JP5393218B2 - GAME DEVICE AND GAME PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game device and a game program, and more specifically to a game device and a game program that perform game processing based on angular velocity.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, game devices that perform game processing using angular velocity data output from the gyro sensor using an input device including a gyro sensor have been considered. For example, a game device using a rod-shaped input control device provided with a gyro sensor is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1). The game device disclosed in Patent Document 1 controls a sword possessed by a game character in accordance with the movement of an input control device. Specifically, the sword posture of the game character is calculated based on angular velocity data from a gyro sensor provided in the input control device.

JP 2000-308756 A

  The gyro sensor outputs data indicating the rotational angular velocity. Therefore, the output fluctuates due to a so-called drift phenomenon, and the angular velocity data obtained from the gyro sensor may be inaccurate due to an error due to the fluctuation. However, when the game process is performed using the angular velocity data obtained from the gyro sensor provided in the input device, it is difficult to check the above-described error during the game process. It is also difficult for the player who operates the input device to check how much error is occurring in the gyro sensor.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a game device and a game program that make it easy to recognize an error occurring in a gyro sensor in a game that performs a game process based on an angular velocity obtained from a gyro sensor.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention employs the following configuration. Note that the reference numerals in parentheses, step numbers, and the like indicate correspondence with the embodiments described later in order to help understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

  In the first invention, angular velocity data (Da) indicating the angular velocities is input from an input device (6) including gyro sensors (95, 96) for detecting angular velocities around a plurality of axes (X, Y, Z axes). A game device (5) that acquires operation data including at least and performs a game process. The game device includes angular velocity data acquisition means (CPU 10 that executes steps 102 and 132; hereinafter, only step numbers are described), rotation parameter calculation means (S123, S153), and object display control means (S48, S69, S84). ). The angular velocity data acquisition means acquires angular velocity data. The rotation parameter calculation means calculates a rotation parameter (V) representing one rotation amount using a value obtained by adding the magnitudes of angular velocities (v1, v1, v3) around a plurality of axes indicated by the angular velocity data. The object display control means rotates a predetermined object (Dobj) according to the amount of rotation corresponding to the rotation parameter and displays it on the display device (2).

  According to a second aspect, in the first aspect, the game processing means (S60) and the temporary stop means (S80) are further provided. The game processing means performs a game process based on the angular velocity data. The temporary stop means temporarily stops the game process being processed by the game processing means when the operation data indicates that a predetermined operation has been performed. The object display control means rotates the object during the pause according to the rotation parameter calculated during the pause and displays it on the display device (S84).

  The third invention further includes determination means (S104 to S108, S112, S134 to S138, S142) in the first invention. The determination means determines whether the attitude of the input device is stable based on the angular velocity data. The object display control means rotates the object according to the rotation parameter and displays it on the display device during the period until the determination means determines that the attitude of the input device is stable (S48, S69, S84).

  In a fourth aspect based on the third aspect, the game processing means is further provided. The game processing means performs a game process based on the angular velocity data. The determination means starts determination before the game processing means starts the game processing (S43), and starts the game processing by the game processing means after it is determined that the attitude of the input device is stable.

  In a fifth aspect based on the third aspect, the object display control means causes the object to remain stationary in a predetermined direction when the determination means determines that the attitude of the input device is stable. Is displayed (Dobjb).

  In a sixth aspect based on the fifth aspect, after the object display control means stops the object in a predetermined direction, the object display control means continues the stationary state regardless of the rotation parameter unless the predetermined condition is satisfied. Then, the object is displayed on the display device.

  In a seventh aspect based on the first aspect, when the added value is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the rotation parameter calculating means calculates the rotation parameter using the value as the threshold value.

  In an eighth aspect based on the first aspect, the object display control means rotates the object imitating the input device and causes the display device to display the object.

  In a ninth aspect based on the first aspect, the rotation parameter calculation means calculates a new rotation parameter by bringing the added value closer to the value of the rotation parameter (Vlast) calculated in the past at a predetermined ratio. To do.

  In a tenth aspect based on the first aspect, the apparatus further comprises offset value calculation means and offset correction means. The offset value calculation means calculates a zero point offset (ofs) value that converges to the angular velocity indicated by the angular velocity data for each of the plurality of axes. The offset correction means corrects the angular velocities around the plurality of axes indicated by the angular velocity data with the respective zero point offset values calculated corresponding to the circumferences of the axes. The rotation parameter calculation unit calculates the rotation parameter using the magnitudes of the angular velocities around the plurality of axes corrected by the offset correction unit.

  In an eleventh aspect based on the tenth aspect, a continuous number calculating means is further provided. The continuous number calculating means calculates the continuous number (ct) of angular velocities that are continuously within a predetermined stable range retroactively from the angular velocity indicated by the latest angular velocity data. The offset value calculation means calculates a zero point offset value that has a higher degree of convergence to the angular velocity indicated by the latest angular velocity data as the number of consecutive values increases.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer (10) of a game device for performing game processing by acquiring operation data including at least angular velocity data respectively indicating the angular velocities from an input device including gyro sensors that respectively detect angular velocities around a plurality of axes. It is a game program executed in. The game program causes the computer to function as angular velocity data acquisition means, rotation parameter calculation means, and object display control means. The angular velocity data acquisition means acquires angular velocity data. The rotation parameter calculation means calculates a rotation parameter representing one rotation amount using a value obtained by adding the magnitudes of the angular velocities around the plurality of axes indicated by the angular velocity data. The object display control means rotates a predetermined object in accordance with the rotation amount corresponding to the rotation parameter and causes the display device to display the object.

  In a thirteenth aspect based on the twelfth aspect, the computer is further caused to function as game processing means and temporary stop means. The game processing means performs a game process based on the angular velocity data. The temporary stop means temporarily stops the game process being processed by the game processing means when the operation data indicates that a predetermined operation has been performed. The object display control means rotates the object during the pause and displays it on the display device according to the rotation parameter calculated during the pause.

  In a fourteenth aspect based on the twelfth aspect, the computer is further caused to function as a determination unit. The determination means determines whether the attitude of the input device is stable based on the angular velocity data. The object display control means rotates the object according to the rotation parameter and displays it on the display device during the period until the determination means determines that the attitude of the input device is stable.

  In a fifteenth aspect based on the fourteenth aspect, the computer is further caused to function as game processing means. The game processing means performs a game process based on the angular velocity data. The determination means starts determination before the game processing means starts game processing, and starts game processing by the game processing means after it is determined that the attitude of the input device is stable.

  In a sixteenth aspect based on the fourteenth aspect, the object display control unit causes the object to remain stationary in a predetermined direction when the determination unit determines that the attitude of the input device is stable. To display.

  In a seventeenth aspect based on the sixteenth aspect, after the object display control means stops the object in a predetermined direction, the object display control means continues the stationary state regardless of the rotation parameter unless the predetermined condition is satisfied. Then, the object is displayed on the display device.

  In an eighteenth aspect based on the twelfth aspect, when the added value is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the rotation parameter calculating means calculates the rotation parameter using the value as the threshold value.

  In a nineteenth aspect based on the twelfth aspect, the object display control means rotates an object simulating an input device and causes the display device to display the object.

  In a twentieth aspect based on the twelfth aspect, the rotation parameter calculation means calculates a new rotation parameter by bringing the added value closer to the value of the rotation parameter calculated in the past at a predetermined rate.

  In a twenty-first aspect based on the twelfth aspect, the computer is further caused to function as an offset value calculating means and an offset correcting means. The offset value calculation means calculates a zero point offset value that converges to the angular velocity indicated by the angular velocity data for each of the plurality of axes. The offset correction means corrects the angular velocities around the plurality of axes indicated by the angular velocity data with the respective zero point offset values calculated corresponding to the circumferences of the axes. The rotation parameter calculation unit calculates the rotation parameter using the magnitudes of the angular velocities around the plurality of axes corrected by the offset correction unit.

  In a twenty-second aspect based on the twenty-first aspect, the computer is further caused to function as continuous number calculating means. The continuous number calculating means calculates the continuous number of angular velocities that are continuously within a predetermined stable range retroactively from the angular velocity indicated by the latest angular velocity data. The offset value calculation means calculates a zero point offset value that has a higher degree of convergence to the angular velocity indicated by the latest angular velocity data as the number of consecutive values increases.

  According to the first aspect, the player can recognize the output state of the gyro sensor by visually recognizing the object displayed by rotation and the rotation speed thereof. For example, in a situation where the gyro sensor needs to be stationary, if the gyro sensor is not stable, the object is rotated and displayed according to the angular velocity data obtained from the gyro sensor, so the gyro sensor is moving, It can be recognized that an error is included in the output. In addition, since the rotational speed of the object is determined based on a value obtained by adding all the angular velocities around a plurality of axes, for example, when the gyro sensor is not stable due to a slight angular speed, However, since the angular velocity is emphasized and appears on the screen, it is easier to understand that the gyro sensor is not stable for the player.

  According to the second aspect, when the player performs an operation to pause the game process during the game process, the object is rotated and displayed according to the angular velocity data obtained from the gyro sensor after the pause. Therefore, even during the game process, the output state of the gyro sensor can be confirmed by pausing.

  According to the third aspect, in a situation where the gyro sensor needs to be stationary, the object is rotated and displayed according to the angular velocity data obtained from the gyro sensor until the gyro sensor is stabilized. It can be recognized that the gyro sensor is not stable.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, angular velocity data obtained from the gyro sensor until the gyro sensor is stabilized in a situation where the gyro sensor needs to be stopped before the game process in order to perform the game process. Accordingly, the object is rotated and displayed, and the game process is started after the gyro sensor is once stabilized. Therefore, the game process based on accurate data from the gyro sensor becomes possible.

  According to the fifth aspect, when the gyro sensor is stable, the object is displayed stationary in a predetermined direction, so that it can be easily recognized that the gyro sensor is stable.

  According to the sixth aspect of the invention, once the gyro sensor is stabilized, the stationary display of the object is continued even if the input device is moved thereafter, so that the player can always recognize that the gyro sensor is once stabilized. it can.

  According to the seventh aspect, since the rotation speed of the object is suppressed to a certain value or less, it is possible to avoid a situation where the display is difficult to see due to the rotation speed of the object being too high.

  According to the eighth aspect, it can be intuitively shown that the object represents the output status of the input device.

  According to the ninth aspect, the change in the rotation speed of the object can be smoothed.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to perform processing using a value that has been offset-corrected by the stationary output of the gyro sensor.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the invention, if the input device is in a stationary state, the rate at which the zero point offset value converges to the obtained angular velocity increases, so that the object is rotated and displayed in association with the convergence of the zero point offset value. be able to.

  According to the game program of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the above-described game device.

1 is an external view for explaining a game system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Functional block diagram of the game apparatus body 5 of FIG. The perspective view seen from the upper surface back of the input device 6 of FIG. The perspective view which looked at the controller 7 of FIG. 3 from the lower surface front The perspective view which shows the state which removed the upper housing | casing of the controller 7 of FIG. The perspective view which shows the state which removed the lower housing | casing of the controller 7 of FIG. The block diagram which shows the structure of the input device 6 of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the gyro sensor stability confirmation screen displayed on the monitor 2 The figure which expanded an example of input device stability information screen Ida and Idb included in the gyro sensor stability check screen of FIG. The figure which shows an example of main data and a program memorize | stored in the main memory of the game device main body 5 of FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of the game process performed in the game device main body 5 of FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of the game process performed in the game device main body 5 of FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of the game process performed in the game device main body 5 of FIG. Subroutine showing an example of the stability confirmation process in FIGS. Subroutine showing an example of the stability confirmation screen display processing in FIGS. 11 and 12 Subroutine showing an example of the stable reconfirmation process in step 83 in FIG. Subroutine showing an example of the stability reconfirmation screen display process in step 84 in FIG. The figure which shows an example of the stability confirmation incomplete screen displayed on the monitor 2 The figure which shows an example of the information screen In1 displayed on the monitor 2 The figure which shows an example of the information screen In2 displayed on the monitor 2 The figure which shows an example of the stability confirmation screen displayed on the monitor 2

  A game device that executes a game program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, in order to make the description more specific, a game system including a stationary game apparatus body 5 as an example of the apparatus will be described. FIG. 1 is an external view of a game system 1 including a stationary game apparatus 3, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the game apparatus body 5. Hereinafter, the game system 1 will be described.

  In FIG. 1, a game system 1 includes a home television receiver (hereinafter referred to as a monitor) 2 as an example of display means, and a stationary game apparatus 3 connected to the monitor 2 via a connection cord. Composed. The monitor 2 includes a speaker 2a for outputting the audio signal output from the game apparatus 3 as audio. In addition, the game apparatus 3 is a game equipped with an optical disk 4 that records a program that is an example of the game program of the present invention, and a computer that executes the game program of the optical disk 4 and causes the monitor 2 to display and output a game screen. An apparatus main body 5 and an input device 6 for providing the game apparatus main body 5 with operation information necessary for a game for operating a character or the like displayed on the game screen are provided.

  In addition, the game apparatus body 5 incorporates a wireless controller module 19 (see FIG. 2). The wireless controller module 19 receives data wirelessly transmitted from the input device 6, transmits data from the game device body 5 to the input device 6, and connects the controller 7 and the game device body 5 by wireless communication. Further, an optical disk 4 as an example of an information storage medium that is used interchangeably with respect to the game apparatus body 5 is detached from the game apparatus body 5.

  Further, the game apparatus body 5 is equipped with a flash memory 17 (see FIG. 2) that functions as a backup memory for storing data such as save data in a fixed manner. The game apparatus main body 5 displays the result as a game image on the monitor 2 by executing a game program or the like stored on the optical disc 4. Further, the game program or the like is not limited to the optical disc 4 and may be executed in advance recorded in the flash memory 17. Furthermore, the game apparatus body 5 can reproduce the game state executed in the past by using the save data stored in the flash memory 17 and display the game image on the monitor 2. The player of the game apparatus 3 can enjoy the progress of the game by operating the input device 6 while viewing the game image displayed on the monitor 2.

