JP2010178779A - Game apparatus and game control method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game apparatus or the like suitable for properly displaying the results of the determination on an operation input in a game for which the operation inputting is made by players to match timings presented. <P>SOLUTION: The game apparatus 600 includes a reception part 601 for receiving the operation input from the players, a determination part 602 which determines whether the time when the operation input is received is contained or not in a prescribed time zone, and an outputting part 603 which outputs signals onto a display device 610, the signals displaying a prescribed figure whose color varies based on the results of the determination with the determination part 602. The outputting part 603 outputs the signals for displaying the prescribed figure to the display device 610 so as to make the color thereof gradually vary from a first color to a second color until the operation input is received after the preparation starting time up to which the figure is displayed in the first color. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention provides a game device, a game control method, and a computer that are suitable for appropriately displaying a determination result for an operation input in a game in which the player performs an operation input in accordance with the presented timing. Related to the program.

  Conventionally, a music game in which a player operates buttons and foot switches in synchronization with the rhythm of music and the display on the screen is known. In such a music game, for example, predetermined objects appear sequentially from the bottom of the screen and move to the top of the screen in synchronization with the music to be played. On the other hand, the player presses the button at the timing when these objects reach the determination line serving as a determination reference. When the timing at which the button is pressed matches the arrival timing, that is, when it is determined that the operation input time is included in the predetermined time zone, the score is added and the player's operation is performed. A graphic indicating that the input was successful is displayed.

  The length of the predetermined time zone indicates the tolerance of the operation input timing. If the length of the predetermined time zone is short, the difficulty of the game increases, and if the length of the predetermined time zone is long. The difficulty of the game is reduced. Such a game device is disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example.

JP 2008-125721 A

  A business or home game device that executes such a music game may be used by being connected to a display device such as a liquid crystal display or a plasma display. However, in these display devices, a certain amount of display delay (for example, display delay of about several milliseconds to several hundred milliseconds) occurs before the video based on the input video signal is displayed on the screen. For this reason, the player may feel that the display is delayed. Therefore, there is a need for a technique that appropriately displays a graphic indicating that the player's operation input has been successful, and prevents the player from feeling the display delay as much as possible, even in a display device in which display delay occurs.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problem, and in a game in which a player performs an operation input in accordance with the presented timing, a game device suitable for appropriately displaying a determination result for the operation input, game control It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and a program for realizing these by a computer.

  In order to achieve the above object, a game device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a reception unit, a determination unit, and an output unit, and is configured as follows.

  That is, the reception unit receives an operation input from the player. For example, the player operates various buttons (such as foot switches that are operated with hands and feet, such as a foot switch) and levers prepared for the controller of the game device, or the player imitates a controller imitating various musical instruments. Operation of the member is accepted as an operation input. It may be received as an operation input that various sensors detect that the player has performed a predetermined action.

  Then, the determination unit determines whether or not the time when the operation input is accepted is included in the predetermined time zone. The predetermined time zone is, for example, a time zone during which an operation input from the player is to be made. In other words, it is determined that the operation input is successful if the operation input is made in the predetermined time zone, and the operation input is determined to be unsuccessful if the operation input is not made in the predetermined time zone. Therefore, the length of the predetermined time zone indicates the tolerance of the operation input timing. That is, if the length of the predetermined time period is short, the difficulty level of the game increases, and if the length of the predetermined time period is long, the difficulty level of the game decreases. Information indicating the predetermined time period may be incorporated in a program executed by the game device, or may be stored in a storage device included in the game device.

  Further, the output unit outputs a signal for displaying a predetermined graphic whose color changes according to the determination result by the determination unit to the display device. At this time, the output unit outputs a signal for causing the display device to display a predetermined graphic as shown in (A) and (B) below.

  First, (A) the first color is displayed until a time (hereinafter referred to as “preparation start time”) that is a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as “preparation time”) before the predetermined time period. The first color is a color different from the second color described later. The second color is a predetermined color displayed on the display device when it is determined that the time when the operation input is received is included in a predetermined time zone (for example, the operation input is successful). The color of the figure (hereinafter referred to as “result display figure”). The first color is a result displayed on the display device when it is determined that the time at which the operation input is accepted is not included in the predetermined time zone (for example, the operation input has failed). This is the color of the displayed figure. The color of the result display figure is, for example, the brightness of each pixel constituting the display screen of the display device (in the case of color display, the brightness of each of R (red), G (green), and B (blue)). It is adjusted by adjusting appropriately.

  Then, (B) until the operation input is accepted from the preparation start time, display is performed so that the color gradually changes from the first color to the second color as time elapses. Typically, among the images displayed on the display screen of the display device, the luminance of each of the plurality of pixels constituting the image portion on which the result display graphic is displayed is changed from the luminance for realizing the first color to the second. Increase or decrease monotonically over time to the brightness that achieves color.

In this configuration, a signal for gradually changing the color of the result display figure is given to the display device from a time slightly before the time zone when the user should perform an operation input. Therefore, even when it takes time for the signal to be reflected on the display screen, the color of the result display figure changes in advance before displaying the determination result itself.
Here, psychological research shows that human perception is sensitive to changes starting from a stagnant state, but insensitive to continuing changes. ing.
In the present invention, the change in the screen display is continuously caused in advance by notifying the player that the operation input determination result is about to be displayed. For this reason, according to the present invention, even when there is a display delay on the display screen, it is possible to prevent the player from feeling the delay time as much as possible. As described above, according to the game device of the present invention, the determination result for the operation input can be appropriately displayed.

In the game device of the present invention, the output unit can be configured to output a signal for causing the display device to display a predetermined graphic as shown in the following (C) to (E).
That is, (C) The process of outputting the display signal is performed in the same manner as in the above (B) until the predetermined time period ends without accepting the operation input from the preparation start time. After the predetermined time period is completed, the signal is changed as described later (E).

  On the other hand, after it is determined that the time (D) when the operation input is accepted is included in the predetermined time zone, the second color is displayed. That is, it is determined that the time at which the operation input is accepted is included in the predetermined time zone (for example, the operation input is successful) by displaying the result display graphic in the second color. Shown to the player.

  (E) After it is determined that the time when the operation input is accepted is not included in the predetermined time zone, or after the predetermined time zone is over without accepting the operation input from the preparation start time, the first time Display in the color. That is, it is determined to the player that the operation input has not been accepted in the predetermined time period (for example, the operation input has failed), and the result display graphic is displayed in the first color to indicate to the player.

  As described above, according to the game device of the present invention, the determination result for the operation input can be appropriately displayed. More specifically, when an operation input is expected by a player during a certain time period, an image signal for displaying an image to be displayed when the operation input is performed is displayed at the certain time period. Supply to display device before entering. Thereby, even when a display device having a large delay time from when the image signal is supplied to when the image based on the image signal is displayed is used, the display of the determination result with respect to the operation input is not felt as much as possible by the player. Can be. If it is determined that the operation input has not been received in the predetermined time zone (for example, the operation input has failed), the result display graphic is displayed in the first color. At this time, the result display graphic is switched to the first color in the middle of gradually changing from the first color to the second color. However, since the change from the first color to the second color is performed gradually, it is not a noticeable change. In addition, a change from an intermediate color between the first color and the second color to the first color is also a change in which the color returns to the original color and is not a noticeable change. Accordingly, when it is determined that the operation input has not been received in the predetermined time period (for example, the operation input has failed), the player has received the operation input in the predetermined time period (for example, the operation input has not been performed). It is possible not to give a misunderstanding of “success.” Or to feel uncomfortable.

In the game device of the present invention,
The second color may be lighter than the first color. The second color is typically a color of a predetermined graphic shown to the player when the operation input is successful. Therefore, the brightness of the second color is set higher than that of the first color so that the player can easily understand that the operation input is successful. Typically, when the result display graphic is displayed in the second color, the luminance of each of the plurality of pixels constituting the image portion on which the result display graphic is displayed, and the result display graphic in the first color. Make it higher than the display.

