JP5305765B2 - Program and game system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game system capable of reflecting the change of the game situation corresponding to the situation of a character in a melody when a plurality of melody data including the melody data associated with the character are simultaneously played. <P>SOLUTION: The game system 10 includes a character data storage portion 106 for storing data of a plurality of characters; an object space setting portion 206 for setting the plurality of characters in an object space; a displacement-motion control portion 210 for controlling at least either the displacement or motions of the plurality of characters; an image drawing portion 224 for drawing the image of the object space as a game image; a sound control portion 216 for simultaneously playing the plurality of melody data including the melody data associated with the respective characters; and a first determination portion for determining whether a first condition previously set for each character is satisfied or not. The sound control portion 216 adjusts the volume of sound of the plurality of melody data for the respective melody data based on the result of determination by the first determination portion. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a program, an information storage medium, and a game device.

Conventionally, a technique for associating melody data for each character is known. For example, Patent Literature 1 describes a game system in which specific data for specifying which character sings which phrase in a song is set in advance by the player and each character sings the specified phrase. The game system described in Patent Literature 1 specifies specific data by simultaneously playing melody data associated with a plurality of characters and muting melodic data associated with characters not specified by the specific data. Only the melody of the selected character is output.
2005-081011

  However, in the game described in Patent Document 1, melody data is reproduced according to an assignment preset by the player, and the situation of the character in the game is not reflected in the melody.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a program and an information storage medium capable of reflecting a change in a game situation according to a character situation in the melody when simultaneously reproducing a plurality of melody data including melody data associated with the character. And providing a game device.

(1) The present invention
A character data storage unit for storing data of a plurality of characters;
An object space setting unit for setting the plurality of characters in an object space;
A movement / motion control unit for controlling at least one of movement and motion of the plurality of characters;
A drawing unit for drawing the object space as a game image;
A sound control unit that simultaneously reproduces a plurality of melodic data including melodic data associated with each character;
A first determination unit that determines whether or not a first condition set in advance for the character is satisfied;
The sound control unit relates to a game system that adjusts the volume of the plurality of melody data for each melody data based on a determination result of the first determination unit.

  The present invention also relates to a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above-described units. The present invention also relates to a computer-readable information storage medium that stores (records) a program that causes a computer to function as each unit.

According to the present invention, when a plurality of melody data including melody data associated with a character are reproduced at the same time, the game situation can be changed by changing the reproduction situation for each melody data according to the situation of the character. It can be reflected in the melody.
(2) The present invention also provides:
The sound control unit may change a reproduction speed of the plurality of melody data reproduced at the same time based on a determination result of the first determination unit.

In this way, since the playback speed of a plurality of melody data that are played back simultaneously changes according to the character's situation, the game situation can be reflected in the melody.
(3) The present invention also provides:
The sound control unit may cause effect processing of the plurality of melody data to be reproduced simultaneously based on a determination result of the first determination unit.

In this way, the effect processing of a plurality of melody data that is reproduced at the same time is performed according to the situation of the character, so that the game situation can be reflected in the melody.
(4) The present invention also provides:
The sound control unit may perform a modulation process on the plurality of melody data reproduced simultaneously based on a determination result of the first determination unit.

In this way, since the modulation processing of a plurality of melody data reproduced simultaneously is performed according to the character situation, the game situation can be reflected in the melody.
(5) The present invention also provides:
The first determination unit determines whether or not the first condition is satisfied for each character,
The sound control unit may change the relative volume of the melody data associated with the character satisfying the first condition and the other melody data.

In this way, the situation for each character can be reflected in the melody.
(6) The present invention also provides:
A selection unit that sets a predetermined character of the plurality of characters as a selection target;
The first determination unit may determine that the first condition is satisfied when the character is set as a selection target by the selection unit.

In this way, the character selection status can be reflected in the melody.
(7) The present invention also provides:
The drawing unit draws a game image when the object space is viewed from a virtual camera,
The selection unit may set a character within a field of view of the virtual camera or a predetermined range corresponding to the virtual camera as a selection target.

In this way, the positional relationship between the virtual camera and the character can be reflected in the melody.
(8) The present invention also provides:
The sound control unit may perform control so that the volume of the melody data associated with the character set as the selection target is relatively larger than the volume of the other melody data.

  Here, the sound control unit increases the volume of the melody data associated with the character set as the selection target, or decreases the volume of the other melody data to the character set as the selection target. Control can be performed so that the volume of the associated melody data becomes relatively larger than the volume of the other melody data.

In this way, which character is selected can be reflected in the melody more easily.
(9) The present invention also provides:
A second determination unit for determining whether a second condition set in advance for the character is satisfied;
A parameter updating unit that updates a predetermined parameter included in the character data based on a determination result of the second determination unit;
The first determination unit may determine that the first condition is satisfied when the predetermined parameter reaches a predetermined value.

In this way, the player can grasp the situation of the predetermined parameter of the character by melody.
(10) The present invention also provides:
A timekeeping section that measures time,
A time determination unit for determining whether the time measured by the time measuring unit is a predetermined time set in advance;
You may make it further have a sound change part which changes at least 1 of these melody data into another melody data based on the determination result of the said time determination part.

In this way, the current time can be reflected in the melody.
(11) The present invention also provides:
A plurality of conditions are set as the first condition,
The sound control unit may adjust the volume of the plurality of melody data when two or more of the first conditions are satisfied.

  In this way, volume adjustment is performed according to a combination that satisfies the plurality of first conditions, so that a detailed game situation can be reflected in the melody.

