JP2004024903A - Game machine, information storing medium, and device and method for downloading game - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which evaluates the game playing from another angle to enhance the players' interest in the game in addition to offer the enjoyment of stepping to the accompaniment of the game music and listening to it. <P>SOLUTION: The control method of this game machine, which allows a player to enjoy stepping to the accompaniment of the game music and listening to it, includes a step (S201) of after checking each step position for the presence of either one of the player's feet on, determining which shift pattern among a plurality of shift patterns of both feet has been carried out based on the check result, a step (S202) of calculating how much energy has been consumed by the shift movement of both feet based on the determined shift pattern, a step (S203) of calculating how much energy has been accumulated by adding up all the energy consumptions calculated after a prescribed timing, and a step (204) of informing the player of the calculated cumulative energy consumption. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

The present invention relates to a game device, an information storage medium, a game distribution device, and a game distribution method, for example, a technique for enhancing the appeal of a game in which a player enjoys a step while listening to game music.

Music-oriented game devices that use a dedicated controller equipped with a sensor that detects whether or not the player's feet are on the step positions are displayed on the surface. Have won. For example, “Beatmania” (trademark) and “Dance Dance Revolution (trademark)” manufactured and sold by Konami Co., Ltd. are examples. In this game, the player can enjoy the feeling of dancing by taking steps on the dedicated controller according to the game music.

In such a music-oriented game apparatus, the timing at which each step position should be stepped is determined in accordance with the rhythm of the game music and is converted into data. Then, based on the step timing data, a state in which the step timing gradually arrives at each of the plurality of step positions is displayed on the display. The player puts his or her foot on the step position guided and displayed on the dedicated controller while referring to the display screen and the rhythm of music. Then, the game results are evaluated based on the difference between the step timing defined by the step timing data and the step timing actually performed by the game player by the dedicated controller. In this way, the player can enjoy the feeling of dancing while being dismayed by the game results.

In conventional music-oriented game devices, the skill of game play is simply evaluated based on the step timing defined by the step timing data, but you can enjoy the feeling of dancing by moving your body. In view of the peculiarities of music-oriented games, it is desirable to evaluate the player's game play from a different angle and present it. Even if it is not a music-oriented game, if the game play is evaluated from another angle other than the game results, the appeal of the game can be enhanced.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its object is to provide a game device, an information storage medium, a game distribution device, and a game device that can enhance the attractiveness of the game by evaluating the game play by the player from a new angle. It is to provide a game distribution method.

In order to solve the above problems, a game device according to the present invention is a game device in which a player enjoys steps while listening to game music, and a step of detecting whether or not the player puts his or her foot on each of a plurality of step positions. Based on the detection means, based on the detection result, transition analysis means for determining which of the plurality of transition patterns the state of the player's both feet with respect to the plurality of step positions has changed, and the determined transition pattern Accordingly, the energy consumption calculating means for calculating the energy consumption due to the change of the state of both feet of the player, and the cumulative energy for calculating the cumulative energy consumption by cumulatively adding the energy consumption calculated after the predetermined timing. Consumption consumption calculation means and inform the player of the calculated cumulative energy consumption Characterized in that it comprises the accumulated energy consumption information means, the that.

The game device control method according to the present invention is a game device control method in which a player enjoys a step while listening to game music, and detects whether or not the player puts his or her foot on each of a plurality of step positions. A step of determining, based on the detection result, a step of determining which of the plurality of transition patterns the state of both feet of the player with respect to the plurality of step positions belongs, and according to the determined transition pattern , A step of calculating an energy consumption amount due to a change in the state of both feet of the player, a step of calculating a cumulative energy consumption amount by cumulatively adding energy consumption amounts calculated after a predetermined timing, and a calculated cumulative energy amount And notifying the player of the consumption amount.

In the present invention, it is detected whether or not the player puts his or her foot on each of the plurality of step positions. Based on the detection result, the state of the player's both feet for the plurality of step positions belongs to any of the plurality of transition patterns. It is determined whether the transition has occurred. Then, according to the determined transition pattern, the energy consumption amount due to the player changing the state of both feet is calculated. The energy consumption calculated after the predetermined timing is cumulatively added, whereby the cumulative energy consumption is calculated. This accumulated energy consumption is notified to the player by a physical unit such as calories or by converting it into a quantity of food or exercise. This notification is performed by display or voice, for example. In this way, the player can be informed of the energy consumed by the game play. That is, it is possible to evaluate the game play from a new angle and notify the player of it, thereby giving a new interest to the music-oriented game.

In addition, the game device according to the present invention includes a controller for inputting an operation signal, a transition analysis unit that determines which of a plurality of transition patterns the operation signal input from the controller belongs to, and a determination In accordance with the transition pattern, the energy consumption calculation means for calculating the energy consumption of the player corresponding to the transition of the operation signal input from the controller and the energy consumption calculated after the predetermined timing are cumulatively added. The accumulated energy consumption calculating means for calculating the accumulated energy consumption and the accumulated energy consumption notifying means for notifying the player of the calculated accumulated energy consumption.

An information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium storing a program for causing a computer having a controller for inputting an operation signal to function as a game device, and the operation signal input from the controller The transition analysis means for determining which of the plurality of transition patterns the transition belongs to, and calculates the energy consumption of the player corresponding to the transition of the operation signal input from the controller according to the determined transition pattern Energy consumption calculating means, cumulative energy consumption calculating means for calculating cumulative energy consumption by cumulatively adding energy consumption calculated after a predetermined timing, and cumulative for notifying the player of the calculated cumulative energy consumption The computer functions as an energy consumption notification means. Is a record of an order of the program.

