U.S. patent application number 14/181690 was filed with the patent office on 2014-06-12 for computer-readable storage medium, information processing apparatus, information processing system, and information processing method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Nintendo Co., Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is Nintendo Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Yusuke AKIFUSA, Kouichi KAWAMOTO, Kenta KUBO, Ryutaro TAKAHASHI.
Application Number | 20140164181 14/181690 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44484939 |
Filed Date | 2014-06-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140164181 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KUBO; Kenta ; et
al. |
June 12, 2014 |
COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM, INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS,
INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM, AND INFORMATION PROCESSING
METHOD
Abstract
Example systems and methods involve an information processing
apparatus configured to transmit transmission data to one or more
of a plurality of other information processing apparatuses, the
transmission data including icon-related data for an icon
associated with content data executed by the information processing
apparatus. The information processing apparatus is also configured
to receive reception data from one or more of the plurality of
other information processing apparatuses, the reception data from
each respective other information processing apparatus including
icon-related data for an icon associated with content data executed
by the respective other information processing apparatus. The
information processing apparatus cumulatively stores icon-related
data included in the reception data received from the one or more
of the plurality of other information processing apparatuses.
Inventors: |
KUBO; Kenta; (Kyoto, JP)
; AKIFUSA; Yusuke; (Kyoto, JP) ; TAKAHASHI;
Ryutaro; (Kyoto, JP) ; KAWAMOTO; Kouichi;
(Kyoto, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Nintendo Co., Ltd. |
Kyoto |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Nintendo Co., Ltd.
Kyoto
JP
|
Family ID: |
44484939 |
Appl. No.: |
14/181690 |
Filed: |
February 16, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12940426 |
Nov 5, 2010 |
8700478 |
|
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14181690 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/26.41 ;
709/217 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2300/204 20130101;
A63F 2300/405 20130101; A63F 13/92 20140902; H04L 67/10 20130101;
A63F 13/327 20140902; A63F 2300/5553 20130101; A63F 2300/5546
20130101; A63F 13/35 20140902; A63F 2300/575 20130101; G06Q 30/0601
20130101; A63F 13/79 20140902; G06Q 30/0613 20130101; A63F 13/12
20130101; A63F 13/95 20140902; A63F 13/77 20140902 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/26.41 ;
709/217 |
International
Class: |
H04L 29/08 20060101
H04L029/08; G06Q 30/06 20060101 G06Q030/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 31, 2010 |
JP |
2010-125075 |
Claims
1. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having an
information processing program stored therein, the information
processing program, when executed, causing a computer of an
information processing apparatus, which includes a storage section
for storing content data, to control the information processing
apparatus to at least: transmit transmission data to one or more of
a plurality of other information processing apparatuses, the
transmission data including icon-related data for an icon
associated with content data executed by the information processing
apparatus; receive reception data from one or more of the plurality
of other information processing apparatuses, the reception data
from each respective other information processing apparatus
including icon-related data for an icon associated with content
data executed by the respective other information processing
apparatus; and cumulatively storing icon-related data included in
the reception data received from the one or more of the plurality
of other information processing apparatuses.
2. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to
claim 1, wherein the information processing program, when executed,
further causes the computer to control the information processing
apparatus to: automatically transmit transmission data, and
automatically receive reception data.
3. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to
claim 2, wherein the information processing program, when executed,
further causes the computer to control the information processing
apparatus to: automatically and repeatedly transmit transmission
data, and automatically and repeatedly receive reception data.
4. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to
claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is a portable
information processing apparatus, and the information processing
program, when executed, further causes the computer to control the
information processing apparatus to: repeatedly search, by
short-distance wireless communication, for other ones of the
plurality of information processing apparatuses present within a
distance range from the information processing apparatus which
allows for short-distance wireless communication; automatically
establish a short-distance wireless communication connection with a
first other information processing apparatus within the distance
range, automatically transmit transmission data, by the
short-distance wireless communication connection, to the first
other information processing apparatus, and automatically receive
the reception data, by the short-distance wireless communication
connection, from the first other information processing
apparatus.
5. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to
claim 1, wherein the information processing program, when executed,
further causes the computer to control the information processing
apparatus to: automatically transmit a connection request at a
predetermined timing; receive a connection request from a first
other information processing apparatus; transmit a connection
response to the first other information processing apparatus when
the connection request from the first other information processing
apparatus is received; and receive a connection response from the
first other information processing apparatus, and wherein the
transmission data is transmitted to the first other information
processing apparatus when the connection response is transmitted to
the first other information processing apparatus or when the
connection response is received from the first other information
processing apparatus.
6. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to
claim 5, wherein the transmission data is transmitted when the
reception data from the first other information processing
apparatus is received.
7. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to
claim 1, wherein the transmission data is transmitted via
short-distance wireless communication, and the reception data is
received via short-distance wireless communication.
8. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to
claim 1, wherein the storage section is configured to store up to a
predetermined amount of transmission data, and the information
processing program, when executed, further causes the computer to
control the information processing apparatus to: transmit the
transmission data stored in the storage section, and update the
transmission data in the storage section when new transmission data
is generated, such that the transmission data stored in the storage
section, which includes the newly generated transmission data, is
arranged in reverse chronological order of generation.
9. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to
claim 1, wherein the information processing program, when executed,
further causes the computer to control the information processing
apparatus to: count, among the cumulatively stored icon-related
data, the number of pieces of icon-related data that satisfy a
condition, and cumulatively store a counting result based on the
counting.
10. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according
to claim 1, wherein the information processing program, when
executed, further causes the computer to control the information
processing apparatus to: receive a selection input for selecting an
icon from among one or more icons generated based on the
cumulatively-stored icon-related data; obtain detailed information
about content data associated with the selected icon; and output
the detailed information.
11. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according
to claim 10, wherein the detailed information is obtained from a
server.
12. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according
to claim 9, wherein the information processing program, when
executed, further causes the computer to control the information
processing apparatus to: cumulatively store, as the counting
result, the number of counted icon-related data pieces and the
icon-related data, and receive a selection input for selecting an
icon from among one or more icons generated based on the
cumulatively stored icon-related data; obtain detailed information
about content data associated with the selected icon; and output
the detailed information.
13. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according
to claim 1, wherein the information processing program, when
executed, further causes the computer to control the information
processing apparatus to: receive a selection input for selecting an
icon from among one or more icons generated based on the
cumulatively stored icon-related data; obtain purchasing guidance
information for the content data associated with the selected icon;
and output the purchasing guidance information.
14. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according
to claim 13, wherein the information processing program, when
executed, further causes the computer to control the information
processing apparatus to: perform a transaction process with a
server for purchasing content data from the server, and obtain,
from the server, the purchasing guidance information for the
content data associated with the selected icon.
15. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according
to claim 13, wherein the information processing program, when
executed, further causes the computer to control the information
processing apparatus to: obtain the purchasing guidance information
by receiving, from a server as the purchasing guidance information,
information that provides guidance for performing a purchase
operation for purchasing the content data; receive one or more
inputs for the purchase operation performed in accordance with the
purchasing guidance information; transmit a purchase request for
the content data to the server; and receive from the server the
purchased content data.
16. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according
to claim 1, wherein the information processing program, when
executed, further causes the computer to control the information
processing apparatus to: receive a selection input for selecting an
icon from among one or more icon generated based on the
cumulatively-stored icon-related data; transmit, to a server, data
indicative of the selected icon; receive, from the server, detailed
information about content data associated with the selected icon,
and/or purchasing guidance information for purchasing the content
data associated with the selected icon; and output the received
detailed information and/or the purchasing guidance
information.
17. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according
to claim 1, wherein the icon-related data for each icon visually
identifies the content data.
18. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according
to claim 1, wherein the storage section stores at least one piece
of character information; and the transmission data includes the at
least one piece of character information, and the information
processing program, when executed, further causes the computer to
control the information processing apparatus to: transmit the
transmission data including the at least one piece of character
information and the icon-related data, and generate a character
image from character information included in reception data
received from the one or more of the plurality of other information
processing apparatuses, and cumulatively store the character image
together with the icon-related data.
19. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according
to claim 18, wherein the information processing program, when
executed, further causes the computer to control the information
processing apparatus to: receive one or more character information
generating inputs for generating character information; generate
character information in accordance with the generating inputs;
store the character information in the storage section.
20. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according
to claim 1, wherein the information processing program, when
executed, further causes the computer to control the information
processing apparatus to: impose, for a first predetermined period
after the reception data is received and/or for a second
predetermined period after the transmission data is transmitted, a
prohibition of further reception of reception data from the one or
more of the plurality of other information processing apparatuses
from which reception data has been received and/or a prohibition of
further transmission of transmission data to the one or more of the
plurality of other information processing apparatuses to which
transmission data has been transmitted, and one or both of: remove,
after the first predetermined period has elapsed, the prohibition
of further reception of reception data from the one or more of the
plurality of other information processing apparatuses from which
reception data has been received and/or the prohibition of further
transmission of transmission data to the one or more of the
plurality of other information processing apparatuses to which
transmission data has been transmitted; and remove, after the
second predetermined period has elapsed, the prohibition of further
reception of reception data from the one or more of the plurality
of other information processing apparatuses from which reception
data has been received and/or the prohibition of further
transmission of transmission data to the one or more of the
plurality of other information processing apparatuses to which
transmission data has been transmitted.
21. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according
to claim 1, wherein the transmission data includes identification
information for at least content data most recently executed by the
information processing apparatus.
22. An information processing system comprising: a storage section
for storing content data; a processing system comprising a
processor, the processing system being configured control the
information processing system to at least: execute the content
data; transmit transmission data to one or more other information
processing systems, the transmission data including icon-related
data for an icon associated with the executed content data; receive
reception data from one or more other information processing
systems, the reception data from each respective other information
processing systems including icon-related data for an icon
associated with content data executed by the respective other
information processing systems; and cumulatively storing received
icon-related data included in the reception data received from the
one or more other information processing apparatuses.
23. The information processing system according to claim 22,
wherein the transmission data includes icon-related data at least
for an icon associated with content data most recently executed by
the information processing system.
24. An information processing apparatus comprising: a display
screen; user controls; a communication module configured for
short-distance wireless communication; and a processing system for
executing content data and interfacing with the display screen, the
user controls and the communication module, the processing system
executing instructions for causing the information processing
apparatus to at least: transmit transmission data to one or more
other information processing apparatuses, the transmission data
including icon-related data for an icon associated with content
data executed by the information processing apparatus; receive
reception data from one or more other information processing
apparatuses, the reception data from each respective other
information processing apparatus including icon-related data for an
icon associated with content data executed by the respective other
information processing apparatus; and cumulatively store received
icon-related data included in the reception data received from the
one or more other information processing apparatuses.
25. The information processing apparatus according to claim 24,
wherein the transmission data includes icon-related data at least
for an icon associated with content data most recently executed by
the information processing system.
26. An information processing method comprising, at an information
processing apparatus comprising a display screen; user controls; a
communication module configured for short-distance wireless
communication; and a processing system, executing content data;
transmitting transmission data to one or more other information
processing apparatuses, the transmission data including
icon-related data for an icon associated with the executed content
data; receiving reception data from one or more other information
processing apparatuses, the reception data from each respective
other information processing apparatus including icon-related data
for an icon associated with content data executed by the respective
other information processing apparatus; and cumulatively storing
received icon-related data included in the reception data received
from the one or more other information processing apparatuses.
27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the transmission data
includes icon-related data at least for an icon associated with
content data most recently executed by the information processing
system.
28. A portable information processing apparatus comprising: at
least one display screen; user controls; a communication module
configured for at least short-distance wireless communication; and
a processing system interfacing with the display screen, the user
controls and the communication module, the processing system
executing application programs and being configured to cause the
portable information processing apparatus to at least: transmit
transmission data, via short-distance communication using the
communication module, to one or more other portable information
processing apparatuses, the transmission data including
icon-related data relating to at least an icon associated with the
most-recently executed application program; receive reception data,
via short-distance communication using the communication module,
from one or more other portable information processing apparatuses,
the reception data from each respective other information
processing terminal apparatus including icon-related data relating
to at least an icon associated with the most-recently executed
application program by the respective other information processing
apparatus; and cumulatively store at least the icon-related data
included in the reception data received from the one or more other
portable information processing apparatuses.
29. The portable information processing apparatus according to
claim 28, embodied as a mobile telephone.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No.
2010-125075, filed May 31, 2010, is incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a computer-readable storage
medium, an information processing apparatus, an information
processing system, and an information processing method. More
particularly, the present invention relates to a computer-readable
storage medium, an information processing apparatus, an information
processing system, and an information processing method for
obtaining information about content data executed by another
information processing apparatus.
[0004] 2. Description of the Background Art
[0005] There are existing conventional techniques for cumulatively
storing, as a user's usage history of web contents, the user's
history of downloading the web contents to the user's terminal
apparatus. For example, Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No.
2004-348203 discloses a system in which when a server receives from
a user a request to purchase content data, the server transmits
conditions of use for the content data to a terminal apparatus of
the user, and also, sets the ID of the terminal apparatus which has
made the request, the ID of the content data, the price of the
content data, and the like in a table. In this manner, the server
can collect, in the table, records of purchases of such content
data.
[0006] However, in such a conventional system, records of purchases
of content data that are collected by the server are not intended
to be distributed to terminal apparatuses. Therefore, terminal
apparatus users are unable to obtain the records of purchases of
content data which are cumulatively collected by the server. Even
if such a conventional server is configured to distribute records
of purchases of content data to a user terminal apparatus in
response to a request from the user terminal apparatus for
distribution of the records of purchases of content data, the
server distributes information that shows records of purchases of
content data about all the terminal apparatuses that have made
purchases of content data from the server. This makes it difficult
for a user of a terminal apparatus to know, about a specific
terminal apparatus that is associated with the terminal apparatus
of the user, a record of purchases of content data and a usage
status of the purchased content data.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide
a computer-readable storage medium, an information processing
apparatus, an information processing system, and an information
processing method for allowing a terminal apparatus to obtain
information about content data of a specific terminal apparatus
that is closely related to the terminal apparatus.
[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, in a first
aspect of the present invention, a program stored in a
computer-readable storage medium causes a computer of an
information processing apparatus that includes a storage section
for storing content data, to act as content data execution means,
transmission data generation means, first transmitting means, first
receiving means, and first output means. The content data execution
means executes the content data. The transmission data generation
means generates transmission data that contains identification
information of content data that is being executed by the content
data execution means, or of content data that has been executed by
the content data execution means. The first transmitting means
transmits the transmission data to another information processing
apparatus. The first receiving means receives, from said another
information processing apparatus, identification information of
content data executed by said another information processing
apparatus. The first output means outputs the identification
information received by the first receiving means.
[0009] According to the above configuration, the information
processing apparatus transmits/receives identification information
of content data to/from a specific information processing apparatus
that is a communication recipient of the information processing
apparatus. In this manner, the information processing apparatus
obtains, and allows its user to know, the status of content data
execution by the specific information processing apparatus. Also,
the information processing apparatus can provide the status of
content data execution by the information processing apparatus to
the user of the specific information processing apparatus. Note
that the term "content data" herein refers to image data, video
data, audio data, an application, and the like. The "storage
section" may be incorporated into the information processing
apparatus, or alternatively, provided as a detachable external
storage section. The term "execution" herein refers not only to
execution of an application but also to display of image data as
well as reproduction of audio data or video data. The term "output"
herein includes audio output, image display, and the like, and is
not limited to an output via an output unit (display, speaker,
etc.) of the information processing apparatus but includes an
output via an external output unit. The computer-readable storage
medium herein may be, but not limited to, a volatile memory (e.g.,
RAM), nonvolatile memory (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, ROM, flash memory,
or memory card), or the like.