1. Overview Configuration FIG. 1 shows an external view of a game system 10 of the present embodiment. The game system 10 shown in FIG. 1 is formed in a size that can be carried by a player (operator, viewer), so that the player can play the game by holding the game system 10 by hand. Yes. In the game system 10, the main body lower portion 12 and the main body upper portion 14 are connected by a hinge portion 16, and the main body lower portion 12 and the main body upper portion 14 are rotatable around the axis of the hinge portion 16. A first display unit 18 (an example of the display unit 44) that outputs an image is provided at the center of the lower body portion 12, and a player operates around the first display portion 18 of the lower body portion 12. A cross key 20 for inputting information, four buttons of a first button 22 to a fourth button 28, a start button 30, and a select button 32 are provided. In addition, a second display unit 34 (an example of the display unit 44) that outputs an image is provided in the central portion of the main body upper part 14, and speakers 36 (sound output) that output sound on the left and right sides of the second display unit 34 An example of the part 46 is provided. In addition, the hinge unit 16 is provided with a microphone 38 (an example of the sound input unit 42) for the player to input sound (voice input).

  The first display unit 18 of the lower main body 12 has a structure in which a liquid crystal display and a touch panel are stacked, and detects the position of a contact operation performed by the player with respect to the display area of the first display unit 18. It can be done. For example, when the player brings the tip of the touch pen as shown in FIG. 1 into contact with the first display unit 18, the game system 10 detects the position where the tip of the touch pen contacts the first display unit 18. Therefore, the player can also input operation information by touching the first display unit 18.

The game system 10 displays an image obtained by viewing the object space, which is a virtual three-dimensional space, from the virtual camera on the first display unit 18 and the second display unit 34, and from the player, the cross key 20 and the second key are displayed. An input of operation information to the first button 22 to the fourth button 28 and the first display unit 18 is received, and a breeding game for breeding a character (an example of a specific object) arranged and set in the object space is executed. In the present embodiment, a game for nurturing a plurality of characters arranged in an object space simulating a park is executed. In particular, the game system 10 sets a first virtual camera and a second virtual camera in the object space, displays an image of the object space viewed from the first virtual camera on the first display unit 18, and at the same time Then, an image obtained by viewing the object space from the second virtual camera is displayed on the second display unit 34.
2. Functional Block FIG. 2 is an example of a functional block diagram of the game system 10 in the present embodiment. Note that the game system 10 of the present embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (each unit) in FIG. 2 are omitted.

  The operation unit 40 is for the player to input operation data, and the function can be realized by the cross key 20, the first button 22 to the fourth button 28, the lever, the steering, and the like.

  The sound input unit 42 is used by the player to input sounds such as voice and clapping, and the function can be realized by the microphone 38 or the like.

  The display unit 44 outputs an image generated by the game system 10, and its function can be realized by a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, a projector, an HMD (head mounted display), or the like. Here, in the present embodiment, the first display unit 18 is realized by a touch panel display having a structure in which a liquid crystal display and a touch panel for detecting a contact position are stacked. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first display unit 18 also functions as the operation unit 40. Here, the touch panel is made of a material having a high light transmittance so that image visibility is maintained even when stacked on a liquid crystal display. For example, a resistive film type (4-wire type, 5-wire type, etc.) A contact position with respect to the touch panel is electrically detected by a capacitance method or the like. The touch panel can detect a contact operation with an input device such as a touch pen shown in FIG. 1 or a contact operation with a fingertip of a player.

  The sound output unit 46 outputs the sound generated by the game system 10, and its function can be realized by the speaker 36 or headphones.

  An information storage medium 48 (a computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, and the like, and functions thereof are a memory card, an optical disk (CD, DVD), a magneto-optical disk (MO), a magnetic disk, and a hard disk. It can be realized with a magnetic tape.

  The information storage medium 48 stores programs and data for performing various processes in the processing unit 200. That is, the information storage medium 48 stores a program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment (a program for causing a computer to execute processing of each unit). The information storage medium 48 stores model data of various objects such as character objects, and various data such as character object attribute parameters.

  The storage unit 100 serves as a work area for the processing unit 200, the communication unit 50, and the like, and its functions can be realized by a RAM, a VRAM, or the like. The storage unit 100 of the present embodiment includes a main storage unit 102 used as a work area of the processing unit 200, a drawing buffer 104 in which an image to be displayed on the display unit 44 is drawn, and character data from which character data is read. A storage unit 106 and a sound data storage unit 108 into which melody data are read are included.

  The communication unit 50 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (for example, a server or other portable terminal), and functions as hardware such as various processors or an integrated circuit (ASIC) for communication. It can be realized by hardware or a program.

  Note that a program (data) for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment is transferred from the information storage medium 48 of the host device (server) to the information storage medium 48 (storage unit 100) via the network and communication unit 50. You may distribute. Use of the information storage medium 48 of such a host device (server) can be included in the scope of the present invention.

  The processing unit 200 (processor) performs processing such as game processing, drawing processing, and sound processing based on operation information and programs from the operation unit 40, the sound input unit 42, and the like. The processing unit 200 performs various processes using the storage unit 100 as a work area, and functions thereof can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), various integrated circuits (IC, ASIC), and programs.

  In particular, the processing unit 200 of the present embodiment includes a game processing unit 202, a display control unit 204, an object space setting unit 206, a virtual camera control unit 208, a movement / motion control unit 210, a determination unit 212, a selection unit 214, and sound control. A unit 216, a sound changing unit 218, a timing unit 220, a communication control unit 222, a drawing unit 224, and a sound processing unit 226. Note that some of these may be omitted.

  The game processing unit 202 is a process for starting a game when a game start condition is satisfied, a process for advancing the game, a process for calculating a game result, or a process for ending a game when a game end condition is satisfied. I do. The game processing unit 202 also performs processing for updating a predetermined parameter (attribute parameter) included in the character data. The predetermined parameter can be, for example, a parameter representing the character's emotion, degree of growth, degree of fatigue, health condition, and the like.

  The display control unit 204 performs display control of an image (object image) displayed on the display unit 44. Specifically, an object to be displayed (character, moving object, course, building, tree, pillar, wall, map, background) is generated, the display or display position of the object is indicated, or the object is deleted. Display control such as That is, display control is performed such as registering the generated object in the object list, transferring the object list to the drawing unit 224, and deleting the disappeared object from the object list.

