System, apparatus, storage medium storing program, and data broadcasting method

• US 8,641,527 B2
• Filed: 03/14/2013
• Issued: 02/04/2014
• 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:
  US13/827,930
• Publication Number:
  US 20130203503A1
• Time in Patent Office: 327 Days
• Field of Search: 463 39- 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, comprising:

a communication unit for performing wireless radio communication, the communication unit being operable in a first mode for broadcasting data, and a second mode for waiting to receive such broadcasted data;

a cycling unit cooperating with the communication unit for alternately repeating the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable for a randomized length of time; and

a determining unit for determining the randomized length of time for the device independently of determinations of randomized lengths of time on other devices.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the randomized length of time varies across cycles.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the randomized length of time varies in a predetermined sequence.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the randomized length of time varies periodically.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the randomized length of time varies with a predetermined cycle.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the randomized length of time varies with each cycle of the cycling unit.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the first mode and the second mode are performed immediately after each other.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein one of the first and second modes is performed for a fixed length of time and the other of the first and second modes is performed for a randomized length of time.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the first mode is performed for a fixed length of time and the second mode is performed for a randomized length of time.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second modes is performable at a randomized time with respect to at least one of starting time and ending time.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein one of the first and second modes is performable at a randomized time with respect to at least one of starting time and ending time and the other of the first and second modes is performable at a randomized time with respect to at least the other of starting time and ending time.

12. The device of claim 10, wherein both of the first and second modes are performable at a randomized time with respect to both of starting time and ending time.

13. The device of claim 10, wherein one of the first and second modes is performed for a fixed length of time from a randomized starting time to a randomized ending time and the other of the first and second modes is performed for a randomized length of time from a randomized starting time to a randomized ending time.

14. The device of claim 12, wherein the first mode is performed for a fixed length of time from a randomized starting time to a randomized ending time and the second mode is performed for a randomized length of time from a randomized starting time to a randomized ending time.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein the randomized length of time is determined so that the randomized length of time does not exceed a predetermined maximum duration.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the randomized length of time is determined so that the randomized length of time exceeds a predetermined minimum duration.

17. The device of claim 1, further comprising a responding unit cooperating with the communication unit in the second mode for sending responding data, in response to receiving broadcasted data, to another device that sent the received broadcasted data.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the responding unit sends, automatically in response to receiving broadcasted data, responding data to another device that sent the received broadcasted data.

19. The device of claim 17, wherein the responding unit sends, automatically in response to receiving broadcasted data, responding data to another device that sent the received broadcasted data if the received broadcasted data satisfies a predetermined condition.

20. The device of claim 17, further comprising a receiving unit cooperating with the communication unit in the first mode for receiving responding data from another device in response to the device'"'"'s own broadcasted data.

21. The device of claim 17, further comprising a first connection unit for, after receiving broadcasted data via the communication unit in the second mode, executing a first connection process with another device that sent the received broadcasted data.

22. The device of claim 20, 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.

23. The device of claim 17, further comprising:

a first connection unit for, after receiving broadcasted data via the communication unit in the second mode, executing a first connection process with another device that sent the received broadcasted 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.

24. The device of claim 21, wherein the first connection unit executes the first connection process automatically after receiving broadcasted data.

25. The device of claim 22, wherein the second connection unit executes the second connection process automatically after receiving responding data.

26. The device of claim 23, wherein the first connection unit executes the first connection process automatically after receiving broadcasted data and the second connection unit executes the second connection process automatically after receiving responding data.

27. The device of claim 23, wherein the first connection unit executes the first connection process automatically after receiving broadcasted data and the second connection unit executes the second connection process automatically after receiving responding data if a condition is satisfied.

28. The device of claim 1, wherein the randomized length of time varies with a predetermined cycle.

29. The device of claim 28, wherein the first mode and the second mode are performed immediately after each other.

30. The device of claim 28, wherein one of the first and second modes is performed for a fixed length of time and the other of the first and second modes is performed for a randomized length of time.

31. The device of claim 30, wherein the first mode is performed for a fixed length of time and the second mode is performed for a randomized length of time.

32. The device of claim 28, wherein at least one of the first and second modes is performable at a randomized time with respect to at least one of starting time and ending time.

