JP4527173B2 - Game program recording medium - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game program recording medium and the like.

  Conventionally, as one of the technologies related to data transmission / reception between computer devices, a portable terminal device serving as a child device is attached to and detached from a home console such as a video game machine such as a home game device serving as a parent device or a personal computer. There is known a technique of connecting freely, downloading a program recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM mounted on the parent device to the child device, and operating (executing) the program in the child device ( For example, see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 3597051

  In recent years, some portable game machines transfer game programs that are software to other game machines of the same type by wireless / wired communication, and the received game programs are received by the game machine on the receiving side. One having a software sharing function that can be executed is known. In such a case, the game program to be transferred is converted into a transfer file in advance by a predetermined file conversion process including encryption (transfer file conversion), and this transfer file is stored in an information storage medium detachably attached to a game machine such as a game cartridge. Stored (stored).

  The transmitting game machine transmits the transfer file data stored in the attached information storage medium to another game machine, and the receiving game machine restores the transmitted transfer file data together with reception. The original game program before transfer file conversion is obtained, and then this game program can be executed.

  In other words, the transfer game data need only be transmitted on the game machine on the transmission side, and the transfer file data needs to be received and restored on the game machine on the reception side. There is no function. In addition, in game machines, the software itself can make a self-copy in order to prevent illegal acts such as unauthorized copying of software, copying or falsification against the creator's intention, and ensuring product safety. Is not provided.

  Due to such a configuration limitation, transfer of a game program as software has been performed only between two generations between a game machine on which an information storage medium is mounted and another game machine. Therefore, it has been difficult to transfer for more than three generations, such as transmitting the received transfer file to another game machine.

  In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to enable transfer of a transfer file over three generations or more between computer apparatuses having a software sharing function.

The first invention for solving the above-described problems is
Software (for example, steps B7 to B9 in FIG. 7) is performed by a transfer file data reception / restoration process (for example, steps B7 to B9 in FIG. 7) by a computer (for example, the portable game machine 1 in FIGS. 2, the transfer file data (for example, transfer file 926 in FIG. 2) converted from the transfer file into another transfer file (for example, step B <b> 9 in FIG. 7), and the received transfer file data It is a data structure of transfer file data that is restored to the state before transfer file conversion (for example, step B9 in FIG. 7) and processing according to the restored software is executed by the computer. ,
This is a data structure in which transfer file data is superposed into a transfer file and has a nested structure of transfer file.

The nineteenth invention
Transfer file data received and restored by a computer that can send and receive data to and from other devices, before the transfer of the transfer file data that has been converted into a transfer file from the other device, and before the transfer file data received is converted to a transfer file And a process for producing transfer file data in which processing according to the restored software is executed by the computer,
This is a manufacturing method (for example, a transfer file creation process for storage in FIG. 11) for producing transfer file data having a nested transfer file structure by superimposing transfer file data into transfer files.

  According to the first or nineteenth aspect of the present invention, transfer file data in which software is converted into a transfer file is transferred into a transfer file in a superimposed manner, thereby realizing transfer file data having a data structure having a transfer file nesting structure. Is done. That is, since the data in the state before transfer file conversion received and restored from the other device is also transfer file data having a nested structure of the transfer file, the restored transfer file data is further transmitted to the other device. Can do. Therefore, the transfer file can be transferred over three generations or more.

A second invention is the data structure of the first invention, wherein
At the base level of the nested structure, the software is converted into a transfer file. At the level above the base level, the software and the transfer file data that has been transferred to the transfer file at the level immediately below the level are collectively transferred to a transfer file. This is a data structure having a nested structure.

According to a twentieth aspect of the manufacturing method of the nineteenth aspect,
In the base level, the software is converted into a transfer file, and in the level above the base level, the software and the transfer file data that has been transferred to the transfer file at the level immediately below that level are combined into a transfer file to create a transfer file with a nested structure. It is the manufacturing method which manufactures the transfer file data which makes | forms.

  According to the second or twentieth aspect, the transfer file data is converted into a transfer file by software at a base level of the nested structure, and at a level higher than the base level, the transfer file data is converted into a transfer file at a level immediately below that level. The transferred files are combined into a transfer file, thereby having a transfer file nesting structure. That is, the restored data before transfer to the transfer file becomes transfer file data and software at a level above the base level, and becomes software at the base level. Therefore, the restored software can be executed in each generation to which the transfer file data is transferred.

A third invention is the data structure of the first or second invention,
The transfer file conversion includes at least encryption,
Transfer file data is decrypted in the transfer file data reception / restoration process of the computer,
This is a data structure characterized by this.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, since the software and transfer file data are encrypted to form a transfer file, security for transferring the transfer file data is ensured, and transfer file data is transferred especially by wireless communication. This is preferable.

A fourth invention provides a data structure according to any one of the first to third inventions,
The transfer file conversion includes at least a compression process,
Transfer file data is decompressed in the transfer file data reception / restoration process of the computer,
This is a data structure characterized by this.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, since the software and transfer file data are compressed into a transfer file, the data amount of the transfer file after transfer file conversion is reduced, and the burden on transfer of the transfer file data is reduced. The

A fifth invention is the data structure of any one of the first to fourth inventions,
The software of each level of the nested structure is a data structure characterized by being software for causing a computer to execute processing corresponding to each level of the nested structure.

  According to the fifth aspect, the software of each level of the nested structure is software for causing a computer to execute processing corresponding to each level. Therefore, processing corresponding to the level of the nesting structure of the restored transfer file data is executed in each of a plurality of generations capable of transferring the transfer file.

A sixth invention is the data structure of any one of the first to fifth inventions,
The software is
Causing the computer to function as inheritance management means for managing transfer history between devices of transfer file data as inheritance progress information;
The inheritance management means updates the inheritance progress information managed by acquiring the apparatus identification information of the apparatus and / or the inheritance progress information managed by the inheritance management means of the apparatus from another device. Causing the computer to function;
It is a data structure characterized by being software for.

