JP2009165564A - Game progress control method, information storage medium with game progress control program stored therein, and game device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game progress control method for allowing even a player, such as a children of preschool age and younger or a person not so familiar with music, to pleasantly raise a sense of rhythm and a sense of musical pitch and also to easily learn the sense of rhythm in a part where he is not good at. <P>SOLUTION: The game progress control method, for a device which allows the player to perform a rhythm input in response to music, includes: a step of dividing data of whole music stored in a storage means into prescribed length phrases; a step of setting rhythm input timings in response to the divided phrases; a determination step of determining the input timings of an operation means with respect to the rhythm input timings during the progress of the music; and a progress control step of progressing the music to the succeeding phrase when the determination result of the input timing satisfies a prescribed condition, and re-progressing the phrase when the prescribed condition is not satisfied. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game progress control method, an information storage medium, and a game device in which a player inputs a rhythm according to music, and more particularly, a rhythmic sensation that is fun even for preschool children or players who are relatively unfamiliar with music. The present invention relates to a game progress control method capable of enhancing the sense of sound and sound, an information storage medium storing a game progress control program, and a game apparatus.

  Many proposals have been made so far that a player can operate an operating means imitating a musical instrument or an electronic musical instrument to enjoy a musical performance or a music game.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, a character that instructs performance input in the vertical direction is displayed in a form corresponding to a keyboard-like input device arranged in the horizontal direction, and the input device is operated in accordance with the character. However, it describes an amusement system for learning keyboard-like musical instrument playing techniques. Further, in Patent Document 2, by performing display control to indicate that an operation input is performed at a timing when an instruction sign corresponding to each operation means moves and displays in the game screen according to a route and reaches an input icon, A game method has been proposed that competes for accuracy in accurately performing a plurality of operation inputs.

Japanese Patent No. 3058051 Japanese Patent No. 3875255

  The above-mentioned ones described in each of Patent Documents 1-2 compete for the accuracy of the operation on the assumption that the player can freely operate a plurality of buttons and operation input means. Therefore, it is suitable as a means for competing for input accuracy as a game. However, in the operation instruction method described in each patent document 1-2, for example, when applied to a game or the like for practicing the rhythm of music, the whole image of the rhythm cannot be grasped, and is not particularly suitable for repeated rhythm practice. It is thought that. Moreover, nothing is touched on a device for learning the rhythm of music by repeating only the parts that the player is not good at. In addition, for example, it is considered that it is not suitable for a method in which a preschooler learns the rhythm of a song or learns by repeating a song such as a nursery rhyme or school song.

  The present invention has been made for the above-mentioned circumstances, and the object of the present invention is to enhance the rhythm and sound happily even for preschool children and players who are relatively unfamiliar with music. It is an object of the present invention to provide a game progress control method, an information storage medium storing a game progress control program, and a game device that can easily acquire a rhythmic feeling of a weak part.

  The present invention relates to a game progress control method in an apparatus for executing a game in which a player inputs a rhythm according to a music, an information storage medium storing a game progress control program, and a game apparatus. An object of the present invention is to provide a device for executing a game in which a player performs rhythm input in accordance with the music indicated by the music data, comprising storage means for storing music data and operation means for the player to input rhythm. A process for controlling the progress of a game according to claim 1, wherein a step of dividing data of the entire music stored in the storage means into phrases of a predetermined length and a process of setting a rhythm input timing in accordance with the divided phrases And a setting step for executing the rhythm input timing while the music is in progress. A determination step for determining the input timing of the operation means; if the determination result of the input timing satisfies a predetermined condition, the music is advanced to the next phrase; if the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the phrase is advanced again And achieving the step.

Furthermore, the above object of the present invention is to
The method further includes a step of counting the number of repetitions of each phrase while the music is in progress, and when the counted number of repetitions exceeds a predetermined value, the music is added to the next phrase regardless of the determination result of the input timing. Progress,
A step of counting the number of repetitions of each phrase while the music is in progress, and when the counted number of repetitions exceeds a predetermined value, changing to different music data;
The method further includes a step of measuring an elapsed time from the start of each music while the music is in progress, and when the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined time, the music is included in the next phrase regardless of the determination result of the input timing. Advancing,
The progress control step is more effective by changing the rhythm score to which the rhythm input timing is set so that the difficulty level of the player's rhythm input changes according to the success rate of the input timing of the operation means. To be achieved.

Furthermore, the above object of the present invention is to
An image indicating a rhythm pattern including the set rhythm input timing is displayed on an annular rhythm score having the length of the divided one phrase as one turn, and an index for performing the rhythm input; Further comprising the step of causing the input display indicator to move and display in synchronization with the speed of progress of the music, using the annular portion of the rhythm score as a route,
The progress control step performs processing by repeating the divided one phrase twice in the same rhythm score, does not perform input determination in the first half, and performs input determination processing only in the second half,
When displaying an image representing a rhythm pattern including the rhythm input timing, the display is changed between the first half and the second half,
Is achieved more effectively by each.

  Regarding the information storage medium, the object of the present invention is to provide storage means for storing music data and operation means for the player to input rhythm, and the player can input rhythm according to the music indicated by the music data. A procedure for dividing the data of the entire music stored in the storage means into phrases of a predetermined length in a computer of a device that executes a game, and a procedure for setting a rhythm input timing according to the divided phrases; The procedure of determining the input timing of the operation means with respect to the rhythm input timing while the music is in progress, and when the determination result of the input timing satisfies a predetermined condition, the music is advanced to the next phrase, the predetermined condition If not, the program for causing the computer to execute It is accomplished by a structure that stores.

