JP2004000621A - Method of using computer, recording medium having recorded program for performing the method and computer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an interface having a higher game property in timing determination by a push of an on/off switch. <P>SOLUTION: A recording medium whose program includes a step of moving a movable body in a predetermined direction in synchronism with music, a step of making a decision based on the output timing and period of a controller, and a step of giving a score according to the decision. A method of using a computer includes stages of moving the movable body in the predetermined direction in synchronism with the music, making decision on the timing and output period of the pressure sensitive output of the above-mentioned controller as compared with a musical reference value when the movable body reaches predetermined positions, and giving the score. The computer is provided with a means of moving the movable body in the predetermined direction in synchronism with the music, a means of deciding on the timing and output period of the pressure sensitive output of the controller as compared with the musical reference value when the movable body reaches the predetermined positions, and a means of giving the score according to the decision. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method of using a computer for making a timing determination by simply pressing an on / off switch into an interface with higher game performance, a recording medium recording a program for executing the method, and a computer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a computer game, a so-called music game, in which moving bodies appearing one after another in synchronization with music, press a predetermined button on the controller when they reach a predetermined position, and compete for a score given according to the pressing timing. Is. Such a music game is described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 11-151380 and 11-313979.
[0003]
On the other hand, an input device of a computer, for example, an input device of an entertainment device represented by a game device includes a so-called pressure-sensitive controller. This pressure-sensitive controller outputs a pressing force as a pressure-sensitive value by applying pressure to the operator itself connected to the pressure-sensitive element with a finger. As a specific example, for example, in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 1-40545, there is a disclosure of a pressure-sensitive controller, which inputs a pressure-sensitive output to a VCO (Variable Control Transmitter) and uses the VCO output as a continuous fire of the game. It is used for.
[0004]
However, a music game that effectively uses the pressure-sensitive value of the pressure-sensitive controller has not yet been provided to the market.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Accordingly, the present invention responds to the desire to make the interface more highly gameable by simply determining the timing when the on / off switch is pressed.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A recording medium according to the present invention is a recording medium in which a music game software program including a program for processing using an output from a controller having pressure-sensitive means as a command is read by a computer and recorded in an executable manner. The program includes a step of moving the moving body in a predetermined direction in synchronization with music, a step of determining based on an output timing and an output period of the controller when the moving body reaches a predetermined position, and the determination And a step of assigning a score according to.
[0007]
The method of using a computer according to the present invention is a method of using a computer having a controller having pressure-sensitive means and capable of executing a music game software program, and moving a moving body in a predetermined direction in synchronization with music. When the moving body reaches a predetermined position, the timing and the output period of the pressure-sensitive output of the controller are determined by comparing with the reference value of the music, and the stages according to the determination are given. Is included.
[0008]
Further, the computer according to the present invention has a controller having pressure sensing means, and in a computer capable of executing a music game software program, means for moving the moving body in a predetermined direction in synchronization with music, and the moving body includes: Means for determining the pressure-sensitive output timing and output period of the controller by comparing with a reference value of the music when reaching a predetermined position, and means for assigning a score according to the determination; .
[0009]
Furthermore, the recording medium according to the present invention is a recording medium in which a music game software program including a program for processing using an output from a controller having pressure-sensitive means as a command is read and executed by a computer, The software program is based on the step of moving the moving body in a predetermined direction in synchronization with music, and the pressure-sensitive output timing and output magnitude of the controller when the moving body reaches a predetermined position. A step of determining, and a step of assigning a score according to the determination.
[0010]
Furthermore, a method of using a computer according to the present invention is a method of using a computer having a controller having means and capable of executing a music game software program, and moving a moving body in a predetermined direction in synchronization with music. When the moving body reaches a predetermined position, the pressure-sensitive output timing and output magnitude of the controller are determined by comparing with the reference value of the music, and a score corresponding to the determination is given. Includes stages.
[0011]
Furthermore, the recording medium according to the present invention is a recording medium in which a music game software program including a program for processing using an output from a controller having pressure-sensitive means as a command is read and executed by a computer, The software program includes a step of outputting the rhythm of the task song, a step of comparing the timing and output magnitude of the pressure-sensitive output of the controller with the timing and size of the rhythm of the task song, and determining a match / mismatch And a step of assigning a score according to the determination.
[0012]
Furthermore, a method of using a computer according to the present invention is a method of using a computer having a controller having pressure-sensitive means and capable of executing a music game software program, the step of outputting a rhythm of a task song; Comparing the timing and magnitude of the pressure-sensitive output of the controller with the timing and magnitude of the rhythm of the task music, and determining the coincidence / mismatch, and providing a score according to the determination .
