Information system, method for displaying information, information processing apparatus, and non-transitory storage medium encoded with computer readable program

An exemplary embodiment provides an information system, including a plurality of information processing apparatuses, each information processing apparatus capable of communicating data with one another within a prescribed range, and a server capable of communicating data with each information processing apparatus. Each information processing apparatus includes a character information transmission and reception module for transmitting to and receiving from another information processing apparatus, character information having identification information identifying one or more information processing apparatuses and parameter information which can be changed, a parameter change module for changing parameter information in the received character information, a server transmission module for transmitting the changed character information to the server, a server reception module for receiving character information corresponding to identification information of each information processing apparatus itself from the server, and a display control module for performing display processing based on parameter information in the character information received from the server.

This nonprovisional application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-37978 filed with the Japan Patent Office on Feb. 27, 2013, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The technology herein generally relates to an information system, a method for displaying information, an information processing apparatus, and a non-transitory storage medium encoded with a computer readable program, and particularly to an information system and the like including a server and two or more information processing apparatuses and being capable of communicating data with an information processing apparatus and the server.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

A system capable of providing data which can be made use of by an application to other information processing apparatuses by using near field communication has conventionally been known.

In the system above, in a case where data is communicated with a communication counterpart through near field communication and data is transmitted to another information processing apparatus, there has been no opportunity to further make use of the data transmitted to the communication counterpart.

Exemplary embodiments provide an information system, a method for displaying information, an information processing apparatus, and a non-transitory storage medium encoded with a computer readable program, capable of enhancing zest of data communication.

An exemplary embodiment provides an information system including a plurality of information processing apparatuses. Each information processing apparatus is capable of communicating data with one another within a prescribed range and the information system further includes a server capable of communicating data with each information processing apparatus. Each information processing apparatus includes a character information transmission and reception module for transmitting to and receiving from another information processing apparatus, character information having identification information identifying one or more information processing apparatuses and parameter information which can be changed, a parameter change module for changing parameter information in the received character information, a server transmission module for transmitting the changed character information to the server, a server reception module for receiving character information corresponding to identification information of each information processing apparatus itself from the server, and a display control module for performing display processing based on the parameter information in the character information received from the server.

In an exemplary embodiment, the character information transmission and reception module is configured to transmit at least one of first character information having the identification information of each information processing apparatus itself and second character information having received identification information of another apparatus to another information processing apparatus.

In an exemplary embodiment, each information processing apparatus is further configured to include a character information generation module for generating character information having parameter information which can be changed and identification information of each information processing apparatus itself.

In an exemplary embodiment, the parameter information has record information showing progress records of an apparatus having received the parameter information, and the parameter change module changes progress records of record information of the received character information.

In an exemplary embodiment, each information processing apparatus further includes an its own record display module for displaying record information included in the character information received from the server.

In an exemplary embodiment, each information processing apparatus further includes another record display module for displaying record information included in the character information exchanged between the apparatuses.

In an exemplary embodiment, each information processing apparatus further includes an additional information generation module for generating as additional information, display identification information associated with display processing based on the parameter information in another apparatus.

In an exemplary embodiment, the display control module performs display processing in accordance with the additional information included in the parameter information in the character information received from the server.

In an exemplary embodiment, the parameter change module changes the parameter information in the received character information, in response to reception between the apparatuses.

In an exemplary embodiment, the parameter information has record information showing progress records of an apparatus having received the parameter information, and the display control module performs display processing in a manner based on the record information included in the received character information.

In an exemplary embodiment, the display control module performs display processing making use of a character object generated based on the parameter information in the character information received from the server.

In an exemplary embodiment, the display control module performs one of a plurality of types of display processing making use of the character object when a prescribed condition is satisfied.

In an exemplary embodiment, the display control module performs display processing for showing that the character object has returned to each information processing apparatus itself when the prescribed condition is satisfied.

An exemplary embodiment provides a method for displaying information in an information system including a plurality of information processing apparatuses. Each information processing apparatus is capable of communicating data with one another within a prescribed range and exchanging character information. The information system further includes a server capable of communicating data with each information processing apparatus. The character information has identification information identifying one or more information processing apparatuses and the parameter information being able to be changed. The method includes receiving, by the information processing apparatus, the character information and the parameter information from another information processing apparatus, changing, by another information processing apparatus, the parameter information in the character information exchanged between the apparatuses, transmitting, by another information processing apparatus, the changed character information to the server, receiving, by the information processing apparatus, character information corresponding to identification information identifying each information processing apparatus itself from the server, and performing, by the information processing apparatus, display processing for displaying information based on the parameter information in the character information received from the server.

An exemplary embodiment provides an information processing apparatus capable of communicating data with another information processing apparatus within a prescribed range and capable of communicating data with a server. The information processing apparatus includes a character information transmission and reception module for transmitting to and receiving from another information processing apparatus, character information having identification information identifying one or more information processing apparatuses and parameter information which can be changed, a parameter change module for changing parameter information in the received character information, a server transmission module for transmitting the changed character information to the server, a server reception module for receiving character information corresponding to identification information identifying each information processing apparatus itself from the server, and a display control module for performing display processing based on the parameter information in the character information received from the server.

An exemplary embodiment provides a non-transitory storage medium encoded with a computer readable program and executable by a computer, and the computer is provided in an information processing apparatus capable of communicating data with another information processing apparatus present within a prescribed range and capable of communicating data with a server. The program causes the computer to perform the steps of transmitting to and receiving from another information processing apparatus, character information having identification information and parameter information which can be changed, receiving character information transmitted from another information processing apparatus to the server and having changed parameter information corresponding to identification information of each information processing apparatus itself from the server, and performing display processing for displaying information based on the parameter information in the character information received from the server.