  According to the game device of the present invention, the determination result for the operation input can be clearly shown to the player.

In the game device of the present invention,
The output unit displays a predetermined figure on the display device.
(F) The second color is displayed when the predetermined time period ends until an operation input is received from the preparation start time or until the predetermined time period ends without receiving the operation input from the preparation start time. As described above, a signal to be displayed so that the color gradually changes from the first color to the second color as time elapses may be output.
Typically, until the preparation start time, the luminance of each of the plurality of pixels constituting the image portion on which the result display graphic is displayed is set as the luminance that realizes the first color, Is increased or decreased monotonously, and when the predetermined time period ends, the luminance of each of the plurality of pixels is set to a luminance that realizes the second color. With this configuration, a signal for displaying the result display graphic in the second color is supplied to the display device immediately before the end of the predetermined time period. For this reason, for example, when an operation input is made at a time immediately before the end of the predetermined time period, an operation input is made compared to a case where an operation input is made at the time in the predetermined time period before the time. The delay from when the result display figure is displayed in the second color can be reduced.

  According to the game device of the present invention, even in a display device in which display delay occurs, it is possible to prevent the player from further feeling the delay of the determination result with respect to the operation input.

In the game device of the present invention,
The preparation time is set based on a time from when a signal for displaying a predetermined graphic is supplied to the display device to when the predetermined graphic is displayed on the display device (hereinafter referred to as “delay time”). Also good. For example, when the delay time is long, even if the content of the signal supplied to the display device, that is, the content of the image displayed by this signal is changed, the image displayed on the display device does not change immediately. Therefore, when the delay time is long, the preparation time is extended to change the image displayed on the display device early.

  According to the game device of the present invention, the determination result with respect to the operation input can be appropriately displayed according to the display delay magnitude (length of the delay time) of the display device.

In the game device of the present invention,
The preparation time may be set longer than the time obtained by subtracting the time in the predetermined time zone from the delay time.
Even if the content of the signal supplied to the display device is instantaneously switched from the content for displaying the result display graphic in the first color to the content for displaying the result display graphic in the second color, it is displayed on the display device. A delay time is required until the result display figure is displayed in the second color. Therefore, even when the content of the signal supplied to the display device is gradually switched from the content for displaying the result display graphic in the first color to the content for displaying the result display graphic in the second color, it is displayed on the display device. At least a delay time is required until the displayed result display figure is displayed in the second color. For this reason, the preparation time is set to be longer than the time obtained by subtracting the predetermined time period from the delay time, and when the predetermined time period ends, the result display figure is displayed in a color close to the second color. To be.

  According to the game device of the present invention, the determination result with respect to the operation input can be appropriately displayed according to the size of the display delay of the display device.

In the game device of the present invention,
An imaging device for imaging the display screen of the display device;
The output unit outputs a signal that causes the display device to display a predetermined graphic by switching between the first color and the second color,
The imaging device captures the display screen of the display device while the output unit outputs a signal,
You may make it acquire the time required for the display of the predetermined figure on the image imaged by the imaging device to switch between the first color and the second color as the delay time.

  According to the game device of the present invention, even if the delay time for each display device is not prepared in the storage device or the like, the delay time for each display device can be acquired, and the determination result for the operation input is displayed on the display device. It is possible to display appropriately according to the size of the delay.

  In order to achieve the above object, a game control method according to another aspect of the present invention is a game control method executed by a game device including a reception unit, a determination unit, and an output unit, and includes a reception step and a determination step. The output process is provided and configured as follows.

  That is, in the reception process, the reception unit receives an operation input from the player.

  In the determination step, the determination unit determines whether or not the time when the operation input is received is included in the predetermined time period.

  Further, in the output step, the output unit outputs a signal for displaying a predetermined graphic whose color changes according to the determination result by the determination unit to the display device. At this time, the output unit outputs a signal for causing the display device to display a predetermined graphic as shown in (A) and (B) below.

  First, in the output process, (A) the first color is displayed until a time (hereinafter referred to as “preparation start time”) that is a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as “preparation time”) before the predetermined time period. .

  Then, (B) until the operation input is accepted from the preparation start time, display is performed so that the color gradually changes from the first color to the second color as time elapses.

A program according to another aspect of the present invention is configured to cause a computer to function as each unit of the game device or to cause the computer to execute each step of the game control method.
The program of the present invention can be recorded on a computer-readable information recording medium such as a compact disk, flexible disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, digital video disk, magnetic tape, and semiconductor memory. The above program can be distributed and sold via a computer communication network independently of the computer on which the program is executed. The information recording medium can be distributed and sold independently of the computer.

  According to the present invention, in a game in which a player performs an operation input in accordance with the presented timing, a game apparatus, a game control method, and the like that are suitable for appropriately displaying a determination result with respect to the operation input are realized by a computer. A program can be provided.

It is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of the typical information processing apparatus with which the game device which concerns on 1st-3rd embodiment is implement | achieved. It is a mimetic diagram showing the outline composition of the mat type controller which can be connected to the game device concerning the 1st-3rd embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the display screen of the game device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating how the color of a result display figure changes. It is a figure for demonstrating how the color of a result display figure changes. It is a figure for demonstrating how the color of a result display figure changes. It is a figure for demonstrating how the color of a result display figure changes. It is a figure for demonstrating how the color of a result display figure changes. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of the data memorize | stored in RAM. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the game device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the signal which an output part outputs, when operation input is made in the predetermined time slot | zone and operation input is successful. It is a figure for demonstrating the signal which an output part outputs when operation input fails without operation input being made in a predetermined time slot | zone. It is a flowchart which shows the game control process which the game device which concerns on 1st Embodiment performs. It is a flowchart which shows the signal generation process shown in the flowchart of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the display screen of the game device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating a target. It is a figure which shows the relationship between signal brightness | luminance when operation input is made in the predetermined time slot | zone, and operation input is successful. It is a figure which shows the relationship between signal brightness | luminance when operation input is made at the earliest time of a predetermined time slot | zone, and operation input is successful. It is a figure which shows the relationship between signal brightness | luminance when operation input is made at the latest time of a predetermined time slot | zone, and operation input is successful. It is a figure which shows the relationship between signal brightness | luminance when operation input is made at the time earlier than a predetermined time slot | zone, and operation input fails. It is a figure which shows the relationship between signal brightness | luminance when operation input is made at the time later than a predetermined time slot | zone, and operation input fails. In the conventional game device, it is a figure which shows the relationship between a signal brightness | luminance and display brightness when operation input is made in the predetermined time slot | zone and operation input is successful. In the conventional game device, it is a figure which shows the relationship between a signal brightness | luminance and display brightness | luminance when operation input fails without operation input being made in a predetermined time slot | zone. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the game device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the game control process which the game device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment performs. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the game device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the game control process which the game device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment performs. It is a figure for demonstrating a test signal. It is a figure for demonstrating how the color of a result display figure changes. It is a figure for demonstrating how the color of a result display figure changes. It is a figure for demonstrating how the color of a result display figure changes. It is a figure for demonstrating how the color of a result display figure changes. It is a figure for demonstrating how the color of a result display figure changes.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In the following, for ease of understanding, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to an information processing apparatus dedicated to a game will be described. However, in various information processing apparatuses such as various computers, PDAs (Personal Data Assistants), and mobile phones Similarly, the present invention can be applied. That is, the embodiment described below is for explanation, and does not limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art can employ embodiments in which each or all of these elements are replaced with equivalent ones, and these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a typical information processing device in which the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is realized. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  The information processing apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, an interface 104, a mat type controller 105, an external memory 106, and image processing. Unit 107, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) -ROM drive 108, a NIC (Network Interface Card) 109, an audio processing unit 110, and an RTC (Real Time Clock) 111.

  A DVD-ROM storing a game program and data is loaded into the DVD-ROM drive 108 and the information processing apparatus 100 is turned on to execute the program, thereby realizing the game apparatus of the present embodiment. .

