the information processing apparatus 1a may be referred to as the "master apparatus 1a", and the information processing apparatuses 1b to 1d may be referred to as the "slave apparatuses 1b to 1d".

[0083] FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example of a game image displayed on the display 12a of the information processing apparatus 1a when a mahjong game is played as the first type of game. FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an example of a game image displayed on the display 12b of the information processing apparatus 1b when a mahjong game is played as the first type of game. FIG. 6C is a diagram showing an example of a game image displayed on the display 12c of the information processing apparatus 1c when a mahjong game is played as the first type of game. FIG. 6D is a diagram showing an example of a game image displayed on the display 12d of the information processing apparatus 1d when a mahjong game is played as the first type of game.

[0084] On the display 12 of each information processing apparatus 1, only the hand cards of the user corresponding to the information processing apparatus 1 are displayed so as to be recognizable, and the hand cards of other users are not recognizable. For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, on the display 12a, a game image including an image showing the hand cards 70a of user A and an image showing the field (an image of a mahjong table) is displayed. In the game image displayed on the display 12a, the hand cards 70b of user B, the hand cards 70c of user C, and the hand cards 70d of user D are not recognizable. For example, in the game image displayed on the display 12a, the hand cards 70b, 70c, and 70d may be displayed only on their front or back sides. Alternatively, the hand cards 70b, 70c, and 70d may not be displayed at all on the display 12a.

[0085] Similarly, only the hand cards 70b of user B are displayed on the display 12b so as to be recognizable (FIG. 6B). Also, only the hand cards 70c of user C are displayed on the display 12c so as to be recognizable (FIG. 6C), and only the hand cards 70d of user D are displayed on the display 12d so as to be recognizable (FIG. 6D).

[0086] When it is the turn of the user A of the master device 1a, the user A operates the left controller 3 and / or the right controller 4 to acquire one tile, and selects and discards one of the plurality of hand cards 70a including the acquired tile. Similarly, when it is the turn of each user of the slave devices, the user operates the left controller 3 and / or the right controller 4 attached to the main body device 2 to select and discard one of the plurality of hand cards.

[0087] Specifically, the master device 1a manages the hand cards, turn order, and tiles to be acquired of each user in the mahjong game. When it is the turn of user A, the master device 1a acquires master device operation data corresponding to an operation on the left controller 3 and / or the right controller 4, and performs game processing (processing for acquiring tiles, processing for selecting tiles, processing for discarding the selected tiles, etc.) based on the master device operation data. The master device 1a causes a game image for the master device (FIG. 6A) corresponding to the result of the game processing to be displayed on the display 12a of its own device.

[0088] Also, for example, when it is User B's turn, the slave unit 1b acquires operation data corresponding to an operation on the left controller 3 and / or the right controller 4, and transmits the operation data to the master unit 1a as slave unit operation data. The master unit 1a performs game processing based on the slave unit operation data received from the slave unit 1b, generates a game image for the slave unit (FIG. 6B) according to the result of the game processing, and transmits it to the slave unit 1b. The slave unit 1b causes the game image received from the master unit 1a to be displayed on its own display 12b. When it is the turn of User C or User D, the same processing is performed in the slave units 1c and 1d and the master unit 1a. Note that when it is each user's turn, a display prompting input may be made on the screen of the information processing apparatus corresponding to the user, and a display indicating waiting for input may be made on the screen of the information processing apparatus corresponding to the other users.

[0089] When the master unit 1a operates in the stationary mode or the table mode, the master unit 1a acquires master unit operation data corresponding to an operation on the first controller or the second controller wirelessly connected to the master unit, and performs game processing based on the master unit operation data. When the slave unit operates in the stationary mode or the table mode, the slave unit transmits slave unit operation data corresponding to an operation on the first controller or the second controller wirelessly connected to the slave unit to the master unit 1a.

[0090] Operations performed in each information processing apparatus (for example, an operation of selecting one from a plurality of hand cards) may be performed using the touch panel 13. For example, the master unit 1a may acquire master unit operation data corresponding to a touch operation on the touch panel 13a provided on the display 12a, and perform game processing based on the master unit operation data. Similarly, the slave unit may acquire touch operation data corresponding to a touch operation on the touch panel 13, transmit the operation data to the master unit 1a as slave unit operation data, and the master unit 1a may perform the above game processing based on the slave unit operation data.

[0091] As the first type of game, a card game using playing cards or other cards, a competitive table game such as a Hanafuda game, etc. may be played. On the display 12 of each information processing device 1, only the hand of each user (cards, bills, tiles in hand, etc.) is displayed, and the hands of other users are not displayed.

[0092] The first type of game is not limited to the above-mentioned games, and may be a game in which each user uses his / her own items. For example, a game may be played in which each user can see his / her own items but cannot see other users' items. Also, a game may be played in which each user can see his / her own items and other users' items.

[0093] In this way, each user may select an item that he or she can select (e.g., tiles in hand, cards in hand, etc.), and the game may proceed based on the selected item.

[0094] Furthermore, in the game system 10 using local communication or internet communication, other games may be played in addition to the above-mentioned competitive table games.

