JP7410837B2 - Information processing system, information processing program, information processing device, and information processing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing program, an information processing apparatus, and an information processing method that perform a process of operating an object in response to a user's operation.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an input device that can execute a game process using the output of a device held by a user has been disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

International Publication No. 2016-059943

However, in the game using the input device disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is room for improvement in terms of user experience.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system, an information processing program, an information processing apparatus, and an information processing method that make it possible to improve user experience.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention may employ, for example, the following configuration. It should be noted that when interpreting the claims, it is understood that the scope should be interpreted only by the claims, and if there is a conflict between the claims and the description in this column. In that case, the statement of the claims shall take precedence.

A configuration example of the information processing system of the present invention includes at least an input device including a strain sensor, a motion sensor, and an information processing device. At least a portion of the input device elastically deforms in response to external force applied thereto. The strain sensor provides an output according to the deformation of the input device. The motion sensor performs output according to the motion and/or posture of the motion sensor. The information processing device includes a data acquisition section and a game processing section. The data acquisition unit acquires strain data according to the output of the strain sensor and motion data according to the output of the motion sensor. The game processing section executes a predetermined game process based on the movement data while detecting that the input device is deformed based on the distortion data.

According to the above, since a predetermined game process is performed by moving the motion sensor while deforming the input device, it is possible to improve the user experience in operations using the input device.

Further, the motion sensor may be included in an input device.

According to the above, since the predetermined game processing is performed by moving the input device while deforming it, it is possible to improve the user experience in operations using the input device.

Further, the motion sensor may include an angular velocity sensor and/or an acceleration sensor.

According to the above, the movement of the motion sensor can be easily detected based on angular velocity and/or acceleration.

Furthermore, the game processing unit executes an update process for updating the degree of achievement of a game in which a predetermined achievement goal is set based on the movement data as a predetermined game process, and detects that the input device is deformed. It is not necessary to execute the update process while it is not detected.

According to the above, the user can be given an incentive to perform a complex operation of moving the motion sensor while deforming the input device.

Further, the game processing section executes a predetermined game process when the motion sensor moves while the input device is deformed, and executes a predetermined game process while the input device is not deformed or when the motion sensor moves. If it has not occurred, the predetermined game process may not be executed.

According to the above, since the predetermined game process is not executed when the input device is not deformed or the motion sensor is not moved, the predetermined game process can be limited according to a specific operation.

Further, the game processing section executes a predetermined game process based on the movement data when the distortion data indicates that the amount of deformation of the input device exceeds the first threshold value, and the game processing section executes a predetermined game process based on the movement data, Even if the strain data does not indicate that the amount of deformation of the input device exceeds the first threshold, a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold may be set. If it is indicated that the movement data is not lower than that, a predetermined game process may be executed based on the movement data.

According to the above, it is possible to continue the predetermined game process by allowing the case where the deformation is restored after the input device is deformed.

Further, the game processing section may execute a predetermined game process depending on the amount of deformation of the input device at the timing when the motion sensor moves.

According to the above, since game processing is performed according to the amount of deformation, the game content can be controlled by the amount of deformation of the input device.

Furthermore, if the amount of deformation of the input device at the timing when the motion sensor moves is smaller than the amount of deformation of the input device from the timing to a predetermined time before, the game processing section Depending on the amount, predetermined game processing may be executed.

According to the above, the predetermined game process can be continued in consideration of the case where the deformation of the input device returns at the timing when the motion sensor moves.

Further, the game processing section may include a deformation amount image generation section. The deformation amount image generation unit generates an image indicating the deformation amount of the input device while the input device is being deformed.

According to the above, the amount of deformation by which the input device is deformed can be shown to the user.

Further, the game processing section may include a restriction section. The restriction unit restricts re-execution of the predetermined game process until the input device returns from the deformed state to the steady state satisfying a predetermined condition.

According to the above, in order to perform the predetermined game process again, it is necessary to restore the deformed state of the input device, and it is possible to further improve the user experience in operations using the input device.

Furthermore, if the input device returns from a deformed state to a steady state that satisfies a predetermined condition after the execution of a predetermined game process is started and while the game process is being performed, the restriction unit is configured to prevent re-execution. You may remove the restriction.

According to the above, even if a predetermined game process is being executed, it is possible to re-execute the predetermined game process by restoring the deformed state of the input device, so advance input using the input device is possible. Become.

Furthermore, the data acquisition section may acquire distortion data or motion data even during execution of a predetermined game process. The game processing section may re-execute a new predetermined game process after the predetermined game is executed, based on distortion data and/or movement data acquired during execution of the predetermined game process.

According to the above, even when a predetermined game process is being executed, a new predetermined game process can be performed based on the distortion data and/or movement data acquired during the execution, so that advance input by the user is possible. becomes possible.

Further, the game processing unit calculates a reference posture of the input device using the movement data of the timing when the input device changes from an undeformed state to a deformed state, and calculates the reference posture of the input device and the motion data obtained after the timing. Predetermined game processing may be executed based on the motion data.

According to the above, the reference posture used for determining the operation based on the movement of the motion sensor can be calculated by the operation of deforming the input device.

Further, the game processing unit executes an update process for updating the degree of achievement as a predetermined game process when the motion data indicates that the input device has moved in a predetermined direction, If it indicates that the input device has moved in a different direction, it is not necessary to perform the update process.

According to the above, different game processing can be performed depending on the direction in which the input device moves.

Further, the game processing unit sets a threshold value for determining that the input device has moved in a predetermined direction using the motion data to be looser than a threshold value for determining that the input device has moved in a different direction. It's okay.

According to the above, the operating feeling can be adjusted depending on the direction in which the input device moves.

Further, the present invention may be implemented in the form of an information processing program, an information processing device, or an information processing method.

Another configuration example of the information processing system of the present invention includes at least an input device including a strain sensor, a motion sensor, and an information processing device. At least a portion of the input device elastically deforms in response to external force applied thereto. The strain sensor provides an output according to the deformation of the input device. The motion sensor performs output according to the motion and/or posture of the motion sensor. The information processing device includes a data acquisition section and a game processing section. The data acquisition unit acquires strain data according to the output of the strain sensor and motion data according to the output of the motion sensor. If the game processing section detects that the input device is deformed based on the distortion data at the timing when it is detected that the motion sensor has moved based on the motion data, the game processing section executes a predetermined game process.

According to the above, since a predetermined game process is performed by moving the motion sensor while deforming the input device, it is possible to improve the user experience in operations using the input device.

According to the present invention, predetermined game processing is performed by moving the motion sensor while deforming the input device, so that the user experience in operations using the input device can be improved.

A diagram showing an example of each device included in the game system 1 A diagram showing an example of a state in which the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are attached to the main device 2. A diagram showing an example of a state in which the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are removed from the main device 2. Six-sided view showing an example of the main device 2 Six-sided diagram showing an example of the left controller 3 Six-sided view showing an example of the right controller 4 A block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the main device 2 A block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the main unit 2, the left controller 3, and the right controller 4. Diagram showing an example of a ring-type expansion device A block diagram showing the electrical connection relationship of the components included in the ring expansion device 5. A diagram showing how a user plays while holding the ring-type expansion device 5 with both hands. A diagram showing an example of how the user operates the ring-type expansion device 5 in the first game example. A diagram showing a first example of a game image in the first game example displayed on the stationary monitor 9 in response to a user operation. A diagram showing a second example of a game image in the first game example displayed on the stationary monitor 9 in response to a user operation. A diagram showing a third example of a game image in the first game example displayed on the stationary monitor 9 in response to a user operation A diagram showing an example of a data area set in the DRAM 85 of the main device 2 in the first game example. Flowchart showing an example of information processing executed by the game system 1 in the first game example A subroutine showing a detailed example of the swing setting process performed in step S307 in FIG. A subroutine showing a detailed example of the swing effect processing performed in step S311 in FIG. 17 A diagram showing an example of how the user operates the ring-type expansion device 5 in the second game example. A diagram showing a first example of a game image in a second game example displayed on the stationary monitor 9 in response to a user operation. A diagram showing a second example of a game image in a second game example displayed on the stationary monitor 9 in response to a user operation A diagram showing a third example of a game image in the second game example displayed on the stationary monitor 9 in response to a user operation A diagram showing an example of a data area set in the DRAM 85 of the main device 2 in the second game example Flowchart showing an example of information processing executed by the game system 1 in the second game example A subroutine showing a detailed example of the jump effect processing performed in step S410 in FIG. 25

An information processing system according to an example of this embodiment will be described below. The information processing system in this embodiment uses a game system 1 as an example. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of each device included in the game system 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 1 includes a main body device 2, a right controller 4, and a ring-type expansion device 5.

The main body device 2 is an example of an information processing device, and in this embodiment functions as a game machine main body. A left controller 3 and a right controller 4 are each removable from the main device 2 (see FIGS. 1 and 3). In other words, the user can attach the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 to the main body device 2 and use them as an integrated device (see FIG. 2). Further, the user can also use the main body device 2, the left controller 3, and the right controller 4 as separate bodies (see FIG. 3). Note that hereinafter, the main body device 2 and each controller 3 and 4 may be collectively referred to as a "game device."

The ring type expansion device 5 is an example of an expansion device used for the right controller 4. The ring type expansion device 5 is used with the right controller 4 attached to the ring type expansion device 5. In this way, in this embodiment, the user can also use the controller 4 while attached to the expansion device (see FIG. 11).

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are attached to the main body device 2. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are each attached to the main body device 2 and integrated. The main device 2 is a device that executes various processes (for example, game processing) in the game system 1. The main device 2 includes a display 12 . The left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are devices that include an operation section for the user to input.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are removed from the main body device 2, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are detachable from the main device 2. Note that hereinafter, the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 may be collectively referred to as a "controller".

FIG. 4 is a six-sided view showing an example of the main body device 2. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the main body device 2 includes a substantially plate-shaped housing 11. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the main surface (in other words, the front surface, that is, the surface on which the display 12 is provided) of the housing 11 has a generally rectangular shape.

Note that the shape and size of the housing 11 are arbitrary. As an example, the housing 11 may be of a portable size. Further, the main body device 2 alone or an integrated device in which the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are attached to the main body device 2 may be a portable device. Further, the main device 2 or the integrated device may be a hand-held device. Further, the main body device 2 or the integrated device may be a portable device.

As shown in FIG. 4, the main body device 2 includes a display 12 provided on the main surface of the housing 11. The display 12 displays images generated by the main device 2. In this embodiment, the display 12 is a liquid crystal display (LCD). However, display 12 may be any type of display device.

The main body device 2 also includes a touch panel 13 on the screen of the display 12 . In this embodiment, the touch panel 13 is of a type (eg, capacitive type) that allows multi-touch input. However, the touch panel 13 may be of any type, for example, may be of a type (eg, resistive film type) that allows single-touch input.

The main body device 2 includes a speaker (that is, a speaker 88 shown in FIG. 7) inside the housing 11. As shown in FIG. 4, speaker holes 11a and 11b are formed in the main surface of the housing 11. The output sound of the speaker 88 is output from these speaker holes 11a and 11b, respectively.

The main device 2 also includes a left terminal 17 that is a terminal for the main device 2 to perform wired communication with the left controller 3, and a right terminal 21 for the main device 2 to perform wired communication with the right controller 4.

As shown in FIG. 4, the main body device 2 includes a slot 23. As shown in FIG. The slot 23 is provided on the upper side of the housing 11. The slot 23 has a shape into which a predetermined type of storage medium can be inserted. The predetermined type of storage medium is, for example, a storage medium (for example, a dedicated memory card) dedicated to the game system 1 and the same type of information processing device. The predetermined type of storage medium stores, for example, data used by the main device 2 (e.g., saved data of an application, etc.) and/or programs executed by the main device 2 (e.g., an application program, etc.). used for The main device 2 also includes a power button 28 .

The main body device 2 includes a lower terminal 27 . The lower terminal 27 is a terminal through which the main body device 2 communicates with the cradle. In this embodiment, the lower terminal 27 is a USB connector (more specifically, a female connector). When the integrated device or the main device 2 alone is placed on a cradle, the game system 1 can display images generated and output by the main device 2 on a stationary monitor. Further, in this embodiment, the cradle has a function of charging the integrated device or the main body device 2 placed thereon. Further, the cradle has the function of a hub device (specifically, a USB hub).

FIG. 5 is a six-sided view showing an example of the left controller 3. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the left controller 3 includes a housing 31. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the housing 31 has a vertically elongated shape, that is, a shape that is long in the vertical direction (that is, the y-axis direction shown in FIGS. 2 and 5). When the left controller 3 is removed from the main device 2, it is also possible to hold it in a vertically elongated orientation. The housing 31 has a shape and size that allows it to be held with one hand, especially the left hand, when held in a vertically elongated orientation. Furthermore, the left controller 3 can also be held in a landscape orientation. When the left controller 3 is held in a landscape orientation, it may be held with both hands.

The left controller 3 includes an analog stick 32. As shown in FIG. 5, the analog stick 32 is provided on the main surface of the housing 31. The analog stick 32 can be used as a direction input unit that can input a direction. By tilting the analog stick 32, the user can input a direction corresponding to the tilting direction (and input a magnitude corresponding to the tilted angle). Note that the left controller 3 may be provided with a cross key, a slide stick capable of slide input, or the like instead of the analog stick as a direction input section. Furthermore, in this embodiment, input by pressing the analog stick 32 is possible.

The left controller 3 includes various operation buttons. The left controller 3 includes four operation buttons 33 to 36 (specifically, a right button 33, a down button 34, an up button 35, and a left button 36) on the main surface of the housing 31. Further, the left controller 3 includes a record button 37 and a - (minus) button 47. The left controller 3 includes a first L button 38 and a ZL button 39 on the upper left side of the housing 31. Furthermore, the left controller 3 includes a second L button 43 and a second R button 44 on the side surface of the housing 31 on the side to which the main body device 2 is attached. These operation buttons are used to issue instructions according to various programs (for example, OS programs and application programs) executed by the main body device 2.

Further, the left controller 3 includes a terminal 42 for the left controller 3 to perform wired communication with the main device 2.

