JP2012249965A - Game device, game device control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To adjust a plurality of images in a limited area so that a player can easily view them.SOLUTION: A game problem representing timing of an operation which a player is to perform is stored in a problem storage unit 501. An interval receiving unit 502 receives a designation of a time interval which is to be an object to be edited. An image display unit 503 displays a first image of interest which represents a distribution in game time of the timing of the operation which is represented by the game problem, and a second image of interest which overlaps the first image of interest either in whole or in part and which represents a distribution in a time interval of the timing which is included in a received time interval among the timing of the operation which is represented by the game problem. A location receiving unit 504 receives a designation of a location which is included in a region displayed in the second image of interest. A problem update unit 505 determines the timing associated with the location which is received in the second image of interest and adds a new game problem which represents the determined timing.

Description

  The present invention relates to a game apparatus, a game apparatus control method, and a program suitable for adjusting a plurality of images so that a player can easily see a limited area.

  There is a game in which data created by the player can be reflected in the play. For example, in a game where the user can enjoy the feeling of dancing by moving his body according to the instructions displayed on the monitor as shown in Patent Document 1, game data (hereinafter referred to as “game task”) which is prepared in advance is determined. ")", As well as a version that has a mode that allows players to play using game tasks freely edited. In addition to games, there is application software that allows general users to edit musical scores on a personal computer and compose music freely.

Japanese Patent No. 3003851

  By the way, the size and resolution of the monitors used by players (users) are generally different, and it is not possible for the producer to pre-configure the screen for players to edit game tasks etc. so that all players will be satisfied. It's not easy. For example, when a user composes a song, the user can view the entire song's waveform while enlarging and displaying the area near the currently edited measure, allowing multiple images to be viewed at once. Although it can be provided, an increase in the amount of information to be displayed may result in a screen that is difficult to see as a whole or a complicated screen configuration. In addition, since the size and resolution of the monitor are limited, it may be difficult to display a plurality of images such as an entire image and a partial image side by side.

  The present invention solves such problems, and provides a game device, a game device control method, and a program suitable for adjusting a plurality of images so that a player can easily see them within a limited area. The purpose is to do.

  In order to achieve the above object, the following invention is disclosed in accordance with the principle of the present invention.

A game device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a task storage unit, a section receiving unit, an image display unit, a position receiving unit, and a task updating unit.
The task storage unit stores a game task that represents the timing of an operation to be performed by the player within the game time during which the game is played.
The section receiving unit receives from the player a designation of a time section to be edited within the game time.
The image display unit displays the first attention image representing the distribution of the operation timing represented by the stored game task within the game time and the first attention image in a part or all of the displayed area. A second image of interest that overlaps the region of interest and represents a distribution in the time interval of the timing included in the accepted time interval of the operation timing represented by the stored game task; Is displayed on the screen.
The position receiving unit receives a designation of a position included in an area where the second attention image is displayed on the screen from the player.
The task update unit determines the timing associated with the position received in the distribution in the second image of interest, and updates the task storage unit by adding a new game task that represents the determined timing.
The first attention image includes a first object representing each of all the game tasks within the game time.
In addition, the second attention image includes a second object image representing each of all the game tasks in the accepted time interval within the game time.
Then, the image display unit reduces a portion where each of the first object image and each of the second object image overlap based on the distribution of the first object image and the distribution of the second object image. In addition, at least one of the position and shape of the region where the first image of interest is displayed is changed.

  In a game played on the game device of the present invention, the player can freely edit the game data and use it for play. For example, the player can edit musical score data in a music game and terrain map data in a war game. On the screen for editing the game data, a first attention image representing the entire game data and a second attention image representing (for example, enlarging) a specified portion of the first attention image are displayed. . Part or all of the area where the first attention image is displayed and the area where the second attention image is displayed may overlap. The player browses the first target image when looking at the entire game data out of the two target images displayed at the same time, and browses the second target image when he / she wants to look at a specific part of the game data. Can be used properly.

  Specifically, the game data is data defining a game task that represents the timing of an operation to be performed by the player. For example, in a dance game, an operation to be performed by a player is to press a button of the input device or move the input device itself in accordance with an instruction on how to move which part of the body. The timing is typically defined using the time (in-game time) that flows in the game world, such as how many seconds from the beginning of the dance task song, how many beats of the measure song, and what beat. Is done. The game task may be freely edited and saved by the player, or may be prepared in advance.

  The player can freely edit the game task. Specifically, the player first designates a time section to be a game task edit target within the game time, such as from what measure to how many measures of the music. Next, the player designates an in-game time to add a game task in the editing section. For example, the player can issue an instruction to add the game task “move the foot to the left” at what beat of what measure of the music.

  On the monitor, two types of the above-mentioned first attention image and second attention image representing the game task being edited are displayed. The first attention image includes a first object image representing each of all game tasks. The second attention image includes a second object image representing each game task included in the time segment to be edited among all game tasks. When a game task is added / deleted / changed, the changed content is recorded in an external memory or the like, and is reflected in the first attention image and the second attention image.

  If the first attention image and the second attention image are randomly overlapped, the first attention image and the second attention image may not be distinguished from each other. Therefore, in the present invention, the display position of the first image of interest is adjusted so that the portion where the first object image and the second object image overlap is reduced. That is, even if the distribution of the first object image and the distribution of the second object image is changed by editing the game task, the display position is changed so as not to overlap each other as much as possible. Therefore, even if the information to be displayed is changed by editing the game task, both the first attention image and the second attention image are always easy to see. According to the present invention, the game device can adjust a plurality of images so that the player can easily see them within a limited area.

  The image display unit may further change at least one of the position and shape of the area where the second image of interest is displayed.

  That is, the game device adjusts not only one of the position and shape of the first image of interest but also one of the position and shape of the second image of interest, thereby allowing a plurality of areas within a limited area to be adjusted. You can adjust the image to make it easier for players to see. The room for the game device to be adjusted increases, and the effect of making it easier for the player to see a plurality of images increases.

The image display unit may further display a cursor image indicating a position in the screen for the position receiving unit to receive the designation of the position.
Then, the image display unit displays the first target image based on the distribution of the second object image and the position of the cursor image so that the portion where each of the second object images overlaps the cursor image is reduced. At least one of the position and shape of the displayed area and / or at least one of the position and shape of the area where the second attention image is displayed may be changed.

  According to the present invention, not only the first object image and the second object image representing the game task to be edited, but also the cursor image for the player to specify the position in the screen is overlapped as much as possible. Therefore, the effect of making it easier for the player to see a plurality of images is enhanced. The cursor image is generally simply referred to as “cursor” or “mouse pointer” or “mouse cursor”.

The game apparatus may further include a music playback unit that plays back music.
Then, the task update unit determines the timing associated with the position received in the distribution in the second image of interest, and for each timing corresponding to the front beat, the back beat, and the beginning of the bar of the music to be played back Of these, a new game task representing the timing closest to the determined timing may be added.

  That is, the timing represented by the added game task is limited to the timing that matches the reproduced music as much as possible. According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the effect of making it easier for a player to see a plurality of images, and to create a game task with less discomfort for the game.