[0010] In a second aspect of the present invention, according to
the program stored in the computer-readable storage medium, the
first transmitting means automatically performs a process for
transmitting the transmission data, and the first receiving means
automatically performs a process for receiving the identification
information of the content data executed by said another
information processing apparatus. This eliminates the necessity for
the user of the information processing apparatus to perform
operations for transmitting/receiving identification information
to/from another information processing apparatus. Since the
information processing apparatus performs the
transmission/reception of identification information while the user
is unaware of it, the user is unexpectedly informed of
identification information that is obtained by the information
processing apparatus. In this manner, unexpected amusement can be
provided to the user.
[0011] In a third aspect of the present invention, according to the
program stored in the computer-readable storage medium, the first
transmitting means automatically repeats the process for
transmitting the transmission data, and the first receiving means
automatically repeats the process for receiving the identification
information of the content data executed by said another
information processing apparatus. According to this configuration,
the transmission/reception of identification information is
automatically repeated while the user is unaware of it. Thus, the
information processing apparatus automatically repeats the
transmission/reception of new identification information to/from
another information processing apparatus, regardless of the user's
intention. In this manner, unexpected amusement can be provided to
the user.
[0012] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the information
processing apparatus is a handheld terminal apparatus, and the
program stored in the computer-readable storage medium further
causes the computer to act as communication establishing means. The
communication establishing means repeatedly searches, by
short-distance wireless communication, for another information
processing apparatus that is to become a communication recipient of
the information processing apparatus and that is present within a
distance range from the information processing apparatus, the
distance range allowing the information processing apparatus to
perform the short-distance wireless communication with said another
information processing apparatus, and the communication
establishing means automatically establishes a connection of the
short-distance wireless communication with said another information
processing apparatus. The first transmitting means automatically
transmits, by the short-distance wireless communication, the
transmission data to said another information processing apparatus,
which is the communication recipient. The first receiving means
automatically receives, by the short-distance wireless
communication, the identification information from said another
information processing apparatus, which is the communication
recipient.
[0013] According to the above configuration, the information
processing apparatus transmits/receives identification information
to/from another information processing apparatus by short-distance
wireless communication. Thus, the user of the information
processing apparatus can know the status of usage of content data
by the user of said another information processing apparatus, which
is located within a short distance from the information processing
apparatus. Since the information processing apparatus is a handheld
terminal apparatus, the user carries it. Therefore, the user can
obtain, wherever the user goes, identification information of
content data executed by another information processing apparatus
that is located within a short distance from the user's information
processing apparatus. This allows the user to know the status of
usage of content data by another user whose area of activities is
similar to that of the user. For example, if the user carrying the
information processing apparatus likes baseball and is in a
ballpark, then the user can obtain, by using the information
processing apparatus, identification information that indicates
content data used by another user in the same ballpark, who also
likes baseball. Identification information of content data used by
other users can be obtained in such a manner, and provided to the
user of the information processing apparatus in a manner customized
based on the user's area of activities.
[0014] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, the program
stored in the computer-readable storage medium further causes the
computer to act as connection request transmitting means,
connection request receiving means, connection response
transmitting means, and connection response receiving means. The
connection request transmitting means automatically transmits a
connection request at a predetermined timing to said another
information processing apparatus. The connection request receiving
means receives a connection request from said another information
processing apparatus. The connection response transmitting means
transmits a connection response to said another information
processing apparatus when the connection request transmitted from
said another information processing apparatus has been received.
The connection response receiving means receives a connection
response transmitted from said another information processing
apparatus. The first transmitting means transmits the transmission
data to said another information processing apparatus when the
connection response transmitting means has transmitted the
connection response to said another information processing
apparatus or when the connection response receiving means has
received the connection response from said another information
processing apparatus.
[0015] According to the above configuration, the information
processing apparatus automatically establishes communication with
another information processing apparatus, and transmits/receives
identification information to/from said another information
processing apparatus, accordingly. In this manner, the information
processing apparatus transmits/receives identification information
to/from said another information processing apparatuses while the
user of the information processing apparatus is unaware of it.
Accordingly, identification information can be provided to the user
in a manner to give the user unexpected amusement. Since the
transmission/reception of identification information is performed
after the communication is established, the information processing
apparatus can transmit/receive identification information to/from
said another information processing apparatus without failure.
[0016] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, according to the
program stored in the computer-readable storage medium, the first
transmitting means transmits the transmission data generated by the
transmission data generation means, when transmission data
transmitted from said another information processing apparatus has
been received. According to this configuration, the information
processing apparatus performs both transmission/reception of
identification information to/from another information processing
apparatus when communication therewith is established. In this
manner, the information processing apparatus can transmit/receive
identification information to/from said another information
processing apparatus without failure by a limited number of times
of communication.
[0017] In a seventh aspect of the present invention, according to
the program stored in the computer-readable storage medium, the
first transmitting means transmits the transmission data to said
another information processing apparatus by short-distance wireless
communication, and the first receiving means receives the
identification information from said another information processing
apparatus by the short-distance wireless communication. According
to this configuration, the information processing apparatus
transmits/receives identification information to/from another
information processing apparatus that is located within such a
short distance from the information processing apparatus as to
allow the information processing apparatus to perform the
short-distance wireless communication with said another information
processing apparatus. In this manner, the user of the information
processing apparatus can know the status of usage of content data
by the user of said another information processing apparatus, which
is located within the short distance from the information
processing apparatus.
[0018] In an eighth aspect of the present invention, the program
stored in the computer-readable storage medium further causes the
computer of the information processing apparatus to act as
transmission data update means. The storage section is configured
to store the transmission data up to a predetermined amount. The
first transmitting means transmits the transmission data stored in
the storage section to said another game apparatus. The
transmission data update means updates data in the storage section
when the transmission data generation means has newly generated the
transmission data, such that the predetermined amount of the
transmission data stored in the storage section, which contains the
newly generated transmission data, are arranged in reverse
chronological order of generation.
[0019] According to the above configuration, the predetermined
amount of the transmission data is stored in the storage section in
reverse chronological order of generation. The information
processing apparatus transmits the transmission data to another
information processing apparatus. Accordingly, the information
processing apparatus and said another information processing
apparatus transmit to/receive from each other identification
information of content data newly executed by the information
processing apparatus and said another information processing
apparatus. This allows the user of the information processing
apparatus to obtain information about content data that has
recently been used by the user of said another information
processing apparatus.
[0020] In a ninth aspect of the present invention, according to the
program stored in the computer-readable storage medium, the first
receiving means stores the received identification information of
the content data in the storage section as cumulative data. This
configuration allows the information processing apparatus to
perform a predetermined process such as a counting process or
statistical process based on the cumulative data, and to output a
result of the process to the user.
[0021] In a tenth aspect of the present invention, according to the
program stored in the computer-readable storage medium, the first
output means outputs information that is based on the number of
pieces of identification information contained in the cumulative
data. This configuration allows the user to obtain information that
is based on the number of pieces of identification information,
such as the total number of pieces of identification information
contained in the cumulative data or the total number of pieces of
identification information received from a specific information
processing apparatus.
[0022] In an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the program
stored in the computer-readable storage medium further causes the
computer to act as counting means. The counting means counts, among
the identification information contained in the cumulative data,
the number of pieces of identification information that satisfy a
predetermined condition. The first output means outputs a counting
result obtained from the counting by the counting means. This
configuration makes it possible to notify the user of a ranking
that is created based on a result of counting, among the
identification information contained in the cumulative data,
numbers of pieces of identification information of respective types
of content data, the identification information satisfying a
predetermined condition. This effectively allows the user to
readily know the popularity of each type of content data among
other users. The predetermined condition herein may be, for
example, being received within a specific period, or being received
from a specific information processing apparatus.
[0023] In a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the program
stored in the computer-readable storage medium further causes the
computer to act as selection receiving means, obtaining means, and
second output means. The selection receiving means receives, from a
user of the information processing apparatus, a selection operation
of selecting identification information from among the
identification information outputted by the first output means. The
obtaining means obtains, when the selection receiving means has
received the selection operation, detailed information about
content data that is associated with the identification information
selected by the selection operation. The second output means
outputs the detailed information obtained by the obtaining means.
This configuration allows the user to know, in detail, content data
associated with particular identification information, by merely
selecting the particular identification information.
[0024] In a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, according
to the program stored in the computer-readable storage medium, the
obtaining means obtains the detailed information from a server.
According to this configuration, even if the information processing
apparatus does not store detailed information about content data in
advance, the user can obtain the detailed information from the
server. Accordingly, in order to allow the information processing
apparatus to obtain detailed information about content data that
was not yet released at the time of production of the information
processing apparatus, it is not necessary to update information
stored in the information processing apparatus but only necessary
to store the detailed information in the server.
[0025] In a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the program
stored in the computer-readable storage medium further causes the
computer to act as selection receiving means, obtaining means, and
second output means. The first output means outputs, as the
counting result, the number of pieces of identification
information, which is counted by the counting means, and the
identification information. The selection receiving means receives,
from a user of the information processing apparatus, a selection
operation of selecting identification information from among the
identification information outputted by the first output means. The
obtaining means obtains, when the selection receiving means has
received the selection operation, detailed information about
content data that is associated with the identification information
selected by the selection operation. The second output means
outputs the detailed information obtained by the obtaining
means.
[0026] The above configuration allows the user to know, by
referring to counted numbers of pieces of identification
information, what content data has been used by a large number of
other users. Accordingly, the user can select identification
information, knowing what content data has been used by a large
number of other users, and thereby obtain detailed information
about the selected identification information. Thus, the user can
readily obtain detailed information about content data that has
been used by a large number of other users.
[0027] In a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the program
stored in the computer-readable storage medium further causes the
computer to act as selection receiving means, obtaining means, and
second output means. The selection receiving means receives, from a
user of the information processing apparatus, a selection operation
of selecting identification information from among the
identification information outputted by the first output means. The
obtaining means obtains, when the selection receiving means has
received the selection operation, purchasing guidance information
for allowing the user to purchase content data that is associated
with the identification information selected by the selection
operation. The second output means outputs the purchasing guidance
information obtained by the obtaining means.
[0028] According to the above configuration, the information
processing apparatus provides, in response to the user's selection
of identification information, the user with purchasing guidance
information about content data that is associated with the selected
identification information. This eliminates, when the user wishes
to purchase content data used by another user, the necessity for
the user to search for purchasing guidance information for
purchasing the content data. The purchasing guidance information
is, for example, URL information of a website selling the content
data, or screen data of a screen that acts as an interface for the
user to make a purchase of the content data.
[0029] In a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the program
stored in the computer-readable storage medium is an information
processing program for causing the computer to perform a
predetermined transaction process with a server for purchasing
content data from the server. According to the program of the
sixteenth aspect, when the selection receiving means has received
the selection operation, the obtaining means obtains, from the
server, the purchasing guidance information for the content data
which is associated with the identification information selected by
the selection operation. According to this configuration, when the
user wishes to purchase content data used by another user, the user
can readily and speedily purchase the content data.
[0030] In a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the
program stored in the computer-readable storage medium further
causes the computer to act as purchase operation receiving means,
second transmitting means, and second receiving means. The
obtaining means obtains the purchasing guidance information by
receiving the purchasing guidance information from a server, the
purchasing guidance information providing a guide for the user to
perform a purchase operation of purchasing the content data. The
purchase operation receiving means receives the purchase operation
which the user performs in accordance with the guide of the
purchasing guidance information. The second transmitting means
transmits, when the purchase operation receiving means has received
the purchase operation, a purchase request for the content data to
the server. The second receiving means receives from the server the
content data which has been purchased.
[0031] According to the above configuration, the information
processing apparatus provides, in response to the user's selection
of identification information, the user with purchasing guidance
information about content data that is associated with the selected
identification information. The user can purchase the desired
content data from the server by merely performing a purchase
operation in accordance with the purchasing guidance information.
Thus, when the user wishes to purchase content data used by another
user, the user can readily and speedily purchase the content data.
For example, in the case where the purchasing guidance information
is image data of a purchase order screen that provides a guide for
the user to perform the purchase operation, the information
processing apparatus changes the display to the purchase order
screen when the user has made a selection of identification
information. This allows the user to purchase content data readily
and speedily.
[0032] In an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the
program stored in the computer-readable storage medium further
causes the computer to act as selection receiving means, fourth
transmitting means, fourth receiving means, and third output means.
The selection receiving means receives, from a user of the
information processing apparatus, a selection operation of
selecting identification information from among the identification
information outputted by the first output means. The fourth
transmitting means transmits, to a server, the identification
information selected by the selection operation. The fourth
receiving means receives, from the server, detailed information
about content data associated with the identification information
selected by the selection operation, and/or purchasing guidance
information for purchasing the content data. The third output means
outputs the detailed information and/or the purchasing guidance
information received by the fourth receiving means.
[0033] According to the above configuration, when the user has
performed a selection operation of selecting identification
information, the information processing apparatus transmits the
selected identification information to the server, and receives
from the server detailed information and/or purchasing guidance
information associated with the identification information. This
makes it possible to provide the user with the latest detailed
information and/or the latest purchasing guidance information.
[0034] In a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, according
to the program stored in the computer-readable storage medium, the
identification information contains data of an icon that visually
indicates the content data, and the first output means outputs data
for displaying the icon, based on the data of the icon. According
to this configuration, the use of the icon allows the user to
visually and readily recognize the nature of the content data.
[0035] In a twentieth aspect of the present invention, according to
the program stored in the computer-readable storage medium, the
storage section stores at least one piece of character information.
The transmission data generation means generates the transmission
data such that the transmission data contains the at least one
piece of character information and the identification information.
The first output means generates a character image from character
information that is contained in data received from said another
information processing apparatus, and outputs the character image
together with identification information contained in the received
data. According to this configuration, the character image is
displayed together with the identification information. This makes
it possible to display the identification information in a visually
amusing manner.
[0036] In a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, the
program stored in the computer-readable storage medium further
causes the computer to act as character generation operation
receiving means and character generation means. The character
generation operation receiving means receives a generation
operation that a user of the information processing apparatus
performs for generating character information. The character
generation means generates, when the character generation operation
receiving means has received the generation operation, the
character information in accordance with the generation operation,
and stores the character information in the storage section.
[0037] According to the above configuration, the information
processing apparatus transmits data that contains identification
information and character information generated by the user, and
receives data that contains identification information and
character information generated by another user (i.e., the user of
another information processing apparatus). The information
processing apparatus displays the identification information and a
character image based on the received data. The character image is
created by said another user, and therefore, shows his/her
characteristics. This allows the user of the information processing
apparatus to be informed of the characteristics of said another
user who uses content data identified by the identification
information contained in the received data.
