U.S. Pat. No. 7,147,562

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[A First Embodiment]

The network system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

(Network System)

A constitution of the network system according to the present embodiment is shown inFIG. 1. InFIG. 1, information processing systems10which are terminal systems of a plurality of clients, and a server50are connected to an internet60, forming a network. The information processing systems10are, e.g., personal computers and computer game apparatuses, and each includes a control unit provided by a CPU, a display, such as a CRT display, a liquid crystal display or others, and an input device, such as a keyboard, a mouse or others.

(Constitution of Game Apparatus)

A constitution of the game apparatuses as one example of the information processing systems10of the network according to the present embodiment will be explained with reference toFIG. 2.

The information processing systems10are not limited to home video game machines and can be mobile game machines, mobile terminals, such as mobile telephones, PHSs (Personal Handyphone Systems), PDAs (Personal Digital Assistances) or others, or others. The information processing systems10can be terminal devices installed at game centers, game cafes, etc., or electronic devices, such as personal computers or others installed at homes. These devices may be mixed in one network system.

As shown inFIG. 2, in each game apparatus10, a CPU12which makes coordinate computations, etc. for the execution of game programs, the general control and image display, and a system memory (RAM)14which is used as a buffer memory for storing programs and data for the processing by the CPU12are connected with a bus arbiter20by a common bus line. The bus arbiter20controls flows of programs and data related to respective blocks of the game apparatus10and outside devices connected with the game apparatus10.

Furthermore, a program data storing device or a memory medium16(including optical disc drives for driving CD-ROMs, etc. as storage media for games, or optical discs) which stores the game programs and data (including image data and music data) and a BOOT ROM18which stores programs an data for actuating the game apparatus10are connected with the bus arbiter10by a bus line.

A rendering processor22which reproduces image (MOVIE) data red from the program data storage device or storage medium16or producing images to be displayed in accordance with operations of a game player or game progresses, and a graphic memory24which stores graphic data, etc. necessary for the image production by the rendering processor22are connected through the bus arbiter20. An image signal outputted from the rendering processor22is converted from a digital signal to analog signal by a video DAC (not shown) to be displayed on a display monitor26.

A sound processor28which reproduces music data read from the program data storage device or storage medium16or produces effect sounds and voices in accordance with operations by a game player and game progresses, a sound memory30which stores sound data, etc. necessary for the production of the effect sounds and voices of the sound processor28are connected through the bus arbiter20. Sound signals outputted from the sound processor28are converted by an audio DAC (not shown) from digital signals to analog signals to be outputted from a speaker32.

The bus arbiter20also has the function of an interface and is connected to outside communication circuits of telephone circuits, etc. through a MODEM34. The MODEM34connects the game apparatus10to an internet through the telephone circuits, whereby the game apparatus can communicate with other game apparatuses or network servers, etc.

A controller36which outputs information for controlling devices connected with the game apparatus10and the outside in accordance with operations of a game player is connected with the arbiter20.

The controller45is connected with a visual memory40having a display and operational buttons. Information intrinsic to a game player operating the game apparatus is stored in the visual memory40.

The bus arbiter20is connected with a keyboard38which facilitate input of characters by an operator. An operator quickly input characters of chats, etc. by means of the keyboard38. In place of connecting the keyboard38it is possible that a soft keyboard is displayed on the screen, and keys of the soft keyboard are selected by the controller36to selectively input characters.

The above-described MODEM34uses the telephone circuit, but other communication means, such as a cable MODEM using cable television circuits, wireless communication means using mobile telephone and PHS, optical fiber communication means using optical fibers may be used.

(Online Systematization Method)

An online systematization method for the network system according to the present invention will be explained with reference toFIG. 3.

As shown inFIG. 3, the game apparatuses10of a number of users A, B, C, D, . . . are network-connected with the server50. The server50obtains on line personal information of the respective users A, B, C, D, . . . from the game apparatuses10of the respective users A, B, C, D, . . . , and form a database50of the personal information.

As described above, the visual memories40as outside memory means are connected with the controllers36of the respective game apparatuses10. The visual memories40store personal information of game players associated with the respective game apparatuses10. When the game apparatuses10are connected with the server10through the communication circuit, the game apparatuses10transmits the personal information stored in the visual memories40to the server50.

The systematization means54systematizes the users A, B, C, D, . . . online connected.

When a regular chat is made, the systematization means54prepares a plurality of chat rooms and systematizes users A, B, C who have made procedures for the participation in the chat room. The systematization means54informs the respective users A, B, C of their participation in the chat room while transmitting systematization information to the information sharing means56. The information systematization56shares information of the game apparatuses10of the users A, B, C, and the systematization is completed.

When an online game is performed, compatible users are selected based on the personal information of the users A, B, C, D, . . . registered in the database52to be systematized. For example, the systematization means54tries to systematize the user A, the user B and the user D who are common in a purpose. The systematization means54informs the respective users A, B, C that they are compatible with one another while transmitting systematization information to the information sharing means56. When the respective users A, B, C agree, the information sharing means56shares information of the game apparatuses10of the users A, B, C, and the systematization is completed.

When the game apparatuses10of the users A, B, C are completed, the information sharing means56transmits to the respective game apparatuses10control information for executing a specific task. In response to the control information, the respective game apparatuses10execute the specific task.

