JP6220524B2 - Game device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game device that executes a music game.

  Conventionally, a game (so-called music game) is known in which points are calculated by operating buttons at a predetermined timing in accordance with music. A game device that executes this game moves an icon (object) indicating the timing of button operation along a predetermined route according to music. The player operates the buttons so as to coincide with the timing when the icon reaches a predetermined position. The game apparatus evaluates the correlation between the timing at which the icon reaches a predetermined position and the button operation timing, and displays the points. For example, the game apparatus described in Patent Document 1 displays performance timing indications to the performance input unit by moving and displaying performance instruction signs representing performance input timing along a predetermined path at a predetermined speed.

JP 2004-201813 A

  In the game device described in Patent Document 1, a vertical trunk portion in which a monitor and a speaker are housed, and a Japanese drum operation unit that is a performance input unit are provided on an upper portion of a base. In a game device that executes a conventional music game, a mark indicating the timing of the input operation is displayed at a predetermined fixed position, so that the player can watch the fixed position according to the height of the player's line of sight. A relatively small monitor was implemented.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a game apparatus having a display capable of dynamically displaying a display showing the timing of an input operation.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a game device according to the present invention includes a first housing that includes a vertically long display having a rectangular display surface, and a second housing that includes an operation device having an operation surface disposed horizontally. Adjusting the distance between the first housing and the second housing and connecting the first housing and the second housing, wherein the first housing and the second housing are connected to each other. A connecting member configured to be detachable from the housing, and arranged such that a lower end of the display is below the operation device.

  According to the present invention, the lower end of the display is positioned below the operation device, and the upper end of the display is positioned above the viewpoint position of the player who operates the operation device. It becomes.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the game system in this embodiment. The block diagram which shows the function structure of the game server. The figure which shows an example of the player data 31b memorize | stored in the memory | storage part 31. FIG. The figure which shows an example of the data memorize | stored in the game server. The figure which shows the external appearance structure of the game device 20 in this embodiment. The figure which shows the external appearance structure of the game device 20 in this embodiment. The figure which shows the external appearance structure of the game device 20 in this embodiment. The figure which shows the external appearance structure of the game device 20 in this embodiment. The figure which shows the external appearance structure of the game device 20 in this embodiment. The perspective view which expanded the periphery of the operation devices 56a and 56b. The figure which shows the cross section in the AA shown in FIG. The figure which shows a mode that the player is using the game device 20. FIG. The perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the operation device 56a. The perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the state which removed the outer cover of the operation device 56a shown in FIG. The top view of the operation device 56a. The side view of the operation device 56a. The figure which shows the detail of the structure for enabling the operation part 56a2 of the operation device 56a to move to a horizontal direction. The figure which shows the detail of the structure for enabling the operation part 56a2 of the operation device 56a to move to a horizontal direction. The figure which shows the structure of the support mechanism for supporting the shaft member 73. FIG. The figure which shows the cross section in the BB line shown to Fig.17 (a). The figure which expands and shows the periphery of the base 74 shown in FIG. The figure which shows a state when operation which moves the operation part 56a2 to a horizontal direction is performed. The figure which expands and shows the periphery of the base 74 shown in FIG. The block diagram which shows the function structure of the game device 20 in this embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the whole operation | movement of the game device 20 in this embodiment. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of a demo process. The figure which shows an example of the function selection window displayed on the display. The flowchart which shows a start process. The figure which shows the example of a display of a card use confirmation screen. The figure which shows an example of the screen for mode selection. The figure which shows the example of a display of a music selection screen. The figure which shows the example of a display of a mode (difficulty level) selection screen. The flowchart which shows a game process. The figure which shows an example of the game screen 120 for solo play. The figure which shows the example of a display of the game screen 120 different from FIG. The figure which shows the specific example of a progress route and a target. The figure which shows the specific example of a progress route and a target. The figure which shows the specific example of a progress route and a target. The figure which shows the specific example of a progress route and a target. The figure which shows the specific example of a progress route and a target. The figure which shows the specific example of a progress route and a target. The figure which shows the specific example of a progress route and a target. The figure which shows the specific example of a progress route and a target. The figure which shows the specific example of a progress route and a target. The figure which shows the specific example of a progress route and a target. The figure which shows the specific example of a progress route and a target. The figure which shows the specific example of a progress route and a target. The flowchart shown about a progress route setting process. The figure which shows the example which changes a progress route. The figure which shows the example which changes a progress route. The figure which shows the example which changes a progress route. The flowchart shown about a checkpoint process. The flowchart shown about a checkpoint process. The figure which shows the example of a display of a surprise roulette. The figure which shows the example of a change of the game screen (progress route) according to the icon selected from the surprise roulette. The figure which shows an example of a game score screen (result screen). The figure which shows an example of a reward screen. The flowchart which shows a hidden music unlock process. The figure which shows an example of a hidden music unlock screen. The figure which shows an example of an item acquisition screen. The perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the operation device 156. FIG. FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in FIG. 61. 63 is a plan view taken along line FF shown in FIG. 62. FIG. The side view of FIG. The perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the operation device 256 which deform | transformed the operation device 156. FIG. The perspective view which shows the structure except the operation part 1562. FIG. The top view which shows arrangement | positioning of two sensors A and B provided in order to detect rotation of the sensor blade 259 and the sensor blade 259. FIG. The figure which shows an example of the detection data by the sensors A and B. The top view of the operation device 356. FIG. The front view of the operation device 356. FIG. FIG. 70 is a sectional view taken along line GG shown in FIG. 69. The perspective view of the operation device 356. FIG. The side view of the operation device 356. FIG. Sectional drawing of the state which the operation unit 357 moved to the left direction.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the game system in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, in the game system in this embodiment, the game server 10 is connected to a system of a plurality of stores 14-1,..., 14-x existing throughout the country via a network 12 including the Internet. ing.

  For example, in the store 14-1, a plurality (eight in FIG. 1) of game devices 20 are connected to each other via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). In addition, the plurality of game devices 20 are connected to the network 12 via the host device 21. Therefore, the game apparatus 20 can communicate with the game server 10 and can transmit and receive various data. The game device 20 may be configured to be able to communicate with the game server 10 directly through the network 12.

  1 shows an example in which eight game devices 20 are provided in the store 14-1, but one or more game devices 20 are provided in the stores 14-2,..., 14-x. It shall be. In the store 14-1 provided with a plurality of game devices 20, in-store battle play (match play) can be performed between the game devices 20 in the store.

  The game devices 20 in the stores 14-1,..., 14-x can upload and store player data including operation data such as game results in the game server 10 by executing the game.

  Note that the game executed by the game apparatus 20 in the present embodiment is a game executed together with the reproduction output of music by selecting a music. When a music piece is selected, the game apparatus 20 displays a traveling route that changes in accordance with the musical piece on a game screen expressing a three-dimensional space, for example, along with the reproduction output of the musical piece. Move (fly) a predetermined object (character, avatar). Then, the object is moved along the traveling route, and a target indicating the timing of the input operation appears along the traveling route, and the input timing is based on the data input by the player operation on the input device according to the target. In addition to executing presentation processing such as screen display and sound output according to the determination result, point calculation and evaluation are performed.

  In the game apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment, for example, two operation devices are provided as input apparatuses that receive an input operation of a player. In the game apparatus 20 in the present embodiment, the same data is input if the same operation is performed regardless of which of the two operation devices is operated. Therefore, the player can arbitrarily use the two operation devices so as to be easily operated. Details of the operation device and the game will be described later.

  The game server 10 manages various data related to the game executed by the game device 20 in the store 14-1, ..., 14-x. Details of the data managed by the game server 10 will be described later (FIGS. 3 and 4).

  The mobile terminal 16 is realized by, for example, another electronic device provided with a touch screen as an input device operated by a player, for example, a smartphone, a slate PC, a mobile phone, a mobile game machine, or the like. The portable terminal 16 can communicate with the game server 10 via the network 12 to receive game data and execute a game.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game server 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the game server 10 includes a control unit 30, a storage unit 31, and a communication interface 32.

  The control unit 30 controls the entire game server 10 based on programs and data stored in the storage unit 31, manages data stored in the storage unit 31, and communicates with the game device 20 and the mobile terminal 16. Various processes such as data transmission / reception via 32 are executed. The control unit 30 implements various functions by executing a game data management program 31a stored in the storage unit 31 by a processor (CPU (Central Processing Unit) or DSP (Digital Signal Processor)).

  The functions realized by the control unit 30 include, for example, a player data processing unit 30a, a ranking data processing unit 30b, and a game data processing unit 30c.

  The player data processing unit 30a processes various data related to the game executed by the player for each player ID presented to the game apparatus 20 by using the card. The player data processing unit 30a executes various processes such as processing of various data (player management data) set for each player ID, and recording and updating of game results (operation data) received from the game device 20.

  The ranking data processing unit 30b creates various ranking data based on game results (player results) corresponding to a plurality of players (player IDs).

  The game data processing unit 30c processes game data for defining a game on the mobile terminal 16 or the game device 20 (defining a progress route or a target in the game screen). Distribution of game data, game data uploaded from the mobile terminal 16, and additional recording of game data corresponding to new music are executed.

  The storage unit 31 stores a program and data for controlling the game server 10. In addition to the basic program (OS (Operating System)), the program stored in the storage unit 31 includes a game data management program 31a for managing various data for executing a game on the game device 20.

  The game data management program 31a includes a player data processing program 31a1 for realizing the player data processing unit 30a, a ranking data processing program 31a2 for realizing the ranking data processing unit 30b, and a game data processing unit 30c. A game data processing program 31a3 is included.

  The data recorded in the storage unit 31 includes player data 31b, ranking data 31c, and game data 31d.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the player data 31b stored in the storage unit 31. As illustrated in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the player data 31b includes data 41 to 4m for each player ID corresponding to each of the players 1 to m. In FIG. 3, for example, player management data 41a and player operation data 41c are shown as data 41 corresponding to the player 1.

  The player management data 41a is data stored when the player executes a game by specifying a player ID, and includes various data related to the game set for each player ID. For example, the player management data 41a includes data such as a player ID (identification information), a store ID, a play area, a player name, a custom image, a player experience value, a class, a level, a title, an acquired item, a player record, and an unlocked song. include.

  The player ID is used to identify the player. For example, the player ID is read by the game device 20 from a game card (storage medium) owned by the player and notified to the game server 10. The store ID is for identifying the store where the game apparatus 20 is installed, and is notified from the game apparatus 20 together with the player ID, for example. The play area indicates an area including the store indicated by the store ID, for example, and is represented by a prefecture. The player name is used to identify the player, and is represented by, for example, a character string (for example, 8 alphanumeric characters) arbitrarily designated by the player when a new game card (player ID) is registered. The custom image is an image (avatar, character) representing the player created by the player, and is configured by combining background, symbol (mark, character), and effect (decoration) images, for example. Each part of the custom image can be obtained (purchased) by the player consuming points, earned as a prize for event play different from the normal game, or even after a certain number of plays. it can.

  The player experience value, class, level, title, acquired item, and player performance data are data updated based on the game result executed in the game device 20.

  The player experience value is a parameter added when the player executes the game. The player experience value is added according to the number of game executions, and is added according to the opponent and the battle result when the in-store battle play is performed. For example, when a player wins against another player of a class or level higher than the player's class or level, more experience values corresponding to the difference in class or level are added.

  The level is a parameter acquired when the player experience value increases to a predetermined level. The class classifies the level of the player. For example, the class is classified into a beginner class (BEGINNER CLASS), an intermediate class (MIDDLE CLASS), an advanced class (ADVANCED CLASS), and a master class (MASTER CLASS). A class is defined to be promoted when a predetermined rating (RATING) is obtained for a predetermined number of songs for a game (music) of a predetermined difficulty level (mode) determined for each player level. Has been.

  The class is referred to for player-specific control, such as limiting the music that can be selected by the player. The title is obtained when a game result satisfying a specific condition is obtained or when the player consumes points, and is represented by a specific character string (for example, 15 characters). The title is used to identify the player together with the player name, and a plurality of levels (for example, 10 levels) are defined. The higher-level titles are rare and difficult to acquire. Game results that meet specific conditions for obtaining titles include the number of faces that have cleared a song of a given difficulty level, the total number of wins, top prizes in various rankings, etc., and title levels are defined according to each condition. ing.

  The acquired item indicates an item acquired by the player. The item can be acquired after the game is over (hidden music unlocking process described later) or when the level is increased according to the game result. The item is used when the game is executed, and the content of the game is changed to be advantageous by the player, or the game can be executed in a play style different from the normal play. For example, by setting before starting the game so that items can be used during the game, the input operation required by the player is changed to a simple operation, and the determination for the input operation is advantageous to the player. Such as changing the timing at which the target appears. In a play style different from normal play, for example, a game may be executed by performing an input operation on an operation device while standing at a position different from that during normal play.

  The player record is a history of various data related to each game executed by the player, for example, game execution date and time, music selected as a game target, difficulty level, ranking obtained as a game result, and acquisition points.

  Unlocked music is music that is specially provided among the music used in the game, and is used in the game by performing a predetermined operation by a hidden music unlocking process (described later) executed after the game ends. The music that can be shown. In the player data, data indicating a setting status according to a predetermined operation for the unlocked music is recorded for each player.

  The player management data 41a is used when displaying player information on the game device 20 (for example, a player matching screen, a game result display screen, and a ranking display screen at the time of in-store battle play execution).

  The player operation data 41 c indicates a past game result of the player when the player executes the game on the game device 20. The player operation data 41c includes, for example, the latest operation data when the player last played, the data creation date and time, and the high score for each of a plurality of game difficulty levels (simple, normal, hardware, expert) for one piece of music. High score operation data when data appears and the date and time of data creation are included. The operation data includes, for example, data indicating a determination result (GREAT, COOL, GOOD, MISS) and a score (play score, total score, etc.) for the input operation.

  For example, when the player selects “Normal” of “Song 1” on the game device 20 and executes the game, operation data indicating the game result is transmitted from the game device 20 to the game server 10 after the game ends. The player data processing unit 30a stores the operation data received from the game device 20 as the latest operation data of “Normal” of “Song 1”. If a high score is obtained, it is also stored as high score operation data.

