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

• US 9,457,267 B2
• Filed: 08/13/2015
• Issued: 10/04/2016
• 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:
  US14/825,234
• Publication Number:
  US 20150343304A1
• Time in Patent Office: 418 Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• 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 controllable to perform wireless radio communication, the transceiver being configured in a first mode to send broadcasts for other devices, and in a second mode to receive broadcasts from other devices;

wherein the device is configured to automatically repeatedly alternate between the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable for a random length of time.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second modes is performable for a random length of time that is randomized periodically.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second modes is performable for a random length of time that is randomized for a predetermined cycle.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein at least one of the first and second modes is performable for a random length of time that is randomized for each repeated cycle.

5. 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 random length of time.

6. The device of claim 3, 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 random length of time.

7. The device of claim 5, wherein the second mode is performed for a random length of time.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the random length of time is randomized for each repetition of the second mode.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein each transition between the first and second modes is immediate.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the first mode broadcasts data to search for other devices.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the first mode sends the broadcasts without a specified destination address.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second modes follow one another, consecutively.

13. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a randomization circuit configured to determine the random length of time for at least one of the first mode and the second mode, the randomization circuit randomizing the random length of time; and

a timer,

wherein transitions between the first mode and the second mode are made based on the random length of time determined by the randomization circuit and based on the timer.

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

15. The device of claim 1, wherein the random length of time is set independently of other devices.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein the random length of time exceeds a predetermined minimum duration.

17. The device of claim 1, wherein the random length of time does not exceed a predetermined maximum duration.

18. The device of claim 1, wherein randomness provided as to the one of the first and second modes diversifies the timing of sending a broadcast in the first mode with respect to the timing of awaiting a broadcast in the second mode of another device as recited in claim 1.

19. The device of claim 1, wherein randomness diversifies both the timing of sending a broadcast and the timing of awaiting a broadcast.

20. The device of claim 7, wherein randomness provided as to the second mode diversifies at least the ending time of the second mode and the starting time of a next first mode.

21. The device of claim 1, wherein the second mode is performed immediately after the first mode and a next first mode is performed immediately after the second mode.

22. The device of claim 1, wherein the transceiver enables communication with another device in situations where (a) the device is operating in the second mode and receives a broadcast from the another device, and (b) the device is operating in the first mode and sends a broadcast to the another device when the another device is awaiting a broadcast.

23. The device of claim 1, wherein at least the second mode is performable for a random length of time, wherein randomness of the random length of time diversifies the timing of awaiting a broadcast to increase the likelihood of receiving a broadcast.

24. The device of claim 1, wherein at least the first mode is performable for a random length of time, wherein randomness of the random length of time diversifies the timing of sending a broadcast to increase the likelihood of the broadcast being received.

25. The device of claim 1, wherein another device comprises another transceiver controllable to perform wireless radio communication, the another transceiver being configured in a first mode that sends broadcasts receivable by the device, and in a second mode that is able to receive a broadcast from the device, the another transceiver being configured to execute its first and second modes so as to automatically repeatedly alternate, at least one of these first and second modes being performable for another random length of time, and wherein:

the transceiver of the device performing the first mode is configured to send a broadcast receivable by the another transceiver of the another device and the another transceiver of the another device performing the second mode is configured to receive the broadcast,

the another transceiver of the another device performing the first mode is configured to send a broadcast receivable by the transceiver of the device and the transceiver of the device performing the second mode is configured to receive the broadcast, and

randomness increases the likelihood that the another transceiver of the another device will receive the broadcast sent by the transceiver of the device and the likelihood that the transceiver of the device will receive the broadcast sent by the another transceiver of the another device.

26. The device of claim 25, wherein the random length of time varies at least some cycles, exceeds a predetermined minimum duration, does not exceed a predetermined maximum duration, and is set independently of other devices.

27. The device of claim 26, wherein one of the first and second modes is performed for a fixed duration and the other of the first and second modes is performed for a random duration.

