Information processing system, information processing method, and information processing apparatus

Abstract

To provide an information processing system, an information processing method and an information processor having a function of distributing an image from a host device to a guest device, and allowing a game to be played by new and various methods.SOLUTION: Performing a voice chat with other information processing apparatuses in a group and communicating operation data and game image data with the other information processing apparatuses, thereby executing, in a game executed by an information processing apparatus, a shared game executable by the other information processing apparatuses without executing the game; An information processing apparatus includes a host function and a guest function for generating a game image by performing game processing based on operation data of the information processing apparatus itself and operation data of a guest-side information processing apparatus obtained through communication and transmitting the generated game image data to the guest-side information processing apparatus, and in a group, the host function can be started regardless of whether or not another information processing apparatus is performing the host function.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and an information processing device for playing a game using a plurality of information processing devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is a technology in which one of a plurality of information processing devices is set as a parent device, the other devices are set as child devices, and images are distributed from the parent device to the child devices, thereby playing a game between the plurality of information processing devices (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6646991 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the plurality of information processing devices disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration communication functions such as voice chat and video chat between the devices.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system, an information processing method, and an information processing device that have the function of delivering images from a host device to a guest device and that enable games to be played in new and diverse ways. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention may employ the following configurations (1) to (12), for example.

[0007] (1) One exemplary configuration of the information processing system of the present invention includes multiple information processing devices. Each information processing device includes a voice chat unit and a shared game execution unit. The voice chat unit forms a group and performs voice chat by communicating audio data with other information processing devices in the group, with or without a server. The shared game execution unit executes a shared game that can be executed by a certain information processing device without the other information processing devices executing the game by communicating operation data and game image data with the other information processing devices. The shared game execution unit includes a host function that executes game processing based on its own operation data and operation data of a guest information processing device acquired through communication, generates game images, and transmits the generated game image data to the guest information processing device, and a guest function that transmits its own operation data to the host information processing device, receives game image data from the host information processing device, and displays the game images. The shared game execution unit can activate the host function regardless of whether other information processing devices in the group are executing the host function. Note that voice chat can be performed while sharing video information (so-called video chat), and this type of chat is also included in the voice chat.

[0008] According to the above configuration (1), a function for executing a shared game can be activated multiple times on multiple information processing devices within a group. Furthermore, voice chat is possible between the information processing devices belonging to the group, and participation in the shared game can be solicited, so a session for playing the shared game can be easily formed. Furthermore, since multiple shared games can be activated within a group, it is possible to execute a variety of gameplays within the group while communicating with each other.

[0009] (2) In the configuration (1) above, the information processing device may further include a game image sharing means for simultaneously outputting and displaying on its own screen game images displayed on the screens of four or more other information processing devices belonging to its own group.

[0010] According to the above configuration (2), it is possible to display images of a plurality of shared games, and members of a group can play the shared games while simultaneously watching how the games are being played.

[0011] (3) In the configuration (1) or (2) above, the host function may transmit invitation data for a shared game to another information processing device, and a guest function of the other information processing device may receive the invitation data and transmit participation data in response to the reception, thereby setting members of the shared game. The host function may further include a candidate display function and a destination selection function. The candidate display function displays candidate destinations for the invitation data, including at least other information processing devices belonging to the same group. The destination selection function selects a destination from the candidate destinations displayed by the candidate display function in response to a user operation. In this case, the host function may transmit the invitation data to the destination selected by the destination selection function.

[0012] According to the above configuration (3), since it is possible to invite at least members belonging to one's own group to a multiplay of a shared game, it is possible to activate multiplay of the shared game within the group.

[0013] (4) In the above configuration (3), the candidate display function may display candidates only for other information processing devices in the same group.

[0014] According to the above configuration (4), only members belonging to one's own group can be invited to a multiplay of a shared game, thereby activating multiplay of the shared game within the group.

[0015] (5) In any one of the configurations (1) to (4) above, the information processing device may further include a game image sharing means and a restriction means. The game image sharing means outputs to the information processing device's own screen a game image displayed on a screen of at least one other information processing device belonging to the information processing device's own group. The restriction means restricts the game image of the guest information processing device for which the information processing device is the host from being displayed by the game image sharing means.

[0016] According to the above configuration (5), users who play a shared game can prevent problems in a game match even if the game opponent belongs to the same communication group.

[0017] (6) In the configuration (5) above, the information processing device may further include a game program execution means. The game program execution means executes a game program as game processing. In this case, the restriction means may be realized by having a processor of the information processing device execute code included in the game program.

[0018] According to the above configuration (6), it is possible to flexibly handle image sharing with other devices depending on the content of the game that is played by executing the game program.

[0019] (7) In any one of the configurations (1) to (6) above, the information processing device may further include a game program execution means. The game program execution means executes a game program as game processing. The game program may include code that causes at least a processor included in the information processing device to realize processing for activating a host function of the shared game.

[0020] According to the above configuration (7), the flow of operations for activating the host function of the shared game becomes easier for the user to understand.

[0021] (8) In any one of the configurations (1) to (7) above, the information processing device may include a system program or a pre-installed program (hereinafter simply referred to as the system program) and a separately installed application program. At least a voice chat function and a guest function of a shared game may be realized by executing the system program on a processor of the information processing device.

[0022] According to the above configuration (8), it is possible to have guest functions and communication functions for playing a shared game without installing a specific game program.

[0023] (9) In the above configuration (8), the system program of the information processing device may include code that causes the processor of the information processing device to realize, among the host functions of the shared game, at least the function of acquiring operation data of the guest information processing device and the function of transmitting game image data.

[0024] According to the above configuration (9), it is possible to have at least some of the host functions for playing a shared game without installing a specific game program.

[0025] (10) In any one of the above configurations (1) to (9), the voice chat means may use a predetermined communication channel to perform communication for voice chat with another information processing device, and the shared game execution means may use a communication channel different from the communication channel to communicate operation data and game image data with another information processing device.

[0026] According to the above configuration (10), by using different communication channels, it is possible to realize a plurality of functions in the system using stable data communication.

[0027] (11) In the above configuration (2), the game image sharing means may display an indication of the information processing device that is currently executing the shared game in association with the display of the game image displayed on its own screen.

[0028] According to the above configuration (11), the game images of the members who are playing a shared game can be easily distinguished from each other.

[0029] (12) In any one of the configurations (1) to (11) above, the host function may transmit invitation data for a shared game to another information processing device, and a guest function of the other information processing device may receive the invitation data and transmit participation data in response to the reception, thereby setting members of the shared game. The host function may be capable of transmitting invitation data to an information processing device that is already executing a shared game with another information processing device using the guest function. The guest function may be capable of receiving invitation data while executing a shared game, and transmitting participation data in response to the received invitation data, thereby executing another shared game with the information processing device that transmitted the invitation data, instead of executing the currently executing shared game.

[0030] According to the above configuration (12), communication within the group and game play can be stimulated.

[0031] The present invention may also be embodied in the form of an information processing method and an information processing device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device 1. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing an example of the configuration of servers 101a and 101b. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of functions possessed by a host device and a guest device when a shared game is played. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 shows an example in which eight information processing devices 1a to 1h belonging to a communication group and an information processing device 1z not belonging to the communication group are operating in each game mode. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a display 15a of an information processing device 1a set as a first host device. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a display 15b of an information processing device 1b set as a first guest device. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a display 15c of an information processing device 1c set as a second host device. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a display 15d of an information processing device 1d set as a second guest device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display 15a when the information processing device 1a becomes a host device and invites other information processing devices 1 to participate in a shared game. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display 15b when the information processing device 1b receives an invitation to a shared game from another information processing device 1a and participates in the game. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a data area set in the DRAM 13; [Figure 13] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of main body function processing executed by the information processing device 1. [Figure 14] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the first half of a communication function process executed by the information processing device 1. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the second half of the communication function process executed by the information processing device 1. [Figure 16]A subroutine showing a detailed example of the member registration process performed in step S83 in FIG. 14. [Figure 17] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a game program process executed by the information processing device 1. [Figure 18] A subroutine showing a detailed example of the game sharing mode process performed in step S142 in FIG. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a game sharing function process for a host executed by the information processing device 1. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a game sharing function process for a guest executed by the information processing device 1. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 shows an example of data and programs stored in a storage unit 104a of a server 101a. [Figure 22] A flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the server 101a [Figure 23] FIG. 10 shows an example of data and programs stored in a storage unit 104b of a server 101b. [Figure 24] A flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the server 101b DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] An information processing system used in one example of this embodiment will be described below. The information processing system is a system configured by a plurality of information processing devices 1 communicating with each other. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an information processing system, and is a diagram showing an overview configured by a plurality of information processing devices 1 performing internet communication via a network 100.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system includes multiple information processing devices 1 and multiple servers. For example, the information processing system is configured by information processing devices 1a to 1c and servers 101a and 101b connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a network 100. The information processing devices 1a to 1c are configured to be connectable to the network 100 via Internet communication using wireless or wired communication, and form a client-server system with the servers 101a and / or 101b. Note that communication between the information processing devices 1a to 1c may not be via the Internet or may not be via a server. For example, each of the information processing devices 1a to 1c is capable of executing a predetermined application (e.g., a game application or a system application). Furthermore, by executing the predetermined application, each of the information processing devices 1a to 1c establishes a connection with the server 101a and / or 101b via the network 100, thereby enabling communication with the server 101a and / or 101b. Note that the number of information processing devices 1 included in the information processing system may be any number. The information processing devices 1 may be any type of information processing device, whether stationary or portable, such as a game console, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, etc. Furthermore, the information processing devices 1 may be of different types or the same type.

[0035] The information processing device 1 may be specified on the network 100 from other devices (for example, servers 101a and 101b) via a network account. The network account may be used temporarily, for example, because the information processing device 1 associated with the network account changes with each login, or may be permanently associated with each information processing device 1. Furthermore, the information processing device 1 may be specified on the network 100 using any identifier or number, a network account (user account), or a device ID unique to the information processing device 1.

[0036] In this embodiment, a communication group can be formed by a plurality of information processing devices 1. Communication within the communication group is possible by the information processing devices 1 communicating audio data with each other to share audio, or by communicating image data with each other to share and display images displayed on the information processing devices 1 (image sharing).

[0037] In this embodiment, the shared game is a game played among multiple information processing devices 1, and is a game in which information processing devices 1 that do not have a game program can participate as guests. At least one of the information processing devices 1 operates as a host device, and the other information processing devices 1 operate as guest devices. The host device is an information processing device that executes game processing in the shared game and generates game images that indicate the results of the game processing. The generated game images are transmitted from the host device to the guest device. The guest device is an information processing device that receives game images from the host device. The guest device transmits operation data that indicates operations by a user on its own device to the host device, and the host device executes the game processing based on the operation data.

[0038] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device 1. In this embodiment, each information processing device 1 has both a function for operating as a host device and a function for operating as a guest device. However, in other embodiments, the information processing device 1 included in the information processing system may have only one of a function for operating as a host device and a function for operating as a guest device. Furthermore, as in this embodiment, in order to function as a host device, it may be necessary to execute a game program.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing device 1 includes a processor 11, a flash memory 12, a DRAM 13, a communication unit 14, a display 15, an audio output unit 16, an audio input unit 17, an imaging unit 18, and an operation unit 19.

[0040] The processor 11 is an information processing unit that executes various types of information processing in the information processing device 1, and is connected to the units 12 to 19. The processor 11 may be composed of, for example, one or more central processing units (CPUs), or may be composed of a system-on-a-chip (SoC) that includes one or more CPUs and one or more graphics processing units (GPUs). The processor 11 executes various types of information processing by executing programs (for example, system programs and game programs) stored in a storage unit (specifically, an internal storage medium such as the flash memory 12, or an external storage medium attached to the information processing device 1).

[0041] The flash memory 12 stores various programs that the processor 11 executes to perform information processing for implementing communication functions and running games. For example, the flash memory 12 stores a game program PG and a system program PS that is separate from the game program PG. The game program PG may be stored in a storage medium (e.g., a memory card) that is detachably attached to the information processing device 1. In this embodiment, the flash memory 12 stores multiple different game programs (two game programs PG1 and PG2 in FIG. 2), and the processor 11 executes each game program PG to play different games. The system program PS refers to a program that is pre-installed in the information processing device 1 regardless of whether or not a user instructs it to do so. The system program PS includes a program PSa that implements a continuous running function that is always running when the information processing device 1 is powered on, a program PSb that implements a communication function between multiple information processing devices 1, and a program PSc that implements a shared game function that allows multiple information processing devices 1 to share and play a game. Furthermore, the program PSc that realizes the shared game function includes a host program PSh that is executed when the information processing device 1 operates as a host device, and a guest program PSg that is executed when the information processing device 1 operates as a guest device. The host program PSh and the guest program PSg are programs that are shared by each game program PG (i.e., are commonly used when each game program PG is executed).

[0042] The DRAM 13 is an example of a storage unit in the information processing device 1, and is a memory used to temporarily store various data used in information processing. The DRAM 13 stores various data used in information processing for executing communication functions and games (for example, processing for realizing communication functions such as voice chat and image sharing, game processing for progressing the game, processing for transmitting and receiving data with other information processing devices 1 or the server 101a or 101b to realize the communication functions and games, etc.) or generated by the information processing. Note that the voice chat in this embodiment can be performed while sharing video information (so-called video chat), and voice chat includes such aspects.

