![[Help]](/netaicon1/PTO/help.gif)
![[Home]](/netaicon1/PTO/home.gif)
![[Boolean Search]](/netaicon1/PTO/boolean.gif)
![[Manual]](/netaicon1/PTO/manual.gif)
![[Number Search]](/netaicon1/PTO/number.gif)
![[PTDLs]](/netaicon1/PTO/ptdl.gif)
![[CURR_LIST]](/netaicon1/PTO/hitlist.gif)
![[NEXT_LIST]](/netaicon1/PTO/nextlist.gif)
![[NEXT_DOC]](/netaicon1/PTO/nextdoc.gif)
![[Shopping Cart]](/netaicon1/PTO/cart.gif)
![[Order Copy]](/netaicon1/PTO/order.gif)
![[Image]](/netaicon1/PTO/image.gif)
| United States Patent Application |
20120046767
|
| Kind Code
|
A1
|
|
SHIMOHATA; Yasuyuki
; et al.
|
February 23, 2012
|
INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM, AND
INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD
Abstract
The present invention provides an information processing apparatus, an
information processing system, and an information processing method that
that are capable of always obtaining information even while any
application is not being executed, and effectively using the obtained
information. To achieve this, a state of the environment in a place where
the information processing apparatus is present is detected; detection
data indicating the state of the environment detected by the detection
section is stored; an operation mode is switched at least between a
normal mode in which power is being supplied to the application execution
section and the predetermined application can be executed, and a power
saving mode in which at least supply of power to the application
execution section is restricted and the predetermined application cannot
be executed; and at least in the power saving mode, a state of the
environment is detected, and detection data indicating the state of the
environment detected is stored in the first storage section at
predetermined time intervals.
| Inventors: |
SHIMOHATA; Yasuyuki; (Kyoto, JP)
; Kuroda; Ryoji; (Kyoto, JP)
; Hosoi; Kazuhiro; (Kyoto, JP)
; Okamura; Takanori; (Kyoto, JP)
|
| Assignee: |
NINTENDO CO., LTD.
Kyoto
JP
|
| Serial No.:
|
208767 |
| Series Code:
|
13
|
| Filed:
|
August 12, 2011 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
700/91 |
| Class at Publication: |
700/91 |
| International Class: |
G06F 19/00 20110101 G06F019/00 |
Foreign Application Data
| Date | Code | Application Number |
|---|
| Aug 20, 2010 | JP | 2010-185369 |
Claims
1. An information processing apparatus which executes a predetermined
application, the information processing apparatus comprising: a detection
section for detecting a state of the environment in a place where the
information processing apparatus is present; a first storage section for
storing detection data indicating the state of the environment detected
by the detection section; an application execution section for executing
the predetermined application; an operation mode switching section for
switching an operation mode at least between a normal mode in which power
is being supplied to the application execution section and the
predetermined application can be executed, and a power saving mode in
which at least supply of power to the application execution section is
restricted and the predetermined application cannot be executed; and a
detection data control section for, at least in the power saving mode,
causing the detection section to detect a state of the environment, and
storing, in the first storage section, at predetermined time intervals,
detection data indicating the state of the environment detected by the
detection section.
2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
detection section includes at least one of an atmospheric pressure
sensor, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor.
3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
application execution section can, in the normal mode, execute an
application selected from a plurality of applications including an
application using the detection data.
4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
detection data control section, at least both in the normal mode and in
the power saving mode, causes the detection section to detect a state of
the environment, and storing, in the first storage section, at
predetermined time intervals, detection data indicating the state of the
environment detected by the detection section.
5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, further
comprising: a second storage section having a larger storage capacity
than that of the first storage section; and a data transfer control
section for, when the operation mode is shifted from the power saving
mode to the normal mode, storing, in the second storage section, the
detection data stored in the first storage section, wherein the
application execution section, in executing the application using the
detection data, uses the detection data stored in the second storage
section.
6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, further
comprising: a second storage section having a larger storage capacity
than that of the first storage section; and a data transfer control
section for, in the power saving mode, storing, in the second storage
section, with a predetermined period, the detection data stored in the
first storage section, wherein the application execution section, in
executing the application using the detection data, uses the detection
data stored in the second storage section.
7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising: a communication section for communicating data with another
apparatus via a network; and a data communication control section for, in
the power saving mode, transmitting the detection data to the other
apparatus via the communication section with a predetermined period.
8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the
detection section includes at least the atmospheric pressure sensor, the
detection data control section stores, as the detection data, atmospheric
pressure data indicating the value of the atmospheric pressure detected
by the atmospheric pressure sensor, in the first storage section, and the
application execution section, in executing the application using the
detection data, performs processing of predicting the weather based on
the atmospheric pressure data.
9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the
application execution section executes an application of a game as the
application using the detection data, and performs processing of the game
by using the predicted weather.
10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, further
comprising: a signal output section for outputting a radio signal having
a predetermined signal pattern to another apparatus that can be remotely
operated by means of wireless communication; and a signal pattern control
section for controlling the signal pattern of the radio signal outputted
by the signal output section, wherein the application execution section,
in executing the application using the detection data, causes the signal
output section to output a radio signal having a signal pattern that
causes the other apparatus to operate, via the signal pattern control
section, based on a comparison between a threshold value and a detection
value indicated by the detection data.
11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein
the signal output section outputs an infrared light signal having a
predetermined signal pattern to an air conditioner by means of infrared
communication, the detection section includes at least the temperature
sensor, the detection data control section stores, as the detection data,
temperature data indicating the value of the temperature detected by the
temperature sensor, in the first storage section, and the application
execution section, in executing the application using the detection data,
when the value of the temperature indicated by the temperature data is
higher than a first threshold value, causes the signal output section to
output an infrared light signal having a signal pattern that causes the
air conditioner to operate in a cooling mode, and when the value of the
temperature indicated by the temperature data is lower than a second
threshold value smaller than the first threshold value, causes the signal
output section to output an infrared light signal having a signal pattern
that causes the air conditioner to operate in a heating mode.
12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein
the information processing apparatus can be operated by an input
apparatus including an imaging section for taking an image of infrared
light, which is an imaging target, outputted by the signal output
section, and the application execution section, in executing an
application selected from the plurality of applications, calculates a
motion of the input apparatus, based on the position of the imaging
target on the image taken by the imaging section, and performs processing
according to the motion.
13. An information processing system including at least a server and a
plurality of the information processing apparatuses according to claim 7,
wherein the detection section includes at least the atmospheric pressure
sensor, the detection data control section stores, as the detection data,
atmospheric pressure data indicating the value of the atmospheric
pressure detected by the atmospheric pressure sensor, in the first
storage section, the data communication control section transmits the
atmospheric pressure data to the server via the communication section,
and the server draws an isobar based on the values of the atmospheric
pressures indicated by the respective pieces of atmospheric pressure data
obtained from the plurality of the information processing apparatuses,
and creates a weather chart including the isobar.
14. An information processing method to be executed by one processor or a
plurality of processors being coordinated, included in at least one
information processing apparatus which executes a predetermined
application, the information processing method comprising: a detection
step of detecting a state of the environment in a place where the
information processing apparatus is present; a first storage control step
of storing detection data indicating the state of the environment
detected in the detection step; an application execution step of at least
one application execution processor executing the predetermined
application; an operation mode switching step of switching an operation
mode at least between a normal mode in which power is being supplied to
the application execution processor and the predetermined application can
be executed, and a power saving mode in which at least supply of power to
the application execution processor is restricted and the predetermined
application cannot be executed; and a detection data control step of, at
least in the power saving mode, executing the detection step of detecting
a state of the environment, and executing the first storage control step
of storing detection data indicating the state of the environment
detected in the detection step, at predetermined time intervals.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-185369,
filed on Aug. 20, 2010, is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an information processing
apparatus, an information processing system, and an information
processing method, and more particularly, to an information processing
apparatus, an information processing system, and an information
processing method that are capable of, for example, obtaining an output
from a sensor detecting a state of the environment in a place where the
information processing apparatus is present.
[0004] 2. Description of the Background Art
[0005] Conventionally, game apparatuses that transmit or receive data via
a network have been known (for example, see Japanese Laid-Open Patent
Publication No. 2008-125614). A game apparatus disclosed in Japanese
Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2008-125614 is capable of switching the
state of the game apparatus between a normal state in which an
application can be executed and a standby state in which power
consumption is restricted, and performs, at least in the standby state,
processing of transmitting or receiving data via a network.
[0006] However, the game apparatus disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent
Publication No. 2008-125614 merely transmits or receives data via a
network, and information to be obtained by the reception is limited to
information obtained via a network. Therefore, the game apparatus cannot
effectively use the characteristic that the game apparatus can always
obtain data. In addition, since the game apparatus needs to be connected
to a network in order to obtain data, the game apparatus cannot use data
in a situation in which the game apparatus cannot be connected to a
network.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an
information processing apparatus, an information processing system, and
an information processing method that that are capable of always
obtaining information even while any application is not being executed,
and effectively using the obtained information.
[0008] In order to attain the above object, the present invention may
employ the following configuration, for example. It should be understood
that the scope of the present invention is interpreted only by the scope
of the claims. In event of any conflict between the scope of the claims
and the scope of the description in this section, the scope of the claims
has priority.
[0009] One aspect of an information processing apparatus according to the
present invention is an information processing apparatus which executes a
predetermined application, the information processing apparatus
comprising: a detection section; a first storage section; an application
execution section; an operation mode switching section; and a detection
data control section. The detection section for detecting a state of the
environment in a place where the information processing apparatus is
present. The first storage section for storing detection data indicating
the state of the environment detected by the detection section. The
application execution section for executing the predetermined
application. The operation mode switching section for switching an
operation mode at least between a normal mode in which power is being
supplied to the application execution section and the predetermined
application can be executed, and a power saving mode in which at least
supply of power to the application execution section is restricted and
the predetermined application cannot be executed. The a detection data
control section for, at least in the power saving mode, causing the
detection section to detect a state of the environment, and storing, in
the first storage section, at predetermined time intervals, detection
data indicating the state of the environment detected by the detection
section.
[0010] According to the above aspect, even in the power saving mode in
which any application is not being executed, a state of the environment
is always detected and the detection data indicating the state of the
environment detected is stored, whereby it becomes possible to
effectively use information indicating the state of the environment
obtained in the power saving mode.
[0011] In another aspect, the detection section may include at least one
of an atmospheric pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and a humidity
sensor.
[0012] According to the other aspect, it becomes possible to execute
various applications using the detection data indicating the state of the
environment, such as an application predicting the weather, an
application estimating a time of year, and an application estimating the
presence condition in a room.
[0013] In another aspect, the application execution section can, in the
normal mode, execute an application selected from a plurality of
applications including an application using the detection data.
[0014] According to the other aspect, an application is executed by using
the detection data indicating a state of the environment, whereby it
becomes possible to perform processing that effectively uses data
obtained while the application is not being executed.
[0015] In another aspect, the detection data control section may, at least
both in the normal mode and in the power saving mode, cause the detection
section to detect a state of the environment, and store, in the first
storage section, at predetermined time intervals, detection data
indicating the state of the environment detected by the detection
section.
[0016] According to the other aspect, data obtained while an application
is being executed as well as data obtained while any application is not
being executed can be used, whereby it becomes possible to more
effectively use information indicating a state of the environment
obtained.
[0017] In another aspect, the information processing apparatus may further
comprise: a second storage section; and a data transfer control section.
The second storage section has a larger storage capacity than that of the
first storage section. The data transfer control section, when the
operation mode is shifted from the power saving mode to the normal mode,
stores, in the second storage section, the detection data stored in the
first storage section. In this case, the application execution section,
in executing the application using the detection data, uses the detection
data stored in the second storage section.
[0018] According to the other aspect, the detection data stored in the
first storage section at the predetermined time intervals is transferred
to the second storage section when the operation mode is shifted to the
normal mode, whereby it becomes possible to store detection data in the
information processing apparatus even if the storage section has a
smaller capacity.
[0019] In another aspect, the information processing apparatus may further
comprise: a second storage section; and a data transfer control section.
