Information processing system and information processing method

Abstract

To play a game in new and various ways.SOLUTION: An information processing system causes a processor of a game device to execute a predetermined game program for generating a first image and a second image. The information processing system includes a first game device and a second game device. In a first mode, the processor of the first game device acquires first input data based on the input to an operation device equipped to or connected to the first game device, executes a predetermined game program with first input data as operation data, causes the first image and the second image to be stored in a frame buffer, outputs the first image stored in the frame buffer to any of display devices, and causes the second image stored in the frame buffer to be transmitted to the second game device. The processor of the second game device outputs the second image received from the first game device to any of the display devices.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system for displaying game images on a plurality of screens, and an information processing method.

Background Art

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

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

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

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

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following configurations (1) to (6).

[0007] (1) An example of the present invention is an information processing system that causes a processor of a game device to execute a predetermined game program that performs game processing based on operation data and generates a first image displayed on a first screen and a second image displayed on a second screen. The information processing system includes a first game device and a second game device. Each of the first game device and the second game device includes at least one processor, acquires input data based on an input to at least one of the operation devices provided in the game device and the operation devices connected to the game device, and outputs an image to any one of the display devices provided in the game device and the display devices connected to the game device. The first game device and the second game device communicate with each other. In the first mode, the processor of the first game device performs the following operations. · Acquire first input data based on an input to the operation device provided in or connected to the first game device · Execute a predetermined game program using the first input data as operation data · Store the first image and the second image in a frame buffer · Output the first image stored in the frame buffer to any display device · Cause the second image stored in the frame buffer to be transmitted to the second game device In the first mode, the processor of the second game device outputs the second image received from the first game device to any display device.

[0008] According to the configuration of (1) above, a game can be played in a novel method of playing a two-screen game using two game devices.

[0009] (2) Regarding the configuration of (1) above, in the second mode, the processor of the second game device may perform the following operations. · Execute a predetermined game program using the first input data received from the first game device as operation data · Storing the first image and the second image in the frame buffer · Outputting the first image stored in the frame buffer to any display device · Causing the second image stored in the frame buffer to be sent to the first game device In the second mode, the processor of the first game device may perform the following operations. · Sending the first input data to the second game device · Outputting the second image received from the second game device to any display device

[0010] According to the configuration of (2) above, since game operations can be performed on either of the two game devices, convenience can be improved.

[0011] (3) Regarding the configuration of (2) above, the information processing system may switch between the first mode and the second mode by a predetermined instruction input. When transitioning from the first mode to the second mode, the processor of the first game device may cause execution status data indicating the execution status of a predetermined game program to be sent to the second game device, and the processor of the second game device may resume the execution of the predetermined game program based on the received execution status data. When transitioning from the second mode to the first mode, the processor of the second game device may cause the execution status data to be sent to the first game device, and the processor of the first game device may resume the execution of the predetermined game program based on the received execution status data.

[0012] According to the configuration of (3) above, since the game device for performing game operations can be switched, convenience can be improved.

[0013] (4) Another example of the present invention is an information processing system that causes a processor of a game device to execute a predetermined game program that performs game processing based on operation data and generates a first image displayed on a first screen and a second image displayed on a second screen. The information processing system includes a first game device and a second game device. Each of the first game device and the second game device includes at least one processor, acquires input data based on an input to at least one of the operation devices provided in the game device and the operation devices connected to the game device, and outputs an image to any one of the display devices provided in the game device and the display devices connected to the game device. The first game device and the second game device communicate with each other. The processor of the first game device performs the following operations. · Acquire second input data from the second game device · Execute a predetermined game program using the second input data as operation data · Store the first image and the second image in a frame buffer · Output the second image stored in the frame buffer to any display device · Cause the first image stored in the frame buffer to be transmitted to the second game device The processor of the second game device performs the following operations. · Transmit second input data based on an input to the operation device provided in or connected to the second game device to the first game device · Output the first image received from the first game device to any display device

[0014] According to the configuration of (4) above, a game can be played in a novel method of playing a two-screen game using two game devices.

[0015] (5) Another example of the present invention is an information processing system that causes a game processor to execute a predetermined game program that performs game processing based on operation data and generates a first image displayed on a first screen and a second image displayed on a second screen. The information processing system includes a first game device and a second game device. Each of the first game device and the second game device includes at least one processor, acquires input data based on an input to at least one of the operation devices provided in or connected to the game device, and outputs an image to any one of the display devices provided in or connected to the game device. The first game device and the second game device communicate with each other. The processor of the first game device performs the following operations. · Obtaining first input data based on an input to an operation device provided in or connected to the first game device · Obtaining second input data from the second game device · Executing a predetermined game program using the first input data and the second input data as operation data · Storing the first image and the second image in a frame buffer · Causing one of the first image and the second image stored in the frame buffer to be transmitted to the second game device · Outputting the other of the first image and the second image stored in the frame buffer to any display device The processor of the second game device performs the following operations. · Transmitting second input data based on an input to an operation device provided in or connected to the second game device to the first game device · Outputting one of the first image and the second image received from the first game device to any display device

[0016] According to the configuration of (5) above, a game can be played in a novel method of playing a two-screen game using two game devices.

[0017] (6) Regarding the configuration of (5) above, in a predetermined game program, inputs by a plurality of key operations may be used for game instructions. At least one of the first game device and the second game device may further include a touch panel, and touch input data for the touch panel may be included in at least one of the first input data and the second input data. The processor of the first game device may generate an image including an image indicating a key operation as either the first image or the second image, and in response to an input for touching the image indicating the key operation, may execute a predetermined game program as if the key operation has been performed.

[0018] According to the configuration of (6) above, since an instruction for a two-screen game can be given by a touch input, the operability of the game can be improved.

[0019] Note that another example of the present invention may be an information processing method (for example, a game processing method) executed in the information processing system in (1) to (6) above.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to the above information processing system or information processing method, it becomes possible to play games in a new and diverse way.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] (Description of 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 apparatus in which the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are attached to the main body apparatus 2 and integrated. 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 explaining 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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).

[0026] The left controller 3 and the right controller 4 have a vertically long shape (i.e., a shape that is 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.

[0027] 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 thereof and 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".

[0028] The main body device 2 (information processing device 1) to which the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are 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 and play the game while viewing the game image displayed on the front display 12. 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 uses the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 to perform game operations and plays the game while viewing the game image displayed on the display 12 may be hereinafter referred to as the "portable mode".

[0029] 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, a 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 hereinafter referred to as the "table mode". 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 held and operated by the user with both hands. A 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".

[0030] 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 device 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 device 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.

[0031] Next, the internal configuration of the information processing device 1 will be described. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the information processing device 1.

[0032] 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.).

[0033] 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 programs) stored in the main body device 2. The DRAM 85 is a memory used for temporarily storing various data used in information processing.

[0034] 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 according to the instructions of the processor 81.

[0035] The processor 81 appropriately reads and writes data between the flash memory 84 and the DRAM 85, and each of the above storage media to execute the above information processing.

