Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US20090048024?dq=5,742,768
Timestamp: 2016-07-27 08:08:02
Document Index: 597250419

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 2002', 'art-1', 'art-2', 'art-1', 'art-2', 'art-1', 'art-1', 'art-1', 'art-2', 'art-1']

Patent US20090048024 - Wireless communication game system - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inPatentsA wireless communication game system includes a plurality of mobile game apparatuses, which function as a parent device or a child device and are capable of making a communication with each other, and broadcasts from the parent device a parent device packet including a parent device PID, a user name...http://www.google.com/patents/US20090048024?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US20090048024 - Wireless communication game systemAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS20090048024 A1Publication typeApplicationApplication numberUS 12/285,916Publication dateFeb 19, 2009Filing dateOct 16, 2008Priority dateOct 21, 2002Also published asUS7729661, US7929911, US8296439, US8442436, US8768255, US8956233, US8968101, US8968102, US9174126, US9174129, US9320972, US20040087369, US20050282639, US20090093310, US20110070950, US20130196763, US20130196764, US20130196778, US20130203505, US20130210361, US20130210529, US20160008719Publication number12285916, 285916, US 2009/0048024 A1, US 2009/048024 A1, US 20090048024 A1, US 20090048024A1, US 2009048024 A1, US 2009048024A1, US-A1-20090048024, US-A1-2009048024, US2009/0048024A1, US2009/048024A1, US20090048024 A1, US20090048024A1, US2009048024 A1, US2009048024A1InventorsShoya Tanaka, Masato Kuwahara, Toru Oe, Teruyuki YoshiokaOriginal AssigneeNintendo Co., Ltd.Export CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (9), Referenced by (8), Classifications (15), Legal Events (2) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetWireless communication game system
US 20090048024 A1Abstract
1. A wireless communication game system using a plurality of mobile game units, which function as a parent device or a child device capable of wireless communication with each other, wherein
said parent device includes a broadcasting circuit for broadcasting at least one parent device packet including a user's own unit identifying information for allowing a user's own unit to be identified and game identifying information for allowing a game executed by the user's own unit to be identified and said child device includes:
a display for displaying a parent device list of the one or more parent devices existing within the communicable range, based on said parent device packet received by said receiver;
said parent device further comprises at least one child device-use program storage location for storing a child device-use program, and a child device-use program transmitter for transmitting, in response to a connection request from said child device said child device-use program to said child device, said at least one parent device packet further includes child device-use program holding data showing whether or not the parent device is being provided with said at least one child device-use program storage location, and said display displays, in said parent device list, in a case where said child device-use program holding data shows said parent device is being provided with said child device-use program, the parent device irrespective of the game that is executed by the user's own unit, based on said child device-use program holding data received by said receiver. 2. A wireless communication game system according to claim 1, wherein said child device is a unit to which a game cartridge storing a game program is detachably attached, and
in a case where said game cartridge is not attached, said display displays only the parent device provided with said at least one child device-use program storage location in said parent device list, based on said child device-use program holding data received by said receiver. 3. A computer readable memory medium encoded with a program for use in a wireless communication game system using a plurality of mobile game units that function as a parent device or a child device, and are capable of communicating with each other, a processor of the mobile game unit being operable to execute said program to perform:
(a) broadcasting at least one parent device packet including user's own unit identifying information for identifying the user's own unit, and game identifying information for allowing a game executed by the user's own unit to be identified; (b) receiving said at least one parent device packet from one or more parent devices existing within a communicable range; (c) displaying a parent device list of the one or more parent devices existing within a communicable range, based on said at least one parent device packet received by said step (b), said displaying including displaying a plurality of parent devices if a plurality of parent devices exist within the communicable range; (d) selecting, in response to a player's input, any one of the one or more parent devices included in said parent device list; and (e) transmitting, by the child device, a connection request toward said selected parent device, wherein said parent device further comprises at least one child device-use program storage location for storing a child device-use program, and further includes: (f) transmitting, in response to a connection request from said child device, said child device-use program to said child device, wherein said at least one parent device packet further includes child device-use program holding data showing whether or not the parent device is being provided with said at least one child device-use program storage location, and said displaying displays, in a case that said child device-use program holding data shows that the parent device is being provided with said at least one child device-use program storage location, the parent device in said parent device list irrespective of the game that is executed by the user's own unit, based on said child device-use program holding data received by said receiver. 4. The computer readable memory medium of claim 3, wherein said displaying displays, in said parent device list, in a case where said game cartridge is not attached, only the one or more parent devices provided with said at least one child device-use program storage location, based on said child device-use program holding data received by said receiver.
5. A wireless communication game system comprising a plurality of mobile game apparatuses capable of making a wireless-communication with each other, wherein
said plurality of mobile game apparatuses include at least a first game apparatus that sends a program and at least a second game apparatus that receives a program, wherein said first game apparatus comprises:
a game program storage that stores a game program including the program to be transmitted to the second game apparatus; and
a transmitter that transmits apparatus identifying information for allowing the first game apparatus to be identified, and
said second receiving game apparatus comprises:
a receiver that receives information transmitted by at least the transmitter of the first game apparatus;
a display controller that displays an information display including information for allowing one or more other mobile game apparatus existing within said wireless-communication range to be identified, based on the information received by said receiver, and information for allowing one or more game programs having been started within said one or more other mobile game apparatus to be identified;
a selector for allowing a player to select one of said one or more other mobile game apparatus included in said information display; and
a transmission requester that transmits a transmission request to the mobile game apparatus selected by said selector, wherein
said transmitter further transmits transmission-state data indicating whether it is possible for said first game apparatus to transmit the game program, said display controller displays in said information display one or more mobile game apparatuses capable of transmitting the game program and one or more mobile game apparatuses incapable of transmitting the game program, separately, and the first game apparatus, having received said transmission request from the second game apparatus, transmits said game program to said second game apparatus, and said second game apparatus receives and executes said game program. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein said first game apparatus stores a first game program including a program to be transmitted and a second game program not including a program to be transmitted, wherein
said first game apparatus further includes a selective starting programmed logic circuitry to selectively start one of said first game program and said second game program, and wherein said transmission-state data is data representing that said first game program is selectively started by said selective starting programmed logic circuitry. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the display controller further displays one or more mobile game apparatuses having started a game program.
8. The system of claim 6, wherein at least one of the first and second game apparatuses transmits an invitation to join in an instance of the game program transmitted from the first game apparatus to the second game apparatus.