  According to the sixth aspect, the transfer history of transfer file data between devices is managed as inheritance progress information, and is managed by acquiring device identification information and / or inheritance progress information of the device from another device. The inheritance progress information is updated. Therefore, by referring to the inheritance progress information, the user is informed of the generation number of the own device and the device to which the received transfer file data is transferred. Is possible.

The seventh invention is the data structure of the sixth invention, wherein
The software is
The data structure is software for causing the computer to function as means for performing a predetermined process related to a transfer history based on inheritance progress information managed by the inheritance management means.

  According to the seventh aspect, based on the inheritance progress information, a predetermined process such as a display process for the transfer history is performed.

An eighth invention is the data structure of any one of the first to seventh inventions,
The software is
Elapsed time determination means for determining the elapsed time since the restoration of the software,
Execution prohibition means for prohibiting execution of the software when the elapsed time determined by the elapsed time determination means has reached a predetermined executable period;
The data structure is software for causing the computer to function.

  According to the eighth aspect, when the elapsed time from the restoration of the software reaches the predetermined executable period, the execution of the software is prohibited. Therefore, for example, by making the executable period into a transfer file and including it in the transfer file, it is possible to limit the execution of the restored software when the transfer file is manufactured.

A ninth invention is the data structure of any one of the first to seventh inventions,
The software is
Counting means for counting the number of executions since restoration of the software,
Execution prohibiting means for prohibiting execution of the software when the number of executions counted by the counting means has reached a predetermined executable number of times;
The data structure is software for causing the computer to function.

  According to the ninth aspect, when the number of executions since the restoration of the software has reached a predetermined executable number, the execution of the software is prohibited. Therefore, for example, by making the executable number into a transfer file and including it in the transfer file, it is possible to limit the execution of the restored software when the transfer file is manufactured.

A tenth invention is the data structure of any one of the first to ninth inventions,
Each level of software in the nested structure
Main process execution means for executing the main process;
Runtime reference data receiving means for receiving runtime reference data, which is data necessary for the processing read and used during processing by the main processing execution means, from another device;
Is software for causing the computer to function as:
This is a data structure characterized by this.

  According to the tenth aspect, the main process is executed by executing the restored software, and the runtime reference data necessary for the main process is received from another device.

The eleventh invention is the data structure of the tenth invention, wherein
The software is
A reception determination means for determining whether or not to receive the runtime reference data based on at least whether or not the runtime reference data has been received;
Function the computer as
The execution time reference data receiving means receives the execution time reference data from another device when it is determined to be received by the reception determination means,
Is software for causing the computer to function,
This is a data structure characterized by this.

  According to the eleventh aspect, when the runtime reference data is not received, the runtime reference data is received from another device.

The twelfth invention is the data structure of the eleventh invention,
The software is
The reception determination means further determines whether or not to receive the runtime reference data based on a free memory capacity in which the received runtime reference data is stored;
Is a program for causing the computer to function,
This is a data structure characterized by this.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, it is determined whether or not the runtime reference data is received based on the free space of the memory in which the runtime reference data is stored.

A thirteenth invention is the data structure of any of the tenth to twelfth inventions,
The software is
Causing the computer to function as data selection means for selecting received runtime reference data from a plurality of runtime reference data stored in other devices based on the free capacity of the memory;
The runtime reference data receiving means is software for causing the computer to function so as to receive runtime reference data selected by the data selecting means.
This is a data structure characterized by this.

  According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, runtime reference data selected from a plurality of runtime reference data based on the available memory capacity is received.

The fourteenth invention is
A computer-readable information storage medium (for example, the game cartridge 20 of FIGS. 1 and 5) storing transfer file data having the data structure of any one of the first to thirteenth inventions.

  Here, the “information storage medium” is a storage medium such as a hard disk, an MO, a CD-ROM, a DVD, a memory card, and an IC memory, which can read stored information. Therefore, according to the fourteenth aspect of the invention, the same effect as any one of the first to thirteenth aspects of the invention can be achieved by causing the computer to read the information stored in the information storage medium and executing the arithmetic processing. be able to.

The fifteenth invention
A computer-readable information storage medium (for example, the game cartridge 20 of FIGS. 1 and 5) storing transfer file data having the data structure of any one of the tenth to thirteenth inventions and the execution time reference data. .

  According to the fifteenth aspect, by causing the computer to read the information stored in the information storage medium and executing the arithmetic processing, the same effects as any one of the tenth to thirteenth aspects are achieved, The runtime reference data stored in the information storage medium is transmitted to each of a plurality of generations to which the transfer file data is transferred, and the main process using the runtime reference data is executed.

A sixteenth aspect of the invention is the information storage medium of the fifteenth aspect of the invention,
The software is game software for executing a predetermined game,
The runtime reference data includes a plurality of game data,
The game software is
Causing the computer to function as level determining means for determining which level of nested structure the restored software is;
A game based on game data corresponding to a level determined by the level determination means from among a plurality of game data included in the execution time reference data received by the execution time reference data receiving means. Causing the computer to function
Game software for the
An information storage medium characterized by the above.

  According to the sixteenth aspect of the invention, the software to be transferred is a game software, and the run-time reference data includes a plurality of game data, and the game according to the level of the restored software nesting structure A game based on the data is executed.

A seventeenth aspect of the invention is the information storage medium of the sixteenth aspect of the invention,
The runtime reference data includes a plurality of game stage information as the plurality of game data,
The software is
The main process execution means converts the game stage information corresponding to the level determined by the level determination means from the plurality of game stage information included in the execution time reference data received by the execution time reference data reception means. Run a game based on the
Game software for causing the computer to function,
An information storage medium characterized by the above.

  According to the seventeenth aspect, the runtime reference data includes a plurality of pieces of game stage information, and a game based on the game stage information corresponding to the level of the restored software nesting structure is executed.