A game distribution device according to the present invention is a game distribution device that distributes a program for causing a computer having a controller for inputting an operation signal to function as a game device, the operation signal being input from the controller. The transition analysis means for determining which of the plurality of transition patterns the transition belongs to, and calculates the energy consumption of the player corresponding to the transition of the operation signal input from the controller according to the determined transition pattern Energy consumption calculating means, cumulative energy consumption calculating means for calculating cumulative energy consumption by cumulatively adding energy consumption calculated after a predetermined timing, and cumulative for notifying the player of the calculated cumulative energy consumption The computer is used as an energy consumption notification means. It is intended to deliver the program to be.

Furthermore, a game distribution method according to the present invention is a game distribution method for distributing a program for causing a computer having a controller for inputting an operation signal to function as a game device, the operation signal being input from the controller. The transition analysis means for determining which of the plurality of transition patterns the transition belongs to, and calculates the energy consumption of the player corresponding to the transition of the operation signal input from the controller according to the determined transition pattern Energy consumption calculating means, cumulative energy consumption calculating means for calculating cumulative energy consumption by cumulatively adding energy consumption calculated after a predetermined timing, and cumulative for notifying the player of the calculated cumulative energy consumption As the energy consumption notification means, the computer It is intended to deliver the program to function.

In the present invention, the player inputs the operation signal from the controller and enjoys the game. As the controller, for example, a controller for inputting an operation signal indicating whether or not the player puts his / her foot on each of a plurality of step positions can be used. In the present invention, it is determined to which of a plurality of transition patterns the transition of the operation signal input from the controller belongs. Then, the energy consumption amount of the player corresponding to the transition of the operation signal is calculated according to the determined transition pattern. The energy consumption calculated after the predetermined timing is cumulatively added, whereby the cumulative energy consumption is calculated. This accumulated energy consumption is notified, for example, by a physical unit such as calories or by converting it into a quantity of food or exercise. This notification is performed by display or voice, for example. In this way, the player can be informed of the energy consumed by the game play. That is, by evaluating the game play from a new angle and notifying the player of it, a new interest can be given to the game. In particular, according to the game distribution device and the game distribution method according to the present invention, the consumer can easily acquire a program that can evaluate the game play from a new angle and notify the player of the evaluation. .

In one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus further includes weight acquisition means for acquiring the weight of the player, and the energy consumption calculation means further calculates energy consumption based on the weight acquired by the weight acquisition means. This makes it possible to notify the player of a more probable cumulative energy consumption in consideration of the player's weight, and further enhance the appeal of the game.

In one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus further includes a transition tempo acquisition unit that acquires a transition tempo of the state of both feet of the player with respect to the plurality of step positions, and the energy consumption calculation unit further includes the transition tempo acquisition unit. The energy consumption is calculated based on the transition tempo acquired by the above. Transition tempo is information related to the tempo at which the state of both feet of the player changes, and for example, the time required from one state to the next state, the number of state transitions per unit time, the tempo of game music, etc. can be adopted. it can. According to this aspect, in consideration of the transition tempo, it becomes possible to notify the player of more probable accumulated energy consumption, and it is possible to further enhance the appeal of the game.

Also, in one aspect of the present invention, a goal setting means for setting a player's target for the cumulative energy consumption, and the achievement status of the goal are notified to the player based on the cumulative energy consumption calculated by the cumulative energy calculation means. And a target achievement status notifying means. In this way, the player can know the achievement status of the goal. In this case, the target setting means may set the target on the basis of at least one of a predetermined food intake, a predetermined exercise amount, a target weight, or a target weight loss. Based on the intake of the predetermined food and the amount of the predetermined exercise, it becomes possible to set a more intuitive target. Based on the target weight and the target weight loss (body weight that the player wants to lose), the player can be encouraged to continue playing the game.

Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the goal achievement status notifying means estimates a play time required to achieve the goal based on an energy consumption situation in a past play, and the play time is achieved as the goal achievement. Inform players of the situation. This way, players will know how much more they can play to achieve their goals.

Further, the game device according to the present invention is a game device in which a player enjoys stepping while listening to game music, step detection means for detecting whether or not the player places his / her foot on each of a plurality of step positions, and detection thereof Based on the result, the energy consumption calculating means for calculating the energy consumption due to the state of both feet of the player changing and the energy consumption calculated after the predetermined timing are cumulatively added to calculate the cumulative energy consumption. Cumulative energy consumption calculating means, cumulative energy consumption notifying means for notifying the player of the calculated cumulative energy consumption, and the player's target for the cumulative energy consumption, the intake of the predetermined food, the amount of the predetermined exercise, the target Set based on at least one of weight and target weight loss A target setting unit that, based on the cumulative energy consumption amount calculated by the accumulated energy calculation means, characterized in that it comprises a, a target achievement informing means for informing the achievement of the target players.

In the present invention, it is detected whether or not the player puts his / her foot on each of the plurality of step positions, and the energy consumption for the player to move both feet is calculated based on the detection result. This energy consumption amount is cumulatively added after a predetermined timing, and the cumulative energy consumption amount is calculated. This accumulated energy consumption is notified to the player. In this way, it is possible to give a new interest to the game by evaluating the game play from a new angle and notifying the player of it. In the present invention, the player's target for the accumulated energy consumption can be set based on at least one of a predetermined food intake, a predetermined exercise amount, a target weight, or a target weight loss. Then, the achievement status of the set target is notified to the player. Therefore, the player can set a target and know the achievement status of the target. At this time, if the target is set based on the intake of the predetermined food and the amount of the predetermined exercise, a more intuitive setting can be made. Based on the target weight and the target weight loss (body weight that the player wants to lose), the player can be encouraged to continue playing the game.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a game device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the following, a technique for causing the game apparatus 10 shown in the figure to function as a music-oriented game apparatus that allows the player to enjoy the steps while listening to the game music will be described. The game apparatus 10 is particularly provided with a “diet mode”. “Diet mode” is a game mode that places emphasis on moving the body according to game music. In this mode, step timing guidance is performed as usual, but the game will not be over if you do not step according to the guidance, and when the game music ends (stage end) or the player gives a predetermined forced termination instruction Play ends only when you perform. The feature of this mode is that the accumulated energy consumption by game play is displayed on the game screen. Another feature is that the player can set a target for the cumulative energy consumption.