[0036] 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 the 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".

[0037] 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 communicates between the left controller 3 and between the right controller 4 in accordance with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard.

[0038] 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 the present 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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 was made based on a signal from the touch panel 13 and outputs it to the processor 81.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] Also, the battery 98 is connected to the lower terminal 27. When an external charging device (for example, a 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] The left controller 3 also 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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 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.

[0052] 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 input is transmitted to the main body device 2 may be the same or different for each input unit.

[0053] When the above operation data is transmitted 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).

[0054] Although not shown, the left controller 3 includes a battery that supplies power to each of the above units. Further, the left controller 3 may include a vibrator.

[0055] 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 parts has the same function as each of the above parts of the left controller 3, the description thereof is omitted.

[0056] (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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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, and the information processing apparatuses 1a to 1d may all be in the portable mode, the stationary mode, or the table mode.

[0059] In FIGS. 4 and 5, the information processing apparatus 1a functions as a master device. The information processing apparatus 1a, which 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 the 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.

[0060] 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 that 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] Also, among the plurality of slave units, there may be a device that functions only as a slave unit.

[0063] Further, 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 an information processing apparatus of the same type as the master unit and an information processing apparatus of a different type from the master unit.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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".

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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 master device, and the other information processing apparatuses 1 function as slave devices. Game processing is performed based on master device operation data corresponding to an operation performed on the master device. Also, slave device operation data corresponding to an operation performed on the slave device is transmitted from the slave device to the master device, and game processing based on the slave device operation data is performed on the master device. The master 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 master device transmits the game image according to the result of the game processing to the slave device, and the game image is displayed on the slave device. Thereby, a game is played in the game system 10 including the master device and the slave devices.

[0070] Next, the game according to this embodiment performed using the game system 10 as described above will be described.

[0071] (Example of a game played in a game system) Hereinafter, an example in the case where a two-screen game is executed in the game system 10 will be described. Here, a two-screen game is a game that uses two screens (that is, generates game images to be displayed on two different display devices). That is, the game program for executing the game includes an instruction to generate two game images to be displayed on two different display devices. However, it is not necessary for game images to always be displayed on two screens during the game. In a specific situation during the game (for example, a situation where a predetermined movie is being played), an image may be displayed on only one screen, and no image may be displayed on the other screen. Also, in a specific situation during the game, the images displayed on the two screens may be the same.

[0072] (First embodiment) FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the game system 10 in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the game system 10 includes two information processing devices 1a and 1c of the same type. That is, both the information processing devices 1a and 1c are information processing devices of a type capable of executing the game program of the above two-screen game. Note that "the information processing device is capable of executing the game program" means that the information processing device can execute the game program in any way. In addition to the mode in which the game program corresponds to the information processing device, it also includes a mode in which the information processing device has an emulator and the game program is executed by the emulator.

[0073] In the first to third embodiments described below, it is assumed that the communication between the information processing devices in the game system 10 is performed by the above-described local communication. However, the communication between the information processing devices may be performed by the above-described Internet communication.

[0074] In FIG. 6, the information processing device 1a operates as a master device (that is, the information processing device 1a executes the game program), and game operations are performed using the master device. Although details will be described later, in the first embodiment, the game system 10 can also operate with the information processing device 1a as a slave device (that is, the information processing device 1c executes the game program) and perform game operations using the slave device (see FIG. 7). Hereinafter, the state of the game system 10 performing the former operation is called the first mode, and the state of the game system 10 performing the latter operation is called the second mode. FIG. 6 shows the data exchange between the devices when the game system 10 operates in the first mode.

[0075] In the first mode, the game system 10 receives an input by the user on the information processing device 1a which is the master device. Note that "receiving an input on the information processing device" means receiving an input on the controller of the information processing device (that is, the above-described first controller or second controller), and / or an input to the information processing device itself (for example, an input to a button or a touch panel provided in the information processing device, or an input for moving the information processing device itself). That is, the user performs a game operation using the information processing device 1a itself or the controller of the information processing device 1a.

[0076] The information processing device 1a executes game processing based on an input by the user by executing a game program. Note that this game processing may be any processing for advancing the game and may vary depending on the game content. The information processing device 1a generates two types of game images based on the result of the game processing. Hereinafter, the game image displayed on the information processing device (here, the information processing device 1a) on which an input by the user is received is referred to as the first game image, and the game image displayed on the other information processing device is referred to as the second game image. The first game image and the second game image are different images from each other.

[0077] The specific content of each game image is arbitrary. For example, when an input to the touch panel is received in the game, the first game image may include a UI (user interface) image corresponding to the touch input. Since it is an image displayed on the information processing device where the game operation is performed, according to the above, the game operation can be made easier for the user. Note that the above UI image is, for example, an image of a button representing an instruction by a touch input, a menu image or a map image where a touch input is possible, or the like. Also, the second game image may be, for example, an image representing a game space. Also, the first and second game images may be game images when the game space is viewed from different viewpoints.

[0078] In the information processing apparatus 1a, a first frame buffer for the first game image and a second frame buffer for the second game image are prepared. Each time the first game image is generated, it is stored in the first frame buffer, and each time the second game image is generated, it is stored in the second frame buffer.

[0079] In the example shown in FIG. 6, the information processing apparatus 1a, which is the master device, transmits the second game image stored in the second frame buffer to the information processing apparatus 1c, which is the slave device. The information processing apparatus 1c displays the received second game image. In the first embodiment, the game system 10 advances the game by repeating the above-described reception of input, game processing, and generation of game images. Note that each of the information processing apparatuses 1a and 1c may display the second game image on its own display 12, or may display the second game image on the stationary monitor 5 connected to itself. For example, the user can connect the information processing apparatus corresponding to the game image that the user wants to display on the larger screen among the two game images to the stationary monitor, so that one game image is displayed on the larger screen while the other game image is displayed on the information processing apparatus at hand.

[0080] Note that in the example shown in FIG. 6, the information processing apparatus 1c does not necessarily store the game program. That is, in order to execute the two-screen game, it is sufficient that the game program is stored in the information processing apparatus 1a. At this time, the user can play the two-screen game using the two information processing apparatuses in the manner shown in FIG. 6.

[0081] In addition, in the first embodiment, when the game program is stored in the information processing apparatus 1c, the game system 10 can also operate in a second mode in which the information processing apparatus 1c operates as a master device. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the game system 10 when operating in the second mode. In FIG. 7, as a result of the mode being switched from the first mode shown in FIG. 6 to the second mode, the master device and the slave device are interchanged (that is, the information processing apparatus 1a becomes the slave device and the information processing apparatus 1c becomes the master device).