28. The device of claim 27, wherein the second mode is performed for a random duration.

29. The device of claim 1, wherein another device comprises another transceiver controllable to perform wireless radio communication, the another transceiver being configured in a first mode that sends broadcasts receivable by the device, and in a second mode that is able to receive a broadcast from the device, the another transceiver being configured to execute its first and second modes so as to alternate automatically and repeatedly, at least one of these first and second modes being performable for another random length of time, wherein the random length of time and the another random length of time are set independently of one another.

30. The device of claim 1, wherein the transceiver operating in the second mode is further configured to send responding data, in response to receiving a broadcast from another device, to the another device that sent the received broadcast.

31. The device of claim 30, wherein the responding data is sent automatically.

32. The device of claim 30, wherein the responding data is sent automatically if the broadcast satisfies a predetermined condition.

33. The device of claim 30, wherein the transceiver operating in the first mode is further configured to receive responding data from another device in response to the device'"'"'s own broadcast.

34. The device of claim 30, wherein the transceiver is further controllable to execute:

a first connection process with another device that sent a broadcast received by the device while in the second mode; and

a second connection process with another device that sent responding data received by the device.

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

36. The device of claim 1, wherein the transceiver operating in the second mode is further configured to send data, in response to having received a broadcast, to another device that sent the received broadcast, so that the device and the another device are caused to connect with each other.

37. The device of claim 1, further comprising a randomizing circuit configured to randomize the random length of time for at least one of the first mode and the second mode, wherein transitions between the first mode and the second mode are based on the random length of time randomized by the randomizing circuit.

38. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second modes are executable in a plurality of cycles, and wherein at least one of the first and second modes is performable for a random length of time that is randomized with each cycle.

39. The device of claim 1, wherein:

the transceiver is controllable to perform direct wireless radio communication,

the first and second modes are executable in a plurality of cycles,

transitions between the first and second modes within the cycles are continuous,

the random length of time is periodically randomized, and

the transceiver in the first mode is configured to intermittently send broadcasts plural times during the first mode.

40. The device of claim 39, 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 random length of time.

41. The device of claim 39, wherein the first and second modes follow one another, consecutively.

42. The device of claim 1, wherein the transceiver is configured in the first mode to intermittently broadcast data plural times during a period.

43. The device of claim 1, wherein the modes are executed in cycles in a predetermined order, the predetermined order being defined as a first mode followed by a second mode.

44. The device of claim 1, wherein the modes are executed in cycles in a predetermined order, the predetermined order being defined as a first mode immediately followed by a second mode.

45. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second modes are executable in a plurality of cycles, at least some of the cycles consisting of a first mode followed by a second mode.

46. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second modes are executable in a plurality of cycles, at least some of the cycles consisting of a first mode followed by a second mode followed by another first mode.

47. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second modes are executable in a plurality of cycles, and wherein the cycles are executed immediately after one another.

123. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second modes are executable in each of a plurality of cycles.

212. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured for time-sharing with respect to the first and second modes.

213. The device of claim 1, wherein the broadcasts include information indicative of the device type.

214. The device of claim 1, wherein the broadcasts include information indicative of a capability of the device.

215. The device of claim 214, wherein the information indicates a communication capability of the device.

216. The device of claim 214, wherein the capability relates to the capability of providing information from the device.

217. The device of claim 214, wherein the capability relates to the capability of executing a function on the device.

218. The device of claim 214, wherein the broadcasts include information relating to or created by an application executable on the device.

219. The device of claim 1, wherein the broadcasts include information related to or created by a game application executable on the device.

220. The device of claim 1, wherein the broadcasts include information indicative of a device type and information indicative of a capability of the device.

221. The device of claim 1, wherein:

the device is configured for time-sharing with respect to the first and second modes;

the broadcasts include information indicative of a capability of the device; and

the transceiver in the first mode is configured to intermittently send broadcasts plural times during each repetition of the first mode.

222. The device of claim 1, further comprising a randomizing circuit configured to determine the random length of time for at least one of the first mode and the second mode, and wherein:

transitions between the first mode and the second mode are based on the random length of time randomized by the randomizing circuit;

the device is configured for time-sharing with respect to the first and second modes;

the broadcasts include information indicative of a capability of the device; and

the transceiver in the first mode is configured to intermittently send broadcasts plural times during each repetition of the first mode.