An eighteenth aspect of the invention is the information storage medium of the sixteenth aspect of the invention,
The runtime reference data includes a plurality of character information as the plurality of game data,
The game software is
A game based on the character information corresponding to the level determined by the level determination means from among a plurality of pieces of character information included in the execution time reference data received by the execution time reference data receiving means. Run the
Is the game software to make the computer function,
An information storage medium characterized by the above.

  According to the eighteenth aspect, the run-time reference data includes a plurality of pieces of character information, and a game based on the character information corresponding to the level of the restored software nesting structure is executed.

An appearance example of a portable game machine. Explanatory drawing of a software sharing function. Explanatory drawing of the data structure of a transfer file. Explanatory drawing of transfer of a transfer file. The functional block diagram of a portable game machine. The flowchart of the whole process in a portable game machine. The flowchart of the software sharing process performed during the whole process. The flowchart of the game process performed during the whole process. 1 is a configuration diagram of a storage transfer file generation system. FIG. Explanatory drawing of the production | generation of the transfer file for storage. A flow chart of storage transfer file creation processing. The modification of the data structure of a transfer file. The modification of the data structure of a transfer file. The modification of the data structure of a transfer file.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, the case where the present invention is applied to a portable game machine that executes a predetermined game and a program, which is a typical example of software, is transferred to a transfer file will be described. However, embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are described. It is not limited to this.

[Appearance of portable game console]
FIG. 1 is an external view showing an example of a portable game machine 1 according to the present embodiment. According to the figure, the portable game machine 1 has a substantially rectangular casing that is formed in a size that can be easily carried by a user, and a direction key 3 and a button switch are provided on the front of the casing. 5, a display 7, and a speaker 9 are provided. On the side of the housing, a card slot 11 for mounting the game cartridge 20, a power switch, a volume control button, and the like (not shown) are provided.

  Inside the housing are a control device 13 equipped with a CPU and IC memories, a wireless communication device 15 for transmitting / receiving data to / from other portable game machines 1, and a reading device for the game cartridge 20 mounted in the card slot 11. Etc. are provided. The CPU mounted on the control device 13 executes various game processes based on an operation signal input from the direction key 3 or the button switch 5, a program or data read from the game cartridge 20, and the like. The sound signal of the signal and the game sound is generated. Then, the generated image signal is output to the display 7 to display the game screen, and the sound signal of the game sound is output to the speaker 9 to output the game sound. The user enjoys the game by operating the direction key 3 and the button switch 5 while watching the game screen displayed on the display 7.

  Information (system program, game program, game data, etc.) necessary for the portable game machine 1 to execute a game or the like is stored in an IC memory or a game cartridge 20 mounted on the control device 13. More specifically, the system program is stored in the IC memory of the control device 13, and the game program and game data are stored in the game cartridge 20. Therefore, the portable game machine 1 can be made to execute a different game by exchanging the game cartridge 20.

[Software sharing function]
The portable game machine 1 has a software sharing function. With this software sharing function, data such as a game program is transferred (transmitted) from one portable game machine 1 to another portable game machine 1 via the wireless communication device 15, and the received game program is followed. This is a function that enables the game to be executed on the portable game machine 1 on the receiving side.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the software sharing function. This figure shows a case where software is shared from the portable game machine 1A to which the game cartridge 920 is mounted to another portable game machine 1B. Hereinafter, the portable game machine 1 on the transmission side by the software sharing function is referred to as “parent device”, and the portable game machine 1 on the reception side is referred to as “child device”. That is, in the figure, the portable game machine 1A is a “parent machine” and the portable game machine 1B is a “child machine”.

  According to the figure, a game cartridge 920 stores a game program 922 and game data 924 for executing a game, and a transfer file 926 for sharing software.

  The transfer file 926 is a transfer file for transferring to the child device, and is a file that has been converted into a transfer file by a transfer file conversion process in which the game program 922 as game software is converted into a transfer file. This transfer file processing includes encryption and compression processing. In the present embodiment, the transfer file 926 is transmitted and received between the portable game machines 1 by wireless communication. For this reason, the security of the game program transmitted / received is ensured by encryption. Further, the amount of data in the transfer file 926 is reduced by the compression process, and the burden on transmission and reception is reduced.

  The parent device reads the transfer file 926 and game data 924 stored in the attached game cartridge 920 and transmits them to the child device. At this time, each portable game machine 1 transmits / receives the transfer file 926 via the transfer file communication unit 222 and the game data 924 via the data communication unit 242. Specifically, in the parent device, the transfer file communication unit 222 transmits the transfer file 926 and the data communication unit 242 transmits the game data 924 to the child device.

  In the slave unit, the transfer file communication unit 222 restores the transfer file transmitted from the master unit while receiving it, and converts it to the original game program 922 before being converted into the transfer file. Further, the data communication unit 242 receives the game data 924 transmitted from the parent machine. Here, the restoration of the transfer file 926 by the transfer file communication unit 222 is a method corresponding to the transfer file formation described above. Specifically, decryption corresponding to the above-described encryption and decompression processing corresponding to compression processing are included.

  The game program 922 and game data 924 received by the child device are stored in the internal memory of the child device. In the slave unit, a game according to the game program 922 and the game data 924 can be executed.

  In the figure, the portable game machine 1 to which the game cartridge 920 is mounted is used as the parent machine, and the transfer file 926 stored in the game cartridge 920 is read and transmitted to the child machine. If the transfer file 926 is stored in the memory, the transfer file 926 stored in the internal memory can be transmitted to the slave unit.

The transfer of the transfer file 926 and the game data 924 is not limited to transfer by wireless communication. For example, the transfer between the parent device and the child device can be performed using a communication cable or the like, and the transfer can be performed by wired communication. good.
The above is the outline of the software sharing function.

Next, the transfer file 26 of this embodiment will be described.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the data structure of the transfer file 26. As shown in the figure, the game cartridge 20 stores a game program 22 and game data 24 for executing a game, and a transfer file 26 [N] for sharing software. The transfer file 26 [N] is a file obtained by converting the game program 22 into a transfer file as described above, and has a transfer file nesting structure in which the transfer file 26 is superimposed and transferred.