[0043] The communication unit 14 is capable of performing Internet communication as a first communication mode, and is also capable of performing local communication as a second communication mode. The first communication mode is a mode in which the communication unit 14 connects to the Internet by connecting to a wireless LAN using a method conforming to the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard, for example, and communicates with other information processing devices connected to the Internet. The second communication mode is a mode in which the communication unit 14 directly performs wireless communication with other information processing devices within its communication range using a predetermined communication method (for example, a communication method using a proprietary protocol or a method conforming to the Wi-Fi standard). Note that the communication method between information processing devices included in the information processing system is arbitrary, and may be wired communication or wireless communication.

[0044] The display 15 displays an image based on the display control processing of the processor 11. Note that in other embodiments, the information processing device 1 may not be provided with the display 15, and may be configured to display an image on a display device that can communicate with the information processing device 1.

[0045] The audio output unit 16 generates audio (for example, game sounds or the user's voice in voice chat) based on audio data output from the processor 11. For example, the audio output unit 16 includes a codec circuit and a speaker. Note that in other embodiments, the information processing device 1 may not include at least a part of the audio output unit 16, and may be configured to output audio from a speaker connected to the information processing device 1.

[0046] The audio input unit 17 collects sounds around the information processing device 1 and outputs audio data of the sounds to the processor 11. For example, the audio input unit 17 includes a codec circuit and a microphone, and outputs audio data based on the voice of the user of the information processing device 1 collected by the microphone to the processor 11. Note that in other embodiments, the information processing device 1 may not include at least a part of the audio input unit 17, and may be configured to collect audio using a microphone connected to the information processing device 1.

[0047] The imaging unit 18 is configured with a camera that captures an image of the real world around the information processing device 1 and outputs the captured image data to the processor 11. Note that in other embodiments, the information processing device 1 may not be equipped with the imaging unit 18, and may be configured to capture images using a camera connected to the information processing device 1.

[0048] The operation unit 19 detects operations performed by the user on the information processing device 1 and outputs operation data indicating the detected operations. The operation unit 19 may include, for example, operation members such as an analog stick or a button, or may include sensors such as a gyro sensor or an acceleration sensor. Note that in another embodiment, the operation unit 19 may be configured to be able to communicate with the information processing device 1 and to acquire operation data from a controller equipped with an operation unit.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3 , the servers 101a and 101b each include a communication unit 102, a control unit 103, and a storage unit 104. The communication unit 102 communicates with the information processing device 1, etc. via the network 100 by transmitting and receiving communication packets. As an example, the control unit 103 of the server 101a performs processes such as managing a communication function performed with the information processing device 1, establishing a communication link with the information processing device 1, etc. via the communication unit 102, and performing data transport control and route selection on the network 100. The control unit 103 of the server 101b also performs processes such as managing a game sharing function performed with the information processing device 1, establishing a communication link with the information processing device 1, etc. via the communication unit 102, and performing data transport control and route selection on the network 100. The storage unit 104 stores programs executed by the control unit 103, various data required for the above processes, various data required for communication with the information processing device 1, etc. In addition, in the case of a system that requires a predetermined login process to send and receive data or participate in a game using the network 100, an authentication process for determining whether the user attempting to log in is a legitimate user may be performed in the servers 101a and / or 101b. Furthermore, the servers 101a and 101b may each be configured from a single server machine or multiple server machines.

[0050] Below, an overview of the operations performed by each information processing device 1 when a game is executed in the information processing system will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. In the description using Figure 4, an example will be described in which information processing device 1a operates as a host device when playing a shared game, and information processing device 1b operates as a guest device when playing the shared game.

[0051] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of functions possessed by the host device and the guest device when a shared game is played.

[0052] The information processing device 1a, which serves as the host device, includes a game module 20 that is implemented by executing a game program PG and a system module 30 that is implemented by executing a system program PS. The game module 20 implements different functions depending on the game mode being executed by the information processing device 1a. For example, the information processing device 1a has functions corresponding to a standalone mode in which the information processing device 1a performs game processing alone, a communication multiplay mode in which multiple information processing devices 1 communicate with each other and each execute the same game program to perform game processing, and a game sharing mode in which the host device executes a game program, performs game processing, displays game images on its own device, and transmits them to the guest device while communicating with the host device and the guest device. Specifically, the information processing device 1a includes units 21a-23a for functions corresponding to the standalone mode, units 21t-23t for functions corresponding to the communication multiplay mode, and units 21s-24s for functions corresponding to the game sharing mode.

[0053] The game processing unit 21a executes game processing for progressing the game in standalone mode (for example, processing for controlling each object in the game space and updating parameters indicating the game situation). The game processing unit 21a acquires operation data of its own device, and outputs game parameters indicating the results of game processing based on the operation data (for example, parameters indicating the game situation, such as the position and state of each object in the game space) to the image generation unit 22a.

[0054] The image generation unit 22a generates a game image by outputting it to the frame buffer 23a based on the game parameters output from the game processing unit 21a. Data of the generated game image is output to the audio and image data transmission / reception unit 32 included in the system module 30 in order to share the image to be displayed on the information processing device 1 with other information processing devices 1. The game image drawn in the frame buffer 23a by the image generation unit 22a is output to the display 15 of the device. The game module 20 (for example, an audio generation unit) generates game sounds to accompany the game images and outputs the generated game sound data to the audio output unit 16 of the device.

[0055] The game processing unit 21t executes game processing for progressing the game in the communication multiplay mode. The game processing unit 21t acquires operation data of its own device and operation data of other information processing devices 1 communicating in the communication multiplay, and outputs game parameters indicating the results of game processing based on the operation data to the image generation unit 22t.

[0056] The image generation unit 22t generates a game image by outputting it to the frame buffer 23t based on the game parameters output from the game processing unit 21t. Data of the generated game image is output to the audio and image data transmission / reception unit 32 included in the system module 30 in order to share the image to be displayed on the information processing device 1 with other information processing devices 1. The game image drawn in the frame buffer 23t by the image generation unit 22t is output to the display 15 of the device. The game module 20 (for example, an audio generation unit) generates game sounds to accompany the game images and outputs the generated game sound data to the audio output unit 16 of the device.

[0057] The game processing unit 21s executes game processing for progressing the game in the game sharing mode. The game processing unit 21s acquires operation data of its own device (host device) and operation data of the guest device output from the guest operation data receiving unit 34 included in the game sharing function (for host) 30h of the system module 30, and outputs game parameters indicating the results of game processing based on the operation data to the image generating unit 22s.

[0058] The image generation unit 22s generates game images by outputting them to the frame buffer 23s based on the game parameters output from the game processing unit 21s. The image generation unit 22s generates one or more game images to be displayed on the host device and guest devices playing the shared game. The game image for the host device and the game image for the guest device may be the same or different. If the game images for the host device and the guest device are different, the image generation unit 22s generates respective game images and draws them in different frame buffers. On the other hand, if the game images for the host device and the guest device are the same, the image generation unit 22s only needs to generate one game image. Furthermore, if there are multiple guest devices, the game image may be the same for each guest device or may be different for each guest device.

[0059] The image generation unit 22s generates a game image for the host device from among the game images and outputs it to the frame buffer 23s. The game image written to the frame buffer 23s is displayed on the display 15 of the information processing device 1a. Furthermore, the guest image data transmission unit 35 included in the game sharing function (for host) 30h acquires data of the game image for the guest device from among the generated game images (if the game image for the host device and the game image for the guest device are the same, the game image written to the frame buffer 23s is acquired) and transmits it to the guest device. Furthermore, the audio and image data transmission / reception unit 32 included in the system module 30 acquires data of the generated game image for the host device (for the user's device) and transmits it to members of the communication group in order to share images to be displayed on the user's device with other information processing devices 1 (image sharing). Note that these processes by the guest image data transmission unit 35 and the audio and image data transmission / reception unit 32 may be repeated at predetermined intervals in response to an instruction from the game module 20, may be performed each time a new game image is drawn in the frame buffer, or may be performed in response to an instruction from the game module 20. The game module 20 (for example, an audio generation unit) generates game sounds to accompany the game images, and outputs the generated game sound data to the guest image data transmission unit 35. The game module 20 (for example, an audio generation unit) also generates game sounds to accompany the game images, and outputs the generated game sound data to the audio output unit 16 of the player's device.

[0060] The inviting unit 24s is a processing unit for making invitations to a shared game, and selects another information processing device 1 to be invited to a shared game played by the information processing device 1 as the host device from among the members of the communication group to which the information processing device 1 belongs. Then, the inviting unit 24s outputs a request to invite the selected information processing device 1 to play the shared game to an invitation data sending unit 36 ​​included in the game sharing function (for host) 30h. Furthermore, the inviting unit 24s sets the registered guest device as an opponent in the shared game based on a reply from the invitee.

[0061] The system module 30 includes a communication function 30c, a game sharing function (for host) 30h, a game sharing function (for guest) 30g, and a constantly running function 30j. The communication function 30c is provided with units 31 to 33 as a function for creating a communication group with other information processing devices 1 and performing voice chat, video chat, and sharing game images within the communication group. The game sharing function (for host) 30h is provided with units 34 to 36 in order to function as a host device when a shared game is played among a plurality of information processing devices 1. The game sharing function (for guest) 30g is provided with units 37 and 38 in order to function as a guest device when a shared game is played among a plurality of information processing devices 1. The constantly running function 30j is provided with units 39 to 41 as a function for performing main body function processing.

[0062] The communication member application unit 31 transmits information for applying to register the device itself in the communication group to the group management unit 105 included in the server 101a.

[0063] The audio & image data transmitting / receiving unit 32 receives game images for image sharing from other information processing devices 1 via the server 101a, and also generates image data for image sharing by performing predetermined processing on game image data acquired from the frame buffer of the game module 20 of the information processing device 1, and transmits the image data to the other information processing devices 1 via the server 101a. Specifically, the audio & image data transmitting / receiving unit 32 receives game images from other information processing devices 1 that are members of a communication group to which the information processing device 1 belongs, and outputs the images to the frame buffer 33 to display them on the display 15 (ISb, ISc, ISd in FIG. 6). The audio & image data transmitting / receiving unit 32 also performs processing to reduce the resolution of the image data of the information processing device 1 generated by the image generating unit 22a, and then outputs the image data to the frame buffer 33 (ISa in FIG. 6) and transmits it to the server 101a. The transmitted image data is then transmitted to other information processing devices 1 that belong to the communication group and are identified by the group management unit 105 of the server 101a. The audio and image data transmitting / receiving unit 32 transmits the image data for image sharing of its own device to the server 101a in association with a communication group ID indicating the communication group to which its own device belongs and an ID indicating its own device. The audio and image data transmitting / receiving unit 32 also receives, from the server 101a, image data for image sharing transmitted from other information processing devices 1 belonging to the communication group, together with the ID indicating the transmission source device, and outputs the received data to the frame buffer 33 to display it on the display 15.

[0064] The audio and image data transmitting / receiving unit 32 acquires user voice data collected by the audio input unit 17 of its own device. The audio and image data transmitting / receiving unit 32 then transmits the acquired voice data to other information processing devices 1 belonging to the communication group via the group management unit 105 included in the server 101a. The audio and image data transmitting / receiving unit 32 associates the voice data of its own device to be transmitted with a communication group ID indicating the communication group to which its own device belongs and an ID indicating its own device, and transmits the associated voice data to the server 101a. The audio and image data transmitting / receiving unit 32 also receives voice data transmitted from other information processing devices 1 belonging to the communication group, together with an ID indicating the transmission source device, via the group management unit 105 included in the server 101a. The system module 30 (for example, an audio generating unit) generates audio (user's voice) based on the voice data acquired by the audio and image data transmitting / receiving unit 32, and outputs the generated audio to the audio output unit 16 of its own device.

[0065] The frame buffer 33 draws the image for image sharing output from the audio and image data transmitting / receiving unit 32, i.e., the image for image sharing of the information processing device 1 of the own device and the other information processing devices 1 belonging to the communication group. The drawn image is output to the display 15 of the own device.

[0066] The guest operation data receiving unit 34 receives operation data transmitted from the information processing device 1 that has become a guest device in the shared game via the game management unit 106 of the server 101b in order to execute a shared game in which the device itself is the host device. The guest operation data receiving unit 34 then outputs the operation data to the game processing unit 21s of the game module 20 of the device itself, together with the ID of the information processing device that performed the operation, which has been transmitted in association with the received operation data of the guest device.

[0067] The guest image data transmission unit 35 transmits game image data, in which a game session ID is associated with a game image (for the guest device) drawn in the frame buffer 23s by the image generation unit 22s of the game module 20 of the host device, to the game management unit 106 of the server 101b. When transmitting the game image data to the server 101b, the guest image data transmission unit 35 also transmits game sound data related to the game image to be transmitted, in association with the game session ID.

[0068] When the invitation data sending unit 36 ​​receives an instruction from the game module 20 to send invitation data for a shared game, the invitation data sending unit 36 ​​sends the invitation data together with information indicating the shared game to the game management unit 106 of the server 101b.

[0069] When the information processing device 1a operates as a host device, the game sharing function (for guest) 30g in the system module 30 of the information processing device 1a does not function, and is activated when the information processing device 1a plays a shared game as a guest device. When the game sharing function (for guest) 30g in the information processing device 1a is activated, it realizes a function similar to the game sharing function (for guest) 50g in the system module 50 of the information processing device 1b operating as a guest device, which will be described later. Note that when the information processing device 1a is configured to have only the function for operating as a host device, the information processing device 1a does not need to have the game sharing function (for guest) 30g.

