US20130137521A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20130137521A1
Application number: US13/667,590
Authority: US
Inventors: Kenichi Takemoto; Keigo Nakano; Kazutomo Niwa
Original assignee: Nintendo Co Ltd
Current assignee: Nintendo Co Ltd
Priority date: 2011-11-25
Filing date: 2012-11-02
Publication date: 2013-05-30
Also published as: JP5845069B2; JP2013114313A

Abstract

Matchmaking is performed by, when a plurality of information processing apparatuses execute a predetermined application together, setting a combination of the information processing apparatuses. When the combination of the information processing apparatuses to execute the application together is set in the matchmaking, it is determined on the basis of a predetermined condition whether or not a log of the execution of the application is to be acquired, and the application is executed together with any of the other information processing apparatuses with which each information processing apparatus has been combined. Then, if it has been determined that the log is to be acquired, a log of the execution of the application for which the determination has been made is sent to a predetermined apparatus.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-257521, filed on Nov. 25, 2011, is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The technology shown here relates to a communication system, a storage medium having stored therein a communication program, an information processing apparatus, a server, and a communication method, and in particular, relates to a communication system, an information processing apparatus, a server, and a communication method that, for example, control the process of combining communication partners together, and a storage medium having stored therein a communication program that, for example, controls the process of combining communication partners together.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

Conventionally, a game system is known where a user performs a communication game such as a versus game with another user via a network. In such a game system, it is possible to perform a communication game even with an unknown user, and therefore, a proposal is made for a countermeasure to prevent some user who commits dishonesty from causing a good user to feel unpleasant in the communication game.

In the game system, however, the above countermeasure may increase the processing load of a server and/or the workload of a server operator.

Therefore, it is a main object of an exemplary embodiment to provide a novel communication system, a storage medium having stored therein a novel communication program, a novel information processing apparatus, a novel server, and a novel communication method. Further, it is another object of the exemplary embodiment to provide a communication system, an information processing apparatus, a server, and a communication method that are capable of reducing the processing load of a server and/or the workload of a server operator while appropriately combining communication partners together, and a storage medium having stored therein a communication program capable of reducing the processing load of a server and/or the workload of a server operator while appropriately combining communication partners together.

To achieve the above object, the exemplary embodiment can employ, for example, the following configurations. It should be noted that it is understood that, to interpret the descriptions of the claims, the scope of the claims should be interpreted only by the descriptions of the claims. If there is a conflict between the descriptions of the claims and the descriptions of the specification, the descriptions of the claims take precedence.

An exemplary configuration of a communication system according to the exemplary embodiment is a communication system including at least a server and a plurality of information processing apparatuses capable of communicating with the server. The server includes a matchmaking unit and a log acquisition determination unit. The matchmaking unit, when the plurality of information processing apparatuses execute a predetermined application together, sets a combination of the information processing apparatuses. The log acquisition determination unit, when the matchmaking unit sets the combination of the information processing apparatuses to execute the application together, determines on the basis of a predetermined condition whether or not a log of the execution of the application is to be acquired. Each information processing apparatus includes a processing execution unit and a log sending unit. The processing execution unit executes the application together with any of the other information processing apparatuses with which the information processing apparatus has been combined by the matchmaking unit. The log sending unit, if the log acquisition determination unit has determined that the log is to be acquired, sends to a predetermined apparatus a log of the execution of the application for which the determination has been made.

On the basis of the above, when the combination of information processing apparatuses (the combination of users) is set, it is determined on the basis of a predetermined condition whether or not a log of an execution of an application is to be acquired. This makes it possible to acquire an appropriate log, which makes it possible to reduce the processing load of a server and the workload of a server operator while monitoring users using the acquired log.

In addition, the log sending unit may send a log of the information processing apparatus having executed the application, together with a log of any of the other information processing apparatuses having executed the application together with the information processing apparatus.

On the basis of the above, not only a log of any of the information processing apparatuses but also a log of another one of the information processing apparatuses with which the information processing apparatus has executed the application is sent. This makes it possible to acquire a plurality of logs of a given apparatus.

On the basis of the above, even if a first information processing apparatus sends its log by falsifying it, it is possible to confirm the consistency between the falsified log with a log of the first information processing apparatus sent by a second information processing apparatus. This makes it possible to extract a log falsified when sent.

In addition, when the execution of the application for which the determination has been made is started, the log sending unit may further send information indicating the start of the execution of the application.

On the basis of the above, it is possible to detect any of the information processing apparatuses having stopped executing the application in the middle.

In addition, the server may further include an evaluation management unit. The evaluation management unit manages an evaluation regarding the execution of the application performed by each information processing apparatus having executed the application. In this case, on the basis of the evaluations of the information processing apparatuses combined to execute the application together, the log acquisition determination unit may determine whether or not a log of the execution of the application is to be acquired.

On the basis of the above, it is determined, on the basis of an evaluation of the execution of the application, whether or not a log is to be acquired. This makes it possible to acquire an appropriate log based on the evaluation of an information processing apparatus.

In addition, each information processing apparatus may further include a reporting unit. The reporting unit reports to the server the evaluation regarding the execution of the application performed by each of the other information processing apparatuses. In this case, on the basis of the evaluation reported by the reporting unit, the evaluation management unit may update the evaluation of the other information processing apparatus regarding which the report has been made.

On the basis of the above, on the basis of a report made by each of the information processing apparatuses, the evaluation of each of the other information processing apparatuses is set. This makes it possible to reduce the processing load of a server and the workload of a server operator when the evaluations are made.

In addition, the reporting unit may report the evaluation of any of the other information processing apparatuses with which the information processing apparatus has been combined by the matchmaking unit.

On the basis of the above, the evaluation is made of the information processing apparatuses of other users with which a user has been combined and with which the user has executed the application. This makes it possible to obtain an appropriate evaluation from an information processing apparatus of a report source.

In addition, after the application is executed, the reporting unit may report the evaluation regarding the execution of the application performed by any of the other information processing apparatuses with which the information processing apparatus has been combined by the matchmaking unit.

On the basis of the above, after the application is executed, the evaluation of the execution of the application is reported. This makes it possible to obtain an appropriate evaluation from an information processing apparatus of the report source.

In addition, the matchmaking unit may combine together any of the information processing apparatuses having satisfied a predetermined condition for the evaluation.

On the basis of the above, matchmaking is performed on any of the information processing apparatuses whose evaluations made by the other information processing apparatuses have satisfied a predetermined condition. This makes it possible to appropriately set the combination of information processing apparatuses.

In addition, the evaluation management unit may include a report score calculation unit. The report score calculation unit, with respect to each of the reported evaluations, accumulates a report score of corresponding one of the information processing apparatuses for which the evaluation has been made. In this case, the matchmaking unit may combine together any of the information processing apparatuses of which the accumulated report scores are equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, or may combine together any of the information processing apparatuses of which the accumulated report scores are less than the first predetermined value. If the report score of at least one of the information processing apparatuses with which the information processing apparatus has been combined to execute the application together is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value, the log acquisition determination unit may determine on the basis of the predetermined condition whether or not a log of the execution of the application is to be acquired.

On the basis of the above, the accumulation of the evaluation made by more users makes it possible to increase the credibility of the evaluation, which makes it possible to perform more appropriate matchmaking. Further, a report score is calculated on the basis of the evaluation, which makes it possible to appropriately manage the evaluation of an information processing apparatus.

In addition, the exemplary embodiment may be carried out in the forms of a computer-readable storage medium having stored therein a communication program that causes a computer to execute the operations of the above units, an information processing apparatus including some of the above units, a server including some of the above units, and a communication method including the operations performed by the above units.

On the basis of the exemplary embodiment, when the combination of information processing apparatuses is set, it is determined on the basis of a predetermined condition whether or not a log of an execution of an application is to be acquired. This makes it possible to acquire an appropriate log, which makes it possible to reduce the processing load of a server and the workload of a server operator while monitoring users using the acquired log.

These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the exemplary embodiment will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiment when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an external view of a non-limiting example of acommunication system1;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a non-limiting example of the configuration of agame apparatus3 ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a non-limiting example of the configuration of amatchmaking server200 ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a chronological diagram showing a non-limiting example of the interactions between apparatuses when a user reports report information regarding a communication game in thecommunication system1;

FIG. 5 is a chronological diagram showing a non-limiting example of the interactions between apparatuses when a log of the communication game is transmitted in thecommunication system1;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing non-limiting examples of main data and programs stored in amain memory32 of thegame apparatus3;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing non-limiting examples of main data and programs stored in astorage section203 of thematchmaking server200;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a non-limiting example of report score table data Dm stored in thestorage section203;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a non-limiting example of reported log information data Dn stored in thestorage section203;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a non-limiting example of report score information data Do stored in thestorage section203;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a non-limiting example of the processing executed by thegame apparatus3;

FIG. 12 is a subroutine flow chart showing a non-limiting example of a game participation process in step44 ofFIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a subroutine flow chart showing a non-limiting example of a reporting process instep52 ofFIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing a non-limiting example of the processing executed by thematchmaking server200;

FIG. 15 is a subroutine flow chart showing a non-limiting example of a waiting list transmission process instep92 ofFIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a subroutine flow chart showing a non-limiting example of a waiting room creation process instep94 ofFIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a subroutine flow chart showing a non-limiting example of a waiting room participation process instep96 ofFIG. 14; and

FIG. 18 is a subroutine flow chart showing a non-limiting example of a report score calculation process instep98 ofFIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

With reference toFIG. 1, a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment is described. As shown inFIG. 1, acommunication system1, which is an example of the communication system, is constructed by the connection between a plurality ofgame apparatuses3, amatchmaking server200, alog storage server300, alog processing server400, alog processing apparatus500, and anauthentication server600 via anetwork100.