  That is, the transfer file 26 [N] is a file that is a transfer file formed by combining the game program 22, the transfer file 26 [N−1], and the level data 28 [N]. The transfer file 26 [N-1] is a file in which the game program 22, the transfer file 26 [N-2], and the level data 28 [N-1] are collected into a transfer file. The transfer file 26 [N-2] is a file in which the game program 22, the transfer file 26 [N-3], and the level data 28 [N-2] are collected into a transfer file.

  Similarly, each of the transfer files 26 [n] is a file in which the game program 22, the transfer file 26 [n-1], and the level data 28 [n] are combined into a transfer file. However, n = N, N−1,... The transfer file 26 [1] is a file formed by transferring the game program 22 and the level data 28 [1] into one file.

  Here, the level data 28 is data indicating the level of the nested structure in the transfer file 26 in which the level data 28 is converted into a transfer file. The level of the nesting structure is that the transfer file 26 [1], which is the base level, is set to level "1", and the transfer file 26 [2] obtained by converting the transfer file 26 [1] into a transfer file is the level "2" that is the higher level. And the transfer file 26 [N], which is the highest level, is defined as a level “N”, and is defined by a positive integer value in the range of “1” to “N”.

  Thus, the data structure of the transfer file 26 [N] stored in the game cartridge 20 is that the game program 22 and the level data 28 [1] are converted into a transfer file for the level “1” which is the base level. For each of the other levels “n”, the game program 22, the transfer file 26 [n−1] immediately below the level “n−1”, and the level data 28 [n] are converted into transfer files. It has a nested structure for transfer files.

  That is, in the transfer file 26 [N], one game program 22 is converted into a transfer file for each level of the nesting structure, and substantially N game programs 22 are included.

  Next, the transfer by the software sharing function of the transfer file 26 [N] having such a transfer file nesting structure will be described with reference to FIG.

  According to the figure, first, a portable game machine 1 in which a game cartridge 20 is mounted (this is referred to as a first generation, referred to as a game machine [1]. Each m-th generation portable game machine 1 described later) Is referred to as a game machine [m].), The transfer file 26 [N] and the game data 24 stored in the game cartridge 20 are transmitted to the other portable game machine 1. This portable game machine 1 is a second generation game machine [2].

  Here, as described above, the transfer file 26 and the game data 24 are transmitted via the transfer file communication unit 222 for the transfer file 26 and the data communication unit 242 for the game data 24, respectively. In the portable game machine 1 (slave machine) on the receiving side, restoration is performed together with the received transfer file 26.

  In the game machine [2], the received transfer file 26 [N] is received and restored to obtain the game program 22, the transfer file 26 [N-1] and the level data 28 [N], and the game data 24 is received. Accordingly, the game machine [2] can execute a game according to the game program 22 and the game data 24. Further, the transfer file 26 [N−1] and the game data 24 are further transmitted from the game machine [2] to another portable game machine 1. This portable game machine 1 is a third generation game machine [3].

  Similarly, the game machine [3] restores the received transfer file 26 [N-1] while receiving the game program 22, the transfer file 26 [N-2], and the level data 28 [N-1]. ] And the game data 24 is received. Therefore, the game machine [3] can execute a game according to the game program 22 and the game data 24. Further, the transfer file 26 [N-2] and the game data 24 are further transmitted from the game machine [3] to the other portable game machine 1. This portable game machine 1 is a fourth generation game machine [4].

  In the game machine [N + 1], the transfer file 26 [1] transmitted from the game machine [N] is received and restored to obtain the game program 22 and the level data 28 [1], and the game data 24 Receive. Therefore, the game machine [N + 1] can execute a game according to the game program 22 and the game data 24. Here, the transfer file 26 [1] does not include the transfer file 26. For this reason, the game machine [N + 1] cannot transmit the transfer file 26 to another portable game machine 1.

  As described above, the game machine [1] transmits the transfer file 26 [N] to the game machine [2]. In the subsequent generation “m” of game machines [m], the game program 22 and the transfer program 26 [N− (m−2)] transmitted from the previous generation game machine [m−1] are transmitted. The transfer file 26 [N− (m−1)] is obtained, and the transfer file 26 [N− (m−1)] is transmitted to the next-generation game machine [m + 1]. However, m = 2, 3,..., N. Then, in the game machine [N + 1] as the final generation, the game program 22 is obtained from the transfer file 26 [1] transmitted from the game machine [N].

  According to the transfer file 26 [N] having such a nesting structure, it is possible to share software up to the (N + 1) th generation game machine [N + 1], that is, to share software for (N + 1) generations. It is. The maximum number that can be transferred between generations by sharing this software is called the number of transferable times between generations. In the figure, the number of times that can be transferred between generations is “N”.

  Further, here, the number of transferable times between generations by the transfer file 26 [1] stored in the game cartridge 20 is mainly the capacity of the game program 22 to be transferred and the maximum size allowed for the transfer file 26. It depends on the maximum capacity. The maximum allowable capacity as the transfer file 26 is defined by, for example, a memory capacity when stored in the portable game machine 1. It is assumed that the capacity after the compression processing of the game program 22 associated with transfer file creation is “a”, and the maximum allowable capacity of the transfer file 26 is “b”. Further, the transfer file 26 [N] includes substantially N game programs 22 compressed as described above. For this reason, the transferable number N of generations is a value satisfying a × N ≦ b.

[Functional configuration of portable game console]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the portable game machine 1. According to the figure, the portable game machine 1 functionally includes an operation input unit 120, an information reading unit 140, a wireless communication unit 160, a processing unit 200, an image display unit 320, and a sound output unit. 340 and a storage unit 400.

  The operation input unit 120 receives an operation instruction from the user, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation to the processing unit 200. In FIG. 1, the direction key 3 and the button switch 5, the power switch and the volume control switch (not shown) correspond to this.

