U.S. Pat. No. 8,251,823

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of a video game processing apparatus, a method and a computer program product for processing a video game according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the appending drawings.

FIG. 1is a block diagram that illustrates a configuration of a video game apparatus100to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that other devices may be used without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 1, a video game apparatus100of the present embodiment includes a video game apparatus main body10, a display device50, and a sound output device60. The video game apparatus main body10is constituted from a video game system or a mobile game device that is put on the market, for example. Further, the display device50is constituted from, for example, a television apparatus, a liquid crystal display device, a micro-mirror device, a holographic display device, or any combination thereof. The display device50is provided with a plurality of image display screens including an upper image display screen51and a lower image display screen52. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that any device capable of generating or reproducing an image may be used without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.

The video game apparatus main body10includes a control section11, a RAM (Random Access Memory)12, a HDD (hard disk drive)13, a sound processor14, a graphics processor15, a DVD/CD-ROM drive16, a communications interface17, an interface section18, a frame memory19, a memory card slot20, and an input interface section21.

In the video game apparatus main body10, each of the control section11, the RAM (Random Access Memory)12, the HDD (Hard Disk Drive)13, the sound processor14, the graphics processor15, the DVD/CD-ROM drive16, the communications interface17and the interface section18is connected to an internal bus22.

The control section11includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory) and the like. The control section11executes control processes of the whole video game apparatus100in accordance with control programs stored in the HDD13and/or a storage medium70. The control section11includes an internal timer used to generate a timer interruption, for example. The RAM12is mainly used as a work area for the control section11. The HDD13is a storage area in the video game apparatus main body10for storing the control programs and various data.

The sound processor14has a function of an audio input/output interface for carrying out D/A conversion and A/D conversion of a sound signal (or audio signal). The sound processor14is connected to a sound output device60, which includes a speaker, for example, but may include any other device capable of generating or reproducing an audible signal. The sound processor14outputs a sound signal to the sound output device60in accordance with a sound outputting command from the control section11that executes a process according to the various control programs.

Further, the sound processor14is also connected to a sound input device (not shown in the drawings) constituted from a microphone, for example. A sound signal from the sound input device is inputted into the sound processor14in accordance with a sound input command from the control section11. In this regard, the sound output device60may be embedded in the display device50or the video game apparatus main body10, or may be affixed to a vibrating surface that may be caused to generate the audible signal.

The graphics processor15is connected to the display device50including, for example, the upper image display screen51and the lower image display screen52on each of which an image is displayed. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the graphics processor may be coupled to other known types of display devices, such as a head-mounted display, a holographic three-dimensional display or the like, without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The graphics processor15develops an image on the frame memory19in accordance with a drawing or graphics command from the control section11, and outputs video signals for displaying the image on the upper and lower image display screens51,52to the display device50. A switching time for images to be displayed according to the video signals is set to 1/30 seconds per frame (for NTSC type displays), for example. However, the switching time may be any other frame rate (for example, 1/25 second per frame (for PAL type displays)) as those skilled in the art will appreciate without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

A storage medium70such as a DVD-ROM medium or a CD-ROM medium, or equivalent, in which control programs for a video game are stored is mounted in the DVD/CD-ROM drive16. The DVD/CD-ROM drive16executes a process for reading out various data such as control programs from the storage medium70.

The storage medium70may be, other than the DVD-ROM or the CD-ROM described above, various types of DVD (such as DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD+RDL, DVD-RDL, Blue-Ray Disc, or HD-DVD) or various types of CD (such as CD-R or CD-RW). In this case, in place of or in addition to the DVD/CD-ROM drive16, the video game apparatus main body10may be provided with a drive for executing processes to read out and/or write various kinds of data from and/or into the storage medium70.

The communications interface17is connected to a communication network80such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or the like, in a wireless or wired manner. Further, the communications interface17is connected to other video game apparatus main bodies10via a communication unit (not shown in the drawings) having an antenna81in a wireless manner. The video game apparatus main body10carries out communication with, for example, another computer via the communication network80using a communication function of the communications interface17. The video game apparatus main body10also carries out wireless communication with, for example, other video game apparatus main bodies10using the antenna81. Thus, the video game apparatus main body10has a function as a communication terminal.

Each of the input interface section21, the memory card slot20and a touch panel40as an operation input section (or controller) is connected to the interface section18. The interface section18causes instruction data from the input interface section21and instruction data from the touch panel40to be stored in the RAM12on the basis of operation(s) of a controller device such as a keypad30and operation (s) of the touch panel40using a touch pen41by a player of the video game apparatus100. In response to the instruction data stored in the RAM12, the control section11executes various arithmetic processing.

In this regard, the touch panel40may be used so as to be laminated on at least one of the upper and lower image display screens51,52, for example. In this case, the control section11recognizes (or senses) input information in accordance with operational inputs by operation(s) for inputs from the player by managing and controlling display timing on at least one of the upper and lower image display screens51,52on which the touch panel40is laminated, operation timing to the touch panel40using the touch pen41or the like, and the position coordinates of the touch panel40with which the touch pen41is in contact.

By laminating the touch panel40on at least one of the upper and lower image display screens51,52in this manner, the player is allowed to input much information along with the keypad30without making the controller device (including the keypad30) of the player bigger. Here, as the type of the touch panel40, various types of conventional touch panels such as a resistive touch panel and a pressure-sensitive touch panel can be utilized. In this regard, the display device50may not include a plurality of image display screens such as upper and lower image display screens51,52, but may includes only one image display screen.

The video game apparatus main body10constructed in this manner is connected to the touch panel40via the interface section18as described above. The video game apparatus main body10is also connected to the controller device such as the keypad30as an operation input section (controller) via the input interface section21. However, other types of controllers may be used without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. In this regard, the keypad30may be integrated with the video game apparatus main body10, or may be provided as a separate component.

As shown inFIG. 1, for example, a cross key31, and a group of buttons32are arranged on the upper portion of the front surface of the keypad30. The cross key31includes an upper key31a, a lower key31b, a right key31cand a left key31d. The group of buttons32includes a circle button32a, an X key32b, a triangle key32cand a square key32d. Further, a select button35and a start button37are arranged at a connecting portion between a base on which the cross key31is arranged and a base on which the group of buttons32are arranged. In addition, multiple buttons such as an R1button36and an L1button33are arranged at the side surface of the keypad30. Otherwise, although the drawing is omitted, a joystick or the like may be provided in the keypad30.

The keypad30constituted in this manner is provided with multiple switches respectively connected to the cross key31, the circle button32a, the X button32b, the triangle button32c, the square button32d, the select button35, the start button37, the R1button36and the L1button33. When pressing force is applied to any button, the corresponding switch is turned on. A detected signal in accordance with on/off of the switch is generated in the keypad30. Further, in the case where the joystick is provided, a detected signal is generated in accordance with an inclined direction of the joystick in the keypad30.

The switching type of detected signal generated in the keypad30is outputted to the control section11via the input interface section21(through wired or wireless connection), by which detected information indicating that any button on the keypad30is pressed is generated. Further, in the case where the joystick is provided, the joystick type of detected signal becomes detected information indicating the state of the joystick. In this way, operation instruction(s) (that is, operational inputs) by a user (player) using the keypad30, for example, is supplied to the video game apparatus main body10(that is, the control section11).

Further, the interface section18executes, according to the command(s) from the control section11, a process to store data indicative of the progress of the video game stored in the RAM12into the memory card90installed in the memory card slot20. The interface section18also executes processes to read out data on the video game stored in the memory card90at the time of suspending the video game and to transfer such data to the RAM12, and the like.