FIG. 6 is a six-sided view showing an example of the right controller 4. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the right controller 4 includes a housing 51. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the housing 51 has a vertically long shape, that is, a shape that is long in the vertical direction. The right controller 4 can also be held in a vertically long orientation when removed from the main device 2. The housing 51 has a shape and size that allows it to be held with one hand, especially the right hand, when held in a vertically elongated orientation. Further, the right controller 4 can also be held in a landscape orientation. When the right controller 4 is held in a landscape orientation, it may be held with both hands.

Like the left controller 3, the right controller 4 includes an analog stick 52 as a direction input section. In this embodiment, the analog stick 52 has the same configuration as the analog stick 32 of the left controller 3. Further, the right controller 4 may include a cross key, a slide stick capable of slide input, or the like instead of the analog stick. Also, like the left controller 3, the right controller 4 has four operation buttons 53 to 56 on the main surface of the housing 51 (specifically, an A button 53, a B button 54, an X button 55, and a Y button 56). Equipped with. Further, the right controller 4 includes a + (plus) button 57 and a home button 58. The right controller 4 also includes a first R button 60 and a ZR button 61 on the upper right side of the housing 51. Further, like the left controller 3, the right controller 4 includes a second L button 65 and a second R button 66.

Further, a window portion 68 is provided on the lower surface of the housing 51. Although details will be described later, the right controller 4 includes an infrared imaging section 123 and an infrared light emitting section 124 arranged inside the housing 51. The infrared imaging unit 123 images the area around the right controller 4 through the window 68, with the imaging direction directed downward from the right controller 4 (the negative y-axis direction shown in FIG. 6). The infrared light emitting unit 124 illuminates the imaging target to be imaged by the infrared imaging unit 123 through the window 68, with a predetermined range centered on the downward direction of the right controller 4 (the negative y-axis direction shown in FIG. 6) being the irradiation range. irradiate with infrared light. The window section 68 is for protecting the camera lens of the infrared imaging section 123 and the light emitting body of the infrared light emitting section 124, and protects the light of the wavelength detected by the camera and the light emitted by the light emitting body. It is made of a transparent material (for example, a transparent material). Note that the window portion 68 may be a hole formed in the housing 51. Note that in this embodiment, the infrared imaging unit 123 itself includes a filter member that suppresses transmission of light of wavelengths other than the light detected by the camera (infrared light in this embodiment). However, in other embodiments, the window portion 68 may have a filter function.

The right controller 4 also includes a terminal 64 for the right controller 4 to perform wired communication with the main device 2 .

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the main body device 2. As shown in FIG. In addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 4, the main body device 2 includes components 81 to 91, 97, and 98 shown in FIG. Some of these components 81-91, 97, and 98 may be mounted as electronic components on an electronic circuit board and housed within the housing 11.

The main device 2 includes a processor 81 . The processor 81 is an information processing unit that executes various information processing executed in the main body device 2, and may be composed of only a CPU (Central Processing Unit), for example, or may include a CPU function, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. ) function, etc., may be configured from an SoC (System-on-a-chip). The processor 81 executes an information processing program (for example, a game program) stored in a storage unit (specifically, an internal storage medium such as the flash memory 84 or an external storage medium installed in the slot 23). By doing so, various information processing is executed.

The main body device 2 includes a flash memory 84 and a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) 85 as an example of an internal storage medium built into itself. Flash memory 84 and DRAM 85 are connected to processor 81. The flash memory 84 is a memory mainly used to store various data (which may be programs) stored in the main device 2. The DRAM 85 is a memory used to temporarily store various data used in information processing.

The main device 2 includes a slot interface (hereinafter abbreviated as "I/F") 91. Slot I/F 91 is connected to processor 81 . The slot I/F 91 is connected to the slot 23 and reads and writes data to and from a predetermined type of storage medium (for example, a dedicated memory card) installed in the slot 23 according to instructions from the processor 81.

The processor 81 executes the information processing described above by appropriately reading and writing data to and from the flash memory 84 and DRAM 85, and each of the storage media described above.

The main device 2 includes a network communication section 82 . Network communication section 82 is connected to processor 81 . The network communication unit 82 communicates (specifically, wireless communication) with an external device via a network. In this embodiment, the network communication unit 82 connects to a wireless LAN and communicates with an external device using a method compliant with the Wi-Fi standard as a first communication mode. Further, the network communication unit 82 performs wireless communication with other main body devices 2 of the same type using a predetermined communication method (for example, communication using a proprietary protocol or infrared communication) as a second communication mode. Note that the wireless communication according to the second communication mode described above is capable of wireless communication with other main devices 2 located within a closed local network area, and direct communication between a plurality of main devices 2. This realizes a function that enables so-called "local communication" in which data is sent and received.

The main device 2 includes a controller communication section 83. Controller communication section 83 is connected to processor 81 . The controller communication unit 83 performs wireless communication with the left controller 3 and/or the right controller 4. Although the communication method between the main unit 2 and the left controller 3 and right controller 4 is arbitrary, in this embodiment, the controller communication unit 83 uses Bluetooth ( (registered trademark) standards.

The processor 81 is connected to the above-mentioned left terminal 17, right terminal 21, and lower terminal 27. When performing wired communication with the left controller 3 , the processor 81 transmits data to the left controller 3 via the left terminal 17 and receives operation data from the left controller 3 via the left terminal 17 . Furthermore, when performing wired communication with the right controller 4 , the processor 81 transmits data to the right controller 4 via the right terminal 21 and receives operation data from the right controller 4 via the right terminal 21 . Further, when communicating with the cradle, the processor 81 transmits data to the cradle via the lower terminal 27. As described above, in this embodiment, the main body device 2 can perform both wired communication and wireless communication with the left controller 3 and the right controller 4, respectively. In addition, when the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are integrated into the main unit 2 or the main unit 2 is installed in a cradle, the main unit 2 receives data (for example, image data, audio data, etc.) via the cradle. data) can be output to a stationary monitor, etc.

Here, the main device 2 can communicate with a plurality of left controllers 3 simultaneously (in other words, in parallel). Further, the main body device 2 can communicate with a plurality of right controllers 4 simultaneously (in other words, in parallel). Therefore, a plurality of users can simultaneously perform input to the main body device 2 using the respective sets of the left controller 3 and the right controller 4. As an example, a first user uses a first set of left controller 3 and right controller 4 to input input to main unit 2, and at the same time, a second user uses a second set of left controller 3 and right controller 4. It becomes possible to perform input to the main body device 2 by using the following command.

The main body device 2 includes a touch panel controller 86 that is a circuit that controls the touch panel 13 . Touch panel controller 86 is connected between touch panel 13 and processor 81. The touch panel controller 86 generates, for example, data indicating the position where a touch input is performed based on the signal from the touch panel 13, and outputs it to the processor 81.

Further, the display 12 is connected to the processor 81. The processor 81 displays an image generated (for example, by performing the above information processing) and/or an image acquired from an external source on the display 12.

The main body device 2 includes a codec circuit 87 and speakers (specifically, a left speaker and a right speaker) 88. Codec circuit 87 is connected to speaker 88 and audio input/output terminal 25 as well as to processor 81 . The codec circuit 87 is a circuit that controls input and output of audio data to and from the speaker 88 and the audio input/output terminal 25.

The main body device 2 also includes an acceleration sensor 89. In this embodiment, the acceleration sensor 89 detects the magnitude of acceleration along three predetermined axes (for example, the xyz axes shown in FIG. 2). Note that the acceleration sensor 89 may be one that detects acceleration in one axis direction or two axis directions.

The main body device 2 also includes an angular velocity sensor 90. In this embodiment, the angular velocity sensor 90 detects angular velocity around three predetermined axes (for example, the xyz axes shown in FIG. 2). Note that the angular velocity sensor 90 may be one that detects angular velocity around one axis or around two axes.

Acceleration sensor 89 and angular velocity sensor 90 are connected to processor 81 , and detection results of acceleration sensor 89 and angular velocity sensor 90 are output to processor 81 . The processor 81 can calculate information regarding the movement and/or posture of the main device 2 based on the detection results of the acceleration sensor 89 and the angular velocity sensor 90 described above.

The main device 2 includes a power control section 97 and a battery 98. Power control unit 97 is connected to battery 98 and processor 81 . Although not shown, the power control section 97 is connected to each section of the main device 2 (specifically, each section receiving power from the battery 98, the left terminal 17, and the right terminal 21). The power control section 97 controls the power supply from the battery 98 to each of the above sections based on instructions from the processor 81.

Further, the battery 98 is connected to the lower terminal 27. When an external charging device (for example, a cradle) is connected to the lower terminal 27 and power is supplied to the main body device 2 via the lower terminal 27, the battery 98 is charged with the supplied power.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the main device 2, the left controller 3, and the right controller 4. As shown in FIG. Note that the details of the internal configuration of the main body device 2 are shown in FIG. 7 and are therefore omitted in FIG. 8.

The left controller 3 includes a communication control section 101 that communicates with the main device 2. As shown in FIG. 8, the communication control unit 101 is connected to each component including the terminal 42. In this embodiment, the communication control unit 101 is capable of communicating with the main body device 2 through both wired communication via the terminal 42 and wireless communication not via the terminal 42. The communication control unit 101 controls the communication method that the left controller 3 performs with the main device 2 . That is, when the left controller 3 is attached to the main device 2, the communication control unit 101 communicates with the main device 2 via the terminal 42. Further, when the left controller 3 is removed from the main device 2, the communication control section 101 performs wireless communication with the main device 2 (specifically, the controller communication section 83). Wireless communication between the controller communication unit 83 and the communication control unit 101 is performed according to, for example, the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard.

The left controller 3 also includes a memory 102 such as a flash memory. The communication control unit 101 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer (also referred to as a microprocessor), and executes various processes by executing firmware stored in the memory 102.

The left controller 3 includes buttons 103 (specifically, buttons 33 to 39, 43, 44, and 47). Further, the left controller 3 includes an analog stick (referred to as "stick" in FIG. 8) 32. Each button 103 and analog stick 32 repeatedly outputs information regarding the operation performed on itself to the communication control unit 101 at appropriate timing.

The left controller 3 includes an inertial sensor. Specifically, the left controller 3 includes an acceleration sensor 104. Further, the left controller 3 includes an angular velocity sensor 105. In this embodiment, the acceleration sensor 104 detects the magnitude of acceleration along three predetermined axes (for example, the xyz axes shown in FIG. 5). Note that the acceleration sensor 104 may detect acceleration in one axis direction or two axis directions. In this embodiment, the angular velocity sensor 105 detects angular velocity around three predetermined axes (for example, the xyz axes shown in FIG. 5). Note that the angular velocity sensor 105 may be one that detects angular velocity around one axis or around two axes. Acceleration sensor 104 and angular velocity sensor 105 are each connected to communication control section 101. The detection results of the acceleration sensor 104 and the angular velocity sensor 105 are repeatedly output to the communication control unit 101 at appropriate timing.

The communication control unit 101 receives information related to input (specifically, information related to operation or detection results by sensors) from each input unit (specifically, each button 103, analog stick 32, and each sensor 104 and 105). get. The communication control unit 101 transmits operation data including the acquired information (or information obtained by performing predetermined processing on the acquired information) to the main body device 2 . Note that the operation data is repeatedly transmitted once every predetermined time. Note that the intervals at which information regarding input is transmitted to the main device 2 may or may not be the same for each input unit.

By transmitting the above operation data to the main body device 2, the main body device 2 can obtain the input made to the left controller 3. That is, the main body device 2 can determine the operations on each button 103 and analog stick 32 based on the operation data. Furthermore, the main body device 2 can calculate information regarding the movement and/or posture of the left controller 3 based on the operation data (specifically, the detection results of the acceleration sensor 104 and the angular velocity sensor 105).

The left controller 3 includes a vibrator 107 for notifying the user by vibration. In this embodiment, the vibrator 107 is controlled by commands from the main device 2. That is, upon receiving the above command from the main device 2, the communication control unit 101 drives the vibrator 107 in accordance with the command. Here, the left controller 3 includes a codec section 106. Upon receiving the command, the communication control unit 101 outputs a control signal according to the command to the codec unit 106. The codec unit 106 generates a drive signal for driving the vibrator 107 from the control signal from the communication control unit 101 and supplies it to the vibrator 107 . This causes the vibrator 107 to operate.

More specifically, the vibrator 107 is a linear vibration motor. Unlike a normal motor that rotates, a linear vibration motor is driven in a predetermined direction according to an input voltage, so it can vibrate with an amplitude and frequency according to the waveform of the input voltage. In the present embodiment, the vibration control signal transmitted from the main device 2 to the left controller 3 may be a digital signal representing frequency and amplitude for each unit time. In another embodiment, information indicating the waveform itself may be transmitted from the main body device 2, but the amount of communication data can be reduced by transmitting only the amplitude and frequency. Furthermore, in order to further reduce the amount of data, only the difference from the previous value may be transmitted instead of the current amplitude and frequency values. In this case, the codec unit 106 converts the digital signal indicating the amplitude and frequency values acquired from the communication control unit 101 into an analog voltage waveform, and inputs the voltage in accordance with the waveform to control the vibrator 107. drive. Therefore, the main device 2 can control the amplitude and frequency at which the vibrator 107 is vibrated at that time by changing the amplitude and frequency transmitted for each unit time. Note that the number of amplitudes and frequencies transmitted from the main device 2 to the left controller 3 is not limited to one, but two or more may be transmitted. In that case, the codec unit 106 can generate a voltage waveform for controlling the vibrator 107 by synthesizing the waveforms indicated by the plurality of received amplitudes and frequencies.

The left controller 3 includes a power supply section 108. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 108 includes a battery and a power control circuit. Although not shown, the power control circuit is connected to the battery and to each section of the left controller 3 (specifically, each section receiving power from the battery).

As shown in FIG. 8, the right controller 4 includes a communication control section 111 that communicates with the main device 2. As shown in FIG. The right controller 4 also includes a memory 112 connected to the communication control section 111. The communication control unit 111 is connected to each component including the terminal 64. The communication control unit 111 and memory 112 have the same functions as the communication control unit 101 and memory 102 of the left controller 3. Therefore, the communication control unit 111 communicates with the main body device 2 through both wired communication via the terminal 64 and wireless communication not via the terminal 64 (specifically, communication according to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard). It is possible to perform communication, and the right controller 4 controls the communication method performed with respect to the main device 2.