[0013]
Furthermore, the computer according to the present invention is a computer having a controller having pressure sensing means and capable of executing a music game software program, the controller having a pressure sensing element, and the timing of pressure sensing output and The magnitude of the output can be input to the computer, and the controller generally has the shape of a percussion instrument.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A controller using a pressure-sensitive element not only detects the presence or absence of a pressure-sensitive output (for example, on / off of a switch) when a button as an operation element is pressed, but also pressure-sensitive in accordance with the pressing force. Value output can be obtained. On the other hand, in software or games using pressure-sensitive value output, there is a possibility that various processes and operations can be determined corresponding to the pressure-sensitive value output. In the present embodiment, for example, in a music game, not only timing determination by operation of an operator is performed, but also the type of a note is changed corresponding to the pressing time by the pressing operation of each operator.
[0015]
In the present embodiment, a new music game in which the pressing time of the pressure-sensitive switch of the controller having the pressure-sensitive element is compared with the reference time defined in the musical score of the subject music, and a score is given according to the comparison result Will be described. As a result, the present invention is intended to provide a system having a further improved user interface as compared with the repeated ON operation of the ON / OFF switch and the continuation thereof.
[0016]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a connection example for enjoying game software and video using an entertainment system 500 for explaining the outline of the present embodiment. More specific examples of the entertainment system will be described with reference to FIG.
[0017]
As shown in FIG. 1, a controller 200 having a button connected to a pressure sensitive element (not shown) is connected to an entertainment system 500 for playing a game or enjoying a video such as a DVD video, for example. The video output terminal is connected to the television monitor 408. Here, the analog output from the pressure sensitive element is converted into a digital value of 256 steps from 0 to 255 by an A / D converter (not shown), and is supplied to the entertainment system 500.
[0018]
Hereinafter, a novel music game using the pressure-sensitive switch pressing time of the controller 200 will be described with reference to FIGS.
(First embodiment)
[0019]
The first embodiment is a music game in which a player performs a performance operation using a pressure-sensitive controller on a temporal transition according to the length of a sound (type of note), not the strength of a sound, in the rhythm of a task song.
[0020]
FIG. 2 shows a screen display example of a music game, for example. First, the entire melody as an example is output from a speaker connected to the entertainment system 500 in advance. This speaker may be either a separate one or one provided on the television monitor 408.
[0021]
Next, the count sound is similarly output from the speaker. On the upper left of the screen, the type of musical note to be input next by the player pressing the pressure sensitive switch of the controller 200 is displayed. In this screen display example, an eighth note is displayed.
[0022]
In the center of the screen, for example, a gauge Ga divided into four is displayed. Each section corresponds to the length of a musical score, such as a quarter note. When the music from which the melody is removed starts, the leftmost pointer P (▼) moves in accordance with the length corresponding to the section. The pointer P is for the player to take time. Then, when the pressure sensitive switch of the controller 200 is continuously pressed so that each note of the melody stored by the player has the stored length, a note corresponding to the pressing time is input.
[0023]
The entertainment system 500 compares the reference time indicated by the reference note defined on the musical score of the task tune with the pressing time of the pressure sensitive switch operated by the player, and gives a score according to whether the result is good or bad. The score given by the player is displayed in the area Ar at the lower right of the screen.
[0024]
FIG. 3 shows a table for selecting a corresponding note corresponding to the time (pressing time) kN in which the pressure-sensitive value continues to be a predetermined value or more. Here, the pressing time N (when k = 1) is a time value equal to the length of the quarter note, and a value corresponding to the tempo of the task music is set.
[0025]
A coefficient k such as 0.25, 0.5, etc. on the left side of N is a multiplier of N. For example, since the quarter note is N, the pressing time corresponding to the half-length eighth note must be multiplied by a coefficient k = 0.5 to set the pressing time to 0.5N. .
[0026]
Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the game which competes for musicality by comparing the pressing time kN of the pressure sensitive switch and the reference time will be described.
[0027]
The flowchart shown in FIG. 4 shows processing of a music game including a program for comparing the pressure sensitive switch pressing time kN with a reference time. The program for comparing the pressure-sensitive switch pressing time with the reference time is recorded on the recording medium together with the game software even when it is recorded alone on a recording medium such as an optical disk or as part of the game software. Can be provided.
[0028]
A program for comparing the pressure-sensitive switch pressing time with a reference time is started on the entertainment system 500 and executed by the CPU.
[0029]
Here, the meaning that the program for comparing the pressing time of the pressure-sensitive switch with the reference time is recorded and provided on a recording medium as a single unit means that it is prepared in advance as a library for software development. To do. As is well known, it takes a lot of time to create all functions when developing software.
[0030]
However, when the software functions are decomposed for each function type, many functions that can be used in common with various software such as moving an object are included.
[0031]
Therefore, functions that can be used in common as in the embodiment can be provided to the software manufacturer as a library program. The software manufacturer can produce only the essential part of the software other than the common function part by having the generalized function provided as a program from the outside.
