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

• US 8,858,337 B2
• Filed: 11/14/2013
• Issued: 10/14/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 06/17/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• 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:
  US14/079,833
• Publication Number:
  US 20140073437A1
• Time in Patent Office: 334 Days
• Field of Search: 463 41- 44
• US Class Current: 463/40
• 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 transceiver operable to perform wireless radio communication; and

a processing system including a processor, the processing system being configured to cooperate with the transceiver and control the device 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,

wherein the processing system is further configured to, in cooperation with the transceiver, control the device executing the second function to send responding data in response to receiving a search to another device that sent the search.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the responding data is sent automatically in response to the receiving.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the responding data is sent based on the search satisfying a predetermined condition.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the processing system is further configured to control the device executing the first function to receive responding data from another device in response to the device'"'"'s own search.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the processing system is further configured to, after responding data is received, cooperate with the transceiver and control the device to execute a connection process with another device that sent the responding data.

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

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the wireless radio communication is direct wireless radio communication.

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

14. The device of claim 1, wherein determinations of when to alternate between the first and second functions are made independent of determinations of when to alternate between first and second functions on other devices.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein determinations as to when to alternate between the first and second functions are made by the device itself.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein the processing system is further configured to control the device to execute the first function and the second function in a time-sharing system.

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

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

24. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second functions alternate consecutively.

132. The device of claim 2, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a randomized length of time.

5. A device, comprising:

transceiver operable to perform wireless radio communication; and

a processing system including a processor, the processing system being configured to cooperate with the transceiver and control the device 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,

wherein the processing system is further configured to, in cooperation with the transceiver, control the device to connect with another device found by the search.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the processing system is further configured to control the device to automatically connect with another device found by the search.

7. The device of claim 5, wherein the processing system is further configured to control the device to automatically connect with another device, out of the devices found by the search, that satisfies a predetermined condition.

8. A device, comprising:

a transceiver operable to perform wireless radio communication; and

a processing system including a processor, the processing system being configured to cooperate with the transceiver and control the device 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,

wherein the processing system is further configured to, after receiving a search via the transceiver, cooperate with the transceiver and control the device to execute a connection process with another device that sent the search.

10. The device of claim 8, wherein the processing system is further configured to cooperate with the transceiver and control the device to automatically establish a connection with another device found by the search.

17. A device, comprising:

a transceiver operable to perform wireless radio communication; and

a processing system including a processor, the processing system being configured to cooperate with the transceiver and control the device to at least search for other devices by alternately executing a first function for searching or 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,

wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a randomized length of time.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a periodically randomized length of time.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a length of time randomized with each cycle.

20. The device of claim 18, 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.

21. The device of claim 20, wherein the second period comprises a randomized length of time.

25. A device, comprising:

a transceiver operable to perform wireless radio communication, and

a processing system including a processor, the processing system being configured to cooperate with the transceiver and control the device 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,

wherein the processing system is further configured to, in cooperation with the transceiver, control the device executing the second function to send responding data in response to receiving broadcasting data to another device that sent the broadcasting data.

26. The device of claim 25, wherein the responding data is sent automatically in response to receiving broadcasting data.

27. The device of claim 26, wherein the responding data is sent based on the broadcasting data satisfying a predetermined condition.

28. The device of claim 25, wherein the processing system is further configured to, in cooperation with the transceiver, control the device to execute the first function to receive responding data from another device in response to the device'"'"'s own broadcasting data.

29. The device of claim 28, wherein the processing system is further configured to, after responding data is received, control the device to execute a connection process with another device that sent the responding data.

30. The device of claim 25, wherein the wireless radio communication is short-distance wireless radio communication.

31. The device of claim 25, wherein the wireless radio communication is direct wireless radio communication.

32. The device of claim 25, wherein the device is handheld.

33. The device of claim 25, wherein determinations of when to alternate between the first and second functions are made independent of determinations of when to alternate between first and second functions on other devices.

34. The device of claim 25, wherein determinations as to when to alternate between the first and second functions are made by the device itself.

35. The device of claim 25, wherein the first function and the second function are executed in a time-sharing system.

133. The device of claim 26, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a randomized length of time.

36. A device, comprising:

a transceiver operable to perform wireless radio communication, and

processing system including a processor, the processing system being configured to cooperate with the transceiver and control the device 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,

the processing system is further configured to, in cooperation with the transceiver, control the device executing the second function to send responding data in response to receiving broadcasting data to another device that sent the broadcasting data.