The right controller 4 includes input sections similar to the input sections of the left controller 3. Specifically, each button 113, an analog stick 52, and an inertial sensor (acceleration sensor 114 and angular velocity sensor 115) are provided. Each of these input sections has the same function as each input section of the left controller 3, and operates in the same manner. Note that an inertial sensor (eg, acceleration sensor 114 or angular velocity sensor 115) provided in the right controller 4 corresponds to an example of a motion sensor.

Further, the right controller 4 includes a vibrator 117 and a codec section 116. The transducer 117 and the codec section 116 operate in the same manner as the transducer 107 and the codec section 106 of the left controller 3. That is, the communication control unit 111 operates the vibrator 117 using the codec unit 116 in accordance with the command from the main device 2 .

Further, the right controller 4 includes an infrared imaging section 123. The infrared imaging unit 123 includes an infrared camera that images the surroundings of the right controller 4. As an example, the main device 2 and/or the right controller 4 calculates captured information (for example, information related to the brightness of a plurality of blocks obtained by dividing at least a part of the entire area in the captured image). , determines a change in the surroundings of the right controller 4 based on the information. Further, the infrared imaging section 123 may perform imaging using environmental light, but in this embodiment, it has an infrared light emitting section 124 that emits infrared rays. The infrared light emitting unit 124 emits infrared light, for example, in synchronization with the timing at which an infrared camera captures an image. Then, the infrared rays emitted by the infrared light emitting unit 124 are reflected by the object to be imaged, and the reflected infrared rays are received by the infrared camera, thereby obtaining an infrared image. Thereby, the infrared imaging unit 123 can obtain a clearer infrared image. Note that the infrared imaging section 123 and the infrared light emitting section 124 may be provided in the right controller 4 as separate devices, or may be provided in the right controller 4 as a single device provided in the same package. may be provided. Further, in this embodiment, the infrared imaging section 123 having an infrared camera is used, but in other embodiments, the infrared camera is replaced with a visible light camera (a camera using a visible light image sensor). ) may be used.

The right controller 4 includes a processing section 121. The processing section 121 is connected to the communication control section 111. Further, the processing section 121 is connected to an infrared imaging section 123 and an infrared light emitting section 124.

The processing unit 121 includes a CPU, a memory, etc., and executes a predetermined program (for example, for performing image processing and various calculations) stored in a storage device (for example, a non-volatile memory, etc.), not shown, provided in the right controller 4. Management processing for the infrared imaging section 123 is executed in response to commands from the main body device 2 based on the application program for the infrared imaging section 123. For example, the processing unit 121 causes the infrared imaging unit 123 to perform an imaging operation, or acquires and/or calculates information based on the imaging result (information on the captured image, information calculated from the information, etc.). It is transmitted to the main device 2 via the communication control unit 111. Furthermore, the processing unit 121 executes management processing for the infrared light emitting unit 124 in response to commands from the main device 2 . For example, the processing unit 121 controls the light emission of the infrared light emitting unit 124 in response to a command from the main device 2. Note that the memory used when the processing unit 121 performs processing may be provided within the processing unit 121 or may be the memory 112.

The right controller 4 includes a power supply section 118. The power supply unit 118 has the same function as the power supply unit 108 of the left controller 3 and operates in the same manner.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a ring-type expansion device. Note that FIG. 9 shows the ring-type expansion device 5 with the right controller 4 attached. In this embodiment, the ring type expansion device 5 is an expansion device to which the right controller 4 can be attached. Although details will be described later, in this embodiment, the user performs a novel operation of applying force to the ring-shaped expansion device 5 to deform it. The user can operate the ring-shaped expansion device 5 by performing a fitness movement using the ring-type expansion device 5, for example, as if performing an exercise. Note that the ring expansion device 5 corresponds to an example of an input device.

As shown in FIG. 9, the ring-type expansion device 5 includes an annular portion 201 and a main body portion 202. As shown in FIG. The annular portion 201 has an annular shape. In addition, in this embodiment, the annular part 201 is formed into an annular shape by an elastic member and a pedestal part, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the annular portion 201 is annular. Note that in other embodiments, the shape of the annular portion 201 is arbitrary, and may be, for example, an elliptical annular shape.

The main body portion 202 is provided in the annular portion 201 . The main body portion 202 has a rail portion (not shown). The rail portion is an example of a mounting portion to which the right controller 4 can be mounted. In this embodiment, the rail portion slidably engages with the slider 62 (see FIG. 6) of the right controller 4. By inserting the slider 62 into the rail member in a predetermined linear direction (i.e., the sliding direction), the rail member is inserted into the slider 62 in a state where the slider 62 can slide in the linear direction relative to the rail member. engage. Note that the rail portion is similar to the rail portion of the main body device 2 in that it can slidably engage with the slider of the controller. Therefore, the rail portion may have the same configuration as the rail portion that the main body device 2 has.

In this embodiment, the right controller 4 has a locking portion 63 (see FIG. 6). The locking portion 63 is provided to protrude laterally from the slider 62 (that is, in the positive direction of the z-axis shown in FIG. 6). The locking portion 63 is movable toward the inside of the slider 62, and is biased (for example, by a spring) in the direction of projecting to the side. Moreover, a notch is provided in the rail portion. When the slider 62 is inserted deep into the rail portion, the locking portion 63 locks in the notch. The right controller 4 is attached to the main body part 202 by the locking part 63 being locked in the notch while the slider 62 is engaged with the rail part.

Note that the right controller 4 includes a release button 69 that can be pressed (see FIG. 6). The locking portion 63 moves toward the inside of the slider 62 in response to the release button 69 being pressed, and is in a state where it does not protrude (or hardly protrudes) from the slider 62. Therefore, when the release button 69 is pressed while the right controller 4 is attached to the main body 202 of the ring-shaped expansion device 5, the locking portion 63 will not lock in the notch (or will not lock at all). ). As described above, when the right controller 4 is attached to the main body 202 of the ring expansion device 5, the user can easily remove the right controller 4 from the ring expansion device 5 by pressing the release button 69. .

As shown in FIG. 9, the ring-type expansion device 5 has grip covers 203 and 204. Grip covers 203 and 204 are parts for the user to grip. In this embodiment, the grip covers 203 and 204 are removable from the annular portion 201. In this embodiment, a left grip cover 203 is provided at the left gripping portion near the left end of the annular portion 201, and a right grip cover 204 is provided at the right gripping portion near the right end of the annular portion 201. Note that the number of gripping portions is arbitrary, and depending on the expected operating method, gripping portions may be provided at three or more locations, or gripping portions may be provided at only one location. Further, depending on the content of the game (or the content of the fitness movement performed by the user in the game), only a specific gripping part among the plurality of gripping parts may be gripped with one hand or both hands.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the electrical connection relationship of the components included in the ring expansion device 5. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the ring expansion device 5 includes a distortion detection section 211. The distortion detection unit 211 is an example of a detection unit that detects that the annular portion 201 has been deformed. In this embodiment, the strain detection section 211 includes a strain gauge. The distortion detection unit 211 outputs a signal indicating the distortion of the pedestal according to the deformation of the elastic member (in other words, a signal indicating the magnitude and direction of the deformation of the elastic member).

In this embodiment, the annular portion 201 includes an elastic portion that can be elastically deformed and a pedestal portion. The pedestal portion holds both ends of the elastic member so that the pedestal portion and the elastic member form a ring. Note that the pedestal section is not shown in FIG. 9 because it is provided inside the main body section 202. The base portion is made of a material that is more rigid than the elastic member. For example, the elastic member is made of resin (specifically, FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastics)), and the pedestal is made of metal. The strain gauge is provided on the pedestal and detects distortion of the pedestal. When the annular portion 201 is deformed from a steady state, the deformation causes distortion in the pedestal, and the strain in the pedestal is detected by the strain gauge. Based on the detected distortion, the direction in which the annular portion 201 deforms (that is, the direction in which the two grip covers 203 and 204 approach or separate) and the amount of deformation can be calculated. Here, the steady state of the annular part 201 means that the elastic member is formed into an annular shape so that a ring is formed by the pedestal part and the elastic member, and the pedestal part holds both ends of the elastic member. In this state, no force is applied to the annular portion 201 from the outside (for example, from a user) to deform the elastic member from the annular shape. The deformed state of the annular portion 201 refers to a state in which the annular portion 201 is deformed from a steady state in accordance with the applied force due to external force being applied thereto. The strain gauge detects the strain when the annular portion 201 is deformed from the annular shape using the annular shape as an initial value.

Note that in other embodiments, the strain detection unit 211 may include any sensor capable of detecting that the annular portion 201 is deformed from a steady state instead of the strain gauge. For example, the detection unit 211 may include a pressure-sensitive sensor that detects the pressure applied when the annular portion 201 is deformed, or may include a bending sensor that detects the amount by which the annular portion 201 is bent.

The ring expansion device 5 includes a signal conversion section 212. In this embodiment, the signal converter 212 includes an amplifier and an AD converter. The signal converter 212 is electrically connected to the distortion detector 211, amplifies the output signal of the distortion detector 211 with an amplifier, and performs AD conversion with an AD converter. The signal converter 212 outputs a digital signal indicating the distortion value detected by the distortion detector 211. Note that in other embodiments, the signal conversion unit 212 may not include an AD converter, and the processing unit 213, which will be described later, may include an AD converter.

The ring expansion device 5 includes a processing section 213. The processing unit 213 is a processing circuit including a processor and a memory, and is, for example, an MCU (Micro Controller Unit). The processing section 213 is electrically connected to the signal conversion section 212 , and the output signal of the signal conversion section 212 is input to the processing section 213 . Further, the ring type expansion device 5 includes a terminal 214. Terminal 214 is electrically connected to processing section 213. When the right controller 4 is attached to the ring expansion device 5, the processing section 213 transmits information indicating the distortion value indicated by the output signal of the signal conversion section 212 (in other words, ring operation data to be described later) to the terminal 214. The data is sent to the right controller 4 via the .

The ring expansion device 5 includes a power conversion section 215. The power conversion unit 215 is electrically connected to each of the units 211 to 214 described above. The power conversion section 215 supplies power supplied from the outside (ie, the right controller 4) via the terminal 214 to each of the above-mentioned sections 211 to 214. The power conversion unit 215 may adjust the voltage and the like of the supplied power and supply it to each of the units 211 to 214.

Note that "data related to the detection results of the distortion detection section" that the ring-shaped expansion device 5 transmits to other devices is the detection result (in this embodiment, the output signal of the distortion detection section 211 indicating the distortion of the pedestal section). ) itself, or data obtained by performing some processing on the detection result (for example, data format conversion and/or calculation processing on distortion values, etc.). Good too. For example, the processing unit 213 may perform a process of calculating the amount of deformation of the elastic member based on the strain value that is the detection result, and in this case, “data related to the detection result of the strain detection unit” is the amount of deformation. It may be data that indicates.

Note that in other embodiments, the ring-shaped expansion device 5 may include a battery and operate using the power of the battery. Further, the battery included in the ring-shaped expansion device 5 may be a rechargeable battery that can be charged by the power supplied from the right controller 4.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of how a user uses the ring-type expansion device 5 and the belt-type expansion device 6. As shown in FIG. 11, the user can play the game using the ring-shaped expansion device 5 in addition to the game device (that is, the main device 2 and the right controller 4).

For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the user grasps the ring-shaped expansion device 5 to which the right controller 4 is attached with both hands. At this time, the user can play the game by operating the ring-shaped expansion device 5 (for example, an operation of bending the ring-shaped expansion device 5 and an operation of moving the ring-shaped expansion device 5).

Note that FIG. 11 illustrates an example in which the user grips the grip covers 203 and 204 and bends the ring-shaped expansion device 5. This action allows the user to perform a fitness action to train both arms as a game operation. Note that the user can operate the game by performing various operations on the ring-type expansion device 5. For example, the user can bend the ring-shaped expansion device 5 while holding one grip cover with both hands and applying the other grip cover to the abdomen. With this action, the user can perform a fitness action to train the arms and abdominal muscles as a game operation. Further, the user can bend the ring-type expansion device 5 while holding the ring-type expansion device 5 between the feet by applying the grip covers 203 and 204 to the inner thighs of both feet. With this action, the user can perform a fitness action for training leg muscles as a game operation.

When game processing is executed in the main device 2, the right controller 4 receives ring operation data from the ring expansion device 5. The ring operation data includes information indicating the distortion value. Specifically, the processing unit 213 of the ring expansion device 5 transmits ring operation data to the right controller 4 via the terminal 214. For example, the processing unit 213 repeatedly transmits the ring operation data once every predetermined time.

In the above case, the communication control unit 111 of the right controller 4 transmits the ring operation data received from the ring expansion device 5 via the terminal 64 to the main device 2 . The communication control unit 111 also transmits right controller operation data including information acquired from each input unit included in the right controller 4 (specifically, each button 113, analog stick 52, and each sensor 114 and 115) to the main body. Send to device 2. Note that when the right controller 4 is attached to the ring-type expansion device 5, communication from the right controller 4 to the main device 2 is performed by wireless communication. The communication control unit 111 may transmit the right controller operation data and the ring operation data together to the main device 2, or may transmit them separately to the main device 2. Further, the communication control unit 111 may transmit the received ring operation data to the main device 2 as is, or may perform some processing on the received ring operation data (for example, convert the data format and/or perform calculations on distortion values). processing, etc.) and then transmitting it to the main device 2.

(First game example)
Next, before explaining specific processing in the first game example performed by the main body device 2, an overview of the first game example performed by the main body device 2 will be described using FIGS. 12 to 15. Note that FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of how the user operates the ring-type expansion device 5 in the first game example. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first example of a game image in the first game example displayed on the stationary monitor 9 in response to a user's operation. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a second example of a game image in the first game example displayed on the stationary monitor 9 in response to a user's operation. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a third example of a game image in the first game example displayed on the stationary monitor 9 in response to a user's operation.

As shown in FIG. 12, in the first game example, the user holds one grip cover (e.g., grip cover 203) of the ring-shaped expansion device 5 with both hands, and holds the other grip cover (e.g., grip cover 203) with both hands. 204) is brought into contact with the user's abdomen, the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is held between the user's hands and the user's abdomen. Then, while deforming the ring-type expansion device 5 so that the two grip covers 203 and 204 of the ring-type expansion device 5 held between both hands and the abdomen approach each other, the ring-type expansion device 5 is moved to swing from side to side. User operation is performed. Here, in order to swing the ring-type expansion device 5 left and right while holding the ring-type expansion device 5 between the user's hands and the abdomen, the user's entire abdomen, that is, the user's waist, must be rotated left and right. In the first game example, it is necessary to perform a game operation such as twisting the waist while applying force to bring both hands closer to the abdomen.