[0032]
In step S2, a count sound for notifying the start is output.
[0033]
In step S <b> 3, an image indicating what the next note is is displayed on the upper left portion of the television monitor 408. This has already been described with reference to FIG. When started, music from which the melody has been removed, that is, music such as drums, bass, and piano is output. The player must operate the pressure-sensitive controller 200 and sequentially input notes in a timely manner to create the same melody as the model.
[0034]
In step S4, pressure sensitive data from the controller 200 is acquired.
[0035]
In step S5, a timer is started.
[0036]
In step S6, it is determined whether or not the pressure sensitive value acquired from the controller 200 is equal to or less than a predetermined value. If “YES”, the process proceeds to step S7, and if “NO”, the process proceeds to step S4 again.
[0037]
The role of step S6 is to input one musical note from when a pressure-sensitive value greater than or equal to a predetermined value is input until the pressure-sensitive value becomes lower than the predetermined value, that is, when the user operates the pressure-sensitive switch of the controller 200. It is to make a loop to measure the length of. In short, not only the user touches the pressure sensitive switch but also the period kN during which the pressure sensitive switch is kept pressed with a positive will is measured by a timer. Of course, when the predetermined value is, for example, “100”, an offset value of “10”, for example, is provided above and below the center of “100”. That is, if the pressure sensitive value is in the range of “90” to “110”, it may be set within a predetermined value.
[0038]
In step S7, a corresponding note is obtained from the pressing time kN indicated by the timer value using the table of FIG. 3 recorded in a storage device (not shown), and the corresponding note is compared with the reference note.
[0039]
In step S8, a score corresponding to the result of this comparison is calculated.
[0040]
In step S9, it is determined whether or not the task song has been completed. If “YES”, the process proceeds to step S10 to display a score, and if “NO”, the process proceeds to step S11.
[0041]
In step S11, a note to be input next by the player is set.
[0042]
If desired, the game may be executed not on all notes of the task piece but on arbitrarily selected notes, intermittently selected notes, and the like.
[0043]
As described above, in the present embodiment, since the pressure-sensitive switch pressing time is compared with the reference time, the game performance is improved and the user interface is improved as compared with the music game only for timing determination. Can do.
(Second embodiment)
[0044]
The second embodiment is also a music game in which the player performs a performance operation using a pressure-sensitive controller on the temporal transition according to the length of the sound (type of note), not the strength of the sound, in the rhythm of the subject song. However, the difference from the first embodiment is that in the first embodiment, the pressing time kN is determined by the pressure-sensitive output of the pressure-sensitive controller, whereas in the second embodiment, the pressure-sensitive controller. The corresponding note is directly determined in correspondence with the pressure-sensitive output (for example, digital value 0 to 255).
[0045]
For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the corresponding note is determined corresponding to the pressure-sensitive output (for example, digital value 0 to 255) of the pressure-sensitive controller. That is, the pressure-sensitive output of the pressure-sensitive controller is converted into a digital value by the A / D converter. When this digital value is 0 to 31, the corresponding note is a sixteenth note, and when it is 32 to 63, it is an eighth note. Are assigned in the following order, and are all notes when 224 to 255.
[0046]
The second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the corresponding note is directly determined in response to the pressure-sensitive output of the pressure-sensitive controller.
(Third embodiment)
[0047]
The third embodiment is a music game in which a player performs a performance operation using a pressure-sensitive controller on time transitions based on rhythm (timing and strength) rather than length of sound (type of note) in the rhythm of the subject song. It is.
[0048]
The television monitor 408 may display lyrics of the subject song, background video, etc. as in karaoke. Rhythms such as 3 and 4 are defined for music. For example, strong, weak, weak, strong, weak, weak, and so on.
[0049]
In karaoke, it is common for the person and the surrounding people to take a rhythm with clapping against a person who sings a song. The person who sings or the surrounding person becomes a game player, and presses the pressure-sensitive switch of the pressure-sensitive controller according to the subject song, such as strong, weak, weak, strong, weak, weak, ... To do. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the pressure-sensitive output is a weak pressure value, the pressure value is determined to be “weak” with respect to the intermediate value of the pressure value operated by the player. Judged as “strong”. Specifically, when the pressure-sensitive analog output from the pressure-sensitive element is converted into a digital value by the A / D converter, 0 to 127 are determined as “weak” and 127 to 256 are determined as “strong”. . A table having the contents as shown in FIG. 6 is created in advance and recorded in the storage device.
[0050]
As the scanning device, an input device with a special pressure sensitive element in the shape of a percussion instrument may be used instead of the controller. For example, by developing an input device having a castanet shape shown in FIG. 7 (A) and using a pressure-sensitive element instead of the metal piece at the hit point, strong and clapping hands can be input to the entertainment body. Alternatively, an input device having the shape of a tambourine shown in FIG. 7B was developed. For example, the surface of the entertainment body is made up of two skins, and a pressure-sensitive element is provided in the skin. Can be entered. Alternatively, an input device having a bongo shape shown in FIG. 7C is developed, and an element is provided on the lower side of the striking skin, so that the state of striking can be input to the entertainment body.
