JP2019146987A - Game machine and computer program thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine suitable for application for viewing a video during play for enjoying the game.SOLUTION: A game machine comprises: a first display unit 13; a stage comprising a floor surface set as a place where a player plays a game, and being arranged on a front side of a display surface of the first display unit 13; a sensor 14 for detecting a movement performed by the player on the floor surface; a second display unit 15 whose display surface is overlapped to the floor surface; and a game controller 20 for controlling the game. The game controller 20 comprises: a movement instruction part 24 for displaying an instruction image for instructing a movement on the basis of instruction data SD in which a movement to be performed by the player is described, on the first display unit 13; a movement evaluation part 25 for evaluating the movement of the player on the basis of comparison of the instruction of the movement and the movement detected by the sensor 14, then recording the evaluated movement in evaluation data AD; and a light emission control part 27 for displaying game related information based on instruction data SD or evaluation data AD on the second display unit 15.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a game machine of a type in which a player plays a game on a floor surface of a stage.

  A game machine configured such that a player takes a dance step in accordance with music, and has a stage on which at least one player can ride, and a plurality of input units on the stage that can detect the stepping action of the player Are arranged side by side, front, back, left, and right, the position of the input unit that the player should step on is sequentially instructed as the music played during the game progresses, and the detection result of the player's stepping motion is compared with the instruction to the player A game machine in which a player's step is evaluated is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The upper surface of the stepping sheet on which the player should ride is divided into a plurality of areas, characters and the like for distinguishing each area are printed on the stepping sheet, and the upper surface side of the stepping sheet is scanned vertically and horizontally by an infrared sensor to determine which area the player has. A game machine that detects whether the player is stepping on is also known (see, for example, Patent Document 2). There is also known an apparatus in which an LED matrix display device is installed on a dance floor, and information such as a step to be moved next by the user is sent to the user via the display device (for example, see Patent Document 3).

JP 2000-037490 A Japanese Patent No. 4580373 Special table 2008-522650 gazette

  As a way to enjoy a type of game machine that instructs the player to perform an action such as dancing, clear a highly difficult piece of music, etc., or obtain a higher score and raise the ranking among players quantitatively In addition to the way of enjoying competing for the indicated results, there is an increasing spread of ways of enjoying such as playing together and giving value to each other, such as posting the video being played to a community on the network. However, in a conventional game machine, an operation is instructed through a display device installed so as to face the player, and play evaluation is also displayed through the display device. Therefore, when a play is photographed without including the display device of the game machine in the field of view, the action of the player can be viewed, but what action is instructed from the game machine or how the action of the player is evaluated. It cannot be grasped from the video. That is, even if the video being played is viewed, the viewer cannot read the relationship with the game. When instructing the player to perform an action via the display device installed on the floor surface, the player is forced to take steps while always looking down. Therefore, it is difficult to perform a good-looking dance in the first place, and it is not suitable for providing the above-described way of enjoying.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a game machine or the like suitable for use in viewing and enjoying a video being played.

  A game machine according to one aspect of the present invention has a first display device and a floor surface set as a place where at least one player should play the game, and is disposed in front of the display surface of the first display device. A stage, a motion detection means for detecting motion performed by the player on the floor surface, a second display device provided so that a display surface overlaps the floor surface, and game control for controlling the game An operation instruction means for displaying an instruction image for instructing the action on the first display device based on instruction data describing the action to be performed by the player, Evaluation means for evaluating the action of the player based on a comparison between an instruction from the action instruction means and an action detected by the action detection means, and recording the evaluation data in the evaluation data; the instruction data and the evaluation A game-related information presentation means at least game-related information based on either one of chromatography data to be displayed on the second display device, in which is provided.

  A computer program for a game machine according to an aspect of the present invention has a first display device and a floor surface set as a place where at least one player should play the game, and the display surface of the first display device And a second display device provided so that a display surface overlaps the floor surface, a stage disposed in front of the player, motion detection means for detecting motion performed by the player on the floor surface A computer program for a game machine that causes a computer of the machine to function as a game control device that controls the game, wherein the game control device instructs the operation based on instruction data that describes an operation to be performed by the player An operation instruction means for displaying an instruction image to be displayed on the first display device, an instruction of the operation instruction means and an action detected by the action detection means Evaluation means for evaluating the action of the player based on the comparison and recording it in the evaluation data, and game-related information for causing the second display device to display game-related information based on at least one of the instruction data and the evaluation data It is comprised so that it may function as a presentation means.

The figure which shows an example of the game system containing the game machine which concerns on one form of this invention. The figure which shows the structure of a game machine. The figure which shows an example of schematic structure of a stage. The figure which shows an example of a stage sensor. The functional block diagram which shows an example of the principal part of the control system in a game machine. The functional block diagram which shows an example of the further structure of a game control part. The figure which shows an example of a structure of sequence data. The figure which shows an example of the game screen containing the instruction | indication image displayed based on sequence data. The figure which shows an example of the correspondence of the instruction | indication image of FIG. 8, and the determination area | region set on the floor surface of a stage. The flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of the operation instruction process which an operation instruction part performs. The flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of the evaluation process which an operation | movement evaluation part performs. The flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of the light emission control process which a light emission control part performs. The figure which shows an example of the image of one frame contained in the dance image image | photographed with a camera.

  Hereinafter, an example of a game system including a game machine according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, the overall configuration of the game system will be described with reference to FIG. The game system 1 includes a center server 2 as a server device, and a plurality of game machines 3 and a plurality of user terminal devices 4 as client devices connectable to the center server 2 via a predetermined network 5. In addition, a user's term is a general term of the person who uses the game system 1, and the user who plays a game with the game machine 3 may be called a player. The center server 2 is configured as a single logical server device by combining server units 2A, 2B... As a plurality of computer devices. However, the center server 2 may be configured by a single server unit. Alternatively, the center server 2 may be logically configured using cloud computing.

  The game machine 3 is for commercial use (for business use) that allows the user to play a game in exchange for payment of a predetermined play fee, within a range corresponding to the play fee, or without paying a play fee for the predetermined play range. It is configured as a game machine. This type of game machine 3 may be called an arcade game machine. The game machine 3 is a computer device installed in a predetermined facility such as the store 6 for the purpose of increasing the profit by repeatedly playing a game with a large number of users. The game machine 3 instructs the player to perform various actions constituting the dance, for example, a dance action such as stepping in a predetermined order according to music, and evaluates the action actually performed by the player in response to those instructions. It is configured as a dance game machine for playing a dance game.

  The user terminal device 4 is a computer device that can be connected to a network and is provided for a user's personal use. For example, a stationary or book-type personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) 4a or a mobile terminal device 4b such as a mobile phone (including a smartphone) is used as the user terminal device 4. In addition, various computer devices that can be connected to the network and are used for personal use of the user, such as stationary home game machines, portable game machines, and portable tablet terminal devices, are used as the user terminal device 4. It's okay. The user terminal device 4 can allow the user to enjoy various services provided by the center server 2 by installing various computer software.

  The network 5 may be appropriately configured as long as the game machine 3 and the user terminal device 4 can be connected to the center server 2 respectively. As an example, the network 5 is configured to realize network communication using a TCP / IP protocol. Typically, it is constructed by connecting the Internet 5A as a WAN and LANs 5B and 5C that connect the Internet 5A to the center server 2 and the game machine 3 via the router 5D. The user terminal device 4 is also connected to the Internet 5A with an appropriate configuration. Note that a local server may be installed between the game machine 3 and the router 5D of the store 6, and the game machine 3 may be communicably connected to the center server 2 via the local server. The server units 2A, 2B,... Of the center server 2 may be connected to each other by the WAN 5A instead of or in addition to the LAN 5C.