  Further, the operation data may include data indicating an input operation by the player when the game is executed. For example, the data indicating the input operation is time-series data in which data indicating the player's operation (button pressing, operation direction, etc.) on the operation device is associated with the music playback time. Examples of input operations required by the player during the game include hit, slide, hold, scratch, and beat. By including data indicating various input operations in the operation data, it is possible to reproduce game contents executed by the player in the past based on this data. That is, by displaying a game screen corresponding to the operation data in accordance with the reproduction of the music, it is possible to display a game screen similar to that at the time of game execution.

  In the player operation data 41c shown in FIG. 3, since the player 1 has executed the game for all the difficulty levels (simple, normal, hardware, expert) of “Song 1”, each difficulty level is different for each difficulty level. The latest operation data and the high score operation data are stored, but the operation data regarding the music that is not running the game and the difficulty level are not stored.

  The player data processing unit 30a stores the same data 42 to 4m as the player 1 shown in FIG. 3 as the player data 31b for each of the players 2 to m that have designated the player ID and executed the game on the game device 20. .

FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating an example of ranking data 31c stored in the game server 10, and FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of game data 31d stored in the game server 10.
As shown in FIG. 4A, the ranking data 31c includes, for example, total score ranking, simple score ranking, normal score ranking, hard score ranking, expert score ranking, winning number monthly ranking, popular song daily ranking, and the like. Yes.

  Based on the data 41 to 4m of each player 1 to m included in the player data 31b, the ranking data processing unit 30b aggregates each ranking, for example, every predetermined period or every time the data is updated, Store as data 31c.

  The simple score ranking, the normal score ranking, the hard score ranking, and the expert score ranking are rankings in which the game results of each player are tabulated according to the degree of difficulty. For example, a predetermined number of players (player IDs) are stored from the top. The total score ranking is a ranking in which game results of all difficulty levels are tabulated. Each ranking can also be tabulated by song.

  The number of wins monthly ranking is a ranking that sums up the number of wins (number of first place wins) of each player per month, and the popular song daily ranking is a ranking that sums up the number of times each song is selected as a game target per day. is there.

  The ranking data 31c may include data of various rankings other than the rankings described above.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the game data 31d includes, for example, data 31d1, 31d2,..., 31dY corresponding to a plurality of pieces of music 1,. In FIG. 4B, for example, sound data 31d1a, game screen data 31d1b, and event data 31d1c for executing a game on the game device 20 or the mobile terminal 16 are shown as data 31d1 corresponding to the music piece 1. The sound data 31d1a is data for outputting music or sound effects. The game screen data 31d1b is data including a progress route to be displayed in accordance with the reproduction of the music, background data for expressing the three-dimensional space, production data in the game screen, and the like. The event data 31d1c is data relating to an event that is generated at a predetermined timing according to the traveling route.

FIG. 4C shows an example of the event data 31d1c.
As shown in FIG. 4 (c), data relating to an event generated at each time is recorded in association with time data indicating the time from the start of the music. Events include, for example, various target occurrences and checkpoints. At the checkpoint, for example, an icon roulette (details will be described later) for rotating a plurality of icons is displayed during in-store play (match play).

  In the game data 31d, data corresponding to each of a plurality of game difficulty levels (simple, normal, hardware, expert) is prepared for one piece of music. Further, in the game screen data 31d1b of FIG. 4B, the progress route and background data are prepared in advance. However, based on the event data 31d1c, the progress route (straight line) is calculated in real time when the game is executed. It is also possible to generate background data corresponding to the traveling route.

  The communication interface 32 controls data communication with the mobile terminal 16 and the game device 20 (host device 21) via the network 12.

  5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9 are views showing the external configuration of the game apparatus 20 in the present embodiment. 5 is a perspective view of the game apparatus 20, FIG. 6 is a front view of the game apparatus 20, FIG. 7 is a side view of the game apparatus 20, FIG. 8 is a plan view of the game apparatus 20, and FIG. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 5 to 9, the game apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment includes a first housing 50 a, a second housing 50 b, and a connecting member 50 c.
The first housing 50a includes a box-shaped base 50a1 and a thin box-shaped upper housing 50a2 provided on the top of the base 50a1. A display 51 is provided on the front surface (the second housing 50b side) of the upper housing 50a2. The display 51 is composed of, for example, a plasma display having a 60-inch display surface having a rectangular shape (may be another display such as a liquid crystal display). 50a2.

  The display 51 is provided in the upper housing 50a2 so that, for example, the lower end is below the operation device and the upper end is above the viewpoint position of the player who operates the operation device in a general state (standing state in the present embodiment). Shall. By disposing the display surface of the display 51 so as to be vertically long, a dynamic game screen that greatly moves the line of sight of the player who is executing the game in the vertical direction can be displayed. Thereby, since the game screen is visually recognized in a wide range of the player's field of view, it is possible to provide the player with a sense of immersion in the game. In addition, since the display 51 is arranged vertically long, the installation area of the game apparatus 20 does not increase significantly even on a large screen, so that the installation area of the game apparatus 20 in a game center or the like can be reduced. It does not take up space when transporting, and does not increase the transport cost.

  Speakers 52a and 52b are provided on the upper front surface of the base portion 50a1 so as to be separated from each other in the left-right direction. The speakers 52a and 52b have, for example, performance suitable for outputting sounds in the middle and high ranges, and are mainly used for outputting music and sound effects during game execution.

  The speakers 52a and 52b are attached to the base portion 50a1 so that the central axis is directed obliquely upward. The attachment positions of the speakers 52 a and 52 b are lower than the height of the face of the player who uses the game apparatus 20. For this reason, the sound output from the speakers 52 a and 52 b is transmitted from below to the player standing in front of the game apparatus 20. Therefore, even if there is noise around the game apparatus 20, the sound output from the speakers 52a and 52b can be effectively transmitted to the player without being mixed with the ambient noise. Further, a speaker 52c (woofer speaker) for a low sound range is provided at the center of the lower front surface of the base portion 50a1. The speaker 52c is mainly used for outputting music and sound effects during game execution together with the speakers 52a and 52b.

  A display panel 53 for displaying a game title or the like is supported by an attachment member 53 a on the upper portion of the upper housing 50 a 2 so that the panel surface faces the same direction as the display surface of the display 51. As shown in FIG. 7, one end of the attachment member 53 a is attached to the upper end portion of the upper housing 50 a 2, and the display panel 53 is attached to the other end via the display 51.

  The second casing 50b is provided with functions mainly related to operations by the player. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the second housing 50b includes a left housing 50b1, a right housing 50b2, a bottom housing 50b3, a top panel 54, and operation devices 56a and 56b.

  The left casing 50b1 is disposed on the bottom casing 50b3 configured in a substantially thin box shape so as to be aligned with the left end, and the right casing 50b2 is disposed on the bottom casing 50b3 so as to be aligned with the right end. Yes. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a space is provided between the left housing 50b1 and the right housing 50b2, that is, in the lower portion of the second housing 50b. For this reason, as shown in the front view of FIG. 6, the front of the speaker 52c provided in the base part 50a1 is not blocked by the second housing 50b, and the sound output from the speaker 52c is easily transmitted to the outside. ing. Further, the player can also use the space below the second housing 50b for placing a load.

  The left housing 50b1 and the right housing 50b2 have a shape in which an inclined surface is formed on the upper surface portion and the inclined surface is extended obliquely rearward. A speaker 52d is provided in the vicinity of the upper end of the left casing 50b1 that extends diagonally rearward, and a speaker 52e is provided in the vicinity of the upper end of the casing that extends diagonally rearward of the right casing 50b2.

  The top panel 54 is provided so as to cover the upper side of the left casing 50b1 and the right casing 50b2. The upper panel 54 is formed of, for example, a translucent member, and forms a horizontal plane in a range that covers the upper side of the left casing 50b1 and the right casing 50b2. The upper panel 54 is provided with circular openings at two positions that are symmetrical to each other, and the upper portions (operation portions) of the operation devices 56a and 56b protrude.

  The operation devices 56a and 56b are supported by the left housing 50b1 and the right housing 50b2 in accordance with the position of the opening of the top panel 54, and the operation surface is horizontal when not operated by the player. (Details are shown in FIG. 10).

  Between the operation devices 56a and 56b, a headphone terminal 57 and a volume button 58 (for example, two buttons, upward and downward, or a dial type) may be provided. By attaching a headphone plug to the headphone terminal 57, sound can be output from the headphones instead of the speakers 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, and 52e (or sound is output from the headphones in parallel with the output from the speakers). You may do it). Further, the volume of the sound output to the headphones can be adjusted by the volume button 58. The headphone terminal 57 can be connected to an earphone or a further speaker.

  Further, a coin insertion slot 61 and a card reader 63 are provided on the upper inclined surface of the right housing 50b2. In the coin insertion slot 61, a coin is inserted by the player when the game apparatus 20 is used. The card reader 63 reads data from a game card (storage medium) storing card-specific data (player ID) by non-contact proximity wireless communication. The player can read the player ID recorded on the game card by bringing the game card close to (over) the card reader 63. Further, a coin payout port 62 is provided on the lower front surface of the right housing 50b2. The coin payout slot 62 pays out unusable coins inserted from the coin insertion slot 61 or coins that have been inserted in excess of the upper limit that can be inserted.

  Note that the speakers 52d and 52e are provided in the vicinity of the upper end of the housing extending obliquely rearward of the left housing 50b1 and the right housing 50b2, respectively, so that as shown in FIGS. The upper part is not covered with the panel 54. Further, since the speakers 52d and 52e are provided on the inclined surfaces, the central axis is directed obliquely upward. The positions where the speakers 52d and 52e are attached are lower than the height of the face of the player who uses the game apparatus 20. For this reason, the sound output from the speakers 52d and 52e is transmitted from below to the player standing in front of the game apparatus 20, similarly to the speakers 52a and 52b. Therefore, even if there is noise around the game apparatus 20, the sound output from the speakers 52d and 52e can be effectively transmitted to the player without being mixed with the ambient noise.

  The speakers 52d and 52e have, for example, performance suitable for outputting high-frequency sounds, and are mainly used for outputting sounds (operation sounds) according to operations on the operation devices 56a and 56b during game execution. Is done. Since the speakers 52d and 52e are provided in the vicinity of the operation devices 56a and 56b, respectively, by outputting an operation sound in response to an operation on the operation devices 56a and 56b, it is as if from the operation devices 56a and 56b to the player. The impression that the operation sound was emitted can be given.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 to 9, the connecting member 50 c connects the first housing 50 a and the second housing 50 b arranged so that the display surface of the display 51 faces the operation devices 56 a and 56 b. It is a member. As shown in FIG. 8, the connecting member 50c includes a left connecting member 50c1 provided near the left end of the game apparatus 20, and a right connecting member 50c2 provided near the right end.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the first casing 50a and the second casing 50b are connected by the left connecting member 50c1 and the right connecting member 50c2, so that the first casing 50a and the second casing 50b are connected to each other. A space with an open installation surface is formed.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 5, 7, and 9, the left connecting member 50c1 and the right connecting member 50c2 are connected to each other in the vicinity of the bottoms of the first housing 50a and the second housing 50b. Therefore, the player can easily go in and out between the first housing 50a and the second housing 50b.

  The operation devices 56a and 56b provided in the second housing 50b are arranged so that the operation surface is horizontal. For this reason, when the player stands on the front of the game apparatus 20 facing the display 51 and operates the operation devices 56a and 56b (hereinafter, the standing position of the player in this case is referred to as the first player position), The same operational feeling in any case where the operation devices 56a and 56b are operated while standing between the body 50a and the second housing 50b (hereinafter, the standing position of the player in this case is referred to as the second player position). Can be provided.

  The second player position is for the case where the player plays with the display 51 on the back side. For example, an advanced game player may aim to play without looking at the game screen displayed on the display 51 by storing music and the timing of operating the operation devices 56a and 56b during the reproduction of the music. is there. The second player position can be used when such an advanced game player plays.

  The connecting members 50c (the left connecting member 50c1 and the right connecting member 50c2) can be fixed after providing a structure that can expand and contract in the length direction and adjusting the length to an arbitrary length. That is, the distance between the first housing 50a and the second housing 50b can be adjusted by changing the length of the connecting member 50c.

  Further, the connecting member 50c may be detachable from the first housing 50a and the second housing 50b, and a plurality of connecting members 50c having different lengths may be prepared and arbitrarily replaced. In this case as well, the distance between the first housing 50a and the second housing 50b can be adjusted in the same manner.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the game device 20 in the present embodiment, the size of the first casing 50a and the second casing 50b in the horizontal width direction is substantially the same. The width of the first housing 50a is substantially the same as the size of the display 51 in the horizontal direction (short side). That is, the game apparatus 20 has a large-screen display 51 mounted thereon, but the display surface of the display 51 is disposed so as to be vertically long, and the first casing 50 a and the second casing 50 a are aligned with the short side of the display 51. Since the housing 50b is configured, an increase in size is avoided.

  Moreover, since the size of the game apparatus 20 in the depth direction can be changed by adjusting the distance between the first casing 50a and the second casing 50b, the size of the game apparatus 20 is changed according to the installation location. be able to. Further, by making the connecting member 50c detachable from the first housing 50a and the second housing 50b, the game apparatus 20 can be separated into the first housing 50a, the second housing 50b, and the connecting member 50c. . For this reason, the conveyance work can also be facilitated by separating the game apparatus 20 and the like. Moreover, by making the attachment member 53a attached to the upper part of the upper housing 50a2 detachable, the height of the first housing 50a can be lowered to facilitate the conveyance.

  The main control unit for controlling the game apparatus 20 is accommodated in the first casing 50a (base part 50a1), the various units provided in the second casing 50b, and the connection member 50c. It is connected via a cable arranged inside. By providing a connector or the like that can be arbitrarily connected / disconnected to the cable for connecting the control unit and the like housed in the first housing 50a and the various units housed in the second housing 50b, the first The operation for connecting and separating the housing 50a and the second housing 50b can be facilitated.

Next, details of the operation devices 56a and 56b will be described.
FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the periphery of the operation devices 56a and 56b. As shown in FIG. 10, the operation devices 56 a and 56 b are attached so that the upper part operated by the player protrudes from the opening provided in the upper panel 54. The operation devices 56a and 56b are symmetrically arranged. When the player stands in the center facing the second housing 50b, the operation devices 56a and 56b can be operated with the same sense of distance by the left and right hands. Also, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, since the operation surfaces of the operation devices 56a and 56b are arranged to be horizontal, the player can operate at either the first player position or the second player position. Even so, the same operational feeling can be obtained.