The game apparatus 10 shown in the figure is configured by mounting a CD-ROM 25 as an information storage medium on a consumer game machine 11 connected to a monitor 18 and a speaker 22. Here, the CD-ROM 25 is used to supply the game program and game data to the consumer game machine 11, but any other information storage medium such as a DVD or a ROM card can be used. Further, as will be described later, a game program and game data can be supplied to the consumer game machine 11 from a remote location via a communication network.

In the consumer game machine 11, a CPU 14, a GPU 16, an SPU 20, a CD-ROM reader 24, a RAM 26, a ROM 28, and an input / output control unit 30 are connected to each other via a bus 12 so that mutual data communication is possible. Is a cord connection. Each component of the consumer game machine 11 other than the controller 32 is accommodated in a predetermined housing. For example, a household television receiver is used as the monitor 18, and its built-in speaker is used as the speaker 22, for example.

The CPU 14 includes a microprocessor, and controls each part of the consumer game machine 11 based on an operating system stored in the ROM 28 and a game program read from the CD-ROM 25. The bus 12 is for exchanging addresses and data among the units of the consumer game machine 11. The ROM 28 stores an operating system that is a program necessary for overall operation control of the consumer game machine 11. In addition, a game program and game data read from the CD-ROM 25 are written in the RAM 26 as necessary. The GPU (graphics processing unit) 16 includes a frame buffer, receives image data sent from the CPU 14, draws a game screen on the frame buffer, and converts the content into a predetermined video signal. The data is output to the monitor 18 at a predetermined timing.

The SPU (Sound Processing Unit) 20 includes a sound buffer, reproduces data such as music and game sound effects read from the CD-ROM 25 and stored in the sound buffer, and outputs the data from the speaker 22. The CD-ROM reader 24 reads a game program and game data recorded on the CD-ROM 25 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 14.

The input / output control unit 30 is an interface for connecting one or more external input / output devices to the consumer game device 11, and here, a controller 32 and a memory card 33 are detachably attached. An auxiliary storage device other than the memory card 33 or an external communication device such as a modem or a terminal adapter may be connected. The controller 32 is an input means for the player to operate the game. The input / output control unit 30 scans the operation states of the various buttons of the controller 32 at regular intervals (for example, every 1/60 seconds), and passes operation signals representing the scan results to the CPU 14 via the bus 12. The CPU 14 determines the game operation of the player based on the operation signal.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the controller 32. The controller 32 shown in the figure is a dedicated controller specially prepared for playing a music-oriented game, and is a mat-like member having a size suitable for a dance stage. When the player steps on the controller 32, an operation signal indicating the position of both feet is sent to the consumer game machine 11. As shown in the figure, the controller 32 has a substantially circular central area 34C displayed at the center of the surface, and direction button input areas 34U, 34D, 34L, and 34R are displayed separately on the upper, lower, left, and right sides, respectively. Yes. In addition, a round button input area 38A and a cross button input area 38B are displayed on the left and right sides of the direction button input area 34U. Further, a start button input area 36A is displayed above the circle button input area 38A, and a select button input area 36B is displayed above the cross button input area 36B. The direction button input area 34R has a right arrow pattern, the direction button input area 34L has a left arrow pattern, the direction button input area 34U has an up arrow pattern, and the direction button input area 34D has a down arrow pattern. , Each represented. In addition, a circle mark (O) is represented in the round button input area 38A, and a cross mark (X) is represented in the cross button input area 38B. Furthermore, the characters “START” are represented in the start button input area 36A, and the characters “SELECT” are represented in the select button input area 36B.

Sensors are embedded below the direction button input areas 34U, 34D, 34L, and 34R, the round button input area 38A, the cross button input area 38B, the start button input area 36A, and the select button input area 38B. When the user puts his / her foot on, a message to that effect is sent to the consumer game machine 11 as an operation signal. The direction button input areas 34U, 34D, 34L, and 34R are mainly used for inputting dance steps, but are also used for selecting various menus. The start button input area 36A is used for starting a game and making various decisions. The select button input area 36B is mainly used for calling various menu screens. The round button input area 38A is mainly used for various determinations, and the cross button input area 38B is used for various cancellations and forced termination of the game.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen generated on the monitor 18 based on the game program and game data read from the CD-ROM 25. The game screen 40 shown in the figure is in the “diet mode”, a background image 46 is displayed on the entire surface, a dance gauge 50, reference arrow marks 48L, 48D, 48U, 48R, and a timing guidance arrow are displayed thereon. The marks 44L, 44D, 44U, and 44R, the energy display 42, and the message 52 are displayed in a superimposed manner. The energy display 42 is displayed at the bottom left of the game screen 40, and displays a predetermined timing, for example, the accumulated energy consumption from the start of the “diet mode” to the present. Here, the accumulated energy consumption is displayed in units of kilocalories (kcal). The message 52 is displayed in the middle of the left side of the screen, and displays characters having contents corresponding to the skill of the player's operation. For example, characters such as “GREAT”, “PERFECT”, “GOOD”, and “BOO” are displayed.