[0070] Furthermore, the function of the constant activation function 30j in the system module 30 is basically the same as the function of the constant activation function 50j in the system module 50, which will be described later, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0071] The information processing device 1b, which serves as a guest device, includes a system module 50 that is realized by executing a system program PS. The system module 50 includes a communication function 50c, a game sharing function (for host) 50h, a game sharing function (for guest) 50g, and a constantly running function 50j. The communication function 50c includes units 51 to 53 as a function for creating a communication group with other information processing devices 1 and performing voice chat and image sharing within the communication group. The game sharing function (for guest) 50g includes units 57 and 58 in order to function as a guest device when a shared game is played among multiple information processing devices 1. The game sharing function (for host) 50h includes units 54 to 56 in order to function as a host device when a shared game is played among multiple information processing devices 1. The constantly running function 50j includes units 59 to 61 as a function for performing main body function processing.

[0072] The communication function 50c in the system module 50 has basically the same function as the communication function 30c in the system module 30. Note that the game images for image sharing that the audio and image data transmitting / receiving unit 52 transmits to other information processing devices that are other members of the same communication group are not game images generated by the image generating unit of its own device, but game images received from the host device via the server 101b.

[0073] The guest operation data transmission unit 57 acquires operation data of the guest's own device. Then, the guest operation data transmission unit 57 associates the acquired operation data of the guest's own device with the game session ID of the shared game being played, and transmits the operation data to the game management unit 106 of the server 101b.

[0074] The frame buffer drawing unit 58 draws, in the frame buffer, the game image for the guest device transmitted from the guest image data transmission unit 35 in the system module 30 of the host device. The drawn game image is output to the display 15 of the host device (IPb in FIG. 7, which will be described later). The game image is also drawn in the frame buffer 53 after being processed to reduce its resolution (ISb in FIG. 7, which will be described later). The system module 50 (e.g., an audio generation unit) generates game sound based on the game sound data transmitted in association with the game image, and outputs the generated game sound from the audio output unit 16 of the host device.

[0075] The invitation receiving unit 59 receives the invitation data sent from the host device via the server 101b.

[0076] Based on the received invitation data, the invitation information display unit 60 outputs and draws invitation information indicating the details of the invitation from the host device to the frame buffer of its own device, and prompts the user of its own device to participate in the shared game to which the user has been invited by the invitation data.

[0077] In response to a user operation to accept participation in a shared game, the participation unit 61 transmits participation data indicating the participation to the game management unit 106 of the server 101b. Furthermore, when the participation unit 61 receives information from the game management unit 106 indicating that the own device has been registered as a guest device, the participation unit 61 sets a game session ID indicating the host device registered as an opponent in the shared game and the shared game.

[0078] When the information processing device 1b operates as a guest device, the game sharing function (for host) 50h in the system module 50 of the information processing device 1b does not function, and is activated when a shared game is played with the information processing device 1b as the host device. When the game sharing function (for host) 50h in the information processing device 1b is activated, it realizes a function similar to the game sharing function (for host) 30h in the system module 30 of the information processing device 1a operating as the host device described above. Note that when the information processing device 1b is configured to have only the function for operating as a guest device, the information processing device 1b does not need to have the game sharing function (for host) 50h.

[0079] The server 101a includes a group management unit 105 that manages communication groups and transmits and receives data to and from each information processing device 1 using a communication channel A. The group management unit 105 assigns a different group ID to each communication group and manages the members (IDs of the information processing devices 1) belonging to the communication group based on member registration-related information, such as information indicating an invitation or information indicating acceptance, transmitted from each information processing device 1. When the group management unit 105 receives data from a member belonging to a communication group, it performs processing according to the received data based on the member information of the communication group. For example, when the group management unit 105 receives, from a member belonging to a communication group, sharing exclusion partner information, which indicates partners with whom the member will not share image data (described later), the group management unit 105 updates the member information by setting the members indicated by the sharing exclusion partner information as partners with whom the member will not share game images. When the group management unit 105 receives image data for image sharing, it transfers the image data to other members based on the communication group ID associated with the image data. At this time, the group management unit 105 transmits image data displaying a blank image to members set as sharing exclusion partners of the image data for image sharing. Furthermore, when the group management unit 105 receives voice data, it transfers the voice data to other members based on the communication group ID associated with the voice data.

[0080] The server 101b includes a game management unit 106 that manages the host device and guest devices (e.g., the IDs of the host device and guest device) that play the shared game, and transmits and receives data (specifically, game image data and operation data) to and from each information processing device 1 using a communication channel B that is different from communication channel A. When the game management unit 106 receives invitation request information from the information processing device 1, the game management unit 106 associates information indicating the shared game for which an invitation is requested with an ID indicating the inviter in the invitation request information, and transmits the invitation data to the invitee indicated by the invitation request information. The game management unit 106 then manages each pair of the host device and the guest device together with a game session ID based on the invitation request information and the participation data received from the invitee. When the game management unit 106 receives operation data from a guest device, it transfers the received operation data to the corresponding host device. When the game management unit 106 receives game image data from a host device, it transfers the received game image data to the corresponding guest device.

[0081] In this way, the functions of the guest device are realized by the processor executing the system program, without executing a game program. Therefore, the information processing device 1 functioning as a guest device can have a game sharing function and a communication function for guests without installing a specific game program. Furthermore, the information processing device 1 functioning as a host device can also have basic parts of the game sharing function and the communication function for hosts without implementing them in a specific game program. This eliminates the need to create these functions for each game program, thereby improving the efficiency of game program development. Furthermore, since the information processing device 1 can operate as a guest device without installing a specific game program, in order to play a shared game using the host device and the guest device, it is only necessary to install a game program on the host device, and it is not necessary to install a game program on the guest device, thereby improving user convenience.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, one information processing device 1 has a basic part of the game sharing function for the host and a game sharing function for the guest, by means of a system program. Therefore, by pre-installing the system program, the information processing device 1 can operate as either a host device or a guest device. Therefore, when playing a game based on a game program stored in the information processing device 1, the information processing device 1 operated by a user can be the host device, and information processing devices 1 operated by other users can be the guest devices, allowing multiple people to easily play the game. Furthermore, when playing a game based on a game program stored in the information processing device 1 operated by other users, the information processing device 1 operated by the other users can be the host device, and information processing devices 1 operated by the user can be the guest devices, allowing multiple people to easily play the game. This further improves user convenience.

[0083] Furthermore, it is arbitrary which functions of the information processing device 1 are realized by executing a game program and which functions are realized by executing a system program. For example, in another embodiment, the guest operation data receiving unit in the host device may be realized by a game module by executing a game program, and all of the game sharing functions for the host may be realized by executing a game program.

[0084] Furthermore, information about members of a communication group and information about the combination of host device and guest device playing a shared game may be managed on the information processing device 1 side. That is, at least one of the functions of the group management unit 105 in the server 101a and the function of the game management unit 106 in the server 101b may be provided as a function in at least one of the multiple information processing devices 1. Furthermore, information managed by the server 101a or 101b may also be held in the information processing device 1.

[0085] Furthermore, the number of servers controlling data communication between the plurality of information processing devices 1 may be one or three or more. When one server controls data communication between the plurality of information processing devices 1, the server may have both the functions of the group management unit 105 and the function of the game management unit 106. In this case, the communication channel for performing data communication with the one server may be different from or the same as the communication channel for using the function of the group management unit 105 and the communication channel for using the function of the game management unit 106.

[0086] Next, an example of the operation of a plurality of information processing devices belonging to a communication group will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example in which eight information processing devices 1a to 1h belonging to a communication group and an information processing device 1z not belonging to the communication group are operating in each game mode.

[0087] In Fig. 5, the information processing devices 1a to 1h within the dashed frame belong to the same communication group, and the information processing device 1z outside the dashed frame does not belong to that communication group. Also in Fig. 5, the main functions operating in each information processing device 1 are indicated by hatched blocks. The communication group is constructed by each information processing device running a system program to operate a communication function, so the communication functions are operating in each of the information processing devices 1a to 1h that belong to the same communication group. On the other hand, the communication function of the information processing device 1z that does not belong to a communication group is not activated.

[0088] In this embodiment, it is possible for multiple information processing devices of multiple members belonging to the same communication group to form multiple pairs of host devices and guest devices, and each pair can share a different game program and perform game shared play. Note that the number of members that can belong to the same communication group may be limited (for example, up to 12 people) or may be unlimited. Furthermore, the number of pairs of host devices and guest devices that can be formed within the same communication group and play in the game shared mode, i.e., the number of shared plays, may be limited to two or more within the communication group, or may be unlimited.

[0089] For example, two information processing devices 1a and 1b belonging to the same communication group are playing a shared game based on a first game program in a game sharing mode in which the information processing device 1a is the first host device and the information processing device 1b is the first guest device. At this time, the information processing device 1a functioning as the first host device has a game module implemented by executing the first game program operating in the game sharing mode to perform game processing, and a game sharing function for the host implemented by executing the system program is operating. On the other hand, the information processing device 1b functioning as the first guest device has no game module running, and a game sharing function for the guest implemented by executing the system program is operating.

[0090] Furthermore, two information processing devices 1c and 1d belonging to the same communication group as the information processing devices 1a and 1b are playing a shared game (a game different from the first game program; it may be the same game as the first game program) based on a second game program in a game sharing mode in which the information processing device 1c serves as the second host device and the information processing device 1d serves as the second guest device. At this time, the information processing device 1c, functioning as the second host device, is executing the second game program to implement a game module that operates in the game sharing mode to perform game processing, and a host game sharing function that is implemented by executing a system program is operating. Meanwhile, the information processing device 1d, functioning as the second guest device, has not started up a game module, and is instead operating a guest game sharing function that is implemented by executing a system program.

[0091] As described above, in this embodiment, within the same communication group, a game shared between a first host device and a first guest device and another game shared between a second host device and a second guest device can be performed in parallel. In other words, multiple game sharing functions can be activated within a communication group. Furthermore, information processing devices 1 belonging to the communication group can share voice chat and images and invite others to participate in the shared game, making it easy to form a session for playing the shared game. Furthermore, since multiple shared games can be activated within a communication group, various gameplays can be performed while communicating within the communication group, even if only a few members in the communication group own the game program, which is expected to promote communication using games.

[0092] Two information processing devices 1e and 1f belonging to the same communication group are playing a multi-game in a communication multi-play mode by each executing a third game program. At this time, the game modules realized by executing the third game program in each of the information processing devices 1e and 1f are operating in the communication multi-play mode to perform game processing.

[0093] One information processing device 1g belonging to the same communication group is playing a game in stand-alone mode by executing a fourth game program. At this time, the information processing device 1g is performing game processing by operating a game module realized by executing the fourth game program in stand-alone mode.

[0094] Furthermore, information processing device 1h, which belongs to the same communication group as information processing devices 1e and 1f, executes a fifth game program to play a multiplayer game in the communication multiplay mode with information processing device 1z, which does not belong to the communication group. At this time, the game modules realized by executing the fifth game program in each of information processing devices 1h and 1z operate in the communication multiplay mode to perform game processing. Thus, in this embodiment, a multiplayer game in the communication multiplay mode can be played even with information processing device 1z, which does not belong to the same communication group.

[0095] In another embodiment, a shared game may be played in the game sharing mode even between information processing devices 1 that do not belong to the same communication group. In this case, the guest device may be an information processing device 1 that belongs to the same communication group, or an information processing device 1 that does not belong to the same communication group.

[0096] Next, examples of images displayed on the display 15 of each information processing device 1 during shared game play will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display 15a of the information processing device 1a set as the first host device. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display 15b of the information processing device 1b set as the first guest device. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display 15c of the information processing device 1c set as the second host device. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display 15d of the information processing device 1d set as the second guest device.

[0097] As explained with reference to Fig. 5, in the examples explained with reference to Fig. 6 to Fig. 9, the information processing devices 1a to 1h belong to the same communication group. Then, in a game sharing mode in which the information processing device 1a serves as the first host device and the information processing device 1b serves as the first guest device, the information processing devices 1a and 1b play a shared game based on a first game program.

[0098] In this embodiment, when images displayed on other devices belonging to the same communication group are shared and displayed, in addition to a self-view image generated by a drawing process corresponding to the information processing being performed on the own device, images displayed by the drawing processes corresponding to the information processing being performed on the other devices are simultaneously displayed on the display 15. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the display 15 of the information processing device 1 is provided with a self-device image display area and a shared image display area. The self-device image display area is the area occupying the largest area on the display screen of the display 15, for example, an area at the top of the display screen occupying more than half of the display screen. The shared image display area is the area of ​​the display screen of the display 15 excluding the self-device image display area, for example, an area at the bottom of the display screen occupying less than half of the display screen, and displays game images of multiple information processing devices (ISa, ISb, ISc, ISd). Note that in this embodiment, an image of the own device is also displayed in the shared image display area (ISa).

[0099] 6, information processing device 1a, acting as a host device, is playing a shared game based on a first game program with information processing device 1b, a guest device, and a game image IPa showing the user of information processing device 1a playing the shared game is displayed in the host device image display area. Specifically, a racing game based on the shared game is being played between information processing device 1a and information processing device 1b by executing the first game program. A game image IPa showing a first player character operated by the user of information processing device 1a running on a race course is displayed as the host screen image of information processing device 1a, and a game image IPb showing a second player character operated by the user of information processing device 1b running on the race course is displayed as the screen image of information processing device 1b. A shared game identification indicator indicating that a shared game is being played with the user of information processing device 1b is displayed on game image IPa.