  The CPU 101 controls the overall operation of the information processing apparatus 100 and is connected to each component to exchange control signals and data. The CPU 101 acquires various types of data from each component, processes the various types of data by various calculations, and provides the data to each component as data and control signals. In the CPU 101, various types of data are temporarily stored in a cache included in the CPU 101, and are further acquired in a register included in the CPU 101, and then various calculations are performed.

The ROM 102 stores an IPL (Initial Program Loader) that is executed immediately after the power is turned on, and when this is executed, the program recorded on the DVD-ROM is read out to the RAM 103 and execution by the CPU 101 is started. The
The ROM 102 stores an operating system program and various data necessary for operation control of the entire information processing apparatus 100.

  The RAM 103 is for temporarily storing data and programs, and holds programs and data read from the DVD-ROM and other data necessary for game progress and communication. In addition, various information transmitted from various devices connected to the information processing apparatus 100 and various information to be transmitted to various devices are also temporarily stored.

  The mat type controller 105 connected via the interface 104 receives an operation input performed when the player executes the game. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of the mat type controller 105. Hereinafter, the mat type controller 105 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the mat type controller 105 when the mat type controller 105 installed on the floor is viewed from directly above. In a predetermined area of the mat-type controller 105, a button 202L for accepting an input for instructing “left” from the player, a button 202D for accepting an input for instructing “down” from the player, and a button for accepting an input instructing “up” from the player 202U and a button 202R for receiving an input for instructing “right” from the player are arranged. The player can press the buttons 202L, 202D, 202U, 202R (hereinafter collectively referred to as the button 202 as necessary) at an arbitrary timing.

  In the following description, a state where the button 202 is pressed by the player is referred to as a “pressed state”, and a state where the button 202 is not pressed is referred to as a “non-pressed state”. The CPU 101 determines whether each button 202 is in a pressed state or a non-pressed state.

  In this embodiment, the mat-type controller 105 includes four buttons 202, but the number of buttons is not limited to four, and may be three or less or five or more. Further, the mat-type controller 105 is not limited to the shape arranged on the floor surface, and may be a so-called touch pad shape operated by holding it by a hand or a shape gripped by a hand.

  Returning to FIG. 1, in the external memory 106 detachably connected via the interface 104, data indicating the progress of the game is stored in a rewritable manner. The player can record these data in the external memory 106 as appropriate, for example, by inputting an instruction via the mat type controller 105.

  A DVD-ROM mounted on the DVD-ROM drive 108 stores a program for realizing the game and image data and audio data associated with the game. Under the control of the CPU 101, the DVD-ROM drive 108 performs a reading process on the DVD-ROM loaded therein, reads out necessary programs and data, and these are temporarily stored in the RAM 103 or the like.

  The image processing unit 107 processes the data read from the DVD-ROM by an image arithmetic processor (not shown) included in the CPU 101 or the image processing unit 107, and then processes the processed data on a frame memory ( (Not shown). The image information recorded in the frame memory is converted into a video signal at a predetermined synchronization timing and output to a monitor (not shown) connected to the image processing unit 107. Thereby, various image displays are possible.

  The image calculation processor can execute a two-dimensional image overlay calculation, a transmission calculation such as α blending, and various saturation calculations at high speed. In addition, the polygon information arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space and added with various kinds of texture information is rendered by the Z buffer method, and a rendered image is obtained by overlooking the polygon arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space from a predetermined viewpoint position. High speed execution of the obtained operation is also possible. In particular, a function for calculating the degree to which a polygon is illuminated by a typical (positive) light source such as a point light source, a parallel light source, or a cone light source is made into a library or hardware so that it can be calculated at high speed.

  Further, the CPU 101 and the image arithmetic processor cooperate to draw a character string as a two-dimensional image in the frame memory or draw it on the surface of each polygon according to the font information that defines the character shape. Is possible. The font information is recorded in the ROM 102, but it is also possible to use dedicated font information recorded in the DVD-ROM.

  The NIC 109 is used to connect the information processing apparatus 100 to a computer communication network (not shown) such as the Internet, and is a 10BASE-T / 100BASE-T standard used when configuring a LAN (Local Area Network). Or an analog modem for connecting to the Internet using a telephone line, an ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) modem, an ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Modem) modem, or a cable television line for connecting to the Internet. Cable modems and the like, and an interface (not shown) for interfacing these with the CPU 101.

  The audio processing unit 110 converts audio data read from the DVD-ROM into an analog audio signal and outputs the analog audio signal from a speaker (not shown) connected thereto. Further, under the control of the CPU 101, sound effects and music data to be generated during the progress of the game are generated, and sound corresponding to this is output from the speaker. From the audio processing unit 110, for example, the sound of music reproduced as BGM or karaoke, or the sound effect reproduced in accordance with the button operation of the player is converted.

  The RTC 111 is a time measuring device including a crystal resonator and an oscillation circuit. The RTC 111 is supplied with power from the built-in battery and continues to operate even when the information processing apparatus 100 is powered off.

  In addition, the information processing apparatus 100 uses a large-capacity external storage device such as a hard disk so as to perform the same function as the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the external memory 106, the DVD-ROM mounted on the DVD-ROM drive 108, and the like. You may comprise.

(Description of display screen)
Here, a display screen of the game apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the game device according to the present embodiment will be described as a game device that executes a dance game.

  The game device displays various information necessary for the dance game. For example, the game device displays a music list or the like before starting the game, and prompts the player to select a desired music. When the music is selected and the game is started, the game device displays a game screen as shown in FIG. 3, for example.

  In this game screen, still marks 301L, 301D, 301U, and 301R (hereinafter collectively referred to as “static marks 301” as necessary) are fixed images for showing the timing of the stepping action to the player. On the other hand, the targets 302L, 302D, 302U, and 302R (hereinafter collectively referred to as the target 302 as necessary) are images for showing the player the stepping action to be a task, and match the music to be played. For example, the screen is scrolled from the bottom to the top. When the target 302 reaches the stationary mark 301 (when the target 302 overlaps with the same image of the stationary mark 301), if the required stepping action is performed by the player, a score is obtained and the stepping action is successful. The target 302 is displayed in a color indicating that it has been performed. In this way, by displaying a predetermined graphic (hereinafter referred to as “result display graphic”) indicating the result of whether or not the stepping motion is successful to the player by the color, whether or not the player has succeeded in the stepping motion. Can know the result. In the present embodiment, the targets 302L, 302D, 302U, and 302R correspond to result display figures.

  4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D are diagrams for explaining how the color of the result display figure changes. Hereinafter, in order to facilitate understanding, an example is shown in which the determination result indicating whether or not the button 202R is pressed within a predetermined time when the target 302R overlaps the stationary mark 301R is shown to the player in the color of the target 302R. I will explain. That is, hereinafter, a case where the target 302R is adopted as a result display graphic will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, a time (hereinafter referred to as “preparation start time”) that is a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as “preparation time”) before a time period during which operation input from the player is to be performed (hereinafter referred to as “predetermined time period”). Until the target 302R is displayed in the first color. As shown in FIG. 4B, the target 302R is displayed in an intermediate color between the first color and the second color after the preparation start time has elapsed and before the button 202R is pressed. Further, as shown in FIG. 4C, the target 302R is displayed in the second color after the button 202R is pressed during a predetermined time period and before a predetermined time has elapsed. Then, as shown in FIG. 4D, the target 302R is displayed in the first color after the button 202R is pressed in a predetermined time zone and after a predetermined time has elapsed. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4E, the target 302R is displayed in the first color after the predetermined time period has passed without the button 202R being pressed.

  As described above, the target 302R is displayed in the second color (for example, relatively high brightness) for a certain period of time when the operation input is successful, and basically the first color (for example, relatively high) However, it is displayed in an intermediate color between the first color and the second color until the result of the operation input is confirmed after the preparation start time is reached.

