WO2010004884A1

WO2010004884A1 - Game device, music search method, information recording medium, and program

Info

Publication number: WO2010004884A1
Application number: PCT/JP2009/061708
Authority: WO
Inventors: 昌二森
Original assignee: 株式会社コナミデジタルエンタテインメント
Priority date: 2008-07-09
Filing date: 2009-06-26
Publication date: 2010-01-14
Also published as: KR20100120703A; CN102015045A; TWI400111B; JP2010017273A; JP4477076B2; KR101198078B1; TW201014638A

Abstract

A music information storing section (201) stores a plurality of pieces of music information which can be played in a dance game. A step sequence information storing section (202) respectively stores step sequence information corresponding to each piece of music and regulating step actions to be targeted. Before starting a game, a step action receiving section (203) receives a series of step actions made by a player. A step sequence key generating section (204) generates, according to the series of step actions, a step sequence key according to a predetermined rhythm (beat). A search section (205) searches the step sequence information storing section (202) according to the generated step sequence key. A music list generating section (206) generates a music list relating to music associated with the searched step sequence information. An image plotting section (207) generates the image of the music list and displays the image such that the player can select music.

Description

GAME DEVICE, MUSIC SEARCH METHOD, INFORMATION RECORDING MEDIUM, AND PROGRAM

The present invention relates to a game device, a music search method, an information recording medium, and a program that can search for music to be played with a simpler operation.

Conventionally, a dance game apparatus in which a player performs a stepping action (stepping action) in accordance with a musical piece to be played has gained popularity in amusement halls and the like.

As an example, the dance game apparatus is configured to sequentially present a task action (stepping action as a task) on a monitor as the music is played. The player inputs the stepping motion required for the task motion by stepping on a panel arranged on the step casing (stepping platform). Then, the dance game apparatus evaluates such a player's stepping action including the timing and reflects it in the score.

In other words, the dance game device is such that the player competes for a high score by performing the correct stepping motion in time with the music.

As an example of such a dance game apparatus, an invention for calculating and displaying the calorie consumption of a player who has played a game is also disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2001-95969 A (page 3-14, FIG. 1)

In the above-described dance game apparatus, a plurality of music pieces that can be played are prepared, and the player can select a favorite music piece from them.

In recent years, the number of songs that can be played on dance game devices has increased dramatically to meet the demands of a wide range of players. In other words, from the latest music to nostalgic music, and from popular music to minor music, it is possible to perform according to the preferences of various players.

Therefore, before starting the game, the player performs a music selection operation to select a desired music from such a large number of music. For example, the player operates the operation unit of the dance game device to display a music list on a monitor and selects a desired music from the list.

At this time, in order to make it easier for the player to select a piece of music, for example, a dance game apparatus that displays a music list narrowed down by genre classification is also known. In such a dance game apparatus, management information such as a genre name and a genre ID is added in advance to each song, and when an arbitrary genre is designated by the player, a song list of only songs that match the genre is displayed. Generated and displayed. Then, the player finds and selects the desired music from the music list thus narrowed down.

However, even when the narrowed-down music list is displayed, if the number of songs belonging to each genre increases, it becomes difficult to select music. For example, if the music list after narrowing down increases so that it cannot be displayed on one screen, the player has to find the target music and select the music while performing complicated operations such as page turning and scrolling. .

In addition, in the dance game apparatus, the player can directly input a name (character string) such as a song name or an artist name, and a song list searched based on such a name is displayed. Some songs can be selected. In this case, the dance game apparatus displays, for example, a kana character or alphanumeric arrangement screen on the monitor, and the player can select one character at a time and input an arbitrary character string.

However, inputting characters one by one in this way is extremely troublesome for the player, and if a name is mistakenly stored or if a name is entered incorrectly at the time of input, a desired song is searched. There was a problem of not being. Furthermore, there was a problem that even if the name itself was not remembered, even the input could not be made.

For this reason, there has been a demand for a technique that allows a dance game apparatus to search for a desired music piece with a simpler operation.