Eachgame apparatus3 is configured to be connected to thenetwork100 using wireless or wired communication. For example, thegame apparatus3 can execute a predetermined application (for example, a communication game) in combination with theother game apparatuses3, using a peer-to-peer communication method, a client-server method, or the like. Further, thegame apparatus3 can communicate with thematchmaking server200 and thelog storage server300 by establishing connection with thematchmaking server200 and thelog storage server300, respectively, via thenetwork100. For example, thegame apparatus3 can execute a program (for example, a game program), which is an example of a communication program stored in a storage medium such as an exchangeable memory card or an exchangeable optical disk, or received from a server or another game apparatus. Thegame apparatus3 may be a handheld game apparatus, or may be a device such as a general personal computer, a mobile phone, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). Further, thegame apparatus3 may be a stationary game system including: an optical disk having stored therein the program; a game apparatus body having a computer for executing the program stored in the optical disk to output a game screen to a monitor for display; and a controller for giving operation information to the game apparatus body, the operation information being necessary for operating an object or the like displayed on a display screen.

After the plurality ofgame apparatuses3 perform predetermined processing (for example, a communication game) by communicating with each other, thelog storage server300 receives and stores a log of the processing transmitted from eachgame apparatus3. It should be noted that thematchmaking server200 determines whether or not a log of thegame apparatus3 is to be acquired, and notifies thegame apparatus3, whose log is to be acquired, of the determination result. Then, if a log of thegame apparatus3 is to be acquired, the log, of the processing, of thegame apparatus3 is transmitted from thegame apparatus3 to thelog storage server300 after the plurality ofgame apparatuses3 perform the predetermined processing by communicating with each other.

Thelog processing server400 automatically analyzes a log stored in thelog storage server300, thereby determining whether or not a user has committed a dishonest act in the processing indicated by the log. Then, if a dishonest act has been committed in the processing, thelog processing server400 selects a reason for reporting the user having committed the dishonest act, and transmits to thematchmaking server200 the user ID of the user to be reported and the selected reason for reporting.

Thelog processing apparatus500 analyzes (for example, by emulation) a log stored in thelog storage server300, using an actual apparatus (for example, an apparatus having a capability similar to that of the game apparatus3), thereby determining whether or not a user has committed a dishonest act in the processing indicated by the log. Then, if a dishonest act has been committed in the processing, thelog processing server400 selects a reason for reporting the user having committed the dishonest act, and transmits to thematchmaking server200 the user ID of the user to be reported and the selected reason for reporting.

Theauthentication server600 is used to, when an attempt has been made to log in to thenetwork100 using thegame apparatus3, determine whether or not the user having attempted to log in is an authorized user. For example, theauthentication server600 manages the user IDs and the passwords of users of thenetwork100, together with the device ID of thegame apparatus3 used in the login process, and authenticates a user having attempted to log in, using data of their ID and password. Further, theauthentication server600 communicates with thematchmaking server200 using a predetermined protocol, so that, if thematchmaking server200 makes a request for confirmation of the authentication of the user and the device ID, theauthentication server300 gives a response to the request.

Next, with reference toFIG. 2, thegame apparatus3 is described. It should be noted thatFIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of thegame apparatus3.

InFIG. 2, thegame apparatus3 includes aninformation processing section31, amain memory32, an external memory interface (external memory I/F)33, a data storageinternal memory35, awireless communication module36, alocal communication module37, an input section38, adisplay section39, and the like.

Theinformation processing section31 is information processing means including a CPU (Central Processing Unit)311 that executes a predetermined program, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)312 that performs image processing, and the like. In the exemplary embodiment, a predetermined program is stored in a memory (for example, anexternal memory45 connected to the external memory I/F33 or the data storage internal memory35) included in thegame apparatus3. TheCPU311 of theinformation processing section31 executes the predetermined program, thereby performing communication processing and game processing described later. It should be noted that a program to be executed by theCPU311 of theinformation processing section31 may be acquired from another apparatus by communication with said another apparatus. Theinformation processing section31 also includes a VRAM (Video RAM)313. TheGPU312 of theinformation processing section31 generates an image in accordance with a command from theCPU311 of theinformation processing section31, and draws the generated image in theVRAM313. Then, theGPU312 of theinformation processing section31 outputs the image drawn in theVRAM313 to thedisplay section39. This causes the image to be displayed on thedisplay section39.

Theinformation processing section31 is connected to themain memory32, the external memory I/F33, and the data storageinternal memory35. The external memory I/F33 is an interface for detachably connecting theexternal memory45.

Themain memory32 is volatile storage means used as a work area and a buffer area of the information processing section31 (the CPU311). That is, themain memory32 temporarily stores various data used in the image processing and the game processing, and temporarily stores a program acquired from outside the game apparatus10 (from theexternal memory45, another apparatus, or the like).

Theexternal memory45 is non-volatile storage means for storing a program to be executed by theinformation processing section31. Theexternal memory45 is composed, for example, of a read-only semiconductor memory. The connection of theexternal memory45 to the external memory I/F33 enables theinformation processing section31 to load a program stored in theexternal memory45. The execution of the program loaded by theinformation processing section31 results in performing predetermined processing.

The data storageinternal memory35 is composed of a readable and writable non-volatile memory (for example, a NAND flash memory), and is used to store predetermined data. For example, the data storageinternal memory35 has stored therein data and programs downloaded using wireless communication via thewireless communication module36.

Thewireless communication module36 has the function of connecting to a wireless LAN by, for example, a method based on the IEEE 802.11b/g standard. Further, thelocal communication module37 has the function of communicating wirelessly with a game apparatus of the same type by a predetermined communication method (for example, infrared communication). Thewireless communication module36 and thelocal communication module37 are connected to theinformation processing section31. Theinformation processing section31 can transmit and receive data to and from another device via the Internet, using thewireless communication module36, or can transmit and receive data to and from another game apparatus of the same type, using thelocal communication module37.

The input section38 is formed of at least one of an operation button, a touch panel, a motion sensor, and the like, and is connected to theinformation processing section31. The input section38 outputs, to theinformation processing section31, operation data representing the state of the input to the input section38. Theinformation processing section31 acquires the operation data from the input section38, thereby performing the processing based on the input to the input section38.

Thedisplay section39 is connected to theinformation processing section31. Thedisplay section39 displays an image in accordance with an instruction from the information processing section31 (the GPU312).

Next, with reference toFIG. 3, thematchmaking server200 is described. It should be noted thatFIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of thematchmaking server200.

Thematchmaking server200 includes acommunication section201, acontrol section202, and astorage section203. Thecommunication section201 transmits and receives communication packets, thereby communicating with thegame apparatuses3, thelog processing server400, thelog processing apparatus500, theauthentication server600, and the like via thenetwork100. When a plurality of apparatuses perform predetermined processing (for example, a communication game) by communicating with each other, thecontrol section202 performs: the process of determining the combination (matchmaking) of thegame apparatuses3 to perform the processing; the process of managing the report score of each of the users of thegame apparatuses3; and the process of determining whether or not a log of the predetermined processing is to be acquired after the predetermined processing. Thecontrol section202 also establishes communication links to thegame apparatuses3, thelog processing server400, thelog processing apparatus500, theauthentication server600, and the like via thecommunication section201, thereby controlling data transmission and selecting a path in thenetwork100. Thestorage section203 stores: a program to be executed by thecontrol section202; various data necessary for the process of determining the combination of thegame apparatuses3; data representing report information reported by a user; data representing the report score of each user; various data necessary for communication with thegame apparatuses3, thelog processing server400, thelog processing apparatus500, and theauthentication server600; and the like. It should be noted that thematchmaking server200 may be formed of a single server machine, or may be formed of a plurality of server machines. Further, in the illustration ofFIG. 1, thematchmaking server200, thelog storage server300, thelog processing server400, thelog processing apparatus500, and theauthentication server600 are formed of different apparatuses. Alternatively, at least two of the functions of these apparatuses may be achieved by a single apparatus (for example, a single server machine).

Next, with reference toFIGS. 4 and 5, descriptions are given of an overview of the processing performed by thecommunication system1, before the descriptions of specific processing performed by thegame apparatuses3 and thematchmaking server200. It should be noted thatFIG. 4 is a chronological diagram showing an example of the interactions between apparatuses when, in thecommunication system1, a user reports report information regarding a communication game.FIG. 5 is a chronological diagram showing an example of the interactions between apparatuses when, in thecommunication system1, a log of the communication game is transmitted. It should be noted that the descriptions of the exemplary communication game with reference toFIGS. 4 and 5 are given using an example where: when a plurality of users perform one communication game by communicating with each other, one of the users creates a waiting room and waits for any of the other users to enter the room; and, when any of the other users have entered the waiting room so that the members are in the room, the members start the communication game together. It should be noted that the following descriptions are given using a communication game as an example of an application to be executed by the plurality ofgame apparatuses3. Alternatively, the plurality ofgame apparatuses3 may execute another application together, such as a chat in which communication is performed by exchanging short texts in real time.

Referring toFIG. 4, when a predetermined communication game is performed, any one of the users of thegame apparatuses3 makes a matchmaking request, to thematchmaking server200, to set a combination with the other users. When making the matchmaking request, thegame apparatus3 transmits to thematchmaking server200 the matchmaking request and information regarding the game for which to make the matchmaking request (information indicating the type of the game, the mode of the game, the level of the game, and the like), together with the user ID representing the user of thegame apparatus3. Here, the user ID may only need to be a unique code that enables the identification of the user, and may be, for example, an account ID, which is a character string serving as an indicator for the identification of the user.

Thematchmaking server200 confirms the report score of the user having made the matchmaking request. Then, thematchmaking server200 selects waiting rooms based on the report score, from among waiting rooms already created for the game for which the matchmaking request has been made, and transmits, to the matchmaking request source, waiting lists showing the users waiting in the selected waiting rooms. For example, if the report score is less than a first threshold T1, thematchmaking server200 determines regular waiting rooms (regular gatherings) from which to select a waiting room. If the report score is equal to or greater than the first threshold T1, thematchmaking server200 determines isolated waiting rooms (exclusive gatherings) from which to select a waiting room.