11 is a diagram showing a cross section taken along line AA shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 11, the operation device 56a includes a prismatic first support member 56b11 disposed so as to extend upward from the side surface of the left housing 50b1, and between the left housing 50b1 and the right housing 50b2. Further, it is supported by a prismatic second support member 56b12 disposed horizontally above.

  A coupling member 56a1 provided with a coupling portion for coupling the first support member 56b11 and the second support member 56b12 is provided on a side surface of the operation device 56a. The operation device 56a is brought into a stable state by engaging the first support member 56b11 and the second support member 56b12 with the coupling member 56a1 and fixing them with screws or the like.

  The coupling member 56a1 of the operation device 56a is fixed to the first support member 56b11 and the second support member 56b12 on the side facing the display 51, that is, on the back side of the operation device 56a. Therefore, when the player stands in the first player position (the front position of the game device 20 (second housing 50b) facing the display 51) in order to use the game device 20, the attachment portion by the coupling member 56a1 is hidden. Become invisible. For this reason, by making the upper panel 54 transparent (or translucent), the operation device 56a appears to be floating in the air.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a state where the player uses the game apparatus 20.
FIG. 12 shows an example of a state in which the player stands at the first player position and operates the operation devices 56a and 56b. As shown in FIG. 12, the operation surfaces of the operation devices 56a and 56b are set to a height at which the player can easily operate with the elbows lightly bent.

  In addition, since a space is provided between the first housing 50a and the second housing 50b, the player standing at the first player position has the lower end of the display 51 below the operation devices 56a and 56b. Even in such a case, the game screen displayed on the display 51 can be visually recognized up to the lower end without being obstructed by the upper panel 54. Further, since the display screen of the display 51 is arranged to be vertically long, as shown in FIG. 12, the upper end of the display 51 is higher than the viewpoint position of the player. Therefore, the player can be immersed in the game by providing a dynamic game screen that allows the player to visually recognize the game screen in a wide range of field of view and to move the line of sight largely in the vertical direction.

Next, a detailed configuration of the operation devices 56a and 56b will be described.
The operation devices 56a and 56b in the present embodiment have the same configuration. Hereinafter, the operation device 56a will be described as an example, and the description of the operation device 56b will be omitted.

  13 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the operation device 56a, FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the operation device 56a shown in FIG. 13 with the external cover removed, and FIG. 15 is a plan view of the operation device 56a. 16 and 16 show side views of the operation device 56a, respectively.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, an operation unit 56a2 operated by a player is provided on the upper part of the operation device 56a. The operation unit 56a2 includes a substantially cylindrical column part and a member in which a bottom part having a larger diameter than the column part is formed at the bottom part of the cylinder part. A planar operation surface is formed on the upper portion of the operation device 56a, and the player can operate it by placing palms or fingers. The operation unit 56a2 constitutes a push button, and a predetermined stroke amount (for example, 2 to 3 mm) is pushed by being pressed by the player. The depression of the operation unit 56a2 is detected by a switch housed inside. When the operation unit 56a2 is not operated by the player, the operation surface is held so as to be horizontal. When the player moves the operation unit in the horizontal direction (range of 360 °), the operation unit 56a2 operates the operation unit 56a2. Configured to move in the direction.

  Therefore, the operation on the operation unit 56a2 includes an operation of pressing the operation unit 56a2 (push button), an operation of moving the operation unit 56a2 in the horizontal direction, and an operation of moving the operation unit 56a2 in the horizontal direction while pressing the operation unit 56a2. .

  A light 56a3 is accommodated in the center of the operation unit 56a2. The light 56a3 is used for game effects such as lighting (or blinking) in response to an operation on the operation unit 56a2, for example.

  An upper cover 56a4 is provided on the outer periphery of the bottom of the operation unit 56a2 in a range larger than the diameter of the bottom. For example, lights 56a5 are arranged at four locations on the upper cover 56a4. The light 56a5 is disposed so as to irradiate light upward, and is used for game effects such as lighting (or blinking) according to an operation on the operation unit 56a2 or a game situation.

  A side surface of the operation device 56a is covered with an external cover 56a6. The outer cover 56a6 is formed of a permeable member, for example. Inside the operation device 56a, as shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of LED (Light Emitting Diode) panels 70 are arranged along the outer periphery of the operation device 56a. In the present embodiment, for example, eight LED panels 70 are arranged at equal intervals. For example, four LEDs 70a are arranged in the vertical direction in one LED panel 70, and are controlled to be individually turned on (or blinked) or changed in display color. Since the external cover 56a6 is formed of a transparent member, the player can visually recognize the lighting (flashing) of the LED panel 70 (LED 70a). For example, by lighting a plurality of LEDs 70a in order from the bottom in every predetermined time with respect to all the LED panels 70, it is possible to produce an effect in which the ring of light rises. The LED panel 70 is used for a game effect according to an operation on the operation device 56a or a game situation, or a display pattern is changed at random.

Next, a configuration for enabling the operation unit 56a2 of the operation device 56a to be moved will be described.
17 and 18 are diagrams illustrating details of a configuration for enabling the operation unit 56a2 of the operation device 56a to move in the horizontal direction. FIG. 17A is a diagram showing the appearance of a mounted state, and FIG. 17B shows the internal configuration except for a part of the member (bearing member 75) shown in FIG. FIG. 18 (a) and 18 (b) are diagrams showing the configuration of the bottom. FIG. 18A is a diagram in which a part of the configuration shown in FIG. 18B is omitted.

  Two plate-like members 71 extending perpendicularly to the operation surface of the operation unit 56a2 are attached to the bottom of the operation unit 56a2 so as to be separated from each other. The other end of the plate-like member 71 is attached to a flat member 72 parallel to the operation surface of the operation portion 56a2. Since the two plate-like members 71 are separated from each other, the operation portion 56a2 can be stably supported.

  One end of a rod-like shaft member 73 is attached to the plate-like member 71 so as to coincide with the central axis of the operation device 56a (operation portion 56a2). The plate-like member 71, the planar member 72, and the shaft member 73 are integrated, and act as a support member having a predetermined length for supporting the operation portion 56a2.

  The other end of the shaft member 73 is penetrated through a hole provided in the center of the base 74. The shaft member 73 is provided with a support mechanism in the length direction. The support mechanism has a configuration in which a shaft member 73 (operation unit 56a2) is supported by two orthogonal first shaft 78 and second shaft 76 so as to be movable in the X and Y directions shown in FIG. 17B. .

  FIGS. 19A and 19B are views showing the structure of a support mechanism for supporting the shaft member 73. FIG. 19B is a side view from the direction of the first axis 78 in the CC line shown in FIG. 17A, and FIG. 19A is a plane in the DD line shown in FIG. 19B. FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the support mechanism rotates the first shaft 78 that rotatably supports the shaft member 73, the bearing member 77 that supports the first shaft 78, and the bearing member 77. The first shaft 78 and the second shaft 76 perpendicular to the first shaft 78 are movable. The second shaft 76 is rotatably supported by a bearing member 75.

  As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the shaft member 73 can be rotated by the first shaft 78. In addition, the bearing member 77 supporting the first shaft 78 can be rotated by the second shaft 76. Therefore, the shaft member 73 can be rotated by the two first shafts 78 and the second shaft 76 that are orthogonal to each other.

  By combining the two first shafts 78 and the second shafts 76, the operation unit 56a2 can be moved to the entire horizontal range (360 ° range). The support member that supports the operation portion 56a2 rotates about the first shaft 78 and the second shaft 76. For this reason, the operation part 56a2 provided at the tip part of the support member does not move accurately, but moves so as to draw an arc centered on the axis. However, by shortening (narrowing) the distance (range) in which the operation unit 56a2 can move, it is possible to give the player a sense of moving horizontally.

  As shown in FIG. 18B, a spring 79 is wound around the end of the shaft member 73 that penetrates the base 74. The spring 79 presses a circular member 80 movable along the shaft member 73 to the bottom side of the base 74. The surface of the member 80 on the base 74 side is formed to be perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft member 73. Therefore, when the operation unit 56a2 is not operated by the player, the spring 79 presses the member 80 so that the member 80 and the bottom surface of the base 74 are brought into close contact with each other. Held in. In this case, since the shaft member 73 is maintained at the center by the spring 79, the operation surface of the operation portion 56a2 becomes horizontal. Further, when the hand is released after the operation unit 56a2 is operated so as to move in the horizontal direction by the player, the shaft member 73 is returned to the original position by the spring 79.

  The member 80 is made of, for example, hard plastic (polyacetal or the like). Switches 84 a, 84 b, 84 c, 84 d are attached to the bottom of the base 74 at four locations around the member 80. The switches 84a, 84b, 84c, and 84d are turned on when the member 80 is brought into contact with the movable portion.

  FIG. 18A shows the arrangement of the switches 84 a, 84 b, 84 c, 84 d except for the spring 79 and the member 80 from the shaft member 73. As shown in FIG. 18A, the movable parts of the switch 84a and the switch 84c are arranged with the shaft member 73 interposed therebetween, and the movable parts of the switch 84b and the switch 84d are arranged with the shaft member 73 interposed therebetween. The movable parts of the switch 84a and the switch 84c are arranged so as to coincide with the axis of the first shaft 78, for example, and the movable parts of the switch 84b and the switch 84d are arranged so as to coincide with the axis of the second axis 76, for example. . That is, the switch 84a and the switch 84c, and the switch 84b and the switch 84d are respectively arranged on the orthogonal lines having the position of the shaft member 73 as an intersection.

  When the operation part 56a2 is moved in the horizontal direction, the shaft member 73 is rotatably supported by the first shaft 78 and the second shaft 76, so that the shaft member 73 is moved with the movement of the operation part 56a2. The end of moves. When the end of the shaft member 73 moves, the member 80 attached to the shaft member 73 comes into contact with any one of the movable parts of the switches 84a, 84b, 84c, 84d arranged around the shaft member 73. Thereby, it can be detected in which direction the end of the shaft member 73 is moved depending on which switch 84a, 84b, 84c, 84d is turned on. That is, the direction opposite to the moving direction of the end portion of the shaft member 73 can be determined as the operation direction for the operation portion 56a2 by the player.

  By providing the four switches 84a, 84b, 84c, and 84d, four directions (front and rear, right and left directions) in which the switches 84a, 84b, 84c, and 84d are individually turned on, and two adjacent members 80 are turned on. It is possible to determine a total of eight operation directions in four directions (left and right diagonal directions). In this embodiment, four switches 84a, 84b, 84c, and 84d are provided so that eight operation directions can be detected. Instead of the switches 84a, 84b, 84c, and 84d, all directions (360 It is also possible to mount a detector (sensor) that can detect the moving direction of °).

20 is a view showing a cross section taken along line BB shown in FIG. 17A, and FIG. 21 is an enlarged view showing the periphery of the base 74 shown in FIG. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a state where the operation unit 56a2 is not operated by the player.
As shown in FIG. 20, the operation unit 56a2 constitutes a push button, and is provided with a switch 85 that detects that it has been pressed inside.

  A buffer member 82 made of rubber or the like is provided in the vicinity of the base 74 of the shaft member 73. Further, on the base 74, a buffer member 81 is provided between the buffer member 82 and the buffer member 82 with an interval corresponding to a range in which the operation portion 56a2 is allowed to move. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, when the operation portion 56 a 2 is not operated, the shaft member 73 is maintained in a vertical state by the spring 79, so that the buffer members 81 and 82 are spaced from each other.

  A hole 83 for allowing the shaft member 73 to pass through is formed in the base 74. The diameter of the hole 83 is determined to a size that allows a space between the shaft member 73 and the shaft member 73 so that the shaft member 73 can move according to a range in which the operation portion 56a2 is allowed to move.

  FIG. 22 shows a state where the operation unit 56a2 is operated to move in the horizontal direction, and FIG. 23 is an enlarged view showing the periphery of the base 74 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 22, the operation unit 56a2 is operated so as to move in the right direction. Accordingly, the lower end portion of the shaft member 73 moves in the left direction. At this time, before the shaft member 73 contacts the inner surface of the hole 83, the buffer members 81 and 82 come into contact with each other. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the impact when the player operates the operation unit 56a2. Further, since the diameter of the hole 83 is determined in accordance with the range in which the operation portion 56a2 is allowed to move, the operation portion 56a2 does not move beyond the allowable range. This can prevent damage to the support mechanism and the switches 84a, 84b, 84c, and 84d.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 23, the member 80 moves together with the shaft member 73, so that the member 80 contacts a movable portion of the switch 84 a disposed on the left side of the shaft member 73. Thereby, the switch 84a is turned on.

  Thereafter, when the player's operation on the operation portion 56a2 is completed, the spring 79 acts to press the bottom portion of the base 74 through the member 80, so that the shaft member 73 is centered as shown in FIGS. Return to position.

  As described above, in the game apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment, various input operations can be performed by mounting the operation devices 56a and 56b that can simultaneously perform the pressing operation and the moving operation in the horizontal direction. That is, an operation method that can be easily operated by each player can be selected by combining the operations on the two operation devices 56a and 56b, although only a simple operation such as a pressing operation and a horizontal movement operation.

Next, game control executed in the game device 20 in the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game apparatus 20 in the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 24, the game apparatus 20 includes a control unit 90, a storage unit 92, a display controller 93, an input interface 94, a sound controller 95, a writing controller 96, a coin sensor 97, and a communication interface 98.

  The control unit 90 controls the entire game apparatus 20, and executes each basic unit (OS (Operating System)) and various application programs (including the game program 92a) stored in the storage unit 92. Control. The control unit 90 implements various functions for executing a game controlled in accordance with an input operation on the display 51 by executing a game program 92a stored in the storage unit 92 by a processor (CPU or DSP). To do.

  Functions realized by the control unit 90 include a start processing unit 90a (demo processing unit 90a1), a player matching process 90b, a game processing unit 90c (game screen display processing unit 90c1, an operation determination processing unit 90c2, a battle processing unit 90c3, A game sound processing unit 90c4), a game result processing unit 90d (result display unit 90d1, unlock processing unit 90d2), a player data processing unit 90e, and an input control unit 90f.