223. The device of claim 1, wherein responding data, sent in response to a broadcast being received while the second mode is being executed, includes information indicative of the device type.

224. The device of claim 1, wherein responding data, sent in response to a broadcast being received while the second mode is being executed, includes information indicative of a capability of the device sending the responding data.

225. The device of claim 1, wherein responding data, sent in response to a broadcast being received while the second mode is being executed, includes information indicative of a device type and information indicative of a capability of the device sending the responding data.

226. The device of claim 1, wherein:

the broadcasts include information indicative of a capability of the device; and

responding data, sent in response to a broadcast being received while the second mode is being executed, includes information indicative of a capability of the device sending the responding data.

227. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured to alternate between the first mode and the second mode so that the first mode starts after the second mode without waiting and the second mode starts after the first mode without waiting.

228. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is further configured to automatically receive additional data from another device that sends a broadcast that the device received.

229. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is further configured to automatically connect with another device that sends a broadcast that the device received.

230. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is further configured to send/receive service information to/from another device that sends a broadcast that the device received.

48. A device, comprising:

a transceiver controllable to perform wireless radio communication, the transceiver being configured in a first mode and a second mode, the transceiver in the first mode searching other devices in the second mode, the transceiver in the second mode searching other devices in the first mode;

wherein the first and second modes are executable in a plurality of cycles, at least one of the first and second modes being performable for a random length of time.

49. The device of claim 48, wherein at least one of the first and second modes is performable for a random length of time that varies in different cycles.

50. The device of claim 48, further comprising a randomizing circuit configured to randomize the time of at least one of the first mode and the second mode, wherein transitions between the first mode and the second mode are based on the time randomized by the randomizing circuit.

51. The device of claim 48, further comprising:

a randomization circuit configured to randomize the random length of time for at least one of the first mode and the second mode; and

a timer,

wherein transitions between the first mode and the second mode are made based on the random length of time determined by the randomization circuit and based on the timer.

52. The device of claim 48, wherein the first mode broadcasts data for the searching.

53. The device of claim 48, wherein the first mode performs the searching without a specified destination address.

54. The device of claim 48, wherein each transition between the first and second modes is immediate.

55. The device of claim 48, wherein at least one of the first and second modes is performable for a random length of time that is randomized for a predetermined cycle.

56. The device of claim 48, wherein at least one of the first and second modes is performable for a random length of time that is randomized with each cycle.

57. The device of claim 48, wherein the modes are executed in the cycles in a predetermined order, the predetermined order being defined as a first mode followed by a second mode.

58. The device of claim 48, wherein the modes are executed in the cycles in a predetermined order, the predetermined order being defined as a first mode immediately followed by a second mode.

59. The device of claim 48, wherein at least some of the cycles consist of a first mode followed by a second mode.

60. The device of claim 48, wherein at least some of the cycles consist of a first mode followed by a second mode followed by another first mode.

61. The device of claim 48, wherein the cycles are executed immediately after one another.

124. The device of claim 48, wherein the first and second modes are executable in each of a plurality of cycles.

62. A device, comprising:

a transceiver controllable to perform wireless radio communication, the transceiver being configured in a first mode to search for another device, and in a second mode to receive a search from another device; and

a randomizing circuit;

wherein the first and second modes are executable in a plurality of cycles, at least one of the first and second modes being performable at a random-based time;

wherein the randomizing circuit is configured to randomize the time of at least one of the first mode and the second mode; and

wherein transitions between the first mode and the second mode are based on the time randomized by the randomizing circuit.

63. The device of claim 62, wherein the first mode is performable at a random-based time and the second mode is performable at a random-based time.

64. The device of claim 62, wherein at least one of the first and second modes is performable for a random length of time that varies in different cycles.

65. The device of claim 62, wherein one of the first and second modes is performed for a fixed duration and the other of the first and second modes is performed for a random duration.