Next, if the user of thegame apparatus3 having made the matchmaking request newly creates a waiting room with reference to the states of the waiting rooms based on the received waiting lists, the user makes a waiting room creation request to thematchmaking server200. When making the waiting room creation request, thegame apparatus3 transmits the waiting room creation request together with the user ID to thematchmaking server200.

Thematchmaking server200 confirms the report score of the user having made the waiting room creation request. Then, thematchmaking server200 creates, for the requested game, a waiting room based on the report score, and newly registers the created waiting room. For example, if the report score is less than the first threshold T1, thematchmaking server200 newly registers a regular waiting room. If the report score is equal to or greater than the first threshold T1, thematchmaking server200 newly registers an isolated waiting room.

On the other hand, each of the users of theother game apparatuses3 that performs the predetermined communication game also makes a matchmaking request, to thematchmaking server200, to set a combination with the other users. Also when making the matchmaking request, thegame apparatus3 transmits to thematchmaking server200 the matchmaking request and information regarding the game for which to make the matchmaking request, together with the user ID representing the user of thegame apparatus3. Then, thematchmaking server200 selects waiting rooms based on the report score of the user having made the matchmaking request, and transmits, to the matchmaking request source, waiting lists showing the users waiting in the selected waiting rooms.

Next, if the user of thegame apparatus3 having made the matchmaking request enters desired one of the waiting rooms with reference to the states of the waiting rooms based on the received waiting lists, the user makes a waiting room participation request to thematchmaking server200. When making the waiting room participation request, thegame apparatus3 transmits the waiting room participation request together with the user ID to thematchmaking server200.

Thematchmaking server200 registers the user having made the participation request in the waiting room for which the participation request has been made. Then, thematchmaking server200 transmits, to all the users participating in the waiting room in which the user has been newly registered, participant information indicating all the users (for example, the user IDs of all the participants). It should be noted that thematchmaking server200 may transmit, to the user newly registered in the waiting room, participant information indicating the participants except for the user registered in the waiting room. Further, thematchmaking server200 may transmit, to the users already registered in the waiting room, participant information indicating only the participant newly registered in the waiting room.

Next, the users participating in the waiting room start the communication game by communicating with each other, using a predetermined communication method (for example, a peer-to-peer communication method). Then, after the communication game ends, each user is given an opportunity to report the other users with which the user has performed the communication game. Here, the reports can be made regarding the opposing users with which the user has performed the communication game, the reports evaluating the opponents in the communication game (the presence or absence of a dishonest act, them being well-mannered, them being ill-mannered, or the like). If any one of the users of thegame apparatuses3 has made reports, thegame apparatus3 transmits, to thematchmaking server200, information indicating the user IDs of the opposing users regarding which the reports have been made and the reasons for the reports.

Having received the reports from the user, thematchmaking server200 calculates a report score for each of the reports. It should be noted that, as will be apparent later, a report score is defined in advance in thematchmaking server200 with respect to each reason for reporting. Then, thematchmaking server200 adds or subtracts the calculated report score to or from the report score already set for corresponding one of the reported users, and updates the report score of the reported user, using the report score after the addition or subtraction.

Next, with reference toFIG. 5, a description is given of an example of the operation performed when a log of the communication game is transmitted. Referring toFIG. 5, when having received a waiting room creation request from any one of thegame apparatuses3, thematchmaking server200 determines whether or not a log, of the communication game, of the request source is to be acquired. If it has been determined that a log of the request source is to be acquired, thematchmaking server200 transmits a log acquisition notification to the user having made the request.

In addition, when having received a waiting room participation request from any one of thegame apparatuses3, thematchmaking server200 determines whether or not a log, of the communication game, of the request source is to be acquired. As a first example, if the user of thegame apparatus3 whose log is to be acquired as described above is included in the waiting room for which the participation request has been made, thematchmaking server200 determines that a log, of the communication game, of the user having made the participation request is also to be acquired. Then, thematchmaking server200 transmits a log acquisition notification to the user having made the participation request. As a second example, if logs of the users already participating in the waiting room for which the participation request has been made are not to be acquired, but a log, of the communication game, of the user having newly made the participation request is to be acquired, thematchmaking server200 determines that logs, of the communication game, of all the participants in the waiting room are to be acquired. Then, thematchmaking server200 transmits a log acquisition notification to all the participants in the waiting room.

Having received the log acquisition notification, each of thegame apparatuses3 performs the communication game, and then transmits a log, of the communication game, of thegame apparatus3 to thelog storage server300. Here, examples of the log transmitted from thegame apparatus3 to thelog storage server300 include: event data in which events (an action, a particular event, an operation, and the like) having occurred in the application (the communication game) are recorded; and ghost data for reproducing a play in the communication game. It should be noted that, having received the log acquisition notification, thegame apparatus3 may not only transmit a log of thegame apparatus3, but also simultaneously transmit logs of the plays of the opposing users with which the user of thegame apparatus3 has performed the communication game. Further, as is apparent from the above description, all the users having played the communication game of which logs are to be acquired receive a log acquisition notification. In this case, all the users having played the communication game of which logs are to be acquired transmit logs of the communication game including logs of the opposing users, to thelog storage server300.

Thelog processing server400 and/or thelog processing apparatus500 analyzes each log of the communication game stored in thelog storage server300, and determines whether or not dishonesty has been committed in the communication game for which the analysis is made. Then, if dishonesty has been committed in the communication game, thelog processing server400 and/or thelog processing apparatus500 makes a report to thematchmaking server200. For example, when making the report, thelog processing server400 and/or thelog processing apparatus500 transmits, to thematchmaking server200, information indicating the user ID of the user having committed the dishonesty and the reason for the report.

When analyzing each log of the communication game, thelog processing server400 determines whether or not the user has committed a dishonest act, by automatically analyzing determination criteria defined in advance, such as whether or not an unlikely play (for example, the fact that an unlikely number of items are used, the fact that a movement is made in a space where no movement can be made, or the like) has been performed in the communication game in the processing indicated by the log. Further, when analyzing each log of the communication game, thelog processing apparatus500 determines whether or not the user has committed a dishonest act, by analyzing (reproducing) the processing indicated by the log, using an actual apparatus (for example, an apparatus having a capability similar to that of the game apparatus3). Here, in the log analysis using thelog processing apparatus500, an operator who operates the communication game may themselves monitor the log and determine the presence or absence of a dishonest act in the monitoring.

Having received the reports from thelog processing server400 and/or thelog processing apparatus500, thematchmaking server200 calculates a report score for each of the reports. Then, thematchmaking server200 adds or subtracts the calculated report score to or from the report score already set for each of the reported users, and updates the report score of the user, using the report score after the addition or subtraction. It should be noted that the report score may be set such that the absolute value of the report score for a report regarding a dishonest act from thelog processing server400 and/or thelog processing apparatus500 is large relative to a report regarding a dishonest act from a user. For example, a report from a user may lead to a false report, whereas a report based on log analysis has a relatively high credibility. Thus, a report score may be set in accordance with the credibility of log analysis, which makes it possible to enhance the credibility of the report score.

As described above, a report score is used by thematchmaking server200 to combine users to participate in the communication game. Alternatively, a report score may also be used as determination criteria for suspending the account of a user. For example, a third threshold T3 is set that is relatively greater than the first threshold T1 used to select waiting rooms, and a user of which the report score in the communication game is equal to or greater than the third threshold T3 is extracted so that the account of the extracted user for the communication game is to be suspended. Then, if a dishonest act has been confirmed as a result of a predetermined confirmation of the user whose account is to be suspended, such as a predetermined apparatus or an operator reanalyzing a log, of the communication game, of the user, the account of the user may be suspended for the communication game. In this case, theauthentication server600 may be notified of information indicating the user ID of the user whose account is to be suspended and the type of the communication game, whereby theauthentication server600 may perform the process of suspending the account. It should be noted that the procedure described above shows the example where the process of suspending the account of the user whose account is to be suspended is performed after a predetermined confirmation of the user is performed. Alternatively, immediately after the report score of a user becomes equal to or greater than the third threshold T3 and the account of the user is to be suspended, the process of suspending the account of the user may be performed without performing the confirmation of the user.

As described above, it is possible to select a waiting room for the communication game on the basis of the report score calculated for each user. This makes it possible to combine users in the communication game in accordance with the superiority or inferiority of their report scores. This prevents the combination of a user relatively excellent in their report score and a user relatively inferior in their report score. Here, the report score of each user is calculated on the basis of the reports from the opposing users with which the user has performed the communication game. This makes it possible to reduce the processing load of thematchmaking server200 and the workload of a server operator. Further, the report score of each user can be calculated on the basis of the log analysis of the communication game, in which case, however, some of the logs of the communication game are to be acquired. This also makes it possible to reduce the processing load of thematchmaking server200 and the workload of a server operator while improving the credibility of the report scores by the log analysis.

Next, a detailed description is given of the processing performed by thecommunication system1. First, with reference toFIGS. 6 through 10, main data used in the processing is described. It should be noted thatFIG. 6 is a diagram showing examples of main data and programs stored in themain memory32 of thegame apparatus3.FIG. 7 is a diagram showing examples of main data and programs stored in thestorage section203 of thematchmaking server200.FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of report score table data Dm stored in thestorage section203.FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of reported log information data Dn stored in thestorage section203.FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of report score information data Do stored in thestorage section203.

As shown inFIG. 6, the following are stored in the data storage area of the main memory32: operation data Da; user ID data Db; password data Dc; device ID data Dd; user-to-be-reported data De; reason-for-reporting data Df; participant information data Dg; log acquisition target flag data Dh; log data Di; display image data Dj; and the like. It should be noted that themain memory32 stores, as well as the data included in the information shown inFIG. 6, data and the like necessary for the processing, such as data used in an application to be executed. Further, in the program storage area of themain memory32, various programs Pa included in the communication program are stored.

The operation data Da is data representing operation information of the operation performed on thegame apparatus3 by a user. For example, operation data indicating the operation performed on an operation button or the like is acquired per time unit that thegame apparatus3 performs processing (for example, every 1/60 second), and the operation data is stored and updated in the operation data Da in accordance with the acquisition.

