JP2007167103A - Program, information storage medium, and game device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve a game of a new type played between several game devices connected by communication. <P>SOLUTION: Two players PA and PB respectively hold portable game machines 1A and 1B so as to show their displays to the other player. A game picture for the player PB is displayed on the display of the portable game machine 1A, and a game picture for the player PA is displayed on the display of the portable game machine 1B. Then, the player PA operates the portable game machine 1A while looking at the game picture displayed on the display of the portable game machine 1B, and the player PB operates the portable game machine 1B while looking at the game picture displayed on the display of the portable game machine 1A. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game apparatus or the like that executes a game by a plurality of players performed between communication-connected player machines.

In recent years, a game system is known in which a game by a plurality of players (so-called multiplayer play) is executed by communication between a plurality of game devices using a communication function. For example, a configuration in which a plurality of home game devices are connected via a communication line such as the Internet, or a configuration in which a plurality of arcade game devices are physically coupled and connected in a store such as a game center There is a configuration in which a plurality of arcade game apparatuses installed in the same store or other stores are connected by a communication line such as a dedicated line, a LAN, or the Internet. In addition, a configuration in which a plurality of portable game machines are connected by a communication cable, and a configuration in which a game is executed by wireless communication between a plurality of portable game machines having a short-range wireless communication function in recent years are also known. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-6766

  However, in a game executed by communication between a plurality of conventional game devices, each player inputs a game operation while looking at the game screen displayed on his game device. Never paid attention to. By the way, in the case of a portable game machine, there is a feature that a player can hold the portable game machine in a free posture, which is not found in home game machines and arcade game machines. Is there any way to enjoy the game? The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to realize a new form of game that is performed between a plurality of game apparatuses connected in communication.

The first invention for solving the above-described problems is
A program (for example, a computer that is a player machine including a communication device, a display device, and an input device is connected to another player device to execute a game by a plurality of players between the player device and the other player device (for example, 9 is a game program 610) of FIG.
Operation data transmission means (for example, the game calculation unit 210 and the wireless communication unit 500 in FIG. 9) for transmitting operation data input to the player device to other player devices,
Operation data receiving means for receiving operation data of other players from other player machines (for example, the game calculation unit 210 and the wireless communication unit 500 in FIG. 9);
Display control means for other players (for example, the game calculation unit 210 in FIG. 9) that generates a game image for the other player based on the received operation data of the other player and controls display on the display device of the player device.
As a program for causing the computer to function and playing a game in which the display screens of the display devices of the player device and the other player device are shown to each other's players.

As another invention,
A game device that includes a communication device, a display device, and an input device and executes a game by a plurality of players performed between the player device and the other player devices by communication connection with other player devices (for example, the portable game machine 1 of FIG. 9). ) And
Operation data transmission means (for example, the game calculation unit 210 and the wireless communication unit 500 in FIG. 9) for transmitting operation data input to the player device to other player devices;
Operation data receiving means (for example, the game calculation unit 210 and the wireless communication unit 500 in FIG. 9) for receiving operation data of other players from other player machines;
Display control means for other players (for example, the game calculation unit 210 in FIG. 9) that generates a game image for the other player based on the received operation data of the other player and controls display on the display device of the player device; ,
And a game device that executes a game in which the display screens of the display devices of the player device and the other player device are shown to each other's players.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the game image for the other player based on the operation data of the other player received from the other player device is displayed on the own player device, and the operation of the own player input to the own player device is displayed. A game image based on the data is displayed on other player machines, and a game is realized in which each player enjoys the display screen of his or her own machine. Therefore, a game of a new form different from the conventional one is realized in which each player operates the player player while looking at the display screen of the player device other than the other player instead of looking at the display screen of the player device. The

The second invention is the program of the first invention, wherein
The computer includes vibration detection means,
A program for causing the computer to function as penalty processing execution means for performing predetermined penalty processing in response to detection by the vibration detection means.

  According to the second aspect of the invention, the predetermined penalty process is executed in response to the detection by the vibration detecting means. Therefore, for example, when an action that is disadvantageous to other players, such as shaking the player's player machine and making it difficult to see the display screen, the player who shakes the player machine does not accept an operation input for a predetermined time, or scores By giving a penalty related to the progress of the game, such as subtracting, it is possible to maintain the fairness of play among players.

The third invention is the program of the first or second invention,
This is a program for causing the computer to function so that the display control means for other players has an image orientation variable control means for generating a game image so that the display orientation of the top, bottom, left, and right with respect to the display device changes.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, the display direction of the display screen on the display device can be changed. Thus, for example, in the case of a battle game, a handicap is given to the player by changing the display direction of a display screen for a player to make it difficult to view, or in the case of a game in which a plurality of players proceed in cooperation with each other, It is possible to add new enjoyment such that each player can enjoy the game by talking to the player so that the player can change his / her player so that the display screen is easy to see.