  Next, the configuration of the game machine 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 shows an example of one game machine 3. The game machine 3 in the illustrated example has a housing 10. The housing 10 includes a stage 11 that is installed on a horizontal plane on which the game machine 3 is to be installed, such as a floor surface of a facility such as a store 6, and a standing wall 12 that extends substantially vertically from an end of the stage 11. And is configured to exhibit a substantially L-shaped appearance as a whole. A main monitor 13 as an example of a first display device is attached to the upper front portion of the standing wall 12 so that the display surface 13a faces the stage 11 side. The main monitor 13 is a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display as an example. The direction orthogonal to the display surface 13a of the main monitor 13 is the front-rear direction of the game machine 3, and the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction on the horizontal plane is orthogonal to the left-right direction, front-rear direction, and left-right direction of the game machine 3. Is the vertical direction of the game machine 3. Therefore, when the main monitor 13 is used as a reference, the stage 11 is disposed in a region in front of the display surface 13a of the main monitor 13. However, with respect to the front, rear, left and right of the game machine 3, the front side, the rear side, the right side, and the left side are defined with reference to a state where the game machine 3 is viewed facing the display surface 13a. For example, the side toward the display surface 13a is the front side, and the side away from the display surface 13a is the rear side.

  As an example, the stage 11 is formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape that is long in the front-rear direction. The upper surface of the stage 11 has a size that allows two players PL1 and PL2 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as PL) to take a dance step in a state where they are lined up in the front-rear direction of the game machine 3. It is comprised as the surface 11a. Corresponding to the configuration in which two players PL are arranged in the front-rear direction, the floor surface 11a of the stage 11 has two play areas AR1, AR2 (hereinafter referred to as the floor surface 11a divided into two equal parts in the front-rear direction). AR may be represented.) Is set. In FIG. 2, the boundary position between the play areas AR1 and AR2 is indicated by a one-dot chain line BL.

  As an example, each play area AR is set as a range where one player PL should take a dance step. Each play area AR has the same shape and size. The size of one play area AR may be appropriately set according to the age group, physique range, and the like of the player PL that is assumed as the target of the dance game. As an example, in the case of providing a dance game for an adult player PL, the player PL changes the position in the left-right direction in one play area AR and takes a step to change the step position in the front-rear direction. When the dance game is configured so as not to be played, one play area AR may be set to approximately 0.5 m or more in the front-rear direction. In that case, the size in the left-right direction may be appropriately set according to how much the step position is changed. When the game machine 3 is configured for children, the play area AR may be set smaller than the above range. However, the size of the play area AR is not limited to the above example, depending on what layer the player PL is set as a target and what steps the player PL is required to ask. May be configured to have an appropriate size.

  As shown in more detail in FIG. 3, the stage 11 is provided with a stage sensor 14 and a floor display 15. The stage sensor 14 outputs a signal corresponding to an actual step position as a position where the player PL is actually stepping on the floor surface 11a. Thereby, the stage sensor 14 functions as an example of an operation detection unit. The stage sensor 14 will be described later. The floor display 15 functions as an example of a second display device by providing the display surface 15a so as to overlap the floor surface 11a. As the floor display 15, for example, an LED display in which LED elements 15 b (only part of which are shown in FIG. 4) are arranged in a matrix at a constant pitch on the front, rear, left and right over almost the entire display surface 15 a is used. The LED element 15b may be a so-called multi-color type LED element that combines elements that emit light of each of the three primary colors of red, green, and blue, or a single-color type LED that emits light of any one of red, green, and blue. An element may be sufficient and the white light emitting LED element which light-emits white may be sufficient. The display surface 15a of the floor display 15 is covered with a transparent protective layer (not shown) having a strength that can withstand the action of the player PL. The upper surface of the protective layer substantially functions as the floor surface 11a.

  The display surface 13a of the main monitor 13 may be arranged at the same level as the line of sight when the player PL standing on the floor surface 11a looks at the horizontal front. The height of the line of sight of the player PL changes according to the age group and physique of the player PL, but here the display surface is such that the player PL of the age group targeted by the dance game can easily observe the image on the display surface 13a. The height of 13a should just be set.

  A mirror 16 is attached to the standing wall 12 of the housing 10 so as to be positioned below the main monitor 13. The mirror 16 is disposed so as to face the chest part of the player PL standing facing the display surface 13a or the lower part from the abdomen. Therefore, the player PL1 located in the play area AR1 on the front side of the stage 11 can visually recognize what steps the player PL2 located in the play area AR2 on the rear side takes using the mirror 16. is there.

  The standing wall 12 of the housing 10 is further provided with a speaker device 17 for reproducing dance music, game sound effects, and the like, and a camera 18 for photographing the player PL on the floor surface 11a of the stage 11. The camera 18 is capable of shooting a moving image, and acquires a dance video (play video) obtained by shooting the action of the player PL during the game, for example, the player PL dancing to include the floor surface 11a. Thereby, the camera 18 functions as an example of an imaging unit. The camera 18 is disposed above the main monitor 13 and at the approximate center in the left-right direction so as to photograph the player PL from obliquely above the front. Therefore, the main monitor 13 is not included in the shooting range of the camera 18. A plurality of cameras may be attached to the standing wall 12 in order to photograph the player PL from a plurality of viewpoints. In addition to the camera 18 for photographing from the side of the main monitor 13, a frame-like structure is provided around the stage 11, and a further camera is installed on the structure so that the player PL can be photographed from the side or the rear. You may do it.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the stage sensor 14. The stage sensor 14 has a rectangular frame 14 a that surrounds the periphery of the floor surface 11 a of the stage 11. Infrared light as an example of scanning light focused in a beam shape is emitted to one long side (left side in FIG. 4) and one short side (upper side in FIG. 4) of the frame 14a. A plurality of light emitting units 14b are provided at a predetermined pitch (alignment interval), and a light receiving unit 14c that receives infrared light emitted from the light emitting unit 14b is provided on each of the other long side and short side with the light emitting unit 14b. They are provided at the same pitch. In FIG. 4, only a part of the light emitting units 14b and the light receiving units 14c are shown, but actually, the light emitting units 14b and the light receiving units 14c extend from one end to the other end in the long side direction and the short side direction of the frame 14a. It is provided at a constant pitch. The emission direction of the infrared light from the light emitting part 14b provided on the long side of the frame 14a is parallel to the short side direction of the frame 14a, and the infrared light of these light emitting parts 14b is received in the short side direction. The light enters the portion 14c. The emission direction of the infrared light from the light emitting part 14b provided on the short side of the frame 14a is parallel to the long side direction of the frame 14a, and the infrared light of these light emitting parts 14b is received in the long side direction. The light enters the portion 14c. Therefore, the space on the floor surface 11a of the stage 11 is scanned in a grid pattern vertically and horizontally with infrared light.

  The light receiving unit 14c outputs different signals depending on whether infrared light is detected or not detected. As an example, the light receiving unit 14c outputs an ON signal when infrared light is detected, and outputs an OFF signal when infrared light is not detected. When the player PL steps on one of the positions on the floor surface 11a, the infrared light is prevented from being incident on a part of the light receiving parts 14c by the legs of the player PL. Therefore, it is possible to detect which position on the floor surface 11a the player PL is stepping on by determining ON / OFF of the output signal of each light receiving unit 14c. Note that the pitch of the light emitting unit 14b and the light receiving unit 14c may be set as appropriate according to the resolution relating to the detection of the foot position of the player PL, that is, to what degree the foot position needs to be detected. . The pitch of the light emitting part 14b and the light receiving part 14c in the long side direction of the frame 14a and the pitch of the light emitting part 14b and the light receiving part 14c in the short side direction of the frame 14a may be the same or different. .