[0038] In a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, the
program stored in the computer-readable storage medium further
causes the computer to act as prohibiting means. The prohibiting
means performs a process of imposing, for a first predetermined
period after the first receiving means has received the
identification information and/or for a second predetermined period
after the first transmitting means has transmitted the transmission
data, a prohibition of further reception of the identification
information from said another information processing apparatus
which is the source of the identification information that has been
received by the first receiving means and/or a prohibition of
further transmission of the transmission data to said another
information processing apparatus which is the destination of the
transmission data that has been transmitted by the first
transmitting means, and one or both of: a process of removing,
after the first predetermined period has elapsed, the prohibition
of further reception of the identification information from said
another information processing apparatus which is the source of the
identification information that has been received by the first
receiving means and/or the prohibition of further transmission of
the transmission data to said another information processing
apparatus which is the destination of the transmission data that
has been transmitted by the first transmitting means; and a process
of removing, after the second predetermined period has elapsed, the
prohibition of further reception of the identification information
from said another information processing apparatus which is the
source of the identification information that has been received by
the first receiving means and/or the prohibition of further
transmission of the transmission data to said another information
processing apparatus which is the destination of the transmission
data that has been transmitted by the first transmitting means.
According to this configuration, for the first predetermined period
after the information processing apparatus has received the
identification information and/or for the second predetermined
period after the information processing apparatus has transmitted
the identification information, the information processing
apparatus refrains from performing further reception of
identification information from and/or further transmission of
identification information to said another information processing
apparatus. This prevents data reception from and/or data
transmission to said another information processing apparatus from
being unnecessarily repeated within a short period of time. For
example, assume a case where the information processing apparatus
and said another information processing apparatus are handheld
terminal apparatuses and transmit/receive identification
information to/from each other by short-distance wireless
communication. In such a case, if the users carrying these
information processing apparatuses approach each other (e.g., pass
each other) so close to allow the information processing
apparatuses to communicate with each other, then identification
information is transmitted/received therebetween. Here, each of the
first and second predetermined periods may be set to a length that
is expected to be longer than a period that is required for the
users to pass each other. This prevents identification information
from being unnecessarily transmitted/received between the
information processing apparatuses multiple times during a period
in which the users pass each other only once.
[0039] After the first predetermined period has elapsed, the
information processing apparatus performs previously-prohibited
identification information reception from and/or
previously-prohibited identification information transmission to
said another information processing apparatus again, and/or, after
the second predetermined period has elapsed, the information
processing apparatus performs previously-prohibited identification
information reception from and/or previously-prohibited
identification information transmission to said another information
processing apparatus again. Note that identification information of
which reception from and/or transmission to said another
information processing apparatus is prohibited for the first
predetermined period after the reception of identification
information from said another information processing apparatus has
been performed and/or for the second predetermined period after the
transmission of identification information to said another
information processing has been performed, is both of the
following: the same identification information as that previously
received from said another information processing apparatus and/or
the same identification information as that previously transmitted
to said another information processing apparatus; and
identification information different from that previously received
from said another information processing apparatus and/or
identification information different from that previously
transmitted to said another information processing apparatus. After
the first predetermined period has elapsed, the information
processing apparatus is allowed to transmit to and receive from
said another information processing apparatus both of the
following: the same identification information as that previously
received from said another information processing apparatus and/or
the same identification information as that previously transmitted
to said another information processing apparatus; and
identification information different from that previously received
from said another information processing apparatus and/or
identification information different from that previously
transmitted to said another information processing apparatus,
and/or, after the second predetermined period has elapsed, the
information processing apparatus is allowed to transmit to and
receive from said another information processing apparatus both of
the following: the same identification information as that
previously received from said another information processing
apparatus and/or the same identification information as that
previously transmitted to said another information processing
apparatus; and identification information different from that
previously received from said another information processing
apparatus and/or identification information different from that
previously transmitted to said another information processing
apparatus. Accordingly, for example, even if the information
processing apparatus performs short-distance wireless communication
with other information processing apparatuses in an area where
population density is low and the number of the other information
processing apparatuses is small, the information processing
apparatus can still receive a certain number of pieces of
identification information. Also, the user of the information
processing apparatus can obtain useful information that the user
has received identification information from the same user a
plurality of times. Note that, in the above example, that is, in
the case where the information processing apparatus and another
information processing apparatus are handheld terminal apparatuses
and transmit/receive identification information to/from each other
by the short-distance wireless communication, if the users of these
information processing apparatuses pass each other a plurality of
times, the same identification information may be
transmitted/received therebetween each time they pass each other.
In this case, the user of the information processing apparatus can
obtain useful information that the user has passed the user of said
another information processing apparatus a plurality of times.
[0040] As a variation of the twenty-second aspect of the present
invention, the information processing apparatus may be configured
not to transmit, even after the first predetermined period or the
second predetermined period has elapsed, identification information
to another information processing apparatus to which the
information processing apparatus has already transmitted the same
identification information. As another variation, the information
processing apparatus may be configured not to receive, even after
the first predetermined period or the second predetermined period
has elapsed, identification information which the information
processing apparatus has already received.
[0041] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, in a
twenty-third aspect of the present invention, an information
processing apparatus includes: a storage section for storing
content data; content data execution means, transmission data
generation means, first transmitting means, first receiving means,
and first output means. The content data execution means executes
the content data. The transmission data generation means generates
transmission data that contains identification information of the
content data executed by the content data execution means. The
first transmitting means transmits the transmission data to another
information processing apparatus. The first receiving means
receives, from said another information processing apparatus,
identification information of content data executed by said another
information processing apparatus. The first output means outputs
the identification information received by the first receiving
means.
[0042] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, in a
twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, an information
processing system includes: a storage section for storing content
data; content data execution means, transmission data generation
means, first transmitting means, first receiving means, and first
output means. The content data execution means executes the content
data. The transmission data generation means generates transmission
data that contains identification information of the content data
executed by the content data execution means. The first
transmitting means transmits the transmission data to another
information processing apparatus. The first receiving means
receives, from said another information processing apparatus,
identification information of content data executed by said another
information processing apparatus. The first output means outputs
the identification information received by the first receiving
means.
[0043] Note that, in this aspect, the information processing system
may include a single apparatus or a plurality of apparatuses. For
example, the system may include only one information processing
apparatus, and the one information processing apparatus may include
the storage section, the content data execution means, the
transmission data generation means, the first transmitting means,
the first receiving means, and the first output means.
Alternatively, the system may include a server and an information
processing apparatus. The server may include some of the following
components: the storage section, the content data execution means,
the transmission data generation means, the first transmitting
means, the first receiving means, and the first output means. Then,
the information processing apparatus may include the other of these
components.
[0044] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, in a
twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, an information
processing method includes a content data executing step, a
transmission data generating step, a transmitting step, a receiving
step, and an outputting step. The content data executing step is a
step of executing content data. The transmission data generating
step is a step of generating transmission data that contains
identification information of the content data executed at the
content data executing step. The transmitting step is a step of
transmitting the transmission data to another information
processing apparatus. The receiving step is a step of receiving,
from said another information processing apparatus, identification
information of content data executed by said another information
processing apparatus. The outputting step is a step of outputting
the identification information received at the receiving step.
[0045] The twenty-third to twenty-fifth aspects provide the same
functions and effects as those of the above first aspect.
[0046] According to the present invention, the information
processing apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as "the terminal
apparatus") is capable of obtaining, and notifying its user of,
identification information of content data executed by a specific
information processing apparatus that is a communication recipient
of the terminal apparatus. Since the specific information
processing apparatus is the communication recipient of the terminal
apparatus, the specific information processing apparatus is closely
related to the terminal apparatus. For example, in the case where
the terminal apparatus obtains identification information of
content data from the specific information processing apparatus by
performing short-distance communication therewith, the specific
information processing apparatus is located within a short distance
from the terminal apparatus. In another example, in the case where
the terminal apparatus obtains identification information of
content data from the specific information processing apparatus
over the Internet, it is likely that the user of the terminal
apparatus and the user of the specific information processing
apparatus know each other.
[0047] Thus, according to the present invention, the information
processing apparatus (i.e., the terminal apparatus) is capable of
obtaining, and notifying its user of, identification information of
content data executed by another terminal apparatus that is closely
related to the terminal apparatus.
[0048] These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of
the present invention will become more apparent from the following
detailed description of the present invention when taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0049] FIG. 1 is an external view of a game apparatus included in a
system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0050] FIG. 2A is a block diagram showing an example of an internal
configuration of the game apparatus;
[0051] FIG. 2B shows an example of the system according to the
embodiment;
[0052] FIG. 2C is a block diagram showing an example of a
configuration of a server included in the system according to the
embodiment;
[0053] FIG. 3 shows an example of a menu screen displayed by the
game apparatus;
[0054] FIG. 4 shows an example of a most-recently-used app ID
information screen of another user;
[0055] FIG. 5 shows an example of a ranking screen displayed by the
game apparatus;
[0056] FIG. 6 shows an example of programs and various data stored
in a main memory;
[0057] FIG. 7 shows an example of a configuration of an app storage
area;
[0058] FIG. 8A shows an example of most-recently-used app ID
information;
[0059] FIG. 8B shows an example of character information;
[0060] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of data stored in a
transmission box;
[0061] FIG. 10 is a communication sequence diagram showing an
example of a passing communication process;
[0062] FIG. 11A shows an example of a connection request frame;
[0063] FIG. 11B shows an example of a connection response
frame;
[0064] FIG. 11C shows an example of an application information
frame;
[0065] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the passing
communication process performed by the game apparatus;
[0066] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a main process
performed by the game apparatus;
[0067] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of an
out-and-about application execution process;
[0068] FIG. 15 shows an example of a used app display screen;
[0069] FIG. 16 shows an example of a most-recently-used app ID
information screen of another user;
[0070] FIG. 17 shows an example of out-and-about app main
screens;
[0071] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of a setting
process;
[0072] FIG. 19 shows an example of a screen displayed on a lower
LCD;
[0073] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of a ranking
process;
[0074] FIG. 21 shows an example of a ranking period change
screen;
[0075] FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of a
time-of-application-selection process;
[0076] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed
information distribution process;
[0077] FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of a portrait
creation process; and
[0078] FIG. 25 shows an example of a portrait creation screen.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0079] Hereinafter, a system according to an embodiment of the
present invention is described with reference to the drawings. The
system is an example of an information processing system of the
present invention. In the system, a handheld game apparatus
communicates with another handheld game apparatus by short-distance
wireless communication. Via the wireless communication, the
handheld game apparatus receives, from the other handheld game
apparatus, identification information of an application executed by
the other handheld game apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as
"most-recently-used app ID information D1"). The most-recently-used
app ID information D1 is described below in detail with reference
to FIG. 8A. The game apparatus is capable of displaying the
received most-recently-used app ID information D1, thereby allowing
the user of the game apparatus to know the status of usage of the
application by the user of the other game apparatus, which is
located nearby. The game apparatus is also capable of transmitting,
to the other game apparatus, identification information of an
application that the game apparatus has executed, thereby allowing
the user of the other game apparatus to know the status of usage of
the application by the user of the game apparatus. Note that the
most-recently-used app ID information D1 is an example of
identification information of the present invention. In the present
embodiment, the game apparatus and the other game apparatus have
the same configuration. However, the present invention is not
limited thereto. They may be the same type of apparatuses with
different configurations. The configuration of the game apparatus
included in the system of the present embodiment is described below
with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.
[0080] FIG. 1 is an external view of the game apparatus included in
the system according to the present embodiment. The game apparatus
executes a program of the present invention to act as an
information processing apparatus of the present invention.
[0081] FIG. 1 shows a game apparatus 1 which is a foldable handheld
game apparatus. FIG. 1 shows the game apparatus 1 in an opened
state. The game apparatus 1 is in a size that allows the user to
hold it with their one or both hands even when the game apparatus 1
is in the opened state.
[0082] The game apparatus 1 includes a lower housing 11 and an
upper housing 21. The lower housing 11 and the upper housing 21 are
connected to each other in a manner that allows them to be opened
and closed (i.e., foldable). In the example of FIG. 1, the lower
housing 11 and the upper housing 21 are each formed in a plate-like
shape of a horizontally long rectangle, and are rotatably connected
at their longer sides. Normally, the user uses the game apparatus 1
in the opened state. When not using the game apparatus 1, the user
keeps the game apparatus 1 in the closed state. In the example of
FIG. 1, the state of the game apparatus 1 is not limited to the
opened or closed state. For example, with friction force occurring
at the connection between the lower housing 11 and the upper
housing 21, the game apparatus 1 can be maintained to be in an
intermediate state between the opened state and the closed state,
at any angle formed by the lower housing 11 and the upper housing
21. In other words, the upper housing 21 can be caused to remain
stationary at any angle with respect to the lower housing 11.
[0083] The lower housing 11 includes a lower LCD (Liquid Crystal
Display) 12. The lower LCD 12 has a horizontally long shape, and is
disposed such that the orientation of the longer sides thereof
coincides with the orientation of the longer sides of the lower
housing 11. Although the LCD is used as a display device that is
incorporated in the game apparatus 1 in the present embodiment, any
other display device, such as a display device using EL (Electro
Luminescence), may be used, for example. In the game apparatus 1, a
display device having any resolution may be used. Although details
are described below, the lower LCD 12 is mainly used for
displaying, in real time, an image captured by an inner camera 23
or an outer camera 25.
[0084] The lower housing 11 includes operation buttons 14A to 14K
and a touch panel 13 as input devices. As shown in FIG. 1, a
direction input button 14A, an operation button 14B, an operation
button 14C, an operation button 14D, an operation button 14E, a
power button 14F, a start button 14G, and a select button 14H among
the operation buttons 14A to 14K are provided at an inner main
surface of the lower housing 11, which inner main surface is, when
the upper housing 21 and the lower housing 11 are closed,
accommodated within the game apparatus 1. The direction input
button 14A is used for a selection operation, for example. The
operation buttons 14B to 14E are used for a determination
operation, a cancellation operation, and the like. The power button
14F is used to power ON/OFF the game apparatus 1. In the example of
FIG. 1, the direction input button 14A and the power button 14F are
provided at the inner main surface of the lower housing 11, so as
to be located to the right or left (to the left, in FIG. 1) of the
lower LCD 12 which is provided around the center of the inner main
surface. The operation buttons 14B to 14E, the start button 14G,
and the select button 14H are provided at the inner main surface of
the lower housing 11, so as to be located to the other side (to the
right, in FIG. 1) of the lower LCD 12. The start button 14G and the
select button 14H are used for performing various operations with
the game apparatus 1.
[0085] Note that the operation buttons 14I to 14K are not shown in
FIG. 1. For example, the operation button 14I which is an L-button
is provided at the left end of an upper side surface of the lower
housing 11, and the operation button 14J which is an R-button is
provided at the right end of the upper side surface of the lower
housing 11. The L-button 14I and the R-button 14J are each used for
performing an operation of instructing the game apparatus 1 to
capture an image (i.e., a shutter operation), for example. Further,
the operation button 14K which is a sound volume button is provided
at a left side surface of the lower housing 11. The sound volume
button 14K is used to adjust the sound volume of loudspeakers
included in the game apparatus 1.
[0086] The game apparatus 1 further includes the touch panel 13 as
another input device in addition to the operations buttons 14A to
14K. The touch panel 13 is mounted so as to cover the screen of the
lower LCD 12. In the present embodiment, a resistive film type
touch panel is used as the touch panel 13, for example. However,
the touch panel 13 is not limited to the resistive film type touch
panel, but may be any press-type touch panel. The touch panel 13
used in the present embodiment has the same resolution (detection
accuracy) as that of the lower LCD 12, for example. However, the
resolution of the touch panel 13 and that of the lower LCD 12 need
not be the same. An insertion opening (indicated by a dashed line
in FIG. 1) is provided in a right side surface of the lower housing
11. The insertion opening can accommodate a stylus pen 27 which is
used for operating the touch panel 13. Although an input on the
touch panel 13 is usually performed using the stylus pen 27, the
touch panel 13 can be operated not only with the stylus pen 27 but
with a finger of the user.