[0100] 7, information processing device 1b displays a game image IPb in its own device image display area, in which the user of information processing device 1b is playing a game. Specifically, in the racing game being played by information processing device 1a executing a first game program, a game image IPb showing a second player character operated by the user of information processing device 1b running on the same race course as the first player character is displayed as the own screen image of information processing device 1b. A shared game identification indicator indicating that a shared game is being played between the user of information processing device 1a and the user of information processing device 1a is displayed on the game image IPb.

[0101] On the other hand, the shared image display area displays images displayed by the devices belonging to the same communication group. As shown in FIG. 6, the shared image display area on the display 15 of the information processing device 1a displays, as shared images, the own-view images of the other information processing devices 1b to 1h belonging to the same communication group. In this embodiment, the own-view image of the own device (information processing device 1a) is also displayed as one of the shared images. In the example shown in FIG. 6, shared images ISa to ISd corresponding to the own-view images of the information processing devices 1a to 1d are displayed in the shared image display area of ​​the information processing device 1a together with the user names of the information processing devices 1a to 1d. As for the shared images of the information processing devices 1e to 1h, when the respective devices are not displaying their own-view images or when the own-view sharing is set to off, only the user names of the respective information processing devices 1e to 1h are displayed in the shared image display area of ​​the information processing device 1a.

[0102] In this way, four or more (four in this embodiment) shared images IS can be simultaneously displayed in the shared image display area on the display 15 of the information processing device 1. This makes it possible to display game images (shared images ISa and ISb) of a first shared game (e.g., a racing game) and game images (shared images ISc and ISd) of a second shared game (e.g., a card game), and members belonging to a communication group can play the game while watching how multiple groups are playing the shared game.

[0103] In this embodiment, a display is made to indicate another information processing device that is currently running a shared game with the information processing device 1a. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the information processing device 1a is playing a shared game with the information processing device 1b by executing a first game program, and a display is made stating "Playing a shared game with user of information processing device 1b." Also, a shared image ISa of the information processing device 1a and a shared image ISb of the information processing device 1b are displayed, showing the shared game being played. The shared images ISa and ISb may be displayed in a specific display manner that indicates that they are linked to each other, such as by being surrounded by a double-lined frame.

[0104] Furthermore, other shared images that are not linked are displayed in a display mode different from the specific display mode. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, information processing devices 1c and 1d are playing a shared game by executing a second game program different from that of information processing devices 1a and 1b, and shared images ISc and ISd of information processing devices 1c and 1d, which show the shared game being played, are displayed. Both shared images ISc and ISd are displayed in a display mode different from the specific display mode.

[0105] The number of shared images IS displayed in the shared image display area may be any number, and the shared images IS of all members belonging to the communication group may not be displayed. Furthermore, the shared images IS displayed in the shared image display area may not include a shared image corresponding to the own-view image of the own device (information processing device 1a).

[0106] 7, information processing device 1b displays shared images ISb of information processing device 1b and ISa of information processing device 1a, which show a shared game being played between information processing device 1b and information processing device 1b by executing a first game program. Information processing device 1b also displays shared images ISa and ISb surrounded by double-lined frames, thereby displaying them in a specific display mode that indicates that they are linked to each other. Information processing device 1b also displays shared images ISc and ISd, which show a shared game being played between information processing device 1a and information processing device 1b by executing a second game program different from those of information processing device 1a and information processing device 1b. Shared images ISc and ISd are both displayed in a display mode different from the specific display mode.

[0107] In this way, by displaying each shared image using these display modes, the user of information processing device 1a can easily distinguish the game image displayed on information processing device 1b, which is playing a shared game with the user of information processing device 1a. Furthermore, since the shared image displays the user name of the information processing device displaying the shared image, the user can see how members of the communication group are playing the game, which can promote communication about what kind of game each person is playing.

[0108] 8, the information processing device 1c, acting as the host device, is playing a shared game with the information processing device 1d, a guest device, based on a second game program different from the first game program, and a game image IPc of the user of the information processing device 1c playing the shared game is displayed in the host device image display area. Specifically, a card game is being played between the information processing device 1c and the information processing device 1d by executing the second game program, and a game image IPc showing the hand of cards held by a third player character operated by the user of the information processing device 1c is displayed as the host screen image of the information processing device 1c. A shared game identification indicator indicating that a shared game is being played with the user of the information processing device 1d is displayed on the game image IPc.

[0109] 9, a game image IPd showing the user of information processing device 1d playing a game is displayed in the information processing device 1d's own device image display area. Specifically, in the card game being played by information processing device 1c executing the second game program, a game image IPd showing the hand of cards held by a fourth player character operated by the user of information processing device 1d is displayed as the information processing device 1d's own screen image. A shared game identification indicator indicating that a shared game is being played with the user of information processing device 1c is displayed on the game image IPd.

[0110] In the card games described above, it is conceivable that the game will not be viable if one player shows his / her hand to the other player. In this embodiment, when a game is played in which it is undesirable for the game image of one's own device to be shown to the other player, an image sharing setting process is performed by executing a game program that realizes the game, and a blank image, for example, is set as the other player's shared image so that the game image of one's own device is not displayed as the shared image on the other player's display.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 8, shared images ISa to ISd corresponding to the self-view images of the information processing devices 1a to 1d belonging to the same communication group are displayed in the shared image display area of ​​the information processing device 1c, along with the user names of the information processing devices 1a to 1d. Here, the information processing device 1c is playing a card game as a shared game with the information processing device 1d, and the shared image ISd of the other user, the information processing device 1d, is displayed as a blank image. The shared images ISc and ISd are both displayed surrounded by double-lined frames in a specific display mode that indicates that they are linked to each other, and the shared image ISd is the other user's game image. The information processing devices 1a and 1b are playing a shared game by executing a first game program different from that of the information processing devices 1c and 1d, and shared images ISa and ISb showing the shared game being played are displayed. The shared images ISa and ISb are both displayed in a display mode different from the specific display mode.

[0112] 9, the shared image display area of ​​the information processing device 1d also displays shared images ISa to ISd corresponding to the self-view images of the information processing devices 1a to 1d belonging to the same communication group, along with the user names of the information processing devices 1a to 1d. As described above, the information processing device 1d is playing a card game as a shared game with the information processing device 1c, and the shared image ISc of the information processing device 1c, which is the other user, is displayed as a blank image. The shared images ISc and ISd are both displayed surrounded by double-lined frames in a specific display mode that indicates that they are linked to each other, and that the shared image ISc is the game image of the other user. The information processing devices 1a and 1b are playing a shared game different from that of the information processing devices 1c and 1d, and shared images ISa and ISb showing the shared game being played are displayed. The shared images ISa and ISb are both displayed in a display mode different from the specific display mode.

[0113] In this way, when a game is being played in which it is not desirable to show the game image of the user's device to the game opponent, an image that does not reveal the game play status of the game opponent is displayed as the shared image of the game opponent. Therefore, even if the game opponent belongs to the same communication group, the user playing the game can use an image that does not interfere with the game play as the shared image of the game opponent, thereby preventing problems in the game battle. On the other hand, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, even in a game in which it is not desirable to show the game image to the game opponent, members of the communication group who are not the parties to the game can see the game status of all users participating in the game through the shared image, which can promote communication within the communication group.

[0114] Next, an example of an image displayed on the display 15 of each information processing device 1 when inviting another user to participate in a shared game will be described with reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. Fig. 10 is an example of an image displayed on the display 15a of the information processing device 1 that will become the host device when the information processing device 1a becomes the host device and invites another information processing device 1 to participate in the shared game. Fig. 11 is an example of an image displayed on the display 15b of the information processing device 1 that will become the guest device when the information processing device 1b accepts an invitation to the shared game from the other information processing device 1a and participates.

[0115] In this embodiment, the game program executed by the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 executes itself in the game sharing mode and includes code that causes the processor to perform processing to activate the host function of the system program. For example, the game sharing mode and the host function can be executed from a menu such as a top menu, or even while a game program in any game mode is being executed, the game sharing mode can be activated or an invitation to a shared game can be made from a user interface in the game program.

[0116] For example, in the top diagram of FIG. 10 , a game program is executed in any game mode (which may be standalone mode, online multiplay mode, or game sharing mode) on the information processing device 1a, and a game image IPa generated by the game program is displayed as a self-view image. A shared game launch menu IM is displayed on the display 15a of the information processing device 1a as a user interface that prompts the user to execute the running game program in game sharing mode. When the user of the information processing device 1a performs an operation to select the shared game launch menu IM, the information processing device 1a launches a game sharing mode in which the device itself serves as the host device, and the host game sharing function 30h in the system module 30 is launched. At this time, the server 101b is notified that the game sharing mode has been launched, a session ID for the shared game is assigned, and the information processing device 1a is registered as a member of the host device.

[0117] In the second diagram of FIG. 10 , the display 15a of the information processing device 1a displays options for selecting members to play a shared game with the user's device. For example, in this embodiment, the names of members (user names of each information processing device 1) of the communication group to which the user's device belongs are acquired from the server 101a, and the member names are displayed as options. Then, when the user of the information processing device 1a performs an operation to select at least one of the options, an invitation to the shared game is sent to the information processing device 1 corresponding to the option via the server 101b. As a first example, the members displayed as options may be all members belonging to the communication group excluding the user himself / herself. As a second example, the members displayed as options may be limited to logged-in members belonging to the communication group excluding the user himself / herself. As a third example, the members displayed as options may include members belonging to other communication groups and members not belonging to any communication group (members who have not activated the communication function). Furthermore, the members displayed as options may be limited to members registered as friends.

[0118] 10, after inviting other members to a shared game, the display 15a of the information processing device 1a displays a message indicating that it is waiting for members to join, to notify them that it is waiting for a member to join in response to the invitation. The server 101b transmits invitation data to the information processing device 1 that selected to send the invitation as described above, and upon receiving participation data from the information processing device 1 indicating that it will participate in response to the invitation data, performs processing to register the information processing device 1 as a member as a guest device. Then, when the host device and guest device for the shared game have been determined, the server 101b transmits to the information processing device 1a information indicating the determination, as well as a game session ID and the like indicating the shared game to be played between the host device and guest device.

[0119] In the bottom diagram of FIG. 10, a shared game is started on the display 15a of the information processing device 1a, with the information processing device 1b, which has responded with participation data in response to the shared game invitation from the information processing device 1a, as the guest device, and a game image IPa of the information processing device 1a for the shared game is displayed as a self-view image. A shared game identification display indicating that the shared game is being played with the user of the information processing device 1b is displayed on the game image IPa. The self-view image is also displayed as a shared image ISa in the shared image display area of ​​the display 15a. Note that the shared game illustrated in FIG. 10 is a game that is not desirable for the user playing against the information processing device 1a, and therefore the shared image ISb of the guest device in the shared game is displayed as a blank image showing only the user name of the information processing device 1b.

[0120] As described above, in this embodiment, at least members belonging to one's own communication group are displayed as options for selecting a partner to invite to play the shared game. Therefore, at least members belonging to one's own communication group can be invited to a multiplay of the shared game, thereby activating multiplay of the shared game within the communication group. Note that in this embodiment, users who do not belong to one's own communication group (e.g., users who are registered as friends, users who are logged in among registered friends, users of other information processing devices 1 with which short-range wireless communication is possible, etc.) may also be displayed as options for selecting a partner to invite to play the shared game, or only members belonging to one's own communication group may be displayed as options.

[0121] Meanwhile, the processor 11 of the information processing device 1 is enabled by the constant startup function of the system module 50 to have the function of receiving an invitation to a shared game from another information processing device 1 and applying to participate in the invitation. For example, even when the information processing device 1 is executing a game program in any game mode, the constant startup function is in an activated state, so that the information processing device 1 can temporarily save the game being executed, and receive an invitation to a shared game from another information processing device 1 or apply to participate in the invitation.

[0122] 11, a game program in any game mode is executed in the information processing device 1b, and a game image IPb produced by the game program is displayed as a self-view image. Then, a shared game invitation notification N indicating that the information processing device 1b has received an invitation to a shared game from another information processing device 1 via the server 101b is displayed on the display 15b of the information processing device 1b.

[0123] 11, a shared game participation menu PM is displayed on the display 15b of the information processing device 1b as a user interface selected when participating in an invitation to a shared game. When the user of the information processing device 1b performs an operation to select the shared game participation menu PM, a game sharing mode in which the information processing device 1b becomes a guest device is activated, and a guest game sharing function 50g in the system module 50 is activated. The guest game sharing function 50g then transmits participation data indicating participation in the invited shared game to the server 101b. When the host device and guest device for the shared game have been determined, the server 101b transmits to the information processing device 1b information indicating the determination, as well as a game session ID and the like indicating the shared game to be played between the host device and guest device.

[0124] As is clear from the self-screen images (game image IPb) in the top and middle diagrams of FIG. 11 , in this embodiment, even when an invitation to a shared game is received from another information processing device 1, the game being played is not stopped, and the game continues to be played while the game image is displayed, and a shared game invitation notice N and a shared game participation menu PM are displayed. Then, when a user operation is performed to instruct participation in the invited shared game, the game being played is stopped, and game transition processing is started. The operation to participate in the invitation can be an operation on an operation button that can be always accepted by the system software (such as the home menu button).