66. The device of claim 62, wherein one of the first and second modes is performed at a randomized time for a fixed duration and the other of the first and second modes is performed at a randomized time for a randomized duration.

67. The device of claim 62, wherein the first mode is performed at a randomized time for a fixed duration and the second mode is performed at a randomized time for a randomized duration.

68. The device of claim 62, further comprising:

a timer,

wherein transitions between the first mode and the second mode are made based on the random-based time determined by the randomizing circuit and based on the timer.

69. The device of claim 62, wherein the first mode broadcasts data for the searching.

70. The device of claim 62, wherein the first mode performs the searching without a specified destination address.

71. The device of claim 62, wherein each transition between the first and second modes is immediate.

72. The device of claim 62, wherein at least one of the first and second modes is performable for a random length of time that is randomized for a predetermined cycle.

73. The device of claim 62, wherein at least one of the first and second modes is performable for a random length of time that is randomized with each cycle.

74. The device of claim 62, wherein the modes are executed in the cycles in a predetermined order, the predetermined order being defined as a first mode followed by a second mode.

75. The device of claim 62, wherein the modes are executed in the cycles in a predetermined order, the predetermined order being defined as a first mode immediately followed by a second mode.

76. The device of claim 62, wherein at least some of the cycles consist of a first mode followed by a second mode.

77. The device of claim 62, wherein at least some of the cycles consist of a first mode followed by a second mode followed by another first mode.

78. The device of claim 62, wherein the cycles are executed immediately after one another.

125. The device of claim 62, wherein the first and second modes are executable in each of a plurality of cycles.

79. A device, comprising:

a transceiver controllable to perform wireless radio communication, the transceiver being configured in a first mode to search for another device, and in a second mode to receive a search from another device;

wherein the first and second modes are executable in a series comprising cycles, each cycle comprising a first mode and a second mode, at least one of the first and second modes in at least one of the cycles being performable for a random length of time.

80. A game device, comprising:

a transceiver controllable to perform wireless radio communication, the transceiver being configured in a first mode to search for another device, and in a second mode to receive a search from another device;

wherein the first and second modes are executable in a plurality of cycles, at least one of the first and second modes being performable for a random length of time.

81. The game device of claim 80, 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 random length of time.

82. The game device of claim 81, wherein the second mode is performed for a random length of time.

83. The game device of claim 80, wherein each transition between the first and second modes is immediate.

84. The game device of claim 80, wherein the first mode broadcasts data for the searching.

85. The game device of claim 80, wherein the first mode performs the searching without a specified destination address.

86. The game device of claim 80, wherein the first and second modes follow one another, consecutively.

87. The game device of claim 80, wherein the transceiver operating in the second mode is further configured to send responding data, in response to receiving a search from another game device, to the another game device that sent the received search.

88. The game device of claim 87, wherein the transceiver operating in the first mode is further configured to receive responding data from another game device in response to the game device'"'"'s own search.

89. The game device of claim 87, wherein the transceiver is further controllable to execute:

a first connection process with another game device that sent a search received by the game device while in the second mode; and

a second connection process with another game device that sent responding data received by the game device.

90. The game device of claim 80, wherein:

the transceiver is controllable to perform direct wireless radio communication,

transitions between the first and second modes within the cycles are continuous,

the random length of time is periodically randomized, and

the transceiver in the first mode is configured to intermittently send data for the searching plural times during the first mode.

91. The game device of claim 80, wherein the transceiver is configured in the first mode to intermittently broadcast data plural times during a period for the searching.

92. The game device of claim 80, wherein the modes are executed in the cycles in a predetermined order, the predetermined order being defined as a first mode followed by a second mode.

93. The game device of claim 80, wherein the modes are executed in the cycles in a predetermined order, the predetermined order being defined as a first mode immediately followed by a second mode.

94. A game device, comprising:

a transceiver controllable to perform wireless radio communication, the transceiver being configured in a first mode and a second mode, the transceiver in the first mode searching other devices in the second mode, the transceiver in the second mode searching other devices in the first mode;

wherein the first and second modes are executable in a plurality of cycles, at least one of the first and second modes being performable for a random length of time.