As described above, in the game system 1 according to the present embodiment, the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are removable from the main device 2. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, images (and audio) can be output to a stationary monitor 9 by mounting the main body device 2 alone on the cradle 8. Hereinafter, with the left controller 3 and right controller 4 removed from the main device 2, the main device 2 alone is mounted on the cradle 8, and images (and audio) are output from the stationary monitor 9 connected to the cradle 8. This will be explained using a game system in a usage mode. Then, an example will be used in which the user operates the game using the right controller 4 attached to the ring-shaped expansion device 5. Further, as an example of game processing in the first game example, the player character PC displayed on the stationary monitor 9 moves the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR in response to user operations, thereby moving the objects OBJL and OBJR toward the target in the virtual game space. A process of defeating (attacking) object T is used.

For example, in FIG. 13, the player character PC is placed within the virtual game space. An object OBJL is provided on the left side of the player character PC, and an object OBJR is provided on the right side of the player character PC. The left and right objects OBJL and OBJR can be changed into an open state in which the target object T can be knocked down and a closed state in which the target object T cannot be knocked down, and the ring-shaped expansion device 5 as shown in FIG. In a steady state where the annular portion 201 is not deformed, it is in a closed state.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14, an operation of deforming the ring-shaped expansion device 5 from the steady state to a predetermined state or more of the annular portion 201 so that the grip covers 203 and 204 approach each other (pushing operation of deforming in the direction B in the figure) When this is performed, the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR change to an open state in which they can knock down the target object T by moving to the left and right of the player character PC, respectively. Such a pushing operation is detected based on the strain detected by a strain gauge provided in the ring-shaped expansion device 5. When the annular part 201 of the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is deformed from a steady state, the distortion of the pedestal part is detected by the strain gauge, and based on the detected distortion, the direction in which the annular part 201 deforms (i.e., the direction in which the two grips The direction in which the covers 203 and 204 move away from each other or the direction in which they approach each other) and the amount of deformation can be calculated. If the direction in which the annular portion 201 deforms is the direction in which the two grip covers 203 and 204 approach each other, and the amount of deformation is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR are moved to an open state. It is determined that a push-in operation has been performed. Note that when the pushing operation is released, the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR change to a closed state in which they cannot knock down the target object T by moving to close behind the player character PC. In this case, the game score obtained by defeating the target object T cannot be obtained, and the game achievement degree cannot be updated. Therefore, when the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR are in a closed state, for example, in order to prompt the user to perform an operation to transform the ring-shaped expansion device 5, a notification is sent to the user using a predetermined image or sound (for example, a character image Displaying the message "Please push in" or producing an audio message "Please push in") is acceptable. As another example, when the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR are in a closed state, even if the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is swung left and right, the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR are swung in vain and the target object is It is also possible to prompt the user to perform an operation to transform the ring-shaped expansion device 5 by performing an effect in which T cannot be defeated.

As shown in FIG. 15, a plurality of target objects T (target objects T1 and T2 in FIG. 15) to be attacked by the player character PC move so as to approach the player character PC from the front. Then, by colliding one of the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR with the target object T, the player character PC can perform an attack to defeat and eliminate the target object T, and by defeating the target object T, the player character PC can achieve a predetermined game score. can be obtained.

For example, as shown in FIG. 15, when the ring-type expansion device 5 is swung to the right in the state where the pushing operation has been performed, the player character PC rotates the left object OBJL in the open state forward. At the same time, an action is performed to rotate both the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR so as to rotate the right object OBJR backward. Here, the operation of swinging the ring expansion device 5 to the right refers to a state in which the annular axis of the annular portion 201 in the ring expansion device 5 is in the vertical direction in real space (that is, the annular portion 201 is horizontal). When a push-in operation is performed while the toroidal axis is in a vertical position, the ring-shaped expansion is performed so that the annular axis rotates to the right (direction C in the figure) around the toric axis while moving to the right while maintaining the vertical state. This is an operation in which the device 5 moves. In addition, when the ring-type expansion device 5 is swung to the left in the above-mentioned push-in state, the player character PC rotates the right object OBJR in the opened state forward and moves the left object OBJL backward. An operation is performed to rotate both the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR so as to rotate them. Here, the operation of swinging the ring-shaped expansion device 5 to the left means that when the ring-type expansion device 5 is pushed in with the annular axis of the annular portion 201 in the vertical direction in real space, This is an operation in which the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is moved so as to rotate to the left around the toric axis while moving to the left with the toric axis maintained in a vertical state. In the first game example, the game process of attacking the target object T in response to the operation of swinging the ring-shaped expansion device 5 from side to side while being pushed corresponds to an example of the predetermined game process.

When the ring-type expansion device 5 is swung left or right in this way, the right controller 4 attached to the ring-type expansion device 5 is accelerated in the horizontal direction in real space. An angular velocity around the z-axis direction (see FIG. 6) will occur. Therefore, by using the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 114 and/or the angular velocity detected by the angular velocity sensor 115 in the right controller 4, the operation direction and operation angle of the operation in which the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is swung to the left or right can be determined. , operation speed, etc. can be calculated. In the first game example, when the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is swung by a predetermined operating angle or more while the pushing operation is being performed, it is determined that the swiveling operation in that direction has been performed. Note that in reality, the operation of swinging the ring-type expansion device 5 to the left or right may involve a mixture of roll operation, pitch operation, and yaw operation of the ring-type expansion device 5; The final operation angle and operation speed may be calculated by combining the directions of the ring-shaped expansion device 5 that change depending on the operation and the yaw operation.

Here, the operation angle for determining that the swinging operation has been performed is determined by setting the posture of the ring-shaped expansion device 5 at the time of the pushing operation as a reference posture, that is, the operation angle is 0, and changes from the reference posture. The rotation angle of the ring-shaped expansion device 5 around the annular axis may be used as the operation angle. That is, the user can return the operating angle to 0 by performing a pushing operation after returning the ring-shaped expansion device 5 to its normal state. Note that there may be a certain time difference between the time when the pushing operation is performed and the time when the reference posture of the ring-type expansion device 5, that is, the operation angle is set to 0. For example, the posture of the ring-shaped expansion device 5 after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the push-in operation described above may be set as the reference posture, that is, the operating angle may be set to zero. Furthermore, due to the nature of the angular velocity sensor 115 in the right controller 4 attached to the ring-shaped expansion device 5, noise is added as detection continues, making it impossible to detect accurate angular velocity, which is known as drifting of the detected value. be. Even if errors accumulate in the detected values of the angular velocity sensor 115 in this way, the errors can be removed by initializing the operating angle to 0 while the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is returned to a steady state. However, it is possible to reset the direction in which the operation angle is 0 (for example, the front direction).

Furthermore, the operation of rotating both the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR may be allowed only once for each push operation. As an example, after the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR are swung out, even if the pushing operation is continued, the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR close behind the player character PC. By moving like this, the target object T may be changed to a closed state in which it cannot be knocked down. In this case, in order to open the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR and move them multiple times, the user must first return the annular portion 201 of the ring-shaped expansion device 5 to a steady state and then perform the pushing operation again to open the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR. An operation of swinging the mold expansion device 5 is required.

Note that the operation for instructing to rotate both the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR may be inputted in advance of the performance of the player character PC. For example, during an action in which the player character PC swings the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR, if the pushing operation of the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is canceled and then a new pushing operation is performed again, even during the above-mentioned performance. An operation for instructing to rotate both the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR in response to a new push operation may be input in advance. Further, a limit may be set on the number of times the above-mentioned operation can be performed in advance during an action (for example, the number of times that advance input can be performed is limited to one time).

Further, a threshold value (first threshold value) for determining the amount of deformation of the annular portion 201 of the ring-shaped expansion device 5 in order to determine that the pushing operation has become effective from a state in which the pushing operation is not performed; The threshold value (second threshold value) for determining that the pushing operation is invalid from the state in which the pushing operation is being performed may be set to a different value. For example, by setting the second threshold value relatively small with respect to the first threshold value, the force applied to the pushing operation may be loosened by the operation of swinging the ring-shaped expansion device 5 after the pushing operation has been performed. Even in such a state, it is possible to prevent the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR from returning to the closed state to some extent. As an example, the second threshold is set to the amount of deformation when the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is pushed to a state where it deforms by about 20% from the steady state, assuming that the maximum deformable amount from the steady state is 100%. be done.

Further, the target object T may be able to be defeated and made to disappear even when either of the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR is swung out in front of the player character PC, or it may be possible to defeat and eliminate either of the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR. It may be possible to defeat and eliminate one of the characters only when the player character PC is swung out in front of the player character PC. As a first example, for each target object T that appears, there is a characteristic that allows it to be defeated by both the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR, a characteristic that allows it to be defeated only by the left object OBJL, and a characteristic that it can be defeated only by the right object OBJR. It is also possible to set characteristics that can be used and display each characteristic so that it can be visually recognized by the user. As a second example, depending on the position of the target object T, objects OBJL and OBJR that can be knocked down may be distinguished. For example, a target object T approaching from the front of the player character PC can be defeated by both the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR, and a target object T approaching from the left side of the player character PC can be defeated only by the left object OBJL. Then, the target object T approaching from the right side of the player character PC may be defeated only by the right object OBJR.

In this way, if a target object T is set that is to be defeated and destroyed only when one of the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR is swung out in front of the player character PC, in order to defeat the target object T, the ring The direction in which the mold expansion device 5 is swung is limited. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the user who operates the ring-shaped expansion device 5 not only swings the ring-shaped expansion device 5 in one direction, but also shakes the ring-shaped expansion device 5 in both directions depending on the type and position of the target object T. It is necessary to shake the device 5. In addition, when the direction in which the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is swung to knock down the target object T is limited, the determination angle for determining that the ring-type expansion device 5 has been swung is set to a different angle in each direction. Good too. For example, with respect to the determination angle for determining that the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is swung in a direction in which it is possible to knock down the target object T (positive direction), it is swung in a direction in which it is not possible to topple the target object T (incorrect direction). The determination angle for determining that the ring-shaped expansion device 5 has been swung may be set to a large value. In this case, unintended user operations such as the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR being swung in the wrong direction where the target object T cannot be knocked down can be reduced.

Note that the operation using the ring type expansion device 5 may be determined using the output from the left controller 3 or other input devices in addition to the output of the motion sensor in the right controller 4 (ring type expansion device 5). I don't mind.

Further, in the above explanation, the operating angle of the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is used to determine that the ring-shaped expansion device 5 has been swung, but the determination may also be made using other parameters. good. For example, it may be determined that the ring-shaped expansion device 5 has been swung when these parameters exceed predetermined threshold values using the speed and acceleration of the ring-shaped expansion device 5 being swung left and right in real space.

Next, an example of a specific process executed by the game system 1 in the first game example will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 19. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a data area set in the DRAM 85 of the main device 2 in the first game example. Note that, in addition to the data shown in FIG. 16, the DRAM 85 also stores data used in other processes, but detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the first game example, various programs P1 to be executed by the game system 1 are stored in the program storage area of the DRAM 85. In this embodiment, the various programs P1 include a communication program for wirelessly communicating with the right controller 4 described above, and an application program for performing information processing based on data acquired from the right controller 4 (for example, game programs) etc. are stored. The various programs P1 may be stored in advance in the flash memory 84, or may be acquired from a storage medium that is removable to the game system 1 (for example, a predetermined type of storage medium installed in the slot 23) and stored in the DRAM 85. The data may be stored in the DRAM 85, or may be obtained from another device via a network such as the Internet and stored in the DRAM 85. The processor 81 executes various programs P1 stored in the DRAM 85.

Furthermore, in the first game example, the data storage area of the DRAM 85 stores various data used in processes such as communication processing and information processing executed in the game system 1. In this embodiment, the DRAM 85 includes operation data D1a, angular velocity data D1b, acceleration data D1c, posture data D1d, gravity direction data D1e, ring deformation amount data D1g, ring rotational speed data D1h, ring rotational angle data D1i, swing Action data D1j, modification flag data D1k, swing setting flag data D1m, swing effect flag data D1n, score data D1p, player character action data D1q, target object action data D1r, image data D1s, etc. are stored.

The operation data D1a is operation data appropriately acquired from the right controller 4. As mentioned above, the operation data sent from the right controller 4 includes information regarding inputs from each input section (specifically, each button, analog stick, and each sensor) (specifically, information regarding operations and Detection results by each sensor) and distortion values indicating the deformation state of the annular portion 201 in the ring-shaped expansion device 5 are included. In this embodiment, operation data is transmitted from the right controller 4 at a predetermined period by wireless communication, and the operation data D1a is updated as appropriate using the received operation data. Note that the update cycle of the operation data D1a may be updated every frame, which is the cycle of processing executed by the game system 1, or may be updated every cycle when the operation data is transmitted by the wireless communication. good.

The angular velocity data D1b is data indicating the history of the angular velocity occurring in the right controller 4, which was acquired from the current moment to a predetermined time ago, among the operation data acquired from the right controller 4. For example, the angular velocity data D1b includes a history of data indicating the angular velocity around the xyz axes occurring in the right controller 4.

The acceleration data D1c is data indicating a history of acceleration occurring in the right controller 4, which was acquired from the current moment to a predetermined time ago, among the operation data acquired from the right controller 4. For example, the acceleration data D1c includes a history of data indicating acceleration in the xyz-axis directions occurring in the right controller 4.

The posture data D1d is data indicating the posture of the right controller 4 in real space, and is data indicating the history of the posture from the current moment to a predetermined time ago. As an example, the posture data D1d is data indicating the history of the right controller 4 in the xyz axis directions (for example, the angle with respect to the XYZ axes in the real space) in the real space.

The gravitational direction data D1e is data indicating the direction of gravitational acceleration acting on the right controller 4.

The ring deformation amount data D1g is data indicating the deformation direction and deformation amount of the ring-shaped expansion device 5. The ring rotation speed data D1h is data indicating the speed at which the ring expansion device 5 is swung and rotated (operation speed). The ring rotation angle data D1i is data indicating the angle at which the ring expansion device 5 is swung and rotated (operation angle).

The swing motion data D1j is data that is set in response to an operation using the ring-type expansion device 5 and indicates a swing motion that causes the player character PC to move.