The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and provides a game device, a music search method, an information recording medium, and a program capable of searching for music to be played with a simpler operation. For the purpose.

In order to achieve the above object, the following invention is disclosed in accordance with the principle of the present invention.

A game apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is a game apparatus that presents a task action together with music reproduction and evaluates the action content performed by a player, and includes a music storage unit, a problem storage unit, and an action acquisition unit. A generation unit, a search unit, a music information generation unit, and a display unit.

First, the music storage unit stores a plurality of music. The assignment storage unit stores assignment operation information corresponding to each piece of music. For example, task action information that defines the contents of task actions such as a stepping action and a swinging action imposed on the player (for example, an arrangement of footsteps for a stepping action) is stored. The action acquisition unit acquires an action performed by the player. For example, a stepping action on a step board (panel), an operation of shaking a controller, or a player action obtained by a camera or the like is acquired. Then, the generation unit generates search operation information (for example, a footstep key) based on the acquired operation.

On the other hand, the search unit searches the task storage unit for task operation information including operation information that matches or is similar to the generated search operation information. For example, footstep information including a footstep that matches or resembles a stepping action (footstep key) performed by the player is searched. The music information generation unit generates music information (as an example, a music list) for the music associated with the searched task operation information. And a display part displays the produced | generated music information so that a player can select a music. For example, a music list is displayed so that it can be selected.

As described above, when the player performs a task operation (for example, a stepping motion) of a piece of music to be played, search operation information is generated, and music including such search operation information in the task operation information is searched (narrowed down). List). For this reason, the player simply inputs the task operation of the music that he / she remembers, and the user can select the music he / she wants to play from the narrowed-down display of the target music without performing complicated operations as in the past. You can select songs easily.

As a result, the music to be played can be searched with a simpler operation.

A game device according to another aspect of the present invention is a game device that sequentially presents stepping motions that become a problem as music plays and evaluates the stepping motions performed by a player, and includes a music storage unit and a task storage Unit, an operation reception unit, a generation unit, a search unit, a music list generation unit, and a display unit.

First, the music storage unit stores a plurality of music. The task storage unit stores task operation information corresponding to each song and synchronized with the rhythm of the song. For example, task action information (for example, an arrangement of footsteps for a stepping action) that prescribes the contents of a task action imposed on the player, such as a stepping action or a swinging action synchronized with the rhythm of the music, is stored. The motion accepting unit sequentially accepts the stepping motion of the player. For example, a stepping action on a step board (panel), an operation of shaking a controller, or a player action obtained by a camera or the like is accepted. And a production | generation part produces | generates the search operation | movement information (for example, a footstep key) along a predetermined rhythm based on the received series of stepping motions.

On the other hand, the search unit searches the task storage unit for task operation information including operation information that matches or is similar to the generated search operation information. For example, footstep information including a footstep that matches or resembles a stepping action (footstep key) performed by the player is searched. Further, the music list generation unit generates a music list for the music associated with the searched task operation information. And a display part displays the produced | generated music list so that a player can select a music.

As described above, when the player performs a task operation (for example, a stepping motion) of the music to be played, search operation information along the rhythm is generated, and a music including such search operation information in the task operation information is searched. To be displayed in a list. For this reason, even if the player performs a stepping motion with a somewhat disturbed rhythm, the target music in accordance with the rhythm is narrowed down and displayed, so that the music to be played can be easily selected.

As a result, the music to be played can be searched with a simpler operation.

The game apparatus further includes a narrowing unit that narrows down based on other search conditions from a plurality of task motion information searched by the search unit, and the motion accepting unit further accepts and narrows down the auxiliary stepping motion indicating the rhythm of the music The unit may identify a rhythm based on the received auxiliary stepping motion and narrow down the task motion information searched by the search unit based on the identified rhythm.

In this case, since the player specifies the rhythm by the auxiliary stepping action and narrows down the search target, the music with different rhythm is eliminated, and the music to be played can be easily selected.

