Information processing device and terminal device

Abstract

To smoothly execute a program and reduce costs of the entire information processing device.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes: first determination means 92 for determining whether or not an execution situation is that prior to a predetermined switching situation, in the middle of the execution of a program; designation means 94 for outputting an instruction such that another information processing device having a performance differing from that of the information processing device executes the program when the determination is affirmative; second determination means 96 for determining whether or not the execution situation is a predetermined switching situation; and switching means 98 for switching a transmission source for transmitting an execution result of the program to a terminal device, from the information processing device to the other information processing device in the case of affirmative determination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an execution switching system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a so-called cloud game in which a game server (information processing apparatus) executes a game program and transmits the execution result to a terminal device possessed by a user to provide the game to the user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when a plurality of information processing apparatuses disclosed in Patent Document 1 are prepared on the cloud, each information processing apparatus must be made high-performance in order to execute the game program smoothly, but there is a problem that it incurs a great cost. This problem can occur similarly not only in the case of a game program but also when other programs are executed on the cloud.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a server apparatus and an execution switching system that can smoothly execute a program and reduce the cost of the entire information processing apparatus when a plurality of information processing apparatuses are prepared on the cloud.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, an information processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a terminal device operated by a user. When receiving an execution request from the terminal device, it includes an execution means for executing a program and transmitting an execution result to the requesting terminal device, a first determination means for determining whether the execution status is a status before a predetermined switching status during the execution of the program, an instruction means for outputting an instruction to cause another information processing apparatus having different performance compared to the information processing apparatus to execute the program when the first determination means makes an affirmative determination, a second determination means for determining whether the execution status is the predetermined switching status after the instruction, and a switching means for switching the transmission source for transmitting the execution result of the program to the terminal device from the execution means to the other information processing apparatus when the second determination means makes an affirmative determination.

[0007] Further, in the information processing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention, the instruction means outputs an instruction to cause an information processing apparatus having higher performance compared to the information processing apparatus to execute the program as the other information processing apparatus.

[0008] Further, in the information processing apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention, the instruction means outputs an instruction to cause an information processing apparatus having lower performance compared to the information processing apparatus to execute the program as the other information processing apparatus.

[0009] Further, in the information processing apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, after switching the transmission source from the execution means to the other information processing apparatus, the switching means terminates the communication connection with the terminal device.

[0010] Further, in the information processing apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the program is a game program, and the predetermined switching status includes a status where the game scene is switched.

[0011] Further, in the execution switching system according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an execution switching system including a plurality of information processing devices including the above information processing device and a server device, wherein when the server device receives a search request including the identification information of the program from the terminal device, it includes a search means for searching for an information processing device capable of executing the program indicated by the identification information from among the plurality of information processing devices, and connection instruction means for outputting a connection instruction to the terminal device so as to preferentially connect the information processing device having the lowest performance among the information processing devices searched by the search means.

Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, a program can be executed smoothly and the cost of the entire information processing device can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, the same reference numerals are used for the same components and steps in each drawing as much as possible, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0015] <Overall Configuration> FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the overall configuration of an execution switching system 1. As shown in the figure, the execution switching system 1 includes a plurality of game servers 10 as an example of an information processing device, a plurality of first terminal devices 12, a plurality of second terminal devices 14, and a matching server 16 as a server device. Among these, the game server 10 and the first terminal device 12 are configured to be communicable with each other via a local area network N1 as an example of a communication network. Also, the game server 10, the second terminal device 14, and the matching server 16 are configured to be communicable with each other via a wide area network N2 as an example of a communication network.

[0016] The game servers 10 are arranged in a plurality of facilities S such as one facility S1 and another facility S2. Hereinafter, the game server 10 arranged in one facility S1 may be referred to as "one game server 10A", and the game server 10 arranged in another facility S2 may be referred to as "another game server 10B". These game servers 10 execute a game program and provide the game, which is the execution result, to the users of the first terminal device 12 and the users of the second terminal device 14. Also, the performance and the communication speed with the second terminal device 14 of the game server 10 vary depending on the type and location of the facility S. Examples of the facility S include, for example, a game center, a lodging facility, an entertainment facility, a leisure facility, a data center, and the like.