9. A wireless communication game system using a plurality of mobile game units, which function as a parent device or a child device capable of wireless communication with each other, wherein
a display capable of displaying parent device information of a plurality of parent devices, based on said parent device packet received by said receiver;
a selector for allowing a player to select a parent device included in said parent device information display; and
said parent device further comprises at least one child device-use program storage location for storing a child device-use program, and a child device-use program transmitter for transmitting, in response to a connection request from said child device said child device-use program to said child device, said at least one parent device packet further includes child device-use program holding data showing whether or not the parent device is being provided with said at least one child device-use program storage location, and said display displays, in said parent device information display, in a case where said child device-use program holding data shows said parent device is being provided with said child device-use program, the parent device irrespective of the game that is executed by the user's own unit, based on said child device-use program holding data received by said receiver. 10. A wireless communication game system according to claim 9, wherein said child device is a unit to which a game cartridge storing a game program is detachably attached, and
in a case where said game cartridge is not attached, said display displays only the parent device provided with said at least one child device-use program storage location in said parent device information display, based on said child device-use program holding data received by said receiver. 11. A computer readable memory medium encoded with a program for use in a wireless communication game system using a plurality of mobile game units that function as a parent device or a child device, and are capable of communicating with each other, a processor of the mobile game unit being operable to execute said program to perform:
(a) broadcasting at least one parent device packet including user's own unit identifying information for identifying the user's own unit, and game identifying information for allowing a game executed by the user's own unit to be identified; (b) receiving said at least one parent device packet from one or more parent devices existing within a communicable range; (c) displaying parent device information of the one or more parent devices existing within a communicable range, based on said at least one parent device packet received by said step (b), said displaying capable of displaying a plurality of parent devices; (d) selecting, in response to a player's input, a parent device included in said parent device information display; and (e) transmitting, by the child device, a connection request toward said selected parent device, wherein said parent device further comprises at least one child device-use program storage location for storing a child device-use program, and further includes: (f) transmitting, in response to a connection request from said child device, said child device-use program to said child device, wherein said at least one parent device packet further includes child device-use program holding data showing whether or not the parent device is being provided with said at least one child device-use program storage location, and said displaying displays, in a case that said child device-use program holding data shows that the parent device is being provided with said at least one child device-use program storage location, the parent device in said parent device information display irrespective of the game that is executed by the user's own unit, based on said child device-use program holding data received by said receiver. 12. The computer readable memory medium of claim 11, wherein said displaying displays, in said parent device information display, in a case where said game cartridge is not attached, only the one or more parent devices provided with said at least one child device-use program storage location, based on said child device-use program holding data received by said receiver. Description
[0001] This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 10/689,073, filed Oct. 21, 2003, which claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-305523, filed Oct. 21, 2002, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] The present invention relates to a game system utilizing wireless communication. More specifically, the present invention relates to a wireless communication game system having a “child” device capable of storing information of a parent device existing within a communicable range between the child device, and a mobile game apparatus and a game system used therefor.
[0003] One example of a conventional wireless communication game system is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Laying-open No. No. 2000-135380 (International Classification: A63F13/00, H04L12/28) laid-open on May, 16, 2000.
[0018] In still another embodiment, the parent device packet further includes entry reception data showing whether or not to receive a new entry of the child device. The display displays in the parent device list only the parent device that receives the new entry of the child device, based on the entry reception data received by the receiver. More specifically, the entry reception data corresponds to data other than “ffh” of the E slot, and therefore, the child device displays the parent device that sets the data other than “ffh” in the E slot of the parent device packet as shown in FIG. 3 in a step S23 or S25 (FIG. 20). Therefore, by displaying only the parent device that receives the new entry of the child device, wasted information (information on the parent device not communicable) of the parent device is omitted, thus allowing a player of the child device to easily select the parent device.
[0019] In yet another embodiment, the parent device further comprises a child device-use program storage locations for storing a child device-use program, and a child device-use program transmitter for transmitting, in response to a connection request from the child device (the child device is an apparatus to which the game cartridge is detachably attached, for example, and in response to a request from the child device to which the game cartridge is not attached), the child device-use program to the child device. The parent device packet further includes child device-use program holding data showing whether or not it is being provided with the child device-use program storage locations. In a case of showing that the child device-use program holding data is provided with the child device-use program, the display displays in the parent device list the parent device irrespective of the game, which is executed by the user's own apparatus, based on the child device-use program holding data received by the receiver. More specifically, the child device-use program storage locations corresponds to an area 76 in FIG. 16, and the child device-use program is transferred from the parent device to the child device in a step S77 in FIG. 19 (receiving process of the child device is a step S145 in FIG. 26). Therefore, the child device activates the child device-use program, and is capable of playing a game in that OC mode. Herein, in this embodiment, the parent device having the child device-use program holding data (in the embodiment, OC flag) “1” is displayed as shown in FIG. 5. That is, the parent device stores not only a user's own apparatus (for the parent device) program but also the child device-use program, and transmits the program to the child device since the child device receives and executes that program, it is not necessary to have a game program on the child device side. In addition, since the child device is capable of knowing the parent device capable of playing the OC-mode-use game, it is possible to easily play the game even if the cartridge is not attached.
[0020] In addition, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the parent device stores both a first program not requiring the child device to transmit the child device-use program, and a second program requiring the child device to transmit the child device-use program. The parent device packet further includes execution type data showing which program, the first program or the second program, the parent device executes. Regarding the parent device executing the first program, the display displays in the parent device list only the parent device that executes a game communicable with the game executed by the user's own apparatus, based on the execution type data received by the receiver, and regarding the parent device executing the second program, displays in the parent device list irrespective of the game, which is executed by the user's own apparatus. More specifically, a cartridge 16 shown in FIG. 16 is attached to the parent device, and this cartridge stores both the first program (normal mode game program), and the second program (OC mode-use game program), and the execution type data showing which is executing, the first program or the second program, that is, “1” or “0” indicated by an OC flag in the embodiment, is transmitted to the parent device packet. Therefore, regarding the parent device having the OC flag “1”, the child device displays only the parent device communicable with the parent device, and regarding the parent device having the OC flag “0”, all parent devices are displayed irrespective of the game, which is executed by the user's own apparatus. That is, only the information of the parent device communicable with the parent device or in a state capable of transmitting the child device-use program (second program is being executed) is displayed so that wasted information on the parent device (information on the parent device not communicable, and etc.) is omitted. This allows a player to easily select the parent device.