(Event Chat)

The event chat is a chat in which a specific event, for example, that objects (player characters, non-player characters (NPC), objects, backgrounds, etc.) in displays are changed, or a specific sound, music, etc. are produced takes place in response to a string of characters.

Correspondences between strings of characters which produce events and the events are prepared in a data table. A basic data table for event chat is stored in the program data storage devices or storage media16, which are CD-ROMs for a game to be loaded in the game apparatuses10. The server50stores renewal data table for amending or adding to the basic data table. When the game apparatuses10are actuated, the basic data table in the CD-ROMs16are developed in the system memories of the game apparatuses10. When the game apparatuses10are connected with the server50, the table in the system memories14are renewed to most recent data table by the renewal data table in the server50.

The basic operation of the even chat is that, when one game apparatus10receives a chat character string from another user through the server50, said one game apparatus10detects with reference to the data table in the system memory14whether or not the chat character string contains a string of characters which agrees with one of the strings of characters in the data table. When the chat character string contains am agreeable string of characters, said the game apparatus10execute an event set in the data table. The same control is made in all the game apparatuses10of the respective users participating in the chat room.

The control flow of the event chat will be explained with reference toFIG. 4.

When the user A loads a CD-ROM16for the event chat into the game apparatus10, the event chat program is loaded into the system memory14. At this time, a basic data table for the event chat is developed in the system memory14. Next, the game apparatus10is connected with the server50through the internet60(Step S10). When the game apparatus10is connected to the server50, a renewal data table for the event chat is transmitted from the server50(Step S11).

The user A starts the event chat (Step S12), and enters a chat room and waits for another user to enter the chat room (Step S13). When the user B enters the chat room the user A is in (Step S14), the chat is enabled between the users A and When the user A inputs a chat character string (Step S15), whether or not the input chat character string contains a specific string of characters is judged (Step S16). When the specific string of characters is contained, the chart character string is processed as a normal chat (Step S17). When the specific string of characters is contained, an event corresponding to the specific string of characters takes place between the game apparatus10of the user A and the game apparatus10of the user B (Step S18). Every time the user A and the user B input chat character strings and chat, Steps S15to S18are repeated to process the event chat.

Then, when another user C enters the chat room (Step S19) a concurrent state of the chat room is transmitted to the game apparatus10of the user C to share information of the user A and the user B (Step S20).

Then, the chat is made among the user A, the user B and the user C, and every time the users utter, the processing of the event chat is made. Every time the users enter or exit the chat room, the shared information is renewed.

(Examples of the Event Chat)

Examples of the event chat will be explained with reference to the drawings.

(A First Example)

A first example is shown inFIG. 5. In this example, when a chat character string contains a specific string of characters, the specific string of characters is detected, and all user characters participating in the chat are changed.

In a case that three users are in a chat room, as shown inFIG. 5A, three user characters are displayed in the chat room. When one of the users inputs a character string, the inputted character string is displayed on the screens of the respective users. When one user inputs a string of characters, the inputted string of characters is displayed on the screens of the respective users. Thus, the users exchange strings of characters to chat.

In a case that a character string inputted by one user contains a string of characters “ha-ha-ha”, the game apparatuses10generates an event corresponding to the string of characters “ha-ha-ha”, based on a data table developed in the system memories14. In this example, as shown inFIG. 5B, all the user characters participating in the chat making laughter, uttering sounds of the laughter. The same control is made in the game apparatuses10of all the users participating in the chat.

In addition to the above-described example, in response to the string of characters “ha-ha-ha”, all the other users except for the character of one game player may make laughter. Furthermore, a user character on which an event takes place may be commanded by using the string of characters “ha-ha-ha>B”. Although the string of characters “ha-ha-ha” generates an event, the string of characters “Gha-ha-ha”, for example, may generate no event. The detection of a string of characters may thus have certain conditions.

When a string of characters is inputted, motions of the user characters of the game players make, e.g., anger, laugh, cry, etc. and shapes of balloons can be commanded in addition of strings of characters. Not only inputted strings of characters, but also items of inputted motions and shapes of balloons are contained in a data table, whereby it may be judged whether or not to generate events also based on such inputted items.

(A Second Example)

A second example is shown inFIG. 6. In this example, when a specific string of characters is contained in a chat character string, the specific string of characters is detected to change a specific one of user characters participating in the chat.

As shown inFIG. 6A, two users participate in a chat room. The user character on the right side has a ribbon. When the user character on the left side utters “I'll give you a hat>B”, as shown inFIG. 6B, “I'll give you a hat>B” is displayed in the balloon of the user character on the left side, and the event that a hat is put on the user character on the right side of the handle name of “B” takes place.

In addition to this example, hats may be put on, without specifying user characters, all user characters other than the user character of one game player, and objects other than hats may be commanded and given.

(A Third Example)

A third example is shown inFIG. 7. In this example, specific combinations of strings of characters contained in exchanged chat character strings are detected, and when the specific combinations are detected, specific events are generated.

As shown inFIG. 7A, two users take part in a chat room. When the user character on the left side utters “Table”, as shown inFIG. 7A, “Table” is displayed in the balloon of the user character on the right side. Subsequently, when the user character on the left side utters “Cat”, as shown inFIG. 8B, the event that “Cat” is displayed in the balloon of the user character on the left side, and a cat is displayed on the table at the center takes place.