Here, in the present embodiment, task data, a music data string, and an audio data string are prepared as data for realizing such a game control process. For example, these data are prepared in advance on a DVD loaded in the DVD-ROM drive 108 and read out to the RAM 103 as necessary.
The assignment data is data including a plurality of assignment times, types of operation inputs associated with each of the plurality of assignment times, and a threshold time.
The task time is the time until the corresponding target 302 reaches the stationary mark 301 from the start of the game. When the time has elapsed since the start of the game, the player performs an operation input on the target 302 (the button 202 is pressed). It is time to indicate whether or not to step on.
The type of operation input is data indicating which button the player should step on among the buttons 202L, 202D, 202U, and 202R when the task time associated with the game starts.
The threshold time is a time that indicates how far the time from when the game starts until the player steps on the button 202 is deviated from the task time until the operation input is considered successful.
The song data string is a data string representing a song to be played back as BGM.
The audio data string is a data string that represents a sound that is emitted when the player steps on the button 202.

  The task data will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the task data read into the task data area of the RAM 103.

  The assignment data 500 corresponds to a score in the music field. In the present embodiment, the task data 500 includes a table 501 composed of a plurality of records 502, a threshold time 511 (this value is assumed to be d), and an end time 521 (this value is assumed to be E). Can be considered a thing. Each record 502 includes an area for recording task time 503 (this value is T), operation input type 504, and target state 505. Each record 502 corresponds to a musical note.

  The task time 503 and the operation input type 504 are information read from the DVD-ROM, but the target state 505 is initialized to “0” representing “unprocessed” immediately after the game is started. In the target state 505, other information such as “1” indicating “success” and “2” indicating “failure” is recorded in the subsequent processing.

  In the task time 503, a numerical value is recorded in units of a vertical synchronization interrupt period (typically 1/60 second) which is a display update rate of the screen, and each record 502 has the task time 503 as a key. Are sorted in ascending order. Further, the numerical value recorded as the threshold time 511 also has the above cycle as a unit. Hereinafter, the numerical value recorded here is referred to as “screen update count”. On the other hand, in the operation input type 504, which one of the four buttons 202 of the mat type controller 105 is to be operated is recorded with numbers “1” to “4”. For example, a button 202L for accepting an input for instructing “left” from the player is “1”, a button 202D for accepting an input for instructing “down” from the player is “2”, and an input for instructing “up” from the player A button 202R for accepting an input for instructing 202U from “3” and “right” from the player is indicated by “4”.

  The operation input for the target associated with the record 502 succeeds during a predetermined time period, that is, “when the task time 503 has elapsed since the game was started” to “the task time 503 since the game was started. This is a case where the button 202 corresponding to the operation input type 504 is operated during a period of time when the threshold time 511 has passed. Otherwise, the operation input fails.

(Configuration of game device)
Next, the structure of each part of the game device of this embodiment is demonstrated with reference to drawings. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the game device according to the present embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, the game device 600 according to the present embodiment includes a reception unit 601, a determination unit 602, and an output unit 603.

  The accepting unit 601 accepts an operation input from a player. The receiving unit 601 is realized by the mat type controller 105 or the like.

  The determination unit 602 determines whether or not the time when the operation input is received is included in the predetermined time zone. The determination unit 602 is realized by the CPU 101 or the like.

  The output unit 603 outputs a signal for causing the display device 610 to display a predetermined graphic as shown in the following (A) to (E). Here, with reference to FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, what kind of signal the output unit 603 outputs at what timing will be described. FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B show the elapsed time Tpas from the start of the game and the luminance indicated by the signal output by the output unit 603 as the luminance of a predetermined graphic displayed on the display device 610 (hereinafter “signal luminance Bsig”). It is a figure which shows the relationship. 7A shows an example when the operation input is successful as a result of the operation input from the player in the predetermined time period Tgiv, and FIG. 7B shows the result of the operation input from the player after the predetermined time period Tgiv has elapsed, An example when the operation input fails is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, (A) display is performed with the first luminance B1 until the preparation start time ton, which is a time preceding the predetermined time zone Tgiv by the preparation time Tred. Therefore, during this period, the signal luminance Bsig is set to the first luminance B1. The first luminance B1 is a luminance that should be set as the luminance of the pixels constituting the predetermined graphic in order to display the predetermined graphic in the first color on the display device 610. The second luminance B2 is a luminance that should be set as the luminance of the pixels constituting the predetermined graphic in order to display the predetermined graphic in the second color on the display device 610. Further, it is assumed that the first luminance B1 is lower in luminance than the second luminance B2. Then, as shown in FIG. 7A, from (B) the preparation start time ton to the time when the operation input is accepted, the luminance gradually changes from the first luminance B1 to the second luminance B2 with the passage of time. Display. Accordingly, during this period, the signal luminance Bsig gradually changes from the first luminance B1 to the second luminance B2. As shown in FIG. 7B, (C) until the predetermined time zone Tgiv ends without accepting the operation input from the preparation start time ton, the first luminance B1 as time elapses, as in (B) above. From the first to the second luminance B2 so that the luminance gradually changes. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7A, after it is determined that (D) the time when the operation input is made (hereinafter referred to as “operation input time tm”) is included in the predetermined time zone Tgiv, Display with B2. Therefore, during this period, the signal luminance Bsig is set to the second luminance B2. 7A shows an example in which the signal luminance Bsig is returned to the first luminance B1 after the lighting instruction time Tind has elapsed from the operation input time tm (hereinafter referred to as “lighting-off time toff”). Show. Then, as shown in FIG. 7B, (E) after it is determined that the operation input time tm is not included in the predetermined time zone Tgiv, or the predetermined time zone Tgiv is not received from the preparation start time ton. After the end, display is performed with the first luminance B1. Therefore, during this period, the signal luminance Bsig is set to the first luminance B1. The output unit 603 is realized by the CPU 101, the image processing unit 107, and the like.

  The display device 610 displays an image including a result display graphic in accordance with the signal supplied from the output unit 603.

(Game device operation)
Next, the operation of the game apparatus 600 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8, 9, 10A, and 10B. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a game control process executed by the game device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing signal generation processing executed by the game device according to the present embodiment. 10A is an example of a screen display in the present embodiment, and FIG. 10B is a diagram for explaining a target.

  The initial value of the assignment data 500 is stored in a DVD-ROM attached to the DVD-ROM drive 108, but when the game is started, the CPU 101 transfers the assignment data 500 from the DVD-ROM to a predetermined RAM 103. It is read and initialized in the assignment data area (step S801).

  Next, the CPU 101 sets a predetermined time zone Tgiv (step S802). Note that the predetermined time period Tgiv is a time from “when the task time 503 has elapsed since the game was started” to “when the task time 503 has elapsed since the game was started and the threshold time 511 has elapsed”. Set to belt. Further, the predetermined time zone Tgiv is set in association with the record.

  Then, the CPU 101 sets a preparation time Tred (step S803). In the present embodiment, the preparation time Tred is set to a predetermined time (for example, a time incorporated in the program).

  Further, the CPU 101 sets the preparation start time ton (step S804). The preparation start time ton is set to a time before the predetermined time zone Tgiv by the preparation time Tred. The preparation start time ton is set in association with the record.

  Then, the CPU 101 sets the lighting instruction time Tind (step S805). The lighting instruction time Tind is a time instructed to display the result display graphic in the second color when the operation input is successful. In the present embodiment, the lighting instruction time Tind is set to a predetermined time (for example, a time incorporated in the program).

  In the present embodiment, the predetermined time zone Tgiv, the preparation time Tred, the preparation start time ton, the lighting instruction time Tind, etc. are all numerical values (vertical synchronization interrupt cycle (typically Is described as a numerical value in units of 1/60 seconds).