The game task may indicate the type of operation that the player should perform in association with the timing of the operation that the player should perform.
The game device may further include a type designation unit that accepts designation of the type of operation to be performed by the player.
Then, the task update unit may add a new game task in which the determined timing is associated with the designated operation type.

  That is, the game task that can be added may define not only the timing of the operation to be performed by the player but also the content of the operation to be performed by the player. According to the present invention, there is an advantage that an effect of making it easy for a player to view a plurality of images is enhanced, and variations of game tasks that can be created by the player are widened.

  The image display unit arranges the first object image representing the added new game task in the first attention image, and associates it in advance with the type of operation to be performed by the player in the second attention image. A second object image representing a new game task that has been added may be placed on the lane.

  According to the present invention, the player can easily distinguish the type of game task by the position of the lane. Then, when editing the game task, the player can continue the editing work with little consideration on which lane the game task to be determined should be placed, thereby reducing the burden on the player.

  The image display unit may move the first target image in the direction of a vector connecting from the center of gravity position of the distribution of the second object image to the center position of the second target image.

  According to the present invention, the game device can efficiently obtain the distribution bias of the second object image, and can adjust the screen configuration so that a plurality of images can be easily seen by the player.

The area for displaying the second image of interest may be divided into a plurality of blocks.
Then, the image display unit may obtain the direction in which the first image of interest is moved based on the direction associated with the block in which the second object image is most frequently included among the plurality of blocks.

  According to the present invention, the game device can efficiently obtain the distribution bias of the second object image, and can adjust the screen configuration so that a plurality of images can be easily seen by the player.

A control method for a game device according to another aspect of the present invention is a control method executed by a game device having a task storage unit, a section receiving unit, an image display unit, a position receiving unit, and a task updating unit. A reception step, an image display step, a position reception step, and a task update step.
The task storage unit stores a game task that represents the timing of an operation to be performed by the player within the game time during which the game is played.
In the section receiving step, the section receiving unit receives from the player a designation of a time section to be edited within the game time.
In the image display step, the image display unit displays the first attention image representing the distribution of the operation timing represented by the stored game task within the game time, and a part or all of the displayed area is the first A second image of interest that overlaps the area in which the image of interest is displayed, and is a second image representing the distribution of the timing included in the accepted time interval of the operation timing represented by the stored game task in the time interval. 2 attention images are displayed on the screen.
In the position receiving step, the position receiving unit receives from the player a designation of a position included in the area where the second image of interest is displayed on the screen.
In the task update step, the task update unit determines the timing associated with the position received in the distribution in the second image of interest, and adds a new game task that represents the determined timing, thereby storing the task. Update the department.
The first attention image includes a first object image representing each of all game tasks within the game time.
In addition, the second attention image includes a second object image representing each of all the game tasks in the accepted time interval within the game time.
In the image display step, the image display unit overlaps each of the first object image and each of the second object image based on the distribution of the first object image and the distribution of the second object image. At least one of the position and shape of the area where the first image of interest is displayed is changed so that the number of parts is reduced.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to adjust a plurality of images so that the player can easily see them within a limited area.

A program according to another aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as a task storage unit, a section receiving unit, an image display unit, a position receiving unit, and a task updating unit.
The task storage unit stores a game task that represents the timing of an operation to be performed by the player within the game time during which the game is played.
The section receiving unit receives from the player a designation of a time section to be edited within the game time.
The image display unit displays the first attention image representing the distribution of the operation timing represented by the stored game task within the game time and the first attention image in a part or all of the displayed area. A second image of interest that overlaps the region of interest and represents a distribution in the time interval of the timing included in the accepted time interval of the operation timing represented by the stored game task; Is displayed on the screen.
The position receiving unit receives a designation of a position included in an area where the second attention image is displayed on the screen from the player.
The task update unit determines the timing associated with the position received in the distribution in the second image of interest, and updates the task storage unit by adding a new game task that represents the determined timing.
The first attention image includes a first object image representing each of all game tasks within the game time.
In addition, the second attention image includes a second object image representing each of all the game tasks in the accepted time interval within the game time.
Then, the image display unit reduces a portion where each of the first object image and each of the second object image overlap based on the distribution of the first object image and the distribution of the second object image. In addition, at least one of the position and shape of the region where the first image of interest is displayed is changed.

According to the present invention, it is possible to cause a computer to function as a game device that operates as described above.
The program of the present invention can be recorded on a computer-readable information storage 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 storage medium can be distributed and sold independently from the computer.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a game device, a game device control method, and a program that are suitable for adjusting a plurality of images so that a player can easily see a limited area.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the typical information processing apparatus with which the game device of this invention is implement | achieved. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of a 1st controller. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of a 2nd controller. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a game screen. It is a figure for demonstrating the functional structure of a game device. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the screen for editing a game task. It is a figure which shows the correspondence of a 1st attention image and a 2nd attention image. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the screen for editing a game task. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the screen for editing a game task. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the screen for editing a game task. It is a figure which shows the correspondence of a 1st attention image and a 2nd attention image. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a game process. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which calculates | requires the task time of a new game task. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which arrange | positions the object image showing a new game task. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which calculates | requires the distribution bias of a 2nd object image. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which calculates | requires the distribution bias of a 2nd object image.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described. In order to facilitate understanding, an embodiment in which the present invention is realized using an information processing device for games will be described. However, the embodiment described below is for explanation, and the scope of the present invention is not limited. It is not limited. 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.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a typical information processing apparatus 100 that performs the functions of the game apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention by executing a program.

  The information processing apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, an interface 104, a first controller 105, an external memory 106, a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc ROM) drive 107, An image processing unit 108, an audio processing unit 109, a NIC (Network Interface Card) 110, and a second controller 111 are provided.

  When a DVD-ROM storing a game program and data is loaded into the DVD-ROM drive 107 and the information processing apparatus 100 is turned on, the program is executed and the game apparatus according to the present embodiment is realized. Is done.

  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. Further, the CPU 101 uses arithmetic operations such as addition / subtraction / multiplication / division, logical sum, logical product, etc. using an ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) (not shown) for a storage area called a register (not shown) that can be accessed at high speed. , Logic operations such as logical negation, bit operations such as bit sum, bit product, bit inversion, bit shift, and bit rotation can be performed. In addition, the CPU 101 itself is configured so that saturation operations such as addition / subtraction / multiplication / division for multimedia processing, vector operations such as trigonometric functions, etc. can be performed at a high speed, and those provided with a coprocessor. There is.

  The ROM 102 records an IPL (Initial Program Loader) that is executed immediately after the power is turned on, and is executed by the CPU 101 after the power is turned on. Then, the program recorded on the DVD-ROM is read out to the RAM 103 by the CPU 101, and execution of the program is started. 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 chat communication. Further, the CPU 101 provides a variable area in the RAM 103 and performs an operation by directly operating the ALU on the value stored in the variable, or temporarily stores the value stored in the RAM 103 in the register. Perform operations such as performing operations on registers and writing back the results of operations to memory.

  The first controller 105 and the second controller 111 connected via the interface 104 receive an operation input performed when the player executes a game. Details of the first controller 105 and the second controller 111 will be described later. In the following description, the first controller 105 may be simply referred to as “controller”, and the second controller 111 may be referred to as “mat”.