As described above, in this example, combinations of strings of characters indicating positions, which has been uttered by one user, and of strings of characters indicating object to be positioned, which has been uttered by the other user can generate various events. As exemplified inFIG. 7C, the combination of “on the TV set” and “a cat” displays a cat on the TV set, and the combination of “at a corner of the room” and “a cat” displays a cat at a corner of the room.

In addition to the above-described example, it is possible that a user is indicated by “on a TV set>B”, “a cat>A” or others to let the user make the motion of placing the object.

(A Fourth Example)

A fourth example is shown inFIG. 8. In this example, when a specific string of characters is contained in a chat character string, the specific string of characters is detected to change a state of the chat room.

As shown inFIG. 8A, two users participate in a chat room with an acoustic equipment provided. No music is heard in the chat room. When the user character on the left side utters “BGM”, as shown inFIG. 8B, “BGM” is displayed in the balloon of the user character on the right side, and a tint of the general background of the chat room is changed, specific music is heard, and characters “ZUNG, ZUNG” are displayed on the screens corresponding to the music.

As described above, in this example, specific strings of characters are uttered, whereby specific events, as of giving forth music, etc., are generated. Depending on events, kinds of the chat room may be added to conditions for the events.

As exemplified inFIG. 8, in the case that the chat room has an acoustic equipment, the string of characters “BGM” is effective, but in the chat room without acoustic equipments as shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, even when “BGM” is uttered, no event is generated.

In the chat room of a box seat of a train shown inFIG. 5, it is possible that in response to a string of characters “MT. FUJI”, the Mt. Fuji is displayed on the window, and in response to a string of characters “TUNNEL”, noises of passing a tunnel are made.

(A Fifth Example)

A fifth example is shown inFIG. 9. In this example, specific control characters are contained in a chat character string, the specific control characters are detected to make prescribed processing.

As shown inFIG. 9A, three users participate in a chat room for quizzes. A question “WHO IS RASH?” is displayed at upper parts of the screens. When the user of the character on the left side inputs “WHO IS HE?”, as shown inFIG. 9A, the utterance is displayed as a normal utterance in the balloon of the user character on the left side.

When the users answer, the users input answers in brackets. When the user character on the left side inputs “Mr. A!”, as shown inFIG. 9B, “Mr. A!” is displayed at lower parts of the screens. The strings of character in the bracketsis judged as the answer, as shown inFIG. 9C, “Mr. A!” is displayed in the answer display area for the user character on the left side, at this time without the control characteromitted.

As described above, in this example, the specific control character is used to specify answers. In the same way, control characters may be used in inputting questions and themes for discussions. It is also possible that events to be generated are judged in consideration of kinds of chat rooms and concurrent states of chat rooms.

(Modifications)

In the preset embodiment, in addition to the above-described examples, various events may be generated on other various conditions.

The event chat is a chat which responses to specific strings of characters in chat character strings to generate specific events.

Chat character strings are displayed in a manner that a chat character string containing a specific string of characters is displayed as it is, a chat character string is subjected to a prescribed processing to be displayed, a chat character string is not displayed at all, or others. Chat character strings may be displayed to a specific user. The data table commands a manner for a chat character string to be displayed in.

In a case that specific events are events in which user characters are changed, which character to be changed can be indicated. It can be indicated, e.g., that all user characters are changed, a character of one user alone is changed, a character of one user alone is changed, a character of the other user is changed, an indicated character alone is changed.

A character may be changed depending on its concurrent position, e.g., whether the character is in a prescribed area, whether the character is away from a prescribed object by a prescribed distance, and whether the character is within a prescribed distance from a character of one user.

It is possible that a state of a character of a user can be indicated on the user s side, whereby when the character is in a busy state, i.e., engaged, is away from his desk or in other states, no response is made to an indication of a change, and no change is made.

Modes to which characters are changed express various feelings, such as joy, anger, sadness, etc.

In a case that specific events are event in which objects are changed, objects to be changed are structural thins of chat rooms, such as windows, doors, walls, etc., and objects placed in the chat rooms, such as dogs, cats, children, etc. As modes in which objects are changed, for example, objects appear or disappear, colors of objects are changed, positions of objects are changed, and shapes of objects are changed.

(Chat Sensor)

The chat sensor of the online system according to the present embodiment will be summarized.

The chat sensor is similar to the above-described event chat in that specific events are generated in response to specific strings of characters in chat character strings but is characterized by an online game played by a plurality of users forming a team. In the online game, a plurality of users form a team and advance a game while communicating with one another through chats. In response to chats in the team, specific events are generated.

The present embodiment exemplifies online games, but what are played by a team of a plurality of users are not limited to games and can be any kind of tasks, such as operations, duties, etc., as of works, studies, etc.

The online game includes, e.g., map information for deciding an layout of passages, doors, obstacles, etc. in a region to be explored, and script information for deciding a scenario of the exploration. The chat sensor generates events corresponding to such map information and script information in response to specific strings of characters in chat character strings.

To give instances, when a play inputs “OPEN SESAME!”, a door is opened; when “WHAT ARE YOU?” is inputted near a person which is a non-player character (NPC), information corresponding to the contents can be available.

The chat sensor is also characterized in that responses can be made not only with respect to chats inputted by users own chats but also with respect to chats inputted by the other users. The use of chats permits messages inputted by one user to be seen not only by himself but also by the other users of a team. For example, it is possible that all the members of a team input “WHAT IS THE PASSWORD OF THIS DOOR?” in a chat to thereby find the password.