[0051]
A game program for comparing the pressing timing and strength of the pressure sensitive switch with the timing and strength of the rhythm of the task song is started on the entertainment system 500 and executed by the CPU. This will be described with reference to FIG.
[0052]
In step S10, the task music is output.
[0053]
In step S11, a rhythm is extracted from the output task song. The player must operate the pressure-sensitive controller 200 and sequentially input notes in a timely manner to create the same rhythm as the model.
[0054]
In step S12, an input is received from a controller having a pressure-sensitive element or a controller having a percussion instrument shape such as castanets. This input is specified by the timing at the time of hitting and its strength.
[0055]
In step S13, it is determined whether or not the strength of the rhythm extracted from the task music matches the strength of the input from the controller hit by the user.
[0056]
In step S14, it is determined whether or not the timing of the rhythm extracted from the task song matches the timing of the input from the controller hit by the user. In steps S13 and S14, if the strength and the timing match, the process proceeds to step S15, and the score is added. In step S13 or S14, if either strength or timing does not match, the process proceeds to step S16, and the score is subtracted.
[0057]
In step S17, it is determined whether or not the subject song has been completed. If “YES”, the process proceeds to step S18 to display a score, and if “NO”, the process proceeds to step S12.
(Video game machine and controller device)
[0058]
Next, an embodiment when the present invention is applied to a controller device of a video game machine which is an example of a computer will be described.
[0059]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the controller 200 described above is connected to the entertainment system 500. The controller 200 is detachably connected to the entertainment system 500, and a television monitor 408 is connected to the entertainment system 500.
[0060]
The entertainment system 500 reads a program from a recording medium on which a computer game program is recorded, and executes the program to display characters on the television monitor 408, as well as DVD (digital versatile disc) playback. Various control functions such as CDDA (compact disc digital audio) playback are incorporated. A signal from the controller 200 is also processed by one of the control functions in the entertainment system 500, and the content is reflected on the movement of the character on the television monitor 408.
[0061]
Depending on the contents of the computer game program, for example, a function for moving the character displayed on the television monitor 408 up and down and left and right is assigned to the controller 200.
[0062]
Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the inside of the entertainment system 500 shown in FIG. 5 will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of entertainment system 500.
[0063]
A RAM 402 and a bus 403 are connected to the CPU 401, respectively. A graphic processor unit (GPU) 404 and an input / output processor (I / O) 409 are connected to the bus 403. For example, a television monitor (TV) 408 as an external device is connected to the GPU 404 via an encoder 407 for converting a digital RGB signal or the like into the NTSC standard television system. The I / O 409 includes a driver (DRV) 410, a sound processor (SP) 412, an external memory 415 including a flash memory, a controller 200, and an operating system for reproducing and decoding data recorded on the optical disk 411. ROM 416 in which these are recorded are connected to each other. The SP 412 is connected to a speaker 414 as an external device via an amplifier 413.
[0064]
Here, the external memory 415 is, for example, a card-type memory composed of a CPU or a gate array and a flash memory, and is detachable from the entertainment system 500 shown in FIG. It has become. The controller 200 is used to give a command to the entertainment system 500 by pressing a plurality of buttons. The driver 410 also includes a decoder for decoding an image encoded based on the MPEG standard.
[0065]
Next, how the image is displayed on the television monitor 408 by the operation of the controller 200 will be described. It is assumed that object data including polygon vertex data, texture data, and the like recorded on the optical disc 411 is read via the driver 410 and held in the RAM 402 of the CPU 401.
[0066]
When an instruction from the player is input to the entertainment system 500 via the controller 200, the CPU 401 calculates the position of the object in three dimensions and the orientation with respect to the viewpoint based on the instruction. Thereby, the polygon vertex data of the object specified by the coordinate values of X, Y, and Z are changed. The polygon vertex data after the change is converted into two-dimensional coordinate data by a perspective conversion process.
[0067]
A region designated by two-dimensional coordinates is a so-called polygon. The converted coordinate data, Z data, and texture data are supplied to the GPU 404. The GPU 404 performs drawing processing by sequentially writing texture data on the RAM 405 based on the coordinate data and Z data after conversion. The image for one frame completed by the drawing process is encoded by the encoder 407, supplied to the television monitor 408, and displayed as an image on the screen.
[0068]
FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the appearance of the controller 200. The apparatus main body 201 of the controller 200 is provided with first and second operation units 210 and 220 on the upper surface, and third and fourth operation units 230 and 240 on the side surface.