The deformation flag data D1k is data indicating a deformation flag that is set to ON when the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is being pushed. The swing setting flag data D1m is data indicating a swing setting flag that is set to ON when a swing motion is set by an operation using the ring-type expansion device 5. The swing effect flag data D1n is data indicating a swing effect flag that is set to ON when the player character PC is performing a swing motion.

The score data D1p is data indicating the current game score.

The player character motion data D1q is data indicating the position, state, posture, motion, etc. of the player character PC placed in the virtual game space. The target object motion data D1r is data indicating the position, state, posture, motion, etc. of the target object T.

The image data D1s is data for displaying an image (for example, an image of the player character PC, an image of the target object T, a field image, a background image, etc.) on the display screen.

Next, a detailed example of information processing in the first game example will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 19. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of information processing executed by the game system 1 in the first game example. FIG. 18 is a subroutine showing a detailed example of the swing setting process performed in step S307 in FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is a subroutine showing a detailed example of the swing effect processing performed in step S311 in FIG. 17. In the first game example, the series of processes shown in FIGS. 17 to 19 are performed by the processor 81 executing a communication program and a predetermined application program (game program) included in various programs P1. Further, the timing at which the information processing shown in FIGS. 17 to 19 is started is arbitrary.

Note that the processing of each step in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 17 to 19 is merely an example, and if the same result is obtained, the processing order of each step may be changed, or the processing of each step may be changed. In addition to (or instead of) other processing may be performed. Further, in this embodiment, the processing of each step in the above flowchart will be described as being executed by the processor 81, but it is possible that the processing of some steps in the above flowchart is executed by a processor other than the processor 81 or a dedicated circuit. It's okay. Further, a part of the processing executed in the main body device 2 may be executed by another information processing device that can communicate with the main body device 2 (for example, a server that can communicate with the main body device 2 via a network). That is, each process shown in FIGS. 17 to 19 may be executed by a plurality of information processing devices including the main device 2 working together.

In FIG. 17, the processor 81 performs initial settings in information processing (step S301), and proceeds to the next step. For example, in the above initial settings, the processor 81 initializes parameters for performing the processing described below. For example, the processor 81 generates an initial state of the virtual game space by initially arranging each object (including the player character PC with objects OBJL and OBJR) in the virtual game space, and generates the position, direction, state ( The player character motion data D1q is updated using the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR (closed state), posture, etc.

Next, the processor 81 acquires the operation data from the right controller 4, updates the operation data D1a (step S302), and advances the process to the next step. Note that, of the operation data acquired from the right controller 4 in step S302, the processor 81 stores data indicating the angular velocity occurring in the right controller 4 as the angular velocity data D1b. Furthermore, the processor 81 stores data indicating the acceleration occurring in the right controller 4, among the operation data acquired from the right controller 4 in step S302, as the acceleration data D1c. Note that the data acquisition unit performs a process of acquiring distortion data and motion data, and corresponds to, for example, the processor 81 that performs a process of acquiring operation data from the right controller 4 and updating the operation data D1a.

Next, the processor 81 calculates the attitude of the right controller 4 (step S303), and advances the process to the next step. For example, the processor 81 obtains the angular velocity of the right controller 4 around the xyz axes using the angular velocity data stored in the angular velocity data D1b. Then, the processor 81 rotates the x, y, and z axes based on the gravitational acceleration direction in the attitude of the right controller 4 indicated by the attitude data D1d in accordance with the acquired angular velocity, and uses the gravitational acceleration direction after the rotation as a reference. The directions of the x, y, and z axes are stored as the latest data indicating the attitude of the right controller 4 in the attitude data D1d. Further, the processor 81 uses the acceleration data stored in the acceleration data D1c to calculate the direction of the gravitational acceleration acting on the right controller 4, and stores it in the gravitational direction data D1e. Note that any method may be used to extract the gravitational acceleration; for example, an acceleration component occurring on the average in the right controller 4 may be calculated and the acceleration component may be extracted as the gravitational acceleration. Furthermore, the processor 81 may timely correct the latest attitude of the right controller 4 indicated by the attitude data D1d using the direction of the gravitational acceleration occurring in the right controller 4 indicated by the gravitational direction data D1e.

Next, the processor 81 calculates the amount of deformation of the ring expansion device 5 (step S304), and proceeds to the next step. For example, the processor 81 uses the distortion value indicated by the operation data D1a to calculate the deformation amount and deformation direction of the annular portion 201 in the ring expansion device 5, and updates the ring deformation amount data D1g using the calculation result. .

Next, the processor 81 determines whether the modification flag is off (step S305). For example, if the modification flag indicated by the modification flag data D1k is set to OFF, the processor 81 makes an affirmative determination in step S305. Then, if the transformation flag is off, the processor 81 advances the process to step S306. On the other hand, if the transformation flag is on, the processor 81 advances the process to step S308.

In step S306, the processor 81 determines whether the amount of deformation calculated in step S304 is greater than or equal to the first threshold. Then, if the amount of deformation is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the processor 81 advances the process to step S307. On the other hand, if the amount of deformation is less than the first threshold, the processor 81 advances the process to step S310. Here, the first threshold value is a threshold value for determining the amount of deformation of the ring-type expansion device 5 in order to detect that a pushing operation on the ring-type expansion device 5 has started. When the amount of deformation reaches the first threshold value or more, it is determined that the pushing operation has started.

In step S307, the processor 81 performs a swing setting process, and advances the process to step S310. The swing setting process performed in step S307 will be described below with reference to FIG. 18. Note that while the game processing unit is detecting that the input device is deformed based on the distortion data, the game processing unit performs a process of executing a predetermined game process based on the movement data. This corresponds to the processor 81 that performs setting processing.

In FIG. 18, the processor 81 sets the transformation flag to ON (step S321), and advances the process to the next step. For example, the processor 81 sets on the modification flag indicated by the modification flag data D1k, and updates the modification flag data D1k.

Next, the processor 81 determines whether the swing setting flag is off (step S322). For example, if the swing setting flag indicated by the swing setting flag data D1m is set to OFF, the processor 81 makes an affirmative determination in step S322. Then, if the swing setting flag is off, the processor 81 advances the process to step S323. On the other hand, if the swing setting flag is on, the processor 81 ends the processing by the subroutine.

In step S323, the processor 81 calculates the speed at which the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is swung and rotated in real space (operation speed), and proceeds to the next step. For example, the processor 81 refers to the acceleration data D1c, calculates the operation speed, and updates the ring rotation speed data D1h. The operation speed may be the speed at which the ring expansion device 5 (right controller 4) moves in the horizontal direction in real space, which is calculated based on the latest posture indicated by the posture data D1d, or the speed at which the ring expansion device 5 (right controller 4) moves in the horizontal direction in the real space. It may also be the speed at which the ring-shaped expansion device 5 (right controller 4) moves in a direction perpendicular to the annular axis of the annular portion 201 of No. 5 (that is, a direction perpendicular to the z-axis direction of the right controller 4).

Next, the processor 81 calculates the angle at which the ring expansion device 5 is swung and rotated in real space (operation angle) and the operation direction, and proceeds to the next step. For example, the processor 81 refers to the angular velocity data D1c and the posture data D1d, and sets the ring-shaped expansion device 5 at the time when the deformation flag changes from OFF to ON as a reference posture, and rotates the ring-shaped expansion device 5 from the reference posture. is calculated as the above operation angle and direction, and the ring rotation angle data D1i is updated using the operation angle and operation direction. The operation angle may be an angle at which the ring expansion device 5 (right controller 4) rotates around the vertical direction of the real space in the reference posture, or may be an angle at which the ring expansion device 5 (right controller 4) rotates around the vertical direction of the real space in the reference posture, or an angle at which the ring expansion device 5 (right controller 4) rotates around the annular axis of the annular portion 201 of the ring expansion device 5. It may also be an angle at which the ring-shaped expansion device 5 (right controller 4) rotates around (that is, around the z-axis direction of the right controller 4).

Next, the processor 81 sets the forward direction/wrong direction (step S325), and advances the process to the next step. Here, as described above, the positive direction is the direction in which the target object T can be defeated by the left and right objects OBJL or OBJR, and the wrong direction is the direction in which the target object T can be defeated by the left and right objects OBJL or OBJR. This is not possible. The processor 81 then sets the correct direction/wrong direction based on the type of the target object T that is closest to the player character PC in the current virtual game space.

Next, the processor 81 determines whether the direction in the virtual game space in which the left and right objects OBJL or OBJR are swung in accordance with the operation direction calculated in step S324 is the positive direction (step S326 ). Then, if the direction in which the ball is swung out is the forward direction, the processor 81 advances the process to step S327. On the other hand, if the direction in which the ball is swung out is the wrong direction, the processor 81 advances the process to step S329. Note that if the normal direction/wrong direction is not set in step S325 or if the operating direction is not calculated in step S324 (that is, the operating angle is 0), the processor 81 determines that the answer is affirmative in step S326. judge.

In step S327, the processor 81 determines whether the operating angle calculated in step S324 is greater than or equal to the third threshold. Then, if the operating angle is equal to or greater than the third threshold, the processor 81 advances the process to step S328. On the other hand, if the operating angle is less than the third threshold, the processor 81 ends the processing by the subroutine. Here, the third threshold is a threshold for determining the operating angle of the ring-type expansion device 5 in order to detect that the ring-type expansion device 5 is swung in the positive direction, for example, at 45 degrees. Set. Then, when the operating angle of the ring-shaped expansion device 5 in the forward direction reaches the third threshold value or more, it is determined that an operation of swinging the ring-type expansion device 5 in the forward direction has been performed.

In step S328, the processor 81 sets a swing motion in the forward direction for the player character PC, and advances the process to step S331. For example, the processor 81 sets the action of swinging the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR so that the player character PC swings the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR in the positive direction at a predetermined speed and up to a predetermined angle, The swing motion data D1j is updated using the set motion. Note that the swing motion to be set may be set such that the swing speed becomes faster as the operation speed calculated in step S323 is faster.

On the other hand, in step S329, the processor 81 determines whether the operating angle calculated in step S324 is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold. Then, if the operating angle is equal to or greater than the fourth threshold, the processor 81 advances the process to step S330. On the other hand, if the operating angle is less than the fourth threshold, the processor 81 ends the processing by the subroutine. Here, the fourth threshold is a threshold for determining the operating angle of the ring expansion device 5 in order to detect that the ring expansion device 5 has been swung in the wrong direction, and is a threshold value for determining the operating angle of the ring expansion device 5. It may be set to a large value (for example, 60 degrees).

In step S330, the processor 81 sets a swing motion in the wrong direction for the player character PC, and advances the process to step S331. For example, the processor 81 sets the action of swinging the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR so that the player character PC swings the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR in the wrong direction at a predetermined speed and up to a predetermined angle, The swing motion data D1j is updated using the set motion.

In step S331, the processor 81 sets the swing effect flag to ON and advances the process to the next step. For example, the processor 81 sets on the swing effect flag indicated by the swing effect flag data D1n, and updates the swing effect flag data D1n.

Next, the processor 81 sets the swing setting flag to ON (step S332), and ends the processing by this subroutine. For example, the processor 81 sets on the swing setting flag indicated by the swing setting flag data D1m, and updates the swing setting flag data D1m. In this way, when the swing motion in the normal direction or the wrong direction is set according to the operation of the ring-shaped expansion device 5, the swing setting flag is set to on, so even after the swing motion is set, the ring-shaped Even if the pushing operation of the expansion device 5 continues, a negative determination is made in step S322, and no new swing motion is set.

Returning to FIG. 17, if it is determined in step S305 that the deformation flag is turned on, the processor 81 determines whether the amount of deformation calculated in step S308 is greater than or equal to the second threshold. Then, if the amount of deformation is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the processor 81 advances the process to step S307. On the other hand, if the amount of deformation is less than the second threshold, the processor 81 advances the process to step S309. Here, the second threshold value determines that the pushing operation continues even if the pushing force on the ring expanding device 5 is loosened after the pushing operation on the ring expanding device 5 is started. , and is set to a value smaller than the first threshold.

In step S309, the processor 81 sets the deformation flag and the swing setting flag to OFF, and advances the process to step S310. For example, the processor 81 sets the deformation flag indicated by the deformation flag data D1k and the swing setting flag indicated by the swing setting flag data D1m to OFF, respectively, and updates the deformation flag data D1k and the swing setting flag data D1m, respectively. In this way, when the pushing operation on the ring-shaped expansion device 5 loosens to a deformation amount less than the second threshold value, it is determined that the pushing operation has been canceled, the deformation flag is set to OFF, and the swing setting flag is set to OFF. By doing so, it becomes possible to set a new swing motion. Note that the restriction unit performs a process of restricting re-execution of a predetermined game process until the input device returns from a deformed state to a steady state satisfying a predetermined condition, and for example, the above step S308 and the above step This corresponds to the processor 81 that performs the processing in S309.

In step S310, the processor 81 determines whether the swing effect flag is on. For example, if the swing effect flag indicated by the swing effect flag data D1n is set to ON, the processor 81 makes an affirmative determination in step S310. Then, if the swing effect flag is on, the processor 81 advances the process to step S311. On the other hand, if the swing effect flag is off, the processor 81 advances the process to step S312.

In step S311, the processor 81 performs swing effect processing, and advances the process to step S312. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 19, the swing effect processing performed in step S311 will be described.

In FIG. 19, the processor 81 sets the swing state of the player character PC (step S341), and advances the process to the next step. For example, the processor 81 determines, based on the swing motion indicated by the swing motion data D1j, the current posture of the player character PC swinging the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR (for example, the current angle at which the player character PC swings the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR, the (posture of the character PC) and update the player character motion data D1q.

Next, the processor 81 determines whether the attack on the target object T by the player character PC was successful (step S342). For example, if the swing state in step S341 is a state where the swing state collides with the target object T and the player character PC is swinging the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR in the forward direction, the processor 81 determines that the attack on the target object T is Determine it as successful. Then, if the attack on the target object T by the player character PC is successful, the processor 81 advances the process to step S343. On the other hand, if the attack on the target object T by the player character PC has not been successful, the processor 81 advances the process to step S345.