(Examples of Chat Sensor)

Next, the flow of the processing of the chat sensor will be summarized with reference toFIG. 10. The processing will be explained by means of an example of the chat sensor in which a door is opened in response to the key word OPEN SESAME!

As shown inFIG. 10, in a game region there is provided a door70to the next game region. User characters72enter the game region and chat, and their chats contain a specific string of characters, whereby the door70is opened.

First, the user characters72enter an indicated region74of the door70decided by the map information and input a chat character string. When the chat character string contains the specific string of characters OPEN SESAME!”, A SWITCH id OF THE DOOR70IS TURNED ON. The switch ID of the door70is turned on, whereby the key of the door70indicated by the switch ID is opened. When a user character72′ outside the indicated region74inputs the specific string of characters “OPEN SESAME!”, ineffectively the key of door70is not opened.

Basic information of specific strings of characters and events is read from CD-ROMs as in the event chat, but information relating the specific strings of characters to the events is incorporated in the script information, whereby the related information can be read at the same time that the script information is read from the server at the time of initiating the online game.

It is possible that as specific strings of characters, a plurality of key words are set, and responses are made to the key words. To be specific, when either of “OPEN SESAME!”, “OPEN THE DOOR!”, and “OPEN THE PASSAGE!” is inputted, the same response of opening the door is indicated.

For example, in a case that a key word is “BENTO!” (BOX LUNCH), it is possible that the string of characters with a usual affix or suffix, or the like added to, e.g., “O-BENTO!” (sophisticated form of BENTO (BOX LUNCH) can be responded to.

In the online game played by a team of users, it is possible that unless all the users of the team utter the specific string of characters “OPEN SESAME!”, the door is not opened.

It is possible that a key word is divided, and unless all users of a tem substantially simultaneously input the respective divided strings of characters, the door is not opened. For example, the door may be opened only when four divided strings of characters “O”, “PEN”, “SESA” and “ME” are respectively inputted.

As objects responsive to chats, in addition to the above-described door, objects, such as passages, NPC, etc. may be opened, and scenarios may be developed. It is possible that strings of characters in chat character strings exchanged in a game among the users of a team influence the development of a scenario, and chat character strings must be deliberately uttered, which makes the game deep.

(The Chat Sensor in Quests)

The chat sensor in quests of the network system according to the present embodiment will be explained.

The quests are like short stories which advance in accordance with users own scenarios. The quests widely range from short ones that take about 10 minutes of game time to long ones that takes some hours of game time. The quests have relatively small volumes and are downloaded suitably from the server.

The table containing strings of characters responsive to the chat sensor are contained in a script file of the quests. Locations of the script file varies depending on kinds of the quests. The quests are largely divided in two kinds, and the locations of the respective script files are different from each other.

While an online game is being played, the table is present in the system memory14of the game apparatus10. The table in the system memory14is referred to as required.

The quests comprises online quests and download quests. The online quests are initially stored in the server50and transmitted to the game apparatuses10as required. The download quests are normally stored in the visual memory40and inputted to the tame apparatuses10as required. The download quests are downloaded from the server50to the visual memory40when on line and can be read from the visual memory40to the game apparatuses10as required.

The online quests and the download quests can contain specific strings of characters necessary for the chat sensor, which permits various tables to be virtually infinitely formed.

(Examples of the Chat Sensor in Quests)

Examples of the chat sensor in quests will be explained. For example, in response to a specific string of characters in chat character string, a non-play character (NPC) makes a response. A non-player character (NPC) gives necessary information in response to a specific string of characters, and his response increases sensitivity of his user character.

Non-player characters (NPCs) and objects can be moved by chats. For example, strings of characters, e.g., “FORWARD”, “WALK”, “STOP”, “FIGHT”, etc. are detected to let non-player characters and objects make motions in accordance with the detected strings of characters.

It is possible that set strings of characters are uttered in the chat sensor, penalties are given. For example, in chats, when utterances containing “DAMAGED”, “DIMINISHED”, “DIE”, etc. are made, penalties, such as retreat, point decrease, etc. are given.

It is possible that depending on chat, a user character of one user, other user characters and NPCs can express their feelings. For example, in chats, when “ANGRY” is uttered, fire flames appear, and heart marks appear when “LOVE” is uttered.

It is also possible to influence the other user characters other than one user character in chats. For example, the other user characters are revived, are made immobile for a certain period of time, are made incapable of using magic, and are killed.

It is also possible that objects, such as specific objects, etc. can appear in accordance with set strings of characters in the chat sensor. For example, NPCs, enemies, doors, extra stages, etc. can appear in response to specific strings of characters.

(Tombs of Characters)

Tombs of characters of the online system of the present embodiment will be explained.

In the present embodiment, a character fights with enemies, etc. in an online game and dies, a tombstone of the character is erected to store information at the time of its death. When the character again comes to the place, the information at the time of the death is displayed. The other users of a team the user belongs to can see the information of the tomb.

As shown inFIG. 11, the online game passes many game regions80from a start point to a goat point. A team of a plurality of user characters advances to the goal, fighting with enemies, etc. in a game region80.