  As for the game apparatus, the object of the present invention is to include a storage means for storing music data and an operation means for the player to input rhythm, and the player can input rhythm according to the music indicated by the music data. A game device for executing a game to be performed, the music dividing means for dividing the data of the entire music stored in the storage means into phrases of a predetermined length, and the setting for setting the rhythm input timing according to the divided phrases Means, determining means for determining the input timing of the operating means with respect to the rhythm input timing, and progressing to the next phrase when the determination result of the input timing satisfies a predetermined condition And a progress control means for re-advancing the phrase when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, and It is.

  According to the present invention, when the determination result of the player input timing with respect to the rhythm input timing satisfies the predetermined condition, the music is advanced to the next phrase, and when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the phrase is advanced again. Therefore, even a preschool child or a player who is relatively unfamiliar with music can easily acquire a sense of rhythm by repeatedly practicing the phrase portion that is not good at it.

  Also, by controlling the progress of the song according to the number of repetitions, elapsed time, or success rate of rhythm input, it is possible to avoid fading interest in music or losing interest in music, It is possible to improve the lesson effect by automatically adjusting the difficulty. In addition, by using a touch panel as an operation means for rhythm input, even a preschool child whose operation input is not so good can be easily performed while enjoying rhythm input, and various musical pieces can be mastered happily. Furthermore, an image representing a rhythm pattern is displayed on a circular rhythm score, and an input display indicator serving as an index for inputting a rhythm is moved and displayed on the circular rhythm score in synchronization with the progress speed of the music. By adopting the form, the player can visually grasp the flow of the entire rhythm, and can easily imagine the rhythm pattern.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an external configuration of a game apparatus to which the present invention is applied. In FIG. 1, the housing of the game apparatus 10 is composed of an upper housing 10A and a lower housing 10B, and these housings 10A and 10B are rotatably connected so that they can be folded and carried. The display housed in the upper housing 10A (hereinafter referred to as “first display screen 11”) and the display housed in the lower housing 10B (hereinafter referred to as “second display screen 12”) are each configured by a liquid crystal display. A touch panel 14 is mounted on the upper surface of the second display screen 12. The upper housing 10A is provided with a speaker 15 (left speaker 15L, right speaker 15R), and the lower housing 10B has four cross-shaped direction indicating switches 13a, a start switch 13b, and a select switch 13c. Operation switches 13d, 13e, 13f, and 13g and left and right operation switches 13L and 13R are provided. The lower housing 10B is further provided with a housing portion 10b for the touch pen 10a and a housing portion 10c for a removable external storage medium, and an electronic circuit board is housed inside the housing.

  Although omitted in this example, for example, the lower housing 10B is provided with a battery storage box, a power switch, a volume switch, an earphone jack, and the like, and a microphone is provided at the connecting portion of the housings 10A and 10B. .

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the game apparatus 10. Circuit components such as a CPU core 21 are mounted on the electronic circuit board 20, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, a first image processing circuit 24, and the like are connected to the CPU core 21 via a bus 22. A second image processing circuit 25, a display controller 26, an I / F circuit (input / output interface circuit) 27, and a connector 28 are connected.

  The first image processing circuit 24 includes a first GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) 24a, a first VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) 24b, and the like. The first GPU 24a is written into the RAM 23 in response to an instruction from the CPU core 31. A first game image is generated based on the generated image generation data, and a process of writing into the first VRAM 24b is executed. The second image processing circuit 25 has the same configuration as that of the first image processing circuit 24. The second image processing circuit 25 includes a GPU 25a, a VRAM 25b, and the like. In response to an instruction from the CPU core 31, the image generation data written in the RAM 23 is used. Based on this, a second game image is generated, and a process of writing into the second VRAM 24b is executed.

  The display controller 26 is a controller that performs display control of the first display screen 11 and the second display screen 12. For example, when the value of the register 26 a is “0”, the game image written in the first VRAM 24 a is the first. Control to output to the display screen 11 and output the game image written in the second VRAM 25a to the second display screen 12 is performed. When the value of the register 26 a is “1”, the game image written in the first VRAM 24 a is output to the second display screen 12, and the game image written in the second VRAM 25 a is output to the first display screen 11. Control.

  In the case of a game device that does not include an auxiliary processor such as a GPU (24b, 25b) or a rendering processor and the display controller 26, image generation processing and display control are executed by a game program.

  The I / F circuit 27 is a circuit that exchanges data between an external input / output device such as the operation switch 13, the touch panel 14, and the speaker 15 and the CPU core 31. The connector 28 is a connector to which the external storage medium 16 is detachably connected.

  The external storage medium 16 is an information storage medium in which game software such as a game program, image data, and music data according to the present invention is stored, and in this example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 16a and a RAM (Random Access Memory). A removable card-like storage medium having 16b is used.

  The external storage medium 16 is not limited to a card-shaped storage medium, and any information storage medium readable by a computer can be used. Further, when the game software is downloaded to the RAM 23 or other internal storage medium in the game apparatus main body via a network, the external storage medium 16 and the connector 28 are unnecessary.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of a memory map of the RAM 23. The game software read from the ROM 16 a of the external storage medium 16 is stored in the program storage area 30 and the data storage area 40 of the RAM 23.

  In the program storage area 30, a controller main detection program 31 that detects the operation of the operation switches (13a to 13f, 13L, 13R) and inputs the detection data, the main game processing program 31 for executing main processing such as game progress control. A program 32, a touch panel input detection program 33 for detecting operation of the touch panel and inputting the detection data report, an image generation program 34 for generating a game image, and a main image of the game on the main screen (second display screen 12 in this example) Main screen display program 35 for executing the process of displaying the game, sub-screen display program 36 for executing the process of displaying the sub-image of the game on the sub-screen (the first display screen 11 in this example), and display control of the player character. Player character display control program 37 and player character Such as object display control program 38 for controlling the display of various objects other than data is stored.