In step S343, the processor 81 calculates a game score according to the speed parameter, and proceeds to the next step. For example, the processor 81 determines that the attack on the target object T is successful due to the attack force based on the velocity parameters (velocity, acceleration, angular velocity, etc.) acting on the ring-shaped expansion device 5 at the time when the swing is started. A game score is calculated, and the score data D1p is updated by adding the game score. Specifically, the processor 81 calculates the game score based on the acceleration and angular velocity with which the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is swung left and right at the time when the swing is started, the speed indicated by the ring rotation speed data D1h, etc. You may. As an example, it is conceivable to classify the speed parameter into multiple stages and calculate the game parameter according to the classification. Note that the game score may be a predetermined constant game score obtained by a successful attack on the target object T, and in this case, the game score will be added regardless of the speed parameter. .

Next, the processor 81 sets the state of the attacked target object T (step S344), and advances the process to step S347. For example, the processor 81 sets the attacked target object T to be defeated by the attack, performs an effect to make the target object T disappear from the virtual game space, and generates the target object motion data D1r based on the effect. Update.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S342 that the attack on the target object T has not been successful, the processor 81 determines whether or not it has been determined that the attack on the target object T by the player character PC has failed (step S345). For example, when the swing state in step S341 is a state where the player character PC is swinging the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR in the wrong direction, or when the player character PC is swinging the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR, the processor 81 may When OBJR swings completely without colliding with the target object T, it is determined that the attack on the target object T has failed. If the processor 81 determines that the attack on the target object T by the player character PC has failed, the processor 81 advances the process to step S346. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the attack on the target object T by the player character PC has failed, the processor 81 advances the process to step S348.

In step S346, the processor 81 sets the state of the target object T for which the attack has failed (step S346), and advances the process to step S347. For example, the processor 81 performs a performance in which the target object T, which has failed in the attack, wins against the player character PC, and then performs a performance in which the target object T disappears from the virtual game space, and based on the performance, the target object motion data is Update D1r.

In step S347, the processor 81 sets the swing effect flag to OFF, and advances the process to step S348. For example, the processor 81 sets the swing effect flag indicated by the swing effect flag data D1n to OFF, and updates the swing effect flag data D1n.

In step S348, the processor 81 determines whether the amount of deformation calculated in step S304 is less than the second threshold. Then, if the amount of deformation is less than the second threshold, the processor 81 advances the process to step S349. On the other hand, if the amount of deformation is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the processor 81 ends the processing by the subroutine.

In step S349, the processor 81 sets the deformation flag and the swing setting flag to OFF, and ends the processing by this subroutine. For example, the processor 81 sets the deformation flag indicated by the deformation flag data D1k and the swing setting flag indicated by the swing setting flag data D1m to OFF, respectively, and updates the deformation flag data D1k and the swing setting flag data D1m, respectively. In this way, even during the swing effect processing, that is, even during the effect in which the player character PC swings the left and right objects OBJL and OBJR, if the pushing operation on the ring-shaped expansion device 5 loosens to the amount of deformation that is less than the second threshold value. When it is determined that the pushing operation has been canceled, the deformation flag is set to OFF, and the swing setting flag is set to OFF, thereby making it possible to set a new swing motion. Note that a restriction may be placed on the processing in which the deformation flag and the swing setting flag are turned off during the swing performance. For example, the processing in which the deformation flag and the swing setting flag are turned off during one swing performance may be limited to one time or less. Note that the restriction unit performs a process of restricting re-execution of a predetermined game process until the input device is relaxed from a deformed state to a steady state so as to satisfy a predetermined condition, and as another example, steps S348 and This corresponds to the processor 81 that performs the processing in step S349 above.

Returning to FIG. 17, in step S312, the processor 81 performs motion control processing for objects (player character PC, target object T, etc.), and proceeds to the next step. For example, the processor 81 arranges the player character PC in the virtual game space based on the position, state, posture, motion, etc. of the player character PC indicated by the player character motion data D1q. Further, the processor 81 causes the target object T to appear in the virtual game space based on a predetermined algorithm (appearance pattern), moves it toward the player character PC, and targets the target object T based on the position after the appearance and after the movement. Update the object behavior data D1r.

Next, the processor 81 performs image generation and display control processing (step S313), and proceeds to the next step. For example, the processor 81 places a plurality of objects (the player character PC including the objects OBJL and OBJR, the target object T, etc.) in the virtual game space based on the settings in the processing of steps S311 and S312, and plays a virtual game. Generate space. The processor 81 then arranges a virtual camera in the virtual game space, generates a virtual game space image seen from the virtual camera, and outputs the virtual game space image to the stationary monitor 9. Further, the processor 81 superimposes an image indicating the game score indicated by the score data D1p at a suitable location on the virtual game space image, and outputs the superimposed image to the stationary monitor 9.

Next, the processor 81 determines whether to end the game processing (step S314). The conditions for ending the game processing in step S314 include, for example, that the conditions for ending the game processing are met, or that the user performs an operation to end the game processing. The processor 81 returns to step S302 and repeats the process when the game process is not to be ended, and ends the process according to the flowchart when the game process is to be ended. Thereafter, a series of processes from step S302 to step S314 are repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S314 that the game process is to end.

In this way, in the first game example, the predetermined game processing is performed by swinging the ring-shaped expansion device 5 while deforming it, so that the user experience in operations using the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is improved. I can do it. Furthermore, in the first game example, execution of the predetermined game process is restricted when the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is not deformed or is not swung while being deformed. The predetermined game processing is limited to a specific user operation. Note that the process in which the attack on the target object T by the player character PC is successful or the game score is given (added) to the user is the update process in which the degree of achievement of a game in which a predetermined achievement goal is set is updated. This corresponds to an example.

(Second game example)
Next, before explaining specific processing in the second game example performed by the main body device 2, an outline of the second game example performed by the main body device 2 will be described using FIGS. 20 to 23. Note that FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of how the user operates the ring-type expansion device 5 in the second game example. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a first example of a game image in the second game example displayed on the stationary monitor 9 in response to a user's operation. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a second example of a game image in the second game example displayed on the stationary monitor 9 in response to a user's operation. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a third example of a game image in the second game example displayed on the stationary monitor 9 in response to a user's operation.

As shown in FIG. 20, in the second game example, the user holds both grip covers 203 and 204 of the ring expansion device 5 with both hands, and the two grip covers 203 and 204 of the ring expansion device 5 are While deforming the ring-shaped expansion device 5 with both hands so that the ring-shaped expansion device 204 approaches the user, the user performs an operation of swinging the ring-type expansion device 5 down from above to the vicinity of the user's abdomen. Here, in order to swing down the ring-type expansion device 5 from above while deforming the two grip covers 203 and 204 of the ring-type expansion device 5 so that they approach each other, the user must apply force to both hands while using the upper body of the user when jumping. The player will be performing movements that imitate the movements of the character, and will need to perform game operations as if they were jumping.

In the second game example as well, with the left controller 3 and right controller 4 removed from the main device 2, the main device 2 is mounted on the cradle 8, and the image ( A description will be given using a game system in a usage mode that outputs (and audio). Then, an example will be used in which the user operates the game using the right controller 4 attached to the ring-shaped expansion device 5. Furthermore, as an example of the game process in the second game example, a process in which the player character PC displayed on the stationary monitor 9 moves (jumps) within the virtual game space in response to a user operation is used.

For example, in FIG. 21, the player character PC is placed within the virtual game space. The player character PC is placed along a wall extending upward in the virtual game space, and in a steady state where the annular portion 201 of the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is not deformed as shown in FIG. It is said to be in a stationary state.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 22, an operation of deforming the ring-shaped expansion device 5 from the steady state to a predetermined state or more of the annular portion 201 so that the grip covers 203 and 204 approach each other (pushing operation of deforming in the direction B in the figure) When this is performed, a sign M indicating the height that the player character PC can reach when jumping is displayed above the player character PC along the wall. Similar to the first game example, such a pushing operation is detected based on the strain detected by the strain gauge provided on the ring-shaped expansion device 5. Further, when the annular portion 201 of the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is deformed from a steady state, the distortion of the pedestal portion is detected by the strain gauge, and based on the detected strain, the direction in which the annular portion 201 deforms (i.e., 2 The direction in which the two grip covers 203 and 204 move away from each other or approach each other) and the amount of deformation can be calculated. Then, when the direction in which the annular portion 201 is deformed is the direction in which the two grip covers 203 and 204 approach each other, a mark M indicating the reached height according to the calculated amount of deformation is displayed. When the pushing operation is released, the reached height indicated by the marker M is displayed as being gradually decreased, and finally the marker M disappears. Note that the mark M corresponds to an example of an image indicating the amount of deformation of the input device.

Then, as shown in FIG. 23, when the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is swung downward in the real space (direction D in the figure) while the pushing operation is being performed, the player character PC performs the swung operation. Perform a jumping motion along the wall, aiming at the reachable height indicated by the sign M just before the jump. Here, the operation in which the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is swung in the direction performed is a pitch operation in which the ring-type expansion device 5 moves in the vertical direction while being pushed in in real space. Then, when the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is swung downward while the push-in operation is being performed, the player character PC performs an action of moving in the virtual game space, such as jumping along a wall. conduct. Then, a predetermined game score can be obtained based on the game points set at the positions reached by the player character PC. Specifically, since game points may not be obtained by jumping too high, the user needs to move the player character PC by jumping with an appropriate jumping force. Note that in the second game example, the game process in which the player character PC jumps in response to an operation in which the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is swung downward while being pressed is another example of the predetermined game process. Equivalent to.

In this way, when a pitch operation is performed in which the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is swung downward, the right controller 4 attached to the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is accelerated in the vertical direction of the real space, and , an angular velocity around the y-axis direction (see FIG. 6) is generated. Therefore, by using the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 114 and/or the angular velocity detected by the angular velocity sensor 115 in the right controller 4, the operating direction and operating angle of the pitch operation in which the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is swung downward can be determined. It is possible to calculate the operation speed, etc. In the second game example, when the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is pitched downward while the pushing operation is being performed, the height that can be reached is determined according to the amount of deformation during the pushing operation. A process of jumping and moving the player character PC is performed. Note that in reality, the pitch operation in which the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is swung downward may be a mixture of the roll operation and the yaw operation of the ring-type expansion device 5, so the pitch operation is a combination of the roll operation, pitch operation, and By combining the directions of the ring-shaped expansion device 5 that change depending on the yaw operation, it may be determined whether or not there is a pitch operation that swings downward.

Note that the operation of jumping the player character PC may be allowed only once for each push operation. As an example, after the player character PC jumps, the indicator M may not be displayed even if the pushing operation is continued. In this case, in order to display the sign M again and make the player character PC jump again, the user must once return the annular portion 201 of the ring-shaped expansion device 5 to a steady state and then perform the pushing operation again. An operation of shaking the mold expansion device 5 is required.

Further, when performing a pitch operation of swinging the ring-shaped expansion device 5 downward while the pushing operation is performed, the force for performing the pushing operation may be loosened by performing the pitch operation. In this case, the player character PC will not be able to jump to the reachable height indicated by the sign M that was displayed before the pitch operation, so there is no possibility of an unintended drop in jumping power due to the loosening of the force required to perform such a pushing operation. In order to prevent this, the amount of deformation of the ring-shaped expansion device 5 at a predetermined time immediately before the pitch operation (for example, 5 frames ago) or the amount of deformation of the ring-type expansion device 5 during the period from the present time to a predetermined time before is determined. The height reached by the player character PC may be calculated based on the maximum value.

Furthermore, if a pitch operation is performed to swing the ring-shaped expansion device 5 downward while the pushing operation is not performed, an effect may be performed in which the player character PC does not jump because the jumping force is not calculated. In this case, the game score obtained by jumping the player character PC cannot be obtained, and the degree of game achievement cannot be updated. Therefore, if a pitch operation of swinging the ring-shaped expansion device 5 downward is performed without a pushing operation of the ring-type expansion device 5, as an example, in order to prompt the user to perform an operation to deform the ring-type expansion device 5, , the user may be notified by a predetermined image or sound (for example, displaying a character image "Please push in" or producing a sound "Please push in").

Further, the jumping force with which the player character PC jumps may be determined by adding not only the amount of deformation of the ring-shaped expansion device 5 but also other parameters. For example, the jumping force may be calculated using both the velocity parameters (velocity, acceleration, angular velocity, etc.) with which the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is swung downward when jumping and the amount of deformation.

Furthermore, if the user does not operate the ring-shaped expansion device 5 while holding it in a normal posture, even if the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is deformed and shaken downward, the player character PC The jumping effect may not be performed. Here, the normal posture for gripping the ring-type expansion device 5 is as shown in FIG. The user holds the grip covers 203 and 204 with both hands so that the annular shaft of the annular portion 201 is approximately horizontal, and the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is pushed in and swung downward. This is what we do. Whether or not the operation is being performed in such a normal posture can be determined by analyzing the posture of the ring-type expansion device 5 at the time when it is determined that the ring-type expansion device 5 has been swung downward. .

Next, an example of a specific process executed by the game system 1 in the second game example will be described with reference to FIGS. 24 to 26. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a data area set in the DRAM 85 of the main device 2 in the second game example. Note that, in addition to the data shown in FIG. 24, the DRAM 85 also stores data used in other processes, but detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the second game example, various programs P2 to be executed by the game system 1 are stored in the program storage area of the DRAM 85. In this embodiment, the various programs P2 include a communication program for wirelessly communicating with the right controller 4 described above, and an application program for performing information processing based on data acquired from the right controller 4 (for example, game programs) etc. are stored. The various programs P2 may be stored in advance in the flash memory 84, or may be acquired from a storage medium that is removable to the game system 1 (for example, a predetermined type of storage medium installed in the slot 23) and stored in the DRAM 85. The data may be stored in the DRAM 85, or may be obtained from another device via a network such as the Internet and stored in the DRAM 85. The processor 81 executes various programs P2 stored in the DRAM 85.

Furthermore, in the second game example, the data storage area of the DRAM 85 stores various data used in processes such as communication processing and information processing executed in the game system 1. In this embodiment, the DRAM 85 includes operation data D2a, angular velocity data D2b, acceleration data D2c, posture data D2d, gravity direction data D2e, ring deformation amount data D2g, jump force data D2h, jump flag data D2i, and score data D2j. , player character motion data D2k, image data D2m, etc. are stored.