[0017] The first terminal device 12 is arranged in each facility S. This first terminal device 12 receives game provision from the game server 10. Then, when the user plays the received game, the first terminal device 12 accepts the operation of the user and transmits the operation information to the game server 10.

[0018] The second terminal device 14 is outside the facility S, for example, something held and operated by the user. This second terminal device 14 receives game provision from the game server 10. Then, when the user plays the received game, the second terminal device 14 accepts the operation of the user. Examples of the second terminal device 14 include mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, personal computers, etc.

[0019] When the user of the second terminal device 14 plays a game, the matching server 16 matches the user with one or more of the plurality of game servers 10.

[0020] <Hardware Configuration> FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the hardware configuration of the game server 10 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in the figure, the game server 10 includes a control board 20, an external storage device 22, and a communication device 24.

[0021] The control board 20 is a board that is more high-performance and expensive than the control board 30 of the first terminal device 12, and is integrated in the game server 10. Specifically, it is preferable that the number of the control boards 20 is equal to or more than the number of the first terminal devices 12. The control board 20 is electrically connected to an external storage device 22 and a communication device 24 via a bus (not shown). The control board 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20A, a GPU 20B, a memory 20C, and an internal storage device 20D. The CPU 20A can execute an application program 26 (hereinafter referred to as "app 26"). The GPU 20B performs the computational processing required for image rendering. The memory 20C is a storage device that temporarily expands the app 26 executed by the CPU 20A. The internal storage device 20D is composed of a hard disk or the like. A plurality of types of apps 26 according to the facility S and demand, such as app A and app B, are stored in the internal storage device 20D. Examples of the app 26 include a game program, an image analysis program, a weather analysis program, an automatic driving program, an inspection program, and the like. In the present embodiment, the case where the app 26 is a game program will be described.

[0022] The external storage device 22 is composed of a hard disk or the like. The external storage device 22 stores more apps 26 than the number of apps 26 stored in the internal storage device 20D. Although it depends on the storage capacity of each storage device, for example, if the number of apps 26 stored in the internal storage device 20D is about 2 or 30, the number of apps 26 stored in the external storage device 22 is 100 or more. The apps 26 stored in the external storage device 22 are installed in the internal storage device 20D as needed, such as when the user uses them.

[0023] The communication device 24 is composed of a communication interface or the like for communicating with an external device. The communication device 24 transmits and receives various information to and from, for example, the first terminal device 12.

[0024] Note that the game server 10 may be composed of a single information processing device or may be composed of a plurality of information processing devices distributed on a communication network. Also, FIG. 2 only shows a part of the main hardware configuration of the game server 10, and the game server 10 can include other configurations generally provided in a server device, for example.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the hardware configuration of the first terminal device 12 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in the figure, the first terminal device 12 includes a control board 30, an external storage device 32, an operation device 34, a display device 36, and a communication device 38.

[0026] The control board 30 is electrically connected to the external storage device 32, the operation device 34, the display device 36, and the communication device 38 via a bus (not shown). This control board 30 includes a CPU 30A and a memory 30B. The CPU 30A can reproduce an advertisement video or the like. The memory 30B can temporarily expand a program.

[0027] The external storage device 32 stores data such as advertisement videos.

[0028] The operation device 34 receives a user's operation and inputs the operation information to the first terminal device 12.

[0029] The display device 36 displays the execution result of the application 26 by the game server 10, for example, a game image.

[0030] The communication device 38 is composed of a communication interface or the like for communicating with an external device. The communication device 38 transmits and receives various information to and from, for example, the game server 10.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the hardware configuration of the second terminal device 14 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in the figure, the second terminal device 14 includes a CPU 50, a memory 52, a display device 54, a sound output device 56, an input device 58, and a communication device 60.

[0032] The CPU 50 is electrically connected to a memory 52, a display device 54, a sound output device 56, an input device 58, and a communication device 60 via a bus (not shown). The CPU 50 controls each of the connected devices.

