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

• US 8,951,122 B2
• Filed: 01/13/2014
• Issued: 02/10/2015
• 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:
  US14/153,371
• Publication Number:
  US 20140135123A1
• Time in Patent Office: 393 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 operable to selectively execute one or more application programs, comprising:

a transceiver configured to perform wireless communication; and

a processor configured to cooperate with the transceiver and to control the device to at least;

search for another unspecified device repeatedly and continuously;

automatically establish a connection with another device found by the search;

automatically communicate with another device connected with by the automatic establishing to send and/or receive data associated with the one or more application programs; and

enable a user to prepare data among data associated with the one or more application programs to be provided to another device, wherein the automatic communication provides another device with the prepared data.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the search is executed without establishing a connection.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the search alternately repeats a sending function to send data intermittently plural times without establishing a connection, and a receiving function to receive such data without establishing a connection.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein at least one of the sending function and the receiving function is performable for a random length of time.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the search is broadcasted.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the search executes at least one of a broadcasting function to broadcast data and a receiving function to receive such broadcasted data.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the search alternately repeats a broadcasting function to broadcast data and a receiving function to receive such broadcasted data.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the broadcasting function further broadcasts identifying information to identify the one or more application programs.

9. The device of claim 7, wherein at least one of the broadcasting function and the receiving function is performable for a random length of time.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the transceiver is configured to perform direct wireless communication.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to search for another unspecified device while the device is in a sleep mode.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to search for another unspecified device while the device is in a power saving mode.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to search for another unspecified device while a display of the device is off.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to perform the search, connection establishing, and data communication while a display of the device is off.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to search for another unspecified device while application software is running on the device.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to perform the search, connection establishing, and data communication while application software is running on the device.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the application software is a user interactive application.

18. The device of claim 1, wherein the search repeatedly executes both of a first function for searching for another device and a second function for receiving a search from another device.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein the search alternately repeats a first mode for searching for another device and a second mode for receiving a search from another device.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein at least one of the first and second modes is performable for a random length of time.

21. The device of claim 19, wherein at least one of the first and second modes is performable for a random length of time that varies with a predetermined cycle.

22. The device of claim 19, wherein at least one of the first and second modes is performable for a length of time that varies across cycles.

23. The device of claim 19, wherein at least one of the first and second modes is performable for a length of time that varies with a predetermined cycle.

24. The device of claim 1, wherein the data associated with the one or more application programs is originated from the one or more application programs when the one or more application programs is/are executed.

25. A device operable to execute at least one application program, comprising:

a transceiver configured to perform wireless communication;

a memory configured to store data originated from the at least one application program; and

a processor configured to control the device to at least;

search for another unspecified device repeatedly and continuously;

automatically establish a connection with another device found by the search; and

automatically send and/or receive data stored in the memory for another device connected with by the connection establishing,

wherein the search alternately repeats a sending function to send data for the search intermittently plural times without establishing a connection, and a receiving function to receive such data without establishing a connection.

26. The device of claim 25, wherein at least one of the sending function and the receiving function is performable for a random length of time.

27. A device, comprising:

a transceiver configured to perform wireless communication; and

a processor configured to control the device to at least;

search for another unspecified device repeatedly and continuously;

automatically establish a connection with another device found by the search; and

automatically send and/or receive data from another device connected with by the connection establishing,

wherein the search alternately repeats a first function to search for an unspecified device intermittently plural times without establishing a connection, and a second function to receive a search from an unspecified device without establishing a connection.

28. The device of claim 27, wherein at least one of the first function and the second function is performable for a random length of time.

29. A game device operable to selectively execute one or more application programs, comprising:

a transceiver configured to perform wireless communication; and

a processor configured to control the device to at least;

search for another unspecified device repeatedly and continuously;

automatically establish a connection with another device found by the search;

automatically communicate with another device connected with by the automatic establishing to send and/or receive game data associated with the one or more application programs; and

enable a user to prepare data among data associated with the one or more application programs to be provided to another device, wherein the automatic communication provides another device with the prepared data.

30. A game device operable to execute at least one application program, comprising:

a transceiver configured to perform wireless communication;

a game data store configured to store game data originated from the one or more application programs; and

a processor configured to control the device to at least;

search for another unspecified device repeatedly and continuously;

automatically establish a connection with another device found by the search; and

automatically send and/or receive game data stored in the game data store for another device connected with by the connection establishing,

wherein the search alternately repeats a sending function to send data for the search intermittently plural times without establishing a connection, and a receiving function to receive such data without establishing a connection.