[0095] For example, in a virtual space, a game may be played in which user objects corresponding to each user are controlled according to the operations of each user. As an example of such a game, a racing game, a shooting game, etc. may be played. For example, in the virtual space, a user object PCa corresponding to the master unit 1a and user objects PCb to PCd corresponding to the slave units 1b to 1d are arranged. The master unit 1a controls the user object PCa based on the master unit operation data. Also, the master unit 1a controls the user objects PCb to PCd based on the slave unit operation data received from each of the slave units 1b to 1d. Virtual cameras VCa to VCd corresponding to each of the user objects PCa to PCd are set in the virtual space, and the master unit 1a generates game images Ga to Gd based on the virtual cameras VCa to VCd. The master unit 1a causes the generated game image Ga to be displayed on the display 12 of its own device or the stationary monitor 5, and transmits the generated game images Gb to Gd to the slave units 1b to 1d. The slave units 1b to 1d cause the game images Gb to Gd received from the master unit 1a to be displayed on the display 12 of their own devices or the stationary monitor 5.

[0096] (Second type of game) Next, the second type of game will be described. The second type of game is a multiplayer game played in a game system 10 configured by local communication. The second type of game is played using, for example, a plurality of table-mode information processing devices 1. That is, basically, the second type of game is played using a plurality of main body devices 2 with the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 removed. Alternatively, with the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 attached to the main body device 2, or with the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 removed from the main body device 2, a second controller 7 is wirelessly connected to the main body device 2, and the second type of game may be played based on operations on the second controller 7. Hereinafter, the case where the second type of game is played using a plurality of main body devices 2 with the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 removed will be described.

[0097] Specifically, in the second type of game, a plurality of main body devices 2 are arranged side by side on a table, for example, with the screen of the display 12 facing upward. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of four main body devices 2a to 2d when the second type of game is being played.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 7, for example, the main body devices 2a and 2b are arranged on the table such that the right side surface of the main body device 2a and the left side surface of the main body device 2b are close to each other. Also, the upper surface of the main body device 2d is close to the lower surfaces of the main body devices 2a and 2b, the left side surface of the main body device 2c is close to the lower surface of the main body device 2b, and the lower surface of the main body device 2c is close to the right side surface of the main body device 2d, and these main body devices 2a to 2d are arranged accordingly.

[0099] The main body device 2a functions as the master device, and the main body devices 2b to 2d function as slave devices. First, the master device 2a, which is the main body device 2a, performs a position relationship specifying process for specifying the position relationship between the main body devices. For example, the user performs a touch operation on the touch panel 13 of each main body device 2 arranged as shown in FIG. 7. Specifically, the user touches an arbitrary position on the touch panel 13 of a certain main body device 2 with a finger, for example, and while keeping the finger in the touched state, slides the finger to move it to an arbitrary position on the touch panel 13 of another main body device 2.

[0100] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an outline of the position relationship specifying process. The master device performs a display that prompts the user to perform a slide operation across the plurality of main body devices. In response to the display, the user starts a touch from a position P1 on the touch panel 13b of the main body device 2b using a finger, for example, and while keeping the finger in the touched state, slides the finger linearly in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 8 to move it to a position P3 which is the periphery of the touch panel 13b. Further, the user slides the finger so as to pass between the touch panel 13b and the touch panel 13c to move it to a position P4 which is the periphery of the touch panel 13c, and further slides the finger to move it to a position P2 on the touch panel 13c.

[0101] When a series of slide operations are performed across such touch panels 13b and 13c, the main body devices 2b and 2c detect a plurality of touch positions. The main body devices 2b and 2c transmit touch position data indicating the detected touch positions to the main body device 2a, which is the master device. The master device can identify that the main body devices 2b and 2c are arranged in a positional relationship as shown in FIG. 8 based on the touch position data received from the main body devices 2b and 2c. For example, the master device calculates a vector from the touch position P1 to P3 on the touch panel 13b based on the touch position data from the main body device 2b, and calculates a vector from the touch position P4 to P2 on the touch panel 13c based on the touch position data from the main body device 2c. The master device can identify that the main body devices 2b and 2c are close to each other in a positional relationship where the two calculated vectors are connected based on these two calculated vectors. Also, the master device may calculate the difference time between the time when the main body device 2b stops detecting the touch position P3 (the time when the finger leaves the position P3) and the time when the main body device 2c detects the touch position P4. The master device can identify the distance between the main body device 2b and the main body device 2c based on the calculated difference time and the speed of the user's slide operation calculated from the touch position data. The user performs such a slide operation on each main body device 2. Thereby, the master device can identify the positional relationship of each main body device 2.

[0102] When the main body devices 2a to 2d are arranged in a positional relationship as shown in FIG. 7, one large screen is formed by the displays 12a to 12d of each main body device 2. Different images are displayed on the displays 12a to 12d of each main body device 2, and one large image is displayed by the images displayed on each of them. A second type of game is played using the displays 12 of such a plurality of main body devices 2.

[0103] For example, as a second type of game, a racing game is played. In this case, one course is displayed on displays 12a to 12d, and a racing game is played on the course. Hereinafter, the case where a racing game is played as the second type of game by four users A to D will be described.