[0033] The memory 52 stores various data and various programs.

[0034] The display device 54 displays the game screen of the game.

[0035] The sound output device 56 outputs the game sound of the game.

[0036] The input device 58 inputs the operation information of the user to the second terminal device 14.

[0037] The communication device 60 is composed of a communication interface or the like for communicating with an external device. The communication device 60 transmits and receives various information to and from, for example, the game server 10.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the hardware configuration of the matching server 16 shown in FIG. 1.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 5, the matching server 16 includes a control board 70, a communication device 76, and a storage device 78. The control board 70 is mainly configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 72 and a memory 74.

[0040] In the control board 70, the CPU 72 functions as various functional configurations by executing a predetermined program stored in the memory 74 or the storage device 78 or the like. Details of this functional configuration will be described later.

[0041] The communication device 76 is composed of a communication interface or the like for communicating with an external device. The communication device 76 transmits and receives various information to and from, for example, the second terminal device 14.

[0042] The storage device 78 is composed of a hard disk or the like. This storage device 78 stores various programs, various information necessary for the execution of processing on the control board 70, and information on processing results.

[0043] Note that the matching server 16 can be realized by using an information processing device such as a dedicated or general-purpose server computer. Also, the matching server 16 may be composed of a single information processing device or may be composed of a plurality of information processing devices distributed on the communication network NT. Further, FIG. 5 only shows a part of the main hardware configuration of the matching server 16, and the matching server 16 can be provided with other configurations generally provided in a server.

[0044] <Functional Configuration> FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the functional configuration of the execution switching system 1, particularly the matching server 16 and the game server 10. As shown in the figure, the matching server 16 includes, as a functional configuration, a storage means 80, a search means 82, and a connection instruction means 84. These functional configurations are realized by the CPU 72 executing a program. Also, the game server 10 includes an execution means 90, a first determination means 92, an instruction means 94, a second determination means 96, and a switching means 98. These functional configurations are realized by the CPU 20A executing a program.

[0045] The memory means 80 has a function of storing, for example, a server list 80A and user information 80B. In the server list 80A, for each region, the names of a plurality of facilities S, communication connection information such as the IP address (Internet Protocol Address) of the game server 10 arranged in each facility S, and the performance of the game server 10 arranged in each facility S are described. The user information 80B includes information such as name, age, user ID, password, and contact information for each user of the first terminal device 12 and for each user of the second terminal device 14. Note that the performance of the game server 10 is a value such as throughput, response time, and operation rate determined from the performance of the CPU 20A, the performance of the GPU 20B, the performance of the memory 20C, etc., and the level of performance is represented by the magnitude of the above values. At least one of the above values is described in the server list 80A as the performance of the game server 10.

[0046] When the search means 82 receives a search request including the identification information of the application 26 from the second terminal device 14, it has a function of searching for a game server 10 capable of executing the application 26 indicated by the identification information from among a plurality of game servers 10.

[0047] The connection instruction means 84 has a function of outputting a connection instruction to the second terminal device 14 so as to preferentially connect to the information processing device with the lowest performance or the slowest communication speed from among the game servers 10 searched by the search means 82, based on, for example, the server list 80A, etc.

[0048] When the execution means 90 receives an execution request from the second terminal device 14, it has a function of executing the application 26 and transmitting the execution result to the requesting second terminal device 14.

[0049] The first determination means 92 has a function of determining whether or not the execution status of the application 26 is a status immediately before a predetermined switching status while the application 26 is being executed. The predetermined switching status includes, for example, a status in which a heavy process is started, a status in which a light process is started, a status in which operations by multiple users are started in the same scene in a battle or cooperation, and / or a status in which the game scene is switched.