The second storage section has a larger storage capacity than that of the
first storage section. The data transfer control section, in the power
saving mode, stores, in the second storage section, with a predetermined
period, the detection data stored in the first storage section. In this
case, the application execution section, in executing the application
using the detection data, uses the detection data stored in the second
storage section.
[0020] According to the other aspect, the detection data stored in the
first storage section at the predetermined time intervals is transferred
to the second storage section with a predetermined period, whereby it
becomes possible to store detection data in the information processing
apparatus even if the storage section has a smaller capacity.
[0021] In another aspect, the information processing apparatus may further
comprise: a communication section; and a data communication control
section. The communication section communicates data with another
apparatus via a network. The data communication control section, in the
power saving mode, transmits the detection data to the other apparatus
via the communication section with a predetermined period.
[0022] According to the other aspect, the detection data detected at the
predetermined time intervals is transmitted to another apparatus (for
example, a server) with a predetermined period, whereby it becomes
possible for the other apparatus to perform processing using the
detection data transmitted from one or more information processing
apparatuses.
[0023] In another aspect, the detection section may include at least the
atmospheric pressure sensor. In this case, the detection data control
section stores, as the detection data, atmospheric pressure data
indicating the value of the atmospheric pressure detected by the
atmospheric pressure sensor, in the first storage section. The
application execution section, in executing the application using the
detection data, performs processing of predicting the weather based on
the atmospheric pressure data.
[0024] According to the other aspect, it becomes possible to predict the
weather in a place where the information processing apparatus is present
by using the detection data indicating a state of the environment, and to
report, to a user, the predicted weather based on the result of the
prediction.
[0025] In another aspect, the application execution section may execute an
application of a game as the application using the detection data, and
perform processing of the game by using the predicted weather.
[0026] According to the other aspect, it becomes possible to change the
content of a game, based on the weather predicted by using the detection
data indicating a state of the environment.
[0027] In another aspect, the information processing apparatus may further
comprise: a signal output section; and a signal pattern control section.
The signal output section outputs a radio signal having a predetermined
signal pattern to another apparatus that can be remotely operated by
means of wireless communication. The signal pattern control section
controls the signal pattern of the radio signal outputted by the signal
output section. In this case, the application execution section, in
executing the application using the detection data, causes the signal
output section to output a radio signal having a signal pattern that
causes the other apparatus to operate, via the signal pattern control
section, based on a comparison between a threshold value and a detection
value indicated by the detection data.
[0028] According to the other aspect, it becomes possible to control the
operation of another apparatus that can be remotely operated, by using
the detection data indicating a state of the environment.
[0029] In another aspect, the signal output section may output an infrared
light signal having a predetermined signal pattern to an air conditioner
by means of infrared communication. The detection section may include at
least the temperature sensor. In this case, the detection data control
section stores, as the detection data, temperature data indicating the
value of the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, in the first
storage section. The application execution section, in executing the
application using the detection data, when the value of the temperature
indicated by the temperature data is higher than a first threshold value,
causes the signal output section to output an infrared light signal
having a signal pattern that causes the air conditioner to operate in a
cooling mode, and when the value of the temperature indicated by the
temperature data is lower than a second threshold value smaller than the
first threshold value, causes the signal output section to output an
infrared light signal having a signal pattern that causes the air
conditioner to operate in a heating mode.
[0030] According to the other aspect, it becomes possible to control the
operation of an air conditioner that can be remotely operated by means of
infrared communication, by using the detection data indicating the
temperature in a place where the information processing apparatus is
present.
[0031] In addition, the information processing apparatus may be able to be
operated by an input apparatus including an imaging section for taking an
image of infrared light, which is an imaging target, outputted by the
signal output section. In this case, the application execution section,
in executing an application selected from the plurality of applications,
calculates a motion of the input apparatus, based on the position of the
imaging target on the image taken by the imaging section, and performs
processing according to the motion.
[0032] According to the other aspect, it becomes possible to use an
infrared light output section, for controlling remote operation of an air
conditioner, which infrared light output section is, being an imaging
target, originally used for pointing operation.
[0033] In another aspect, the present invention may be implemented as an
information processing system including at least a server and a plurality
of the information processing apparatuses. In this case, the detection
section includes at least the atmospheric pressure sensor. The detection
data control section stores, as the detection data, atmospheric pressure
data indicating the value of the atmospheric pressure detected by the
atmospheric pressure sensor, in the first storage section. The data
communication control section transmits the atmospheric pressure data to
the server via the communication section. The server draws an isobar
based on the values of the atmospheric pressures indicated by the
respective pieces of atmospheric pressure data obtained from the
plurality of the information processing apparatuses, and creates a
weather chart including the isobar.
[0034] According to the other aspect, it becomes possible to create a
weather chart (isobars) based on the values of the atmospheric pressure
detected in multiple regions, and to perform new types of information
processing based on multiple pieces of information.
[0035] In another aspect, the present invention may be implemented as an
information processing method including steps of operations performed by
the respective above elements.
[0036] According to the above aspects of the present invention, even in
the power saving mode in which any application is not being executed, a
state of the environment is always detected and the detection data
indicating the state of the environment detected is stored, whereby it
becomes possible to effectively use information indicating the state of
the environment obtained in the power saving mode.
[0037] 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
[0038] FIG. 1 is an external view illustrating a game system 1 according
to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 2 is a function block diagram of a game apparatus main body 5
shown in FIG. 1;
[0040] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a controller 7 shown in FIG. 1 as
viewed from the top rear side thereof;
[0041] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the controller 7 shown in FIG. 3 as
viewed from the bottom front side thereof;
[0042] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the
controller 7 shown in FIG. 3;
[0043] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an example of an external
appearance of an LED module 8 shown in FIG. 1;
[0044] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an example of the LED module 8
in a state where covers 8LC and 8RC of markers 8L and 8R are removed;
[0045] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration
of an environment sensor unit 28 shown in FIG. 2;
[0046] FIG. 9 is an illustrated diagram showing an example of a schedule
of tasks of a game apparatus 3 shown in FIG. 1;
[0047] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the history of the
results of detections of the atmospheric pressure obtained by an
atmospheric pressure sensor 281 shown in FIG. 8;
[0048] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for reporting,
to a user, a predicted weather by using the history of the results of
detections of the atmospheric pressure shown in FIG. 10;
[0049] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the history of the
results of detections of the temperature obtained by a temperature sensor
282 shown in FIG. 8;
[0050] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the history of the
results of detections of the humidity obtained by a humidity sensor 283
shown in FIG. 8;
[0051] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing
performed by the environment sensor unit 28 shown in FIG. 2;
[0052] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by
the system LSI 11 (input-output processor 31) shown in FIG. 2;
[0053] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of main data and main
programs stored in a main memory of the game apparatus main body 5 shown
in FIG. 1;
[0054] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by
the CPU 10 shown in FIG. 2;
[0055] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by
a server that can transmit data to and receive data from the game
apparatus 3 shown in FIG. 1; and
[0056] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a weather chart
generated by the server.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0057] With reference to FIG. 1, an information processing apparatus
according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.
Hereinafter, in order to provide a specific description, a game system
including a game apparatus main body 5 which is a stationary game
apparatus body corresponding to an example of the information processing
apparatus will be described. FIG. 1 is an external view illustrating an
example of the game system 1 including a stationary game apparatus 3.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the game apparatus
main body 5. Hereinafter, the game system 1 will be described.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 1 includes: a household
television receiver (hereinafter, referred to as a monitor) 2 which is an
example of display means; and a game apparatus 3 which is a stationary
game apparatus and is connected to the monitor 2 via a connection cord.
The monitor 2 includes a speaker 2a for outputting as a sound an audio
signal from the game apparatus 3. Further, the game apparatus 3 includes:
an optical disc 4 storing an information processing program; the game
apparatus main body 5 having a computer for executing the programs stored
in the optical disc 4 to output to and display on the monitor 2 an
information processing screen; a controller 7 for providing the game
apparatus main body 5 with operation information necessary for operating,
for example, objects displayed on the display screen; and an LED module
8.
[0059] The LED module 8 is located on the periphery of the monitor 2 (at a
side above a screen shown in FIG. 1). The LED module 8 has two markers 8L
and 8R at both ends thereof, and is connected to the game apparatus main
body 5. For example, the markers 8L and 8R are each configured with one
or more infrared LEDs, and each outputs infrared radiation forward from
the monitor 2. The game apparatus main body 5 is capable of controlling
lighting of each of the infrared LEDs provided to the LED module 8. In
the present embodiment, the markers 8L and 8R are used for an operation
using the controller 7, and also used as means for transmitting an
infrared light signal to control apparatuses (for example, air
conditioner) that are controlled by receiving an infrared light signal.
[0060] The game apparatus main body 5 has a wireless controller module 19
(see FIG. 2) incorporated therein. The wireless controller module 19
receives data which is wirelessly transmitted from the controller 7, and
allows the game apparatus main body 5 to transmit the data to the
controller 7, thereby connecting between the controller 7 and the game
apparatus main body 5 through wireless communication. Further, into the
game apparatus main body 5, the optical disc 4, which typifies an
information storage medium and is exchangeable with respect to the game
apparatus main body 5, is detachably mounted.
[0061] The game apparatus main body 5 has mounted thereto a flash memory
17 (see FIG. 2) which functions as a backup memory which fixedly stores
data such as saved data. The game apparatus main body 5 executes the
information processing program or the like which is stored in the optical
disc 4, to display an image indicating the obtained result on the monitor
2. Such a program to be executed may be previously stored in the flash
memory 17 as well as in the optical disc 4. Further, the game apparatus
main body 5 may reproduce a state that has been previously obtained, by
using the saved data stored in the flash memory 17, and display an image
on the monitor 2. A user of the game apparatus 3 can operate the
controller 7 while viewing the image displayed on the monitor 2, thereby
progressing information processing or enjoying a game.
[0062] The controller 7 wirelessly transmits transmission data such as
operation information, by using, for example, the Bluetooth (registered
trademark) technology, to the game apparatus main body 5 having the
wireless controller module 19 incorporated therein. The controller 7 is
operation means for mainly operating a player object and the like
displayed on the display screen of the monitor 2. The controller 7 is
provided with a housing which is small enough to be held by one hand, and
a plurality of operation buttons (including a cross key and a stick)
which are exposed at the surface of the housing. In addition, as is
apparent from the below description, the controller 7 has an imaging
information calculation section 74 for taking an image as viewed from the
controller 7. The markers 8L and 8R are an example of an object whose
image is to be shot by the imaging information calculation section 74. In
addition, the controller 7 receives, by means of a communication section
75, the transmission data which is wirelessly transmitted form the
wireless controller module 19 of the game apparatus main body 5, and can
generate a sound and a vibration in accordance with the transmission
data.
[0063] Next, with reference to FIG. 2, an internal structure of the game
apparatus main body 5 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram
illustrating an exemplary structure of the game apparatus main body 5.
The game apparatus main body 5 includes: a CPU (central processing unit)
10; a system LSI (large scale integration) 11; an external main memory
12; a ROM/RTC (read only memory/real time clock) 13; a disc drive 14; an
AV-IC (audio video-integrated circuit) 15, and the like.
[0064] The CPU 10, serving as a game processor, executes the program
stored in the optical disc 4 to perform a processing. The CPU 10 is
connected to the system LSI 11. In addition to the CPU 10, the external
main memory 12, the ROM/RTC 13, the disc drive 14, the AV-IC 15, an LED
control section 27, and the like are also connected to the system LSI 11.
