Game system, game apparatus, storage medium storing game program and game data exchange method

• US 8,636,595 B2
• Filed: 03/14/2013
• Issued: 01/28/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 06/17/2003
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Nintendo Company Limited
• Original Assignee: Nintendo Company Limited
• Inventors: Tanaka, Shoya, Kuwahara, Masato, Oe, Toru, Yoshioka, Teruyuki
• Primary Examiner(s): DEODHAR, OMKAR A
• Application Number:
  US13/828,181
• Publication Number:
  US 20130203504A1
• Time in Patent Office: 320 Days
• Field of Search: 463/39, 463 40- 42
• US Class Current: 463/39
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/235 using a wireless connection, e.g. infrared or piconet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/30 Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/31 Communication aspects specific to video games, e.g. between several handheld game devices at close range
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/327 using wireless networks, e.g. Wi-Fi® or piconet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/332 using wireless networks, e.g. cellular phone networks
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/34 using peer-to-peer connections
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/95 Storage media specially adapted for storing game information, e.g. video game cartridges
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/406 Transmission via wireless network, e.g. pager or GSM
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 9/24 Electric games; Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for video games A63F13/00; computerized gaming systems G07F17/32
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3225 Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/24 for communication between two or more posts wireless communication networks H04W

Abstract

A game system including a plurality of mobile game apparatuses, and a mobile game apparatus that can communicate with another game apparatus that exists within a communicable range by use of a radio communications unit. When a communicated state is established, exchanging conditions for exchanging game data are received and transmitted, and in a case the exchange conditions are coincident with each other, the game data are exchanged.

Claims

1. A device operable to play a game, comprising:

a communication unit for performing wireless radio communication; and

a searching unit cooperating with the communication unit for searching for other devices, the searching unit being operable to alternately execute a first function for searching for another device during a first period and a second function for receiving a search from another device during a second period, each alternation between the first and second functions being automatic, and the first function intermittently sending data for the searching plural times during the first period.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a responding unit, cooperating with the communication unit executing the second function, for sending responding data in response to receiving a search to another device that sent the search.

3. The device of claim 2, the responding unit sends the responding data automatically.

4. The device of claim 3, the responding unit sends the responding data if the search satisfies a predetermined condition.

5. The device of claim 2, further comprising a receiving unit, cooperating with the communication unit executing the first function, for receiving responding data from another device in response to the device'"'"'s own search.

6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a connection establishing unit, cooperating with the communication unit, for establishing a connection with another device found by the search.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the connection establishing unit automatically connects with another device found by the search.

8. The device of claim 6, wherein the connection establishing unit automatically connects with another device which satisfies a predetermined condition out of the devices found by the search.

9. The device of claim 1, further comprising a first connection unit for, after receiving a search via the communication unit executing the second function, executing a first connection process with another device that sent the search.

10. The device of claim 2, further comprising a second connection unit for, after receiving responding data via the receiving unit, executing a second connection process with another device that sent the responding data.

11. The device of claim 2, further comprising:

a first connection unit for, after receiving a search via the communication unit executing the second function, executing a first connection process with another device that sent the search; and

a second connection unit for, after receiving responding data via the receiving unit, executing a second connection process with another device that sent the responding data.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the search unit executes both of the first function and the second function while the device is in a sleep mode.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the device is awoken from a sleep mode when another device is found by the search.

14. The device of claim 12, wherein the device is awoken from a sleep mode when the device is connected with device found by the search.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein the search unit executes both of the first function and the second function while the device is in a power saving mode.

16. The device of claim 15, further comprising a connection establishing unit cooperating with the communication unit for automatically establishing a connection with another device found by the search.

17. The device of claim 1, wherein the search unit executes both of the first function and the second function while a display of the device is off.

18. The device of claim 1, wherein the search unit executes both of the first function and the second function while application software is running on the device.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein the application software is a user interactive application.

20. The device of claim 1, wherein the search includes self-identifying information and capability information which indicates the device'"'"'s capability.

21. The device of claim 2, wherein

the search includes self-identifying information and capability information which indicates the device'"'"'s capability, and

the responding unit sends the responding data to another device whose capability information indicates a predetermined capability.

22. The device of claim 6, wherein

the search includes self-identifying information and capability information which indicates the device'"'"'s capability, and

the connection establishing unit establishes a connection with another device whose capability information indicates a predetermined capability.