  The data storage area 40 stores image data 41 and sound data 42 read from the ROM 16a of the external storage medium 16. The image data 41 includes image data such as a rhythm ring described later and an object moving on the rhythm ring, and the sound data 42 includes music data (MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) data in this example). . Note that the song data of a phrase to be described later (the song data of each phrase obtained by dividing the data of the entire song into a predetermined length) is divided in advance by another computer, and the song data of each divided phrase is stored in the ROM 16a. The form may be stored, or the division process may be executed by the computer of the game apparatus 10.

  The object data buffer area 43, the operation data buffer area 44, and the coordinate position data buffer area 45 in the data storage area 40 are areas in which data obtained as the game progresses are temporarily stored. Further, object control data, operation data of operation switches (13a to 13f, 13L, 13R), coordinate data indicating a coordinate position on a screen corresponding to a place where the touch panel 14 is operated, and the like are stored.

  The game progress control method according to the present invention having the above-described configuration will be described.

  First, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, an outline of a computer game according to the present embodiment will be described. The present invention is suitably applied to an apparatus that executes a game in which a player inputs a rhythm according to a music piece, and even a player who is relatively unfamiliar with music can enjoy a sense of rhythm by being familiar with music. The main object of the present invention is to provide a game device that can improve the sense of sound and master music. And, as the age group, since the main target is the young age group from an infant (about 3 years old) to the elementary school lower grades, in this embodiment, the touch panel 14 is used as an operation means for performing rhythm input. Even for preschool children, rhythm input can be performed with a simple operation using only the touch pen 10a (or a finger).

  In addition, music data includes music songs such as nursery rhymes such as Mary's sheep, twinkle star, Tanuki of Genkotsuyama, under a large chestnut tree that was a Morino bear, Nekofunja, and a song song for children. In addition, a large number of music data such as classic music pieces are stored in the storage means (in this example, the ROM 16a of the external storage medium 16), and these music pieces are used as rhythm lesson music, and various rhythm patterns are used as sounds and images ( The image is represented by an image of an anime character of anime music).

  As a music for a rhythm lesson, for example, a simple music is first selected as a lesson music, and a melody or accompaniment and a crap sound (a sound indicating a rhythm input timing) in the first phrase of the lesson music are transmitted from the speaker 15. While outputting, the process which displays the image which shows the timing which a player should input a rhythm on the display part of the game device 10 is performed. Then, during the performance of the music, the operation timing of the touch panel 14 with respect to the rhythm input timing is determined. For example, the determination result is a predetermined condition (for example, a determination criterion such as a success rate or score of the player's rhythm input in the phrase) When the condition is satisfied, the music is advanced to the next phrase, and when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the phrase is advanced again. In other words, when it is determined that there is a part that the player is not good at in the phrase, the phrase is repeated, and when it is determined that the rhythm lesson of the phrase is acquired, the process proceeds to the next phrase.

  FIG. 4 is an example of an image indicating an input instruction to the player, and shows an example of a main image G1 and a sub image G2 displayed on the image display unit of the game apparatus 10 shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the main image G1 is displayed on the second display screen 12 on which the touch panel 14 is mounted, and the sub-image G2 is displayed on the first display screen 11. In the example of the main image G1 in FIG. 4, an annular rhythm score 1a (hereinafter referred to as a “circular rhythm score”) in which the length of one phrase when the entire music is divided into phrases of a predetermined length is one round. ) And a mark 1b representing the unnecessary timing of rhythm input in shape and / or color (or one of them) on the cyclic rhythm score 1a, and an appropriate rhythm input timing (timing required for rhythm input) in shape and An image 1 "hereinafter referred to as a" rhythm ring image "" depicting a mark 1c represented by a color (or one of them) is displayed.

  In addition, with the predetermined point P on the circulating rhythm score 1a as the start and end points of one phrase, the moving character 2 as the input display indicator circulates on the circulating rhythm score 1a and the player should input the rhythm. An image indicating the timing at which the moving character 2 passes the mark 1c is displayed in synchronization with the musical sound output.

  In other words, the moving character 2 (in this example, an image of an object that imitates a heel) is circulated on the circular path of the circulating rhythm score 1a, and the moving character 2 becomes the circulating rhythm score 1a. The moving character 2 is moved and displayed on the rhythm ring image 1 in accordance with the progress speed of the music so that the timing of passing the upper mark 1c is equal to the rhythm input timing during the performance of the music.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the rhythm ring image 1 in which the rhythm pattern of the phrase (or the whole song, the weak portion, etc.) is represented by the colors and shapes of the marks 1b and 1c in the annular portion of the circulating rhythm score 1a. Is displayed, and the moving character 2 is moved and displayed in synchronism with the progression speed of the music, using the annular portion as a moving path. By adopting such a display form, the player can visually confirm the flow of the entire rhythm and can easily imagine the rhythm pattern.

  As the sub image G2, a symbol 4 indicating the current level, step and its branch number, a character image 5 indicating a timing at which the player should input a rhythm by a character action, and a background image 6 are displayed. Yes. The current level indicated by the symbol 4 is a level indicating, for example, how many of the six levels set according to the difficulty level, and the step number indicates the difficulty level within the level. The number of the lesson song set accordingly is shown, and the branch number shows the phrase number of the lesson song corresponding to the step number. The sub-image G2 further includes a numerical value 7a indicating the current score (meter display in this example) and a rectangular image 7b in which the moving character 2A moves upward from the bottom according to the score (moving the current score) The image shown by the position of the character 2A).

  In the present embodiment, the main image G1 and the sub image G1 as described above are displayed, and the timing at which the player should input the rhythm (in this example, the rhythm input timing set for each phrase of the music) is (1 ) Timing when the moving character 2 passes the mark 1c on the rhythm ring image 1; (2) Rhythm movement of the character 5 (operation to take a rhythm with a musical instrument according to the type of the musical instrument such as tapping on the musical instrument; The timing of the operation etc.) and (3) the output timing of the crap sound indicating the input timing of the rhythm are guided by three or more methods.