[0082] As described above, in the second mode, a game operation is performed using the information processing apparatus operating as a slave device. That is, in the second mode, the game system 10 receives an input from the user on the information processing apparatus 1a which is the slave device. The information processing apparatus 1a transmits operation data based on the input from the user to the information processing apparatus 1c which is the master device (see FIG. 7). The information processing apparatus 1c executes game processing based on the received operation data, generates first and second game images based on the result of the game processing, and stores them in the first and second frame buffers respectively. Then, the information processing apparatus 1c displays the first game image on its own display 12 (or the stationary monitor 5 connected to itself), and transmits the second game image to the information processing apparatus 1a (see FIG. 7). The information processing apparatus 1a displays the received second game image on its own display 12 (or the stationary monitor 5 connected to itself). In this way, in the second mode, the second game image is displayed on the information processing apparatus (here, the information processing apparatus 1a) operated by the user. In other embodiments, in the second mode, the first game image may be displayed on the information processing apparatus operated by the user.

[0083] Also, in the first embodiment, the first mode and the second mode may be switched at any timing. For example, the switching between the first mode and the second mode may be executed during the game. For example, the game system 10 receives a switching instruction from the user to switch the mode during the game. In the first embodiment, the input for the switching instruction may be received by either of the two information processing devices, or by both, or by either one. For example, by enabling the reception of the switching instruction by both of the two information processing devices, the convenience of the user can be improved.

[0084] For example, the information processing device may pause the game during the game and display a menu screen on the information processing device. At this time, the input for the switching instruction may be received on the menu screen. Also, for example, the switching instruction may be performed by an input to a predetermined button during the game. Further, the game system 10 may receive the switching instruction not only during the game but also in a state where the game is not being executed.

[0085] In response to the switching instruction by the user, the information processing device which is the master device generates execution status data indicating the execution status of the game program at the current time. The execution status data indicates various information used to start the game by game processing in the information processing device on the other side in the same situation as the game situation at the time when the switching instruction is given. For example, the execution status data may include data indicating the game situation (e.g., the state of each object in the game space, etc.) at the time when the switching instruction is given, or may include data indicating the information stored in the memory in the master device at that time. Also, for example, when the game program has a function of generating save data, the execution status data may include the save data generated at the above time.

[0086] In the first embodiment, the host device generates execution status data while the game is paused. For example, when a switching instruction is received on the above menu screen, the host device generates execution status data while maintaining the state where the game is paused during the display of the menu screen. Also, for example, when a switching instruction is given by an input to a predetermined button during the game, the host device pauses the game in response to the switching instruction and then generates execution status data. This can prevent the game from progressing during the process of switching modes. Note that the "temporary pause of the game" described above means temporarily pausing the progress of the game, and the execution of the game program itself may or may not be stopped.

[0087] The host device transmits the generated execution status data to the information processing device, which is a slave device. The slave device that has received the execution status data becomes the host device and resumes the game based on the execution status data. As a result, the game resumes in the game state at the time when the switching instruction was given. After the game resumes, the processing for progressing the game is executed in the above-described second mode.

[0088] As described above, in the first embodiment, the user can play a two-screen game by using two information processing devices. Also, in the first embodiment, the user can perform game operations on either of the two information processing devices, so the convenience for the user can be improved.

[0089] Next, the details of the processing performed by the game system 10 in the first embodiment will be described. First, the data stored in each of the information processing devices 1a and 1c will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the data stored in each of the information processing devices 1a and 1c. Each data shown in FIG. 8 is stored in the memory of the main body device 2 (either an external storage medium, flash memory 26, or DRAM 85).

[0090] As shown in FIG. 8, the information processing apparatuses 1a and 1c store a game program, opponent device data, host device operation data, slave device operation data, host device image data, slave device image data, game data, and execution status data.

[0091] The game program is a program for executing the above-described two-screen game and is a program for executing host device processing (FIG. 9) described later. Although not shown in FIG. 8, the information processing apparatuses 1a and 1c store a program for executing slave device processing (FIG. 10) that is executed when operating as a slave device or participating in a game performed on the host device. This program may be stored in advance in the information processing apparatus or may be transmitted from the host device to the slave device at the start of execution of the game program.

[0092] The opponent device data is data regarding an information processing apparatus that is a communication opponent connected to the own device. The opponent device data includes, for example, information for specifying the opponent device (e.g., device ID, MAC address, etc.).

[0093] The host device operation data is data corresponding to an operation performed on the host device controller (i.e., the first controller or the second controller). The main body device 2 acquires the host device operation data at a predetermined time interval (e.g., at intervals of 1 / 200 second) from the own device controller. Note that the host device operation data may include data corresponding to a touch operation on the touch panel 13 of the main body device 2.

[0094] The slave device operation data is data corresponding to an operation performed on the slave device controller (i.e., the first controller or the second controller) and is transmitted from the slave device to the host device. Note that the slave device operation data may include data corresponding to a touch operation on the touch panel 13 of the main body device 2. Here, the slave device transmits the slave device operation data at a predetermined time interval (e.g., at intervals of 1 / 60 second).

[0095] The master device image data is image data that shows the game image to be displayed on the master device and is generated on the master device. The slave device image data is image data that shows the game image to be displayed on the slave device and is generated on the master device. In the first embodiment, the master device image data is the data of the first game image described above, and the slave device image data is the data of the second game image. Note that when the slave device image data is transmitted to another information processing device, the size (i.e., resolution) of the image data may be variable. Also, the image size of the master device image data and the image size of the slave device image data may be the same or different.

[0096] Game data is data that shows the result of game processing based on an input by the user. For example, the game data may be data that shows the state of each object in the game space and the like.

[0097] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of master device processing in the first embodiment. The master device processing is executed in the information processing device that operates as the master device in the first embodiment (i.e., information processing device 1a in the first mode and information processing device 1c in the second mode). The master device processing is started, for example, when the execution of the game program is started and the game is started.

[0098] In this embodiment, the processor 81 of the main body device 2 executes the above game program stored in the game system 10, and thus the processing of each step shown in FIGS. 9, 10, 13, 14, and 17 will be described as being executed. However, in other embodiments, some of the processing of each of the above steps may be executed by a processor different from the processor 81 (for example, a dedicated circuit or the like). Also, when the game system 10 can communicate with another information processing device (for example, a server), some of the processing of each of the above steps may be executed in the other information processing device. Also, the processing of each of the above steps is merely an example, and if the same result can be obtained, the processing order of each step may be changed, or another processing may be executed in addition to (or instead of) the processing of each step.

[0099] Also, the processor 81 executes the processing of each of the above steps using a memory (for example, DRAM 85). That is, the processor 81 stores the information (in other words, data) obtained by each processing step in the memory, and when using the information in subsequent processing steps, reads out the information from the memory and uses it.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 9, the processor 81 first performs initial processing (step S1). In the initial processing, for example, processing for setting the own device as the master device, processing for establishing communication between the own device and the slave device, processing for sending a notification to start the game to the slave device, and preparation processing for executing subsequent processing (for example, processing for setting a frame buffer in the memory, etc.) are performed. Note that the specific content of the initial processing is arbitrary, and in addition to the above, processing for selecting a communication mode (local communication or Internet communication), etc. may be executed. The communication modes that can be selected by the user differ depending on the game being executed. When the initial processing is completed, the processor 81 starts the game, and thereafter, while the own device operates as the master device, the processing of steps S2 to S9 is repeatedly executed at a predetermined time interval (for example, at an interval of 1 / 60 second).