The system LSI 11 performs processing such as control of data
transmission between respective components connected thereto, generation
of an image to be displayed, and acquisition of data from an external
apparatus. An internal structure of the system LSI 11 will be described
below. The external main memory 12, which is of a volatile type, stores
programs or data loaded from the optical disc 4 or the flash memory 17,
and stores other various data. The external main memory 12 is used as a
work area and a buffer area for the CPU 10. The ROM/RTC 13 includes a ROM
(so-called a boot ROM) incorporating a program for booting the game
apparatus main body 5, and a clock circuit (RTC) for counting time. In
addition, the ROM/RTC 13 sets alarm interrupt as a wake-up event for the
CPU 10 or an input/output processor 31 described later. For example, in
the ROM/RTC 13, a trigger is generated every predetermined time that is a
unit of time of processing. When the trigger has been generated, a
scheduled time of an event of transferring data or transmission and
reception of data, and the time at which the trigger has been generated
are compared. If the time of the trigger generation is later than the
scheduled time of the event, alarm interrupt is set as a wake-up event
for the input/output processor 31, whereby the input/output processor 31,
an internal main memory 35, and the flash memory 17 are booted up. The
disc drive 14 reads, from the optical disc 4, program data, texture data
and the like, and writes the read data into an internal main memory 35
described below or the external main memory 12. The LED control section
27 is connected to the infrared LEDs included in the LED module 8. When
the CPU 10 turns the infrared LEDs on, the CPU 10 issues a command to the
LED control section 27 for power feeding. In response to the command from
the CPU 10 for the power feeding, the LED control section 27 feeds the
power to the infrared LEDs, whereby the infrared LEDs are turned on.
Specifically, the LED control section 27 turns on and off the infrared
LEDs provided to the LED module 8 in accordance with a signal pattern
indicated by the CPU 10.
[0065] Provided in the system LSI 11 are an input/output processor 31, a
GPU (graphics processor unit) 32, a DSP (digital signal processor) 33, a
VRAM (video RAM) 34, and the internal main memory 35. These component 31
to 35 are connected to each other via an internal bus not shown.
[0066] The GPU 32, which is a part of rendering means, generates an image
in accordance with a graphics command (draw command) supplied from the
CPU 10. The VRAM 34 stores data (such as polygon data and texture data)
necessary for the GPU 32 to execute the graphics command. When an image
is generated, the GPU 32 generates image data by using the data stored in
the VRAM 3
[0067] The DSP 33 functions as an audio processor, and generates audio
data by using sound data and sound waveform (tone quality) data stored in
the internal main memory 35 and the external main memory 12.
[0068] The image data and the audio data generated as described above, are
read by the AV-IC 15. The AV-IC 15 outputs the read image data to the
monitor 2 via an AV connector 16, and also outputs the read audio data to
the speaker 2a of the monitor 2. Thus, an image is displayed on the
monitor 2, and a sound is outputted from the speaker 2a.
[0069] The input/output processor (I/O processor) 31 executes data
reception and transmission among the components connected thereto and
download of data from an external apparatus. The I/O processor 31 is
connected to the flash memory 17, a wireless communication module 18, the
wireless controller module 19, an extension connector 20, an memory card
connector 21, and an environment sensor unit 28. To the wireless
communication module 18, an antenna 22 is connected, and to the wireless
controller module 19, an antenna 23 is connected.
[0070] The I/O processor 31 is connected to a network via the wireless
communication module 18 and the antenna 22 and can communicate with other
game apparatuses or various servers connected to the network. The I/O
processor 31 accesses the flash memory 17 at regular time intervals to
detect for data to be transmitted to the network. When the data to be
transmitted is detected, the data is transmitted to the network via the
wireless communication module 18 and the antenna 22. Further, the I/O
processor 31 receives, via the network, the antenna 22 and the wireless
communication module 18, data transmitted from the other game apparatuses
or data downloaded from a download server, and stores the received data
in the flash memory 17. The CPU 10 executes the program to read the data
stored in the flash memory 17, thereby using the read data on the
program. The flash memory 17 may store the data transmitted and received
among the game apparatus main body 5, and other game apparatuses or the
various servers, and also may store saved data (result data or
intermediate step data of the process) of a game played with the game
apparatus main body 5, or management data (management information
specific to the game apparatus 3, including identification information
and a mail address of the game apparatus 3, a profile of a user,
positional information of the game apparatus 3 (for example, an address
and a floor where the game apparatus 3 is placed)). The management data
to be stored in the flash memory 17 is registered by a user of the game
apparatus 3 inputting the management data in advance, for example.
[0071] Further, the I/O processor 31 receives the operation data and the
like transmitted from the controller 7 via the antenna 23 and the
wireless controller module 19, and (temporarily) stores the operation
data and the like in a buffer area of the internal main memory 35 or the
external main memory 12. The internal main memory 35 may store programs
loaded from the optical disc 4 or the flash memory 17, and various data,
and may be used as a work area and a buffer area for the CPU 10, as with
the external main memory 12.
[0072] The I/O processor 31 is connected to the extension connector 20 and
the memory card connector 21. The extension connector 20, which is a
connector used for interface such as a USB and an SCSI, allows
communication with the network, without using the wireless communication
module 18, by connecting, to the extension connector 20, a media such as
an external storage medium, or a peripheral device such as another
controller, or a wired communication connector. The memory card connector
21 is a connector for connecting to the memory card connector 21 the
external storage medium such as a memory card. For example, the I/O
processor 31 accesses the external storage medium via the extension
connector 20 or the memory card connector 21, to store data in the
external storage medium or read data from the external storage medium.
[0073] The game apparatus main body 5 includes (on, for example, a front
portion of its main surface): a power button 24 for the game apparatus
main body 5; a reset button 25 for a game process; an insertion opening
through which the optical disc 4 is mounted or dismounted; an eject
button 26 for ejecting the optical disc 4 through an insertion opening of
the game apparatus main body 5; and the like. The power button 24 and the
reset button 25 are connected to the system LSI 11. When the power button
24 is pressed so as to be ON, the power is supplied to the respective
components of the game apparatus main body 5 via an AC adapter which is
not shown. When the reset button 25 is pressed, the system LSI 11
restarts a boot program of the game apparatus main body 5. The eject
button 26 is connected to the disc drive 14. When the eject button 26 is
pressed, the optical disc 4 is ejected from the disc drive 14.
[0074] The environment sensor unit 28 is connected to the input-output
processor 31. When the input-output processor 31 has been booted up by
the power button 24 of the game apparatus main body 5 being turned on, or
by a wake-up event set by the ROM/RTC 13 being executed as alarm
interrupt, the input-output processor 31 stores detection data stored in
the environment sensor unit 28, in the flash memory 17. In the present
embodiment, even if the power button 24 of the game apparatus main body 5
is not on, as long as power is being supplied to the game apparatus main
body 5 via an AC adapter, at least the ROM/RTC 13 and the environment
sensor unit 28 are always maintained in an active state (power saving
mode). When the wake-up even set by the ROM/RTC 13 has been executed as
alarm interrupt, at least the input-output processor 31, the internal
main memory 35, and the flash memory 17 are also booted up, and then the
input-output processor 31 stores, in the flash memory 17, detection data
indicating a result of detection performed in the power saving mode by
the environment sensor unit 28. It is noted that the internal
configuration of the environment sensor unit 28 will be described later.
[0075] With reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, the controller 7 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the controller 7 as viewed from the top
rear side thereof. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the controller 7 as
viewed from the bottom front side thereof. FIG. 5 is a block diagram
showing an example of the configuration of the controller 7.
[0076] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the controller 7 includes a housing 71
which is formed by, for example, plastic molding, and has a plurality of
operation sections 72 in the housing 71. The housing 71 has a generally
parallelepiped shape extending in a longitudinal direction from front to
rear. The overall size of the housing 71 is small enough to be held by
one hand of an adult or even a child.
[0077] At the center of the front portion of the top surface of the
housing 71, a cross key 72a is provided. The cross key 72a is a
cross-shaped four-direction push switch. The cross key 72a includes
operation portions corresponding to the four directions (front, rear,
right and left), which are located on cross-shaped projecting portions,
respectively, arranged at intervals of 90 degrees. A user selects one of
the front, rear, right and left directions by pressing a corresponding
one of the operation portions of the cross key 72a. Through an operation
on the cross key 72a, the user can, for example, indicate a direction in
which an object or the like appearing in a virtual world is to move or
select one of a plurality of options.
[0078] Behind the cross key 72a on the top surface of the housing 71, a
plurality of operation buttons 72b, 72c, 72d, 72e, 72f and 72g are
provided. The operation buttons 72b, 72c, 72d, 72e, 72f and 72g are
operation sections for outputting operation signals assigned to the
operation buttons 72b, 72c, 72d, 72e, 72f and 72g, respectively, when the
user presses a head thereof. For example, the operation buttons 72b, 72c,
and 72d are assigned with functions of a first button, a second button,
and an A button, for example. Further, the operation buttons 72e, 72f and
72g are assigned with functions of a minus button, a home button and a
plus button, for example. The operation buttons 72a, 72b, 72c, 72d, 72e,
72f and 72g are assigned with various operation functions in accordance
with the program executed by the game apparatus main body 5. In an
exemplary arrangement shown in FIG. 3, the operation buttons 72b, 72c and
72d are arranged in a line at the center in the front-rear direction on
the top surface of the housing 71. The operation buttons 72e, 72f and 72g
are arranged in a line in the left-right direction between the operation
buttons 72b and 72d on the top surface of the housing 71. The operation
button 72f has a top surface thereof buried in the top surface of the
housing 71, so as not to be inadvertently pressed by the user.
[0079] In front of the cross key 72a on the top surface of the housing 71,
an operation button 72h is provided. The operation button 72h is a power
switch for remote-controlling the power of the game apparatus main body 5
to be on or off. The operation button 72h also has a top surface thereof
buried in the top surface of the housing 71, so as not to be
inadvertently pressed by the user.
[0080] On the bottom surface of the housing 71, a recessed portion is
formed. The recessed portion is formed at a position at which an index
finger or middle finger of a user is located when the user holds the
controller 7 with one hand so as to orient the front surface thereof to
the markers 8L and 8R. On a slope surface of the recessed portion on the
bottom surface of the housing 71, an operation button 72i is provided.
The operation button 721 is an operation section acting as, for example,
a B button.
[0081] On the front surface of the housing 71, an image pickup element 743
included in the imaging information calculation section 74 is provided.
The imaging information calculation section 74 is a system for analyzing
image data taken by the controller 7 and detecting the position of the
center of gravity, the size and the like of an area having a high
brightness in the image data. The imaging information calculation section
74 has, for example, a maximum sampling period of about 200 frames/sec.,
and therefore can trace and analyze even a relatively fast motion of the
controller 7. On the rear surface of the housing 71, the connector 73 is
provided. The connector 73 is, for example, an edge connector, and is
used for engaging and connecting the controller 7 with, for example, the
connection cable.
[0082] As shown in FIG. 5, the imaging information calculation section 74
includes the infrared filter 741, the lens 742, the image pickup element
743 and the image processing circuit 744. The infrared filter 741 allows
only infrared light to pass therethrough, among light incident on the
front surface of the controller 7. The lens 742 collects the infrared
light which has passed through the infrared filter 741 and outputs the
infrared light to the image pickup element 743. The image pickup element
743 is a solid-state image pick-up device such as, for example, a CMOS
sensor or a CCD. The image pickup element 743 takes an image of the
infrared light collected by the lens 742. Accordingly, the image pickup
element 743 takes an image of only the infrared light which has passed
through the infrared filter 741 and generates image data. The image data
generated by the image pickup element 743 is processed by the image
processing circuit 744. Specifically, the image processing circuit 744
processes the image data obtained from the image pickup element 743,
identifies a spot thereof having a high brightness, and outputs, to the
communication section 75, process result data representing a position
coordinate point and the area size of the identified spot. The imaging
information calculation section 74 is fixed to the housing 71 of the
controller 7. The imaging direction of the imaging information
calculation section 74 can be changed by changing the direction of the
housing 71.
[0083] Here, the two markers 8L and 8R are provided in the vicinity of the
display screen of the monitor 2. The markers 8L and 8R each emit infrared
light forward from the monitor 2, and become imaging targets of the
imaging information calculation section 74. Then, the game apparatus main
body 5 calculates a position designated by the controller 7, by using
position data regarding high brightness points based on the two makers 8L
and 8R. Specifically, when a user holds the controller 7 such that its
front surface faces the monitor 2, the infrared lights outputted from the
two markers 8L and 8R are incident on the imaging information calculation
section 74. The image pickup element 743 takes images of the incident
infrared lights via the infrared filter 741 and the lens 742, and the
image processing circuit 744 processes the taken images. In the imaging
information calculation section 74, components of the infrared lights
outputted from the markers 8L and 8R are detected, whereby positional
information (positions of target images) and the like of the markers 8L
and 8R on the taken image are obtained. For example, the image processing
circuit 744 analyzes the image data taken by the image pickup element
743, eliminates, from area information of the taken image, images that
are not generated by the infrared lights outputted from the markers 8L
and 8R, and then determines the high brightness points as the positions
of the markers 8L and 8R. The imaging information calculation section 74
obtains the positional information such as positions of the centers of
gravity of the determined high brightness points. The positional
information may be outputted as coordinate values whose origin point is
set to a predetermined reference point on a taken image (e.g., the center
or the left top corner of the taken image). Alternatively, with the
position of the center of gravity at a predetermined timing being set as
a reference point, the difference between the reference point and a
current position of the center of gravity may be outputted as a vector.