The user ID data Db is data representing a unique code (a user ID) that enables the identification of the user who uses thegame apparatus3, and is data representing, for example, an account ID, which is a character string serving as an indicator for the identification of the user. The password data Dc is data representing a password used to log in to thenetwork100 using thegame apparatus3.

The device ID data Dd is data representing a unique code (a device ID) that enables the identification of thegame apparatus3, and is data representing, for example, an unalterable character string serving as an indicator for the identification of the device. The device ID data Dd stores the device ID set in advance for thegame apparatus3.

The user-to-be-reported data De is data representing, when the user makes a report, a user to be reported, and is data representing, for example, the user ID of the user to be reported. The reason-for-reporting data Df is data representing a reason for reporting selected by the user when making a report.

The participant information data Dg is data representing, when a communication game is performed, participants in the communication game, and is data representing, for example, the user IDs of all the participants participating in the communication game.

The log acquisition target flag data Dh is data representing a log acquisition target flag that is set to on when a log, of the communication game, of the user is designated to be acquired, by thematchmaking server200. It should be noted that the log acquisition target flag is initialized to off when a game application described later is started. The log data Di is data representing a log when the user has performed the communication game, and stores logs of all the users having participated in the communication game.

The display image data Dj is data for generating an image in which an object, a character, a background, and the like are placed, and displaying the image on thedisplay section39.

As shown inFIG. 7, the following are stored in the data storage area of the storage section203: report score table data Dm; reported log information data Dn; report score information data Do; regular room information data Dp; isolated room information data Dq; and the like. It should be noted that thestorage section203 may store, as well as the data included in the information shown inFIG. 7, data and the like necessary for the processing performed by thematchmaking server200. Further, in the program storage area of thestorage section203, various programs Pb for achieving the above processing are stored.

As shown inFIG. 8, the report score table data Dm is data representing a report score set in advance with respect to each reason for reporting from a user. For example, if a reason for reporting from a user is a “dishonest act”, the report score is set to +2. If a reason for reporting from a user is “ill-mannered”, the report score is set to +1. If a reason for reporting from a user is “too good” or “too poor”, the report score is set to 0. If a reason for reporting from a user is “well-mannered”, the report score is set to −1.

As described above, in the example shown inFIG. 8, the report score is set in accordance with the degree of inferiority in the reason for reporting regarding the communication game such that the higher the degree of inferiority, the larger the value. Further, if a report is made regarding an opponent who is excellent in the communication game, the report score is set to a negative value. This enables a user to reduce their own report score by performing a well-mannered game play without committing any dishonest act. This can also lead to recommending that each user should perform an excellent play. Further, in the example shown inFIG. 8, the report score corresponding to a certain reason for reporting is set to 0. As will be apparent later, a user can select a reason for reporting from among a plurality of options. On the other hand, a report may be made on the basis of the level of play of a user, such as whether the user is an expert or a beginner in the game. That is, if it is only possible to select reasons for reporting corresponding to the cases where the game play of an opponent is inferior, a report is made always for a reason for reporting resulting from inferiority even if the inferiority of the opponent in the communication game is not actually the reason for reporting. Thus, if a reason for reporting results neither from inferiority nor excellence, the options including a reason for reporting that does not affect the report score make it possible to prevent a user from making an incorrect report.

It should be noted that, if such effects are not desired, the report scores set in accordance with the reasons for reporting may be positive values only, or may be the combination of a positive value and a value of zero, or the combination of a positive value and a negative value. Even such settings of the report scores make it possible to set the report scores based on the degrees of inferiority. This makes it possible to, in a matchmaking process described later, stratify users on the basis of the degrees of inferiority in the communication game.

As shown inFIG. 9, the reported log information data Dn is data representing a reported log reported to thematchmaking server200 by a user. For example, the reported log information data Dn is data representing, with respect to each report, the user ID and the device ID of the reporter, the user ID and the device ID of the reportee, the reason for reporting from the reporter.

As shown inFIG. 10, the report score information data Do is data representing a report score set for each user. For example, the report score information data Do is data representing the device ID, the report score, and the last update date of the report score of each user.

The regular room information data Dp is data regarding regular waiting rooms set for each game, and is data representing the number, the types, and the like of regular waiting rooms, together with the users waiting each of in the regular waiting rooms. The isolated room information data Dq is data regarding isolated waiting rooms set for each game, and is data representing the number, the types, and the like of isolated waiting rooms, together with the users waiting in each of the isolated waiting rooms. Here, the term “isolated” refers to an environment isolated from regular waiting rooms. A user of which the report score is equal to or greater than the first threshold T1 can use only isolated waiting rooms.

It should be noted that, in the above descriptions, the regular room information data Dp for regular waiting rooms and the isolated room information data Dq for isolated waiting rooms are separately set. Alternatively, one item of data for waiting rooms may be used. For example, in the one item of data for waiting rooms, a flag that distinguishes between a regular waiting room and an isolated waiting room (for example, a flag that is set to off in the case of a regular waiting room and set to on in the case of an isolated waiting room) may be set, so that the regular room information data Dp and the isolated room information data Dq may be operated by distinguishing them using this flag.

When thegame apparatus3 is turned on, theCPU311 of thegame apparatus3 executes the boot program stored in the ROM/RTC13, thereby initializing each unit such as themain memory32. Then, the communication program stored in theexternal memory45 or the like is loaded into themain memory32, and theCPU311 starts the execution of the information processing program. The flow charts shown inFIGS. 11 through 13 are flow charts showing the processing performed after the above processes completed.

Referring toFIG. 11, theCPU311 performs the process of logging in to the network100 (step41), and proceeds to the subsequent step. For example, theCPU311 performs the process of logging in to thenetwork100 using the user ID represented by the user ID data Db, the password represented by the password data Dc, and the device ID represented by the device ID data Dd. Theauthentication server600 connected to thenetwork100 authenticates the account using the user ID and the password transmitted in the login process, and sends the authentication result to the transmission source (the game apparatus3). It should be noted that, in the exemplary embodiment, theauthentication server600 manages the user IDs and the passwords of users of thenetwork100, together with the device ID of thegame apparatus3 used in the login process, by associating the device ID with the user ID.

Next, theCPU311 waits for the authentication result from the authentication server600 (step42). If login rights have been confirmed by the authentication of the account, theCPU311 proceeds to the subsequent step43.

In step43, theCPU311 starts a game application. Then, theCPU311 performs a game participation process (step44), and proceeds to the subsequent step. With reference toFIG. 12, a description is given below of the game participation process performed in the above step44.

Referring toFIG. 12, to perform the game started in the above step44 in the form of a communication game in which other users also participate, theCPU311 transmits a matchmaking request to the matchmaking server200 (step61). It should be noted that, when transmitting the matchmaking request, theCPU311 transmits, to thematchmaking server200, information regarding the game for which to make the matchmaking request (information indicating the type of the game, the mode of the game, the level of the game, and the like), together with the user ID representing the user of the game apparatus3 (the user ID represented by the user ID data Db). Then, theCPU311 waits for waiting lists transmitted from the matchmaking server200 (step62). If theCPU311 has received the waiting lists, theCPU311 proceeds to the subsequent step63.

In step63, on the basis of the received waiting lists, theCPU311 causes the current states of waiting rooms to be displayed on thedisplay section39, and proceeds to the subsequent step. Here, thematchmaking server200 transmits, to the matchmaking request source, waiting lists based on the reported level of the user having made the matchmaking request. Specifically, if the reported level of the user having made the matchmaking request is less than the first threshold T1, thematchmaking server200 transmits the number, the types, and the like of regular waiting rooms, together with waiting lists showing the users waiting in the regular waiting rooms. If, on the other hand, the reported level of the user having made the matchmaking request is equal to or greater than the first threshold T1, thematchmaking server200 transmits the number, the types, and the like of isolated waiting rooms, together with waiting lists showing the users waiting in the isolated waiting rooms. Thus, in the above step63, on thedisplay section39 of thegame apparatus3, the states of regular waiting rooms are displayed if the reported level of the user is less than the first threshold T1, and the states of isolated waiting rooms are displayed if the reported level of the user is equal to or greater than the first threshold T1.

Next, theCPU311 determines whether or not the user is to participate in the communication game started in step44 (step64). For example, with reference to the operation data Da, if having determined that the user has performed the operation of participating in the communication game, theCPU311 determines that the user is to participate in the communication game. Then, if the user is to participate in the communication game, theCPU311 proceeds to thesubsequent step65. If, on the other hand, the user is not to participate in the communication game, theCPU311 returns to the above step62, and repeats the process thereof.

Instep65, theCPU311 determines whether or not the user is to newly create a waiting room. For example, with reference to the operation data Da, if having determined that the user has performed the operation of newly creating a waiting room, theCPU311 determines that the user is to newly create a waiting room. Then, if the user is to newly create a waiting room, theCPU311 proceeds to thesubsequent step66. If, on the other hand, the user is not to newly create a waiting room, theCPU311 proceeds to the subsequent step67.

Instep66, theCPU311 transmits a waiting room creation request to thematchmaking server200, and proceeds to the subsequent step67. It should be noted that, when transmitting the waiting room creation request, theCPU311 transmits, to thematchmaking server200, information regarding the game for which to create the waiting room (information indicating the type of the game, the mode of the game, the level of the game, and the like), together with the user ID representing the user of the game apparatus3 (the user ID represented by the user ID data Db).

In step67, theCPU311 determines whether or not the user is to enter any one of the already created waiting rooms. For example, with reference to the operation data Da, if having determined that the user has performed the operation of entering any one of the waiting rooms, theCPU311 determines that the user is to enter any one of the waiting rooms. Then, if the user is to enter any one of the waiting rooms, theCPU311 proceeds to thesubsequent step68. If, on the other hand, the user is not to enter any one of the waiting rooms, theCPU311 proceeds to thesubsequent step69.