  Then, based on operation information of the touch panel 14 (detection information on presence / absence of touch by the player's finger or the touch pen 10a), it is determined whether or not a rhythm input has been made by the player. For example, if the time difference between the rhythm input timing of the phrase and the input timing of the player (touch operation timing of the musical instrument image 3) is within the determination reference value, it is determined that the rhythm input has been performed at the correct timing.

  As described above, the timing at which the player should input the rhythm is guided by the rhythm ring image 1 and the clapping sound, and the player inputs the rhythm by touch operation, so that even an infant who is immature in rhythm can play music. It is possible to easily perform rhythm input while enjoying it.

  In addition to detecting the presence or absence of touch, a more advanced game can be executed using the touched coordinate information. For example, as in the example of the main image G1 shown in FIG. 4, a musical instrument image 3 representing a musical instrument for performing rhythm input is displayed on the main image G1, and the player's finger (or touch pen 10a) touches the musical instrument image 3. It may be determined based on the coordinate information of the touch location, and when it is determined that the musical instrument image 3 is touched, it may be recognized that the rhythm input by the player has been performed.

  Alternatively, the input display indicator (moving character 2 in this example) that moves on the circular circulating rhythm score 1a itself is touched to draw interest, or a plurality of input instruction information is added to the rhythm score indicating the input instruction. By holding it, for example, the screen is divided into upper and lower or left and right, and touch input is correct only in any part, and conversely, a bomb mark is displayed for rest, while the touch device, Other processing such as pressing any button device or inputting voice to the microphone device may be performed as erroneous input.

  FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of a main part of the game control means 50 for executing the game as described above. In the present embodiment, each means 51 to 58 shown in FIG. 5 is realized by a computer program (such as the above-described programs 31 to 38) controlled by the CPU in the CPU core 21, and the program is executed by the computer. It is stored in a predetermined readable storage medium (in this example, the ROM 16a of the external storage medium 16 in FIG. 2). Each means 51 to 58 is classified by function with a means name for convenience of explanation, and does not limit the software configuration.

  In the following, the processing of each means 51 to 58 shown in FIG.

<About the processing of the main processing means 51>
In FIG. 5, a main processing means 51 is a means for controlling the entire game process including the waiting process and the process from the start to the end of the game. Commentary processing, lesson song selection menu display and display control of various images, subgames according to player performance (pitch measurement game based on voice input data from microphone, listening lesson game to measure sound listening ability, etc. ), Saving the result data in the external storage medium 16, and the like.

<Processing of Music Dividing Unit 52 and Rhythm Input Timing Setting Unit 53>
The music dividing means 52 executes processing for dividing the data of the entire music into phrases of a predetermined length (for example, n bars, n ≧ 4 in this example), and the rhythm input timing setting means 53 is divided by the music dividing means 52. Executes processing to set the rhythm input timing according to the phrase.

  For example, in the case of a musical composition of 8 bars and a total of 8 bars (in this example, Mary's sheep) as shown in the example of the score in FIGS. 7A for each of the first half (1st to 4th measures) and the second half (5th to 8th measures) of the melody music based on the setting information indicating whether or not rhythm input is necessary. As shown in (B), for each measure, the rhythm for each front / back of the first beat (eg, “Me” / “Lee”) and front / back of the second beat (eg, “san” / “no”). A table RST (hereinafter referred to as a “rhythm setting table”) in which “1” is input as necessary and “0” is not required as a rhythm input is generated.

  The setting information indicating the necessity / unnecessity of rhythm input is automatically set by analyzing the music data, determining the necessity / unnecessity of rhythm input by a predetermined algorithm. Alternatively, it is information that is set in advance manually by the game provider while looking at the music score, but it is also possible to analyze the music data and determine the necessity / unnecessity of the rhythm input by a predetermined algorithm and automatically set it. good. The rhythm setting table RST may be generated in advance and stored in the ROM 16a of the external storage medium 16. The rhythm setting table RST may be generated in the initial process (game software initial process) in the game apparatus 10 and stored in the external storage medium 16. The form may be stored in the RAM 16b, or may be generated at the start of the game or during the game and stored in the data storage area 40.

  The examples shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B are examples of rhythm setting tables RST (1a) and RST (1b) in which the first half and the second half of the melody music are converted into rhythm data of standard difficulty, respectively. is there. In the present embodiment, in addition, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a rhythm setting table RST in which the first half and the second half of the melody music are converted into rhythm data each having a difficulty level of “difficult”. As shown in (2a), RST (2b), and FIGS. 9 (A) and 9 (B), the first half and the second half of the accompaniment music are converted into rhythm data having a difficulty level of “Easy” respectively. Generate rhythm setting tables RST for multiple difficulty levels (standard, difficult, easy in this example) based on the musical score data of melody music and accompaniment music like tables RST (3a) and RST (3b) Like to do. At that time, for example, when the difficulty level is “difficult”, the music dividing means 52 is an example of the second rhythm data (back) of the eighth measure in the rhythm setting table RST (2b) of FIG. 8B. As shown, the rest portion is automatically converted to “−1”, for example, and the value (−1) is stored in the rhythm setting table RST.

  The value (0, 1, -1) of the rhythm data is associated with the mark (1b, 1c) displayed on the circulation type rhythm score 1a. When the mark 1c of the ring image 1 is displayed with a specific mark (for example, “bomb mark” depicting a bomb), and there is an operation input at the timing of the mark, a numerical value (total points) indicating the player's performance ) Is subtracted more than usual mistakes.

  The music dividing unit 52 executes a process of dividing the data of the entire music into phrases of a predetermined length based on the data of the rhythm setting table RST illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9, and the rhythm input timing setting unit 53 A table RIT (hereinafter referred to as a “rhythm information table”) in which rhythm input timing (in this example, rhythm data indicated by “1” for rhythm input) is set in accordance with the phrase is generated.