33. The device of claim 32, wherein one of the first and second modes is performed for a fixed length of time from a randomized starting time to a randomized ending time and the other of the first and second modes is performed for a randomized length of time from a randomized starting time to a randomized ending time.

34. The device of claim 33, wherein the first mode is performed for a fixed length of time from a randomized starting time to a randomized ending time and the second mode is performed for a randomized length of time from a randomized starting time to a randomized ending time.

35. The device of claim 28, wherein the random length of time is determined so that the random length of time exceeds a predetermined minimum duration and does not exceed a predetermined maximum duration.

36. The device of claim 34, wherein the random length of time is determined so that the random length of time exceeds a predetermined minimum duration and does not exceed a predetermined maximum duration.

37. The device of claim 1,

wherein the first mode and the second mode are performed immediately after each other,

wherein the randomized length of time varies with each cycle of the cycling unit, and is determined by the determining unit so that the randomized length of time exceeds a predetermined minimum duration and does not exceed a predetermined maximum duration, and

wherein the first mode is performed for a fixed length of time from a randomized starting time to a randomized ending time and the second mode is performed for a randomized length of time from a randomized starting time to a randomized ending time.

38. The device of claim 1, wherein each alternation between the first and second modes is automatic.

39. The device of claim 1, wherein the first mode intermittently broadcasts the data plural times during a period.

40. The device of claim 1, further comprising a randomizing unit for randomizing the length of time for at least one of the first mode and the second mode, wherein the cycling unit alternates between the first mode and the second mode based on the length of time randomized by the randomizing unit.

41. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a timer;

wherein the determining unit randomizes the length of time for at least one of the first mode and the second mode; and

wherein the cycling unit alternates between the first mode and the second mode based on the length of time determined by the determining unit and based on the timer.

42. The device of claim 1, wherein the wireless radio communication is short distance wireless radio communication.

43. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is handheld.

44. A device, comprising:

a communication unit for performing wireless radio communication, the communication unit being operable in a first mode for broadcasting data, and a second mode for waiting to receive such broadcasted data;

a cycling unit cooperating with the communication unit for alternately repeating the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable for an unpredictable and variable length of time; and

a determining unit for determining the unpredictable and variable length of time for the device independently of determinations of unpredictable and variable lengths of time on other devices.

45. The device of claim 44, wherein the unpredictable length of time varies periodically.

46. The device of claim 44, wherein the unpredictable length of time varies with a predetermined cycle.

47. The device of claim 44, wherein the unpredictable length of time varies with each cycle of the cycling unit.

48. The device of claim 44, wherein one of the first and second modes is performed for a fixed length of time and the other of the first and second modes is performed for an unpredictable length of time.

49. The device of claim 48, wherein the first mode is performed for a fixed length of time and the second mode is performed for an unpredictable length of time.

50. The device of claim 47, wherein one of the first and second modes is performed for a fixed length of time from a variable starting time to a variable ending time and the other of the first and second modes is performed for an unpredictable length of time from a variable starting time to a variable ending time.

51. The device of claim 50, wherein the first mode is performed for a fixed length of time from a variable starting time to a randomized ending time and the second mode is performed for an unpredictable length of time from a variable starting time to a variable ending time.

52. The device of claim 44, wherein each alternation between the first and second modes is automatic.

53. The device of claim 44, wherein the first mode intermittently broadcasts the data plural times during a period.

54. The device of claim 44, further comprising a randomizing unit for randomizing the length of time for at least one of the first mode and the second mode, wherein the cycling unit alternates between the first mode and the second mode based on the length of time randomized by the randomizing unit.

55. The device of claim 44, further comprising:

a timer;

wherein the determining unit randomizes the length of time for at least one of the first mode and the second mode; and

wherein the cycling unit alternates between the first mode and the second mode based on the length of time determined by the determining unit and based on the timer.

56. The device of claim 44, wherein the wireless radio communication is short distance wireless radio communication.

57. The device of claim 44, wherein the device is handheld.

58. A device, comprising:

a communication unit for performing wireless radio communication, the communication unit being operable in a first mode for broadcasting data, and a second mode for waiting to receive such broadcasted data;

a cycling unit cooperating with the communication unit for alternately repeating the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable at a randomly variable time with respect to at least one of starting time and ending time; and

a determining unit for determining the randomly variable time for the device independently of determinations of randomly variable times on other devices.