The dance gauge 50 is displayed at the upper left of the screen, and includes a gauge bar that expands and contracts according to the skill of the step. For example, when the step receives a high evaluation, the gauge bar extends in the right direction. Conversely, when the step receives only a low evaluation, the gauge bar contracts in the left direction. The player can determine what kind of evaluation his / her step is receiving by looking at the dance gauge 50. Below the dance gauge 50, reference arrow marks 48L, 48D, 48U, and 48R are displayed in this order. The reference arrow marks 48L, 48D, 48U, and 48R are references for determining the timing for the player to step.

That is, the reference arrow mark 48L is in the direction button input area 34L, the reference arrow mark 48D is in the direction button input area 34D, the reference arrow mark 48U is in the direction button input area 34U, and the reference arrow mark 48R is in the direction button input area 34R. Each is associated. In a relatively wide screen area below the reference arrow marks 48L, 48D, 48U, and 48R, timing guide arrow marks 44L, 44D, 44U, and 44R that move upward according to the transition of time are represented. At the timing when the timing guide arrow marks 44L, 44D, 44U, 44R overlap the reference arrow marks 48L, 48D, 48U, 48R, the direction button input areas 34L, 34D corresponding to the reference arrow marks 48L, 48D, 48U, 48R. , 34U, 34R, the dance gauge 50 can be extended with high evaluation by stepping on the foot. For example, in the figure, the timing guide arrow mark 44U is about to overlap the reference arrow mark 48U. A little later, when the player steps on the direction button input area 34U of the controller 32, high evaluation can be obtained.

Note that a positive evaluation cannot be obtained unless the player operates the controller 32 at a timing at which the timing guide arrow marks 44L, 44D, 44U, and 44R completely overlap the reference arrow marks 48L, 48D, 48U, and 48R. Rather, evaluation is given according to the degree of coincidence. The timing guide arrow marks 44L, 44D, 44U and 44R are displayed based on step data which will be described later.

The timing guide arrow marks 44L, 44D, 44U, and 44R are specifically displayed as follows. When the reproduction of game music is started, for example, when the step timing for two measures after the current time is set as the guidance display range, the CPU 14 reads the step timing included in the range from the step data. Based on the step data, image data representing the timing guide arrow marks 44L, 44D, 44U, 44R is generated. In this image data, the display position is adjusted so that data with step timing farther are arranged in order from the closest step timing to the lower one.

At this time, a timing guide arrow mark 44L indicating a step timing to the direction button input area 34L is displayed below the reference arrow mark 48L, and a step timing to the direction button input area 34D is displayed below the reference arrow mark 48D. Is displayed, a timing guide arrow mark 44U indicating a step timing to the direction button input area 34U is displayed below the reference arrow mark 48U, and a direction is displayed below the reference arrow mark 48R. A timing guide arrow mark 44R representing the step timing for the button input area 34R is displayed. In the figure, one timing guide arrow mark 44L, 44D, 44U, 44R is displayed in each column, but a plurality of timing guide arrow marks 44L, 44D, 44U, 44R may be displayed depending on the arrival status of the step timing. The generated image data is superimposed on the background image 46 and forms a part of the game screen 40. The above processing is repeated at a predetermined cycle.

The beginning of the guidance display range corresponds to the playing position of the game music at that time, and the guidance display range is shifted backward from the beginning of the song by a predetermined amount for each process. Thus, the timing guide arrow marks 44L, 44D, 44U, and 44R gradually move upward as the music progresses. If the timing guide arrow marks 44L, 44D, 44U, and 44R are displayed in this way, the game screen 40 allows the player to easily grasp the arrival status of the step timing.

Here, the data stored in the CD-ROM 25 will be described. The CD-ROM 25 stores game music data necessary for executing the game program in addition to the game program, various game sound effect data, and various game image data in order to cause the consumer game machine 11 to function as a music game. .

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining game music data corresponding to certain game music stored in the CD-ROM 25. As shown in the figure, the game music data includes original music data, step data, a timing table, and background image data.

The original music data is, for example, general popular music or the like saved as original music in the form of PCM stream data. When the original music data is read in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 14, the CD-ROM reader 24 can perform data processing as necessary and supply it directly to the SPU 20 without going through the bus 12. When the SPU 20 receives data directly from the CD-ROM reader 24, the SPU 20 performs D / A conversion and supplies the data to the speaker 22.

Step data defines the procedure that the player should operate when playing the corresponding game music. This step data is created according to the rhythm of the corresponding game music. Note that a plurality of sets of step data may be prepared for one game music and used depending on the difficulty level, the play mode, and the like. The step data includes a plurality of data blocks corresponding to each measure of the corresponding game music. Each data block includes information that specifies which button of the controller 32 should be operated when a measure of the corresponding game music is divided into a predetermined number of beats, for example, 4 beats or 8 beats. Has been.

The timing table is prepared for timing matching between the corresponding game music and the step data, and the CPU 14 refers to the timing table and specifies the step data corresponding to the current performance position of the corresponding game music. Can be done. On the other hand, the background image data is for displaying the background image 46 in the game screen 40 shown in FIG. 3, for example. The background image data may be moving image data or still image data. A background image that matches the atmosphere is selected for each game music, and the player's mood is visually enhanced.

Here, the processing of the game program executed by the consumer game machine 11 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining main processes performed by the consumer game machine 11 that has executed the game program stored in the CD-ROM 25. When the player sets the CD-ROM 25 in the CD-ROM reader 24 and powers on the consumer game machine 11, the operating system stored in the ROM 28 is executed first, and various initialization operations are performed. At this time, a portion of the game program stored in the CD-ROM 25 that is necessary for the current processing is loaded into the RAM 26. In accordance with the game program, the game title and the like are displayed on the monitor 18, and then the main menu is displayed automatically or in accordance with an operation by the controller 32. Here, when the player selects the “diet mode”, the game process of the diet mode characteristic of the game apparatus 10 is started.