23. The device of claim 6, wherein

the search includes self-identifying information and capability information which indicates the device'"'"'s capability, and

the connection establishing unit automatically establishes a connection with another device whose capability information indicates a predetermined capability.

24. The device of claim 2, wherein the responding data includes self-identifying information and capability information which indicates the device'"'"'s capability.

25. The device of claim 20, wherein the responding data includes self-identifying information and capability information which indicates the device'"'"'s capability.

26. The device of claim 2, wherein

the responding data includes self-identifying information and capability information which indicates the device'"'"'s capability, and

the connection establishing unit establishes a connection with another device whose responding data has capability information indicates a predetermined capability.

27. The device of claim 2, wherein

the responding data includes self-identifying information and capability information which indicates the device'"'"'s capability, and

the connection establishing unit automatically establishes a connection with another device whose responding data has capability information indicates a predetermined capability.

28. The device of claim 20, wherein the capability information indicates the device'"'"'s connection capability.

29. The device of claim 24, wherein the capability information indicates the device'"'"'s connection capability.

30. The device of claim 1, wherein the searching unit searches executes the first function and the second function in a time-sharing system.

31. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a randomized length of time.

32. The device of claim 31, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a periodically randomized length of time.

33. The device of claim 32, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a length of time randomized with each cycle.

34. The device of claim 32, wherein one of the first and second periods comprises a fixed length of time and the other of the first and second period comprises a randomized length of time.

35. The device of claim 34, wherein the second period comprises a randomized length of time.

36. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a variable length of time.

37. The device of claim 1, further comprising a timer, wherein the alternation is determined based on the timer.

38. The device of claim 1, wherein the first function and the second function are executed immediately after each other.

39. A device operable to play a game, comprising:

a communication unit for performing wireless radio communication, and

a searching unit cooperating with the communication unit for searching for other devices, the searching unit being operable to alternately execute a first function for sending broadcasting data for one or more unknown devices during a first period and a second function for waiting to receive broadcasting data during a second period, each alternation between the first and second functions being automatic, and the first function intermittently sending broadcasting data plural times during the first period.

40. The device of claim 39, further comprising a responding unit, cooperating with the communication unit executing the second function, for sending responding data in response to receiving broadcasting data to another device that sent the broadcasting data.

41. The device of claim 40, wherein the responding unit sends the responding data automatically.

42. The device of claim 41, wherein the responding unit sends the responding data if the broadcasting data satisfies a predetermined condition.

43. The device of claim 40, further comprising a receiving unit, cooperating with the communication unit executing the first function, for receiving responding data from another device in response to the device'"'"'s own broadcasting data.

44. The device of claim 40, further comprising a first connection unit for, after receiving a search via the communication unit executing the second function, executing a first connection process with another device that sent the search.

45. The device of claim 44, further comprising a second connection unit for, after receiving responding data via the receiving unit, executing a second connection process with another device that sent the responding data.

46. The device of claim 43, further comprising:

a first connection unit for, after receiving broadcasting data via the communication unit executing the second function, executing a first connection process with another device that sent the broadcasting data; and

a second connection unit for, after receiving responding data via the receiving unit, executing a second connection process with another device that sent the responding data.

47. The device of claim 39, wherein the searching unit searches executes the first function and the second function in a time-sharing system.

48. The device of claim 39, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a randomized length of time.

49. The device of claim 48, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a periodically randomized length of time.

50. The device of claim 49, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a length of time randomized with each cycle.

51. The device of claim 49, wherein one of the first and second periods comprises a fixed length of time and the other of the first and second period comprises a randomized length of time.

52. The device of claim 51, wherein the second period comprises a randomized length of time.

53. The device of claim 39, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a variable length of time.

54. The device of claim 39, further comprising a timer, wherein the alternation is determined based on the timer.

55. The device of claim 39, wherein the first function and the second function are executed immediately after each other.

56. A device operable to play a game, comprising:

a communication unit for performing wireless radio communication, and

a searching unit cooperating with the communication unit for searching for other devices, the searching unit being operable to alternately execute a first function for sending data without specifying a destination address during a first period and a second function for waiting to receive such data during a second period, each alternation between the first and second functions being automatic, and the first function intermittently sending data without specifying a destination address plural times during the first period.

57. The device of claim 56, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a randomized length of time.

58. The device of claim 57, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a periodically randomized length of time.

59. The device of claim 58, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a length of time randomized with each cycle.