  As described above, the two play areas AR1 and AR2 are set on the floor surface 11a of the stage 11 with the boundary line BL that bisects the floor surface 11a in the front-rear direction (vertical direction in FIG. 4). In FIG. 4, the play area AR2 on the rear side of the stage 11 is indicated by hatching. Furthermore, in each play area AR, a plurality of (four in the illustrated example) determination areas DA are set by shifting the position in the left-right direction. Therefore, a total of eight determination areas DA are set on the floor surface 11a. In FIG. 4, the determination area DA in the front play area AR1 is distinguished from the left by adding reference signs DA11, DA12, DA13, and DA14 in order from the left, and the determination area DA in the rear play area AR2 in order from the left. DA21, DA22, DA23, and DA24 are provided with reference numerals for distinction. When these are not distinguished, they are represented as a determination area DA. The determination area DA is an area that is a unit for instructing the player PL about the step position and determining whether the actual step position is appropriate. That is, in the game machine 3, an operation is instructed to step on the floor surface 11a in any one of the determination areas DA, and the player's stepping action is detected in the instructed determination area DA. It is determined whether or not the player PL has properly taken the step in response to the instruction.

  A unique sensor number is assigned to the light receiving unit 14c, and data for associating the sensor number with the determination area DA is given to the game control device 20 in advance. Therefore, the game control apparatus 20 determines which determination area DA the position at which the player PL is stepping on the floor surface 11a belongs by acquiring the sensor number of the light receiving unit 14c that is outputting the OFF signal. can do. The determination area DA may be set so that the outer circumferences overlap each other, or may be set so that the outer circumferences touch each other. Alternatively, some gap may be set between the determination areas DA. In addition, each light emitting unit 14b is not necessarily required to be arranged so that infrared light passes only through the single determination area DA in each of the play areas AR1 and AR2. In a case where the determination areas DA are allowed to overlap with each other, some of the light emitting units 14b may be arranged so that infrared light passes through the overlapping portion. The foot to be detected by the player PL has a certain size, and when the player PL is instructed to step on any one of the determination areas DA, the determination areas other than the instructed determination area DA It is harsh to seek strict steps that do not allow you to enter the DA. Therefore, in the game machine 3, as long as a step is detected in the instructed determination area DA, it is determined that a step as instructed has been performed. Therefore, it is allowed to overlap a part of the determination area DA and to arrange the light emitting unit 14b so that infrared light passes through the overlapping part. The play areas AR1 and AR2 and the determination areas DA may be clearly distinguished on the floor surface 11a so that the player PL can visually distinguish them, or may not be clearly indicated.

  Next, the configuration of the control system of the game machine 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 shows a configuration of a main part in the control system of the game machine 3. The game machine 3 is provided with a game control device 20 and a storage device (storage means) 21. The game control device 20 is configured as a computer in which a microprocessor and peripheral devices such as internal storage devices (ROM and RAM) necessary for the operation of the microprocessor are combined. The storage device 21 is a non-volatile storage device capable of storing data such as a hard disk storage device or a flash memory. The storage device 21 stores a game program PG to be executed by the game control device 20 and game data GD to be referred to by the program PG.

  The game program PG is an application program that operates on the operating system of the game machine 3 in order to cause the game machine 3 to function as a dance game machine capable of playing a predetermined dance game. The game data GD includes various data such as image data necessary for drawing a game screen in accordance with the game program PG and music data necessary for reproducing music constituting a dance game. The game data GD includes sequence data SD. The sequence data SD is data for each music describing operations such as a series of steps to be instructed to the player in accordance with the music played during the game. The contents of the sequence data SD will be described later. The storage device 21 further stores dance video data DM as necessary. The dance video data DM is moving image data in which a player's dance video taken by the camera 18 during a dance game is stored in a predetermined format.

  The game machine 3 is provided with a card reader 22 as an input device for the game control device 20 in addition to the stage sensor 14 and the camera 18 of the stage 11 shown in FIG. The card reader 22 reads predetermined information from the card 7 possessed by the user and provides it to the game control device 20. The card 7 includes a storage medium in which a unique card ID is recorded for each card. The card ID is used, for example, as identification information when the play data in which the user has played a game on the game machine 3 is stored in the center server 2 or when the play data is acquired from the center server 2 to the game machine 3. Is done. Further, the game machine 3 is provided with the main monitor 13, the floor display 15 (see FIG. 3) of the stage 11, and the speaker device 17 as output devices for the game control device 20. Furthermore, a network control device 23 is connected to the game control device 20. The network control device 23 is a communication control unit that connects the game control device 20 to the network 5 and controls processing necessary for establishing a communication procedure and data transmission / reception when communicating with the center server 2 or another game machine 3. is there.

  FIG. 6 shows further details of the game control device 20. The game control device 20 includes a motion instruction unit 24, a motion evaluation unit 25, and an image generation as a logical device realized by a combination of hardware resources of the game control device 20 and a game program PG as software. A unit 26, a light emission control unit 27, a video recording unit 28, and a video processing unit 29 are provided. Based on the sequence data SD, the operation instruction unit 24 performs arithmetic processing necessary for drawing an instruction image that instructs a series of dance actions to be performed by each of the players PL1 and PL2 during the dance game. Is displayed on the display surface 13a of the main monitor 13 via the image generator 26. Based on the sequence data SD, the action instruction unit 24 instructs the player PL to perform a dance action for each of the play areas AR1 and AR2. The instruction given by the action instruction unit 24 includes an instruction of a position (step position) where the player PL should step on the floor surface 11a during the dance game. The instructed position appropriately changes in each play area AR according to the progress of the music, and the step position is instructed to the player PL separately for each play area AR.

  The motion evaluation unit 25 evaluates the dance motion of the player PL based on a comparison between the dance motion command from the motion command unit 24 and the dance motion of the player PL detected by the stage sensor 14. For example, the motion evaluation unit 25 compares the position and time of the step with the position and time of the actual step detected by the stage sensor 14, and the dance of the player PL is based on the position match or mismatch and the shift amount of the motion time. Evaluate the behavior. As an example, if the instructed position matches and the amount of shift in the timing of the dance action is within a predetermined allowable range, it is evaluated that the player PL has performed the instructed action. Further, the motion evaluation unit 25 may evaluate the dance motion of the player PL in a plurality of stages according to the amount of time difference. The operation evaluation unit 25 sequentially records the evaluation results in the evaluation data AD. The evaluation data AD is data temporarily stored in a cache memory or RAM that is a kind of internal storage device of the game control device 20, and is recorded in the storage device 21 as part of the game data GD as necessary. Is done.

  The image generation unit 26 refers to the information on the instruction image calculated by the operation instruction unit 24, the information on the evaluation result of the dance operation determined by the operation evaluation unit 25, and the like, and the game screen to be displayed on the main monitor 13 Are repeatedly drawn, and a video signal corresponding to the drawing result is output to the main monitor 13 to display the game screen. The light emission control unit 27 repeatedly determines the light emission pattern of the floor display 15 while appropriately referring to the instruction of the dance operation described in the sequence data SD and the evaluation result by the operation evaluation unit 25 recorded in the evaluation data AD. The light emission operation of the LED element 15b of the floor display 15 is controlled according to the light emission pattern. Here, the light emission pattern includes not only the presence / absence of light emission of the LED element 15b but also various parameters that can be controlled with respect to the light emission state such as the luminance or intensity of the light emission, the light emission color, the lighting state, or the blinking state. It means the display content of the floor display 15 obtained by appropriately controlling the element 15b. Note that the main monitor 13 and the floor display 15 are driven between the image generation unit 26 and the main monitor 13 and between the light emission control unit 27 and the floor display 15 in accordance with an instruction given from the game control device 20. Although a hardware drive circuit is provided, the illustration thereof is omitted.