  FIGS. 10A to 10C show data of the rhythm setting table RST (FIGS. 7 to 9) for the music of all 8 bars (Merry's sheep) illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B. The rhythm information table RIT after dividing two measures into one phrase (= 1 turn) into four phrases (1 turn to 4 turns) is shown. FIG. 10A shows an example of a rhythm information table RIT (1) of a melody song having a standard difficulty level, and FIG. 10B shows an example of a rhythm information table RIT (2) of a melody song having a difficulty level of “difficult”. FIG. 10C shows an example of the rhythm information table RIT (3) of the accompaniment music with the difficulty level “easy”.

  When the entire music data is divided into phrases of a predetermined length, the music is divided according to the length of the music, the difficulty of rhythm input, etc., and each measure of the first half of the music shown in FIGS. And each measure in the latter half may be divided as respective phrases, and the entire music may be divided into one phrase (one lap = 1 music).

<Regarding processing of rhythm score display means 54>
The rhythm score display means 54 is a means for displaying a rhythm score image for the player to effectively perform simple rhythm repetitive practice while enjoying it. In the present embodiment, the rhythm score display means 54 is arranged on the circulating rhythm score 1a (one example of the main image G1 in FIG. 4) having the length of one phrase divided by the music dividing means 52 as one turn. The rhythm ring image 1 depicting the mark 1c representing the rhythm input timing set by the rhythm input timing setting means 53 is displayed, and a predetermined point on the circulating rhythm score 1a is designated as the start point and end point of one phrase. As an example, an image indicating the timing at which the player should input the rhythm is displayed by the movement of the moving character 2 that circulates on the circulating rhythm score 1a (in this example, the timing of passing the mark 1c).

  Specifically, the rhythm score display means 54 refers to the rhythm data for the n-th turn phrase in the rhythm information table generated by the rhythm input timing setting means 53, and as shown in FIG. 1 turn is a mark 1b that does not require rhythm input (0) based on the rhythm data in the rhythm information table RIT (n) of the nth turn instructed by the progress control means 56 described later. A circulation type rhythm score 1a with the mark 1c as the one (1) that requires rhythm input is displayed.

  Then, a predetermined point P on the circulation rhythm score 1a is set as a start point 1S and an end point 1E of one phrase (every turn), and a moving character 2 (in this example, a heart-shaped icon image) is placed on the circulation rhythm score 1a. Execute the image processing to go around.

  When the entire music is one phrase, as in the example of the rhythm ring image 1 shown in FIG. 12, one cycle (one turn) = 1 music and the circulation rhythm as in the example of FIG. A circulating rhythm score 1a with marks 1b and 1c set on the score 1a is displayed.

  The circular rhythm score 1a is preferably circular from the viewpoint of ease of grasping the rhythm operation timing, but is not limited to a circle, and is elliptical, petal-like, rectangular, and one bar is one side. Any shape may be used as long as it is an annular shape such that the starting point 1S = the end point 1E.

<About the process of the determination means 55>
When the music performance is started, the determination unit 55 detects whether or not a rhythm input operation has been performed based on the operation information of the rhythm input operation unit 14 (touch panel in this example), and detects the rhythm input. In this case, the player's input timing with respect to the rhythm input timing in the turn (in this example, the timing when the player touches the touch panel 14) is determined, and the success / failure information (information indicating success / failure of the player's rhythm input) is determined as the music and It is stored in the RAM 23 in correspondence with the frame number (turn number).

  Further, the determination means 55 (or the progress control means 56) reads out the success / failure information of the rhythm input from the RAM 23, for example, at the end of the determination of the last rhythm input timing in the turn, and the input success rate (rhythm input in the turn). Of success) and a score (for example, a score calculated according to the difficulty level of rhythm input). Then, in accordance with the calculated success rate and score, it is determined whether or not the rhythm input by the player in the phrase has been made to some extent, and the determination result is stored in the RAM 23.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 13A, when the rhythm input by the player is the content shown in the rhythm I1 in FIG. Thus, 12 locations are determined to be successful, and the numerical value of the input success rate = “75%” in that turn is stored in the RAM 23 as a determination result. On the other hand, if the rhythm input by the player has the contents shown in the rhythm I2 of FIG. 13B, it is determined that 8 out of 16 locations are successful, and the input success rate at that turn = “50%”. Are stored in the RAM 23 as determination results.

<About the process of the progress control means 56>
The progress control means 56 is a means for controlling the progress of the music for the rhythm lesson, and performs the following control based on the determination result of the determination means 55. The overall progress control will be described later using a flowchart.
(1) Control of repeating rhythm lesson for each phrase For example, first, a rhythm song for a child is sequentially advanced for each phrase (for example, four bars) using rhythm data of standard difficulty.

  If the input success rate shown in the judgment result of the phrase is a numerical value equal to or higher than a predetermined value (for example, 70%), the rhythm input is considered to be good to some extent and it is determined to pass, and the score of the next phrase (n + 1 turn) If the input success rate is a numerical value less than a predetermined value (for example, 70%), the rhythm input is regarded as poor and it is determined to be rejected (the rhythm of the phrase is not acquired) and the same phrase (n turns) Return to the head of the eye and repeat the phrase.