  The information reading unit 140 reads information from the game cartridge 20 that is an information storage medium, and outputs the read information to the processing unit 200. In FIG. 1, the reading device built in the housing corresponds to this.

  The wireless communication unit 160 is mainly connected to an external device such as another portable game machine 1 and transmits / receives data to / from the external device. This function is realized by a wireless communication module compliant with a wireless communication standard such as a wireless LAN, IrDA, or BlueTooth (R). In FIG. 1, this corresponds to the wireless communication device 15 incorporated in the housing.

  The processing unit 200 performs various arithmetic processes such as control of the entire portable game machine 1, game progress control, software sharing control, communication control, image generation, and sound generation. This function is realized by, for example, an arithmetic device such as a CPU (CISC type, RISC type) or ASIC (gate array or the like) or its control program. In FIG. 1, the CPU mounted on the control device 13 corresponds to this.

  In the present embodiment, the processing unit 200 includes a software sharing unit 220 that performs calculation processing related to software sharing, a game calculation unit 240 that mainly performs calculation processing related to games, and the software sharing unit 220 and the game calculation unit 240. An image generation unit 260 for generating image signals of various display screens based on various data obtained by the above processing, and a sound generation unit 280 for generating sound signals of various sounds such as sound effects and BGM. It is out.

  The software sharing unit 220 includes a transfer file communication unit 222 that controls transmission / reception of the transfer file 26 to / from another portable game machine 1, and executes software sharing processing according to the software sharing program 410.

  Specifically, first, based on the determination of whether or not the game cartridge 20 is mounted, the determination of whether or not the transfer file 26 is stored in the received information storage unit 420, the operation signal from the operation input unit 120, and the like, It is determined whether the machine 1 is a parent machine or a child machine. Here, in order to be a parent device, it is necessary to satisfy at least one of (1) the game cartridge 20 is mounted and (2) the transfer file 26 is stored in the reception information storage unit 420. is there.

  In the case of the parent device, the transfer file communication unit 222 uses the transfer file 26 stored in the attached game cartridge 20 or the transfer file 26 stored in the reception information storage unit 420. Controls transmission to the slave unit.

  In the case of the slave unit, the transfer file communication unit 222 receives and restores the transfer file 26 transmitted from the master unit. The restored information (game program 22, transfer file 26, level data 28) is stored in the reception information storage unit 420. Then, based on an operation signal from the operation input unit 120, it is determined whether or not to execute the restored game program 22, and in the case of executing, the game calculation unit 240 sends the restored game program 22. The game process according to the above is executed.

  The game calculation unit 240 includes a data communication unit 242 that controls transmission / reception of game data 24 to / from other portable game machines 1, and is used for the game program 22 stored in the game cartridge 20 or for reception information. A game process according to the game program 22 stored in the storage unit 420 is executed.

  Specifically, first, it is determined whether or not there is game data 24 that is reference data at the time of execution necessary for game execution, which is the main process by the game program 22. That is, if the game program 22 stored in the game cartridge 20 is being executed, the game data 24 stored in the game cartridge 20 is used, so that it is determined “Yes”, and the received information storage unit 420 stores the data. If the stored game program 22 is being executed, it is determined whether or not the game data 24 is stored in the received information storage unit 420.

  If there is game data 24, the game is executed using the game data 24. If there is no game data 24, one-to-one communication is established with the portable game machine 1 as the parent device via the wireless communication unit 160, and the data communication unit 242 transmits game data transmitted from the parent device. 24 is received. Here, the parent machine is the portable game machine 1 that is the transmission source of the game program 22. The received game data 24 is stored in the reception information storage unit 420. Thereafter, the game is executed using the received game data 24.

The image generation unit 260 generates a display image for displaying a display screen such as a game screen based on the calculation result by the software sharing unit 220 or the game calculation unit 240, and the image signal of the generated image is sent to the image display unit 320. Output.
Based on the image signal from the image generation unit 260, the image display unit 320 displays a display screen while redrawing an image of one frame every 1/60 seconds, for example. This function is realized by, for example, an LCD, ELD, PDP, HMD, or the like. In FIG. 1, the display 7 corresponds to this.

The sound generation unit 280 generates various sounds such as sound effects and BGM based on the calculation results by the software sharing unit 220 and the game calculation unit 240, and outputs the generated sound signal to the sound output unit 340.
The sound output unit 340 outputs various sounds such as BGM and sound effects based on the sound signal from the sound generation unit 280. This function is realized by, for example, a speaker. In FIG. 1, the speaker 9 corresponds to this.

  The storage unit 400 is a system program for realizing various functions for causing the processing unit 200 to control the portable game machine 1 in an integrated manner, and a program necessary for executing various applications such as games and software sharing. In addition to storing data and the like, it is used as a work area of the processing unit 200, and temporarily stores calculation results executed by the processing unit 200 according to various programs, operation signal data input from the operation input unit 120, and the like. This function is realized by, for example, various IC memories, hard disks, MO, RAM, VRAM, and the like. In FIG. 1, an IC memory mounted on the control device 13 corresponds to this.

  In the present embodiment, the storage unit 400 stores a software sharing program 410 for causing the processing unit 200 to function as the software sharing unit 220, and includes a reception information storage unit 420. The received information storage unit 420 stores information received from another portable game machine 1 as a parent machine by the software sharing function. Specifically, the game program 22, the transfer file 26 and the level data 28 received and restored by the transfer file communication unit 222 and the game data 24 received by the data communication unit 242 are stored.

[Flow of processing in portable game consoles]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the overall processing flow in the portable game machine 1. According to the figure, the processing unit 200 first determines whether or not the game cartridge 20 is mounted (mounting presence / absence) (step A1). Further, it is determined whether or not the game program 22 and the transfer file 26 are stored in the reception information storage unit 420 (storage presence / absence) (step A3).