  The input device 6 gives operation data indicating the content of the operation performed on the own device to the game apparatus body 5. In the present embodiment, the input device 6 includes a controller 7 and an angular velocity detection unit 9. Although details will be described later, the input device 6 has a configuration in which an angular velocity detection unit 9 is detachably connected to the controller 7.

  The controller 7 wirelessly transmits transmission data such as operation information to the game apparatus body 5 incorporating the wireless controller module 19 using, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) technology. The controller 7 is provided with a housing that is large enough to be held with one hand and a plurality of operation buttons (including a cross key and a stick) that are exposed on the surface of the housing. Further, as will be apparent from the description below, the controller 7 includes an imaging information calculation unit 74 that captures an image viewed from the controller 7. Then, as an example of the imaging target of the imaging information calculation unit 74, two LED modules (hereinafter referred to as markers) 8L and 8R are installed near the display screen of the monitor 2. These markers 8L and 8R each output, for example, infrared light toward the front of the monitor 2. In addition, the controller 7 can receive the transmission data wirelessly transmitted from the wireless controller module 19 of the game apparatus body 5 by the communication unit 75 and generate sound and vibration corresponding to the transmission data.

  Next, the internal configuration of the game apparatus body 5 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the game apparatus body 5. The game apparatus body 5 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10, a system LSI (Large Scale Integration) 11, an external main memory 12, a ROM / RTC (Read Only Memory / Real Time Clock) 13, a disk drive 14, and an AV-IC. (Audio Video-Integrated Circuit) 15 and the like.

  The CPU 10 executes a game process by executing a game program stored on the optical disc 4, and functions as a game processor. The CPU 10 is connected to the system LSI 11. In addition to the CPU 10, an external main memory 12, a ROM / RTC 13, a disk drive 14, and an AV-IC 15 are connected to the system LSI 11. The system LSI 11 performs processing such as control of data transfer between components connected thereto, generation of an image to be displayed, and acquisition of data from an external device. The internal configuration of the system LSI 11 will be described later. The volatile external main memory 12 stores a program such as a game program read from the optical disc 4 or a game program read from the flash memory 17, or stores various data. Used as a work area and buffer area. The ROM / RTC 13 includes a ROM (so-called boot ROM) in which a program for starting up the game apparatus body 5 is incorporated, and a clock circuit (RTC) that counts time. The disk drive 14 reads program data, texture data, and the like from the optical disk 4 and writes the read data to the internal main memory 35 or the external main memory 12 described later.

  Further, the system LSI 11 is provided with an input / output processor 31, a GPU (Graphics Processor Unit) 32, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 33, a VRAM (Video RAM) 34, and an internal main memory 35. Although not shown, these components 31 to 35 are connected to each other by an internal bus.

  The GPU 32 forms part of the drawing means and generates an image in accordance with a graphics command (drawing command) from the CPU 10. The VRAM 34 stores data (data such as polygon data and texture data) necessary for the GPU 32 to execute the graphics command. When an image is generated, the GPU 32 creates image data using data stored in the VRAM 34.

  The DSP 33 functions as an audio processor, and generates sound data using sound data and sound waveform (tone color) data stored in the internal main memory 35 and the external main memory 12.

  The image data and audio data generated as described above are read out by the AV-IC 15. The AV-IC 15 outputs the read image data to the monitor 2 via the AV connector 16 and outputs the read audio data to the speaker 2 a built in the monitor 2. As a result, an image is displayed on the monitor 2 and a sound is output from the speaker 2a.

  The input / output processor (I / O processor) 31 transmits / receives data to / from components connected thereto and downloads data from an external device. The input / output processor 31 is connected to the flash memory 17, the wireless communication module 18, the wireless controller module 19, the expansion connector 20, and the external memory card connector 21. An antenna 22 is connected to the wireless communication module 18, and an antenna 23 is connected to the wireless controller module 19.

  The input / output processor 31 is connected to a network via the wireless communication module 18 and the antenna 22 and can communicate with other game devices and various servers connected to the network. The input / output processor 31 periodically accesses the flash memory 17 to detect the presence / absence of data that needs to be transmitted to the network. To the network. The input / output processor 31 receives data transmitted from other game devices and data downloaded from the download server via the network, the antenna 22, and the wireless communication module 18, and receives the received data in the flash memory 17. To remember. By executing the game program, the CPU 10 reads out the data stored in the flash memory 17 and uses it in the game program. The flash memory 17 stores, in addition to data transmitted and received between the game apparatus body 5 and other game apparatuses and various servers, game save data (game result data or halfway) played using the game apparatus body 5. Data) may be stored.

  The input / output processor 31 receives operation data and the like transmitted from the controller 7 via the antenna 23 and the wireless controller module 19 and stores them in the buffer area of the internal main memory 35 or the external main memory 12 (temporary storage). To do. As in the case of the external main memory 12, the internal main memory 35 stores a program such as a game program read from the optical disc 4, a game program read from the flash memory 17, or various data. It may be used as a work area or buffer area of the CPU 10.

  Furthermore, the expansion connector 20 and the external memory card connector 21 are connected to the input / output processor 31. The expansion connector 20 is a connector for an interface such as USB or SCSI, and connects a medium such as an external storage medium, a peripheral device such as another controller, or a wired communication connector. By connecting, communication with the network can be performed instead of the wireless communication module 18. The external memory card connector 21 is a connector for connecting an external storage medium such as a memory card. For example, the input / output processor 31 can access an external storage medium via the expansion connector 20 or the external memory card connector 21 to store or read data.

  In addition, on the game apparatus main body 5 (for example, the front main surface), the power button 24 of the game apparatus main body 5, the game process reset button 25, the slot for attaching / detaching the optical disk 4, and the slot for the game apparatus body 5 Eject button 26 etc. which take out optical disk 4 from are provided. The power button 24 and the reset button 25 are connected to the system LSI 11. When the power button 24 is turned on, power is supplied to each component of the game apparatus body 5 via an AC adapter (not shown). When the reset button 25 is pressed, the system LSI 11 restarts the startup program of the game apparatus body 5. The eject button 26 is connected to the disk drive 14. When the eject button 26 is pressed, the optical disk 4 is ejected from the disk drive 14.

  The input device 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the input device 6 as viewed from the upper rear side. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the controller 7 as seen from the lower front side.

  3 and 4, the controller 7 includes a housing 71 formed by plastic molding, for example, and the housing 71 is provided with a plurality of operation units 72. The housing 71 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape whose longitudinal direction is the front-rear direction, and is a size that can be gripped with one hand of an adult or a child as a whole.

  A cross key 72 a is provided on the center front side of the upper surface of the housing 71. The cross key 72a is a cross-shaped four-way push switch, and operation portions corresponding to the four directions (front / rear and left / right) are arranged at 90 ° intervals on the protrusions of the cross. The player selects one of the front, rear, left and right directions by pressing one of the operation portions of the cross key 72a. For example, when the player operates the cross key 72a, it is possible to instruct the moving direction of a player character or the like appearing in the virtual game world, or to select and instruct from a plurality of options.

  Note that the cross key 72a is an operation unit that outputs an operation signal in response to the above-described direction input operation of the player, but may be an operation unit of another mode. For example, four push switches may be provided in the cross direction, and an operation unit that outputs an operation signal according to the push switch pressed by the player may be provided. Further, apart from the four push switches, a center switch may be provided at a position where the cross direction intersects, and an operation unit in which the four push switches and the center switch are combined may be provided. An operation unit that outputs an operation signal in accordance with the tilt direction by tilting a tiltable stick (so-called joystick) protruding from the upper surface of the housing 71 may be provided instead of the cross key 72a. Furthermore, an operation unit that outputs an operation signal corresponding to the sliding direction by sliding a horizontally movable disk-shaped member may be provided instead of the cross key 72a. A touch pad may be provided instead of the cross key 72a.

  A plurality of operation buttons 72 b to 72 g are provided on the rear surface side of the cross key 72 a on the upper surface of the housing 71. The operation buttons 72b to 72g are operation units that output operation signals assigned to the operation buttons 72b to 72g when the player presses the button head. For example, functions as a first button, a second button, and an A button are assigned to the operation buttons 72b to 72d. Further, functions as a minus button, a home button, a plus button, and the like are assigned to the operation buttons 72e to 72g. These operation buttons 72a to 72g are assigned respective operation functions in accordance with a game program executed by the game apparatus body 5. In the arrangement example shown in FIG. 3, the operation buttons 72 b to 72 d are arranged side by side along the center front-rear direction on the upper surface of the housing 71. Further, the operation buttons 72e to 72g are arranged in parallel between the operation buttons 72b and 72d along the left-right direction of the upper surface of the housing 71. The operation button 72f is a type of button whose upper surface is buried in the upper surface of the housing 71 and is not accidentally pressed by the player.

  An operation button 72h is provided on the front surface side of the cross key 72a on the upper surface of the housing 71. The operation button 72h is a power switch for turning on / off the game apparatus body 5 from a remote location. This operation button 72h is also a type of button whose upper surface is buried in the upper surface of the housing 71 and that the player does not accidentally press.

  A plurality of LEDs 702 are provided on the rear surface side of the operation button 72 c on the upper surface of the housing 71. Here, the controller 7 is provided with a controller type (number) to distinguish it from other controllers 7. For example, the LED 702 is used to notify the player of the controller type currently set in the controller 7. Specifically, a signal for turning on the LED corresponding to the controller type among the plurality of LEDs 702 is transmitted from the wireless controller module 19 to the controller 7.

  Further, on the upper surface of the housing 71, a sound release hole is formed between the operation button 72b and the operation buttons 72e to 72g to emit sound from a speaker (speaker 706 shown in FIG. 5) described later to the outside.

  On the other hand, a recess is formed on the lower surface of the housing 71. The recess on the lower surface of the housing 71 is formed at a position where the player's index finger or middle finger is positioned when the player holds the front surface of the controller 7 with one hand toward the markers 8L and 8R. An operation button 72i is provided on the inclined surface of the recess. The operation button 72i is an operation unit that functions as a B button, for example.

  An imaging element 743 that constitutes a part of the imaging information calculation unit 74 is provided on the front surface of the housing 71. Here, the imaging information calculation unit 74 is a system for analyzing the image data captured by the controller 7 to determine a location where the luminance is high and detecting the position of the center of gravity, the size, and the like of the location. Since the maximum sampling period is about 200 frames / second, even a relatively fast movement of the controller 7 can be tracked and analyzed. The detailed configuration of the imaging information calculation unit 74 will be described later. A connector 73 is provided on the rear surface of the housing 71. The connector 73 is an edge connector, for example, and is used for fitting and connecting with a connection cable, for example. In the example of the input device 6 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the angular velocity detection unit 9 is detachably mounted on the rear surface of the controller 7 via a connector 73.

  Here, in order to make the following description concrete, a coordinate system set for the input device 6 (controller 7) is defined. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, XYZ axes orthogonal to each other are defined for the input device 6 (controller 7). Specifically, the longitudinal direction of the housing 71, which is the front-rear direction of the controller 7, is the Z axis, and the front surface (the surface on which the imaging information calculation unit 74 is provided) of the controller 7 is the Z axis positive direction. The vertical direction of the controller 7 is the Y axis, and the upper surface (the surface on which the operation buttons 72a are provided) of the housing 71 is the Y axis positive direction. Furthermore, the left-right direction of the controller 7 is the X axis, and the right side surface (side surface shown in FIG. 3) direction of the housing 71 is the X axis positive direction.

  The angular velocity detection unit 9 includes gyro sensors (two-axis gyro sensor 95 and one-axis gyro sensor 96 shown in FIG. 7) that detect angular velocities around three axes. A plug (plug 93 shown in FIG. 7) that can be connected to the connector 73 is provided at the front end of the angular velocity detection unit 9 (end on the Z-axis positive direction side shown in FIG. 3). Further, hooks (not shown) are provided on both sides of the plug 93. In a state where the angular velocity detection unit 9 is attached to the controller 7, the plug 93 is connected to the connector 73 and the hook is locked in the locking hole 73 a of the controller 7. As a result, the controller 7 and the angular velocity detection unit 9 are firmly fixed. Further, the angular velocity detection unit 9 has a button 91 on a side surface (surface in the X-axis direction shown in FIG. 3). The button 91 is configured to release the locked state of the hook with respect to the locking hole 73a when pressed. Therefore, the angular velocity detection unit 9 can be detached from the controller 7 by removing the plug 93 from the connector 73 while pressing the button 91.

  A connector having the same shape as the connector 73 is provided at the rear end of the angular velocity detection unit 9. Therefore, other devices that can be attached to the controller 7 (connector 73 thereof) can also be attached to the rear end connector of the angular velocity detection unit 9. In FIG. 3, a cover 92 is detachably attached to the rear end connector.