Instep68, theCPU311 transmits a waiting room participation request to thematchmaking server200, and proceeds to thesubsequent step69. It should be noted that, when transmitting the waiting room participation request, theCPU311 transmits, to thematchmaking server200, information regarding the waiting room which has been selected from among the waiting rooms displayed in the above step63 and for which to make the participation request, together with the user ID representing the user of the game apparatus3 (the user ID represented by the user ID data Db).

Instep69, theCPU311 receives participant information and a log acquisition notification from thematchmaking server200, and proceeds to the subsequent step. Here, if a new user has been registered in a waiting room, thematchmaking server200 transmits, to all the users participating in the waiting room, participant information indicating all the users (for example, the user IDs of all the participants). As an example, every time a user is newly registered in a waiting room, thematchmaking server200 transmits, to the users already registered in the waiting room, participant information indicating the newly registered user. Further, thematchmaking server200 transmits, to the user newly registered in the waiting room, participant information indicating the users already registered in the waiting room. Further, when a waiting room has been created and when a user is registered in a waiting room, if a log of the waiting room is to be acquired, thematchmaking server200 transmits a log acquisition notification to the users registered in the waiting room. In theabove step69, the process is performed of receiving participant information and/or a log acquisition notification thus transmitted from thematchmaking server200. Then, theCPU311 updates the participant information data Dg using the received participant information. Further, if having received the log acquisition notification, theCPU311 sets the log acquisition target flag to on, and updates the log acquisition target flag data Dh.

Next, theCPU311 determines whether or not the communication game is to be started (step70). Examples of conditions for starting the communication game include: the satisfaction of the condition under which the communication game is started (for example, the number of participants has reached a predetermined number, or a predetermined time has elapsed since the recruitment of participants started); and the fact that the user has performed the operation of starting the communication game. If the communication game is not to be started, theCPU311 returns to theabove step65, and repeats the process thereof. If the communication game is to be started, theCPU311 ends the processing of this subroutine.

Referring back toFIG. 11, after the game participation process in the above step44, theCPU311 determines whether or not a log of the communication game in which the user has participated in the above step44 is to be acquired (step45). For example, if the log acquisition target flag represented by the log acquisition target flag data Dh is set to on, theCPU311 determines that a log of the communication game is to be acquired. Then, if a log of the communication game is to be acquired, theCPU311 proceeds to thesubsequent step46. If, on the other hand, a log of the communication game is not to be acquired, theCPU311 proceeds to thesubsequent step47.

Instep46, theCPU311 transmits to the log storage server300 a log indicating that the communication game has been started, and proceeds to thesubsequent step47. For example, theCPU311 notifies thelog storage server300 of the start of the communication game and the participants in the communication game by sending an empty log and the user IDs representing the participants in the communication game (including the user ID of the user of the game apparatus3). It should be noted that the empty log transmitted in theabove step46 is an example of information indicating the start of the communication game. Alternatively, other data may be transmitted so long as it can indicate the start of the communication game.

Instep47, theCPU311 performs game processing on the basis of the started game application, and proceeds to the subsequent step. It should be noted that, in theabove step47, on the basis of the participant information represented by the participant information data Dg, the communication game is executed in which the users of theother game apparatuses3 indicated by the participant information participate, while thegame apparatus3 communicates with theother game apparatuses3. Further, theCPU311 records a log of the game processing performed in theabove step47 in the log data Di, so as to include logs of the other participants.

Next, theCPU311 determines whether or not the game is to be ended (step48). Examples of conditions for ending the game include: the satisfaction of the conditions under which the game is ended (for example, the game is over); and the fact that the user has performed the operation of ending the game. If the game is not to be ended, theCPU311 returns to theabove step47, and repeats the process thereof. If the game is to be ended, theCPU311 proceeds to thesubsequent step49.

Instep49, theCPU311 determines whether or not a log of the communication game in which the user has participated in the above step44 is to be acquired. For example, if the log acquisition target flag represented by the log acquisition target flag data Dh is set to on, theCPU311 determines that a log of the communication game is to be acquired. Then, if a log of the communication game is to be acquired, theCPU311 proceeds to thesubsequent step50. If, on the other hand, a log of the communication game is not to be acquired, theCPU311 proceeds to thesubsequent step51.

Instep50, theCPU311 transmits to thelog storage server300 the logs of the communication game executed in theabove step47, and proceeds to thesubsequent step51. For example, theCPU311 transmits the logs of the communication game and the participants in the communication game to thelog storage server300 by sending a game log represented by the log data Di and the user IDs representing the participants in the communication game (including the user ID of the user of the game apparatus3).

Instep51, theCPU311 determines whether or not the user is to make a report. For example, when the communication game has ended, theCPU311 causes a report button to be displayed on thedisplay section39, the button indicating that the process of making a report regarding the communication game is to be performed. Then, with reference to the operation data Da, if having determined that the user has performed the operation of selecting the report button displayed on thedisplay section39, theCPU311 determines that the user is to make a report. Then, if the user is to make a report, theCPU311 proceeds to thesubsequent step52. If, on the other hand, the user is to make a report, theCPU311 ends the processing indicated in the flow chart.

Instep52, theCPU311 performs a reporting process, and ends the processing indicated in the flow chart. With reference toFIG. 13, a description is given below of the reporting process performed in theabove step52.

Referring toFIG. 13, theCPU311 selects a user to be reported (step81), and proceeds to the subsequent step. For example, on the basis of the participants represented by the participant information data Dg, theCPU311 causes a list of the other users having participated in the communication game having ended, to be displayed on thedisplay section39, thereby prompting the user to select a user to be reported. Then, with reference to the operation data Da, theCPU311 extracts any one of the other users (a user to be reported) selected by the user using the input section38, and updates the user-to-be-reported data De using the user ID representing the extracted user.

Next, theCPU311 selects a reason for reporting (step82), and proceeds to the subsequent step. For example, theCPU311 causes a plurality of reasons for reporting set in advance, to be displayed on thedisplay section39, thereby prompting the user to select a reason for reporting. Examples of the reasons for reporting from which theCPU311 prompts the user to select may include options, as shown inFIG. 8, such as “dishonest act”, “ill-mannered”, “too good”, “too poor”, and “well-mannered”. Then, with reference to the operation data Da, theCPU311 extracts the reason for reporting selected by the user using the input section38, and updates the reason-for-reporting data Df using the extracted reason for reporting.

Next, theCPU311 transmits report information to the matchmaking server200 (step83), and ends the processing of this subroutine. For example, theCPU311 transmits report information to thematchmaking server200 using information indicating the user ID of the user to be reported that is represented by the user-to-be-reported data De and the reason for reporting that is represented by the reason-for-reporting data Df.

It should be noted that, in the flow chart described above, the example is used where, immediately after the communication game ends, a report is allowed to be made such that the participants in the communication game are users to be reported. Alternatively, a report may be allowed to be made at different timing, or a report may be made regarding another user to be reported. For example, the time when a report is allowed to be made may be set such that a report can be made at any time after the communication game ends. Further, a user to be reported may not need to be a participant in the communication game that the user has played themselves. For example, the report information may be configured to be transmitted such that a particular user regarding a game (for example, a user included in the ranking of scores in the game, or a user included in a report ranking) is a user to be reported.

Referring toFIG. 14, thecontrol section202 of thematchmaking server200 determines whether or not thecontrol section202 has received a matchmaking request from any one of the game apparatuses3 (step91). Then, if thecontrol section202 has received a matchmaking request, thecontrol section202 proceeds to thesubsequent step92. If, on the other hand, thecontrol section202 has not received a matchmaking request, thecontrol section202 proceeds to thesubsequent step93.

Instep92, thecontrol section202 performs the process of sending waiting lists to thegame apparatus3 of the transmission source having transmitted the matchmaking request, and proceeds to thesubsequent step93. With reference toFIG. 15, a description is given below of a waiting list transmission process performed in theabove step92.

Referring toFIG. 15, thecontrol section202 acquires the device ID of the matchmaking request source having made the matchmaking request (step101), and proceeds to the subsequent step. For example, thecontrol section202 inquires of theauthentication server600 about the authentication of the account corresponding to the user ID transmitted from thegame apparatus3 having transmitted the matchmaking request, and also requests the device ID corresponding to the user ID. Then, thecontrol section202 confirms with theauthentication server600 the authentication of the account corresponding to the user ID. If login rights have been confirmed, thecontrol section202 acquires the device ID corresponding to the user ID.

It should be noted that the process of authenticating the account has already been performed before access is made to the matchmaking server200 (for example, steps41 and42), and therefore, this process does not need to be performed every time the access is made. In this case, thematchmaking server200 does not need to communicate directly with theauthentication server600, and may acquire the device ID of thegame apparatus3 having accessed thematchmaking server200, directly from thegame apparatus3. It should be noted that the following descriptions are given using an example where, every time access is made to thematchmaking server200, thematchmaking server200 inquires of theauthentication server600 about the authentication of the account, and also requests the device ID corresponding to the user ID.

Next, thecontrol section202 extracts a report score NS corresponding to the device ID acquired in the above step101 (step102), and proceeds to the subsequent step. For example, with reference to the report score information data Do, thecontrol section202 extracts the report score NS corresponding to the device ID acquired in the above step101.

Next, thecontrol section202 determines whether or not the report score NS extracted in the above step102 is less than the first threshold T1 (step103). Then, if the report score NS is less than the first threshold T1, thecontrol section202 proceeds to thesubsequent step104. If, on the other hand, the report score NS is equal to or greater than the first threshold T1, thecontrol section202 proceeds to thesubsequent step105.

Instep104, thecontrol section202 transmits waiting lists of regular waiting rooms, and ends the processing of this subroutine. For example, with reference to the regular room information data Dp, thecontrol section202 creates waiting lists showing the number, the types, and the like of regular waiting rooms for the game for which the matchmaking request has been made, together with the users registered in the regular waiting rooms, and transmits the created waiting lists to thegame apparatus3 of the matchmaking request source having made the matchmaking request.