  In addition, the display control unit 204 performs control for displaying an image indicating the state of movement or movement that has occurred when movement or movement of the object occurs according to operation information or a program from the player. In particular, in the game system 10 of the present embodiment, an object is set in a three-dimensional object space, and the display control unit 204 includes an object space setting unit 206 and a virtual camera control unit 208.

  The object space setting unit 206 includes various objects representing objects such as characters, moving objects, courses, buildings, trees, pillars, walls, maps, and backgrounds (objects composed of primitives such as polygons, free-form surfaces, or subdivision surfaces). ) Is set in the object space. In other words, the position and rotation angle of the object in the world coordinate system (synonymous with direction and direction) are determined, and the rotation angle (rotation angle around the X, Y, and Z axes) is determined at that position (X, Y, Z). Arrange objects.

  The virtual camera control unit 208 performs a virtual camera (viewpoint) control process for generating an image that can be seen from a given (arbitrary) viewpoint in the object space. Specifically, a process of controlling the position (X, Y, Z) or rotation angle (rotation angle around the X, Y, Z axes) of the virtual camera (process for controlling the viewpoint position, orientation, or angle of view). Do.

  For example, when shooting a character with a virtual camera, a gazing point (an example of position information of a specific object) that defines the orientation of the virtual camera is set for the character, and the gazing point changes according to changes in the character position or rotation. The position or rotation angle of the virtual camera (the direction of the virtual camera) is controlled so that the virtual camera faces. In this case, the virtual camera can be controlled based on information such as the position, rotation angle, or speed of the character (gaze point) obtained by the movement / motion control unit 210 described later. Alternatively, control may be performed such that the virtual camera is rotated at a predetermined rotation angle or moved along a predetermined movement path. In this case, the virtual camera is controlled based on predetermined control information for specifying the position (movement path) or rotation angle of the virtual camera. Alternatively, the virtual camera is controlled based on the player's operation input by the operation unit 40.

  The movement / motion control unit 210 performs a movement motion calculation (movement motion simulation) of the character. That is, based on operation information from the operation unit 40, the sound input unit 42, a program (movement / motion algorithm), various data (motion data), or the like, the character is moved in the object space or the character is moved ( (Motion, animation). Specifically, character movement information (position, rotation angle, speed, or acceleration) and action information (position or rotation angle of each part constituting the moving body) are stored every frame (1/60 seconds). A simulation process is sequentially performed. The frame is a unit of time for performing the character movement operation process (simulation process) and the drawing process.

In particular, in the present embodiment, attribute parameters, action pattern data, and the like are set for each of the plurality of characters, and a moving motion algorithm and motion data are set for each character. Then, the movement / motion control unit 210 starts control for moving the character based on the operation information from the operation unit 40, the sound input unit 42, the attribute parameter, the action pattern data, and the like, and is set for the character. Calculates the amount of movement (moving speed of the moving body) in units of frames based on the moving motion algorithm, motion data, and operation information, and calculates the amount of rotation of the moving body (rotation speed of the moving body) in units of frames. A body coordinate transformation matrix M is obtained. Then, the vertex coordinate P _K-1 of the moving object in the ( _K−1 ) th frame is multiplied by the coordinate transformation matrix M to obtain the vertex coordinate P _K (= P _K−1 × M) of the moving object in the Kth frame. Looking for.

  The timer unit 220 measures the virtual time in the object space or the time in the real world. The timer unit 220 may set a virtual time in the object space based on the real world time.

  The selection unit 214 sets a predetermined number of characters among the characters arranged in the object space as selection targets. The selection unit 214 sets a character as a selection target based on operation information from the operation unit 40, for example. Specifically, a character placed at coordinates designated by the player touching the touch panel is set as a selection target.

  When there are a plurality of characters that satisfy the selection condition, the selection unit 214 may set a plurality of characters as selection targets, or set only a specific character from among a plurality of characters that satisfy the selection conditions as a selection target. May be. For example, when the player designates a predetermined range on the touch panel and a plurality of characters are arranged in the predetermined range, the selection unit 214 may set a character closest to the virtual camera among the plurality of characters as a selection target. Good.

  The selection unit 214 can also automatically set the selection target regardless of the player's operation. For example, a character arranged in the field of view of the virtual camera may be set as a selection target. In addition, when the movement / motion control unit 210 automatically controls the movement of a plurality of characters, the character closest to the virtual camera may be automatically set as a selection target.

  The determination unit 212 includes a first determination unit that determines whether or not a first condition preset for the character is satisfied. For example, the first condition may be that a character has been selected and that a predetermined parameter included in the character data has reached a predetermined value. The determination unit 212 may determine whether or not the first condition is satisfied for each of a plurality of characters arranged in the object space.

  The determination unit 212 includes a second determination unit that determines whether a second condition set in advance for the character is satisfied. The second condition can be, for example, that a predetermined operation has been performed on the operation unit 40, or that a predetermined item has been used in the game. Based on the determination result of the second determination unit, the game processing unit 202 updates a predetermined parameter included in the character data.

  The determination unit 212 includes a time determination unit that determines whether the time measured by the time measuring unit 220 is a predetermined time set in advance. The predetermined time can be, for example, a time that is the boundary between day and night when the day is divided into day and night.

  When the game is started, the sound control unit 216 reads a plurality of melody data to be reproduced by the sound processing unit 226 from the information storage medium 48 to the sound data storage unit 108, and the sound processing unit 226 in accordance with the progress of the game. The plurality of melody data are reproduced simultaneously. Further, the sound control unit 216 adjusts the volume of the plurality of melody data for each melody data based on the determination result of the first determination unit. The sound control unit 216 also causes the sound processing unit 226 to perform processing for changing the reproduction speed of the melody data, effect processing, and modulation processing based on the determination result of the first determination unit. Here, effect processing refers to processing such as reverb, chorus, delay, flanger, echo, harmonicizer, symphonic, pitch shifter, equalizer, wah, distortion, overdrive, limiter, compressor, expander, noise gate, auto pan, etc. Or a combination thereof. The modulation process can be a process of transposing C major melody data to A minor, for example.