Various data, such as control program data for performing the video game with the video game apparatus100, are stored in the storage medium70, for example. The various data, such as the control program data stored in the storage medium70, are read out by the DVD/CD-ROM drive16in which the storage medium70is installed. The data thus read out are loaded onto the RAM12.

The control section11executes, in accordance with the control program loaded on the RAM12, various processes such as a process to output the drawing or graphics command to the graphics processor15, and a process to output the sound outputting command to the sound processor14. In this regard, the interim data generated in response to the progress of the video game (for example, data indicative of scoring of the video game, the state of a player character and the like) are stored in the RAM12used as a work memory while the control section11executes processing.

It is assumed that a three-dimensional video game according to an aspect of the present embodiment is a video game wherein multiple characters, including a player character (that is, PC: a character that moves in accordance with the operation of the keypad30and/or the touch panel40by the player), move on a field provided in a virtual three-dimensional space displayed on the upper and lower image display screens51,52, by which the video game proceeds. In this regard, it is assumed that the virtual three-dimensional space in which the field is formed is indicated by coordinates of the world coordinate system. Further, the field is defined by multiple surfaces, and coordinates of vertexes of the respective constituent surfaces are shown as characteristic points.

Next, an operation of the video game apparatus100according to an aspect of the present embodiment will now be described.

Here, in order to simplify the explanation of the operation of the video game apparatus100, it is assumed that at least one player character PC and multiple non-player characters (which are moved in accordance with control processes of the video game apparatus100(more specifically, control processes of the control section11), and hereinafter, referred to simply as “NPC”) exist as objects that are movable in the virtual three-dimensional space. However, the explanations for any process other than the processes relating to the present invention are omitted, in particular. In this regard, in the present embodiment, video game control and communication for a RPG is executed, but those skilled in the art will recognize and appreciate that changes to the present invention can be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.

FIG. 2is a flowchart that illustrates an example of a main process of the video game apparatus100according to the present embodiment. The main process is, for example, a process for generating an image for one frame and a process required for the control of the video game. The process is executed in accordance with a timer interruption at every 1/30 second. However, it is to be noted that timing of “at every 1/30 second” is only one example, as mentioned above. Instead, for example, the main process may be executed in accordance with a timer interruption at every single field period (every 1/60 second) or at every two frame periods (every 1/15 second), or any other appropriate field rate that may be recognized by those skilled in the art to be appropriate without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.

In the present embodiment, a video game (that is, a RPG game) proceeds in a common field (that is, a single field where a battle field and a movement field are not distinguished from each other) in which various actions (such as a battle action and/or a movement action), including the movement of the player character PC and a battle by the player character PC, are allowed. In the case where a predetermined object in the field is accomplished, one stage may be terminated and the processing may proceed to another stage executed in a next field.

Further, in the present embodiment, a same time base is applied to the respective characters existing in such a field for a battle scene. Once a NPC enters the stage in the field such as a battle scene, the NPC moves on the field or stands still on the field in accordance with the same time base until a hit point (which is a value indicating life force, and hereinafter, referred to simply as “HP” (life point)) thereof becomes zero. In the case where the HP of the player character PC becomes zero in a battle scene in which one player character PC exists, the player character PC becomes a battle impossible state. Then, the video game is terminated, or other event occurs.

However, in the present embodiment, for example, in the case where a plurality of player characters PCs enter the stage in the field, all of the plurality of player characters PC do not become a battle impossible state so long as the HPs of all of the plurality of player characters PC become zero. Namely, for example, in the case where the HP of one player character PC still remains even when the HP of the other player character PC becomes zero, the respective player characters, including the other player character PC whose HP becomes zero, can keep (or maintain) the battle states. In this case, a portion displayed on each of the upper and lower image display screens51,52as a character image is a portion that exists within the field of view of a virtual camera in the field.

In the main process, the control section11determines whether an instruction to start a video game is generated through an operation of the keypad30and/or the touch panel40, via manipulation of the controller30by the player or not in the case where the state is still before the video game start. Alternatively, once the video game has started or is in progress, the control section11determines whether a timing state is reached to change the scene (for example, change the field) or not in the case where the state is during execution of the video game (Step S101).

In this regard, the word “game start” means a start of the video game by selecting a selection menu such as a “game start” or a “demonstration” when the selection menu is presented on the upper or lower image display screen51,52. Thus, at least two opening movies are prepared, which include one when it is reproduced before starting the video game (that is, when it is automatically reproduced by means of power activation) and another when it is reproduced after starting the video game (that is, when it is reproduced in the case where there is an instruction to start the video game from the player).

The timing state to change the scene which is determined at Step S101is, for example, the time at which a virtual three-dimensional space illustrating a new scene is displayed on the respective upper and lower image display screens51,52in order to finish the scene that has been displayed on the respective upper and lower image display screens51,52until that point (for example, a scene displayed by means of a virtual three-dimensional space, and a scene displayed by means of a directorial moving image) and to switch the displayed scene to the new scene.

In the case where it is determined that an instruction to start a video game is generated or that the timing state reaches a state to change the scene (“Yes” at Step S101), the control section11determines an initial screen (an initial screen shown at the time of a start of the video game, or an initial screen shown at the time of a change in the scene) in accordance with the control program (Step S102).

In this case, the initial screen at the game start means a screen to be initially displayed on the upper and lower image display screens51,52when there is an instruction to start the video game from the player, for example. Further, the initial screen at the change in the scene means a screen to be initially displayed at a new stage when the player character clears a stage and the video game thereby proceed to the next stage (that is, at timing when to change the scene), for example.

In the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment, various data, such as image data used for the video game and characters or icons, are stored in the storage medium70described above. At Step S102, an initial display position of the player character PC in an initial screen or a scene after a scene change (for example, a new stage in the RPG), a non-player character NPC or non-player characters NPCs to be displayed, an initial display position of each of the non-player characters NPCs to be displayed, an icon or icons to be displayed, an initial display position of each of the icons to be displayed and the like are determined in accordance with the control program.

Subsequently, the control section11determines a viewpoint position of a virtual camera, a direction of a visual axis, and a size of a visual angle in accordance with the control program. The control section11then executes an initial setup for the virtual camera to execute a perspective transformation (step S103). Then, the processing flow proceeds to Step S115(will be described later).

On the other hand, in the case where it is determined that the video game is executed, and it is not time to change the scene (“No” at Step S101), the control section11receives instruction data in accordance with the operation of the keypad30and/or the touch panel40by the player (Step S104). Namely, the control section11determines whether or not instruction data for executing movement of the player character PC or the like are inputted from the keypad30and/or the touch panel40via the input interface section21. In the case where effective instruction data (that is, it means that such effective instruction data are instruction data that is allowed to be received by the control section11) are inputted, the control section11receives the effective instruction data.

In the present embodiment, for example, the video game apparatus100is in advance constructed so that the player character PC displayed on the upper image display screen51can be operated by means of the key pad30, while the player character PC displayed on the lower image display screen52can be operated by means of the touch panel40. Further, the player character PC displayed on the upper image display screen51is set so as not to be allowed to move, and the processes at Steps S105to S107are applied only to the player character PC displayed on the lower image display screen52.

In this regard, in the present embodiment, the player characters PCs that can respectively be operated by means of the keypad30and the touch panel40may be switched to each other. The player characters PCs that can be operated may be set to be different from each other in accordance with each of the cross key31and the group of buttons32of the keypad30or each of detection regions in the case where the touch panel40are divided into the plurality of detection regions.