Instep105, on the other hand, thecontrol section202 transmits waiting lists of isolated waiting rooms, and ends the processing of the subroutine. For example, with reference to the isolated room information data Dq, thecontrol section202 creates waiting lists showing the number, the types, and the like of isolated waiting rooms for the game for which the matchmaking request has been made, together with the users registered in the isolated waiting rooms, and transmits the created waiting lists to thegame apparatus3 of the matchmaking request source having made the matchmaking request.

Referring back toFIG. 14, instep93, thecontrol section202 determines whether or not thecontrol section202 has received a waiting room creation request from thegame apparatus3. Then, if thecontrol section202 has received a waiting room creation request, thecontrol section202 proceeds to thesubsequent step94. If, on the other hand, thecontrol section202 has not received a waiting room creation request, thecontrol section202 proceeds to thesubsequent step95.

Instep94, thecontrol section202 performs a waiting room creation process, and proceeds to thesubsequent step95. With reference toFIG. 16, a description is given below of the waiting room creation process performed in theabove step94.

Referring toFIG. 16, thecontrol section202 acquires the device ID of the waiting room creation request source having made the waiting room creation request (step111), and proceeds to the subsequent step. For example, thecontrol section202 inquires of theauthentication server600 about the authentication of the account corresponding to the user ID transmitted from thegame apparatus3 having transmitted the waiting room creation request, and also requests the device ID corresponding to the user ID. Then, thecontrol section202 confirms with theauthentication server600 the authentication of the account corresponding to the user ID. If login rights have been confirmed, thecontrol section202 acquires the device ID corresponding to the user ID.

Next, thecontrol section202 extracts a report score NS corresponding to the device ID acquired in the above step111 (step112), and proceeds to the subsequent step. For example, with reference to the report score information data Do, thecontrol section202 extracts the report score NS corresponding to the device ID acquired in the above step111.

Next, thecontrol section202 determines whether or not the report score NS extracted in theabove step112 is less than the first threshold T1 (step113). Then, if the report score NS is less than the first threshold T1, thecontrol section202 proceeds to thesubsequent step114. If, on the other hand, the report score NS is equal to or greater than the first threshold T1, thecontrol section202 proceeds to thesubsequent step115.

Instep114, thecontrol section202 prepares, for the waiting room creation request source having made the waiting room creation request, a regular waiting room as a waiting room for the game requested by the request source, registers the user having made the request in the waiting room, and proceeds to thesubsequent step116. For example, thecontrol section202 newly prepares a regular waiting room for the game for which the waiting room creation request has been made, registers the user ID of the request source in the waiting room, and updates the regular room information data Dp. Consequently, for the game for which the waiting room creation request has been made, a new regular waiting room for which the request source is waiting is registered in the regular room information data Dp, together with the user ID of the request source.

Instep115, on the other hand, thecontrol section202 prepares, for the waiting room creation request source having made the waiting room creation request, an isolated waiting room as a waiting room for the game requested by the request source, registers the user having made the request in the waiting room, and proceeds to thesubsequent step116. For example, thecontrol section202 newly prepares an isolated waiting room for the game for which the waiting room creation request has been made, registers the user ID of the request source in the waiting room, and updates the isolated room information data Dq. Consequently, for the game for which the waiting room creation request has been made, a new isolated waiting room for which the request source is waiting is registered in the isolated room information data Dq, together with the user ID of the request source.

Instep116, thecontrol section202 determines whether or not a log of the communication game to be performed using the waiting room created in the

above step

In step117, thecontrol section202 transmits a log acquisition notification to thegame apparatus3 having made the waiting room creation request, and ends the processing of the subroutine. For example, thecontrol section202 sets the waiting room for which the user having made the waiting room creation request is waiting, such that a log of the waiting room is to be acquired, and updates the regular room information data Dp or the isolated room information data Dq that manages the waiting room. Then, thecontrol section202 transmits, to thegame apparatus3 having made the waiting room creation request, a log acquisition notification indicating that a log of the communication game using the created waiting room is to be acquired.

Referring back toFIG. 14, instep95, thecontrol section202 determines whether or not thecontrol section202 has received a waiting room participation request from thegame apparatus3. Then, if thecontrol section202 has received a waiting room participation request, thecontrol section202 proceeds to thesubsequent step96. If, on the other hand, thecontrol section202 has not received a waiting room participation request, thecontrol section202 proceeds to thesubsequent step97.

Instep96, thecontrol section202 performs a waiting room participation process, and proceeds to thesubsequent step97. With reference toFIG. 17, a description is given below of the waiting room participation process performed in theabove step96.

Referring toFIG. 17, thecontrol section202 acquires the device ID of the waiting room participation request source having made the waiting room participation request (step121), and proceeds to the subsequent step. For example, thecontrol section202 inquires of theauthentication server600 about the authentication of the account corresponding to the user ID transmitted from thegame apparatus3 having transmitted the waiting room participation request, and also requests the device ID corresponding to the user ID. Then, thecontrol section202 confirms with theauthentication server600 the authentication of the account corresponding to the user ID. If login rights have been confirmed, thecontrol section202 acquires the device ID corresponding to the user ID.

Next, thecontrol section202 registers the user having made the waiting room participation request in the waiting room for which the participation request has been made (step122), and proceeds to the subsequent step. For example, thecontrol section202 registers the user ID of the user having made the waiting room participation request in the waiting room for which the participation request has been made, and updates the regular room information data Dp or the isolated room information data Dq that manages the waiting room. Consequently, for the game for which the waiting room participation request has been made, the user ID of the participation request source is registered in the waiting room for which the participation request has been made, in the regular room information data Dp or the isolated room information data Dq.

Next, thecontrol section202 transmits participant information (step123), and proceeds to the subsequent step. For example, if a new user has been registered in the waiting room in theabove step122, thecontrol section202 transmits, to thegame apparatuses3 of all the users participating in the waiting room, participant information indicating all the users (for example, the user IDs of all the participants). It should be noted that thematchmaking server200 may transmit, to thegame apparatuses3 of the users already registered in the waiting room, participant information indicating only the newly registered user. Further, thematchmaking server200 may transmit, to thegame apparatus3 of the user newly registered in the waiting room, participant information indicating only the users already registered in the waiting room.

Next, thecontrol section202 determines whether or not a log of the waiting room for which the participation request has been made is to be acquired (step124). For example, with reference to the regular room information data Dp or the isolated room information data Dq that manages the waiting room for which the participation request has been made, thecontrol section202 determines whether or not the waiting room is set such that a log of the waiting room is to be acquired. Then, if a log of the waiting room for which the participation request has been made is to be acquired, thecontrol section202 proceeds to thesubsequent step125. If, on the other hand, a log of the waiting room for which the participation request has been made is not to be acquired, thecontrol section202 proceeds to the subsequent step126.

Instep125, thecontrol section202 transmits a log acquisition notification to thegame apparatus3 having made the waiting room participation request, and ends the processing of this subroutine. For example, thecontrol section202 transmits, to thegame apparatus3 having made the waiting room participation request, a log acquisition notification indicating that a log of the communication game using the waiting room for which the participation request has been made is to be acquired.

In step126, on the other hand, thecontrol section202 extracts a report score NS corresponding to the device ID acquired in theabove step121, and proceeds to the subsequent step. For example, with reference to the report score information data Do, thecontrol section202 extracts the report score NS corresponding to the device ID acquired in theabove step121.

Next, thecontrol section202 determines whether or not a log of the communication game to be performed using the waiting room for which the participation request has been made is to be acquired (step127). Then, if a log of the communication game is to be acquired, thecontrol section202 proceeds to the subsequent step128. If, on the other hand, a log of the communication game is not to be acquired, thecontrol section202 ends the processing of the subroutine. It should be noted that an example of the determination of whether or not a log of the communication game is to be acquired in the above step127 is similar to the process of theabove step116, except that the report score NS of the user having made the waiting room creation request is replaced by the report score NS of the user having made the waiting room creation request extracted in the above step126. Thus, the determination is not described in detail here.

In step128, thecontrol section202 transmits a log acquisition notification to thegame apparatuses3 of all the users registered in the waiting room for which the participation request has been made, and ends the processing of the subroutine. For example, thecontrol section202 sets the waiting room in which the user having made the waiting room participation request has been registered, such that a log of the waiting room is to be acquired, and updates the regular room information data Dp or the isolated room information data Dq that manages the waiting room. Then, thecontrol section202 transmits, to thegame apparatuses3 of all the users registered in the waiting room, a log acquisition notification indicating that a log of the communication game using the waiting room in which they are participating is to be acquired.

Referring back toFIG. 14, instep97, thecontrol section202 determines whether or not thecontrol section202 has received a report from another apparatus (another one of thegame apparatuses3, thelog processing server400, thelog processing apparatus500, or the like). Then, if thecontrol section202 has received a report, thecontrol section202 proceeds to thesubsequent step98. If, on the other hand, thecontrol section202 has not received a report, thecontrol section202 proceeds to thesubsequent step99.

Instep98, thecontrol section202 performs a report score calculation process, and proceeds to thesubsequent step99. With reference toFIG. 18, a description is given below of the report score calculation process performed in theabove step99.

Referring toFIG. 18, thecontrol section202 determines whether or not the received report is a report from the user (a report from the game apparatus3) (step131). Then, if the received report is a report from the user, thecontrol section202 proceeds to the subsequent step132. If, on the other hand, the received report is not a report from the user, thecontrol section202 proceeds to the subsequent step137.

In step132, thecontrol section202 acquires the device IDs of the reporter having made the report and the reported reportee, and proceeds to the subsequent step. For example, thecontrol section202 inquires of theauthentication server600 about the authentication of the account corresponding to the user ID (that is, the user ID of the reporter) transmitted from thegame apparatus3 having made the report, and also requests the device ID corresponding to the user ID. Further, thecontrol section202 requests from theauthentication server600 the device ID corresponding to the user ID representing the reported user (that is, the user ID of the reportee). Then, thecontrol section202 confirms with theauthentication server600 the authentication of the account corresponding to the user ID of the reporter. If login rights have been confirmed, thecontrol section202 acquires the device IDs corresponding to the user ID of the reporter and the user ID of the reportee.