[0087] An insertion opening (indicated by a two-dot chain line in
FIG. 1) for accommodating a memory card 28 is also provided in the
right side surface of the lower housing 11. Inside the insertion
opening, a connector (not shown) is provided for electrically
connecting the game apparatus 1 and the memory card 28. The memory
card 28 is, for example, an SD (Secure Digital) memory card, and
detachably attached to the connector. The memory card 28 is used,
for example, for storing (saving) an image captured by the game
apparatus 1, and for loading an image generated by another
apparatus into the game apparatus 1.
[0088] Further, an insertion opening (indicated by a dashed-dotted
line in FIG. 1) for accommodating a cartridge 29 is provided in the
upper side surface of the lower housing 11. Inside the insertion
opening, a connector (not shown) is provided for electrically
connecting the game apparatus 1 and the cartridge 29. The cartridge
29 is a storage medium which stores a game program or the like, and
the cartridge 29 is detachably inserted into the insertion opening
provided in the lower housing 11.
[0089] Three LEDs 15A to 15C are mounted at the left side of the
connection between the lower housing 11 and the upper housing 21.
Here, the game apparatus 1 is capable of performing wireless
communication with other apparatuses. The first LED 15A is lit up
while the power of the game apparatus 1 is ON. The second LED 15B
is lit up while the game apparatus 1 is being charged. The third
LED 15C is lit up while the wireless communication is being
established. Thus, each of the three LEDs 15A to 15C allows the
user to be informed of a state of the game apparatus 1, i.e.,
whether the game apparatus 1 is ON or OFF, whether the game
apparatus 1 is being charged, and whether the wireless
communication is being established.
[0090] The upper housing 21 includes an upper LCD 22. The upper LCD
22 has a horizontally long shape, and is disposed such that the
orientation of the longer sides thereof coincides with the
orientation of the longer sides of the upper housing 21. Similar to
the lower LCD 12, a display device of any type different from that
of the upper LCD 22, or a display device having any resolution
different from that of the upper LCD 22, may be used in place of
the upper LCD 22. A touch panel may be provided so as to cover the
upper LCD 22. The upper LCD 22 displays, for example, an operation
explanation screen for teaching the user the roles of the operation
buttons 14A to 14K and the touch panel 13.
[0091] The upper housing 21 includes two cameras (the inner camera
23 and the outer camera 25). As shown in FIG. 1, the inner camera
23 is mounted at an inner main surface of the upper housing 21, in
the vicinity of the aforementioned connection. On the other hand,
the outer camera 25 is mounted at a surface reverse of the inner
main surface at which the inner camera 23 is mounted, that is, at
the outer main surface of the upper housing 21 (which acts as an
external surface of the game apparatus 1 when the game apparatus 1
is in the closed state and which is the back surface of the upper
housing 21 shown in FIG. 1). In FIG. 1, the outer camera 25 is
indicated by a dashed line. The above arrangement allows the inner
camera 23 to capture an image of a view in a direction in which the
inner main surface of the upper housing 21 faces, and the outer
camera 25 to capture an image of a view in a direction opposite to
the image capturing direction of the inner camera 23, that is, an
image of a view in a direction in which the outer main surface of
the upper housing 21 faces. Thus, in the present embodiment, the
two cameras, that is, the inner camera 23 and the outer camera 25,
are provided such that the image capturing directions thereof are
opposite to each other. For example, the user can capture, by using
the inner camera 23, an image of a view that is seen from the game
apparatus 1 in the direction of the user. Also, the user can
capture, by using the outer camera 25, an image of a view that is
seen from the game apparatus 1 in the direction opposite to the
user.
[0092] A microphone (a microphone 41 shown in FIG. 2A) which acts
as a sound input device is accommodated inside the inner main
surface of the upper housing 21, near the aforementioned
connection. Also, in the inner main surface of the upper housing
21, near the connection, a microphone hole 16 is formed so as to
allow the microphone 41 to detect a sound outside the game
apparatus 1. The position in which the microphone 41 is
accommodated and the position of the microphone hole 16 need not be
located near the connection. For example, the microphone 41 may be
accommodated in the lower housing 11, and the microphone hole 16
may be provided in the lower housing 11 at a position corresponding
to the position in which the microphone 41 is accommodated.
[0093] At the outer main surface of the upper housing 21, a fourth
LED 26 (indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 1) is mounted. The
fourth LED 26 is lit up at the time when image capturing is
performed by the outer camera 25 (i.e., when the shutter button is
pressed). The fourth LED 26 is also lit up while a moving image is
being captured by the outer camera 25. The fourth LED 26 allows a
subject of image capturing and people in the surroundings to be
notified of the image capturing having been performed (or being
performed) by the game apparatus 1.
[0094] In the inner main surface of the upper housing 21, sound
holes 24 are formed to the right and left of the upper LCD 22,
respectively, which upper LCD 22 is provided around the center of
the inner main surface. Loudspeakers are accommodated in the upper
housing 21 at the back of the sound holes 24, respectively. The
sound holes 24 are holes for releasing sounds generated by the
loudspeakers to the outside of the game apparatus 1.
[0095] As described above, the upper housing 21 includes: the inner
camera 23 and the outer camera 25 which are provided for capturing
images; and the upper LCD 22 which is display means for displaying
an operation explanation screen at the time of for example, image
capturing. The lower housing 11 includes: input devices (the touch
panel 13 and the buttons 14A to 14K) with which to perform
operation inputs on the game apparatus 1; and the lower LCD 12
which is display means for displaying a game screen. Accordingly,
the input devices can be used in such as manner as follows: when
using the game apparatus 1, the user can hold the lower housing 11
and perform inputs via the input devices while looking at captured
images (images captured by the cameras) displayed on the lower LCD
12.
[0096] Next, an internal configuration of the game apparatus 1 is
described with reference to FIG. 2A. FIG. 2A is a block diagram
showing an example of the internal configuration of the game
apparatus 1.
[0097] As shown in FIG. 2A, the game apparatus 1 includes
electronic components such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31, a
main memory 32, a memory control circuit 33, a saved data memory
34, a preset data memory 35, a memory card interface (memory card
I/F) 36, a cartridge interface (cartridge I/F) 43, a wireless
communication module 37, a real time clock (RTC) 38, a power supply
circuit 39, an interface circuit (I/F circuit) 40, and the like.
These electronic components are mounted on an electronic circuit
board and accommodated in the lower housing 11 (or in the upper
housing 21).
[0098] The CPU 31 is information processing means for executing
predetermined programs (including an information processing program
of the present invention). The CPU 31 includes a core 31A for
performing processing relating to communication and a core 31B for
executing an application. In the present embodiment, predetermined
programs are stored in an internal memory of the game apparatus 1
(e.g., the saved data memory 34), the memory card 28, and the
cartridge 29. The core 31A executes such a predetermined program to
perform a part of a "passing communication" process, which is
described below. The core 31B also executes such a predetermined
program to perform a main process, an out-and-about application
execution process, a ranking process, a setting process, a
time-of-application-selection process, a portrait creation process,
or other game processes, which are described below.
[0099] In the present embodiment, the core 31A solely performs a
communication process. Therefore, even when the core 31B is
executing an application, the core 31A can perform the
communication process for communicating with another game
apparatus, regardless of the execution of the application by the
core 31B. Note that programs to be executed by the CPU 31 may be
stored in advance in an internal memory of the game apparatus 1, or
may be obtained from the memory card 28 and/or the cartridge 29, or
may be obtained from another apparatus through communication
therewith. For example, a program may be obtained by means of
downloading via the Internet from a predetermined server, or may be
obtained by downloading a predetermined program from a stationary
game apparatus through communication therewith.
[0100] The main memory 32, the memory control circuit 33, and the
preset data memory 35 are connected to the CPU 31. The saved data
memory 34 is connected to the memory control circuit 33. The main
memory 32 is storage means used as a work area and a buffer area
for the CPU 31. In other words, the main memory 32 stores various
data to be used in the aforementioned processing by the CPU 31, and
also stores a program obtained from the outside (e.g., from the
memory card 28, the cartridge 29, another apparatus, or the like).
In the present embodiment, a PSRAM (Pseudo-SRAM) is used as the
main memory 32, for example. The saved data memory 34 is storage
means for storing a program to be executed by the CPU 31, data of
images captured by the inner camera 23 and the outer camera 25, and
the like. The saved data memory 34 is structured as a nonvolatile
storage medium. In the present embodiment, the saved data memory 34
is structured as a NAND flash memory, for example. The memory
control circuit 33 controls, in accordance with instructions from
the CPU 31, reading and writing of data from and into the saved
data memory 34. The preset data memory 35 is storage means for
storing data (preset data), such as various parameters preset in
the game apparatus 1. A flash memory connected to the CPU 31 via an
SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) bus can be used as the preset
data memory 35.
[0101] The memory card I/F 36 is connected to the CPU 31. The
memory card I/F 36 reads and writes data from and into the memory
card 28 attached to the connector, in accordance with instructions
from the CPU 31. In the present embodiment, data of images captured
by the outer camera 25 is written into the memory card 28, and such
image data stored in the memory card 28 is read from the memory
card 28 to be stored in the saved data memory 34.
[0102] The cartridge I/F 43 is connected to the CPU 31. The
cartridge I/F 43 reads and writes data from and into the cartridge
29 attached to the connector, in accordance with instructions from
the CPU 31. In the present embodiment, an application program is
read from the cartridge 29 to be executed by the CPU 31, and data
relating to the application program (e.g. saved data of a game) is
written into the cartridge 29.
[0103] The wireless communication module 37 has a function of
connecting to a wireless LAN, for example, by a method conformed to
the standard of IEEE802.11b/g. The wireless communication module 37
is connected to the core 31A. The core 31A is capable of
transmitting/receiving data to/from another apparatus via the
Internet (or without using the Internet) by means of the wireless
communication module 37.
[0104] The wireless communication module 37 has a function of
performing wireless communication with a game apparatus of the same
type as the game apparatus 1 via a predetermined communication
method. Here, radio waves that the wireless communication module 37
uses in the wireless communication arc, for example, weak radio
waves, the use of which does not require a radio station license.
For example, the wireless communication module 37 performs
short-distance wireless communication of which the data
transmission distance is within a range of 10 m. Accordingly, by
means of the wireless communication module 37, the core 31A can
transmit/receive data to/from another game apparatus 1 when a
distance between the location of the core 31A and the location of
this other game apparatus 1 is within a communicable range (e.g.,
when the distance is equal to or shorter than 10 m). The data
transmission/reception is performed not only when an instruction is
received from the user but is automatically repeated at a
predetermined cycle without reception of an instruction from the
user. That is, the core 31A automatically searches for another game
apparatus 1 whose distance from the core 31A is within the
communicable range. Then, the core 31A automatically establishes
communication with another game apparatus 1 which is found as a
result of the search, and automatically transmits/receives data
to/from this other game apparatus 1. After the communication is
completed, the core 31A automatically disconnects the
communication. Such a series of processing is repeated at a
predetermined cycle. Hereinafter, this type of communication is
referred to as "passing communication". A process performed for the
passing communication is hereinafter referred to as a "passing
communication process".
[0105] A feature of the present embodiment is that, by means of the
passing communication, the core 31A transmits, to another game
apparatus 1, most-recently-used app Ill information D1 that
identifies an application most recently executed by the game
apparatus 1 which includes the core 31A, and receives, from the
other game apparatus 1, most-recently-used app ID information D1
that identifies an application most recently executed by the other
game apparatus 1.
[0106] The passing communication process is always performed while
a plurality of game apparatuses 1 that are to communicate with each
other are ON. To be specific, the passing communication process is
performed not only when the plurality of game apparatuses 1 are in
sleep mode but also while they are executing applications. The
reason for this is that the core 31B solely performs application
execution and the core 31A is capable of performing the passing
communication process in parallel with the application execution by
the core 31B. The term "sleep mode" refers to a power-saving mode
where a part of the functions of the game apparatus 1 (e.g., a part
of the functions of the CPU 31, a part of the functions of the
display, or the like) is ceased. For example, a state where
application execution is not performed since one or both of the
core 31A and the core 31B are not operating, is also referred to as
a sleep mode. Note that the "passing communication process" is
described below in detail with reference to FIG. 12.
[0107] The RTC 38 and the power supply circuit 39 are connected to
the CPU 31. The RTC 38 counts time, and outputs the time to the CPU
31. For example, the CPU 31 is capable of calculating a current
time (date) and the like based on the time counted by the RTC 38.
The power supply circuit 39 controls power supplied from a power
source (typically, a battery accommodated in the lower housing 11)
of the game apparatus 1 to supply the power to the components of
the game apparatus 1.
[0108] The game apparatus 1 includes the microphone 41 and an
amplifier 42. The microphone 41 and the amplifier 42 are connected
to the I/F circuit 40. The microphone 41 detects a voice that is
uttered by the user in the direction of the game apparatus 1, and
outputs sound signals indicative of the voice to the I/F circuit
40. The amplifier 42 amplifies sound signals from the I/F circuit
40, and causes the loudspeakers (not shown) to output the amplified
signals. The I/F circuit 40 is connected to the CPU 31.
[0109] The touch panel 13 is connected to the I/F circuit 40. The
I/F circuit 40 includes a sound control circuit for controlling the
microphone 41 and the amplifier 42 (i.e., the loudspeakers), and
includes a touch panel control circuit for controlling the touch
panel 13. The sound control circuit performs A/D conversion or D/A
conversion of a sound signal, or converts a sound signal into sound
data in a predetermined format. The touch panel control circuit
generates touch position data in a predetermined format based on a
signal from the touch panel 13, and outputs the touch position data
to the CPU 31. For example, the touch position data indicates
coordinates of a position on an input surface of the touch panel
13, at which position an input has been performed. Note that the
touch panel control circuit reads a signal from the touch panel 13
and generates touch position data every predetermined period. By
obtaining the touch position data via the I/F circuit 40, the CPU
31 can recognize a position on the touch panel 13, at which
position an input has been performed.
[0110] Operation buttons 14 include the above-described operation
buttons 14A to 14K, and are connected to the CPU 31. The operation
buttons 14 output, to the CPU 31, operation data indicating input
states of the operation buttons 14A to 14K (i.e., indicating
whether or not the operation buttons 14A to 14K are being pressed).
The CPU 31 obtains the operation data from the operation buttons
14, and thereby performs processing in accordance with inputs that
have been performed via the operation buttons 14.
[0111] The inner camera 23 and the outer camera 25 are connected to
the CPU 31. Each of the inner camera 23 and the outer camera 25
captures an image in accordance with an instruction from the CPU
31, and outputs data of the captured image to the CPU 31. In the
present embodiment, the CPU 31 instructs one of the inner camera 23
and the outer camera 25 to capture an image, and the camera which
has received the instruction captures an image and sends image data
to the CPU 31.
[0112] The lower LCD 12 and the upper LCD 22 are connected to the
CPU 31. Each of the lower LCD 12 and the upper LCD 22 displays an
image in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 31.