  The sound control unit 216 includes a sound change unit 218. The sound changing unit 218 changes at least one of a plurality of melody data reproduced at the same time to other melody data based on the determination result of the time determination unit.

  The communication control unit 222 performs processing for generating a packet to be transmitted to another game system 10, processing for designating a network address of the game system 10 that is a packet transmission destination, processing for storing the received packet in the storage unit 100, and received packet And the control processing of the communication unit 50 related to transmission / reception of other packets. In particular, in the present embodiment, control for generating data packets and command packets necessary for executing a breeding game using a network (for example, the Internet), and transmission and reception of data packets and command packets via the communication unit 50 are performed. Take control.

  The drawing unit 224 performs drawing processing based on the results of various processing (game processing) performed by the processing unit 200, thereby generating an image and outputting it to the first display unit 18 and the second display unit 34. To do. When a so-called three-dimensional game image is generated, first, vertex data (vertex position coordinates, texture coordinates, color data, normal vector, α value, etc.) of each vertex defining a display object (object, model) is included. Display object data (object data, model data) is input, and vertex processing is performed based on vertex data included in the input display object data. When performing the vertex processing, vertex generation processing (tessellation, curved surface division, polygon division) for re-dividing the polygon may be performed as necessary. In vertex processing, geometry processing such as vertex movement processing, coordinate transformation (world coordinate transformation, camera coordinate transformation), clipping processing, perspective transformation, or light source processing is performed, and the display object is configured based on the processing result. The given vertex data is changed (updated, adjusted) for the vertex group. Then, rasterization (scan conversion) is performed based on the vertex data after the vertex processing, and the surface of the polygon (primitive) is associated with the pixel. Subsequent to rasterization, pixel processing (fragment processing) for drawing pixels constituting an image (fragments constituting a display screen) is performed. In pixel processing, various processes such as texture reading (texture mapping), color data setting / changing, translucent composition, anti-aliasing, etc. are performed to determine the final drawing color of the pixels that make up the image, and perspective transformation is performed. The drawing color of the object is output (drawn) to a drawing buffer 104 (VRAM, rendering target) that can store image information in units of pixels. That is, in pixel processing, per-pixel processing for setting or changing image information (color, normal, luminance, α value, etc.) in units of pixels is performed.

  The vertex processing and pixel processing performed by the drawing unit 224 are realized by hardware that enables polygon (primitive) drawing processing to be programmed by a shader program written in a shading language, so-called programmable shaders (vertex shaders and pixel shaders). May be. Programmable shaders can be programmed with vertex-level processing and pixel-level processing, so that the degree of freedom of rendering processing is high, and the expressive power can be greatly improved compared to fixed rendering processing by hardware. .

  The drawing unit 224 performs geometry processing, texture mapping, hidden surface removal processing, α blending, and the like when drawing the display object.

  In the geometry processing, processing such as coordinate conversion, clipping processing, perspective projection conversion, or light source calculation is performed on the display object. Then, display object data after geometric processing (after perspective projection conversion) (position coordinates of vertex of display object, texture coordinates, color data (luminance data), normal vector, α value, etc.) is stored in the main storage unit 102. Saved.

  Texture mapping is a process for mapping a texture (texel value) stored in the storage unit 100 to a display object. Specifically, the texture (surface properties such as color (RGB) and α value) is read from the storage unit 100 using the texture coordinates set (given) at the vertex of the display object. Then, a texture that is a two-dimensional image is mapped to a display object. In this case, processing for associating pixels with texels, bilinear interpolation or the like is performed as texel interpolation.

  As the hidden surface removal processing, hidden surface removal processing can be performed by a Z buffer method (depth comparison method, Z test) using a Z buffer (depth buffer) in which Z values (depth information) of drawing pixels are stored. . That is, when drawing pixels corresponding to the primitive of the object are drawn, the Z value stored in the Z buffer is referred to. Then, the Z value of the referenced Z buffer is compared with the Z value at the drawing pixel of the primitive, and the Z value at the drawing pixel is a Z value (for example, a small Z value) on the near side when viewed from the virtual camera. In some cases, the drawing process of the drawing pixel is performed and the Z value of the Z buffer is updated to a new Z value.

  α blending (α synthesis) is a translucent synthesis process (usually α blending, addition α blending, subtraction α blending, or the like) based on an α value (A value). For example, in normal α blending, a process for obtaining a color obtained by combining two colors by performing linear interpolation with the α value as the strength of synthesis is performed.

  The α value is information that can be stored in association with each pixel (texel, dot), and is, for example, plus alpha information other than color information indicating the luminance of each RGB color component. The α value can be used as mask information, translucency (equivalent to transparency and opacity), bump information, and the like.

  The sound processing unit 226 reproduces the melody data read into the sound data storage unit 108, and outputs a continuous sound waveform to the sound output unit 46. The function is based on the melody data. This can be realized by hardware such as an integrated circuit (sound source IC) that generates a waveform of the above, a program, or the like.

Note that the image generation system of the present embodiment may be a system dedicated to the single player mode in which only one player can play, or may be a system having a multiplayer mode in which a plurality of players can play. Further, when a plurality of players play, game images and game sounds to be provided to the plurality of players may be generated using one terminal, or connected via a network (transmission line, communication line) or the like. Alternatively, it may be generated by distributed processing using a plurality of terminals (game machine, mobile phone).
3. Method 3-1. Data Structure FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the contents of data stored in the sound data storage unit 108 in the present embodiment. The sound data storage unit 108 has a waveform data storage area for storing sound waveform data read from the information storage medium 48 and a sequence group data storage area for storing a plurality of sequence data. In the present embodiment, the combination of the sound waveform data and the sequence data is the melody data. However, the format of the melody data is not limited to this, and other formats may be used. The sound data storage unit 108 has a volume data storage area, a playback speed data storage area, and an effect data storage area in which data for changing the playback state of the melody data is stored.