In the case where the control section11receives instruction data for instructing an action of the player character PC relating to the movement of the player character PC (that is, movement instruction data: selection of a movement instruction by a movement command to the touch panel40by the touch pen41or movement instruction to the player character PC displayed on the lower image display screen52(that is, on the touch panel40) by means of the touch pen41) in accordance with the operation of the touch panel40relating to the movement of the player character (movement operation) at Step S104(“Yes” at Step S105), the control section11executes a movement process in accordance with the movement instruction data thus received (Step S106).

In the movement process at Step S106, the control section11causes the position of the player character PC to be moved in a virtual space (on the present field) in accordance with the received movement instruction data. In this regard, such a movement command may include a dash instruction command, for example. The dash instruction command is a command to move the player character PC quickly, and a command for supplying an instruction that the player character PC moves from a predetermined region of a battle area toward other region quickly if the player character PC is in a melee, for example.

Subsequently, the control section11generates movement information on the basis of the position information of the player character PC derived along with the movement process (Step S107). Namely, in accordance with the movement of the position of the player character PC by means of the movement process, the control section11updates necessary data among data on the viewpoint position of the virtual camera, data on the direction of a visual axis, data on the size of a visual angle, and the like. The control section11then changes the setting content of the virtual camera.

The movement information generated at Step S107includes various kinds of information on the movement such as the position of the player character PC after the movement, the viewpoint position of the virtual camera, the direction of the visual axis, and the size of the visual angle changed along with the movement of the player character PC as well as the information on the movement of the player character PC. Then, the processing flow proceeds to Step S113.

In the case where the control section11receives instruction data for instructing an action for the player character PC relating to a battle (that is, battle instruction data: a battle command) in accordance with the operation of the keypad30and/or the touch panel40by the player for instructing the action of the player character relating to a battle (a battle operation) at Step S104(“Yes” at Step S108), the control section11executes a battle process in accordance with the received battle instruction data (Step S109).

More specifically, in the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment, in the case where the operational inputs to instruct the player character PC to execute an action for a battle is carried out by input operations using the cross key31and/or the group of buttons32of the keypad30or input operations using the touch pen41to the touch panel40, the control section11determines that the instruction data is received (“Yes” at Step S108), and then executes the battle process (Step S109). In the battle process executed at Step S109, the control section11executes, for example, a process to determine a battle result and/or battle development between an enemy character (that is, a non-player character to battle against) and the player character PC, and the like.

Subsequently, the control section11generates battle information on the basis of the battle result and/or battle development determined by means of the battle process (Step S110). Namely, in accordance with the battle result and/or battle development by the battle process, the control section11updates and sets necessary information. The set information may include, for example, the name of the player character PC that battles an enemy character in the battle process, the name of the enemy character, battle development information, battle result information, a parameter (or parameters) that defines the ability (or abilities) of the player character PC, and the like. The battle information includes various kinds of information on the battle, such as the name of the player character PC that battles the enemy character, the name of the enemy character, battle development, battle result thereof, and a parameter that defines the ability of the player character PC. Then, the processing flow proceeds to Step S113(will be described later).

In the case where the control section11receives instruction data for other instructions (that is, other instruction data: an other command) in accordance with the operation of the keypad30and/or the touch panel40for executing other instruction (other operation) at Step S104(“No” at Step S105, “No” at Step3108, and “Yes” at Step S111), the control section11executes a process (for example, a conversation between characters, a purchase action, a pick up action, a movement action of an item and the like) in accordance with the other instruction data thus received (Step S112). The other information corresponding to the process result at Step S112is then generated, and the processing flow proceeds to Step S113.

The control section11updates the current position of the player character PC by storing the movement information generated at Step S107in a predetermined data area of the RAM12at Step S113. Further, the control section11memorizes and stores various action histories of the player character PC by storing the battle information generated at Step S110and the other information generated after Step S112in a predetermined data area of the RAM12at Step S113.

Subsequently, the control section11executes an action estimate process on the basis of the information indicating the action histories of the player character PC once stored in the RAM12(Step S114). More specifically, information required to be digitized is digitized using conversion tables prepared in advance. Further, with respect to information required to be weighted, a score is calculated by multiplying the digitized value by a predetermined coefficient and summing these multiplied digitized values. The calculated score is added to a previous score stored in a predetermined data area of the RAM12, and the added score is again stored in the predetermined data area. In this way, the score is updated as estimate information.

Then, the control section11perspectively transforms the virtual three-dimensional space including the player character PC and the non-player characters NPCs to be displayed from the virtual camera onto the virtual screen in accordance with the setting contents of the virtual camera and the like. The control section11then executes a display process to generate a two-dimensional image to be displayed on the upper and lower image display screens51,52(Step S115).

When the display process is terminated, this main process is also terminated. Then, when a timer interruption is generated at the time of a start of a next frame period, a next main process is executed (that is, the main process is repeated). By repeatedly executing the main process, a character image is switched or shifted every frame period, and a moving image (animation) is resultantly displayed on the upper and lower image display screens51,52.

Now, the display process at Step S115will be briefly described. At Step S115, the control section11first transforms at least the coordinates of the vertexes of respective polygons included within a range to be perspectively transformed on the virtual screen among the coordinates of the vertexes of polygons constituting the virtual three-dimensional space, in which the player character PC and the three-dimensional non-player characters NPCs are included, from the coordinates of the world coordinate system to the coordinates of the viewpoint coordinate system.

Subsequently, the control section11transmits the coordinates of the vertexes of the polygons of the player character PC and the non-player characters NPCs in the viewpoint coordinate system to the graphics processor15, thereby outputting a drawing or graphics command to the graphics processor15.

When the drawing or graphics command is inputted to the graphics processor15, the graphics processor15updates, on the basis of the coordinates of the viewpoint coordinate system, the content of the Z buffer so that data on the points that reside at the front side are retained with respect to each of points constituting respective surfaces. When the content of the Z buffer is updated, the graphics processor15develops image data on the points that reside at the front side on the frame memory19. Moreover, the graphics processor15executes some processes such as a shading process and a texture mapping process with respect to the developed image data.

Then, the graphics processor15in turn reads out the image data developed on the frame memory19, and generates video signals by adding a sync signal to the image data to output the video signals to the display device50. The display device50displays an image corresponding to the video signals outputted from the graphics processor15on the upper and lower image display screens51,52. By switching images displayed on the upper and lower image display screens51,52every single frame period, the player can see images including the state where the player character PC and/or the non-player characters NFCs are moved on the field and perceive the images as moving images.

In the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment, in conjunction with the processes corresponding to other operations at Step S111to S112described above, for example, in the case where communication by close-range radio communication (for example, go-by (surechigai) Communication®) is executed between a video game apparatus main body10that one player uses and other video game apparatus main body existing within a predetermined neighboring range that another player uses, obtained game information is stored and the corresponding player can utilize it to play the video game by set the stored game information to be readable unconditionally in accordance with the kind thereof or be readable when a specific condition is met, or by utilizing communication result information indicating a communication result. In the close-range radio communication, the relationship between a host apparatus and an extension apparatus is automatically switched to search a communication partner; a connection therebetween is automatically established when a communication partner is found out, and the connection is cut off after data (information) are exchanged. For this reason, a new game element is achieved in which it is possible to improve the taste to play the video game while adding an element for heightening usage difficulty of game information communicated between video game apparatus main bodies, and this makes it possible to improve interest of the player in the video game.