When a character dies in the fight with the enemies, etc. in the advance of the online game, a tombstone84is erected at a place of the death to store information at the time of the death. The information at the time of the death includes, for example, a name of the dead character, a time of the death, a name of the team, a name of an enemy, a final utterance of the character, etc. The information is stored in the visual memory40via the system memory14of the game apparatus10.

In a case that users who have once died play the online game in a team, when the users reach the points of their death, as shown inFIG. 12, the tombstones84appear to display their information86at the time of their death, e.g., times of disqualification, names of enemies they fought with, their final utterances, time of their death, etc. All the users of a team share information including information of the users at the time of their death, so that the other users other than the users who have once died can see the tombstones84and information86of the latter at the time of their death.

The tombstones84and the information86at the time of their death are shared by all the users of a team playing the game. Accordingly, users who were not in the same team at the time of their death take part in the team and can see the tombstones84and information86at the time of their death. When users who were in the same team at the time of their death take part in another team, they cannot see the tombstones84and information86at the time of their death.

In the proceeding of the online game, the users can confirm points of their own death or can confirm information of the other users of a team they take part in, which makes it more interesting to play the online game.

In an online game of the challenge mode, even when only one of the users of a team dies, all the users of the team must resume the game. In such online game, the individual users of the team can be alert in advancing the online game, utilizing the information of the tombstones.

(History of Items)

The temporal data function of items in the online system according to the present embodiment will be explained below.

In an online game, items (tools), such as weapons, protectors, etc., are bought/sold in a tool dealer and exchanged among users. In the present embodiment, as the history function of the items, the items which are exchanged independently of the game, are accompanied by their temporal information.

As shown inFIG. 13, when a user buys an item, he can register his name in the item. When the user buys an item in the tool dealer, first he selects a kind of the item; inFIG. 13A, he selects “SABER”. Next, he user inputs his name to be applied to the item, by means of a soft keyboard; inFIG. 13B, “FUKAZAWA” is inputted. Then, the name “FUKAZAWA” is applied to the item “SABER”. Then, the final confirmation as shown inFIG. 13Cis made, and the buy is made.

When the user plays the online game, using the item “FUKAZAWA SABER”, a record of the fight at the time is added as history information. Various history information is thus added to the item, and the item becomes an original item with names of the users who have owned the item, periods of time during which the users have owned the item, numbers of names of enemies the users have defeated, times of uses, etc. added to.

The history information of the item is stored in the visual memory40via the system memory14of the game apparatus10of the user owning the item. When an item is owned by the item dealer, the history information of the item is stored in the server.

History information can be added to the items, which gives a pleasure of forming the items original. The items can be bought and sold in the item dealer and can be exchanged among the users, which gives a pleasure of spreading over the internet the information of traditional items and of presence of items named by public figures, the information who has owned, and other information.

To give items scarcity value it is possible that nameless items a user can name cannot be owned unless the user reaches a certain level.

(World Ranking)

The world ranking function of the online system according to the present embodiment will be explained.

The world ranking function is a function that in the advance of the online game, game data is transferred by operating one button from the game apparatuses10to the server50so that the game data can reflect ranking results. Then, added results are downloaded. In the advance of the online game, the game apparatuses10are connected to the server50without influencing the advance of the one online game to download and upload data.

In the advance of the online game, when a world ranking is selected from the submenus, data of the visual memories40of the game apparatuses10of the users is uploaded to the server50, and the server50downloads most recent data. The most recent data are, for example, a shortest clear time, a highest score, numbers of emblems, owned periods of time, etc. Resultantly, the world ranking as shown inFIG. 14is displayed on the screen. Information of ranking of each stage, etc. is displayed together with dates of uploads. When a stage is selected, detailed information for the state is displayed.

It is possible that when data is downloaded from the server50, commercial information is downloaded to display commercials are displayed on the game screens. The commercials can bring additional earnings. Downloaded data may reflect the advance of the online game, as required.

(Character Input Assist System)

The character input assist system of the present embodiment will be explained.

(Character Input Assist System for Software Keyboard)

Considering that the controller36alone is connected to the game apparatuses10, the present embodiment includes the software keyboard. The software keyboard is a keyboard, as shown inFIG. 15A, having a keyboard100displayed on the screen, which permits characters to be inputted by clicking the keys or operational inputs of the keys.

On the software keyboard, the cursor on the screen is moved by the controller36to be positioned on a character to be inputted, and a selection operations is made there to input the character. In inputting the dull sounds or the p-sounds, very inconveniently a dull sound sign or a p-sound sign must be selected after a character has been selected. However, the character input assist system of the present embodiment assists the inconvenient character input so as to make the character input easier.

In the character input assist system of the present embodiment, in order to select a character, when the cursor is positioned on the selected character, as shown inFIG. 15A, a window102in the shape of a cross centering the selected character is displayed. The selected character “” (TSU of Hiragana) is displayed at the center of the window102. Around the character “” (TSU of Hiragana), characters “” (ZU, a dull sound corresponding to TSU of Hiragana), “” (a small size of TSU of Hiragana) associated with the selected character are displayed. When the selected character “” (TSU of Hiragana) is inputted, the selection is made with moving the cursor. When the associated character “” (ZU, a dull sound corresponding to TSU of Hiragana), “” (a small size of TSU of Hiragana) is to be inputted, the cursor is moved to make the selection. Even in inputting associated characters, the cursor may be simply moved. The character input can be efficient.