59. The device of claim 58, wherein a variation in the randomly variable time is determined in a random manner.

60. The device of claim 58, wherein one of the first and second modes is performable at a randomized time with respect to at least one of starting time and ending time and the other of the first and second modes is performable at a randomized time with respect to at least the other of starting time and ending time.

61. The device of claim 60, wherein both of the first and second modes are performable at a randomized time with respect to both of starting time and ending time.

62. The device of claim 58, wherein each alternation between the first and second modes is automatic.

63. The device of claim 58, wherein the first mode intermittently broadcasts the data plural times during a period.

64. The device of claim 58, further comprising a randomizing unit for randomizing a length of time for at least one of the first mode and the second mode, wherein the cycling unit alternates between the first mode and the second mode based on the length of time randomized by the randomizing unit.

65. The device of claim 58, further comprising:

a timer,

wherein the determining unit randomizes the randomly variable time for at least one of the first mode and the second mode; and

wherein the cycling unit alternates between the first mode and the second mode based on the randomly variable time determined by the determining unit and based on the timer.

66. The device of claim 58, wherein the wireless radio communication is short distance wireless radio communication.

67. The device of claim 58, wherein the device is handheld.

68. A device, comprising:

a communication unit for performing wireless radio communication, the communication unit being operable in a first mode for sending data without specifying a destination address, and a second mode for waiting to receive such data; and

a cycling unit cooperating with the communication unit of the device for alternately repeating the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable for a randomized length of time; and

a determining unit for determining the randomized length of time for the device independently of determinations of randomized lengths of time on other devices.

69. The device of claim 68, wherein the randomized length of time varies periodically.

70. The device of claim 68, wherein the randomized length of time varies with a predetermined cycle.

71. The device of claim 70, wherein the randomized length of time varies with each cycle of the cycling unit.

72. The device of claim 68, wherein one of the first and second modes is performed for a fixed length of time and the other of the first and second modes is performed for a randomized length of time.

73. The device of claim 72, wherein the first mode is performed for a fixed length of time and the second mode is performed for a randomized length of time.

74. The device of claim 68, wherein one of the first and second modes is performed for a fixed length of time from a randomized starting time to a randomized ending time and the other of the first and second modes is performed for a randomized length of time from a randomized starting time to a randomized ending time.

75. The device of claim 74, wherein the first mode is performed for a fixed length of time from a randomized starting time to a randomized ending time and the second mode is performed for a randomized length of time from a randomized starting time to a randomized ending time.

76. The device of claim 68, wherein each alternation between the first and second modes is automatic.

77. The device of claim 68, wherein the first mode intermittently sends the data without specifying a destination address plural times during a period.

78. The device of claim 68, further comprising a randomizing unit for randomizing the length of time for at least one of the first mode and the second mode, wherein the cycling unit alternates between the first mode and the second mode based on the length of time randomized by the randomizing unit.

79. The device of claim 68, further comprising:

a timer;

wherein the determining unit randomizes the length of time for at least one of the first mode and the second mode; and

wherein the cycling unit alternates between the first mode and the second mode based on the length of time determined by the determining unit and based on the timer.

80. The device of claim 68, wherein the wireless radio communication is short distance wireless radio communication.

81. The device of claim 68, wherein the device is handheld.

82. A device, comprising:

a communication unit for performing wireless radio communication, the communication unit being operable in a first mode for sending data without specifying a destination address, and a second mode for waiting to receive such data;

a cycling unit cooperating with the communication unit of the device for alternately repeating the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable at a randomized time with respect to at least one of starting time and ending time; and

a determining unit for determining the randomized time for the device independently of determinations of randomized times on other devices.

83. The device of claim 82, wherein each alternation between the first and second modes is automatic.

84. The device of claim 82, wherein the first mode intermittently sends the data without specifying a destination address plural times during a period.

85. The device of claim 82, further comprising a randomizing unit for randomizing a length of time for at least one of the first mode and the second mode, wherein the cycling unit alternates between the first mode and the second mode based on the length of time randomized by the randomizing unit.

86. The device of claim 82, further comprising:

a timer;

wherein the determining unit randomizes the randomized time for at least one of the first mode and the second mode; and

wherein the cycling unit alternates between the first mode and the second mode based on the randomized time determined by the determining unit and based on the timer.