The fourth invention is the program of any one of the first to fourth inventions,
The game is a game by three or more players,
Communicating with a plurality of other player machines to cause the computer to function as combination determining means for determining a combination of which player game images are to be displayed and controlled;
The operation data transmitting means causes the computer to function so as to transmit operation data input to the player device to another player device whose display control is a game image for the player according to the determined combination;
The operation data receiving means causes the computer to function to receive operation data from another player machine whose display control is a game image for the player according to the determined combination;
It is a program for.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, when a game is executed by three or more players, a combination of which player game image to be displayed is determined for each player machine. According to the combination, operation data is transmitted and received between the player machines. As a result, a game is realized in which three or more players can enjoy the display screens of their own player machines.

A fifth invention is the program of the fourth invention, wherein
The combination determining means is a program for causing the computer to function so as to have a combination changing means for changing the combination at a given timing according to the progress of the game.

  According to the fifth aspect, at a given timing according to the progress of the game, the combination of which player game image is to be displayed by each player machine is changed. As a result, while the game is in progress, it is possible to add new enjoyment such that the player machine on which the game image for each player is displayed changes, and the player machine searches for other player machines on the display screen to be viewed. .

A sixth invention is the program of any one of the first to fifth inventions,
The game is a game that progresses by generating and displaying an image of a game space viewed from the player-specific viewpoint of each of the plurality of players.
The other player display control means has other player viewpoint movement control means for moving the player individual viewpoint of the other player in the game space based on the operation data of the other player received by the operation data receiving means. And a program for causing the computer to function so as to generate an image of the game space viewed from the moved player individual viewpoint and to control display on the display device of the player device as a game image for another player. .

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when a game in which an image of a game space viewed from the player individual viewpoint of each of a plurality of players is generated and displayed is executed, each player machine is based on the received operation data. The player individual viewpoint is moved, and an image of the game space viewed from the moved player individual viewpoint is displayed and controlled as a game image for another player.

A seventh invention is the program of any one of the first to sixth inventions,
In the player machine which is the computer, a main display device and a sub display device are provided as the display device on the front and back surfaces of the player machine main body, respectively.
The other player display control means causes the computer to function to display and control a game image for another player on the main display device;
Causing the computer to function as display control means for the player for controlling display of a predetermined play status display for the player on the sub display device;
It is a program for.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the player machine is provided with a main display device and a sub display device as display devices on the front and back surfaces of the player machine main body, and the main display device is used for other players. The game image is displayed, and a predetermined play situation regarding the player is displayed on the sub display device. Accordingly, each player can operate his / her player while viewing the display screen of the sub display device while looking at the display screen of the main display device.

The eighth invention is the program of any one of the first to seventh inventions,
The player machine which is the computer is provided with a relative direction detecting means for detecting a relative direction with respect to the opponent player machine,
It is a program for causing the computer to function as direction notifying means for performing predetermined notification according to the detection result of the relative direction detecting means.

  According to the eighth aspect of the invention, since the notification is made according to the relative orientation with the opponent player machine, for example, when the player machines are not facing each other, the attitude of the player machine is Correction can be prompted.

  A ninth invention is a computer-readable information storage medium storing the program of any one of the first to eighth inventions.

  Here, the “information storage medium” is a storage medium such as a hard disk, an MO, a CD-ROM, a DVD, a memory card, and an IC memory, which can read stored information. Therefore, according to the ninth aspect, the same effect as any one of the first to eighth aspects can be obtained by causing the computer to read the information stored in the information storage medium and executing the arithmetic processing. be able to.

  According to the present invention, a game image for another player based on the operation data of the other player received from the other player device is displayed on the own player device, and the game based on the operation data of the own player input to the own player device. The images are displayed on other player machines, and a game is realized in which each player enjoys viewing his / her own display screen. In other words, a game of a new form different from the conventional one is realized in which each player operates the player's player machine while looking at the display screen of the other player's machine instead of watching the player's player display screen. The

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following, a case where a rhythm action game is executed in a portable game machine will be described, but embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to this.

[Overview]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, each of two players facing each other has a portable game machine 1 which is a player machine so as to show each other a display. That is, the player PA has the portable game machine 1A with the display facing the player PB, and the player PB has the portable game machine 1B with the display facing the player PA.

  Then, each player sees the game screen displayed on the display of the portable game machine 1 (hereinafter referred to as “partner machine”) possessed by the opponent player, and sees the portable game machine 1 (hereinafter referred to as “own machine”) possessed by the player. ”) To input a game operation. That is, the player PA operates the portable game machine 1A while viewing the game screen of the portable game machine 1B, and the player PB operates the portable game machine 1B while viewing the game screen of the portable game machine 1A.

  Here, the portable game machine 1 has a one-to-one short-distance wireless communication function, and two portable games are performed by performing predetermined data communication between the portable game machines 1A and 1B. A game is played between the machines 1.

[appearance]
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an external appearance example of the portable game machine 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the portable game machine 1 is provided with a display 2, a direction key 3, a button switch 4, and a speaker 5 on the front surface of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing. On the side surface of the housing, there are provided an insertion slot 6 for inserting the game cartridge 10, a power button (not shown), a volume control switch for the speaker 5, and the like.

  The portable game machine 1 is connected to a reading device that reads out game information stored in the game cartridge 10 inserted into the insertion slot 6 and an external device such as another portable game machine 1 to perform wireless communication. And a control device 8 equipped with a CPU, IC memory, and the like. The CPU mounted on the control device 8 executes various game processes based on programs and data read from the IC memory and the game cartridge 10, operation signals of the direction key 3 and the button switch 4, and the like. An image signal and a sound signal of a game sound are generated. Then, the generated image signal is output to the display 2 to display the game screen, and the sound signal is output to the speaker 5 to output the game sound.