  Next, the CPU 101 sets an increase / decrease value of the luminance of the result display figure (step S806). The increase / decrease value of the brightness of the result display figure is an increase / decrease value of the result display figure that is increased / decreased every vertical synchronization interrupt, and the result display figure displayed in the first color at the preparation start time ton is: It is set to be displayed in the second color at the time when the predetermined time period Tgiv ends. Specifically, the increase / decrease value of the luminance of the result display figure is obtained by dividing the value obtained by subtracting the first luminance B1 from the second luminance B2 by the value obtained by adding the preparation time Tred and the time of the predetermined time zone Tgiv. Set to a value.

  In the variable area prepared in the RAM 103, the current screen update count t is initialized to 0 (step S807). In this embodiment, the screen update count t is updated for each vertical synchronization interrupt and is incremented by one. The screen update count t corresponds to the elapsed time Tpa described above.

  Next, the CPU 101 instructs the audio processing unit 110 to start playback of the BGM associated with the task data 500 (step S808). A BGM audio data string is recorded in a DVD-ROM in a PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) format, an MP3 (MPEG Layer 3) format, an Ogg Volbis format, a MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) format, or the like.

  Next, the CPU 101 executes signal generation processing (step S809). The signal generation process will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the CPU 101 checks the state of pressing operation of the button 202 of the mat type controller 105 (step S901). If there is a button that has started to be pressed (step S901: YES), the voice processing unit 110 is instructed to reproduce a voice data string representing a voice indicating that the button has been pressed (step S901). S902). As the audio data string, the various audio data strings as described above can be used, but it is desirable to read them into the RAM 103 in advance in order to increase the processing speed. In addition, a format with a small amount of data such as a MIDI format can be used as a storage format for these audio data strings.

In this embodiment, the audio data string of music and each record 502 are configured so that the BGM rhythm with respect to the task data 500 matches the task time 503 of each record 502.
Therefore, when the player presses the button 202 of the operation input type 504 during the task time 503, it is possible to give the player a sense of stepping in accordance with the rhythm of the BGM.

  Then, the record 502 in the table 501 is scanned to check whether there is a record that satisfies the success condition (step S903).

  Here, the record that satisfies the success condition is that T (task time 503) and the current screen update count t satisfy the relationship of T ≦ t ≦ T + d, and the operation input type 504 is pressed. The record matches the type of the button 202 and the target state 505 is “unprocessed”.

  If there is a record that satisfies the success condition (step S903: YES), the target state 505 of the record 502 is updated to “success” (step S904), and the color of the result display figure is set to the second color ( In step S905), the turn-off time toff is further set (step S906). Here, the turn-off time toff is the time when the result display figure is switched to the second color and then switched to the first color again when the operation input is successful. The turn-off time toff is set in association with the record. In addition, setting the luminance of all the pixels constituting the image portion on which the result display graphic is displayed to the luminance that realizes the first color (hereinafter referred to as “first luminance”). It is said that the color is set to the first color. Similarly, setting the luminance of all the pixels constituting the image portion on which the result display graphic is displayed to the luminance that realizes the second color (hereinafter referred to as “second luminance”) is the result display graphic. Is said to be set to the second color.

  Then, the CPU 101 scans the record 502 in the table 501 and checks whether there is a record that satisfies the first failure condition (step S907).

  Here, the record that satisfies the first failure condition is that the preparation start time ton, T (task time 503), and the current screen update count t satisfy the relationship of ton <t <T, and the type of operation input Reference numeral 504 denotes a record that matches the type of the button 202 being pressed and whose target state 505 is “unprocessed”.

  When there is a record that satisfies the first failure condition (step S907: YES), the CPU 101 updates the target state 505 of the record 502 to “failure” (step S908), and further, the color of the result display graphic Is set to the first color (step S909).

  When the button 202 is not pressed (step S901: No), the CPU 101 determines that there is no record that satisfies the success condition (step S903: No), and when there is no record that satisfies the first failure condition (step S903: No). If the process of setting the color of the result display figure to the first color (step S909) is completed, the process proceeds to step S910.

  The CPU 101 scans the record 502 in the table 501 and checks whether there is a record that satisfies the second failure condition (step S910).

  Here, the record that satisfies the second failure condition is that T (task time 503), the current screen update count t, and the threshold time d satisfy the relationship T + d <t, and the target state 505 is “not yet”. It is a record that is “process”.

  When there is a record that satisfies the second failure condition (step S910: YES), the CPU 101 updates the target state 505 of the record 502 to “failure” (step S911), and further, the color of the result display graphic Is set to the first color (step S912).

  If there is no record that satisfies the second failure condition (step S910: NO), and the CPU 101 completes the process of setting the color of the result display figure to the first color (step S912), step S913 is performed. The process is transferred to.

  The CPU 101 scans the preparation start time ton associated with each record, and checks whether there is a record for which the preparation start time ton has elapsed (step S913).

  The record whose preparation start time ton has passed is a record in which the preparation start time ton and the current screen update count t satisfy the relationship of ton <t, and the target state 505 is “unprocessed”. .

  When there is a record that exceeds the preparation start time ton (step S913: YES), the CPU 101 brings the color of the corresponding result display figure close to the second color by the luminance increase / decrease value set in step S806 ( Step S914).

  When there is no record that exceeds the preparation start time ton (step S913: NO), the CPU 101 performs processing for bringing the color of the result display figure closer to the second color by the luminance increase / decrease value set in step S806. When (Step S914) is completed, the process proceeds to Step S915.

  The CPU 101 scans the turn-off time toff associated with each record to check whether there is a record for which the turn-off time toff has elapsed (step S915).

  The record for which the turn-off time toff has elapsed is a record in which the turn-off time toff and the current screen update count t satisfy the relationship of toff <t, and the target state 505 is “successful”.

  If there is an object that satisfies the extinction condition (step S915: YES), the CPU 101 sets the color of the corresponding result display figure to the first color (step S916).

  When there is no CPU 101 that satisfies the turn-off time passage condition (step S915: NO), and when the process of setting the color of the corresponding result display figure to the first color (step S916) is completed, step 101 is performed. The processing moves to S917.

  The CPU 101 controls the image processing unit 107 to output a signal for displaying a result display figure, target, standard, and the like corresponding to each record 502 on the screen of the display device 610 (step S917).

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 10A, a screen displayed on the display device 610 by a signal output from the game device according to the present embodiment will be described.

  In the present embodiment, four target movement paths are prepared in accordance with the arrangement of the mat type controller 105. The screen 1000 includes a total of four vertical movement paths 1002L, 1002D, 1002U, and 1002R (hereinafter collectively referred to as movement paths 1002 as necessary). The four movement routes 1002 are prepared because there are four types of operation inputs 504, and each of the movement routes 1002 is associated with one of the four types of operation inputs. That is, “left” is associated with the travel route 1002L, “down” is associated with the travel route 1002D, “up” is associated with the travel route 1002U, and “right” is associated with the travel route 1002R. Then, the target 302 is displayed on the movement route 1002.

  Each target 302 is represented by an arrow image indicating one of the up, down, left, and right directions. Whether each target 302 is represented by an arrow image indicating which direction depends on which moving path 1002 the target 302 is displayed on. That is, the target 302L displayed on the movement path 1002L is represented by a left-pointing arrow image, and the target 302D displayed on the movement path 1002D is represented by a down-pointing arrow image and displayed on the movement path 1002U. The target 302U is represented by an upward arrow image, and the target 302R displayed on the movement path 1002R is represented by a right arrow image.

  An aiming line 1004 is displayed above the screen 1000 in the horizontal direction. A stationary mark 301 is displayed near the intersection between the line of sight 1004 and each movement path 1002. Similar to the target 302, the stationary mark 301 is represented by an arrow image indicating one of the up, down, left, and right directions. That is, the stationary mark 301L displayed near the intersection of the movement path 1002L and the aiming line 1004 is represented by an image of a leftward arrow, and the stationary mark 301D displayed near the intersection of the movement path 1002D and the aiming line 1004 is directed downward. The stationary mark 301U that is represented by an arrow image and displayed near the intersection of the movement path 1002U and the aiming line 1004 is represented by an upward arrow image and is displayed near the intersection of the movement path 1002R and the aiming line 1004. The stationary mark 301R is represented by a right arrow image.