[0104] FIG. 9A is a diagram showing an example of a game image displayed on the display 12a of the main body device 2a at time point T1 during the execution of the second type of game. FIG. 9B is a diagram showing an example of a game image displayed on the display 12b of the main body device 2b at time point T1. FIG. 9C is a diagram showing an example of a game image displayed on the display 12c of the main body device 2c at time point T1. FIG. 9D is a diagram showing an example of a game image displayed on the display 12d of the main body device 2d at time point T1.

[0105] FIGS. 10A to 10D are diagrams showing an example of game images displayed on the displays 12a to 12d at time point T2 after a predetermined time has elapsed from time point T1.

[0106] As shown in FIGS. 9A to 9D, a part of the course 75 (parts 75a to 75d) is displayed on each of the displays 12a to 12d, and different images are displayed. When the displays 12a to 12d are arranged in the positional relationship shown in FIG. 7, one course 75 composed of the parts 75a to 75d is formed. On the course 75, cart objects 71a to 71d are arranged.

[0107] User A uses a controller (first controller or second controller) CTLa wirelessly connected to the main unit 2a, which is the master unit, to run the cart object 71a in the direction of the arrow in the figure on the course 75. Similarly, user B uses a controller CTLb wirelessly connected to the main unit 2b, which is the slave unit, to run the cart object 71b on the course 75. Similarly, user C uses a controller CTLc wirelessly connected to the main unit 2c, which is the slave unit, to run the cart object 71c on the course 75. Also, user D uses a controller CTLd wirelessly connected to the main unit 2d, which is the slave unit, to run the cart object 71d on the course 75.

[0108] The main unit 2a, which is the master unit, generates game images to be displayed on the displays 12a to 12d based on the positional relationship specified in the positional relationship specifying process. Specifically, before the start of the race, the master unit defines one course 75 in the virtual space, divides the course 75 into parts 75a to 75d based on the specified positional relationship of each main unit, and sets virtual cameras corresponding to each part. The master unit performs game processing based on the operation data from each main unit 2 and generates game images corresponding to each part 75a to 75d.

[0109] More specifically, the master device stores the positions of the cart objects 71a to 71d in the virtual space. The master device updates the position of the cart object 71a based on the master device operation data corresponding to the operation on the controller CTLa. Also, the main body device 2b, which is a slave device, transmits the slave device operation data corresponding to the operation on the controller CTLb to the master device. Similarly, the main body devices 2c and 2d, which are slave devices, transmit the slave device operation data corresponding to the operations on the controllers CTLc and CTLd connected to them respectively to the master device. The master device updates the respective positions of the cart objects 71b to 71d based on the respective slave device operation data transmitted from the main body devices 2b to 2d. Then, the master device generates a game image based on the virtual camera corresponding to the portion 75a of the course 75, and causes the generated game image to be displayed on the display 12a. Also, the master device generates game images based on the virtual cameras corresponding to the portions 75b to 75d of the course 75, and transmits the generated game images to the main body devices 2b to 2d respectively. The main body devices 2b to 2d cause the received game images to be displayed on the displays 12b to 12d.

[0110] As shown in FIGS. 10A to 10D, each cart object 71 has moved from the positions shown in FIGS. 9A to 9D. For example, the cart object 71b has moved leftward from the position at the right end of the display 12a (see FIG. 9A) to the position on the left side of the display 12a (see FIG. 10A). Also, the cart object 71a was displayed on the display 12b as shown in FIG. 9B at time point T1, but at time point T2, it is displayed on the display 12a close to the left side of the display 12b as shown in FIG. 10A.

[0111] Thus, in the second type of game of this embodiment, game images of different portions in the common virtual space are displayed on the respective displays 12 of the plurality of main body devices 2. By performing the process of specifying the positional relationship of each main body device, the game process, and the game image generation process in the master device and transmitting the game images to the slave devices, a game based on the positional relationship of the plurality of main body devices 2 can be played.

[0112] Note that the positional relationship of each main body device 2a to 2d is not limited to that shown in FIG. 7. For example, the main body devices may be arranged at a certain distance from each other without being close to each other.

[0113] Also, in the above description, the second type of game is performed based on the operation on the controller (the first controller or the second controller) wirelessly connected to the main body device 2. However, the second type of game may be performed based on the operation on the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 attached to the main body device 2.

[0114] Also, in the above description, the case where a racing game is performed as the second type of game is exemplified. However, the second type of game may be other games. For example, the second type of game may be a bowling game. One lane may be formed by the displays 12 of a plurality of main body devices 2, and the game may be performed such that a ball moves on the lane. Also, the second type of game may be a soccer game, a baseball game, etc. The second type of game may be performed on one field formed by the displays 12 of a plurality of main body devices 2.

[0115] Also, the second type of game may be a puzzle game using the displays 12 of a plurality of main body devices 2. For example, partial images of a predetermined object are displayed on the displays 12 of each main body device 2. The user arranges each main body device 2 so as to connect the partial images to form a predetermined object. When such a puzzle game is performed, after the user arranges each main body device 2, a positional relationship specifying process is performed to determine whether each main body device 2 is arranged in a positional relationship in which a predetermined object is formed. The positional relationship specifying process may be a process based on the slide operation by the user as described above, or a process using the detection of proximity by the proximity detection unit as described above.

[0116] In the above description, the second type of game is assumed to be a multiplayer game using a plurality of main body devices 2. However, the second type of game may also be a single-player game using a plurality of main body devices 2. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of main body devices 2 may be arranged to form a single course, and a single user may play a racing game by driving a cart object on the course.