  The start processing unit 90a executes a start process until the game is started. The start process includes a demonstration process for displaying a demonstration game screen, a process for registering a new game card and reading data from the game card, a point charge process, a play style selection process (solo play, in-store play (match play) ), Event play, song selection processing, and mode (difficulty) selection processing.

  The player matching process 90b executes a matching process for determining an opponent when the player is instructed to execute in-store competition play (match play). In the game device 20 in the present embodiment, it is assumed that a battle by four players is executed in the in-store battle play. In match play, it is assumed that a battle is performed by four players who perform input operations on four game apparatuses 20 installed in the same store. The in-store competition play is not limited to four players, and may be performed by any number of players as long as it is two or more.

  The game processing unit 90c controls the game according to the play style specified by the player, based on the game data 92b for each music received from the game server 10. In the case of in-store competitive play, in addition to processing for operation data input by an input operation on the display 51, processing for operation data of the opponent is executed. The game processing unit 90c includes functions of a game screen display processing unit 90c1, an operation determination processing unit 90c2, a battle processing unit 90c3, and a game sound processing unit 90c4.

  The game screen display processing unit 90c1 has a route display function for displaying a progress route on the display 51a in the game space representing the three-dimensional space based on the game data 92b, and a progress route for changing the display position and shape of the progress route. A control function, a target display function for displaying a target indicating the timing of an input operation in accordance with the travel route, and an effect for executing effect processing such as screen display and audio output based on the determination result by the determination function of the operation determination processing unit 90c2. Includes functionality. The game screen display processing unit 90c1 can change and display the traveling route in the vertical direction of the display 51 arranged vertically.

  Further, the operation determination processing unit 90c2 includes a determination function for performing input determination based on the input operation on the operation devices 56a and 56b and the display position of the target. For example, the operation determination processing unit 90c2 performs determination in four stages of GREAT, COOL, GOOD, and MISS in descending order of evaluation.

  Also, the battle processing unit 90c3 controls in-store battle play (match play), and the game situation (match player data including score data, etc.) to be executed by another player (other game device) as the opponent. Acquisition, score difference calculation, ranking determination, etc. are executed.

  The game sound processing unit 90c4 controls sound output during game execution. The game sound processing unit 90c4 controls sound output from the speakers 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, and 52e and the headphone terminal 57 through the sound controller 95. For example, the speakers 52a, 52b, and 52c are mainly used for outputting music and sound effects (BGM) during game execution, and the speakers 52d and 52e are used in response to operations on the operation devices 56a and 56b during game execution. Mainly used to output sound (operation sound). Of course, it is possible to output operation sounds from the speakers 52a, 52b, and 52c, output music and sound effects (BGM) from the speakers 52d and 52e, or change them according to the game situation. In addition, as a method for outputting music (BGM), for example, BGM for normal output and BGM (shot BGM) to be temporarily output can be output, and in a normal state, shot BGM is muted (volume 0), It is also possible to use a method of producing a game effect by BGM by canceling mute of shot BGM according to the play result (returning the volume to the original).

  The game result processing unit 90d executes processing for the game result by the game processing unit 90c. The game result processing unit 90d includes functions of a result display unit 90d1 and an unlock processing unit 90d2. The result display unit 90d1 displays the score (points) acquired by the player as the game result, the total of determination results for the input operation, the total evaluation (RATING), and the like on the result screen. In the case of in-store competition play, the game results of the opponent are displayed in the same manner, and the competition ranking is displayed.

  The unlock processing unit 90d2 controls a hidden song unlock process executed after the game ends, and displays an unlock screen based on the hidden song data provided from the game server 10 so that the player can perform an input operation. Accept. The unlock processing unit 90d2 allows the music provided as the hidden music to be used in the game by performing a predetermined input operation through the unlock screen. The unlock processing unit 90d2 transmits data indicating the setting status set according to the input operation to the game server 10 and stores the data as player data for each player.

  The player data processing unit 90e executes processing for various data related to the player. Other data related to browsing and editing of the player management data 41a managed in the game server 10, browsing of results, and follow / link are used. Processing such as browsing of player information (such as grades) is executed.

  The input control unit 90f controls input data from the operation devices 56a and 56b input through the input interface 94. The input control unit 90f determines whether the input data (switches 84a, 84b, 84c, 84d on / off) depends on whether the operation position of the player with respect to the operation devices 56a, 56b is the first player position or the second player position. ) Is determined. For example, even if the player performs the same operation on the operation unit 56a2 of the operation device 56a at the first player position and the second player position, the switches 84a, 84b, 84c, and 84d that are turned on are different. The input control unit 90f determines an input operation according to the player position at which the player is operating the operation devices 56a and 56b, and notifies the operation determination processing unit 90c2. Note that in which of the first and second player positions the player operates the operation devices 56a and 56b may be set by an instruction from the player in the start process by the start processing unit 90a (selection from the menu or Use of a special item, etc.) and the presence of the player at the second player position can be determined by detecting the image taken by a sensor (such as an infrared sensor) or a camera (not shown) by image processing. it can. A player detection sensor or camera can be installed on the lower surface of the upper panel 54 with the direction of the display 51 as the detection direction, for example.

  The storage unit 92 stores a program and data for controlling a game executed on the game apparatus 20. The programs stored in the storage unit 92 include a game program 92 a for executing a game on the game device 20 in addition to the basic program. The game program 92a is implemented by a processor or the like, so that each function of the control unit 90 can be realized.

  The data stored in the storage unit 92 includes game data 92b, player management data 92c, competitive player management data 92d, ranking data 92f, input operation data 92g, and game performance data 92h.

  The game data 92 b is received from the game server 10 and includes data of a plurality of games (music pieces) that can be executed by the game apparatus 20. The player management data 92c is data received from the game server 10 based on the player ID read from the game card by the card reader 63. The player management data 92c corresponds to the player management data 41a stored in association with the player ID as the player data 31b of the game server 10. The competitive player management data 92d is data received from the game server 10 based on the player ID read from the game card by the card reader 63. The competitive player management data 92d includes player management data of a player who is an opponent during in-store competitive play (match play), and a game situation (such as competitive player data including score data) acquired by the competitive processing unit 90c3 during the battle. Contains data to indicate.

  The input operation data 92g is recorded in accordance with the player's operation on the operation devices 56a and 56b during the game. The operation data indicating the player's input operation, that is, the data indicating the push button depression and the operation direction of the operation unit. And time-series data in which music playback times are associated with each other. The input operation data 92g is uploaded to the game server 10 after the game ends, and is stored as high score operation data corresponding to, for example, the played music and the difficulty level. The game record data 92h is various data related to the game executed by the player, for example, data selected as a game target, ranking obtained as a game result, acquired points, and the like.

The display controller 93 controls display of a game screen, various setting screens, and the like on the display 51a under the control of the control unit 90.
The input interface 94 controls the input of data according to the input operation to the operation devices 56a and 56b under the control of the control unit 90. That is, the input interface 94 inputs data indicating ON detection of the switch 85 by the pressing operation on the push button of the operation device 56a and ON detection of the switches 84a, 84b, 84c, 84d by the horizontal movement operation on the operation unit 56a2. To do. Similarly, data from the operation device 56b is input. The input interface 94 outputs input data input from the operation devices 56 a and 56 b to the control unit 90.
The sound controller 95 controls sound output from the speakers 52 a, 52 b, 52 c, 52 d, 52 e and the headphone terminal 57 under the control of the control unit 90 (game sound processing unit 90 c 4). When the headphone plug is attached to the headphone terminal 57, the sound controller 95 stops the sound output from the speakers 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, and 52e. Further, when the sound controller 95 detects that a headphone plug is attached to the headphone terminal 57, the sound controller 95 sets the volume to the initial value zero, and then the headphone according to an up / down instruction by operating the volume button 58. The level (volume) of the audio signal output from the terminal 57 is adjusted (high / low). By setting the volume to zero each time the headphones are connected to the headphone terminal 57, it is possible to prevent the sound from being output from the headphones while maintaining the volume setting of the player who used the game device 20 last time. Thereby, for example, even if the player who used the game device 20 previously set the large volume output, the loud sound is not suddenly output from the headphones connected to the headphone terminal 57. . In addition to setting the initial value to zero, the initial value may be set to a predetermined level (for example, a small volume). As a result, when headphones are connected to the headphone terminal 57, sound is output at a low volume, so that the connection can be confirmed. Note that the volume setting may be set to the initial value for the next player not when the headphones are connected to the headphone terminal 57 but when the headphones are removed from the headphone terminal 57.

  In addition, volume buttons 58 a and 58 b are connected to the sound controller 95. The volume buttons 58a and 58b are provided, for example, on the control panel for the manager of the game apparatus 20 housed in the housing (right housing 50b2). The volume button 58a is for adjusting the volume of the speakers 52a and 52b (or including the speakers 52c and 52d), for example, and the volume button 58b is a speaker in accordance with the volume adjustment of the speakers 52a and 52b (or the speakers 52c and 52d). This is for adjusting the volume balance of 52e (woofer speaker). Thereby, it is possible to output sound of appropriate volume and balance from the speakers 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, and 52e according to the place where the game apparatus 20 is installed and the surrounding environment.

  The lighting controller 96 controls lighting / flashing of the plurality of lights 56 a 3, 56 a 5 and the LED panel 70 under the control of the control unit 90. For example, the lighting controller 96 switches lighting and flashing of the lights 56a3 and 56a5 according to the game situation. The lighting controller 96 can change the display pattern and color of the LED panel 70.

  The coin sensor 97 detects a coin inserted from the coin insertion slot 61 and notifies the control unit 90 (start processing unit 90a).

  The communication interface 98 controls communication with other game devices 20 and host devices 21 in the store and communication with the game server 10 via the network 12.

Next, the operation of the game apparatus 20 in this embodiment will be described.
FIG. 25 is a flowchart for explaining the overall operation of the game apparatus 20 in the present embodiment.

  When the power is turned on, the game apparatus 20 activates the game program 92a and starts processing by the start processing unit 90a. First, the start processing unit 90a executes a demonstration (demonstration) process by the demonstration processing unit 90a1 (step S1).

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the operation of the demo process.
The demo processing unit 90a1 displays the NOTICE screen for a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) at the time of activation (step A1), and then shifts to a logo display screen (step A2). When the demonstration process is repeatedly executed (loop) or after the game is over, the demonstration process is started from the display of the logo display screen (step A2).

  When the game process is not started, the demonstration processing unit 90a1 continuously displays the demonstration screen described below on the display 51.

  For example, the demo processing unit 90a1 displays a logo display screen (step A2) for displaying a manufacturer name, a news screen (step A3) for displaying a news screen (an image prepared in advance or an image received from the game server 10), a game A title screen (Step A4), a tutorial screen explaining how to play the game (Step A5), and a song list screen (Step A6) displaying a list of songs that can be used in the game, after a predetermined time has passed or all the displays After the display of the contents is completed, the contents are sequentially switched and displayed.

  Further, the demo processing unit 90a1 reproduces and displays a demonstration game screen (demo play screen) for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds), for example, for the 1st to 5th songs in the popular song daily ranking. Step A8). For example, the demo play screen displays the demo play screen of the most popular song at the time of 1 loop, and similarly displays the demo play screen of the popular 2, 3, 4, 5th song at the time of 2, 3, 4, and 5 loops. To do.

  In addition, when the demonstration processing unit 90a1 finishes displaying the demonstration screen for one piece of music, the demo processing unit 90a1 displays a ranking screen for rankings counted by the game server 10 or the host device 21 (step A10). The demo processing unit 90a1 alternately displays a total score nationwide ranking screen (step A10a) and a total score in-store ranking screen (step A10b) for each loop.

  The demo processing unit 90a1 displays, for example, a message “please press the button” in the screen of steps A3 to A10 described above. When there is no coin credit, for example, a message prompting the user to insert coins of “INSERT COIN (S)” is displayed.

  Further, when the screen shown in steps A2 to A10 is displayed, the demo processing unit 90a1 displays a function selection window when the push buttons of the operation devices 56a and 56b are pressed (step A11).

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of a function selection window displayed on the display 51.
In the function selection window, a plurality of selection items are provided, and the cursor is moved by operating any one of the operation units 56a and 56b back and forth, and any selection item is pressed by pressing a button. Can be selected. When the function selection window is displayed and there is no input for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds), the window is automatically closed.

  For example, “CLOSE” for instructing to close the window, “Start game” for instructing to move to the start screen, “View tutorial” for instructing to display the tutorial by skipping the demo loop, Skip to display the song list, “View the song list”, Skip the demo loop and display the total score nationwide ranking “View the national ranking”, Skip the demo loop and display the total score in-store ranking “View in-store ranking” is included. The demo processing unit 90a1 shifts processing according to the selection item selected by operating the operation devices 56a and 56b.

  When “view song list” is selected, the demo processing unit 90a1 accepts a card scan by the card reader 63 only for a predetermined time, for example. During this time, when the card is read by the card reader 63 (step A13), if the demo processing unit 90a1 can identify that the card can be used (step A14, Yes), the player read from the card The ID is transmitted to the game server 10 and the unlocked music data corresponding to the player ID is received (step A15). That is, data indicating unlocked music acquired by the player who owns the card by using the game apparatus 20 in the past is received. The unlocked music is a special music that can be acquired by, for example, releasing all the predetermined number of panels for each music by a hidden music unlocking process (described later) executed after the game ends.

  In this case, the demo processing unit 90a1 can display a list including not only music that can be used by any player but also special music acquired by the player playing the game before.

  In this way, since various information relating to the game can be arbitrarily confirmed even during the demonstration process while the game is not being executed, the game can be played even for players who have never used the game apparatus 20. It becomes easy to appeal the use.

  In addition, when the demonstration processing unit 90a1 shifts the process according to the selection of the selection item, the demonstration process unit 90a1 continues the screen display until the corresponding process is completed. For example, when “view national ranking” is selected, the function selection window is not displayed and another screen is displayed even if the buttons of the operation devices 56a and 56b are pressed until all the display of the national ranking is completed. To prevent switching. This prevents screen switching from being repeated frequently.