[0037] FIG. 7 is an illustrative view showing an example of a display screen of the parent device list when a mobile game apparatus having a user's name “Siroh” enters a communication range in the FIG. 6 situation in the FIG. 2 embodiment;
[0038] FIG. 8 is an illustrative view showing an example of a display screen of the parent device list when the mobile game apparatus having a user's name “Ichiroh” comes out of the communication range in the FIG. 7 situation in the FIG. 2 embodiment;
[0070] The wireless communication unit 14 is further provided with an EEPROM 54, and a user's name, for example, is uniquely set to the EEPROM 54. The base band (Base Band) IC 50 transmits data including the user's name to an RF (Radio Frequency)-IC56, the RF-IC 56 modulates the data, and transmits a radio wave from an antenna 58. However, in an exemplary embodiment, the an intensity of the radio wave is extremely weak, and is set to so small a value that this wave radio is not subject to legal regulation. In addition, this wireless communication unit 14 is provided with a power circuit 60. Typically, the power circuit 60 is a battery, and supplies a DC (direct-current) power source to each component of the wireless communication unit 14.
[0074] First, in a case that the user's own apparatus 62 is the mobile game apparatus to which the cartridge 16 is attached shown in FIG. 1, and an all-display flag showing to display all parent devices around the user's own apparatus 62 (described later) is set to “1”, a parent device list 18 A as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the LCD 18 of the mobile game machine 12 show in FIG. 1. In the parent device list 18 A in FIG. 3, all parent devices existing within the communicable range 64 (FIG. 2), that is, three parent devices having the user's names as “Taroh”, “Ichiroh”, and “Jiroh”, respectively, are displayed. Therefore, when the user of the user's own apparatus intends to operate or function the user's own apparatus as the child device, the user is capable of selecting the parent device to which the user intends to connect by moving a cursor by the cross key included in the operation key 38 (FIG. 1) so as to specify the parent device, and after this, depressing the A button that is also included in the operation key 38.
[0076] The reason why only the three parent devices are displayed in the parent device list 18A in FIG. 3, in spite of the four parent devices existing within the range 64 in FIG. 2 is that the parent device having the user name “Saburoh” has an entry slot ESlot set to “ffh”. The entry slot ESlot is a flag showing whether or not to accept a new child device, and when the entry slot ESlot is set to “ffh”, the parent device refuses a new participation of the child device so that such the parent device is not displayed. The parent device having the user name “Saburoh” has reached the maximum number of child devices available for entry, thus not accepting the new child device.
[0077] In addition, in the parent device list 18A in FIG. 3, a circle (O) is added to the parent device having the user name “Jiroh”. This circle (O) indicates that it is possible to play the game in the OC mode.
[0078] Furthermore, when the all-display flag is turned-off, the parent device list 18A shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the LCD 18. In this case, the game cartridge of the user's own apparatus such as a parent device communicable with Mario Kart-1 (Trademark), for example, that is, only the parent device having the user name “Jiroh” in this example, is displayed. Because a cartridge of Mario Kart-2 (Trademark) is attached to the parent device having the user name “Taroh”, and the Mario Kart-1 (Trademark) and the Mario Kart-2 (Trademark) are communicable with each other. It is noted that if there is a parent device to which the cartridge of the Mario Kart-1 (Trademark) is attached within the communicable range 64, that parent device, too, is displayed without question.
[0079] In the above-described example, the cartridge of Mario Kart-1 (Trademark) is attached to the user's own apparatus (child device). However, in a case of intending to play the game in the OC mode without the cartridge 16 being attached to the user's own apparatus, a parent device list 18A shown in FIG. 5, for example, is displayed on the LCD 18. In the parent device list 18A in this FIG. 5, only the parent device corresponding to the OC mode, that is, the parent device having the user name “Jiroh”, is displayed in this example (“F-ZERO” (Trademark) is a game corresponding to the OC mode). However, the cartridge 16 is not attached to the user's own apparatus in this case, and thus, the user's own apparatus cannot become the parent device. Therefore, a message that says “depress button B if you want to become the parent device” shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4 is not displayed.
[0080] Next, referring to FIG. 6-FIG. 8, descriptions will be made regarding a change of the display of the user's own apparatus 62 in a case that the parent device having the user name “Shiroh” enters the communicable range 64 shown in FIG. 2, and later, the parent device having the user name “Ichiroh” comes out of the range 64. In a case that the parent device having the user name “Shiroh” is outside the range, the same parent device list 18A as FIG. 3 is displayed on the LCD 18 of the user's own apparatus as shown in FIG. 6.
[0081] Subsequently, when the parent device having the user name “Shiroh” enters the range, a parent device list 18A shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. It is noted that it is assumed that the all-display flag of the user's own apparatus 62 is turned-on. That is, the parent device having the user name “Shiroh” is displayed in addition to the parent devices having the user name “Taroh”, “Ichiroh”, and “Jiroh”, respectively.
[0082] Furthermore, when the parent device having the user name “Ichiroh” comes outside the range 64, a parent device list 18A in FIG. 8 is displayed. The parent device having the user name “Ichiroh” is not displayed in this parent device list.
[0083] In addition, in a case that the user's own apparatus is the parent device, and waits for a new participation of the child device, a child device list 18B shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the LCD 18. Looking at this child device list 18B allows to know that child devices having the user name “Goroh”, “Rokuroh”, and “Hichiroh”, respectively are currently connected to the user's own apparatus. Herein, it is noted that since this embodiment is a wireless communication game system that processes the game by making a wireless communication between the parent device and the child device by a extremely weak radio wave, a term “connect” is not essentially to be used. However, as a term to describe a coordinating state communicable between the mobile game apparatus, which becomes the parent device, and the mobile game apparatus, which becomes the child device, the term “connect” is used for the sake of convenience, by borrowing a term used in a case of a wire communication.
[0085] The parent device packet, as shown in FIG. 11, has a field sync for storing synchronizing data at its head, and has a field PID for storing a number (identifying code) PID of the parent device subsequent to that synchronizing data field sync. Subsequent to the field PID, a user name field UserName, and a game name field GameName are formed. In the user name field UserName, a user name read-out from the EEPROM 54 (FIG. 1), which corresponds to “Jiroh”, “Ichiroh”, and etc. in the above-described example, is registered, and in the game name field GameName, the game name such as the Mario Kart-1 (Trademark), Mario kart-2 (Trademark), the F-Zero (Trademark), Golf, in the above-described example, are registered. It is noted that if the cartridge 16 (FIG. 1) is attached, a game name (68 in FIG. 16) read-out from the ROM 42 (FIG. 1) may be automatically registered in this game name field GameName.