The operation data D2a is operation data appropriately acquired from the right controller 4. As mentioned above, the operation data sent from the right controller 4 includes information regarding inputs from each input section (specifically, each button, analog stick, and each sensor) (specifically, information regarding operations and Detection results by each sensor) and distortion values indicating the deformation state of the annular portion 201 in the ring-shaped expansion device 5 are included. In this embodiment, the operation data is transmitted from the right controller 4 at a predetermined period by wireless communication, and the operation data D2a is updated as appropriate using the received operation data. Note that the update cycle of the operation data D2a may be updated every frame, which is the cycle of processing executed by the game system 1, or may be updated every cycle when the operation data is transmitted by the wireless communication. good.

The angular velocity data D2b is data indicating the history of the angular velocity occurring in the right controller 4, which was acquired from the current time to a predetermined time ago, among the operation data acquired from the right controller 4. For example, the angular velocity data D2b includes a history of data indicating the angular velocity around the xyz axes occurring in the right controller 4.

The acceleration data D2c is data indicating a history of acceleration occurring in the right controller 4, which is acquired from the current time to a predetermined time ago, among the operation data acquired from the right controller 4. For example, the acceleration data D2c includes a history of data indicating acceleration in the xyz-axis directions occurring in the right controller 4.

The posture data D2d is data indicating the posture of the right controller 4 in real space, and is data indicating the history of the posture from the current moment to a predetermined time ago. As an example, the posture data D2d is data indicating the history of the right controller 4 in the xyz axis directions (for example, the angle with respect to the XYZ axes in the real space) in the real space.

The gravitational direction data D2e is data indicating the direction of gravitational acceleration acting on the right controller 4.

The ring deformation amount data D2g is data indicating the history of the deformation direction and deformation amount of the ring type expansion device 5 calculated from the current time to a predetermined time ago.

The jumping force data D2h is data that is set according to the operation using the ring-type expansion device 5 and indicates the jumping force that causes the player character PC to operate.

Jump flag data D2i is data indicating a jump flag that is set on when the player character PC performs a jumping effect.

The score data D2j is data indicating the current game score.

The player character motion data D2k is data indicating the position, state, posture, motion, etc. of the player character PC placed in the virtual game space.

The image data D2m is data for displaying an image (for example, an image of the player character PC, a field image, a background image, etc.) on the display screen.

Next, a detailed example of information processing in the second game example will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26. FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of information processing executed by the game system 1 in the second game example. FIG. 26 is a subroutine showing a detailed example of the jump effect processing performed in step S410 in FIG. 25. In the second game example, the series of processes shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 are performed by the processor 81 executing a communication program and a predetermined application program (game program) included in various programs P2. Further, the timing at which the information processing shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 is started is arbitrary.

Note that the processing of each step in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 is merely an example, and if the same result is obtained, the processing order of each step may be changed, or the processing of each step may be changed. In addition to (or instead of) other processing may be performed. Further, in this embodiment, the processing of each step in the above flowchart will be described as being executed by the processor 81, but it is possible that the processing of some steps in the above flowchart is executed by a processor other than the processor 81 or a dedicated circuit. It's okay. Further, a part of the processing executed in the main body device 2 may be executed by another information processing device that can communicate with the main body device 2 (for example, a server that can communicate with the main body device 2 via a network). That is, each process shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 may be executed by a plurality of information processing devices including the main body device 2 working together.

In FIG. 25, the processor 81 performs initial settings for information processing (step S401), and proceeds to the next step. For example, in the above initial setting, the processor 81 initializes parameters for performing the processing described below. For example, the processor 81 initially arranges the player character PC in the virtual game space to generate an initial state of the virtual game space, and generates the player character motion data D2k using the position, direction, state, posture, etc. of the player character PC. Update.

Next, the processor 81 acquires the operation data from the right controller 4, updates the operation data D2a (step S402), and advances the process to the next step. Note that, of the operation data acquired from the right controller 4 in step S402, the processor 81 stores data indicating the angular velocity occurring in the right controller 4 as the angular velocity data D2b. Further, the processor 81 stores data indicating the acceleration occurring in the right controller 4, out of the operation data acquired from the right controller 4 in step S402, as the acceleration data D2c. Note that the data acquisition unit performs a process of acquiring distortion data and motion data, and corresponds to, for example, the processor 81 that performs a process of acquiring operation data from the right controller 4 and updating the operation data D2a.

Next, the processor 81 calculates the attitude of the right controller 4 (step S403), and advances the process to the next step. For example, the processor 81 obtains the angular velocity of the right controller 4 around the xyz axes using the angular velocity data stored in the angular velocity data D2b. Then, the processor 81 rotates the x, y, and z axes based on the gravitational acceleration direction in the attitude of the right controller 4 indicated by the attitude data D2d in accordance with the acquired angular velocity, and uses the gravitational acceleration direction after the rotation as a reference. The directions of the x, y, and z axes are stored as the latest data indicating the attitude of the right controller 4 in the attitude data D2d. Furthermore, the processor 81 uses the acceleration data stored in the acceleration data D2c to calculate the direction of the gravitational acceleration acting on the right controller 4, and stores it in the gravitational direction data D2e. Note that any method may be used to extract the gravitational acceleration; for example, an acceleration component occurring on the average in the right controller 4 may be calculated and the acceleration component may be extracted as the gravitational acceleration. Furthermore, the processor 81 may timely correct the latest attitude of the right controller 4 indicated by the attitude data D2d using the direction of the gravitational acceleration occurring in the right controller 4 indicated by the gravitational direction data D2e.

Next, the processor 81 calculates the amount of deformation of the ring expansion device 5 (step S404), and proceeds to the next step. For example, the processor 81 calculates the deformation amount and deformation direction of the annular portion 201 in the ring expansion device 5 using the distortion value indicated by the operation data D2a, and uses the calculation results to calculate the deformation amount indicated by the ring deformation amount data D2g. Add to amount history.

Next, the processor 81 determines whether the jump flag is off (step S405). For example, if the jump flag indicated by the jump flag data D2i is set to OFF, the processor 81 makes an affirmative determination in step S405. Then, if the jump flag is off, the processor 81 advances the process to step S406. On the other hand, if the jump flag is on, the processor 81 advances the process to step S408.

In step S406, the processor 81 calculates the jumping force based on the amount of deformation calculated in step S404, and proceeds to the next step. For example, the processor 81 calculates the jump force based on the latest deformation amount in the history of deformation amounts indicated by the ring deformation amount data D2g, and updates the jump force data D2h using the jump force.

Next, the processor 81 sets a marker M according to the predicted height of arrival according to the jumping force calculated in step S406 (step S407), and advances the process to step S408. For example, the processor 81 calculates the height that the player character PC can reach when jumping with the jumping force indicated by the jumping force data D2h, and sets the marker M according to the height that the player character PC can reach.

In step S408, the processor 81 calculates the velocity parameters (for example, acceleration, velocity, angular velocity) of the downward movement of the ring expansion device 5 in real space, and proceeds to the next step. For example, the processor 81 refers to the acceleration data D2c and calculates the acceleration, velocity, or angular velocity of the ring-shaped expansion device 5 moving downward in real space as a velocity parameter. As a first example, the speed parameter is the acceleration or speed at which the ring-shaped expansion device 5 (right controller 4) moves downward in real space, which is calculated based on the latest posture indicated by the posture data D2d, or the ring-shaped expansion device 5 (right controller 4). It may also be an angular velocity at which the device 5 is pitched around the horizontal direction. As a second example, the speed parameter is set in the direction from the right controller 4 to the annular axis of the annular portion 201 in the ring-shaped expansion device 5 (i.e., the direction perpendicular to the z-axis direction of the right controller 4 (the negative direction of the x-axis)) It may also be the acceleration or speed of movement, or the angular velocity of pitch operation (that is, operation in the direction of rotation of the right controller 4 around the y-axis direction).

Next, the processor 81 determines whether or not to perform an effect in which the player character PC jumps (step S409). For example, if the speed parameter calculated in step S408 indicates that the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold for determining that an operation to swing the ring-shaped expansion device 5 downward has started, the processor 81 performs the An affirmative determination is made in step S409. Furthermore, if the jump flag indicated by the jump flag data D2i is set to on, the processor 81 makes an affirmative determination in step S409. When the processor 81 makes an affirmative determination in step S409, the process proceeds to step S410. On the other hand, if the processor 81 makes a negative determination in step S409, the process proceeds to step S411.

Note that if it is determined that the user is not operating the ring-shaped expansion device 5 while holding it in a normal posture, a negative determination may be made in step S409. Here, the normal posture for gripping the ring-type expansion device 5 is the direction in which the right controller 4 is attached to the uppermost position and the two grip covers 203 and 204 are connected, as illustrated in FIG. The user grasps the grip covers 203 and 204 with both hands so that the annular axis of the annular portion 201 is approximately horizontal, and then pushes and swings the ring expansion device 5 downward. An operation is performed. Whether or not the operation is being performed in such a normal posture can be determined by analyzing the posture of the ring-shaped expansion device 5 indicated by the posture data D2d.

In step S410, the processor 81 performs jump effect processing, and advances the process to step S411. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 26, the jump effect processing performed in step S410 will be described. Note that while the game processing unit is detecting that the input device is deformed based on the distortion data, the game processing unit performs a process of executing a predetermined game process based on the movement data. This corresponds to the processor 81 that performs production processing.

In FIG. 26, the processor 81 determines whether the jump flag indicated by the jump flag data D2i is off (step S420). Then, if the jump flag is off, the processor 81 advances the process to step S421. On the other hand, if the jump flag is on, the processor 81 advances the process to step S424.

In step S421, the processor 81 sets the jump flag on and advances the process to the next step. For example, the processor 81 sets on the jump flag indicated by the jump flag data D2i, and updates the jump flag data D2i. Further, the processor 81 cancels the setting of the marker M set in step S407 above.

Next, the processor 81 determines whether the amount of deformation of the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is gradually decreasing (step S422). For example, the processor 81 refers to the history of the amount of deformation indicated by the ring deformation amount data D2g and determines whether or not the amount of deformation is gradually decreasing. Then, if the amount of deformation of the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is gradually decreasing, the processor 81 advances the process to step S423. On the other hand, if the amount of deformation of the ring expansion device 5 is not gradually decreasing, the processor 81 advances the process to step S424.

In step S423, the processor 81 calculates a new jumping force using the amount of deformation of the ring expansion device 5 a predetermined time ago, and advances the process to step S424. As an example, the processor 81 calculates a new jumping force based on the amount of deformation a predetermined time ago (for example, five frames ago) in the history of the amount of deformation indicated by the ring deformation amount data D2g, and uses the new jumping force. The jump force data D2h is updated. As another example, the processor 81 calculates a new jumping force based on the maximum value of the amount of deformation up to a predetermined time in the history of the amount of deformation indicated by the ring deformation amount data D2g, and uses the new jumping force. Update the jumping force data D2h.

In step S424, the processor 81 performs a process of moving the player character PC according to the set jumping force, and advances the process to the next step. For example, the processor 81 moves the player character PC upward in the virtual game space based on the jump force indicated by the jump force data D2h, and moves the player character PC based on the position and state of the player character PC after the movement. Update data D2k.

Next, the processor 81 determines whether to end the effect of causing the player character PC to jump (step S425). For example, when the player character PC reaches the position where the jump ends (when the player character PC reaches the target height of the jump, when the jump ends due to collision with another object, etc.), the processor 81 executes the step S425 in the step S425. An affirmative judgment is made in . Then, when the processor 81 ends the jumping effect, the process proceeds to step S426. On the other hand, if the processor 81 does not end the jumping effect, the processor 81 ends the processing by the subroutine.

In step S426, the processor 81 performs a process of stopping the process of moving the player character PC by jumping, and advances the process to the next step. For example, the processor 81 sets the state of the player character PC to stop jumping and stay at the current position, and updates the player character motion data D2k. Further, the processor 81 sets the jump flag indicated by the jump flag data D2i to OFF, and updates the jump flag data D2i.

Next, the processor 81 calculates the game score and ends the processing by this subroutine. For example, the processor 81 calculates a game score based on the position reached by the player character PC by jumping, adds the game score, and updates the score data D2j.

Returning to FIG. 25, in step S411, the processor 81 performs motion control processing for the player character PC, and proceeds to the next step. For example, the processor 81 arranges the player character PC in the virtual game space based on the position, state, posture, motion, etc. of the player character PC indicated by the player character motion data D2k.

Next, the processor 81 performs image generation and display control processing (step S412), and proceeds to the next step. For example, the processor 81 places the player character PC in the virtual game space based on the settings made in step S411. Further, when the marker M is set in step S407, the processor 81 places an image showing the marker M in the virtual game space. The processor 81 then arranges a virtual camera in the virtual game space, generates a virtual game space image seen from the virtual camera, and outputs the virtual game space image to the stationary monitor 9. Further, the processor 81 superimposes an image indicating the game score indicated by the score data D2j at a suitable location on the virtual game space image, and outputs the superimposed image to the stationary monitor 9. Note that the deformation amount image generation unit performs a process of generating an image indicating the deformation amount of the input device while the input device is deformed, and for example, the above-mentioned step S407 of setting the marker M and/or This corresponds to the processor 81 that performs the process of step S412 described above for displaying the sign M.

Next, the processor 81 determines whether to end the game processing (step S413). The conditions for ending the game processing in step S413 include, for example, that the conditions for ending the game processing are met, or that the user performs an operation to end the game processing. The processor 81 returns to step S402 and repeats the process when the game process is not to be ended, and ends the process according to the flowchart when the game process is to be ended. Thereafter, a series of processes from step S402 to step S413 are repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S413 that the game process is to end.

In this way, in the second game example, the predetermined game processing is performed by swinging the ring-shaped expansion device 5 while deforming it, so that the user experience in operations using the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is improved. I can do it. Furthermore, in the second game example, execution of the predetermined game process is restricted when the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is not deformed or when the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is not swung while being deformed. The predetermined game processing is limited to a specific user operation. Note that the process in which the player character PC jumps and moves corresponds to an example of the update process in which the degree of achievement of a game in which a predetermined achievement goal is set is updated.