87. The device of claim 82, wherein the wireless radio communication is short distance wireless radio communication.

88. The device of claim 82, wherein the device is handheld.

89. A system comprising first and second devices, the first device comprising:

a communication unit for performing wireless radio communication, the communication unit being operable in a first mode for broadcasting data, and a second mode for waiting to receive such broadcasted data;

a cycling unit cooperating with the communication unit for alternately repeating the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable for a randomized length of time; and

a determining unit for determining the randomized length of time for the device independently of determinations of randomized lengths of time on other devices.

90. The system of claim 89, wherein the randomized length of time varies across cycles.

91. The system of claim 89, wherein the randomized length of time varies in a predetermined sequence.

92. The system of claim 89, wherein the randomized length of time varies periodically.

93. The system of claim 89, wherein the randomized length of time varies with a predetermined cycle.

94. The system of claim 93, wherein the randomized length of time varies with each cycle of the cycling unit.

95. The system of claim 89, wherein the first mode and the second mode are performed immediately after each other.

96. The system of claim 89, wherein one of the first and second modes is performed for a fixed length of time and the other of the first and second modes is performed for a randomized length of time.

97. The system of claim 96, wherein the first mode is performed for a fixed length of time and the second mode is performed for a randomized length of time.

98. The system of claim 89, wherein each alternation between the first and second modes is automatic.

99. The system of claim 89, wherein the first mode intermittently broadcasts the data plural times during a period.

100. The system of claim 89, wherein the first device further comprises a randomizing unit for randomizing the length of time for at least one of the first mode and the second mode, and wherein the cycling unit of the first device alternates between the first mode and the second mode based on the length of time randomized by the randomizing unit of the first device.

101. The system of claim 89, wherein the first device further comprises a timer;

wherein the determining unit of the first device randomizes the length of time for at least one of the first mode and the second mode; and

wherein the cycling unit of the first device alternates between the first mode and the second mode based on the length of time determined by the determining unit of the first device and based on the timer of the first device.

102. A system comprising first and second devices, the first device comprising:

a communication unit for performing wireless radio communication, the communication unit being operable in a first mode for broadcasting data, and a second mode for waiting to receive such broadcasted data;

a cycling unit cooperating with the communication unit for alternately repeating the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable for an unpredictable and variable length of time; and

a determining unit for determining the unpredictable and variable length of time for the device independently of determinations of unpredictable and variable lengths of time on other devices.

103. A system comprising first and second devices, the first device comprising:

a communication unit for performing wireless radio communication, the communication unit being operable in a first mode for broadcasting data, and a second mode for waiting to receive such broadcasted data;

a cycling unit cooperating with the communication unit for alternately repeating the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable at a randomly variable time with respect to at least one of starting time and ending time; and

a determining unit for determining the randomly variable time for the device independently of determinations of randomly variable times on other devices.

104. A system comprising first and second devices, the first device comprising:

a communication unit for performing wireless radio communication, the communication unit being operable in a first mode for sending data without specifying a destination address, and a second mode for waiting to receive such data; and

a cycling unit cooperating with the communication unit of the first device for alternately repeating the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable for a randomized length of time; and

a determining unit for determining the randomized length of time for the device independently of determinations of randomized lengths of time on other devices.

105. The system of claim 104, wherein the randomized length of time varies across cycles.

106. The system of claim 104, wherein the randomized length of time varies in a predetermined sequence.

107. The system of claim 104, wherein the randomized length of time varies periodically.

108. The system of claim 104, wherein the randomized length of time varies with a predetermined cycle.

109. The system of claim 108, wherein the randomized length of time varies with each cycle of the cycling unit.

110. The system of claim 104, wherein the first mode and the second mode are performed immediately after each other.

111. The system of claim 104, wherein one of the first and second modes is performed for a fixed length of time and the other of the first and second modes is performed for a randomized length of time.

112. The system of claim 111, wherein the first mode is performed for a fixed length of time and the second mode is performed for a randomized length of time.

113. The system of claim 104, wherein each alternation between the first and second modes is automatic.

114. The system of claim 104, wherein the first mode intermittently broadcasts the data plural times during a period.

115. The system of claim 104, wherein the first device further comprises a randomizing unit for randomizing the length of time for at least one of the first mode and the second mode, and wherein the cycling unit of the first device alternates between the first mode and the second mode based on the length of time randomized by the randomizing unit of the first device.