[0069]
The first operation unit 210 includes a cross-shaped operation body 211 for pressing operation, and each operation key 211a extending in four directions of the operation body 211 forms an operation element. The first operation unit 210 is an operation unit for giving an action to the character displayed on the screen of the television receiver, and presses each operation key 211a of the operation body 211 to move the character up, down, left and right. It has a function.
[0070]
The second operation unit 220 includes four operation buttons 221 (operators) having a cylindrical shape for pressing operation. Each operation button 221 is provided with identification marks such as “◯”, “Δ”, “□”, and “×” on the head, so that each operation button 221 can be easily identified. The function of the second operation unit 220 is set by a game program recorded on the optical disc 411. For example, a function of changing the state of the game character is assigned to each operation button 221. For example, a function for moving the left arm, right arm, left foot, and right foot of the character is assigned to each operation button 221.
[0071]
The third and fourth operation units 230 and 240 have substantially the same structure, and are provided with two operation buttons 231 and 241 (operators) for pressing operation that are arranged vertically. The functions of the third and fourth operation units 230 and 240 are also set by a game program recorded on the optical disc, and for example, a function for causing a game character to perform a special action is assigned.
[0072]
Further, the apparatus main body 201 shown in FIG. 7 is provided with two joysticks 251 for performing an analog operation. The joystick 251 can be used by switching to the first and second operation units 210 and 220. The switching is performed by an analog selection switch 252 provided in the apparatus main body 201. When the joystick 251 is selected, the display unit 253 provided in the apparatus main body 201 is turned on to display the selection state of the joystick 251.
[0073]
In addition, the apparatus main body 201 is provided with a start switch 254 for instructing the start of the game, a selection switch 255 for selecting a difficulty level of the game at the start of the game, and the like.
[0074]
8 and 13 are diagrams illustrating a configuration example of the second operation unit.
[0075]
As shown in FIG. 8, the second operation unit 220 includes four operation buttons 221 serving as operation elements, an elastic body 222, and a sheet member 223 provided with a resistor 40. Each operation button 221 is attached to the attachment hole 201a formed on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 201 from the back side. Each operation button 221 mounted in the mounting hole 201a is movable in the axial direction.
[0076]
The elastic body 222 is formed of an insulating rubber or the like, has an elastic portion 222a protruding upward, and supports the lower end of the operation button 221 with the upper wall of the elastic portion 222a. When the operation button 221 is pushed in, the slope portion of the elastic portion 222a is bent and the upper wall moves together with the operation button 221. On the other hand, when the pressing force to the operation button 221 is released, the inclined surface portion of the elastic portion 222a that has been bent is elastically restored to push up the operation button 221. That is, the elastic body 222 functions as an urging means for restoring the operation button 221 pushed in by the pressing operation to the original position. As shown in FIG. 13, conductive members 50 are respectively attached to the back surfaces of the elastic bodies 222.
[0077]
The sheet member 223 is formed of a thin sheet material having flexibility and insulation such as a membrane. Resistors 40 are provided at appropriate positions on the sheet member 223, and the resistors 40 and the conductive members 50 are arranged to face the operation buttons 221 via the elastic bodies 222. That is, the resistor 40 and the conductive member 50 constitute a pressure sensitive element. The electric resistance value of the pressure sensitive element including the resistor 40 and the conductive member 50 changes according to the pressing force received from the operation button 221.
[0078]
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the second operation unit 220 includes an operation button 221 as an operation element, an elastic body 222, a conductive member 50, and a resistor 40. The conductive member 50 is made of, for example, elastic conductive rubber, and is formed in a mountain shape with the center at the top. The conductive member 50 is bonded to the inner ceiling surface of the elastic portion 222 a formed on the elastic body 222.
[0079]
In addition, the resistor 40 is provided on the internal substrate 204 so as to face the conductive member 50, and the conductive member 50 comes into contact with the resistor 40 when the operation button 221 is pressed.
[0080]
The conductive member 50 is deformed in accordance with the pressing force of the operation button 221 (that is, the contact pressure with the resistor 40), and the contact area with the resistor 40 is reduced as shown in FIGS. Change. That is, when the pressing force of the operation button 221 is weak, the vicinity of the top of the mountain-shaped conductive member 50 comes into contact as shown in FIG. When the pressing force of the operation button 221 is further increased, the conductive member 50 is gradually deformed from the top portion and the contact area is expanded.
[0081]
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit of a pressure-sensitive element composed of the resistor 40 and the conductive member 50. As shown in the figure, the pressure sensitive element is inserted in series with the power supply line 13, and a voltage Vcc is applied between the electrodes 40a and 40b. The pressure sensitive element is divided into a variable resistor 42 having a relatively small resistance value included in the conductive member 50 and a fixed resistor 41 having a relatively large resistance value included in the resistor 40 as shown in FIG. Of these, the variable resistor 42 corresponds to the resistance of the portion where the resistor 40 and the conductive member 50 are in contact, and the resistance value of the pressure-sensitive element changes according to the contact area of the conductive member 50.