An example of the operation by using the controller will be explained. First, by using the direction key, the cursor is brought into agreement with a selected character, and a button (e.g., Button A) is pressed. An image102copying the direction key is displayed on the screen, centering the selected character and overlapping the image102. With the Button A pressed down, an associated character is selected by using the direction key, and the Button A is released. And the character is selected. When the selected character is inputted, the Button A is only released without operating the direction key. This operation is the same as the operation of the conventional software key board, which ensures compatibility with the conventional operation. Accordingly, the operation can be made without confusion.

The associated characters displayed around a window102can be, as described above, the dull sounds, p-sounds, different size characters, such as small characters, half size characters, twice size characters, etc., katakana, short consonants, long consonants, such as “” (KYA of Hiragana), “” (KYU of Hiragana), ““(KYO of Hiragana), etc., punctuation marks, such as “”, “”, etc. Marks, such as “ ” (SPACE), “@”, “¥”, etc., Chinese characters, such as “” (YEAR), “” (MONTH), “” (DAY), etc., idiomatic character strings, such as “” (Good Afternoon), “” (Best regards), “” (Bye), etc., can be the associated characters.

It is preferable to set a rule for arranging the associated characters. For example, the sonants are upper, the p-sonants are below, and the small letters are right. Such ruling makes the input quicker.

Example of the window102are shown inFIGS. 15B to 15I. In the window shown inFIG. 15B, the selected character is at the center is “” (A of Hiragana), and “” (a small size of A of Hiragana) is right. In the window shown inFIG. 15C, the selected character at the center is “” (YA of Hiragana), and “” (a small size of YA of Hiragana) is right. In the window shown inFIG. 15D, the selected character “” (HA of Hiragana) is at the center, “” (BA, a dull sound of HA of Hiragana) is upper, and “” (PA, a p-sonant of HA of Hiragana) is below. In the window shown inFIG. 15E, a selected character A is at the center, and a small character a is right. In the window shown inFIG. 15F, a selection character “” (TA of Hiragana) is at the center, “” (DA, a dull sound of TA of Hiragana) is upper, and “” (a period of Hiragana) is left. This is in consideration that “” (TA of Hiragana) is frequently followed by “” (a period of Hiragana). In the window shown inFIG. 15G, a selected character “” (SHI of Hiragana) is at the center, “” (JI, a dull sound of SHI of Hiragana) is upper, and “” (a punctuation mark of Hiragana) is left. This is in consideration that “” (SHI of Hiragana) is frequently followed by “” (a punctuation mark of Hiragana). In the window shown inFIG. 15H, a selection character “*” is at the center, a character “?” is upper, “!” is below, and “” is left, and “@” is right. Frequently used marks are collected here. In the window shown inFIG. 15I, a selected character “” (YEAR) is at the center, a character “” (MONTH) is upper, a character “” (TIME) is below, a character “” (DAY) is left, and a character “” (MINUTE) is right. Frequently used characters are collected here.

In the above-described examples, the cross-shaped windows102are used. However, as shown inFIG. 15J, a window displaying associated characters vertically arranged may be used. As shown inFIG. 15K, a window displaying associated characters arranged only horizontally may be used. As shown inFIG. 15I, a window displaying associated characters arranged in 8 directions may be used.

(Character Input Assist System for used in Mobile Terminal)

The character input assist system of the present embodiment is applicable not only to software keyboards, but also to mobile terminals such as mobile telephones, PHS, PDA, etc.

The character input assist system for use in mobile telephones will be explained with reference toFIG. 16.

The character input in the mobile telephones (including PHSs) is made by allocating one figure button to each columns of the Japanese syllabary and repeatedly pressing the same figure button to replace a character to be selected. For example, a Figure Button “1” is allocated to the characters of the A column. When the Figure Button “1” is pressed, first A is selected, and the Figure Button “1” is repeatedly pressed, whereby the characters are replaced in the sequence of “→→→→→→→→→→→ . . . ” (A→I→U→E→O→a→i→u→e→o→A→ . . . of Hiragana).

In order to simplify such disturbing character input of the mobile telephones, in the present embodiment, as shown inFIG. 16, when a figure button is pressed and then is continuously pressed, the cross-shaped window is displayed on the screen, and the associated characters are displayed in the cross-shaped window. A character is selected out of the associated characters by using the direction key.

First, as shown inFIG. 16A, the button “1”112is continuously pressed, as shown inFIG. 16B, the cross-shaped window120is displayed on the screen110. The character “” (A of Hiragana) is displayed at the center of the cross-shaped window120, the character “” (I of Hiragana) being displayed upper, the character “” (U of Hiragana) being displayed left, the character “” (E of Hiragana) being displayed below, and the character “” (O of Hiragana) being displayed right. At this time, when the Button “1” is released, the character “” (A of Hiragana) is decided. When, inFIG. 16B, the direction button114is operated with the Button “1” pressed to press the lower button116of the direction button114, the character “” (E of Hiragana) at the lower side of the cross-shaped window120is decided.

In the character input assist system for the mobile telephones of the present embodiment as well in the character input assist system for the software keyboard, it is possible to change the arrangement of the selection characters in the cross-shaped window120, the shape of the window, etc.

According to the character input assist system of the present embodiment, times of button operations can be drastically decreased in comparison with the conventional character input.

The character assist system for PDA will be explained with reference toFIG. 17.