[0050] When the first judgment means 92 makes a positive judgment, the instruction means 94 has a function of outputting an instruction so that another information processing device that has different performance or a different communication speed with the second terminal device 14 compared to the game server 10 (hereinafter referred to as "one game server") currently executing the app 26, executes the app 26. Specifically, the instruction means 94 may output an instruction to another game server having higher performance or a faster communication speed with the second terminal device 14 than the one game server, as the other information processing device, to execute the application 26. Furthermore, the instruction means 94 outputs an instruction to another game server having lower performance or a slower communication speed with the second terminal device 14 than the one game server, as the other information processing device, to execute the application 26. Furthermore, the other information processing device may include not only the other game server but also the second terminal device 14. The output destination of the instruction may be the second terminal device 14 or another game server, but in this embodiment, a case where the output destination is the second terminal device 14 will be described.

[0051] The second determination means 96 has a function of determining whether or not the execution situation is a predetermined switching situation after the instruction by the instruction means 94.

[0052] When the second determination means 96 makes an affirmative determination, the switching means 98 has a function of switching the transmission source for transmitting the execution result of the application 26 to the second terminal device 14 from the execution means 90 to another game server. As a method for switching this transmission source, for example, outputting a switching instruction to the second terminal device 14 or outputting a switching instruction to another game server can be mentioned. In this embodiment, the case of outputting a switching instruction to the second terminal device 14 will be described. Further, after switching the transmission source from the execution means 90 to another game server, the switching means 98 may terminate the communication connection with the second terminal device 14.

[0053] <Flow of processing> FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the execution switching system 1 when providing the execution result of the application 26 to the user of the second terminal device 14. Note that the content and order of the following processing can be changed as appropriate. In addition, when providing the execution result of the application 26 to the user of the first terminal device 12, in principle, the game server 10 of the facility S where the first terminal device 12 is arranged is used, but in the same processing as below, the game server 10 that provides the execution result of the application 26 to the user of the first terminal device 12 may be matched.

[0054] (Step SP100) When the second terminal device 14 receives a user operation, it transmits a login request including the user ID, password, IP address, etc. of the user to the matching server 16. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP102.

[0055] (Step SP102) The matching server 16 receives a login request from the second terminal device 14. In response, the matching server 16 executes an authentication process based on the user ID and password included in the login request and the user information 80B stored in the storage means 80. When this authentication process is successful, the process proceeds to the process of step SP104. Note that when the authentication process fails, an error is output to the second terminal device 14, and then the series of processes shown in FIG. 7 ends.

[0056] (Step SP104) The matching server 16 transmits a selection image in which names of a plurality of applications 26, that is, names of a plurality of game programs, etc. are described, to the second terminal device 14 of the requester. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP106.

[0057] (Step SP106) The second terminal device 14 receives the selection image from the matching server 16. In response to this, the second terminal device 14 displays the received selection image on the display device 54. When this selection image is displayed, the user of the second terminal device 14 selects one game program from among the plurality of game programs described in the selection image. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP108.

[0058] (Step SP108) When the second terminal device 14 receives the selection of a game program from the user, it transmits a measurement request for the communication speed to the matching server 16. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP110.

[0059] (Step SP110) The matching server 16 receives the measurement request from the second terminal device 14. In response to this, the search means 82 of the matching server 16 extracts one facility from among the plurality of facilities S for each region. For example, when facilities representing each region are registered in the server list 80A, the matching server 16 extracts one representative facility from among the plurality of facilities S for each region. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP112.

[0060] (Step SP112) The matching server 16 acquires the respective IP addresses from the server list 80A as the communication connection information of the game server 10 of each facility extracted. Subsequently, the matching server 16 outputs (transmits) a measurement instruction to the second terminal device 14 to measure the communication speed between the game server 10 of one facility extracted for each region and the second terminal device 14. Note that this measurement instruction includes the IP addresses of the game servers 10 of each facility acquired by the matching server 16. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP114.

[0061] (Step SP114) The second terminal device 14 receives the measurement instruction from the matching server 16. In response, the second terminal device 14 measures the communication speed between the second terminal device 14 and the game server 10 of one facility extracted for each region based on each IP address included in the measurement instruction. Subsequently, the second terminal device 14 transmits the measurement result of the communication speed to the matching server 16. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP116.

[0062] (Step SP116) The matching server 16 receives the measurement result from the second terminal device 14. In response, the search means 82 extracts one region associated with the facility indicated by the measurement result with the fastest communication speed among the received measurement results. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP118.