More specifically, in the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment, the following configuration is adopted. For example, when the video game apparatus main body as a communication partner is found out within the predetermined neighboring range from the video game apparatus main body10, and a communication process is executed, it is determined, for example, “whether the found-out video game apparatus is the same type of terminal or not”, “whether the found-out video game apparatus has the same kind of software or not”, “whether the found-out video game apparatus is a terminal that executed communication within a predetermined time period or not” and the like by referring to a terminal classification ID indicating a class of the terminal, a terminal identification ID for identifying the terminal, a software identification ID for identifying software that the terminal has, a time stamp and the like. Exchangeable information such as items that can be exchanged as the game information is then exchanged between the apparatuses in accordance with a determination result, or communication history information is utilized, whereby the player can convert these kinds of information to usable information that can be used for software of the video game to utilize it.

Further, in the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment, the following configuration is adopted. For example, read data such as conditional read data that cannot be read so long as a specific condition is met and unconditional read data that can be read unconditionally, status instruction data for executing a setup instruction for status contents of the player character, or communication result information including various kinds of information such as a terminal identification ID of the communication partner that is a delivering source of the received game information and a radio communication time period are obtained as the game information in the communication process described above to be stored. It is then determined whether the stored information can be read or not on the basis of various conditions. Thus, it is possible to improve the taste to play the video game while adding an element for heightening usage difficulty of game information communicated between video game apparatus main bodies. Here, the communication process at Step S112corresponding to the other operation described above, which includes such a communication process, in the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment will first be described.

FIGS. 3 and 4are flowcharts that illustrate an example of a communication process in the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment. In this regard, in the following explanation, the same reference numeral is assigned to a component overlapping to the component that has already been described, and the explanation thereof is omitted. On condition that the communication process is executed, display examples of the upper and lower image display screens51,52when operational input relating to setup of the close-range radio communication is executed on a top menu of a game screen at Step S111of the flowchart shown inFIG. 2will first be described.FIG. 5is an explanatory drawing that shows an example of a communication setting screen on the display device50in the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 5, for example, on the communication setting screen of the upper image display screen51, a player character display region201, an equipment display region202, a status display region203, and a display determining deck204are displayed. The player character display region201is used for displaying a player character PC. The equipment display region202is used for displaying equipment of the player character PC displayed on the player character display region201. The status display region203is used for displaying various kinds of information relating to current status of the player character PC. The display determining deck204is used for determining a display form of each ability icon (such as a display order). The ability icon is used for causing the player to select available ability such as an attack and an item that are displayed on the lower image display screen52and that the player character PC can be utilized during a battle, for example. In this regard, in the following explanation, each ability icon is referred to as a “badge”.

In a badge205displayed in the display determining deck204, a priority tag206indicating execution (or activation) processing priority during a battle on a battle scene, a level display207indicating a level of ability of the badge205and a level meter208are displayed. A special effect by the ability indicated by the badge205is set so as to show a different effect for every level. In this case, although it is not shown inFIG. 5, the badge205is managed by a badge managing table. In the badge managing table, the kind of badge, a level, an effect due to one usage (specific attack power or a point of recovery power), a remaining point, an action pattern of the touch pen41to be activated, a necessary experience value and other information are included.

The kinds of badge205include, for example, a “thunder attack”, a “flame attack”, a “windy cut attack”, an “object moving attack” and the like for badges relating to an attack. Further, the kinds of badge205include, for example, an “HP recovery due to medicine”, “offensive power up”, “defensive power up” and the like for badges that influence on the status of the player character.

The level is set for every badge205. For example, it is defined so that the higher the level becomes, the greater the influence of a special effect executed by the badge becomes. In this regard, the level may not be set to such a kind of badge that a specific effect such as “exterminate all of enemy characters” is shown as the special effect, for example. The remaining point indicates a usable value (the number of usable times)/the usable maximum value (usable maximum number) of the special effect by means of the corresponding badge205.

The necessary experience value defines an experience value (badge point: BP) required when to boost up (or improve) the level to the next for every badge205. Otherwise, for example, information in which a time period (boot time) of the state where the ability indicated by the corresponding badge205becomes unusable for a predetermined time period until the remaining point returns to the usable maximum number in the case where the number of usable times of the special effect by the badge205becomes 0, and information such as an ability name indicated by the badge205and an ability ID for uniquely defining the ability indicated by the badge205are included.

Here, as the “action pattern of the touch pen41” described above, in the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment, a method of operating the touch pen41with respect to an attack and the like of the player character PC on the lower image display screen52is carried out as follows, for example. Namely, the player carries out, for example, a predetermined input operation such as “poke”, “rub”, “enclose so as to draw a circle” and “draw a line” using the touch pen41onto a region of the lower image display screen52on which an enemy character to which the player wants to suffer an attack by the player character PC is displayed or a region of the lower image display screen52on which an object item that the player wants to move toward an enemy character is displayed. Thus, it is possible to apply the attack or the like corresponding to the input operation to the enemy character or the object item.

In the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment, the player can apply an attack instruction or the like to the player character PC quickly in this manner, and the attack can be applied to the image such as the displayed enemy character by directly carrying out the input operation with the touch pen41. Thus, the player can obtain a feeling of operations readily, and this makes it possible to heighten realism (realistic sensation) of a battle scene on the player.

In this regard, in the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment, in the case of applying the attack or the like to the enemy character by carrying out the predetermined input operation described above, the kinds of selectable and executable attacks are to be displayed on the lower image display screen52by the badges205that expresses the contents of the attacks or the like abstractly. For this reason, for example, in the case where the input operation of “enclose so as to draw a circle” is in advance associated with an instruction to execute a “flame attack” in which the player character attacks the enemy character with flame in an action pattern of the badge managing table, it is need to include something indicating the “flame attack” in the badge205stored in the display determining deck204and displayed on the lower image display screen52. In this regard, the predetermined input operation such as “enclose so as to draw a circle” is not limited to the input operation using the touch panel40and the touch pen41. For example, the predetermined input operation may be configured to be carried out using an input device such as a mouse, a joystick and a trackball (not shown in the drawings).

On the other hand, on the communication setting screen of the lower image display screen52, a profile display screen210for displaying a user profile of the player is displayed. On the profile display screen210, a picture display region211, a “START” button212and an “END” button213are displayed. The picture display region211is used for associating a picture or character arbitrarily drawn by the player using the touch pen41or the like with the user profile, and for displaying the picture or character as a sticker250that is stuck to a background image or an arbitrary screen in the video game. The “START” button212is used for instructing a start of the close-range radio communication. The “END” button213is used for instructing an end to display the communication setting screen. Further, on the profile display screen210, a name display region and a comment display region are provided. The name display region is used for displaying a name of the player arbitrarily determined. The comment display region is used for displaying a comment of the player arbitrarily determined.

On the communication setting screen configured in this manner, when the player presses and selects the “start” button212of the profile display screen210using the touch pen41, as shown inFIG. 3, the control section11controls the communications interface17so that the communication function is turned on, whereby various kinds of information can be transmitted and received (Step S120). The control section11then delivers a request to transmit a terminal classification ID to determine whether any terminal classification ID is received or not (Step S121). The control section11waits at Step S121until a request to transmit terminal classification ID that is transmitted from other video game apparatus main body within a predetermined neighboring range is received (“No” at Step S121). In the case where it is determined that a request to transmit terminal classification ID is received (“Yes” at Step S121), the control section11transmits the terminal classification ID of the video game apparatus main body10to the other video game apparatus main body (Step S122).

After transmitting the terminal classification ID, the control section11receives the terminal classification ID from the other video game apparatus main body (Step S123), and compares the received terminal classification ID with the terminal classification ID of the video game apparatus main body10. The control section11thereby determines whether or not the other video game apparatus main body is the same type of terminal as the video game apparatus main body10(Step S124).