Next, thecontrol section202 registers the reported report information in the reported log information data Dn (step133), and proceeds to the subsequent step. For example, as shown inFIG. 9, thecontrol section202 adds the report information reported by the game apparatus3 (the user ID and the device ID of the reporter, the user ID and the device ID of the reportee, and the reason for reporting), to the reported log information, and updates the reported log information data Dn.

Instep135, thecontrol section202 acquires a report score based on the reason for reporting corresponding to the received report, and proceeds to the subsequent step. For example, with reference to the report score table data Dm (seeFIG. 8), thecontrol section202 acquires a report score based on the reason for reporting corresponding to the received report.

Next, thecontrol section202 calculates the report score of the reportee (step136), and proceeds to the subsequent step137. For example, with reference to the report score information data Do (seeFIG. 10), thecontrol section202 adds the report score acquired in theabove step135 to the report score corresponding to the device ID of the reportee of the received report. Then, thecontrol section202 updates the report score corresponding to the device ID of the report score information data Do, using the report score after the addition.

It should be noted that, in the processes of theabove steps134 through136, thematchmaking server200 determines whether a report made on the basis of the same combination of the reporter and the reportee is valid or invalid, and updates the report score of a valid report. However, thegame apparatus3, which makes a report, may limit the making of a report. For example, thegame apparatus3 does not create a report on the basis of the same combination of the reporter and the reportee, such as a report that is invalid as a result of the determination made by the determination criteria in the process ofstep134. In this case, thematchmaking server200 does not need to determine whether the report is valid or invalid, which eliminates the need of the determination process in theabove step134.

In step137, thecontrol section202 determines whether or not the received report is a report based on a log processing result (a report from thelog processing server400 or the log processing apparatus500). Then, if the report is a report based on a log processing result, thecontrol section202 proceeds to thesubsequent step138. If, on the other hand, the report is not a report based on a log processing result, thecontrol section202 ends the processing of this subroutine.

Instep138, thecontrol section202 acquires the device ID of the reported reportee on the basis of the log processing result, and proceeds to the subsequent step. For example, thecontrol section202 requests from theauthentication server600 the device ID corresponding to the user ID representing the reportee reported by thelog processing server400 or the log processing apparatus500 (that is, the user ID of the reportee). Then, thecontrol section202 acquires from theauthentication server600 the device ID corresponding to the user ID of the reportee.

Next, thecontrol section202 acquires a report score based on the reason for reporting corresponding to the received report (step139), and proceeds to the subsequent step. As an example, with reference to the report score table data Dm, thecontrol section202 acquires a report score based on the reason for reporting corresponding to the received report. As another example, thecontrol section202 sets in advance a value sufficiently greater a the report score corresponding to a report from a user, as a report score exclusively for a report based on a log processing result, and acquires the set report score.

Next, thecontrol section202 calculates the report score of the reportee (step140), and ends the processing of the subroutine. For example, with reference to the report score information data Do, thecontrol section202 adds the report score acquired in theabove step139 to the report score corresponding to the device ID of the reportee of the received report. Then, thecontrol section202 updates the report score corresponding to the device ID of the report score information data Do, using the report score after the addition.

It should be noted that the descriptions of the processes of the above steps137 through140 are given using the example where the report score of the reportee is counted up in accordance with the report from thelog processing server400 or thelog processing apparatus500. Alternatively, the report score of the reportee may be subjected to subtraction or initialized in accordance with the report. In this case, if it has been determined in the log analysis using thelog processing server400 or thelog processing apparatus500 that the user has not committed any dishonest act, data representing the analysis result is transmitted to thematchmaking server200 as the log processing result. Then, having received the log processing result, thematchmaking server200, with reference to the report score information data Do, subtracts a predetermined number from the report score corresponding to the device ID of the reportee of the received report, or initializes the report score to a predetermined value (for example, 0), and updates the report score corresponding to the device ID of the report score information data Do, using the report score after the subtraction or the initialization. The report score of a user may thus be subjected to subtraction or initialized on the basis of a log analysis result.

Referring back toFIG. 14, instep99, thecontrol section202 determines whether or not there is a report score of a device ID of which the last update date of the counting up is a predetermined number of days ago. For example, with reference to the last update date of the counting up of the report score represented by the report score information data Do, thecontrol section202 confirms the presence or absence of a report score of a device ID of which the last update date is a predetermined number of days ago (for example, seven days ago). Then, if there is a report score of a device ID of which the last update date is a predetermined number of days ago, thecontrol section202 proceeds to thesubsequent step100. If, on the other hand, there is not a report score of a device ID of which the last update date is a predetermined number of days ago, thecontrol section202 ends the processing indicated in the flow chart.

Instep100, thecontrol section202 initializes the report score of which the last update date is a predetermined number of days ago, and ends the processing indicated in the flow chart. For example, thecontrol section202 initializes to a predetermined value (for example, 0) all the report scores which are represented by the report score information data Do and of which the last update dates of the counting up are a predetermined number of days ago, thereby setting all the last update dates to an initialized date, and updates the report score information data Do.

As described above, in thecommunication system1, the combination of users to play the communication game is determined on the basis of a report from a user. This makes it possible to prevent a good user from being combined with a user likely to commit a dishonest act, while reducing the processing load of a server and the workload of a server operator. Further, in thecommunication system1, when matchmaking is performed for the communication game, it is determined whether or not a log of the communication game is to be acquired, and the log is acquired on the basis of the determination result. This makes it possible to efficiently collect logs of the communication game on the basis of the state of the matchmaking for the communication game.

It should be noted that the above descriptions are given using the example where, in the matchmaking process, users are stratified into two groups on the basis of whether or not their report scores are equal to or greater than the first threshold T1, and then users belonging to the same group are combined together. Alternatively, users may be stratified into three or more groups. For example, a fourth threshold T4 smaller than the first threshold T1 may be newly set, and users may be stratified into: a first group in which the report score NS is less than the fourth threshold T4; a second group in which the report score NS is equal to or greater than the fourth threshold T4 and less than the first threshold T1; and a third group in which the report score NS is equal to or greater than the first threshold T1. Then, users belonging to the same group may be combined together.

In addition, in the matchmaking process, if users are stratified into three or more groups, users belonging to different groups may also be combined together in the matchmaking process. For example, if users are stratified into the first group, the second group, and the third group described above, users of the first group may be combined with other users of the same first group or users of the second group, and users of the third group may be combined with other users of the same third group or users of the second group. That is, in the matchmaking process, users belonging to a given group are combined with users belonging to another group except for at least yet another group into which the report score that is the most different from the report score classified into the given group is classified (typically, users of groups of which the classified report scores are close to each other (for example, adjacent groups)). Even such a combination does not lead to the combination of users whose levels of the report scores are relatively significantly different from each other (for example, users of the first group and users of the third group in the case where users are stratified into the first group, the second group, and the third group). This makes it possible to prevent a good user from being combined with a user likely to commit dishonesty.

In addition, in the processing described above, if the report score of a user has not been counted up from a predetermined number of days ago to the present time, the report score is initialized. The report score is thus initialized on the basis of actual time, whereby, even if thegame apparatus3 is sold or handed over, the elapse of a predetermined number of days since the user has given another user thegame apparatus3 results in initializing the report score set in thegame apparatus3. This makes it possible to prevent the setting of the report score of the previous user from being taken over to the next user. If such effects are not desired, the report score of the user may be initialized by another form. As an example, if the report score of a user has not been counted up while a communication game (application) corresponding to the report score has been executed a predetermined number of times, the report score may be initialized. As another example, if the report score of a user has not been counted up until the time accumulated during which a communication game (application) corresponding to the report score has been executed has reached a predetermined time, the report score may be initialized. As described above, the report score of a user may be initialized on the basis not only of actual time but also of the number of times a communication game (application) has been performed or the time during which a communication game (application) has been performed.

In addition, in the processing described above, when the user of thegame apparatus3 makes a report, information indicating a reason for reporting is transmitted to thematchmaking server200, and thematchmaking server200 sets a report score corresponding to the reason for reporting. Alternatively, the transmission source may set the report score. That is, when the user of thegame apparatus3 makes a report, thegame apparatus3 may set a report score corresponding to the reason for reporting, and information indicating the set report score may be transmitted to thematchmaking server200.

In addition, in the processing described above, when a communication game has ended, each of thegame apparatuses3 having participated in the communication game sends a game log to thelog storage server300. Alternatively, each of thegame apparatuses3 may send a game log at different timing. For example, if the log acquisition target flag represented by the log acquisition target flag data Dh is set to on, each of thegame apparatuses3 may send a game log regarding the game processing to thelog storage server300 in a predetermined cycle in the game processing in theabove step47.

In addition, the above descriptions are given using the example where matchmaking is performed on thegame apparatuses3 on the assumption that one user operates onegame apparatus3, whereby matchmaking is performed on the users. The exemplary embodiment, however, can also be applied to an environment where a plurality of users operate onegame apparatus3. For example, if, in an environment where a plurality of users operate onegame apparatus3, matchmaking is performed on the users, matchmaking may be performed using only the user IDs subjected to the authentication of the accounts, instead of the device ID. Thus, it is needless to say that matchmaking can be performed on the users even in this environment.

In addition, in the above descriptions, it is set such that a log of each waiting room is to be acquired, and therefore, it is determined whether or not logs of all the users belonging to the waiting room are to be acquired. It may be set, however, such that logs of some of the users (one or two or more users) belonging to the waiting room are to be acquired. In this case, in a communication game using the waiting room, logs of some of the users having participated in the communication game are acquired. The logs, however, acquired from these users include logs of all the users having participated in the communication game, which allows a similar log analysis.