The motion accepting unit accepts the auxiliary stepping motion indicating the rhythm of the music and the main stepping motion to be searched, and the generating unit identifies the rhythm of the music based on the received auxiliary stepping motion and accepts the received book Based on the stepping motion, search motion information along the identified rhythm may be generated.

In this case, since the player designates the rhythm by the auxiliary stepping action, search action information synchronized with a more appropriate rhythm is generated and searched. For this reason, it is possible to search for music to be played with higher accuracy.

A music search method according to another aspect of the present invention is a music search method in a game apparatus having a music storage unit, a task storage unit, an action acquisition unit, a calculation unit, and a display unit, and the music storage unit includes a plurality of music storage units. The task storage unit stores task motion information (for example, an arrangement of footsteps for a stepping motion) corresponding to each music, and an operation acquisition step, a generation step, and a search step , A music information generation step and a display step.

First, in the motion acquisition step, the motion performed by the player is acquired. For example, a stepping action on a step board (panel), an operation of shaking a controller, or a player action obtained by a camera or the like is acquired. In the generation step, search operation information (for example, a footstep key) is generated based on the acquired operation.

On the other hand, in the search step, task operation information including operation information that matches or is similar to the generated search operation information is searched from the task storage unit. For example, footstep information including a footstep that matches or resembles a stepping action (footstep key) performed by the player is searched. Also, in the music information generation step, music information (as an example, a music list) is generated for the music associated with the searched task operation information. In the display step, the generated music information is displayed so that the player can select the music. For example, a music list is displayed so that it can be selected.

As a result, the music to be played can be searched with a simpler operation.

A computer-readable information recording medium according to another aspect of the present invention is a music storage unit that stores a plurality of music pieces, a computer that presents a task action together with the reproduction of the music piece and evaluates the operation content performed by the player, A task storage unit that stores task motion information corresponding to each piece of music, a motion acquisition unit that acquires motion performed by the player, a generation unit that generates search motion information based on the acquired motion, and A search unit for searching for task motion information including motion information that matches or is similar to the search motion information from the task storage unit, and music information for generating music information about the music associated with the searched task motion information A program that causes the generation unit to display the generated music information as a display unit that allows a player to select a music. To record.

A program according to another aspect of the present invention is configured to cause a computer (including an electronic device) to function as the above game device.

This program can be recorded on a computer-readable information recording medium such as a compact disk, flexible disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, digital video disk, magnetic tape, and semiconductor memory.

The above program can be distributed and sold via a computer communication network independently of the computer on which the program is executed. The information recording medium can be distributed and sold independently of the computer.

According to the present invention, the music to be played can be searched with a simpler operation.

It is a mimetic diagram showing appearance of a dance game device concerning an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the game screen displayed on the monitor of a dance game. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the panel arrange | positioned at a step housing | casing. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the internal structure of a panel. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of a dance game apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the game device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the relationship between a note (beat) and footsteps. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the relationship between a note (beat) and footsteps. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the relationship between a note (beat) and footsteps. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the footsteps key produced | generated based on the stepped panel. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the relationship between a note (beat) and footsteps. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the relationship between a note (beat) and footsteps. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the footsteps which correspond with a footsteps key. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the footsteps similar to a footsteps key. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the footsteps similar to a footsteps key. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the music list displayed. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the music search process which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the game device which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the relationship between the auxiliary stepping motion which shows a rhythm, and a note (beat).

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In the following, in order to facilitate understanding, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a commercial dance game device arranged in a game hall or the like will be described, but the same applies to home game machines and various computers. The present invention can be applied to. That is, the embodiment described below is for explanation, and does not limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art can employ embodiments in which each or all of these elements are replaced with equivalent ones, and these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an external appearance of a business dance game apparatus in which a game apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is realized. As an example, this dance game device is a device that presents a stepping motion (task motion) as a task to the player in accordance with the music to be played, and evaluates the stepping motion actually performed by the player including timing. Hereinafter, an outline of the dance game apparatus will be described with reference to this drawing.