60. The device of claim 58, wherein one of the first and second periods comprises a fixed length of time and the other of the first and second period comprises a randomized length of time.

61. The device of claim 60, wherein the second period comprises a randomized length of time.

62. The device of claim 56, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a variable length of time.

63. The device of claim 56, further comprising a timer, wherein the alternation is determined based on the timer.

64. The device of claim 56, wherein the first function and the second function are executed immediately after each other.

65. A system comprising first and second devices operable to play a game, the first device comprising:

a communication unit for performing wireless radio communication; and

a searching unit cooperating with the communication unit for searching for other devices, the searching unit being operable to alternately execute a first function for searching for another device during a first period and a second function for receiving a search from another device during a second period, each alternation between the first and second functions being automatic, and the first function intermittently sending data for the searching plural times during the first period.

66. The system of claim 65, wherein the first device further comprises a responding unit, cooperating with the communication unit executing the second function, for sending responding data in response to receiving a search to another device that sent the search.

67. The system of claim 66, wherein the first device further comprises a receiving unit, cooperating with the communication unit executing the first function, for receiving responding data from another device in response to the device'"'"'s own search.

68. The system of claim 65, wherein the first device further comprises a first connection unit for, after receiving a search via the communication unit executing the second function, executing a first connection process with another device that sent the search.

69. The system of claim 66, wherein the first device further comprises a second connection unit for, after receiving responding data via the receiving unit, executing a second connection process with another device that sent the responding data.

70. The system of claim 66, wherein the first device further comprises:

a first connection unit for, after receiving a search via the communication unit executing the second function, executing a first connection process with another device that sent the search; and

a second connection unit for, after receiving responding data via the receiving unit, executing a second connection process with another device that sent the responding data.

71. The system of claim 65, wherein the first function and the second function are executed immediately after each other.

72. A system comprising first and second devices operable to play a game, the first device comprising:

a communication unit for performing wireless radio communication, and

a searching unit cooperating with the communication unit for searching for other devices, the searching unit being operable to alternately execute a first function for sending broadcasting data for one or more unknown devices during a first period and a second function for waiting to receive broadcasting data during a second period, each alternation between the first and second functions being automatic, and the first function intermittently sending broadcasting data plural times during the first period.

73. The system of claim 72, wherein the first device further comprises a responding unit, cooperating with the communication unit executing the second function, for sending responding data in response to receiving broadcasting data to another device that sent the broadcasting data.

74. The system of claim 73, wherein the first device further comprises a receiving unit, cooperating with the communication unit executing the first function, for receiving responding data from another device in response to the device'"'"'s own broadcasting data.

75. The system of claim 73, wherein the first device further comprises a first connection unit for, after receiving a search via the communication unit executing the second function, executing a first connection process with another device that sent the search.

76. The system of claim 75, wherein the first device further comprises a second connection unit for, after receiving responding data via the receiving unit, executing a second connection process with another device that sent the responding data.

77. The system of claim 73, wherein the responding unit sends the responding data automatically, and the first device further comprises:

a first connection unit for, after receiving broadcasting data via the communication unit executing the second function, executing a first connection process with another device that sent the broadcasting data; and

a second connection unit for, after receiving responding data via the receiving unit, executing a second connection process with another device that sent the responding data.

78. The system of claim 72, wherein the first function and the second function are executed immediately after each other.

79. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly storing a program executable on a device operable to play a game comprising at least one processor and a communication unit for performing wireless radio communication, the program comprising instructions configured to at least:

search for other devices by alternately executing a first function for searching for another device during a first period and a second function for receiving a search from another device during a second period, each alternation between the first and second functions being automatic, and the first function intermittently sending data for the searching plural times during the first period.

80. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 79, wherein the program further comprises instructions to at least cooperate with the communication unit executing the second function, for sending responding data in response to receiving a search to another device that sent the search.

81. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 80, wherein the program further comprises instructions to at least cooperate with the communication unit executing the first function, for receiving responding data from another device in response to the device'"'"'s own search.

82. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 79, wherein the program further comprises instructions to at least execute, after receiving a search via the communication unit the second function, a first connection process with another device that sent the search.

83. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 80, wherein the program further comprises instructions to at least execute, after receiving responding data, a second connection process with another device that sent the responding data.

84. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 80, wherein the program further comprises instructions to at least:

execute, after receiving a search via the communication unit executing the second function, a first connection process with another device that sent the search; and

execute, after receiving responding data, a second connection process with another device that sent the responding data.

85. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 79, wherein the searching unit searches executes the first function and the second function in a time-sharing system.

86. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 79, wherein the first function and the second function are executed immediately after each other.

87. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly storing a program executable on a device operable to play a game comprising at least one processor and a communication unit for performing wireless radio communication, the program comprising instructions configured to at least:

search for other devices by alternately executing a first function for sending broadcasting data for one or more unknown devices during a first period and a second function for waiting to receive broadcasting data during a second period, each alternation between the first and second functions being automatic, and the first function intermittently sending broadcasting data plural times during the first period.

88. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 87 wherein the program further comprises instructions to at least cooperate with the communication unit executing the second function, for sending responding data in response to receiving broadcasting data to another device that sent the broadcasting data.

89. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 88, wherein the program further comprises instructions to at least cooperate with the communication unit executing the first function, for receiving responding data from another device in response to the device'"'"'s own broadcasting data.

90. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 88, wherein the program further comprises instructions to at least execute, after receiving a search via the communication unit executing the second function, a first connection process with another device that sent the search.

91. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 90, wherein the program further comprises instructions to at least execute, after receiving responding data, a second connection process with another device that sent the responding data.

92. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 88, wherein the program further comprises instructions to at least:

send the responding data automatically;

execute, after receiving broadcasting data via the communication unit executing the second function, a first connection process with another device that sent the broadcasting data; and

execute, after receiving responding data, a second connection process with another device that sent the responding data.

93. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 87, wherein the searching unit searches executes the first function and the second function in a time-sharing system.

94. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 87, wherein the first function and the second function are executed immediately after each other.

95. A method for performing wireless radio communication, the method comprising:

using a processor in connection with a communication unit of a device operable to play a game,

searching for other devices by alternately executing a first function for searching for another device during a first period and a second function for receiving a search from another device during a second period, each alternation between the first and second functions being automatic, and the first function intermittently sending data for the searching plural times during the first period.

96. A method for performing wireless radio communication, the method comprising:

using a processor in connection with a communication unit of a device operable to play a game,

searching for other devices by alternately executing a first function for sending broadcasting data for one or more unknown devices during a first period and a second function for waiting to receive broadcasting data during a second period, each alternation between the first and second functions being automatic, and the first function intermittently sending broadcasting data plural times during the first period.

97. A game-playing device, comprising:

a communication unit capable of performing wireless radio communication; and

a searching unit cooperating with the communication unit capable of searching for other devices, the searching unit being operable to alternately execute a first function for searching for another device during a first period and a second function for receiving a search from another device during a second period, each alternation between the first and second functions being automatic, and the first function intermittently sending data for the searching plural times during the first period.

98. The device of claim 97, further comprising a responding unit, cooperating with the communication unit executing the second function, capable of sending responding data in response to receiving a search to another device that sent the search.

99. The device of claim 98, further comprising a receiving unit, cooperating with the communication unit executing the first function, capable of receiving responding data from another device in response to the device'"'"'s own search.

100. The device of claim 97, further comprising a connection establishing unit, cooperating with the communication unit, capable of establishing a connection with another device found by the search.

101. The device of claim 98, further comprising:

a first connection unit capable of, after receiving a search via the communication unit executing the second function, executing a first connection process with another device that sent the search; and

a second connection unit capable of, after receiving responding data via the receiving unit, executing a second connection process with another device that sent the responding data.

102. The device of claim 97, wherein the search unit executes both of the first function and the second function while the device is in a sleep mode.

103. The device of claim 97, wherein the search unit executes both of the first function and the second function while the device is in a power saving mode.

104. The device of claim 97, wherein the search unit executes both of the first function and the second function while application software is running on the device.

105. The device of claim 104, wherein the application software is a user interactive application.

106. The device of claim 97, wherein the search includes self-identifying information and capability information which indicates the device'"'"'s capability.

107. The device of claim 98, wherein the responding data includes self-identifying information and capability information which indicates the device'"'"'s capability.

108. The device of claim 106, wherein the capability information indicates the device'"'"'s connection capability.

109. The device of claim 107, wherein the capability information indicates the device'"'"'s connection capability.

110. A device operable to play a game, comprising:

a communication unit capable of performing wireless radio communication, and

a searching unit cooperating with the communication unit capable of searching for other devices, the searching unit being operable to alternately execute a first function for sending broadcasting data for one or more unknown devices during a first period and a second function for waiting to receive broadcasting data during a second period, each alternation between the first and second functions being automatic, and the first function intermittently sending broadcasting data plural times during the first period.