  The video recording unit 28 sequentially captures the video of the player PL taken by the camera 18 and records it in the dance video data DM. The video processing unit 29 appropriately captures the dance video recorded in the dance video data DM and transmits it to the network 5 via the network control device 23. Thereby, the video processing unit 29 functions as an example of a video transmission unit. The transmission destination of the dance video may be appropriately selected from the center server 2, another game machine 3, or the user terminal device 4. By distributing the dance video to the game machine 3 or the user terminal device 4 immediately, at an appropriate time, or in response to a request from the user terminal device 4, the user of the game system 1 views another person's dance video. It is possible. Alternatively, the user can check his / her dance video via the user terminal device 4 or the like. The video processing unit 29 synthesizes an appropriate image with the dance video with reference to the instruction of the dance operation by the operation instruction unit 24 and the evaluation of the dance operation by the operation evaluation unit 25, and the obtained video is input to the network 5. It is good also as what can be transmitted. For example, the video processing unit 29 adds an instruction content of the dance operation by the operation instruction unit 24, an image indicating the evaluation result by the operation evaluation unit 25, an image that produces the dance operation of the player PL, and the like, and transmits them to the network 5 May be.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of the configuration of the sequence data SD. The sequence data SD is a set of records describing operations such as steps to be performed by the player PL during play of the dance game. The sequence data SD includes a step record RS that specifies a step to be performed by the player PL during play. In the step record RS, information specifying the time at which the step should be performed, information specifying the foot where the player PL should step, information specifying the determination area DA where the step should be stepped, and information specifying the type of step Are recorded in association with each other. As an example, the time information is information that designates an elapsed time from the start of reproduction in a music reproduced in a dance game or a position in the music. The information for designating the foot is information for designating whether the player PL should take the step with the right foot or the left foot. The information on the determination area DA is information that specifies, for example, one of the eight determination areas DA shown in FIG.

  The information specifying the step type is information specifying the step to be taken by the player PL from a plurality of types of steps. Examples of the type of step include a short step in which the step is performed once, a long step in which the foot is held at a predetermined position for a predetermined time length, and a slide for sliding the foot between the plurality of determination areas DA. Details thereof will be described later. In the step record RS corresponding to the long step, the time to start the step and the time to end the step are specified. Further, in the step record RS corresponding to the slide, the time to start the step and the time to end the step are specified, and the determination area DA to start the slide and the determination area DA to end the slide are specified. .

  The action instruction unit 24 shown in FIG. 5 sequentially reads records included in the sequence data SD during game play, and predetermined information necessary for drawing an instruction image for instructing the player PL to perform a dance action according to the records. Are repeated at a period (for example, the frame rate of the main monitor 13), and an instruction image is displayed on the display surface 13a of the main monitor 13 according to the calculation result. FIG. 8 shows an example of a game screen including an instruction image generated based on the process of the operation instruction unit 24.

  The game screen 30 of FIG. 8 includes an instruction image 31 generated based on the sequence data SD, an information image 32 indicating the evaluation of the player PL, and a background image 33 that produces a game. The instruction image 31 includes an instruction indicator 35 that indicates a step described in each record of the sequence data SD, and a reference indicator 36 that indicates the current time during the game. The reference sign 36 is displayed as a band-like image extending in the left-right direction of the instruction image 31. The instruction image 31 is directed toward the reference sign 36 as the music progresses in a predetermined movement area 37 so that the instruction sign 35 overlaps the reference sign 36 at the time when an operation such as a step should be performed. By gradually moving, the player PL is instructed the time at which an operation such as a step should be performed. The length of the indicator mark 35 changes depending on the length of time for which the operation should be continued. This is the same as the method for indicating the operation time or time in various known music games or dance games.

  In addition to the above-described instruction of the time and duration of the operation, the instruction image 31 shows which determination area DA the player PL has in accordance with the horizontal position of the instruction sign 35 and the display mode of the instruction sign 35. It is configured to indicate what kind of steps should be taken. An example of this will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 shows an example of the correspondence between the instruction image 31 and the determination area DA on the floor surface 11a. In FIG. 9, the moving area 37 is shown in a state of being developed on the paper surface. The instruction image 31 in FIG. 8 is displayed in a state in which the moving area 37 appears to be tilted so that the upper end side of the moving area 37 is located at the back and the lower end side is located at the front side in order to generate a sense of depth. Moreover, in FIG. 9, the instruction | indication label | marker 35 is distinguished and shown with subscript AD. FIG. 9 shows the correspondence between the instruction image 31 and the determination area DA, and the dimensional relationship in the figure does not necessarily indicate that of the actual game machine 3. For example, the determination area DA is shown with some gaps with respect to the inner circumference of the stage sensor 14, but there is no gap, in other words, the circumference of the determination area DA is the inner circumference of the stage sensor 14. It may be set in a matching state. The vertical and horizontal dimensions of the floor surface 11a may be appropriate.

  As is apparent from FIG. 9, the moving area 37 includes four lanes LN1 to LN4 (hereinafter referred to as LN) in accordance with the four determination areas DA11 to DA14 and DA21 to DA24 in the left and right directions in each of the play areas AR1 and AR2. May be represented.) Is set. The leftmost lane LN1 corresponds to the leftmost determination areas DA11 and DA21. The other lanes LN2 to LN4 also correspond to the determination areas DA12 to DA14 and DA22 to DA24, respectively, according to the arrangement order in the left-right direction. The instruction mark 35 is displayed on the lane LN corresponding to the determination area DA designated by the step record RS. However, when the step type is slide, the indication mark 35 is displayed so as to gradually shift from the lane LN corresponding to the slide start position to the lane LN corresponding to the end position. In the example of FIG. 9, the instruction signs 35C and 35D correspond to the slide.

  Further, the instruction mark 35 is visually differentiated and displayed so that it can be distinguished which one of the play areas AR1 and AR2 corresponds to which one of the left foot and the right foot of the player PL. In FIG. 9, the indication mark 35 is distinguished by the difference in hatching, but the indication mark 35 may be distinguished using various visual elements such as a color, a pattern, and the like. That is, the position in the left-right direction of the determination area DA where the step is to be stepped is indicated by the position in the left-right direction of the instruction mark 35. Also, depending on the visual elements such as the color and pattern of the indication sign 35, the determination area DA where the step should be taken is either the play area AR1 or AR2, and whether the foot where the step should be taken is the left foot or the right foot Is instructed. The indicator 35 that indicates the step of the left foot for the same play area AR does not necessarily need to be positioned on the left side of the display surface 13a with respect to the indicator 35 that indicates the step of the right foot. That is, it is allowed to display the indicator 35 so that the left-right direction of the stage 11 and the left-right relation of the foot to be stepped on are reversed. By appropriately mixing such instructions, it is possible to guide the player PL to turn and turn to the display surface 13a.