  Both the aiming line 1004 and the stationary mark 301 indicate the timing at which the player should press the button 202. That is, the player monitors how the target 302 moves on the movement path 1002 from the bottom of the screen 1000 to the top. Then, when the target 302 moves to a position that overlaps the stationary mark 301 displayed on the movement path 1002, the player can select one of the buttons 202 corresponding to the direction of the arrow drawn on the stationary mark 301. Press the button. Note that the player may press the button with reference to the aiming line 1004 without referring to the stationary mark 301.

  Here, when the distance from the lower end of the screen 1000 to the line of sight 1004 is H, and the moving distance per unit screen update number in which each target 302 moves is v, if the task time 503 of a record 502 is T, this record The target 302 corresponding to 502 is displayed at the lower end of the screen at the TH / V step from the start of the game. Thereafter, after t steps have elapsed from the start of the game, the target 302 is displayed upward by v (t−T) + H from the lower end of the screen 1000.

  The target 302 is displayed so as to move at the same moving distance v per unit screen update count even after passing the line of sight 1004. Assuming that the distance from the line of sight 1004 to the upper end of the screen 1000 is K, the display of the target 302 is stopped when T + K / v steps have elapsed since the start of the game.

  Therefore, the CPU 101 scans the record 502 in the table 501 and searches for the target 302 to be currently displayed. In the above example, when the task time 503 of the record 502 is T, the target 302 for the record 502 that satisfies T−H / v ≦ t ≦ T + K / v is selected as the operation input type 504. In the corresponding movement route 1002, the image is displayed at a place moved by v (t−T) + H from the lower end of the screen 1000.

  Here, as illustrated in FIG. 10B, the target 302 includes a determination target region 1008. If the player presses the corresponding button while the determination target area 1008 overlaps the line of sight 1004, the operation input to the target 302 becomes “success”. Note that the determination target area 1008 may not be clearly indicated to the player. In the description of the display position of the target 302 described above, the “determination target region 1008 included in the target 302” is simply described as “target 302” for easy understanding.

  In the present embodiment, if the height of the determination target region 1008 is h, h = d / v. Therefore, the determination target area 1008 reaches the aiming line 1004 at the time of the screen update count t = T, and the determination target area 1008 leaves the aiming line 1004 at the time of the screen update count t = T + d. Become.

  On the screen of the display device 610, a result display figure (for example, the target 302R) is displayed in the first color, the second color, or an intermediate color between the first color and the second color. .

  This is the end of the description of the screen, and the description returns to the flowchart below.

  When the CPU 101 ends the process of outputting the generated signal (step S917), the CPU 101 ends the signal generation process (step S809). Then, the CPU 101 stands by until the next vertical synchronization (step S810). Other processing may be executed during this standby. When the next vertical synchronization interrupt occurs, the CPU 101 increases the screen update count t (step S811), and the screen update count t reaches E (end time 521) associated with the subject (step S812). : NO), step S809 to step S811 are repeated. That is, when the CPU 101 determines that the screen update count t does not reach E (end time 521) associated with the task (step S812: YES), the CPU 101 returns the process to the signal generation process (step S809).

  The time point when t = E is the time point when the BGM performance is just finished, and T (task time 503) is smaller than E (end time 521) for any record 502. E (end time 521) is also stored in the assignment data 500. When the screen update count t reaches E (end time 521) associated with the task (step S812: NO), the game device ends the game control process.

  Here, the relationship between the signal luminance Bsig and the actual luminance of the result display graphic displayed on the screen of the display device 610 (hereinafter referred to as “display luminance Bdis”) will be described with reference to FIGS. It is assumed that the luminance of the pixels displaying the result display graphic is the same, and this luminance is referred to as the luminance of the result display graphic.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between the signal luminance Bsig and the display luminance Bdis when the operation input is performed in the predetermined time period Tgiv and the operation input is successful. As shown in FIG. 11, the signal luminance Bsig maintains the first luminance B1 until the preparation start time ton, and gradually increases from the first luminance B1 after the preparation start time ton and until an operation input is made. Then, after the operation input is made and until the turn-off time toff elapses, the second luminance B2 is held, and after the turn-off time toff elapses, the first luminance B1 is held. On the other hand, the display brightness Bdis maintains the first brightness B1 until the preparation start time ton, and gradually follows the signal brightness Bsig after the preparation start time ton and until an operation input is made. Until the elapse of a certain time after the operation input (hereinafter referred to as “response time Tres”), the second luminance is increased to a greater degree than after the preparation start time ton and until the operation input is performed. The time until the turn-off time toff elapses after the response time Tres elapses and the turn-off time toff (hereinafter referred to as “light-on time Trig”) is maintained at the second luminance B2, and a certain time ( Hereinafter, the second luminance B2 decreases to the first luminance B1 until “delay time Tdel” elapses, and after the delay time Tdel elapses, the first luminance B1 is maintained. .

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between the signal luminance Bsig and the display luminance Bdis when the operation input is successful at the earliest time of the predetermined time period Tgiv. As shown in FIG. 12, when the operation input is performed at the earliest time in the predetermined time zone Tgiv and the operation input is successful, the response time Tres is the longest.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between the signal luminance Bsig and the display luminance Bdis when an operation input is performed at the latest time of the predetermined time period Tgiv and the operation input is successful. As shown in FIG. 13, when an operation input is made at the latest time of the predetermined time zone Tgiv and the operation input is successful, the response time Tres becomes the shortest (the response time Tres is not present in the example shown in FIG. 13).

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the signal luminance Bsig and the display luminance Bdis when an operation input is made at a time earlier than the predetermined time period Tgiv and the operation input fails. As shown in FIG. 14, the signal luminance Bsig maintains the first luminance B1 until the preparation start time ton, and gradually increases from the first luminance B1 after the preparation start time ton and until an operation input is made. After the operation input is made, the first luminance B1 is held. On the other hand, the display brightness Bdis maintains the first brightness B1 until the preparation start time ton, and gradually follows the signal brightness Bsig after the preparation start time ton and until an operation input is made. The first brightness B1 is lowered until a certain time has elapsed after the operation input is made, and then the first brightness B1 is held.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the signal luminance Bsig and the display luminance Bdis when an operation input is made at a time later than the predetermined time period Tgiv and the operation input fails. As shown in FIG. 15, the signal luminance Bsig maintains the first luminance B1 until the preparation start time ton, and after the preparation start time ton and until the predetermined time period Tgiv ends, the signal luminance Bsig starts from the first luminance B1. The luminance B2 gradually increases to a luminance B2 of 2, and after the predetermined time period Tgiv ends, the first luminance B1 is maintained. On the other hand, the display brightness Bdis maintains the first brightness B1 until the preparation start time ton, and follows the signal brightness Bsig after the preparation start time ton and the predetermined time period Tgiv ends. From the second luminance B2 to the first luminance B1 until the delay time Tdel elapses after the predetermined time period Tgiv ends, and after the delay time Tdel has elapsed, the second luminance B2 gradually increases. A luminance B1 of 1 is held.

16 and 17, a conventional game device (a game device that does not perform preliminary lighting unlike the game device of the present invention, that is, a game device that maintains the signal luminance Bsig at the first luminance B1 until an operation input is made) is displayed. The relationship between the signal luminance Bsig of the signal to be output and the display luminance Bdis of the display device is shown.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between the signal luminance Bsig and the display luminance Bdis when an operation input is performed in a predetermined time zone Tgiv and the operation input is successful in the conventional game device. As shown in FIG. 16, the signal luminance Bsig holds the first luminance B1 until an operation input is made, and holds the second luminance B2 after the operation input is made and until the turn-off time toff elapses. After the turn-off time toff has elapsed, the first luminance B1 is held. On the other hand, the display brightness Bdis maintains the first brightness B1 until an operation input is made, and increases from the first brightness B1 to the second brightness B2 until the delay time Tdel elapses after the operation input is made. The second luminance B2 is maintained after the delay time Tdel has elapsed and until the extinction time toff has elapsed, and from the second luminance B2 to the first luminance until the delay time Tdel has elapsed after the extinction time toff has elapsed. When the delay time Tdel elapses, the first luminance B1 is maintained.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between the signal luminance Bsig and the display luminance Bdis when the operation input fails without performing the operation input in the predetermined time zone Tgiv in the conventional game device. As shown in FIG. 17, the signal luminance Bsig holds the first luminance B1. On the other hand, the display brightness Bdis holds the first brightness B1.