That is, in the case where a predetermined reference point is set on the
taken image taken by the image pickup element 743, the positional
information on the target images is used as parameters representing
differences between the positions of the target images and the reference
point position. The positional information is transmitted to the game
apparatus main body 5, whereby, on the basis of the differences between
the reference point and the positional information, the game apparatus
main body 5 is capable of obtaining variations in a signal that
corresponds to a movement, an attitude, a position, and the like of the
imaging information calculation section 74, i.e., the controller 7, with
respect to the markers 8L and 8R. Specifically, when the controller 7 is
moved, the positions of the centers of gravity of the high brightness
points in the image transmitted from the communication section 75 change.
Therefore, a direction and a coordinate point are inputted in accordance
with the change in the positions of the centers of gravity of the high
brightness points, whereby the position designated by the controller 7
may be regarded as an operation input, and a direction and a coordinate
point may be inputted in accordance with a direction in which the
controller 7 moves.
[0084] In addition, the controller 7 includes a three-axis (X-axis,
Y-axis, and Z-axis) acceleration sensor 701. The three-axis acceleration
sensor 701 detects a linear acceleration in three directions, i.e., the
up/down direction, the left/right direction, and the forward/backward
direction. Further, acceleration detection means which detects for a
linear acceleration along at least one axial directions may be used. For
example, theses acceleration sensors 701 may be of the type available
from Analog Devices, Inc. or STMicroelectronics N.V. The acceleration
sensor 701 may be preferably of an electrostatic capacitance
(capacitance-coupling) type that is based on silicon micro-machined MEMS
(Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) technology. However, an acceleration
detection technology (e.g., piezoelectric type or piezoresistance type)
now existing or any other suitable technology later developed may be used
to provide the acceleration sensor 701.
[0085] The communication section 75 includes the microcomputer 751, a
memory 752, the wireless module 753 and the antenna 754. The
microcomputer 751 controls the wireless module 753 for wirelessly
transmitting the transmission data while using the memory 752 as a
storage area during the processing. The microcomputer 751 controls an
operation of the sound IC 707 based on the data received from the game
apparatus main body 5 by the wireless module 753 via the antenna 754. The
sound IC 707 processes the sound data and the like transmitted from the
game apparatus main body 5 via the communication section 75.
[0086] Data from the controller 7 including key data representing an
operation signal from the operation sections 72; X-Y-Z-axial direction
acceleration data representing three-axial direction acceleration signals
from the acceleration sensor 701; and the process result data indicating
positional information obtained in the imaging information calculation
section 74, are outputted to the microcomputer 751. The microcomputer 751
temporarily stores the respective input data (the key data, the
X-Y-Z-axial direction acceleration data, and process result data) in the
memory 752 as the transmission data which is to be transmitted to the
wireless controller module 19. The wireless transmission from the
communication section 75 to the wireless controller module 19 is
performed periodically at predetermined time intervals. Since game
processing is generally performed at a cycle of 1/60 sec., data needs to
be transmitted at a cycle of a time period shorter than the cycle of the
game processing. Specifically, the game process unit is 16.7 ms ( 1/60
sec.), and the transmission interval of the communication section 75
structured using the Bluetooth technology is 5 ms. At a time at which the
transmission to the wireless controller module 19 is to be performed, the
microcomputer 751 outputs the transmission data stored in the memory 752
as a series of operation information to the wireless module 753. The
wireless module 753 uses, for example, the Bluetooth technology to
transmit, from the antenna 754, operation information as a radio wave
signal by using a carrier wave of a predetermined frequency. Thus, data
from the controller 7 including the key data from the operation sections
72, the X-Y-Z-axial direction acceleration data from the acceleration
sensor 701, and the process result data from the imaging information
calculation section 74 are transmitted from the controller 7. The
wireless controller module 19 of the game apparatus main body 5 receives
the radio wave signal, and the game apparatus main body 5 demodulates or
decodes the radio wave signal to obtain the series of operation
information (the key data, the X-Y-Z-axial direction acceleration data,
and the process result data). Based on the obtained operation information
and the program, the CPU 10 of the game apparatus main body 5 performs
the processing. When the communication section 75 is structured by using
the Bluetooth technology, the communication section 75 can function to
receive transmission data which is wirelessly transmitted from another
device.
[0087] With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the LED module 8 will be
described. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an example of an external
appearance of the LED module 8 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a perspective
view showing an example of the LED module 8 in a state where covers 8LC
and 8RC of the markers 8L and 8R are removed.
[0088] As shown in FIG. 6, an outer shape of the LED module 8 is a rod
shape. At both edges in the longitudinal direction of the LED module 8,
the two markers 8L and 8R are fixed, respectively. The marker 8L has the
cover 8LC and the infrared LEDs (infrared LEDs 8La shown in FIG. 7). The
marker 8R has the cover 8RC and the infrared LEDs (infrared LEDs 8Ra
shown in FIG. 7).
[0089] As shown in FIG. 7, the marker 8L has four infrared LEDs 8La. The
marker 8R has four infrared LEDs 8Ra. The four infrared LEDs 8La are
located close to one another, the imaging information calculation section
74 in the controller 7 picks up images of the four LEDs 8La as one image.
The four LEDs 8La are arranged horizontally in a line along the
longitudinal direction of the LED module 8 such that a radiation
direction of infrared radiations from four LEDS 8La is radial. That is,
outer two of the four infrared LEDs 8La, which are arranged horizontally
in the line, are arranged so as to face an outer side compared to inner
two of the infrared LEDs 8La. Accordingly, an irradiation angle of all of
the four infrared LEDs 8La (an irradiation angle of the marker 8L) is
widened in a horizontal direction of the LED module 8. In addition, the
four infrared LEDs 8Ra are arranged in the same manner as the infrared
LEDs 8La. Therefore, when the LED module 8 is fixed to the periphery of
the monitor 2, the controller 7 can receive the infrared radiations from
the markers 8L and 8R in a wide range including left and right sides of
the front surface of the monitor 2. That is, the user can user the
controller 7 in the wide range including the left and right sides of the
front surface of the monitor 2. In addition, if an apparatus to be
controlled by receiving an infrared light signal is present in an
irradiation area of infrared light radiated from the LED module 8, also
the apparatus is irradiated with the infrared light from the LED module
8. As described above, since the LED module 8 radiates infrared light
over a wide range including left and right sides, the apparatus is likely
to receive the infrared light from the LED module 8.
[0090] It is noted that, in another embodiment, the marker may have any
number of infrared LEDs. In the case where the marker has a plurality of
infrared LEDs, it is preferable that the infrared LEDs are arranged
horizontally in line so as to irradiate the infrared radiation radially.
Further, the marker may be configured with one infrared LED and a cover
which diffuses the infrared radiation from the infrared LED.
[0091] Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the environment sensor unit 28 will
be described. It is noted that FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an
example of the configuration of the environment sensor unit 28.
[0092] As shown in FIG. 8, the environment sensor unit 28 includes an
atmospheric pressure sensor 281, a temperature sensor 282, a humidity
sensor 283, a microcomputer 284, and a memory 285, as an example of a
detection section for detecting the state of environment. For example,
the environment sensor unit 28 is provided inside the game apparatus main
body 5.
[0093] In accordance with an instruction from the microcomputer 284, the
atmospheric pressure sensor 281 detects the atmospheric pressure at a
place where the atmospheric pressure sensor 281 is present (that is, a
place where the game apparatus main body 5 is present), and outputs a
signal indicating the result of the detection of the atmospheric
pressure, to the microcomputer 284. In accordance with an instruction
from the microcomputer 284, the temperature sensor 282 detects the
temperature at a place where the temperature sensor 282 is present (that
is, the place where the game apparatus main body 5 is present), and
outputs a signal indicating the result of the detection of the
temperature, to the microcomputer 284. In accordance with an instruction
from the microcomputer 284, the humidity sensor 283 detects the humidity
at a place where the humidity sensor 283 is present (that is, the place
where the game apparatus main body 5 is present), and outputs a signal
indicating the result of the detection of the humidity, to the
microcomputer 284. Typically, the memory 285 is smaller in capacity than
storage means (for example, the flash memory 17) included in the game
apparatus main body 5. The memory 285 is, for example, a nonvolatile
memory. Based on the result of the detection outputted from each of the
atmospheric pressure sensor 281, the temperature sensor 282, and the
humidity sensor 283, the microcomputer 284 generates detection data
indicating the result of the detection, and sequentially stores the
detection data in the memory 285.
[0094] For example, as shown in FIG. 9, at time intervals of t1 (for
example, every 10 minutes), the microcomputer 284 obtains the result of
detection from each of the atmospheric pressure sensor 281, the
temperature sensor 282, and the humidity sensor 283, and stores the
detection data indicating the result of detection in the memory 285 in
chronological order. It is noted that since, as described above, the
environment sensor unit 28 is always in an active state as long as power
is being supplied to the game apparatus main body 5 via the AC adapter,
pieces of detection data indicating the results of detections obtained at
time intervals of t1 is always being accumulated in the memory 285
irrespective of the operation mode of the game apparatus main body 5
(which includes, for example, a power saving mode in which the power
supply button 24 is off, and a normal mode in which the power supply
button 24 is on). For example, in a schedule of tasks shown in FIG. 9,
pieces of detection data indicating the results of detections obtained at
time intervals of t1 are being accumulated in the memory 285 in any one
of the power saving mode (a period before a time point A) set when the
power supply button 24 is turned off, the normal mode (a period from the
time point A to a time point B) set while the power supply button 24 is
on, and the power saving mode (after the time point B) set when the power
supply button 24 is turned off again.
[0095] In addition, the microcomputer 284 outputs the detection data
accumulated in the memory 285 in accordance with an instruction from the
input-output processor 31. For example, at the time when the power supply
button 24 of the game apparatus main body 5 is turned on (that is, in
FIG. 9, the time point A when the operation mode is shifted from the
power saving mode to the normal mode) or at the time when a wake-up event
set by the ROM/RTC 13, which is executed at time intervals of t2 (for
example, every one day), is executed, the input-output processor 31
requests the microcomputer 284 to output the detection data, and stores
the outputted detection data in the flash memory 17. Therefore, pieces of
detection data indicating the results of detections obtained at the time
intervals of t1 are eventually stored in the flash memory 17. Here, since
the memory 285 is smaller in capacity than the flash memory 17, there is
a possibility that detection data beyond the capacity needs to be stored
because detection data is always accumulated. In this case, the memory
285 needs to prohibit a new piece of detection data from being stored, or
to delete a piece of detection data indicating the oldest result of
detection. However, this problem of lack of the capacity can be avoided
by transferring, at regular intervals, detection data from the memory 285
to the flash memory 17 having a larger capacity.
[0096] In addition, the CPU 10 execute a predetermined application by
using the detection data stored in the flash memory 17, in the normal
mode (in a period from the time point A to the time point B in FIG. 9),
thereby enabling various information processings. Hereinafter, with
reference to FIG. 10 to FIG. 13, an example of execution of applications
using the detection data will be described. It is noted that FIG. 10 is a
diagram showing an example of the history of the results of detections of
the atmospheric pressure obtained by the atmospheric pressure sensor 281.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for reporting, to a
user, a predicted weather by using the history of the results of
detections of the atmospheric pressure shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a
diagram showing an example of the history of the results of detections of
the temperature obtained by the temperature sensor 282. FIG. 13 is a
diagram showing an example of the history of the results of detections of
the humidity obtained by the humidity sensor 283.