In this mode, first, a diet setting menu is displayed on the monitor 18, and the player performs diet setting (S100). FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the diet setting screen displayed at this time. The weight setting field 78, the target setting menu field 80, the target numerical value input field 82, the setting end button 84, and the guidance display 86 are displayed on the diet setting screen shown in FIG. The weight input field 78 is a field for inputting the weight of the player. In accordance with the guidance display 86, the player can step on the direction button input areas 34U and 34D, move the cursor to the same field, and step on the direction button input areas 34L and 34R to set and input the weight value. ing. The numerical value of the body weight can be set and inputted in increments of 0.1 kilograms in the range of 10.0 kilograms to 200.0 kilograms in units of kilograms (kg). In the target setting menu field 80, any one of “no setting”, “calorie consumption”, and “play time” is selected. When “calorie consumption” is selected, the target can be set by the amount of energy (kilocalories). In this case, the characters “kcal” appear in the target numerical value input field 82. In this state, when the player steps on the direction button input areas 34U and 34D to move the cursor to the target numerical value input field 82 and steps on the direction button input areas 34L and 34R, the target calorie consumption value can be set and input.

The calorie consumption value is set in units of kilocalories (kcal) and can be set and input in the range of 10 kilocalories to 1000 kilocalories. On the other hand, when “play time” is selected, the target can be set in hours (minutes). In this case, the characters “minute” appear in the target numerical value input field 82. In this state, when the player steps on the direction button input areas 34U and 34D to move the cursor to the target numerical value input field 82 and steps on the direction button input areas 34L and 34R, the target play time can be set and input. The play time can be set and input in units of minutes from 1 minute to 120 minutes. Note that the target setting can be canceled by selecting “no setting”. The setting end button 84 is a button for ending the diet setting. When the cursor is moved to the setting end button 84 and the round button input area 38A is stepped on, the difficulty setting screen is displayed (S101). In order to redo the diet setting, when the select button input area 36B is stepped again on the difficulty level setting screen, the diet setting screen is displayed on the monitor 18 again. In this case, the specific numerical value displayed in the weight input field 78 is hidden by, for example, an asterisk. In this way, information that is not desired to be known by others is prevented from being displayed unnecessarily.

In this diet setting screen, the target is set by "play time" and "calorie consumption". However, on the basis of predetermined foods such as apples, rice, curry rice, cakes, etc. The target may be set by “equivalent”, “equivalent to rice * boiled”, “equivalent to curry rice * cup”, “equivalent to cake *”, or the like. In this case, if you can set a target such as “hamburger * pieces + orange juice * equivalent to a cup” in combination, it is convenient for consuming energy according to the actual meal contents in the game. is there. Further, on the basis of exercise such as walking, swimming, and running, the target may be set by “equivalent to walking * minute”, “equivalent to swimming * meter”, “equivalent to running * km”, and the like. Further, the target weight of the player and the target weight loss may be set. In that case, the standard time to be played per day to achieve the target or the standard amount of energy to be consumed by game play per day is calculated and presented to the player as a secondary goal. You may do it. When calculating the amount of energy, for example, the player may input the item and intake of the day and use the input data as a basis. In this way, the “diet mode” can be made more attractive.

As described above, when the cursor is moved to the setting end button 84 on the diet setting screen and the circular button input area 38A is stepped on, the difficulty level selection menu is displayed on the monitor 18, and the player sets the difficulty level of play (S101). . The difficulty level mentioned here corresponds to the difficulty level of the step data, and if the difficulty level is set high, difficult step timings for the same song are guided to the game screen 40. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the difficulty level setting screen. In the difficulty level setting screen shown in the figure, the difficulty level is changed by the player stepping on the direction button input areas 34L and 34R according to the guidance display 72, and messages 74 and 76 and an image 75 corresponding to the difficulty level are displayed. It is like that. The message 74 displays characters indicating what kind of exercise the play at that difficulty level is directed to. For example, characters such as “best for aerobic exercise” are displayed. The message 76 displays the degree of difficulty. The image 75 is a character image, and a different character image is displayed for each difficulty level. That is, the character is regarded as a virtual dance teacher, and the character is a symbol of the difficulty level. In this way, the player can intuitively understand the level of difficulty being selected. Here, four levels of difficulty are prepared, and players can start from an easy game level and gradually aim for a higher game level, or continue for a long time at a game level that does not overload the body You can also play.

When the player confirms the difficulty level with the messages 74 and 76 and the image 75 on the difficulty level setting screen and steps on the circular button input area 38A, the game level is determined based on the difficulty level, and the process shifts to the music selection process (S102). . Here, game music (song) that the player wants to dance is selected by stepping on the direction button input areas 34L and 34R, and determined by stepping on the round button input area 38A. When selecting a performance song, the energy consumption amount due to the game play is also related to the tempo of the song, so the average energy consumption amount for each song may be displayed as a guide. It is desirable that the guidance display of the energy consumption is made in consideration of the difficulty level already selected by the player. This is because the energy consumption by game play is also related to the difficulty of the step. When the game music is determined, game music data related to the game music is read from the CD-ROM 25 (S103), and the reproduction of the game music is started (S104).

Next, the CPU 14 generates image data for step guidance as shown in FIG. 3, for example, based on the step data of the read game music data, and updates the step guidance by outputting it to the monitor 18 ( S105). At this time, the CPU 14 determines the correspondence between the step data and the original music data according to the timing table. As the step data and the timing table, those corresponding to the music selected in S102 and the difficulty selected in S101 are used.