For example, in the example of FIG. 13A, since the determination result (input success rate = 75%) of the determination means 55 for rhythm input 1 satisfies the condition (70% or more), the next phrase (in this example, In the example of FIG. 13B, the determination result of the determination means 55 for rhythm input 2 (input success rate = 50%) does not satisfy the condition (70% or more). So go back to the beginning of the same turn (1 turn in this example) and repeat the rhythm lesson for that phrase. At that time, when proceeding to the next phrase, the rhythm score display means 54 is instructed to switch the display to the cyclic rhythm score 1a corresponding to the rhythm of the next turn number (n + 1), and the next phrase Control to display the circulating rhythm score 1a in synchronization with the musical sound output is performed.
(2) Control to repeat rhythm lesson for each song The rhythm lesson repeat control is the same as (1) above, as long as one song is controlled as one phrase. For example, for a medley suite whose total time of each music is a short time (for example, about 10 minutes), control is performed to repeat the rhythm lesson for each music according to the success rate and score of the rhythm input in the whole music.
(3) Progress control when it is determined that the player cannot easily acquire a sense of rhythm When the control (1) (or (2)) is performed, a player who does not easily advance to the next phrase (or song) is generated. there is a possibility. For this reason, there is a concern that the motivation for lessons will be reduced for those who are not very good at it. Also, if you don't play all the way to the end, you won't be able to grasp the image of the entire song, resulting in less interest in the song and loss of interest in the music. It may be inappropriate for the purpose of mastering music skills.

Therefore, the progress control means 56 performs the following control as a remedy for a player who cannot easily advance to the next phrase (or song).
(3-1) Progression control according to the number of repetitions of the phrase The process of executing the original song data when the performance is good and replacing the music with simple song data according to the number of repetitions when the performance is poor And so on.

  For example, a means for counting the number of repetitions of each phrase (“repetition number counting means 57” in FIG. 5) is provided, and the number of repetitions of the same phrase (or the total number of repetitions of the same music) is a predetermined value (for example, 3 times), regardless of the input timing judgment result, (a) control to advance the music to the next phrase (next turn (but move to the next music if it is the last turn)), or (B) Control is performed to change to different music data (music data of the same phrase with a low difficulty level or data of other music).

(C) If the number of repetitions of each turn in the music exceeds a predetermined value (for example, 5 times for the entire music), the rescue mode is entered and then the end of the music is repeated without repeating the same turn. You may make it play. For example, if repeat occurs 3 times in the 1st turn and 2 repeats in the 2nd turn, the relief mode flag is turned on, and then the music is advanced to the end (4th turn = end of music in the example of FIG. 10). Control.
(3-2) Progress Control According to Elapsed Time Means for measuring the elapsed time from the start of each piece of music while the music is in progress (the “elapsed time measuring means 58” in FIG. 5 is provided, and the elapsed time is a predetermined time. When the value exceeds the value, the control (a), (b), or (c) in (3-1) is performed regardless of the determination result of the input timing.
(4) Control of difficulty level change of rhythm score Each music corresponds to the level according to the difficulty level, the step number set according to the difficulty level within the level, and the step number as described above. Phrase numbers of lesson songs are assigned and stored in association with their levels, step numbers, and phrase numbers. For example, the greater the level or step number, the higher the difficulty of rhythm input can be. However, in the present embodiment, the following control is performed.

  Control is performed to change the rhythm score so that the difficulty level of the player's rhythm input changes according to the success rate of the rhythm input. For example, when the success rate of the nth turn is a predetermined value or more (for example, 80% or more), the rhythm score is changed to a high difficulty level.

  In the above example, if you select the normal course, for example, if the game progresses on the standard difficulty score and the input success rate for the first turn is 80% or higher, the bomb will be Is a difficult musical score (a hard course: for example, the rhythm data in the rhythm information table RIT (2) in FIG. 10 (B)). The rhythm score may be changed when the turn is switched.

  In this case, it is easy to start the game on the hard course from the beginning according to the proficiency level of the player, or to start from an easy score as an easy course, or if the success rate is significantly below the standard value You may make it change a rhythm score at the time of a turn switch to a score.

<Repetition Count Counting Unit 57>
The repetition count counting means 57 is a means for counting the number of repetitions of each phrase as described above, and the count value of the number of repetitions is used for progress control according to the number of repetitions (the item (3-1)). See description).

<About the elapsed time measuring means 58>
The elapsed time measuring means 58 is a means for measuring the elapsed time from the start of each music while the music is in progress, and the measured time is used for progress control according to the elapsed time (the above (3-2)). See the section description).

  Next, main operations of the game apparatus 10 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that the processing that has already been described will be omitted or simplified. Further, the order of the following processing is given for convenience of explanation, and is not limited to this example, and a form in which a part is processed in parallel is also included in the present invention.

  The game apparatus 10 (or other information processing apparatus) first executes a process for dividing the data of the entire music stored in the storage unit into phrases of a predetermined length for each music (step S1), and the divided phrases A process for setting the rhythm input timing in accordance with is performed. A rhythm information table RIT (see RIT (1) to RIT (3) illustrated in FIGS. 10A to 10C) in which the rhythm input timing is set for each phrase is stored in the RAM 23 (step S2). .

  For example, the game control means 50 displays a menu screen as an initial process of the rhythm lesson game, and according to the selection of the menu by the player, the voice explanation process and stored data (how to play the rhythm lesson game and the operation method) Lesson history information such as level, step number, etc.). When the initial process is completed, a rhythm lesson game is started (step S3).

  The game control means 50 reads out the corresponding music data (step S4), and sets an initial value (1) as the repeat count r and turn number n (step S5). Subsequently, an image of the circulating rhythm score (n) is displayed (step S6), and the musical sound output of the rhythm score (n) and the movement process of the input display indicator 2 are started. For example, in the case of a musical score as shown in FIGS. 15A to 15F, an image G1 of a cyclic rhythm score (n) as shown in FIGS. 16A to 16F is displayed, and the corresponding image G1 is displayed. Then, the movement process of the input display indicator 2 is started. As shown in FIGS. 16E and 16F, in the case of a musical instrument (bell in this example) played with the left and right hands, a left-hand instrument image 3L and a right-hand instrument image 3R are displayed. In this case, the mark 1c indicating an appropriate rhythm input timing displays, for example, the use of the left and right musical instruments by color (or shape), and the player can select the left and right divided areas (or musical instrument images) on the screen. 3L, musical instrument image 3R), an operation mode for performing rhythm input using the left and right musical instruments properly (step S7).