[0097] With reference to FIG. 10, in the history of the results of
detections of the atmospheric pressure obtained by the atmospheric
pressure sensor 281, in the case where the atmospheric pressure is
inclined to increase, the weather in a region where the atmospheric
pressure sensor 281 is present is inclined to improve. On the other hand,
in the history of the results of detections of the atmospheric pressure
obtained by the atmospheric pressure sensor 281, in the case where the
atmospheric pressure is inclined to decrease, the weather in a region
where the atmospheric pressure sensor 281 is present is inclined to
deteriorate. As an example, in periods indicated by characters of "rain"
in FIG. 10, it rained in the region where the atmospheric pressure sensor
281 is present, and the atmospheric pressure is inclined to decrease. The
periods almost coincide with periods where the atmospheric pressure is
minimum in the history of the results of detections of the atmospheric
pressure. In this way, by using the history of the results of detections
of the atmospheric pressure obtained by the atmospheric pressure sensor
281, it becomes possible to predict the weather in the region where
atmospheric pressure sensor 281 is present.
[0098] For example, as shown in FIG. 11, by using the history of the
results of detections of the atmospheric pressure obtained by the
atmospheric pressure sensor 281, it becomes possible to display, on the
monitor 2, the prediction of the weather in a region where the game
apparatus 3 is present. Specifically, in the history of the results of
detections of the atmospheric pressure obtained by the atmospheric
pressure sensor 281, when the atmospheric pressure is currently inclined
to decrease, information indicating that the atmospheric pressure is
decreasing and information indicating that the weather in the region
where game apparatus 3 is present is inclined to deteriorate (which is
represented by "it is likely to rain", for example) is displayed on the
monitor 2. As a result, a user of the game apparatus 3 can know the
tendency of the weather in the vicinity of the place where the game
apparatus 3 is present (for example, the user's house). It is noted that
the prediction of the weather does not need to obtain information from
another apparatus via a network or the like. The prediction of the
weather is performed by using only the results of detections obtained by
the atmospheric pressure sensor 281 of the game apparatus main body 5,
whereby the result of the prediction can be reported to a user.
[0099] With reference to FIG. 12, in the history of the results of
detections of the temperature obtained by the temperature sensor 282, the
pattern of the variation in the temperature can differ depending on the
presence condition of a room where the game apparatus 3 is placed. For
example, in an office in summer, it is assumed that an air conditioner is
turned on while a person is present in the office in the daytime, and
that the air conditioner is turned off while a person is absent in the
office, or in the nighttime. In the case where an air conditioner is used
in such a pattern, the temperature is kept relatively low while a person
is present in the office, and the temperature becomes relatively high
while a person is absent in the office. Specifically, an office in which
a person is present only in the daytime on weekdays (Monday to Friday)
has a temperature pattern in which the temperature is kept relatively low
in the daytime and becomes relatively high in the nighttime (which is a
usual pattern of weekdays). On the other hand, if a person is absent the
whole day, the office has a temperature pattern in which the temperature
is kept relatively high without decreasing, which is a temperature
pattern of absent period. In this way, by recognizing the temperature
pattern in the history of the results of detections of the temperature
obtained by the temperature sensor 282, the presence condition of an
office where the game apparatus 3 is placed (a room where the game
apparatus is placed) can be known. For example, if the history of the
results of detections of the temperature obtained by the temperature
sensor 282 is obtained from another game apparatus 3 having the
environment sensor unit 28, it become possible to monitor the presence
condition of a room where the other game apparatus 3 is placed.
Specifically, another game apparatus 3 is set in a living room or the
like of a house of a family member present away from a user, the history
of the results of detections of the temperature obtained by the
temperature sensor 282 of the other game apparatus 3 is received from the
other game apparatus 3 at regular intervals, and then the temperature
pattern is checked, whereby the presence condition of the family member
away from the user can be reported to the user.
[0100] With reference to FIG. 13, in the history of the results of
detections of the humidity obtained by the humidity sensor 283, a general
tendency of the humidity can differ in accordance with the change of a
time of year. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, if a rainy season starts
in a region where the game apparatus 3 is present, the humidity detected
by the humidity sensor 283 is inclined to increase in general. If a dry
season starts in a region where the game apparatus 3 is present, the
humidity detected by the humidity sensor 283 is inclined to decrease in
general, and if a rainy season starts, the humidity detected by the
humidity sensor 283 is inclined to increase in general. In this way, it
is possible to predict the change of seasons in a region where the game
apparatus 3 is present based on a general tendency in the history of the
results of detections of the humidity obtained by the humidity sensor
283, and to report the result of the prediction to a user.
[0101] As described above, the operation mode of the game apparatus main
body 5 is switched by task control by the ROM/RTC 13 or by the power
supply button 24 being turned on/off. In the normal mode in which the
power supply button 24 is on, power is supplied to the CPU 10 which
executes an application using the detection data or an application that
does not use the detection data, whereby it becomes possible to execute
the application. On the other hand, in the power saving mode in which the
power supply button 24 is off, at least, supply of power to the CPU 10
which execute such an application is restricted, and as a result, it
becomes impossible to execute the application. However, the environment
sensor unit 28 of the game apparatus main body 5 detects, at
predetermined time intervals, the state of the environment (for example,
the atmospheric pressure, the temperature, or the humidity) in a place
where the game apparatus main body 5 is present, not only in the normal
mode but also in the power saving mode. Therefore, information is always
being obtained even while an application is not being executed, whereby
the obtained information can be effectively used. By the CPU 10 executing
a predetermined application using the detection data indicating the state
of the environment detected, it become possible to perform various
information processings. It is noted that in the game apparatus main body
5, only data indicating the state of the environment detected by the game
apparatus main body 5 may be used as detection data for executing a
predetermined application, or data indicating the state of the
environment detected by another game apparatus main body 5 may be used.
[0102] It is noted that the game apparatus main body 5 can also execute an
application that does not use the detection data, that is, the game
apparatus main body 5 can execute a plurality of applications including
an application using the detection data and an application that does not
use the detection data. Here, it should be understood that even if the
game apparatus main body 5 is executing, in the normal mode, an
application that does not use the detection data, the state of the
environment in a place where the game apparatus main body 5 is present
can be detected in predetermined time intervals, and that even in the
power saving mode after the execution of the application is finished, the
state of the environment can be detected in predetermined time intervals.
[0103] In addition, in the above description, at the time intervals of t1,
the state of the environment in a place where the game apparatus 3 is
present is detected and pieces of detection data indicating the results
of the detections are stored in the memory 285. The stored detection data
is transferred to the flash memory 17 at the time intervals of t2 and
when the operation mode is shifted to the normal mode. The detection data
stored in the flash memory 17 is used when the CPU 10 executes an
application using the detection data. However, the game apparatus 3 may
be constantly detecting the state of the environment in a place where the
game apparatus 3 is present, and may sequentially store pieces of
detection data indicating the results of the detections in the memory
285. Alternatively, only in the power saving mode, the game apparatus 3
may detect, at the time intervals of t1, the state of the environment in
a place where the game apparatus 3 is present (that is, the game
apparatus 3 does not detect the state of the environment in the normal
mode), and may store pieces of detection data indicating the results of
the detections in the memory 285. In addition, the detection data may be
transferred to the flash memory 17 only at the time intervals of t2, or
may be transferred to the flash memory 17 only when the operation mode is
shifted to the normal mode.
[0104] In addition, pieces of detection data indicating the results of the
detections of the state of the environment obtained at the time intervals
of t1 may be directly stored in the flash memory 17. Alternatively,
pieces of detection data indicating the results of the detections of the
state of the environment obtained at the time intervals of t1 may be
stored in the memory 285, and the detection data stored in the memory 285
may be directly used in execution of an application. In either case, it
is not necessary to perform the processing of transferring the detection
data stored in the memory 285 to the flash memory 17 at the time
intervals of t2 and when the operation mode is shifted to the normal
mode.
[0105] Next, the details of processing performed by the game system 1 will
be described. First, with reference to FIG. 14, the details of processing
performed by the environment sensor unit 28 will be described. It is
noted that FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing
performed by the environment sensor unit 28. In FIG. 14, each step of the
processing executed by the environment sensor unit 28 (microcomputer 284)
is abbreviated as "S".
[0106] When supply of power to the game apparatus main body 5 via the AC
adapter is started, the microcomputer 284 of the environment sensor unit
28 executes a predetermined boot-up program. Then, a predetermined
environment state detection program is loaded, and the microcomputer 284
starts to execute the environment state detection program. The flowchart
in FIG. 14 shows processing performed after the above processing is
completed. As previously described, as long as power is being supplied to
the game apparatus main body 5 via the AC adapter, the environment sensor
unit 28 is always maintained in an active state. As long as power is
being supplied to the game apparatus main body 5, the processing
described below is always repeated at predetermined intervals.
[0107] With reference to FIG. 14, the microcomputer 284 determines whether
or not the present time is a time of obtaining a result of detection
(step 41). For example, while the microcomputer 284 obtains the result of
the detection from each of the atmospheric pressure sensor 281, the
temperature sensor 282, and the humidity sensor 283 at the time intervals
of t1 (for example, every ten minutes), the microcomputer 284 determines
whether or not the present time corresponds to a time of obtaining a
result of detection which comes at the time intervals of t1. If the
present time is a time of obtaining a result of detection, the
microcomputer 284 shifts the processing to step 42. On the other hand, if
the present time is not a time of obtaining a result of detection, the
microcomputer 284 shifts the processing to step 44.
[0108] In step 42, the microcomputer 284 obtains a signal indicating the
result of the detection from each sensor. Then, the microcomputer 284
stores a piece of detection data indicating the result of the detection
in the memory 285 in chronological order of detection (step 43), and
shifts the processing to step 44. Specifically, the microcomputer 284
obtains a signal indicating the result of detection of the atmospheric
pressure from the atmospheric pressure sensor 281, and stores a piece of
atmospheric pressure detection data indicating the result of detection of
the atmospheric pressure in the memory 285 in chronological order. In
addition, the microcomputer 284 obtains a signal indicating the result of
detection of the temperature from the temperature sensor 282, and stores
a piece of temperature detection data indicating the result of detection
of the temperature in the memory 285 in chronological order. In addition,
the microcomputer 284 obtains a signal indicating the result of detection
of the humidity from the humidity sensor 283, and stores a piece of
humidity detection data indicating the result of detection of the
humidity in the memory 285 in chronological order.
[0109] In step 44, the microcomputer 284 determines whether or not a
request for data from the system LST 11 (input-output processor 31) has
occurred. As will be found from the description below, the input-output
processor 31 outputs a request for data to the microcomputer 284 when the
power supply button 24 is turned on and at the time intervals of t2 (for
example, every one day). If the request for data has been outputted, the
microcomputer 284 determines that the request for data from the system
LSI 11 has occurred. If the request for data has occurred, the
microcomputer 284 shifts the processing to step 45. On the other hand, if
the request for data has not occurred, the microcomputer 284 returns the
processing to step 41 to execute the processing from step 41 again.
[0110] In step 45, the microcomputer 284 outputs the detection data stored
in the memory 285 to the system LSI 11, and then returns the processing
to step 41 to execute the processing from step 41 again. Here, pieces of
atmospheric pressure detection data, pieces of temperature detection
data, and pieces of humidity detection data obtained at the time
intervals of t1 are stored in the memory 285 in respective chronological
orders. As an example, in step 45, the microcomputer 284 outputs all the
pieces of atmospheric pressure detection data, all the pieces of
temperature detection data, and all the pieces of humidity detection data
stored in the memory 285 to the system LSI 11, and then deletes all the
pieces of atmospheric pressure detection data, all the pieces of
temperature detection data, and all the pieces of humidity detection data
stored in the memory 285.
[0111] Next, with reference to FIG. 15, the details of processing
performed when the detection data is transferred from the memory 285 of
the environment sensor unit 28 to the flash memory 17 will be described.
It is noted that FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of processing
executed by the system LSI 11 (input-output processor 31) when the
detection data is transferred from the memory 285 to the flash memory 17.
In FIG. 15, each step of the processing executed by the input-output
processor 31 is abbreviated as "S".