  Next, the internal structure of the controller 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a state in which the upper casing (a part of the housing 71) of the controller 7 is removed as viewed from the rear side. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a state in which the lower casing (a part of the housing 71) of the controller 7 is removed as seen from the front side. Here, the substrate 700 shown in FIG. 6 is a perspective view seen from the back surface of the substrate 700 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 5, a substrate 700 is fixed inside the housing 71, and operation buttons 72a to 72h, an acceleration sensor 701, an LED 702, an antenna 754, and the like are provided on the upper main surface of the substrate 700. These are connected to the microcomputer 751 and the like (see FIGS. 6 and 7) by wiring (not shown) formed on the substrate 700 and the like. In addition, the controller 7 functions as a wireless controller by the wireless module 753 (see FIG. 7) and the antenna 754. A quartz oscillator (not shown) is provided inside the housing 71, and generates a basic clock for the microcomputer 751, which will be described later. A speaker 706 and an amplifier 708 are provided on the upper main surface of the substrate 700. Further, the acceleration sensor 701 is provided on the substrate 700 on the left side of the operation button 72d (that is, on the peripheral portion, not the central portion). Therefore, the acceleration sensor 701 can detect the acceleration including the component due to the centrifugal force in addition to the change in the direction of the gravitational acceleration in accordance with the rotation around the longitudinal direction of the controller 7. The game apparatus body 5 and the like can determine the movement of the controller 7 from the detected acceleration data with good sensitivity.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 6, an imaging information calculation unit 74 is provided at the front edge on the lower main surface of the substrate 700. The imaging information calculation unit 74 includes an infrared filter 741, a lens 742, an imaging element 743, and an image processing circuit 744 in order from the front of the controller 7, and each is attached to the lower main surface of the substrate 700. A connector 73 is attached to the rear edge on the lower main surface of the substrate 700. Further, a sound IC 707 and a microcomputer 751 are provided on the lower main surface of the substrate 700. The sound IC 707 is connected to the microcomputer 751 and the amplifier 708 through wiring formed on the substrate 700 or the like, and outputs an audio signal to the speaker 706 via the amplifier 708 according to the sound data transmitted from the game apparatus body 5.

  A vibrator 704 is attached on the lower main surface of the substrate 700. The vibrator 704 is, for example, a vibration motor or a solenoid. Vibrator 704 is connected to microcomputer 751 by wiring formed on substrate 700 and the like, and turns on / off its operation in accordance with vibration data transmitted from game apparatus body 5. Since the vibration is generated in the controller 7 by the operation of the vibrator 704, the vibration is transmitted to the hand of the player holding it, and a so-called vibration-compatible game can be realized. Here, since the vibrator 704 is disposed slightly forward of the housing 71, the housing 71 vibrates greatly when the player is gripping it, and it is easy to feel the vibration.

  Next, the internal configuration of the input device 6 (the controller 7 and the angular velocity detection unit 9) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the input device 6.

  In FIG. 7, the controller 7 includes a communication unit 75 in addition to the above-described operation unit 72, imaging information calculation unit 74, acceleration sensor 701, vibrator 704, speaker 706, sound IC 707, and amplifier 708. .

  The imaging information calculation unit 74 includes an infrared filter 741, a lens 742, an imaging element 743, and an image processing circuit 744. The infrared filter 741 allows only infrared rays to pass from light incident from the front of the controller 7. The lens 742 condenses the infrared light that has passed through the infrared filter 741 and outputs the condensed infrared light to the image sensor 743. The imaging element 743 is a solid-state imaging element such as a CMOS sensor or a CCD, for example, and images the infrared rays collected by the lens 742. Therefore, the image sensor 743 captures only the infrared light that has passed through the infrared filter 741 and generates image data. Image data generated by the image sensor 743 is processed by an image processing circuit 744. Specifically, the image processing circuit 744 processes the image data obtained from the image sensor 743 to detect high-luminance portions, and transmits processing result data indicating the result of detecting their position coordinates and area to the communication unit 75. Output to. The imaging information calculation unit 74 is fixed to the housing 71 of the controller 7, and the imaging direction can be changed by changing the direction of the housing 71 itself.

  The controller 7 preferably includes a triaxial (X, Y, Z axis) acceleration sensor 701. The three-axis acceleration sensor 701 is linearly accelerated in three directions, that is, a vertical direction (Y axis shown in FIG. 3), a horizontal direction (X axis shown in FIG. 3), and a front-back direction (Z axis shown in FIG. 3). Is detected. Moreover, you may use the acceleration detection means which each detects the linear acceleration along at least 1 axial direction. For example, these acceleration sensors 701 may be of the type available from Analog Devices, Inc. or ST Microelectronics NV. The acceleration sensor 701 is preferably a capacitance type (capacitive coupling type) based on a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) micromachined silicon technique. However, the acceleration sensor 701 may be provided by using existing acceleration detection technology (for example, a piezoelectric method or a piezoresistive method) or other appropriate technology developed in the future.

  The acceleration detecting means used in the acceleration sensor 701 can detect only the acceleration (linear acceleration) along a straight line corresponding to each axis of the acceleration sensor 701. That is, the direct output from the acceleration sensor 701 is a signal indicating linear acceleration (static or dynamic) along each of these three axes. For this reason, the acceleration sensor 701 cannot directly detect physical characteristics such as movement, rotation, rotational movement, angular displacement, inclination, position, or posture along a non-linear (for example, arc) path.

  However, based on the acceleration signal output from the acceleration sensor 701, a computer such as a processor of the game device (for example, the CPU 10) or a processor of the controller (for example, the microcomputer 751) performs processing to estimate further information regarding the controller 7. Those skilled in the art can easily understand from the description of the present specification that they can be calculated (determined).

  For example, when processing is performed on the computer side on the assumption that the controller 7 on which the acceleration sensor 701 is mounted is in a static state (that is, when processing is performed assuming that the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 701 is only gravitational acceleration), If the controller 7 is in a static state, it is possible to know whether or how much the attitude of the controller 7 is inclined with respect to the direction of gravity based on the detected acceleration. Specifically, when the state in which the detection axis of the acceleration sensor 701 is oriented vertically downward is used as a reference, the controller 7 is only vertically lowered depending on whether 1 G (gravitational acceleration) is acting in the detection axis direction. It is possible to know whether or not it is inclined with respect to the direction. Further, it is possible to know how much the controller 7 is inclined with respect to the vertically downward direction by the magnitude of the acceleration acting in the detection axis direction. Further, in the case of the acceleration sensor 701 capable of detecting the acceleration in the multi-axis direction, by further processing the acceleration signal detected for each axis, how much the controller 7 is in the gravitational direction. You can know in more detail whether it is tilted. In this case, the processor may perform processing for calculating the tilt angle data of the controller 7 based on the output from the acceleration sensor 701, but without performing the processing for calculating the tilt angle data, the acceleration sensor Based on the output from 701, it is good also as a process which estimates the inclination degree of the approximate controller 7. FIG. Thus, by using the acceleration sensor 701 in combination with the processor, the inclination, posture, or position of the controller 7 can be determined.

  On the other hand, when it is assumed that the acceleration sensor 701 is in a dynamic state, the acceleration sensor 701 detects acceleration according to the motion of the acceleration sensor 701 in addition to the gravitational acceleration component. If it is removed by a predetermined process, the movement direction of the controller 7 can be known. Specifically, when the controller 7 provided with the acceleration sensor 701 is dynamically accelerated and moved by a player's hand, various movements of the controller 7 and the controller 7 are processed by processing the acceleration signal generated by the acceleration sensor 701. / Or the position can be calculated. Even if it is assumed that the acceleration sensor 701 is in a dynamic state, the inclination of the controller 7 with respect to the direction of gravity can be known if the acceleration corresponding to the movement of the acceleration sensor 701 is removed by a predetermined process. It is possible.

  In another embodiment, the acceleration sensor 701 is a built-in signal processing device or the like for performing desired processing on the acceleration signal output from the built-in acceleration detection means before outputting the signal to the microcomputer 751. This type of processing device may be provided. For example, when the acceleration sensor 701 is for detecting a static acceleration (for example, gravitational acceleration), the built-in type or dedicated processing device uses the detected acceleration signal as an inclination angle (or other value). To a preferable parameter). Data indicating the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 701 is output to the communication unit 75.

  The communication unit 75 includes a microcomputer (microcomputer) 751, a memory 752, a wireless module 753, and an antenna 754. The microcomputer 751 controls the wireless module 753 that wirelessly transmits transmission data while using the memory 752 as a storage area during processing. The microcomputer 751 controls the operation of the sound IC 707 and the vibrator 704 in accordance with data from the game apparatus body 5 received by the wireless module 753 via the antenna 754. The sound IC 707 processes sound data transmitted from the game apparatus body 5 via the communication unit 75. Further, the microcomputer 751 activates the vibrator 704 in accordance with vibration data (for example, a signal for turning the vibrator 704 on or off) transmitted from the game apparatus body 5 via the communication unit 75. The microcomputer 751 is connected to the connector 73. Data transmitted from the angular velocity detection unit 9 is input to the microcomputer 751 via the connector 73. Hereinafter, the configuration of the angular velocity detection unit 9 will be described.

  The angular velocity detection unit 9 includes a plug 93, a microcomputer 94, a two-axis gyro sensor 95, and a one-axis gyro sensor 96. As described above, the angular velocity detection unit 9 detects angular velocities around three axes (XYZ axes in the present embodiment), and outputs data (angular velocity data) indicating the detected angular velocities to the controller 7.

  The biaxial gyro sensor 95 detects an angular velocity around the X axis and an angular velocity (per unit time) around the Y axis. Further, the uniaxial gyro sensor 96 detects an angular velocity (per unit time) around the Z axis. In this specification, the rotation directions around the XYZ axes are referred to as a roll direction, a pitch direction, and a yaw direction, respectively, with reference to the imaging direction of the controller 7 (Z-axis positive direction). That is, the two-axis gyro sensor 95 detects angular velocities in the roll direction (rotation direction around the X axis) and the pitch direction (rotation direction around the Y axis), and the one-axis gyro sensor 96 detects the yaw direction (around the Z axis). Detect the angular velocity in the rotation direction.

  In this embodiment, the two-axis gyro sensor 95 and the one-axis gyro sensor 96 are used to detect the angular velocity around the three axes. However, in other embodiments, the angular velocity around the three axes is Any number and combination of gyro sensors may be used as long as they can be detected. Note that when the two-axis gyro sensor 95 and the one-axis gyro sensor 96 are collectively described, they are referred to as gyro sensors 95 and 96.

  Data indicating the angular velocity detected by each gyro sensor 95 and 96 is output to the microcomputer 94. Accordingly, the microcomputer 94 receives data indicating angular velocities around the three axes of the XYZ axes. The microcomputer 94 outputs data indicating the angular velocity around the three axes to the controller 7 through the plug 93 as angular velocity data. Note that the output from the microcomputer 94 to the controller 7 is sequentially performed at predetermined intervals, but the game processing is generally performed in units of 1/60 seconds (as one frame time). It is preferable to output at a period of less than time.

  Returning to the description of the controller 7, an operation signal (key data) from the operation unit 72 provided in the controller 7, an acceleration signal (X, Y, and Z-axis direction acceleration data) from the acceleration sensor 701, and imaging The processing result data from the information calculation unit 74 and the data (angular velocity data around the X, Y, and Z axes) indicating the angular velocity around the three axes from the angular velocity detection unit 9 are output to the microcomputer 751. The microcomputer 751 temporarily transmits the input data (key data, X, Y, and Z axis direction acceleration data, processing result data, X, Y, and Z axis angular velocity data) as transmission data to be transmitted to the wireless controller module 19. The data is stored in the memory 752. Here, the wireless transmission from the communication unit 75 to the wireless controller module 19 is performed at predetermined intervals, but since the game processing is generally performed in units of 1/60 seconds, it is more than that. It is necessary to perform transmission in a short cycle. Specifically, the processing unit of the game is 16.7 ms (1/60 seconds), and the transmission interval of the communication unit 75 configured by Bluetooth (registered trademark) is 5 ms. When the transmission timing to the wireless controller module 19 comes, the microcomputer 751 outputs the transmission data stored in the memory 752 as a series of operation information and outputs it to the wireless module 753. The wireless module 753 radiates a radio signal indicating operation information from the antenna 754 using a carrier wave having a predetermined frequency, for example, using Bluetooth (registered trademark) technology. That is, key data from the operation unit 72 provided in the controller 7, X, Y and Z-axis direction acceleration data from the acceleration sensor 701, processing result data from the imaging information calculation unit 74, X from the angular velocity detection unit 9 , Y, and Z-axis angular velocity data are transmitted from the controller 7. Then, the radio controller module 19 of the game apparatus body 5 receives the radio signal, and the game apparatus body 5 demodulates and decodes the radio signal, so that a series of operation information (key data, X, Y, and Z axes) Direction acceleration data, processing result data, X, Y, and Z axis angular velocity data). Then, the CPU 10 of the game apparatus body 5 performs game processing based on the acquired operation information and the game program. When the communication unit 75 is configured using Bluetooth (registered trademark) technology, the communication unit 75 can also have a function of receiving transmission data wirelessly transmitted from other devices.

  By using the input device 6, the player can perform an operation of tilting the controller 7 to an arbitrary tilt angle in addition to the conventional general game operation of pressing each operation button. In addition, according to the input device 6, the player can also perform an operation of instructing an arbitrary position on the screen by the input device 6 and an operation of moving the input device 6 itself.

  Next, before describing specific processes performed by the game apparatus body 5, an outline of processes performed by the game apparatus body 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a gyro sensor stability confirmation screen displayed on the monitor 2. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of an example of the input device stability information screens Ida and Idb included in the gyro sensor stability confirmation screen of FIG.

  In the present embodiment, a gyro sensor stability confirmation screen is displayed on the monitor 2 when a predetermined condition is satisfied in a specific scene from when the game system 1 is activated to when the game is executed and ended. For example, after starting the game system 1 and before starting the game, after determining the number of input devices 6 (typically, the number of players) used in the game, for each input device 6 used. A screen for confirming the stability of the gyro sensors 95 and 96 (gyro sensor stability confirmation screen) is displayed. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, on the gyro sensor stability confirmation screen, the gyro sensor of the input device 6 used together with the request information screen Ii indicating the operation requested from the player to make the gyro sensors 95 and 96 stable. An input device stability information screen Id showing the stability confirmation states of the sensors 95 and 96 is displayed.