In the case where it is determined that it is the same type of terminal as the video game apparatus main body10(“Yes” at Step S124), the control section11establishes a connection by one-on-one radio communication between the video game apparatus main body10and the other video game apparatus main body (Step S125), and transmits the terminal identification ID for individually identifying the terminal to the other video game apparatus main body with the radio communication (Step S126).

After transmitting the terminal identification ID, the control section11receives the terminal identification ID from the other video game apparatus main body with the radio communication (Step S127). The control section11then determines whether or not the received terminal identification ID is the same as the terminal identification ID stored in the RAM12or the like and displayed by means of communication history information. In addition, by referring to a time stamp displayed by means of the communication history information, the control section11determines whether or not the other video game apparatus main body is a terminal that executed communication with the video game apparatus main body10within a predetermined time period (for example, 1 hour) (Step S128).

In the case where it is determined that the other video game apparatus main body is not the terminal that executed communication within the predetermined time period (“No” at Step S128), the control section11starts to record the communication history information indicating communication history with the radio communication into the RAM12(Step S129). The control section11then transmits a software identification ID for identifying software of the video game utilized (or provided) in the video game apparatus main body10to the other video game apparatus main body (Step S130).

After transmitting the software identification ID, the control section11receives a software identification ID for identifying software of the video game utilized (or provided) in the other video game apparatus main body from the other video game apparatus main body (Step S131). As shown inFIG. 4, the control section11then compares the received software identification ID with the software identification ID of the video game apparatus main body10to determine whether the kinds of software are the same or not (Step S132).

In the case where it is determined that the kinds of software are the same (“Yes” at Step S132), the control section11transmits exchangeable information that can be exchanged with respect to software to the other video game apparatus main body as game information (Step S133). The control section11receives exchangeable information as game information from the other video game apparatus main body (Step S134), and stores the received exchangeable information into the RAM12or the like (Step S135). In this regard, the exchangeable information may include, for example, one badge205specified to arbitrarily exchange in advance among the badges205stored in the display determining deck204, information on a badge indicating high scarcity, and game information such as various kinds of information displayed on the profile display screen210described above and image information indicating the sticker250.

After storing the received exchangeable information, the control section11counts up the number of times of connection establishment at Step S125described above (Step S136), and terminates the recording of the communication history information indicating the communication history with the radio communication in the RAM12(Step S137). In the case where the previous communication history information is already recorded in the RAM12, the control section11overwrite save the communication history information for which the recording has been terminated (Step S138).

The control section11then cuts off the connection with the one-on-one radio communication that has been established between the video game apparatus main body10and the other video game apparatus main body (Step S139). The control section11determines whether or not the number of times of connection establishment counted up at Step S136described above reaches a predetermined defined number (for example, 10 times) (Step S140). In the case where it is determined that the number of times of connection establishment reaches the defined number (“Yes” at Step S140), the control section11controls the communications interface17so that the communication function is turned off (Step S142), and terminates a series of processes in the present flowchart.

On the other hand, in the case where it is determined that the number of times of connection establishment does not reach the defined number (“No” at Step S140), the control section11determines whether there is a remaining battery level or not by measuring supply voltage of the video game apparatus main body10(Step S141). In the case where it is determined that there is the remaining battery level (“Yes” at Step S141), the processing flow shifts to Step S121described above to repeatedly execute the processes. On the other hand, in the case where it is determined that there is no remaining battery level (“No” at Step S141), the control section11controls the communications interface17so that the communication function is turned off (Step S142), and terminates a series of processes in the present flowchart.

In this regard, in the case where it is determined that it is the same type of terminal at Step S124described above (“No” at Step S124) or in the case where it is determined that the other video game apparatus main body is the terminal that executed communication within the predetermined time period at Step S128described above (“Yes” at Step S128), the control section11causes the processing flow shifts to Step S140described above to execute the determination process. Further, at Step S132described above, in the case where it is determined that the kinds of software are not the same (“No” at Step S132), the control section11causes the processing flow shifts to Step S137described above to terminate the recording of the communication history information.

The exchangeable information and the communication history information communicated between the video game apparatus main body10and the other video game apparatus main body at the communication process in this manner are converted into usable information that can be utilized for the software of the video game apparatus main body10to be utilized by the control section11. Thus, it is possible to improve the taste to play the video game while effectively utilizing the communication function by actively utilizing various kinds of information communicated between the apparatuses when to exchange the game information with the radio communication.

Further, the exchangeable information stored at Step S135, the communication history information overwritten save at Step S138, or information indicating the terminal identification ID and the communication time period are stored as the game information or the communication result information to be utilized to play the video game. Since the stored information is set so as to be able to be utilized (for example, read) when a specific condition is met, or so as to be unconditionally read, it is possible to heighten usage difficulty of the game information communicated between the video game apparatus main bodies, and this makes it possible to improve the taste to play the video game.

Here, the image display screen when the communication process as described above is executed in the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment will now be described.FIG. 6is an explanatory drawing that shows an example of an on-communication screen on the display device50in the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 6, for example, in the on-communication screen, a progress display region214for presenting progress of the communication is displayed on the upper image display screen51, an on-communication setting display region215for presenting setup available items on communication and the display determining deck204are displayed on the lower image display screen52. In the progress display region214, a character string “on close-range radio communication” indicating that the close-range radio communication is being executed, and a character string “before now, three ‘four circles’, two ‘four crosses’ and zero ‘four triangles’ are encountered” itemizing the other video game apparatus main bodies that the video game apparatus main body10encounters within the predetermined neighboring range on communication are displayed.

Here, the “four circles”, the “four crosses” and the “four triangles” displayed in the progress display region214are defined in the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment as follows, for example. Namely, the “four circles” are counted up when the video game apparatus main body10encounters the other video game apparatus main body that is the same terminal as the video game apparatus main body10and utilizes the same software. The “four crosses” are counted up when the video game apparatus main body10encounters the other video game apparatus main body that is the same terminal as the video game apparatus main body10, but utilizes other software than that of the video game apparatus main body10. In this case, the “four triangles” are counted up in the case of other conditions than those described above. In the case where the communication in which the “four circles” are counted up is executed, the information on the sticker250displayed on the profile display screen210and the user profile, and status instruction data for executing a setup instruction of predetermined status contents for a character status are transmitted and received between the apparatuses and respectively stored in the video game apparatus main bodies in addition to the exchangeable information described above.

In the on-communication setting display region215, items for various kinds of setting on communication are displayed. In the video game apparatus main body10, the display of a line indicator is in advance changed into green when the remaining battery level is remained sufficiently, while the display of the line indicator is changed into red when the remaining battery level becomes lower. For example, a check box216for setting an item of a character string “no communication when line indicator glows red (that is, when the remaining battery level is low)” and a number-of-persons setting box217for setting a numeral indicating the number of persons in an item of a character string “more ## persons are encountered, and communication is then terminated” are displayed. By making it possible to set the items in this manner, it is possible to restrict the communication to being repeated without restriction by ignoring the remaining battery level and/or a remaining storage capacity of data. Otherwise, in the on-communication setting display region215, although it is not shown in the drawings, an item of a character string “announce with sound” and an item of a character string “announce with vibration” may be provided when communication is executed. In this regard, the numeral presented in the number-of-persons setting box217is displayed so that the numeral is decremented in every close-range radio communication.