  Further, in any state where the screen is displayed, the demo processing unit 90a1 ends the demo processing and shifts to the start processing when coin insertion by the player is detected by the coin sensor 97. In other words, the game apparatus 20 can be used with priority given to a player who inserts coins and actually starts the game.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the start process.
The start processing unit 90a detects that the operation device 56a or 56b has been pressed (Step B3, Yes), or has a credit equal to or greater than the game start setting coin number (for example, 1 coin) (Step B4, Yes). Alternatively, when free play is set (step B5, Yes), the demo process is terminated. If there is no credit (No at Step B4) and no free play is set (No at Step B5), the demonstration process is continued. The start processing unit 90a also ends the demonstration process when it is detected by the coin sensor 97 that a coin has been inserted without an input operation (step B2, Yes). The demo process is also terminated when a card scan occurs during execution of the demo process (step B1, Yes) (except when “view song list” is selected).

  When the demo process is terminated by inserting coins or operating a button, if it is in an offline state (No at Step B6), the start processing unit 90a displays a start screen (Step B7). Thereafter, when an input operation to the operation devices 56a and 56b is detected before a timeout (for example, 30 seconds), the start processing unit 90a shifts to a process for preparing to start a game (avatar selection process). Note that if a time-out occurs (step B8, Yes), the process returns to the demo process.

  On the other hand, when the game apparatus 20 is in an online state (step B6, Yes), the start processing unit 90a displays the start screen and presses the buttons of the operation devices 56a and 56b until a timeout (for example, 30 seconds) occurs. Or wait until the card reader 63 reads the game card. If a time-out has occurred (step B11, Yes), the process returns to the demo process.

  Here, when pressing of the buttons of the operation devices 56a and 56b is detected (step B12, Yes), the start processing unit 90a displays a card non-use confirmation display for confirming to the player that the game card is not used. (Step B22). In the card non-use confirmation display, for example, a message “Do you play without using a card? If you use a card, hold it over the card reader.” Is displayed.

  Here, when a time-out (for example, 30 seconds) is reached (step B23, Yes) or when an input operation to the display 51 is detected (step B24, Yes), the start processing unit 90a does not use a card. It moves to the avatar selection process.

  On the other hand, when the player holds the game card over the card reader 63 (closes it) (step B13, Yes), the start processing unit 90a starts reading data from the game card by the card reader 63 (step A14). ), A card window for notifying the player that the card data is being read is displayed.

  If the card reader 63 cannot correctly read data from the game card (step B15, Yes), the start processing unit 90a displays a card unusable display (step B16). In the card unusable display, for example, a message “data reading failed” is displayed, and then a card non-use confirmation display is displayed (step B22). In this case, the game card can be changed to another game card and read again.

  When the data is correctly read from the game card by the card reader 63 (step B15, No), the start processing unit 90a inquires of the game server 10 whether or not the read player ID (card ID) has been recorded. If the player ID (card ID) of the game card registered for the game device 20 is recorded in the game device 20 in advance, this recorded player ID (without inquiring the game server 10). It may be determined based on the card ID).

  Here, if the card is a new card in which no player ID is recorded (step B17, Yes), the start processing unit 90a, for example, “This card is an unregistered card in this game device. New registration starts. Is displayed, and when the execution of new registration is instructed, the process proceeds to new registration processing (step B20). In the new registration process, the player name used in the game apparatus 20 is input by the player's operation on the software keyboard displayed on the display 51. The start processing unit 90a transmits the player ID read from the new card and the player name data input by the player operation to the game server 10 for recording.

  If it is not a new card (step B17, No), the start processing unit 90a requests transmission of player management data corresponding to the player ID read from the game card. The start processing unit 90a records the player management data 92c transmitted from the game server 10 in the storage unit 92, displays the data stored in association with the game card (player ID), and uses the card. Confirm with the player (display of card usage confirmation screen) (step B18).

  FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a display example of a card use confirmation screen. In the example shown in FIG. 29, for example, the player class, level, and rank are displayed in addition to the player custom image and player name. Note that other data included in the player management data 92c may be displayed at the same time. For example, the acquired item and the date and time of the last play can be displayed.

  Here, when the card is not used (“NO”) is selected (No at Step B19), the start processing unit 90a displays a card non-use confirmation display for confirming to the player that the game card is not used. (Step B22).

  On the other hand, when using the card (“YES”) is selected (step B19, Yes), the start processing unit 90a proceeds to the avatar selection process.

  Next, the start processing unit 90a executes an avatar selection process (step S3). The start processing unit 90a displays a list of a plurality of avatars (characters) on the avatar selection screen. The player can select an avatar to be used in the game screen by operating the operation devices 56a and 56b from the avatar list displayed on the avatar selection screen. An avatar is a character that is moved and displayed along a traveling route displayed on the game screen.

  When an avatar to be used in the game is selected by a player's operation, the start processing unit 90a executes a mode selection process (step S4). The start processing unit 90a displays a mode selection screen and allows the player to select it.

  FIG. 30 shows an example of a mode selection screen. In the example shown in FIG. 30, as selectable play modes, “SOLO PLAY” (a mode in which a player plays a game and aims at clearing a score or a high score), “MATCH PLAY” (a plurality of games in a store) (Equipment with device 20 to play with 2 to 4 players), “EVENT PLAY” (limited time mode in which a player uses a task song determined for each event in the game) Has been. The player can select one of the modes on the mode selection screen by operating the operation devices 56a and 56b.

  First, a case where “SOLO PLAY” is selected will be described (step S5, solo play). When “SOLO PLAY” is selected, the start processing unit 90a shifts to a song selection process and displays a song selection screen (step S6).

  FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a music selection screen. As shown in FIG. 31, the music selection screen displays a list of music title names of a plurality of music), and for the music title at the center of the screen, in addition to the music title name, jacket image, artist name, difficulty, evaluation, etc. The information of is enlarged and displayed. The list display of music titles can be scrolled by operating the operation devices 56a and 56b, and the music displayed in the center can be selected as a music to be used in the game by pressing a button.

  Also, a plurality of sort buttons can be provided on the music selection screen, and a plurality of music can be rearranged under a predetermined condition and displayed in a list. The sort buttons include, for example, in order of difficulty (SIMPLE, NORMAL, HARD), genre of music (J-POP, GAME, ORIGINAL, etc.), title name (ABC order, numerical order, Japanese syllabary order) Etc.), and the number of times the player has selected in the past. By selecting any sort button and rearranging the music list, the desired music can be easily selected.

  When any music is selected from the music list display, the start processing unit 90a shifts to a mode (difficulty) selection process and displays a mode (difficulty) selection screen (step S7).

  FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a mode (difficulty level) selection screen. In the mode (difficulty level) selection screen, as shown in FIG. 32, in addition to the music information selected by the player (jacket image, title, difficulty level, time, etc.), a list of selectable game difficulty levels (modes) is displayed. Has been. In the example shown in FIG. 32, it is assumed that three levels of “simple”, “normal”, and “hard” are prepared as game difficulty options. It should be noted that the difficulty level that can be selected can be limited according to the class and level of the player. For example, when the player class is low, only simple and normal can be selected, and hardware is displayed in a locked (unselectable) state.

  The player can specify one of the game difficulty levels by operating the operation devices 56a and 56b in the front-rear direction, and can confirm it by pressing a button.

  When a card is used, on the mode (difficulty) selection screen, by operating the operation devices 56a and 56b in the left-right direction, either an item tag or a skin tag is designated, and each item is selected. The screen can be switched to the screen for skin selection.

  For example, on the item selection screen, a list of items acquired by the player is displayed. Here, by selecting any item, it is used in the game process, and the game content can be changed to be advantageous to the player. For example, in the basic game mode (difficulty) setting, if the input operation requested by the target appearing in the game is a multi-hit, the game content is changed to a single hit by using an item. can do. Note that the difficulty level of the game can be made easy (or difficult) by changing the operation method of the input operation such as a slide operation instead of the hit operation.

  On the skin selection screen, a list of skins acquired by the player is displayed. Here, by selecting one of the skins, it is used in the game process, and the screen effect in the game content can be changed. For example, if the effect that normally draws multiple circles like a ripple is changed to a skin called [flower], a flower effect will be drawn, and if changed to a skin called [butterfly], a butterfly effect will be created. Be drawn.

  When the game mode (difficulty level) is selected by the mode selection process, the game processing unit 90c starts the game process (step S8).

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the game process.
When the game process is started, the game processing unit 90c executes a progress route setting process for generating a progress route to be displayed on the game screen (step D1). The progress route setting process is a process for changing the progress route in accordance with the game situation during game execution. In the initial state, it is assumed that a progress route prepared as game data in advance for the music is used.

  Further, the progress route setting process may not be executed in all games, but may be executed when a predetermined condition that is determined in advance is satisfied. As the predetermined condition, for example, when the mode selected in the mode (difficulty level) selection process is a specific mode (for example, hardware with a high difficulty level), the player class and level are set in advance. In the above case, there is a case where the player designates before starting the game.

  The game screen display processing unit 90c1 of the game processing unit 90c displays the game screen (progress route, target, etc.) on the display 51a based on the game data corresponding to the music, while reproducing and outputting the music selected by the player. (Step D2). When a checkpoint set on the progress route is displayed in the game screen (step D3, Yes), the game screen display processing unit 90c1 executes a checkpoint process for changing the game content ( Step D4). Details of the checkpoint process will be described later.

  FIG. 34 shows an example of a game screen 120 for solo play. As shown in FIG. 34, a progress route 121 is displayed on the game screen 120, and a character (avatar) 122 designated by the player and a plurality of targets 123 are arranged on the progress route. The character 122 moves along the travel route 121 and approaches the target 123 on the travel route 121. By performing an input operation in accordance with the timing at which the character 122 reaches the target 123, the input operation is determined, and a character string (“COOL” in FIG. 34) representing the determination result 124 is displayed. A plurality of types of targets 123 are prepared, and details of each type will be described later.

  In the upper part of the game screen 120, a score 125, a MAX chain number 126, and a groove gauge 127 that are updated according to the game situation are displayed. The groove gauge 127 is increased or decreased according to the evaluation (GREAT, COOL, GOOD, MISS) for the input operation. For example, the clear determination is made when 70% of the gauge is reached at the end of the music.

  Further, an effect display 137 according to the determination for the input operation is added to the progress route 121 of the game screen 120. The effect display 137 is displayed at the position where the target is displayed when, for example, an evaluation of GOOD or higher is performed for the input operation. As the effect display 137, various display forms such as light and ripples can be used. The effect display 137 is displayed so as to change over a predetermined time at the position where the target is displayed. In addition, if the input operation fails (when the MISS evaluation is performed), the effect display 137 is not displayed, and the target simply disappears.

  The effect display 137 is not only displayed so as to change at the position where the target was displayed, but the display position may be moved as the character 122 moves along the traveling route 121 (the traveling route 121). Display as if it is flowing over).

  FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a display example of the game screen 120 different from FIG. FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of the game screen 120 at the time of in-store battle play (match play) described later.

  As shown in FIG. 35, a custom image 131 of the player and a custom image 132, 133, 134 of the opponent ghost are displayed at the bottom of the game screen 120 for in-store battle play (match play). In the vicinity of the custom images 131 to 134, score rankings that change with the progress of the game are displayed (1ST, 2ND, 3RD, 4TH). In addition, a character string (GREAT, COOL, GOOD, MISS) as a determination result for the input operation is displayed in accordance with the timing of the input operation. In addition, the current groove gauge and score are displayed. Therefore, by viewing the order display and the custom images 131 to 134, the ghost situation can be confirmed in real time, and the sense of playing against the ghost can be felt more strongly.

  In FIG. 34, one progression route 121 is displayed. In FIG. 35, in addition to the progression route 121 for the player, the progression routes 121a and 121b for the opponent player in parallel with the progression route 121 are displayed. , 121c. In the travel routes 121a, 121b, and 121c, an effect display 138 corresponding to the determination for the input operation is added based on operation data of a game played by another game device 20 in the store. The effect display 138 is displayed in the same manner as the effect display 137 described above. Therefore, on the game screen 120 shown in FIG. 35, the situation of other players can be grasped also by the effect display 138 added on the travel routes 121a, 121b, 121c, and the character 122 and the characters of other players can be identified. Since it is felt that the two are running side by side, it is possible to obtain a stronger sense of playing against other players.

  Next, the game process will be described with reference to specific examples of the progress route and the target displayed on the game screen and the operation method of the operation devices 56a and 56b for the target. A simple game screen is illustrated for ease of explanation.

  FIG. 36A shows an example in which a straight traveling route is displayed. In FIG. 36 (a), a straight traveling route is displayed, and a game screen is displayed to show that the character C is moving (flying) along the traveling route. As the character, for example, various characters such as a bird flying in space, an airplane, a butterfly, and a flower can be used. If you can select one of multiple characters, change the BGM (back ground music) (song, arrangement, etc.) output during the game, evaluation criteria, etc. according to the type of character. Also good.

  In FIG. 36A, the target T indicating the timing of the input operation is arranged on the traveling route. Therefore, as the character moves on the traveling route, the character gradually approaches the target. As shown in FIG. 36B, the player performs a hit operation (single hit) on the operation devices 56a and 56b in accordance with the timing at which the character reaches the target. In the hit operation (single hit), one of the push buttons of the operation devices 56a and 56b is pressed. The hit operation may be performed by either the operation device 56a or the operation device 56b as shown in FIG. Therefore, for example, in the case of a right-handed player, the right operation device 56b that can be easily operated by the player may be used. In the game apparatus 20 of the present embodiment, since the operation devices 56a and 56b have the same function, it is detected that the same input operation is performed regardless of which is used. Therefore, even a beginner who is not familiar with the game can easily enjoy the game. It is also possible for two players to individually operate the operation devices 56a and 56b and enjoy one game with two people.

  The operation determination processing unit 90c2 inputs data indicating an input operation to the operation devices 56a and 56b through the input interface 94 (step D5, Yes), and what input operation is performed based on the input data. Detect (step D6). That is, the push button is pressed and the moving direction (any of the eight directions) of the operation unit of the operation devices 56a and 56b is determined.

  Further, the game sound processing unit 90c4 outputs sound effects according to the input operation to the operation devices 56a and 56b from the speakers 52d and 52e disposed in the vicinity of the operation devices 56a and 56b through the sound controller 95 (step). D7).