  Information (system program, game program, game data, etc.) necessary for the portable game machine 1 to execute a game is stored in an IC memory or a game cartridge 10 mounted on the control device 8. More specifically, the system program is stored in the IC memory of the control device 8, and the game program and game data are stored in the game cartridge 10. Accordingly, the player can cause the portable game machine 1 to execute a different game by exchanging the game cartridge 10.

  In the present embodiment, a rhythm action game (playing game) in which two players battle each other is executed. In this rhythm action game, game sounds such as task music and sound effects corresponding to game operations are output from the speaker 5, and the type and timing of game operations to be moved and input in accordance with the task music are displayed on the display 2. An instruction sign indicating that On the basis of the type and timing indicated by the indication sign, the quality of the input game operation is determined, and the score is calculated. The player enjoys the rhythm action game by inputting a game operation in accordance with the displayed task sign according to the displayed instruction sign.

  In the present embodiment, the game screen for the player on which an instruction mark indicating the type and timing of operation data input to each player is displayed is the portable game machine 1 (own device) possessed by the player. Instead, it is displayed on the portable game machine 1 (the opponent machine) possessed by the opponent player. That is, the game screen for the player PB is displayed on the portable game machine 1A, and the game screen for the player PA is displayed on the portable game machine 1B. Each player operates the player's own device and inputs a game operation while watching the game screen displayed on the display 2 of the opponent device.

This will be specifically described.
First, two portable game machines 1A and 1B that compete are connected for communication. At this time, one game machine becomes a parent machine and the other game machine becomes a child machine.

  Next, for example, a music selection screen shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the display 2 of the master unit. This music selection screen is a screen for selecting a task song to be played, and a list of song names of candidate task songs is displayed. The player of the master unit selects / determines any song from the list of song names displayed. Then, the title of the determined task song is notified from the master unit to the slave unit.

  Subsequently, a change instruction screen for the other player, for example, shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display 2 of each portable game machine 1. A message for instructing to switch the player so that the display 2 can be seen by the partner player, for example, a message “Please turn the screen toward the partner” is displayed on the partner player switching instruction screen. In accordance with this message, each player changes his / her own device so that the display 2 can be seen by the opponent player.

  Thereafter, in each portable game machine 1, the reproduction of the task music is started at the same timing, and the execution of the game is started. However, it is assumed that the player of the portable game machine 1A is a “1P player” and the player of the portable game machine 1B is a “2P player”.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a game screen during game execution. FIG. 4A shows the display screen of the portable game machine 1A, and FIG. 4B shows the display screen of the portable game machine 1B. As shown in the figure, each portable game machine 1 displays a game screen for the opponent player. That is, as shown in FIG. 5A, the portable game machine 1A displays a game screen for the player PB who is the opponent player for the player PA, that is, a “game screen for 2P player”. Also, as shown in FIG. 5B, the portable game machine 1B displays a game screen for the player PA that is the opponent player for the player PB, that is, a “game screen for the 1P player”.

  Each game screen includes a sign display area AR1, a phrase display area AR2, and an effect area AR3.

  In the sign display area AR1, an instruction sign 21 that indicates the type and timing of operation data to be input is displayed. A determination frame 22 is displayed at the left end of the sign display area AR1, and the instruction mark 21 is displayed so as to move from the right end of the sign display area AR1 toward the determination frame 22 at a predetermined speed. The input timing is instructed by the timing at which the determination frame 22 is reached. In addition, there are a plurality of types of instruction indicators 21, and the type of operation data is indicated by these types.

  In the phrase display area AR2, a phrase 23 corresponding to the instruction sign 21 displayed in the sign display area AR1 is displayed. The phrase 23 is displayed so as to move at a predetermined speed from the right to the left in the phrase display area AR2 in accordance with the movement of the corresponding instruction indicator 21.

  In the effect area AR3, in addition to characters corresponding to each player and a moving image for effect corresponding to the player's operation input, a target player name 24 indicating which player's game screen is displayed, and the target player Is displayed with a score gauge 25 that represents the score by the length of the bar 25a.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of processing and data flow between the portable game machines 1 during the game. According to the figure, in the portable game machine 1A, when a) a game operation is input, b) a game sound such as a sound effect based on the input operation data is generated and output. That is, “1P player game sound” is output.

  C) The input operation data is transmitted to the portable game machine 1B. In the portable game machine 1B, d) whether or not the input of the operation data received from the portable game machine 1A is determined (timing determination) based on the score data for the 1P player. Next, e) a game image based on this determination result and the score data for the 1P player is generated and displayed. That is, a “1P player game screen” is displayed.

  Here, the musical score data is data defining the type and timing of operation data to be input. On the basis of the musical score data, an indication mark on the game screen is controlled to be displayed, and whether or not the operation data is input is determined. In the present embodiment, the contents of the musical score data are different for the 1P player and the 2P player.