[0086] The parent device packet further includes a flag OC, and this flag OC is a flag showing whether or not possible to be applied to the above-described one cartridge (OC) mode. More specifically, when this flag OC is reset, that is, when OC=0, this means that the game cartridge of the parent device at that time is not applicable to the OC mode, or applicable to the OC mode, however, it is currently played in the normal mode. When the flag OC is set, that is, when OC=1, this means that it is possible to be applicable to the OC mode, and it is currently played in the OC mode. Therefore, a user who does not have the cartridge needs to find the parent device having this flag OC “1”.
[0090] FIG. 14 shows a specific example. In the example of FIG. 14, “58” is stored in the parent device number field PID, and therefore, it is understood that the parent device number PID is “58”. In addition, it is understood that the user name of the parent device is “Taroh”, the game name is Mario Kart (Trademark), the flag OC is “0”, and “2” is registered in the E slot field ESlot. Furthermore, by referring to the U slot field USlot, it is understood that although the child device having the child device number (CID) “16” is connected to the child device slot 0, and the child device having the child device number (CID) “130” to the child device slot 1, respectively, both the child devices 2 and 3 are “0h”, thus possible to know that the both are vacant slots.
[0091] In a case that a new child device attempts to connect (Entry) to the parent device under such the situation, the child device number is determined by issuing the child device number CID other than “16” or “130” such as a random number, for example, because, by referring to the U slot field USLot of the parent device, “16” and “130” are used as the child device CID. As one example, it is provided that “86” is determined as the CID of the child device. Therefore, the child device transmits CID=86 to the child device slot (child device slot 2) designated by the ESlot.
[0092] Then, the parent device knows, by receiving “86” in the child device slot 2, that the child device having the child device number CID “86” intends to apply for entry. Next, the parent device determines whether or not to accept that entry. In a case of accepting the entry, the parent device broadcasts the parent device packet having “86” set to the area corresponding to the child device slot 2 of the Uslot, which is shown in the lowest column in FIG. 14, and signals that a new participation of the child device having the child device number CID “86” is accepted. At the same time, the newly participated child device confirms that CID=86 is present as its own child device number in the area corresponding to the child device slot 2 of the Uslot.
[0094] In the FIG. 15 embodiment, the ROM 42 (FIG. 1) included in the cartridge 16 includes a game program area 62, and a game name area 64. In the game program area 62, a common program 66, a parent device program 68, and a child device program 70 are stored in advance. The common program 66 is a program used in spite of the user's own apparatus being the parent device or the child device. That is, in a case that the user's own apparatus is the parent device, the common program and a parent device program described later are executed, and in a case that the user's own apparatus is the child device, the common program and a child device program described later are executed. The parent device program 68 is a program operated only when the user's own apparatus functions as the parent device, and in addition to including variables M and N, includes the flag OC set to “0” (that is, turned-off). However, the variable M indicates the maximum number of the child devices possible to simultaneously connect to the parent device, and the variable N indicates the maximum number of slots that one child device can use. It is noted that both the variables M and N change dependent on to the game. The child device program 70 is a program operated only when the user's own apparatus is functioned as the child device, and includes the above-described variable N. In the game name area 64, a name of the above game programs such as Mario Kart-1 (Trademark), Golf, . . . , and etc. is stored in advance.
[0095] In an embodiment in FIG. 16, the ROM 42 of the cartridge 16 includes the game program area 62 and the game name area 64. In the game name program area 62, the same common program 66, the parent device program 68, and the child device program 70 as in FIG. 15 are set, and an OC mode-use game program 72 is set in order to be applicable to the OC mode. The OC mode-use game program 72 includes a parent device program 74, and a transmission-use child device program 76. The parent device program 74 is the same as the above parent device program 68 except that the flag OC is set to “1”. The transmission-use child device program 76 is a program for transferring to the child device that plays the game in the OC mode, and includes the variable N. The child device that applies for entry in the OC mode is capable of participating in the game by receiving this transmission-use child device program 76 transmitted (downloaded) from the parent device.
[0096] The memory map of the EEPROM 54 of the wireless communication unit 14 shown in FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 17, and as shown in FIG. 17, the EEPROM 54 includes a user name area 78. In the user name area 78, the user name such as “Taroh”, “Ichiroh”, . . . , or the like as in the above-described example, is registered.
[0108] Moreover, in a case that the cartridge applicable to the OC mode is attached to the user's own apparatus, and the game is played in the OC mode, the user's own apparatus cannot function other than the parent device. In this case, via steps S75 and S77 (FIG. 19), similar to the above case of the parent device, a series of the steps S29 shown in FIG. 21-S69 shown in FIG. 23 are executed.
[0111] In a case that “NO” is determined in the step S5, that is, in a case that although the cartridge is attached to the user's own apparatus, the cartridge is a cartridge not applicable to the OC mode, the process advances to a step S7 in FIG. 20, in addition to clearing the parent device list area 80 shown in FIG. 18, resets the parent device list clear timer 82 similarly shown in FIG. 18. Furthermore, the all-display flag set to the child device variable area 88 in FIG. 18 is turned-on (“1” is set). It is noted that the parent device clear timer 82 automatically starts counting the timer after the resetting.
[0112] Subsequently, in a step S9, it is attempted to receive the parent device packet as shown in FIG. 11. In the step S11, it is determined whether or not the parent device packet is successfully received. Then, if “YES” is determined in the step S11, in a succeeding step S13, it is determined whether or not the parent device that broadcasts is the parent device not existing in the parent device list. More specifically, in this step S13, it is determined whether or not the parent device PID and the user name out of the data of the received parent device packet (data temporarily stored in the reception buffer 94 of the WRAM 28 shown in FIG. 18) is the parent device registered in the parent device list 80 (FIG. 18). If “YES” is determined in this step S13, that is, in a case of a new parent device, in a succeeding step S15, the processor 20 newly registers in the parent device list 80 the parent device ID (PID), the user name (UserName), the game name (GameName), the OC flag (OC), and the entry slot (ESlot) included in the parent device packet.