  According to the game device according to the present embodiment, preliminary lighting is performed on the graphic indicating the determination result for the operation input before the operation input is performed. For this reason, it is possible to shorten the time from when the operation input is made until the graphic indicating the determination result for the operation input is displayed. Specifically, the response time Tres in this embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 is shorter than the conventional response time Tres shown in FIG. It should be noted that, as in the present embodiment, the elapsed time has elapsed so that the result display graphic is displayed in the second color when the predetermined time period Tgiv ends until the operation input is received from the preparation start time ton. At the same time, the response time Tres can be further shortened by displaying the colors so that the colors gradually change from the first color to the second color. In particular, when the operation input is made at the end of the predetermined time period Tgiv, the response time Tres can be made extremely short (the response time Tres is made zero) as shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, even if the operation input is unsuccessful, the player can naturally see that the operation input has failed. For example, if the operation input is too early and fails, as shown in FIG. 14, a signal for displaying a predetermined graphic in the first color is output immediately after the operation input, so the result display graphic is 2 is not displayed. For example, even if the operation input is too late and fails, as shown in FIG. 15, a signal for displaying the result display graphic in the first color is output immediately after the predetermined time period Tgiv has elapsed. Therefore, the result display figure is not displayed in the second color.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, an example in which a fixed value set in advance as the preparation time Tred is used has been described. However, according to the present invention, the preparation time Tred can be set based on the display delay time Tdel of the display device 610. Although a method for acquiring the delay time Tdel is arbitrary, in the present embodiment, a method for acquiring the delay time Tdel from the database will be described.

  In other words, the game apparatus is configured to further include a database in which the name of the display device 610 and the delay time Tdel are stored in association with each other, and when the player selects the name of the display device 610, the delay time Tdel is acquired. . By configuring the game device in this way, the length of the delay time (the size of the display delay) for each display device can be acquired, and the determination result for the operation input is set to the display delay size of each display device. Appropriate display can be made accordingly.

(Configuration of game device)
As illustrated in FIG. 18, the game device 1800 according to the present embodiment includes a reception unit 601, a determination unit 602, an output unit 603, and a database 604.

  The accepting unit 601 accepts an operation input from a player. The receiving unit 601 is realized by the mat type controller 105 or the like.

  The determination unit 602 determines whether or not the time when the operation input is received is included in the predetermined time period Tgiv. The determination unit 602 is realized by the CPU 101 or the like.

  The output unit 603 outputs a signal for causing the display device 610 to display a predetermined graphic as shown in (A) to (D) above. The output unit 603 sets the preparation time Tred and the preparation start time ton based on the signal indicating the delay time Tdel supplied from the database 604. The output unit 603 is realized by the CPU 101, the image processing unit 107, and the like.

  The database 604 stores the name of the display device 610 and the display delay time Tdel of the display device 610 in association with each other. When the information indicating the name of the display device 610 is supplied from the player, the database 604 supplies information indicating the delay time Tdel associated with the name of the display device 610 to the output unit 603. The name of the display device 610 may be anything as long as the information identifies the display device 610.

  The display device 610 displays an image including a result display graphic in accordance with the signal supplied from the output unit 603.

(Game device operation)
Next, the operation of the game apparatus 1800 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a game control process executed by the game device according to the present embodiment.

  When the game is started, the CPU 101 reads and initializes the task data 500 from the DVD-ROM to a predetermined task data area of the RAM 103 (step S1901). Next, the CPU 101 sets a predetermined time zone (step S1902).

  Then, the CPU 101 receives an input of the name of the display device 610 (step S1903). Any method may be used for receiving the input of the name of the display device 610. For example, the CPU 101 controls the image processing unit 107 to display the name candidate of the display device 610 on the display device 610, and the mat type controller 105 is used. The name of the display device 610 selected by the player is received.

  Next, the CPU 101 searches the database 604 using the name of the display device 610 received in step S1903 as a key, and acquires the delay time Tdel associated with the name of the display device 610 (step S1904).

  Then, the CPU 101 sets a preparation time Tred (step S1905). In the present embodiment, the CPU 101 sets the preparation time Tred based on the delay time Tdel acquired in step S1904. For example, the preparation time Tred is determined so that the sum of the preparation time Tred and the time of the predetermined time zone Tgiv is somewhat larger than the delay time Tdel (for example, several times). By setting the preparation time “Tred” in this way, even if it takes time until the graphic indicated by the signal is displayed on the display device 610 after the signal is supplied to the display device 610, the display device The difference between the color of the graphic indicated by the signal supplied to 610 and the color of the graphic displayed on the display device 610 can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to display a figure in a color close to the color of the figure displayed when the operation input is made at a time when the operation input is made. A figure can be displayed in color.

  Since Steps S1906 to S1914 are the same as Steps S804 to S812 in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the preparation time Tred is set based on the delay time Tdel acquired from the database 604. For this reason, it is possible to set an appropriate preparation time Tred according to the delay time Tdel of the display device 610, and it is possible to start changing the color of the figure indicating the determination result for the operation input at an appropriate timing. Therefore, the determination result for the operation input can be appropriately displayed according to the display delay size of the display device 610.

(Third embodiment)
In the second embodiment, the display delay time Tdel of the display device 610 is stored in the database 604 in advance. However, the delay time Tdel may be acquired dynamically.

(Configuration of game device)
As illustrated in FIG. 20, the game device 2000 according to the present embodiment includes a reception unit 601, a determination unit 602, an output unit 603, and an imaging device 605.

  The accepting unit 601 accepts an operation input from a player. The receiving unit 601 is realized by the mat type controller 105 or the like.

  The determination unit 602 determines whether or not the time when the operation input is received is included in the predetermined time period Tgiv. The determination unit 602 is realized by the CPU 101 or the like.

  The output unit 603 outputs a signal for causing the display device 610 to display a predetermined graphic as shown in (A) to (D) above. The output unit 603 outputs a signal (hereinafter referred to as “test signal”) that causes the display device 610 to display a predetermined graphic by switching between the first color and the second color. The output unit 603 sets the preparation time Tred and the preparation start time ton based on the delay time Tdel calculated based on the image information supplied from the imaging device 605. The output unit 603 is realized by the CPU 101, the image processing unit 107, and the like.

  The imaging device 605 images the display screen of the display device 610 while the output unit 603 outputs a test signal. Then, the imaging device 605 supplies information indicating the captured image to the output unit 603.

  The display device 610 displays an image including a result display graphic in accordance with the signal supplied from the output unit 603.

(Game device operation)
Next, the operation of the game apparatus 2000 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a game control process executed by the game device according to the present embodiment.

  When the game is started, the CPU 101 reads and initializes the task data 500 from the DVD-ROM to a predetermined task data area of the RAM 103 (step S2101). Next, the CPU 101 sets a predetermined time zone Tgiv (step S2102).

  Next, the CPU 101 controls the imaging device 605 to start imaging the display screen of the display device 610 (step S2103).

  Then, the CPU 101 outputs a test signal to the display device 610 (step S2104). The test signal may be any signal as long as the display delay time Tdel of the display device 610 can be obtained. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, the result display graphic is displayed with the second luminance B2 only from the lighting time ton to the extinguishing time toff, that is, during the lighting instruction time Tind, and the result is displayed for the other times. It can be a signal for displaying a graphic with the first luminance B1.