When the communication is executed in this manner, and, for example, the close-range radio communication is executed for the number of persons set by the number-of-persons setting box217(that is, the defined number set in advance), a communication result screen is displayed on the display device50. In this case, in the number-of-persons setting box217, such control as a character string “take priority of the count for ‘four circles’” may be executed by making it possible to set the number-of-persons setting box217for every class of a communication partner. Thus, will be described later, in the case where a point related to the video game is added to each class of a communication partner, it is possible for the player to take priority of the counts of the communication partners that are most advantageous against the counts of the other classes of communication partners. For example, in the case where the person of “four circles” is more advantageous than the person of “four crosses” for the player, a character string “take priority of the counts of ‘four circles’” is set. In addition, in the case where a person of “four circles” is newly encountered with encounters with seven persons of “four circles” and encounters with three persons of “four crosses” are already counted when a character string “more 10 persons are encountered, and communication is then terminated” is set, communication record for one person of“four crosses” is deleted, and encounters with eight persons of “four circles” and encounters with two persons of “four crosses” may be recorded.

FIG. 7is an explanatory drawing that shows an example of a communication result screen on the display device50in the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment. As shown inFIG. 7, on the communication result screen, a communication result display region218for presenting a communication result is displayed on the upper image display screen51, a detailed communication result display regions219,220,221,222for presenting details of the communication result and the display determining deck204are displayed on the lower image display screen52. In the detailed communication result display regions219,220,221, for example, how many persons of each of “four circles”, “four crosses” and “four triangles” does the video game apparatus main body10execute the close-range radio communication with, and how many points of BP does the player obtain as a result are displayed. In the detailed communication result display region222, a total result by the close-range radio communication is displayed.

In this regard, the BP may be set so that coefficients used for calculation of points to be applied are differentiated on the basis of the state of the communication partners such as “four circles”, “four crosses” and “four triangles” with which the close-range radio communication is executed. For example, in the case of “four circles”, it may be set to the number of communicated persons (the number of times)×100 BP. In the case of “four crosses”, it may be set to the number of communicated persons (the number of times)×50 BP. In the case of “four triangles”, it may be set to the number of communicated persons (the number of times)×300 BP.

The BP obtained in this manner is then added to a necessary experience value of the badge205stored in the display determining deck204. In the case where it becomes the state where the necessary experience value defined by the badge managing table is met, the level of the badge205is boosted up. In the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment, by being configured in this manner, the player can play the video game using not only the game information but also the communication history information only by executing the close-range radio communication. In this regard, since the communication result information presenting the communication result, the communication history information presenting the communication history and the like are stored in the video game apparatus main body10, the player can always read them.

Next, the reading process of read data that the player can read on the upper and lower image display screens51,52of the display device50among the game information obtained and stored in the video game apparatus main body10in the communication process described above will now be described.FIG. 8is a flowchart that illustrates an example of a reading process for read data on the display device50in the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment. In this regard, in the present embodiment, although the communication process includes processes in accordance with operations of a person (that is, the player) as a matter of convenience of the explanation, the control section11may execute all of the processes in the communication process.

The control section11first stores the game information obtained by the video game apparatus main body10in the communication process described above (Step S150). The control section11then determine whether or not there are status instruction data for executing a setup instruction of status contents indicated by the character status information of the player character PC in the stored game information (Step S151).

In the case where it is determined that there are the status instruction data (“Yes” at Step S151), the control section11changes the character status by changing the status contents indicated by the character status information on the basis of the status instruction data (Step S152). The control section11then causes the display device50to display the communication result screen presenting a communication result as will be described later by referring to the communication result information (Step S153). In the case where it is determined that there are no status instruction data (“No” at Step S151), the processing flow shifts to Step S153described above, and the display device50is caused to display the communication result screen.

In the character status changing process at Step S152described above, more specifically, for example, in the case where the status instruction data are data instructing to change the status contents to “subtract the HP of the number of times of communication×10 points” from the HP of the player character PC, the control section11calculates the number of times of the close-range radio communication to be executed and executes changing the status contents as described above by referring to the communication history information and the like included in the stored game information.

Here, the reading procedures on the communication result screen displayed at Step S153will be described.FIGS. 9A-9Eare explanatory drawings that show an example of reading procedures in the communication result screen of the display device on the display device50in the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment. As shown inFIG. 9A, when the communication result display process is executed at Step S153described above, for example, a communication result including the detailed communication result display region223,224,225for respectively presenting the detailed results of the close-range radio communication with “four circles”, “four crosses” and “four triangles” is displayed on the lower image display screen52of the display device50. In this regard, the communication result can be displayed by selecting a read menu of the communication result from a top menu or the like, for example.

Then, for example, when the detailed communication result display regions223to225that the player wants to read are selected and determined using the touch pen41, as shown inFIG. 9B, a list display region226of the user profiles, which has already been communicated (or stored), included in the detailed result is displayed. When an arbitrary user profile is selected and determined from the list display region226using the touch pen41, as shown inFIG. 9C, a user profile detail display screen presenting details of the selected and determined user profile is displayed on the upper and lower image display screens51,52. In this case, the movement of a displayed item in the list display region226can be executed by operating a slider230by means of the touch pen41.

Here, the user profile information indicates unconditional read data that can be read unconditionally among the game information stored at Step S150described above, and the sticker250associated with the user profile information indicates conditional read data that cannot be read unless the specific condition is met.

On the detail display screen of the user profile, a contents display region231for displaying the contents of the user profile indicated by the user profile information is displayed on the upper image display screen51, and a sticker display region232for displaying a picture and/or a comment of the user drawn in the picture display region211is displayed on the lower image display screen52. The sticker250displayed in the sticker display region232is included in the user profile information of the stored game information so long as the sticker250is drawn and set in the picture display region211in advance. Thus, if there is any player who sets the sticker250among other players whom the player of the video game apparatus main body10communicates with, the sticker250can be read when a specific condition is met.

In the case where the sticker250becomes readable, for example, as shown inFIG. 9D, a display227indicating that the sticker250is in a readable state is made in the list display region226. When the display227is selected and determined by means of the touch pen41, as shown inFIG. 9E, the sticker250associated with the user profile is displayed in a sticker display region232, whereby the player can read this sticker250.

Namely, the control section11causes the display device50to display the communication result screen, and then determines whether or not unconditional read data that can be read unconditionally (for example, the user profile information except for the sticker250) are included in the items such as an arbitrary user profile in the list display region226selected by the player using the touch pen41or the like, and such data can be read unconditionally (Step S154). In the case where it is determined that such data cannot be read unconditionally (that is, the sticker250is included in the user profile information) (“No” at Step S154), the control section11incorporates the image information indicated by the sticker250into the image information presenting a background of the game screen, for example, and sticks the sticker250to the background image (Step S155).

Here, the game screen on the upper and lower image display screens51,52when the sticker250is stuck to the background image will be described.FIG. 10is an explanatory drawing that shows an example of the game screen on the display device50in the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment. As shown inFIG. 10, for example, in the game screen of not a battle scene but a movement scene, player characters42,43are respectively displayed in the vicinity of the central portions of the upper and lower image display screens51,52. A background image251presenting a building, a road and the like is displayed in each of the upper and lower image display screens51,52.

In the case where the sticker250is included in the user profile information, and is in a state where it is never read, as shown inFIG. 9B, the display227is not, displayed in the list display region226. The sticker250is displayed at Step S155described above, for example, so as to be stuck to the inside of the background image251on the lower image display screen52.

Sticking of the sticker250to the background image251is executed as follows, for example. Namely, by automatically rewriting (or modifying) part of software of the video game executed in the video game apparatus main body10, in the game information of the video game apparatus main body10obtained and stored from the other video game apparatus main body in the communication process, the image information presenting the sticker250is incorporated into the image information presenting the background image251, whereby the sticker250is displayed so as to be stuck to the background image251.