  At the lower end of the instruction mark 35, an identification unit 35a for indicating to the player PL whether the player PL should perform with the left foot or the right foot is attached. For example, when indicating a step to be performed with the left foot, a letter “L” is displayed on the identification unit 35a, and when indicating a step to be performed with the right foot, a character “R” is displayed. In FIG. 9, the indication mark 35 in which the characters “L” or “R” are expressed in black characters is displayed in the front play area AR1, and the characters “L” or “R” are expressed in white characters. The corresponding indication mark 35 corresponds to the rear play area AR2. The indicator mark 35 changes its length and shape according to the type of step described in the step record RS of the sequence data SD. For example, the instruction signs 35A and 35B correspond to long steps, and the instruction signs 35C and 35D correspond to slides. In the case of a short step, the indication mark 35 is displayed with a clearly shorter length than when a long step or a slide is instructed.

  As described above, in the instruction image 31, using the vertical and horizontal positions of the instruction sign 35, visual elements such as the color and pattern of the instruction sign 35, characters displayed on the identification unit 35a, and the like, The player PL is instructed about the time to step, the length of time to continue the step, the determination area DA to step, and the foot to step.

  As is apparent from FIGS. 8 and 9, when the lane LN is shared by the preceding and following play areas AR1 and AR2, at least a part of the indicator mark 35 for each play area AR may overlap on the same lane LN. obtain. In addition, since the indication mark 35 for instructing the slide is displayed so as to cross diagonally between the plurality of lanes LN, it may overlap with other indication signs 35. In such an overlapping portion, for example, the indication sign 35 may be displayed so as to be mixed so that the player PL can recognize any indication sign 35. In the example of FIGS. 8 and 9, the indicator signs 35B and 35C overlap on the lane LN2 from their lower ends to the middle, and the indicator indicator 35D crosses the overlapping portion of the indicator signs 35B and 35C from the rightmost lane LN4. Thus, it extends to the lane LN1 at the left end. In these overlapping portions, the display of the indication mark 35 is controlled so that visual elements such as colors and patterns unique to each indication mark 35 appear alternately in various forms such as a staggered shape, a stripe shape, and a lattice shape.

  In the above description, the case where the player PL is instructed to perform a dance step has been described. However, in the game machine 3, in addition to the operation of stepping, various operations constituting the dance are instructed to the player PL via the instruction image 31. Also good. For example, the player PL may be instructed to jump up from the floor surface 11a. When a jump is instructed, information for specifying a foot to be stepped in the step record RS and information for specifying the determination area DA may be empty information having no value. Whether or not the player PL has jumped can also be determined from the output signals of the light receiving portions 14c of the stage sensor 14. That is, from the state in which the foot of the player PL is detected at any position in the play area AR in which the jump is specified, all the light receiving units 14c are turned on, that is, the state in which no foot is detected. If it changes, it can be considered that the player PL has jumped. Further, an operation other than an operation of moving the foot to the player PL, for example, an operation of crouching or a squatting operation may be instructed via the instruction image 31. Whether or not such an operation has been performed can be determined based on, for example, the video of the camera 18.

  Next, some processes executed by the game control device 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 shows an example of the procedure of the operation instruction process executed by the operation instruction unit 24 to display the instruction image 31. The process of FIG. 10 is a process that is repeatedly executed at the drawing cycle (frame rate) of the main monitor 13, and the operation instruction unit 24 functions as an example of an operation instruction unit by executing the operation instruction process. When the processing of FIG. 10 is started, the operation instruction unit 24 determines the current time of the game (music performance position) (step S11), and then a predetermined length of time from the current time to the future (as an example) The record of the sequence data SD in which the time in the range of the time corresponding to the two measures of the music is designated is determined as the display range record in the instruction image 31 (step S12). Next, the operation instruction unit 24 calculates the display position of the instruction mark 35 on the game screen 30 of the next frame based on the record included in the display range determined in step S12 (step S13). After the calculation, the operation instruction unit 24 generates data necessary for drawing the instruction image 31 and provides this to the image generation unit 26 to draw the instruction image 31 as a part of the game screen 30 of the next frame (step S14). Thus, the current operation instruction process is completed.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of the procedure of an evaluation process executed by the motion evaluation unit 25 to evaluate the dance motion of the player PL. The process of FIG. 11 is also repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle, and the operation evaluation unit 25 functions as an example of an evaluation unit by executing the evaluation process. When the processing of FIG. 11 is started, the operation evaluation unit 25 determines whether any of the light receiving units 14c of the stage sensor 14 has detected a change in the output signal from ON to OFF (step S21). This determination is to determine whether or not the player PL has newly stepped on any position on the floor surface 11a. If the change in the output signal of the light receiving unit 14c is not detected, the operation evaluating unit 25 ends the current evaluation process. On the other hand, when the change of the output signal of the light receiving unit 14c is detected, the operation evaluating unit 25 determines the detection time and the detection position of the change (step S22). In this case, the detection position may be determined by determining the determination area DA corresponding to the light receiving unit 14c where the change from ON to OFF is detected. The determination area DA detected here is the actual step position of the player PL.

  Subsequently, the motion evaluation unit 25 determines whether or not the step corresponding to the time and actual step position determined in step S22 is specified in the sequence data SD (step S23). In this case, it is determined whether or not the sequence data SD includes a step record RS in which a time within a predetermined evaluation range is specified with respect to the detected time and the same determination area DA as the actual step position is specified. What is necessary is just to discriminate. When step S23 is affirmed, the motion evaluation unit 25 evaluates the step of the player PL according to the type of step specified in the step record RS (step S24). The evaluation in step S24 is performed separately for each play area AR.

  Evaluation according to the type of step is performed as follows, for example. If a short step is specified in the step record RS, the short step is successful if the amount of deviation between the detection time determined in step S22 and the time specified in the step record RS is within a predetermined allowable range. It is determined that The step may be evaluated higher as the deviation amount is smaller. As for the short step, it is assumed that the specified step is taken when the output signal of the light receiving unit 14c corresponding to the determination area DA specified within the allowable range with respect to the specified time changes from ON to OFF. Judgment is enough. If such a change is detected, it is assumed that the evaluation signal 35 indicating the short step does not affect the evaluation even if the OFF signal is continuously output after the reference mark 36 has passed the reference mark 36. Can do. However, in the case where the step of taking a short step and then taking the foot off the floor surface 11a into the evaluation element is taken as an example, even if the short step exceeds the allowable range for the designated time, the same determination area DA It may be determined whether or not the floor surface 11a is continuously stepped on the basis of the output signal of the stage sensor 14, and if it is continued, it may be determined as failure or the evaluation may be lowered.

  When the long step is designated in the step record RS, the output signal of the light receiving unit 14c of the stage sensor 14 is continuously monitored and within the allowable range for the end time of the long step designated in the step record RS. It is determined whether or not the player PL continues to step on the same determination area DA of the floor surface 11a until the time of, and if it is confirmed that the player has continued to step, it is determined that the long step is successful. The step may be evaluated higher as the difference between the start time and the end time of the step is smaller. It should be noted that if the output signal of the light receiving unit 14c in the same determination area DA has all turned ON, such as when the player PL raises his / her foot before reaching the allowable time for the end time, the long step has failed. Determined. As for the long step, the long step is started when the output signal of the light receiving unit 14c corresponding to the determination area DA specified within the allowable range with respect to the specified time is changed from ON to OFF, and then specified. It suffices to evaluate whether the OFF signal is output within the allowable range for the end time and whether the step is continued for a predetermined period. Therefore, even if the OFF signal is continuously output even after the indicator 35 indicating the long step passes the reference marker 36, it can be processed as not affecting the evaluation. That is, the evaluation may be unquestioned even if the determination area DA in which the long step is designated is continued after the end time. However, when taking the step off the long step and then taking the foot off the floor surface 11a as an element of evaluation, as an example, even if the allowable range for the time at which the long step should be ended is passed, the same determination area DA It may be determined whether or not the floor surface 11a is continuously stepped on the basis of the output signal of the stage sensor 14, and if it is continued, it may be determined as failure or the evaluation may be lowered.