The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the exemplary embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of an information system will be described hereinafter with reference to the drawings. In the description below, parts having the same function and action have the same reference characters allotted throughout the figures and redundant description will not be repeated.

[Configuration of Information System]

An information system1000including information processing apparatuses1A to1C and a server2will be described below as one embodiment. Information processing apparatuses1A to1C are by way of example of an information processing apparatus and each of them can communicate with server2. When characteristics common to these are mentioned herein, they may also collectively be referred to as an “information processing apparatus1.” For an information processing apparatus belonging to the information system according to the present embodiment, a portable telephone, a smart phone (a high-function portable telephone), a television set incorporating an information processing function, a portable information processing apparatus, a stationary information processing apparatus, and the like can be adopted.

FIG. 1is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of information system1000according to one embodiment. In information system1000shown inFIG. 1, information processing apparatus1can access server2through a network9. Network9is represented, for example, by a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet and a dedicated circuit, however, it is not limited thereto. More specifically, information processing apparatus1has a wireless communication function as will be described later, and it exchanges data with server2through an access point7electrically connected to network9. Communication between information processing apparatus1and server2may be wired communication.

In the present embodiment, a communication manner in which information processing apparatus1communicates with server2through network9is referred to as “Internet communication”. In addition, a communication manner in which information processing apparatuses1carry out direct wireless communication with each other without passing through network9is referred to as “local communication”.

[Hardware Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus]

FIG. 2is a block diagram of hardware of information processing apparatus1according to the present embodiment. As shown inFIG. 2, information processing apparatus1includes an input device11, a display device12, a processor13, an internal storage device14, a main memory15, and a wireless communication device (wireless communication module)16.

Input device11is operated by a user of information processing apparatus1and outputs to processor13, a signal in response to a user's operation. Input device11is implemented, for example, by a cross-shaped switch, a push button, or a touch panel. Display device12displays an image on a screen. A displayed image includes, for example, at least one of an image generated in information processing apparatus1and an image transmitted from an external apparatus to information processing apparatus1. Display device12includes such a known display device as a liquid crystal display device (LCD).

Processor13is operation processing means for executing a computer program.

Internal storage device14stores a computer program to be executed by processor13. Internal storage device14also stores character information which will be described later. Internal storage device14is implemented, by way of example, by a NAND-type flash memory. A program to be executed by processor13may be stored in internal storage device14(from the time point of shipment or after shipment through communication with another piece of equipment) or may be stored in a recording medium attachable to and removable from a main body of information processing apparatus1(such as a universal serial bus (USB) memory).

Main memory15temporarily stores various types of data. Main memory15is implemented, by way of example, by a pseudo-SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) (PSRAM).

Wireless communication device16functions as an interface for communication with another information processing apparatus1through wireless communication. In addition, wireless communication device16also functions as an interface for communication with server2through access point7.

[Hardware Configuration of Server]

FIG. 3is a block diagram of hardware of server2. As shown inFIG. 3, server2includes an input device21, a display device22, a processor23, a hard disk drive (HDD)24, a main memory25, and a network interface26.

Input device21is operated by a user of server2and outputs to processor23, a signal in response to a user's operation. Input device21is implemented, for example, by a keyboard or a mouse. Display device22displays an image on a screen and it is implemented, for example, by a liquid crystal display device (LCD).

Processor23is operation processing means for executing a computer program. HDD24stores a computer program to be executed by processor23. The computer program includes a program for causing server2to function as a server apparatus.

Main memory25temporarily stores a computer program or information. Main memory25is implemented, by way of example, by a PSRAM. Network interface26also functions as an interface for communication with information processing apparatus1. Network interface26is implemented, for example, by a LAN card.

“Internet communication” which is a manner of communication between information processing apparatus1and server2will be described. In the “Internet communication”, information processing apparatus1connects to access point7under a scheme complying, for example, with IEEE 802.11 and connects to network9through access point7. Information processing apparatus1communicates with server2through network9.

Processing for executing a task is exemplified as one example of processing for information processing apparatus1to communicate with server2through network9. The task in the present embodiment refers to processing involving transmission and reception of prescribed data. More specifically, the task is categorized into two types of a “transmission task” and a “reception task” and they may also simply collectively be referred to as a “task” herein. Data indicating contents of the task includes information specifying a connection destination such as a URL of a server.

“Local communication” which is a manner of communication between information processing apparatuses1will be described. In the present embodiment, information processing apparatus1can exchange data for application which can be made use of by a prescribed application program (such as a game application) through “local communication”. “Local communication” refers to such communication that prescribed data (“character information” in the present embodiment) stored in internal storage device14is transmitted automatically (without a user's operation) to another information processing apparatus1present at a short distance and data for exchange stored in internal storage device14of another information processing apparatus1is received automatically (without a user's operation) from another information processing apparatus1. It is noted that local communication is also referred to as passing communication in the present example.

More specifically, local communication is carried out by cooperation of processor13, wireless communication device16, and the like in information processing apparatus1. This processing is processing performed as background processing, for example, while information processing apparatus1is in what is called a sleep state (which may also be referred to as a stand-by state). For example, during sleep, such control that wireless communication device16basically mainly operates and sleep of processor13is temporarily canceled as necessary so that processor13temporarily mainly operates is carried out (for example, processing for searching for another information processing apparatus1is performed by wireless communication device16and transmission and reception of data is carried out by processor13). In addition, for example, information processing apparatus1may include, separately from processor13, a second processor operable with low power consumption, and during sleep, the second processor may mainly operate. Moreover, local communication may be carried out as appropriate in response to a user's instruction operation or the like even when information processing apparatus1is not in a sleep state.