  The external memory 106 detachably connected via the interface 104 stores data indicating game play status (past results, etc.), data indicating game progress, and chat communication log (record) in the case of a network battle. ) Is stored in a rewritable manner. The player can record these data in the external memory 106 as appropriate by inputting an instruction via the first controller 105 or the second controller 111.

  A DVD-ROM mounted on the DVD-ROM drive 107 stores a program for playing a game and image data and audio data associated with the game. Under the control of the CPU 101, the DVD-ROM drive 107 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 108 processes the data read from the DVD-ROM by the CPU 101 or an image arithmetic processor (not shown) provided in the image processing unit 108, and then performs a frame memory (not shown) provided in the image processing unit 108. Record). 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 108. 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, when the virtual space is configured in three dimensions, the polygon information arranged in the three-dimensional space and added with various texture information is rendered by the Z buffer method, and a predetermined viewpoint position is used. It is also possible to execute a calculation at high speed to obtain a rendering image in which a polygon arranged in the virtual space is viewed in the direction of a predetermined line of sight.

  Further, the CPU 101 and the image arithmetic processor cooperate to draw a character string as a two-dimensional image in a frame memory or draw it on the surface of each polygon according to font information that defines the character shape. Is possible.

  The audio processing unit 109 converts audio data read from the DVD-ROM into an analog audio signal, and outputs it from a speaker 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 reproduced, and sound corresponding to this is output from the speaker.

  When the audio data recorded on the DVD-ROM is MIDI data, the audio processing unit 109 refers to the sound source data included in the audio data and converts the MIDI data into PCM data. If the compressed audio data is in ADPCM format or Ogg Vorbis format, it is expanded and converted to PCM data. The PCM data can be output by performing D / A (Digital / Analog) conversion at a timing corresponding to the sampling frequency and outputting it to a speaker.

  Furthermore, a microphone can be connected to the information processing apparatus 100. In this case, the analog signal from the microphone is subjected to A / D (Analog / Digital) conversion at an appropriate sampling frequency so that the audio processing unit 109 can perform mixing or the like as a PCM format digital signal. To.

  The NIC 110 is used to connect the information processing apparatus 100 to a computer communication network (not shown) such as the Internet, and is based on the 10BASE-T / 100BASE-T standard used when configuring a LAN (Local Area Network). To connect to the Internet using an analog modem, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) modem, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) modem, cable television line A cable modem or the like and an interface (not shown) that mediates between these and the CPU 101 are configured.

  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 107, and the like. You may comprise.

  The information processing apparatus 100 described above corresponds to a so-called “consumer video game apparatus”, but the present invention can be realized as long as it performs image processing to display a virtual space. Therefore, the present invention can be realized on various computers such as a mobile phone, a portable game device, a karaoke device, and a general business computer.

  For example, a general computer, like the information processing apparatus 100, includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a DVD-ROM drive, and an NIC, and an image processing unit having a simpler function than the information processing apparatus 100. In addition to having a hard disk as an external storage device, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic tape, and the like can be used. Further, instead of the first controller 105 and the second controller 111, a keyboard, a mouse, or the like can be used as an input device.

  In the present embodiment, as the first controller 105, an input device that can measure various parameters such as its current position and posture in a real space is employed.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the external appearance of the first controller 105 and the information processing apparatus 100 that can measure various parameters such as position and posture in the actual space. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  The first controller 105 is a combination of the grip module 201 and the light emitting module 251. The grip module 201 is communicably connected to the information processing apparatus 100 by wireless communication, and the light emitting module 251 is communicably connected to the information processing apparatus 100 by wire. The sound and image of the processing result of the information processing apparatus 100 are output and displayed by the television apparatus 291.

  The grip module 201 has an appearance similar to the remote controller of the television device 291, and a CCD camera 202 is disposed at the tip thereof.

  On the other hand, the light emitting module 251 is fixed to the upper part of the television device 291. Light emitting diodes 252 are disposed at both ends of the light emitting module 251, and emits light when power is supplied from the information processing apparatus 100.

  The CCD camera 202 of the grip module 201 takes a picture of the light emitting module 251.

  Information on the captured image is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 100, and the CPU 101 of the information processing apparatus 100 determines the grip module for the light emitting module 251 based on the position where the light emitting diode 252 is captured in the captured image. The position of 201 is acquired.

  In addition, an acceleration sensor, an angular acceleration sensor, an inclination sensor, and the like are built in the grip module 201, and the posture of the grip module 201 itself can be measured. These measurement results are also transmitted to the information processing apparatus 100.

  A cross-shaped key 203 is arranged on the upper surface of the grip module 201, and the player can input various direction instructions by pressing the cross-shaped key 203. In addition to the A button 204, various buttons 206 are also arranged on the upper surface, and an instruction input associated with the button can be performed.

  On the other hand, the B button 205 is disposed on the lower surface of the grip module 201 and, in combination with the depression formed on the lower surface of the grip module 201, simulates a trigger in a handgun or a magic hand. Typically, the B button 205 is used to input an instruction for firing with a handgun or holding with a magic hand in a virtual space.

  Further, the indicator 207 on the upper surface of the grip module 201 presents to the player the operating status of the grip module 201 and the status of wireless communication with the information processing apparatus 100.

  A power button 208 prepared on the upper surface of the grip module 201 turns on / off the grip module 201 itself, and the grip module 201 is operated by a built-in battery (not shown).

  In addition, a speaker 209 is disposed on the upper surface of the grip module 201 and outputs a sound based on a sound signal input from the sound processing unit 109. A vibrator (not shown) is prepared inside the grip module 201 so that the presence / absence and strength of vibration can be controlled based on an instruction from the information processing apparatus 100.

  The following description is based on the assumption that the position and orientation of the grip module 201 in the real world are measured using the first controller 105 that is a combination of the grip module 201 and the light emitting module 251. However, regardless of the above-described form, for example, when the position and orientation of the first controller 105 in the real world are measured using ultrasonic waves, infrared communication, GPS (Global Positioning System), or the like. And within the scope of the present invention.

  The second controller (mat) 111 is placed on a floor or the like, and has a mat shape that allows a player to press a predetermined area on the surface with a foot or a hand. In a predetermined area on the surface of the second controller 111, a button for receiving an instruction input by pressing from the player or a sensor for detecting pressure applied by the player is arranged.

  FIG. 3 is a view of the second controller 111 installed on the floor as viewed from directly above. In a predetermined area of the second controller 111, a button 301 for accepting an input indicating "left" from the player, a button 302 for accepting an input indicating "down" from the player, and an input indicating "up" from the player are received. A button 303 and a button 304 for receiving an input for instructing “right” from the player are arranged. The player can press the buttons 301 to 304 at an arbitrary timing.

  A state where the buttons 301 to 304 are pressed by the player is referred to as a “pressed state”, and a state where the buttons 301 to 304 are not pressed is referred to as a “non-pressed state”. The CPU 101 determines whether each of the buttons 301 to 304 is in a pressed state or a non-pressed state.

  The second controller 111 of this embodiment includes four buttons 301 to 304, but the number of buttons is not limited to four, and may be three or less or five or more.