[0101] Next to step S1, the processor 81 acquires master device operation data (step S2). Specifically, when the information processing device serving as the master device operates in the portable mode, the processor 81 acquires the master device operation data from the first controller (that is, the left controller 3 and the right controller 4) attached to the information processing device. Also, when the information processing device serving as the master device operates in the stationary mode or the table mode, the processor 81 acquires the master device operation data from the first controller or the second controller wirelessly connected to the information processing device.

[0102] Next to step S2, the processor 81 receives slave device operation data from the slave device using the network communication unit 82 (step S3).

[0103] Next, the processor 81 determines whether a switching instruction has been given by the user (step S4). That is, the processor 81 determines whether a switching instruction has been given based on the master unit operation data or the slave unit operation data. If it is determined YES in step S4, the process of step S10 described later is executed.

[0104] On the other hand, if it is determined NO in step S4, the processor 81 performs a game process based on the master unit operation data or the slave unit operation data (step S5). That is, game data indicating the result of the game process is generated and stored in the memory. In the first embodiment, in the first mode, the game process is performed based on the master unit operation data, and in the second mode, the game process is performed based on the slave unit operation data. The specific content of the game process is arbitrary. For example, the game process includes a process of operating a player character based on the master unit operation data, a process of operating other characters other than the player character according to a predetermined algorithm, a process of changing parameters set for each object (including the player character and other characters), and the like.

[0105] Next, the processor 81 performs an image generation process based on the result of the game process (in other words, based on the game data) (step S6). Specifically, the processor 81 generates master unit image data and slave unit image data. In the present embodiment, a first frame buffer for storing first image data and a second frame buffer for storing second image data are prepared in the memory in advance (that is, before the start of the game). The processor 81 updates each frame buffer every time each image data is generated. In step S6, the processor 81 may generate voice data for the master unit and voice data for the slave unit.

[0106] Next, the processor 81 outputs the parent device image data generated in step S6 to the display 12 or the stationary monitor 5 (step S7). Also, the parent device causes a sound based on the voice data for the parent device generated in step S6 to be output from the speaker 88 or the speaker of the stationary monitor 5.

[0107] Next, the processor 81 transmits the second image data generated in step S6 to the child device (step S8). Specifically, the network communication unit 82 transmits the second image data stored in the second frame buffer to the child device based on an instruction from the processor 81. Also, the network communication unit 82 transmits voice data to the child device based on an instruction from the processor 81.

[0108] Next, the processor 81 determines whether to end the game (step S9). The processor 81 determines YES in step S9, for example, when the game is completed or when the user instructs to forcibly end the game during the game. When it is determined YES in step S9, the processor 81 ends the game and transmits a game end notification to the child device. On the other hand, when it is determined NO in step S9, the processor 81 executes the process of step S2 again.

[0109] On the other hand, when it is determined YES in step S4 above, the processor 81 pauses the game (step S10). At this time, the processor 81 transmits a notification to the effect that a switching instruction has been made or that the game has been paused to the child device. Next, the processor 81 generates execution status data based on the current game situation and / or based on the information currently stored in the memory (step S11). Next, the processor 81 uses the network communication unit 82 to transmit the generated execution status data to the child device (step S12). Although details will be described later, after this, the information processing device that was the child device becomes the parent device and the game resumes (see FIG. 10). After the process of step S12, the processor 81 ends the parent device process shown in FIG. 9 and starts executing the child device process shown in FIG. 10 to operate as the child device. This concludes the description of the parent device process shown in FIG. 9.

[0110] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the slave unit process in the first embodiment. The slave unit process is executed in an information processing apparatus that operates as a slave unit in the first embodiment (that is, the information processing apparatus 1c in the first mode and the information processing apparatus 1a in the second mode). The slave unit process is started, for example, in response to the establishment of communication with the master unit.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 10, the processor 81 first performs initial processing (step S20). In the initial processing, processing for setting the own device as a slave unit and preparatory processing for executing subsequent processing (for example, processing for setting a frame buffer in the memory, etc.) are performed. When a game is started in the master unit, the initial processing in the slave unit ends. Thereafter, while the own device operates as a slave unit, the processor 81 repeatedly executes the processing of steps S21 to S25 at a predetermined time interval (for example, at intervals of 1 / 60 second).

[0112] When the game starts, the processor 81 transmits slave unit operation data to the master unit (step S21). Specifically, when the information processing apparatus serving as the slave unit operates in the portable mode, the processor 81 acquires operation data from the first controller (that is, the left controller 3 and the right controller 4) attached to the information processing apparatus. When the information processing apparatus serving as the slave unit operates in the stationary mode or the table mode, the processor 81 acquires operation data from the first controller or the second controller wirelessly connected to the information processing apparatus. The acquired operation data is transmitted to the master unit by the network communication unit 82 as slave unit operation data. Note that the operation data output from the controller of the slave unit may be directly transmitted to the master unit as slave unit operation data, or data obtained by performing predetermined processing on the operation data output from the controller of the slave unit may be transmitted to the master unit as slave unit operation data.

[0113] Next to step S21, the processor 81 determines whether a switching instruction has been given by the user (step S22). This determination is made, for example, by determining whether a notification indicating that a switching instruction has been given or that the game has been paused has been received from the master device. If the slave device is also configured to receive a switching instruction, the processor 81 may determine whether a switching instruction has been given by an input to the local device. If the determination in step S22 is YES, the process of step S26 described later is executed.

[0114] Next to step S22, the processor 81 receives the slave device image data from the master device (step 23). At this time, the slave device may receive the voice data for the slave device from the master device.

[0115] On the other hand, if the determination in step S22 is NO, the processor 81 outputs the slave device image data received from the master device to the display 12 or the stationary monitor 5 (step S24). Note that the processor 81 may output a voice based on the voice data received from the master device.

[0116] Next, the processor 81 determines whether to end the game (step S25). For example, when the slave device receives a game end notification from the master device, or when a forced end of the game is instructed on the slave device during the game, the game is ended and the slave device process shown in FIG. 10 is ended. On the other hand, if the game is not ended, the processor 81 executes the process of step S21 again.

[0117] On the other hand, when it is determined YES in the above step S22, the processor 81 receives execution status data from the master device (step S26). Then, the processor 81 resumes the game based on the received execution status data (step S27). For example, the game is resumed in the game situation indicated by the execution status data, or the game is resumed using the memory information indicated by the execution status data. After the process of step S27, the processor 81 ends the slave device process shown in FIG. 10 and starts the execution of the master device process shown in FIG. 9 to operate as the master device. Thus, the description of the slave device process shown in FIG. 10 ends.