In local communication, for example, information processing apparatus1repeatedly searches for another unspecified information processing apparatus1present within coverage of near field communication. Then, information processing apparatus1automatically transmits character information to another information processing apparatus1which was found as a result of search, and automatically receives character information stored in internal storage device14of another information processing apparatus from that another information processing apparatus.

“Local communication” above is carried out, for example, at the time when users each carrying information processing apparatus1pass each other. The character information is generated prior to “local communication” based on a user's operation or the like and stored in advance in a prescribed area of internal storage device14.

FIG. 1shows an area AR1and an area AR2as an example of coverage of near field communication. Area AR1shows coverage of near field communication of information processing apparatus1A. Area AR2shows coverage of near field communication of information processing apparatus1C.

For example, when moving information processing apparatus1B is located within area AR1, information processing apparatus1A and information processing apparatus1B carry out local communication. Thus, for example, character information is transferred from information processing apparatus1A to information processing apparatus1B. In addition, when area AR2has moved to a position where information processing apparatus1B is included owing to movement of information processing apparatus1C, information processing apparatus1B and information processing apparatus1C carry out local communication. Thus, for example, the character information transferred from information processing apparatus1A to information processing apparatus1B is transferred from information processing apparatus1B to information processing apparatus1C.

[Outlines of Processing of Application]

Outlines of processing of an application making use of character information transferred among a plurality of information processing apparatuses1will now be described with reference toFIGS. 4 and 5. In the present embodiment, outlines of processing of a “game application” representing one example of an application using character information will be described.

FIG. 4is a diagram schematically showing storage contents in a part of a storage area within information processing apparatus1. The storage area is provided, for example, within internal storage device14.FIG. 5is a diagram showing outlines of processing of a game application relating to the present embodiment.

Referring first toFIG. 4, in the storage area within information processing apparatus1, a reception box for passing communication141, a task reception cache142, an area for storing data for task transmission (hereinafter referred to as “data for task transmission”)143, and a transmission box for passing communication144are provided.FIG. 4shows a quadrangle representing a storage area within information processing apparatus1, shows reception box for passing communication141in the upper left of the quadrangle, and shows task reception cache142, data for task transmission143, and transmission box for passing communication144as aligned vertically in a descending order in a right portion of the quadrangle. Transmission box for passing communication144is a memory area in which data to be transmitted during passing communication is stored. Reception box for passing communication141is a memory area in which data received during passing communication is stored.

On the premise that information processing apparatus1has a memory structure as shown inFIG. 4, outlines of processing of a game application relating to the present embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 5.FIG. 5shows an information processing apparatus A to an information processing apparatus C, which correspond to information processing apparatus1A to information processing apparatus1C inFIG. 1, respectively. It is assumed that a game application is installed in each of information processing apparatus A to C.FIG. 5further shows server2. In a game application according to the present embodiment, for example, “character information” generated in information processing apparatus A is successively transferred to other information processing apparatuses (information processing apparatuses B, C) through passing communication. Thus, such a presentation that a character expressed by character information sequentially travels information processing apparatuses A, B, C can be realized. Thus, zest of the game application can be enhanced.

The “character information” in the present embodiment includes at least identification information (a terminal ID) for identifying information processing apparatus1in which the character information has been generated and information representing characteristics for each character (parameter information). The “character information” may include information representing the number of times of transmission (transfer) (the number of times of movement). The character information may be generated by the game application or by another application.

InFIG. 5, initially, character information (“CI” inFIG. 5) is generated in information processing apparatus A and stored in transmission box for passing communication144. Thereafter, as passing communication is carried out, the character information moves from information processing apparatus A to information processing apparatus B. Thus, the character information is moved to reception box for passing communication141of information processing apparatus B.

Thereafter, when the game application is executed in information processing apparatus B, the character information is moved within information processing apparatus B, from reception box for passing communication141to an area where processing data of the game application is to be stored (hereinafter referred to as a “work area”). During movement, when the “character information” includes “the number of times of movement,” information processing apparatus B updates the character information such that a prescribed value is added to “the number of times of movement.” Namely, information processing apparatus1B updates by increment, “the number of times of movement,” as the character information is received.

Information processing apparatus B can further update parameter information included in the character information received from information processing apparatus A (such as an “experience parameter” which will be described later). The experience parameter represents one example of parameter information. Information processing apparatus B updates parameter information, for example, in response to a user's operation. Contents of update of the parameter information are changed, for example, in accordance with contents of the user's operation. More specifically, magnitude of a value by which parameter information is to be changed is determined in accordance with the contents of the user's operation.

Then, information processing apparatus B generates information for transmission (“Info” inFIG. 5) for transmitting updated character information to server2and causes the information to be stored in data for task transmission143. In addition, information processing apparatus B generates and registers also a “transmission task” for transmitting “Info” to server2at appropriate timing. Consequently, a “transmission task” is executed at appropriate timing. Thus, “Info” is transmitted from information processing apparatus B to server2. Server2accumulates “Info” transmitted from information processing apparatus B.