111. The device of claim 110, further comprising a responding unit, cooperating with the communication unit executing the second function, capable of sending responding data in response to receiving broadcasting data to another device that sent the broadcasting data.

112. The device of claim 111, further comprising a receiving unit, cooperating with the communication unit executing the first function, capable of receiving responding data from another device in response to the device'"'"'s own broadcasting data.

113. The device of claim 112, further comprising:

a first connection unit capable of, after receiving broadcasting data via the communication unit executing the second function, executing a first connection process with another device that sent the broadcasting data; and

a second connection unit capable of, after receiving responding data via the receiving unit, executing a second connection process with another device that sent the responding data.

114. A device operable to play a game, comprising:

a communication unit capable of performing wireless radio communication, and

a searching unit cooperating with the communication unit capable of searching for other devices, the searching unit being operable to alternately execute a first function for sending data without specifying a destination address during a first period and a second function for waiting to receive such data during a second period, each alternation between the first and second functions being automatic, and the first function intermittently sending data without specifying a destination address plural times during the first period.

115. A game device, comprising:

a communication unit for performing wireless radio communication; and

a searching unit cooperating with the communication unit for searching for other devices, the searching unit being operable to alternately execute a first function for searching for another device during a first period and a second function for receiving a search from another device during a second period, each alternation between the first and second functions being automatic, and the first function intermittently sending data for the searching plural times during the first period.

116. The game device of claim 115, further comprising a responding unit, cooperating with the communication unit executing the second function, for sending responding data in response to receiving a search to another device that sent the search.

117. The game device of claim 116, further comprising a receiving unit, cooperating with the communication unit executing the first function, for receiving responding data from another device in response to the device'"'"'s own search.

118. The game device of claim 115, further comprising a connection establishing unit, cooperating with the communication unit, for establishing a connection with another device found by the search.

119. The game device of claim 115, further comprising:

a first connection unit for, after receiving a search via the communication unit executing the second function, executing a first connection process with another device that sent the search; and

a second connection unit for, after receiving responding data via the receiving unit, executing a second connection process with another device that sent the responding data.

120. The game device of claim 115, wherein the search unit executes both of the first function and the second function while the device is in a sleep mode.

121. The game device of claim 115, wherein the search unit executes both of the first function and the second function while the device is in a power saving mode.

122. The game device of claim 115, wherein the search unit executes both of the first function and the second function while application software is running on the device.

123. The game device of claim 122, wherein the application software is a user interactive application.

124. The game device of claim 115, wherein the search includes self-identifying information and capability information which indicates the device'"'"'s capability.

125. The game device of claim 116, wherein the responding data includes self-identifying information and capability information which indicates the device'"'"'s capability.

126. The game device of claim 124, wherein the capability information indicates the device'"'"'s connection capability.

127. The game device of claim 125, wherein the capability information indicates the device'"'"'s connection capability.

128. A game-playing device, comprising:

a communication unit for performing wireless radio communication, and

a searching unit cooperating with the communication unit for searching for other devices, the searching unit being operable to alternately execute a first function for sending broadcasting data for one or more unknown devices during a first period and a second function for waiting to receive broadcasting data during a second period, each alternation between the first and second functions being automatic, and the first function intermittently sending broadcasting data plural times during the first period.

129. The device of claim 128, further comprising a responding unit, cooperating with the communication unit executing the second function, for sending responding data in response to receiving broadcasting data to another device that sent the broadcasting data.

130. The device of claim 129, further comprising a receiving unit, cooperating with the communication unit executing the first function, for receiving responding data from another device in response to the device'"'"'s own broadcasting data.

131. The device of claim 130, further comprising:

a first connection unit for, after receiving broadcasting data via the communication unit executing the second function, executing a first connection process with another device that sent the broadcasting data; and

a second connection unit for, after receiving responding data via the receiving unit, executing a second connection process with another device that sent the responding data.

132. A game-playing device, comprising:

a communication unit for performing wireless radio communication, and

a searching unit cooperating with the communication unit for searching for other devices, the searching unit being operable to alternately execute a first function for sending data without specifying a destination address during a first period and a second function for waiting to receive such data during a second period, each alternation between the first and second functions being automatic, and the first function intermittently sending data without specifying a destination address plural times during the first period.