[0125] In the lower diagram of FIG. 11, a shared game in which the information processing device 1a is the host device is started on the display 15b of the information processing device 1b, and a game image IPb of the information processing device 1b in the shared game is displayed as a self-view image. A shared game identification display indicating that the shared game is being played with the user of the information processing device 1a is displayed on the game image IPb. The self-view image is also displayed as a shared image ISb in the shared image display area of ​​the display 15b. Note that the shared game illustrated in FIG. 11 is a game that is not desirable for the user playing the game with the information processing device 1a, and therefore the shared image ISa of the host device in the shared game is displayed as a blank image showing only the user name of the information processing device 1a.

[0126] Note that the shared image IS displayed in the shared image display area may further include a captured image of each user and an icon image of each user superimposed thereon. In this case, the captured image and icon image of each user may be prepared in each information processing device 1 and transmitted from each information processing device 1 to the server 101a in addition to the shared image data of the information processing device 1 itself. In this case, the captured image of each user may be captured by the imaging unit 18 provided in the information processing device 1, or captured image data captured in real time may be transmitted to the server 101a in addition to the shared image data of the information processing device itself.

[0127] Next, an example of a specific process executed by the information processing device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a data area set in the DRAM 13. In addition to the data shown in Fig. 12, the DRAM 13 also stores data used in other processes, but detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0128] The program storage area of ​​the DRAM 13 stores various programs Pa to be executed by the information processing device 1. In this embodiment, the various programs Pa store the above-mentioned system program PS, game program PG, etc. Note that the various programs Pa may be stored in advance in the flash memory 12, or may be obtained from a storage medium detachable from the information processing device 1 and stored in the DRAM 13, or may be obtained from another device via a network such as the Internet and stored in the DRAM 13. The processor 11 executes the various programs Pa stored in the DRAM 13.

[0129] Furthermore, the data storage area of ​​DRAM 13 stores various data used in processes such as information processing executed in information processing device 1. In this embodiment, DRAM 13 stores communication data Da, host device operation data Db, other device operation data Dc, host device game image data Dd, other device game image data De, voice data Df, game session data Dg, invitation / participation data Dh, execution state save data Di, communication member registration related data Dj, communication group data Dk, host device voice data Dm, other device voice data Dn, host image shared data Dp, shared image data (host device) Dr, shared image data (other device) Ds, image data Dt, and the like.

[0130] The communication data Da indicates data that is appropriately transmitted to other devices (for example, the servers 101a and 101b) and data that is appropriately received from other devices.

[0131] The own device operation data Db is operation data appropriately acquired from the operation unit 19 of the own device. For example, the operation data acquired from the operation unit 19 includes information about inputs (specifically, information about operations) from each input unit (for example, each button, analog stick, touch panel), and the own device operation data Db is appropriately updated using the operation data acquired from each input unit.

[0132] The other device operation data Dc is operation data that the other device appropriately acquires from each input unit of the other device. Note that the operation data appropriately acquired by the other device is appropriately transmitted to the own device via the server 101b and stored in the communication data Da.

[0133] The own-device game image data Dd is image data showing an image of the game being played by the user of the information processing device 1, and is data for display as a own-screen image on the display 15 of the own device. As one example, when game processing is being executed on the own device, the own-device game image data Dd is generated based on the game processing. As another example, when the own device is set as a guest device and is playing a shared game, the own-device game image data Dd is transmitted from the host device via the server 101b.

[0134] The other-device game image data De is image data showing an image of a game being played by a user of another information processing device 1, and is data to be displayed as a self-screen image on the display 15 of the other device. As an example, when the own device is set as the host device and a shared game is being executed, the other-device game image data De is game image data for the guest device that is generated based on game processing being executed on the own device, and is transmitted to the guest device as appropriate via the server 101b.

[0135] The audio data Df is data such as game sounds that are generated in association with game images as a self-screen image on the display 15 of the own device, and is output to the audio output unit 16 of the own device in association with the display of the game image.

[0136] The game session data Dg is data indicating a game session ID that is assigned when a shared game is played with another device, and is data indicating the content of the shared game being played, the host device and guest devices participating in the shared game, etc.

[0137] The invitation / participation data Dh is data indicating information for inviting a player to a shared game, or data indicating information for participating in a shared game.

[0138] The saved execution state data Di is data that saves the state of the game that was being executed when the information processing device 1 transitioned to the game sharing mode.

[0139] The communication member registration related data Dj is information indicating information inviting registration to a communication group, information indicating the source of the invitation, information accepting the invitation to join the communication group, information indicating the source of the acceptance, and the like.

[0140] The communication group data Dk is data indicating a communication group ID that indicates a communication group.

[0141] The own device voice data Dm is user voice data collected by the voice input unit 17 of the own device and is transmitted to other devices belonging to the communication group as appropriate. The other device voice data Dn is voice data of each user collected by the voice input unit 17 of other devices belonging to the communication group. The other device voice data Dn is transmitted to the own device as appropriate via the server 101a and stored in the communication data Da.

[0142] The self-image sharing data Dp is data indicating whether or not the game image of the own device is permitted to be displayed as a shared image on other devices that are members of the communication group.

[0143] The shared image data (own device) Dr is data representing a shared image to be displayed in the shared image display area of ​​the own device (e.g., ISa in FIG. 5) corresponding to the own-view image of the own device, and is generated as appropriate by lowering the resolution of the own-view image. The shared image data (other device) Ds is data representing a shared image of another device to be displayed in the shared image display area of ​​the own device (e.g., ISb, ISc, ISd in FIG. 5), and is received as appropriate from the other device via the server 101a. For example, the shared image data (other device) Ds may be a game image of another device playing a game in standalone mode, a game image of another device playing a game in online multiplay mode, a game image of another device playing a game as a host device in game sharing mode, or a game image of another device playing a game as a guest device in game sharing mode, and is an image acquired via the server 101a.

[0144] The image data Dt is data for displaying game images (for example, images of player characters, images of virtual objects, images of fields in virtual space, background images, etc.) on the display 15 of the player's device.

[0145] Next, a detailed example of main body function processing, which is an example of information processing in this embodiment, will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of main body function processing executed by information processing device 1. In this embodiment, the series of processes shown in Fig. 13 are processes that are always running when information processing device 1 is running, and are performed by processor 11 executing a predetermined application program (system program) included in various programs Pa. The main body function processing shown in Fig. 13 can be started at any timing, but as an example, it is started when information processing device 1 is started.

[0146] 13, processor 11 refers to the own device operation data Db and determines whether an operation to activate the communication function of the own device has been performed (step S61). If an operation to activate the communication function has been performed, processor 11 proceeds to step S62. On the other hand, if an operation to activate the communication function has not been performed, processor 11 proceeds to step S63.

[0147] In step S62, the processor 11 activates the communication function of the own device, and proceeds to step S63.

[0148] In step S63, processor 11 refers to communication data Da or invitation / participation data Dh to determine whether or not invitation data to participate in the shared game has been received from another device via server 101b. If processor 11 has received invitation data, it proceeds to step S64. On the other hand, if processor 11 has not received invitation data, it proceeds to step S65.

[0149] In step S64, processor 11 controls display 15 of its own device to display a message indicating that an invitation to participate in a shared game has been received from another device (for example, shared game invitation notification N in the upper diagram of FIG. 11), and then proceeds to step S65.

[0150] In step S65, processor 11 determines whether or not an invitation to a shared game received from another device is currently being processed. For example, if processor 11 is in a state where it has received invitation data from another device and a participation operation corresponding to the invitation data has not yet been performed, processor 11 makes a positive determination in step S65. If processor 11 is currently processing the invitation, processor 11 proceeds to step S66. On the other hand, if processor 11 is not currently processing the invitation, processor 11 proceeds to step S69.

[0151] In step S66, processor 11 refers to the own device operation data Db and determines whether an operation to join a shared game invited by another device has been performed. If an operation to join a shared game has been performed, processor 11 proceeds to step S67. On the other hand, if an operation to join a shared game has not been performed, processor 11 proceeds to step S69.

[0152] In step S67, processor 11 performs game transition processing and proceeds to the next step. For example, if there is a game (including a shared game) being executed, processor 11 performs processing to stop the game and store the execution state of the game in execution state save data Di as the game transition processing. Furthermore, if the shared play function for a guest is activated, processor 11 performs processing to terminate the shared play function for the guest without saving the execution state of the shared game as the game transition processing.

[0153] Next, processor 11 activates the guest game sharing function of the host device, performs processing to transmit participation data to the inviter (step S68), and proceeds to step S69. For example, processor 11 performs processing to store participation data indicating participation in the shared game in invitation / participation data Dh for the inviter who has invited the inviter to participate in the shared game, and transmits the participation data to server 101b.

[0154] In this manner, in this embodiment, the system program is executed to perform processing for participating in the shared game to which the player has been invited.

[0155] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the above-described main body function processing is always running as long as the information processing device 1 is running. Therefore, even if a game program is being executed, an invitation to a shared game can be received. Note that even if a shared game is being played with another information processing device 1, the above-described main body function processing makes it possible to receive an invitation to another shared game. Then, by performing an operation to join the invitation to the shared game, it becomes possible to switch to another shared game within one's own communication group and play the game, thereby stimulating communication and game play.

[0156] In step S69, processor 11 refers to the host device operation data Db and determines whether or not an operation to end the shared game set on the guest device has been performed on the host device. If an operation to end the shared game set on the guest device has been performed, processor 11 proceeds to step S70. On the other hand, if an operation to end the shared game set on the guest device has not been performed, processor 11 returns to step S61 and repeats the process.

[0157] In step S70, processor 11 refers to execution state save data Di to determine whether the execution state of the game has been saved in the game transition process in step S67. If the execution state of the game has been saved, processor 11 proceeds to step S71. On the other hand, if the execution state of the game has not been saved, processor 11 returns to step S61 and repeats the process.

[0158] In step S71, processor 11 performs a game restart process, and then returns to step S61 to repeat the process. For example, processor 11 restarts the game stopped in step S67 based on the game execution state stored in the execution state saved data Di, and also deletes the execution state saved data Di.

[0159] Next, a detailed example of communication function processing, which is an example of information processing in this embodiment, will be described with reference to Figures 14 to 16. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the first half of the communication function processing executed by the information processing device 1. Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the second half of the communication function processing executed by the information processing device 1. Figure 16 is a subroutine showing a detailed example of the member registration processing performed in step S83 in Figure 14. In this embodiment, the series of processes shown in Figures 14 to 16 are performed by the processor 11 executing a system program included in the various programs Pa. Note that the communication function processing shown in Figures 14 to 16 is started in response to the execution of step S62, but may be started at any other timing.

[0160] 14, the processor 11 turns off the image sharing setting that allows the self-view image to be displayed as a shared image on other devices (step S81), and proceeds to the next step. For example, the processor 11 turns off the self-image sharing data Dp.

[0161] Next, the processor 11 determines whether or not to perform processing to register members of the communication group (step S82). For example, the processor 11 makes a positive determination in step S82 when an operation related to member registration in the communication group is being performed on the processor 11's own device or when an invitation to register as a member in the communication group has been received from another device. Then, if the processor 11 determines to perform processing to register members of the communication group, the processor 11 proceeds to step S83. On the other hand, if the processor 11 determines not to perform processing to register members of the communication group, the processor 11 proceeds to step S84.

[0162] In step S83, processor 11 performs a member registration process, and the process proceeds to step S84. An example of the member registration process performed in step S83 will now be described with reference to FIG.

[0163] 16, the processor 11 refers to the own device operation data Db and determines whether an operation to invite a user of another information processing device 1 to a member of the communication group has been performed (step S121). If an operation to invite a user of another information processing device 1 has been performed, the processor 11 proceeds to step S122. On the other hand, if an operation to invite a user of another information processing device 1 has not been performed, the processor 11 proceeds to step S123.

[0164] In step S122, the processor 11 transmits solicitation data inviting users of other information processing devices 1 to become members of the communication group to the server 101a, and proceeds to step S123. For example, the processor 11 stores information inviting users of other information processing devices 1 to become members of the communication group and solicitation data indicating the source of the solicitation in the communication member registration related data Dj, and transmits the solicitation data to the server 101a.

[0165] In step S123, the processor 11 refers to the communication data Da or the communication member registration related data Dj to determine whether or not solicitation data inviting users of other information processing devices 1 to register as members of a communication group has been received via the server 101a. If the solicitation data has been received, the processor 11 proceeds to step S124. On the other hand, if the solicitation data has not been received, the processor 11 proceeds to step S126.

[0166] In step S124, the processor 11 refers to the own device operation data Db and determines whether the user of the own device has performed an operation to consent to being registered as a member of the communication group. If the user of the own device has performed an operation to consent to being registered as a member of the communication group, the processor 11 proceeds to step S125. On the other hand, if the user of the own device has not performed an operation to consent to being registered as a member of the communication group, the processor 11 ends the processing of this subroutine.

[0167] In step S125, the processor 11 transmits consent data approving registration as a member of the communication group to the server 101a, and proceeds to step S126. For example, the processor 11 stores information indicating that the user of the own device consents to registration as a member of the communication group and consent data indicating the source of the solicitation in the communication member registration related data Dj, and transmits the consent data to the server 101a.

[0168] In step S126, the processor 11 refers to the own device operation data Db and determines whether the user of the own device has performed an operation to request registration as a member of the communication group desired by the user. If the user of the own device has performed an operation to request registration as a member of the communication group, the processor 11 proceeds to step S127. On the other hand, if the user of the own device has not performed an operation to request registration as a member of the communication group, the processor 11 ends the processing of this subroutine.

[0169] In step S127, the processor 11 transmits registration data indicating the communication group to which the user of the device wishes to register to the server 101a, and ends the processing of this subroutine. For example, the processor 11 stores the registration data in the communication member registration related data Dj, and transmits the registration data to the server 101a.