  Here, “stabilization of the gyro sensors 95 and 96” is a process for obtaining the outputs from the gyro sensors 95 and 96 in the state in which the gyro sensors 95 and 96 are stationary (outputs at rest). is there. For example, the gyro sensors 95 and 96 output angular velocity data around the X, Y, and Z axes based on the stationary output. As an example, the gyro sensors 95 and 96 output a voltage proportional to the detected angular velocity, and the output voltage becomes high when the rotational angular velocity is positive in the stationary direction, and the output voltage is negative when the rotation is negative. Lower. That is, if the set stationary output includes an error, the angular velocity indicated by the angular velocity data output from the gyro sensors 95 and 96 also includes an error. Therefore, by setting the gyro sensors 95 and 96 in a stable state and obtaining an accurate stationary output from the gyro sensors 95 and 96, an accurate angular velocity can be obtained as a result. In this way, by displaying the gyro sensor stability confirmation screen on the monitor 2, the player is prompted to stop the gyro sensors 95 and 96 (input device 6), and the current gyro sensors 95 and 96 (input device 6). By displaying the stationary state of the player, the player is notified of the error currently occurring to the gyro sensors 95 and 96.

  Here, the gyro sensors 95 and 96 may have a reference value (zero point) for outputting angular velocity data around the X, Y, and Z axes in advance as a fixed value. There may be a deviation from the fixed value. In addition, even after the stationary output is determined, the outputs of the gyro sensors 95 and 96 may vary with time. In this case, the stationary output also varies with time (drift phenomenon). . In order to reduce such an error in the stationary output, the gyro sensor stability confirmation screen is displayed on the monitor 2 to prompt the stationary gyro sensors 95 and 96 to obtain the stationary output at that time.

  Specifically, information that prompts the player to place the input device 6 stationary is displayed on the request information screen Ii. For example, as the request information screen Ii, the character information informing the player that “Please make the controller rest on a desk or the like” is displayed.

  8 and 9, input device stability information screens Ida and Idb showing whether or not the two input devices 6a and 10b are in a stable state are displayed as an example. In FIG. 9, the input device stability information screen Id displays character information indicating whether or not the gyro sensors 95 and 96 are being checked for stability, together with the input device object Dobj and the input device identification object Mobj. For example, the input device identification object Mobj has a plurality of signs for identifying the target input device 6 inside, and by lighting any one of the signs, any player possesses the input device 6. Indicates whether it is information. For example, the input device identification object Mobja displayed on the input device stability information screen Ida has the information displayed on the input device stability information screen Ida possessed by the first player by turning on the left end indicator. This indicates that the input device 6 (input device 6a) is concerned. Further, the input device identification object Mobjb displayed on the input device stability information screen Idb lights up the second sign from the left end, so that the information displayed on the input device stability information screen Idb is possessed by the second player. This indicates that the input device 6 is related to the input device 6 (input device 6b).

  In the example shown in FIG. 9, an input device stability information screen Ida is illustrated as an example of a screen when the gyro sensors 95 and 96 of the input device 6a are not in a stable state. When the gyro sensors 95 and 96 of the input device 6a are not in the stable state, the input device object Dobja displayed on the input device stability information screen Ida is displayed in a state of rotating in the j direction shown in the figure. The speed at which the input device object Dobja rotates is set based on the magnitude of the angular speed applied to the gyro sensors 95 and 96. On the other hand, as an example of the screen when the gyro sensors 95 and 96 of the input device 6b are in the stable state, the input device stability information screen Idb is illustrated. When the gyro sensors 95 and 96 of the input device 6b are in a stable state, the input device object Dobjb displayed on the input device stability information screen Idb is displayed in a stationary state in the vertical direction. Immediately before the gyro sensors 95 and 96 change from the unstable state to the stable state, the rotational speed of the rotating input device object Dobja is slow, and the posture of the input device object Dobja at that time is Since the vertical direction is not necessarily limited, the input device object Dobja is stopped after a predetermined rotation is performed so as to be in the vertical direction from the posture at that time. Even if the player moves the input device 6b after the stable states of the gyro sensors 95 and 96 have been confirmed, the input device object Dobjb is displayed in a state in which the stationary state in the vertical direction is maintained.

  Thus, by visually recognizing the input device object Dobj, the player can easily recognize the states of the gyro sensors 95 and 96 of the input device 6 possessed by the player. For example, if the outputs of the gyro sensors 95 and 96 include an error, the input device object Dobj rotates even when the input device 6 is actually stopped, so that the player can recognize the error. Further, the input device stability information screen Id is displayed on the monitor 2 when a predetermined condition is satisfied in a specific scene from when the game system 1 is started to when the game is executed and ended. As will be apparent from the description below, the stability flag Sfrg is turned off on the input device stability information screen Id after, for example, the number of input devices 6 used in the game is determined (typically, the number of players is determined). When the input device 6 is present, the stability flag Sfrg is turned off during the game, and when the input device 6 that is turned off is currently used for the game, the player displays the input device stability information screen Id during the game. It is displayed on the monitor 2 when an operation is performed. Accordingly, the input device stability information screen Id is used when the gyro sensors 95 and 96 need to be stationary for the subsequent game processing, or when the player wants to check the error occurring in the gyro sensors 95 and 96. It will be displayed, and will be displayed as appropriate in the situation necessary for proceeding with the game process.

  Next, the details of the game process performed in the game system 1 will be described. First, main data used in the game process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 shows main data and programs stored in the external main memory 12 and / or the internal main memory 35 of the game apparatus body 5 (hereinafter, the two main memories are simply referred to as main memory). It is a figure which shows an example.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the data storage area of the main memory includes angular velocity data Da, angle data Db, past angle data Dc, stability flag data Dd, stability counter data De, stability confirmation time data Df, rotational speed data Dg, Reconfirmation flag data Dh, image data Di, and the like are stored. In addition to the data shown in FIG. 10, the main memory stores data necessary for the game process, such as image data of various objects appearing in the game and data indicating various parameters of the objects. Various program groups Pa constituting the game program are stored in the program storage area of the main memory. Various program groups Pa are partially or entirely read from the optical disc 4 and other recording media and stored in the main memory at an appropriate timing after the game apparatus body 5 is powered on.

  The angular velocity data Da is data indicating the angular velocity detected by the gyro sensors 95 and 96 of the angular velocity detection unit 9 and is stored corresponding to each input device 6 used. For example, the angular velocity data Da is data indicating an angular velocity generated in the input device 6 (gyro sensors 95 and 96), and stores angular velocity data included in a series of operation information transmitted as transmission data from the input device 6. The The angular velocity data Da includes the X-axis angular velocity data Da1 indicating the angular velocity v1 around the X axis detected by the gyro sensors 95 and 96, the Y-axis angular velocity data Da2 indicating the angular velocity v2 around the Y axis, and the angular velocity v3 around the Z axis. Z-axis angular velocity data Da3 indicating The wireless controller module 19 provided in the game apparatus body 5 receives angular velocity data included in the operation information transmitted from the controller 7 at a predetermined cycle (for example, every 1/200 second), and is provided in the wireless controller module 19. Not stored in the buffer. After that, for example, the angular velocity data stored in the buffer is read out for each frame (for example, every 1/60 seconds) that is the game processing cycle, and the data stored during the period is read out, and the angular velocity data in the main memory is read. Da is updated.

  The angular velocity data appropriately stored in the angular velocity data Da is subjected to predetermined correction before being stored. Hereinafter, an example of correction of angular velocity data will be described.

For example, the angular velocity v indicated by the angular velocity data output from the gyro sensors 95 and 96 is
v ← v + (sum / ct−v) × a
To make the primary correction. Here, ct goes back from a data buffer (not shown) in which the angular velocity v is stored, and the angular velocity continuously falls within the stable range set by the stable range (lower limit) s1 and the stable range (upper limit) s2. This is the number of data determined to be (continuous number ct). sum is a total value (total value sum) of values in the data buffer determined to be within the stable range. That is, the data buffer included in the stable range is repeatedly acquired sequentially from the new data buffer to the old data buffer in order from the position of the data buffer in which the angular velocity v is written, and the number (continuous number ct). And a total value (total value sum) (however, a search upper limit number is set). Moreover, a shows a stationary condition value. The stationary state value a is a numerical value in the range of 0 to 1, and is a value that approaches 1 as the period during which the movement of the gyro sensors 95 and 96 is small (stable) is long. The static state value a is such that when the continuous number ct is equal to the search upper limit number, that is, all the values of the data buffer for the search upper limit number are continuously within the stable range retroactively from the data buffer storing the angular velocity v. Is normalized so that the maximum value is 1.

Then, the offset correction is performed by subtracting the zero point offset value (stationary output value) ofs from the angular velocity v after the primary correction. Here, the zero point offset value ofs is a data value that is assumed to be displayed when the gyro sensors 95 and 96 are stationary, and is set to a predetermined device specific value. However, the angular velocity v after the primary correction is described above. In accordance with the above, the correction is sequentially performed and reset. Specifically, the zero point offset value ofs is
ofs ← ofs + (v−ofs) × a × C
Are sequentially corrected and reset. Here, C is a constant, and is set to C = 0.01, for example. By setting the constant C to a small value, the angular velocity v is prevented from being corrected to be the angular velocity (zero point) in the stationary state of the input device 6 in a short period. Further, since the drift phenomenon that causes the deviation of the output value of the static value is not a phenomenon that changes rapidly, it is not necessary to perform it with good response. Therefore, by setting the constant C to a small value, a highly accurate zero point offset value ofs is obtained. Can be obtained. Note that the value of the constant C may be changed according to the type of game using the input device 6 or the like. For example, the greater the value obtained by multiplying the stationary condition value a by the constant C, that is, the longer the period during which the input device 6 is in a stable state with little change in motion, the longer the zero-point offset value ofs is subjected to the first-order corrected angular velocity. It is corrected to a value close to v. Therefore, if the input device 6 is in a stationary state, the rate at which the zero point offset value ofs converges to the angular velocity v subjected to the primary correction increases. That is, when the change in the angular velocity is small as when the gyro sensors 95 and 96 are stationary, the zero point is corrected so that the zero point approaches the average value. That is, once the input device 6 is stationary, the subsequent error in angular velocity is removed by the correction. Therefore, in the present embodiment, by performing the stability check, it is possible to play the game in a state where the errors of the gyro sensors 95 and 96 have been corrected.

The angular velocity v after the primary correction is offset corrected using the zero point offset value ofs. For example, the angular velocity v after the primary correction is
v ← v-ofs
Thus, the offset is corrected. As a result, the angular velocity v indicated by the angular velocity data output from the gyro sensors 95 and 96 is corrected again in consideration of the zero point (static output value at rest). Then, the angular velocity data Da is appropriately updated using the angular velocity v after the offset correction. The angular velocity data appropriately stored in the angular velocity data Da may be angular velocity data obtained by performing only the offset correction without performing the primary correction. Alternatively, only the offset correction may be performed with the zero point offset value ofs set to a fixed value. In this case, if an error is included in the zero point, the error is not automatically corrected by just stopping, but at least the presence of the error can be confirmed by the subsequent processing.

  The angle data Db is angle data obtained by accumulating the angular velocities detected by the gyro sensors 95 and 96 of the angular velocity detection unit 9, and is stored corresponding to each input device 6 to be used. Here, the angle data Db is data indicating the attitude (angle) of the input device 6 (gyro sensors 95 and 96), and angular velocity data included in a series of operation information transmitted as transmission data from the input device 6 is used. And calculated in advance. When the above-described corrected angular velocity v is used, the attitude (angle) of the input device 6 can be calculated based on the angular velocity v. Any method may be used to calculate the posture of the input device 6 from the angular velocity v. For example, there is a method of sequentially adding the angular velocity v (per unit time) to the initial posture. That is, the current posture is calculated by integrating the angular velocity v sequentially output from the gyro sensors 95 and 96 and correcting the posture change amount (angle change amount) from the initial state. be able to. The angle data Db includes the X-axis angle data Db1 indicating the angle r1 around the X axis calculated using the angular velocity v1 around the X axis, and the Y-axis around calculated using the angular velocity v2 around the Y axis. Y-axis angle data Db2 indicating the angle r2 and Z-axis angle data Db3 indicating the angle r3 about the Z-axis calculated using the angular velocity v3 about the Z-axis.

  The past angle data Dc is used to calculate the amount of change in angle, and is data indicating the posture (angle) calculated in the past, and is stored corresponding to each input device 6 used. The past angle data Dc includes X axis angle data Dc1 indicating the past angle r1old around the X axis, Y axis angle data Dc2 indicating the past angle r2old around the Y axis, and the past angle r3old around the Z axis. Z-axis angle data Dc3 shown is included.

  The stability flag data Dd is data indicating a stability flag Sfrg that indicates whether the gyro sensors 95 and 96 are once in a stable state and the stationary output is determined, and is stored corresponding to each input device 6 to be used. Is done. The stability counter data De is data indicating a stability counter C for determining whether or not the gyro sensors 95 and 96 are in a stable state, and is stored corresponding to each input device 6 used. The stability confirmation time data Df is data indicating the time during which the gyro sensors 95 and 96 are confirmed to be stable, and is stored corresponding to each input device 6 used.

  The rotation speed data Dg is data indicating the rotation speed V for rotating the input device object Doobj (see FIG. 9) on the input device stability information screen Id, and is stored corresponding to each input device 6 to be used.

  The reconfirmation flag data Dh is data indicating a reconfirmation flag Rfrg that indicates whether the gyro sensors 95 and 96 are in a stable state and the output at rest is reconfirmed according to the operation of the player. Stored corresponding to each input device 6.