Then, passing communication takes place between information processing apparatus B and information processing apparatus C, so that the character information moves from transmission box for passing communication144of information processing apparatus B to reception box for passing communication141of information processing apparatus C. The character information moved here is character information updated in information processing apparatus B after it moved from information processing apparatus A to information processing apparatus B. Passing communication may take place before or after transmission of “Info” from information processing apparatus B to server2.

Depending on contents of processing of the game application in information processing apparatus B, the character information may be moved (transferred) from information processing apparatus B to information processing apparatus C without change in value for parameter information. The character information being stored in reception box for passing communication141of information processing apparatus B and then moved to transmission box for passing communication144via a work area is herein referred to as “update”. Namely, the parameter information may be updated without its value being changed.

In information processing apparatus C, when the game application is executed, the character information transmitted from information processing apparatus B is moved from reception box for passing communication141to a work area. When the character information includes “the number of times of movement,” information processing apparatus C updates the character information such that a prescribed value is added to the “number of times of movement” with such movement.

Thereafter, in information processing apparatus C, after the character information is updated in accordance with the contents of processing of the game application, it is moved to transmission box for passing communication144. Then, likewise information processing apparatus B, information processing apparatus C generates “Info” and a transmission task and transmits the character information to server2. In addition, as a result of passing communication between information processing apparatus C and another information processing apparatus, the character information is transferred to another information processing apparatus.

Thus, the character information generated in information processing apparatus A is successively transferred to other information processing apparatuses through passing communication. In addition, information processing apparatuses B, C which have received the character information transmit “Info” to server2as appropriate. On the other hand, information processing apparatus A obtains “Log” accumulated in server2. “Log” refers to Info corresponding to each information processing apparatus itself, of “Info” accumulated in server2. Information processing apparatus A generates a “reception task” in order to obtain “Log” and receives “Log” at appropriate timing.

Information processing apparatus A can display how the character information generated and transmitted by information processing apparatus A has been changed through transfer, by making use of “Log”.

[Outlines of Communication Between Apparatuses]

Outlines of processing for communication between apparatuses in the information system will be described with reference toFIG. 6.FIG. 6is a timing chart of processing in each apparatus in information system1000. InFIG. 6, information processing apparatuses1A to1C are expressed as information processing apparatuses A to C, respectively.

Initially, as shown with an arrow L01inFIG. 6, passing communication between information processing apparatus1A and information processing apparatus1B is carried out. Thus, character information is transmitted from information processing apparatus1A to information processing apparatus1B. A state of parameter information in the character information transmitted this time is a state generated in information processing apparatus1A. “α” inFIG. 6represents a state of parameter information at this time.

Thereafter, as shown with an arrow L03inFIG. 6, passing communication between information processing apparatus1B and information processing apparatus1C is carried out. Thus, the character information corresponding to “α+β” is transmitted from information processing apparatus1B to information processing apparatus1C.

The character information accumulated in server2is transmitted to information processing apparatus1in which the character information has been generated. In the example inFIG. 6, character information corresponding to each of “α+β” and “α+β+γ” is transmitted from server2to information processing apparatus1A (an arrow L05).

In step A01, information processing apparatus1A performs display processing making use of the received character information. In step A01, display making use of the character information represented by “α+β” and display making use of the character information represented by “α+β+γ” may separately be provided or display based on combination of such character information may be provided.

It is noted that, in a case where information processing apparatus1B is disabled from communicating with server2or the like, the character information may be transmitted from information processing apparatus1C to server2(arrow L04) before the character information is transmitted from information processing apparatus1B to server2(arrow L02). Thus, in transmission of the character information from server2to information processing apparatus1A (arrow L05), there may be a case where only the character information corresponding to “α+β+γ” is transmitted.

Thereafter, when information processing apparatus1B is now able to communicate with server2, the character information may be transmitted from information processing apparatus1B to server2after the character information is transmitted from information processing apparatus1C to server2(arrow L04). Thus, there may be a case where server2transmits to information processing apparatus1A, the character information transmitted from information processing apparatus1B after the character information transmitted from information processing apparatus1C.

In the processing described with reference toFIG. 6, information processing apparatus1A transmits only the character information generated in information processing apparatus1A. It is noted that, likewise information processing apparatuses1B,1C, information processing apparatus1A can also receive character information generated in another information processing apparatus1and can also transmit the received character information to another information processing apparatus1. Thus, since character information generated in another information processing apparatus1can be transmitted, opportunities for data communication increase and zest of data communication can be enhanced.

Furthermore, in the processing described with reference toFIG. 6, information processing apparatus1(information processing apparatus1B, information processing apparatus1C) performs a set of processing consisting of update of the character information received from another information processing apparatus1and transmission of updated character information to yet another information processing apparatus1. Then, each time information processing apparatus1performs the set of processing once, it transmits updated character information to server2. It is noted that transmission of updated character information to server2may be withheld until the set of processing is performed a prescribed number of times. For example, information processing apparatus1may generate a transmission task for transmitting updated character information to server2on condition that the set of processing was performed twice.

[Processing for Communication Between Apparatuses]

Contents of processing for communication between apparatuses in information system1000will now be described more specifically with reference toFIGS. 7 to 19.FIGS. 7 to 13are diagrams showing specific examples of character information.FIG. 14is a diagram showing one example of a screen displayed based on the character information.FIGS. 15 to 18are timing charts in the communication processing.FIG. 19is a flowchart of a sub routine of step A14inFIG. 18.

FIG. 7shows a general configuration of character information. The character information includes basic information D10and additional information D20A, D20B . . . Basic information D10is a basic portion of the character information. Additional information D20A, D20B . . . is information added in information processing apparatus1which is a transfer destination of the character information. Additional information D20A, D20B . . . may also collectively be referred to as additional information D20.