The dance game apparatus 1 includes a performance speaker 11, a monitor 12, a joystick 13, a rhythm speaker 14, and a step housing 20, as shown in the figure.

The performance speaker 11 outputs the music sound of the dance game selected by the player. That is, the music sound of the music to be played is output. In addition, the performance speaker 11 outputs a sound or the like according to the suitability (evaluation) of the stepping action performed by the player during the game.

The monitor 12 displays various information necessary for the dance game.

For example, before the game starts, the monitor 12 displays a music list (a music list searched by a stepping action as described later) and the like, and prompts the player to select a desired music.

When the music is selected and the game is started, the monitor 12 displays a game screen as shown in FIG.

On this game screen, the step zone SZ is a fixed image for showing the timing of the stepping motion to the player. On the other hand, the footsteps AF (AFu, AFd, AF1, AFr) is an image for showing the player the stepping action (task action) that is a task, and, for example, from the bottom to the top of the screen according to the music to be played Scroll to the display. When the footstep AF reaches the step zone SZ (when the footstep AF overlaps with the same image in the step zone SZ), when the required stepping action is performed by the player (a panel described later is correctly stepped on). And), you can get a score.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the joystick 13 is operated by the player and receives various information necessary for the dance game.

For example, the joystick 13 accepts selection information of music to be played and setting information such as the difficulty level of the game before the game starts.

The rhythm speaker 14 outputs the rhythm sound of the music being played as a heavy bass. That is, the rhythm sound is emphasized and output so that the player can easily take the rhythm of the music.

As an example, the step housing 20 is a stepping platform on which two players can simultaneously ride and perform stepping motions, and a plurality of panels (operators) are arranged.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3A, the step housing 20 is divided into a left player area LA and a right player area RA, and a plurality of panels each including panels Pu, Pd, Pl, and Pr are provided. Has been placed.

The panels Pu, Pd, Pl, and Pr have arrows in different directions, up, down, left, and right. These panels Pu to Pr correspond to the footsteps AFu to AFr of FIG. 2 described above. That is, the footstep AFu (up arrow) instructs the player to step on the panel Pu (up arrow), and the footstep AFd (down arrow) is the panel Pd (down arrow). It is instructed to step on. Similarly, the footsteps AF1 (left arrow) instructs to step on the panel Pl (left arrow), and the footsteps AFr (right arrow) instructs to step on the panel Pr (right arrow).

Each panel including these panels Pu to Pr can be detected by an internal sensor that the player has stepped on. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, a plurality of cable sensors CS are arranged inside, and a load (pressure) applied when stepped on can be detected.

In each panel including the panels Pu to Pr, light-emitting elements that can be turned on / off are stored inside. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, a plurality of cold cathode ray tubes RK are arranged.

The top plate TI is made of, for example, a translucent acrylic plate. The top plate TI can be illuminated with the lighting (light emission) of the cold cathode ray tube RK. Thereby, as will be described later, the stepping action on the music can be displayed as a digest.

Next, the internal configuration of such a dance game apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the dance game apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

As shown in the figure, the dance game apparatus 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, an interface 104, a hard disk 105, and an image processing unit 106. And a voice processing unit 107 and a NIC (Network Interface Card) 108.

The hard disk 105 stores a dance game program and necessary data, and when the dance game apparatus 1 is turned on, the program is executed to realize the game apparatus of the present embodiment. .

The CPU 101 controls the overall operation of the dance game apparatus 1 and is connected to each component to exchange control signals and data.

The ROM 102 stores an IPL (Initial Program Loader) that is executed immediately after the power is turned on, and when this is executed, the program recorded on the hard disk 105 is read to the RAM 103 and the CPU 101 starts execution. . The ROM 102 stores an operating system program and various data necessary for controlling the operation of the entire dance game apparatus 1.

The RAM 103 is for temporarily storing data and programs, and holds programs and data read from the hard disk 105 and other data necessary for the progress of the game.

The interface 104 relays communication with the joystick 13 and the step housing 20 described above.