[0113] Hereinafter, the system according to the present embodiment
is described with reference to FIG. 2B. FIG. 2B shows an example of
the system according to the present embodiment. The system
according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of game
apparatuses 1 and a server 4 which is communicably connected to the
plurality of game apparatuses 1 via access points 2 and a network
3. The plurality of game apparatuses 1 perform the above-described
passing communication, without using the server 4 or network 3,
thereby transmitting/receiving most-recently-used app ID
information D1 to/from each other. This allows each of the users of
the plurality of game apparatuses 1 to know an application (or
applications) most recently executed by the other user(s). Here,
data transmission/reception by the passing communication is
performable only when, as described above, the plurality of game
apparatuses 1 arc located such that the distance therebetween is
within the communicable range. Accordingly, each user can know an
application (or applications) used by the other user(s) located
nearby. This allows each user to obtain useful information that is
closely related to them.
[0114] Since the game apparatus 1 is a handheld game apparatus, the
user carries it. Therefore, the user can obtain, wherever the user
goes, identification information of other game apparatuses 1 that
are located within a short distance from the user's game apparatus
1. This allows the user to know the status of usage of applications
by other users whose area of activities is similar to that of the
user. For example, if the user carrying the game apparatus 1 likes
baseball and is in a ballpark, then the user can obtain, by using
the game apparatus 1, most-recently-used app ID information D1 that
indicates an application used by another user in the same ballpark,
who also likes baseball.
[0115] The game apparatus 1 also performs the
time-of-application-selection process for receiving, from the
server 4, information in detail about an application that is
indicated by most-recently-used app ID information D1 received from
another game apparatus 1 (hereinafter, referred to as "detailed
information"). Information referred to as the detailed information
is, for example, information introducing the product (i.e., the
application) or information necessary for purchasing the product
(the URL of a website selling the product, data of a purchase order
screen for the product, etc.). Through the reception of the
detailed information, the user of the game apparatus 1 can know in
detail the application used by the user of this other game
apparatus 1, and purchase the application without having to search
for a website selling the application.
[0116] FIG. 2B shows only two game apparatuses 1. However, the
system of the present embodiment may include three or more game
apparatuses 1. Moreover, the system of the present embodiment may
include a plurality of servers 4. Note that the network 3 is a
wired or wireless network such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, or the
like.
[0117] A configuration of the server 4 is described below with
reference to FIG. 2C. FIG. 2C is a block diagram showing an example
of a configuration of the server 4 included in the system according
to the present embodiment.
[0118] The server 4 includes an operation section 60, a
communication section 61, a ROM 62, an HDD 63, a RAM 64, and a CPU
65, which are communicably connected one another via a bus 66.
[0119] The operation section 60 has a function of receiving an
operation performed by the administrator of the server 4. The
communication section 61 has a function of communicating with
another apparatus via the network 3. The ROM 62 stores a system
program for starting the server 4 and for realizing fundamental
functions of the server 4. The HDD 63 stores programs including a
communication program for allowing the server 4 to communicate with
the game apparatuses 1, and stores data necessary for executing the
programs. The data contains detailed information to be downloaded
by the game apparatuses 1. The RAM 64 acts as a work area for the
CPU 65 and stores a table T which is read from the HDD 63. In the
table T, application IDs, detailed information, and online sales
information are registered in association with applications. Note
that the online sales information indicates whether the
applications can be purchased online from the server 4.
[0120] In response to a request from one of the game apparatuses 1
for distribution of detailed information, the CPU 65 searches the
table T for an application ID that is contained in the request. The
CPU 65 then reads detailed information that is associated with the
application ID, and transmits the detailed information to the game
apparatus 1 that has made the request.
[0121] Described below with reference to FIG. 3 is an interface for
the user of the game apparatus 1 to select an application that is
to be executed by the game apparatus 1. FIG. 3 shows an example of
a menu screen displayed by the game apparatus 1. The game apparatus
1 is capable of storing, in the saved data memory 34, an
application that is loaded from the cartridge 29 via the cartridge
I/F 43 and an application downloaded from the server 4 (see FIG.
2B). Here, some applications may be stored in the saved data memory
34 as factory setting. These applications stored in the saved data
memory 34 and the cartridge 29 connected to the cartridge I/F 43
are executable by the game apparatus 1.
[0122] When the power of the game apparatus 1 is turned on, the
lower LCD 12 displays an icon G1 which shows such an executable
application. It is understood that if there are two or more
executable applications, multiple icons G1 are displayed. The user
can select an application to be executed by the game apparatus 1 by
touching a corresponding one of the icons G1 with the stylus pen 27
twice consecutively. Note that when the user touches an icon G1
with the stylus pen once, then a balloon G2 is displayed indicating
the title of an application represented by the icon G1. In FIG. 3,
the lower LCD 12 displays only four icons G1. However, by scrolling
to the left or right, the user can cause the lower LCD 12 to
display other icons G1.
[0123] The application, which the user has selected on the menu
screen in the above manner, is executed. The game apparatus 1
stores most-recently-used app ID information D1 that identifies an
application that has most recently been executed by the game
apparatus 1. The game apparatus 1 transmits/receives
most-recently-used app ID information D1 to/from another game
apparatus 1 by the passing communication process described
above.
[0124] One of the icons G1 displayed in the menu screen shows an
"out-and-about application" (hereinafter, referred to as an
"out-and-about icon G1A"). When the out-and-about icon G1A is
touched consecutively, the out-and-about application execution
process, which is described below with reference to FIG. 14, is
performed. In the out-and-about application execution process, a
most-recently-used app ID information screen that shows
most-recently-used app ID information D1 received from another game
apparatus 1, is displayed.
[0125] FIG. 4 shows an example of the most-recently-used app ID
information screen, which shows information about the user of the
other game apparatus 1 (hereinafter, "the other user"). The
most-recently-used app ID information screen is displayed on the
upper LCD 22. The most-recently-used app ID information screen
shows: a title G3 of an application most recently executed by the
other game apparatus 1; a user name G4 of the other user; and a
character image G5 which is the avatar of the other user. This
allows the user of the game apparatus 1 to know an application that
has most recently been used by the other user, and to know from the
character image G5 what the other user having used the application
is like. Also, an icon image G6 representing the application is
displayed, which allows the user to visually recognize what the
application is like.
[0126] As described above, the game apparatus 1 is capable of
displaying most-recently-used app ID information D1 received from
another game apparatus 1. In addition, in the out-and-about
application execution process, a ranking of most-recently-used app
ID information D1 that has been received is displayed. In other
words, the game apparatus 1 may receive a plurality of types of
most-recently-used app ID information D1 from other game
apparatuses 1. In the case where the user of the game apparatus 1
sets a ranking period, a ranking of a plurality of types of
most-recently-used app ID information D1 is determined based on how
many times each type of information D1 has been received during the
ranking period. Then, the plurality of types of most-recently-used
app ID information D1 are displayed with the ranking. A screen
displaying the ranking is hereinafter referred to as a "ranking
screen".
[0127] FIG. 5 shows an example of the ranking screen displayed by
the game apparatus 1. The ranking screen is displayed on the lower
LCD 12. The ranking screen shows a plurality of types of
most-recently-used app ID information D1 in order of the number of
times of being received during the ranking period. Each type of
information D1 is shown together with the title G3, the icon image
G6, the number of times of being received, and the position in the
ranking. Most-recently-used app ID information D1 that has been
received most frequently during the ranking period is shown at the
top. The ranking screen shows all the types of most-recently-used
app ID information D1 that have been received during the ranking
period. The user can browse all the types of most-recently-used app
ID information D1 by scrolling the ranking screen downward. Note
that it is not necessary to show the ranking for most-recently-used
app ID information D1 that is low in the ranking. While the ranking
screen is being displayed, the upper LCD 22 shows
most-recently-used app ID information D1 that is the first in the
ranking. The upper LCD 22 in FIG. 5 shows the character image G5,
which is a character image for the most-recently-used app ID
information D1 of an application that is the first in the
ranking.
[0128] Next, various programs and various data stored in the main
memory 32 of the game apparatus 1 are described with reference to
FIG. 6 and FIGS. 7 to 9.
[0129] FIG. 6 shows an example of programs and various data stored
in the main memory 32. The various data are stored in accordance
with execution of programs by the game apparatus 1.
[0130] The main memory 32 includes an app storage area 320, a
communication program storage area 321, a most-recently-used app ID
information storage area 322, a portrait character storage area
323, an exchange-purpose character ID storage area 324, a
transmission box 325, a reception box 326, a reception data storage
area 327, a reception frame storage area 328, a transmission frame
storage area 329, and a ranking period storage area 330.
[0131] Data of an application to be executed is read from the saved
data memory 34 or the cartridge 29 and stored in the app storage
area 320, as necessary. An application to be stored in the app
storage area 320 in this manner is, for example, the out-and-about
application, a portrait application, a game program, or the like,
FIG. 7 shows an example of data stored in the app storage area 320.
The app storage area 320 stores application data D2 as well as app
ID information D3 which is read from the saved data memory 34 or
the cartridge 29. The app ID information D3 contains title data, an
application ID, and icon image data. Here, the title data indicates
the title of an application. The application ID is an identifier
unique to the application. The icon image data visually indicates
the application. Note that the app ID information D3 may contain
the ID of the icon image data in place of the icon image data, and
the game apparatus 1 may specify, based on the ID, the icon image
data which is stored in the game apparatus 1.
[0132] The communication program storage area 321 stores a
communication program which causes the core 31A and the wireless
communication module 37 to perform the above-described passing
communication process.
[0133] The most-recently-used app ID information storage area 322
stores a predetermined number of pieces of most-recently-used app
ID information D1 that indicate applications most recently executed
by the game apparatus 1. In the present embodiment, the
predetermined number is 1. However, the predetermined number may be
two or more. FIG. 8A shows an example of the most-recently-used app
ID information D1. The most-recently-used app ID information D1
contains title data indicating the title of an application, an
application ID unique to the application, and icon image data
visually indicating the application.
[0134] The portrait character storage area 323 stores pieces of
character information D4 each indicating a character that the user
of the game apparatus 1 creates at the time of executing the
portrait application. FIG. 8B shows an example of the character
information D4. The character information D4 contains color
information which indicates a color set by the user,
height/physical attribute information, a character name, a
character ID, and character image information. The height/physical
attribute information indicates the height (i.e., how tall) and the
physical attribute (i.e., how thick) of the character, which are
set by the user. The character name indicates a character name set
by the user. The character ID is identification information unique
to the character, which is automatically set when the character
information D4 is generated. The character image information
indicates image data that the user has selected for each part of a
portrait character. In the portrait creation process described
below with reference to FIG. 24, the game apparatus 1 receives
operations which the user performs to select, for each part of a
portrait character to be created (e.g., eyes, nose, mouth, outline,
hair, and the like), one among pieces of option image data that
indicate multiple selection options. The character image
information indicates the IDs of such selected option image data in
association with respective part IDs.
[0135] The exchange-purpose character ID storage area 324 stores a
character ID contained in the character information D4 that is
stored in the portrait character storage area 323 and that is to be
transmitted, together with most-recently-used app ID information
D1, to another game apparatus 1.
[0136] The transmission box 325 stores information that is to be
transmitted to another game apparatus 1 via the passing
communication process (hereinafter, referred to as "application
information"). FIG. 9 illustrates an example of data stored in the
transmission box 325. The transmission box 325 stores, for each
application executable by the game apparatus 1 (e.g., for each
application of which the icon is displayed as shown in FIG. 3), an
application ID and main data to be transmitted. The application ID
and the main data are stored as the aforementioned application
information. In the transmission box 325, a box A is an area for
storing the application information for the out-and-about
application, and the box A stores the application ID of the
out-and-about application, accordingly. The box A also stores
character information D4, most-recently-used app ID information D1,
and reception time information D5 as the main data to be
transmitted. Since the data stored in the transmission box 325 is
not yet received by a communication recipient (i.e., another game
apparatus 1), the box A stores, as the reception time information
D5, information that indicates a lack of a reception time. Here,
the box A may be configured such that only the character
information D4 and the most-recently-used app ID information D1 are
transmitted to another game apparatus 1 as application information
(which is an example of transmission data of the present invention)
and the reception time information D5 is not transmitted.
Alternatively, the box A may be configured not to store the
reception time information D5. Note that in the present embodiment,
main data that is associated with the same application can be
received a plurality of times. In such a case, the main data having
been received a plurality of times are cumulatively stored in a box
that stores the application ID of the application.
[0137] The reception box 326 stores information that is received
from another game apparatus 1 via the passing communication
process. The reception box 326 has the same configuration as that
of the transmission box 325 shown in FIG. 9, except that the
reception box 326 stores, as the reception time information D5,
information that indicates a time when information has been
received from another game apparatus 1. Application IDs stored in
the reception box 326 are the same as application IDs stored in the
transmission box 325. Hereinafter, in a description where
application IDs stored in the reception box 326 and application IDs
stored in the transmission box 325 are not distinguished from each
other, a term "box ID" is used. The game apparatus 1 receives only
data associated with application IDs that are the same as box IDs
stored in the transmission box 325, and updates data stored in the
reception box 326 with the received data.
[0138] At the time of execution of the out-and-about application,
the main data that is stored in the reception box 326 and that is
associated with the application ID of the out-and-about application
(i.e., character information D4, most-recently-used app ID
information D1, and reception time information D5) is read and
stored as reception data in the reception data storage area 327.
Note that each time reception data is newly generated, the new
reception data is added to the reception data that is already
stored in the reception data storage area 327. If the total amount
of the stored reception data has exceeded the data storage
capacity, or if there exists reception data that has been stored
for a predetermined period after the reception thereof, then the
deletion of reception data is performed from the oldest reception
data.
[0139] The reception frame storage area 328 temporarily stores a
frame that is received, in the passing communication process, from
another game apparatus 1 which is a communication recipient. The
frame is described below in detail. The transmission frame storage
area 329 temporarily stores a frame that is to be transmitted in
the passing communication process to another game apparatus 1 which
is a communication recipient. The frame is described below in
detail.
[0140] The ranking period storage area 330 stores information that
indicates a ranking period set by the user the game apparatus
1.
[0141] Hereinafter, the above-described passing communication
process is described in detail with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12.
The game apparatus 1 and another game apparatus 1 both perform the
passing communication process, and thus, these game apparatuses 1
perform the passing communication with each other.
[0142] FIG. 10 is a communication sequence diagram showing an
example of the passing communication process. This example shows a
beacon frame being transmitted from the game apparatus 1 to the
other game apparatus 1. The game apparatus 1 transmits, by
broadcast communication, a beacon frame (a connection request frame
D6) to the other game apparatus 1 which is present within the
above-described communicable range. Upon receiving the connection
request frame D6, the other game apparatus 1 transmits a connection
response frame D7 to the game apparatus 1 which is the source of
the connection request frame D6.
[0143] Upon receiving the connection response frame D7, the game
apparatus 1 transmits, to the other game apparatus 1, an
application information frame D8 which contains application
information. Here, the application information frame D8 may contain
most-recently-used app ID information D1. Upon receiving the
application information frame D8, the other game apparatus 1
transmits to the game apparatus 1 an application information frame
D8 that the other game apparatus has generated. In the present
embodiment, such a series of communication is repeated at a
predetermined cycle. Note that in the case where the game apparatus
1 receives a connection request, the frames transmitted from the
game apparatus 1 to the other game apparatus 1 in the example shown
in FIG. 10 are transmitted from the other game apparatus 1 to the
game apparatus 1, and the frames transmitted from the other game
apparatus 1 to the game apparatus 1 in the example shown in FIG. 10
arc transmitted from the game apparatus 1 to the other game
apparatus 1. Further, in the present embodiment, the game apparatus
1 transmits the application information frame D8 in response to
receiving the connection response frame D7. However, as an
alternative, the game apparatus 1 may transmit the application
information frame D8 at the timing of transmitting the connection
response frame D7.