  Here, the rhythm tempo in the musical tone output process of the rhythm score (n) in step S7 will be described. In this embodiment, the rhythm is operated in units of “ticks”. For example, 48 ticks are processed as quarter notes. The game progresses at 60 frames per second, and the tempo is designated by the flowing sequence. For example, a tempo 120 song is processed as one quarter note = 0.5 seconds = 30 frames = 48 ticks. The minimum unit of timing that can be specified in the present embodiment is 24 ticks (8-note notes), but it is appropriate for the length of one turn of the cyclic rhythm score (n) or the cyclic rhythm score (n). Timing adjustment of 12 ticks or less is also possible by adjusting the transfer speed of the input display indicator (moving character 2) indicating the input timing.

  When the musical sound output of the rhythm score (n) and the movement process of the input display indicator in the step 7 are started, the game control means 50 performs the rhythm input timing in the rhythm score (n) during the performance of the music. The input timing of each rhythm of the player (in this example, the operation timing of the touch panel 14) is determined, and the success / failure information (information indicating the success or failure of the player's rhythm input) is associated with the music and the frame number (turn number). It memorize | stores in RAM23 (step S8). When the performance of the rhythm score (n) is completed (step S9), the game control means 50 calculates the input success rate and score for the turn (n) (step S10).

  Here, the score calculation process in step S10 will be described.

  The highest score is set for each touch. In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4 (or FIG. 11 and FIG. 12), the rhythm input (touch on the touch panel 14) is performed when the moving character 2 orbiting on the circulating rhythm score 1 overlaps the position of the mark 1c. The score is entered by performing (operation). To get the highest score, it is necessary to input exactly (one frame). However, the input width is provided at 24 ticks before and after, and the acquired score decreases as the distance from the best timing increases, but a score is given according to the distance from the best timing. At that time, in order not to add multiple points by continuous touch operation, no points are given from the input area once scored until the moving character 2 enters the next round. This process is the same as the rhythm input success / failure determination process. Also, at the timing when a rest is designated, a full score is given when there is no 24 tick input.

  When the process of step S10 ends, the game control means 50 determines whether or not the input success rate is equal to or higher than a predetermined value (step S11). If the input success rate is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, the rhythm input by the player in the phrase is to some extent. Judge that it was done well. Then, it is determined whether or not all the turns have been completed (step S12). If not, the turn number n is incremented by 1 (step S13). For example, the success rate in the current turn shifts to a high difficulty level. If the determination value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (for example, 80% or more), the rhythm score is changed to a highly difficult rhythm score (step S14), and then the process proceeds to step S6 and the next turn ( Proceed to phrase n).

  If it is determined in step S12 that all the turns have been completed, for example, it is determined whether or not the maximum score or the elapsed time has reached a specified time (for example, 2 minutes and 30 seconds). When the sequence being played reaches the next rhythm input timing, the game ends (step S15). If the maximum score or elapsed time has not reached the specified time, the process proceeds to step S4, and the next Perform music data processing.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S11 that the input success rate is less than the predetermined value, the game control means 50 determines that the number of repetitions r exceeds the predetermined number in step S16, or the elapsed time in step S17. If it is determined that the predetermined time has been exceeded, it is determined that the rhythm input is poor and is rejected (the rhythm of the phrase has not been acquired), and the number of repetitions r of the phrase is incremented by 1 (step S18) Then, the process proceeds to step S6, the head of the same phrase (the n-th turn phrase) is returned to, and the phrase is advanced again.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S16 that the number of repetitions r does not exceed the predetermined number, or if it is determined in step S17 that the elapsed time does not exceed the predetermined time, it is very easy to proceed to the next phrase (or song). For example, one of the following processes (a) to (c) is executed (step S19).
(A) Add 1 to the turn number n, proceed to step S6 without repeating the same turn, and advance the music to the next phrase (see the process (a) in the section (3-1)).
(B) Change to different music data, move to step S6 (or step S4) without repeating the same turn, and change to music data of the same phrase with low difficulty or data of other music (see above) (Refer to the process of (3-1) (b)).
(C) After performing to the end of the music without repeating the same turn, the process proceeds to step S6 and proceeds to the processing of the next music (see the process (b) in the item (3-1)).

  If it is determined in step S15 that the game is to be terminated, the game is terminated after performing a termination process such as a process of saving the result data in the external storage medium 16 in accordance with the operation of the player.

In simple songs for children, there are songs that have the same rhythm through one song from the beginning to the end of the song. For example, it is a case of repeating tan, tan, tan, and tan in 4 beats, and a case of repeating tan, (rest), tan, and (rest) in 2 beats. In such a case, the display of the rhythm score as visual information to some extent and the input work for the displayed rhythm score are temporarily eliminated, and the practice of taking the rhythm with only the music information from the ears can be practiced. Moreover, rhythmic sense learning can be performed more effectively. As an application example in such a case, the following processing may be performed.
(B) With 2 turns as one set, the odd number turn (previous) displays rhythm scores but does not perform input processing. Only the even number turn (after) makes a determination by input processing. Judge whether to proceed / repeat to the next turnset.
(B) Set 2 turns as one set, and the odd turn (previous) is not displayed in the rhythm score.
Rhythm is memorized by screen effects by characters and voice / sound effect output, and judgment is made by rhythm score display + input processing only in even number turns (after).
(C) Contrary to (b) above, only odd-numbered turns (previous) will be displayed, and even-numbered turns (
In the latter), the input timing to the player is suggested only by the screen presentation and the sound / sound effect output by the character without displaying the rhythm score, and the player inputs the rhythm without relying on the rhythm score, and the input processing Judgment is made according to the result.