31. A game device, comprising:

a transceiver configured to perform wireless communication; and

a processor configured to control the device to at least;

search for another unspecified device repeatedly and continuously;

automatically establish a connection with another device found by the search; and

automatically send and/or receive game data from another device connected with by the connection establishing,

wherein the search alternately repeats a first function to search for an unspecified device intermittently plural times without establishing a connection, and a second function to receive a search from an unspecified device without establishing a connection.

32. At least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly storing program instructions for use with a device including at least one processor and a transceiver configured to perform wireless communication, the device being operable to selectively execute one or more application programs, the program instructions being configured to at least:

search for another unspecified device repeatedly and continuously;

automatically establish a connection with another device found by the search;

automatically communicate with another device connected with by the automatic establishing to send and/or receive data associated with the one or more application programs; and

enable a user to prepare data among data associated with the one or more application programs to be provided with to another device, and wherein the automatic communication provides another device with the prepared data.

33. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 32, wherein the search is executed without establishing a connection.

34. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 33, wherein the search alternately repeats a sending function to send data intermittently plural times without establishing a connection, and a receiving function to receive such data without establishing a connection.

35. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 34, wherein at least one of the sending function and the receiving function is performable for a random length of time.

36. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 32, wherein the search is broadcasted.

37. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 36, wherein the search executes at least one of a broadcasting function to broadcast data and a receiving function to receive such broadcasted data.

38. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 37, wherein the search alternately repeats a broadcasting function to broadcast data and a receiving function to receive such broadcasted data.

39. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 37, wherein the broadcasting function further broadcasts identifying information to identify the one or more application programs.

40. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 38, wherein at least one of the broadcasting function and the receiving function is performable for a random length of time.

41. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 32, wherein the transceiver is configured to perform direct wireless communication.

42. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 32, wherein the search searches for another unspecified device while the device is in a sleep mode.

43. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 32, wherein the search searches for another unspecified device while the device is in a power saving mode.

44. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 32, wherein the search searches for another unspecified device while a display of the device is off.

45. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 32, wherein the search, connection establishing, and data communication are performable while a display of the device is off.

46. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 32, wherein the search searches for another unspecified device while application software is running on the device.

47. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 32, wherein the search, connection establishing, and data communication are performable while application software is running on the device.

48. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 47, wherein the application software is a user interactive application.

49. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 32, wherein the search repeatedly executes both of a first function for searching for another device and a second function for receiving a search from another device.

50. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 49, wherein the search alternately repeats a first mode for searching for another device and a second mode for receiving a search from another device.

51. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 50, wherein at least one of the first and second modes is performable for a random length of time.

52. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 50, wherein at least one of the first and second modes is performable for a random length of time that varies with a predetermined cycle.

53. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 50, wherein at least one of the first and second modes is performable for a length of time that varies across cycles.

54. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 50, wherein at least one of the first and second modes is performable for a length of time that varies with a predetermined cycle.

55. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 32, wherein the data associated with the one or more application programs is originated from the one or more application programs when the one or more application programs is/are executed.

56. At least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly storing program instructions for use with a device including at least one processor, a transceiver configured to perform wireless communication and a memory configured to store data, the device being operable to execute at least one application program, the program instructions being configured to at least:

search for another unspecified device repeatedly and continuously;

automatically establish a connection with another device found by the search; and

automatically send and/or receive data stored in the memory for another device connected with by the connection establishing,

wherein the search alternately repeats a sending function to send data for the search intermittently plural times without establishing a connection, and a receiving function to receive such data without establishing a connection.

57. At least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly storing program instructions for use with a device including at least one processor and a transceiver configured to perform wireless communication, the program instructions being configured to at least:

search for another unspecified device repeatedly and continuously;

automatically establish a connection with another device found by the search; and

automatically send and/or receive data from another device connected with by the connection establishing,

wherein the search alternately repeats a first function to search for an unspecified device intermittently plural times without establishing a connection, and a second function to receive a search from an unspecified device without establishing a connection.

58. At least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly storing program instructions for use with a game device including at least one processor and a transceiver configured to perform wireless communication, the game device being operable to selectively execute one or more application programs, the program instructions being configured to at least:

search for another unspecified device repeatedly and continuously;

automatically establish a connection with another device found by the search;

automatically communicate with another device connected with by the automatic establishing to send and/or receive game data associated with the one or more application programs; and

enable a user to prepare data among data associated with the one or more application programs to be provided with to another device, and wherein the automatic communication provides another device with the prepared data.