[0082]
That is, when the conductive member 50 comes into contact with the resistor 40, the conductive member 50 acts as a bridge instead of the resistor 40 in the contact portion, so that a current flows. Therefore, as the contact area of the conductive member 50 with the resistor 40 increases, the resistance value of the pressure sensitive element decreases. Thus, the pressure-sensitive element can be grasped as a variable resistor as a whole. 13, only the contact portion between the conductive member 50, which is the variable resistor 42 in FIG. 14, and the resistor 40 is shown, but the fixed resistor 41 in FIG. 14 is not shown in FIG.
[0083]
In this embodiment, an output terminal is provided in the vicinity of the boundary between the variable resistor 42 and the fixed resistor 41, that is, in the vicinity of the middle portion of the resistor 40. It is extracted as an analog signal corresponding to the pressing force.
[0084]
First, since a voltage is applied to the resistor 40 when the power is turned on, a constant analog signal (voltage) Vmin is output from the output terminal 40c even if the operation button 221 is not pressed. Next, even if the operation button 221 is pressed, the resistance value of the resistor 40 does not change until the conductive member 50 comes into contact with the resistor 40, and thus the output from the resistor 40 remains Vmin. When the operation button 221 is further pressed and the conductive member 50 comes into contact with the resistor 40, the contact area of the conductive member 50 with respect to the resistor 40 increases thereafter in accordance with the pressing force of the operation button 221. And the analog signal (voltage) output from the output terminal 40c of the resistor 40 increases. When the conductive member 50 changes most, the analog signal (voltage) output from the output terminal 40c of the resistor 40 becomes the maximum Vmax.
[0085]
FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the main part of the controller 200.
[0086]
The MPU 14 mounted on the internal base of the operation position 200 includes a switcher 18 and an A / D conversion unit 16. An analog signal (voltage) output from the output terminal 40c of the resistor 40 is input to the A / D converter 16 and converted into a digital signal.
[0087]
The digital signal output from the A / D converter 16 is sent to the entertainment system 500 via the interface 17 provided on the internal base of the controller 200, and the action of the game character is executed by this digital signal.
[0088]
The change in level of the analog signal output from the output terminal 40c of the resistor 40 corresponds to the change in the pressing force received from the operation button 221 (operator) as described above. Therefore, the digital signal output from the A / D converter 16 corresponds to the pressing force of the operation button 221 (operator) by the user. If the game character's motion is controlled by a digital signal having such a relationship with the user's pressing operation, an analog smooth motion is realized compared to the control by the binary digital signal of “1” or “0”. It becomes possible to do.
[0089]
Based on the game program recorded on the optical disc 411, the switch 18 is controlled by a control signal sent from the entertainment system 500. That is, from the entertainment system 500, when the game program recorded on the optical disc is executed, the A / D converter 16 functions as a means for outputting a multi-valued analog signal according to the content of the game program. Or a control signal for designating whether to function as a means for outputting a binarized digital signal. Based on this control signal, the switch 18 selects and switches the function of the A / D converter 16.
[0090]
16 and 17 are diagrams illustrating a configuration example of the first operation unit.
[0091]
As shown in FIG. 16, the first operation unit 210 includes a cross-shaped operation body 211, a spacer 212 for positioning the operation body 211, and an elastic body 213 that elastically supports the operation body 211. Further, as shown in FIG. 17, the conductive member 50 is also attached to the back surface of the elastic body 213, and the resistor 40 is placed at a position facing each operation key 211 a (operation element) of the operation body 211 via the elastic body 213. The arrangement is arranged.
[0092]
Since the entire structure of the first operation unit 210 is already well known in JP-A-8-163672, etc., the detailed description thereof is omitted, but the operation body 211 is a hemispherical formed at the center of the spacer 212. Each operation key 211a (operator) is assembled so that it can be pushed into the resistor 40 side with the convex portion 212a as a fulcrum (see FIG. 17).
[0093]
Corresponding to each operation key 211a (operator) of the cross-shaped operation body 211, the conductive member 50 is bonded to the inner ceiling surface of the elastic body 213, respectively. The resistor 40 has a single configuration so as to face each conductive member 50.
[0094]
When each operation key 211a, which is an operator, is pressed, the pressing force acts on the pressure-sensitive element composed of the conductive member 50 and the resistor 40 via the elastic body 213, and the electric force is applied according to the magnitude of the pressing force. The resistance value changes.
[0095]
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration of a resistor. As shown in the figure, the resistor 40 is inserted in series with the power supply line 13, and a voltage is applied between the electrodes 40a and 40b. When the resistance of the resistor 40 is schematically shown, it is divided into first and second variable resistors 43 and 44 as shown in FIG. Among them, the first variable resistor 43 includes, for example, a conductive member 50 that moves together with an operation key (upward key) 211a for moving the character upward, and an operation key (left Each of the conductive members 50 moving together with the direction key) 211a comes into contact, and the resistance value is varied according to the contact area of the conductive members 50.