[0170] In addition, when processor 11 receives update data from server 101a indicating that the members in a communication group have been updated, processor 11 may notify the user of the updated content on its own device using images and / or audio.

[0171] 14, in step S84, the processor 11 refers to the own device operation data Db and determines whether an operation to switch the setting for sharing the own-view image has been performed. If an operation to switch the setting for sharing has been performed, the processor 11 proceeds to step S85. On the other hand, if an operation to switch the setting for sharing has not been performed, the processor 11 proceeds to step S86.

[0172] In step S85, processor 11 refers to the self-portrait sharing data Dp, performs a process of switching the self-portrait sharing setting on / off, and proceeds to step S86. For example, if the setting indicated by the self-portrait sharing data Dp is off, processor 11 changes the setting to on and updates the self-portrait sharing data Dp. Also, if the setting indicated by the self-portrait sharing data Dp is on, processor 11 changes the setting to off and updates the self-portrait sharing data Dp.

[0173] In step S86, processor 11 determines whether or not an instruction to set a partner to be excluded from sharing the user's own screen image has been received. For example, if an instruction to set an exclusion from image sharing is received by a game program process (e.g., step S141) described below, processor 11 makes a positive determination in step S86. If processor 11 has received the instruction, the process proceeds to step S87. On the other hand, if processor 11 has not received the instruction, the process proceeds to step S88. Note that, apart from the exclusion setting that is automatically set for opponents according to the game content of the shared game, the user of each device may arbitrarily set a partner with whom the user's own game image will be shared.

[0174] In step S87, the processor 11 transmits the sharing exclusion partner information to the server 101a, and the process proceeds to step S88. As an example, when the user of the own device performs an operation to set partners to be excluded from sharing of the own-view image with reference to the self-image sharing data Dp, the processor 11 creates sharing exclusion partner information indicating the sharing exclusion partners and the designation source specified by the operation, updates the sharing exclusion data Dq, and transmits the updated sharing exclusion data Dq to the server 101a.

[0175] In step S88, processor 11 acquires the voice data of the own device and proceeds to the next step. For example, processor 11 acquires the voice data of the user of the own device collected by voice input unit 17 of the own device, and updates the own device voice data Dm.

[0176] Next, the processor 11 transmits the voice data of the own device indicated by the own device voice data Dm to the server 101a (step S89), and proceeds to the next step.

[0177] Next, the processor 11 receives the voice data of the other device and proceeds to the next step S91 (see FIG. 15). For example, the processor 11 receives the voice data of the other device transmitted from the server 101a and updates the other device voice data Dn.

[0178] 15, in step S91, the processor 11 refers to the self-portrait sharing data Dp and determines whether the self-portrait sharing setting is set to ON. If the self-portrait sharing setting is set to ON, the processor 11 proceeds to step S92. On the other hand, if the self-portrait sharing setting is set to OFF, the processor 11 proceeds to step S110.

[0179] In step S92, processor 11 references the host device game image data Dd, acquires a game image to be displayed as the host device's own screen image, and proceeds to the next step. More specifically, processor 11 acquires, from a frame buffer or the like, a game image to be drawn in step S155 of Figure 18 of the game program described below.

[0180] Next, processor 11 performs processing to reduce the resolution of the game image acquired in step S92 (step S93), and proceeds to the next step. For example, processor 11 reduces the resolution of the game image indicated by the own device game image data Dd to a predetermined level of fineness to generate a shared image of the own device, and updates the shared image data (own device) Dr using the generated shared image.

[0181] Next, the processor 11 transmits the shared image data of the own device generated in step S93 to the other information processing devices 1 via the server 101a (step S94), and proceeds to step S95. For example, the processor 11 transmits the shared image data of the own device indicated by the shared image data (own device) Dr to the information processing devices 1 of the other members via the server 101a.

[0182] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S91 that the self-image sharing setting is set to OFF, the processor 11 transmits data indicating a blank image as shared image data of the own device to the information processing device 1 of the other member via the server 101a, and proceeds to step S95. Note that the data indicating the blank image may be image data in which a blank image is displayed, or instruction data to display a blank image.

[0183] In step S95, the processor 11 receives information about the shared image data of the other device and the corresponding user name from the other information processing device 1 via the server 101a, and proceeds to the next step. For example, the processor 11 updates the shared image data (other device) Ds using the information about the shared image data and user name of the other device received via the server 101a. Note that the user name information may be stored in each device when registering the communication group.

[0184] Next, processor 11 controls drawing of the shared image of the own device and displaying it on display 15 (step S96), and proceeds to the next step. In step S96, the communication function performs processing to instruct the GPU to draw, and the drawing processing itself is performed by the GPU. For example, processor 11 outputs shared image data (own device) Dr to the frame buffer as image data to be displayed as the shared image of the own device in a shared image display area (for example, the image of IPSa in FIG. 5) on display 15 of the own device.

[0185] Next, processor 11 performs control to draw and display each shared image of the other device on display 15 (step S97), and proceeds to the next step. For example, processor 11 outputs shared image data (other device) Ds to the frame buffer as image data to be displayed as the shared image of the other device in the shared image display area.

[0186] Next, processor 11 performs control to draw and display on display 15 the user names corresponding to the shared images of the own device and the other device (step S98), and proceeds to the next step. For example, processor 11 acquires the user name of the own device and the user name corresponding to the shared image to be displayed in the shared image display area, and outputs the information image indicating the user name to the frame buffer so that the information image is superimposed on a part of the corresponding shared image.

[0187] Next, processor 11 controls to play sounds corresponding to the voice data of the own device and the other device (step S99), and returns to step S82 (see FIG. 14) to repeat the process. For example, processor 11 outputs the own device voice data Dm and the other device voice data Dn from the audio output unit 16 of the own device, and deletes the voice data stored in the own device voice data Dm and the other device voice data Dn, respectively.

[0188] Next, a detailed example of game program processing, which is an example of information processing in this embodiment, will be described with reference to Figures 17 and 18. Figure 17 is a flowchart showing an example of game program processing executed by information processing device 1. Figure 18 is a subroutine showing a detailed example of game sharing mode processing executed in step S142 in Figure 17. In this embodiment, the series of processes shown in Figures 17 and 18 are performed by processor 11 executing a predetermined application program (game program) included in various programs Pa. Note that the game program processing shown in Figures 17 and 18 can be started at any timing.

[0189] 17, processor 11 refers to its own device operation data Db and determines whether an operation to start a shared game (for example, an operation to select a shared game start menu IM illustrated in the top diagram of FIG. 10) has been performed (step S131). If an operation to start a shared game has been performed, processor 11 proceeds to step S132. On the other hand, if an operation to start a shared game has not been performed, processor 11 proceeds to step S143.

[0190] In step S132, the processor 11 determines whether the number of shared games being played in the communication group to which the own device belongs has reached the maximum. For example, if the number of shared games in the communication group to which the own device belongs has reached a predetermined threshold (e.g., a number equal to or greater than two), the processor 11 makes a positive determination in step S132. As an example, the processor 11 may obtain information about the members of the communication group from the server 101a and information about the number of host devices playing the shared game from the server 101b, and calculate the number of shared games based on this information. Alternatively, the processor 11 may request permission to start a shared game from the server 101b, and the server 101b may determine whether to grant permission based on the number of shared games being played in the same communication group. As another example, the processor 11 may manage the number of shared games being played in the communication group to which the own device belongs within the own device. If the number of shared games has not reached the maximum, the processor 11 proceeds to step S135. On the other hand, if the number of shared games has reached the maximum, the processor 11 proceeds to step S143. If no limit is placed on the number of shared games that can be simultaneously activated within the same communication group, the process of step S132 does not need to be executed.

[0191] In step S135, the processor 11 determines whether the communication function of the device itself is activated. If the communication function is not activated, the processor 11 proceeds to step S136. On the other hand, if the communication function is activated, the processor 11 proceeds to step S137.

[0192] In step S136, the processor 11 activates the communication function of the own device, and proceeds to step S137.

[0193] In step S137, processor 11 displays an invitee selection image (see the second diagram in FIG. 10) for inviting members of the communication group to which the own device belongs to a shared game. Then, processor 11 accepts a user instruction to select an invitee, and when the user instruction is given by referring to the own device operation data Db, proceeds to the next step. Note that multiple invitees may be selectable. Processor 11 may also obtain information about members of the communication group from server 101a and display the invitee selection image based on the information.

[0194] Next, the processor 11 activates the game sharing function for the host of the system module of the own device (step S138), and proceeds to the next step. In step S138, the processor 11 receives a game session ID from the server 101b.

[0195] In this embodiment, a shared game is launched using a predetermined user interface realized by executing a game program. More specifically, the game program transitions to a shared game mode, and the host function is launched by executing a system program. Furthermore, the game program is executed to perform processing for inviting members of the user's communication group to join the shared game. This makes it easy for users to understand the flow of operations required to launch the host function of the shared game.

[0196] Next, processor 11 performs a process of requesting the invitee selected in step S137 to transmit invitation data (step S139), and proceeds to the next step. For example, processor 11 stores invitation data inviting the invitee to participate in the shared game in invitation / participation data Dh, and requests the activated game sharing function for the host to transmit the invitation data to server 101b.

[0197] Next, processor 11 sets an opponent for the shared game (step S140) and proceeds to the next step. For example, processor 11 waits for participation information transmitted from server 101b, and when the participation information is received, processor 11 sets an opponent for the shared game (i.e., the user of the guest device) and a game session ID based on the participation information, and updates communication group data Dk.

[0198] Next, processor 11 sets exclusion for image sharing in the communication function (which device's game images among the communication members are shared with which device) according to the shared game to be started (step S141), and proceeds to the next step. For example, in the case of a shared game in which the player's game images are not shared with opponents (e.g., the card game exemplified in FIGS. 8 and 9), processor 11 generates data instructing server 101b to set the opponents as excluded players from sharing, and outputs the data to the communication function (corresponding processing is performed in step S86 of the communication function). In this way, the setting of players excluded from image sharing is determined according to the content of the game at the start of the shared game by game program processing (e.g., step S141), and a setting instruction is sent to server 101a.

[0199] In this manner, in this embodiment, whether or not one's own game image will be shared with the other party in the shared game is set by executing the game program, and therefore image sharing with other devices can be flexibly handled according to the content of the game executed by the game program.

[0200] Next, processor 11 performs a game sharing mode process (step S142), and returns to step S131 to repeat the process. An example of the game sharing mode process performed in step S142 will now be described with reference to FIG.

[0201] In FIG. 18, processor 11 acquires operation data from operation unit 19 of its own device, updates its own device operation data Db (step S151), and proceeds to the next step.

[0202] Next, processor 11 acquires the operation data of all guest devices, updates the other device operation data Dc (step S152), and proceeds to the next step. For example, processor 11 updates the other device operation data Dc using the operation data of the guest devices and the game session ID received from server 101b in the game sharing function for the host.

[0203] Next, processor 11 performs game processing based on the operation data of its own device (host device) and other devices (guest devices) (step S153), and proceeds to the next step. The specific content of the game processing in step S153 is arbitrary, and for example, the actions of the player characters corresponding to each device may be controlled based on the operation data of that device, the actions of non-player characters may be controlled, or game commands may be selected based on the operation data of each device.

[0204] Next, processor 11 performs processing to generate game images for each device based on the results of the game processing in step S153 (step S154), and proceeds to the next step. For example, processor 11 generates game images for its own device (host device) and game images for other devices (guest devices) based on the results of the game processing, and updates its own device game image data Dd and other device game image data De. Note that the generated game images may be images common to all of the host device and guest devices.

[0205] Next, processor 11 draws the game image of the host device in the frame buffer, performs control to display the game image on display 15 of the host device (step S155), and proceeds to the next step. For example, processor 11 adds a shared game identification indicator to the game image for the host device indicated by the host device game image data Dd, draws it in the frame buffer, and displays it in the host device image display area of ​​display 15 (see game image IPa in FIG. 6 and game image IPc in FIG. 8). Note that the game image generation process of step S154 may be performed by having the CPU draw the game image in the frame buffer. In this case, the processes of steps S154 and S155 are essentially a single process. If the game image for the host device and the game image for the guest device are different, each image may be generated by drawing them in different frame buffers.

[0206] Next, processor 11 performs processing to output the game images of the other devices to the game sharing function for the host (step S156), and proceeds to the next step. For example, processor 11 outputs game image data for the guest devices stored in the other device game image data De (for example, data in which image data to be drawn on the frame buffer as a game image for the guest devices as described above is copied) together with the game session ID to the game sharing function for the host, thereby controlling transmission of the game image data to each guest device via server 101b.

[0207] Next, processor 11 determines whether to end the game (step S157). Conditions for ending the game in step S157 include, for example, the satisfaction of a condition for ending one game, or the user performing an operation to end the game. If processor 11 does not end the game, it returns to step S151 and repeats the process, and if processor 11 decides to end the game, it proceeds to step S158.

[0208] In step S158, processor 11 determines whether to end the game sharing mode. Conditions for ending the game sharing mode in step S158 include, for example, that a condition for ending the game sharing mode is satisfied, or that the user has performed an operation to end the game sharing mode. If processor 11 does not want to end the game sharing mode, processor 11 returns to step S151 and repeats the process, and if processor 11 wants to end the game sharing mode, processor 11 ends the process of this subroutine.