  On the other hand, similarly in the portable game machine 1B, when a) a game operation is input, b) a game sound based on the input operation data is generated and output. That is, “game sound for 2P player” is output.

  C) The input operation data is transmitted to the portable game machine 1A. Then, in the portable game machine 1A, d) whether or not the input of the operation data received from the portable game machine 1B is determined (timing determination) based on the score data for the 2P player. Next, e) a game image based on the determination result and the score data for the 2P player is generated and displayed. That is, the “2P player game screen” is displayed.

  As described above, each portable game machine 1 transmits the operation data input to the own machine to the opponent machine, and determines whether or not the input operation data received from the opponent machine is good (timing determination). A game image is generated and displayed on the display 2 of the own device.

  When the reproduction of the task tune is finished and the game is finished, the display 2 of each portable game machine 1 displays a change instruction screen for the player as shown in FIG. In this change instruction screen for the player, a message for instructing the change of the player so that the display 2 of the player can be seen, for example, “please see your own screen” is displayed. Each player follows his message and changes his / her own device so that his / her display 2 can be seen. The figure shows an example of a screen displayed on the portable game machine 1A.

  Then, for example, a game result screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display 2 of each portable game machine 1. The final game score of each player is displayed on this game result screen. In the figure, the game score of the 1P player is displayed on the left side of the screen, and the game score of the 2P player is displayed on the right side of the screen. The game result screen is the same screen for both portable game machines 1A and 1B.

[Function configuration]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the portable game machine 1 in the present embodiment. According to the figure, the portable game machine 1 functionally includes an operation input unit 100, a processing unit 200, an image display unit 300, a sound output unit 400, a wireless communication unit 500, and a storage unit 600. And is configured.

  The operation input unit 100 receives an operation instruction from the player and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation to the processing unit 200. In FIG. 2, the direction key 3 and the button switch 4 correspond to this.

  The processing unit 200 performs various arithmetic processes such as control of the entire portable game machine 1, game progress, and image generation. This function is realized by, for example, an arithmetic device such as a CPU (CISC type or RISC type), an ASIC (gate array or the like), or a control program thereof. In FIG. 2, the CPU mounted on the control device 8 corresponds to this.

  The processing unit 200 includes a game calculation unit 210 that mainly performs calculation processing related to the game, and a game image and its image signal based on various data obtained by the processing of the game calculation unit 210. The image generation part 220 and the sound generation part 230 which produces | generates game sounds, such as a sound effect and BGM, and its sound signal are included.

  The game calculation unit 210 executes various game processes based on operation signals input from the operation input unit 100, game information (game program and game data) read from the storage unit 600, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the game calculation unit 210 executes a match-up battle game process according to the game program 610. Specifically, first, a communication connection is established with another portable game machine 1 that is a counterpart machine. When the portable game machine 1 is a parent machine, the parent machine processing according to the parent machine program 611 is executed. When the portable game machine 1 is a child machine, the child machine according to the child machine program 612 is executed. Perform the machine process.

  That is, in the process for the master unit, for example, the music selection screen shown as an example in FIG. Then, the task piece to be played is determined according to the operation input from the operation input unit 100 and notified to the slave unit. The song name determined here is stored in the storage unit 600 as the task song data 640.

  Further, the combination of which player's game screen is displayed by each portable game machine 1 is determined and transmitted to the child machine. The combination determined here is stored in the storage unit 600 as player setting data 650. FIG. 10 shows an example of the data configuration of the player setting data 650. According to the figure, the player setting data 650 stores, for each game machine 651, a player 652 and a game screen display target player 653 in association with each other.

  In the present embodiment, since two players are competing, the player to be controlled of each portable game machine 1 is the player of the other portable game machine 1. That is, in the figure, the player of the portable game machine 1A is “1P player”, and the player of the portable game machine 1B is “2P player”. The control target player of the portable game machine 1A is “2P player”, and the control target player of the portable game machine 1B is “1P player”.

  Thereafter, the game calculation unit 210 appropriately sets the performance start timing (game execution start timing) of the task song and notifies the slave device.

  On the other hand, in the slave unit processing, the subject song data transmitted from the master unit is received and the subject song data 640 is updated. Also, the player combination to be displayed on the game screen transmitted from the parent device is received, and the player setting data 650 is updated. Also, the performance start timing of the task song transmitted from the parent machine is received.

  When the master unit process or the slave unit process ends, the game calculation unit 210 subsequently executes a game execution process according to the game execution program 613.

  In the game execution process, first, the image display unit 300 displays a transfer instruction screen for the opponent player that instructs the player to change the display so that the display screen can be seen by the opponent player. When the predetermined performance start timing arrives, the reproduction of the music data of the task music included in the music data group 630 is started, and the display of the indication sign based on the music score data 621 of the task music included in the music data group 620 is started. Start control.

  The musical score data group 620 is composed of a plurality of musical score data defining the type and timing of operation data to be input. FIG. 11 shows an example of the data structure of the musical score data group 620. According to the figure, the musical score data group 620 includes a plurality of musical score data 621 for each song. Each musical score data 621 includes musical score data for a 1P player and musical score data for a 2P player, and an input timing 621a, a marker identification number 621b, a marker type 621c, and a phrase 621d are stored in association with each other. Has been.