116. The system of claim 104, wherein the first device further comprises a timer;

wherein the determining unit of the first device randomizes the length of time for at least one of the first mode and the second mode; and

wherein the cycling unit of the first device alternates between the first mode and the second mode based on the length of time determined by the determining unit of the first device and based on the timer of the first device.

117. A system comprising first and second devices, the first device comprising:

a communication unit for performing wireless radio communication, the communication unit being operable in a first mode for sending data without specifying a destination address, and a second mode for waiting to receive such data;

a cycling unit cooperating with the communication unit of the first device for alternately repeating the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable at a randomized time with respect to at least one of starting time and ending time; and

a determining unit for determining the randomized time for he device independently of determinations of randomized times on other devices.

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

cause the communication unit to operate in a first mode for broadcasting data;

cause the communication unit to operate in a second mode for waiting to receive such broadcasted data;

cycle the communication unit so that the communication unit alternately repeats the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable for a randomized length of time; and

determine the randomized length of time for the device independently of determinations of randomized lengths of time on other devices.

119. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 118, wherein the randomized length of time varies across cycles.

120. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 118, wherein the randomized length of time varies in a predetermined sequence.

121. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 118, wherein the randomized length of time varies periodically.

122. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 118, wherein the randomized length of time varies with a predetermined cycle.

123. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 122, wherein the randomized length of time varies with each cycle.

124. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 118, wherein the first mode and the second mode are performed immediately after each other.

125. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 118, wherein one of the first and second modes is performed for a fixed length of time and the other of the first and second modes is performed for a randomized length of time.

126. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 125, wherein the first mode is performed for a fixed length of time and the second mode is performed for a randomized length of time.

127. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 118, wherein each alternation between the first and second modes is automatic.

128. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 118, wherein the first mode intermittently broadcasts the data plural times during a period.

129. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 118, wherein the program further comprises instructions configured to at least randomize the length of time for at least one of the first mode and the second mode, and cause alternations between the first mode and the second mode based on the randomized length of time.

130. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 118, wherein the program further comprises instructions configured to at least randomize the length of time for at least one of the first mode and the second mode, and cause alternations between the first mode and the second mode based on the randomized length of time and based on a timer of the device.

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

cause the communication unit to operate in a first mode for broadcasting data;

cause the communication unit to operate in a second mode for waiting to receive such broadcasted data;

cycle the communication unit so that the communication unit alternately repeats the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable for an unpredictable and variable length of time; and

determine the unpredictable and variable length of time for the device independently of determinations of unpredictable and variable lengths of time on other devices.

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

cause the communication unit to operate in a first mode for broadcasting data;

cause the communication unit to operate in a second mode for waiting to receive such broadcasted data;

cycle the communication unit so that the communication unit alternately repeats the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable at a randomly variable time with respect to at least one of starting time and ending time; and

determine the randomly variable time for the device independently of determinations of randomly variable times on other devices.

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

cause the communication unit to operate in a first mode for sending data without specifying a destination address;

cause the communication unit to operate in second mode for waiting to receive such data;

cycle the communication unit so that the communication unit of the device alternately repeats the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable for a randomized length of time; and

determine the randomized length of time for the device independently of determinations of randomized lengths of time on other devices.

134. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 133, wherein the randomized length of time varies across cycles.

135. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 133, wherein the randomized length of time varies in a predetermined sequence.

136. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 133, wherein the randomized length of time varies periodically.

137. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 133, wherein the randomized length of time varies with a predetermined cycle.

138. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 137, wherein the randomized length of time varies with each cycle.

139. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 133, wherein the first mode and the second mode are performed immediately after each other.

140. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 133, wherein one of the first and second modes is performed for a fixed length of time and the other of the first and second modes is performed for a randomized length of time.

141. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 140, wherein the first mode is performed for a fixed length of time and the second mode is performed for a randomized length of time.

142. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 133, wherein each alternation between the first and second modes is automatic.

143. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 133, wherein the first mode intermittently broadcasts the data plural times during a period.

144. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 133, wherein the program further comprises instructions configured to at least randomize the length of time for at least one of the first mode and the second mode, and cause alternations between the first mode and the second mode based on the randomized length of time.

145. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 133, wherein the program further comprises instructions configured to at least randomize the length of time for at least one of the first mode and the second mode, and cause alternations between the first mode and the second mode based on the randomized length of time and based on a timer of the device.

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

cause the communication unit to operate in a first mode for sending data without specifying a destination address;

cause the communication unit to operate in a second mode for waiting to receive such data;

cycle the communication unit so that the communication unit of the device alternately repeats the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable at a randomized time with respect to at least one of starting time and ending time; and

determine the randomized time for the device independently of determinations of randomized times on other devices.

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

using at least one processor,

causing a communication unit to operate in a first mode for broadcasting data;

causing the communication unit to operate in a second mode for waiting to receive such broadcasted data;

cycling the communication unit so that the communication unit alternately repeats the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable for a randomized length of time; and

determining the randomized length of time for the device independently of determinations of randomized lengths of time on other devices.

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

using at least one processor,

causing a communication unit to operate in a first mode for broadcasting data;

causing the communication unit to operate in a second mode for waiting to receive such broadcasted data;

cycling the communication unit so that the communication unit alternately repeats the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable for an unpredictable and variable length of time; and

determining the unpredictable and variable length of time for the device independently of determinations of unpredictable and variable lengths of time on other devices.

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

using at least one processor,

causing a communication unit to operate in a first mode for broadcasting data;

causing a communication unit to operate in a second mode for waiting to receive such broadcasted data;

cycling the communication unit so that the communication unit alternately repeats the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable at a randomly variable time with respect to at least one of starting time and ending time; and

determining the randomly variable time for the device independently of determinations of randomly variable times on other devices.

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

using at least one processor,

causing a communication unit to operate in a first mode for sending data without specifying a destination address;

causing a communication unit to operate in a second mode for waiting to receive such data;

cycling the communication unit so that the communication unit of the device alternately repeats the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable for a randomized length of time; and

determining the randomized length of time for the device independently of determinations of randomized lengths of time on other devices.

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

using at least one processor,

causing a communication unit to operate in a first mode for sending data without specifying a destination address;

causing a communication unit to operate in a second mode for waiting to receive such data;

cycling the communication unit so that the communication unit of the device alternately repeats the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable at a randomized time with respect to at least one of starting time and ending time; and

determining the randomized time for the device independently of determinations of randomized times on other devices.

152. A device, comprising:

a communication unit capable of performing wireless radio communication, the communication unit being operable in a first mode for broadcasting data, and a second mode for waiting to receive such broadcasted data;

a cycling unit cooperating with the communication unit capable of alternately repeating the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable for a randomized length of time; and

a determining unit capable of determining the randomized length of time for the device independently of determinations of randomized lengths of time on other devices.

153. A device, comprising:

a communication unit capable of performing wireless radio communication, the communication unit being operable in a first mode for broadcasting data, and a second mode for waiting to receive such broadcasted data;

a cycling unit cooperating with the communication unit capable of alternately repeating the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable for an unpredictable and variable length of time; and

a determining unit capable of determining the unpredictable and variable length of time for the device independently of determinations of unpredictable and variable lengths of time on other devices.

154. A device, comprising:

a communication unit capable of performing wireless radio communication, the communication unit being operable in a first mode for broadcasting data, and a second mode for waiting to receive such broadcasted data;

a cycling unit cooperating with the communication unit capable of alternately repeating the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable at a randomly variable time with respect to at least one of starting time and ending time; and

a determining unit capable of determining the randomly variable time for the device independently of determinations of randomly variable times on other devices.

155. A device, comprising:

a communication unit capable of performing wireless radio communication, the communication unit being operable in a first mode for sending data without specifying a destination address, and a second mode for waiting to receive such data;

a cycling unit cooperating with the communication unit of the device capable of alternately repeating the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable for a randomized length of time; and

a determining unit capable of determining the randomized length of time for the device independently of determinations of randomized lengths of time on other devices.

156. A device, comprising:

a communication unit capable of performing wireless radio communication, the communication unit being operable in a first mode for sending data without specifying a destination address, and a second mode for waiting to receive such data;

a cycling unit cooperating with the communication unit of the device capable of alternately repeating the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable at a randomized time with respect to at least one of starting time and ending time; and

a determining unit capable of determining the randomized time for the device independently of determinations of randomized times on other devices.