Basic information D10includes at least a character code, the number of times of movement, a terminal ID, an experience parameter, and a name of an island of origin. The character code refers to data specifying appearance in a case where a character corresponding to character information is displayed. For example, in a case where a character looks like a person, the character code is information specifying a color of eyes, a hairstyle, and the like. Information processing apparatus1can refer to information bringing a character code in correspondence with an object (such as a table). Thus, each information processing apparatus1can display an object corresponding to the character code (such as a character50which will be described later) if it obtains the character code. Information bringing a character code in correspondence with an object may be stored in internal storage device14or the like of each information processing apparatus1or may be stored in a storage device on a network accessible by processor13. The information is common to information processing apparatuses1belonging to information system1000.

The number of times of movement refers to information representing the number of times of transfer of character information. When parameter information in the character information is updated once, a value for the number of times of movement is updated by increment, for example, by “1”.

The terminal ID refers to identification information provided specifically for each information processing apparatus, and here, it refers to information specifying information processing apparatus1which has generated the character information.

The experience parameter refers to information of which value is changed in accordance with contents of processing in a game application in information processing apparatus1. Depending on contents of processing in the game application, a value for an experience parameter may increase, decrease, or remain unchanged when the parameter information is updated.

Each information processing apparatus1stores, for example, a name of information processing apparatus1input by the user. A name of an island of origin is a name of information processing apparatus1which has generated the character information.

Each piece of additional information D20includes at least a name of an island, souvenir data, a flag for presentation, and data for presentation. A name of an island is a name of information processing apparatus1which is a transfer destination. Souvenir data is data representing a “souvenir” made use of in processing which will be described later. A flag for presentation is a flag regarding presentation of specific contents. Data for presentation is data made use of for presentation. The flag for presentation and the data for presentation are information generated in accordance with contents of processing in the game application in information processing apparatus1which is a transfer destination.

For example, character information generated in information processing apparatus1A includes only basic information D10. As a result of update in information processing apparatus1B, additional information D20A is added to the character information. Thereafter, the character information is transferred to information processing apparatus1C and updated in information processing apparatus1C, so that additional information D20B is further added to the character information.

Referring toFIG. 15, in step A10, information processing apparatus1A generates character information.FIG. 8shows one example of the generated character information.

In the character information shown inFIG. 8, “CR0101” is set as one example of a value for a character code, “island (0)” is set as one example of a value for a name of an island of origin, “0” is set as one example of a value for the number of times of movement, “TA0123” is set as one example of a value for a terminal ID, and “0” is set as one example of a value for an experience parameter. The value for a terminal ID “TA0123” is a value specifying information processing apparatus1A.

Then, information processing apparatus1A transmits the character information to information processing apparatus1B through passing communication with information processing apparatus1B. In response thereto, information processing apparatus1B receives the character information in step B10.

The game application of information processing apparatus1B inFIG. 15causes a screen, for example, as shown with a screen IMG10, to be displayed until information processing apparatus1B receives character information from other information processing apparatuses1including information processing apparatus1A. Screen IMG10shows a dock where nobody is present, which represents one example of a display screen showing a stand-by state in the game application.

When information processing apparatus1B receives the character information from information processing apparatus1A (step B10), information processing apparatus1B moves the character information received in step B10from reception box for passing communication141to the work area.

Thereafter, information processing apparatus1B updates the character information transmitted from information processing apparatus1A in accordance with contents of processing by the game application (step B12).FIG. 9shows one example of the updated character information. As compared withFIG. 8, a value for the number of times of movement of the character information inFIG. 9has been incremented by 1 and additional information including an island name “island (1)” has been added to the character information. The additional information includes the island name “island (1)”, souvenir data having a value “P”, and a flag for presentation and data for presentation each having a value “NULL”. The value “P” for the souvenir data indicates a souvenir of the island corresponding to information processing apparatus1B (such as a specific type of food). The flag for presentation and the data for presentation will be described later.

Then, the game application of information processing apparatus1B causes, for example, a screen IMG12to be displayed. Screen IMG12shows a scene that character50who was put on board a boat from another island has arrived at the dock. Character50corresponds to the character code “CR0101” and a traveler named “Ken”.

Referring toFIG. 16, in step B14, information processing apparatus1B stands by until occurrence of an event “record display” or an event “receive hospitality”. When the event “record display” occurs, control proceeds to step B16. When the event “receive hospitality” occurs, control proceeds to step B18. The event occurs, for example, based on a user's operation.

In step B16, information processing apparatus1B displays records of a character in character information. A screen IMG14represents one example of a screen showing records. Since received progress records of a character can be checked, zest of data communication can be enhanced. Screen IMG14includes, together with a title “Ken's travel records”, an “island of origin” having a value “island (0)” and an “experience point” having a value “0”. The “island of origin” is a name of an island of origin in the character information. The “experience point” is a value for an experience parameter of the character information. Names of information processing apparatuses1A,1B,1C herein are defined as “island (0)”, “island (1)”, and “island (2)”, respectively.

Screen IMG14further includes “the number of islands traveled” having a value “1” and a “distance of travel” having a value “96 km”. “The number of islands traveled” refers, for example, to the number of times of movement in the character information. The “distance of travel” refers, for example, to a length of a line connecting position information of each information processing apparatus1to which the character information has been transferred, in the order of transfer of the character information. In information system1000, each information processing apparatus1may specify position information based on a name of an island of each information processing apparatus1. In addition, character information may include information specifying position information of an island, separately from a name of each island (an island of origin or a name of an island in additional information). The position information may be information representing a location (such as a name of a prefecture) or may be represented by a plane coordinate. It is noted that a value for a distance of travel may be a product of a value for the number of times of movement and a given unit distance.