95. The game device of claim 94, 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 random length of time.

96. The game device of claim 95, wherein the second mode is performed for a random length of time.

97. The game device of claim 94, wherein each transition between the first and second modes is immediate.

98. The game device of claim 94, wherein the first mode broadcasts data for the searching.

99. The game device of claim 94, wherein the first mode performs the searching without a specified destination address.

100. The game device of claim 94, wherein the first and second modes follow one another, consecutively.

101. The game device of claim 94, wherein the transceiver operating in the second mode is further configured to send responding data, in response to receiving a search from another game device, to the another game device that sent the received search.

102. The game device of claim 101, wherein the transceiver operating in the first mode is further configured to receive responding data from another game device in response to the game device'"'"'s own search.

103. The game device of claim 101, wherein the transceiver is further controllable to execute:

a first connection process with another game device that sent a search received by the game device while in the second mode; and

a second connection process with another game device that sent responding data received by the game device.

104. The game device of claim 94, wherein:

the transceiver is controllable to perform direct wireless radio communication,

transitions between the first and second modes within the cycles are continuous,

the random length of time is periodically randomized, and

the transceiver in the first mode is configured to intermittently send data for the searching plural times during the first mode.

105. The game device of claim 94, wherein the transceiver is configured in the first mode to intermittently broadcast data plural times during a period for the searching.

106. The game device of claim 94, wherein the modes are executed in the cycles in a predetermined order, the predetermined order being defined as a first mode followed by a second mode.

107. The game device of claim 94, wherein the modes are executed in the cycles in a predetermined order, the predetermined order being defined as a first mode immediately followed by a second mode.

126. The game device of claim 94, wherein the first and second modes are executable in each of a plurality of cycles.

108. A game device, comprising:

a transceiver controllable to perform wireless radio communication, the transceiver being configured in a first mode to search for another device, and a second mode to receive a search from another device; and

a randomizing circuit;

wherein the first and second modes are executable in a plurality of cycles, at least one of the first and second modes being performable at a random-based time;

wherein the randomizing circuit is configured to randomize the time of at least one of the first mode and the second mode; and

wherein transitions between the first mode and the second mode are based on the time randomized by the randomizing circuit.

109. The game device of claim 108, 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 random length of time.

110. The game device of claim 108, wherein the second mode is performed for a random length of time.

111. The game device of claim 108, wherein each transition between the first and second modes is immediate.

112. The game device of claim 108, wherein the first mode broadcasts data for the searching.

113. The game device of claim 108, wherein the first mode performs the searching without a specified destination address.

114. The game device of claim 108, wherein the first and second modes follow one another, consecutively.

115. The game device of claim 108, wherein the transceiver operating in the second mode is further configured to send responding data, in response to receiving a search from another game device, to the another game device that sent the received search.

116. The game device of claim 115, wherein the transceiver operating in the first mode is further configured to receive responding data from another game device in response to the game device'"'"'s own search.

117. The game device of claim 115, wherein the transceiver is further controllable to execute:

a first connection process with another game device that sent a search received by the game device while in the second mode; and

a second connection process with another game device that sent responding data received by the game device.

118. The game device of claim 108, wherein:

the transceiver is controllable to perform direct wireless radio communication,

transitions between the first and second modes within the cycles are continuous,

the random-based time is periodically randomized, and

the transceiver in the first mode is configured to intermittently send data for the searching plural times during the first mode.

119. The game device of claim 108, wherein the transceiver is configured in the first mode to intermittently broadcast data plural times during a period for the searching.

120. The game device of claim 108, wherein the modes are executed in the cycles in a predetermined order, the predetermined order being defined as a first mode followed by a second mode.

121. The game device of claim 108, wherein the modes are executed in the cycles in a predetermined order, the predetermined order being defined as a first mode immediately followed by a second mode.

127. The game device of claim 108, wherein the first and second modes are executable in each of a plurality of cycles.

122. A game device, comprising:

a transceiver controllable to perform wireless radio communication, the transceiver being configured in a first mode to search for another device, and a second mode to receive a search from another device;

wherein the first and second modes are executable in a series comprising cycles, each cycle comprising a first mode and a second mode, at least one of the first and second modes in at least one of the cycles being performable for a random length of time.