[0118] As described above, in the first embodiment, the information processing system (for example, the game system 10) causes the processor of the game device to execute a predetermined game program that performs game processing based on operation data and generates a first game image displayed on the first screen and a second game image displayed on the second screen. The first game device (for example, the information processing device 1a) and the second game device (for example, the information processing device 1c) included in the information processing system each include at least one processor and have the following functions. · A function of acquiring input data based on an input to at least one of the operation devices provided in the game device (for example, the first controller) and the operation devices connected to the game device (for example, the second controller) · A function of outputting an image to any one of the display devices provided in the game device (for example, the display 12) and the display devices connected to the game device (for example, the stationary monitor 5) Further, the first information processing device and the second information processing device communicate with each other. In the first mode, the processor of the first information processing device performs the following processes. · A process of acquiring first input data based on an input to the operation device provided in or connected to the first information processing device (step S2) · A process of executing a predetermined game program using the first input data as operation data (step S5) · Process of storing the first image and the second image in the frame buffer (step S6) · Process of outputting the first image stored in the frame buffer to any of the display devices (step S7) · Process of causing the second image stored in the frame buffer to be transmitted to the second information processing device (step S8) Also, in the first mode, the processor of the second information processing device performs the following processes. · Process of outputting the second image received from the first information processing device to any of the display devices (step S24)

[0119] According to the above, the user can play a game in a new method of playing a two-screen game using two information processing devices.

[0120] In the first embodiment, in the second mode, the processor of the second information processing device performs the following processes. · Process of executing a predetermined game program using the first input data received from the first information processing device as operation data (step S3) · Process of storing the first image and the second image in the frame buffer (step S6) · Process of outputting the first image stored in the frame buffer to any of the display devices (step S7) · Process of causing the second image stored in the frame buffer to be transmitted to the first information processing device (step S8) Also, in the second mode, the processor of the first information processing device performs the following processes. · Process of transmitting the first input data to the second information processing device (step S21) · Process of outputting the second image received from the second information processing device to any of the display devices (step S24)

[0121] According to the above, the user can perform a game operation on either of the two information processing devices, so the convenience for the user can be improved.

[0122] In the first embodiment, the information processing system switches between the first mode and the second mode by a predetermined instruction input (for example, an input for a switching instruction). When shifting from the first mode to the second mode, the processor of the first information processing apparatus causes the execution status data indicating the execution status of a predetermined game program to be transmitted to the second information processing apparatus (step S12), and the processor of the second information processing apparatus resumes the execution of the predetermined game program based on the received execution status data (step S26). Also, when shifting from the second mode to the first mode, the processor of the second information processing apparatus causes the execution status data to be transmitted to the first information processing apparatus (step S12), and the processor of the first information processing apparatus resumes the execution of the predetermined game program based on the received execution status data (step S27).

[0123] According to the above, since the user can switch the information processing apparatus for performing game operations, the convenience for the user can be improved.

[0124] (Second Embodiment) FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the game system 10 in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, in the game system 10 including two information processing apparatuses 1a and 1d of different types, a two-screen game similar to that in the first embodiment is executed. In the second embodiment, the information processing apparatus 1a is capable of executing the game program of the two-screen game, while the information processing apparatus 1d is not capable of executing the game program of the two-screen game. For example, the information processing apparatus 1a and the information processing apparatus 1d may not be compatible with each other, or only one of them may be compatible with the other (that is, one information processing apparatus can execute the game program corresponding to the other information processing apparatus). In the second embodiment, the information processing apparatus 1d is not limited to the information processing apparatus including the main body apparatus 2 and the left and right controllers 3 and 4 described above, and may be an information processing apparatus such as a smartphone.

[0125] FIG. 11 shows an example in the case where a user performs a game operation using the information processing apparatus 1a serving as the master device. In this case, the information processing apparatus 1a operates in the same manner as the information processing apparatus 1a in the first mode of the first embodiment, and the information processing apparatus 1d operates in the same manner as the information processing apparatus 1c in the first mode of the first embodiment.

[0126] In the second embodiment, the game system 10 operates in a third mode in which it receives an input to the information processing apparatus 1a (that is, a game operation is performed using the information processing apparatus 1a), and can also operate in a fourth mode in which it receives an input to the information processing apparatus 1d (that is, a game operation is performed using the information processing apparatus 1d). FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the game system 10 operating in the fourth mode in the second embodiment.

[0127] In the fourth mode, the game system 10 receives an input from the user on the slave information processing apparatus 1d. The information processing apparatus 1d transmits operation data based on the input from the user to the master information processing apparatus 1a (see FIG. 12). The information processing apparatus 1a executes game processing based on the received operation data, generates first and second game images based on the result of the game processing, and stores them in the first and second frame buffers, respectively. Then, the information processing apparatus 1a displays the second game image on its own display 12 (or the stationary monitor 5 connected to itself), and transmits the first game image to the information processing apparatus 1d (see FIG. 12). The information processing apparatus 1d displays the received first game image on its own display 12 (or the stationary monitor 5 connected to itself).

[0128] Note that the fourth mode in the second embodiment is different from the second mode (see FIG. 7) in the first embodiment in that the first game image is displayed on the slave unit (i.e., the information processing apparatus 1d) where the game operation is performed, while the second game image is displayed on the slave unit (i.e., the information processing apparatus 1a) where the game operation is performed. However, in other embodiments, in the fourth mode, the game system 10 may display the second game image on the slave unit where the game operation is performed.

[0129] As described above, according to the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the user can play a two-screen game by using two information processing apparatuses. Further, according to the second embodiment, even if one information processing apparatus cannot execute the game program, the user can perform a game operation on any of the two information processing apparatuses, similar to the first embodiment.

[0130] Next, the details of the processing performed by the game system 10 in the second embodiment will be described. First, the data stored in each of the information processing apparatuses 1a and 1d will be described. In the second embodiment, the information processing apparatus 1a, which is the master unit, stores a game program, opponent device data, master unit operation data, slave unit operation data, master unit image data, slave unit image data, and game data among the data shown in FIG. 8. Further, the information processing apparatus 1d, which is the slave unit, stores opponent device data, slave unit operation data, and slave unit image data among the data shown in FIG. 8.

[0131] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the master unit processing in the second embodiment. In the description of FIG. 13 below, the same step numbers are assigned to the processing similar to the master unit processing shown in FIG. 9, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0132] In the master unit process shown in FIG. 13, similar to the master unit process shown in FIG. 9, the process of step S1 is executed. Here, in the master unit process shown in FIG. 13, after step S1, a process of acquiring operation data (step S31) is executed. The process of step S31 is, in the third mode, a process of acquiring master unit operation data (step S2 shown in FIG. 9), and in the fourth mode, a process of acquiring slave unit operation data (step S3 shown in FIG. 9). Next to step S31, the processes of steps S5 to S9 similar to those in the first embodiment are executed. In the second embodiment, in the third mode, in step S6, the first game image is output as the master unit image data, and in step S7, the second game image is output as the slave unit image data. On the other hand, in the fourth mode, in step S6, the second game image is output as the master unit image data, and in step S7, the first game image is output as the slave unit image data.