Screen IMG14further has a field of an “island traveled”. The field displays “island (1)”. The field displays a name of information processing apparatus1registered as an island name in “additional information”.

In step B18, information processing apparatus1B determines contents of a problem of a character which will be made use of for presentation, among contents registered in advance. Then, in step B18, information processing apparatus1B provides such presentation display that the character confides a problem having determined contents, as shown in a screen IMG16. In screen IMG16, character50confides its problem of hunger.

In step B20, information processing apparatus1B determines whether or not an event which occurred subsequent to display in step B18indicates implementation of a solution of the problem. When an event “to solve the problem” occurs, for example, a screen IMG18(FIG. 17) is displayed and thereafter control proceeds to step B22(FIG. 17). Screen IMG18shows presentation display that food is given to the character in order to solve the problem of “hunger”.

On the other hand, when an event “not to solve the problem” occurs, control proceeds from step B20to step B24. The event “to solve the problem” and the event “not to solve the problem” both occur based, for example, on a user's operation.

In step B22, information processing apparatus1B updates the character information.FIG. 10shows one example of updated character information. As compared withFIG. 9, the character information shown inFIG. 10has a value for the “experience parameter” incremented by “12”. Thereafter, control proceeds to step B24. The “experience parameter” may be subtracted by updating.

In step B24, information processing apparatus1B detects whether or not an operation indicating agreement with transmission of a commemorative picture has been performed. As the premise for step B24, for example, the game application in information processing apparatus1B requests the user to perform an operation to input “whether or not he/she agrees with transmission of a commemorative picture.” When an operation indicating agreement is performed, control proceeds to step B26, and when an operation indicating disagreement is performed, control proceeds to step B28.

In step B26, as shown inFIG. 11, values for the flag for presentation and the data for presentation are each updated and control proceeds to step B28. A value “1” is set as a value for the flag for presentation. For the value for the data for presentation, a character code of the character generated, for example, in information processing apparatus1B (in the example inFIG. 11, a value “CR0121”) is set.

In step B28, information processing apparatus1B stands by from reception of character information in step B10until dawn breaks. “Dawn breaks” means, for example, that the time kept by a timer has passed a specific time (for example, midnight). When dawn breaks, information processing apparatus1B prepares for next passing communication. “Prepare” here includes movement of updated character information (FIG. 11) from the work area to transmission box for passing communication144and generation of a transmission task for transmission of the character information to server2. Server2accumulates the received character information (step S10).

Thereafter, information processing apparatus1B transmits the updated character information to information processing apparatus1C as it carries out passing communication with information processing apparatus1C. Here, the game application of information processing apparatus1B causes, for example, a screen IMG20to be displayed. Screen IMG20shows a scene that character50which arrived at the island in screen IMG12(FIG. 15) is put on board a boat and leaves the island.

It is noted that the game application may provide presentation display that character50is caused to stand at the dock after it determines that the dawn broke and until information processing apparatus1B carries out passing communication with another information processing apparatus1. This presentation display can encourage the user of information processing apparatus1B to soon terminate such a state that character50stands alone at the dock, and thus the user can be invited to carry out passing communication of information processing apparatus1B with another information processing apparatus1.

In step C10, information processing apparatus1C receives the character information from information processing apparatus1B, and thereafter it performs processing (step B10to step B28) the same as that performed by information processing apparatus1B which received the character information from information processing apparatus1A (step C10). The character information is updated also in information processing apparatus1C as in information processing apparatus1B. Then, information processing apparatus1C transmits the updated character information to server2, and in step C12, it transmits the updated character information to another information processing apparatus1through passing communication. In accordance with a state of communication in information processing apparatus1C, information processing apparatus1C may transmit the updated character information (seeFIG. 13which will be described later) to server2and thereafter transmit the same to another information processing apparatus1, or vice versa. When server2receives the character information from information processing apparatus1C, it accumulates the character information (step S12).

Update of character information in information processing apparatus1C will be described with reference toFIGS. 11 to 13. Initially, the character information (FIG. 11) transmitted from information processing apparatus1B has the number of times of movement incremented by “1” as shown inFIG. 12, and additional information “island (2)” is added to the character information. A value “TA0125N” for souvenir data in additional information expressed as island (2) is a value which is combination of a value “TA0125” representing information processing apparatus1C and a value “N” representing position information of information processing apparatus1C. Values for the flag for presentation and the data for presentation are each set to “NULL”.

When solution of the problem is implemented in information processing apparatus1C, a value for an experience parameter is incremented by 8 as shown inFIG. 13and it has increased to “20”.

Whether or not to update values for the flag for presentation and the data for presentation is determined based on contents of an operation as to whether or not to agree with transmission of a commemorative picture in the game application, as described as step B24. In the present embodiment, in information processing apparatus1B, an operation indicating agreement with transmission of a commemorative picture has been performed. Therefore, in update of the character information in information processing apparatus1B, values for the flag for presentation and the data for presentation have been changed. It is assumed that, in information processing apparatus1C, an operation indicating disagreement with transmission of a commemorative picture has been performed. Thus, in the updated character information in information processing apparatus1C, values for the flag for presentation and the data for presentation remain as NULL, as shown inFIG. 13.