[0063] (Step SP118) The matching server 16 acquires the respective IP addresses from the server list 80A as the communication connection information of the game servers 10 of the plurality of facilities S associated with the extracted one region. Subsequently, the matching server 16 outputs (transmits) a measurement instruction to the second terminal device 14 to measure the communication speed between the game servers 10 of the plurality of facilities S associated with one region and the second terminal device 14. Note that this measurement instruction includes each IP address acquired by the matching server 16. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP120.

[0064] (Step SP120) The second terminal device 14 receives a measurement instruction from the matching server 16. In response, based on each IP address included in the measurement instruction, the second terminal device 14 measures the communication speed between the second terminal device 14 and the game servers 10 of a plurality of facilities S linked to a region. Subsequently, the second terminal device 14 transmits a search request including the identification information of the game program selected in step SP106 and the measurement result of the communication speed measured in this step SP120 to the matching server 16. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP122.

[0065] (Step SP122) The matching server 16 receives a search request from the second terminal device 14. In response, the search means 82 of the matching server 16 searches, based on the measurement result of the communication speed included in the received search request, for those that satisfy a predetermined recommended communication speed among the game servers 10 of a plurality of facilities S linked to a region, lists the search results and IP addresses, and generates a connection destination candidate list. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP124.

[0066] (Step SP124) The search means 82 transmits an inquiry request regarding the operating status to each game server 10 of the connection destinations included in the generated connection destination candidate list. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP126.

[0067] (Step SP126) Each game server 10 receives an inquiry request from the matching server 16. In response, each game server 10 transmits its current and / or future operating status (operation reservation status) to the matching server 16. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP128.

[0068] (Step SP128) The matching server 16 receives the operating status from each game server 10. In response, the search means 82 updates the connection destination candidate list based on the operating status. Subsequently, the connection instruction means 84 of the matching server 16 updates the connection destination candidate list so that it can instruct the second terminal device 14 to preferentially use (connect) from the game server with the lowest performance among the game servers 10 in the connection destination candidate list. Specifically, the connection instruction means 84 updates the connection destination candidate list in the order from the game server 10 with the lowest performance among the game servers 10 in the connection destination candidate list. At least two or more game servers 10 with different performances from each other are described in this connection destination candidate list. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP130.

[0069] (Step SP130) The connection instruction means 84 transmits a connection instruction including the connection destination candidate list to the second terminal device 14 that is the request source. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP200.

[0070] Figure 8 shows the process following the process shown in Figure 7.

[0071] (Step SP200) The second terminal device 14 receives a connection instruction from the matching server 16. In response, the second terminal device 14 attempts to establish a communication connection based on its IP address in order from the game server 10 described first in the connection destination candidate list included in the connection instruction, in other words, in order from the game server 10 with the lowest performance in the connection candidate list. Hereinafter, the second terminal device 14 establishes a communication connection with the game server 10 with the lowest performance, and this game server 10 with the established communication connection will be described as a game server 10A. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP202.

[0072] (Step SP202) The second terminal device 14 receives payment of the game play fee from the user, grants a predetermined number of credits to the user, and then transmits a game execution request to one game server 10A. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP204.

[0073] (Step SP204) One game server 10A receives the execution request from the second terminal device 14. In response, one game server 10A consumes a predetermined number of the user's credits according to the type of the game program and starts the execution of the game program. Subsequently, game server 10 transmits menu screen data as the execution result of the game program to the second terminal device 14 that is the request source. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP206.

[0074] (Step SP206) The second terminal device 14 receives the menu screen data from one game server 10A. In response, the second terminal device 14 displays the game menu screen on the display device 36 based on the received menu screen data. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP208.

[0075] (Step SP208) The second terminal device 14 receives the user's operation via the input device 58. In response, the second terminal device 14 transmits the operation information of the received operation to one game server 10A. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP210.