[0112] As previously described, when the power supply button 24 of the
game apparatus main body 5 is turned on or when a wake-up event set by
the ROM/RTC 13 is executed as alarm interrupt, the input/output processor
31, the internal main memory 35, and the flash memory 17 are booted up.
When the input-output processor 31 is booted up, the input-output
processor 31 executes a predetermined boot-up program. Then, a
predetermined data transfer program is loaded, and the input-output
processor 31 starts to execute the data transfer program. The flowchart
in FIG. 15 shows processing performed after the above processing is
completed. It is noted that as previously described, in the case where,
in the power saving mode, a wake-up event set by the ROM/RTC 13 is
executed as alarm interrupt, at least the input-output processor 31, the
internal main memory 35, and the flash memory 17 are also booted up in
addition to the ROM/RTC 13 and the environment sensor unit 28. Therefore,
the processing described below is executed in the state in which these
units have been booted up. On the other hand, in the case where the power
supply button 24 of the game apparatus main body 5 is turned on, units of
the game apparatus main body 5, including the CPU 10, the input-output
processor 31, and the flash memory 17, are booted up. Therefore, the
processing described below is executed in the state in which these units
have been booted up.
[0113] With reference to FIG. 15, the input-output processor 31 which has
been booted up by the alarm interrupt set by the ROM/RTC 13 or by the
power supply button 24 being turned on determines whether or not to
transfer data (step 51). For example, if the wake-up even set by the
ROM/RTC 13 indicates transfer of data, if the input-output processor 31
has been booted up by the power supply button 24 being turned on, or if
the CPU 10 has made an instruction of transferring data, the input-output
processor 31 determines that data is to be transferred. If data is to be
transferred, the input-output processor 31 shifts the processing to step
52. On the other hand, if data is not to be transferred, the input-output
processor 31 shifts the processing to step 54.
[0114] In step 52, the input-output processor 31 obtains the atmospheric
pressure detection data, the temperature detection data, and the humidity
detection data from the environment sensor unit 28, and shifts the
processing to the next step. For example, the input-output processor 31
outputs a data request to the environment sensor unit 28 (microcomputer
284). In response to the data request, the microcomputer 284 outputs all
pieces of atmospheric pressure detection data, all pieces of temperature
detection data, and all pieces of humidity detection data stored in the
memory 285, to the input-output processor 31.
[0115] Next, the input-output processor 31 stores, in the flash memory 17,
the atmospheric pressure detection data, the temperature detection data,
and the humidity detection data obtained from the environment sensor unit
28 (step 53), and shifts the processing to step 54. For example, the
input-output processor 31 stores, in the flash memory 17, the atmospheric
pressure detection data, the temperature detection data, and the humidity
detection data obtained in step 52 such that the atmospheric pressure
detection data, the temperature detection data, and the humidity
detection data are newly added, in chronological order, to the
atmospheric pressure detection data, the temperature detection data, and
the humidity detection data that have been already stored in the flash
memory 17 in chronological order. That is, states of the environment (for
example, the atmospheric pressure, the temperature, and the humidity)
detected by the environment sensor unit 28 are accumulated in the flash
memory 17 in chronological order. It is noted that in step 53, the
input-output processor 31 may delete, from the flash memory 17, detection
data indicating a state of the environment detected a predetermined time
or more ago. It is noted that every time the input-output processor 31
stores a piece of detection data, the input-output processor 31 may store
the time when the piece of detection data was obtained, so that a time
when each piece of detection data was obtained can be determined.
Alternatively, the input-output processor 31 may store, together with
each piece of detection data, the time when the input-output processor 31
started to obtain the piece of detection data, and the elapsed time from
the time of starting to obtain the piece of detection data. Then, the
time when the piece of detection data was obtained may be calculated from
the time of starting to obtaining the piece of detection data, and the
intervals between measurements of detection data.
[0116] In step 54, the input-output processor 31 determines whether or not
to execute another processing (which is, for example, in the case where
the game apparatus 3 is connected to another apparatus, processing of
transmitting data to or receiving data from the other apparatus). For
example, if the wake-up event set by the ROM/RTC 13 indicates execution
of another processing, or if the CPU 10 has made an instruction of
executing another processing, the input-output processor 31 determines
that another processing is to be executed. If another processing is to be
executed, the input-output processor 31 shifts the processing to step 55.
On the other hand, if another processing is not to be executed, the
input-output processor 31 ends the processing of the flowchart.
[0117] In step 55, the input-output processor 31 executes the other
processing, and ends the processing of the flowchart. For example, in the
case where the other processing to be executed in step 55 is to transmit
data to or receive data from another apparatus, the input-output
processor 31 transmits transmission data stored in the flash memory 17,
to another apparatus (for example, a server or another game apparatus 3),
and stores, in the flash memory 17, reception data transmitted or
distributed by the other apparatus. In the case where the game apparatus
3 is connected to another apparatus via a network, the input-output
processor 31 can transmit, to the other apparatus, the atmospheric
pressure detection data, the temperature detection data, and the humidity
detection data stored in the flash memory 17, can receive the atmospheric
pressure detection data, the temperature detection data, and the humidity
detection data detected by the other apparatus, or can receive another
form of data generated by the other apparatus using the atmospheric
pressure detection data, the temperature detection data, and the humidity
detection data transmitted by the game apparatus 3. Such a mode in which
information processing is performed together with another apparatus will
be described later. It is noted that it is not necessary that the game
apparatus 3 is connected to the other apparatus so as to be able to
transmit data to or receive data to the other apparatus.
[0118] Next, with reference to FIG. 16, main data used in processing for
executing a predetermined application will be described. In the
description below, processing of predicting the weather in a region where
the game apparatus 3 is present by using the atmospheric pressure
detection data stored in the flash memory 17 will be assumed as an
example of an application to be executed. It is noted that FIG. 16 is a
diagram showing an example of main data and main programs stored in the
external main memory 12 and/or the internal main memory 35 (hereinafter,
the two main memories are collectively referred to merely as a main
memory) of the game apparatus main body 5.
[0119] As shown in FIG. 16, detection result data Da, operation data Db,
prediction result data Dc, position data Dd, image data De, and the like
are stored in a data storage area of the main memory. It is noted that
besides the data shown in FIG. 16, data needed in the processing such as
data that relates to an object appearing in a virtual world is also
stored in the main memory. In addition, programs Pa forming an
information processing program are stored in a program storage area of
the main memory.
[0120] In the detection result data Da, detection data indicating the
history of states of the environment detected by the environment sensor
unit 28 is stored. For example, the detection result data Da includes
atmospheric pressure detection data Da1, temperature detection data Da2,
and humidity detection data Da3. The atmospheric pressure detection data
Da1 indicates the history of the results of detections of the atmospheric
pressure obtained by the atmospheric pressure sensor 281. In the
atmospheric pressure detection data Da1, all or some pieces of the
atmospheric pressure detection data stored in the flash memory 17 are
stored as data to be used in the following processing. The temperature
detection data Da2 indicates the history of the results of detections of
the temperature obtained by the temperature sensor 282. In the
temperature detection data Da2, all or some pieces of the temperature
detection data stored in the flash memory 17 are stored as data to be
used in the following processing. The humidity detection data Da3
indicates the history of the results of detections of the humidity
obtained by the humidity sensor 283. In the humidity detection data Da3,
all or some pieces of the humidity detection data stored in the flash
memory 17 are stored as data to be used in the following processing.
[0121] In the operation data Db, a series of pieces of operation
information transmitted from the controller 7 as transmission data are
stored, whereby the operation data Db is updated to the latest operation
data. The operation information stored in the operation data Db includes
at least one of key data, acceleration data, and processing result data,
and is used as data indicating an operation of a user in the following
processing. It is noted that the wireless controller module 19 of the
game apparatus main body 5 receives data indicating the operation
information transmitted from the controller 7 with a predetermined period
(for example, every 1/200 second), and the received data is stored in a
buffer included in the wireless controller module 19, which is not shown.
Thereafter, the data stored in the buffer is loaded with a period of one
frame (for example, every 1/60 second) which is a processing period,
whereby the operation data Db in the main memory is updated.
[0122] In the prediction result data Dc, data indicating the result of
prediction of the weather in a region where the game apparatus 3 is
present is stored. In the position data Dd, data indicating the position
of the game apparatus 3 is stored. For example, in the position data Dd,
management data stored in the flash memory 17 (positional information
about the game apparatus 3 indicating the address or the like where the
game apparatus 3 is present) may be stored, or in the case of using a GPS
(Global Positioning System), positional information obtained from the GPS
may be stored.
[0123] The image data De includes object image data De1, background image
data De2, and the like. The object image data De1 is used for generating
an image of an object placed in a virtual world. The background image
data De2 is used for generating an image of a background placed in a
virtual world.
[0124] Next, with reference to FIG. 17, the details of the processing of
the CPU 10 executing a predetermined application will be described. It is
noted that FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of processing
executed by the CPU 10. Here, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 17,
processing of predicting the weather in a region where the game apparatus
3 is present by using the atmospheric pressure detection data stored in
the flash memory 17 will be described, and the detailed description of
other processings that do not directly relate to the present invention
will be omitted. In FIG. 17, each step of the processing executed by the
CPU 10 is abbreviated as "S".
[0125] When the power supply button 24 of the game apparatus main body 5
is turned on, the CPU 10 of the game apparatus main body 5 executes a
boot-up program stored in the ROM/RTC 13, whereby units such as the main
memory are initialized, and the processing mode of the game apparatus
main body 5 is shifted from the power saving mode to the normal mode.
Then, an information processing program stored in the optical disc 4 or
the like is loaded onto the main memory, and the CPU 10 starts to execute
the information processing program. The flowchart in FIG. 17 shows
processing performed after the above processing is completed.
[0126] With reference to FIG. 17, the CPU 10 obtains the history of
detection data and the position data of the game apparatus 3 stored in
the flash memory 17 (step 61), and shift the processing to the next step.
For example, the CPU 10 stores, in the detection result data Da, as data
to be used in information processing, the atmospheric pressure detection
data, the temperature detection data, and the humidity detection data
accumulated and stored in the flash memory 17. In addition, the CPU 10
stores, in the position data Dd, as data to be used in information
processing, data indicating positional information about the game
apparatus 3 included in the management data stored in the flash memory
17, or data indicating the positional information obtained from a GPS. It
is noted that in the case where positional information does not need to
be used for predicting the weather, for example, in the case where only
the weather at the position of the game apparatus 3 is to be predicted
based on data obtained by only the game apparatus 3, the position data Dd
does not necessarily need to be obtained.
[0127] Next, the CPU 10 determines whether or not it is possible to
predict the weather, with reference to the detection result data Da (step
62). For example, if the number of pieces of detection data stored in the
detection result data Da in chronological order is less than the number
needed for predicting the weather (for example, the number of detections
performed in past eight hours), the CPU 10 determines that it is possible
to predict the weather. If it is possible to predict the weather, the CPU
10 shifts the processing to step 63. On the other hand, if it is
impossible to predict the weather, the CPU 10 shifts the processing to
step 65.
[0128] In step 63, the CPU 10 predicts the weather and shifts the
processing to the next step. For example, with reference to the
atmospheric pressure detection data Da1, the CPU 10 predicts the weather
based on the tendency of the atmospheric pressure to increase or decrease
in the history of the results of detections of the atmospheric pressure
obtained by the atmospheric pressure sensor 281, and stores data
indicating the result of the prediction in the prediction result data Dc.
Specifically, if, in the history of the results of detections of the
atmospheric pressure, the atmospheric pressure is inclined to increase at
the present time, the CPU 10 predicts that the weather is inclined to
improve. If, in the history of the results of detections of the
atmospheric pressure, the atmospheric pressure is inclined to decrease at
the present time, the CPU 10 predicts that the weather is inclined to
deteriorate. If, in the history of the results of detections of the
atmospheric pressure, the atmospheric pressure is not inclined to
increase or decrease at the present time, the CPU 10 predicts that the
weather is inclined to remain as it is.
[0129] Next, the CPU 10 displays the result of the prediction of the
weather on the monitor 2 (step 64), and shifts the processing to step 66.