  The image data Di includes object image data Di1, information image data Di2, button image data Di3, background image data Di4, and the like. The object image data Di1 is data for generating an image by arranging the input device object Dobj on the input device stability information screen Id. The information image data Di2 is data for generating a character image indicating information to be notified to the player, such as information displayed on the request information screen Ii. The button image data Di3 is data for generating an operation button image that receives an instruction from the player on the gyro sensor stability confirmation screen. The background image data Di4 is data for generating an image by arranging the background on the gyro sensor stability confirmation screen.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 11 to 17, the details of the game process performed in the game apparatus body 5 will be described. FIGS. 11 to 13 are flowcharts showing an example of game processing executed in the game apparatus body 5. FIG. 14 is a subroutine showing an example of the stability confirmation process in FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 15 is a subroutine showing an example of the stability confirmation screen display process in FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 16 is a subroutine showing an example of the stability reconfirmation process in step 83 in FIG. FIG. 17 is a subroutine showing an example of the stability reconfirmation screen display process in step 84 in FIG. Here, in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 11 to 17, the stationary outputs of the gyro sensors 95 and 96 in a specific scene from the start of the game apparatus body 5 until the game is executed and ended in the game process. The operation in which the process of obtaining the game is performed will be mainly described, and detailed description of other game processes not directly related to the present invention will be omitted. In addition, in FIGS. 11 to 17, each step executed by the CPU 10 is abbreviated as “S”.

  When the power of the game apparatus body 5 is turned on, the CPU 10 of the game apparatus body 5 executes a startup program stored in the ROM / RTC 13, thereby initializing each unit such as the main memory. Then, the game program stored in the optical disc 4 is read into the main memory, and the CPU 10 starts executing the game program. The flowchart shown in FIGS. 11 to 17 is a flowchart showing a game process performed after the above process is completed.

  In FIG. 11, the CPU 10 performs initial setting of the stability confirmation process (step 40), and proceeds to the next step. For example, in the initial setting in step 40, the CPU 10 performs initial setting of each parameter for performing the stability check process of the gyro sensors 95 and 96. Specifically, the CPU 10 sets the values indicated by the data stored in the angular velocity data Da, the angle data Db, the past angle data Dc, the stability confirmation time data Df, and the rotational velocity data Dg, respectively, as initial values (for example, 0). Set to. Further, the CPU 10 sets all of the stability flag Sfrg stored in the stability flag data Dd and the reconfirmation flag Rfrg stored in the reconfirmation flag data Dh to off.

  Next, the CPU 10 performs game initial setting (step 41), and proceeds to the next step. For example, in the game initial setting in step 41, various parameters used in the virtual game world of the game and subsequent game processing are initialized according to the game type selected by the player.

  Next, the CPU 10 waits for determination of the number of people who play the game (number of players) (step 42). For example, the CPU 10 displays a screen for prompting selection of the number of players on the monitor 2 and waits for an operation input for selecting the number of players. When the number of players is determined (Yes in step 42), the CPU 10 advances the process to the next step 43.

  In step 43, the CPU 10 performs a stability confirmation process and proceeds to the next step. Hereinafter, the detailed operation of the stability confirmation process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 14, the CPU 10 selects the input device 6 to be subjected to the stability confirmation process (step 101), and proceeds to the next step. For example, when a game is performed using a plurality of input devices 6, the CPU 10 selects any one of the plurality of input devices 6 for which the stability confirmation process has not been completed. In the following description, the input device 6 selected in step 101 is described as the target input device 6.

  Next, the CPU 10 acquires angular velocity data from the target input device 6 and angle data calculated using the angular velocity data (step 102). At that time, the angular velocity data is acquired from the target input device 6. It is determined whether or not it is possible (step 103). When the angular velocity data can be acquired from the target input device 6, the CPU 10 updates the angular velocity data Da and the angle data Db of the target input device 6 using the acquired angular velocity data and angle data, and next The process proceeds to step 104. On the other hand, if the angular velocity data cannot be acquired from the target input device 6, the CPU 10 proceeds to the next step 110.

  In step 104, the CPU 10 refers to the angle data Db, calculates the angle change amount for each axis using the angle indicated by the angle data acquired in step 102, and proceeds to the next step.

In step 104 above, for example, the CPU 10 determines the current angle r1 around the X axis indicated by the X axis angle data Db1 of the target input device 6 and the past angle data Dc1 indicated by the X axis angle data Dc1 of the target input device 6. Using the angle r1old around the X axis, the angle change amount rc1 around the X axis is expressed as rc1 = | r1-r1old |
Calculate with Further, the CPU 10 determines the current angle r2 around the Y axis indicated by the Y axis angle data Db2 of the target input device 6 and the past angle around the Y axis indicated by the Y axis angle data Dc2 of the target input device 6. Using r2old, the angle change amount rc2 around the Y axis is expressed as rc2 = | r2-r2old |
Calculate with Further, the CPU 10 determines the current angle r3 around the Z axis indicated by the Z axis angle data Db3 of the target input device 6 and the past angle around the Z axis indicated by the Z axis angle data Dc3 of the target input device 6. Using r3old, the angle change amount rc3 around the Z-axis is expressed as rc3 = | r3-r3old |
Calculate with

  Next, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the angle change amounts rc1, rc2, and rc3 for each axis are all within a predetermined value (step 105). Then, the CPU 10 advances the processing to the next step 106 when the angle change amounts rc1, rc2, and rc3 for each axis are all within a predetermined value. On the other hand, if at least one of the angle change amounts rc1, rc2, and rc3 for each axis is greater than the predetermined value, the CPU 10 proceeds to the next step 112.

  In step 106, the CPU 10 adds 1 to the stability counter C stored in the stability counter data De of the target input device 6. Then, the CPU 10 updates the stable counter data De of the target input device 6 using the stable counter C added with 1, and advances the processing to the next step 107.

  On the other hand, in step 112, the CPU 10 sets the angle r1 used in step 104 to the angle r1old, sets the angle r2 to the angle r2old, and sets the angle r3 to the angle r3old. Then, the CPU 10 updates the past angle data Dc of the target input device 6 using the newly set angles r1old, r2old, and r3old, respectively, and proceeds to the next step.

  Next, the CPU 10 sets the stability counter C stored in the stability counter data De of the target input device 6 to 0, and uses the stability counter C after the setting, the stable counter data of the target input device 6. De is updated (step 113), and the process proceeds to the next step 107.

  In step 107, the CPU 10 refers to the stability counter data De of the target input device 6 and determines whether or not the stability counter C of the target input device 6 is equal to or greater than the stability determination threshold value Ct. Then, when the stability counter C is equal to or greater than the stability determination threshold Ct, the CPU 10 proceeds to the next step 108. On the other hand, when the stability counter C is less than the stability determination number threshold Ct, the CPU 10 proceeds to the next step 109.

  In step 108, the CPU 10 sets the stability flag Sfrg indicated by the stability flag data Dd of the target input device 6 to ON, and proceeds to the next step 109. As described above, the stability flag Sfrg is turned on not by using only an angle at a certain moment but by an angle obtained continuously during a predetermined period being stable. Therefore, the fluctuation of the angle of the minute vibration generated in the input device 6 is allowed and the stability flag Sfrg is turned on, but the drift phenomenon in which the stationary output itself fluctuates in a certain direction is not allowed and after the fluctuation. After the stability of the stationary output is confirmed, the stability flag Sfrg is set to ON.

  In the above-described processing, it is determined whether or not the posture of the input device 6 is stable when the change amount of each angle around a plurality of axes is continuously within a predetermined range for a predetermined period or longer. doing. That is, in the above-described processing, the stability flag Sfrg is set to ON by confirming the stability of the angle (posture) obtained during the predetermined period, but the stability of the input device 6 is confirmed by another method. Then, the stability flag Sfrg may be set on. For example, the period during which the amount of change in angular velocity around each of the plurality of axes is continuously within a predetermined range is equal to or longer than the predetermined period, that is, by confirming the stability of the angular velocity obtained during the predetermined period, Sfrg may be set on. In this case, in the above step 104, the current angular velocities v1, v2, and v3 around the respective axes indicated by the angular velocity data Da of the target input device 6 and the past angular velocities around the respective axes of the target input device 6 are used. Thus, by obtaining the amount of change in angular velocity around each axis, the same stability confirmation can be performed. Also in this case, the fluctuation of the angular velocity of the minute vibration generated in the input device 6 is allowed and the stability flag Sfrg is turned on, but the drift phenomenon in which the stationary output itself fluctuates in a certain direction is not allowed and the The stability flag Sfrg is set to on after the stability of the stationary output after the change is confirmed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 103 that angular velocity data cannot be acquired from the target input device 6, the CPU 10 sets the stability flag Sfrg indicated by the stability flag data Dd of the target input device 6 to OFF (step 110). The process proceeds to the next step. Here, the state in which the angular velocity data cannot be acquired from the input device 6 is, for example, a state in which the angular velocity detection unit 9 is disconnected from the controller 7 or a series of operation information (key data, X, Y, and Z axis directions) from the input device 6. It is conceivable that acceleration data, processing result data, X, Y, and Z axis angular velocity data) cannot be obtained. In such a case, since it is necessary to stabilize the gyro sensors 95 and 96 again and set the stationary output, setting the stationary output in the target input device 6 is incomplete by turning off the stability flag Sfrg. It shows that there is.

  Next, the CPU 10 sets the stability counter C stored in the stability counter data De of the target input device 6 to 0, and uses the stability counter C after the setting, the stable counter data of the target input device 6. De is updated (step 111), and the process proceeds to the next step 109.

  In step 109, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the stability confirmation process for all the input devices 6 used in the game has been completed. And CPU10 complete | finishes the process by the said subroutine, when the stability confirmation process with respect to all the input devices 6 used for a game is complete | finished. On the other hand, if the stability confirmation process for any of the input devices 6 used in the game has not ended, the CPU 10 returns to step 101 and repeats the process.

  Returning to FIG. 11, after the stability confirmation processing in step 43, the CPU 10 refers to the stability flag data Dd of all the input devices 6 used in the game, and the input device in which the stability flag Sfrg is set to OFF. 6 is determined (step 44). Then, when there is the input device 6 in which the stability flag Sfrg is set to OFF, the CPU 10 proceeds to the next step 45. On the other hand, when there is no input device 6 in which the stability flag Sfrg is set to OFF, the CPU 10 proceeds to the next step 60 (FIG. 12).

  In step 45, the CPU 10 initializes the stability confirmation time of the input device 6 in which the stability flag Sfrg is set to OFF among the input devices 6 used in the game, and proceeds to the next step. For example, the CPU 10 initializes all the stability confirmation times indicated by the stability confirmation time data Df of the input device 6 for which the stability flag Sfrg is set to OFF to update the stability confirmation time data Df.

  Next, the CPU 10 refers to the stability confirmation time data Df of the input device 6 in which the stability flag Sfrg is set to OFF, and determines whether or not the stability confirmation time has reached a predetermined time (step 46). Here, the predetermined time used in step 46 is the longest time for waiting for the gyro sensors 95 and 96 to be stable, and may be set to an allowable time for the player to wait for the gyro sensors 95 and 96 to be stable. If the stability confirmation time has not reached the predetermined time, the CPU 10 proceeds to the next step 47. On the other hand, when the stability confirmation time reaches the predetermined time, the CPU 10 advances the processing to the next step 50.

  In step 47, the CPU 10 performs stability confirmation processing and proceeds to the next step. The stability confirmation process performed in step 47 is the same as the stability confirmation process in step 43 described above, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the CPU 10 displays a stability confirmation screen on the monitor 2 (step 48), and proceeds to the next step. The detailed operation of the stability confirmation screen display process will be described below with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 15, the CPU 10 selects the input device 6 to be subjected to the stability confirmation screen display process (step 121), and proceeds to the next step. For example, when a game is played using a plurality of input devices 6, the CPU 10 selects any one of the plurality of input devices 6 for which the stability confirmation screen display process has not ended. . In the following description, the input device 6 selected in step 121 is described as the input device 6 to be displayed.

  Next, the CPU 10 refers to the stability flag data Dd corresponding to the input device 6 to be displayed and determines whether or not the stability flag Sfrg is set to OFF (step 122). Then, when the stability flag Sfrg is set to OFF, the CPU 10 proceeds to the next step 123. On the other hand, when the stability flag Sfrg is set to ON, the CPU 10 advances the process to the next step 126.

  In step 123, the CPU 10 refers to the angular velocity data Da corresponding to the input device 6 to be displayed, calculates the rotational velocity V using the angular velocity indicated by the latest angular velocity data, and proceeds to the next step.

In step 123, for example, the CPU 10 sets the rotation speed V to V = (| v1 | + | v2 | + | v3 |) × M (1)
Calculated by Here, v1 is the angular velocity v1 around the X axis detected by the gyro sensors 95 and 96 of the input device 6 to be displayed indicated by the latest data stored in the angular velocity data Da1 around the X axis. v2 is an angular velocity v2 around the Y axis detected by the gyro sensors 95 and 96 of the input device 6 to be displayed indicated by the latest data stored in the angular velocity data Da2 around the Y axis. v3 is the angular velocity v3 around the Z axis detected by the gyro sensors 95 and 96 of the input device 6 to be displayed indicated by the latest data stored in the angular velocity data Da3 around the Z axis. M is a constant equal to or greater than 1 for increasing the rotational speed V so that the rotational speed V can be visually recognized even at a small angular velocity, and is set to, for example, M = 10/6. When the value of (| v1 | + | v2 | + | v3 |) is larger than a predetermined threshold value (for example, 1080 ° / second, that is, 3 rotations / second), the CPU 10 sets the value as the threshold value. Set equal value. That is, the rotation speed V calculated by the above equation (1) is calculated at a value equal to or less than a value obtained by multiplying the threshold value by a constant M (1800 ° / second or less, ie, 5 rotations / second or less).