  Next, the game calculation unit 210 performs the following processing for each frame until the reproduction of the subject song is completed. That is, a hitting sound corresponding to the type of operation data input from the operation input unit 100 is output from the sound output unit 400, and the input operation data is transmitted to the partner machine.

  Also, the operation data transmitted from the partner device is received, and the quality of the received operation data (whether the type and timing match) is determined (timing determination) based on the musical score data 621 for the display target player. . And score calculation based on this determination result is performed, and score data 660 is updated.

  The score data 660 is score data of each player who is playing a match. FIG. 12 shows an example of the data structure of the score data 660. According to the figure, in the score data 660, for each player 661, a game score 662, a continuous combo number 663, and a bonus score 664 are stored in association with each other. The game calculation unit 210 updates only the score of the display target player in the score data 660. That is, in the portable game machine 1A, the score of the “2P player” that is the display target player is updated, and in the portable game machine 1B, the score of the “1P player” that is the display target player is updated.

  When the reproduction of the task song is completed, the game calculation unit 210 causes the image display unit 300 to display a change instruction screen for the player to instruct to change the player's own device so that the display screen of the player's own device can be seen. Next, the score data 660 is referred to and the score of the player to be controlled is transmitted to the opponent machine. In addition, the score transmitted from the opponent machine is received, and the score data 660 is updated as the score of the player. Thereafter, based on the score data 660, a game result screen displaying the final score of each player is displayed on the image display unit 300.

  The image generation unit 220 generates a display image for displaying the game screen based on the calculation result by the game calculation unit, and outputs an image signal of the generated image to the image display unit 300. Based on the image signal from the image generation unit 220, the image display unit 300 displays a display screen while redrawing an image of one frame every 1/60 seconds, for example. This function is realized by hardware such as CRT, LCD, ELD, PDP, and HMD. In FIG. 2, the display 2 corresponds to this.

  The sound generation unit 230 is realized by, for example, an arithmetic device such as a CPU or a DSP and a control program thereof, generates game sounds such as sound effects and BGM used during the game, and outputs sound signals of the generated game sounds as sound. Output to the unit 400. The sound output unit 400 outputs game sounds such as BGM and sound effects based on the sound signal from the sound generation unit 230. This function is realized by, for example, a speaker. In FIG. 2, the speaker 5 corresponds to this.

  The wireless communication unit 500 is mainly connected to an external device such as another portable game machine 1 and transmits / receives data to / from the external device. This function is realized by a wireless communication module conforming to a wireless communication standard such as a wireless LAN, IrDA, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like. In FIG. 2, the wireless communication device 7 corresponds to this.

  The storage unit 600 stores a system program for realizing various functions for causing the processing unit 200 to control the portable game machine 1 in an integrated manner, a program and data necessary for executing the game, and the like. Used as a work area of the processing unit 200, temporarily stores calculation results executed by the processing unit 200 according to various programs, input data input from the operation input unit 100, and the like. This function is realized by, for example, various IC memories, hard disks, CD-ROMs, DVDs, MOs, RAMs, VRAMs, and the like. In FIG. 2, the IC memory and game cartridge 10 mounted on the control device 8 correspond to this.

  Further, the storage unit 600 stores a game program 610 for causing the processing unit 200 to function as the game calculation unit 210 and game data. The game program 610 includes a parent device program 611 for realizing parent device processing, a child device program 612 for realizing child device processing, and a game execution program 613 for realizing game execution processing. Is included.

  The game data includes a musical score data group 620, a music data group 630, task music data 640, player setting data 650, and score data 660. Although not shown, background image data and instructions of the game screen are not shown. This includes game image data including sign images, game sound data including sound effects to be output in response to game operations, and the like.

[Process flow]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the match-up battle game process in the present embodiment. This process is realized by the game calculation unit 210 executing the game program 610. In the figure, the left side shows the process of the master unit, and the right side shows the process of the slave unit.

  According to the figure, out of the two portable game machines 1 to be battled, the parent machine executes the parent machine process according to the parent machine program 611, and the child machine is the child machine according to the child machine program 612. Perform the machine process.

  That is, the master unit waits for connection from the slave unit (step S1), and the slave unit connects to the master unit (step S11). When the communication connection between the master unit and the slave unit is established, the master unit displays, for example, the music selection screen shown in FIG. 3 on the image display unit 300, and performs according to the operation input from the operation input unit 100. The task song to be determined is determined, and the determined song name is notified to the slave unit (step S2). The slave unit receives the title of the subject song transmitted from the master unit (step S12).

  Next, the master unit determines a combination of players to be displayed on the display screen by each game machine, generates player setting data 650 (step S3), and transmits the determined combination to the slave unit (step S4). ). The slave unit receives the player combination transmitted from the master unit and updates the player setting data 650 (step S13).

  Next, the master unit sets the performance start timing and notifies the slave unit (step S5). The child device receives the performance start timing transmitted from the parent device (step S14). Thereafter, the game execution process is started for both the parent device and the child device.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the game execution process. This process is realized by the game calculation unit 210 executing the game execution program 613.