  Next, the operation determination processing unit 90c2 compares the display position of the character when the input operation is performed with the target position (distinguishes the distance), and performs the input operation according to the content of the input operation and the type of the target. Determine. When the target does not exist near the character (step D8, No), the operation determination processing unit 90c2 determines that it is MISS. The game screen display processing unit 90c1 displays the MISS determination character string on the game screen and continues to display the game screen (step D2).

  Here, when the target exists near the character (step D8, Yes), the operation determination processing unit 90c2 determines whether an input operation corresponding to the target has been performed based on the input data (step D9). ). For example, for the target T arranged on the traveling route shown in FIG. 36A, an input operation (push button push) by a hit operation is required. Here, when it is determined that the hit operation has been performed and the input operation is evaluated, points are added according to the evaluation result for the input operation or the like (step D10). In addition, the game screen display processing unit 90c1 executes an effect process according to the target (step D11). As an effect process according to the target, for example, a screen expressing an effect that the target bursts and disappears by a hit operation is displayed, and sound effects corresponding to the display contents are output from the speakers 52a, 52b, and 52c. Let

  The game screen display processing unit 90c1 displays a game screen that expresses how the character continues to move (fly) along the traveling route (step D2). Therefore, when the targets are continuously arranged, it can be cleared by performing hit operations continuously in accordance with the timing when the character reaches each target.

  In addition, although the advancing route shown to Fig.36 (a) (b) has shown the part which is a simple linear form, as shown to Fig.37 (a) (b), for example depending on a advancing route, The orientation and position of the character on the screen changes. In FIG. 37 (a), the direction changes so that the straight traveling route is bent, and in FIG. 37 (b), the traveling route changes so as to draw a curve. The position changes. Also, the background of the game route is changed so that the game screen represents a three-dimensional space, and the speed of moving on the character's travel route is changed, so that the character is moving in the back or front direction. Is expressed.

  When the direction, position, or direction of the character on the screen changes, the position where the character overlaps (or approaches) the target changes on the screen. Therefore, the player needs to perform an input operation by determining the position where the character that changes in the screen reaches the target and the timing of the arrival. Thereby, unlike a game in which an input operation is performed by simply gazing at a predetermined position on the display screen, a game with changes can be realized.

Next, specific examples of other types of targets and input operations for each target will be described.
FIG. 38A shows an example in which band-like targets are arranged on the traveling route. For a band-shaped target, as shown in FIG. 38B, in accordance with the timing when the character reaches the target, as shown in FIG. (Continue to hold down the button). While the hold operation is being performed, the band-shaped target is erased. An effect display indicating that the hold operation is being performed may be displayed. In the case of the hold operation, any push button of the operation devices 56a and 56b may be operated.

  FIG. 39A shows an example in which a plurality of targets connected (connected) on the traveling route are arranged. For a plurality of connected targets, as shown in FIG. 39 (b), in accordance with the timing at which the character reaches the connected target (while passing between the front and rear ends of the target), FIG. As shown in (c), a beat operation (repeating a hit operation on the push buttons of the operation devices 56a and 56b) is performed. While the beat operation is being performed, an effect display may be made so that the target breaks and disappears. In the beat operation, pressing of either one of the operation devices 56a and 56b may be repeated, or pressing of the two operation devices 56a and 56b may be alternately repeated.

  FIG. 40A shows an example in which a double broken line (spiral) target is arranged on the traveling route. For a double broken line (spiral) target, as shown in FIG. 40B, a scratch operation (operation device) is performed as shown in FIG. 40C in accordance with the timing at which the character reaches the target. 56a and 56b are operated alternately to change the left and right operation portions). While the scratch operation is being performed, for example, an effect display that unfolds a double broken line is displayed. In the case of a scratch operation, any operation unit of the operation devices 56a and 56b may be operated.

  FIG. 41A shows an example in which a target with an arrow in the left direction is arranged on the traveling route. For a target with an arrow, as shown in FIG. 41 (b), in accordance with the timing when the character reaches the target, as shown in FIG. 41 (c), the target slides in the same direction as the arrow of the target. An operation (an operation of moving any one of the operation devices 56a and 56b in the direction of the arrow) is performed. In the case of the slide operation, even if the arrow that reaches the target is in the left direction, not only the left operation device 56a but also the operation unit of the operation device 56b may be operated. In order to change the difficulty level of the game, when a predetermined condition is met (player level, game mode (difficulty level), etc.), for example, in the case of the left arrow, the left operation device 56a, the right arrow In this case, the operation devices 56a and 56b to be operated may be limited as in the right operation device 56b (or vice versa).

  41 (a) and 41 (b) show examples of targets for requesting the left (horizontal) moving operation for the operation devices 56a and 56b. In addition to the left and right arrows, An arrow in the front-rear direction and an arrow in a diagonal direction (right diagonally forward, diagonally right behind, diagonally left front, diagonally left backward) may be attached to the target.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 41 (a) and 41 (b), the case where the slide operation is performed in the arrow direction of the target set on the traveling route is shown. Alternatively, a sliding operation may be performed.

  FIG. 42A shows an example in which the target extends from the right side of the traveling route in a direction perpendicular to the traveling route. When the target reaches the traveling route, as shown in FIG. 42B, the target is displayed to stop growing and stop on the traveling route. For a target that extends toward the traveling route, it matches the timing when the character reaches the target on the traveling route, or the timing when the extending target and the character approach as shown in FIG. , Slide the target in the direction that the target has extended. In the example shown in FIG. 42C, since the target extends from the right side of the traveling route, one of the operation units 56a and 56b is moved rightward as indicated by the arrow in the figure.

  When it is determined that the slide operation has been performed in the correct direction, for example, as shown in FIG. 42D, an effect display is performed so that the extended target and line disappear from the tip like fireworks.

  As shown in FIGS. 42A to 42C, the target may extend not only from the right and left vertical directions with respect to the traveling route, but also from other directions at random. it can. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 42E, the target extends from the right front of the traveling route. In this case, as shown in FIG. 42 (f), when the target approaches (or overlaps) the character, as shown by the arrow in the figure, the direction in which the target extends (right diagonally forward) The target can be erased by performing a sliding operation.

  In the example shown in FIG. 42G, the target extends from the left rear of the traveling route. In this case, as shown in FIG. 42 (h), when the target approaches (or overlaps) the character, as shown by the arrow in the figure, the direction in which the target has extended (left The target can be erased by performing a sliding operation in a diagonally backward direction.

  Furthermore, instead of the target extending from a specific direction, as shown in FIG. 42 (i), a plurality of targets may be extended from different directions toward the traveling route. For each target, the player can perform a slide operation by arbitrarily selecting, for example, one of the two operation devices 56a and 56b in a direction corresponding to the target at the timing of approaching (or overlapping) the character. .

  FIG. 43 (a) shows an example in which a target with a long continuous arrow in the right direction is arranged on the traveling route. For a target with a long arrow, as shown in FIG. 43 (b), in accordance with the timing at which the character reaches the target, a slide hold operation (in the operation devices 56a and 56b) in the same direction as the target arrow. The operation of moving any one of the operation units in the direction of the arrow is performed while the arrow continues. In the case of the slide hold operation, even if the arrow that reaches the target is in the right direction, not only the right operation device 56b but also the operation unit of the operation device 56a may be operated. In order to change the difficulty level of the game, when a predetermined condition is met (player level, game mode (difficulty level), etc.), for example, in the case of the left arrow, the left operation device 56a, the right arrow In this case, the operation devices 56a and 56b to be operated may be limited as in the right operation device 56b (or vice versa).

  FIG. 44A shows an example in which a target having a specific shape different from the normal is arranged on the traveling route. For a target with a specific shape, as shown in FIG. 44 (b), a critical operation (two operation devices 56a and 56b) is applied to the two operation devices 56a and 56b in accordance with the timing at which the character reaches the target. (Simultaneous hit operation on the push button).

  FIG. 45A shows an example in which a target having a specific shape different from normal is arranged on the traveling route, and the target has two arrows indicating different directions. For a target having a specific shape with two arrows, as shown in FIG. 45 (b), a dual slide operation (with respect to the two operation devices 56a and 56b) is performed in accordance with the timing when the character reaches the target ( The operation units of the two operation devices 56a and 56b are individually moved in different arrow directions). In FIG. 45 (b), the input operation for moving the operation unit in the left diagonal forward direction with respect to the left operation device 56a and the right diagonal forward direction with respect to the right operation device 56b is performed. An input operation may be performed to move the operation unit in the diagonally forward right direction with respect to 56a and in the diagonally forward left direction with respect to the operation device 56b. That is, since any of the operation devices 56a and 56b is determined as the same input operation, the operation devices 56a and 56b can be used properly so that the player can easily operate them.

  FIG. 46A shows an example in which a target having a specific shape different from normal is arranged on the traveling route, and two strip-shaped lines are attached to the target. For a band-shaped target having a specific shape, as shown in FIG. 46B, a dual hold operation (two operation devices) is performed on the two operation devices 56a and 56b in accordance with the timing at which the character reaches the target. 56a and 56b are continuously operated while the push buttons are simultaneously pressed).

  FIG. 47A shows an example in which a hidden target that is not displayed on the traveling route is arranged. For the hidden target, as shown in FIG. 47 (b), an input operation by a hit operation (pressing one of the push buttons of the operation devices 56a and 56b) is performed at the timing of passing the ad lib point hidden in the traveling route. Suppose you need it. As for the hidden target, it is assumed that evaluation is performed and points are added in the same manner as a normal target by performing an input operation with good timing.

The travel route and the target described above are examples, and other travel routes and targets can be used.
In the example shown in FIGS. 44 to 46, the same type of input operation is simultaneously performed on the two operation devices 56a and 56b for one target, but different types of input operations can be combined. For example, an input operation may be performed in which a hit operation and a slide operation are performed simultaneously using the two operation devices 56a and 56b. In this case, it is assumed that a target for instructing the combination of input operations described above is arranged on the travel route.

  In the above description, only one traveling route is shown, but it may be branched into two traveling routes, for example, during the game. In this case, the input operation corresponding to the target set for each of the two traveling routes is individually performed on the operation devices 56a and 56b using both hands, for example.

  Furthermore, in the above description, the operation devices 56a and 56b are either pressed with respect to the push button or moved with the operation unit. However, the moving operation is performed with the push button being pressed. Is also possible. In this case, it is assumed that a target for instructing an input operation in which the push button is pressed and moved is arranged on the travel route.

  As described above, in the game apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment, since the pressing operation and the sliding operation on the two operation devices 56a and 56b can be combined, the above-described various input operations can be performed, and the game contents can be changed. Is possible.

  In the above description, the case where the player performs an input operation on the operation devices 56a and 56b at the first player position is described. However, the player also performs the same input operation when operating at the second player position. Just do it. That is, when the operation unit 56a, 56b is operated to move the operation unit at the second player position, data indicating an operation direction different from the case of the first player position is input, but the position is input by the input control unit 90f. Therefore, the player does not need to perform an input operation in consideration of the position difference.

Next, the progress route setting process (step D1) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
The game screen display processing unit 90c1 basically displays the progress route based on the progress route data prepared in advance for the music, but can change the progress route according to the game situation. The game screen display processing unit 90c1 determines whether or not the progress route is to be changed during the game based on the progress route change determination (step C1).

  In the progress route change determination, for example, the determination is made based on data representing the current game situation, such as a determination result (just before or within a predetermined time) on the target, the number of chains, the current score, and the like. Further, in the in-store competitive play (match play), which will be described later, it is also possible to make a determination based on the score difference or ranking with the opponent.

  If the game screen display processing unit 90c1 determines to change the travel route (step C2, Yes), the game screen display processing unit 90c1 sets the travel route after the change based on the result of the travel route change determination (step C3).

  For example, “If the input judgment is successful, change the progress route so that it proceeds in the upward direction, and if it fails, change the progress route”. By defining rules such as “Change”, “Change to a travel route that advances in the back direction when the number of chains increases, and forward when it decreases”, it is possible to set a travel route according to the result of the input determination. . In this case, the player can easily understand the current situation of the game from the change in the progress route.

49 (a) (b) (c) and FIGS. 50 (a) (b) (c) show examples of changing the traveling route.
FIG. 49A shows a travel route prepared in advance. If the input determination is successful, the game screen display processing unit 90c1 changes the progress route shown in FIG. 49A so as to extend upward in the game screen as shown in FIG. 49B. If the input determination is unsuccessful, the game screen display processing unit 90c1 changes the progress route shown in FIG. 49 (a) to extend downward in the game screen as shown in FIG. 49 (c). To do.

  FIG. 50A shows a travel route prepared in advance. When the input determination is successful, the game screen display processing unit 90c1 changes the progress route shown in FIG. 50 (a) to a complicated shape as shown in FIG. 50 (b). In other words, by making the camera direction when generating a three-dimensional game screen parallel to the traveling direction, the traveling route progresses from the near side to the far side and the apparent length of the traveling route. Change (eg lengthen). If the input determination is unsuccessful, the game screen display processing unit 90c1 simplifies the progress route shown in FIG. 50A by making it a straight line as shown in FIG. 50C, for example. , Make it easier to get timing for the target.

  For example, the game screen display processing unit 90c1 generates a travel route by combining arithmetic processing for generating a straight line or a curve, and an event (target) indicated by the event control data shown in FIG. Deploy. When the apparent length of the travel route changes, the speed of the target traveling on the travel route changes, and the time to reach each event (target) (time data shown in FIG. 4C) is before the route change. Try to be the same. That is, even if the shape of the travel route changes, the content of the input operation requested to the player and the operation timing are prevented from changing. Note that as the shape of the travel route changes, the game screen display processing unit 90c1 also changes the display form of the target (event) according to the shape of the travel route.

Further, the traveling route may be changed as follows.
For example, as shown in FIG. 51 (a), a plurality of traveling routes 121a, 121b, and 121c having different shapes are simultaneously displayed on the game screen in advance. Then, according to the game situation, any progress route is selected, the character (avatar) 122 is moved to the selected progress route, and the target is displayed.

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 51B and 51C, a plurality of route parts that form a traveling route are prepared in advance, and the traveling route is formed by selecting and connecting parts according to the situation. FIG. 51 (d) shows an example of the travel route 121f generated by connecting the parts of the travel route 121d shown in FIG. 51 (b) and the parts of the travel route 121e shown in FIG. 51 (c). Yes.