[0133] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the slave unit process when operating in the fourth mode in the second embodiment. In the following description of FIG. 14, the same step numbers are assigned to the processes similar to the slave unit process shown in FIG. 10, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0134] In the slave unit process shown in FIG. 14, similar to the slave unit process shown in FIG. 10, the processes of steps S20, S21, S23, S24, and S25 are executed. In the third mode, since the slave unit operation data is not used for the game process, the process of step S21 does not need to be executed. In steps S23 and S24 in the second embodiment, in the third mode, the second game image is received and output as the slave unit image data, and in the fourth mode, the first game image is received and output as the slave unit image data.

[0135] As described above, in the second embodiment, the information processing system (e.g., the game system 10) causes the processor of the information processing device to execute a predetermined game program that performs game processing based on operation data and generates a first game image displayed on the first screen and a second game image displayed on the second screen. The first game device (e.g., the information processing device 1a) and the second game device (e.g., the information processing device 1d) included in the information processing system each include at least one processor and have the following functions. · A function of acquiring input data based on an input to at least one of the operating devices provided in the game device (e.g., the first controller) and the operating devices connected to the game device (e.g., the second controller) · A function of outputting an image to any one of the display devices provided in the game device (e.g., the display 12) and the display devices connected to the game device (e.g., the stationary monitor 5) Also, the first information processing device and the second information processing device communicate with each other. The processor of the first information processing device performs the following processes. · A process of acquiring second input data from the second information processing device (step S31) · A process of executing a predetermined game program using the second input data as operation data (step S5) · A process of storing the first image and the second image in the frame buffer (step S6) · A process of outputting the second image stored in the frame buffer to any one of the display devices (step S7) · A process of causing the first image stored in the frame buffer to be transmitted to the second information processing device (step S8) Also, the processor of the second information processing device performs the following processes. · A process of transmitting second input data based on an input to the operating devices provided in or connected to the second information processing device to the first information processing device (step S21) · A process of outputting the first image received from the first information processing device to any one of the display devices (step S24)

[0136] According to the above configuration, the user can play the game in a novel way of playing a two-screen game using two information processing devices. Further, the user can play the above game by performing a game operation on an information processing device that does not support the game program (specifically, information processing device 1d).

[0137] In the description of FIGS. 13 and 14, the processes of steps S4, S10 to S12 shown in FIG. 9 and steps S22, S26, S27 shown in FIG. 10 are not executed. However, similar to the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the game system 10 may be configured to receive a switching instruction for switching between the third mode and the fourth mode. Note that the input for the switching instruction may be received by the master device, the slave device, or both the master device and the slave device. Further, the game system 10 may receive the switching instruction during the game or in a state where the game is not being executed.

[0138] Also, in the second embodiment, since the game processing is executed by the information processing device 1a in both the third mode and the fourth mode, the information processing device 1a does not need to generate and transmit execution status data. That is, in the second embodiment, in response to the switching instruction being given, the information processing device 1a switches the input (that is, switches whether to use the input made to itself or the operation data received from the information processing device 1d), and also switches the output of the game image (that is, switches whether to display the first game image on its own device and transmit the second game image, or display the second game image on its own device and transmit the first game image). Also, the information processing device 1d displays the game image received from the information processing device 1a in any mode, and in response to the switching instruction being given, switches whether to transmit operation data to the information processing device 1a. Note that, in order to prevent the game from progressing during the mode switch, the information processing device 1a may pause the game for the period from when the switching instruction is given until the mode switch is completed, as in the first embodiment, also in the second embodiment.

[0139] (Third Embodiment) FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the game system 10 in the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, in the game system 10 including two information processing devices 1a and 1c, a two-screen game similar to that in the first embodiment is executed. Here, in the third embodiment, the user performs game operations using both of the two information processing devices 1a and 1c. Note that, in the third embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, it is assumed that the two information processing devices are of the same type, but as in the second embodiment, the two information processing devices may be of different types. For example, also in the third embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, the information processing device 1c may be an information processing device such as a smartphone.

[0140] In FIG. 15, the information processing device 1a operates as a master device, and the information processing device 1c operates as a slave device. In the third embodiment, the game system 10 accepts inputs by the user on each of the information processing devices 1a and 1c. The information processing device 1c transmits operation data based on an input by the user made to its own device to the information processing device 1a, which is the master device (see FIG. 15). The information processing device 1a executes game processing based on the input made to its own device and the operation data received from the information processing device 1c. Further, the information processing device 1a generates first and second game images based on the result of the game processing and stores them in the first and second frame buffers, respectively. Then, the information processing device 1a displays the first game image on its own display 12 (or the stationary monitor 5 connected to itself), and transmits the second game image to the information processing device 1c (see FIG. 15). The information processing device 1c displays the received second game image on its own display 12 (or the stationary monitor 5 connected to itself). In other embodiments, the first game image may be displayed on the slave device (i.e., the information processing device 1c), and the second game image may be displayed on the master device (i.e., the information processing device 1a).

[0141] As described above, in the third embodiment, the user can perform a game operation using both of the two information processing devices 1a and 1c. Note that the input received by the information processing device 1a and the input received by the information processing device 1c are used as different instructions in the game. For example, an input to a predetermined button of the information processing device 1a may be used as an instruction to cause the player character to perform an attack action in the game, while an input to the same predetermined button of the information processing device 1c may be used as an instruction to display a menu image in the game. However, some of the inputs to the information processing devices 1a and 1c may be used as the same instruction in the game. For example, either a certain button of the information processing device 1a or the same certain button of the information processing device 1c may be used as an instruction to cause the player character to perform a specific action in the game.

[0142] In addition to the above-described two-screen game being executable using the two information processing apparatuses as described above, it may also be executable using another type of one information processing apparatus (for example, an information processing apparatus having two screens). At this time, even when the number of input units (for example, buttons) of the information processing apparatus is larger than the number of input units of the information processing apparatus 1, according to the third embodiment, by using two information processing apparatuses 1, it is possible to suppress the shortage of the number of input units. Further, when the game is executed on another type of information processing apparatus, a predetermined instruction may be given by a combination of a plurality of inputs (for example, an input of pressing the first button and the second button simultaneously, or an input of pressing the second button after pressing the first button). On the other hand, in the third embodiment, the predetermined instruction can be given by one input by assigning the predetermined instruction to a predetermined input to the second information processing apparatus.

[0143] In the third embodiment, in addition to using the input to the touch panel of the master unit for the game instruction, the input to the touch panel of the slave unit may also be used for the game instruction. At this time, one or both of the two game images may include an instruction image indicating an instruction by a touch input. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a game image displayed in the third embodiment. The game image shown in FIG. 16 includes instruction images 111 to 115. The instruction images 111 to 114 indicate each button (that is, the A button, the B button, the X button, the Y button) provided in the information processing apparatus. The instruction image 115 indicates an instruction to open a menu image. As described above, the instruction image may be an image indicating an input unit for performing an input, or may be an image indicating the instruction content performed by the input. In addition to the above, the instruction image may be, for example, an image indicating a cross key or an image of a seek bar. Note that the game image may be one in which the above instruction image is displayed in a part of the area and an image of the game space is displayed in another area.