[0113] When “NO” is determined in the preceding step S11, or when after finishing registration in the step S15, in a succeeding step S17, it is determined whether or not a value of the parent device list clear timer 82 reset in the preceding step S7 becomes equal to or longer than two seconds. If “YES”, the parent device list 80 is cleared in a step S19, and the parent device list clear timer 82 is reset. Herein, the reason why the parent device list clear timer 82 is reset is that as described above, by referring to FIG. 8, in a case that a certain parent device (“Jiroh” in FIG. 8) comes out of the communicable range, it is necessary to delete the parent device from the parent device list 80. Therefore, by regularly (every two seconds in this embodiment) clearing the parent device list 80 and making a registration to the list of the parent device existing within the communicable range from the start, the parent device that comes out of the communicable range is not remained in the parent device list. When “NO” is determined in the step S17, or after executing the step S19, in a succeeding step S21, the processor 20 determines whether or not the above-described whole display flag is turned-on (“1”). It is noted that in this embodiment, this whole display flag is set to “1” or turn-on as a default. When the all-display flag is turned-on, in a step S23, the parent device having the entry slot ESlot not “ffh” out of the parent devices registered in the parent device list, that is, information (more specifically, the user name UserName, and the game name GameName) on all the parent devices that accept a new entry of the child device is displayed as shown in FIG. 3. When the all-display flag is turned-off (“0”), in a step S25, information (the user name UserName and the game name GameName) of the parent device having the entry slot ESlot not “ffh”, and that is communicable (that is, the game of the cartridge of the parent device and the game of the cartridge of the child device are in a predetermined relationship, and communicable with each other), out of the parent devices registered in the base list, is displayed as shown in FIG. 4.
[0116] In a succeeding step S1003, the processor 20 writes a pseudo random value into the area PID for setting the parent device PID of the parent device variable area 86 (FIG. 18). Next, in a succeeding step S1005, the variable m indicating the number of child devices actually connecting to the parent device (user's own apparatus) within the communicable range is rendered zero (0), and in a succeeding step S1007, “Null” is set to the area of a subject to connection CID indicating the number of child devices subject to connection. In addition, zero (0) is written into the variable n, within the area 86, indicating the number of slots actually allotted to the child device under a connection process. It is noted that the subject to connection CID is a CID of the child device under the connection process, and is for ignoring an entry request from the child device of the CID other than the subject to connection CID, in a case that a plurality of the slots are to be allotted to one child device in the entry process, when allotting of the slot to a certain child device is started in order to allot a plurality of the slots to the certain child device in a successive number. In a succeeding step S1009, one of the vacant slot numbers is assigned to the entry slot area ESlot within the area 86.
[0117] Subsequently, in a succeeding step S1011, the processor 20 examines the signal from the operation key 38 (FIG. 1) so as to determine whether or not the A button (not shown) is depressed. If “YES” in the step S1011, which means that the user of the user's own apparatus (parent device) at that time refuses its child device's entry (see FIG. 9), thus in a succeeding step S1013, the processor 20 deletes from the child device list area 84 in FIG. 18 the data, USlot and CID of the selected child device. Subsequently, in a step S1015, a new child device list 18B is displayed as shown in FIG. 9.
[0118] Then, if “NO” is determined in the step S1011, that is, the user of the parent device did not depress the A button, or after executing the step S1015, the processor 20 determines whether or not the start key (not shown) is operated based on the signal from the operation key 38 in a step S1017. If “YES”, the process directly returns. However, if “NO”, in a succeeding step S1021, a transmission/reception process of the parent device shown in detail in FIG. 29 is executed.
[0119] The transmission/reception process of the parent device shown in a step S1019 in FIG. 27 is shown in detail in FIG. 29. In a step S2001 in FIG. 29, the processor 20 determines whether or not there is data yet to be transmitted in the transmission buffer 92 (FIG. 18). If “YES”, in a succeeding step S2003, data necessary for the parent device in FIG. 14 such as the PID, the user name, the game name, the OC flag, the E slot, the U slot, and the payload, which is the above-described data yet to be transmitted, for example, is transmitted. Then, in a succeeding step S2005, after receiving the child device packet, the process returns.
[0120] If “NO” is determined in the preceding step S2001, in a succeeding step S2007, the processor 20 determines whether or not no data transmission is made during the past 64 milliseconds. It is noted that a time period of this “64 milliseconds” is an example of a numerical value capable of dissolving a timer deviation, and needless to say, other numerical values may be possible.
[0121] If “YES” is determined in the step S2007, using the parent device slot, each data excluding the payload such as the PID, the user name, the game name, the OC flag, the E slot, and the U slot, for example, is transmitted in a step S2009. This step S2009 is a step necessary for enabling the entry from the child device, and even without the payload (data to be transmitted), the data necessary for the entry process (the PID, the user name, the game name, the OC flag, the E slot, and the U slot) is regularly transmitted, thus the child device is always capable of making the entry process. In this step S2009, the payload data is not transmitted. Next, after the step S2009 is ended, or when “NO” is determined in the step S2007, the process returns via the preceding step S2005.
[0122] Returning to FIG. 27, in the step S1021 subsequent to the step S1019, the processor 20 determines whether or not the child device CID is successfully received in the slot designated by the field ESlot of the parent device packet shown in FIG. 11 (that is, it is determined whether or not the child device uses the entry slot and makes the entry request). In a case of “NO” in this step S1021, the process returns to the preceding step S1011, and in a case of “YES”, in a succeeding step S1023, it is determined whether or not the subject to connection child device CID of the child device variable area 86 in FIG. 18 is Null (that is, it is determined whether or not there is another child device currently under entry process). If YES, that is, if the number of the child device subject to connection (CID) is not registered, in a step S1025, the child device CID received in the step S1019 is registered as the number of the child device subject to connection (CID) in the subject to connection child device CID within the area 86 in FIG. 18.
[0123] When “NO” in the preceding step S1023, or after ending the step S1025, the processor 20 determines whether or not the received CID is the same as the subject to connection CID (that is, it is determined whether or not the received CID is the CID of the child device currently under connection process) in a step S1027. If “NO”, the process returns to the preceding step S1011. If “YES”, that CID is stored in a portion showing the entry slot of the U slot area USlot within the area 86 in FIG. 18 in a succeeding step S11029. Next, in a step S1031, the actual number of connecting slots n is incremented (+1), and in a step S1033, it is determined whether or not n=N, W, that is, the actual number of connecting slots n reaches the maximum number of slots N (varies depending on each game) applied to one child device. If “YES”, since it is not accepted to allot more slots to the child device, the process advances to a succeeding step S1035 shown in FIG. 28. However, if “NO”, since it is possible to allot more slots to the child device, the process returns to the step S1009.
[0125] Subsequently, the processor 20 of the parent device, in a step S1041, increments (+1) the actual number of child devices m, and in a step S1043, determines whether or not the actual number of child devices m becomes equal to the maximum number of child devices to be connected M (varies depending on each game). If “YES” is determined in the step S1043, that is, it is determined that it is not possible to connect more child devices, the process directly returns.