  In the above description, in the travel route determination process, the route change is determined based on a predetermined condition. However, the travel route may be changed randomly during the game. In addition to determining a route change based only on the game situation, it is also possible to determine a route change based on other data. For example, when a player uses a card, player data (player experience value, class, player name, etc.) for each player, and personal data (birthday, address, etc.) are stored in the game server 10 The route change may be determined based on personal data. For example, when the game execution date is the birthday of the player, the route may be changed to a progress route with a low difficulty level.

  Further, when the progress route is changed, after the game is over, the game server 10 stores the data indicating the progress route together with the operation data corresponding to the input operation of the player in association with the player ID, and at another opportunity It is also possible to reproduce the execution contents or provide the progress route used when another player plays a game.

  In this way, in the game of the present embodiment, a dynamic game screen can be provided by changing the shape of the progress route in real time according to the game situation and the like, and the ease of timing with respect to the target can be changed. Can change the difficulty level. Further, by changing other elements such as effects, music playback, and sound effects in accordance with the change of the progress route, a more effective game effect can be achieved.

  Next, the checkpoint process (step D4) will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Note that the flowcharts of FIGS. 52 and 53 show the first and second checkpoint processing at the time of in-store play, and it is assumed that only part of the flowchart is executed in solo play. First, the first checkpoint process will be described with reference to FIG.

  The checkpoint process is for giving a change to the game contents, and is generated at a checkpoint set in advance on the progress route. Check points can be set at a plurality of locations on one progression course (in one piece of music).

  The game screen display processing unit 90c1 displays a surprise roulette at the checkpoint when a checkpoint appears in the progress route displayed on the game screen. FIG. 54A shows a display example of a surprise roulette. The surprise roulette rotates and displays a plurality of types of icons (options) determined for each content that changes the game content around a check point. In the example shown in FIG. 54A, eight icons are displayed. The contents that change the game contents include “things that lead the player to advantage” and “things that give the player a test”. For example, the advantage / disadvantage for the player can be achieved by changing the criteria for the input operation, changing the obtained score magnification (2 ×, 1/2 ×, etc.), changing the progress route shape, and changing the display form of the game screen. generate.

  In the first checkpoint process, a surprise roulette is performed using eight choices (icons) from a number of options prepared in advance according to the game situation (for example, a score before reaching the checkpoint or a determination result for an input operation). Is displayed. In the surprise roulette, the same type of icon may be duplicated.

  When the avatar (character) reaches the check point (step E3, Yes), the game processing unit 90c randomly selects any of the plurality of icons displayed on the surprise roulette, as shown in FIG. 54 (b). (Step E4). The game screen display processing unit 90c1 displays the selected icon at the checkpoint as shown in FIG. 54 (c). In addition, the game processing unit 90c displays a game screen (progress route) corresponding to the selected icon, and changes the game content by, for example, changing the determination criterion by the operation determination processing unit 90c2 (step E5).

FIG. 55 shows a change example of the game screen (progress route) corresponding to the icon selected from the surprise roulette.
FIG. 55A shows an example of a normal traveling route. Here, when an icon indicating that the traveling route is changed to a straight line is selected (“STRAITE” icon), the difficulty level is lowered by changing the traveling route to a straight line as shown in FIG. Thus, the player can be advantageous. In addition, when an icon indicating that the display range of the travel route is to be narrowed is selected (“SPOTLIGHT” icon), the display range of the travel route is limited to the vicinity of the avatar as shown in FIG. The difficulty can be increased and the player can be disadvantaged.

  In the above description, an icon is randomly selected for solo play. However, the game processing unit 90c, when playing in-store, plays the current score and ranking of each player as an opponent (matching player management data 92d). ) (Step E1), and the icons are selected after adjusting the selection probabilities of the plurality of icons based on the difference in score and ranking with each player. That is, “thing that leads an unfavorable player advantageously” and “thing that gives a trial to an advantageous player” are likely to be generated. In this case, the reverse situation is likely to occur with a low probability.

  In addition, the icon displayed in the surprise roulette is displayed in a game state (ranking, scoring difference, determination result for input operation, etc.) of a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds before passing) before the avatar reaches the checkpoint. It shall be selected accordingly.

  In the first checkpoint process shown in FIG. 52, the icon is selected without the player, but the icon may be selected in the same manner as the input operation on the target. In the second checkpoint process shown in FIG. 53, an icon is selected in accordance with an input operation from the player.

  In the case of solo play, the game screen display processing unit 90c1 adjusts the rotation display speed of the surprise roulette icon according to the score immediately before the check point (step F2). For example, the higher the score, the higher the rotational display speed.

  When there is an input operation for moving the operation unit of the operation devices 56a and 56b in any direction in accordance with the timing when the avatar passes the check point (steps F3, F4, Yes), the game processing unit 90c An icon is selected based on the operation direction and the display position of the icon in the surprise roulette (step F5). For example, when there is an input operation for moving the operation unit of the operation devices 56a and 56b in the right direction, the game processing unit 90c selects the icon displayed at the right position at that timing.

  The game processing unit 90c executes a process similar to step E5 shown in FIG. 52 according to the selected icon (step F6).

  In the second checkpoint process, when the score is low, the rotation display speed of the surprise roulette icon becomes slow, so that the player can easily select a desired icon (an advantageous icon). On the other hand, when the score is high, it is difficult to select a desired icon (it is easy to select a disadvantageous icon by mistake).

  In this way, in the checkpoint process, the game content can be changed during the game. Therefore, in the case of solo play, even if the same music is selected every time the game is executed, the game is performed at the checkpoint each time. Because the content changes, you can enjoy the same music without getting bored of the game.

  In the first checkpoint process, an icon (option) may be selected in accordance with the player's input operation, as in the second checkpoint process.

  Further, in the case of in-store competition play (match play), the game content is likely to be changed to be advantageous / disadvantaged according to the situation of the competition (ranking, score difference), so even between players having a difference in ability. You can enjoy the battle. Also, even in a battle, players do not directly interfere with each other, and can give a sense of unintentional surprises, giving the player who is the opponent an uncomfortable feeling No need.

  As described above, the game processing unit 90c accepts an input operation by the player while updating the progress route, and advances the game. When the music reproduction ends and the character reaches the end of the traveling route (step D13, Yes), the game processing unit 90c ends the game process. When the game process ends, the game device 20 shifts to a game score display (step S9).

  FIG. 56 is a diagram illustrating an example of a game score screen (result screen). The result display unit 90d1 displays a game score screen based on data recorded during the game execution. As shown in FIG. 56, on the game score screen, for example, in addition to music information as the target of the game, the input operation evaluation by the player, the maximum number of chains, the score (points), the overall evaluation, the battle ranking ( In case of match play). The overall evaluation is represented by, for example, E, D, C, B, A, and S in ascending order.

  When the display of the game score screen (result screen) is completed, if there is a remaining coin charge (Yes in step S10), the control unit 90 selects the music and executes the game process in the same manner as described above. Can do.

  When there is no remaining coin charge and the game is ended (No at Step S10), the result display unit 90d1 displays a reward screen (Step S11). FIG. 57 is a diagram showing an example of a reward screen. On the reward screen, for example, information on music used in the game, acquired experience values, level-up gauges, titles, and the like are displayed. When the level is raised, it is displayed that the reward (item, avatar, skin) set for each level is acquired.

Next, a case where “MATCH PLAY” (in-store competitive play) is selected on the mode selection screen will be described.
First, the player matching process 90b executes an in-store matching process for determining a battle player. In the in-store play, the game can be played by 2 to 4 players using the game device 20 in the same store. Of the plurality of game devices 20 in the store, the game device 20 that is first instructed to execute the in-store battle play becomes a host player, and recruits opponents (guests) from other game devices 20. In the in-store competitive play, the player can select a party battle that uses the checkpoint process described above or a normal battle that does not use the checkpoint process to recruit opponents.

  If there is no battle request from one or more players (one or more players) within a predetermined time, the player matching process 90b shifts to the above-described solo play. On the other hand, when there is a match request, the player matching process 90b shifts to a process for preparing for an in-store match play.

  Next, if the player is a host player, the start processing unit 90a displays a music selection screen and causes the player to select a song to be used in the game (step S13). Further, the start processing unit 90a displays a mode (difficulty) selection screen and is selected by the player. Each player can select a mode (difficulty).

  When the mode (difficulty level) is selected, the game processing unit 90c starts the game process (step S15). The game screen is displayed as shown in FIG. 35, for example.

  When the game process is finished, the result display unit 90d1 displays the result (rank etc.) of the in-store competition play (step S16), and displays the game score for the in-store competition game (step S17).

  Here, when the coin is charged (step S18, Yes), the in-store battle play can be repeatedly executed. When the game is ended without playing the in-store battle play (step S18, No), the result display unit 90d1 displays a reward screen (step S11).

  Next, the case where “EVENT PLAY” (time limited play) is selected on the mode selection screen will be described. The event play can be selected only for a predetermined period (a date and time indicating a period is set in advance).

  First, the start processing unit 90a displays an event regulation screen that displays various types of information related to the event, sets the music used in the game and the difficulty level according to the instructions of the player, and then executes the game process (step S20). It is assumed that a specific music (task music) is prepared in advance for the event.

  When the game process ends, the result display unit 90d1 displays an event result that displays an event reward (participation prize or the like), and then displays a reward screen (step S11).

  When the display of the reward screen is finished, the unlock processing unit 90d2 executes the hidden song unlock process in any mode (however, when the card is used).

FIG. 58 is a flowchart showing the hidden song unlock process.
First, the unlock processing unit 90d2 reads unlocked music data from the player data of the player (step G1), and displays a hidden music unlock screen based on this data.

  FIG. 59A is a diagram showing an example of a hidden song unlock screen. On the hidden song unlock screen, an unlock image representing that an image representing the song (for example, a jacket image) is hidden by the panel is displayed (step G2). The example shown in FIG. 59 (a) shows an example in which unlock images corresponding to three songs are displayed at the same time. An unlock image of one song hidden by one panel and four images are displayed. Includes unlocked images of two songs hidden by the panel.

  In the example shown in FIG. 59 (a), two panels for the second unlocked image and one panel for the third unlocked image are executed after the previously executed game processing. It shows that it has already been released in the hidden song unlock process.

  Here, any unlock image can be selected by an operation of moving the operation unit of the operation devices 56a and 56b back and forth. The panel can be instructed to be opened by pressing the push buttons of the operation devices 56a and 56b (step G3, Yes). The unlock processing unit 90d2 displays a screen for opening any panel in the selected unlock image (step G4), and then displays an item acquisition screen indicating items acquired by the player after the game is over (step G4). G5).

  FIG. 59B shows a state in which one panel is opened in the second unlocked image. Note that the number of panels opened in one hidden song unlock process varies depending on the play content, for example, one for solo play and event play and two for in-store play (match play). . Further, the number of games to be released may be changed according to the number of times the game is continued. Furthermore, it is possible to determine the number of panels to be opened according to other conditions, such as opening two sheets during the campaign period.

  FIG. 60 is a diagram illustrating an example of the item acquisition screen. As described above, an item can be acquired when a panel is opened by the hidden song unlock process (including a case where there is no panel to be opened). Items can be acquired when a new musical piece is released by unlocking, when a high score is given after the end of play, or when a class or rank is raised.

  Thus, the music with all the panels opened can be selected in the music selection process when the player executes the game. In addition, all the songs whose panels are not opened are stored in the game server 10 in association with the player ID, and are displayed in the next hidden song unlock process.

  It should be noted that the number of panels opened may be charged without opening the panel. For example, on the hidden music unlock screen, the charge can be selected by operating the operation devices 56a and 56b. When the charge is selected, the unlock processing unit 90d2 associates with the player ID and stores it in the game server 10 (player data). The charged number of panels to be opened is used in other hidden song unlock processing so that a plurality of panels can be opened at once.

  Note that the number of panels may be 9, 25, or any other number (a plurality of types of panel shapes may be used) in addition to one or four as shown in FIG. The music provided in the hidden music unlock process is a specially provided music, for example, the latest music is used.

  The unlock processing unit 90d2 can also change the number of panels according to the elapsed time since the music was provided. For example, it can be changed such that it is hidden by 25 panels within 3 months from the start of provision and is 16 sheets after 3 months and 9 sheets after 4 months. In this case, if, for example, 18 panels are opened within 3 months, the target music is lifted (game can be used) after 6 months.

  When the hidden song unlock process is completed (step S23), the control unit 90 stores all data of the game result (step S24) and transmits it to the game server 10 (step S25). Thereafter, the control unit 90 returns to the demo processing by the start processing unit 90a (demonstration processing unit 90a1) (step S1).

  When the player data processing unit 30a of the game server 10 receives the game result data from the game device 20, the player management data 41a of the player (for example, player experience value, class, level, title, acquired item, player record, unlock) Update music data).

  In the above description, the player data of each player is stored and managed in the game server 10, but may be stored in the game device 20. In this case, the game apparatus 20 executes the same data management process as that of the game server 10 described above. When the player data stored in the game device 20 is updated, the update content may be notified to other game devices 20 sharing the player data to synchronize the data.

Next, a modified example of the operation device mounted on the game apparatus 20 will be described.
When the operation device 56a shown in FIGS. 13 to 23 is operated to move the operation unit 56a2 in the horizontal direction, the operation unit 56a2 does not move horizontally but draws an arc centered on the axis. Moving. 61 to 64 are diagrams illustrating an operation device 156 configured such that the operation unit moves in the horizontal direction.

61 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of the operation device 156, and FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 61 and 62, an operation unit 1562 operated by a player is provided on the upper part of the operation device 156. The operation unit 1562 is composed of a substantially cylindrical column part and a member in which a bottom part having a larger diameter than the column part is formed at the bottom part of the cylinder part. A flat operation surface is formed on the upper portion of the operation device 156, and the player can operate it by placing palms or fingers. The operation unit 1562 constitutes a push button, and a predetermined stroke amount (for example, 2 to 3 mm) is pushed by being pressed by the player. The depression of the operation unit 1562 is detected by the switch 185 housed inside. The operation unit 1562 is configured to move the operation unit 1562 horizontally in the operation direction when there is an operation of moving in the horizontal direction (in the range of 360 °) by the player.