  Next, an outline of a game executed by the information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, a dance game will be described as an example in which a player can experience the atmosphere of dancing when his / her body is moved according to the presented instructions. However, the game content is not limited to a dance game, and the present invention can be applied to any game that may display a plurality of images simultaneously. Further, the present invention can be applied not only to a game but also to an editor such as a musical score using a general personal computer.

  FIG. 4 is a configuration example of a game screen displayed on the monitor. On the game screen, stationary marks 401 to 404 that are drawn fixedly at predetermined positions in the screen and instruction marks 410 (410A, 410B, 410C, and 410D in this figure) that the drawing position moves with the passage of time. ), A bar line 420 (denoted as 420A, 420B, and 420C in the figure) indicating the break of the bar of the music to be played, a gauge 430 indicating the player's performance, and other background images.

  The instruction mark 410 and the bar line 420 are scroll-displayed according to the music to be played. In the present embodiment, the instruction mark 410 is drawn with any of the up, down, left, and right arrows. The instruction mark 410 indicates that the player should make a movement related to the direction indicated by the drawn arrow at that timing, that is, the game task described above.

  For example, the instruction mark 410 indicates that the player should press the button corresponding to the drawn arrow among the buttons 301 to 304 at the timing indicated by the instruction mark 410. Typically, the player may step on the buttons 301 to 304 with one foot. In this case, the instruction mark 410 is also called “stepping position instruction mark” or “footnote”.

  Alternatively, for example, the instruction mark 410 represents that the grip module 201 should be shaken in the direction corresponding to the drawn arrow at the timing indicated by the instruction mark 410. In this case, the instruction mark 410 is also called a “swing position instruction mark” or “hand score”.

  Each of the stationary marks 401 to 404 indicates a timing at which the player should press the buttons 301 to 304 (hereinafter also referred to as “task time”). In the present embodiment, the stationary marks 401 to 404 are drawn with images of any of the up, down, left, and right arrows.

  The instruction mark 410 moves in accordance with the music playback speed toward the position where the stationary marks 401 to 404 are drawn. When the instruction mark 410 moves to the same position as the stationary marks 401 to 404, if the player presses the button corresponding to the direction of the arrow drawn on the stationary marks 401 to 404 among the buttons 301 to 304, the player's score A predetermined score is added or a value (dance meter) indicated by the gauge 430 is increased.

  When the instruction mark 410 has moved to a position overlapping any of the stationary marks 401 to 404, when the player presses a button (any one of the buttons 301 to 304) corresponding to the arrow indicated by the moved instruction mark 410 with the foot. , You can enjoy the feeling of dancing to the music being played.

  The instruction mark 410 continues to move in the same direction after overlapping with any of the stationary marks 401 to 404, and eventually disappears from the screen. Note that the CPU 101 displays an instruction mark 410 corresponding to the game task for which the player's score determination is completed from the screen when the player's score determination is completed or after a predetermined time has elapsed since the player's score determination is completed. It may be erased.

  The game task of this embodiment is defined by a combination of a task time and information specifying a button to be pressed at the task time. One game task is expressed as [Equation 1].

  P (i) = (T (i), B (x)) [Equation 1]

  However, the game of the present embodiment has N (N is an integer of 1 or more) game tasks, and P (i) is the i-th game task (i is an integer of 1 to N) from the top. Represents. T (i) represents the task time corresponding to the game task P (i). B (x) represents the type of operation to be performed by the player (hereinafter also referred to as “task content”).

  When the instruction mark 410 indicates “footnote”, the task content B (x) includes a value B (L) indicating that the player should press the button 301 and a value indicating that the player should press the button 302. One of B (D), a value B (U) indicating that the player should press the button 303, and a value B (R) indicating that the player should press the button 304 are designated.

  When the instruction mark 410 indicates “hand score”, the task content B (x) includes H (L) indicating that the player should swing the grip module 201 in the left direction, and the player moves the grip module 201 to his / her own. H (D) indicating that the player should swing downward, H (U) indicating that the player should swing his / her grip module 201 upward, and H (U) indicating that the player should swing his / her grip module 201 rightward One of H (R) is designated.

For example, it is assumed that a certain game task is expressed as [Equation 2].
P (i) = (T (i), B (L)) [Equation 2]
At this time, the i-th game task of the game is “the player presses the left button 301 of the second controller 111 at the task time T (i)”. Normally, the player only has to step on the left button 301 with his / her foot when the time in the game reaches T (i).

For example, it is assumed that a certain game task is expressed as [Equation 3].
P (i) = (T (i), H (R)) [Equation 3]
At this time, the i-th game task of the game is “the player swings the grip module 201 to the right at the task time T (i)”. When the time in the game reaches T (i), the player only has to swing the hand holding the grip module 201 to the right side of the player.

  A plurality of task contents can be associated with one task time. However, it is desirable to associate at most two task contents with one task time. For example, when two task contents B (x1) and B (x2) are associated with the task time T (i), the game task is expressed as [Equation 4].

  P (i) = (T (i), B (x1), B (x2)) [Equation 4]

  Alternatively, as shown in [Equation 5] and [Equation 6], they may be expressed as two different game tasks.

P (i) = (T (i), B (x1)) [Equation 5]
P (i + 1) = (T (i), B (x2)) [Equation 6]

For example, it is assumed that a certain game task is expressed as [Equation 7].
P (i) = (T (i), B (L), B (R)) [Equation 7]
At this time, the i-th game task of the game is “the player presses the left button 301 of the second controller 111 and the right button 304 of the second controller 111 at the task time T (i). That's it. When the time in the game reaches T (i), the player may step on both the left button 301 and the right button 304 with his / her foot.

  The CPU 101 determines the player's score for each game task based on how close the button indicated by the task content among the buttons 301 to 304 is pressed to the task time. For example, if the button indicated by the task content is pressed at the same timing as the task time, “PERFECT”, the CPU 101 presses the button indicated by the task content at a timing within a predetermined margin before and after the task time. It is determined as “GOOD” or “BAD” when pressed or not pressed at other timings.

  Alternatively, the CPU 101 may determine the player's score for each game task based on whether the button indicated by the task content among the buttons 301 to 304 is pressed at the task time.

  It is assumed that initial data indicating a game task is stored in advance in the DVD-ROM or the external memory 106. However, as will be described later, game tasks may be added, deleted, or updated in accordance with player instructions.

  In this embodiment, the task content is associated with the task time and the game task is defined, but the game task may be defined only for the task time. For example, in the case of a game in which only one of buttons 201 to 204 is used or a game in which any button is pressed regardless of the content in accordance with the rhythm of the music to be reproduced, [Equation 7] As shown, the game task may be represented only by the task time.

  P (i) = (T (i)) (Equation 7)

  There is no particular limitation on the number of game tasks that can be set for one song. The CPU 101 or the game creator can arbitrarily define the task time and content of the game task. The game task may be fixedly defined in advance before the start of the game, depending on the progress of the game, the elapsed time in the game, the passage of time in the real world, the player's results, the music to be played, etc. The CPU 101 can change, add or delete game tasks each time.

  In the present embodiment, the player can create a game task having a desired content to be operated at a desired in-game time by operating the first controller 105 and / or the second controller 111. That is, the player can freely edit the original game task array (hereinafter also referred to as “music score”) and save it in the external memory 106 or the like. Details of the screen configuration for creating a game task will be described later. Then, the player can play a game of dancing according to the musical score created by the player.