[0076] (Step SP210) One game server 10A receives operation information from the second terminal device 14. In response, the first determination means 92 of the one game server 10A determines whether the execution status of the game program is a status before a predetermined switching status. Examples of this status before include a status where quest selection is being accepted, a status where selection of a character or object is being accepted, a status where deck formation of a character or object is being accepted, etc., and a status before screen switching to the screen of a main game such as a quest, a battle game, or a racing game. When the determination is an affirmative determination, the process proceeds to the process of step SP212, and when the determination is a negative determination, the process proceeds to the process of step SP214.

[0077] (Step SP212) The instruction means 94 of the one game server 10A transmits a preparation instruction for execution switching of the game program to the second terminal device 14 that is the request source. Specifically, the instruction means 94 instructs another game server 10B having higher performance than the one game server 10A to execute the same game program as the game program being executed by the execution means 90. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP222.

[0078] (Step SP214) The second determination means 96 of the one game server 10A determines whether the execution status of the game program is a predetermined switching status, that is, a status where the game scene is switched, after the preparation instruction. Examples of this status where the scene is switched include a status where a main game such as a quest, a battle game, or a racing game has started, a status where a complex screen display has started, a status where a battle with a boss character has started, etc. When the determination is an affirmative determination, the process proceeds to the process of step SP220, and when the determination is a negative determination, the process proceeds to the process of step SP216.

[0079] (Step SP216) Based on the operation information received in step SP210, the execution means 90 advances the game and transmits the progress result to the second terminal device 14 of the requester. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP218.

[0080] (Step SP218) The second terminal device 14 receives the progress result from the game server 10A. In response, the second terminal device 14 outputs the progress result to the display device 54, the sound output device 56, etc. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP222.

[0081] (Step SP220) When the second determination means 96 makes an affirmative determination, the switching means 98 outputs a switching instruction to the second terminal device 14 to switch the transmission source for transmitting the execution result of the game program to the terminal device 14 from the execution means 90 to another game server 10B. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP222.

[0082] (Step SP222) The second terminal device 14 determines whether there is a preparation instruction from one game server 10A. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to the process of step SP224, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to the process of step SP230.

[0083] (Step SP224) The second terminal device 14 refers to the connection destination candidate list included in the connection instruction received in step SP200 and acquires the IP address of another game server 10B with higher performance than one game server 10A. From the viewpoint of smoothly performing the execution process in the scene after switching, etc., it is preferable for the second terminal device 14 to acquire the IP address of another game server 10B with performance twice or more higher than one game server 10A. Subsequently, the second terminal device 14 establishes a communication connection with another game server 10B based on the acquired IP address. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP226.

[0084] (Step SP226) The second terminal device 14 transmits a request to execute the game program, which includes identification information of the same game program as the game program being executed by the execution means 90, to another game server 10B with which a communication connection has been established. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP228.

[0085] (Step SP228) Another game server 10B receives the execution request from the second terminal device 14. In response, another game server 10B starts executing the game program indicated by the identification information included in the execution request. Subsequently, another game server 10B transmits a message indicating that the execution of the game program has started to the second terminal device 14. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP230.

[0086] (Step SP230) The second terminal device 14 determines whether there is a switching instruction from one game server 10A. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to the process of step SP232. If the determination is negative, the process returns to the process of step SP208.

[0087] (Step SP232) The second terminal device 14 transmits a request for game progress, which includes the progress status of the game by the execution means 90, to another game server 10B that is executing the game program. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP234.

[0088] (Step SP234) Another game server 10B receives a progress request from the second terminal device 14. In response, the other game server 10B synchronizes the progress status of the currently running game with the progress status included in the progress request. Subsequently, the other game server 10B progresses the game from the middle of the game being executed on one game server 10A and transmits the progress result to the second terminal device 14. As a result, the user can play the game smoothly without the game being interrupted in the middle. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP236.

[0089] (Step SP236) The second terminal device 14 receives the progress result from the other game server 10B. In response, the second terminal device 14 outputs the received progress result. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP238.

[0090] (Step SP238) The second terminal device 14 transmits a release request to one game server 10A. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP240.