Then, the CPU 10 sets the rotation speed V currently stored in the rotation speed data Dg corresponding to the input device 6 to be displayed as the previous rotation speed Vlast, and the rotation speed V calculated using the above equation (1). The rotation speed V is adjusted by bringing it close to the previous rotation speed Vlast at a predetermined rate. For example, using the rotation speed V calculated using the above equation (1) and the previous rotation speed Vlast, the adjusted rotation speed V is expressed as V ← 0.5V + 0.5Vlast.
To determine the rotational speed V. Then, the CPU 10 updates the rotational speed data Dg corresponding to the input device 6 to be displayed using the determined rotational speed V. Note that the ratio of the rotation speed V calculated using the above equation (1) to be close to the previous rotation speed Vlast may be another ratio. The calculated rotation speed V becomes the previous rotation speed Vlast in the next process.

  Next, the CPU 10 displays on the monitor 2 an input device stability information screen Id indicating that the input device object Doobj corresponding to the input device 6 to be displayed is being checked by rotating it according to the rotation speed V. (Step 124), the process proceeds to the next step 125.

  For example, in step 124 described above, the CPU 10 displays a gyro sensor stability confirmation screen as described with reference to FIG. Specifically, the input device stability information screen Id displayed in step 124 (input device stability information screen Ida shown in FIG. 9) is for the input device 6 for which the stability flag Sfrg is set to OFF. The input device object Dodj is displayed in a state of being rotated about the substantially center position of the object (input device object Doja shown in FIG. 9). Here, the speed at which the input device object Dobj rotates is determined by the rotation speed V stored in the rotation speed data Dg. For example, when displaying the input device stability information screen Ida corresponding to the input device 6a in which the stability flag Sfrg is set to OFF, the angle indicated by the numerical value of the rotational speed V stored in the rotational speed data Dg of the input device 6a Only the input device object Dobja is rotated and displayed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 122 that the stability flag Sfrg is set to ON, the CPU 10 has confirmed that the input device object Dobj corresponding to the input device 6 to be displayed is stationary in the vertical direction. An input device stability information screen Id indicating this is displayed on the monitor 2 (step 126), and the process proceeds to the next step 125.

  For example, in step 126 described above, the CPU 10 displays a gyro sensor stability confirmation screen as described with reference to FIG. Specifically, the input device stability information screen Id (input device stability information screen Ida shown in FIG. 9) displayed in step 126 is for the input device 6 for which the stability flag Sfrg is set to ON. The input device object Dobj is displayed in a state where it is stationary in the vertical direction (input device object Dobjb shown in FIG. 9). Note that while the input device stability information screen Id is being displayed, the angular velocity output from the gyro sensors 95 and 96 of the input device 6 for which the stability flag Sfrg is set to ON may fluctuate, but the angular velocity has fluctuated. However, the input device object Dodj is displayed in a stationary state in the vertical direction. That is, after the stability flag Sfrg is set to ON, even if the player moves the input device 6, the input device object Doobj corresponding to the input device 6 does not rotate.

  In step 125, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the stability confirmation screen display process for all the input devices 6 used in the game has been completed. And CPU10 complete | finishes the process by the said subroutine, when the stability confirmation screen display process with respect to all the input devices 6 used for a game is complete | finished. On the other hand, if the stability confirmation screen display process for any of the input devices 6 used in the game has not ended, the CPU 10 returns to step 121 and repeats the process.

  Returning to FIG. 11, after the stability confirmation screen display process in step 48, the CPU 10 refers to the stability flag data Dd of all the input devices 6 used in the game, and the stability flag Sfrg is set to OFF. It is determined whether or not there is an input device 6 (step 49). Then, when there is an input device 6 for which the stability flag Sfrg is set to OFF, the CPU 10 returns to step 46 and repeats the process. On the other hand, when there is no input device 6 in which the stability flag Sfrg is set to OFF, the CPU 10 proceeds to the next step 60 (FIG. 12).

  On the other hand, if the stability confirmation time reaches the predetermined time in step 46, the CPU 10 displays a stability confirmation incomplete screen on the monitor 2 (step 50), and proceeds to the next step. Here, the step 50 is a process executed when the stability confirmation time is up in a state where the stability of any of the input devices 6 used in the game cannot be confirmed. Therefore, the CPU 10 displays a stability confirmation incomplete screen as shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 18, the stability confirmation incomplete screen includes an information screen Iu indicating that the stability of the angular velocity detection unit 9 (gyro sensors 95 and 96) could not be confirmed, and an option for whether or not to perform the stability confirmation process again. Operation buttons Ba and Bb are displayed. For example, as the information screen Iu, the character information for informing the player is displayed as “The operation check of the angular velocity detection unit could not be completed. The operation button Ba is an option for selecting to perform the stability check process again. For example, the option displayed as “Try again” is displayed on the stability check incomplete screen. The operation button Bb is an option for selecting not to perform the stability confirmation process again. For example, the option displayed as “End” is displayed on the stability confirmation incomplete screen.

  Returning to FIG. 11, the CPU 10 waits for the player to select the option in a state where the stability confirmation incomplete screen is displayed on the monitor 2, and determines whether or not to confirm again according to the selected option ( Step 51). Then, when performing the stability confirmation process again, the CPU 10 returns to step 45 and repeats the process. On the other hand, when the stability confirmation process is not performed again, the CPU 10 sets the stability flag data Dd of all the input devices 6 used in the game to ON (step 52) and proceeds to the next step 60 (FIG. 12). To proceed.

  Proceeding to FIG. 12, the CPU 10 performs a process of progressing the currently selected game (step 60), and proceeds to the next step. For example, the CPU 10 operates a variety of objects appearing in the virtual game world using a series of operation information obtained from the input device 6 and the calculated angle of the input device 6 (attitude of the input device 6), thereby playing the game To advance. As an example, in step 60 described above, the postures of various objects appearing in the virtual game world can be changed based on the calculated posture of the input device 6.

  Next, the CPU 10 performs stability confirmation processing (step 61), and proceeds to the next step. The stability confirmation process performed in step 61 is the same as the stability confirmation process in step 43 described above, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the CPU 10 determines whether or not angular velocity data can be obtained from all the input devices 6 used in the game (step 62). If the angular velocity data can be acquired from all the input devices 6, the CPU 10 proceeds to the next step 66. On the other hand, if the angular velocity data cannot be acquired from any of the input devices 6, the CPU 10 proceeds to the next step 63.

  In step 63, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the game process of step 60 is performed using the operation information from the input device 6 from which angular velocity data cannot be acquired. For example, if it is a process in which the game progresses using all the input devices 6 simultaneously, an affirmative determination is made in step 63. On the other hand, in the case of a process in which a game progresses by using a plurality of input devices 6 alternately, an affirmative determination is made in step 63 when the operation information from the input device 6 for which angular velocity data cannot be obtained is being used. If the operation information from the input device 6 capable of acquiring angular velocity data is being used, a negative determination is made in step 63 above. And CPU10 advances a process to the following step 64, when the said step 63 is affirmation determination. On the other hand, if the determination at step 63 is negative, the CPU 10 advances the process to the next step 66.

  In step 64, the CPU 10 displays on the monitor 2 a screen indicating the content of the abnormality that has occurred in the input device 6 (communication with the input device 6 is interrupted, the angular velocity detection unit 9 is disconnected from the controller 7, etc.) Proceed to the next step. Here, in step 64, when the angular velocity data cannot be acquired from the input device 6 during the game process, the game progresses using the operation information from the input device 6 from which the angular velocity data cannot be acquired. This is the case. In this embodiment, it is considered that the angular velocity data cannot be acquired because a series of operation information cannot be obtained from the input device 6 during the game process, or the angular velocity detection unit 9 is disconnected from the controller 7. It is done. Therefore, the CPU 10 displays a screen as shown in FIG. 19 on the monitor 2 when a series of operation information cannot be obtained from the input device 6. Further, the CPU 10 displays a screen as shown in FIG. 20 on the monitor 2 when only the angular velocity data cannot be obtained from the series of operation information from the input device 6.

  In FIG. 19, an information screen In <b> 1 indicating that communication between the input device 6 and the game apparatus body 5 is disconnected is displayed on the screen indicating the content of the abnormality that has occurred in the input device 6. For example, as the information screen In1, using the name of the player who operates the input device 6 for which angular velocity data can no longer be acquired, “Mr. A, the controller has lost communication.” Information is displayed.

  In FIG. 20, an information screen In <b> 2 indicating that the angular velocity detection unit 9 has been removed from the controller 7 is displayed on the screen indicating the content of the abnormality that has occurred in the input device 6. For example, using the name of the player who operates the input device 6 for which the angular velocity data can no longer be acquired as the information screen In2, “Mr. A, the angular velocity detection unit is missing. Please remount it.” Character information for informing the contents of is displayed.

  Returning to FIG. 12, the CPU 10 waits until the cause of the failure to acquire angular velocity data in the state where the information screen In1 or In2 is displayed on the monitor 2 is resolved (step 65). For example, when the angular velocity data can be acquired from the input device 6 in which the angular velocity data can no longer be acquired, the CPU 10 determines that the cause that the angular velocity data could not be acquired has been resolved (Yes in step 65). The process proceeds to step 67.

  On the other hand, in step 66, the CPU 10 refers to the stability flag data Dd of all the input devices 6 used in the game, and determines whether there is an input device 6 for which the stability flag Sfrg is set to off. . Then, when there is the input device 6 in which the stability flag Sfrg is set to OFF, the CPU 10 advances the processing to the next step 67. On the other hand, when there is no input device 6 in which the stability flag Sfrg is set to OFF, the CPU 10 proceeds to the next step 80 (FIG. 13). When there is an input device 6 in which the stability flag Sfrg is set to OFF after the game starts, for example, communication from the input device 6 is interrupted after the game starts or the angular velocity detection unit 9 is disconnected from the controller 7. A case where the stability flag Sfrg is turned off when the angular velocity data cannot be acquired from the input device 6 can be considered.

  In step 67, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the game process of step 60 is performed using the operation information from the input device 6 in which the stability flag Sfrg is set to OFF. For example, in the case where the game progresses using all the input devices 6 at the same time, an affirmative determination is made in step 67 above. On the other hand, if the process is such that the game progresses using a plurality of input devices 6 alternately, in step 67 when the operation information from the input device 6 for which the stability flag Sfrg is set to off is being used. If a positive determination is made and the operation information from the input device 6 in which the stability flag Sfrg is set to ON is being used, a negative determination is made in step 67 above. And CPU10 advances a process to the following step 68, when the said step 67 is affirmation determination. On the other hand, if the determination at step 67 is negative, the CPU 10 proceeds to the next step 80 (FIG. 13).

  In step 68, the CPU 10 performs a stability confirmation process and proceeds to the next step. Note that the stability confirmation process performed in step 68 is the same as the stability confirmation process in step 43 described above, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the CPU 10 displays a stability confirmation screen on the monitor 2 (step 69), and proceeds to the next step. Note that the stability confirmation screen display process performed in step 69 is the same as the stability confirmation screen display process in step 48 described above, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Here, the stability confirmation screen display process in step 69 is an input device in which the stability flag Sfrg is changed from the on state to the off state and the stability flag Sfrg is changed from the on state to the off state during the game process. This is performed when the game progresses using the operation information from 6. In this way, when the stability flag Sfrg is turned off during the game and the input device 6 that has been turned off is currently being used for the game, the stability confirmation screen is displayed on the monitor 2.

  Next, the CPU 10 refers to the stability flag data Dd of all the input devices 6 used in the game and determines whether there is any input device 6 for which the stability flag Sfrg is set to OFF (step 70). ). If there is any input device 6 for which the stability flag Sfrg is set to OFF, the CPU 10 returns to step 68 and repeats the process. On the other hand, when there is no input device 6 in which the stability flag Sfrg is set to OFF, the CPU 10 proceeds to the next step 80 (FIG. 13).

  Proceeding to FIG. 13, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the player has performed an operation for reconfirming the stability of the gyro sensors 95 and 96 (step 80). For example, when the player presses the operation unit 72 (for example, the plus button 72g) for confirming the stability of the gyro sensors 95 and 96 during the game, the CPU 10 performs an operation for reconfirming the stability of the gyro sensors 95 and 96. Judge that it was done. Then, when an operation for reconfirming the stability is performed, the CPU 10 advances the processing to the next step 81. On the other hand, when the operation for reconfirming the stability is not performed, the CPU 10 advances the processing to the next step 86. In this case, the reconfirmation operation itself does not have to be clearly indicated as an instruction for stability confirmation, and may be an operation indicating a simple pause.

  In step 81, the CPU 10 sets all the reconfirmation flags Rfrg stored in the reconfirmation flag data Dh to off. Then, the CPU 10 sets all the stable counters C stored in the stable counter data De to 0 (step 82), and proceeds to the next step.

  Next, the CPU 10 performs a stability reconfirmation process (step 83), and proceeds to the next step. The detailed operation of the stability reconfirmation process will be described below with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 16, the CPU 10 selects the input device 6 to be subjected to the stability reconfirmation process (step 131), and proceeds to the next step. For example, when a game is performed using a plurality of input devices 6, the CPU 10 selects any one of the plurality of input devices 6 for which the stability reconfirmation process has not ended. In the following description, the input device 6 selected in step 131 is described as the input device 6 to be reconfirmed.

  Next, the CPU 10 acquires angular velocity data from the input device 6 to be reconfirmed and angle data calculated using the angular velocity data (step 132), and at that time, from the input device 6 to be reconfirmed. It is determined whether or not angular velocity data can be acquired (step 133). When the angular velocity data can be acquired from the reconfirmation target input device 6, the CPU 10 updates the angular velocity data Da and the angle data Db of the reconfirmation target input device 6 using the acquired angular velocity data and angle data. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 134. On the other hand, if the angular velocity data cannot be acquired from the reconfirmation target input device 6, the CPU 10 proceeds to the next step 140.