[0117] In addition, when each information processing device 1 executes a game program, the above-described game may also be played among a plurality of information processing devices by each information processing device 1 performing communication (local communication or Internet communication). In this case, each information processing device 1 executes the game program stored in its own device and performs game processing. Each information processing device 1 acquires the operation data of its own device and receives operation data from other information processing devices. Each information processing device 1 performs game processing based on the operation data of its own device and the operation data from other information processing devices 1, and displays a game image corresponding to the result of the game processing on the display 12 or the stationary monitor 5. In this way, the game performed when each information processing device 1 executes a game program and the game performed when only the master device executes a game program as described above may be exactly the same game. Also, the game performed when each information processing device 1 executes a game program and the game performed when only the master device executes a game program may have different functions. For example, the latter may have more limited functions than the former. Also, for example, the game image of the game performed when only the master device executes a game program may have a lower resolution than the game image of the game performed when each information processing device 1 executes a game program.

[0118] (Details of Processing in the Master Device and Slave Devices) Next, the details of the processes performed in the master device and the slave devices will be described. First, the data stored in the master device and the slave devices will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the data stored in the master device. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the data stored in the slave device. Each piece of data shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is stored in the memory (either an external storage medium, the flash memory 84, or the DRAM 85) of each main body device 2.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 11, the master device stores a game program, slave device data, master device operation data, slave device operation data, master device image data, slave device image data, and game data.

[0120] The game program is a program for executing a predetermined game (for example, the first type of game and the second type of game described above), and is a program for executing the game process described later.

[0121] The slave device data is data related to the slave devices connected to the master device. The slave device data includes, for example, information for identifying the slave device (for example, device ID, MAC address, etc.). The slave device data is stored for each slave device connected to the master device.

[0122] The master device operation data is data corresponding to the operations performed on the controller (the first controller or the second controller) of the master device. The main body device 2 acquires the master device operation data from the controller of the master device at a predetermined time interval (for example, at intervals of 1 / 200 second). Note that the master device operation data may include data corresponding to a touch operation on the touch panel 13 of the main body device 2.

[0123] The slave unit operation data is data corresponding to operations performed in the controller of the slave unit (the first controller or the second controller), and is transmitted from the slave unit. Note that the slave unit operation data may include data corresponding to touch operations on the touch panel 13 of the main unit device 2. The slave unit transmits the slave unit operation data to the master unit at predetermined time intervals (for example, intervals of 1 / 60 second). When a plurality of slave units are connected to the master unit, the slave unit operation data received from each slave unit is stored respectively.

[0124] The master unit image data is image data indicating a game image to be displayed on the screen of the master unit (the screen of the display 12 or the stationary monitor 5), and is generated in the master unit.

[0125] The slave unit image data is image data indicating a game image to be displayed on the screen of the slave unit (the screen of the display 12 or the stationary monitor 5), and is data generated in the master unit and transmitted to the slave unit. When a plurality of slave units are connected to the master unit, the respective slave unit image data is generated and stored. Note that the image size (resolution) of the slave unit image data may be variable. For example, the image size of the slave unit image data may change according to the number of slave units connected to the master unit. Also, the image size of the master unit image data and the image size of the slave unit image data may be different.

[0126] The game data is data used in the game. For example, when the mahjong game described above as the first type of game is played, as the game data, data indicating the hand cards of each user, data regarding the cards obtained by the user, data regarding the order, data regarding the points of each user, etc. are stored.

[0127] Also, when the racing game described above is played as the second type of game, as game data, data indicating the positional relationship of each main body device 2, data indicating the course 75, data indicating the portions 75a to 75d of the course 75, data regarding the virtual cameras corresponding to the respective portions, etc. are stored. Also, as game data, data indicating the positions, orientations, speeds, etc. of the cart objects 71a to 71d, data indicating the shapes and appearances of the cart objects 71a to 71d, etc. are stored.

[0128] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12, the slave unit stores master unit data, slave unit operation data, and slave unit image data.

[0129] The master unit data is data regarding the master unit connected to the slave unit. The master unit data includes, for example, information for identifying the master unit (e.g., device ID, MAC address, etc.).

[0130] The slave unit operation data is data corresponding to the operations performed on the controller of the slave unit (the first controller or the second controller). The main body device 2 acquires the slave unit operation data from the controller of the slave unit at a predetermined time interval (e.g., at intervals of 1 / 200 seconds). Note that the slave unit operation data may include data corresponding to a touch operation on the touch panel 13 of the main body device 2. Also, the slave unit transmits the acquired slave unit operation data to the master unit at a predetermined time interval (e.g., at intervals of 1 / 60 seconds).

[0131] The slave unit image data is image data indicating the game images displayed on the screen of the slave unit (the screen of the display 12 or the stationary monitor 5), and is data received from the master unit.

[0132] Note that the above game program is not stored in the slave unit, but a program for participating in the game performed on the master unit (a program for connecting to the master unit, a program for sending a participation request to the master unit, etc.) is stored.

[0133] Next, the processes performed on the master device and the slave devices will be described. In the following, it will be described assuming that the master device and each slave device are connected in the communication mode shown in FIG. 4. Note that the master device and each slave device may be connected in the communication mode shown in FIG. 5.