  Next, the processing unit 200 determines whether to execute a game or to share software based on the determination result of the presence / absence of attachment and storage, the operation signal from the operation input unit 120, and the like. If software sharing is to be performed (step A5: sharing), then the software sharing unit 220 executes software sharing processing (step A7). If a game is to be executed (step A5: game), the game calculation unit 240 executes a game process (step A9). When each process ends, the entire process ends.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the software sharing process. This process is realized by the software sharing unit 220 executing the software sharing program 410. According to the figure, the software sharing unit 220 first determines that the portable game machine 1 is a parent device based on whether or not the game cartridge 20 is mounted, whether or not the transfer file 26 is stored, an operation signal from the operation input unit 120, and the like. It is judged whether it is a handset.

  If it is a parent machine (step B1: parent machine), the following processing is performed. That is, one-to-one communication is established with another portable game machine 1 that is a child machine via the wireless communication unit 160 (step B3). Next, control for the transfer file communication unit 222 to transmit the transfer file 26 stored in the attached game cartridge 20 or the transfer file 26 stored in the reception information storage unit 420 to the child device. (Step B5).

  On the other hand, if the portable game machine 1 is a child machine (step B1: child machine), the software sharing unit 220 performs the following processing. That is, one-to-one communication is established with another portable game machine 1 that is a parent machine via the wireless communication unit 160 (step B7). Next, the transfer file communication unit 222 restores the transfer file transmitted from the parent device, and restores the obtained information (game program 22, transfer file 26, level data 28) to the received information storage unit 420. (Step B9).

Thereafter, the software sharing unit 220 determines whether or not to execute the restored game program 22 based on an operation signal from the operation input unit 120, for example. If it is to be executed (step B11: YES), the game calculation unit 240 is caused to execute a game process according to the restored game program 22 (step B13).
When the above processing is performed, this software sharing processing is completed.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the game process. This process is realized by the game calculation unit 240 executing the game program 22 stored in the game cartridge 20 or the game program 22 stored in the reception information storage unit 420.

  According to the figure, the game calculation unit 240 first determines the presence / absence of the game data 24 necessary for the execution of the game by the game program 22 based on whether or not the game cartridge 20 is mounted, whether or not the game data 24 is stored, and the like. (Step C1). If there is game data 24 (step C3: YES), the game is executed using the game data 24 (step C11).

On the other hand, if there is no game data 24 (step C3: NO), the game calculation unit 240 performs one-to-one communication with another portable game machine 1 that is a parent device via the wireless communication unit 160. Establish (step C5). Next, the parent machine is requested to transfer the game data 24 (step C7). Then, the data communication unit 242 performs control to receive the game data 24 transmitted from the parent device, and stores the received game data 24 in the reception information storage unit 420 (step C9). Thereafter, the game is executed using the received game data 24 (step C11).
When the above processing is performed, this game processing is completed.

[Generate Transfer File]
Next, generation of a transfer file 26 stored in the game cartridge 20 (hereinafter referred to as “transfer file for storage”) will be described. The generation of the transfer file 26 is performed by the manufacturer of the game cartridge 20.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a generation system 40 for generating a storage transfer file. The generation system 40 includes a transfer file conversion server 42 and a storage transfer file creation server 44. The generation system 40 generates a storage transfer file from a given game program 22, and is installed and managed on the game maker side, for example. Is done.

  The transfer file conversion server 42 performs transfer file conversion processing for converting the transferred information from the storage transfer file creation server 44 into a transfer file and converting it into a transfer file. This transfer file conversion process includes the encryption process and the compression process as described above.

  The transfer file creation server for storage 44 generates transfer information based on the given game program 22, the transfer file 26 converted by the transfer file conversion server 42, etc., and sends the transfer information to the transfer file conversion server 42. A storage transfer file is created by repeatedly performing the process of converting the file into a transfer file. The storage transfer file created by the storage transfer file creation server 44 is stored in the game cartridge 20 together with the game program 22 and the game data 24, and sold, for example, as a product or distributed free of charge.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method for generating a storage transfer file by the generation system 40. However, it is assumed that the number of transfers between generations is “N”. According to the figure, first, the storage transfer file creation server 44 collects the game program 22 and the level data 28 [1] whose level is “1”, which is the base level, into the transferred information. The transferred information is converted into the transfer file 26 [1] by the transfer file conversion server 42.

  Next, the transfer file creation server 44 for storage stores the transfer file 26 [1], the game program 22, and the level data 28 [2] with the level “2” collectively as transferred information. The file conversion server 42 converts the file into the transfer file 26 [2]. Subsequently, the transfer file creation server 44 for storage stores the transfer file 26 [2], the game program 22, and the level data 28 [3] having a level of “3” as transfer information to be transferred. The file conversion server 42 converts the file into the transfer file 26 [3].

  Similarly, the transfer file is created by the storage transfer file creation server 44. Finally, the transfer file 26 [N-1], the game program 22, and the level data 28 [N] as the level are set to [N]. N] are collectively set as information, and are converted into the transfer file 26 [N] by the transfer file conversion server 42. This transfer file 26 [N] is used as a storage transfer file.

  In this way, the transfer file 26, the game program 22, and the level data 28 converted immediately before are collectively transferred information, and the number of times that the series of processes converted into the transfer file 26 is equal to the number of times that can be transferred between generations. The transfer file 26, which is a transfer file for storage, is generated by repeating the process only.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the storage transfer file creation process executed by the storage transfer file creation server 44. According to the figure, the storage transfer file creation server 44 first determines the number N of possible intergeneration transfers (step D1). Further, the variable n indicating the level of the nested structure is set to “1” which is the base level (step D3).

Next, transfer information including the given game program 22 and level data 28 having a level “n” is generated (step D5), and transfer file conversion server 42 generates transfer files for the transfer information. The process is performed and converted into the transfer file 26 (Step D
7).