  First, the game calculation unit 210 causes the image display unit 300 to display a partner player change instruction screen for instructing to change the player's own device so that the display screen can be seen by the opponent player (step S21). Next, when the performance start timing arrives (step S22: YES), the reproduction of the subject music is started based on the music data of the subject music included in the music data group 630 (step S23).

  Subsequently, the game calculation unit 210 repeatedly executes the next process for each frame until the reproduction of the task music is completed. That is, first, it is determined whether or not operation data is input from the operation input unit 100. If the operation data is input (step S24: YES), the sound output unit 400 outputs a hitting sound or the like corresponding to the input operation data (step S25), and the input operation data is sent to the partner machine. Transmit (step S26).

  Next, the operation data transmitted from the partner machine is received (step S27), and whether or not the received operation data is input is determined based on the musical score data 621 for the player to be controlled (step S28). Based on the determination result, the score of the player to be controlled in the score data 660 is updated (step S29).

  Subsequently, the game calculation unit 210 generates a game image that displays an instruction sign that is moved and controlled based on the musical score data 621 for the display target player and a score of the control target player based on the score data 660, and the image display unit 300. (Step S30). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the reproduction of the subject song has been completed. If it has not been completed (step S31: NO), the process returns to step 24.

  On the other hand, when the reproduction of the task song has been completed (step S31: YES), the game calculation unit 210 displays a change instruction screen for the player to instruct the player to change his / her device so that the display screen of the player can be seen. 300 is displayed (step S32). Further, with reference to score data 660, the score of the player to be controlled is transmitted to the opponent machine (step S33). Then, the score transmitted from the partner machine is received (step S34), and the score data 660 is updated using the received score as the score of the player (step S35).

Thereafter, the game calculation unit 210 refers to the score data 660 and causes the image display unit 300 to display a game result screen displaying the scores of the player and the opponent player (step S36).
If the above process is performed, the game calculating part 210 will complete | finish a game execution process. When the game execution process ends, the match-up battle game process ends.

[Action / Effect]
Thus, in this embodiment, each of the two players PA and PB has the portable game machines 1A and 1B so that the display 2 can be seen by the other player, and the display 2 of the portable game machine 1A includes A game screen for the player PB is displayed, and a game screen for the player PA is displayed on the display 2 of the portable game machine 1B. Then, the player PA operates the portable game machine 1A while watching the game screen displayed on the display of the portable game machine 1B, and the player PB views the game screen displayed on the display of the portable game machine 1A. While operating the portable game machine 1B. That is, each of the plurality of players has their own portable game machine 1 (own machine) so that the display 2 can be seen from each other, and the own player is watching the game screen of the portable game machine 1 (partner machine) of the opponent player. A new form of game is realized in which a game operation is input by operating

[Modification]
Note that embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it is needless to say that the embodiments can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

(A) Data to be transmitted / received For example, in the above-described embodiment, the operation data is transmitted / received between the portable game machines 1 that compete, but the determination result may be transmitted / received. That is, each portable game machine 1 determines the quality of the operation data input based on the musical score data for the player (timing determination), and transmits the operation data and the determination result to the opponent machine. Based on the operation data received from the opponent machine and the determination result, a game image for the opponent player is generated and displayed.

(B) Competing with three or more players In the above-described embodiment, the two players PA and PB are used to compete, but three or more players may compete.

  Specifically, for example, when three players A, B, and C having portable game machines 1A, 1B, and 1C face each other, a combination of players to be displayed by each portable game machine 1 is Determination is made as shown in the player setting data 650A in FIG. In this combination, one of the three portable game machines 1A, 1B, and 1C becomes a parent machine, and this parent machine is determined before the game is started and notified to each child machine.

  Then, according to this combination, during game execution, as shown in FIG. 16, the portable game machine 1A transmits operation data to the portable game machine 1C, and based on the operation data received from the portable game machine 1B. A “2P player game screen” is generated and displayed. In addition, the portable game machine 1B transmits operation data to the portable game machine 1A, and generates and displays a “game screen for 3P player” based on the operation data received from the portable game machine 1C. Further, the portable game machine 1C transmits operation data to the portable game machine 1B, and generates and displays a “1P player game screen” based on the operation data received from the portable game machine 1A.

  Further, in this case, a combination of players to be displayed by each portable game machine 1 is a game in which a certain player's score has reached a predetermined score, a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the game, and a predetermined item has been acquired or used. It is good also as changing at the given timing according to progress.

  Specifically, for example, when the combination is changed when the score of a certain player reaches a predetermined score, the following is realized. That is, (1) When the score of the display target player reaches a predetermined score, each portable game machine 1 notifies the parent machine to that effect. Then, the master unit determines a new combination and notifies each slave unit of the determined new combination. Thereafter, each portable game machine 1 performs transmission / reception of operation data, generation / display of a game image, and the like according to this new combination. Alternatively, (2) when the score of the display target player reaches a predetermined score, the portable game machine 1 determines a new combination and notifies each of the other portable game machines 1. Thereafter, each portable game machine 1 performs transmission / reception of operation data, generation / display of a game image, and the like according to this new combination.