For example, if the data stored in the prediction result data Dc
indicates that the weather is inclined to deteriorate, the CPU 10
displays, on the monitor 2, information indicating that the atmospheric
pressure is decreasing and information indicating that the weather is
inclined to deteriorate (which is represented by "it is likely to rain",
for example) (see FIG. 11). It is noted that since in step 63, the
weather in a region where the game apparatus 3 is present is predicted,
information indicating the region where the weather is predicted may also
be displayed on the monitor 2. Specifically, since data indicating the
positional information about the game apparatus 3 is stored in the
position data Dd, the CPU 10 can set the region where the weather is
predicted, by using the position information. For example, the CPU 10
displays, on the monitor 2, a map of a predetermined range, and a mark
(for example, a rainy mark, a sunny mark, or cloudy mark) indicating the
result of the prediction of the weather, which is placed at a display
position corresponding to the region where the game apparatus 3 is
present, thereby reporting, to a user, the region where the weather is
predicted, together with the result of the prediction of weather.
[0130] On the other hand, in step 65, the CPU 10 displays, on the monitor
2, information indicating that it is impossible to predict the weather
(for example, "the weather cannot be predicted because the number of
pieces of data is small") (step 65), and shifts the processing to step
66.
[0131] In step 66, the CPU 10 determines whether or not to end the
processing. For example, if a condition for ending the processing has
been satisfied, or if a user has performed an operation of ending the
processing, the CPU 10 determines that the processing is to be ended. If
the processing is not to be ended, the CPU 10 returns the processing to
step 61 to execute the processing from step 61 again. If the processing
is to be ended, the CPU 10 ends the processing shown in the flowchart.
For example, in the case where the CPU 10 determines whether or not to
end the processing based on an operation of ending the processing by a
user, the CPU 10 obtains data indicating operation information from the
controller 7, and updates the operation data Db based on the operation
information. Then, if the operation data Db indicates an operation of
ending the processing, the CPU 10 positively determines in step 66.
[0132] As described above, the game apparatus 3 always obtains information
not only in the normal mode in which the power supply button 24 is on,
but also in the power saving mode in which the power supply button 24 is
off and the power consumption is restricted. In addition, the game
apparatus 3 is always obtaining information even while any application
using the information is not being executed, and even while any
application that does not use the information is not being executed. The
game apparatus 3 can effectively use the information obtained as
described above. In the present embodiment, the game apparatus 3 can
execute an application by using only information detected by the game
apparatus 3. Therefore, even if the game apparatus 3 is not connected to
a network, the game apparatus 3 can collect information and can provide a
user with the result of processing that varies from day to day.
[0133] In the above description, it has been assumed that the game
apparatus 3 detects a state of the environment both in the power saving
mode and in the normal mode, and that the game apparatus 3 executes an
application by using only information detected by the game apparatus 3.
However, if the game apparatus 3 transmits data to and receives data from
another apparatus, it becomes possible to perform another information
processing. Hereinafter with reference to FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, the case
where the game apparatus 3 detects a state of the environment both in the
power saving mode and in the normal mode, and the game apparatus 3
transmits data to and receives data from another apparatus (for example,
a server), thereby performing another information processing, will be
described. It is noted that FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of
processing executed by a server that can transmit data to and receive
data from the game apparatus 3, and FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an
example of a weather chart generated by the server. It is noted that in
FIG. 18, each step of the processing executed by the server is
abbreviated as "S".
[0134] In the description below, it will be assumed that a plurality of
the game apparatuses 3 are connected to a network, and each of the
plurality of the game apparatuses 3 is connected to the server via the
network. In addition, it will be assumed that each of the plurality of
the game apparatuses 3 can transmit data to and receive data from at
least the server via the network.
[0135] With reference to FIG. 18, the server receives the detection data
and the management data from each of the game apparatuses 3 connected to
the network (step 91), and shifts the processing to the next step. Here,
each of the game apparatuses 3 has prepared, in advance, transmission
data to be transmitted to the server, in the flash memory 17. For
example, each of the game apparatuses 3 stores, in the flash memory 17,
the detection data and the management data (identification information
and a mail address of the game apparatus 3, positional information of the
game apparatus 3 (for example, an address), and the like) accumulated in
the flash memory 17, as the transmission data to be transmitted to the
server. If, in step 54, the wake-up event set by the ROM/RTC 13 indicates
transmission of the prepared transmission data to the server, or the CPU
10 has made an instruction of transmitting the transmission data to the
server, the input-output processor 31 executes processing of transmitting
the transmission data to the server via the network in step 55. It is
noted that if the ROM/RTC 13 has executed, as alarm interrupt, the
wake-up event of transmitting the transmission data to the server, the
wireless communication module 18 as well as the input-output processor
31, the internal main memory 35, and the flash memory 17 is booted up.
When each of the game apparatuses 3 has transmitted the detection data
and the management data, the server receives the detection data and the
management data in step 91.
[0136] Next, the server stores the detection data and management data
received from each of the game apparatuses 3 in step 91, in a storage
device that the server has (step 92), and shifts the processing to the
next step. By repeating processing of step 91 and step 92 in this way, at
least data (detection data) indicating a state of the environment
periodically detected by each of the game apparatuses 3 connected to the
network, and the positional information (management data) of the game
apparatus 3 are accumulated in the storage device of the server.
[0137] Next, the server determines whether or not to create a weather
chart (step 93). For example, if a predetermined timing of creating a
weather chart has come or if each of the game apparatuses 3 connected to
the network has made an request for a weather chart (download request),
the server determines that a weather chart is to be created. If a weather
chart is to be created, the server shifts the processing to step 94. On
the other hand, if a weather chart is not to be created, the server
returns the processing to step 91 to execute the processing from step 91
again.
[0138] In step 94, the server corrects the value of the atmospheric
pressure detected by each of the game apparatuses 3 to a value at sea
level (sea level correction), based on the positional information of the
game apparatus 3 stored in the storage device of the server, and shifts
the processing to the next step. For example, in the case where the
positional information of the game apparatus 3 includes an address and a
floor on which the game apparatus 3 is placed, the server corrects the
latest value of the atmospheric pressure detected by each of the game
apparatuses 3 to a value at sea level by using a value obtained by adding
a height corresponding to the floor to the altitude at the address. The
server corrects the value of the atmospheric pressure of each of the game
apparatuses 3 stored in the storage device, and stores a set of the
corrected value of the atmospheric pressure and the corresponding
positional information in the storage device.
[0139] Next, the server places the corrected values of the atmospheric
pressure which have been calculated in step 94, at a predetermined
position on the map based on the respective pieces of positional
information corresponding to the values of the atmospheric pressure (step
95). Then, the server draws isobars, based on the values of the
atmospheric pressure placed on the map, thereby creating a weather chart
(step 96), and shifts the processing to the next step. For example, as
shown in FIG. 19, the server draws isobars at intervals of 4 hPa
(hectopascal) based on the values of the atmospheric pressure placed on
the map. Then, the server draws a mark indicating a low pressure or a
high pressure in an area enclosed by an isobar on the map, or draws a
front by connecting portions at which an isobar bends at a cyclonic
curvature, thereby creating a weather chart on the map and updating the
weather chart stored in the storage device.
[0140] Next, the server transmits, to each of the game apparatuses 3, the
weather chart created in step 96, by using the corresponding piece of
management data received in step 91 (step 97), and returns the processing
to step 91 to execute the processing from step 91 again. Here, when each
of the game apparatuses 3 has received (downloaded) data indicating the
weather chart from the server, the game apparatus 3 stores the data as
reception data, in the flash memory 17. For example, if in step 54, the
wake-up even set by the ROM/RTC 13 indicates reception of data from the
server, or the CPU 10 has made an instruction of receiving data from the
server, the input-output processor 31 executes processing of downloading
data from the server via the network, and stores the received data in the
flash memory 17, in step 55. It is noted that if the ROM/RTC 13 has
executed, as alarm interrupt, the wake-up event of receiving data from
the server, the wireless communication module 18 as well as the
input-output processor 31, the internal main memory 35, and the flash
memory 17 is booted up. If each of the game apparatuses 3 has shifted to
the normal mode, the game apparatus 3 displays the downloaded weather
chart on the monitor 2 in accordance with an operation of a user. It is
noted that by using the positional information of each of the game
apparatuses 3 which are transmission destinations, the server may create
a weather chart for a predetermined range including the current position
of the game apparatus 3 almost at its center, or predict the weather in a
region including the current position, for each of the transmission
destinations. In addition, a mark (for example, a home mark shown in FIG.
19) allowing a user to know the position of the game apparatus 3 which is
a transmission destination, or a mark indicating a prediction of the
weather in a region including the position may be placed on the weather
chart. In this case, the position of a user receiving the transmitted
weather chart and the predicted weather in a region of the user are clear
on the weather chart.
[0141] As described above, each of the game apparatuses 3 detects a state
of the environment in the power saving mode and in the normal mode, and
the server obtains the state of the environment detected by the game
apparatus 3, whereby it becomes possible to perform information
processing based on the states of the environments detected in multiple
regions, and to perform new types of information processing based on
multiple pieces of information. In the above description, the weather
chart (isobars) are created by using the latest value of the atmospheric
pressure detected by each of the game apparatuses 3. However, it should
be understood that, if the history of the value of the atmospheric
pressure detected by each of the game apparatuses 3 is used, it becomes
possible to create the history of the weather chart (the transition of a
pressure distribution up to the present time), and to distribute it to
each of the game apparatuses 3.
[0142] In the above description, the environment sensor unit 28 is
provided inside the game apparatus main body 5, and is directly connected
to the system LSI 11 (input-output processor 31). However, the
environment sensor unit 28 may be provided outside the game apparatus
main body 5 or may be connected to the game apparatus main body 5 in a
detachable manner. For example, since the game apparatus main body 5 has
the extended connector 20 to which a peripheral device is to be
connected, the environment sensor unit 28 may be provided outside the
game apparatus main body 5 by connecting the environment sensor unit 28
via the extended connector 20 in a detachable manner. In this case, the
environment sensor unit 28 is connected to the system LSI 11
(input-output processor 31) via the extended connector 20.
[0143] In addition, in the above description, when, in the power saving
mode, the detection data stored in the environment sensor unit 28 is
transferred to the flash memory 17 or data is transmitted to or received
from another apparatus, the wake-up event set by the ROM/RTC 13 is
executed, whereby the input-output processor 31 and the like are booted
up. However, another type of trigger control may be used to realize the
above processing. For example, the game apparatus main body 5 may be
provided with, for example, an SMC (system management controller), an SMU
(system management unit), or a PMU (power management unit) for
controlling the input-output processor 31 and the like in booting up them
in the power saving mode, whereby the above processing is realized.
Alternatively, the environment sensor unit 28 may control the
input-output processor 31 and the like in booting up them in the power
saving mode. For example, when, in the power saving mode, the detection
data stored in the environment sensor unit 28 is transferred to the flash
memory 17 or data is transmitted to or received from another apparatus,
the microcomputer 284 may boot up the input-output processor 31, the
internal main memory 35, and the flash memory 17, to realize the
processing of transferring data or the processing of transmission and
reception of data.
[0144] In addition, in the above description, the game apparatus main body
5 of a stationary type is used as an example of an information processing
apparatus of the present invention. However, the present invention is
applicable to other types of apparatuses. For example, the present
invention is applicable to an information processing apparatus that is
capable of obtaining an output from a sensor detecting a state of the
environment (for example, the atmospheric pressure, the temperature, or
the humidity). Specifically, the present invention is applicable to
apparatuses such as a general personal computer, a mobile phone, a PDA
(Personal Digital Assistant), or a hand-held game apparatus.
[0145] For example, in the case where the present invention is applied to
a hand-held apparatus such as a mobile phone, a PDA, or a hand-held game
apparatus, typically, a sensor for detecting a state of the environment
is provided inside the hand-held device. When positional information
about the hand-held apparatus is needed, the hand-held apparatus obtains
the positional information thereof by using a GPS or the like, whereby
the present invention can be realized in the same manner as in the game
apparatus main body 5. It is noted that, in the case where the present
invention is applied to a hand-held apparatus, since states of the
environments in various places can be detected by moving the hand-held
apparatus, it is possible to realize processing of, for example,
comparing the environments in a plurality of places by using only
detection data of the hand-held apparatus.