Next, energy processing is performed (S106). FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating this energy processing. In the energy processing, first, the operation signal of the controller 32 is examined to determine whether the foot state has been changed (S200). That is, among the operation signals that are input to the game apparatus 10 from the controller 32 and are sent to the CPU 14 via the input / output control unit 30, those sent from a certain time to the present are stored in the RAM 26. It has become. The CPU 14 determines whether the state of both feet of the player has changed based on the stored operation signal. At this time, if the player's feet are placed on one direction button input area 34 and another direction button input area 34, even if both feet are placed at different times, At the same time, it is evaluated that both feet are placed on the respective direction button input areas 34. In the controller 32, the sensor is not embedded in the central area 34C. However, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the foot is released from a certain direction button input area 34, it is evaluated that the foot is placed on the central area 34C. To.

Next, state transition analysis processing is performed (S201). In this process, it is determined which of the eight transition patterns the state of the player's both feet belongs. The first transition pattern is a case where at least one foot is temporarily raised from any state button input area 34 and then once placed on the same direction button input area 34 again (P1). The second transition pattern is a case where the feet are placed on any one of the direction button input regions 34 with either one foot from the state where both feet are placed on the central region 34C (P2). In the third transition pattern, at least one foot is temporarily placed on any one of the direction button input areas 34, and then the one leg is temporarily raised and placed on the direction button input area 34 provided at a position shifted by 90 °. This is the case (P3). In the fourth transition pattern, at least one leg is placed on any one of the direction button input areas 34, and then, one leg is lifted and placed on the direction button input area 34 provided at a position shifted by 180 °. This is the case (P4).

The fifth transition pattern is a case where both feet are temporarily jumped from the state where both feet are placed on any one of the direction button input areas 34 and then dropped again on the same direction button input area 34 (P5). There are three sixth transition patterns. The first is a case where both feet are placed on the direction button input regions 34L and 34R from a state where at least one foot is placed on the central region 34C (P6-1). Second, from the state where both feet are placed on the direction button input areas 34L and 34R, the user jumps up once and steps on one of the direction button input areas 34 with the other foot while placing one foot on the central area 34C. This is the case (P6-2). The third is a case where one foot is temporarily jumped from the state where one foot is placed on either of the direction button input areas 34U and 34D, and both feet are placed on the direction button input areas 34U and 34D, respectively (P6-3).

There are two seventh transition patterns. The first is a case where at least one foot is temporarily jumped from a state where it is placed on the central region 34C, and both feet are placed on the adjacent two of the direction button input regions 34U and 34D or the direction button input region 34, respectively. Yes (P7-1). Second, from the state in which both feet are placed on the adjacent two of the direction button input areas 34U and 34D or the direction button input area 34, the other leg is temporarily jumped and the other leg is returned to the central area 34C. This is a case where the foot is placed on any one of the direction button input areas 34 (P7-2). The eighth transition pattern is a case where both feet are temporarily jumped from the state where both feet are placed on any one of the direction button input regions 34 and each foot is lowered to the direction button input region 34 different from the original (P8). ).

に し た が っ て The player's energy consumption is evaluated as increasing from the first transition pattern to the eighth transition pattern. Since the operation signal input from the controller 32 cannot distinguish between both feet, first, the moved foot is set to “foot 1”, and the foot is placed on the other direction button input area 34 with “foot 1” fixed. If it is, the foot is designated as “foot 2”. Thereafter, while tracking these “foot 1” and “foot 2”, it is determined to which of the above eight transition patterns the state transition of both feet belongs.

Next, the energy consumption due to the player moving both feet is calculated (S202). That is, the CD-ROM 25 stores a table in which transition tempo, transition pattern, and unit energy consumption are associated with each other. By using this table, a unit energy consumption can be obtained if a transition tempo and a transition pattern are given. The transition tempo is information related to the tempo at which the state of both feet of the player changes, and here is the tempo of game music. In addition, for example, the time required from one state to the next state or the number of state transitions per unit time may be used as the transition tempo. The unit energy consumption is the energy consumption per kg of the player's weight when the state transition of both feet belonging to the corresponding transition pattern is performed in accordance with the game music of the corresponding transition tempo. In the process of S202, the unit energy consumption is acquired from the table using the tempo of the game music and the transition pattern determined in S201. Then, the unit energy consumption and the weight of the player set in S101 are substituted into a predetermined arithmetic expression, and the amount of energy consumed by the player to move both feet is calculated.

Here, the energy consumption is calculated as described above, but a table in which the weight, the transition tempo, the transition pattern, and the unit energy consumption are associated with each other may be used. When the table value increases, a table may be created at a predetermined numerical interval, and the energy consumption may be calculated by interpolating the table numerical value.

Once the energy consumption is calculated, the cumulative energy consumption is then calculated (S203). Here, the amount of energy consumed in the current game music play and the amount of energy consumed by the player since the start of the “diet mode” are calculated. The accumulated energy consumption is obtained by adding the energy consumption calculated in S202 this time to the previously calculated accumulated energy consumption already stored in the RAM 26. That is, when the “diet mode” is started and the energy consumption amount is calculated for the first time in S202, and when the energy consumption amount is calculated in S202 for the first time after the reproduction of certain game music is started, those values are stored in the RAM 26. Stored. Next, when the energy consumption is calculated in S202, the newly calculated energy consumption is added to the energy consumption stored in the RAM 26, and the result is stored in the RAM 26 again. By repeating this process, the accumulated energy consumption in the current game music and the accumulated energy consumption in the “diet mode” are calculated.

The calculated accumulated energy consumption amount is overwritten and saved again with respect to the accumulated energy consumption amount originally stored in the RAM 26, and in particular, the accumulated energy consumption amount from the start of the “diet mode” is displayed on the monitor 18. On the screen 40, a numerical value is displayed in the column of the energy display 42 (S204). The unit at this time is kilocalories. At this time, it is also determined whether or not the target set in S101 has been achieved. If the target has been achieved, a bell sound to that effect is output from the speaker 22.