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

38. The device of claim 37, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a length of time randomized with each cycle.

39. The device of claim 37, 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.

40. The device of claim 39, wherein the second period comprises a randomized length of time.

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

135. The device of claim 36, wherein the responding data is sent automatically in response to the receiving.

136. The device of claim 36, wherein the processing system is further configured to, after responding data is received, cooperate with the transceiver and control the device to execute a connection process with another device that sent the responding data.

41. A device, comprising:

a transceiver operable to perform wireless radio communication, and

a processing system including a processor, the processing system being configured to cooperate with the transceiver and control the device 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,

wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a variable length of time.

42. The device of claim 41, further comprising a timer, wherein the alternation is determined based on the timer.

43. The device of claim 41, wherein the first and second functions alternate consecutively.

44. The device of claim 41, wherein the wireless radio communication is short-distance wireless radio communication.

45. The device of claim 41, wherein the wireless radio communication is direct wireless radio communication.

46. The device of claim 41, wherein the device is handheld.

47. The device of claim 41, wherein determinations of when to alternate between the first and second functions are made independent of determinations of when to alternate between first and second functions on other devices.

48. The device of claim 41, wherein determinations as to when to alternate between the first and second functions are made by the device itself.

49. A device, comprising:

a transceiver operable to perform wireless radio communication, and

a processing system including a processor, the processing system being configured to cooperate with the transceiver and control the device to at least search for other devices by alternately executing 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,

wherein the processing system is further configured to, in cooperation with the transceiver, control the device executing the second function to send responding data to another device in response to receiving data sent from the another device while the another device is executing the first function.

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

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

52. The device of claim 50, 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.

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

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

54. A device, comprising:

a transceiver operable to perform wireless radio communication, and

a processing system including a processor, the processing system being configured to cooperate with the transceiver and control the device to at least search for other devices by alternately executing 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

wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a variable length of time.

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

56. The device of claim 54, wherein the first and second functions alternate consecutively.

57. The device of claim 54, wherein the wireless radio communication is short-distance wireless radio communication.

58. The device of claim 54, wherein the wireless radio communication is direct wireless radio communication.

59. The device of claim 54, wherein the device is handheld.

60. The device of claim 54, wherein determinations of when to alternate between the first and second functions are made independent of determinations of when to alternate between first and second functions on other devices.

61. The device of claim 54, wherein determinations as to when to alternate between the first and second functions are made by the device itself.

62. A device, comprising:

a transceiver operable to perform wireless radio communication, the transceiver being operable in a first mode and a second mode, the transceiver in the first mode searching for other devices in the second mode, the transceiver in the second mode searching for other devices in the first mode,

wherein the transceiver is controlled so as to alternate between the first mode and the second mode, each alternation being automatic,

wherein the first mode intermittently sends data for the searching plural times, and

wherein the transceiver is further controlled, while the second mode is being executed, to send responding data to another device executing the first mode that sent the search.

63. The device of claim 62, wherein the responding data is sent automatically in response to the receiving.

64. The device of claim 63, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a periodically randomized length of time.

65. The device of claim 64, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a length of time randomized with each cycle.

66. The device of claim 64, 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.

67. The device of claim 66, wherein the second period comprises a randomized length of time.

138. The device of claim 62, wherein the first mode is performed during a first period, the second mode is performed during a second period, and at least one of the first and second periods comprises a randomized length of time.

139. The device of claim 62, wherein after responding data is received, the transceiver is further controlled to execute a connection process with another device that sent the responding data.

68. A device, comprising:

a transceiver operable to perform wireless radio communication, the transceiver being operable in a first mode and a second mode, the transceiver in the first mode searching for other devices in the second mode, the transceiver in the second mode searching for other devices in the first mode,

wherein the transceiver is controlled so as to alternate between first mode and the second mode, each alternation being automatic,

wherein the first mode intermittently sends data for the searching plural times, and

wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a variable length of time.