[0146] In addition, in the above description, an atmospheric pressure
sensor, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor are used as an
example of the detection section for detecting a state of the
environment. However, the present invention can be realized by providing
at least one of an atmospheric pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and
a humidity sensor. For example, in the processing of predicting the
weather in a region where the game apparatus 3 is present can be realized
by using only the atmospheric pressure detection data. Therefore, in this
case, the temperature sensor 282 and the humidity sensor 283 may not be
provided.
[0147] In addition, another type of apparatus may be used to detect a
state of the environment. For example, the environment sensor unit 28 may
be provided with, as the detection section for detecting a state of the
environment, a smell sensor, a dust sensor, a human sensor, a camera
shooting an image of the periphery of the game apparatus main body 5, an
illuminance sensor, an ultraviolet sensor, or the like. For example, in
the case where a camera shooting an image of the periphery of the game
apparatus main body 5 is used as the detection section for detecting a
state of the environment, the identifications or the number of persons
present in the periphery of the game apparatus main body 5 may be used as
a state of the environment. In the case where an illuminance sensor or an
ultraviolet sensor is used as the detection section for detecting a state
of the environment, it is possible to report the strength of the sunlight
or the amount of the ultraviolet light of the current day to a user.
[0148] In addition, a variety of applications can be executed by using the
detection data obtained by the game apparatus 3. Hereinafter, examples of
applications using the detection data will be described.
[0149] The first example of applications controls, in accordance with a
state of the environment in the place where the game apparatus 3 is
present, the operation of an apparatus that can be controlled by
receiving an infrared light signal. For example, when the latest
temperature detected by the temperature sensor 282 is higher than a
predetermined first temperature, the CPU 10 turns on an air conditioner
and causes the air conditioner to operate in a cooling mode. In addition,
when the latest temperature detected by the temperature sensor 282 is
lower than a predetermined second temperature, the CPU 10 turns on an air
conditioner and causes the air conditioner to operate in a heating mode.
[0150] As an example, the game apparatus 3 is configured to be capable of
shifting to the noirnal mode at a time set by a user, and a user sets, in
advance, such a time, the first temperature, and the second temperature
for the game apparatus main body 5 (for example, the flash memory 17).
When the game apparatus 3 has shifted from the power saving mode to the
normal mode at the set time, the CPU 10 obtains detection data indicating
the latest temperature detected by the temperature sensor 282, and
outputs an instruction of controlling the operation of an air
conditioner, to the LED control section 27 in accordance with the
temperature. Specifically, if the latest temperature obtained at the set
time is higher than the first temperature, the CPU 10 instructs, via the
LED control section 27, the LED module 8 to transmit an infrared light
signal for turning on an air conditioner and causing the air conditioner
to operate in a cooling mode. In response to the instruction, the markers
8L and 8R of the LED module 8 radiate an infrared light signal for
turning on the air conditioner and causing the air conditioner to operate
in a cooling mode. Then, the radiated infrared light signal is directly
received at a light receiving section of the air conditioner, or the
radiated infrared light signal is reflected by an object present around
the air conditioner (for example, an object placed in a room, the wall of
a room, or window glass), and the reflected light is received at the
light receiving section. As a result, the air conditioner that has
received the infrared light signal is turned on and starts to operate in
a cooling mode. On the other hand, if the latest temperature obtained at
the set time is lower than the second temperature, the CPU 10 instruct,
via the LED control section 27, the LED module 8 to transmit an infrared
light signal for turning on the air conditioner and causing the air
conditioner to operate in a heating mode. In response to the instruction,
the markers 8L and 8R of the LED module 8 radiate an infrared light
signal for turning on the air conditioner and causing the air conditioner
to operate in a heating mode. Then, the radiated infrared light signal is
directly received at the light receiving section of the air conditioner,
or a reflected light thereof is received at the light receiving section.
As a result, the air conditioner that has received the infrared light
signal is turned on and starts to operate in a heating mode.
[0151] As described above, the first example of applications enables
control of an apparatus even if the apparatus is off. As a result, for
example, it is possible to control the temperature in a room where the
game apparatus 3 is placed even if an air conditioner is off. In
addition, as previously described, the markers 8L and 8R of the LED
module 8 are provided for obtaining signals according to a motion, an
orientation, a position, and the like of the controller 7 which are used
for calculating input coordinates and an input direction according to a
position designated by the controller 7 and the direction of a movement
of the controller 7. However, in the first example of applications, the
LED module 8, which is used for inputting coordinates or a direction, is
controlled in lighting the LED module 8, in accordance with a state of
the environment (for example, the temperature) detected, whereby the LED
module 8 can be used for a purpose different from the original purpose.
[0152] The second example of applications reflects, in the environment of
a virtual world created by the second example of applications being
executed, a weather, a season, a time of year, the amount of insolation,
and the like that are predicted from a state of the environment detected
by the game apparatus 3. As an example, in the case where the weather in
a region where the game apparatus 3 is present is predicted as being
rainy based on the history of the atmospheric pressure detected by the
game apparatus 3, the CPU 10 sets, at a rainy state, the environment of a
virtual world created in a game conducted by the second example of
applications being executed. As another example, in the case where the
season in a region where the game apparatus 3 is present is predicted as
being summer based on the histories of the temperature and the humidity
detected by the game apparatus 3, the CPU 10 sets, at a summer state, the
environment of a virtual world created in a game conducted by the second
example of applications being executed. It is noted that a weather, a
season, a time, the amount of insolation, and the like to be predicted as
described above may be predicted by using only a state of the environment
detected by the game apparatus 3, or may be predicted by another
apparatus (for example, a server) using states of the environments
detected by a plurality of the game apparatuses 3.
[0153] The third example of applications calculates an indication (index)
of phenomenon that temporally varies, by using a state of the environment
detected by the game apparatus 3. For example, based on the histories of
the temperature and the humidity detected by the game apparatus 3, the
CPU 10 calculates a beer index, an influenza epidemic index, a comfort
index, a discomfort index, a laundry index, and the like in a place where
the game apparatus 3 is present, and displays the result of the
calculation on the monitor 2 thereby reporting it to a user. It is noted
that the above indices may be calculated by using only a state of the
environment detected by the game apparatus 3, or may be calculated by
another apparatus (for example, a server) using states of the
environments detected by a plurality of the game apparatuses 3.
[0154] The fourth example of applications gives various advices to a user
of the game apparatus 3, based on a state of the environment detected by
the game apparatus 3. As an example, the CPU 10 calculates the difference
in the temperature between the current day and the previous day, by using
the history of the temperature detected by the game apparatus 3, and
displays, on the monitor 2, an advice about recommended clothes for the
current day, based on the difference in the temperature, thereby
reporting the advice to a user. As another example, based on the
histories of the temperature and the humidity detected by the game
apparatus 3, the CPU 10 estimates a season or a time of year on the
current day, and displays, on the monitor 2, an advice about a
recommended dish (menu) for the current day, based on the temperature,
and the estimated season or time of year on the current day, thereby
reporting the advice to a user. It is noted that the calculation of the
difference in the temperature, the estimation of a season and a time of
year, and the setting of the content of an advice described above may be
performed by the game apparatus 3 using only a state of the environment
detected by the game apparatus 3, or may be performed by another
apparatus (for example, a server) using states of the environments
detected by a plurality of the game apparatuses 3.
[0155] The fifth example of applications displays, on the monitor 2, the
history of a state of the environment detected by another game apparatus
3, together with the history of a state of the environment detected by
the game apparatus 3, thereby comparing them. For example, the game
apparatus 3 receives detection data indicating the histories of the
temperature and the humidity detected by another game apparatus 3 that an
acquaintance of a user has, or another game apparatus 3 that is present
in a region for which a user wants to compare environments, and displays
information on the monitor 2 such that the user can compare the histories
of the temperature and the humidity detected by the game apparatus 3 with
the histories of the temperature and the humidity detected by the other
game apparatus 3. In this way, the user of the game apparatus 3 compares
the environment in a room of the user where the game apparatus 3 is
placed with the environment in a room of the acquaintance, or with the
environment in a region that the user is interested in, thereby
recognizing the difference in the environments.
[0156] The sixth example of applications monitors the presence condition
in room of a user of another game apparatus 3, based on the history of a
state of the environment detected by the other game apparatus 3. For
example, the game apparatus 3 periodically receives, from another game
apparatus 3 which, for example, a family member away from a user has,
detection data indicating the history of the temperature detected by the
other game apparatus 3. Then, the CPU 10 compares the history of the
temperature received from the other game apparatus 3 with a temperature
variation pattern for presence and a temperature variation pattern for
absence, thereby estimating the presence condition in room of the user of
the other game apparatus 3. The CPU 10 displays the result of the
estimation on the monitor 2 thereby reporting it to the user. In this
way, the user of the game apparatus 3 can periodically confiuin the
presence of a family member away from the user, or the like, whereby the
user is kept informed of the safety of the family member.
[0157] In addition, it should be understood that the above-described
shapes of the game apparatus main body 5 and the controller 7, and the
shapes, the number, the positions and the like of the operation sections
provided thereto are merely examples, and that any other shapes, numbers,
and positions may be used to realize the present invention. Also, it
should be understood that the order of steps and the like in the
above-described processing are merely examples, and that any other order
of steps may be used to realize the present invention.
[0158] In addition, in the above description, all the steps of the
information processing are executed by only the game apparatus 3.
However, at least a part of the steps of the information processing may
be executed by another apparatus (for example, another game apparatus or
a server). For example, in the case where the game apparatus 3 is
connected to another apparatus in a communicable state, the game
apparatus 3 and the other apparatus may execute the information
processing in a coordinated manner. As an example, the game apparatus 3
detects a state of the environment, and transmits detection data
indicating the result of the detection to the other apparatus. Then, the
other apparatus executes some of the steps (for example, prediction of
the weather, confirmation of the presence condition, or estimation of a
time of year) of the information processing that use the detection data
transmitted by the game apparatus 3, and transmits data indicating the
result of these steps of the information processing to the game apparatus
3. The game apparatus 3 displays the transmitted result on the monitor 2.
Thus, another apparatus executes at least a part of the steps of the
information processing, whereby the same processing as the information
processing described above can be realized. In this way, the information
processing described above can be executed by one processor or a
plurality of processors being coordinated, included in an information
processing system that includes at least one information processing
apparatus. In addition, in the present embodiment, the microcomputer 284,
the input-output processor 31, and the CPU 10 of the game apparatus 3
execute respective predetermined programs thereby performing the
processing of the above flowchart. However, a dedicated circuit may be
provided to the game apparatus 3, and the dedicated circuit may execute a
part or all of the steps of the information processing.
[0159] In addition, the programs used in the present embodiment may be
supplied to the game apparatus main body 5 via an external storage medium
such as the optical disc 4, or may be stored in advance in a nonvolatile
storage apparatus. Alternatively, the programs may be supplied to the
game apparatus main body 5 by means of wired or wireless communication.
It is noted that other than a CD-ROM, a DVD, and an optical disc storage
medium of a similar type, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, a flexible
disk, a hard disk, a magnet-optical disk, a magnetic tape, or the like
may be used as the information storage medium for storing the programs.
Alternatively, volatile memory temporarily storing programs may be used
as the information storage medium for storing the programs.
[0160] While the invention has been described in detail, the foregoing
description is in all aspects illustrative and not restrictive. It should
be understood that numerous other modifications and variations can be
devised without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition,
it should be understood that the scope of the present invention is
interpreted only by the scope of the claims. In addition, it should be
understood that, from the description of specific embodiments of the
present invention, the one skilled in the art can easily implement the
present invention in the equivalent range based on the description of the
present invention and on the common technological knowledge. In addition,
it should be understood that terms used in the present specification have
meanings generally used in the art concerned unless otherwise specified.
Therefore, unless otherwise defined, all the jargons and technical terms
have the same meanings as those generally understood by one skilled in
the art of the present invention. In the event of any confliction, the
present specification (including meanings defined herein) has priority.
* * * * *