On the other hand, information processing apparatus1A stands by until an event of reception of character information accumulated in server2occurs in step A12. Then, when the event occurs in information processing apparatus1A, information processing apparatus1A requests server2to transmit the character information in information processing apparatus1A. The request includes transmission, for example, of the terminal ID of information processing apparatus1A itself and the time when the character information has previously been obtained from server2(the time of previous obtainment). In response, server2transmits the character information of information processing apparatus1A (the character information in which a value for a terminal ID is the value “TA0123” representing information processing apparatus1A) to information processing apparatus1A.

Server2has accumulated the character information (FIG. 11) transmitted from information processing apparatus1B and the character information (FIG. 13) transmitted from information processing apparatus1C (steps S10, S12). Server2transmits to information processing apparatus1A, the entire character information of information processing apparatus1A, of the character information accumulated in server2after the time of previous obtainment, in response to the request from information processing apparatus1A. Namely, the character information transmitted from information processing apparatus1B and the character information transmitted from information processing apparatus1C are transmitted to information processing apparatus1A.

Then, in step A14, information processing apparatus1A performs display processing with the use of the character information received from server2. Contents of processing in step A14will be described later with reference toFIGS. 19 to 25. The process proceeds to step A16. In step A16, information processing apparatus1A stands by until a user's operation for displaying records of a character is performed. When the user's operation is performed, information processing apparatus1A causes control to proceed to step A18. In step A18, information processing apparatus1A displays records of a character.FIG. 14shows one example of a screen of records displayed in step A18. When information processing apparatus1A receives two or more pieces of character information from server2, it makes use of character information greatest in the number of times of movement among them, to thereby create the screen inFIG. 14. More specifically, whenFIG. 11andFIG. 13are compared with each other, the character information shown inFIG. 13is greater in the number of times of movement. Therefore, information processing apparatus1A makes use of the character information shown inFIG. 13to thereby create the screen inFIG. 14.

The screen inFIG. 14includes items similar to those in screen IMG14inFIG. 16. It is noted that, referring toFIGS. 14 and 16, increase in value for an experience point by “20” in the screen inFIG. 14is based on increase in value for the experience parameter by “12” in information processing apparatus1B and increase by “8” in information processing apparatus1C. The reason why the number of islands traveled increased by “1” in the screen inFIG. 14is because the character information was transmitted to information processing apparatus1B and thereafter it was further transmitted to information processing apparatus1C. In the screen inFIG. 14, the distance of travel increased by 22 km as compared with screen IMG14inFIG. 16. This distance is, for example, a distance from a position specified by position information of information processing apparatus1B to a position specified by position information of information processing apparatus1C.

In addition, in the screen inFIG. 14, “island (1)” and “island (2)” are exemplified as islands traveled. Moreover, in the screen inFIG. 14, a region to which each island belongs (position information) is also shown together. Namely, where the character information has moved can be identified based on records of a character and hence zest of data communication can be enhanced.

In the processing described above with reference toFIGS. 15 to 18, when information processing apparatus1receives character information from another information processing apparatus1, it updates the number of times of movement in the character information and adds additional information to the character information. Furthermore, in information processing apparatus1, there is a case that setting for refusing reception of information from specific information processing apparatus1can be made. In this case, even when information processing apparatus1receives character information from specific information processing apparatus1, it does not update the number of times of movement nor add the character information.

FIG. 19is a flowchart of a sub routine of step A14. Referring toFIG. 19, information processing apparatus1A selects in step A1402, character information to be displayed and control proceeds to step A1404. More specifically, when information processing apparatus1A receives two or more pieces of character information from server2, it selects character information to be displayed from among the two or more pieces of character information under a given condition. The condition here is exemplified, for example, by character information most recent among the two or more pieces of character information.

In step A1404, information processing apparatus1A determines a mode of display of character information. In the present embodiment, two types of display manners of “homecoming” and “letter” are prepared as display modes. When determination as a “homecoming” mode is made, control proceeds to step A1406. When determination as a “letter” mode is made, control proceeds to step A1412. In step A1404, information processing apparatus1A selects one manner of presentation out of two manners of presentation, such that, for example, each time processing shown inFIG. 19is performed, each of “homecoming” and “letter” is executed at a ratio set in advance. For example, in a case where a ratio of “homecoming” is set to 1/3 and a ratio of “letter” is set to “2/3”, when the processing inFIG. 19is performed 15 times, presentation of “homecoming” is selected approximately 5 times and presentation of “letter” is selected approximately 10 times.

It is noted that, in information processing apparatus1A, a maximum value for the number of times of movement of the character information received so far may be stored. In such a case, when a value for the number of times of movement of the character information selected in step A1402is smaller than the stored maximum value, the character information selected in step A1402is not the character information updated in a most recent transfer destination. Therefore, in such a case, information processing apparatus1A preferably selects in step A1404, “letter” as a display mode without exception. In step A1406, information processing apparatus1A generates a character object (character50) and control proceeds to step A1408. Character50is an object corresponding to a character code “CR0101”.

A character object is generated mainly based on a value for a character code. It is noted that a character object may be changed in accordance with the number of times of movement. For example, a color of clothing worn by a character is changed in accordance with the number of times of movement. Thus, zest of passing communication (data communication) can be enhanced.

In the present embodiment, additional information (island (1), island (2), . . . ) added to character information in each information processing apparatus1makes up record information showing progress records, i.e., which information processing apparatus1has received character information. In addition, the number of times of movement constitutes record information similarly to additional information (island (1), island (2), . . . ). Then, a character object may be subject to change in color of clothing worn by the character in accordance with the number of pieces of record information instead of the number of times of movement (for example, the number of pieces of “souvenir data” in the character information).