59. At least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly storing program instructions for use with a game device operable to execute at least one application program, the game device including at least one processor, a transceiver configured to perform wireless communication and a game data store configured to store game data originated from the at least one application program, the program instructions being configured to at least:

search for another unspecified device repeatedly and continuously;

automatically establish a connection with another device found by the search; and

automatically send and/or receive game data stored in the game data store for another device connected with by the connection establishing,

wherein the search alternately repeats a sending function to send data for the search intermittently plural times without establishing a connection, and a receiving function to receive such data without establishing a connection.

60. At least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly storing program instructions for use with a game device including at least one processor and a transceiver configured to perform wireless communication, the program instructions being configured to at least:

search for another unspecified device repeatedly and continuously;

automatically establish a connection with another device found by the search; and

automatically send and/or receive game data from another device connected with by the connection establishing,

wherein the search alternately repeats a first function to search for an unspecified device intermittently plural times without establishing a connection, and a second function to receive a search from an unspecified device without establishing a connection.

61. A system comprising at least first and second devices, the first device being operable to selectively execute one or more application programs and comprising:

a transceiver configured to perform wireless communication; and

a processor configured to cooperate with the transceiver and to control the device to at least;

search for another unspecified device repeatedly and continuously;

automatically establish a connection with another device found by the search;

automatically communicate with another device connected with by the automatic establishing to send and/or receive data associated with the one or more application programs; and

enable a user to prepare data among data associated with the one or more application programs to be provided to another device, wherein the automatic communication provides another device with the prepared data.

62. A system comprising at least first and second devices, the first device being operable to execute at least one application program and comprising:

a transceiver configured to perform wireless communication;

a memory configured to store data originated from the at least one application program; and

a processor configured to control the device to at least;

search for another unspecified device repeatedly and continuously;

automatically establish a connection with another device found by the search; and

automatically send and/or receive data stored in the memory for another device connected with by the connection establishing,

wherein the search alternately repeats a sending function to send data for the search intermittently plural times without establishing a connection, and a receiving function to receive such data without establishing a connection.

63. A system comprising at least first and second devices, the first device comprising:

a transceiver configured to perform wireless communication; and

a processor configured to control the device to at least;

search for another unspecified device repeatedly and continuously;

automatically establish a connection with another device found by the search; and

automatically send and/or receive data from another device connected with by the connection establishing,

wherein the search alternately repeats a first function to search for an unspecified device intermittently plural times without establishing a connection, and a second function to receive a search from an unspecified device without establishing a connection.

64. A system comprising at least first and second devices, the first device being a game device operable to selectively execute one or more application programs and comprising:

a transceiver configured to perform wireless communication; and

a processor configured to control the device to at least;

search for another unspecified device repeatedly and continuously;

automatically establish a connection with another device found by the search;

automatically communicate with another device connected with by the automatic establishing to send and/or receive game data associated with the one or more application programs; and

enable a user to prepare data among data associated with the one or more application programs to be provided to another device, wherein the automatic communication provides another device with the prepared data.

65. A system comprising at least first and second devices, the first device being a game device operable to execute at least one application program and comprising:

a transceiver configured to perform wireless communication;

a game data store configured to store game data originated from the at least one application program; and

a processor configured to control the device to at least;

search for another unspecified device repeatedly and continuously;

automatically establish a connection with another device found by the search; and

automatically send and/or receive game data stored in the game data store for another device connected with by the connection establishing,

wherein the search alternately repeats a sending function to send data for the search intermittently plural times without establishing a connection, and a receiving function to receive such data without establishing a connection.

66. A system comprising at least first and second devices, the first device being a game device and comprising:

a transceiver configured to perform wireless communication; and

a processor configured to control the device to at least;

search for another unspecified device repeatedly and continuously;

automatically establish a connection with another device found by the search; and

automatically send and/or receive game data from another device connected with by the connection establishing,

wherein the search alternately repeats a first function to search for an unspecified device intermittently plural times without establishing a connection, and a second function to receive a search from an unspecified device without establishing a connection.

67. A method for performing wireless communication, the method comprising:

using a processor of a device operable to selectively execute one or more application programs,

searching for another unspecified device repeatedly and continuously;

automatically establishing a connection with another device found by the searching;

automatically communicating with another device connected with by the automatic establishing to send and/or receive data associated with the one or more application programs; and

enabling a user to prepare data among data associated with the one or more application programs to be provided to another device, wherein the automatic communicating provides another device with the prepared data.