[0144] Hereinafter, frames D6 to D8 transmitted/received in the
passing communication are described with reference to FIGS. 11A to
11C. FIG. 11A shows an example of the connection request frame D6.
The connection request frame D6 contains a frame type F_TYP, a
source MAC (Media Access Control) address, and application ID
information. The frame type F_TYP indicates the type of the
connection request frame D6. In this example, the frame type F_TYP
indicates information that the frame is a connection request frame
D6. The application ID information indicates all the box IDs of the
game apparatus 1 transmitting the connection request frame D6. Note
that, as described above, the term "box ID" refers to an
application ID that is stored in both the transmission box 325 and
the reception box 326.
[0145] Next, the connection response frame D7 is described. FIG.
11B shows an example of the connection response frame D7. The
connection response frame D7 contains a frame type F_TYP, a
destination MAC address, a source MAC address, and application ID
information. The frame type F_TYP indicates information that the
frame is a connection response frame D7. The application ID
information indicates all the box IDs of the game apparatus 1
transmitting the connection response frame D7.
[0146] Described next is the application information frame D8. FIG.
11C shows an example of the application information frame D8. The
application information frame D8 contains a frame type F_TYP, a
destination MAC address, a source MAC address, and application
information. As described above, the application information
contains an application ID and main data associated with the
application ID. The application information contained in the
application information frame D8 is only application information
that is among application information stored in the transmission
box 325 of a source game apparatus 1 (i.e., the source of the
application information frame D8) and that is associated with an
application ID coinciding with a box ID of a destination game
apparatus 1 (i.e., the destination of the application information
frame D8).
[0147] As described above with reference to FIG. 9, in the case
where the game apparatus 1 stores the out-and-about application,
the transmission box 325 stores, as application information, the
application ID of the out-and-about application, character
information D4, most-recently-used app ID information D1, and
reception time information D5. Accordingly, in the case where both
the game apparatus 1 and the other game apparatus 1 store the
out-and-about application, the application ID of the out-and-about
application, the character information D4, and the
most-recently-used app ID information D1 are contained in the
application information frame D8 as application information.
[0148] Hereinafter, the passing communication process performed by
the game apparatus 1 is described with reference to FIG. 12. FIG.
12 is a flowchart showing an example of the passing communication
process performed by the game apparatus 1. The passing
communication process is repeated at a predetermined cycle (e.g.,
at short intervals such as once in a few seconds). First, the
wireless communication module 37 determines whether the memory of
the wireless communication module 37 stores a MAC address for which
a predetermined period has elapsed from a response time (i.e., a
time when the wireless communication module 37 has received a
connection response from the MAC address, or a time when the
wireless communication module 37 has transmitted or received data
to or from the MAC address in response to receiving a connection
response from the MAC address) (S1). When determining that the
memory stores a MAC address for which the predetermined time has
elapsed from the response time (YES at S1), the wireless
communication module 37 deletes the MAC address (S2). When
determining that the memory does not store such a MAC address (NO
at S1), the wireless communication module 37 advances the
processing to the next step S3 without deleting the MAC
address.
[0149] Next, the wireless communication module 37 generates a
connection request frame D6 (see FIG. 11A) that contains all the
box IDs and transmits the connection request frame D6 by broadcast
communication (S3). Thereafter, the wireless communication module
37 determines whether a connection response frame D7 (see FIG. 11B)
has been received (S4). When determining that a connection response
frame D7 has been received (YES at S4), the wireless communication
module 37 further determines whether at least one application ID
contained in the connection response frame D7 coincides with a box
ID of the game apparatus 1 (S5). Note that the wireless
communication module 37 stores box IDs in the memory (i.e., an
internal memory of the wireless communication module 37) when the
power of the game apparatus 1 is turned on. The wireless
communication module 37 performs the determination at step S5 by
using the stored box IDs. When determining that at least one
application ID contained in the connection response frame D7
coincides with a box ID of the game apparatus 1 (YES at S5), the
wireless communication module 37 instructs the core 31A to read
application information associated with an application ID that
coincides with the at least one application ID in the connection
response frame D7, and the core 31A reads the application
information in response to the instruction (S6). Note that when the
game apparatus 1 is in sleep state and the core 31A is not started,
the wireless communication module 37 starts the core 31A prior to
step S6. Next, the wireless communication module 37 generates an
application information frame D8 that contains the application
information read by the core 31A, and transmits the application
information frame D8 to the source of the connection response frame
D7 (S7).
[0150] Thereafter, the wireless communication module 37 stores, in
its memory, the source MAC address of the connection response frame
D7 and the response time (i.e., the current time) (S8). The source
MAC address and the current time stored here are used for
prohibiting, for a predetermined period after the response time,
communication from being performed between the wireless
communication module 37 and the same communication recipient. Note
that if the predetermined period has elapsed from the response
time, the MAC address is deleted at the above-described steps S1
and S2, and thus, the prohibition of communication is removed.
Thereafter, the wireless communication module 37 advances the
processing to step S9.
[0151] On the other hand, when the wireless communication module 37
determines that none of the application IDs contained in the
connection response frame D7 coincides with a box ID of the game
apparatus 1 (NO at S5), the wireless communication module 37 ends
the passing communication process.
[0152] At step S9, the wireless communication module 37 determines
whether a process of receiving an application information frame D8
has been performed (S9). If the process of receiving an application
information frame D8 has been performed (YES at S9), the wireless
communication module 37 ends the passing communication process. If
the process of receiving an application information frame D8 has
not been performed (NO at S9), the wireless communication module 37
performs step S14, which is described below, to perform a process
of receiving an application information frame D8. The reason for
this is that the two game apparatuses 1 performing the passing
communication transmit/receive application information frames D8
to/from each other. Accordingly, if the game apparatus 1 has not
yet received an application information frame D8, the processing
proceeds to step S14.
[0153] Described next is a process that is performed by the
wireless communication module 37 in the case where the wireless
communication module 37 has determined that a connection response
frame D7 has not been received (NO at S4). Here, the wireless
communication module 37 determines whether a connection request
frame D6 has been received (S10). When determining that a
connection request frame D6 has been received (YES at S10), the
wireless communication module 37 further determines whether the
memory of the wireless communication module 37 stores the source
MAC address of the connection request frame D6 (S11). When
determining that the memory does not store the source MAC address
of the connection request frame D6 (NO at S11), the wireless
communication module 37 further determines whether at least one
application ID contained in the connection request frame D6
coincides with a box ID of the game apparatus 1 (S12).
[0154] When determining that at least one application ID contained
in the connection request frame D6 coincides with a box ID of the
game apparatus 1 (YES at S12), the wireless communication module 37
generates a connection response frame D7 that contains all the box
IDs of the game apparatus 1 and transmits the connection response
frame D7 to the source of the connection request frame D6 (S13).
Thereafter, the wireless communication module 37 performs step S14,
which is described below.
[0155] On the other hand, when the wireless communication module 37
determines that a connection request frame D6 has not been received
(NO at S10), the wireless communication module 37 ends the passing
communication process. Also, when determining that the memory
stores the source MAC address of the connection request frame D6
(YES at S11), the wireless communication module 37 ends the passing
communication process. This prevents communication from being
repeatedly performed with the same communication recipient within a
short period of time (i.e., within the predetermined period after
the response time). When the wireless communication module 37
determines that no application ID contained in the connection
request frame D6 coincides with an application ID in the reception
box 326 (No at S12), the wireless communication module 37 ends the
passing communication process.
[0156] Next, a process at step S14 is described. The wireless
communication module 37 determines whether an application
information frame D8 has been received (S14). If an application
information frame D8 has not been received (NO at S14), the
wireless communication module 37 ends the passing communication
process. On the other hand, if an application information frame D8
has been received (YES at S14), the wireless communication module
37 instructs the core 31A to store the application information of
the application information frame D8 in the reception box 326, and
the core 31A stores the application information in the reception
box 326 in response to the instruction (S15). Note that when the
game apparatus 1 is in sleep state and the core 31A is not started,
the wireless communication module 37 starts the core 31A prior to
step S15. Here, the core 31A stores the application information in
a box having a box ID that coincides with an application ID
contained in the application information. If the box already stores
application information, the application information of the
received application information frame D8 is added to the
application information which is already stored in the box.
Further, the core 31A stores the current time in the reception box
326 as reception time information D5 in association with the
additionally stored application information (S16).
[0157] Thereafter, the wireless communication module 37 stores, in
its memory, the MAC address of the communication recipient (i.e.,
the source MAC address of the connection request frame D6) as well
as the response time (i.e., the current time) (S17). Similar to the
information stored at step S8, the source MAC address and the
response time stored here are used for prohibiting, for a
predetermined period after the response time, communication from
being performed between the wireless communication module 37 and
the same communication recipient.
[0158] Next, the wireless communication module 37 determines
whether a process of transmitting an application information frame
D8 has already been performed (S18). When determining that a
process of transmitting an application information frame D8 has
already been performed (YES at S18), the wireless communication
module 37 ends the passing communication process. On the other
hand, when determining that a process of transmitting an
application information frame D8 has not been performed (NO at
S18), the wireless communication module 37 advances the processing
to step S5 and performs a process of transmitting an application
information frame D8. The reason for this is that the two game
apparatuses 1 performing the passing communication transmit/receive
application information frames D8 to/from each other. Accordingly,
if the game apparatus 1 has not yet transmitted an application
information frame D8, the processing proceeds to step S5.
[0159] Next, the main process performed by the core 31B is
described with reference to FIG. 13. The main process is performed
when the power of the game apparatus 1 is turned on. FIG. 13 is a
flowchart showing an example of the main process performed by the
game apparatus 1. The core 31B performs a process of displaying a
menu screen that shows a list of application icons for applications
stored in the saved data memory 34 and an application stored in the
cartridge 29 currently inserted in the game apparatus 1 (S21). The
menu screen is as described above with reference to FIG. 3, for
example. Next, the core 31B repeatedly determines whether an
application selection operation has been received, until the core
31B determines "YES" (S22). When determining that an application
selection operation has been received (YES at S22), the core 31B
reads application data D2 (see FIG. 7) and app ID information D3
(see FIG. 7) of the selected application from the saved data memory
34 or the cartridge 29 (S23). Then, the core 31B determines whether
most-recently-used app ID information D1 is absent in the main
memory 32 (S24).
[0160] When determining that most-recently-used app ID information
D1 is absent in the main memory 32 (YES at S24), the core 31B
stores the read app ID information D3 as most-recently-used app ID
information D1 in the most-recently-used app ID information storage
area 322 (S25), and also stores the read app ID information D3 as
most-recently-used app ID information D1 in one box included in the
transmission box 325, which one box has a box ID coinciding with
the application ID of the out-and-about application (S26).
Thereafter, the core 31B executes the read application data D2
(S27) and returns the processing to step S21.
[0161] On the other hand, when the core 31B determines that
most-recently-used app ID information D1 is present in the main
memory 32 (NO at S24), the core 31B updates the most-recently-used
app ID information D1 that is stored in the most-recently-used app
ID information storage area 322 with the read app ID information D3
(S28), and also updates the most-recently-used app ID information
D1 that is stored in the transmission box 325 with the read app ID
information D3 (S29). Thereafter, the core 31B performs the
aforementioned process at step S27 and returns the processing to
step S21.
[0162] Next, the aforementioned process at step S27 of FIG. 13 that
is performed at the execution of the out-and-about application is
described with reference to FIG. 14. This process is hereinafter
referred to as an out-and-about application execution process. FIG.
14 is a flowchart showing an example of the out-and-about
application execution process. First, the core 31B determines
whether an exchange-purpose character ID is stored in the
exchange-purpose character ID storage area 324 (see FIG. 6) (S31).
When determining that an exchange-purpose character ID is stored in
the exchange-purpose character ID storage area 324 (see FIG. 6)
(YES at S31), the core 31B reads, from the portrait character
storage area 323, character information D4 that is associated with
the exchange-purpose character ID. Based on the character
information D4, the core 31B generates and displays a character
image G10 (S32). Here, a used app display screen as illustratively
shown in FIG. 15 is displayed. The used app display screen shows
not only the character image G10 but also the title G11 and the
icon G12 of an application that the user of the game apparatus 10
has most recently used as well as the number of persons G13 which
indicates the number of persons with whom the user has performed
the passing communication. The display of these types of
information is performed at step S32, by obtaining the
most-recently-used app ID information D1 stored in the
most-recently-used app ID information storage area 322 and the
number of pieces of main data stored in a box included in the
reception box 326, which box has a box ID coinciding with the
application ID of the out-and-about application. Thereafter, the
processing proceeds to the next step S33.
[0163] If the core 31B determines that an exchange-purpose
character ID is not stored in the exchange-purpose character ID
storage area 324 (NO at S31), the core 31B performs neither the
process at step S32, i.e., displaying of the character image G10,
nor below-described processes at steps S33 to S37, and advances the
processing to step S38.
[0164] The core 3113 refers to the reception box 326 at step S33,
and determines whether main data is stored in the box in which the
application ID of the out-and-about application is stored (S33). If
main data is stored in the box in which the application ID of the
out-and-about application is stored (YES at S33), the core 31B
reads the main data (i.e., character information D4,
most-recently-used app ID information D1, and reception time
information D5), and then generates reception data that contains
the read main data and stores (i.e., adds) the generated reception
data in the reception data storage area 327 (S34).
[0165] Next, the core 31B performs a process of selecting, at
random or in accordance with a predetermined sequence, a piece of
reception data from the reception data generated at step S34, i.e.,
from the reception data which indicates application information
most recently read from the reception box 326, and displaying
information indicated by the selected reception data (S35). Here,
the upper LCD 22 displays a most-recently-used app ID information
screen about the other user as shown in FIG. 16. Also, the lower
LCD 12 displays two operation buttons G20 and G21 that are "NEXT"
and "SKIP". Note that the most-recently-used app ID information
screen about the other user is the same screen as that described
above with reference to FIG. 4, and therefore, the description
thereof is omitted.
[0166] Next, the core 31B determines whether the operation button
G20 "NEXT" has been selected (S36). When determining that the
operation button G20 "NEXT" has been selected (YES at S36), the
core 31B returns the processing to step S35 to select a different
piece of reception data. Based on the selected reception data, the
core 31B changes information displayed in the most-recently-used
app ID information screen. On the other hand, when the core 31B
determines that the operation button G20 "NEXT" has not been
selected (NO at S36), the core 31B further determines whether the
operation button G21 "SKIP" has been touched (S37). When
determining that the operation button G21 "SKIP" has not been
touched (NO at S37), the core 31B returns the processing to step
S36. On the other hand, when the core 31B determines that the
operation button G21 "SKIP" has been touched (YES at S37), the core
31B performs a process at step S38. Note that, in the case where
the operation button G20 "NEXT" is touched at step S36, if no more
reception data is yet to be displayed, then it is determined "NO"
at step S36 and "YES" at step S37. Thereafter, the process at step
S38 is performed.