[0134] (Master Device Processing) FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the master device processing performed on the master device when a predetermined game is played in the game system 10. The processing shown in FIG. 13 is performed by the processor 81 of the main body device 2 of the master device.

[0135] As shown in FIG. 13, the master device first performs initial processing (step S10). In the initial processing, based on the user's operation, processes such as determining the game to be executed, selecting the communication mode (local communication or Internet communication), setting the information processing device 1 as the master device, connecting the master device and the slave devices, recruiting users (slave devices) who will participate in the game, and processing for allowing the slave devices that have received the participation invitation to participate in the game are performed. The communication modes that can be selected by the user differ depending on the game to be executed. Also, when the second type of game is played, in the initial processing, position relationship specifying processing for specifying the position relationship of each main body device 2 is performed. When the initial processing is completed, the master device starts the game and thereafter repeatedly executes the processing of steps S11 to S17 at a predetermined time interval (for example, at intervals of 1 / 60 second).

[0136] After the processing of step S10, the master device acquires master device operation data (step S11). Specifically, when the master device operates in the portable mode, the master device acquires master device operation data from the first controllers (left controller 3 and right controller 4) attached to the own device. Also, when the master device operates in the stationary mode or the table mode, the master device acquires master device operation data from the first controller or the second controller wirelessly connected to the own device. Note that the master device may acquire data corresponding to a touch operation on the touch panel 13 of the main body device 2 as the master device operation data.

[0137] Next, the master device receives child device operation data from each child device (step S12). Specifically, the network communication unit 82 of the master device receives the child device operation data transmitted from the child device. Note that the timings at which the master device receives the child device operation data from each child device may be different.

[0138] Next, the master device performs game processing based on the master device operation data (step S13). Also, in step S13, the master device performs game processing based on the received child device operation data.

[0139] For example, when a mahjong game is played as the first type of game, when it is user A's turn, the master device adds one tile to the hand tiles 70a owned by user A, and based on the master device operation data, selects any one of the plurality of hand tiles 70a and performs a process of discarding the selected tile. Also, when it is user B's turn, the master device adds one tile to the hand tiles 70b owned by user B, and based on the child device operation data from child device 1b, selects any one of the plurality of hand tiles 70b and performs a process of discarding the selected tile. Also, the master device performs a similar process based on the child device operation data from child device 1c and the child device operation data from child device 1d. Also, in the game processing, the master device calculates the scores of each user.

[0140] Also, when a racing game is played as the second type of game, the master device moves the cart object 71a in the virtual space and updates the position of the cart object 71a based on the master device operation data. Also, the master device moves the cart objects 71b to 71d in the virtual space and updates the positions of the cart objects 71b to 71d based on the child device operation data from each child device.

[0141] Next, the master device performs image generation processing based on the result of the game processing (step S14). Specifically, in the image generation processing, the master device generates master device image data and child device image data. Also, the master device may generate master device voice data and child device voice data.

[0142] For example, when a mahjong game is played as the first type of game, the host device generates a game image (Figure 6A) including the hand tiles 70a of user A as the host device image data. Also, the host device generates, as the slave device image data, a game image (Figure 6B) including the hand tiles 70b of user B, a game image (Figure 6C) including the hand tiles 70c of user C, and a game image (Figure 6D) including the hand tiles 70d of user D, respectively.

[0143] Also, when a racing game is played as the second type of game, the host device generates a game image for the host device (e.g., Figure 9A) based on a virtual camera corresponding to the portion 75a of the course 75 as the host device image data. Also, the host device generates, as the slave device image data, a game image for each slave device (e.g., Figures 9B to 9D) based on virtual cameras corresponding to the portions 75b to 75d of the course 75, respectively.

[0144] Next, the host device outputs the host device image data generated in step S14 to the display 12 or the stationary monitor 5 (step S15). Also, the host device causes a sound based on the host device audio data generated in step S14 to be output from the speaker 88 or the speaker of the stationary monitor 5.

[0145] Next, the host device transmits the slave device image data generated in step S14 to the slave devices (step S16). Specifically, the network communication unit 82 of the host device transmits the generated slave device image data to each slave device. Also, the network communication unit 82 of the host device transmits the generated audio data to each slave device.

[0146] Next, the master device determines whether to end the game (step S17). For example, if the game is completed, if the user of the master device instructs to forcibly end the game during the game, or if the master device receives child device operation data regarding the forced end of the game from the child device during the game, the master device determines YES in step S17. If the master device determines YES in step S17, it ends the game and sends a game end notification to each child device. If it determines NO in step S17, the master device executes the process of step S11 again. This concludes the description of the master device process.

[0147] Note that while the processes of steps S11 to S17 are repeatedly executed, that is, while a predetermined game is being played between the master device and the child devices, new child devices may join.

[0148] (Child device process) FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the child device process performed in the child device.

[0149] As shown in FIG. 14, the child device first performs initial processing (step S20). In the initial processing, based on the user's operation, processing for setting the information processing device 1 as the child device, processing for selecting the master device to connect to, processing for sending a participation request to participate in the game performed on the master device, etc. are performed. When the game is started on the master device, the initial processing in the child device ends. Thereafter, the processes of steps S21 to S24 are repeatedly executed at a predetermined time interval (for example, at intervals of 1 / 60 second).