[0126] On the contrary, in a case that it is still possible to connect more than one child devices, that is, “NO” is determined in the step S1043, the process returns to the step S1007 in FIG. 27.
[0127] Thus, the connection process is executed in the step S29 in FIG. 21, and furthermore, in the step S31 in FIG. 22, it is temporarily stopped accepting the child device, and “ffh” is written into the entry slot ESlot in order to prohibit other child devices from participating. Next, as required during the game, in order to invite the child devices additionally, the subject to connection CID within the area 86 in FIG. 18 is rendered Null, that is, the actual number of connecting slots n=0.
[0128] Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the game is started in the step S33, that is, the start button (not shown) included in the operation key 38 is depressed. When the start button is depressed, in the succeeding step S35, the processor 20 refers to the U slot area USlot of the parent device variable area 86 shown in FIG. 8 so as to detect the number “m” of the child devices currently being connected. The number of areas, which is not “0h” out of each area of the U slot, is the number m currently being connected. Next, in the step S37, it is determined whether or not the number of the child devices being connected m is smaller than the maximum number of connections M. Being determined “YES” in this step S37 means that the new entry of the child device is accepted. Therefore, in this case, in the succeeding step S39, one of the vacant slot numbers (the slot number corresponding to the area, which is “0h”, out of the U slots) is set to the E slot area ESlot of the parent device variable area 86. This cancels a state setting of the area ESlot of “fh”.
[0130] Subsequently, in the step S43, the processor 20 determines whether or not the data of a certain child device is not successfully received for more than a predetermined time period t1. Being determined “YES” in this step S43 means that it is probable that the child device has already departed from the communicable range 64 (FIG. 2), and in this case, in the step S45, the processor 20 deletes the child device number CID of the child device from the U slot area USlot of the parent device variable area 86 (FIG. 18). As a result of this process, the child device slot used by the departed child device becomes a vacant slot, thus making it possible to allow a new entry of the child device instead of the departed child device.
[0131] When “NO” is determined in the step S43, or after the step S45 is ended, in the succeeding step S47, the processor 20 determines whether or not “ffh” is set to the E slot area ESlot of the parent device variable area 86. If “YES”, in the succeeding step S49, the processor 20 executes the game process according to the game program 62 (FIG. 15) of the cartridge 16.
[0132] When “NO” is determined in the step S47 in FIG. 22, in order to accept a mid-course participation of the child device, the process advances to the step S51 in FIG. 23. In this step S51, the processor 20 of the parent device determines whether or not the child device CID is successfully received by the slot designated in the E slot field ESlot. If “YES”, in the succeeding step S53, it is determined whether or not “Null” is written into the area of the subject to connection CID within the area 86 in FIG. 18. If “YES”, that is, the CID of the child device subject to connection is not registered, in the step S55, the CID received by the slot designated in the E slot is registered in the area of the subject to connection CID.
[0133] When “NO” in the preceding step S53, or when the step S55 is ended, the processor 20 determines whether or not the received child device number CID is the same as the subject to connection CID in the step S57. If “YES”, in the succeeding step S59, the child device CID is stored in a portion showing the entry slot of the U slot area USlot of the area 86 in FIG. 18. Next, in the step S61, the actual number of connecting slots n is incremented (+1), and in the step S63, it is determined whether or not n=N, that is, the actual number of connecting slots n reaches the maximum number of slots N allottable to one child device. If “YES”, since it is no more possible to accept allotting the slot to the child device, the allotting of slot to the child device is ended, and in the step S65, “Null” is set to the area of the subject to connection CID within the area 86, and zero (0) is written into the variable n.
[0134] Subsequently, the processor 20 of the parent device, in the step S67, determines whether or not the actual number of connecting child devices m becomes equal to the maximum number of connectable child devices M. If “YES” is determined in this step S67, that is, it is determined that it is not possible to connect more child device, in the step S69, “ffh” is written into the E slot area ESlot.
[0135] It is noted that after the step S69, or when “NO” is determined in the steps S51, S57, S63 or S67, respectively, the process stops the mid-course participation process of the child device in each case, and returns (returns to the step S49 in FIG. 49) to the game process.
[0138] When “YES” is determined in the step S5 in FIG. 19, that is, in a case that the cartridge applicable to the OC mode shown in FIG. 16 is attached to the user's own apparatus, in the succeeding step S71, the processor 20 displays a mode selection screen (not shown). Next, in a step S73, it is determined whether or not the normal mode is selected. If “YES”, similar to when “NO” is determined in the preceding step S5, the process advances to the step S7 in FIG. 20. That is, a process of a case that the cartridge not applicable to the OC mode is attached is the same as the process of a case that the cartridge applicable to the OC mode is attached, and however, the normal mode is selected.
[0139] In a case that the cartridge applicable to the OC mode is attached to the user's own apparatus, and the game of the OC mode is played, the user's own apparatus can only become the parent device. Described in detail, If “NO” in a step S73, that is, in a case that the OC mode is selected, in the succeeding step S75, similar to the preceding step S29 (FIG. 21), the connection process of the parent device described in detail by referring to FIG. 27 and FIG. 28 is executed. It is noted that, at this time, the number of slots to be used N of one child device is “1” (N=1), and as the maximum number to be connected M, the number allowed inherently by the game is set. Subsequently, in the step S77, the processor 20 transfers (downloads) a transfer-use child device program shown in FIG. 16 to the child device. Subsequently, the process advances to the step S31 in FIG. 22, and executes each step that follows as described above.
[0142] When “NO” is determined in the step S27 in FIG. 21, that is, when a selection that the user's own apparatus becomes the parent device is not made, in the succeeding step S79, the processor 20 of the mobile game machine 12 examines an operation signal from the operation key 38 so as to determine whether or not the A button (not shown) is depressed, that is, it is determined whether or not the parent device intending to connect is selected. If “YES” is determined in this step S79, the processor 20, next, in the step S81, determines whether or not possible to communicate between the selected parent device. That is, it is determined whether or not the cartridge of the parent device and the cartridge of the user's own apparatus are in a predetermined relationship and capable of making a communication with each other. When communicable, later, the process advances to a step S83 in FIG. 24 so as to execute the connection process of the child device. The connection process of the child device is described in detail in FIG. 30 and FIG. 31.
[0144] When “NO” is determined in the step S3003, that is, in a case that the parent device packet of the selected parent device is not successfully received, in a step S3005, it is determined whether or not it is time-out (time is run out), and if “NO” in this step S3005, the process returns to the preceding step S3001. However, if “YES”, the process writes “failure” into a connection result variable (within the area 88 in FIG. 18) in a step S3007, and then, returns.