  Next, the CPU 101 calculates the delay time Tdel based on the image captured by the imaging device 605 (step S2105). The method for calculating the delay time Tdel is arbitrary, but in the example shown in FIG. 22, the time when the luminance of the result display figure is switched from the first luminance B1 to the second luminance B2 in the test signal, that is, the lighting time The time from ton to the time when the luminance of the result display figure becomes the second luminance B2 on the image can be set as the delay time Tdel. Or, in the example shown in FIG. 22, the time from the lighting time ton to the turn-off time toff, that is, the lighting instruction time Tind, the time when the luminance of the result display figure is the second luminance B2 on the image, that is, the lighting time Tlig. A value obtained by subtracting can be used as the delay time Tdel.

  Then, the CPU 101 sets a preparation time Tred (step S2106). In the present embodiment, the CPU 101 sets the preparation time Tred based on the delay time Tdel calculated in step S2105. Note that the method for setting the preparation time Tred based on the delay time Tdel is the same as that in the second embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  Steps S2107 to S2115 are the same as steps S804 to S812 in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the preparation time Tred is set based on the delay time Tdel calculated based on the image information captured by the imaging device 605. Therefore, it is possible to set an appropriate preparation time Tred according to the delay time Tdel of the display device 610, and to start changing the color of the result display figure at an appropriate timing. Therefore, the determination result for the operation input can be appropriately displayed according to the display delay size of the display device 610. According to the present embodiment, the display delay time Tdel of the display device 610 may not be stored in advance in a database or the like.

(Modification)
The present invention is not limited to the first to third embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible.

  For example, in the first to third embodiments, an example is shown in which a target (for example, the target 302R) is adopted as a result display graphic indicating whether or not the operation input is successful. However, a graphic other than the target such as a stationary mark (for example, stationary mark 301R) may be adopted as the result display graphic, or a dedicated graphic indicating the determination result may be separately displayed as the result display graphic.

  FIG. 23A, FIG. 23B, FIG. 23C, and FIG. 23D show the color of the figure 400 when a dedicated figure indicating the determination result, for example, the figure 400 is adopted as the result display figure indicating whether or not the operation input is successful. It is a figure for demonstrating how it changes.

  As shown in FIG. 23A, until the preparation start time ton is reached, the graphic 400 is displayed in the first color (for example, displayed in a transparent manner (not displayed)). Then, as shown in FIG. 23B, after the preparation start time ton has elapsed and before the button 202R is pressed, the graphic 400 is displayed in an intermediate color between the first color and the second color (for example, It is displayed semi-transparently.) Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 23C, the graphic 400 is displayed in the second color until a predetermined time has elapsed after the button 202R is pressed in the predetermined time period Tgiv. (For example, it is displayed in a color that is neither transparent nor translucent.) Then, as shown in FIG. 23D, after a predetermined time has elapsed after the button 202R is pressed in the predetermined time period Tgiv, the figure 400 Displayed in the first color. (For example, it is displayed in a transparent state (not displayed).) On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 23E, after the predetermined time zone Tgiv has passed without the button 202R being pressed, the graphic 400 is displayed in the first color. (For example, it is displayed transparently (not displayed)). In this way, a result display graphic may be prepared separately from the target, and the result display graphic may be displayed only when the operation input is successful.

  In the first to third embodiments, the increase / decrease value of the luminance of the result display graphic is set to the time when the result display graphic displayed in the first color at the preparation start time ton ends the predetermined time period Tgiv. It was set to be displayed in the second color. However, as the increase / decrease value of the luminance of the result display figure, a value having an absolute value smaller than this may be adopted. Even in this case, the time from when the operation input is made until the result display figure is displayed in the second color can be shortened.

  As described above, according to the present invention, in a game in which a player performs an operation input in accordance with the presented timing, a game device, a game control method, and a game device suitable for appropriately displaying a determination result for the operation input, A program can be provided to realize these by a computer.

100 Information processing apparatus 101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
104 Interface 105 Mat-type controller 106 External memory 107 Image processor 108 DVD-ROM drive 109 NIC
110 Audio processing unit 111 RTC
202L, 202D, 202U, 202R Button 301L, 301D, 301U, 301R Still mark 302L, 302D, 302U, 302R Target 400 Graphic 500 Problem data 501 Table 502 Record 503 Problem time 504 Operation input type 505 Target state 511 Threshold time 521 End time 600, 1800, 2000 Game device 601 Reception unit 602 Determination unit 603 Output unit 604 Database 605 Imaging device 610 Display device 1000 Screen 1002L, 1002D, 1002U, 1002R Moving path 1004 Aiming line 1008 Determination target region

Claims (9)

A reception unit for receiving operation input from the player,
A determination unit that determines whether or not the time at which the operation input is accepted is included in a predetermined time period;
An output unit that outputs to the display device a signal for displaying a predetermined graphic whose color changes according to a result of the determination by the determination unit;
The output unit displays the predetermined figure on the display device.
(A) display until the time (hereinafter referred to as “preparation start time”) preceding the predetermined time period by a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as “preparation time”);
(B) From the preparation start time until the operation input is accepted, a signal for displaying the color gradually changing from the first color to the second color as time elapses is output. Game device to play. The game device according to claim 1,
The output unit displays the predetermined figure on the display device.
(C) From the preparation start time until the predetermined time period ends without accepting the operation input, display is performed so that the color gradually changes from the first color to the second color over time. Let
(D) After it is determined that the time at which the operation input is received is included in the predetermined time period, the second input color is displayed.
(E) After it is determined that the time at which the operation input is accepted is not included in the predetermined time period, or after the predetermined time period has ended without accepting the operation input from the preparation start time. And outputting a signal to be displayed in the first color. The game device according to claim 1 or 2,
The game apparatus, wherein the second color has a higher brightness than the first color. The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The output unit displays the predetermined figure on the display device.
(F) When the predetermined time period ends until the operation input is received from the preparation start time or until the predetermined time period ends without receiving the operation input from the preparation start time. A game apparatus that outputs a signal that causes the color to gradually change from the first color to the second color as time passes so that the second color is displayed. The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The preparation time is set based on a time from when a signal for displaying the predetermined graphic to the display device is supplied until the predetermined graphic is displayed on the display device (hereinafter referred to as “delay time”). A game device characterized by being played. The game device according to claim 5,
The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the preparation time is set longer than a time obtained by subtracting the predetermined time period from the delay time. The game device according to claim 5,
An imaging device for imaging the display screen of the display device;
The output unit outputs a signal that causes the display device to switch and display the predetermined figure between the first color and the second color,
The imaging device images a display screen of the display device while the output unit outputs the signal,
The time required for the display of the predetermined graphic on the image captured by the imaging device to switch between the first color and the second color is acquired as the delay time. Game device to play. A game control method executed by a game device including a reception unit, a determination unit, and an output unit,
A receiving step in which the receiving unit receives an operation input from a player;
A determination step in which the determination unit determines whether or not the time at which the operation input is received is included in a predetermined time period;
The output unit includes an output step of outputting a signal for displaying a predetermined graphic whose color changes according to a result of determination by the determination unit to a display device,
The output unit displays the predetermined figure on the display device.
(A) display until the time (hereinafter referred to as “preparation start time”) preceding the predetermined time period by a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as “preparation time”);
(B) From the preparation start time until the operation input is accepted, a signal for displaying the color gradually changing from the first color to the second color as time elapses is output. Game control method to play. Computer
A reception unit for receiving operation input from the player,
A determination unit that determines whether or not the time at which the operation input is accepted is included in a predetermined time period;
A program that functions as an output unit that outputs a signal for displaying a predetermined graphic whose color changes according to a result of determination by the determination unit to a display device,
The output unit displays the predetermined figure on the display device.
(A) display until the time (hereinafter referred to as “preparation start time”) preceding the predetermined time period by a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as “preparation time”);
(B) From the preparation start time until the operation input is accepted, a signal for displaying the color gradually changing from the first color to the second color as time elapses is output. Program to do.

Images