[0150] When the game starts, the slave device transmits slave device operation data to the master device (step S21). Specifically, when the slave device is operating in the portable mode, the slave device acquires operation data output from the first controllers (left controller 3 and right controller 4) attached to the own device. Further, when the slave device is operating in the stationary mode or the table mode, the slave device acquires operation data output from the first controller or the second controller connected to the own device. Note that the slave device may acquire data corresponding to a touch operation on the touch panel 13 of the main body device 2 as operation data. Then, the network communication unit 82 of the slave device transmits the acquired operation data to the master device as slave device operation data. Note that the operation data output from the controller of the slave device may be transmitted to the master device as slave device operation data, or data obtained by performing predetermined processing on the operation data output from the controller of the slave device may be transmitted to the master device as slave device operation data.

[0151] Next, the slave device receives slave device image data from the master device (step S22). Further, the slave device may also receive voice data for the slave device from the master device.

[0152] Note that the transmission frequency of the slave device operation data by the slave device and the reception frequency (frame rate) of the slave device image data may be different. For example, the reception frequency of the slave device image data may be lower than the transmission frequency of the slave device operation data. Further, for example, the reception frequency of the slave device image data of each slave device may be decreased according to the number of slave devices connected to the master device. In this case, the transmission frequency of the slave device operation data of each slave device may be the same regardless of the number of slave devices connected to the master device.

[0153] Next, the slave device outputs the received slave device image data (step S23). Specifically, when the slave device is operating in the portable mode or the table mode, the slave device outputs the received slave device image data to the display 12. Further, when the slave device is operating in the stationary mode, the slave device outputs the received slave device image data to the stationary monitor 5. Note that the slave device may output voice based on the received voice data.

[0154] Next, the slave device determines whether to end the game (step S24). For example, when the slave device receives a game end notification from the master device, or when forced termination of the game is instructed on the slave device during the game, the game is ended. If the game is not ended, the slave device executes the process of step S21 again. This concludes the description of the slave device process.

[0155] Note that the processes in the above flowchart are merely examples, and for example, the order of each step may be swapped, other steps may be added, or some of the above steps may be omitted.

[0156] As described above, the information processing apparatus of the present embodiment operates in a plurality of play modes, namely, a portable mode, a stationary mode, and a table mode. In the portable mode, the information processing apparatus performs processing according to operations on an operation device provided in the information processing apparatus (for example, the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 attached to the main body device, the touch panel 13), and outputs an image corresponding to the result of the processing to a display device provided in the information processing apparatus (for example, the display 12). Further, in the stationary mode, the information processing apparatus performs processing according to operations on an operation device externally connected to the information processing apparatus (for example, the first controller or the second controller wirelessly connected to the main body device), and outputs an image corresponding to the result of the processing to a display device externally connected to the information processing apparatus (for example, the stationary monitor 5). Further, in the table mode, the information processing apparatus performs processing according to operations on an operation device externally connected to the information processing apparatus (for example, the first controller or the second controller wirelessly connected to the main body device), and outputs an image corresponding to the result of the processing to a display device provided in the information processing apparatus (for example, the display 12). Further, the information processing apparatus can communicate with other information processing apparatuses in a plurality of communication modes including Internet communication and wireless local communication.

[0157] In such a game system including a plurality of information processing devices, any one of the plurality of information processing devices functions as a parent device, and the other plurality of devices function as child devices. A game system including a parent device and a plurality of child devices executes a multi-player game according to a predetermined play mode among the plurality of play modes. The parent device communicates with each child device in a communication mode set for the game among the plurality of communication modes. The parent device acquires first operation data (parent device operation data) based on an input to an operation device according to a predetermined play mode, acquires second operation data (child device operation data) received from each child device, and performs game processing related to the game based on the first operation data and the second operation data. The parent device generates a first image based on the game processing and a plurality of second images each different from the first image. The parent device outputs the first image to a display device according to a predetermined play mode, and transmits the second images to the respective child devices. Each child device communicates with the parent device, transmits second operation data based on an input to an operation device according to a predetermined play mode to the parent device, and outputs the second image received from the parent device to a display device according to a predetermined play mode. Thereby, for example, even if a child device does not store a game program and cannot execute the game program, a game can be played between the parent device and the child device.

[0158] An example of the game played in the game system is a game (for example, a first type of game such as a mahjong game) that progresses by each player of the master unit and the slave units selecting selectable items. Specifically, the master unit selects an item selectable by the player of the master unit based on the first operation data, and selects an item selectable by the player of each slave unit based on the respective second operation data, and progresses the game based on each selected item. The master unit includes, as the first image, an image (for example, an image of the hand 70a) showing the items selectable by the player of the master unit, and generates an image that does not include images (for example, images of the hands 70b to 70d) showing the items selectable by other players. Further, the master unit includes, as the second image, an image (for example, an image of the hand 70b) showing the items selectable by the player of each slave unit, and generates an image that does not include images (for example, images of the hands 70a, 70c, 70d) showing the items selectable by other players.