Specifically, the interface 104 receives instruction information and the like input with the joystick 13.

Further, the interface 104 receives a stepping action performed by the player on the step housing 20. That is, when the cable sensor CS detects that any one (or a plurality of panels) including the panels Pu to Pr described above is stepped on by the player, the detection signal is received from the step housing 20. This makes it possible to immediately detect which panel has been stepped on.

Further, when the CPU 101 gives a lighting (light emission) instruction to any panel (including a plurality of panels) including the panels Pu to Pr, the interface 104 supplies information on the lighting instruction to the step casing 20. The cold cathode ray tube RK of the target panel is turned on.

The hard disk 105 stores a dance game program and accompanying image data and music data (including footnote data described later). These programs and data are read out under the control of the CPU 101 and temporarily stored in the RAM 103 or the like. The hard disk 105 is an example and may be another storage medium.

The image processing unit 106 includes an image arithmetic processor (not shown) and a frame memory (not shown), and performs various image processes under the control of the CPU 101. For example, the image processing unit 106 processes the image data read from the hard disk 105, generates image information, and stores it in the frame memory. Then, the image information stored in the frame memory is converted into a video signal at a predetermined synchronization timing, and supplied to the monitor 12 described above. Thereby, various image displays are possible.

Note that the image arithmetic processor can execute a two-dimensional image overlay operation, a transparency operation such as α blending, and various saturation operations at high speed.

In addition, the polygon information arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space and added with various kinds of texture information is rendered by the Z buffer method, and a rendered image is obtained by overlooking the polygon arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space from a predetermined viewpoint position. High speed execution of the obtained operation is also possible.

The audio processing unit 107 converts the music data read from the hard disk 105 into an analog audio signal and outputs it from the performance speaker 11 described above. Further, under the control of the CPU 101, sound effects and the like to be generated during the progress of the game are generated, and the corresponding sound is output from the performance speaker 11.

Furthermore, the audio processing unit 107 performs, for example, predetermined signal processing to extract a rhythm sound (rhythm signal) from the music data and output the rhythm sound from the rhythm speaker 14 described above. When rhythm data corresponding to music data is stored in the hard disk 105 in advance, a rhythm sound based on the rhythm data may be output from the rhythm speaker 14.

The NIC 108 is used to connect the dance game apparatus 1 to a computer communication network (not shown) such as the Internet, and is used when configuring a LAN (Local Area Network). 10BASE-T / 100BASE-T standard To connect to the Internet using an analog modem, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) modem, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) modem, or cable television line. It is composed of a cable modem and the like and an interface (not shown) that mediates between these and the CPU 101.

In addition to this, the dance game apparatus 1 may include a unit for detecting inserted coins (coins, medals, etc.), a unit for reading prepaid cards, and the like.

Further, instead of the dance game apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, a general computer (general-purpose personal computer or the like) or a home game machine can be used as the game apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. For example, a general computer includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a hard disk, and a NIC as in the dance game apparatus 1, and includes an image processing unit having a simpler function than the dance game apparatus 1. As a storage device, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic tape, or the like can be used. Further, instead of the step housing 20, a commercially available game mat (such as a mat for detecting an area stepped on by a player) is used. When the game program is installed after the game program is installed, it functions as a game device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

(Outline configuration of game device)
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the game device according to the embodiment of the present invention. As an example, this game apparatus is an apparatus that searches for a desired piece of music based on a stepping action performed by a player.

More specifically, before starting the dance game on this game device, the same or similar footstep information is searched based on the steps taken by the player, so that the music (music list) desired by the player can be obtained. It is a device to present. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

The game apparatus 200 includes a music information storage unit 201, a footstep information storage unit 202, a stepping motion reception unit 203, a footstep key generation unit 204, a search unit 205, a music list generation unit 206, and an image drawing unit. 207.

First, the music information storage unit 201 stores a plurality of pieces of music information that can be played in a dance game. That is, the music information of all the music that the player can select is stored.