  In step 134, the CPU 10 refers to the angle data Db, calculates the angle change amount for each axis using the angle indicated by the angle data acquired in step 132, and proceeds to the next step. Note that the calculation method of the angle change amount in step 134 is the same as the calculation method described in step 104 described above, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the angle change amounts rc1, rc2, and rc3 for each axis are all within a predetermined value (step 135). Then, the CPU 10 advances the processing to the next step 136 when the angle change amounts rc1, rc2, and rc3 for each axis are all within a predetermined value. On the other hand, if at least one of the angle change amounts rc1, rc2, and rc3 for each axis is greater than the predetermined value, the CPU 10 proceeds to the next step 142.

  In step 136, the CPU 10 adds 1 to the stability counter C stored in the stability counter data De of the input device 6 to be reconfirmed. Then, the CPU 10 updates the stability counter data De of the input device 6 to be reconfirmed using the stability counter C to which 1 is added, and proceeds to the next step 137.

  On the other hand, in step 142, the CPU 10 sets the angle r1 used in step 134 to the angle r1old, sets the angle r2 to the angle r2old, and sets the angle r3 to the angle r3old. Then, the CPU 10 updates the past angle data Dc of the input device 6 to be reconfirmed using the newly set angles r1old, r2old, and r3old, and proceeds to the next step.

  Next, the CPU 10 sets the stability counter C stored in the stability counter data De of the input device 6 to be reconfirmed to 0, and uses the stability counter C after the setting to input the input device 6 to be reconfirmed. The stable counter data De is updated (step 143), and the process proceeds to the next step 137.

  In step 137, the CPU 10 refers to the stability counter data De of the input device 6 to be reconfirmed and determines whether or not the stability counter C of the input device 6 to be reconfirmed is equal to or greater than the stability determination threshold value Ct. If the stability counter C is equal to or greater than the stability determination threshold value Ct, the CPU 10 proceeds to the next step 138. On the other hand, if the stability counter C is less than the stability determination number threshold Ct, the CPU 10 proceeds to the next step 139.

  In step 138, the CPU 10 sets the reconfirmation flag Rfrg stored in the reconfirmation flag data Dh and the stability flag Sfrg indicated by the stability flag data Dd of the input device 6 to be reconfirmed to ON, and the next step 139. Proceed with the process. As described above, the reconfirmation flag Rfrg is turned on when the angle obtained continuously during a predetermined period is stable, instead of using only an angle at a certain moment, like the stability flag Sfrg. .

  In the above-described processing, it is determined whether or not the posture of the input device 6 is stable when the change amount of each angle around a plurality of axes is continuously within a predetermined range for a predetermined period or longer. doing. That is, in the above-described processing, the reconfirmation flag Rfrg is set to ON by confirming the stability of the angle (posture) obtained during the predetermined period, but the input device 6 is stabilized by other methods. The reconfirmation flag Rfrg may be set to ON after reconfirmation. For example, the period in which the amount of change in the angular velocity around each of the multiple axes is continuously within a predetermined range is equal to or longer than the predetermined period, that is, by confirming the stability of the angular velocity obtained during the predetermined period. The flag Rfrg may be set on. In this case, in step 134, the angular velocities v1, v2, and v3 around the current axes indicated by the angular velocity data Da of the input device 6 to be reconfirmed and the past around each axis in the input device 6 to be reconfirmed. Similar stability reconfirmation is possible by obtaining the angular velocity change amount around each axis using the angular velocity. In this case as well, the fluctuation of the angular velocity of the minute vibration generated in the input device 6 is allowed and the reconfirmation flag Rfrg is turned on, but the drift phenomenon in which the stationary output itself fluctuates in a certain direction is not allowed. The reconfirmation flag Rfrg is set to ON after the stability of the stationary output after the change is reconfirmed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 133 that the angular velocity data cannot be acquired from the reconfirmation target input device 6, the CPU 10 determines the stability flag Sfrg and reconfirmation flag data indicated by the stability flag data Dd of the reconfirmation target input device 6. The reconfirmation flag Rfrg stored in Dh is set to OFF (step 140), and the process proceeds to the next step. Here, when the angular velocity data cannot be acquired from the input device 6, it is necessary to stabilize the gyro sensors 95 and 96 again and set the stationary output, so that not only the reconfirmation flag Rfrg but also the stability flag Sfrg. Is also turned off, indicating that the setting of the stationary output in the input device 6 to be reconfirmed is incomplete.

  Next, the CPU 10 sets the stability counter C stored in the stability counter data De of the input device 6 to be reconfirmed to 0, and uses the stability counter C after the setting to input the input device 6 to be reconfirmed. The stable counter data De is updated (step 141), and the process proceeds to the next step 139.

  In step 139, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the stability reconfirmation process for all the input devices 6 used in the game has been completed. And CPU10 complete | finishes the process by the said subroutine, when the stability reconfirmation process with respect to all the input devices 6 used for a game is complete | finished. On the other hand, if the stability reconfirmation process for any of the input devices 6 used in the game has not ended, the CPU 10 returns to step 131 and repeats the process.

  Returning to FIG. 13, the CPU 10 displays a stability reconfirmation screen on the monitor 2 (step 84), and proceeds to the next step. The detailed operation of the stability reconfirmation screen display process will be described below with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 17, the CPU 10 selects the input device 6 that is the target of the stability reconfirmation screen display process (step 151), and proceeds to the next step. For example, when a game is played using a plurality of input devices 6, the CPU 10 selects any one of the plurality of input devices 6 for which the stability reconfirmation screen display process has not ended. To do. In the following description, the input device 6 selected in step 151 is described as the input device 6 to be reconfirmed and displayed.

  Next, the CPU 10 refers to the reconfirmation flag data Dh corresponding to the input device 6 to be reconfirmed and displayed, and determines whether or not the reconfirmation flag Rfrg is set to OFF (step 152). Then, when the reconfirmation flag Rfrg is set to OFF, the CPU 10 advances the processing to the next step 153. On the other hand, when the reconfirmation flag Rfrg is set to ON, the CPU 10 advances the processing to the next step 156.

  In step 153, the CPU 10 refers to the angular velocity data Da corresponding to the input device 6 to be reconfirmed and displayed, calculates the rotational velocity V using the angular velocity indicated by the latest angular velocity data, and proceeds to the next step. . Note that the calculation method of the rotation speed V in step 153 is the same as the calculation method of the rotation speed V in step 123 described above, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the CPU 10 displays on the monitor 2 a gyro sensor stability reconfirmation screen indicating that the input device object Doobj corresponding to the input device 6 to be reconfirmed and displayed is being rotated according to the rotation speed V and is being confirmed. Display (step 154), and proceed to the next step 155.

  For example, in step 154, the CPU 10 displays a gyro sensor stability reconfirmation screen as described with reference to FIG. Specifically, the gyro sensor stability reconfirmation screen displayed in step 154 is the same as the input device stability information screen Ida shown in FIG. 9, and is for the input device 6 for which the reconfirmation flag Rfrg is set to OFF. Thus, the input device object Dodj is displayed in a state of being rotated about the approximate center position of the object (input device object Doja shown in FIG. 9).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 152 that the reconfirmation flag Rfrg is set to ON, the CPU 10 confirms the input device object Dobj corresponding to the input device 6 to be reconfirmed and displayed in the vertical direction. The input device stability information screen Id indicating that the processing has been completed is displayed on the monitor 2 (step 156), and the process proceeds to the next step 155.

  For example, in step 156, the CPU 10 displays a gyro sensor stability reconfirmation screen as described with reference to FIG. Specifically, the gyro sensor stability reconfirmation screen displayed in step 156 is the same as the input device stability information screen Idb shown in FIG. 9, and is for the input device 6 for which the reconfirmation flag Rfrg is set to ON. Thus, the input device object Dobj is displayed in a state where it is stationary in the vertical direction (input device object Dobjb shown in FIG. 9). Note that while the gyro sensor stability reconfirmation screen is displayed, the angular velocity output from the gyro sensors 95 and 96 of the input device 6 for which the reconfirmation flag Rfrg is set may vary, but the angular velocity varies. Even in this case, the input device object Dodj is displayed in a stationary state in the vertical direction. That is, after the reconfirmation flag Rfrg is set to ON, even if the player moves the input device 6, the input device object Doobj corresponding to the input device 6 does not rotate.

  As is clear from the processing in steps 80 to 83, even when an operation for reconfirming the stability of the gyro sensors 95 and 96 is performed during the game processing, the stability flag Sfrg is determined according to the operation. Does not change from on to off. That is, in order to display the above gyro sensor stability reconfirmation screen, the stability flag Sfrg of the input device 6 used in the game may be set to ON, and the gyro sensor 95 according to the player's intention is set. And 96 stability reconfirmation. Further, even when the player has not actively instructed the stability reconfirmation, but simply when the game is paused, it can be visually confirmed whether or not the gyro sensors 95 and 96 are stable during the pause. Can be found when there is an abnormality. Therefore, the stability reconfirmation screen displayed in step 154 or step 156 may be an auxiliary display.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 21, on the stability reconfirmation screen displayed in step 154 or 156, the display prompting the player to stabilize the input device 6 (request information screen Ii shown in FIG. 8) is not displayed. . In the stability reconfirmation screen displayed in step 154 or 156, the input device stability information screen Id indicating the state of the stability reconfirmation of the gyro sensors 95 and 96 for each input device 6 used, and the subsequent operation of the player An operation button Bo indicating a plurality of options for accepting is displayed.

  In step 155, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the stability reconfirmation screen display process for all the input devices 6 used in the game has been completed. And CPU10 complete | finishes the process by the said subroutine, when the stability reconfirmation screen display process with respect to all the input devices 6 used for a game is complete | finished. On the other hand, if the stability reconfirmation screen display process for any of the input devices 6 used in the game has not ended, the CPU 10 returns to step 151 and repeats the process.

  Returning to FIG. 13, after the process of step 84, the CPU 10 determines whether or not to return to the game process (step 85). For example, when any of the operation buttons Bo displayed on the stability reconfirmation screen displayed in step 84 is selected, the CPU 10 determines whether to return to the game process according to the option indicated by the operation button Bo. Determine whether. The game also returns to the game when the plus button 72g is pressed again. Then, when returning to the game process, the CPU 10 advances the process to the next step 86. On the other hand, if the CPU 10 does not return to the game process, the CPU 10 returns to step 83 and repeats the process in order to continue the current stability confirmation process.

  In step 86, the CPU 10 determines whether or not to end the game. As a condition for ending the game, for example, the condition that the game being processed in step 60 is game over is satisfied, or the player performs an operation to end the game. If the game is not finished, the CPU 10 returns to step 60 (FIG. 12) and repeats the process. If the game is finished, the process proceeds to the next step 87.

  In step 87, the CPU 10 changes to a game different from the game ended in step 86 and determines whether or not to play the different game. And CPU10 advances a process to the following step 88, when changing and playing in a different game. On the other hand, CPU10 complete | finishes the process by the said flowchart, when complete | finishing a process as it is, without changing the game to play. For example, depending on the game program read into the main memory of the game apparatus body 5, a plurality of games may be possible. Specifically, in the case of a game program in which various sports games are possible, different games may be possible depending on the sport type. In step 87, it is determined whether the game is changed to a different game among a plurality of games that can be played by such a game program loaded in the main memory.

  In step 88, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the game changed in step 87 is a game that requires input of angular velocity with higher accuracy than the game that has been played so far. Then, the CPU 10 advances the processing to the next step 89 when it is a change to a game that requires an angular velocity with higher accuracy. On the other hand, if the CPU 10 changes to a game that does not require higher angular velocity, the CPU 10 returns to step 41 (FIG. 11) and repeats the process.

  In step 89, the CPU 10 sets all the stability flags Sfrg stored in the stability flag data Dd to off. Then, the CPU 10 sets all the stability counters C stored in the stability counter data De to 0 (step 90), returns to the step 41 (FIG. 11), and repeats the process.

  For example, there is a game that proceeds while the input device 6 is kept stationary. Specifically, in a game in which the aim in the virtual game world is determined according to the attitude and direction of the input device 6 (for example, an archery, archery game, etc.), the input device 6 is kept stationary. It is necessary to accurately calculate the posture. In such a game, even if a slight error occurs in the stationary outputs of the gyro sensors 95 and 96, the game operation is affected. For example, if there is a slight error in the stationary outputs of the gyro sensors 95 and 96, it is determined that the input device 6 is moving at a slight angular velocity even if the player stops the input device 6. In the processing, an operation corresponding to the determination is performed.

  In such a case, it is necessary to set the stationary output (zero point offset value ofs) in accordance with the accuracy level of the angular velocity input required by the game to be executed. By setting the flag Sfrg to off, the stability confirmation process is performed again for all the input devices 6 used in the game. Here, the required accuracy level of the angular velocity input is set in advance for each game. In a game in which the required accuracy of the angular velocity input is relatively high, a continuous number ct of narrowing the stable range from the upper limit s1 to the lower limit s2 in the primary correction of the angular velocity v and the correction of the zero point offset described above. By making settings such as increasing the upper limit and decreasing the constant C, correction is performed so that the value when not stationary is not reflected easily. As described above, when executing a game that requires input of angular velocity with higher accuracy, the zero point offset value ofs is output from the gyro sensors 95 and 96 in order to set the above-described zero point offset value ofs more accurately. The rate of convergence to the angular velocity v indicated by the angular velocity data is set to be relatively small. Therefore, even if the input device 6 is kept stationary, the time until the value of the angle change amount calculated in step 104 becomes within a predetermined value becomes long. As a result, the stability flag Sfrg in the stability confirmation process. It takes a long time to change from OFF to ON.