  Subsequently, the storage transfer file creation server 44 determines whether or not the variable n matches the intergeneration transferable number N, and if not (step D9: NO), sets the variable n to “1”. The added value is updated (step D11). Next, after generating the transfer information including the transfer file converted immediately before in step D7 and the level data 28 having the level “n” (step D13), the process returns to step D7 and the transfer file conversion server 42 receives the transfer data. Then, transfer file processing is performed on the transferred information to convert it into a transfer file (step D7).

  On the other hand, if the variable n matches the number of intergenerational transferable times N in step D9 (step D9: YES), the storage transfer file creation server 44 transfers the transfer file converted immediately before in step D7. The file is created (step D15), and the transfer file creation process for storage is terminated.

[Action / Effect]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the transfer file 26 stored in the game cartridge 20 has a transfer file nesting structure in which the transfer file 26 in which the game program 22 is converted into a transfer file is superimposed on the transfer file. Have. That is, in the portable game machine 1, the data received and restored from the portable game machine 1 to which the game cartridge 20 as the parent machine is mounted is also the transfer file 26 having a transfer file nesting structure. Therefore, the decrypted transfer file 26 can be transferred to another portable game machine 1. Therefore, the transfer file 26 can be transferred over three generations or more.

  Further, at level “1”, which is the base level of the nested structure, the game program 22 is transferred into a transfer file, and at level “n” above level “1”, it is transferred into a transfer file at level “n−1” immediately below it. The transfer file 26 [n−1] and the game program 22 are converted into transfer files. Therefore, the game program 22 can be executed in each generation to which the transfer file 26 is transferred.

[Modification]
It should be noted that embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can of course be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

(A) For example, in the above-described embodiment, the game program 22 is the same at each level of the transfer file nesting structure, and the game data 24 used when executing the game program 22 is the same. You may do it.

(A-1) For example, the game program 22 is the same, but the data in the game data 24 used when the game program 22 is executed differs depending on the level of the nested structure.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the game cartridge 20 includes game data 24 [0] used when the game program 22 is executed in the first generation portable game machine 1 and the second and subsequent generations. The game data 24A transferred to each portable game machine 1 is stored. The game data 24A is composed of game data 24 [1] to 24 [N] corresponding to the levels “1” to “N” of the nested structure.

  In each of the second-generation and subsequent game machines [2] to [N + 1], when the game program 22 is executed, the game data 24 [N] to 24 [N] corresponding to the level of the nested structure is received from the received game data 24A. 1] is selected and used. In each of the game machines [2] to [N + 1], the level of the nested structure can be known from the level data 28 [N] to 28 [1].

  Here, the game data 24 [1] to 24 [N] all correspond to the game program 22, and the contents thereof are different. Specifically, for example, (a) character information such as the model data, texture, and ability parameters of characters appearing in a game such as the player's own character or enemy character are different, or character information is different, or (b) background There are cases where the game stage information including the game stage, the game conditions such as the weather, and the game clear information such as the game clear conditions differ. Therefore, in each portable game machine 1 of a different generation, it is possible to enjoy games with different characters and game stages.

(A-2) Further, the game data 24 may be the same, and the game program 22 to be transferred as a transfer file may be different for each level of the nested structure. In this case, for example, a baseball game can be executed on a certain generation of portable game machine 1, and a soccer game can be executed on another generation of portable game machine 1, so that different games can be enjoyed between generations. be able to.

(A-3) Furthermore, the data in the game program 22 to be transferred and the game data 24 to be used may be different for each level of the nested structure. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the game programs 22 [1] to 22 “N” are converted into transfer files at levels “1” to “N” of the nested structure, respectively. And the game data 24B comprised from the game data 24 [1]-[N] corresponding to each game program 22 [1] -22 [N] is stored in the game cartridge 20. Each of the game data 24 [1] to 24 [N] is associated with nested levels "1" to "N".

(B) In the embodiment described above, the game program 22 is converted into a transfer file and the transfer file 26 is generated. However, the game program 22 and the game data 24 may be integrated into a transfer file.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, the game programs 22 [1] to 22 [N] and the game programs 22 [1] to 22 [N] at the levels “1” to “N” of the nesting structure, respectively. ], The game data 24 [1] to 24 [N] used at the time of execution may be combined into a transfer file. The generated transfer file 26 [N] is stored in the game cartridge 20 together with the game program 22 [0] and game data 24 [0] executed by the game machine [1].

  In this case, as in the above-described embodiment, each portable game machine 1 does not need to receive the corresponding game data 24 from the parent machine when the restored game program 22 is first executed. However, since the transfer file 26 has a maximum allowable capacity, the number N of transferable generations between the generations becomes smaller than that in the case where the game data 24 is not converted into a transfer file.

(C) In the above-described embodiment, when the game data 24 necessary for executing the game according to the game program 22 is not received when the restored game program 22 is executed, the game data 24 is received from the parent machine. However, it is also possible to determine whether or not the game data 24 is received according to the free capacity of the reception information storage unit 420 that is the internal memory of the portable game machine 1.

  Specifically, the game data 24 is received when the capacity of the game data 24 to be received is equal to or less than the free capacity of the reception information storage unit 420. Furthermore, in the master unit, a plurality of game data 24 having different capacities are stored, and the slave unit selects and receives game data 24 having a capacity equal to or less than the free capacity of the reception information storage unit 420. Also good.

(D) In each portable game machine 1, inheritance progress information that is transfer history information of the transfer file 26 between the portable game machines 1 may be managed. The inheritance progress information is information indicating which portable game machine 1 the transfer file 26 stored in the game cartridge 20 has been transferred (inherited), and the data structure thereof is, for example, each portable game. It has a hierarchical structure based on the generation of the machine 1.

  Specifically, when transmitting the transfer file 26 from the parent device to the child device, the parent device transmits the succession information of the own device and device identification information such as a device ID and a user name to the child device (for example, Then, after the step B5 in FIG. 7), the slave unit transmits its own device identification information to the master unit (for example, after the step B9 in FIG. 7). Then, in the master unit, the received device identification information of the slave unit is added to and updated immediately below the own unit in the inheritance progress information, and in the slave unit, the received device identification information of the master unit is received. Add and update the information directly above your machine. Note that the inheritance progress information is transmitted and updated not when the transfer file 26 is transmitted, but when the restored game program 22 is executed, specifically when the game data 24 is transmitted (for example, step C9 in FIG. 8). It is also possible to carry out the following.