  Next, a functional configuration of the game apparatus 500 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The game device 500 includes a task storage unit 501, a section reception unit 502, a display unit 503, a position reception unit 504, and a task update unit 505.

  The task storage unit 501 stores the above-described game task that represents the timing (task time) of the operation to be performed by the player within the time when the game is played (game time). In the present embodiment, the game task is defined by associating the task content with the task time. However, it is sufficient that the game task includes at least the task time, and the game task may be defined only by the task time. Data defining the game task is stored in the RAM 103. Note that data defining game tasks stored in the RAM 103 may be updated by the CPU 101 as described later. The RAM 103 and the CPU 101 cooperate to function as the task storage unit 501.

  The section receiving unit 502 receives a designation of a time section to be a game task editing target within the game time from the player. The player can arbitrarily designate a time section in which he / she wants to edit the game task among all time sections of the music to be played (all time sections in which the game is played). “Editing” includes, for example, creating a new game task, deleting a game task, changing a game task, and the like. The CPU 101, the first controller 105, and the second controller 111 cooperate to function as the section receiving unit 502.

  Specifically, the player operates at least one of the first controller 105 and the second controller 111 to edit an arbitrary time section of all sections from the beginning to the end of a certain piece of music. Can be specified as a target. The time interval to be edited is sandwiched between the edit start time specified by the elapsed time from the beginning of the music and the edit end time specified by the elapsed time from the beginning of the music. The length of the time interval to be edited may be determined in units of hours, minutes, seconds, or may be determined in units of musical measures, VSYNC (vertical synchronization interrupt), or the like.

  The image display unit 503 generates a first attention image and a second attention image and displays them on the monitor. The first attention image is an image representing the distribution of the operation timing represented by the game task stored in the task storage unit 501 within the game time. The second attention image represents a distribution in the time interval of the timing included in the time interval received by the interval receiving unit 502 among the operation timings represented by the game task stored in the task storage unit 501. It is an image. The CPU 101 and the image processing unit 108 cooperate to function as the image display unit 503.

  FIG. 6 shows a display example of the first attention image 610 and the second attention image 620. The first attention image 610 represents a distribution of game tasks defined from the beginning to the end of the music to be played, and the player can preview all of the game tasks defined for the entire music. It is an image. The second attention image 620 represents a distribution of game tasks included in a section that is currently a game task edit target, from the beginning to the end of the reproduced music.

  In addition to the first attention image 610 and the second attention image 620, for example, the palette images 601 to 604 for specifying the task content of the game task to be added, and an instruction to newly start editing the game task Button image 605, button image 606 for instructing to read out data representing a game task that has already been created from the external memory 106, etc., and instructing to record data representing the game task being edited in the external memory 106, etc. Button image 607 to be designated, button image 608 for instructing to discard the data representing the game task being edited, and a position in the second attention image 620 (or a position in the first attention image 610). A cursor image 650, a time axis 660, and the like are displayed.

  The area where the first attention image 610 is displayed and the area where the second attention image 620 is displayed partially or entirely overlap. If the range that can be displayed on the monitor is sufficiently large, the game apparatus 500 may be able to configure the game screen so that the first target image 610 and the second target image do not overlap at all. However, when the size and accuracy of the connected monitor varies depending on the usage environment, such as a home game machine, the game screen is displayed so that the first attention image 610 and the second attention image do not overlap at all. If configured, the display of both the first attention image 610 and the second attention image 620 becomes small, and there is a possibility that the game screen becomes very difficult to see for the player. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the game device 500 assumes that the first attention image 610 and the second attention image 620 partially or entirely overlap with each other, and the first attention image 610 and the second attention image 620. All of these are designed to make it easier for players to see.

FIG. 7 is a diagram in which the first target image 610 and the second target image 620 are extracted and compared with each other. The entire time interval indicated by the second attention image 620 corresponds to a part of the time interval T _START to T _END among all the time intervals indicated by the first attention image 610. It can be said that the second attention image 620 is an enlarged display of a part of the first attention image 610.

  The first attention image 610 includes first object images 711 and 712 representing game tasks. The second attention image 620 includes object images 721 and 722 representing game tasks. The first object image 711 in the first target image 610 corresponds to the second object image 721 in the second target image 620, and the first object image 712 in the first target image 610 is It corresponds to the second object image 722 in the second attention image 620.

The position of the first object image 711 in the first image of interest 610 indicates how long the task time of the game task represented by the first object image 711 has elapsed since the beginning of the music. Show. Further, the second object image 721, the position in the second target image 620, task time of a game challenges the second object image 721 is represented, which part of the period from the editing section _{T START} to _{T END} It is shown.

  In addition, the game task time represented by the second object image 721 is presented to the player in an easy-to-understand manner by drawing a line indicating the bar break position and a line indicating the beat position on the second target image 620. become able to. Although not shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 101 displays not only the second attention image 620 but also the first attention image 610 with a line indicating a bar break position and a beat position. You may draw so that the line shown may be drawn.

  Further, based on the distribution of the first object image and the distribution of the second object image, the CPU 101 reduces the portion where each of the first object image and each of the second object image overlap. Configure the game screen.

  More specifically, when the distribution of the second object image included in the second target image 620 is biased in any direction in the screen, the CPU 101 performs the first direction in the direction opposite to this bias. An attention image 610 is arranged. For example, in FIG. 6, the second object images 711 and 712 are all close to the left side in the screen, and the distribution of the second object image is biased to the left as a whole. Therefore, the CPU 101 arranges the first attention image 610 on the right side of the second attention image 620 where the second object images 711 and 712 are not arranged.

  For example, in FIG. 8, the second object images 821, 822, and 823 are all on the right side in the screen, and the distribution of the second object image is biased to the right as a whole. Therefore, the CPU 101 arranges the first attention image 610 on the left side of the second attention image 620 where the second object images 821, 822, and 823 are not arranged.

  The CPU 101 may change not only the relative position of the second target image 620 with respect to the first target image 610 but also the position of the first target image 610 and the position of other images. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 101 changes the configuration of the entire screen by changing the display position of the time axis 660 or the like, or shifts the position of the area where the first attention image 610 is displayed. Also good.

  Further, the CPU 101 not only changes the position of the first attention image 610 and the position of the second attention image 620, but also changes the position of the first attention image 610 and the position of the second attention image 620. In addition to the above, as shown in FIG. 10, the shape of the first attention image 610 or the shape of the second attention image 620 may be changed. For example, in FIG. 10, the CPU 101 makes the horizontal width of the second target image 620 smaller than the horizontal width in FIG. 6. In accordance with the distribution of the first object image and the distribution of the second object image, the CPU 101 determines the shape and the shape of the first target image 610 so that the first object image and the second object image do not overlap as much as possible. Alternatively, the shape of the second attention image 620 may be changed. The CPU 101 can arbitrarily change the vertical width and horizontal width of the first target image 610 and the vertical width and horizontal width of the second target image 620.

The correspondence relationship between the first target image 610 and the second target image 620 in FIG. 10 is also shown in FIG. The entire time interval indicated by the second attention image 620 corresponds to a part of the time interval T _START to T _END among all the time intervals indicated by the first attention image 610.