When an arbitrary piece of music is selected by the player, the music information is reproduced and the dance game is started.

Note that the music information includes related information such as a music ID, a music name, and an artist name in addition to the music data on which the music sound is based.

The hard disk 105 described above can function as such a music information storage unit 201.

The footstep information storage unit 202 stores footstep information that defines the stepping motion that is the subject, corresponding to each piece of music. That is, the musical score information corresponding to the music information stored in the music information storage unit 201 is stored.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, this footstep information is information on the arrangement of footstep AFs indicated by arrows, and as an example, corresponds to musical note OP. 6A shows a case where the musical note OP and the footstep AF correspond one-to-one, but more specifically, as shown in FIG. 6B, in synchronization with the beat (time signature). In addition, footsteps AFu to AFr indicating the respective directions of up, down, left and right are defined.

Note that the footstep AF is not limited to one for the beat, and as shown in FIG. 6C, there are cases where two footsteps AFu and AFd are defined for the beat. In some cases, footsteps are not specified.

The footstep information storage unit 202 stores footstep information, which is an array of footstep AF synchronized with the beat of such a piece of music, in association with each piece of music.

The hard disk 105 described above can function as such a musical score information storage unit 202.

Referring back to FIG. 5, the stepping motion accepting unit 203 sequentially accepts the stepping motion by the player.

That is, the stepping motion accepting unit 203 accepts a stepping motion performed by the player on the above-described step casing 20. That is, it is acquired from the detection signal that the panel (panels Pu to Pr, etc.) of the step housing 20 has been stepped on, and it is accepted which panel (in some cases) has been stepped on.

Note that the above-described interface 104 or the like can function as such a stepping motion reception unit 203.

The footstep key generation unit 204 generates footstep keys along a predetermined rhythm (beat) based on a series of stepping motions received by the stepping motion reception unit 203.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, the footstep key generation unit 204 generates a footstep key AFK for search from a stepping action obtained by stepping on the panel P. At that time, the footstep key generation unit 204 analyzes timings t1 to t7 when the panel P is stepped on, and specifies a rhythm (beat). In the case of FIG. 7A, since there is an interval between timings t3 and t4, it can be estimated that there are empty beats between them, and as an example, a total of 8 beats can be specified.

Then, for example, when the eight beats are set to one beat, the footstep key generating unit 204 specifies a four-beat rhythm for two measures as shown in FIG. In the case of a beat, it is specified as a 4-beat rhythm for one measure as shown in FIG. 7C.

Then, the footstep key generation unit 204 generates footstep keys along the specified rhythm. Note that one beat or half beat is discriminated when it can be discriminated from the entire stepping action, and when it cannot be discriminated from these, both of them may be generated as footstep keys, respectively. .

The above-described CPU 101 or the like can function as such a musical score key generation unit 204.

Referring back to FIG. 5, the search unit 205 searches the footstep information storage unit 202 based on the footstep key generated by the footstep key generation unit 204. That is, the footstep information storage unit 202 is searched for footstep information including a footstep that matches or resembles the footstep key.

For example, the search unit 205 compares the footstep information in order from the top with reference to the footstep key, and searches each piece of footstep information for whether there is a matching or similar footstep.

Then, when the footstep key AFK and the footstep AF (part) match as shown in FIG. 8A or similar as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, the footstep information is hit (searched). ) Obtain as footstep information.

In this case, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 8B, only one place (beat) shift occurs, so it is determined that they are similar, and in FIG. 8C, the dotted line is shown. Thus, since there is only one difference in footsteps, it is determined that they are similar. Such similarity determination is merely an example, and similarity may be determined from another viewpoint.

Further, when searching for the footstep information, instead of comparing with the whole footsteps in the music, it may be compared with the footsteps of a characteristic part (for example, a part that rusts the music). In many cases, the rusted portion is provided with a footstep characterizing the music, and the player also remembers such a characteristic footstep and often steps for searching. Because. In this case, the amount of footsteps to be searched is reduced, and it can be expected that the search is completed quickly.