Referring back to FIG. 5, when the energy process (S106) is completed, a dance gauge process is performed (S107). FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining this dance gauge process. As shown in the figure, in this dance gauge process, it is first determined whether or not the current performance position belongs to the evaluation period based on the current performance position and step data (S300). The evaluation period is a period in which the player's step timing is compared with the timing defined in the step data. When a certain moment is defined as step timing in the step data, a period of a predetermined time width before and after that is set as the evaluation period.

When the current performance position belongs to the evaluation period, the operation state of the controller 32 is acquired (S301), and the player's step is evaluated based on it (S302). That is, according to the step data, it is understood which of the direction button input areas 34L, 34U, 34D, and 34R is currently in the evaluation period. Therefore, here, it is determined whether or not the direction button input areas 34L, 34U, 34D, and 34R to be evaluated are actually stepped on, and how much the step timing differs from that defined in the step data. Find out. Then, the smaller the deviation is, the higher evaluation is given. For example, the highest point is given when the deviation is zero, the zero point is given when the deviation is maximum, and a negative point is given when the wrong direction button input area 34 is stepped on or nothing is stepped on. Like that. When a step related to a plurality of direction button input areas 34 is an evaluation target, the evaluation is performed in the same manner for each direction button input area 34. The evaluation result is stored in the RAM 26, and the current score is added to the previous score stored in the RAM 26, which is used as the total result. The display state of the dance gauge 50 is updated based on the total result (S303). That is, when a high evaluation is obtained, the gauge bar is extended in the right direction. Conversely, when only a low evaluation is obtained, the gauge bar is contracted in the left direction. Further, the message 52 is displayed on the game screen 40 according to the evaluation obtained in step S302.

Returning to FIG. 5, after that, the CPU 14 determines that the game play satisfies the end condition (S108). Specifically, the game play ends when the player keeps pressing the cross button input area button 38B of the controller 32 for a predetermined time or when the performance music is finished. If the game play satisfies the end condition, a comprehensive evaluation of the entire play is performed based on the contents of the RAM 26, and the result is displayed on the monitor 18 as a play result (S109). In this state, the controller 32 can continue playing. When the play is continued, the player may have an appropriate break time. On the other hand, if the game play does not satisfy the end condition, the process returns to S105.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a play result display screen displayed on the monitor 18 in S109. As shown in the figure, the play result display screen is provided with a target achievement status display 88, an energy consumption reference display 90, a stage-by-stage cumulative energy consumption display 92, and a mode cumulative energy consumption display 94. The stage-by-stage cumulative energy display 92 displays the amount of energy (per song) consumed by the game music played up to the previous stage. The mode cumulative energy consumption display 94 displays the total energy consumption since the start of the “diet mode”. Here, the cumulative energy consumption display for each stage 92 and the mode cumulative energy consumption display 94 are numerically displayed in units of kilocalories, but in units of predetermined foods such as one apple and one rice bowl, You may make it display such as "for apple * piece" or "rice * apportionment".

Note that the accumulated energy consumption since the start of the “diet mode” is stored in the memory card 33. This stored content can be used to calculate the amount of energy consumed in all previous plays and display it on the monitor 18. Also, the memory card 33 stores various information such as the maximum energy consumption for each stage (song), the energy amount for the past predetermined number of times, the past maximum energy consumption amount, the average energy consumption amount, and the like. May be. In this way, various information can be presented to the player based on such information.

The goal achievement status display 88 displays the achievement status for the goal set in S101. This display is omitted when “no setting” is selected in the target setting menu field 80. When “calorie consumption” is selected, the target is compared with the cumulative energy consumption since the start of “diet mode”. If the target is achieved, the text “target achieved !!” is displayed. . If the target is not achieved, the cumulative energy consumption is subtracted from the target, and based on the subtracted, the characters “** kcal” are displayed. In addition, when “play time” is selected in the goal setting menu field 80, the actual play time is measured, and if it is longer than the goal, the characters “target achieved!” Are displayed. The If it is shorter, the actual play time is subtracted from the target, and the characters “** more minutes” are displayed based thereon. The energy consumption reference display 90 displays a list of energy amounts of main foods, displays the main food patterns, and displays the energy amount (kilocalories) of the foods next to each pattern.

When “calorie consumption” is selected in the target setting menu field 80 and the target is not achieved, the unit time is obtained by dividing the energy consumption amount at that stage by the stage time when the stage is cleared. The energy consumption per hit may be calculated and used to display “Let's work hard for ** more”. That is, the play time required to achieve the target may be estimated based on the energy consumption situation in the past play, and the play time may be displayed.

According to the game device 10 described above, in a music-oriented game, the player's game play can be evaluated from a new angle of energy consumption and presented to the player, thus adding new interest to the game. be able to. Moreover, the use of the game device 10 which is not conventionally used, such as using as part of a diet, can be opened. Thus, the attractiveness of the game can be further enhanced by displaying the energy consumption.

As an advanced form of the game apparatus 10, after playing standard game music (song) once, a song program (diet program) suitable for the player is generated based on the play situation and presented. You may do it. Alternatively, the music program may be distributed via a communication network.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above.

For example, the above description is about an example in which the present invention is implemented using the home-use game machine 11, but the present invention can be similarly applied to an arcade game device. In this case, it is desirable to use a faster storage device instead of the CD-ROM 25 and to integrally form the monitor 18 and the speaker 22.

In the above description, the CD-ROM 25 storing the game program and game data is used in the consumer game machine 11, but an information storage medium storing the game program and game data such as a personal computer is read, Any computer capable of information processing based on the read contents can be used.