[0209] 17, in step S143, processor 11 performs processing in standalone mode or communication multiplay mode, and then returns to step S131 to repeat the process. Note that in step S143, either standalone mode or communication multiplay mode is selected as the game play mode based on the user's selection, and game processing according to the selected mode is performed, causing a game image based on the result of the game processing to be displayed as a self-view image on display 15 of the player's device; however, the specific content of the game processing is arbitrary, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0210] Next, a detailed example of the game sharing function processing for the host, which is an example of information processing in this embodiment, will be described with reference to Fig. 19. Note that Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the game sharing function processing for the host executed by the information processing device 1. In this embodiment, the series of processes shown in Fig. 19 is performed by the processor 11 executing a system program included in the various programs Pa. Note that the game sharing function processing for the host shown in Fig. 19 is started in response to execution of step S138, but may be started at any other timing.

[0211] 19, processor 11 determines whether or not a request to transmit invitation data to the invitee has been made by executing step S139 in the game program processing described above (step S171). If a request to transmit invitation data has been made, processor 11 proceeds to step S172. On the other hand, if a request to transmit invitation data has not been made, processor 11 proceeds to step S173.

[0212] In step S172, the processor 11 transmits the invitation data to the server 101b, and proceeds to step S173. For example, the processor 11 transmits the invitation data stored in the invitation / participation data Dh as a result of execution of step S139 to the server 101b.

[0213] In step S173, processor 11 receives the operation data of all guest devices transmitted from server 101b along with the game session ID, outputs it as data to be used in the game program processing, and proceeds to the next step.

[0214] Next, processor 11 transmits the game image data for the guest device output in the game program processing to server 101b together with the game session ID (step S174), and returns to step S171 to repeat the processing.

[0215] Next, a detailed example of a guest game sharing function process, which is an example of information processing in this embodiment, will be described with reference to Fig. 20. Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of a guest game sharing function process executed by the information processing device 1. In this embodiment, the series of processes shown in Fig. 20 are performed by the processor 11 executing a system program included in the various programs Pa. The guest game sharing function process shown in Fig. 20 is started in response to execution of step S68, but may be started at any other timing.

[0216] In FIG. 20, processor 11 acquires operation data from operation unit 19 of its own device, updates its own device operation data Db (step S203), and proceeds to the next step.

[0217] Next, processor 11 transmits the operation data of its own device acquired in step S203 to server 101b together with the game session ID (step S204), and proceeds to the next step.

[0218] Next, processor 11 determines whether or not game image data for the host device (guest device) has been received from server 101b (step S205). If processor 11 has received game image data for the host device, the process proceeds to step S206. On the other hand, if processor 11 has not received game image data for the host device, the process returns to step S203 and repeats the process.

[0219] In step S206, processor 11 updates the host device game image data Dd using the received game image data and game session ID. Processor 11 then draws the game image indicated by the host device game image data Dd in the frame buffer, performs control to display the game image on the host device's display 15, and returns to step S203 to repeat the process. For example, processor 11 adds a shared game identification indicator to the game image for the guest device indicated by the host device game image data Dd, draws it in the frame buffer, and displays it in the host device image display area on display 15 (see game image IPb in FIG. 7 and game image IPd in ​​FIG. 9).

[0220] Next, the data and programs stored in the storage unit 104a of the server 101a that controls the communication functions will be described with reference to Fig. 21. In addition to the data shown in Fig. 21, the server 101a also stores data used in other processes, but detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0221] 21, the data storage area of ​​the storage unit 104a stores communication data D1a, communication member management data D1b, image sharing exclusion setting data D1c, etc. Also, the program storage area of ​​the storage unit 104a stores various programs Pb for realizing the above-mentioned processes.

[0222] The communication data D1a stores received data received from each of the plurality of information processing devices 1 as appropriate, and also stores transmission data to be transmitted to each of the plurality of information processing devices 1 as appropriate. Note that the timing at which data is received from the information processing device 1 and stored in the communication data D1a, and the timing at which data to be transmitted to the information processing device 1 is stored in the communication data D1a and transmitted are arbitrary, and may be performed at each cycle of processing executed by the server 101a.

[0223] The communication member management data D1b is management data that indicates member information for each communication group that has been formed. For example, the member information includes a communication group ID that indicates the communication group, as well as a device ID and a user name for each member.

[0224] The image sharing exclusion setting data D1c is data that sets, for each member belonging to a communication group, the people (other members) with whom the member's game images are not shared.

[0225] Next, the details of the processing performed by the server 101a that controls the communication functions will be described with reference to Fig. 22. Here, in the flowchart shown in Fig. 22, the processing by the server 101a to manage communication groups will be mainly described, and detailed descriptions of other processing that is not directly related to this processing will be omitted.

[0226] 22, control unit 103a of server 101a determines whether or not solicitation data has been received from information processing device 1 (step S211). If solicitation data has been received, control unit 103a proceeds to step S212. On the other hand, if solicitation data has not been received, control unit 103a proceeds to step S213.

[0227] In step S212, the control unit 103a transmits solicitation data to the information processing device 1 that is the solicitation target, and proceeds to step S213. For example, the control unit 103a transmits solicitation data indicating the soliciting user and that the soliciting user is soliciting registration as a member of a communication group, addressed to the solicitation destination information processing device 1 of the solicitation data received in step S211 above. Note that if the soliciting user already belongs to a communication group, the control unit 103a may also transmit the solicitation data together with information regarding the composition of the communication group. For example, the control unit 103a may refer to the communication member management data D1b, and if the soliciting user is registered as a member of a communication group, the control unit 103a may also transmit the solicitation data to the solicitation destination information processing device 1, adding information regarding the composition of the communication group and the communication group ID of the communication group.

[0228] In step S213, the control unit 103a determines whether or not consent data or registration data has been received from the information processing device 1. If consent data or registration data has been received, the control unit 103a proceeds to step S214. On the other hand, if neither consent data nor registration data has been received, the control unit 103a proceeds to step S215.

[0229] In step S214, the control unit 103a performs member update processing and proceeds to step S215. As a first example, the control unit 103a references the communication member management data D1b, and if the inviting user indicated in the received acceptance data does not belong to a communication group, creates a new communication group. The control unit 103a then registers the inviting user and the users who accepted in the acceptance data as members of the newly created communication group, sets a communication group ID for the communication group, and updates the communication member management data D1b. As a second example, the control unit 103a references the communication member management data D1b, and if the inviting user indicated in the received acceptance data belongs to a communication group, registers the users who accepted in the acceptance data as members of the communication group, and updates the communication member management data D1b. As a third example, the control unit 103a registers the sender user who sent the registration data as a member of the communication group in which the user wishes to register, and updates the communication member management data D1b.

[0230] In step S215, the control unit 103a determines whether or not sharing exclusion data has been received from the information processing device 1. If the control unit 103a has received the sharing exclusion data, the process proceeds to step S216. On the other hand, if the control unit 103a has not received the sharing exclusion data, the process proceeds to step S217.

[0231] In step S216, the control unit 103a performs processing to update the sharing exclusion setting in the communication group, and proceeds to step S217. For example, based on the received sharing exclusion data, the control unit 103a sets partners (other members) with whom each member belonging to the communication group will not share game images, and updates the image sharing exclusion setting data D1c.

[0232] In step S217, the control unit 103a determines whether or not voice data has been received from the information processing device 1. If voice data has been received, the control unit 103a proceeds to step S218. On the other hand, if voice data has not been received, the control unit 103a proceeds to step S219.

[0233] In step S218, the control unit 103a transmits the voice data received in step S217 based on the communication member management data D1b, and proceeds to step S219. For example, the control unit 103a refers to the communication member management data D1b to extract the communication group to which the sender of the received voice data belongs, adds information about the sender of the voice data and the communication group ID to the voice data, and transmits the voice data to the information processing devices 1 of the members of the communication group.

[0234] In step S219, the control unit 103a determines whether or not shared image data has been received from the information processing device 1. If shared image data has been received, the control unit 103a proceeds to step S220. On the other hand, if shared image data has not been received, the control unit 103a returns to step S211 and repeats the process.

[0235] In step S220, the control unit 103a transmits the shared image data received in step S219 based on the communication member management data D1b and the image sharing exclusion setting data D1c, and then returns to step S211 to repeat the process. For example, the control unit 103a references the communication member management data D1b to extract the communication group to which the sender of the received shared image data belongs, adds information about the sender of the shared image data and the communication group ID to the shared image data, and transmits the shared image data to each of the information processing devices 1 of the members of the communication group. Note that, when a sharing exclusion partner is set as the sender of the received shared image data based on the image sharing exclusion setting data D1c, the control unit 103a transmits data indicating a blank image, together with information about the sender of the shared image data and the communication group ID, to the information processing device 1 of the user corresponding to the sharing exclusion partner. Note that the data indicating the blank image may be image data in which a blank image is displayed, or instruction data to display a blank image as a shared image.

[0236] Next, data and programs stored in the storage unit 104b of the server 101b that controls the game sharing function will be described with reference to Fig. 23. In addition to the data shown in Fig. 23, the server 101b also stores data used in other processes, but detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0237] 23, the data storage area of ​​the storage unit 104b stores communication data D2a, host-guest management data D2b, etc. Also, the program storage area of ​​the storage unit 104b stores various programs Pc for realizing the above processing.

[0238] The communication data D2a stores received data received from each of the plurality of information processing devices 1 as appropriate, and also stores transmission data to be transmitted to each of the plurality of information processing devices 1 as appropriate. Note that the timing at which data is received from the information processing device 1 and stored in the communication data D2a, and the timing at which data to be transmitted to the information processing device 1 is stored in the communication data D2a and transmitted are arbitrary, and may be performed at each cycle of processing executed by the server 101b.

[0239] The host-guest management data D2b is management data that indicates device information for each combination of a host device and a guest device that are sharing data. For example, the device information includes a game session ID for each combination, as well as the device IDs, user names, and types of games being played for the host device and the guest device that are sharing data.

[0240] Next, details of the processing performed by server 101b that controls the game sharing function will be described with reference to Fig. 24. Here, in the flowchart shown in Fig. 24, the processing by server 101b that manages the host device and guest devices that play the shared game will be mainly described, and detailed descriptions of other processing that is not directly related to this processing will be omitted.

[0241] 24, the control unit 103b of the server 101b determines whether or not a request to send invitation data has been made from the information processing device 1 (step S231). If an invitation request has been made, the control unit 103b proceeds to step S232. On the other hand, if an invitation request has not been made, the control unit 103b proceeds to step S234.

[0242] In step S232, the control unit 103b registers the host device and the invitee, and proceeds to the next step. For example, the control unit 103b registers the device ID and user name of the inviter who requested the transmission of the invitation data as the host device, and registers the device ID and user name of the invitee as a guest device candidate, and updates the host-guest management data D2b.

[0243] Next, the control unit 103b transmits invitation data to the information processing device 1 that is the invitee (step S233), and proceeds to step S234. For example, the control unit 103b transmits invitation data indicating that the inviter user and the inviter user are inviting the invitee user to play the shared game, addressed to the information processing device 1 that is the invitee in the invitation request received in step S231. Note that if the inviter has already become the host device and formed a pairing to play the shared game with other guest devices, the control unit 103b may also transmit the invitation data together with information about the configuration of the pairing. For example, the control unit 103b may refer to the host-guest management data D2b, and may add information about the configuration of the pairing with the guest device in which the inviter is the host device and the game session ID of the shared game to be invited, and transmit the invitation data to the information processing device 1 that is the invitee. Furthermore, if participation data is not received from the invitee after a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 103b may terminate transmission of the invitation data to the invitee, cancel the registration of the guest device candidate, and update the host-guest management data D2b.

[0244] In step S234, the control unit 103b determines whether or not participation data has been received from the information processing device 1. If participation data has been received, the control unit 103b proceeds to step S235. On the other hand, if participation data has not been received, the control unit 103b proceeds to step S237.

[0245] In step S235, the control unit 103b registers the guest device and proceeds to the next step. For example, the control unit 103b changes the registration of the sender of the received participation data from a guest device candidate to the guest device, and updates the host-guest management data D2b. Furthermore, if a game session ID has not been set for the shared game combination in which the guest device is registered, the control unit 103b sets the game session ID of the shared game for that combination and updates the host-guest management data D2b.

[0246] Next, the control unit 103b transmits participation information to the information processing device 1 that will be the opponent of the guest device registered in step S235 (step S236), and proceeds to step S237. For example, the control unit 103b transmits participation information indicating the newly registered guest device (e.g., user name) and its game session ID to the host device and other guest devices.

[0247] In step S237, the control unit 103b determines whether or not operation data has been received from the information processing device 1. If operation data has been received, the control unit 103b proceeds to step S238. On the other hand, if operation data has not been received, the control unit 103b proceeds to step S239.

[0248] In step S238, the control unit 103b transmits the received operation data to the corresponding host device, and proceeds to step S239. For example, the control unit 103b references the host-guest management data D2b to extract the host device paired with the sender (guest device) of the operation data, adds information about the guest device that sent the operation data and a game session ID to the operation data, and transmits the operation data to the host device.

[0249] In step S239, the control unit 103b determines whether or not game image data has been received from the information processing device 1. If the control unit 103b has received game image data, the process proceeds to step S240. On the other hand, if the control unit 103b has not received game image data, the process returns to step S231 and repeats the process.

[0250] In step S240, the control unit 103b transmits the received game image data to the corresponding guest devices, and then returns to step S231 to repeat the process. For example, the control unit 103b references the received game image data and the host-guest management data D2b, extracts a destination to which the game image data should be transmitted from the guest device paired with the source (host device) of the game image data, adds host device information and a game session ID to the game image data, and transmits the game image data to the destination guest device.