In the above-described embodiment, the ring-shaped expansion device 5 includes the annular portion 201 made of an elastically deformable material, and the annular portion 201 is elastically deformed to perform processing according to the operation. . By being able to elastically deform the main part of the input device in this way, it becomes easier for the user to perform continuous pushing operations, and the elastic deformation accompanying the pushing operations improves the user's operating sensation. The pushing operation is accompanied by elastic deformation, which makes it easier for the user to experience the sensation of the player object OBJ moving. By requiring the pushing operation, it is possible to encourage the user to move his or her body (for example, move the arm). You can expect various effects such as:

Further, in the above embodiment, as an example of an operation in which a predetermined game process is performed by swinging the ring-shaped expansion device 5 while deforming it, the annular portion 201 is moved from a steady state to a predetermined state so that the grip covers 203 and 204 approach each other. Although the pushing operation was used to deform the ring-shaped expansion device 5 to a level higher than the state, the operation of deforming the ring-type expansion device 5 may be performed in other ways. For example, by swinging the annular portion 201 while performing a pulling operation to deform the ring-shaped expansion device 5 from a steady state to a predetermined state or higher so that the grip covers 203 and 204 of the ring-shaped expansion device 5 separate from each other, a predetermined state can be achieved. Game processing may also be performed.

Further, the operation of deforming the ring-shaped expansion device 5 in the above-described embodiment includes various aspects. For example, when the shape of the annular portion 201 of the ring-shaped expansion device 5 slightly changes from a steady state, it may be defined that an operation to deform the ring-type expansion device 5 is being performed. As another example, when the shape of the annular portion 201 of the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is deformed from a steady state by a deformation amount equal to or greater than a threshold set in each game, an operation to deform the ring-shaped expansion device 5 is performed. It may also be defined as being

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example was used in which the operation data of the right controller 4 is transmitted to the main unit 2 by wireless communication between the main unit 2 and the right controller 4. The data may be transmitted to the main device 2. For example, after the controller operation data of the right controller 4 is sent to the left controller 3, both pieces of operation data (or processed operation data) may be sent together from the left controller 3 to the main device 2.

Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the method for detecting the posture and movement of the right controller 4 (the posture and movement of the ring-type expansion device 5) is merely an example, and the method for detecting the posture and movement of the right controller 4 (the posture and movement of the ring-type expansion device 5) is merely an example, and the method for detecting the posture and movement of the right controller 4 (the posture and movement of the ring-shaped expansion device 5) is merely an example, and the method for detecting the posture and movement of the right controller 4 (the posture and movement of the ring-type expansion device 5) is merely an example. The posture or the movement may be detected. The acceleration sensor and/or angular velocity sensor described above are examples of sensors that output data for calculating the attitude and movement of the right controller 4. For example, in other embodiments, the right controller 4 may include a magnetic sensor instead of or in addition to the acceleration sensor and/or the angular velocity sensor, and the magnetism detected by the magnetic sensor may be used to The posture and movement of the person may be calculated. Further, the method of calculating the posture and movement of the right controller 4 is arbitrary. For example, in other embodiments, the main device 2 may image the right controller 4 (ring-type expansion device 5) with an imaging device, and The posture of the right controller 4 (ring-shaped expansion device 5) may be calculated using the image obtained. Further, the posture and movement of the right controller 4 may be calculated inside the right controller 4 using data detected by an acceleration sensor and/or an angular velocity sensor provided in the right controller 4. In this case, operation data to which data indicating the posture and movement of the right controller 4 calculated inside the right controller 4 is added is transmitted from the right controller 4 to the main device 2 .

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example was used in which a predetermined game process is performed by swinging the ring-shaped expansion device 5 while deforming it, but it is also possible to move other input devices while deforming the ring-type expansion device 5. The predetermined game processing may be performed by. As an example, a predetermined game process may be performed by moving the main body of the left controller 3 while deforming the ring-shaped expansion device 5. For example, when the user is operating a game with the left controller 3 attached to his body (for example, his foot), he can perform predetermined game processing by moving the foot to which the left controller 3 is attached while deforming the ring-shaped expansion device 5. It becomes possible to do so.

Further, the game system 1 may be any device, such as a portable game device, any portable electronic device (PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), mobile phone, personal computer, camera, tablet, etc.). There may be. In this case, the input device for moving the object does not have to be the left controller 3 or the right controller 4, but can be another controller, mouse, touch pad, touch panel, trackball, keyboard, cross key, or slide pad. etc. may be used.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned example, the ring-shaped expansion device 5 functions as an input device equipped with an inertial sensor (for example, an acceleration sensor or an angular velocity sensor) when the right controller 4 is attached. The function may be installed depending on the aspect. For example, the ring-shaped expansion device 5 itself may be equipped with an inertial sensor function. As an example, an acceleration sensor that detects acceleration along one or more axial directions that occurs in the ring-shaped expansion device 5 and/or an angular velocity sensor that detects angular velocity around one or more axial directions that occurs in the ring-shaped expansion device 5, It may be provided inside the main body section 202.

Further, in the above description, an example was used in which information processing is performed in the game system 1, but at least a part of the processing steps described above may be performed in another device. For example, if the game system 1 is configured to be able to communicate with another device (for example, another server, another image display device, another game device, another mobile terminal), the above processing step further includes It may also be performed by other devices working together. In this way, by performing at least a portion of the processing steps described above in another device, processing similar to the processing described above becomes possible. Further, the above-described information processing can be executed by one processor or cooperation between a plurality of processors included in an information processing system configured of at least one information processing device. Further, in the above embodiment, the processor 81 of the game system 1 can perform information processing by executing a predetermined program, but part or all of the above processing can be performed by a dedicated circuit included in the game system 1. May be done.

Here, according to the above-mentioned modification, the present invention can be realized even in the system form of so-called cloud computing, and the system form of distributed wide area networks and local networks. For example, in a distributed local network system configuration, the above processing is executed collaboratively between a stationary information processing device (stationary game device) and a portable information processing device (portable game device). It is also possible to do so. Note that in these system configurations, there is no particular limitation as to which device performs the above-described processing, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be realized no matter how the processing is divided.

Further, the processing order, setting values, conditions used for determination, etc. used in the information processing described above are merely examples, and it goes without saying that this embodiment can be realized even with other orders, values, and conditions.

Further, the program may not only be supplied to the game system 1 through an external storage medium such as an external memory, but also be supplied to the device through a wired or wireless communication line. Further, the program may be pre-recorded in a non-volatile storage device inside the device. In addition to non-volatile memory, information storage media for storing the above programs include CD-ROMs, DVDs, similar optical disk storage media, flexible disks, hard disks, magneto-optical disks, magnetic tapes, etc. But that's fine. Furthermore, the information storage medium that stores the program may be a volatile memory that stores the program. Such a storage medium can be said to be a computer-readable storage medium. For example, by having a computer or the like read and execute the programs stored in these recording media, it is possible to provide the various functions described above.

Although the present invention has been described in detail above, the above description is merely an illustration of the present invention in all respects, and is not intended to limit the scope thereof. It goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, it is understood that those skilled in the art can carry out the invention to an equivalent extent based on the description of the present invention and common general technical knowledge from the description of specific embodiments of the present invention. Further, it should be understood that the terms used herein have the meanings commonly used in the art unless otherwise specified. Accordingly, unless otherwise defined, all technical and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In case of conflict, the present specification (including definitions) will control.

As described above, the present invention can be used as an information processing system, an information processing program, an information processing device, an information processing method, etc. that can improve user experience.

1... Information processing system 2... Main unit 3... Left controller 4... Right controller 5... Ring type expansion device 11... Housing 12... Display 17... Left terminal 21... Right terminal 27... Lower terminal 29... Illuminance sensor 32, 52... Analog sticks 42, 64...terminal 81...processor 82...network communication section 83...controller communication section 85...DRAM
101, 111...Communication control unit 89, 104, 114...Acceleration sensor 90, 105, 115...Angular velocity sensor 201...Annular part 202...Main body part 203, 204...Grip cover

Claims (15)

An information processing system including an input device including at least a first sensor, a second sensor, and an information processing device,
At least a portion of the input device is elastically deformed in response to an external force applied thereto, and
The first sensor outputs an output according to a deformation of the input device,
The second sensor outputs an output according to the movement and/or posture of the second sensor,
The information processing device includes:
a data acquisition unit that acquires first data according to the output of the first sensor and second data according to the output of the second sensor;
a game processing unit that executes a predetermined game process based on the second data while the first data indicates that the input device is deformed based on the first data;
The game processing unit includes:
Based on the posture of the input device at the timing when the input device changes from the undeformed state to the deformed state, the predetermined position is determined according to the posture of the input device based on the second data acquired after the timing. Executes game processing,
If movement occurs in the second sensor while the first data indicates that the input device is deformed, the predetermined game process includes an attack on a target object placed in a virtual space. executing the process to make the game succeed, and not executing the predetermined game process while the first data indicates that the input device is not deformed or when the second sensor does not move;
information including a restriction unit that limits re-execution of the predetermined game process until the first data indicates that the input device returns from the deformed state to the undeformed state satisfying a predetermined condition; processing system. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the second sensor is included in the input device. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second sensor is an angular velocity sensor and/or an acceleration sensor. The game processing unit executes, as the predetermined game processing, an update process for updating the degree of achievement of a game in which a predetermined achievement goal is set based on the second data, and the input device is deformed. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the update process is not executed while the first data does not indicate that. The game processing unit executes the predetermined game processing based on the second data when the first data indicates that the amount of deformation of the input device exceeds a first threshold, and Even if the first data does not indicate that the amount of deformation of the input device exceeds the first threshold, if the amount of deformation of the input device exceeds the first threshold, 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined game process is executed based on the second data when the second data indicates that the second data is not less than a small second threshold. 6. The game processing section executes the predetermined game process according to the amount of deformation of the input device indicated by the first data at the timing when the second sensor moves. The information processing system described in item 1. If the amount of deformation of the input device indicated by the first data at the timing when the second sensor moves is smaller than the amount of deformation of the input device from the timing to a predetermined time before, the game processing section may The information processing system according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined game process is executed according to the amount of deformation of the input device indicated by the first data up to a time. 8. The game processing section includes a deformation amount image generation section that generates an image showing the amount of deformation of the input device while the first data indicates that the input device is deformed. Information processing system. The limiting unit is configured to return the input device from a deformed state to an undeformed state so as to satisfy the predetermined condition after the start of execution of the predetermined game process and while the game process is being performed. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein when the first data indicates that the re-execution restriction is canceled. The data acquisition unit acquires the first data or the second data also during execution of the predetermined game process,
The game processing unit re-executes a new predetermined game process after executing the predetermined game process based on the first data and/or the second data acquired during execution of the predetermined game process . , The information processing system according to claim 1. The game processing unit executes an update process for updating the degree of achievement as the predetermined game process when the second data indicates that the input device has moved in a predetermined direction, and the second data indicates that the input device has moved in a predetermined direction. 5. The information processing system according to claim 4, wherein the update process is not executed when it indicates that the input device has moved in a direction different from a predetermined direction. The game processing unit uses the second data to set a threshold value for determining that the input device has moved in the predetermined direction, and a threshold value for determining that the input device has moved in the different direction. The information processing system according to claim 11, wherein the information processing system is set more loosely. An information processing program executed by a computer of an information processing device that performs processing using an output from an input device including at least a first sensor and an output from a second sensor,
At least a portion of the input device is elastically deformed in response to an external force applied thereto, and
The first sensor outputs an output according to a deformation of the input device,
The second sensor outputs an output according to the movement and/or posture of the second sensor,
The computer,
data acquisition means for acquiring first data according to the output of the first sensor and second data according to the output of the second sensor;
Functioning as a game processing means for executing predetermined game processing based on the second data while the first data indicates that the input device is deformed based on the first data;
The game processing means includes:
Based on the posture of the input device at the timing when the input device changes from the undeformed state to the deformed state, the predetermined position is determined according to the posture of the input device based on the second data acquired after the timing. Executes game processing,
If movement occurs in the second sensor while the first data indicates that the input device is deformed, the predetermined game process includes an attack on a target object placed in a virtual space. executing the process to make the game succeed, and not executing the predetermined game process while the first data indicates that the input device is not deformed or when the second sensor does not move;
information including a restriction means for restricting re-execution of the predetermined game process until the first data indicates that the input device returns from the deformed state to the undeformed state satisfying a predetermined condition; Processing program. An information processing device that performs processing using an output from an input device including at least a first sensor and an output from a second sensor,
At least a portion of the input device is elastically deformed in response to an external force applied thereto, and
The first sensor outputs an output according to a deformation of the input device,
The second sensor outputs an output according to the movement and/or posture of the second sensor,
The information processing device includes:
a data acquisition unit that acquires first data according to the output of the first sensor and second data according to the output of the second sensor;
and a game processing section that executes a predetermined game process based on the second data while the first data indicates that the input device is deformed based on the first data.
The game processing unit includes:
Based on the posture of the input device at the timing when the input device changes from the undeformed state to the deformed state, the predetermined position is determined according to the posture of the input device based on the second data acquired after the timing. Executes game processing,
If movement occurs in the second sensor while the first data indicates that the input device is deformed, the predetermined game process includes an attack on a target object placed in a virtual space. executing the process to make the game succeed, and not executing the predetermined game process while the first data indicates that the input device is not deformed or when the second sensor does not move;
information including a restriction unit that limits re-execution of the predetermined game process until the first data indicates that the input device returns from the deformed state to the undeformed state satisfying a predetermined condition; Processing equipment. An information processing method that performs processing using an output from an input device including at least a first sensor and an output from a second sensor, the method comprising:
At least a portion of the input device is elastically deformed in response to an external force applied thereto, and
The first sensor outputs an output according to a deformation of the input device,
The second sensor outputs an output according to the movement and/or posture of the second sensor,
a data acquisition step of acquiring first data according to the output of the first sensor and second data according to the output of the second sensor;
a game processing step of executing a predetermined game process based on the second data while the first data indicates that the input device is deformed based on the first data;
In the game processing step,
Based on the posture of the input device at the timing when the input device changes from the undeformed state to the deformed state, the predetermined position is determined according to the posture of the input device based on the second data acquired after the timing. Game processing is executed,
If movement occurs in the second sensor while the first data indicates that the input device is deformed, the predetermined game process includes an attack on a target object placed in a virtual space. While the first data indicates that the input device is not deformed or the second sensor does not move when the process to succeed is executed, the predetermined game process is not executed;
The game processing step limits re-execution of the predetermined game process until the first data indicates that the input device has returned from the deformed state to the undeformed state satisfying a predetermined condition. An information processing method that includes a limiting step.

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