[0091] (Step SP240) One game server 10A receives the release request. In response, the switching means 98 of the one game server 10A terminates the communication connection with the terminal device 14 and releases the one game server 10A so that it can be connected to other terminal devices 14.

[0092] <Effect> As described above, in this embodiment, when a game server 10A that can communicate with a second terminal device 14 operated by a user receives an execution request from the second terminal device 14, an execution means 90 that executes a program and transmits an execution result to the second terminal device 14 that is the request source, and during the execution of the program, a first determination means 92 that determines whether the execution status is a status before a predetermined switching status, and when the first determination means 92 makes an affirmative determination, an instruction means 94 that outputs an instruction for another game server 10B having different performance compared to the game server 10A to execute the program, and after the instruction, a second determination means 96 that determines whether the execution status is a predetermined switching status, and when the second determination means 96 makes an affirmative determination, a switching means 98 that switches the transmission source for transmitting the execution result of the program to the second terminal device 14 from the execution means 90, that is, from the game server 10A to another game server 10B. According to this configuration, when the execution status of the program is a predetermined switching status, the transmission source for transmitting the execution result of the program to the second terminal device 14 is switched from the execution means 90, that is, from the game server 10A to another game server 10 having different performance, so that the execution result of the program can be continuously transmitted to the user. Here, if the performance of the game server 10A or another game server 10 is lowered and switched to another game server 10 when high performance is required or not required, the program can be executed smoothly and the cost of the entire game server 10 can be reduced. Also, during the execution of the program, when the execution status is a status before a predetermined switching status, another game server 10B having different performance compared to the game server 10A executes the program. Therefore, compared to the case where the transmission source for transmitting the execution result of the program is suddenly switched from the execution means 90, that is, from the game server 10A to another game server 10 having different performance, the execution result can be transmitted to the user without interruption, and the stress on the user can be reduced.

[0093] Also, in the present embodiment, the instruction means 94 outputs an instruction to cause a game server having higher performance than one game server 10A to execute a program as another game server 10B. According to this configuration, when it is a predetermined switching situation and high performance is required as a game server, an instruction can be output to cause a game server having higher performance than one game server 10A to execute a program as another game server 10B. Therefore, one game server 10A can be made to have low performance and be inexpensive, and the cost of the entire game server 10 can be reduced. Also, when it is not the situation before the predetermined switching situation, by operating one game server 10A having low performance, the resources of another game server 10B having high performance can be saved.

[0094] Also, in the present embodiment, the instruction means 94 outputs an instruction to cause a game server 10B having lower performance than one game server 10A to execute a program as another game server 10B. According to this configuration, when it is a predetermined switching situation and high performance is not required as a game server, an instruction can be output to cause a game server 10B having lower performance than one game server 10A to execute a program as another game server 10B. Therefore, another game server 10B can be made to have low performance and be inexpensive, and the cost of the entire game server 10 can be reduced.

[0095] Also, in the present embodiment, after switching the transmission source from the execution means 90 to another game server 10B, the switching means 98 terminates the communication connection with one game server 10A. According to this configuration, one game server 10A is released from the terminal device 14 and can communicate with other terminal devices 14 to execute a new game, so that one game server 10A can be operated efficiently.

[0096] In addition, in the present embodiment, the program is a game program, and the predetermined switching situation includes a situation where the game scene is switched. According to this configuration, when the source that transmits the execution result of the program to the terminal device 14 is switched from the execution means 90 to another game server 10B in a situation where the game scene is switched, even if a time lag occurs in the transmission of the execution result, it is possible to reduce stress on the user.

[0097] Further, in the present embodiment, in the execution switching system 1 including a plurality of game servers 10 including the game server 10A and the matching server 16, when the matching server 16 receives a search request including the identification information of the application 26 from the second terminal device 14, it searches for a game server capable of executing the program indicated by the identification information from among the plurality of game servers 10, and outputs a connection instruction to the second terminal device 14 to preferentially connect the information processing device with the lowest performance among the game servers searched by the search means 82. The connection instruction means 84 is provided. According to this configuration, it is possible to save the resources of another game server 10B with high performance.