157. A game device, comprising:

a communication unit for performing wireless radio communication, the communication unit being operable in a first mode for broadcasting data, and a second mode for waiting to receive such broadcasted data;

a cycling unit cooperating with the communication unit for alternately repeating the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable for a randomized length of time; and

a determining unit for determining the randomized length of time for the game device independently of determinations of randomized lengths of time on other devices.

158. A game device, comprising:

a communication unit for performing wireless radio communication, the communication unit being operable in a first mode for broadcasting data, and a second mode for waiting to receive such broadcasted data;

a cycling unit cooperating with the communication unit for alternately repeating the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable for an unpredictable and variable length of time; and

a determining unit for determining the unpredictable and variable length of time for the game device independently of determinations of unpredictable and variable lengths of on other devices.

159. A game device, comprising:

a communication unit for performing wireless radio communication, the communication unit being operable in a first mode for broadcasting data, and a second mode for waiting to receive such broadcasted data;

a cycling unit cooperating with the communication unit for alternately repeating the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable at a randomly variable time with respect to at least one of starting time and ending time; and

a determining unit for determining the randomly variable time for the game device independently of determinations of randomly variable times on other devices.

160. A game device, comprising:

a communication unit for performing wireless radio communication, the communication unit being operable in a first mode for sending data without specifying a destination address, and a second mode for waiting to receive such data;

a cycling unit cooperating with the communication unit of the device for alternately repeating the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable for a randomized length of time; and

a determining unit for determining the randomized length of time for the game device independently of determinations of randomized lengths of time on other devices.

161. A game device, comprising:

a communication unit for performing wireless radio communication, the communication unit being operable in a first mode for sending data without specifying a destination address, and a second mode for waiting to receive such data;

a cycling unit cooperating with the communication unit of the device for alternately repeating the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable at a randomized time with respect to at least one of starting time and ending time; and

a determining unit for determining the randomized time for the game device independently of determinations of randomized times on other devices.

162. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly storing instructions for a device comprising at least one processor and a communication unit capable of performing wireless radio communication, the instructions configured to at least:

cause the communication unit to operate in a first mode for broadcasting data;

cause the communication unit to operate in a second mode for waiting to receive such broadcasted data;

cycle the communication unit so that the communication unit alternately repeats the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable for a randomized length of time; and

determine the randomized length of time for the device independently of determinations of randomized lengths of time on other devices.

163. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly storing instructions for a device comprising at least one processor and a communication unit capable of performing wireless radio communication, the instructions configured to at least:

cause the communication unit to operate in a first mode for broadcasting data;

cause the communication unit to operate in a second mode for waiting to receive such broadcasted data;

cycle the communication unit so that the communication unit alternately repeats the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable for an unpredictable and variable length of time; and

determine the unpredictable and variable length of time for the device independently of determinations of unpredictable and variable lengths of time on other devices.

164. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly storing instructions for a device comprising at least one processor and a communication unit capable of performing wireless radio communication, the instructions configured to at least:

cause the communication unit to operate in a first mode for broadcasting data;

cause the communication unit to operate in a second mode for waiting to receive such broadcasted data;

cycle the communication unit so that the communication unit alternately repeats the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable at a randomly variable time with respect to at least one of starting time and ending time; and

determine the randomly variable time for the device independently of determinations of randomly variable times on other devices.

165. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly storing instructions for a device comprising at least one processor and a communication unit capable of performing wireless radio communication, the instructions configured to at least:

cause the communication unit to operate in a first mode for sending data without specifying a destination address;

cause the communication unit to operate in a second mode for waiting to receive such data;

cycle the communication unit so that the communication unit of the device alternately repeats the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable for a randomized length of time; and

determine the randomized length of time for the device independently of determinations of randomized lengths of time on other devices.

166. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly storing instructions for a device comprising at least one processor and a communication unit capable of performing wireless radio communication, the instructions configured to at least:

cause the communication unit to operate in a first mode for sending data without specifying a destination address;

cause the communication unit to operate in a second mode for waiting to receive such data;

cycle the communication unit so that the communication unit of the device alternately repeats the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable at a randomized time with respect to at least one of starting time and ending time; and

determine the randomized time for the device independently of determinations of randomized times on other devices.