More specifically, script data are included in the game information to be exchanged in the communication process. The script data are configured so that a predetermined script is executed by the control section11as a trigger when the video game apparatus main body10obtains the script data. The predetermined script of the script data is executed by the control section11of the video game apparatus main body10. By rewriting a predetermined portion of the program of the software (here, a portion relating to drawing of the background image251) into predetermined contents (here, sticker250is stuck to a predetermined position of the background image251), the sticking is executed.

In this regard, a stuck position of the sticker250in the background image251by execution of the predetermined script is randomly determined in the software of the video game apparatus main body10that obtains the game information, or determined in the background of the game screen in a stage to which the player next proceeds in the video game.

Further, in the video game executed in the video game apparatus main body10that obtains the game information, the stuck position may be configured so as to be determined in the backgrounds of the game screen randomly selected from the stages that the player has already cleared, or so as to be freely determined from backgrounds of all stages included in the video game by the player utilizing the other video game apparatus main body that transmits the game information to the video game apparatus main body10.

Moreover, the stuck position may be determined to a given position of the stage that has already been cleared among all of the stages included in the video game by the player utilizing the other video game apparatus main body that transmits the game information to the video game apparatus main body10, or randomly determined in the software of the video game apparatus main body10that obtains the game information among the stages that the player has already cleared. In the case where the player of the video game apparatus main body that transmits the game information can arbitrarily set the stuck position of the sticker250, it is possible to apply “pleasure to hide” the sticker250in an arbitrary position of the background image251to the player as a new plan. Thus, it is possible to improve the interest of the player in the video game further.

In the case where the sticker250is stuck to the background image251in this manner, the display227is displayed in the list display region226. In the case where a specific condition for making the sticker250readable, for example, as shown inFIG. 10, is set in advance so as to select (or discover) the sticker250stuck to the background image251using the touch pen41or the like, the display227is displayed in the list display region226by using the sticker250as shown inFIG. 9D, and the sticker250is readably displayed in the sticker display region232.

Thus, the control section11sticks the sticker250to the background image251and determines whether or not the sticker250is discovered (Step S156). In the case where it is determined that the sticker250is discovered (“Yes” at Step S156), the control section11changes the character status by changing the status contents indicated by the character status information on the basis of the status instruction data with discovery of the sticker250(Step S157), and rewrites and update the character status information (Step S158). The control section11then causes the display device50to display the display227in the list display region226. In the case where the display227is selected, the control section11causes the display device50to display the sticker250in the sticker display region232as the selected item (Step S159).

In the character status changing process at Step S157described above, more specifically, for example, in the case where the status instruction data are data for instructing to change the status contents “add the HP of the number of discovered stickers250×30 points” from the HP of the player character PC, the control section11calculates the number of stickers250discovered by the player, and executes changing the status contents as described above.

After the sticker250is displayed in the sticker display region232, the control section11determines whether or not all of the stickers250included in the exchanged user profile information are read, for example, by referring to the communication result information and the communication history information to determine whether all of the remaining items are read or not (Step S161). In the case where it is determined that all of the stickers250are read (“Yes” at Step S161), the control section11terminates a series of processes in the present flowchart. In the case where it is determined that all of the stickers250are not read (“No” at Step S161), the processing flow shifts to Step S154described above to repeatedly execute the processes.

In this regard, at Step S154described above, in the case where it is determined that the selected item can be read unconditionally (that is, the sticker250is not included in the user profile information) (“Yes” at Step S154), the processing flow shifts to Step S159described above, and the control section11causes the display device50to display the detail display screen of the user profile as the selected item as shown inFIG. 9C. Further, at Step S156described above, in the case where it is determined that the sticker250is not discovered (“No” at Step S156), the control section11causes the display device50to leave not displaying the sticker250as the selected item (Step S160), and the processing flow shifts to Step S161described above.

In the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment, it can be configured so that the sticker250included in the user profile information can be read easily, for example, by executing the reading process. This makes it possible to heighten the usage difficulty of the game information. Thus, it is possible to improve the taste to play the video game, and it is possible to improve the interest of the player in the video game.

Further, in the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment, for example, by exchanging the game information (that is, exchanging the user profile information including the sticker250), the character status contents are changed so that the HP of the player character PC is reduced once. However, the character status contents are changed so that the HP of the player character PC is increased in accordance with the number of discovered stickers250stuck to the background image in the game screen. Thus, since the HP is finally increased more than that before the start of communication by discovering all of the stickers, it is possible to provide the player with incentive to actively play the video game using the communication function. This makes it possible to further improve the taste and the interest of the player to play the video game.

Moreover, the sticker250is not only stuck to the background image251in the game screen, but also may be stuck to a given place in the game screen, displayed on a given screen for reading (for example, a display dedicated screen for the sticker250) so that the player can read the sticker250, or set so as to be displayed in a given place or screen by the player. In addition, in the case where the communication process with the other video game apparatus main body having the user profile information in which the sticker250has already been discovered is executed again to exchange the game information or the like, in the communication process of twice or later, the character status contents indicated by the character status information of the player character PC may be set so as not to be changed, or may be configured so as to execute changing the character status contents by implementing a specific quest, a mini game or the like.

In this regard, although the sticker250has been explained in the reading process described above, for example, the video game apparatus100may be configured so that the badge205displayed in the display determining deck204is exchanged in the communication process, and ones specified for exchange or ones having high scarcity (in the case where there is no specification) among the badges205stored in the display determining deck204of an exchange partner (the other video game apparatus main body10) are availably and readably displayed at a predetermined scene, for example, in the video game executed in the video game apparatus main body10(which receives the badges205in the exchange operation), or are displayed in a badge list of a badge shop that appears in the video game (in the case where the badge205is set to be able to buy and sell.

Here, in the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment, the badge205exchanged between the video game apparatus main body10and the other video game apparatus main body as the game information in addition to the user profile information including the sticker250and utilized in the video game can be subjected to various setup on a setting screen for selectable badges from the top menu of the game screen, for example.FIG. 11is an explanatory drawing that shows an example of a badge setting screen on the display device50in the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 11, on the badge setting screen, the display determining deck204in which the badge205is stored, a stock window240, and a master window241are displayed on the lower image display screen52. The stock window240is used for displaying replaceable badges205in the display determining deck204. The master window241is used for displaying the badge205whose level becomes the maximum value (master). In each of the stock window240and the master window241, a slider230as described above is provided. It is possible to move the display position of the displayed badge205by operating the slider230. Further, a badge help screen is displayed on the upper image display screen51. The badge help screen is used for displaying various kinds of information on the badge205finally selected by the player by means of the touch pen41in the display determining deck204, the stock window240and the master window241.

The badge help screen is configured so as to include a detailed display region237, an attribute display region238, and an information display region239. The detailed display region237is used for displaying the image and name of the badge205. The attribute display region238is used for displaying attribute information and the like of the badge205displayed in the detailed display region237. The information display region239is used for displaying other information. Further, an icon242, an icon243and an icon244are displayed on the lower image display screen52. The icon242is used for shifting a customizing screen in which a sort of the badge205displayed in the stock window240or the master window241, setup of On/Off for the sort, sort standard priority and the like may be customized. The icon243is used for displaying operable items in the badge setting screen by the player. The icon244is used for terminating the badge setting screen.

In this regard, although illustration is omitted, a shortcut tag is displayed in the badge205to which a shortcut is set. The shortcut is used for instructing execution of a special effect by ability of the badge205that corresponds to an input operation to an input device in addition to the processing priority indicated by the priority tag206described above displayed in the display determining deck204. The shortcut tag is displayed with a predetermined display color such as red and blue on the basis of the setup conditions. The special effect by the ability of the badge205displayed in the shortcut tag is immediately executed (or activated) by pressing the group of buttons32, the R1button36, or the L1button33of the keypad30as the shortcut key to which the shortcut is set independently of the input operations of the touch pen41.