  In the waveform data storage area, for example, sound waveform data corresponding to each instrument sound of a plurality of types of instruments is stored. The sound waveform data can be, for example, PCM or ADPCM data.

  The sequence group data storage area stores sequence group data composed of a plurality of sequence data (score data) that are reproduced simultaneously. In the present embodiment, one sequence group data includes a melody sequence (flute), a character A sequence (xylophone), a character B sequence (guitar), a character C sequence (violin), a love sound sequence (percussion), a background Six sequence data of a sound sequence (bird song, wind sound, river murmuring sound, etc.) are included, and a channel to be output is assigned to each sequence data. The sound waveform data is read according to each sequence data.

  The volume data storage area stores the volume of each channel. The melody data of each channel is reproduced based on the volume stored in the volume data storage area.

  In the reproduction speed data storage area, reproduction speed information of melody data is stored. Then, the melody data is reproduced at the reproduction speed stored in the reproduction speed data storage area. Here, the reproduction speed data is commonly set for the six channels. As a result, speed control is performed in units of six sequences (channels), so the melody speeds output from the six channels are the same, and the melody speeds output by the channels are different, making it difficult to hear. Absent. Furthermore, since the volume data is set for each channel in this embodiment, it seems that the playback speed of only specific melody data with a large volume has changed.

In the effect data storage area, effect information of melodic data is stored. Then, effect processing is performed based on the effect information stored in the effect data storage area. Here, the effect data is commonly set for the six channels, but in the present embodiment, since the volume data is set for each channel, it seems that the effect is applied only to a specific melody having a high volume.
3-2. Adjustment of Volume According to Character Selection The volume adjustment in the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 4 shows how the volume of each channel changes as the game progresses. The vertical axis represents the volume of each channel, and the horizontal axis represents time. t0 indicates a point in time when the sequence group data is read and the reproduction of the melody data is started. In the initial state immediately after the start of reproduction, among channels 1 to 6, the volume of channel 1 to which the melody sequence is assigned, the volume of channel 6 to which the background sound sequence is assigned is 100, and the volumes of channels 2 to 5 are 0. It is set as follows. Then, the six sequences assigned to channels 1 to 6 are reproduced in synchronization. That is, playback control is performed in units of six sequence data, but the melody is not output because the volume of channels 2 to 5 is set to 0, and only the melody of the sequence assigned to channels 1 and 6 is output. . In this embodiment, a sequence for playing a flute melody is stored as a melody sequence. Therefore, in the initial state, the performance sound of the flute and the background sound (bird song, wind sound, river noise, etc.) are output from the sound output unit 46.

  In the initial state, the virtual camera is set at a position where the entire game space can be viewed. In the initial state, when the player operates the operation unit 40 to select a specific character, at least one of the position and the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is changed so as to gaze at the selected character. FIG. 5 is a view showing a game screen displayed in the game system 10. The first display unit 18 in FIG. 5 displays an image in which the character A set as a selection target is a gazing point. The player can change the selection target from this state to another character (for example, character B). Then, an image in which the newly selected character B is a gazing point is displayed.

  T1 in FIG. 4 indicates a point in time when the character A is set as a selection target. When the character A is selected, as shown in FIG. 4, the volume of the channel 2 to which the character A sequence is assigned gradually increases. As a result, the melody of the sequence assigned to the channels 1, 2, and 6 is output. In this embodiment, a sequence for playing the xylophone melody is stored as the sequence for the character A. Therefore, after t1, a melody in which the xylophone performance sound is added to the flute performance sound and the background sound is output.

  4 indicates a time point when the selection target is changed from the character A to the character B. When the selection target is changed to the character B, the volume of the channel 3 to which the character B sequence is assigned gradually increases. At the same time, the volume of channel 2 to which the sequence for character A is assigned gradually decreases. As a result, the melody of the sequence assigned to the channels 1, 3, and 6 is output. In the present embodiment, a sequence for playing a guitar melody is stored as the character B sequence. Therefore, after t2, a melody in which the performance sound of the guitar is added to the performance sound of the flute and the background sound is output.

Thus, according to this embodiment, the player can know whether or not a character is selected, and when a character is selected, which character is selected based on the output state of the melody. In addition, since the output state of the melody changes according to the character serving as the gaze point, it is possible to obtain an effect that the melody changes according to the change of the display image.
3-3. Adjustment of Volume and Reproduction Speed According to Character Emotion FIG. 6 is an example of character data in this embodiment. In the present embodiment, parameters such as a current love value, a first threshold value, and a second threshold value are set for each character. The current love value is a parameter representing the emotional state of the character and changes with the progress of the game. For example, when the player performs an operation of stroking (rubbing) a predetermined part of the character using the touch pen, or when the player gives the character a favorite food item, a toy item, or the like, the current love value is To increase. On the other hand, if the player gives a character disliked item or a toy item, the current love value decreases. By providing such parameters relating to the emotion of the character, the relationship between the player and the character can be expressed in the breeding game. Then, when the current affection value of the character reaches the first threshold value, the melody starts to change as will be described later. In the present embodiment, a threshold is set for each character, but a common threshold may be set for a plurality of characters.

  In the present embodiment, the current love value of the character is reflected in the reproduction state of the melody data so that the player can grasp the character state by melody. Specifically, when the current love value of the selection target character reaches the first threshold value, the volume of the channel 5 to which the love sound sequence is assigned increases, the playback speed of the melody data decreases, and the melody data Effect processing is performed.