[0144] Here, in the game program for the two-screen game, when a predetermined instruction is assigned to a predetermined input by a button operation (that is, when it is defined in the game program that the predetermined instruction is to be performed in response to the performance of the predetermined input), an instruction image indicating the button operation may be included in the game image. The user can perform the predetermined instruction by inputting a touch on the instruction image on the screen. Note that the predetermined instruction is, for example, an instruction different from an instruction performed by an input to buttons provided in each of the information processing devices 1a and 1c. At this time, since more instructions can be performed than when an instruction is performed by an input to the buttons provided in each of the information processing devices 1a and 1c, the operability of the game is improved. For example, when the predetermined instruction cannot be assigned to the buttons due to the number of buttons provided in the information processing devices 1a and 1c, by displaying the instruction image, the predetermined instruction can be performed by a touch input.

[0145] Next, details of the processing performed by the game system 10 in the third embodiment will be described. First, data stored in each of the information processing devices 1a and 1d will be described. In the third embodiment, the information processing device 1a, which is the master device, stores data similar to the data shown in FIG. 8. Also, the information processing device 1c, which is the slave device, stores, among the data shown in FIG. 8, partner device data, slave device operation data, and slave device image data.

[0146] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of master device processing in the third embodiment. In the description of FIG. 17 below, the same step numbers are assigned to the processing similar to the master device processing shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 13, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0147] In the master device process shown in FIG. 17, the processes of steps S1 to S3 and S5 to S9 are executed in the same manner as the master device process shown in FIG. 9. In the third embodiment, in the game process of step S5, the processor 81 performs a game process based on the master device operation data and the slave device operation data. As a result, the inputs to both of the two information processing devices 1a and 1c are reflected in the game. Also, in the third embodiment, in step S7, a first game image is output as the master device image data, and in step S8, a second game image is output as the slave device image data.

[0148] Note that the flow of the slave device process in the third embodiment is the same as the flow of the slave device process in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 14. In the third embodiment, in steps S23 and S24, a second game image is received and output as the slave device image data.

[0149] Note that in the third embodiment, the processes of steps S4, S10 to S12 shown in FIG. 9 and steps S22, S26, S27 shown in FIG. 10 are not executed. However, in the third embodiment as well, similar to the first embodiment, it may be possible to switch between the master device and the slave device. Thereby, the convenience for the user can be improved. At this time, in response to the switching instruction being given, the game system 10 switches the instructions assigned to each input unit of the information processing device between the master device and the slave device. That is, the game system 10 assigns the instructions that were assigned to each input unit of the master device before the switching instruction to each input unit of the slave device after the switching, and assigns the instructions that were assigned to each input unit of the slave device before the switching instruction to each input unit of the master device after the switching, and executes the game process.

[0150] As described above, in the third embodiment, the information processing system (for example, the game system 10) causes the processor of the information processing device to execute a predetermined game program that performs game processing based on operation data and generates a first game image to be displayed on the first screen and a second game image to be displayed on the second screen. The first game device (for example, the information processing device 1a) and the second game device (for example, the information processing device 1c) included in the information processing system each include at least one processor and have the following functions. · A function of acquiring input data based on an input to at least one of the operating devices provided in the game device (for example, the first controller) and the operating devices connected to the game device (for example, the second controller). · A function of outputting an image to any one of the display devices provided in the game device (for example, the display 12) and the display devices connected to the game device (for example, the stationary monitor 5). Also, the first information processing device and the second information processing device communicate with each other. The processor of the first information processing device performs the following processing. · A process of acquiring first input data based on an input to the operating device provided in or connected to the first information processing device (step S2). · A process of acquiring second input data from the second information processing device (step S3). · A process of executing a predetermined game program using the first input data and the second input data as operation data (step S5). · A process of storing the first image and the second image in the frame buffer (step S6). · A process of causing one of the first image and the second image stored in the frame buffer to be transmitted to the second information processing device (step S8). · A process of outputting the other of the first image and the second image stored in the frame buffer to any one of the display devices (step S7). The processor of the second information processing device performs the following processing. · A process of transmitting second input data based on an input to an operation device provided in or connected to a second information processing device to a first information processing device (step S21). · A process of outputting either the first image or the second image received from the first information processing device to a display device (step S24).

[0151] According to the above configuration, the user can play a game in a new method of playing a two-screen game using two information processing devices. In addition, since inputs to the two information processing devices are accepted, the user can perform game operations using more input units, so the operability of the game can be improved.

[0152] Also, in the third embodiment, in a predetermined game program, an input by a plurality of key operations is used for game instructions. At least one of the first information processing device and the second information processing device further includes a touch panel, and touch input data for the touch panel is included in at least one of the first input data and the second input data. The processor of the first information processing device generates an image including an image indicating a key operation as either the first image or the second image (see FIG. 16). Further, the processor of the first information processing device executes a predetermined game program as if the key operation has been performed in response to an input for touching the image indicating the key operation (step S5).

[0153] According to the above configuration, since an instruction for a two-screen game can be given by touch input, the operability of the game can be improved.

[0154] Note that in the above embodiment, when a process is executed using data (in the sense including a program) in a certain information processing device, a part of the data necessary for the process may be transmitted from another information processing device different from the certain information processing device. At this time, the certain information processing device may execute the above process using the data received from another information processing device and the data stored in itself.

[0155] Note that in other embodiments, the information processing system may not include some of the configurations in the above embodiment, or may not execute some of the processes executed in the above embodiment. For example, in order for the information processing system to achieve some specific effects in the above embodiment, it may include the configurations for achieving the effects and execute the processes for achieving the effects, and may not include other configurations or execute other processes.

Industrial Applicability

[0156] The above embodiment can be used, for example, as a game system, a game program, etc. for the purpose of playing games in a new and diverse way, etc.

Explanation of Signs

[0157] 1 Information processing device 2 Main body device 3 Left controller 4 Right controller 10 Information processing system 81 Processor 111 - 115 Instruction images

Claims

1. An information processing system that causes a processor of a game device to execute a predetermined game program for performing game processing based on operation data and generating a first image displayed on a first screen and a second image displayed on a second screen, including a first game device and a second game device, wherein the first game device and the second game device each, comprise at least one processor, acquire input data based on an input to at least any one of an operation device provided in the game device and an operation device connected to the game device, output an image to any one of a display device provided in the game device and a display device connected to the game device, the first game device and the second game device communicate with each other, in a first mode, the processor of the first game device, acquires first input data based on an input to an operation device provided in or connected to the first game device, executes the predetermined game program using the first input data as the operation data, stores the first image and the second image in a frame buffer, outputs the first image stored in the frame buffer to any one of the display devices, causes the second image stored in the frame buffer to be transmitted to the second game device, the processor of the second game device, outputs the second image received from the first game device to any one of the display devices.