[0167] If no main data is stored in the box which stores the
application ID of the out-and-about application (NO at S33), the
core 31B does not perform the above-described processes at steps
S34 to S37, and advances the processing to the next step S38.
[0168] Next, the process at step S38 is described. The core 31B
performs a process of displaying main screens for the out-and-about
application (hereinafter, "out-and-about main screens") (S38). FIG.
17 shows an example of the out-and-about main screens. The upper
LCD 22 displays an out-and-about upper main screen, and the lower
LCD 12 displays an out-and-about lower main screen. The
out-and-about upper main screen shows character images G5 that are
generated based on the character information D4 contained in the
reception data. In the upper main screen, the character images G5
corresponding to the reception data are arranged in reverse
chronological order based on the respective reception time points
of the reception data such that, among the character images G5,
those corresponding to reception data received at earlier time
points are shown at the front in the upper main screen (as shown in
FIG. 17). Note that, in the present embodiment, the out-and-about
upper main screen shows only a predetermined number of character
images G5 that can be shown in the screen. In other words, the
out-and-about upper main screen does not always show all the
character images G5 for the stored reception data. However, as an
alternative, the out-and-about upper main screen may show all the
character images G5 for the stored reception data, which may be
realized by displaying, on the upper LCD 22, a moving picture in
which the character images G5, which are arranged in reverse
chronological order based on the respective reception time points
of the reception data, are marching forward.
[0169] The out-and-about upper main screen shows icons G6 for the
character images G5, respectively, such that each icon 6 is shown
above a corresponding character image G5. These icons G6 are shown
for the most recently generated reception data, together with
corresponding character names as well as messages that indicate
what number each character is in a sequence of passing
communication that has been performed. What number each character
is in the sequence of passing communication is determined based on
the respective reception time points of the reception data. The
lower LCD 12 displays the out-and-about lower main screen, which
shows an operation button G22 "RANKING" and an operation button G23
"SET EXCHANGE-PURPOSE CHARACTER".
[0170] Returning to FIG. 14, the core 31B determines whether the
operation button G22 "RANKING" has been touched (S39). When
determining that the operation button G22 "RANKING" has been
touched (YES at S39), the core 31B performs a process of displaying
a ranking screen, which is described above with reference to FIG. 5
(hereinafter, referred to as a "ranking process") (S40).
Thereafter, the core 31B returns the processing to step S38 to
display the out-and-about app main screens. On the other hand, when
the core 31B determines that the operation button G22 "RANKING" has
been touched (NO at S39), the core 31B further determines whether
the operation button G23 "SET EXCHANGE-PURPOSE CHARACTER" has been
touched (S41). Subsequently, the core 31B performs a process of
setting an exchange-purpose character which is an avatar of the
user (hereinafter, referred to as a "setting process") (S42). Then,
the core 31B returns the processing to step S38 to display the
out-and-about app main screens.
[0171] Next, the setting process performed at step S42 of FIG. 14
is described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the
setting process.
[0172] First, the core 31B reads the character information D4 from
the portrait character storage area 323, and reads the
most-recently-used app ID information D1 from the
most-recently-used app ID information storage area 322, and reads
the exchange-purpose character ID from the exchange-purpose
character ID storage area 324 (S51). Next, the core 31B determines
whether an exchange-purpose character ID has been set, based on
whether an exchange-purpose character ID has been stored in the
exchange-purpose character ID storage area 324 (S52). When
determining that an exchange-purpose character ID has not been set
(NO at S52), the core 31B performs step S56 which is described
below. On the other hand, when determining that an exchange-purpose
character ID has been set (YES at S52), the core 31B specifies,
among the read character information D4, the character information
D4 that is associated with the exchange-purpose character ID which
has been set (S53). Thereafter, the core 31B performs a process of
generating and displaying a main setting menu screen (S54). The
main setting menu screen is, for example, one displayed on the
upper LCD 22 as shown in FIG. 19. The main setting menu screen
shows: a character image G10 based on the character information D4
specified at step S53; the title G11 and the icon G12 of an
application; and a character name G14.
[0173] At step S54, the core 31B also performs a process of
generating and displaying a screen on the lower LCD 12 as shown in
FIG. 19. The screen shows an operation button G40 "CHANGE
EXCHANGE-PURPOSE CHARACTER", an operation button G41 "RESET
EXCHANGE-PURPOSE CHARACTER", and an operation button G42 "END".
[0174] Returning to FIG. 18, the core 31B determines whether an
operation of instructing to change the exchange-purpose character
has been performed (S55). This operation is, for example, a touch
operation of touching the operation button G40 "CHANGE
EXCHANGE-PURPOSE CHARACTER". When determining that an operation of
instructing to change the exchange-purpose character has been
performed (YES at S55), the core 31B performs a process of
generating and displaying character images G10 for all the pieces
of character information D4 read at step S51 (S56). Here, the lower
LCD 12 displays the character images G10. Thereafter, the core 31B
repeatedly determines whether an operation of selecting one of the
pieces of character information D4 read at step S51 has been
performed, until the core 31B determines "YES" (S57). This
operation is, for example, a touch operation of touching any one of
the character images G10.
[0175] When the core 31B determines that an operation of selecting
character information D4 has been performed (YES at S57), the core
31B updates the exchange-purpose character ID in the
exchange-purpose character ID storage area 324 with the character
ID of the selected character information D4, or newly sets the
character ID of the selected character information D4 as an
exchange-purpose character ID in the exchange-purpose character ID
storage area 324 (S58). Also, the core 31B updates, with the
selected character information D4, character information D4 stored
in a box included in the transmission box 325, in which box the
application ID of the out-and-about application is set, or newly
sets the selected character information D4 as character information
D4 to be stored in the box (S59). Thereafter, the core 31B ends the
setting process and returns the processing to step S38 of FIG. 14
to display the out-and-about app main screens.
[0176] On the other hand, when the core 31B determines that an
operation of instructing to change the exchange-purpose character
has not been performed (NO at S55), the core 31B further determines
whether an operation of instructing to reset the exchange-purpose
character has been performed (S60). This operation is, for example,
a touch operation of touching the operation button G41 "RESET
EXCHANGE-PURPOSE CHARACTER". When determining that an operation of
instructing to reset the exchange-purpose character has been
performed (YES at S60), the core 31B deletes the exchange-purpose
character ID currently stored in the exchange-purpose character ID
storage area 324 (S61). Thereafter, the core 31B ends the setting
process and returns the processing to step S38 of FIG. 14 to
display the out-and-about app main screens.
[0177] On the other hand, when the core 31B determines that an
operation of instructing to reset the exchange-purpose character
has not been performed (NO at S60), the core 31B further determines
whether an operation of instructing to end the setting process has
been received (S62). This operation is, for example, a touch
operation of touching the operation button G42 "END". When
determining that an operation of instructing to end the setting
process has not been received (NO at S62), the core 31B returns the
processing to step S55. On the other hand, when determining that an
operation of instructing to end the setting process has been
received (YES at S62), the core 31B ends the setting process and
returns the processing to step S38 of FIG. 14.
[0178] Hereinafter, the ranking process performed at step S40 of
FIG. 14 is described with reference to FIG. 20. FIG. 20 is a
flowchart showing an example of the ranking process. First, the
core 31B reads, from the ranking period storage area 330,
information that indicates a ranking period (S71). Here, if
information indicating a ranking period is not set, then a default
value (e.g., a "total" value) is set. Then, the core 31B reads,
from the reception data storage area 327, pieces of reception data
that have been received during the ranking period indicated by the
information read at S71 (S72). Whether or not reception data has
been received within the ranking period is determined based on the
reception time information D5 associated with the reception data.
Thereafter, the core 31B counts the number of pieces of reception
data that have been read at S72, separately for each application ID
contained in the read reception data. Then, the application IDs are
sorted in descending order of the count (S73).
[0179] Next, the core 31B sets 3 as a parameter N (S74), and
performs a process of displaying most-recently-used app ID
information D1 and character information D4 that are associated
with an application ID whose count is the Nth (i.e., the third)
largest count (S75). Note that a value other than 3 may be set as
the parameter N. Here, a screen similar to one displayed on the
lower LCD 12 as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed, for example. Next,
the core 31B determines whether the parameter N is "1" (S76). If
the parameter N is not "1" (NO at S76), N-1 is set as the parameter
N (S77). Then, the core 31B returns the processing to step S75. In
this manner, the display of the most-recently-used app ID
information D1 and the character information D4 is sequentially
performed for application IDs, from an application ID whose count
is the Nth largest count to an application ID whose count is the
first largest count.
[0180] On the other hand, if the parameter N is "1" (YES at S76),
the core 31B displays a ranking screen since the display of the
most-recently-used app ID information D1 and the character
information D4 has already been performed for the application IDs
from the application ID whose count is the Nth largest count to the
application ID whose count is the first largest count (S78). The
ranking screen displayed here is the same screen as that described
above with reference to FIG. 5, and therefore, the detailed
description thereof is omitted. As shown in FIG. 5, the lower LCD
12 displays the ranking screen. While the ranking screen is being
displayed, the upper LCD 22 displays the most-recently-used app ID
information D1 and the character information D4 for an application
ID of which the count of the number of pieces of read reception
data is the largest.
[0181] Next, the core 31B determines whether a touch operation of
touching an icon G6 has been performed (S79). When determining that
a touch operation of touching an icon G6 has been performed (YES at
S79), the core 31B performs a process of downloading, from the
server 4, detailed information about an application represented by
the touched icon G6 and then displaying the detailed information
(hereinafter, referred to as an "time-of-application-selection
process") (S80). Thereafter, the core 31B ends the ranking process
and returns the processing to step S38 of FIG. 14.
[0182] On the other hand, when the core 31B determines that a touch
operation of touching an icon G6 has not been performed (NO at
S79), the core 31B further determines whether an operation of
instructing to display a ranking period change screen has been
received (S81). Note that this operation is, for example, touching
an operation button G7 "OTHER RANKINGS", which is shown in the
ranking screen in FIG. 5.
[0183] If an operation of instructing to display a ranking period
change screen has not been received (NO at S81), the core 31B
returns the processing to step S78. On the other hand, if an
operation of instructing to display a ranking period change screen
has been received (YES at S81), the core 31B displays a ranking
period change screen (S82). The ranking period change screen is a
screen as shown in FIG. 21, for example. The screen shows a
plurality of operation buttons G30 that represent respective
ranking periods that the user can select. The screen also shows an
operation button G31 "BACK". Returning to FIG. 20, the core 31B
determines whether an operation of changing the ranking period has
been performed (S83). This operation is, for example, a touch
operation of touching any operation button G30. When determining
that an operation of changing the ranking period has been performed
(YES at S83), the core 31B updates information that indicates the
ranking period and that is stored in the ranking period storage
area 330, with information that indicates a new ranking period
(S84). Thereafter, the core 31B returns the processing to step S72
and obtains reception data for the new ranking period. This allows
the core 31B to update the ranking based on the new ranking period
and display the updated ranking.
[0184] On the other hand, when the core 31B determines that an
operation of changing the ranking period has not been performed and
that the operation button G31 "BACK" has been touched (NO at S83),
the core 31B returns the processing to step S78.
[0185] The above-described ranking process is performed based on
all the pieces of reception data received within the ranking
period, and the ranking created in this process shows applications
in descending order of the number of times of being received during
the ranking period (i.e., in descending order of the aforementioned
count). However, as an alternative, the ranking process may be
performed for pieces of reception data that contain specific
character IDs, and a ranking created in this process may show
applications in descending order of the number of times of being
received (i.e., in descending order of the aforementioned count).
This allows the user to be informed of applications that are
frequently used by other users represented by characters that the
user has selected based on his/her preference. As a further
alternative, the user of the game apparatus 1 may be informed of
applications that are frequently used by other users whom the user
of the game apparatus 1 frequently passes during the ranking period
(i.e., applications for which the number of pieces of reception
data received during the ranking period is equal to or greater than
a predetermined number).
[0186] Hereinafter, the time-of-application-selection process
performed at step S80 of FIG. 20 is described with reference to
FIG. 22. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of the
time-of-application-selection process. First, the core 31B
transmits to the server 4 a download request for the aforementioned
detailed information (S91). The download request contains an
application ID. Thereafter, the core 31B repeatedly determines
whether the detailed information has been received from the server
4, until the core 31B determines "YES" (S92). When determining that
the detailed information has been received from the server 4 (YES
at S92), the core 31B further determines whether the received
detailed information indicates absence of display information
(S93). When determining that the detailed information indicates
presence of display information (NO at S93), the core 31B performs
a process of generating and displaying an app introduction screen
based on the display information (S94). Then, the processing
proceeds to step S95.
[0187] On the other hand, when the core 31B determines that the
detailed information indicates absence of display information (YES
at S93), the core 31B performs, without performing step S94, a
process of generating and displaying a screen that indicates
absence of detailed information. Then, the processing proceeds to
step S95. In the case where an application that is used for
purchasing products is different from the out-and-about application
(hereinafter, such an application is referred to as a "shopping
application"), the core 31B may start the shopping application and
display an interface for the user to make a purchase, after ending
the execution of the out-and-about application or in parallel with
the execution of the out-and-about application if such multitasking
is performable.
[0188] Here, if a shop server selling the application associated
with the application ID transmitted from the core 31B is the server
4, the app introduction screen displayed at step S94 may act as an
interface for the user to make a purchase. At step S95, the core
31B determines whether the user has performed, via the interface,
an operation to purchase the application (S95). When determining
that the user has not performed an operation to purchase the
application (NO at S95), the core 31B ends the
time-of-application-selection process and the ranking process of
FIG. 20, and returns the processing to step S38 of FIG. 14. Note
that, also in the case where the app introduction screen displayed
at step S94 does not act as an interface for the user to make a
purchase, the core 31B determines "NO" at step S95.
[0189] On the other hand, when the core 31B determines that the
user has performed an operation to purchase the application (YES at
S95), the core 31B transmits, to the server 4, a purchase request
received through the user's purchase operation (S96). Thereafter,
the core 31B repeatedly determines whether payment screen data has
been received from the server, until the core 31B determines "YES"
(S97). When determining that the payment screen data has been
received (YES at S97), the core 31B performs a process of
displaying a payment screen based on the received payment screen
data (S98). The payment screen acts as an interface for the user to
input payment information. The payment information is, for example,
a credit card number or a user ID for the service provided by the
server 4.
[0190] The core 31B determines whether the user has inputted
payment information (S99). When determining that the user has not
inputted payment information (NO at S99), the core 31B ends the
time-of-application-selection process and the ranking process of
FIG. 20, and returns the processing to step S38 of FIG. 14. On the
other hand, when determining that the user has inputted payment
information (YES at S99), the core 31B transmits the inputted
payment information to the server 4 (S100). Thereafter, the core
31B repeatedly determines whether application data D2 and app ID
information D3 have been received from the server 4, until the core
31B determines "YES" (S101). Then, the core 31B stores these
received data in the saved data memory 34 (S102). Thereafter, the
core 31B ends the time-of-application-selection process and the
ranking process of FIG. 20, and returns the processing to step S38
of FIG. 14.
[0191] Described below with reference to FIG. 23 is processing that
is performed by the server 4 for the purpose of distributing the
aforementioned detailed information or an application to the game
apparatus 1 performing the time-of-application-selection process
(hereinafter, referred to as a "detailed information distribution
process"). FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the
detailed information distribution process. This process is
performed, for example, when the power of the server 4 is turned on
or when the server 4 is set to a predetermined mode. First, the CPU
65 repeatedly determines whether a download request for detailed
information has been received, until the CPU 65 determines "YES"
(S111). Note that the download request received here is a request
transmitted from the game apparatus 1 at step 91 of FIG. 22.