  In FIG. 4, t3 indicates the time when the current love value of the character B to be selected has reached 50 (first threshold), and t4 indicates the time when the current love value has reached 100 (second threshold). . In the present embodiment, when the current love value is less than 50, the volume of the channel 5 to which the love sound sequence is assigned is set to zero. When the current love value is between 50 and 100, the volume of the channel 5 is adjusted according to the value of the current love value. Furthermore, when the current love value exceeds 100, the volume of channel 5 is fixed at 100. In this embodiment, a sequence for playing a percussion melody is stored as a love sound sequence. Therefore, after t3, a melody in which the percussion performance sound is added to the flute and guitar performance sounds and the background sound is output.

  Furthermore, when the current love value reaches 50, the reproduction speed of the melody data starts to decrease. Δs0 in FIG. 4 is a time required for reproducing a predetermined portion (for example, one measure) of the melody data in the normal time (when the current affection value of the selection target character is less than 50). As shown in FIG. 4, when the current affection value of the character is between 50 and 100, it takes time Δs1 longer than Δs0 to reproduce one measure. Furthermore, when the current love value exceeds 100, it takes a time of Δs2 longer than Δs1 to reproduce one measure. Specifically, the reproduction speed is changed by changing the time interval at which the sound waveform data is read based on the sequence data. As shown in FIG. 4, since the change in the reproduction speed of the melody data is performed in common for the six sequences of channels 1 to 6, the six sequences are reproduced in synchronization.

  Furthermore, when the current love value reaches 50, the effect is applied to the melody. In the present embodiment, reverb is applied to the melody with a strength according to the current emotion value of the character. By doing so, it is possible to reflect the flicker of the emotion of the character in the melody. Here, the effect data is set in common for the six channels. As shown in FIG. 4, since the volume of channels 2 and 4 is 0 after t3, the reverb is applied only to the melody of channels 1, 3, 5, and 6. Sounds like it took.

  Then, when a predetermined time elapses after the current love value exceeds 100, the current love value starts to gradually decrease. Along with this, the volume of the channel 5 gradually decreases, and the reproduction speed of the melody data gradually increases. T5 in FIG. 4 indicates a point in time when a predetermined time has elapsed from the point in time (t4) when the current love value exceeds 100. After t5, the volume of channel 5 begins to gradually decrease.

Thus, according to the present embodiment, the emotion of the character that changes as the game progresses can be reflected in the melody output status. As a result, the player can grasp the situation of the character by melody. In particular, in a game in which a plurality of characters are nurtured simultaneously as in this embodiment, it may be difficult for the player to grasp the situation of each character, so that the situation of the selection target character can be grasped by melody. By doing so, the player can be assisted. Further, in this embodiment, by combining volume adjustment, playback speed adjustment, and effect processing for each channel to which a sequence for each character is assigned, it is possible to finely reflect character emotion changes in the melody output status. .
3-4. Switching melody data according to stage and time In the game of the present embodiment, two stages of a park and a hut are prepared, and the character can move between the stages by the operation of the player. Each stage has day and night, and day and night change according to the in-game time or the actual time. In the present embodiment, the melody data to be reproduced is changed to other melody data in accordance with a change in stage or a change in time. As a result, the player can experience a change in melody according to the type of stage and time.

  FIG. 7 is an example of sequence group data stored in the information storage medium 48. The information storage medium 48 includes four sequences: park (day) sequence group data α, park (night) sequence group data β, hut (day) sequence group data γ, and hut (night) sequence group data σ. Group data is stored. Each sequence group data includes six sequence data assigned to channels 1 to 6.

The sequence group data storage area in FIG. 3 stores any one of the sequence group data α to σ depending on the stage and time. When the stage is switched or when the day and night are switched, the sequence group data corresponding to the stage and time after switching is read from the information storage medium 48 to the sequence group data storage area. Then, with the newly read sequence group data, the above-described synchronized playback, volume adjustment according to character selection, playback speed adjustment according to character parameters, and effect processing are performed.
4). Process Flow FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a sound control flow of the game system 10 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the game system 10 sets a stage based on the player's selection and time (S10), and reads sequence group data corresponding to the set stage from the information storage medium 48 to the storage unit 100 ( S12). Next, as an initial state of the stage, the game system 10 sets the volume of the channel to which the melody sequence and the background sequence included in the sequence group data are assigned to 100, and the volume of the other channels to 0 (S14). . While the game process is being performed at the set stage, the game system 10 performs a melody data adjustment process according to the game situation (S16). When it is determined that the game process at the set stage has been completed or the stage has been changed (S18Y), the game system 10 ends the melody data adjustment process.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of the melody data adjustment process in S16 of FIG. The game system 10 determines whether a character arranged in the object space has been selected (S100). When the character is selected (S100Y), the game system 10 increases the volume of the channel to which the sequence corresponding to the selected character is assigned (S102). Next, the game system 10 determines whether or not the current love value of the selected character has reached a predetermined value or more (S104). If the current love value has reached a certain level (S104Y), the game system 10 increases the volume of the channel to which the love sound sequence is assigned, lowers the playback speed of the melody data, and performs the effect processing (S106). Thereafter, when it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed since the current love value has reached or exceeded the predetermined value (S108Y), the game system 10 decreases the volume of the channel to which the sequence for love sound is assigned, and the playback speed of the melody data To finish the effect processing (S110). Next, the game system 10 determines whether or not the character selection is canceled (S112). When the selection of the character is released (S112Y), the game system 10 decreases the volume of the channel to which the sequence corresponding to the released character is assigned (114).
5. Modification The method described in the above embodiment is merely an example, and even when an equivalent method that achieves the same effect as the method of the above embodiment is employed, it can be included in the scope of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to that described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. And the method of the said embodiment and the various methods mentioned later as a modification can be employ | adopted combining suitably as a method of implement | achieving this invention.

  (1) In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, an example in which the sound waveform data and the sequence data are stored as separate data has been described. However, the sound waveform data and the sequence such as the WAVE format and the MP3 format are described. You may use data that is not separated. Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the sequence is matched with the character, you may match a sequence for every part of a character. In this way, it is possible to change the reproduction status of the melody data according to the selected character part.