In step A1408, information processing apparatus1A generates a souvenir object and control proceeds to step A1410. The souvenir object refers, for example, to local specialties of a character's destination. A type of the souvenir object is determined based on souvenir data (“P” of island (1), “N” of island (2)) in the character information. When a plurality of pieces of souvenir data are included in the character information selected as an object to be displayed in step A1402, a souvenir object corresponding to partial souvenir data therein may be generated or souvenir objects corresponding to the entire souvenir data may be generated.

In step A1410, information processing apparatus1A displays a screen generated by making use of the character object generated in step A1406and the souvenir object generated in step A1408. Display contents in step A1410will be described with reference toFIGS. 20 to 22.

In step A1410, initially, a screen shown inFIG. 20is displayed. The screen shown inFIG. 20shows a scene that a traveler (character50) tells a player (the user of information processing apparatus1A) that he/she came back to his/her country (came home). This scene corresponds to the fact that the character corresponding to the character information generated in information processing apparatus1A has returned to information processing apparatus1A. Then, a screen shown inFIG. 21is displayed. The screen shown inFIG. 21shows a scene that character50hands a souvenir to the user. Then, a screen shown inFIG. 22is displayed. The screen shown inFIG. 22is a screen introducing a souvenir51. Souvenir51inFIG. 22is a souvenir object generated in step A1408.FIG. 22shows a “papaya” by way of example of a souvenir.

Referring back toFIG. 19, in step A1412, information processing apparatus1A determines whether or not a value “1” is set for at least one flag for presentation in the character information. When the value “1” is set for at least one flag for presentation, control proceeds to step A1414. When a value is not set for any flag for presentation (all NULL), control proceeds to step A1416.

In step A1414, data for presentation is extracted from the character information (FIG. 11orFIG. 13) selected as an object to be displayed in step A1402and control proceeds to step A1416.

In step A1416, information processing apparatus1A generates a letter object and control proceeds to step A1418.

In step A1418, information processing apparatus1A displays the letter object generated in step A1416.

One example of a letter object displayed in step A1418will be described with reference toFIGS. 23 to 25. The letter object includes two parts.FIG. 23shows a first part. A screen inFIG. 23shows a message that “I traveled two islands so far,” together with a scene that character50reverts while he/she walks along the coast. The number of islands included in the message is, for example, equal to the number of times of movement of the character information.

FIG. 24shows one example of a second part and shows a scene that a photograph FT01is taken out of an envelope. Photograph FT01includes character50and a character55. Character50corresponds to the character code “CR0101” generated in information processing apparatus1A. Character55corresponds to data for presentation (a character code) extracted in step A1414. A letter displayed in this example includes a commemorative picture in which character50generated in information processing apparatus1A is photographed together with character55generated in another information processing apparatus1(information processing apparatus1B).

FIG. 25shows another example of the second part and shows a scene that a photograph FT02is taken out of an envelope. Photograph FT02includes only character50.

Whether or not a photograph displayed in the second part includes a character generated in another information processing apparatus1is determined based on a manner of update of character information in another information processing apparatus1. More specifically, as described with reference to steps B24, B26inFIG. 17, it is determined based on whether or not an operation indicating agreement with transmission of a commemorative picture has been performed in information processing apparatus1which is a transfer destination of the character information. When such an operation has been performed, a value “1” is set for a flag for presentation in the character information and the character information is updated such that data for presentation is added. When an operation indicating disagreement with transmission of a commemorative picture has been performed in information processing apparatus1which is a transfer destination of the character information, the character information is transmitted to server2and further to information processing apparatus1A while values for the flag for presentation and the data for presentation each remain as “NULL”.

In the present embodiment, character information includes a flag for presentation for each piece of additional information. It is noted that only one flag for presentation may be included commonly to every additional information. In this case, information processing apparatus1which is a transfer destination of character information sets a value for the common flag for presentation to 1 or NULL, depending on contents of an operation indicating agreement/disagreement with transmission of a commemorative picture. In step A1412, when a value for the common flag for presentation is set to 1, control proceeds to step A1414, and when it is set to NULL, control proceeds to step A1416.

In the present embodiment described above, each of the processing for “homecoming” described with reference toFIGS. 20 to 22and the processing for “letter” described with reference toFIGS. 23 to 25can be one example of display processing making use of an object. In the processing for “homecoming”, position information such as “P” functions as display identification information specifying contents of a souvenir. In the processing for “letter”, data for presentation of character information functions as display identification information specifying contents of a character photographed together with character50generated in information processing apparatus1A.

In the present embodiment, an information processing apparatus can change character information received between apparatuses and thereafter transmit the resultant information to another information processing apparatus through passing communication. Then, the character information changed in another information processing apparatus can be received through a server and then displayed. Namely, since display processing based on parameter information changed in another information processing apparatus is performed in an information processing apparatus, zest of data communication can be enhanced.

Though an experience parameter in character information is changed in information processing apparatus1which is a transfer destination in the present embodiment, a character code may further be changed. For example, in a case where a game application performs processing for changing a color of hairs of a character in information processing apparatus1which is a transfer destination (travel destination), the character information is updated such that a value of a portion of the character code corresponding to the color of hairs of the character is changed.

It should be understood that the embodiment and a variation disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present embodiment is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims. It is intended that the techniques disclosed in the embodiment and the variation thereof can be practiced alone or in combination to the extent possible.