Namely, for example, the video game apparatus100may be configured so that the R1button36is associated with the shortcut tag displayed with blue and the L1button33is associated with the shortcut tag with red, whereby the player is allowed to view the badge205to which the shortcut is set at a glance. Further, the video game apparatus100may be configured so that when the shortcut key for executing the ability of the badge205to which the shortcut is set is pressed, the badge205having higher processing priority is executed among the badges205displayed in the display determining deck204. In this case, when the badges205having higher processing priority is in a boot state, the badges205having secondly higher processing priority may be executed. Moreover, the video game apparatus100may be configured so that when the shortcut key is pressed, any one of the badges205to each of which the shortcut is set is randomly executed. Since the shortcut is set in this manner, it is possible to improve the interest of the player in the video game.

Further, the movement of the badge205between the display determining deck204, the stock window240and the master window241in the badge setting screen can be carried out by selecting and dragging the badge205that the player wants to move toward a destination using the touch pen41, for example. In this regard, the priority tag206is defined so that the less the numeral displayed in the badge205is, the higher the processing priority thereof becomes, for example. For this reason, in the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment, the video game apparatus100can be configured so that the same kinds of badges are stored in the display determining deck204, and the player character obtains a special effect of a different level in accordance with the processing priority.

As described above, in the video game apparatus100of the present invention, the video game apparatus100is configured so that in the case where the communication is executed between the video game apparatus main body10and the other video game apparatus main body with the close-range radio communication, in addition to exchange of the badge205and the like, the level of the badge205can be boosted on the basis of the various kinds of information indicated by the communication history information, or the player is allowed to play the video game while the sticker250included in the user profile information of other player cannot be read easily. Thus, in a closed game playing space in one video game apparatus100, an influence of other player can be reflected, various kinds of information obtained by the communication can be utilized, or the player can play the video game so that usage difficulty of the information is heightened on purpose. Therefore, it is possible to improve the interest of the player in the video game, and it is possible to improve the taste to play the video game while effectively utilizing the communication function.

As explained above, in the embodiment described above, the video game apparatus100is configured so that: the game information delivered from the other video game apparatus main body different from the video game apparatus main body10with radio communication; for example, the sticker250(conditional read data) that cannot be read unless the specific condition is met and the user profile information (unconditional read data) that can be read unconditionally are stored as the received game information (see Step S150); the read data indicated by the stored game information is set to readable, and during progress of the video game, it is determined whether the specific condition (for example, sticker250is discovered in the background image251, and the like) is met or not; when the game information indicates unconditional read data, the unconditional read data are set to readable in the case where the unconditional read data are stored; and when the game information indicates conditional read data, the conditional read data are set to readable in the case where it is determined that the specific condition is met. Thus, an element to heighten usage difficulty of the game information obtained and stored with the radio communication between the video game apparatus main bodies can be added to the video game, and this makes it possible to improve the taste to play the video game.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the apparatus identification information capable of specifying the other video game apparatus main body that delivered the received game information (for example, terminal classification ID, terminal identification ID and the like) and the communication result information including the radio communication time period with the other video game apparatus main body may be stored. In this case, it is possible to specify the video game apparatus main body that delivered the game information. In addition, by actively utilizing the communication result information stored with the communication with the specified video game apparatus main body, predetermined game information can be utilized in the case where the specific condition is met. Thus, it is possible to heighten the usage difficulty of the game information between the video game apparatus main bodies, and this makes it possible to improve the taste to play the video game.

Moreover, in the embodiment described above, the character status information of the player character PC may be updated in accordance with the number of pieces of the stored communication result information. In this case, it is possible to actively utilize the communication result information in the video game. Thus, it is possible to improve the taste to play the video game while heightening the usage difficulty of the game information communicated between video game apparatus main bodies.

Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the game information includes the read data and the status instruction data for executing a setup instruction of the predetermined status contents, and the status information of the player character PC is updated in accordance with the status instruction data so as to become the predetermined status contents (see Steps S152, S157and S158). Thus, it is possible to influence on the character status contents of the player character PC on the basis of the game information communicated between the video game apparatus main bodies. Therefore, it is possible to improve the taste to play the video game while heightening the usage difficulty of the game information communicated between video game apparatus main bodies.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the read data indicated by the game information are background data indicating the background image251displayed on the upper and lower image display screens51,52of the display device50. Thus, it is possible to influence on the background image251of the game screen on the basis of the game information communicated between the video game apparatus main bodies. Therefore, it is possible to improve the taste to play the video game while heightening the usage difficulty of the game information communicated between video game apparatus main bodies.

Moreover, in the embodiment described above, the read data indicated by the game information may be set to readable on an arbitrary screen. In this case, it is possible to influence on various screens of the game screen on the basis of the game information communicated between the video game apparatus main bodies. Thus, it is possible to improve the taste to play the video game while heightening the usage difficulty of the game information communicated between video game apparatus main bodies.

Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, it may be determined that the specific condition is met in the case where the arbitrary screen in which the read data indicated by the conditional read data is set to readable are displayed on the upper and lower image display screens51,52of the display device50. In this case, the arbitrary screen can influence on the video game on the basis of the game information communicated between the video game apparatus main bodies. Thus, it is possible to improve the taste to play the video game while heightening the usage difficulty of the game information communicated between video game apparatus main bodies.

Further, although the video game apparatus main body10and the display device50are constructed from separate components in the embodiment described above, the display device50may be incorporated in the video game apparatus main body10, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of spirit of the present invention. The display device50may include any image display screen other than the upper and lower image display screens51,52. In addition, the display device50may be constituted so that one image display screen is divided into a plurality of image display screens in order to obtain a similar effect.

Moreover, although one example of the video game control for the RPG has been explained in the embodiment described above, there is no wonder that the technique of the present invention can be applied to similar video games such as a gun action RPG. In addition, the technique of the present invention can also be applied to other kinds of video games appropriately, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of spirit of the present invention.

Furthermore, although an aspect of the present invention has been described with the video game apparatus100as an example in the embodiment described above, the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention can be applied to various apparatuses such as a personal computer, a cellular phone terminal, a portable game apparatus and the like as long as such an apparatus has an image generating function. In this regard, in the case where the present invention is applied to a portable game apparatus or the like, a small-sized storage medium such as a semiconductor memory card may be used as the storage medium70described above in place of a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, or any other type of storage medium as those skilled in the art will appreciate without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.

Further, in the embodiment described above, it has been described that game data for causing the video game apparatus main body10(video game apparatus100) to execute the various processes described above (that is, various data such as control program data used for the video game) are stored in the storage medium70. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The video game data may be delivered by a server apparatus such as a network server (WWW server), or other computer device connected (either wired or wireless) to a network, such as the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, or the like, or any combination thereof. In this case, the video game apparatus main body10may obtain the video game data delivered by the server apparatus via the communication network80, and store the video game data in the HDD13. The video game data may be used by being loaded on the RAM12from the HDD13. In this regard, although the video game data are explained in the embodiment described above, such data may include at least control program data for causing a computer to execute the image generating process in the embodiment as described above.

The present invention can be applied to a video game machine, a personal computer, a cellular phone terminal, a portable game apparatus or the like, or any combination thereof that causes an image display apparatus to display a player character on an image display screen, and controls progress of a video game by controlling an action of the player character displayed on the image display screen in response to an operation by a player. Therefore, the present invention is useful.