[0159] Also, an example of the game played in the game system is a game (for example, the second type of game) in which the information processing device operates in a portable mode or a table mode and is performed by wireless local communication. In this game, the master unit generates images based on different virtual cameras in a common virtual space as the first image and the second image. For example, a plurality of information processing devices are arranged in a positional relationship, and the master unit performs a positional relationship specifying process for specifying the positional relationship of the plurality of information processing devices. The master unit generates the first image and the second image (for example, FIGS. 9A to 9D) based on the virtual camera arranged according to the specified positional relationship.

[0160] In the above game system, the main device and the plurality of sub-devices can operate in any of the above portable mode, stationary mode, and table mode. The plurality of sub-devices may be of the same type of device as the main device or may be different devices. Also, each of the plurality of sub-devices may be of a different type of device. The main device and the plurality of sub-devices are configured such that the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 can be attached to and detached from the main body device 2. However, at least one of the main device and the plurality of sub-devices may be a device in which the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are fixedly attached to the main body device 2 in a non-removable manner. In this case, the first controller or the second controller can be wirelessly connected to the device, and the stationary monitor 5 can be connected to the device. The device may also be configured to be operable in any of the above portable mode, stationary mode, and table mode.

[0161] In the above embodiment, the positional relationship of each main body device was specified by performing a touch operation on the touch panel 13 provided on the main body device 2. In other embodiments, the method for specifying the positional relationship is not limited to the above-described method, and other methods may be used. For example, each information processing device may include a proximity detection unit that detects that the devices are in proximity to each other, and the positional relationship of each information processing device may be specified based on the detection result of the proximity detection unit. For example, the proximity detection unit may detect the proximity of the information processing devices using short-range wireless communication (e.g., Near field communication: NFC). Also, the proximity detection unit may detect the proximity of the main body devices 2 using ultra-wideband radio (Ultra Wide Band: UWB). Further, the proximity detection unit may detect the proximity of the main body devices 2 using other sensors.

[0162] Further, in response to detection of proximity between information processing devices by the proximity detection unit, transmission of the second image to the proximity information processing device may be started. For example, assume a game system configured by a parent device, a first child device, and a second child device, and that the above game is being executed. In this case, when the parent device is displaying the first image on its own display device and repeatedly transmitting the second image to the first child device and the second child device, if a third child device comes close to any of the parent device, the first child device, and the second child device, the parent device may identify the positional relationship with the third child device and start transmitting the second image to the third child device. The parent device may generate the first image and the second image based on a virtual camera arranged according to the positional relationship of each information processing device.

[0163] Also, in the above embodiment, it is assumed that the parent device provides a game to the child device. In other embodiments, not limited to games, any application may be provided from the parent device to the child device.

[0164] Although the present invention has been described above, the above description is merely an exemplification of the present invention, and various improvements and modifications may be added.

Explanation of Signs

[0165] 1 Information processing device 1a Parent device 1b, 1c, 1d Child devices 2 Main body device 3 Left controller 4 Right controller 5 Stationary monitor 7 Second controller 10 Game system 12 Display

Claims

1. The information processing device includes a parent device and a child device. Each of the plurality of information processing devices includes: At least one processor; Among the various play modes, In a first play mode, a process is performed in response to an operation input to an operation device provided in the information processing device, and an image is output to a display device provided in the information processing device; In a second play mode, a process is performed in response to an operation input to an operation device externally connected to the information processing device, and an image is output to a display device externally connected to the information processing device; In a third play mode, a process is performed in response to an operation input to an operation device externally connected to the information processing device, and an image is output to a display device provided in the information processing device; The device is capable of communicating with other information processing devices in a variety of communication modes, including transmission and reception via the Internet and wirelessly; The processor of the parent device among the plurality of information processing devices is For a multiplayer game according to a predetermined mode of play, performing the communication with each of the child devices in a communication mode set for the game among the plurality of communication modes; acquiring first operation data based on an input to the operation device in accordance with the play mode; acquiring second operation data received from each of the slave units; performing game processing of the game based on the first operation data and the second operation data; generating a first image based on the game processing and a plurality of second images each different from the first image; outputting the first image to the display device according to the play mode; transmitting the second image to each of the child devices; The processor of each of the child devices Performing the communication with the parent device; transmitting the second operation data based on an input to the operation device in accordance with the play mode to the parent machine; The second image received from the parent device is output to the display device according to the play mode.

2. The processor of the parent device a player of the parent machine selects a selectable item in the game based on the first operation data; a player of each of the slave devices selects a selectable item in the game based on the second operation data of each of the slave devices; progressing the game based on each of the selected items; The game system of claim 1 , wherein the first image and the second image each include an image showing an item selectable by the corresponding player in the game, but do not include an image showing an item selectable by other players.

3. The game is a competitive table game, The game system according to claim 2 , wherein the image showing the item selectable by the player is an image of the player's hand in the competitive table game.

4. The competitive table game is at least one of a card game using cards including playing cards, a mahjong game, and a Hanafuda game, The game system according to claim 3 , wherein the first image and the second image each include at least an image showing the corresponding player's hand of cards or tiles, and do not include an image showing the other player's hand of cards or tiles.

5. the game is a game played in the first or third play mode and in the wireless communication mode, The processor of the parent device The game system according to claim 1 , wherein the first image and the second image are generated based on different virtual cameras in a common virtual space.