In the character input in PDA, a software keyboard142is displayed on a screen140, and a pen146touches characters on the software keyboard142to input the characters.

To simplify such character input in PDA, in the present embodiment, as shown inFIG. 17, the pen146touches a character and continuously touches the character, and then a cross-window144is displayed on the software keyboard142. The associated characters are displayed in the cross-shaped window, and the pen146is moved in contact with the screen to thereby select an associated character.

First, as shown inFIG. 17A, the part of the screen140of the PDA corresponding to the character “” (HA of Hiragana) of the software keyboard displayed on the screen140is touched with the pen146. When the pen146is kept in touch, as shown inFIG. 17B, the cross-shaped window144centering the character “” (HA of Hiragana) is displayed. The character “” (HA of Hiragana) is displayed at the center of the cross-shaped window144, “” (BA, a dull sound of HA of Hiragana) being displayed above, and “” (PA, a p-sound of HA of Hiragana) being displayed below. To input the character “” (HA of Hiragana), the pen146contacting the character “” (HA of Hiragana) is left from the character “” (HA of Hiragana). To input the character “” (BA, a dull sound of HA of Hiragana), the pen146is moved in contact with the screen in the manner as a mouse is dragged, and is left from the screen at the position of the character “” (BA, a dull sound of HA of Hiragana).

In the character input assist system for the mobile telephones of the present embodiment as well, arrangement of selection characters in the cross-shaped window144, shapes of the window, etc. can be modified as in the character input assist system for the software keyboard.

The character input assist system of the present embodiment permits characters to be intuitionally inputted in comparison with the conventional character input.

[A Second Embodiment]

The network system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

In the network system according to the present embodiment, a Chao kindergarten for growing characters called Chao is provided. Chao data users own are uploaded to the Chao kindergarten to be put there for a certain period of time in which the chao data spontaneously upgraded. The chao data of the respective users put in the Chao kindergarten influence one another to be upgraded. Characteristically in the present embodiment, the chao data are spontaneously influenced by the data of the other chao data in place of artificially influencing the users data.

In the online game of the present embodiment, characters called Chao to be grown are present in addition to player characters operated by game players. The players can give various items to the chaos to thereby vary forms and skills of the chaos.

In the conventional games, the players have grown the chaos in the online environments of their respective game apparatuses. However, in the present embodiment, the game apparatuses are connected to the network to upload chao data to the Chao kindergarten provided in the server so that the chao data can be grown there.

As shown inFIG. 18A, the Chao kindergarten is divided in a plurality of servers151–154. The individual game servers151–154are set to be classes of the Chao kindergarten. The users select which classes their chao data to be stored in.

As shown inFIG. 18B, programs151A–151F respectively setting parameters to be skilled up are incorporated in the game servers151–154of the respective classes. The parameters are called lessons and are selected by the users. The users select the classes which are suitable for skills they want to upgrade.

It takes, e.g., 1 day from a time when the chao data were put in to renew the chao data. After 1 day, the users download the chao data for the purpose of receiving the Chaos. Skills corresponding to the classes (lessons) selected when the chao data were downloaded are added. For example, when Horn of Class151A has been selected, the downloaded Chao has the skill of blowing the horn he did not have before the upload.

The sequence of the network system according to the present embodiment will be summarized with reference toFIG. 19.

First, the game apparatus10of a user is connected to the server50via an internet60(Step S30). When the game apparatus10is connected to the server50, the image of the Chao kindergarten shown inFIG. 18Ais displayed. One of the displayed game servers151–154for the user s Chao to be put in is selected, and the class151A of horn is selected out of the classes151A–151F of the game server151(Step S31). When the class151A of horn of the game server151has been selected, the chao data is uploaded from the visual memory40connected to the game apparatus1- to the class151A of the game server151(Step S32). Then, the internet is disconnected for 1 day.

The next day, the gap apparatus10of the user is connected again to the server50via the internet60(Step S33). The grown chao data is downloaded from the game server151of the server50to be stored in the visual memory40of the game apparatus10(Step S34).

Thus, the chao data is uploaded to the server, and later, the chao data grown in the server is downloaded, and the user can enjoy the growth of the chao data.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of users upload their chao data to one game server, and Chaos having various parameters are co-present in the game server. All the chao data are administered by a data base in the server60.

In the present embodiment, one and the same server administers chao data of a number of users, whereby uploaded chao data are influenced one another to thereby vary the chao data.

As in the actual world, a child who has been shy begins to go to school and is influenced there by mentally strong children to grow mentally stronger child, parameters of personality and influential power are incorporated in the chao data to thereby cause the same phenomena.

The personality parameter include “crybaby”, “gentle”, “normal”, “mischievous”, “rough”, etc. The influential power parameter includes values of 0 to 100. Higher influential power parameter means higher liability to personality parameters of other Chaos.

For example, as shown inFIG. 20, in a case that a Chao A whose personality is “crybaby” (influential power: 80/100) and a Chao B whose personality is “Rough” are uploaded to the same class, they are influenced by each other, and after 1 day has passed, the personality of the Chao A has been changed to gentle while the personality of the Chao B has been changed to “mischievous”. When the users decide classes, they may decide classes after viewing parameters of the Chaos put in the classes.