Further, in the above description, the present invention is applied to the game apparatus 10 that can enjoy the feeling of dancing. However, the present invention is a drum play game in which a drum pad controller is tapped, and a guitar play that operates a guitar controller. It can be applied to various music-oriented games such as games. The present invention is also applicable to various sports games such as a ski game that operates a ski or stock controller, a snowboard game that operates a snowboard controller, and a skateboard game that operates a skateboard controller. Is possible. In addition, the present invention can be applied to all kinds of games such as a battle game in which a controller imitating a firearm and a drive game in which a controller imitating a car handle is operated. In this case, it is determined to which of the plurality of transition patterns the operation signal input from the various controllers belongs, and the transition of the operation signal input from the controller is supported according to the determined transition pattern Calculate the energy consumption of the player. Then, the energy consumption calculated after the predetermined timing is cumulatively added to calculate the cumulative energy consumption, and this is notified to the player. By doing this, it is possible to evaluate the game play from a new angle of energy consumption and attract the player's interest. Moreover, the diet effect of a game play can also be appealed.

Furthermore, in the above description, the game program and game data are supplied from the CD-ROM 25, which is an information storage medium, to the home game machine 11, but the game program and game data are distributed to the home or the like via a communication network. You can also. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a game program distribution system using a communication network. As shown in the figure, the game program distribution system 53 includes a game database 54, a server 56, a communication network 60, a personal computer 62, a consumer game machine 64, and a PDA (personal digital assistant) 66. Among these, the game database 54 and the server 56 constitute a game program distribution device 58. The communication network 60 is, for example, the Internet or a cable television network. In this system, the game database 54 stores game programs and game data similar to those stored in the CD-ROM 25. Then, when a consumer makes a game distribution request using the personal computer 62, the home game machine 64, the PDA 66, or the like, it is transmitted to the server 56 via the communication network 60. Then, the server 56 reads out the game program and game data from the game database 54 in response to the game distribution request, and transmits it to the game distribution request source such as the personal computer 62, the home game machine 64 or the PDA 66. Here, the game delivery is performed in response to the game delivery request, but the server 56 may send the game unilaterally. Moreover, it is not always necessary to distribute all the game programs and game data necessary for realizing the game at a time, and a necessary portion may be distributed according to the game situation. If the game is distributed via the communication network 60 in this way, the consumer can easily obtain the game program and game data for playing the music game.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the game device which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a general-view figure which shows an example of a controller. It is a figure which shows an example of a game screen. It is a figure which shows the structure of game music data. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the game device which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of a diet setting screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a difficulty level setting screen. It is a flowchart explaining an energy process. It is a flowchart explaining a dance gauge process. It is a figure which shows an example of a play result display screen. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the game program delivery system which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 game devices, 11, 64 home game machines, 12 buses, 14 CPUs, 16 graphics processing units, 18 monitors, 20 sound processing units, 22 speakers, 23 commercial music CDs, 24 CD-ROM readers, 25 CD- ROM, 26 RAM, 28 ROM, 30 I / O controller, 32 controller, 33 memory card, 34L, 34U, 34D, 34R direction button input area, 34C central area, 36A start button input area, 38A circle button input area, 38B Cross button input area, 40 game screen, 42 energy display, 44D, 44R, 44L, 44U timing guidance arrow mark, 46 background image, 48D, 48R, 48L, 48U reference arrow mark, 50 Nsugeji, 53 game program distribution system, 54 game database, 56 server, 58 a game program distribution device, 60 a communication network, 62 computer, 66 PDA.

Claims (4)

A controller for inputting operation signals;
Transition analysis means for determining which of the plurality of transition patterns the operation signal input from the controller has transitioned;
Energy consumption calculating means for calculating the energy consumption of the player corresponding to the transition of the operation signal input from the controller according to the determined transition pattern;
Cumulative energy consumption calculating means for calculating cumulative energy consumption by cumulatively adding energy consumption calculated after a predetermined timing;
A cumulative energy consumption notification means for notifying the player of the calculated cumulative energy consumption;
A game apparatus comprising: An information storage medium storing a program for causing a computer having a controller for inputting an operation signal to function as a game device,
Transition analysis means for determining which of a plurality of transition patterns the operation signal input from the controller has transitioned,
Energy consumption calculating means for calculating the energy consumption of the player corresponding to the transition of the operation signal input from the controller according to the determined transition pattern;
Cumulative energy consumption calculating means for calculating cumulative energy consumption by cumulatively adding energy consumption calculated after a predetermined timing;
And cumulative energy consumption notifying means for notifying the player of the calculated cumulative energy consumption,
An information storage medium storing a program for causing the computer to function. A game distribution device for distributing a program for causing a computer having a controller for inputting an operation signal to function as a game device,
Transition analysis means for determining which of a plurality of transition patterns the operation signal input from the controller has transitioned,
Energy consumption calculating means for calculating the energy consumption of the player corresponding to the transition of the operation signal input from the controller according to the determined transition pattern;
Cumulative energy consumption calculating means for calculating cumulative energy consumption by cumulatively adding energy consumption calculated after a predetermined timing;
And cumulative energy consumption notifying means for notifying the player of the calculated cumulative energy consumption,
A game distribution apparatus that distributes a program for causing the computer to function. A game distribution method for distributing a program for causing a computer having a controller for inputting an operation signal to function as a game device,
Transition analysis means for determining which of a plurality of transition patterns the operation signal input from the controller has transitioned,
Energy consumption calculating means for calculating the energy consumption of the player corresponding to the transition of the operation signal input from the controller according to the determined transition pattern;
Cumulative energy consumption calculating means for calculating cumulative energy consumption by cumulatively adding energy consumption calculated after a predetermined timing;
And cumulative energy consumption notifying means for notifying the player of the calculated cumulative energy consumption,
A game delivery method for delivering a program for causing the computer to function.

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