  In general, the first target image 610 is an image representing the entire data, and the second target image 620 is an image representing a part of the entire image in an enlarged manner. For example, in the score editor, the first image of interest 610 is an image representing the score of the entire music, and the second image of interest 620 is an image representing the score of a part of the entire music. Also, for example, in the war game terrain map editor, the first attention image 610 is an image representing the terrain map of the whole world, and the second attention image 620 is an enlargement of the terrain map of a part of the whole world. It is an image represented.

  Next, the position receiving unit 504 receives a designation of a position included in the area where the second attention image 620 is displayed on the screen from the player. The CPU 101, the first controller 105, and the second controller 111 work together to function as the position receiving unit 504.

  More specifically, the player moves the cursor image 650 by operating the grip module 201 or the like. For example, when the cursor image 650 is placed on the part of the palette image 601 for adding the game task indicating “left direction”, when the A button 204 of the grip module 201 is pressed, the palette image 601 is selected. become. When the player moves the grip module 201 in this selected state, the cursor image 650 moves and a copy of the palette image 601 moves together. When the A button 204 is released from the second image of interest 620, a new “left direction” is displayed at the location where the cursor image 650 (or a copy of the palette image 601) was placed when the A button 204 was released. New game tasks are added. The same applies to the palette images 602, 603, and 604.

  The task update unit 505 determines the timing (task time) associated with the position received by the position receiving unit 504 in the distribution in the second target image 620. Then, the task update unit 505 adds a new game task that represents the determined timing. The task update unit 505 updates data representing a game task stored in the task storage unit 501. The CPU 101 and the RAM 103 cooperate to function as the task update unit 505.

For example, in FIG. 6, the time axis 660 associated with the second target image 620 is set at equal intervals from the editing section T _START to T _END , and the CPU 101 moves the cursor image 650 on the time axis 660. The in-game time corresponding to the position of the cursor image 650 is obtained by proportionally calculating the position.

  The task time of a new game task is determined from the position of the cursor image 650 on the time axis 660, and the task content of the new game task is determined by the type of palette image set in the selected state. The CPU 101 stores data indicating a new game task in the RAM 103.

  When the CPU 101 performs a predetermined cancel operation (for example, pressing operation of the button 205) in a state where the cursor image 650 is arranged on the second object image representing the game task that has been set, the CPU 101 Data representing the game task corresponding to the second object image arranged at the position overlapping the cursor image 650 is deleted from the RAM 103. As described above, data representing a game task stored in the RAM 103 is added or deleted in accordance with an instruction from the player.

  Next, game processing performed by the game apparatus 500 of the present embodiment will be described using the flowchart of FIG. In this game process, the game apparatus 500 adds a new game task in response to an instruction from the player. However, when deleting an existing game task, the general flow of the game processing is the same. Further, an interface (user interface) for receiving various instructions from the player is not limited by the present invention.

  First, the CPU 101 receives a designation of a time section that should be an editing section from the player (step S1201). For example, the player moves the cursor image 650 to a portion of the first image of interest 610 corresponding to the time interval that should be the editing interval, and performs a predetermined designation operation (for example, a pressing operation of the A button 205). As a result, the time section to be the editing section is designated.

  The CPU 101 includes a first attention image 610 representing a distribution of game tasks set within the entire time that the game is played (in other words, within the entire time of the music to be played back), and within the entire time that the game is played. Among them, the second attention image 620 representing the distribution of the game task set in the time interval specified in step S1201 is displayed on the monitor (step S1202).

  The CPU 101 receives designation of a position in the second attention image 620 from the player (step S1203). In other words, an input for designating an arbitrary position within the time interval to be edited is accepted from the player. For example, the position where the cursor image 650 is displayed is the position specified by the player. The player moves the cursor image 650 by changing the position and posture of the grip module 201 and designates the position.

  The CPU 101 obtains the timing associated with the position received in step S1203 (step S1204). This required timing represents an elapsed time from the start of the game, and is a task time of a newly added game task as will be described later.

  Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, a coordinate system is defined in advance in the second target image 620 (or the entire screen), and the CPU 101 acquires the coordinates of the position indicated by the cursor image 650. To do. The X axis represents the time axis of in-game time, and the time axis is defined at regular intervals. In addition to the game task 1310 that has already been defined, a copy 1330 of the palette image is displayed on the screen illustrated in FIG. When the posture of the grip module 201 is changed with the pallet image selected, a pallet image copy 1330 is displayed at substantially the same position as the cursor image 650. The palette image copy 1330 allows the player to easily grasp where a new game task is added and what the layout of the game task in the second image of interest 620 will be when added. To help.

  When an operation to add a game task is performed, the CPU 101 causes the difference between the X coordinate of the position indicated by the cursor image 650 and the X coordinate of the upper end of the second attention image 620, that is, the cursor image 650 and the second image. A distance LA between the upper end of the target image 620 is calculated. Similarly, the CPU 101 determines the difference between the X coordinate of the position indicated by the cursor image 650 and the X coordinate of the lower end of the second attention image 620, that is, between the cursor image 650 and the lower end of the second attention image 620. The distance LB is calculated. The operation for adding a game task is, for example, an operation of releasing a pressed button, an operation of pressing a predetermined button, or the like.

Further, the CPU 101 determines the absolute value of the time difference between the in-game time T _START corresponding to the upper end of the second attention image 620 and the in-game time T _END corresponding to the lower end of the second attention image 620, that is, the editing section. Calculate the length of time. Then, the CPU 101 calculates the in-game time T _CURSOR corresponding to the position indicated by the cursor image 650 from the calculated time length and the ratio of the calculated distance LA and distance LB. This in-game time T _CURSOR becomes the task time of a new game task.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, in the second attention image 620, lanes 1391 to 1394 having different Y coordinates for each type of task content are provided, and the same task content type is used. The second object image representing the task is arranged on the same lane. For example, the second object image representing the game task pointing in the “left direction” is all arranged on the lane 1391.

  When the Y coordinate of the cursor image 650 when an operation for adding a game task is performed is different from the Y coordinate of the lane associated with the game task associated with the selected palette image, the CPU 101 Arranges the second object image representing the newly added game task on the lane associated with the game task. For example, in the case of FIG. 13, the Y coordinate of the copy 1330 of the palette image is different from the Y coordinate of the lane 1394 associated with “left direction”. Therefore, when an operation for adding a game task is performed, the CPU 101 deletes the copy 1330 of the palette image and places an object image 1400 representing a new game task on the lane 1414. From the player, it looks as if the object image 1400 representing a new game task is automatically moved onto a predetermined lane. In other words, when the player moves the cursor image 650 in order to add a new game task, the player need only care about the X coordinate and does not need to worry about the Y coordinate.

  Similarly, in the first object image, the CPU 101 may arrange a first object image representing a newly added game task on a lane set in advance in the first target image 610.

Returning to FIG. 12, the CPU 101 adds a new game task representing the timing obtained in step S1204 (step S1205). The task time of the new game task to be added is the above-described T _CURSOR , and the task content is the task content corresponding to the palette image that was in the selected state. The CPU 101 stores data representing a new game task in the task storage unit 501.