[0096]
The second variable resistor 44 includes, for example, a conductive member 50 that moves together with an operation key (downward key) 211a for moving the character downward, and an operation key (rightward for movement) that moves rightward. Each of the conductive members 50 that move together with the key) 211a comes into contact, and the resistance value is varied according to the contact area of the conductive members 50.
[0097]
An output terminal 40c is provided at an intermediate portion between the variable resistors 43 and 44, and an analog signal corresponding to the pressing force of each operation key 211a (operation element) is output from the output terminal 40c.
[0098]
The output from the output terminal 40c can be calculated by the division ratio of the resistance values of the first and second variable resistors 43, 44. For example, the resistance value of the first variable resistor 43 is R1, the second variable resistor 44. When the resistance value is R2 and the power supply voltage is Vcc, the output voltage V appearing at the output terminal 40c can be expressed by the following equation.
[0099]
V = Vcc × R2 / (R1 + R2)
[0100]
Therefore, when the resistance value of the first variable resistor 43 decreases, the output voltage increases. On the other hand, when the resistance value of the second variable resistor 44 decreases, the output voltage also decreases.
[0101]
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating characteristics of an analog signal (voltage) output from the output terminal of the resistor.
[0102]
First, since a voltage is applied to the resistor 40 when the power is turned on, a constant analog signal (voltage) V0 is output from the output terminal 40c even if each operation key 211a of the operation body 211 is not pressed (FIG. Middle 0 position).
[0103]
Next, even if any one of the operation keys 221a is pressed, the resistance value of the resistor 40 does not change until the conductive member 50 contacts the resistor 40. Therefore, the output from the resistor 40 remains V0. It does not change.
[0104]
When the up key or the left key is further pressed and the conductive member 50 comes into contact with the first variable resistor 43 portion of the resistor 40 (pressed position p in the figure), then the operation key 221a (operator) is pressed. Corresponding to the pressing force, the contact area of the conductive member 50 with respect to the first variable resistor 43 increases, so that the resistance value at that portion decreases and an analog signal (voltage) output from the output terminal 40 c of the resistor 40. Will increase. When the conductive member 50 changes most, the analog signal (voltage) output from the output terminal 40c of the resistor 40 becomes the maximum Vmax (pressed position q in the figure).
[0105]
On the other hand, when the down direction key or the right direction key is pressed and the conductive member 50 comes into contact with the second variable resistance 44 portion of the resistor 40 (the pressing position indicated by r in the figure), thereafter, the operation key 221a (operator). The contact area of the conductive member 50 with respect to the second variable resistance 44 portion increases corresponding to the pressing force of the second portion, so that the resistance value of that portion decreases, and as a result, the analog output from the output terminal 40c of the resistor 40 The signal (voltage) decreases. When the conductive member 50 is most deformed, the analog signal (voltage) output from the output terminal 40c of the resistor 40 becomes the minimum Vmin (pressed position indicated by s in the figure).
[0106]
As shown in FIG. 20, the analog signal (voltage) output from the output terminal 40c of the resistor 40 is input to the A / D converter 16 and converted into a digital signal. Note that the function of the A / D converter 16 shown in FIG. 20 is as described above based on FIG. 15, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted here.
[0107]
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the third operation unit.
[0108]
The third operation unit 230 includes two operation buttons 231, a spacer 232 that positions these operation buttons 231 inside the operation device 200, a holder 233 that supports each operation button 231, an elastic body 234, The base 235 is provided, and the resistor 50 is attached to the inner base 235 at an appropriate position, and the back surface of the elastic body 234 and the conductive member 50 are attached.
[0109]
Since the entire structure of the third operation unit 230 is already well known in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 8-163672 and the like, detailed description thereof is omitted, but each operation button 231 is guided by the spacer 232 and can be pushed in. Thus, the pressing force when pushed in acts on the pressure-sensitive element including the conductive member 50 and the resistor 40 described above via the elastic body 234. The pressure sensitive element changes an electrical resistance value according to the magnitude of the received pressing force.
[0110]
The fourth operation unit 240 is configured similarly to the third operation unit 230 described above.
[0111]
Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention can take the following alternative examples. In the embodiment, the pressure sensitivity value pressed by the user is used as it is. However, in order to correct differences in user physical fitness, reflexes, etc., the maximum user pressure value is corrected to the maximum game pressure value set by the program, and the intermediate value is proportionally corrected. It can also be used. Such correction is performed by creating a correction table. Also, the user pressure value can be corrected based on a known function and used as a game pressure value. Furthermore, the maximum value of the user pressure value change rate can be corrected to the maximum game pressure value change rate set by the program, and the intermediate value can be proportionally corrected and used. For these specific methods, refer to Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-40257 of the present inventor.