[0098] <Modification Example> Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. That is, those obtained by appropriately making design changes to the above-described embodiment by those skilled in the art are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the features of the present invention. In addition, each element included in the above-described embodiment and the modification example described later can be combined as long as it is technically possible, and those obtained by combining these are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention.

[0099] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the information processing device that executes the application 26 is the game server 10 has been described. However, the information processing device may be a server device arranged in a data center, an inspection device arranged in a factory, a device mounted on a vehicle, a device mounted on a robot, or the like.

[0100] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the game server 10 executes an application (game program) has been described. However, instead of the game server 10, the first terminal device 12 or the second terminal device 14 may execute the game program. In this case, the terminal device that executes the game program includes an execution unit 90, a first determination unit 92, an instruction unit 94, a second determination unit 96, and a switching unit 08, and performs the same processing as the game server 10. And in the above-described embodiment, the game server 10 switches the execution of the game program from one game server to another game server 10, but the terminal device switches the execution of the game program from the game server 10 to the terminal device, or from the terminal device to the game server 10.

[0101] <Supplementary Note> The supplementary note according to the present invention includes the following.

[0102] [Supplementary Note 1] An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a terminal device operated by a user, an execution unit that, when receiving an execution request from the terminal device, executes a program and transmits an execution result to the terminal device that is the request source; a first determination unit that determines whether or not the execution status is a status before a predetermined switching status while the program is being executed; an instruction unit that, when the first determination unit makes an affirmative determination, outputs an instruction to cause another information processing apparatus having a different communication speed from the terminal device compared to the information processing apparatus to execute the program; a second determination unit that determines whether or not the execution status is the predetermined switching status after the instruction; a switching unit that, when the second determination unit makes an affirmative determination, switches the transmission source that transmits the execution result of the program to the terminal device from the execution unit to the other information processing apparatus; An information processing apparatus comprising:

[0103] [Supplementary Note 2] The instruction means outputs an instruction so that, as the other information processing apparatus, an information processing apparatus having a faster communication speed with the terminal apparatus than the information processing apparatus executes the program. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

[0104] [Claim 3] The instruction means outputs an instruction so that, as the other information processing apparatus, an information processing apparatus having a slower communication speed with the terminal apparatus than the information processing apparatus executes the program. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

Explanation of Signs

[0105] 10: Game server (information processing apparatus), 10A: Game server (information processing apparatus) 10B: Game server (other information processing apparatus), 90: Execution means, 92: First determination means, 94: Instruction means, 96: Second determination means, 98: Switching means

Claims

1. An information processing device capable of communicating with a terminal device operated by a user, an execution means for executing a program and transmitting an execution result to the terminal device which has made the request when an execution request is received from the terminal device; a first determination means for determining whether or not the execution status of the program is a status immediately before a predetermined switching status during the execution of the program; an instruction means for outputting an instruction to another information processing device having a different performance from that of the information processing device to execute the program when the first determination means makes an affirmative determination; a second determination means for determining whether or not the execution status is the predetermined switching status after the instruction; a switching means for switching a transmission source for transmitting the execution result of the program to the terminal device from the execution means to the other information processing device when the second determination means makes an affirmative determination; An information processing device comprising:

2. the instruction means outputs an instruction so that an information processing device having a higher performance than the other information processing device executes the program. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the instruction means outputs an instruction so that an information processing device having a lower performance than the information processing device executes the program as the other information processing device. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. the switching means terminates the communication connection with the terminal device after switching the source of the transmission from the execution means to the other information processing device.

4. The information processing device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. the program is a game program, The predetermined switching situation includes a situation in which a game scene is switched. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. 3. An execution switching system comprising a plurality of information processing devices including the information processing device according to claim 2 and a server device, The server device includes: a search means for searching, when a search request including identification information of the program is received from the terminal device, from among the plurality of information processing devices for an information processing device capable of executing the program identified by the identification information; a connection instruction means for outputting a connection instruction to the terminal device so as to give priority to connecting an information processing device with the lowest performance from among the information processing devices searched for by the search means; An execution switching system comprising:

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