[0145] When “YES” is determined in the step S3003, that is, when the synchronizing signal of the subject parent device is successfully received, in a step S3009, the processor 20 of the child device resets a synchronizing timer (area 88), and advances to a succeeding step S3011. In this step S3011, the processor 20 renders the pseudo random value the ID number of the child device CID. Next, in a step S3011, it is determined whether or not the child device having the CID at this time is already present. That is, referring to the U slot of the received parent device packet, it is determined whether or not the same CID is already present. In a case that “YES” in the step S3013, it is necessary to change the number once allotted, and therefore, in this case, the step S3011 is once again executed, and by allotting a new number CID, the examination in the step S3013 is once again executed.
[0146] The steps S3011 and S3013 are repeated until “NO” is obtained in the step S3013, and when “NO” is obtained, the process advances to a succeeding step S3015. In the step S3015, the number of actually allotted slots n is rendered zero (0), and furthermore, in a succeeding step S3017, the parent device packet is received, and in a step S3019, the synchronizing timer is once again reset. Next, in a step S3021, the processor 20 determines whether or not the E slot ESlot of the received parent device packet (see FIG. 11) is “ffh”. If “YES” is determined in this step S3021, since the entry of the parent device is prohibited, the process returns, assuming that this is “failure”, via the preceding step S3007.
[0147] When “NO” is determined in the step S3021, the process advances to a step S3023 in FIG. 31 because the entry of the child device is not prohibited. In the step S3023, the CPU core of the child device transmits the number CID obtained in the step S3011 to the slot shown in the E slot field ESlot of the parent device packet at that time. Next, in a succeeding step S3025, the parent device packet is received, and in a step S3027, the synchronizing timer is once again reset.
[0148] Next, in a succeeding step S3029, the processor 20 of the child device confirms whether or not its own number (CID) is present in an entry slot position of the U slot field of the received parent device packet. Next, if “NO” is determined in this step S3029, in a succeeding step S3031, the processor 20 determines whether or not it is the time-out. In a case that it is not the time-out, the process returns to the preceding step S3017 (FIG. 30). However, in a case that the time-out occurs, the process writes “failure” in the connection result variable in the step S3007 in FIG. 30, and then, returns.
[0149] When “YES” is determined in the step S3029, that is, its own number (CID) is present in the entry slot position of the U slot of the received parent device packet, after incrementing (+1) the actual number of allotted slots n in a succeeding step S3033, in a step S3035, it is determined whether or not the actual number of allotted slots n becomes equal to the maximum number of slots N to be allotted to one child device (that is, this N changes depending on a game. A value of 1-4, for example). When “NO” is determined in this step S3035, that is, when it is still possible to allotted the slot, the process returns to the preceding step S3025 so as to receive the parent device packet.
[0150] However, if “YES” is determined in the step S3025, assuming that as many slots as possible are assigned, in a succeeding step S3037, “success” is registered in the connection result variable, and the process advances to a succeeding step S3039. In this step S3039, the parent device number PID of the connected parent device and the acquired slot number are stored in the area 88 of the internal RAM 28 of the user's own apparatus (FIG. 18). However, there is a case that the slot number is plural, and in this embodiment, the numerical value is any one of “0”-“3”. Next, the process returns to the step S85 in FIG. 24, later.
[0151] In the step S85, it is determined whether or not the connection result is “success” by referring to the connection result variable of the area 88. Then, in a case of “NO”, in a succeeding step S87, a message such as “not connected”, for example, is displayed on the LCD 18 of the parent device (FIG. 1), and then, the process returns to the step S7.
[0153] The transmission/reception process of the child device shown in the step S93 in FIG. 24 is described in detail in FIG. 32. The parent device packet is received in a step S4001 in FIG. 32, and in a succeeding step S4003, the synchronizing timer (FIG. 18) is reset. Next, in a step S4005, the processor 20 of the parent device determines whether or not there is the transmitting data yet to be transmitted in the transmission buffer 92 (FIG. 18). If “YES”, in a succeeding step S4007, using the parent device slot already assigned, the necessary data such as the CID, the payload, for example, is transmitted. Then, in a case that there is no data yet to be transmitted, or after the step S4007, the process returns to the step S95 in FIG. 24.
[0154] Returning to FIG. 24 once again, in the step S95, the processor 20 of the child device determines whether or not the data is not successfully received from the parent device for more than a time period t2. The time period t2 is shorter than the time period t1 in the step S43 in the preceding FIG. 22. That is, t1 is >t2. This is because t1 is a time period for cutting-off the child device having an abnormal communication, and t2 is a time period that the parent device starts a restoring process, and it is necessary for the parent device to wait for the restoring process of the parent device, and then cut-off. In a case of “NO”, in addition, in a succeeding step S97, it is determined whether or not its own number CID is included in the U slot field of the received parent device packet. In a case of “YES” in the step S97, in a step S99, the game process in FIG. 22 is executed. It is noted that in a case of “NO” in the step S97, that is, in a case that the number of the user's own apparatus is not present in the U slot field of the parent device packet, in a step S101, a message such as “cut-off from the parent device”, for example, is displayed on the LCD, and the process returns to the step S7 in FIG. 20.
[0155] When “YES” is determined in the preceding step S95, that is, no data has been successfully received from the parent device for more than the predetermined time period t2, in a step S103, a message such as “not communicable with the parent device. Try to restore”, for example, is displayed, and after this, in a step S105, a restoring process is executed.
[0156] This restoring process is displayed in detail in FIG. 33, and in a step S5001, which is a first step in FIG. 33, the processor 20 of the parent device attempts to receive the child device to be restored. Next, in a step S5003, it is determined whether or not it has been successful to receive the broadcasting data from the parent device. It is noted that whether or not the parent device at that time is a parent device to which the user's own apparatus is to be restored is understood by looking at the “connection-destination PID” registered in the area 88 in FIG. 18.
[0157] When “NO” is determined in the step S5003, that is, when it is not successful to receive the data of the parent device packet which the user's own apparatus is to be restored, in a succeeding step S5005, it is determined whether or not it is time-out. Then, if “NO”, the process returns to the preceding step S5003, and however, if it is time-out, in a succeeding step S5007, the process writes “failure” in the restoring result variable included in the area 88 shown in FIG. 18, and then, returns.