[0192] Next, the CPU 65 searches the table T for an application ID
contained in the received download request, and obtains detailed
information associated with the application ID. Also, the CPU 65
refers to online sales information in the table T to determine
whether the server 4 is selling the application associated with the
application ID (S112). When determining that the server 4 is
selling the application (YES at S112), the CPU 65 generates screen
data for a screen that shows the obtained detailed information and
an operation button for the user to make a purchase of the
application (here, the screen data contains purchasing guidance
information) (S113). Then, the CPU 65 transmits the screen data to
the game apparatus 1 (S114). Note that the screen data in the
present embodiment is image data or text data to be displayed on
the screen. Thereafter, the CPU 65 determines whether a purchase
request has been received within a predetermined period (S115).
When determining that a purchase request has not been received
within the predetermined period (NO at S115), the CPU 65 returns
the processing to step S111. Note that the purchase request is
transmitted from the game apparatus 1 when step S96 of FIG. 22 is
performed.
[0193] On the other hand, when the CPU 65 determines that a
purchase request has been received (YES at S115), the CPU 65 reads
payment screen data from the RAM 64 and transmits the payment
screen data to the game apparatus 1 (S116). Thereafter, the CPU 65
determines whether payment information has been received within a
predetermined period (S117). The payment information is transmitted
from the game apparatus 1 when step S100 of FIG. 22 is performed.
When the CPU 65 determines that payment information has been
received (YES at S117), the CPU 65 performs a payment process
(S118). The payment process is performed based on, for example, a
credit card number. Alternatively, in the case where the server 4
manages the user's points in association with the user's ID, the
payment process may be a process of subtracting, from the user's
points, points equivalent to the price of the application, for
example. Thereafter, the CPU 65 distributes the application to the
game apparatus 1 (S119). Then, the processing returns to step S111.
When the CPU 65 determines that payment information has not been
received within the predetermined period (NO at S117), the CPU 65
returns the processing to step S111.
[0194] Described next is a process that the CPU 65 performs when
determining that the server 4 is not selling the application (i.e.,
NO at S112). Here, the CPU 65 determines whether the detailed
information about the application is registered in the table T
(S120). When determining that the detailed information is
registered in the table T (YES at S120), the CPU 65 generates
screen data for a screen that shows the detailed information (S121)
and transmits the screen data to the game apparatus 1 (S122). Note
that the screen does not show an operation button for the user to
make a purchase of the application. Thereafter, the CPU 65 returns
the processing to step S111.
[0195] When the CPU 65 determines that the detailed information
about the application is not registered in the table T (NO at
S120), the CPU 65 reads, from the RAM 64, information that
indicates absence of the detailed information (S123), and transmits
the information to the game apparatus 1 (S122). Thereafter, the CPU
65 returns the processing to step S111.
[0196] Described below with reference to FIG. 24 and FIG. 25 is a
process that is performed when the portrait application is executed
at step S27 of FIG. 13 (hereinafter, referred to as a "portrait
creation process"). The portrait application is an application for
generating character information D4. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing
an example of the portrait creation process. First, the core 31B
performs a process of generating and displaying a portrait creation
window W on the upper LCD 22 (S131). Then, the core 31B performs a
process of generating a part selection screen for the user to
select a part among parts such as eyes, nose, mouth, outline, hair,
and the like, and displaying the part selection screen on the lower
LCD 12 (S132).
[0197] Thereafter, the core 31B repeatedly determines whether an
operation of selecting one of the parts has been performed, until
the core 31B determines "YES" (S133). This operation is, for
example, a touch operation of touching one of the parts shown in
the part selection screen displayed on the lower LCD 12. When
determining that an operation of selecting one of the parts has
been performed (YES at S133), the core 31B performs a process of
displaying on the lower LCD 12 a portrait creation screen which
shows a plurality of option images G50 that correspond to the
selected part (S134). The option images G50 are images of eyes when
a part "eyes" is selected, for example. FIG. 25 shows an example of
the portrait creation screen that is displayed when one of the
parts has been selected. Here, the upper LCD 22 displays an upper
portrait creation screen which shows the portrait creation window
W, and the lower LCD 12 displays a lower portrait creation screen
which shows option images G50. Then, the core 31B repeatedly
determines whether an operation of selecting one of the option
images G50 has been performed, until the core 31B determines "YES"
(S135). Here, the user may be allowed to perform minor adjustments
on the position or angle of the selected option image G50.
[0198] When the core 31B determines that an operation of selecting
an option image G50 has been performed (YES at S135), the core 31B
registers, in the main memory 32, the ID of the selected option
image G50 in association with a part ID of the selected part
(S136). Thereafter, the core 31B performs a process of displaying,
in the portrait creation window W, the option image G50 of which
the ID is registered in the main memory 32 (S137). Next, the core
31B determines whether an operation of selecting an option image
G50 has been performed for all the parts (S138). When determining
that an operation of selecting an option image G50 has not yet been
performed for all the parts (NO at S138), the core 31B returns the
processing to step S133. When determining that an operation of
selecting an option image G50 has been performed for all the parts
(YES at S138), the core 31B performs a process of displaying, for
example in the lower LCD 12, a screen for the user to input the
name, height (i.e., how tall), physical attribute (i.e., how
thick), and color information about a character (S139).
[0199] Next, the core 31B determines whether the name, height
(i.e., how tall), physical attribute (i.e., how thick), and color
information about a character have been fixedly inputted (S140).
When determining that these types of information have been fixedly
inputted (YES at S140), the core 31B generates character image
information that indicates the IDs of the selected option images
G50 and the part IDs corresponding thereto. Then, the core 31B
generates character information D4 as shown in FIG. 8B that
contains color information, height/physical attribute information,
character name, character ID, and character image information, and
stores the character information D4 in the portrait character
storage area 323 (S141).
[0200] On the other hand, when the core 31B determines that the
aforementioned types of information have not been fixedly inputted
(NO at S140), the core 31B determines whether an operation of
ending the character creation has been performed (S142). When
determining that an operation of ending the character creation has
not been performed (NO at S142), the core 31B returns the
processing to step S140. On the other hand, when determining that
an operation of ending the character creation has been performed
(YES at S142), the core 31B ends the portrait creation process.
[0201] The character information D4 generated in this manner based
on the user's operations shows the characteristics of the user. The
game apparatus 1 and the other game apparatus 1 transmit to/receive
from each other character information D4 that shows the
characteristics of the users of the game apparatus 1 and the other
game apparatus 1, together with most-recently-used app ID
information D1. Therefore, the user of each game apparatus 1 can
know the characteristics of the other user as well as an
application used by the other user.
[0202] As described above, in the present embodiment, the game
apparatus 1 can receive most-recently-used app ID information D1
from other game apparatuses 1. This allows the game apparatus 1 to
obtain, from specific game apparatuses 1, information that
identifies applications executed by the specific game apparatuses 1
(i.e., most-recently-used app ID information D0. This allows the
user of the game apparatus 1 to know applications executed by other
game apparatuses 1 that are closely related to the status of the
user's usage of the game apparatus 1.
[0203] To be specific, in the present embodiment, the game
apparatus 1 obtains most-recently-used app ID information D1 from
other game apparatuses 1 by means of the passing communication.
This allows the user of the game apparatus 1 to know applications
executed by the other game apparatuses 1, which are located within
a predetermined distance range from the game apparatus 1.
Accordingly, the user can know the status of usage of applications
by other users located nearby (i.e., located within a short
distance from the user).
[0204] Since the game apparatus 1 is a handheld game apparatus, the
user carries it. Therefore, the user can obtain, wherever the user
goes, identification information about other game apparatuses 1
that are located within a short distance from the user's game
apparatus 1. This allows the user to know the status of usage of
applications by other users whose area of activities is similar to
that of the user.
[0205] Hereinafter, variations of the present embodiment are
described.
[0206] (1) In the present embodiment, at step S112 of FIG. 23, the
server 4 performs a process of determining whether or not an
application for which the detailed information is obtained can be
downloaded from the server 4. However, as an alternative, the game
apparatus 1 may perform such determination process. If the
application can be downloaded from the server 4, the game apparatus
1 may request data of a purchase order screen that allows the user
to make a purchase of the application.
[0207] (2) Further, in the present embodiment, in the
time-of-application-selection process of FIG. 22, the game
apparatus 1 downloads and thereby obtains detailed information
about an application from the server 4. However, as an alternative,
the detailed information may be prestored in the saved data memory
34 of the game apparatus 1. For example, the game apparatus 1 may
collectively download, from the server 4 at a frequency of once a
week, entire detailed information managed by the server 4, and
store the downloaded detailed information in the saved data memory
34. As a further alternative, the detailed information may be
contained in the application data D2 of the out-and-about
application.
[0208] (3) Still further, in the present embodiment, the game
apparatus 1 is configured to store and update only one piece of
most-recently-used app ID information D1. However, as an
alternative, the game apparatus 1 may be configured to store a
predetermined number (two or more) of pieces of most-recently-used
app ID information D1 and transmit all the stored
most-recently-used app ID information D1 to another game apparatus
1. In other words, the game apparatus 1 may transmit application
information about applications that have most recently been
executed in the predetermined number of times of application
executions.
[0209] (4) Although the game apparatus 1 transmits character
information D4 together with most-recently-used app ID information
D1, the game apparatus 1 may be configured to transmit only
most-recently-used app ID information D1.
[0210] (5) In the present embodiment, the game apparatus 1 updates
most-recently-used app ID information D1 at the start of
application execution. However, the game apparatus 1 may perform
the update after the application execution has been completed.
[0211] (6) Further, in the present embodiment, the game apparatus 1
is configured to transmit most-recently-used app ID information D1
that identifies an application executed by the game apparatus 1, to
another game apparatus 1. However, the present invention is not
limited thereto. Thus, for example, the game apparatus 1 may be
configured to transmit to/receive from another game apparatus 1
information that identifies image data or audio data reproduced by
the game apparatus 1 and the other game apparatus 1 (e.g.,
thumbnail images for the image data) in addition to or in place of
information about applications executed by the game apparatus 1 and
the other game apparatus 1. Note that the term "content data"
herein refers not only to applications but also to image data,
audio data, and the like.
[0212] (7) Still further, in the present embodiment, the
transmission/reception of most-recently-used app ID information D1
among a plurality of game apparatuses 1 is performed by the passing
communication. However, the present invention is not limited
thereto. Thus, for example, the game apparatus 1 may be configured
to transmit most-recently-used app ID information D1 not
automatically but when receiving from the user an instruction to
transmit the most-recently-used app ID information D1. Further, the
game apparatus 1 may transmit/receive most-recently-used app ID
information D1 to/from another game apparatus 1 by means of wired
or wireless communication such as the Internet, infrared
communication, or a different type of short-distance communication.
Note that if the game apparatus 1 is configured to transmit
to/receive from other game apparatuses 1 most-recently-used app ID
information D1 by means of the Internet or the like, then the game
apparatus 1 may be configured to communicate only with other game
apparatuses 1 that are registered, by the user of the game
apparatus 1, as friends (i.e., as communication recipients). In
such a case, the communication recipients are limited to the game
apparatuses 1 which the user of the game apparatus 1 already knows.
This allows the user of the game apparatus 1 to know applications
that are used by other users who have a close relationship with the
user of the game apparatus 1.
[0213] (8) Still further, in the present embodiment, only one
exchange-purpose character ID can be set for the game apparatus 1,
and the game apparatus 1 can transmit only one piece of character
information D4 to another game apparatus 1. However, as an
alternative, a plurality of exchange-purpose character IDs may be
set for the game apparatus 1, and a plurality of pieces of
character information D4 that are associated with the plurality of
exchange-purpose character IDs, respectively, may be transmitted.
As a further alternative, an exchange-purpose character ID is not
set for the game apparatus 1, and the game apparatus 1 may transmit
all the character information D4 stored therein to another game
apparatus 1. Note that a flag that indicates whether or not a
character indicated by character information D4 is an
exchange-purpose character may be registered for each piece of
character information D4, and only the character information D4 for
which the flag indicates that the character is an exchange-purpose
character may be transmitted to another game apparatus 1.
[0214] (9) Still further, in the present embodiment, the passing
communication process is performed so long as the power of the game
apparatus 1 is ON. However, the present invention is not limited
thereto. Thus, for example, the passing communication process may
be performed only when the game apparatus 1 is set to a passing
communication mode or when a predetermined condition is satisfied
and the power of the game apparatus 1 is ON.
[0215] (10) Still further, in the present embodiment, the present
invention is applied to the game apparatus 1. However, the present
invention is applicable not only to a game apparatus but also to,
for example, a portable information terminal apparatus such as a
mobile phone, a personal handyphone system (PHS), or a personal
digital assistant (PDA). The present invention is also applicable
to a stationary game apparatus, a personal computer, or the
like.
[0216] (11) Still further, in the present embodiment, the game
apparatus 1 is capable of receiving the same reception data from
the same source (i.e., from the same game apparatus 1) a plurality
of times, and cumulatively storing the same reception data a
plurality of times. However, as an alternative, the game apparatus
1 may be configured not to receive reception data from the same
source a plurality of times. As a further alternative, the game
apparatus 1 may be configured not to receive or cumulatively store
reception data if the source MAC address of, or the character
information D4 contained in, the reception data coincides with that
of previously stored reception data. As a still further
alternative, the game apparatus 1 may be configured not to receive
or cumulatively store reception data if the source of, and the
most-recently-used app ID information D1 contained in, the
reception data coincide with those of previously stored reception
data. Note that an advantage of being capable of cumulatively
storing reception data that is received from the same source a
plurality of times is that a large number of pieces of
most-recently-used app ID information D1 to be used for creating a
ranking can be obtained, and that a sufficient number of pieces of
most-recently-used app ID information D1 to be used for creating a
ranking can be obtained even in an area where the number of users
of game apparatuses 1 is small. Another advantage of being capable
of cumulatively storing reception data that is received from the
same source a plurality of times is that the user of the game
apparatus 1 can obtain, by the game apparatus 1, useful information
that the passing communication has been performed with another game
apparatus 1 a plurality of times. On the other hand, in the ease
where the game apparatus 1 is configured not to cumulatively store
reception data if the source of, or the character information D4
contained in, the reception data coincides with that of previously
stored reception data, a situation where the same
most-recently-used app ID information D1 is repeatedly received
from the same user, which is unnecessary, is prevented.
[0217] (12) Still further, in the present embodiment, the
above-described processing is performed with the single server 4.
However, a plurality of servers may be used to realize the
above-described processing. For example, one server may perform
processing for providing detailed information to the game apparatus
1; another server may perform processing for causing the game
apparatus 1 to display a payment screen (i.e., payment-related
information); and still another server may distribute, to the game
apparatus 1, an application that has been purchased through the
payment process. Still further, in the present embodiment, the
above-described processing is performed with the single game
apparatus 1. However, a plurality of game apparatuses 1 may be used
to realize the above-described processing.
[0218] While the invention has been described in detail, the
foregoing description is in all aspects illustrative and not
restrictive. It will be understood that numerous other
modifications and variations can be devised without departing from
the scope of the invention.
* * * * *