  The CPU 101 arranges a new first object image representing a new game task in the first attention image 610, and sets a new second object image representing a new game task to the second attention image 620. Place in. Then, the CPU 101 adjusts the positions of the first attention image 610 and the second attention image 620 so that the overlapping portion between the first object image and the second object image is minimized (step S1206). .

  For example, the CPU 101 obtains the degree of bias of the second object image in the second target image 620 by quantifying, and moves the first target image 610 in a direction opposite to the biased direction. Alternatively, the CPU 101 moves the second attention image 620 in the same direction as the biased direction. The CPU 101 not only changes the positions of the first attention image 610 and the second attention image 620, but instead of changing the positions of the first attention image 610 and the second attention image 620. The shape and size of the first attention image 610 and the second attention image 620 may be changed.

  The CPU 101 displays, on the monitor, the first attention image 610 in which the new first object is arranged and the second attention image 620 in which the new second object image is arranged, the position of which is adjusted in step S1206. (Step S1207).

  Then, the CPU 101 determines whether or not to end the game task editing process based on an instruction from the player (step S1208).

  When it is determined that the editing is not ended (step S1208; NO), the CPU 101 repeats the processes of steps S1201 to S1207. On the other hand, when it is determined that the editing is to be ended (step S1208; YES), the CPU 101 stores data representing the game task in the external memory 106 or the like in association with the music (step S1209), and ends the game process.

  For example, when the CPU 101 displays a screen for selecting a song to be a task song of a dance game, the CPU 101 reads out audio data of the selected song from the DVD-ROM and is associated with the selected song in step S1209. The data representing the game task saved in is read. Then, the CPU 101 presents the game task to the player according to the read data representing the game task in the dance game using the selected music, and proceeds with the game.

  In addition, in the above-described game processing for editing the game task after the next time, the CPU 101 reads out the data representing the game task stored in the external memory 106 and the like before accepting the designation of the time section in step S1201 and again. Can be edited. In other words, the player can redo and edit again and again.

  According to the present embodiment, the game device 500 can adjust a plurality of images so that the player can easily see them within a limited area of the display range of the monitor. The first noted image 610 described above is an image for allowing easy previewing of all game tasks set by the player, and is an image that is very helpful in editing the game task. Further, the above-described second attention image 620 is an image for allowing the player to clearly see the time interval in which the player is currently editing the game task, and is an indispensable image for editing the game task. . Both are important, but if the monitor is small or the resolution is low, it may be difficult to display both images separately and large. Thus, by configuring the game apparatus 500 to change the display position, size, and shape of a plurality of images as needed as in the present embodiment, any of the plurality of images can be presented so that the player can easily see the images. .

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible. Moreover, it is also possible to freely combine the constituent elements of the above-described embodiments.

  For example, the CPU 101 not only reduces the portion where the first object image and the second object image overlap, but also determines the second object image based on the distribution of the second object image and the position of the cursor image 650. The position of the first image of interest 610 and / or the position of the second image of interest 620 may be adjusted so that the portion where each of the image and the cursor image 650 overlap is reduced. In general, it is estimated that the player's attention is gathered around the cursor image 650 indicating the position designated by the grip module 201. However, if the images in the vicinity of the cursor image are complicated and crowded, it may give the impression that the entire game screen is difficult to see. Therefore, by adjusting the cursor image so that not only the first object image and the second object image but also the cursor image overlap as much as possible, it is possible to provide an image that is easier to see for the player. Of course, the CPU 101 determines not only the positions of the first target image 610 and the second target image 620 but also the sizes and shapes of the first target image 610 and the second target image 620, the time axis 660, and the like. The position, size, and shape of the image may be changed.

  When determining the task time of a new game task, the CPU 101 does not calculate an accurate in-game time based on the coordinates of the cursor image 650, but has a beat closest to the in-game time corresponding to the coordinates of the cursor image 650. The in-game time may be set as a task time for a new game task. The position designated by the grip module 201 may not always be as intended by the player due to camera shake or the like. Also, if the in-game time corresponding to the position specified by the grip module 201 is used as it is as the task time, there is a possibility that the game task may be set at a halfway timing that does not match the rhythm of the music. It can be broken. Therefore, by limiting the timing at which a game task can be set to the “beat (table beat)” of the music, it becomes possible to set a game task that is more comfortable. However, the CPU 101 limits the timing at which a game task can be set to the so-called “back beat” corresponding to the middle of the beat, the beginning of a measure, or the like, instead of the “beat (front beat)” of the music. It may be.

  In the above description, there are various variations in the method in which the CPU 101 obtains the bias of the second object image in the second target image 620.

  For example, the CPU 101 acquires the coordinates where the second object image representing the game task is arranged in the area where the second attention image 620 is displayed. When there are a plurality of second object images in the area, the respective coordinates are acquired. Then, the CPU 101 calculates the coordinates of the center of gravity position of the second object image.

  FIG. 15 illustrates the positions 1511 to 1515 of the second object image arranged in the second attention image 620. In this example, the CPU 101 acquires the coordinates of the five positions 1511 to 1515 and calculates the coordinates of these barycentric positions 1520.

  Further, the CPU 101 calculates the coordinates of the center position 1510 of the second object image. Then, the CPU 101 calculates a vector 1530 that connects the center position 1510 to the center of gravity position 1520. If there is no bias in the distribution of the second object image, the length of the vector 1530 should be zero, and if there is a bias in the distribution of the second object image, the vector 1530 extends in a certain direction. Should have a finite length. The CPU 101 regards the obtained direction of the vector 1530 as the direction in which the distribution of the second object image is biased. Then, the CPU 101 moves the position of the first target image 610 in the direction opposite to the direction of the bias of the distribution of the second object image. The direction of moving the first image of interest 610 is opposite to the vector 1530.

  The amount by which the first target image 610 is moved may increase as the length (absolute value) of the vector 1530 increases. Alternatively, the amount of movement of the first image of interest 610 may decrease as the length (absolute value) of the vector 1530 increases. Typically, the CPU 101 can set the length inversely proportional to the length of the vector 1530 as the distance to move the first target image 610. It is desirable that the first target image 610 and the second object image 620 do not overlap, but conversely, if both are too far apart, it will be difficult for the player to see. Note that the amount of movement of the first target image 610 is set such that the first target image 610 does not protrude from the display area of the monitor (the first target image 610 is not missing).

  When the second target image 620 moves together with the first target image 610, the CPU 101 may set the movement direction of the second target image 620 in the same direction as the vector 1530. Further, the CPU 101 can set the amount of movement of the second image of interest to an amount that is inversely proportional to the length of the vector 1530. The reason for this setting is to prevent the first target image 610 and the second target image 620 from being separated too much, as described above.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the CPU 101 logically divides and manages the second target image 620 into a plurality of predetermined blocks (9 blocks 1601 to 1609 in this figure). The direction in which the first target image 610 is moved may be obtained based on the number of points indicating the position of the second object image included.

  For example, the CPU 101 obtains the number of points included in each block, and regards the direction associated with the block having the largest number of points as the direction in which the distribution of the second object image is biased. Then, the CPU 101 moves the position of the first target image 610 in the direction opposite to the direction of the bias of the distribution of the second object image. That is, in the case of FIG. 16, the CPU 101 moves the position of the first target image 610 in the “lower right direction” opposite to the “upper left direction” associated with the block 1601 having the largest number of points. The amount of movement may be a predetermined amount associated with the block 1601 having the largest number of points, or an amount that increases in proportion to or in inverse proportion to the number of points included in the block.