  Turns in which the player grasps the rhythm with his eyes and ears by performing applied processing such as a, b, and c, that is, performing music progression and game processing with multiple turns (generally 2 turns) as one set. And the turn to input the rhythm grasped in the previous turn is repeated alternately, and it becomes possible to acquire the rhythm sense more effectively.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where a touch panel (touch screen) is used as an example of the operation means for the player to input a rhythm has been described as a specific example. , A foot switch / foot panel that steps with your foot, or an input device that mimics a musical instrument, such as a drum or drum, and you can turn the input on / off by actually singing A microphone device or the like may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a portable game device having two display screens and a touch panel on one display screen has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such a portable game device. The present invention can also be applied to portable or stationary game devices (various information processing devices having a game execution function) and arcade game devices having a general display screen.

It is a perspective view which shows an example of the external appearance structure of the game device to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the example of an internal structure of the game device of FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the memory map of the game device of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the game image which concerns on this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structural example of the principal part of the game control means which concerns on this invention. It is a musical score figure which shows an example of the score for rhythm lessons which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the rhythm data of the standard difficulty which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the rhythm data of difficulty "difficulty" concerning the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the rhythm data of difficulty "Easy" which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structural example of the rhythm information table which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 1st example of the rhythm ring which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 2nd example of the rhythm ring which concerns on this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the determination process of the rhythm input timing which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation example of the game device which concerns on this invention. It is a musical score figure which shows the other example of the score for rhythm lessons which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the other example of the game image which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

G1 Main image G2 Sub-image 1 Rhythm ring image 1a Circulating rhythm score 1b Timing mark 1c indicating "unnecessary" rhythm input Timing mark 2 indicating "necessary" rhythm input 2 Input display indicator (moving character)
3 musical instrument image 10 game device 10A upper housing 10B lower housing 10a touch pen 10b touch pen housing 11 first display screen 12 second display screen 13 (13a to 13g, 13L, 13R) operation switch 14 touch panel (rhythm input operation means)
15 Speaker 16 External storage medium 20 Electronic circuit board 21 CPU core 22 Bus 23 RAM
24 first image processing circuit 25 second image processing circuit 26 display controller 27 input / output interface circuit 28 external storage medium connector 30 program storage area 40 data storage area 50 game control means 51 main processing means 52 music dividing means 53 rhythm input timing Setting means 54 Rhythm score display means 55 Determination means 56 Progress control means 57 Repeat count counting means 58 Elapsed time measurement means

Claims (10)

A game progress control method in an apparatus that includes a storage means for storing music data and an operation means for a player to input rhythm, and that executes a game in which the player performs rhythm input in accordance with the music indicated by the music data. ,
Executing a process of dividing the entire music data stored in the storage means into phrases of a predetermined length; executing a process of setting a rhythm input timing in accordance with the divided phrases; A determination step for determining the input timing of the operation means with respect to the rhythm input timing during progress, and if the determination result of the input timing satisfies a predetermined condition, the music is advanced to the next phrase, and the predetermined condition is satisfied A game progress control method comprising: a progress control step for causing the phrase to proceed again when there is not.   The method further includes a step of counting the number of repetitions of each phrase while the music is in progress, and when the counted number of repetitions exceeds a predetermined value, the music is added to the next phrase regardless of the determination result of the input timing. The game progress control method according to claim 1, wherein the game progress control method is performed.   2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of counting the number of repetitions of each phrase while the music is in progress, and changing to different music data when the counted number of repetitions exceeds a predetermined value. Game progress control method.   The method further includes a step of measuring an elapsed time from the start of each music while the music is in progress, and when the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined time, the music is included in the next phrase regardless of the determination result of the input timing. The game progress control method according to claim 1, further comprising:   The progress control step changes the rhythm score to which the rhythm input timing is set so that the difficulty level of the rhythm input of the player changes according to the success rate of the input timing of the operation means. Item 4. The game progress control method according to Item 1.   An image representing a rhythm pattern including the set rhythm input timing is displayed on an annular rhythm score having the length of the divided one phrase as one round, and an index for performing the rhythm input; The game progress control method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of moving and displaying the input display indicator to be synchronized with the progress speed of the music along the circular portion of the rhythm score.   In the progress control step, the divided one phrase is processed twice as the same rhythm score, and input determination is not performed in the first half and input determination is performed only in the second half. The game progress control method according to claim 1.   8. The game progress control method according to claim 7, wherein when displaying an image representing a rhythm pattern including the rhythm input timing, the display is changed between the first half and the second half. A computer of a device that includes a storage means for storing music data and an operating means for the player to input rhythm, and that executes a game in which the player performs rhythm input in accordance with the music indicated by the music data,
A procedure of dividing the data of the entire music stored in the storage means into phrases of a predetermined length, a procedure of setting a rhythm input timing according to the divided phrases, and the rhythm input timing during the progress of the music The procedure for determining the input timing of the operation means for the above, and if the determination result of the input timing satisfies a predetermined condition, the music is advanced to the next phrase, and if the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the phrase is advanced again And a computer-readable information storage medium storing a program for causing the computer to execute the procedure. A game device comprising a storage means for storing music data and an operation means for allowing a player to input rhythm, and executing a game in which the player performs rhythm input in accordance with the music indicated by the music data,
Music dividing means for dividing the data of the entire music stored in the storage means into phrases of a predetermined length, setting means for setting a rhythm input timing according to the divided phrases, and during the progress of the music, Determining means for determining the input timing of the operating means with respect to the rhythm input timing; and if the determination result of the input timing satisfies a predetermined condition, the music is advanced to the next phrase, and if the predetermined condition is not satisfied, A game device comprising: a progress control means for causing the phrase to advance again.