In addition, the above descriptions are given using the example where thegame apparatus3 and thematchmaking server200 perform the information processing. Alternatively, another apparatus may perform at least some of the processing steps in the information processing. For example, if thegame apparatus3 is further configured to communicate with another apparatus (for example, another server, another game apparatus, or another mobile terminal), the other apparatus may cooperate to perform the processing steps of the information processing. As an example, the other apparatus may generate a virtual world in the game processing and perform the game processing using the virtual world, and the result of the game processing may be displayed on thegame apparatus3 of thedisplay section39. Alternatively, thegame apparatus3 or another apparatus may perform some of the processing performed by thematchmaking server200. Another apparatus may thus perform at least some of the processing steps in the information processing, which enables information processing similar to that described above. Further, the information processing described above can be performed by a processor or the cooperation of a plurality of processors, the processor and the plurality of processors contained in a communication system including at least one information processing apparatus and a server. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, the processing indicated in the flow chart described above is performed as a result of theCPU311 of thegame apparatus3 and thecontrol section202 of thematchmaking server200 executing a predetermined program. Alternatively, some or all of the processing indicated in the flow chart may be performed by a dedicated circuit included in thegame apparatus3 and a dedicated circuit included in thematchmaking server200.

Here, the above variations make it possible to achieve the exemplary embodiment also by a system form such as cloud computing, or a system form such as a distributed wide area network or a local area network. For example, in a system form such as a distributed local area network, it is possible to execute the information processing between a stationary information processing apparatus (a stationary game apparatus) and a handheld information processing apparatus (a handheld game apparatus) by the cooperation of the apparatuses. It should be noted that, in these system forms, there is no particular limitation on which apparatus performs the process of each step of the information processing described above. Thus, it is needless to say that it is possible to achieve the exemplary embodiment by sharing the processing in any manner.

Further, the processing orders, the setting values, the conditions used in the determinations, and the like that are used in the information processing described above are merely illustrative. Thus, it is needless to say that the exemplary embodiment can be achieved also with other orders, other values, and other conditions.

In addition, the communication program (game program) may be supplied to thegame apparatus3 not only through an external storage medium such as theexternal memory45, but also through a wired or wireless communication link. Further, the program may be stored in advance in a non-volatile storage device included in thegame apparatus3. It should be noted that examples of an information storage medium having stored therein the program may include CD-ROMs, DVDs, optical disk storage media similar to these, flexible disks, hard disks, magneto-optical disks, and magnetic tapes, as well as non-volatile memories. Alternatively, an information storage medium having stored therein the program may be a volatile memory for storing the program. It can be said that such a storage medium is a storage medium readable by a computer or the like. For example, it is possible to provide the various functions described above by causing a computer or the like to load a program from the storage medium and execute it.

While some exemplary systems, exemplary methods, exemplary devices, and exemplary apparatuses have been described in detail above, the above descriptions are merely illustrative in all respects, and do not limit the scope of the systems, the methods, the devices, and the apparatuses. It is needless to say that the systems, the methods, the devices, and the apparatuses can be improved and modified in various manners without departing the spirit and scope of the appended claims. It is understood that the scope of the systems, the methods, the devices, and the apparatuses should be interpreted only by the scope of the appended claims. Further, it is understood that the specific descriptions of the exemplary embodiment enable a person skilled in the art to carry out an equivalent scope on the basis of the descriptions of the exemplary embodiment and general technical knowledge. It should be understood that, when used in the specification, the components and the like described in the singular with the word “a” or “an” preceding them do not exclude the plurals of the components. Furthermore, it should be understood that, unless otherwise stated, the terms used in the specification are used in their common meanings in the field. Thus, unless otherwise defined, all the jargons and the technical terms used in the specification have the same meanings as those generally understood by a person skilled in the art in the field of the exemplary embodiment. If there is a conflict, the specification (including definitions) takes precedence.

A communication system, a storage medium having stored therein a communication program, an information processing apparatus, a server, and a communication method according to the exemplary embodiment can provide a novel communication system, a storage medium having stored therein a novel communication program, a novel information processing apparatus, a novel server, and a novel communication method, and are useful as a communication system, a communication program, an information processing apparatus, a server, a communication method, and the like in which a plurality of apparatuses perform predetermined information processing or the like.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A communication system including at least a server and a plurality of information processing apparatuses capable of communicating with the server,

the server comprising:

a matchmaking unit configured to, when the plurality of information processing apparatuses execute a predetermined application together, set a combination of the information processing apparatuses; and

a log acquisition determination unit configured to, when the matchmaking unit sets the combination of the information processing apparatuses to execute the application together, determine on the basis of a predetermined condition whether or not a log of the execution of the application is to be acquired,

each information processing apparatus comprising:

a processing execution unit configured to execute the application together with any of the other information processing apparatuses with which the information processing apparatus has been combined by the matchmaking unit; and

a log sending unit configured to, if the log acquisition determination unit has determined that the log is to be acquired, send to a predetermined apparatus a log of the execution of the application for which the determination has been made.

2. The communication system according toclaim 1, wherein

the log sending unit sends a log of the information processing apparatus having executed the application, together with a log of any of the other information processing apparatuses having executed the application together with the information processing apparatus.

3. The communication system according toclaim 2, comprising:

a log acquisition unit configured to acquire the logs sent by each log sending unit; and

a log analysis unit configured to analyze the logs acquired by the log acquisition unit, wherein

if logs of the application to be executed by a first information processing apparatus and a second information processing apparatus of the information processing apparatuses are to be acquired,

the log sending unit of the first information processing apparatus sends to the log acquisition unit a log of the first information processing apparatus having executed the application and a log of the second information processing apparatus having executed the application,

the log sending unit of the second information processing apparatus sends to the log acquisition unit a log of the second information processing apparatus having executed the application and a log of the first information processing apparatus having executed the application, and

the log analysis unit confirms at least a consistency between the log of the first information processing apparatus acquired from the log sending unit of the first information processing apparatus and the log of the first information processing apparatus acquired from the log sending unit of the second information processing apparatus.

4. The communication system according toclaim 1, wherein

when the execution of the application for which the determination has been made is started, the log sending unit further sends information indicating the start of the execution of the application.

5. The communication system according toclaim 1, wherein

the server further comprises an evaluation management unit configured to manage an evaluation regarding the execution of the application performed by each information processing apparatus having executed the application, wherein

on the basis of the evaluations of the information processing apparatuses combined to execute the application together, the log acquisition determination unit determines whether or not a log of the execution of the application is to be acquired.

6. The communication system according toclaim 5, wherein

each information processing apparatus further comprises a reporting unit configured to report to the server the evaluation regarding the execution of the application performed by each of the other information processing apparatuses, wherein

on the basis of the evaluation reported by the reporting unit, the evaluation management unit updates the evaluation of the other information processing apparatus regarding which the report has been made.

7. The communication system according toclaim 6, wherein

the reporting unit reports the evaluation of any of the other information processing apparatuses with which the information processing apparatus has been combined by the matchmaking unit.

8. The communication system according toclaim 7, wherein

after the application is executed, the reporting unit reports the evaluation regarding the execution of the application performed by any of the other information processing apparatuses with which the information processing apparatus has been combined by the matchmaking unit.

9. The communication system according toclaim 5, wherein

the matchmaking unit combines together any of the information processing apparatuses having satisfied a predetermined condition for the evaluation.

10. The communication system according toclaim 6, wherein

the evaluation management unit includes a report score calculation unit configured to, with respect to each of the reported evaluations, accumulate a report score of corresponding one of the information processing apparatuses for which the evaluation has been made,

the matchmaking unit combines together any of the information processing apparatuses of which the accumulated report scores are equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, or combines together any of the information processing apparatuses of which the accumulated report scores are less than the first predetermined value, and

if the report score of at least one of the information processing apparatuses with which the information processing apparatus has been combined to execute the application together is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value, the log acquisition determination unit determines on the basis of the predetermined condition whether or not a log of the execution of the application is to be acquired.

11. A computer-readable storage medium having stored therein a communication program to be executed by a computer contained in a communication system including at least a server and a plurality of information processing apparatuses capable of communicating with the server, the communication program causing the computer to execute:

performing matchmaking to, when the plurality of information processing apparatuses execute a predetermined application together, set a combination of the information processing apparatuses;

when the matchmaking unit sets the combination of the information processing apparatuses to execute the application together, determining on the basis of a predetermined condition whether or not a log of the execution of the application is to be acquired; and

if it has been determined that the log is to be acquired, sending a log of the execution of the application for which the determination has been made, from any of the information processing apparatuses having executed the application.

12. An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with at least a server, the information processing apparatus comprising:

a processing execution unit configured to, when a plurality of information processing apparatuses execute a predetermined application together, execute, on the basis of the combination with any of the other information processing apparatuses as instructed by the server, the application together with the other information processing apparatus; and

a log sending unit configured to, if, as a result of, when the combination is set, the server determining on the basis of a predetermined condition whether or not a log of the execution of the application is to be acquired, the server has determined that the log is to be acquired, send to a predetermined apparatus a log of the execution of the application for which the determination has been made.

13. A server capable of communicating with at least a plurality of information processing apparatuses, the server comprising:

a matchmaking unit configured to, when the plurality of information processing apparatuses execute a predetermined application together, set a combination of the information processing apparatuses;

a log acquisition determination unit configured to, when the matchmaking unit sets the combination of the information processing apparatuses to execute the application together, determine on the basis of a predetermined condition whether or not a log of the execution of the application is to be acquired; and

a log sending instruction unit configured to, if the log acquisition determination unit has determined that the log is to be acquired, send a log of the execution of the application for which the determination has been made, from the any of the information processing apparatuses having executed the application.

14. A communication method to be executed by a processor or a cooperation of a plurality of processors, the processor and the plurality of processors contained in a communication system including at least a server and a plurality of information processing apparatuses capable of communicating with the server, the communication method comprising:

performing matchmaking by, when the plurality of information processing apparatuses execute a predetermined application together, setting a combination of the information processing apparatuses;

when the combination of the information processing apparatuses to execute the application together is set in the matchmaking, determining on the basis of a predetermined condition whether or not a log of the execution of the application is to be acquired;

executing the application together with any of the other information processing apparatuses with which each information processing apparatus has been combined in the matchmaking; and

if it has been determined that the log is to be acquired, sending to a predetermined apparatus a log of the execution of the application for which the determination has been made.