  As described above, according to the game process described above, when the gyro sensors 95 and 96 (input device 6) are not stable in a situation where the gyro sensors 95 and 96 need to be stopped, the gyro sensors 95 and 96 The input device object Dobj is rotated and displayed according to the obtained angular velocity data. Therefore, the player recognizes that the gyro sensors 95 and 96 are moving and that the output includes an error by visually recognizing the input device object Dobj that is displayed in rotation and its rotation speed. Can do. Further, since the rotational speed V is determined based on a value obtained by adding all the magnitudes of the angular velocities around the X, Y, and Z axes, the gyro sensors 95 and 96 (input devices) Even if 6) is not stable, the angular velocity is emphasized and appears on the screen, so that the player can easily understand that the gyro sensors 95 and 96 (input device 6) are not stable.

  Here, when the zero point offset value (stationary output value) of the gyro sensors 95 and 96 is fixed to the device specific value, the device specific value and the actual zero point offset value (stationary output value of the gyro sensors 95 and 96). ), The gyro sensors 95 and 96 (input device 6) are always in an unstable state, and the input device object Dobj can always be rotated and displayed. However, in the above-described embodiment, the angular velocity obtained by offset-correcting the angular velocity indicated by the angular velocity data output from the gyro sensors 95 and 96 based on the zero point offset value (the stationary output value) is acquired and processed. The zero point offset value is also corrected so as to converge to the angular velocity indicated by the angular velocity data output from the gyro sensors 95 and 96. Therefore, even if the zero point offset value is initially set to the above-mentioned device fixed value when the power is turned on, the zero point offset value gradually converges to the actual zero point offset value by keeping the gyro sensors 95 and 96 stationary. . Since the angular velocity corrected for offset along with the convergence of the zero point offset value also converges to the zero point offset value, the rotational speed V and the amount of angular change around each axis will eventually approach zero. Become. For this reason, when the stability flag Sfrg is on, it means that the correction has already been made so that the output at the time of stillness becomes the zero point, and the game can be played with the error corrected.

  It should be noted that the stability confirmation process in the above-described embodiment is repeated for each processing cycle before and during the game process, as is apparent from the flowcharts shown in FIGS. By such processing, the stability flag Sfrg may already be turned on before displaying the stability confirmation screen, and the game can be started earlier. However, the stability confirmation process in the above-described embodiment may be performed not only at a specific stage but also at a predetermined cycle independently of the above flow.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the stability confirmation process and the stability reconfirmation process are performed based on the angle calculated using the angular velocity that has been offset-corrected after the primary correction or the angular velocity that has only been offset-corrected has been used. The stability confirmation process or the stability reconfirmation process may be performed using the angular velocity indicated by the angular velocity data before the correction processing is performed or the angle calculated from the angular velocity. In this case, stability confirmation processing and stability reconfirmation processing are performed directly using the angular velocities indicated by the angular velocity data output from the gyro sensors 95 and 96, or stability confirmation processing and stability reconstruction are performed directly using the angle calculated from the angular velocities. Confirmation processing will be performed, but the stability flag Sfrg and the reconfirmation flag Sfrg are eventually set to ON in order for the angular velocity and the angle to converge to a certain value when the gyro sensors 95 and 96 are kept stationary. Will meet the conditions. Then, in response to the stability flag Sfrg and the reconfirmation flag Sfrg being set to ON, the input device object Dobj is also displayed in a stationary state in the vertical direction. Processing is possible. If the correction process described above is performed immediately before the game process (that is, the correction process is performed in step 60 and the game process is performed using the angular velocity after the correction process is performed), the same game process can be performed. . Needless to say, the rotation speed V and the angle change amount around each axis may be calculated by performing the correction process described above in the stability confirmation process and the stability reconfirmation process.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example is used in which the angle r is calculated using the corrected angular velocity v, and angle data indicating the calculated angle r is acquired. You may add a step to calculate. For example, by sequentially adding (integrating) the acquired angular velocities v, the amount of change in posture from the initial posture of the input device 6 (the amount of change in angle) is calculated from the integration result, and the current posture of the input device 6 ( (Angle) is added to the game process. As a result, the same processing can be performed even if the angle r is not calculated.

  In the above-described embodiment, the speed (rotation speed V) for rotating the input device object Dobj is determined based on a value obtained by adding all the magnitudes of angular velocities around the X, Y, and Z axes. The magnitude of the angular velocity around any axis may be excluded from the addition target. For example, in a game process performed using the input device 6, if there is an angular velocity around an axis that is not used for the game process among the angular velocities around the X, Y, and Z axes, the rotation is performed without using the angular velocity around the axis. The speed V may be calculated.

  In the embodiment described above, acceleration signals in the three-axis directions (X, Y, and Z-axis direction acceleration data) from the acceleration sensor 701 mounted on the controller 7, and processing result data from the imaging information calculation unit 74. Is not used. Therefore, when the present invention is realized, the acceleration sensor 701 and the imaging information calculation unit 74 may not be mounted on the controller 7. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the angular velocity detection unit 9 provided with the gyro sensors 95 and 96 is detachably connected to the controller 7 is used. It does not matter if it is provided inside.

  In the above description, an example in which the present invention is applied to a stationary game device has been described. However, the present invention is also applicable to an information processing device such as a general personal computer operated by an input device having a gyro sensor. Can do. For example, the gyro sensor for performing various game processes based on the angular velocity generated in the input device, such as the information processing device calculating the attitude of the input device in accordance with the angular velocity data output from the gyro sensor of the input device. It can be used for stability confirmation processing.

  In the above description, the controller 7 (input device 6) and the game apparatus main body 5 are connected by wireless communication. However, the controller 7 and the game apparatus main body 5 are electrically connected via a cable. It does not matter. In this case, the cable connected to the controller 7 is connected to the connection terminal of the game apparatus body 5.

  In addition, the shape of the controller 7 and the angular velocity detection unit 9 described above, the shape, number, and installation position of the operation unit 72 are merely examples, and the present invention may be applied to other shapes, numbers, and installation positions. It goes without saying that can be realized. Moreover, it is needless to say that the present invention can be realized even if the coefficients, determination values, mathematical formulas, processing order, and the like used in the above-described processing are merely examples, and other values, mathematical formulas, and processing orders are used.

  The game program of the present invention may be supplied not only to the game apparatus body 5 through an external storage medium such as the optical disc 4 but also to the game apparatus body 5 through a wired or wireless communication line. The game program may be recorded in advance in a nonvolatile storage device inside the game apparatus body 5. The information storage medium for storing the game program may be a non-volatile semiconductor memory in addition to a CD-ROM, DVD, or similar optical disk storage medium.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail above, the above description is merely illustrative of the present invention in all respects and is not intended to limit the scope thereof. It goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  The game device and the game program according to the present invention can make it easy to recognize errors occurring in the gyro sensor in a game that performs game processing based on the angular velocity obtained from the gyro sensor. It is useful as a game device or a game program for executing a game or the like to be processed using.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game system 2 ... Monitor 2a, 706 ... Speaker 3 ... Game device 4 ... Optical disk 5 ... Game device main body 6 ... Input device 10 ... CPU
11 ... System LSI
12 ... External main memory 13 ... ROM / RTC
14 ... Disk drive 15 ... AV-IC
16 ... AV connector 17 ... Flash memory 18 ... Wireless communication module 19 ... Wireless controller module 20 ... Expansion connector 21 ... External memory card connector 22, 23 ... Antenna 24 ... Power button 25 ... Reset button 26 ... Eject button 31 ... Input / output Processor 32 ... GPU
33 ... DSP
34 ... VRAM
35 ... Internal main memory 7 ... Controller 71 ... Housing 72 ... Operation unit 73 ... Connector 74 ... Imaging information calculation unit 741 ... Infrared filter 742 ... Lens 743 ... Imaging element 744 ... Image processing circuit 75 ... Communication unit 751, 94 ... Microcomputer 752 ... Memory 753 ... Wireless module 754 ... Antenna 700 ... Substrate 701 ... Acceleration sensor 702 ... LED
704 ... Vibrator 707 ... Sound IC
708 ... Amplifier 8 ... Marker 9 ... Angular velocity detection unit 91 ... Button 92 ... Cover 93 ... Plug 95 ... 2-axis gyro sensor 96 ... 1-axis gyro sensor

Claims (22)

A game device that performs game processing by acquiring operation data including at least angular velocity data indicating the angular velocities from an input device including gyro sensors that respectively detect angular velocities around a plurality of axes,
Angular velocity data acquisition means for acquiring the angular velocity data;
Rotation parameter calculation means for calculating a rotation parameter representing one rotation amount using a value obtained by adding the magnitudes of angular velocities around the plurality of axes indicated by the angular velocity data;
A game apparatus comprising: an object display control unit configured to rotate a predetermined object according to a rotation amount corresponding to the rotation parameter and display the object on a display device. Game processing means for performing game processing based on the angular velocity data;
Pausing means for pausing the game process being processed by the game processing means when the operation data indicates that a predetermined operation has been performed;
The game device according to claim 1, wherein the object display control unit rotates the object during the pause and displays the object on the display device according to the rotation parameter calculated during the pause. A determination means for determining whether the attitude of the input device is stable based on the angular velocity data;
The object display control unit rotates the object according to the rotation parameter and displays the object on the display device during a period until the determination unit determines that the attitude of the input device is stable. Item 4. A game device according to Item 1. Game processing means for performing a game process based on the angular velocity data;
The determination means starts the determination before the game processing means starts the game processing, and starts the game processing by the game processing means after it is determined that the attitude of the input device is stable. The game device according to claim 3.   4. The object display control unit according to claim 3, wherein when the determination unit determines that the posture of the input device is stable, the object display control unit causes the object to remain stationary in a predetermined direction and be displayed on the display device. The game device described.   After the object display control means stops the object in the predetermined direction, the object display control unit continues the stationary state regardless of the rotation parameter unless the predetermined condition is satisfied, and the object display control unit The game device according to claim 5, which is displayed.   The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the added value is greater than a predetermined threshold, the rotation parameter calculation unit calculates the rotation parameter using the value as the threshold.   The game device according to claim 1, wherein the object display control means rotates the object imitating the input device and causes the display device to display the object.   The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotation parameter calculation unit calculates the new rotation parameter by bringing the added value closer to a value of the rotation parameter calculated in the past at a predetermined ratio. An offset value calculating means for calculating a zero point offset value that converges to the angular velocity indicated by the angular velocity data for each of the plurality of axes.
Offset correction means for correcting the angular velocities around the plurality of axes indicated by the angular velocity data with the zero point offset values calculated corresponding to the circumferences of the axes; and
The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotation parameter calculation unit calculates the rotation parameter using a magnitude of each angular velocity around the plurality of axes corrected by the offset correction unit. A continuous number calculating means for calculating a continuous number of angular velocities that are continuously within a predetermined stable range retroactively from the angular velocity indicated by the latest angular velocity data;
The game apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the offset value calculation unit calculates the zero point offset value that has a higher degree of convergence to the angular velocity indicated by the latest angular velocity data as the number of consecutive items increases. A game program that is executed by a computer of a game device that performs game processing by obtaining operation data including at least angular velocity data indicating the angular velocities from an input device including gyro sensors that respectively detect angular velocities around a plurality of axes. ,
The computer,
Angular velocity data acquisition means for acquiring the angular velocity data;
Rotation parameter calculation means for calculating a rotation parameter representing one rotation amount using a value obtained by adding the magnitudes of angular velocities around the plurality of axes indicated by the angular velocity data;
A game program that functions as an object display control unit that rotates a predetermined object according to a rotation amount corresponding to the rotation parameter and displays the object on a display device. Game processing means for performing game processing based on the angular velocity data;
When the operation data indicates that a predetermined operation has been performed, the computer is further functioned as a pause unit that pauses the game process being processed by the game process unit,
The game program according to claim 12, wherein the object display control unit rotates the object during the pause and displays the object on the display device according to the rotation parameter calculated during the pause. Based on the angular velocity data, as a determination means for determining whether the posture of the input device is stable, further causing the computer to function,
The object display control unit rotates the object according to the rotation parameter and displays the object on the display device during a period until the determination unit determines that the attitude of the input device is stable. Item 15. A game program according to Item 12. As a game processing means for performing a game process based on the angular velocity data, further causing the computer to function,
The determination means starts the determination before the game processing means starts the game processing, and starts the game processing by the game processing means after it is determined that the attitude of the input device is stable. The game program according to claim 14.   The object display control unit causes the object to remain stationary in a predetermined direction and be displayed on the display device when the determination unit determines that the attitude of the input device is stable. The described game program.   After the object display control means stops the object in the predetermined direction, the object display control unit continues the stationary state regardless of the rotation parameter unless the predetermined condition is satisfied, and the object display control unit The game program according to claim 16, wherein the game program is displayed.   The game program according to claim 12, wherein when the added value is greater than a predetermined threshold, the rotation parameter calculation means calculates the rotation parameter using the value as the threshold.   The game program according to claim 12, wherein the object display control unit rotates the object imitating the input device and causes the display device to display the object.   The game program according to claim 12, wherein the rotation parameter calculation means calculates the new rotation parameter by bringing the added value closer to a value of the rotation parameter calculated in the past at a predetermined ratio. An offset value calculating means for calculating a zero point offset value that converges to the angular velocity indicated by the angular velocity data for each of the plurality of axes.
Further causing the computer to function as offset correction means for correcting the angular velocities around the plurality of axes indicated by the angular velocity data with the zero point offset values calculated corresponding to the circumferences of the axes,
The game program according to claim 12, wherein the rotation parameter calculation unit calculates the rotation parameter using the magnitudes of the angular velocities around the plurality of axes corrected by the offset correction unit. The computer is further functioned as continuous number calculating means for calculating the continuous number of angular velocities that are continuously within a predetermined stable range retroactively from the angular velocity indicated by the latest angular velocity data,
The game program according to claim 21, wherein the offset value calculation means calculates the zero point offset value that has a higher degree of convergence to the angular velocity indicated by the latest angular velocity data as the number of consecutive items increases.

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