  When the slide is specified in the step record RS, the output signal of the light receiving unit 14c of the stage sensor 14 is continuously monitored, and the time within the allowable range with respect to the slide end time specified in the step record RS. It is determined whether or not the player PL continues to step on the floor surface 11a and the determination area DA has changed from the determination area DA at the start of the slide to the determination area DA at the end of the slide. When those operations are confirmed, it is determined that the slide is successful. The step may be evaluated higher as the deviation amount of the slide start time and end time is smaller. If the output signal of the light receiving unit 14c in the determination area DA designated as the slide target is all turned ON, for example, when the player PL raises his / her foot before reaching the allowable time for the end time. It is determined that the slide has failed. If the change in the detection position from the determination area DA at the start of the slide to the determination area DA at the end of the slide cannot be confirmed, it is determined that the slide has failed. For the slide, the step is started when the output signal of the light receiving unit 14c corresponding to the determination area DA specified within the allowable range with respect to the specified time is changed from ON to OFF, and then the specified end is performed. It suffices to evaluate whether or not a change in the detection position of the OFF signal indicating the slide has been detected from the determination area DA where the step should be started to the determination area DA where the step should be ended within the allowable range for the time. Therefore, even if the indication signal 35 for instructing the slide continues to be output even after the reference marker 36 has passed, it can be processed as not affecting the evaluation. In other words, even after the end time, even if the determination area DA where the slide should be finished continues to be stepped on, the evaluation may be unquestioned. However, in the case where the evaluation is to temporarily remove the foot from the floor surface 11a after the end of the slide, as an example, in the determination area DA where the slide should end even after the allowable range for the time at which the slide should end is exceeded. It may be determined whether or not the floor surface 11a continues to be stepped on the basis of the output signal of the stage sensor 14, and if it continues, it may be determined as failure or the evaluation may be lowered.

  After evaluating the step of the player PL in step S24, the motion evaluation unit 25 records the evaluation result of step S24 in the evaluation data AD (step S25), and ends the current evaluation process. When it is determined in step S23 that there is no instruction for the corresponding step, the operation evaluation unit 25 skips steps S24 and S25 and ends the current evaluation process. That is, when a step other than the designated step is taken, that step is not evaluated in the evaluation process of FIG. Therefore, even if the player PL steps on the floor surface 11a at a position different from the determination area DA indicated by the indication mark 35, the action is ignored by the motion evaluation unit 25 and does not affect the evaluation.

  In the process of FIG. 11, the process from step S22 is executed on condition that the output signal of any one of the light receiving units 14c of the stage sensor 14 has changed from ON to OFF. Therefore, in response to the step instruction via the instruction image 31, the player PL needs to step up from the floor surface 11 a and step on the determination area DA designated by the instruction sign 35. However, the evaluation process of the operation evaluation unit 25 is not limited to an example in which a step is evaluated by using a change from the ON signal to the OFF signal of the light receiving unit 14c as a trigger. For example, even if it is determined whether or not the step is correctly performed based on the step record RS of the sequence data SD and whether or not the step of the player PL is detected at the specified time and the determination area DA. Good. In this case, in addition to the case where the player PL raises his / her foot once and then newly steps on the designated determination area DA, the player PL does not raise his / her foot to the designated determination area DA on the floor surface 11a. Even when the foot is slid, it is determined that the step is correctly performed. When a jump is specified as a kind of step, whether or not the output signals of all the light receiving units 14c in the play area AR for which the jump is specified is ON is matched with the time when the jump is specified. It can be discriminated. In addition to the step of the player PL, the motion evaluation unit 25 also determines whether or not the player PL is performing a crouching as instructed by using a video captured by the camera 18 or the like. Good.

  In the process of FIG. 11, it is not determined whether the player PL is stepping on the determination area DA in which the player PL is specified. That is, even if the foot to be stepped on is designated in the instruction image 31, whether or not the player PL steps on the step with the designated foot is out of the evaluation target. Therefore, for example, even if the player PL steps on the instruction mark 35 with the right foot specified with the left foot, the step of the player PL is appropriate if the time and position of the step matches the instruction of the step record RS. It is evaluated. However, whether the step is performed with the left foot or the right foot may be detected, and whether or not the step is performed with the instructed foot may be added to the evaluation target. The right foot or the left foot is discriminated when the resolution of the stage sensor 14 is sufficiently high, that is, the pattern in which the stage sensor 14 detects the foot, that is, the light receiving unit 14c that outputs the ON signal and the light reception that outputs the OFF signal. It can be determined based on how the portions 14c are distributed. Alternatively, the orientation of at least a part of the body of the player PL (for example, the lower body and the face) may be determined based on the video of the player PL taken by the camera 18, and the left foot or the right foot may be distinguished based on the determination result. The left foot or the right foot may be distinguished by combining the orientation determined from the image of the camera 18 and the detection status of the stage sensor 14. Of course, sensors other than the stage sensor 14 and the camera 18 that can be detected by distinguishing the left foot or the right foot may be used.

  In the process of FIG. 11, even when two players PL1 and PL2 are playing, it is not determined which player PL has taken the step. Therefore, even if the front player PL1 takes a step in the rear determination areas DA21 to 24, or conversely, the rear player PL2 takes a step in the front determination areas DA11 to 14, the time of that step. If the position is correct, it is determined that an appropriate step has been taken. Therefore, the two players PL1 and PL2 can also help each other to play a dance. Alternatively, one player PL is allowed to play so as to cover both the front and rear play areas AR1 and AR2. Furthermore, by giving a sufficient margin to the floor surface 11a of the stage 11, it is possible to allow a plurality of players PL to take a dance step in at least one play area AR.

  FIG. 12 shows an example of the procedure of the light emission control process executed by the light emission control unit 27 to control the display on the floor display 15. The process of FIG. 12 is also repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle, and the light emission control unit 27 functions as an example of a game related information presentation unit by executing the light emission control process. When the processing of FIG. 12 is started, the light emission control unit 27 acquires an output signal of the stage sensor 14 (step S31), and subsequently acquires sequence data SD and evaluation data AD (step S31). The acquisition range in this case may be set to a predetermined range based on the current time. Next, the light emission control unit 27 determines the light emission pattern of the floor display 15 based on the information obtained in steps S31 and S32 (step S33). As the light emission pattern, for example, a pattern in which a predetermined range of LED elements 15b emit light in a predetermined manner centering on the position where the player puts his / her foot on the floor surface 11a, and the evaluation recorded in the evaluation data AD are reflected. The pattern for causing the LED element 15b to emit light, or the pattern for causing the LED element 15b to emit light so as to reflect the operation instruction described in the sequence data SD is determined alone or in an appropriate combination. By determining the light emission pattern based on the evaluation data AD or the sequence data SD, the game related information can be appropriately displayed on the floor display 15.

  When the LED element 15b is caused to emit light around the position where the player PL is placed, the position where the foot is placed is determined based on the output of the stage sensor 14 acquired in step S31, and the position is determined. As a reference, the light emission pattern of each LED element 15b is set so that the predetermined range can be distinguished from the surroundings. In this case, the LED element 15b in the light emission range can be set to emit light with higher brightness than the surroundings, or to emit light with a color different from the surroundings. When reflecting the evaluation recorded in the evaluation data AD, for example, in step 32, the latest evaluation result is extracted from the evaluation data AD, and characters, figures and other signs indicating the evaluation result are displayed on the display surface 15a of the floor display 15. The light emission pattern of each LED element 15b is set so as to appear in FIG. Furthermore, when reflecting the operation instruction described in the sequence data SD, for example, in step S32, the position and time of the next action to be performed by the player PL are determined, and characters, figures, and other characters are determined at the determined position and time. The light emission pattern of each LED element 15b is set so that the sign appears on the display surface 15a of the floor display 15. A specific example of the light emission pattern will be described later.