[0112]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to make an interface with a higher game performance by determining the timing by simply pressing the on / off switch.
[0113]
Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the pressure-sensitive switch pressing time is compared with the reference time, the game performance can be improved and the user interface can be improved as compared with the music game only for timing determination.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a connection example using an entertainment system.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a screen display example of a music game or the like.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a table for selecting a corresponding note according to a time (pressing time) N in which a pressure-sensitive value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing of a music game including a program for comparing a pressure sensitive switch pressing time with a reference time.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a table of applause corresponding to pressure-sensitive values.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a table of applause strength corresponding to pressure-sensitive values.
FIG. 7 shows an example of a percussion instrument shaped controller, where FIG. 7A shows a castanet, FIG. 7B shows a tambourine, and FIG. 7C shows a bongo.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process of performing a percussion instrument performance using a pressure-sensitive controller.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state in which the controller is connected to the entertainment system.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an entertainment system.
FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the appearance of a controller.
FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration example of a second operation unit.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of the second operation unit.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit of a pressure sensitive element.
FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a main part of a controller.
FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration example of a first operation unit.
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of the first operation unit.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a resistor.
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing characteristics of an output signal.
FIG. 20 is a block diagram schematically showing an entire configuration including a resistor.
FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration example of a third operation unit.
[Explanation of symbols]
200 is a controller, 210 is a first operation unit, 220 is a second operation unit, 230 is a third operation unit,
P is a pointer, and S1 to S11 are music game processing steps.

Claims (14)

A recording medium in which a music game software program including a program that performs processing using an output from a controller having pressure-sensitive means as a command is read by a computer and is executable.
The software program is
Moving the moving body in a predetermined direction in synchronization with the music;
Determining based on the pressure-sensitive output timing and output period of the controller when the moving body reaches a predetermined position;
And a step of assigning a score according to the determination. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the determination is performed according to whether or not the output value of the controller is a predetermined value and is maintained for a predetermined time. The recording medium according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined value is provided with an offset value. In a method of using a computer having a controller with pressure sensing means and capable of executing a music game software program,
Synchronize with the music, move the moving body in the specified direction,
When the moving body reaches a predetermined position, the timing and the output period of the pressure-sensitive output of the controller are determined by comparing with the reference value of the music,
A method of using a computer, including the steps of assigning a score according to the determination. 5. The method of using a computer according to claim 4, wherein the determination is performed according to whether the output value of the controller is a predetermined value and is maintained for a predetermined time. 6. The method of using a computer according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined value is provided with an offset value. In a computer having a controller with pressure sensing means and capable of executing a music game software program,
Means for moving the moving body in a predetermined direction in synchronization with the music;
Means for determining the timing and output period of the pressure-sensitive output of the controller by comparing with the reference value of the music when the moving body reaches a predetermined position;
And a computer for providing a score according to the determination. The determination means is
8. The computer according to claim 7, wherein the determination is performed according to whether or not the output value of the controller is a predetermined value and is maintained for a predetermined time. 9. The computer according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined value is provided with an offset value. A recording medium in which a music game software program including a program that performs processing using an output from a controller having pressure-sensitive means as a command is read by a computer and is executable.
The software program is
Moving the moving body in a predetermined direction in synchronization with the music;
Determining based on the pressure-sensitive output timing and output magnitude of the controller when the moving body reaches a predetermined position;
And a step of assigning a score according to the determination. In a method of using a computer having a controller having means and capable of executing a music game software program,
Synchronize with the music, move the moving body in the specified direction,
When the moving body reaches a predetermined position, the timing of the pressure-sensitive output of the controller and the magnitude of the output are compared with the reference value of the music,
A method of using a computer, including the steps of assigning a score according to the determination. A recording medium in which a music game software program including a program that performs processing using an output from a controller having pressure-sensitive means as a command is read by a computer and is executable.
The software program is
A step of outputting the rhythm of the assignment song;
Comparing the timing and magnitude of the pressure-sensitive output of the controller with the timing and magnitude of the rhythm of the task song, and determining the coincidence / mismatch;
And a step of assigning a score according to the determination. In a method of using a computer having a controller with pressure sensing means and capable of executing a music game software program,
A step of outputting the rhythm of the assignment song;
Comparing the timing and magnitude of the pressure-sensitive output of the controller with the timing and magnitude of the rhythm of the task song, and determining the coincidence / mismatch;
And a step of assigning a score according to the determination. In a computer having a controller with pressure sensing means and capable of executing a music game software program,
The controller has a pressure-sensitive element, and the timing of the pressure-sensitive output and the magnitude of the output can be input to the computer.
The controller generally has the shape of a percussion instrument.

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