(C) Changing the display orientation of the display screen Further, the display orientation of the game screen in each portable game machine 1 may be changed during the game execution. Specifically, for example, all or at a given timing according to the progress of the game, such as when a player's score reaches a predetermined score, a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the game, or a predetermined item is acquired or used The display direction of the top, bottom, left and right of the game screen in some portable game machines 1 is changed.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, when an operation input for a specific indication sign by one player is successful, the display direction of the display screen of the portable game machine 1 that the player has, that is, the game screen for the opponent player is turned upside down. When changing, it is realized as follows. That is, when each portable game machine 1 determines that the quality of the operation data received from the partner machine for the specific instruction sign is “good”, the portable game machine 1 notifies the partner machine of a display orientation change instruction. In the portable game machine 1 which is the counterpart machine that has received this instruction, game images are generated and displayed so as to be upside down.

  Thus, for example, in the case of a competitive game, a handicap that changes the display direction of the game screen is given to some players, or in the case of a game in which a plurality of players cooperate, the display direction of the game screen is displayed. It is possible to add new enjoyment such as talking to each other and changing the player's own device so that the opponent player can easily see when the player changes.

(D) Detection of vibration / tilt Further, the portable game machine 1 has a built-in vibration detection sensor for detecting vibration or a tilt sensor for detecting tilt. A predetermined penalty may be given to the player of the game machine 1. Penalties include, for example, not accepting input of operation data for a predetermined time and subtracting a score. As a result, it is possible to give a penalty for play to a player who has disturbed the opponent player, such as shaking or tilting his / her own device, and maintaining the fairness of play among the players.

(E) Application to other games In the above-described embodiment, the case where a rhythm action game is executed has been described as an example. However, the present invention can be applied to other games as well. For example, the present invention can be applied to the following games.

(E-1) Competition game (race game)
For example, the present invention is applied to a competitive game such as a car racing game or a motorcycle racing game in which player characters to be operated by each player compete in the same game space. In this case, a common game space is constructed in each portable game machine 1, and a player character that is an operation target of each portable game machine 1 is arranged. Then, each portable game machine 1 transmits the input operation data to each other portable game machine 1, and the corresponding player character is sent based on the operation data received from each other portable game machine 1. In addition to the control, the player player character is controlled based on the input operation data, and the state of the game space viewed from the viewpoint of following the player character to be displayed other than the player player character is displayed as a game screen.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen when the present invention is applied to a car racing game and two players A and B battle each other. FIG. 4A shows a game screen displayed on the portable game machine 1A possessed by the player A, and FIG. 4B shows a game screen displayed on the portable game machine 1B possessed by the player B. As shown in FIG. 6A, the portable game machine 1A displays the game space as a game image as viewed from the viewpoint of following the player character CB operated by the player B who is the opponent player. Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, on the portable game machine 1B, the state of the game space viewed from the viewpoint of following the player character CA operated by the player A as the opponent player is displayed as a game image. .

(E-2) Cooperative game Contrary to a competitive game, the game may be applied to a game aiming at game clear while cooperating with an opponent player.

(E-3) Quick-shooting game First, in a standby state, each player holds their own displays 2 so as to show each other. Then, in response to a signal displayed on the display screen of the partner machine, the user changes his / her machine so that his / her display 2 can be seen, and an operation input according to the instruction displayed on the display 2 of his / her own machine, for example, the type indicated The operation input is performed such that the operation keys are operated in the instructed order. The player who inputs the operation quickly and accurately wins.

(E-4) Offensive game First, in a standby state, each player holds the display 2 of the player's own machine and the opponent's machine facing each other so that the display 2 cannot be seen. Then, in accordance with a signal output from at least one portable game machine 1, the player's machine is pulled away from the opponent machine, and an operation input is performed in accordance with an instruction displayed on the display 2 of the opponent machine. The player who inputs the operation quickly and accurately wins.

(E-5) Starfish Each player has his or her own machine so that each player faces each other and the position of the display 2 coincides with his / her mouth. An image imitating the lower half of the face is displayed on the display 2 of each portable game machine 1. Each player changes the movement of the facial part displayed on the display 2 of the player by an operation input such as an operation of an operation key, for example. The player who first invited the opponent player to laugh will win.

(E-6) Inverted Game In this case, as shown in FIG. 18, the portable game machine is provided with two displays 2a and 2b on the same surface of the housing, and at least one display 2b has a touch panel. It is assumed that they are integrally formed. Each player has its own device so that the displays 2a and 2b can be seen from each other. A graphic or a character is displayed on the display 2a of each portable game machine, and each player views the graphic or the character displayed on the display 2a of the opponent machine and displays the displayed graphic or character on the display 2b of the own machine. Draw with the touch pen 12 etc.

(G) Device to be applied In the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a portable game machine has been described. However, a portable electronic device having a short-distance wireless communication function, such as a PDA or a portable device. The present invention can be similarly applied to devices such as information terminals and mobile phones.

  For example, FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mobile phone to which the present invention is applied. According to the figure, the cellular phone 30 is a foldable type, and as a display, a main display 31 is provided on the inner surface when folded and a sub-display 32 is provided on the outer surface. In this case, the main display 31 is held facing another player, a game image for the opponent player is displayed on the main display 31, and the sub display 32 where the player can see the player is related to the progress of the game such as the player's score and remaining time. Data may be displayed.