  A program for operating a computer as all or part of the above-described game device 500 is stored and distributed in a computer-readable recording medium such as a memory card, CD-ROM, DVD, or MO (Magneto Optical disk), This may be installed in another computer and operated as the above-described means, or the above-described steps may be executed.

  Furthermore, the program may be stored in a disk device or the like included in a server device on the Internet, and may be downloaded onto a computer by being superimposed on a carrier wave, for example.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a game device, a game device control method, and a program suitable for adjusting a plurality of images so that a player can easily view them within a limited area. Can do.

100 Information processing apparatus 101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
104 Interface 105 First controller (controller)
106 External memory 107 DVD-ROM drive 108 Image processing unit 109 Audio processing unit 110 NIC
111 Second controller (mat)
201 Grasping Module 202 CCD Camera 203 Cross Key 204 A Button 205 B Button 206 Various Buttons 207 Indicator 208 Power Button 209 Speaker 301-304 Button 401-404 Still Mark 410, 410A, 410B, 410C, 410D Instruction Mark 420A, 420B, 420C Bar line 430 Gauge 500 Game device 501 Task storage unit 502 Section reception unit 503 Image display unit 504 Position reception unit 505 Task update units 601 to 604 Palette images 605 to 608 Button image 610 First attention image 620 Second attention image 650 Cursor image 711, 712 First object image 721, 722 Second object image 1310 Object image 1330 representing an already defined game task is selected Copy of palette image 1391 to 1394 Lane 1400 Object image 1510 representing new game task Second center image position 1511 to 1515 Second object image position 1520 Second object image center of gravity position 1601 to 1609 Block 1611 -1615 Position of second object image

Claims (10)

A task storage unit that stores a game task that represents a timing of an operation to be performed by the player within a game time in which the game is performed;
A section receiving unit that receives from the player a designation of a time section to be edited within the game time;
A first attention image representing a distribution of the operation timing represented by the stored game task within the game time, and a region where the first attention image is displayed in a part or all of the displayed region; A second image of interest that overlaps with the second image of interest and represents a distribution in the time interval of the timing included in the accepted time interval of the operation timing represented by the stored game task; , And an image display section for displaying on the screen;
A position accepting unit that accepts designation of a position included in an area where the second image of interest is displayed on the screen from the player;
A task update unit that updates the task storage unit by determining a timing associated with the received position in the distribution in the second image of interest and adding a new game task that represents the determined timing. When,
With
The first attention image includes a first object image representing each of all game tasks within the game time,
The second attention image includes a second object image representing each of all the game tasks within the accepted time interval within the game time,
The image display unit includes a portion where each of the first object image and each of the second object image overlap based on the distribution of the first object image and the distribution of the second object image. Changing at least one of the position and shape of the region where the first image of interest is displayed, so as to reduce
A game device characterized by that. The game device according to claim 1,
The image display unit further changes at least one of a position and a shape of a region where the second attention image is displayed;
A game device characterized by that. The game device according to claim 2,
The image display unit further displays a cursor image indicating a position in the screen for the position receiving unit to receive the designation of the position;
The image display unit is configured to reduce a portion where each of the second object images and the cursor image overlap based on the distribution of the second object image and the position of the cursor image. Changing at least one of the position and shape of the area where the image of interest of the second is displayed, and / or at least one of the position and shape of the area where the image of the second attention is displayed,
A game device characterized by that. The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A music playback unit for playing back music is further provided.
The task update unit determines a timing associated with the received position in the distribution in the second image of interest, and each of the table beats, back beats, and bars corresponding to the beginning of the measure to be played back Add a new game task that represents the timing closest to the determined timing among the timings.
A game device characterized by that. The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The game task represents the type of operation to be performed by the player in association with the operation timing to be performed by the player.
A type designation unit for accepting designation of the type of operation to be performed by the player;
The task update unit adds a new game task in which the determined timing is associated with the specified type of operation.
A game device characterized by that. The game device according to claim 5,
The image display unit arranges a first object image representing the added new game task in the first attention image, and an operation to be performed by the player in the second attention image. Arranging a second object image representing the added new game task on a lane previously associated with the type,
A game device characterized by that. A game device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The image display unit moves the first image of interest in the direction of a vector connecting from the center of gravity of the distribution of the second object image to the center of the second image of interest;
A game device characterized by that. A game device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The area for displaying the second image of interest is divided into a plurality of blocks,
The image display unit obtains a direction in which the first image of interest is moved based on a direction associated with a block in which the second object image is most frequently included among the plurality of blocks.
A game device characterized by that. A control method executed by a game device having a task storage unit, a section receiving unit, an image display unit, a position receiving unit, and a task updating unit,
The task storage unit stores a game task that represents a timing of an operation to be performed by the player within a game time during which the game is performed.
A section receiving step in which the section receiving unit receives from the player a designation of a time section to be edited within the game time;
The image display unit includes a first attention image representing a distribution of the operation timing represented by the stored game task within the game time, and a part or all of the displayed area is the first attention. This is a second image of interest that overlaps the area where the image is displayed, and represents the distribution of the timing included in the accepted time interval among the operation timings represented by the stored game task in the time interval. An image display step for displaying a second image of interest on the screen;
A position receiving step in which the position receiving unit receives a designation of a position included in an area where the second image of interest is displayed on the screen from the player;
The task update unit determines a timing associated with the accepted position in the distribution in the second image of interest, and adds a new game task that represents the determined timing, whereby the task storage unit An issue update step to update
With
The first attention image includes a first object image representing each of all game tasks within the game time,
The second attention image includes a second object image representing each of all the game tasks within the accepted time interval within the game time,
In the image display step, the image display unit determines whether each of the first object image and the second object image is based on the distribution of the first object image and the distribution of the second object image. Changing at least one of the position and shape of the region in which the first image of interest is displayed so that there are fewer overlapping portions with each other,
A control method for a game device, comprising: Computer
A task storage unit that stores a game task that represents the timing of an operation to be performed by the player within the game time during which the game is performed,
A section receiving unit that receives designation of a time section to be edited within the game time from the player,
A first attention image representing a distribution of the operation timing represented by the stored game task within the game time, and a region where the first attention image is displayed in a part or all of the displayed region; A second image of interest that overlaps with the second image of interest and represents a distribution in the time interval of the timing included in the accepted time interval of the operation timing represented by the stored game task; , On-screen image display
A position accepting unit that accepts designation of a position included in an area where the second image of interest is displayed on the screen from the player;
A task update unit that updates the task storage unit by determining a timing associated with the received position in the distribution in the second image of interest and adding a new game task that represents the determined timing. ,
Function as
The first attention image includes a first object image representing each of all game tasks within the game time,
The second attention image includes a second object image representing each of all the game tasks within the accepted time interval within the game time,
The image display unit includes a portion where each of the first object image and each of the second object image overlap based on the distribution of the first object image and the distribution of the second object image. Changing at least one of the position and shape of the region where the first image of interest is displayed, so as to reduce
A program characterized by that.

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