  After determining the light emission pattern in step S33, the light emission control unit 27 updates the light emission pattern of the floor display 15 so that the light emission state of each LED element 15b is switched according to the light emission pattern determined in step S33 (step S34). Thereafter, the light emission control unit 27 ends the process of FIG.

  FIG. 13 is an example of an image of one frame of a dance video taken by the camera 18 and also shows an example of a light emission pattern of the floor display 15. In the image 200 of FIG. 13, as a result of the action instruction unit 24 instructing the step action of the right foot RF of the player PL and the player PL performing the step action correctly in accordance therewith, the action evaluation part 25 evaluates “PERFECT”. Assume that given. In this case, the light emission pattern of the floor display 15 is controlled such that the light emitting units 201 and 202 having higher brightness and brightness than the surroundings appear at the foot of the player PL. The light emitting unit 201 around the step position of the right foot RF in which the step operation is instructed appears in a relatively wider range than other areas of the floor display 15. The evaluation unit 203 expressing the character string “PERFECT” as the evaluation result by the LED element 15 b is displayed on the floor display 15. A plurality of (four in the illustrated example) evaluation units 203 are displayed in the front-rear direction of the stage 11, but the evaluation unit 203 on the near side as viewed from the camera 18 is displayed in a readable direction in the field of view from the camera 18. The rear evaluation unit 203 is displayed in a 180 ° inverted direction in the field of view from the camera 18. This is because the character string “PERFECT” can be read from the back of the stage 11.

  The range of the positions of the light emitting units 201 and 202 can be set based on the foot position of the player PL detected by the stage sensor 14, for example. With respect to the light emitting unit 201, for example, the evaluation result for the step of the position of the light emitting unit 201 may be acquired with reference to the evaluation data AD, and the light emitting mode may be differentiated according to the quality of the evaluation. When the evaluation result is reflected in the light emission mode of the light emitting unit 201, the viewer of the image 200 is given a clue to determine whether or not the step of the player PL is appropriate for the instruction of the game machine 3. be able to. Alternatively, a control is performed in which the time at which the step operation should be performed at the position of the light emitting unit 201 is determined based on the sequence data SD, and the light emitting unit 201 gradually emits light from a time preceding the time by a predetermined time. May be. In this case, it is possible to make the viewer of the image 200 recognize the position and time when the player PL should perform the step operation. Note that, when referring to the sequence data SD, since it is determined whether the step operation should be performed with the right foot or the left foot, for example, when the step of the right foot is instructed, the light emitting unit 201 is “R”. Information for determining which of the left and right feet is designated, as well as the position where the step should be performed, may be added to the light emitting unit 201 so that the characters are displayed.

  With respect to the evaluation unit 203, it is possible to reliably let the viewer of the image 200 know what kind of evaluation has been performed through the display. The evaluation unit 203 dynamically changes the display mode such as blinking appropriately, changing the emission color, luminance or intensity of emission, or scrolling the stage 11 in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. Thus, the effect of the production may be enhanced.

  As is clear from the above description, in the example of FIG. 13, the light emitting unit 201 and the evaluation unit 203 are displayed on the floor display 15 as game-related information based on at least one of the evaluation data AD and the sequence data SD. . Therefore, even if the main monitor 13 is not reflected in the image 200, the viewer of the dance video is allowed to grasp the dance motion of the player PL in association with the dance motion instruction by the game machine 3 or evaluation of the motion. Can do. Thereby, it is possible to acquire a video suitable for an application such as sharing and enjoying a video of a play state in the game machine 3 between viewers. Thereby, it is possible to enhance the interest of the game machine 3. Note that it is not always necessary that the game-related information based on the evaluation data AD or the sequence data SD is displayed on the floor display 15 during the entire period of the game. The process of step S33 of FIG. 12 may be executed so that game-related information is displayed on the floor display 15 at least at some time during the game.

  The instruction of the dance operation for the player PL and the evaluation result are presented to the player PL through the instruction image 31 and the information image 32 displayed on the main monitor 13. Therefore, regarding the display of the light emitting unit 201 and the evaluation unit 203 on the floor display 15, the content should be determined with priority given to accuracy or clarity, such as the instruction of the dance action for the player PL or the presentation of the evaluation result. Not necessarily required. The display of game related information may be set with priority given to attracting the interest of viewers of dance videos. Therefore, for example, the display of the game related information on the floor display 15 is determined so that the display mode of the game related information is determined so as to enhance the effect and decoration effect of the dance video, and the instruction image 31 and the information image 32 on the main monitor 13 are displayed. The indication in may be differentiated as appropriate. For example, the information recorded in the sequence data SD and the evaluation data AD can be differentiated by being abstracted from the instruction image 31 and the information image 32 and presented as game-related information in a manner that enhances the presentation effect and decoration effect. is there. Furthermore, since an operation instruction is given via the main monitor 13, even if game-related information associated with the sequence data SD is presented on the floor surface 11a, the player PL looks down and confirms the information. However, there is no need to continue dancing. Therefore, it is possible to provide the game machine 3 suitable for the purpose of viewing and enjoying the play video.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and may be implemented with appropriate modifications or changes. For example, the play areas AR1 and AR2 and the determination area DA are merely examples, and their settings may be changed as appropriate. For example, it is possible to change the determination area DA dynamically during the game play. The evaluation of the dance action of the player PL is not limited to the example performed separately for each of the play areas AR1 and AR2, and the step of actually specifying the determination area DA and only for the left and right direction without distinguishing the play areas AR1 and R2. A match or a mismatch with the detected determination area DA may be determined. For example, when a step is instructed to the leftmost determination area DA11 of the front play area AR1, and a step is detected in the determination area DA21 at the left end of the rear play area AR2, the step position instruction and actual It may be considered that the step position matches. In short, as long as a step is instructed for each play area AR so that the step position is appropriately changed in each of the previous and subsequent play areas AR1, AR2, a plurality of players PL arranged side by side are combined or coordinated to cooperate. It is possible to guide the player PL to take steps that are objective and highly expressive, thereby enhancing the interest of the game.

  The operation instruction unit 24 as an example of the operation instruction unit moves the instruction mark 35 and the reference mark 36 in a predetermined direction in the instruction image 31 to indicate the time and position of the step or the like. Is not limited to such an example. For example, the motion instruction means may be configured such that an image in which a predetermined character is dancing is presented as an instruction image, and the player takes steps following that. The display surface 13a of the main monitor 13 may be divided into a plurality of areas, and the operation instruction for the front play area and the operation instruction for the rear play area may be displayed in different areas on the display surface.

  The motion detection means is not limited to the stage sensor 14 using infrared rays, and various sensors may be used as the motion detection means as long as the motion of the player PL can be detected. For example, the motion detection means may be configured to analyze the image captured by the camera 18 and detect the motion of the player PL. Alternatively, a load sensor or the like may be arranged on the floor surface 11a to detect which position is stepped on.

  In the above embodiment, the operation evaluation unit 25 as an example of the evaluation unit includes the time and position of the step instructed by the operation instruction unit 24 (determination area DA), and the time and position of the actual step detected by the stage sensor 14. However, the evaluation means can make any appropriate changes as long as it evaluates the player PL based on the comparison between the step instruction status and the actually detected step detection status. For example, the evaluation means may be configured to compare the step instruction time with the actually detected step time and evaluate the player PL regardless of the position match or mismatch.