128. The game device of claim 122, wherein the first and second modes are executable in each of a plurality of cycles.

129. At least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly storing instructions for use with a device including a transceiver controllable to perform wireless radio communication, the instructions being executable in connection with the device to provide functionality including at least:

operating the transceiver in a first mode to send broadcasts for other devices; and

operating the transceiver in a second mode to receive broadcasts from other devices;

wherein the device is configured to automatically repeatedly alternate between the first and second modes, at least one of the first and second modes being performable for a random length of time.

130. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 129, wherein at least one of the first and second modes is performable for a random length of time that is randomized periodically.

131. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 129, wherein at least one of the first and second modes is performable for a random length of time that is randomized for a predetermined cycle.

132. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 131, wherein at least one of the first and second modes is performable for a random length of time that is randomized for each repeated cycle.

133. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 129, 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 random length of time.

134. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 131, 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 random length of time.

135. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 133, wherein the second mode is performed for a random length of time.

136. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 135, wherein the random length of time is randomized for each repetition of the second mode.

137. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 129, wherein each transition between the first and second modes is immediate.

138. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 129, wherein the first mode broadcasts data to search for other devices.

139. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 129, wherein the first mode sends the broadcasts without a specified destination address.

140. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 129, wherein the first and second modes follow one another, consecutively.

141. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 129, further comprising instructions executable to provide functionality including at least:

determining, in connection with a randomization circuit of the device, the random length of time for at least one of the first mode and the second mode, the randomization circuit randomizing the random length of time; and

transitioning between the first mode and the second mode based on the random length of time determined by the randomization circuit and based on a timer of the device.

142. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 129, wherein the wireless radio communication is short-distance wireless radio communication.

143. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 129, wherein the random length of time is set independently of other devices.

144. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 130, wherein the random length of time exceeds a predetermined minimum duration.

145. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 129, wherein the random length of time does not exceed a predetermined maximum duration.

146. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 129, wherein randomness provided as to the one of the first and second modes diversifies the timing of sending a broadcast in the first mode with respect to the timing of awaiting a broadcast in the second mode of another device configured to execute instructions to provide functionality including at least the functionality as recited in claim 129.

147. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 129, wherein randomness diversifies both the timing of sending a broadcast and the timing of awaiting a broadcast.

148. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 135, wherein randomness provided as to the second mode diversifies at least the ending time of the second mode and the starting time of a next first mode.

149. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 129, wherein the second mode is performed immediately after the first mode and a next first mode is performed immediately after the second mode.

150. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 129, wherein the transceiver enables communication with another device in situations where (a) the device is operating in the second mode and receives a broadcast from the another device, and (b) the device is operating in the first mode and sends a broadcast to the another device when the another device is awaiting a broadcast.

151. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 129, wherein at least the second mode is performable for a random length of time, wherein randomness of the random length of time diversifies the timing of awaiting a broadcast to increase the likelihood of receiving a broadcast.

152. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 129, wherein at least the first mode is performable for a random length of time, wherein randomness of the random length of time diversifies the timing of sending a broadcast to increase the likelihood of the broadcast being received.

153. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 129, wherein another device comprises another transceiver controllable to perform wireless radio communication, the another transceiver being configured in a first mode that sends broadcasts receivable by the device, and in a second mode that is able to receive a broadcast from the device, the another transceiver being configured to execute its first and second modes so as to automatically repeatedly alternate, at least one of these first and second modes being performable for another random length of time, and wherein:

the transceiver of the device performing the first mode is configured to send a broadcast receivable by the another transceiver of the another device and the another transceiver of the another device performing the second mode is configured to receive the broadcast,

the another transceiver of the another device performing the first mode is configured to send a broadcast receivable by the transceiver of the device and the transceiver of the device performing the second mode is configured to receive the broadcast, and

randomness increases the likelihood that the another transceiver of the another device will receive the broadcast sent by the transceiver of the device and the likelihood that the transceiver of the device will receive the broadcast sent by the another transceiver of the another device.

154. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 153, wherein the random length of time varies at least some cycles, exceeds a predetermined minimum duration, does not exceed a predetermined maximum duration, and is set independently of other devices.

155. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 154, wherein one of the first and second modes is performed for a fixed duration and the other of the first and second modes is performed for a random duration.

156. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 155, wherein the second mode is performed for a random duration.

157. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 129, wherein another device comprises another transceiver controllable to perform wireless radio communication, the another transceiver being configured in a first mode that sends broadcasts receivable by the device, and in a second mode that is able to receive a broadcast from the device, the another transceiver being configured to execute its first and second modes so as to automatically repeatedly alternate, at least one of these first and second modes being performable for another random length of time, wherein the random length of time and the another random length of time are set independently of one another.

158. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 129, wherein the transceiver operating in the second mode is further configured to send responding data, in response to receiving a broadcast from another device, to the another device that sent the received broadcast.

159. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 158, wherein the responding data is sent automatically.

160. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 158, wherein the responding data is sent automatically if the broadcast satisfies a predetermined condition.

161. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 158, wherein the transceiver operating in the first mode is further configured to receive responding data from another device in response to the device'"'"'s own broadcast.

162. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 158, further comprising instructions executable to provide functionality including at least:

performing a first connection process with another device that sent a broadcast received by the device while in the second mode; and

performing a second connection process with another device that sent responding data received by the device.

163. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 129, wherein the device is handheld.

164. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 129, wherein the transceiver operating in the second mode is further configured to send data, in response to having received a broadcast, to another device that sent the received broadcast, so that the device and the another device are caused to connect with each other.

165. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 129, further comprising instructions executable to provide functionality including at least randomizing the random length of time for at least one of the first mode and the second mode via a randomizing circuit of the device, wherein transitions between the first mode and the second mode are based on the random length of time randomized by the randomizing circuit.

166. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 129, wherein the first and second modes are executable in a plurality of cycles, and wherein at least one of the first and second modes is performable for a random length of time that is randomized with each cycle.

167. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 129, wherein:

the transceiver is controllable to perform direct wireless radio communication,

the first and second modes are executable in a plurality of cycles,

transitions between the first and second modes within the cycles are continuous,

the random length of time is periodically randomized, and

the transceiver in the first mode is configured to intermittently send broadcasts plural times during the first mode.

168. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 167, 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 random length of time.

169. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 167, wherein the first and second modes follow one another, consecutively.

170. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 129, wherein the transceiver is configured in the first mode to intermittently broadcast data plural times during a period.

171. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 129, wherein the modes are executed in cycles in a predetermined order, the predetermined order being defined as a first mode followed by a second mode.

172. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 129, wherein the modes are executed in cycles in a predetermined order, the predetermined order being defined as a first mode immediately followed by a second mode.

173. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 129, wherein the first and second modes are executable in a plurality of cycles, at least some of the cycles consisting of a first mode followed by a second mode.

174. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 129, wherein the first and second modes are executable in a plurality of cycles, at least some of the cycles consisting of a first mode followed by a second mode followed by another first mode.

175. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 129, wherein the first and second modes are executable in a plurality of cycles, and wherein the cycles are executed immediately after one another.

176. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 129, wherein the first and second modes are executable in each of a plurality of cycles.

177. At least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly storing instructions for use with a device including a transceiver controllable to perform wireless radio communication, the instructions being executable in connection with the device to provide functionality including at least:

operating the transceiver in a first mode and a second mode, the transceiver in the first mode searching other devices in the second mode, the transceiver in the second mode searching other devices in the first mode;

wherein the first and second modes are executable in a plurality of cycles, at least one of the first and second modes being performable for a random length of time.

178. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 177, wherein at least one of the first and second modes is performable for a random length of time that varies in different cycles.

179. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 177, further comprising instructions executable to provide functionality including at least randomizing the time of at least one of the first mode and the second mode via a randomizing circuit of the device, wherein transitions between the first mode and the second mode are based on the time randomized by the randomizing circuit.

180. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 177, further comprising instructions executable to provide functionality including at least:

randomizing the random length of time for at least one of the first mode and the second mode via a randomization circuit of the device; and

transitioning between the first mode and the second mode based on the random length of time determined by the randomization circuit and based on a timer of the device.

181. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 177, wherein the first mode broadcasts data for the searching.

182. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 177, wherein the first mode performs the searching without a specified destination address.

183. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 177, wherein each transition between the first and second modes is immediate.

184. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 177, wherein at least one of the first and second modes is performable for a random length of time that is randomized for a predetermined cycle.

185. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 177, wherein at least one of the first and second modes is performable for a random length of time that is randomized with each cycle.

186. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 177, wherein the modes are executed in the cycles in a predetermined order, the predetermined order being defined as a first mode followed by a second mode.

187. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 177, wherein the modes are executed in the cycles in a predetermined order, the predetermined order being defined as a first mode immediately followed by a second mode.

188. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 177, wherein at least some of the cycles consist of a first mode followed by a second mode.

189. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 177, wherein at least some of the cycles consist of a first mode followed by a second mode followed by another first mode.

190. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 177, wherein the cycles are executed immediately after one another.

191. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 177, wherein the first and second modes are executable in each of a plurality of cycles.

192. At least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly storing instructions for use with a device including a transceiver controllable to perform wireless radio communication, the instructions being executable in connection with the device to provide functionality including at least:

operating the transceiver in a first mode to search for another device;

operating the transceiver in a second mode to receive a search from another device;

the first and second modes being executable in a plurality of cycles, at least one of the first and second modes being performable at a random-based time; and

randomizing the time of at least one of the first mode and the second mode via a randomizing circuit of the device, wherein transitions between the first mode and the second mode are based on the time randomized by the randomizing circuit.

193. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 192, wherein the first mode is performable at a random-based time and the second mode is performable at a random-based time.

194. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 192, wherein at least one of the first and second modes is performable for a random length of time that varies in different cycles.

195. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 192, wherein one of the first and second modes is performed for a fixed duration and the other of the first and second modes is performed for a random duration.

196. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 192, wherein one of the first and second modes is performed at a randomized time for a fixed duration and the other of the first and second modes is performed at a randomized time for a randomized duration.

197. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 192, wherein the first mode is performed at a randomized time for a fixed duration and the second mode is performed at a randomized time for a randomized duration.

198. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 192, further comprising instructions executable to provide functionality including at least:

transitioning between the first mode and the second mode based on the random-based time determined by the randomizing circuit and based on a timer of the device.

199. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 192, wherein the first mode broadcasts data for the searching.

200. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 192, wherein the first mode performs the searching without a specified destination address.

201. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 192, wherein each transition between the first and second modes is immediate.

202. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 192, wherein at least one of the first and second modes is performable for a random length of time that is randomized for a predetermined cycle.

203. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 192, wherein at least one of the first and second modes is performable for a random length of time that is randomized with each cycle.

204. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 192, wherein the modes are executed in the cycles in a predetermined order, the predetermined order being defined as a first mode followed by a second mode.

205. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 192, wherein the modes are executed in the cycles in a predetermined order, the predetermined order being defined as a first mode immediately followed by a second mode.

206. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 192, wherein at least some of the cycles consist of a first mode followed by a second mode.

207. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 192, wherein at least some of the cycles consist of a first mode followed by a second mode followed by another first mode.

208. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 192, wherein the cycles are executed immediately after one another.

209. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 192, wherein the first and second modes are executable in each of a plurality of cycles.

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

a transceiver controllable to perform wireless radio communication, the transceiver being configured in a first mode to search for another device in the system, and a second mode to receive a search from another device in the system;

wherein the first and second modes are executable in a plurality of cycles, at least one of the first and second modes being performable for a random length of time.

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

using a processor of a device,

operating a transceiver of the device in a first mode to search for another device; and

operating the transceiver of the device in a second mode to receive a search from another device;

wherein the first and second modes are executable in a plurality of cycles, at least one of the first and second modes being performable for a random length of time.