(H) Discrimination of screen facing In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that each player plays with the portable game machines 1A and 1B facing each other, but the screen is not in the correct facing direction. May cause a disadvantage to the opponent player. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 20, whether or not the portable game machines 1A and 1B are provided with cameras 1Ac and 1Bc, respectively, so that the portable game machines 1A and 1B face the other party's portable game machine. Is configured to be detected from a captured image of the camera. By extracting the outline of the portable game machine from the captured image by a technique such as edge detection, the relative positional relationship with the other party's portable game machine can be determined. As a result, when it is determined that the portable game machines are not facing each other correctly, a predetermined notification is given to prompt the player to pick up the player in the correct direction.

Of course, the present invention may be applied not to a portable game machine but to a portable phone with a camera.
Moreover, it is good also as determining not having the direction which opposes, when the measurement means which measures not the camera but the distance with the other party's game machine is provided, and the measured value during a game changes a lot. In short, a relative orientation detection means for detecting the relative screen orientation with the opponent game machine is provided, and processing such as notification is performed according to the detection result.

1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment. An appearance example of a portable game machine. Example of song selection screen. The example of a transfer instruction screen for an opponent player. Game screen example. The schematic diagram of the process between portable game machines in a game, and the flow of data. The example of a change instruction screen for the player. Game result screen example. The functional block diagram of a portable game machine. The data structural example of player setting data. The example of a data structure of a musical score data group. The data structural example of score data. A flow chart of a match-up battle game process. The flowchart of the game execution process performed during a show-off battle game process. The data structural example of the player setting data in case three players play. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a flow of operation data and a display screen in each portable game machine. The example of a game screen in the case of running a competition game. An appearance example of a portable game machine including two displays. An example of the appearance of a mobile phone. A modification of a portable game machine.

Explanation of symbols

1 (1A, 1B) portable game machine 100 operation input unit 200 processing unit 210 game calculation unit 220 image generation unit 230 sound generation unit 300 image display unit 400 sound output unit 500 wireless communication unit 600 storage unit 610 game program 611 parent device Program 612 child machine program 613 game execution program 620 musical score data group 621 musical score data 630 music data group 640 task music data 650 player setting data 660 score data

Claims (10)

A program for causing a computer, which is a player machine provided with a communication device, a display device, and an input device, to communicate with another player machine and execute a game by a plurality of players between the player machine and the other player machine. And
Operation data transmitting means for transmitting operation data input to the player device to another player device;
Operation data receiving means for receiving operation data of other players from other player machines;
Display control means for other players that generates a game image for the other player based on the received operation data of the other player and controls display on the display device of the player device;
A program for causing the computer to function and to execute a game in which the display screens of the display devices of the player device and the other player devices are shown to each other's players. The computer includes vibration detection means,
The program according to claim 1 for causing the computer to function as penalty processing execution means for performing a predetermined penalty process in response to detection by the vibration detection means.   3. The computer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the other player display control means functions the computer so as to have an image orientation variable control means for generating a game image so that the display orientation of the top, bottom, left and right with respect to the display device changes. Program. The game is a game by three or more players,
Communicating with a plurality of other player machines to cause the computer to function as combination determining means for determining a combination of which player game images are to be displayed and controlled;
The operation data transmitting means causes the computer to function according to the determined combination to transmit operation data input to the player device to another player device whose display control is a game image for the player;
The operation data receiving means causes the computer to function to receive operation data from another player machine whose display control is a game image for the player according to the determined combination;
The program as described in any one of Claims 1-4 for.   The program according to claim 4, wherein the combination determination unit causes the computer to function so as to have a combination change unit that changes the combination at a given timing according to the progress of the game. The game is a game that progresses by generating and displaying an image of a game space viewed from the player-specific viewpoint of each of the plurality of players.
The other player display control means has other player viewpoint movement control means for moving the player individual viewpoint of the other player in the game space based on the operation data of the other player received by the operation data receiving means. And causing the computer to function so as to generate an image of the game space viewed from the moved player individual viewpoint and to control display on the display device of the player device as a game image for another player. The program as described in any one of -5. In the player machine which is the computer, a main display device and a sub display device are provided as the display device on the front and back surfaces of the player machine main body, respectively.
The other player display control means causes the computer to function to display and control a game image for another player on the main display device;
Causing the computer to function as display control means for the player for controlling display of a predetermined play status display for the player on the sub display device;
The program as described in any one of Claims 1-6 for. The player machine which is the computer is provided with a relative direction detecting means for detecting a relative direction with respect to the opponent player machine,
The program as described in any one of Claims 1-7 for functioning the said computer as direction alerting | reporting means which performs predetermined alerting | reporting according to the detection result of the said relative direction detection means.   The computer-readable information storage medium which memorize | stored the program as described in any one of Claims 1-8. A game device that includes a communication device, a display device, and an input device, and executes a game by a plurality of players performed between the player device and the other player device by communication connection with another player device,
Operation data transmission means for transmitting operation data input to the player machine to another player machine;
Operation data receiving means for receiving operation data of other players from other player machines;
Display control means for other players that generates a game image for the other player based on the received operation data of the other player and controls display on the display device of the player device;
A game device that executes a game in which the display screens of the display devices of the player device and the other player device are shown to each other's players.

Images