[0158] When “YES” is determined in the preceding step S5003, that is, when it is successful to receive the parent device packet from the subject parent device, the synchronizing timer is reset in a succeeding step S5009, and furthermore, in a step S5011, the parent device packet is received. Then, in a step S5013, it is determined whether or not its own number CID is present in the U slot field of the parent device packet. That the number of the user's own apparatus is present in the received parent device packet means that the reason of a state of the communication failure for more than the time period t2 is not an intentional cutting-off by the parent device, and therefore, in a succeeding step S5015, the process registers “success” in the restoring result variable of the area 88 (FIG. 18), and then, returns. As a result of this restoring process thus being made, in a case that the parent device and the child device deviates from the communicable range in error, that no communication is established due to a poor communication state, or that the player operating the child device comes across a certain private duty, and the child device player needs to deviate from the communicable range for a short period of time, after such the causes are dissolved so that the communicable state is reestablished, it is possible to return to a prior communication state.
[0159] It is noted that even if “YES” is determined in the step S5003, if “NO” is determined in the step S5013, the process returns via the preceding step S5007, assuming that the communication cuffing-off results from an intentions of the parent device.
[0160] Returning from a subroutine in FIG. 33 to the step S107 in FIG. 24, in this step S107, by referring to the restoring result variable of the area 88, it is determined whether or not the restoring is “success”. If “YES”, the proves advances to a step S99 so as to execute the game process. However, if “NO”, in a step S109, after displaying a message such as “not possible to return”, for example, the process returns to the step S7 in FIG. 20.
[0163] Returning to FIG. 19, “NO” is determined in the step S3, that is, in a case of detecting that the parent device does not have the cartridge, in a step S111, which is a program of the boot ROM (24 in FIG. 1), an OCD program (program for downloading the child device-use program from the parent device) set to the ROM 52 of the wireless communication unit 14 (FIG. 1) is developed into the WRAM 28 included in the processor 20 of the mobile game machine 12, and in a step S13, later, the processor 20 of the child device starts the OCD program developed on the WRAM 28.
[0164] Subsequently, in a step S115 in FIG. 25, the processor 20 of the child device clears the parent device list area 80 as shown in FIG. 18, and resets the parent device list clear timer 82. Next, in a step S17, it is attempted to receive the parent device packet. Then, in a step S119, it is determined whether or not successful to receive the parent device, if “NO”, the process advances to a step S125, and if “YES”, the process advances to a step S121. In the step S121, by comparing the parent device number PID included in the received parent device packet and the number PID registered in the parent device list area 80 shown in FIG. 18, it is determined whether or not the parent device that transmitted the parent device packet is included is not present within the parent device list. If “YES” is determined in this step S121, in a step S123, similar to registering a new parent device to the parent device list, the new unit number PID, the user name, the game name, the OC flag, and the E slot read-out from the parent device packet are added to the parent device list area 80. Subsequently, the process advances to the step S125.
[0165] In the step S125, it is determined whether or not a value of the parent device clear timer 82 reset in the step S115 becomes equal to or more than “2 seconds”. If “YES”, the parent device list, that is, the parent device list area 80, is cleared in a step S127, and the parent device list clear timer 82 is reset. Subsequently, the process advances to a step S127 similar to a case that “NO” is determined in the step S125.
[0166] In the step S127, of the parent device list, the parent device having the E slot not “ffh” and the OC flag “1”, that is, information (user name, game name) of the parent device capable of playing the game in the OC mode, and that does not refuse a participation (entry) of the child device is displayed. This creates, to the user of the child device, a parent device list 18A as shown in FIG. 5, and allows the user's own apparatus to select the parent device. Next, in a step S131, it is determined whether or not the A button (not shown) is operated. That is, it is determined that any one of the parent devices is selected. If “NO” in the step S127, that is, the parent device is not selected, in a succeeding step S133, it is determined whether or not the cross key (not shown) included in the operation key 38 is operated. The operating of the cross key is for moving the cursor for selecting the parent device that intends the entry, and therefore, if “YES” in this step S133, in a succeeding step S135, the cursor is moved, and the process returns to the step S113.
[0167] If “YES” is determined in the step S131, the process advances to a step S139 so as to execute a connection process of the child device (FIG. 30, FIG. 31).
[0168] In a step S137, according to the method already described in detail, the connection process of the child device is executed, and in the succeeding step S139, by referring to the connection result variable of the area 88 in FIG. 18, it is determined whether or not the connection is successful. If “NO”, a message such as “connection failed”, for example, is displayed in a step S141, and the process returns to the step S111.
[0169] If “YES” is determined in the step S139, the processor 20 transmits toward the parent device that successfully made the connection with the child device the user name of the parent device, and the game name. Subsequently, the process advances to a step S145 in FIG. 26 so as to, for playing the game in the OC mode, receive a transfer-use child device program from the parent device, develop the same within the RAM 28 (FIG. 1) of the user's own apparatus, and starts the program. Then, subsequently, in a step S147, the respective steps similar to the steps S91-S109 in FIG. 24 described earlier are executed.
[0171] It is noted that if “NO” is determined in the step S81 in FIG. 21, that is, in a case that although it is attempted to select the parent device, failed to make the communication, in a step S149, a message such as “the parent device cannot be selected”, for example, is displayed, and the process returns to the step S9 in FIG. 20.
[0172] In addition, if “NO” is determined in the step S79 in FIG. 21, that is, in a case neither the B button nor the A button is operated, it is determined whether or not the cross key (not shown) is operated in a succeeding step S151. If “NO”, it is determined whether or not the start key (not shown) is operated in a succeeding step S153. In a case that the start key is not operated, the process returns to the step S9 in FIG. 20. In a case that “YES” is determined in the step S153, in the step S153, after changing on/off of the all-display flag, similarly, the process returns to the step S9 (that is, the select key is used for controlling the on/off of the all-display flag). It is noted that in a case that “YES” is determined in the step S151, after moving the cursor according to an instruction of the cross key, the process returns to the step S9.
[0173] It is noted that in the above embodiment, it is selected whether the user's own apparatus is rendered the parent device or the child device, in tune with progress of the program. However, it may be possible that such the selection is immediately made. In this case, as shown in FIG. 34, in a step S201, which is a first step immediately after the start, a selection screen (not shown) of the parent device or the child device is displayed, and the according to the display, the user selects the parent device or the child device. Therefore, the processor 20, in a succeeding step S203, determines whether or not the user has selected the parent device. In a case of “YES” in the step S203, after this, the steps that follow the step S29 in the preceding FIG. 21 are executed. In a case of “NO”, that is, in a case that the child device is selected, the steps S7-S25, S79, S151-S157, and S81-S109 shown in FIG. 21 are executed.
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