  The stage 11 is not limited to an example in which the stage 11 is formed in such a size that a plurality of players PL can be positioned in the front-rear direction. The size of the floor surface 11a of the stage 11 may be appropriately changed in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. The floor surface 11a of the stage 11 may be a size suitable for a single player PL to play, or a size suitable for a plurality of players PL to play simultaneously in at least one of the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. But you can.

  In the game machine 3 of the above form, the camera 18 as an example of the image pickup means is provided above the main monitor 13, but the game machine of the present invention does not necessarily require the image pickup means. For example, even when a person other than the player PL shoots a dance video around the game machine 3, if the main monitor 13 is not included in the shooting range, a dance operation instruction and an evaluation result are determined from the dance video. I can't. Even in such a case, if game-related information is displayed on the floor display 15, the game-related information is reflected in the video of the player PL on the stage 11, and the viewer can use the information on the game machine 3. It is possible to know instructions and evaluation.

  The second display device provided on the stage is not limited to a display device in which LED elements are arranged in a matrix like the floor display 15. A flat panel display such as a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL monitor may be provided as the second display device to display a higher definition image on the floor surface 11a.

  The game machine of the present invention is not limited to an example in which the player is instructed to take a dance step. As long as the player is configured to perform some action on the floor surface of the stage, the type of game provided by the game machine may be changed as appropriate. For example, it is possible to change such as instructing the player to exercise and instructing the type of martial art such as karate. Alternatively, the present invention can also be applied to a type of game machine in which a player on the stage possesses an operation member imitating a musical instrument, sports equipment, etc., and the operation is instructed from the game machine.

  Various aspects of the present invention derived from the above-described embodiments and modifications will be described below. In the following description, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, reference numerals in the accompanying drawings are added in parentheses, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments.

  A game machine (3) according to one aspect of the present invention has a first display device (13) and a floor surface (11a) set as a place where at least one player (PL1, PL2) should play the game. And a stage (11) disposed in front of the display surface (13a) of the first display device, a motion detection means (14) for detecting a motion performed by the player on the floor surface, and a display surface ( 15a) includes a second display device (15) provided so as to overlap the floor surface, and a game control device (20) for controlling the game. The game control device should be performed by the player Based on the instruction data (SD) describing the operation, an instruction image (31) for instructing the operation is displayed on the first display device, operation instruction means (24), an instruction from the operation instruction means, and the operation detection means Evaluation means (25) for evaluating the action of the player based on comparison with the detected action and recording it in the evaluation data (AD); and game-related information (at least one of the instruction data and the evaluation data) 201, 203) and game related information presentation means (27) for displaying the second display device on the second display device.

  A computer program (PG) of a game machine according to one aspect of the present invention includes a floor surface (11a) set as a place where a first display device (13) and at least one player (PL1, PL2) should play a game. ), A stage (11) disposed in front of the display surface (13a) of the first display device, and a motion detection means (14) for detecting a motion performed by the player on the floor surface, A game machine having a display device (15a) and a second display device (15) provided so as to overlap the floor surface function as a game control device (20) for controlling the game. An instruction image for instructing the game control device based on instruction data (SD) describing an action to be performed by the player. 31) is displayed on the first display device, the action instruction means (24), the action of the action instruction means is compared with the action detected by the action detection means, the action of the player is evaluated and evaluation data ( AD) and a game related information presentation unit (27) for displaying game related information (201, 203) based on at least one of the instruction data and the evaluation data on the second display device. ), And is configured to function as:

  According to the above aspect, the game-related information based on the instruction data or the evaluation data is displayed on the floor surface of the stage by the second display device while the first display device instructs the player to perform the operation or displays the operation result. Can be displayed. Therefore, as long as the player is photographed so as to include the floor surface, not only the action of the player but also what action is instructed to the player by the game machine, or the player's action It is possible to include information that should be a clue to grasp how the motion was evaluated. Thereby, it is possible to acquire a play video suitable for an application shared and enjoyed by viewers. By presenting the operation instruction and evaluation to the player via the first display device, the game-related information on the second display device is given priority on the accuracy or clarity of the operation instruction or evaluation result. Alternatively, it is not always necessary to define the display mode, and it is possible to set the display of the game related information with priority given to attracting the interest of the viewer of the video. Therefore, for example, the display mode of the game-related information can be determined so as to enhance the video effect and the decoration effect. In addition, it is not necessary for the player to play downward while checking game-related information on the floor surface, and in this respect as well, it is possible to acquire a video suitable for viewing and enjoying. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an interesting play video.

  Note that the computer program according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided in a state of being stored in a storage medium. By using this storage medium, for example, by installing and executing the computer program according to the present invention in a computer, the game system of the present invention can be realized using the computer. The storage medium storing the computer program may be a non-transitory storage medium such as a CDROM.

  1 aspect of this invention WHEREIN: The said game relevant information presentation means displays the information (203) linked | related with the evaluation result of the said evaluation means as said game relevant information on the said 2nd display apparatus based on the said evaluation data. May be. Alternatively, the game related information presenting means may cause the second display device to display information (201) associated with the action instruction by the action instruction means as the game related information based on the instruction data. Good. According to these forms, information associated with the instruction data and the evaluation data is presented on the floor surface via the second display device, so that the operation of the player reflected in the video and the operation by the game machine It is possible to ensure that the viewer understands the relevance of the instructions and evaluation results.

  You may further provide an imaging means (18) which acquires the image | video which image | photographed the player on the said floor surface so that the said floor surface may be included from the display surface side of a said 1st display apparatus. According to this, the player who plays while confirming the operation instruction given through the display surface of the first display device is displayed on the floor surface facing the display surface side of the first display device. It is possible to take a picture so as to include game-related information, and obtain a video that reliably exhibits the effects of the above-described aspect.

  You may further provide the image | video transmission means (29) which can transmit the image | video acquired by the said imaging means via a predetermined network (5). According to this, it is possible to provide a way of enjoying that the video acquired by the imaging means is shared among many users via the network.

  Furthermore, the operation instruction means may instruct a dance step to be performed by the player on the floor surface as at least a part of the operation. According to this, the present invention is applied to a game machine configured so that a player takes a dance step, and it is possible to acquire a dance characteristic including an element to be shown to others and an image suitable for viewing by others. It is possible to provide a game machine rich in interest by synergy with the function and effect.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game system 3 Game machine 4 User terminal device 5 Network 11 Stage 11a The floor surface of a stage 13 Main monitor (1st display apparatus)
13a Display screen of main monitor 14 Stage sensor (motion detection means)
15 Floor display (second display device)
15a Display surface of floor display 18 Camera (imaging means)
20 game control device 24 operation instruction section (operation instruction means)
25 Operation evaluation section (evaluation means)
27 Light emission control part (game related information presentation means)
29 Video processing unit (video transmission means)

Claims (1)

A first display device;
A stage having a floor surface set as a place where at least one player should play the game, and being placed in front of the display surface of the first display device;
Action detecting means for detecting an action performed by the player on the floor surface;
A second display device provided such that a display surface overlaps the floor surface;
A game control device for controlling the game,
In the game control device,
Action instruction means for causing the first display device to display an instruction image for instructing the action based on instruction data describing an action to be performed by the player;
Evaluation means for evaluating the action of the player based on a comparison between the instruction of the action instruction means and the action detected by the action detection means, and recording the evaluation data in the evaluation data;
Game-related information presenting means for causing the second display device to display game-related information based on at least one of the instruction data and the evaluation data;
A game machine equipped with