  (2) In the above embodiment, the volume of channel 1 to which the melody sequence is assigned is always constant, but the volume of channel 1 may be changed according to the game situation. For example, the volume of channel 1 may be decreased as the volume of other channels increases.

  (3) In the above embodiment, an example in which a character is selected by touching the touch panel has been described, but the method for selecting a character is not limited to this. For example, a list of character names may be displayed on the screen, and a character may be designated and selected from the list. In this way, regardless of whether or not the character is shown on the touch panel screen, the character displayed in the list can be selected. In addition, a character may be automatically selected based on satisfaction of a given condition regardless of a player's operation. For example, two characters may be controlled so as to run toward the virtual camera at the same time, and a character that has previously reached a certain distance of the virtual camera may be selected.

  (4) In the above embodiment, when the character is selected, the example in which the virtual camera is controlled so as to gaze at the selection target character has been described, but the relationship between the character selection and the virtual camera control is described here. Not limited to. For example, the player may be allowed to control the virtual camera using the operation unit 40, and a character that falls within the field of view of the virtual camera may be set as a selection target. Here, in the case of the game system 10 having the first display unit 18 and the second display unit 34 like the game system 10 of the present embodiment, an image viewed from the first virtual camera is displayed on the first display unit. 18, and the image viewed from the second virtual camera can be displayed on the second display unit 34. In this case, a character that falls within the field of view of either the first or second virtual camera may be set as a selection target with priority, or within the field of view of both the first and second virtual cameras. The character entered may be set as a selection target.

  (5) In the above embodiment, an example in which one character is set as a selection target from among a plurality of characters has been described, but two or more characters may be set as selection targets. The change in volume when two or more characters are set as selection targets may use sequence data associated with each of the two or more characters, or may be associated with a combination of two or more characters. Alternatively, the sequence data may be used.

  FIG. 10A is a diagram for explaining the case where sequence data associated with each of two characters is used. In FIG. 10A, t1 indicates a point in time when the character A is set as a selection target. As shown in FIG. 10A, the volume of the channel to which the character A sequence is assigned starts to gradually increase from time t1. In FIG. 10A, t2 indicates the time when the character A is set as the selection target and the character B is set as the selection target. As shown in FIG. 10A, after the time t2, the volume of the channel to which the character B sequence is assigned begins to gradually increase, and the channel to which the character A sequence is assigned and the character B sequence are assigned. The volume of both channels will increase. In this case, priority may be set between a plurality of characters set as selection targets. For example, priority may be set according to the distance from the virtual camera, and the volume may be adjusted based on the priority. FIG. 10A shows an example in which the character A is closer to the virtual camera than the character B. In this case, since the higher priority is set for character A than for character B, the volume of the channel to which the sequence for character A is assigned is higher than the volume of the channel to which the sequence for character B is assigned. Yes.

  FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating a case where sequence data associated with a combination of two characters is used. In FIG. 10B, t1 indicates a point in time when the character A is set as a selection target. As shown in FIG. 10B, the volume of the channel to which the sequence for character A is assigned starts to gradually increase from time t1. In FIG. 10B, t2 indicates a point in time when the character A is set as the selection target and the character B is set as the selection target. As shown in FIG. 10B, from the time t2, the volume of the channel to which the character A sequence is assigned begins to gradually decrease, and the volume of the channel to which the character A + B sequence is assigned begins to gradually increase. Here, sequence data associated with a combination of a selection target character and a specific game situation may be used. For example, the sequence data associated with the case where the character A and the character B are set as selection targets and the compatibility between the characters A and B is equal to or greater than a certain value may be used. In this way, the player can grasp the compatibility of the characters by changing the melody output status.

  (6) In the above embodiment, an example in which one sequence is associated with each character has been described. However, a plurality of sequences may be associated with each character. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a case where two sequences are associated with characters A to C, respectively.

  T1 in FIG. 11 indicates a point in time when the character A is selected. When the character A is selected, the volume of the channel to which the character A sequence 1 is assigned increases as shown in FIG. T2 in FIG. 11 indicates a point in time when the current love value of the character A reaches a predetermined value. When the current affection value of the character A reaches a predetermined value, the volume of the channel to which the character A sequence 2 is assigned increases as shown in FIG. When the current love value of the character reaches a predetermined value, the volume of the channel to which the sequence for love sound common to the characters is assigned is increased in the above embodiment, but in the modification shown in FIG. The volume of a channel to which one of a plurality of assigned sequences is assigned is increased.

  T3 in FIG. 11 indicates a point in time when the character B is selected. When the character B is selected, the volume of the channel to which the character B sequence 1 is assigned increases, and the volume of the channel to which the character A sequence 1 and the character B sequence 1 are assigned increases. T4 in FIG. 11 indicates a point in time when the current love value of the character B reaches a predetermined value. In this case, as in the case of the character A, the volume of the channel to which the character B sequence 2 is assigned is increased.

  As the volume of the channel to which the character A sequence 2 is assigned increases, the volume of the channel to which the character A sequence 1 is assigned increases and the volume of the channel to which the character B sequence 2 is assigned increases. In addition, the volume of the channel to which the character B sequence 1 is assigned may be lowered.

  (7) In the above embodiment, the effect processing is performed when the current love value of the character reaches a predetermined value. However, the modulation processing may be performed together with or instead of the effect processing. . The modulation process is, for example, a process for changing a C-major score to a B minor. In this case, if modulation processing is performed in common for channels to which six sequences are assigned, it is possible to prevent only a specific sequence from being modulated and becoming difficult to hear. Even when modulation processing is performed in common for the six sequences, the volume is adjusted for each channel in the above embodiment, so that only the sequence assigned to a specific channel sounds like being modulated.