  Furthermore, the slave unit establishes wireless communication with another portable game machine 1 other than the master unit within the communicable range, and transmits / receives device identification information to / from the other portable game machine 1 with the other portable game machine 1. Do. When the received device identification information of the other portable game machine 1 is included in the own device's inheritance progress information, the other handheld game device 1 transmits / receives the own device's inheritance history information to / from the other device. Based on the inheritance progress information, the own inheritance progress information is updated.

  Further, in each portable game machine 1, the transfer history of the transfer file 26 based on the inheritance progress information may be displayed. Specifically, for example, the number of generations of the own device is displayed, and the user name of the portable game machine 1 of each generation between the own device and the parent device is illustrated in accordance with the transfer order of the transfer file 26. Is displayed.

(E) Moreover, it is good also as providing a restriction | limiting in execution of the restored game program 22.

(E-1) For example, it is assumed that there is a restriction on a period during which the restored game program 22 can be executed. Specifically, when the transfer file 26 is received from the parent device, each piece of information (game program 22, transfer file 26, etc.) restored from the transfer file 26 and time data indicating the reception time of the transfer file 26 are received information. This is stored in the storage unit 420.

  When the game program 22 stored in the reception information storage unit 420 is executed, first, an elapsed time from the reception time indicated by the time data stored in the reception information storage unit 420 to the current time is calculated. It is determined whether or not this elapsed time has reached an executable period, which is a predetermined period in which the game program 22 can be executed (for example, before step C1 in FIG. 8). If the elapsed time does not exceed the executable period, the execution of the game program 22 is continued. If the elapsed time is exceeded, for example, an error message indicating that the executable time limit of the game program 22 has passed is displayed. Execution of the game program 22 is prohibited.

(E-2) Further, a limit is placed on the number of times the restored game program 22 can be executed. More specifically, when the transfer file 26 is received from the parent machine, the number of execution times data indicating the number of times of execution of the restored game program 22 is stored together with each piece of information (game program 22, transfer file 26, etc.) that restored the transfer file 26. The initial value “0” is stored in the reception information storage unit 420.

  When the game program 22 stored in the reception information storage unit 420 is executed, first, the number of executions stored in the reception information storage unit 420 is updated to a value obtained by adding “1”, and the execution after the update is performed. It is determined whether or not the number of times has reached an executable number that is a predetermined number of times that the game program 22 can be executed (for example, before step C1 in FIG. 8). If the number of executions has not reached the executable number, the execution of the game program 22 is continued. If the number has been reached, for example, an error message indicating that the number of executable times of the game program 22 has been exceeded is displayed. Execution of the game program 22 is prohibited. Here, the executable number is stored as an initial value of the number of executions, and is updated to a value obtained by subtracting “1” every time the game program 22 is executed. When the number of executions becomes “0”, the game program 22 is updated. It is good also as prohibiting execution.

(F) In the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a portable game machine as a computer device has been described. However, other game machines such as a home game machine, an arcade game machine, a communication function, The present invention may be applied to an executable personal computer or a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone or a PDA.

(G) Further, the software to be transferred to a file is not limited to a game program, but may be other application software such as music playback software. In this case, as a computer device to be applied, for example, a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone or a PDA, or a device having a communication function such as a personal computer is applied.

(H) The communication method between devices is not limited to wireless communication, and may be wired communication.

(I) Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, encryption and compression processing are performed as software transfer files, but only one of them may be performed. In this case, when restoring the received transfer file, decryption or expansion processing is performed depending on whether encryption or compression processing has been performed.

1 (1A, 1B) portable game machine 120 operation input unit 140 information reading unit 160 wireless communication unit 200 processing unit 220 software sharing unit 222 transfer file communication unit 240 game calculation unit 242 data communication unit 260 image generation unit 280 sound Generation unit 320 Image display unit 340 Sound output unit 400 Storage unit 410 Software shared program 420 Received information storage unit 22 Game program 26 Transfer file 28 Level data 24 Game data 20 Game cartridge 22 Game program 24 Game data 26 Transfer file (for storage) Transfer file)
40 generation system 42 transfer file creation server 44 transfer file creation server for storage

Claims (3)

  A game that is mounted on a game machine having a reception / restoration function that automatically decrypts and decompresses and restores a transfer file generated by a transfer file process including encryption and compression processes using a predetermined encryption method. A game program recording medium configured to record a program and be readable by the game machine,
  A first step of generating a first level transfer file by combining the level data indicating the first level and a game program corresponding to the level indicated by the level data to perform the transfer file processing;
  The (m-1) level transfer file, the level data indicating the m level, and the game program corresponding to the m level are collected to perform the transfer file processing to generate the m level transfer file. A second step in which the process is repeated up to m = 2, 3,... N;
  The Nth level transfer file obtained by performing is recorded,
  By attaching the game program recording medium to the first game machine,
  The i-th (i = 2, 3,... N + 1) game machine receives the (N- (i-2))-level transfer file from the (i-1) -th game machine, and In order to obtain a game program corresponding to the level by restoring the transfer file by the reception restoration function,
  N game machines not equipped with the game program recording medium can execute a game program according to a corresponding level,
  Game program recording medium.   The game program corresponding to each level is a program for executing a game with game data corresponding to the level,
  The game data corresponding to each level is further recorded.
  The game program recording medium according to claim 1.   The game program corresponding to each level is a program for executing a game with game data corresponding to the level,
  The first step is a step of generating the transfer file of the first level by further performing the transfer file processing including game data corresponding to the first level,
  The second step is a step of generating the transfer file of the mth level by further performing the transfer file process including game data corresponding to the mth level.
  The game program recording medium according to claim 1.

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