69. The device of claim 68, further comprising a timer, wherein the alternation is determined based on the timer.

70. The device of claim 68, wherein the first and second mode modes alternate consecutively.

71. A system comprising first and second devices, each of the first and second devices comprising:

a transceiver operable to perform wireless radio communication; and

a processing system including a processor, the processing system being configured to cooperate with the transceiver and control the first device 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,

wherein the processing system of the first device is further configured to, in cooperation with the transceiver, control the first device executing the second function to send responding data, in response to receiving a search, to the second device executing the first function that sent the search.

72. The system of claim 71, wherein with respect to the second device, the processing system is further configured to control the second device executing the first function to receive responding data from the first device executing the second function in response to the second device'"'"'s own search.

140. The system of claim 71, wherein with respect to the first device, the responding data is sent automatically in response to the receiving.

141. The system of claim 71, wherein with respect to the first device, the processing system is further configured to, after responding data is received, cooperate with the transceiver and control the device to execute a connection process with another device that sent the responding data.

176. The system of claim 140, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a randomized length of time.

73. A system comprising first and second devices, each of the first and second devices comprising:

a transceiver operable to perform wireless radio communication; and

a processing system including a processor, the processing system being configured to cooperate the transceiver and control the first device 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,

wherein the processing system of the first device is further configured to, in cooperation with the transceiver, control the first device to connect with the second device found by the search.

74. The system of claim 73, wherein the first and second functions alternate consecutively.

75. A system comprising first and second devices, each of the first and second devices comprising:

a transceiver operable to perform wireless radio communication; and

a processing system including a processor, the processing system being configured to cooperate with the transceiver and control the first device 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,

wherein the processing system of the first device is further configured to, in cooperation with the transceiver, control the first device executing the second function to send responding data, in response to receiving broadcasting data, to the second device executing the first function that sent the broadcasting data.

76. The system of claim 75, wherein with respect to the first device, processing system is further configured to control the second device executing the first function to receive responding data from the first device in response to the second device'"'"'s own broadcasting data.

142. The system of claim 75, wherein with respect to the first device, the responding data is sent automatically in response to the receiving.

143. The system of claim 75, wherein with respect to the first device, the processing system is further configured to, after responding data is received, cooperate with the transceiver and control the device to execute a connection process with another device that sent the responding data.

177. The system of claim 142, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a randomized length of time.

77. A system comprising first and second devices, each of the first and second devices comprising:

a transceiver operable to perform wireless radio communication; and

a processing system including a processor, the processing system being configured to cooperate with the transceiver and control the first device 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,

wherein the processing system of the first device is further configured to, in cooperation with the transceiver, control the first device to connect with the second device found by the search.

78. The system of claim 77, wherein the first and second functions alternate consecutively.

79. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly storing a program executable on a device comprising at least one processor and a transceiver operable to perform wireless radio communication, the program comprising instructions configured to cause the device 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 first period, and

send responding data in response to receiving a search to another device that sent the search, when the device is executing the second function.

80. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 79, wherein the program further comprises instructions to cause the device to at least receive responding data from another device in response to the device'"'"'s own search, when the device is executing the first function.

82. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 79, wherein the program further comprises instructions to cause the device to at least execute, after receiving responding data, a connection process with another device that sent the responding data.

83. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 79, wherein determinations of when to alternate between the first and second functions are made independent of determinations of when to alternate between first and second functions on other devices.

84. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 79, wherein determinations as to when to alternate between the first and second functions are made by the device itself.

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

86. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 79, wherein the first and second functions alternate consecutively.

144. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 79, wherein the program further comprises instructions to cause the device to automatically send responding data in response to the receiving.

145. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 79, wherein the program further comprises instructions to cause the device to, after responding data is received, execute a connection process with another device that sent the responding data.

146. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 144, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a randomized length of time.

147. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 144, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a periodically randomized length of time.

148. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 144, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a length of time randomized with each cycle.

149. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 144, 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.

150. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 149, wherein the second period comprises a randomized length of time.

81. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly storing a program executable on a device comprising at least one processor and a transceiver operable to perform wireless radio communication, the program comprising instructions configured to cause the device 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, and

connect with another device found by the search.

87. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly storing a program executable on a device comprising at least one processor and a transceiver operable to perform wireless radio communication, the program comprising instructions configured to cause the device 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, and

wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a randomized length of time.

88. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 87, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a periodically randomized length of time.

89. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 88, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a length of time randomized with each cycle.

90. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 88, 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.

91. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 90, wherein the second period comprises a randomized length of time.

92. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly storing a program executable on a device comprising at least one processor and a transceiver operable to perform wireless radio communication, the program comprising instructions configured to cause the device 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, and

wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a variable length of time.

93. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 92, wherein the alternation is determined based on a timer of the device.

94. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly storing a program executable on a device comprising at least one processor and a transceiver operable to perform wireless radio communication, the program comprising instructions configured to cause the device 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, and

send responding data in response to receiving broadcasting data to another device that sent the broadcasting data, when the device is executing the second function.

95. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 94, wherein the program further comprises instructions to cause the device to at least receive responding data from another device in response to the device'"'"'s own broadcasting data when the device is executing the first function.

96. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 94, wherein the program further comprises instructions to cause the device to at least connect with another device found by the search.

97. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 96, wherein the program further comprises instructions to cause the device to at least execute, after receiving responding data, a connection process with another device that sent the responding data.

98. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 94, wherein determinations of when to alternate between the first and second functions are made independent of determinations of when to alternate between first and second functions on other devices.

99. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 94, wherein determinations as to when to alternate between the first and second functions are made by the device itself.

100. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 94, wherein the first function and the second function are executed in a time-sharing system.

101. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 94, wherein the first and second functions alternate consecutively.

151. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 94, wherein the program further comprises instructions to cause the device to automatically send responding data in response to the receiving.

152. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 94, wherein the program further comprises instructions to cause the device to, after responding data is received, execute a connection process with another device that sent the responding data.

153. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 151, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a randomized length of time.

154. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 151, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a periodically randomized length of time.

155. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 151, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a length of time randomized with each cycle.

156. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 151, 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.

157. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 156, wherein the second period comprises a randomized length of time.

102. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly storing a program executable on a device comprising at least one processor and a transceiver operable to perform wireless radio communication, the program comprising instructions configured to cause the device 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,

wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a randomized length of time.

103. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 102, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a periodically randomized length of time.

104. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 103, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a length of time randomized with each cycle.

105. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 103, 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.

106. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 105, wherein the second period comprises a randomized length of time.

108. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 102, wherein the alternation is determined based on a timer of the device.

107. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly storing a program executable on a device comprising at least one processor and a transceiver operable to perform wireless radio communication, the program comprising instructions configured to cause the device 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,

wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a variable length of time.

109. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly storing a program executable on a device comprising at least one processor and a transceiver operable to perform wireless radio communication, the program comprising instructions configured to cause the device to at least:

operate the transceiver in a first mode for searching for other devices in the second mode;

operate the transceiver in a second mode for searching for other devices in the first mode;

control the transceiver so as to alternate between the first mode and the second mode, each alternation being automatic;

intermittently send data for the searching plural times during the first mode; and

send responding data in response to receiving a search to another device that sent the search.

116. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 109, wherein the alternation is determined based on a timer of the device.

117. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 109, wherein the first and second modes alternate consecutively.

158. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 109, wherein the program further comprises instructions to cause the device to automatically send responding data in response to the receiving.

159. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 109, wherein the program further comprises instructions to cause the device to, after responding data is received, execute a connection process with another device that sent the responding data.

178. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 158, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a randomized length of time.

110. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly storing a program executable on a device comprising at least one processor and a transceiver operable to perform wireless radio communication, the program comprising instructions configured to cause the device to at least:

operate the transceiver in a first mode for searching for other devices in the second mode;

operate the transceiver in a second mode for searching for other devices in the first mode;

control the transceiver so as to alternate between the first mode and the second mode, each alternation being automatic; and

intermittently send data for the searching plural times during the first mode,

wherein the first mode is performed during a first period, the second mode is performed during a second period, and at least one of the first and second periods comprises a randomized length of time.

111. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 110, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a periodically randomized length of time.

112. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 111, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a length of time randomized with each cycle.

113. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 111, 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.

114. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 113, wherein the second period comprises a randomized length of time.

115. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly storing a program executable on a device comprising at least one processor and a transceiver operable to perform wireless radio communication, the program comprising instructions configured to cause the device to at least:

operate the transceiver in a first mode for searching for other devices in the second mode;

operate the transceiver in a second mode for searching for other devices in the first mode;

control the transceiver so as to alternate between the first mode and the second mode, each alternation being automatic; and

intermittently send data for the searching plural times during the first mode,

wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a variable length of time.

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

operate the transceiver in a first mode for sending search data without specifying a destination address;

operate the transceiver in a second mode for receiving such search data;

control the transceiver so as to alternate between the first mode and the second mode, each alternation being automatic;

intermittently send the search data plural times during the first mode without specifying a destination address; and

send responding data in response to receiving a search to another device that sent the search.

160. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 118, wherein the program further comprises instructions to cause the device to automatically send responding data in response to the receiving.

161. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 118, wherein the program further comprises instructions to cause the device to, after responding data is received, execute a connection process with another device that sent the responding data.

119. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly storing a program executable on a device comprising at least one processor and a transceiver operable to perform wireless radio communication, the program comprising instructions configured to cause the device to at least:

operate the transceiver in a first mode for sending search data without specifying a destination address;

operate the transceiver in a second mode for receiving such search data;

control the transceiver so as to alternate between the first mode and the second mode, each alternation being automatic; and

intermittently send the search data plural times during the first mode without specifying a destination address,

wherein the first mode is performed during a first period, the second mode is performed during a second period, and at least one of the first and second periods comprises a randomized length of time.

120. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 119, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a periodically randomized length of time.

121. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 120, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a length of time randomized with each cycle.

122. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 120, 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.

123. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 122, wherein the second period comprises a randomized length of time.

124. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly storing a program executable on a device comprising at least one processor and a transceiver operable to perform wireless radio communication, the program comprising instructions configured to cause the device to at least:

operate the transceiver in a first mode for sending search data without specifying a destination address;

operate the transceiver in a second mode for receiving such search data;

control the transceiver so as to alternate between the first mode and the second mode, each alternation being automatic;

intermittently send the search data plural times during the first mode without specifying a destination address,

wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a variable length of time.

125. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 124, wherein the alternation is determined based on a timer of the device.

126. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 124, wherein the first and second modes alternate consecutively.

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

using a processor in connection with a transceiver of a device,

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; and

sending responding data in response to receiving a search to another device that sent the search.

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

using a processor in connection with a transceiver of a device,

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; and

sending responding date in response to receiving broadcasting data to another device that sent the broadcasting data.

129. A device, comprising:

a transceiver capable of performing wireless radio communication, and

a processing system including a processor, the processing system being capable of cooperating with the transceiver and controlling the device 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,

wherein the processing system is further capable, in cooperating with the transceiver, to control the device to execute the second function and send responding data in response to receiving broadcasting data to another device that sent the broadcasting data.

130. The device of claim 129, wherein the processing system is further capable of controlling the device executing the first function to receive responding data from another device in response to the device'"'"'s own broadcasting data.

162. The device of claim 129, wherein the responding data is capable of being sent automatically in response to the receiving.

163. The device of claim 129, wherein after responding data is received, the transceiver is further capable of being controlled to execute a connection process with another device that sent the responding data.

164. The device of claim 162, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a randomized length of time.

165. The device of claim 162, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a periodically randomized length of time.

166. The device of claim 162, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a length of time randomized with each cycle.

167. The device of claim 162, 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.

168. The device of claim 167, wherein the second period comprises a randomized length of time.

131. A device, comprising:

a transceiver capable of performing wireless radio communication, and

a processing system including a processor, the processing system being capable of cooperating with the transceiver and controlling the device to at least search for other devices, by alternately executing 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,

wherein the processing system is further capable, in cooperating with the transceiver, to control the device to execute the second function and send responding data to another device in response to receiving data sent from the another device while the another device is executing the first function.

169. The device of claim 131, wherein the responding data is capable of being sent automatically in response to the receiving.

170. The device of claim 131, wherein after responding data is received, the transceiver is further capable of being controlled to execute a connection process with another device that sent the responding data.

171. The device of claim 169, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a randomized length of time.

172. The device of claim 169, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a periodically randomized length of time.

173. The device of claim 169, wherein at least one of the first and second periods comprises a length of time randomized with each cycle.

174. The device of claim 169, 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.

175. The device of claim 174, wherein the second period comprises a randomized length of time.