[A Third Embodiment]

The network system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

According to the network system of the present embodiment, in a network game, questionnaires are sent out to players connected to the network, and results of the questionnaires are reflected on game advances of specific players. In the network system, in a game environment using all network devices, the users evaluate one another to thereby vary game advances of the other users.

For example, in a game, a questionnaire “Who is the most awkward among us?” is made, the players connected to the network respectively inputs their answers. A value of the parameter “sophistication” of a player character A who has won the most answers is lowered. Resultantly, items the game character A can put on during the game are limited. Thus, the network system is characterized in that inputs of other players vary parameters beyond anticipation of the players.

In the above-described example, the players who answer questionnaires are not limited to players taking part in the network game, but also may include users who can be connected to the network via home video game machines, and mobile terminals, such as mobile game apparatuses, mobile telephones, PHS, PDA, etc.

In the conventional online game systems, players called “raiders” are present. The players called “raiders” make harassments, etc. to disturb or kill other players. Such players are nuisances also to the world of the network games. However, from another viewpoint, a motive for making such deeds will be derived from their self-ostentatiousness, and they want to recognize their own presence and strength also in the world of games.

Then, in the present embodiment, the game players evaluate one another to thereby influence positions and roles of the players in the game world, so that the self-ostentation of such players is positively utilized in games.

For example, in a network role playing game, the characters of the game have good and evil parameters. The parameters vary ranks and roles of the characters in the game world. As shown inFIG. 21, the game players whose good parameters are higher are ranked as God, Brave, Swordsman, Apprentice Swordsman, Infant Satan, Satan, Devil and Great Devil. An initial set value of the good and evil parameters is set between the Apprentice Swordsman and the Infant Satan.

The game of the present embodiment has no enemy preset by the system. However, the players positioned in either of the sides, good and evil divided with the initial set value at the middle, and the divided players oppose to each other. When the game players defeat the opposed players, they are skilled up, and the abilities of the characters are raised. Thus, the game of the present embodiment is for the purpose of growing themselves. The final purpose of the players is to defeat God or Great Devil positioned on the opposed sides of the players.

The players positioned at the summits of the good and the evil parameters have higher influential power with the rest players than the players at the other ranks.

A population distribution of the game world is administered by the system so that even when a number of participating users increases, players ranked at both summits are not extremely increased and are always treated as players of scarcity value.

Ranks of the players vary depending on good and evil parameters varied by evaluation made among the players. For example, an owner (NPC) of a shop makes the following questionnaire to a team of 4 players who are exploring. My treasure has been empties before I m aware of it. One of you has stolen!

At this time, as shown inFIG. 22, the names (Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Emmy) of the respective connected players are displayed as selection items.

If one player selects the player “Sonic”, the above-described questionnaire is for increasing the evil parameter, and the good/evil parameter of the player called “Sonic” leans toward evil. When the evil parameter exceed a certain value, the rank of Sonic varies from the initial set value to the Infant Satan.

As players have parameters which are more approximate to the good and the evil summits, they have stronger influence power with respect to the other players. In the above-described case, a player at the rank of Brave can more increase the evil parameter of Sonic by selecting Sonic than a player at the rank of Swordsman.

By using the above-described system, ranks can be formed in the world of a game, but also the following communication can be enjoyed.

For example, in a network survival game, the stage is an uninhabited island. The players taking part in the game wait for rescue, obtaining materials for living.

To clear the stage, the players must survive without dropping out, to be rescued. When the players are rescued, the players have cleared the stage and can advance to a next stage.

In this game, one drop-out is decided every time at the end of one day. Accordingly, the game is over for a player when the player has lost physical force for the survival, or when a player is decided to be a drop-out.

The players respectively have parameters of “skill” and “taste”. The skill includes “being good at fishing”, “being good at collecting fruits”, “being good at hunting”, etc. These skills and “tastes” of the players depend on each other. The players who like meat cannot gain physical strength unless they eat meat. They must inevitably ask the players who are good at hunting to hunt.

However, the basic purpose of each player is to drop out the other players, and the players do not easily accept requests of the other players. Each drop-out player has one vote of a judge, and to clear the game, it is an essential condition to cooperate with the other players. This is a strategic point.

For example, four players respectively called “Sonic”, “Tails”, “Knuckles” and” Emmy” are present. The player “Sonic” sends a mail “Let's drop out Knuckles next!” to the player “Tails” to ally with the player “Tails”.

Here, it is presumed that the player “Tails” has rejected before the request of the player “Emmy”, and in place, the player “Sonic” has accepted the request. Then, the player “Tails” is seized with a suspicion that if the player “Emmy” survives, then I will be dropped out.

Then, the player “Tails” sends a mail “Let's drop out Sonic next!” to the player “Knuckles” to ally with him so as to drop out the player “Sonic” first.

Thus, kind deeds lead to scores in the usual games, but in this network game, players are evaluated by players to thereby cause proceeding situations where it is not seen how deeds of the players will turn out. The strategic game property characteristically produced by such communications among players is produced, which makes the game very interesting.

[Modifications]

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and cover other various modifications. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the network system according to the present invention is applied to home video game machines as information processing devices but is also applicable to terminal devices installed at shops, such as game centers, game cafes, etc., mobile game apparatuses, electronic devices, such as personal computers, etc. in respective homes, mobile terminals, such as mobile telephones, PHS, PDA, etc., and others.

in the game apparatuses of the above-described embodiments, the present invention is applied to chats but is applicable also to communications other than chats.