  (8) In the above embodiment, the example in which the six sequence data constituting the sequence group data are changed all at once according to at least one change in the stage and time has been described. However, the sequence data constituting the sequence group data Only a part of the sequence data may be changed.

The figure which shows the external appearance of the game system 10 of this embodiment. The functional block diagram of the game system 10 of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the data structure of the game system 10 of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the control method of the game system 10 of this embodiment. The figure which shows the game screen of the game system 10 of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the data structure of the game system 10 of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the data structure of the game system 10 of this embodiment. The flowchart figure which shows the flow of a process of the game system 10 of this embodiment. The flowchart figure which shows the flow of a process of the game system 10 of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the control method of the game system 10 in the modification of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the control method of the game system 10 in the modification of this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Game system, 12 Main body lower part, 14 Main body upper part, 16 Hinge part 18 1st display part, 20 Cross key, 22 1st button, 24 2nd button,
26 3rd button, 28 4th button, 30 start button, 32 select button,
34 second display unit, 36 speaker, 38 microphone,
40 operation unit, 42 sound input unit, 44 display unit, 46 sound output unit, 48 information storage medium,
50 communication department,
100 storage unit, 102 main storage unit, 104 drawing buffer,
106 character data storage unit, 108 sound data storage unit,
200 processing unit, 202 game processing unit, 204 display control unit,
206 Object space setting unit, 208 Virtual camera control unit,
210 movement / operation control unit, 212 determination unit, 214 selection unit, 216 sound control unit,
218 sound changing unit, 220 timing unit, 222 communication control unit, 224 drawing unit,
226 Sound processor

Claims (13)

A computer comprising a character data storage unit for storing data of a plurality of characters ,
A drawing unit that draws a game image including the character,
A sound control section for reproducing a plurality of melodies data simultaneously containing melody data associated with each character,
Function as a first determination unit for determining whether or not a first condition set in advance for the character is satisfied;
Said sound control unit, based on a determination result of the first determination unit, the volume of said plurality of melody data adjusted for each melody data, changing the playback speed of the plurality of melody data which are simultaneously played A program characterized by A computer comprising a character data storage unit for storing data of a plurality of characters ,
A drawing unit that draws a game image including the character,
A sound control section for reproducing a plurality of melodies data simultaneously containing melody data associated with each character,
Function as a first determination unit for determining whether or not a first condition set in advance for the character is satisfied;
Said sound control unit, based on a determination result of the first determination unit, the volume of said plurality of melody data adjusted for each melody data, to perform effect processing of said plurality of melody data which are simultaneously played A program characterized by A computer comprising a character data storage unit for storing data of a plurality of characters ,
A drawing unit that draws a game image including the character,
A sound control section for reproducing a plurality of melodies data simultaneously containing melody data associated with each character,
First to determine whether or not a first condition preset for the character is satisfied
Function as a judgment part of
Said sound control unit, based on a determination result of the first determination unit, the volume of said plurality of melody data adjusted for each melody data, to perform modulation processing of the plurality of melody data which are simultaneously played A program characterized by The first determination unit determines whether or not the first condition is satisfied for each character,
The said sound control part changes the relative volume of the melody data matched with the character by which the said 1st condition was satisfy | filled, and other melody data, The any one of Claims 1-3 characterized by the above-mentioned. program according to any. Causing the computer to function as a selection unit that sets a predetermined character of the plurality of characters as a selection target;
The program according to claim 4 , wherein the first determination unit determines that the first condition is satisfied when the character is set as a selection target by the selection unit. The drawing unit draws a game image when an object space in which the plurality of characters are set is viewed from a virtual camera,
The program according to claim 5 , wherein the selection unit sets a character within a field of view of the virtual camera or a predetermined range corresponding to the virtual camera as a selection target. The sound control unit adjusts the volume of melody data associated with the character set as the selection target to be relatively larger than the volume of other melody data. Item 7. The program according to item 5 or 6 . A second determination unit determines whether the second condition is met, which is set in advance for the character,
Based on the determination result of the second determination unit, the computer functions as a parameter update unit that updates a predetermined parameter included in the character data,
Wherein the first determination unit, when the predetermined parameter reaches a predetermined value, the program according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein determining that satisfies the first condition. And the time measuring unit for measuring a time,
And time determination unit time during which the timer unit is timed to determine whether a preset predetermined time,
Based on the determination result of the time determining unit, and a sound changing section for changing at least one of said plurality of melody data to other melody data,
The program according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the program causes the computer to function. A plurality of conditions are set as the first condition,
The sound control unit, when two or more of the first condition is satisfied, and adjusting the volume of said plurality of melody data, the program according to any one of claims 1-9 . A character data storage unit which stores data of a plurality of characters,
A drawing unit that draws a game image including the character,
A sound control section for reproducing a plurality of melodies data simultaneously containing melody data associated with each character,
And a first determination unit that determines whether satisfies the first condition set in advance for the character,
The sound control unit adjusts the volume of the plurality of melody data for each melody data based on the determination result of the first determination unit, and changes the reproduction speed of the plurality of melody data reproduced simultaneously. A game system characterized by A character data storage unit which stores data of a plurality of characters,
A drawing unit that draws a game image including the character,
A sound control section for reproducing a plurality of melodies data simultaneously containing melody data associated with each character,
And a first determination unit that determines whether satisfies the first condition set in advance for the character,
The sound control unit adjusts the volume of the plurality of melody data for each melody data based on the determination result of the first determination unit, and performs the effect processing of the plurality of melody data reproduced simultaneously. A game system characterized by A character data storage unit which stores data of a plurality of characters,
A drawing unit that draws a game image including the character,
A sound control section for reproducing a plurality of melodies data simultaneously containing melody data associated with each character,
And a first determination unit that determines whether satisfies the first condition set in advance for the character,
The sound control unit adjusts the volume of the plurality of melody data for each melody data based on the determination result of the first determination unit, and performs modulation processing of the plurality of melody data reproduced simultaneously. A game system characterized by