6. The processor of the parent device further comprises: Identifying a positional relationship of the plurality of information processing devices; The game system according to claim 5 , wherein the first image and the second image are generated based on the virtual camera arranged in accordance with the positional relationship.

7. Each of the plurality of information processing devices includes: The information processing device further includes a touch panel provided on a display device, The processor of the child device transmitting to the master unit, slave unit touch input data corresponding to an input to the touch panel of the slave unit; The processor of the parent device further comprises: acquiring parent unit touch input data corresponding to an input to the touch panel of the parent unit; Acquire the child device touch input data received from the child device; 7. The game system according to claim 6, wherein, based on the parent device touch input data and the child device touch input data, a positional relationship between the plurality of information processing devices is determined so that when a slide input is made across a touch panel between the information processing devices, the locations at which the slide input is made are adjacent to each other.

8. Each of the plurality of information processing devices includes: a proximity detection unit that detects that the information processing devices are in proximity to each other, The processor of the parent device further comprises: The game system according to claim 1 , wherein the transmission of the second image to the child device is started in response to the detection that the information processing devices have come close to each other.

9. The game system according to claim 8 , wherein the proximity detector performs the detection by short-range wireless communication or ultra-wideband wireless communication.

10. The processor of the parent device further comprises: The game system of claim 9 , further comprising: determining a positional relationship between the plurality of information processing devices based on the detection by the proximity detection unit; and generating the first image and the second image based on a virtual camera positioned according to the positional relationship.

11. An information processing method performed in an information processing system including a plurality of information processing devices including a parent device and a plurality of child devices, Each of the plurality of information processing devices includes: At least one processor; Among the various play modes, In a first play mode, a process is performed in response to an operation input to an operation device provided in the information processing device, and an image is output to a display device provided in the information processing device; In a second play mode, a process is performed in response to an operation input to an operation device externally connected to the information processing device, and an image is output to a display device externally connected to the information processing device; In a third play mode, a process is performed in response to an operation input to an operation device externally connected to the information processing device, and an image is output to a display device provided in the information processing device; The device is capable of communicating with other information processing devices in a variety of communication modes, including transmission and reception via the Internet and wirelessly; In the parent device among the plurality of information processing devices, For a multiplayer game according to a predetermined mode of play, performing the communication with each of the child devices in a communication mode set for the game among the plurality of communication modes; acquiring first operation data based on an input to the operation device in accordance with the play mode; acquiring second operation data received from each of the slave units; performing game processing of the game based on the first operation data and the second operation data; generating a first image based on the game processing and a plurality of second images each different from the first image; outputting the first image to the display device according to the play mode; transmitting the second image to each of the child devices; In each of the slave units, Performing the communication with the parent device; transmitting the second operation data based on an input to the operation device in accordance with the play mode to the parent machine; An information processing method, comprising: outputting the second image received from the parent device to the display device according to the play mode.

12. In the parent unit, a player of the parent machine selects a selectable item in the game based on the first operation data; a player of each of the slave devices selects a selectable item in the game based on the second operation data of each of the slave devices; progressing the game based on each of the selected items; The information processing method according to claim 11 , wherein the first image and the second image each include an image showing an item selectable by the corresponding player in the game, and do not include an image showing an item selectable by other players.

13. The game is a competitive table game, The information processing method according to claim 12 , wherein the image showing the item selectable by the player is an image of the player's hand in the competitive table game.

14. The competitive table game is at least one of a card game using cards including playing cards, a mahjong game, and a Hanafuda game, The information processing method according to claim 13 , wherein the first image and the second image each include at least an image showing the corresponding player's hand or tiles, and do not include an image showing the other player's hand or tiles.

15. the game is a game played in the first or third play mode and in the wireless communication mode, In the parent unit, The information processing method according to claim 11 , further comprising generating, as the first image and the second image, images based on different virtual cameras in a common virtual space.

16. In the parent unit, Identifying a positional relationship of the plurality of information processing devices; The information processing method according to claim 15 , further comprising generating the first image and the second image based on the virtual camera arranged in accordance with the positional relationship.

17. Each of the plurality of information processing devices includes: The information processing device further includes a touch panel provided on a display device, In the child device, transmitting to the master unit, slave unit touch input data corresponding to an input to the touch panel of the slave unit; In the parent unit, acquiring parent unit touch input data corresponding to an input to the touch panel of the parent unit; Acquire the child device touch input data received from the child device; The information processing method according to claim 16, further comprising: determining a positional relationship between the plurality of information processing devices based on the parent device touch input data and the child device touch input data, so that when a slide input is made across a touch panel between the information processing devices, the locations at which the slide input is made are adjacent to each other.

18. Each of the plurality of information processing devices includes: a proximity detection unit that detects that the information processing devices are in proximity to each other, In the parent unit, The information processing method according to claim 11 , 15 or 16 , further comprising starting transmission of the second image to the child device in response to the detection that the information processing devices have come close to each other.

19. The information processing method according to claim 18 , wherein the proximity detector performs the detection by short-range wireless communication or ultra-wideband wireless communication.

20. In the parent unit, The information processing method according to claim 19 , further comprising: identifying a positional relationship between the plurality of information processing devices based on the detection by the proximity detection unit; and generating the first image and the second image based on a virtual camera arranged in accordance with the positional relationship.

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