2. In a second mode, the processor of the second game device, executes the predetermined game program using the first input data received from the first game device as the operation data, stores the first image and the second image in a frame buffer, outputs the first image stored in the frame buffer to any one of the display devices, causes the second image stored in the frame buffer to be transmitted to the first game device, the processor of the first game device, transmits the first input data to the second game device, outputs the second image received from the second game device to any one of the display devices. The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. Switch between the first mode and the second mode by a predetermined instruction input. When shifting from the first mode to the second mode, the processor of the first game device causes the execution status data indicating the execution status of the predetermined game program to be transmitted to the second game device, the processor of the second game device resumes the execution of the predetermined game program based on the received execution status data, When shifting from the second mode to the first mode, the processor of the second game device causes the execution status data to be transmitted to the first game device, the processor of the first game device resumes the execution of the predetermined game program based on the received execution status data. The information processing system according to claim 2.

4. An information processing system that causes a processor of a game device to execute a predetermined game program that performs game processing based on operation data to generate a first image displayed on a first screen and a second image displayed on a second screen, including a first game device and a second game device, the first game device and the second game device each include at least one processor, acquire input data based on an input to at least one of the operation devices provided in the game device and the operation devices connected to the game device, output an image to any of the display devices provided in the game device and the display devices connected to the game device, the first game device and the second game device communicate with each other, the processor of the first game device acquires second input data from the second game device, executes the predetermined game program using the second input data as the operation data, stores the first image and the second image in a frame buffer, outputs the second image stored in the frame buffer to any of the display devices, causes the first image stored in the frame buffer to be transmitted to the second game device, the processor of the second game device transmits second input data based on an input to the operation devices provided in or connected to the second game device to the first game device, outputs the first image received from the first game device to any of the display devices. The information processing system.

5. An information processing system that causes a processor of a game device to execute a predetermined game program for performing game processing based on operation data and generating a first image displayed on a first screen and a second image displayed on a second screen, including a first game device and a second game device, wherein each of the first game device and the second game device includes at least one processor, acquires input data based on an input to at least one of the operation devices provided in the game device and the operation devices connected to the game device, performs image output to any one of the display devices provided in the game device and the display devices connected to the game device, the first game device and the second game device communicate with each other, the processor of the first game device acquires first input data based on an input to the operation device provided in or connected to the first game device, acquires second input data from the second game device, executes the predetermined game program using the first input data and the second input data as the operation data, stores the first image and the second image in a frame buffer, causes one of the first image and the second image stored in the frame buffer to be transmitted to the second game device, outputs the other of the first image and the second image stored in the frame buffer to any one of the display devices, the processor of the second game device transmits second input data based on an input to the operation device provided in or connected to the second game device to the first game device, and outputs one of the first image and the second image received from the first game device to any one of the display devices.

6. In the predetermined game program, inputs by a plurality of key operations are used for game instructions, at least one of the first game device and the second game device further includes a touch panel, and touch input data for the touch panel is included in at least one of the first input data and the second input data, the processor of the first game device generates an image including an image indicating the key operation as one of the first image and the second image, The information processing system according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined game program is executed as if the key operation has been performed in response to an input for touching an image indicating the key operation.

7. An information processing method executed in an information processing system that executes a predetermined game program to perform game processing based on operation data and generate a first image displayed on a first screen and a second image displayed on a second screen, wherein the information processing system includes a first game device and a second game device, each of the first game device and the second game device, acquires input data based on an input to at least one of the operation devices provided in the game device and the operation devices connected to the game device, performs image output to any one of the display devices provided in the game device and the display devices connected to the game device, the first game device and the second game device communicate with each other, in a first mode, the first game device, acquires first input data based on an input to an operation device provided in or connected to the first game device, executes the predetermined game program using the first input data as the operation data, stores the first image and the second image in a frame buffer, outputs the first image stored in the frame buffer to any one of the display devices, transmits the second image stored in the frame buffer to the second game device, the second game device, An information processing method for outputting the second image received from the first game device to any one of the display devices.

8. In a second mode, the second game device, executes the predetermined game program using the first input data received from the first game device as the operation data, stores the first image and the second image in a frame buffer, outputs the first image stored in the frame buffer to any one of the display devices, transmits the second image stored in the frame buffer to the first game device, the first game device, transmits the first input data to the second game device, The information processing method according to claim 7, wherein the second image received from the second game device is output to any one of the display devices.

9. The information processing system switches between the first mode and the second mode by a predetermined instruction input, when shifting from the first mode to the second mode, the first game device transmits execution status data indicating the execution status of the predetermined game program to the second game device, the second game device resumes the execution of the predetermined game program based on the received execution status data, when shifting from the second mode to the first mode, the second game device transmits the execution status data to the first game device, the first game device resumes the execution of the predetermined game program based on the received execution status data. The information processing method according to claim 8. **Claim 10** An information processing method executed in an information processing system that executes a predetermined game program to perform game processing based on operation data and generate a first image displayed on a first screen and a second image displayed on a second screen, the information processing system includes a first game device and a second game device, the first game device and the second game device each acquire input data based on an input to at least one of the operation devices provided in the game device and the operation devices connected to the game device, output an image to any one of the display devices provided in the game device and the display devices connected to the game device, the first game device and the second game device communicate with each other, the first game device acquires second input data from the second game device, executes the predetermined game program using the second input data as the operation data, stores the first image and the second image in a frame buffer, outputs the second image stored in the frame buffer to any one of the display devices, transmits the first image stored in the frame buffer to the second game device, the second game device transmits second input data based on an input to the operation device provided in or connected to the second game device to the first game device, outputs the first image received from the first game device to any one of the display devices. The information processing method. **Claim 11** An information processing method executed in an information processing system that executes a predetermined game program to cause game processing to be performed based on operation data and generate a first image displayed on a first screen and a second image displayed on a second screen, comprising: The information processing system includes a first game device and a second game device; The first game device and the second game device each: acquire input data based on an input to at least one of the operation devices provided in the game device and the operation devices connected to the game device; output an image to any one of the display devices provided in the game device and the display devices connected to the game device; The first game device and the second game device communicate with each other; The first game device: acquires first input data based on an input to an operation device provided in or connected to the first game device; acquires second input data from the second game device; executes the predetermined game program using the first input data and the second input data as the operation data; stores the first image and the second image in a frame buffer; sends one of the first image and the second image stored in the frame buffer to the second game device; outputs the other of the first image and the second image stored in the frame buffer to any one of the display devices; The second game device: sends second input data based on an input to an operation device provided in or connected to the second game device to the first game device; outputs one of the first image and the second image received from the first game device to any one of the display devices. An information processing method.

12. In the predetermined game program, inputs by a plurality of key operations are used for game instructions, At least one of the first game device and the second game device further includes a touch panel, and touch input data for the touch panel is included in at least one of the first input data and the second input data; The first game device: generates an image including an image indicating the key operation as one of the first image and the second image. The information processing method according to claim 11, wherein, in response to an input of touching an image indicating the key operation, the predetermined game program is executed as if the key operation has been performed.

Images