  Accordingly, the operation with respect to the operation unit 1562 includes an operation of pressing the operation unit 1562 (push button), an operation of moving the operation unit 1562 in the horizontal direction, and an operation of moving the operation unit 1562 in the horizontal direction while pressing the operation unit 1562. .

  A light 1563 is accommodated in the center of the operation unit 1562. The light 1563 is used for game effects such as lighting (or blinking) in response to an operation on the operation unit 1562, for example. A side surface of the operation device 156 is covered with an external cover 1566. The operation unit 1562 is supported by a support member 175 having a space therein.

Next, a configuration that allows the operation unit 1562 of the operation device 156 to be moved horizontally will be described.
A bottom surface member 170 having a flat bottom surface is provided at the bottom of the operation unit 1562. Two plate-like members 171 extending perpendicularly to the operation surface of the operation unit 1562 are attached to the lower surface of the bottom member 170 so as to be separated from each other. The other end of the plate member 171 is attached to a planar member 172 that is parallel to the operation surface of the operation unit 1562. Since the two plate-like members 171 are separated from each other, the operation unit 1562 can be stably supported.

  A shaft attaching portion 174 is provided at the center between the two plate-like members 171. One end of a rod-shaped shaft member 173 is movably attached to the shaft attachment portion 174 so as to coincide with the central axis of the operation device 156 (operation portion 1562). The other lower end side of the shaft member 173 is movably attached by a shaft attachment portion 177. Therefore, when the operation unit 1562 is moved in the horizontal direction, the upper end portion of the shaft member 173 (the position of the shaft attachment portion 174) moves in the horizontal direction as the operation unit 1562 moves, and the shaft member 173 moves in the movement direction. Tilted.

  A support member 176 having a flat surface facing the bottom surface member 170 of the operation portion 1562 is provided on the support member 175. A plurality of (for example, eight) spherical members 178 arranged at equal intervals are rotatably held on a plane facing the bottom surface member 170 of the support member 176. By placing the bottom surface member 170 of the operation unit 1562 on the spherical member 178 of the support member 175, the bottom surface member 170 moves on the spherical member 178 in response to an input operation in the horizontal direction with respect to the operation unit 1562. As a result, the operation unit 1562 moves in the horizontal direction.

63 is a plan view taken along line FF shown in FIG. 62, and FIG. 64 is a side view of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 63, eight spherical members 178 are arranged on the upper surface (plane) of the support member 176 at equal intervals. The operation unit 1562 is movable in the horizontal direction while being placed on the spherical member 178 in the bottom surface member 170.

  A spring 180 is connected between the member 179 fixed near the bottom of the support member 175 and the bottom member 170. For example, the springs 180 are arranged at equal intervals around the shaft member 173. When the bottom surface member 170 is pulled from the periphery by the spring 180, the operation portion 1562 (the shaft member 173) acts so as to be positioned at the center. When the operation unit 1562 is not operated by the player, the shaft member 173 is held at the central axis by the action of the spring 180, and the hand is released after the operation unit 1562 is operated by the player to move in the horizontal direction. The shaft member 173 is returned to the original position by the spring 180.

  Note that, similarly to the spring 79 of the operation device 56a, a spring that acts to maintain the shaft member 173 at the center may be wound around the shaft member 173.

  Near the bottom of the support member 175, for example, four switches 184 are disposed around the shaft member 173. The switch 184 functions in the same manner as the switches 84a, 84b, 84c, and 84d provided in the operation device 56a. In addition, you may make it mount the detector (sensor) which can detect the moving direction of all directions (360 degrees).

  In this manner, in the operation device 156 shown in FIGS. 61 to 64, the operation unit 1562 can be moved horizontally. Therefore, even when the moving distance in the horizontal direction with respect to the operation unit 1562 is increased, the feeling of operation for moving horizontally does not have to be impaired. By mounting the two operation devices 156 on the game apparatus 20 instead of the operation devices 56a and 56b, it is possible to execute a game similar to the case where the operation devices 56a and 56b are used.

Next, a modification of the operation device 156 shown in FIGS. 61 to 64 will be described.
FIG. 65 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of an operation device 256 in which the operation device 156 is modified. In the operation device 256, a rotation member 258 is added to the configuration of the operation device 156.

  The rotating member 258 is a member that rotates on the turntable 257 in accordance with the player's operation on the outer periphery of the operation unit 1562. The rotating member 258 can be individually operated independently of the operation unit 1562. A plurality of holes 259 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member 258 so as to penetrate the rotating member 258 at regular intervals. For example, air can be blown out from the hole 259 by mounting a device for injecting air inside the operation device 256 and injecting air at a predetermined timing during game execution. Thereby, in addition to sound and light, further game effects are possible.

  FIG. 66 is a perspective view showing a configuration excluding the operation unit 1562. As shown in FIG. 65, a sensor blade 259 that rotates with the rotation of the rotating member 258 is provided on the inner peripheral side of the rotating member 258. The sensor blade 259 is provided with a plurality of blades at a constant cycle.

FIG. 67 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the sensor blade 259 and the two sensors A and B provided for detecting the rotation of the sensor blade 259. FIG.
The sensors A and B are sensors that are disposed at positions where the blade of the sensor blade 259 passes, for example, optically detecting the passage of the blade. The sensors A and B are arranged at positions where the blades are detected at different timings. Data detected by the sensors A and B is notified to the control unit 90 through the input interface 94.

68 (a) and 68 (b) are diagrams showing examples of detection data by sensors A and B. FIG.
Since the sensors A and B detect the blades at different timings, as shown in FIGS. 68 (a) and 68 (b), detection data having a phase shift is output. Accordingly, the phase output is reversed between right rotation (CW) and left rotation (CCW) shown in FIG. 68 (a) (whether it is detected by sensor A → sensor B or sensor B → sensor A). .

  The control unit 90 can detect the presence / absence of rotation of the rotating member 258, the rotation direction, the rotation speed, and the number of rotations based on the blade detection results of the sensors A and B.

  When the operation device 256 is mounted on the game apparatus 20, in the game process, a target for instructing the rotation member 258 to rotate with respect to the traveling route is displayed. Further, the target may instruct the rotation direction (right rotation, left rotation) and rotation speed (fast or slow) of the rotating member 258. Furthermore, it is possible to display a target instructing to push the push button or move the operation unit 1562 in any direction while rotating the rotating member 258.

  In this way, by using the operation device 256 provided with the rotating member 258, a game that can be executed by various input operations can be realized.

  Note that two operation devices 256 may be installed on the game apparatus 20, or only one device may be installed. However, when only one unit is installed, a target that requires the simultaneous operation of two operation devices is not used.

Next, another modified example of the operation device mounted on the game apparatus 20 will be described.
69 to 74 are diagrams showing an operation device 356 configured to move the entire operation unit including the operation unit in the horizontal direction. 69 is a plan view of the operation device 356, FIG. 70 is a front view of the operation device 356, FIG. 71 is a sectional view taken along line GG shown in FIG. 69, and FIG. 72 is a perspective view of the operation device 356. 73 shows side views of the operation device 356, respectively.

  The operation device 356 has a structure that allows the entire operation unit 357 having a configuration that can be moved in the horizontal direction and the push button similar to the operation device 56a and the operation device 156 described above to be moved in the horizontal direction by the horizontal movement mechanism 390. Have.

  As shown in FIGS. 69 to 73, an operation unit 3563 operated by a player is provided on the upper portion of the operation unit 357. The operation unit 3563 is formed of a dome shape having a size that allows both hands to be placed, for example. The inside of the operation unit 357 is hollow and houses the mechanism. The operation unit 3563 constitutes a push button, and a predetermined stroke amount (for example, 2 to 3 mm) is pushed by being pressed by the player. Pressing of the operation unit 3563 is detected by a switch 385 housed inside. The operation unit 3563 is configured to move the operation unit 3563 horizontally in the operation direction when there is an operation to move the player in the horizontal direction (range of 360 °).

  Therefore, the operation with respect to the operation unit 3563 includes an operation of pressing the operation unit 3563 (push button), an operation of moving the operation unit 3563 in the horizontal direction, an operation of moving the operation unit 3563 in the horizontal direction with the operation unit 3563 pressed. There is an operation of moving the entire unit 357 in the right or left direction.

Next, a configuration that enables the operation unit 3563 of the operation unit 357 to be moved horizontally will be described.
At the bottom of the operation unit 3563, two first rails 358 that enable the operation unit 3563 to move in the X direction (left-right direction) shown in FIG. 69, and the first rail 358 in the Y direction (front-rear direction) shown in FIG. ) Are provided with two second rails 359 arranged in a direction orthogonal to the first rail 358 that can move.

  The second rail 359 is supported by the lower unit 361. Accordingly, the operation unit 3563 can be moved in the horizontal direction (360 °) according to the player's input operation by the first rail 358 and the second rail 359 arranged in the orthogonal direction on the lower unit 361. Become.

  A shaft attachment portion 374 is provided at the center inside the operation portion 3563. One end of a rod-shaped shaft member 373 is movably attached to the shaft attachment portion 374 so as to coincide with the central axis of the operation portion 3563. The other lower end side of the shaft member 373 is movably attached to the lower unit 361 by a shaft attachment portion 377. Therefore, when the operation unit 3563 is moved in the horizontal direction, the upper end portion (position of the shaft attachment portion 374) of the shaft member 373 moves in the horizontal direction as the operation unit 3563 moves, and the shaft member 373 moves in the movement direction. Tilted.

  For example, four switches 384 are disposed around the shaft member 373 of the lower unit 361. The switch 384 functions in the same manner as the switches 84a, 84b, 84c, and 84d provided in the operation device 56a. In addition, you may make it mount the detector (sensor) which can detect the moving direction of all directions (360 degrees).

  The horizontal movement mechanism 390 is provided with a rail 360 disposed on the inner side surface in the same direction as the first rail 358. The rail 360 of the horizontal movement mechanism 390 is engaged with a lower unit 361, a left movement unit 362a arranged on the left side of the lower unit 361, and a right movement unit 362b arranged on the right side of the lower unit 361. The lower unit 361, the left moving unit 362a, and the right moving unit 362b can move along the rail 360, respectively. However, the left moving unit 362a can move leftward from the initial position shown in FIGS. 69 to 72, and the right moving unit 362b can move rightward from the initial position.

  As shown in FIG. 71, the left moving unit 362a is held at the initial position by the action of a conston spring 384a provided in the horizontal moving mechanism 390. When the left moving unit 362a is moved leftward by the operation of the player, the left moving unit 362a is returned to the initial position by the conston spring 384a.

  As shown in FIG. 71, the right moving unit 362b is held at the initial position by the action of the conston spring 384b provided in the horizontal moving mechanism 390. When the right moving unit 362b is moved in the right direction by the operation of the player, the right moving unit 362b is returned to the initial position by the conston spring 384b.

FIG. 74 shows a cross-sectional view of the state in which the operation unit 357 is moved in the left direction.
As shown in FIG. 74, when the player moves the operation unit 357 leftward with a strong force, the operation unit 357 moves leftward together with the left movement unit 362a. In this case, since the conston spring 384a is in an extended state, it acts to return the left moving unit 362a to the initial position after the player's input operation is completed. Accordingly, the operation unit 357 is returned to the initial position by being pushed by the left moving unit 362a. The same applies when moving to the right.

  When the operation device 356 is mounted on the game apparatus 20, by using the operation unit 357, the game process can be executed in the same manner as when the operation devices 56 a and 56 b and the operation device 156 described above are used. Further, when the operation device 356 is used, an input operation for moving the entire operation unit 357 rightward or leftward at a special timing during the game, for example, when the music is most exciting or at the end of the music, etc. Can be requested from the player (using a special target). Since the input operation for moving the entire operation unit 357 is significantly different from the input operation for the normal operation unit 3563, an impact game can be provided.

  As for the input operation for moving the entire operation unit 357 in the right direction or the left direction, the input determination is performed in the same manner as the input operation (pressing the push button, moving in the horizontal direction) on the operation unit 3563.

  As described above, by using the operation device 356 that can move the entire operation unit 3563, a game that can be executed by various input operations can be realized.

  In the above description, the entire operation unit 357 is made to coincide with the left-right direction (the X direction shown in FIG. 69), that is, the movement direction of the operation unit 3563 by the first rail 358, but the movement direction by the second rail 359. (Y direction shown in FIG. 69) may be made coincident, or a structure for moving in a direction not coincident with either the X direction or the Y direction shown in FIG.

  Further, it is assumed that only one operation device 356 is installed on the game apparatus 20, and a target that requires simultaneous operation of the two operation devices described above is not used.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

  The control method described in the embodiment is a program (software means) that can be executed by a computer, such as a magnetic disk (flexible disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, MO, etc.), a semiconductor, etc. It can also be stored in a storage medium such as a memory (ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc.), or transmitted and distributed via a communication medium. The program stored on the medium side also includes a setting program that configures in the computer software means (including not only the execution program but also a table and data structure) that is executed by the computer. A computer that implements the present apparatus reads the program stored in the storage medium, constructs software means by a setting program in some cases, and executes the processing described above by controlling the operation by the software means. The storage medium referred to in this specification is not limited to distribution, and includes storage media such as a magnetic disk and a semiconductor memory provided in a computer or in a device connected via a network.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Game server, 20 ... Game device, 50a ... 1st housing | casing, 50b ... 2nd housing | casing, 50c ... Connection member, 51 ... Display, 56a, 56b ... Operation device, 90 ... Control part, 90c ... Game processing part , 92a ... game program, 156 ... operation device, 356 ... operation device.

Claims (4)

A first housing that accommodates a display having a rectangular display surface vertically;
A second housing provided with an operation device having a horizontal operation surface ;
A device for adjusting a distance between the first housing and the second housing and connecting the first housing and the second housing, the first housing and the second housing. A connecting member configured to be detachable from the body ,
A game apparatus, wherein the display is arranged so that a lower end of the display is below the operation device. The game apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the connecting member includes two members provided in the vicinity of both ends in the width direction on the side where the first housing and the second housing face each other .   The game apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying an object indicating a timing of an input operation by the operation device by changing the display device in a vertical direction of the display. 2. The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a width of a side where the first housing and the second housing face each other is the same as a width of the state in which the display is accommodated in the first housing. .

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