[0251] 13 to 20, 22, and 24 are merely examples, and the order of the steps may be changed, or other processes may be performed in addition to and / or instead of the steps, as long as the same results are obtained. In the present embodiment, the steps of the flowcharts are described as being executed by the processor 11, the control unit 103a, or the control unit 103b (CPU), but some of the steps in the flowcharts may be executed by the processor 11, the control unit 103a, or the control unit 103b, and other steps may be executed by a processor or dedicated circuit other than the processor 11, the control unit 103a, or the control unit 103b, or all of the steps in the flowcharts may be executed by a processor or dedicated circuit other than the processor 11, the control unit 103a, or the control unit 103b. Furthermore, some of the processes executed by the information processing device 1, the server 101a, and the server 101b may be executed by another information processing device that can communicate with the information processing device 1, the server 101a, or the server 101b (for example, another device that can communicate with these devices via a network). That is, each of the processes shown in Figures 13 to 20, 22, and 24 may be executed by a plurality of devices including the information processing device 1, the server 101a, or the server 101b working together.

[0252] In this manner, in this embodiment, since it is possible to configure multiple combinations of host devices and guest devices that play shared games within the same communication group, a variety of shared games can be run within the communication group even if only a few members own game programs, and it is expected that communication using games will be promoted. Furthermore, since members belonging to the communication group can share voice chat and images, sessions for playing shared games can be easily formed.

[0253] In the above-described embodiment, a client-server system is used in which multiple information processing devices 1 communicate over the Internet via server 101a or 101b. However, other communication systems may also be used. In other embodiments, a peer-to-peer communication system may be used in which multiple information processing devices 1 exchange data directly with each other without going through a server. For example, at least one of the data communication related to the communication function performed via server 101a and the data communication related to the game sharing function performed via server 101b may be performed using a peer-to-peer communication system. When the former data communication is performed using a peer-to-peer communication system, the functions of the group management unit 105 of server 101a may be provided in each of the multiple information processing devices 1. When the latter data communication is performed using a Peer to Peer communication system, among the functions of the game management unit 106 of the server 101b, the guest device registration / management function may be provided in the host game sharing function of each of the multiple information processing devices 1, and the host device registration / management function may be provided in the guest game sharing function of each of the multiple information processing devices 1.

[0254] Furthermore, when the above-described peer-to-peer communication system is used, data communication using the communication system may be performed via the Internet or short-range wireless communication. For example, in another embodiment, data communication related to the communication function may be performed via the Internet via the server 101a, and data communication related to the game sharing function may be performed via short-range wireless communication using the peer-to-peer communication system.

[0255] In the above description, information processing (game processing) is performed by the information processing device 1 and the servers 101a and 101b. However, at least some of the processing steps may be performed by other devices. For example, if the information processing device 1 and the servers 101a and 101b are configured to be able to communicate with other devices (e.g., another server, another information processing device, another image display device, another game device, or another mobile terminal), the processing steps may be performed by the cooperation of the other devices. In this way, performing at least some of the processing steps by the other devices enables processing similar to the above-described processing. Furthermore, the above-described information processing may be performed by one processor or by cooperation between multiple processors included in an information processing system configured by at least one information processing device. In the above embodiment, the processor 11 of the information processing device 1, the control unit 103a of the server 101a, and the control unit 103b of the server 101b each execute a predetermined program to perform information processing. However, some or all of the above processing may be performed by dedicated circuits provided in the information processing device 1, the server 101a, and / or the server 101b.

[0256] According to the above-described modified example, the present invention can also be realized in a so-called cloud computing system configuration, or in a distributed wide area network or local network system configuration. For example, in a distributed local network system configuration, the above processing can be performed cooperatively between a stationary information processing device (stationary game device) and a portable information processing device (portable game device). Note that in these system configurations, there is no particular limitation on which device performs the above processing, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be realized regardless of the processing division.

[0257] Furthermore, the processing order, setting values, conditions used for judgment, etc. used in the information processing described above are merely examples, and it goes without saying that this embodiment can be realized even with other orders, values, and conditions.

[0258] The program may be supplied to the information processing device 1 or the servers 101a and 101b via an external storage medium such as an external memory, or may be supplied to the device via a wired or wireless communication line. The program may also be pre-recorded in a nonvolatile storage device within the device. The information storage medium for storing the program may be a nonvolatile memory, a CD-ROM, a DVD, or similar optical disk-shaped storage media, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a magnetic tape. The information storage medium for storing the program may also be a volatile memory for storing the program. Such a storage medium may be a recording medium readable by a computer or the like. For example, the various functions described above can be provided by having a computer or the like read and execute the program from such a recording medium. The program may also be executed on an interpreter or emulator.

[0259] The present invention has been described in detail above. However, the above description is merely illustrative of the present invention in all respects and is not intended to limit its scope. It goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that, from the description of specific embodiments of the present invention, they will be able to implement equivalents based on the description of the present invention and common technical knowledge. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, it should be understood that the terms used in this specification are used in the same sense as commonly used in the art. Therefore, unless otherwise defined, all technical and technical terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. In the event of any conflict, the present specification (including definitions) will prevail. [Industrial Applicability]

[0260] As described above, the present invention can be used as an information processing system, an information processing method, an information processing device, etc. that has the function of delivering images from a host device to a guest device and is capable of playing games, etc. in new and diverse ways. [Explanation of symbols]

[0261] 1...Information processing device 11...Processor 12...Flash memory 13...DRAM 14, 102…Communications Department 15...Display 16...Audio output section 17...Audio input section 18...imaging unit 19...Operation unit 100…Network 101...server 103...Control unit 104...Storage section

Claims

1. An information processing system including a plurality of information processing devices, The information processing device includes: a voice chat means for forming a group and conducting a voice chat by communicating voice data with other information processing devices in the group, either via a server or without the server; a means for executing a shared game that can be executed in a game executed on one of the information processing devices without the other information processing devices executing the game by communicating operation data and game image data with the other information processing devices; a host function for executing game processing to generate game images based on its own operation data and operation data of the guest-side information processing device acquired through communication, and transmitting the generated game image data to the guest-side information processing device; and a shared game execution means including a guest function for transmitting its own operation data to the host information processing device, receiving game image data from the host information processing device, and displaying game images; An information processing system, wherein the shared game executing means is capable of activating the host function regardless of whether or not another information processing device in the group is executing the host function.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device further comprises a game image sharing means for simultaneously outputting and displaying on its own screen game images displayed on the screens of four or more other information processing devices belonging to its own group.

3. the host function transmits invitation data for the shared game to the other information processing devices, and the guest function of the other information processing devices receives the invitation data and transmits participation data in response to the reception, thereby setting members of the shared game; The host function further comprises: a candidate display function for displaying candidates for the destination of the invitation data, including at least the other information processing devices belonging to the group of the information processing device of the user; a destination selection function for selecting a destination from the candidates displayed by the candidate display function in response to a user operation; The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the host function transmits the invitation data to a destination selected by the destination selection function.

4. The information processing system according to claim 3 , wherein the candidate display function displays the candidates only for the other information processing devices in the group to which the candidate belongs.

5. The information processing device further includes a game image sharing means for outputting, to its own screen, a game image displayed on a screen of at least one other information processing device belonging to the group of the information processing device; The information processing system according to claim 1 , further comprising a limiting means for limiting display, by said game image sharing means, of a game image of said information processing device of a guest whose own device is the host.

6. the information processing device further comprises a game program execution means for executing a game program as the game processing; 6. The information processing system according to claim 5, wherein said limiting means is realized by causing a processor of said information processing device to execute code included in said game program.

7. the information processing device further comprises a game program execution means for executing a game program as the game processing; 4. The information processing system according to claim 3, wherein the game program includes code for causing a processor included in at least the information processing device to execute processing for activating a host function of the shared game.

8. The information processing device includes a system program or a pre-installed program (hereinafter simply referred to as the system program) and an application program that is separately installed; 3. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein at least the voice chat means and the guest function of the shared game are realized by the system program being executed by a processor of the information processing device.

9. The information processing system described in claim 8, wherein the system program of the information processing device includes code that causes the processor of the information processing device to realize at least one of the host functions of the shared game, including the function of acquiring operation data of the information processing device on the guest side and the function of transmitting the game image data.

10. the voice chat means performs communication for conducting the voice chat with another information processing device using a predetermined communication channel; 3. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the shared game executing means communicates the operation data and the game image data with another of the information processing devices using a communication channel different from the communication channel.

11. The information processing system according to claim 2 , wherein the game image sharing means displays an indication of the information processing device currently executing the shared game in association with a display of a game image displayed on the own screen.

12. the host function transmits invitation data for the shared game to the other information processing devices, and the guest function of the other information processing devices receives the invitation data and transmits participation data in response to the reception, thereby setting members of the shared game; the host function is capable of transmitting the invitation data to the information processing device that is already running the shared game with another of the information processing devices using the guest function; The information processing system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the guest function is capable of receiving the invitation data while the shared game is being executed, and by sending participation data in response to the received invitation data, it is possible to execute another shared game with the information processing device that sent the invitation data instead of executing the currently executing shared game.

13. An information processing method executed by an information processing system including a plurality of information processing devices, The information processing device includes: a voice chat step of forming a group and conducting a voice chat by communicating voice data with other information processing devices in the group via or without a server; a step of executing a shared game that can be executed in a game executed on one of the information processing devices without the other information processing devices executing the game by communicating operation data and game image data with the other information processing devices; a host function for executing game processing to generate game images based on its own operation data and operation data of the guest-side information processing device acquired through communication, and transmitting the generated game image data to the guest-side information processing device; and a shared game execution step including a guest function of transmitting its own operation data to the host information processing device, receiving game image data from the host information processing device, and displaying a game image; In the shared game executing step, the host function can be activated in a single group regardless of whether another information processing device in the group is executing the host function.

14. The information processing method according to claim 13, wherein the information processing device further executes a game image sharing step of simultaneously outputting and displaying on its own screen game images displayed on the screens of four or more other information processing devices belonging to its own group.

15. the host function transmits invitation data for the shared game to the other information processing devices, and the guest function of the other information processing devices receives the invitation data and transmits participation data in response to the reception, thereby setting members of the shared game; The host function further comprises: a candidate display function for displaying candidates for the destination of the invitation data, including at least the other information processing devices belonging to the group of the information processing device of the user; a destination selection function for selecting a destination from the candidates displayed by the candidate display function in response to a user operation; The information processing method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the host function transmits the invitation data to a destination selected by the destination selection function.

16. The information processing method according to claim 15 , wherein the candidate display function displays the candidates only for the other information processing devices in the group to which the candidate belongs.

17. the information processing device further includes a game image sharing step of outputting, to its own screen, a game image displayed on a screen of at least one other information processing device belonging to the group of the information processing device; The information processing method according to claim 13 , further comprising: a limiting step of limiting display, in said game image sharing step, of a game image of said information processing device of a guest whose own device is the host.

18. the information processing device further executes, as the game processing, a game program execution step of executing a game program; 18. The information processing method according to claim 17, wherein the limiting step is realized by a processor included in the information processing device executing code included in the game program.

19. the information processing device further executes, as the game processing, a game program execution step of executing a game program; The information processing method according to claim 15 , wherein the game program includes code for causing at least a processor included in the information processing device to execute processing for activating a host function of the shared game.

20. The information processing device includes a system program or a pre-installed program (hereinafter simply referred to as a system program) and an application program that is separately installed, 15. The information processing method according to claim 13, wherein at least the voice chat step and the guest function of the shared game are realized by the system program being executed by a processor of the information processing device.

21. The information processing method described in claim 20, wherein the system program of the information processing device includes code that causes the processor of the information processing device to realize at least one of the host functions of the shared game, including a function to acquire operation data of the information processing device on the guest side and a function to transmit the game image data.

22. In the voice chat step, a predetermined communication channel is used to perform communication for the voice chat with another information processing device, 15. The information processing method according to claim 13, wherein in the shared game executing step, the operation data and the game image data are communicated between the information processing device and another information processing device using a communication channel different from the communication channel.

23. The information processing method according to claim 14 , wherein in the game image sharing step, a display indicating the information processing device that is currently executing the shared game is displayed in association with a display of a game image displayed on the own screen.

24. the host function transmits invitation data for the shared game to the other information processing devices, and the guest function of the other information processing devices receives the invitation data and transmits participation data in response to the reception, thereby setting members of the shared game; the host function is capable of transmitting the invitation data to the information processing device that is already running the shared game with another of the information processing devices using the guest function; The information processing method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the guest function is capable of receiving the invitation data while the shared game is being executed, and by sending participation data in response to the received invitation data, it is possible to execute another shared game with the information processing device that sent the invitation data instead of executing the currently executing shared game.

25. a voice chat means for forming a group and conducting a voice chat by communicating voice data with other information processing devices in the group with or without a server; a means for executing a shared game that can be executed in a game executed on an information processing device without the other information processing device executing the game by communicating operation data and game image data with the other information processing device; a host function for executing game processing to generate game images based on its own operation data and operation data of the guest-side information processing device acquired through communication, and transmitting the generated game image data to the guest-side information processing device; and a shared game execution means including a guest function of transmitting its own operation data to a host-side information processing device, receiving game image data from the host-side information processing device, and displaying game images; The shared game executing means is capable of activating the host function regardless of whether the other information processing devices in the group are executing the host function.

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