Note that the above-described CPU 101 or the like can function as such a search unit 205.

Referring back to FIG. 5, the music list generation unit 206 generates a music list for the music associated with the footstep information searched by the search unit 205.

That is, the music list generation unit 206 reads out the music information associated with each searched piece of score information (in some cases, one) from the music information storage unit 201. Then, for example, a music list including a music name (title) and an artist name is generated. At this time, the music list may be arranged in the order of title, artist name, etc., or may be arranged in the order of high coincidence with the footstep keys.

The image drawing unit 207 generates an image of the music list generated by the music list generation unit 206 and displays it on the monitor 12 described above.

For example, the image drawing unit 207 generates an image of a music list as shown in FIG. 9 and displays it so that the player can select a music.

Note that the music list shown in FIG. 9 displays information of only the music name and artist name as an example, but other information may be added to the music list.

Note that the above-described image processing unit 106 can function as such an image drawing unit 207.

(Overview of game device operation)
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of music search processing executed in the game device 200 having the above-described configuration. Hereinafter, the operation of the game apparatus 200 will be described with reference to FIG. This music search process is a process of searching for music for which the same (similar) footsteps are the subject in response to the stepping action by the player in the game device 200 that executes the dance game. In other words, before starting the dance game, the player inputs a stepping action (part) of a piece of music that the player wants to dance to display a music list of such stepping actions. This music search process is started while waiting for the start of the dance game.

First, the game device 200 waits for a stepping action by the player (step S301). That is, the subsequent process is waited while determining whether or not the player has stepped on the panel on the step housing 20.

When the game apparatus 200 detects that the panel on the step housing 20 has been stepped on (step S301; Yes), it sequentially receives a series of stepping actions by the player (step S302).

That is, the stepping motion accepting unit 203 acquires from the detection signal that the panel of the step housing 20 has been stepped on, and sequentially receives which panel (or plural cases) has been stepped on.

The game device 200 generates a musical score key based on the accepted stepping action (step S303).

That is, the footsteps key generation unit 204 generates footsteps keys according to a predetermined rhythm based on a series of stepping motions received by the stepping motion reception unit 203. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A described above, the footstep key generation unit 204 analyzes the timings t1 to t7 when the panel P is stepped and identifies the rhythm (beat), and selects the footstep key AFK for search. Generate.

The game device 200 searches for footstep information including the same (similar) footsteps based on the generated footstep key AFK (step S304).

That is, the search unit 205 searches the footstep information storage unit 202 for footstep information including a footstep that matches or resembles the footstep key AFK generated by the footstep key generation unit 204.

For example, the search unit 205 is similar to the footstep information AF including the footstep AF that matches the footstep key AFK as shown in FIG. 8A and the footstep key AFK as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C. The footstep information including the footstep AF to be searched is searched.

The game device 200 generates and displays a music list for the music associated with the searched footstep information (step S305).

That is, the music list generation unit 206 generates a music list for the music associated with the footstep information searched by the search unit 205, and the image drawing unit 207 generates an image of the generated music list. And displayed on the monitor 12.

Thus, when the footstep information is retrieved based on the footstep key and the music list of the associated music is displayed, the player operates the joystick 13 to select a desired music from the music list, for example. Choosing a song and starting a dance game.

Note that if there is no desired music in the music list, it is possible that the stepping motion was incorrect, so the player may perform the stepping motion again to request a new search.

Also, the search unit 205 can sequentially search for footstep information including footsteps that match or are similar to the footstep key AFK generated by the footstep key generation unit 204. For example, the search unit 205 searches for the footstep key AFK generated at the timing t3 shown in FIG. 7A, that is, the footstep information that matches or is similar to the footstep key AFK from timing t1 to t3. The music list generation unit 206 generates a music list for the music associated with the footstep information from the timings t1 to t3 searched by the search unit 205. Then, the image drawing unit 207 generates an image of the generated music list and displays it on the monitor 12.

Next, when the player performs a stepping motion at the timing t4, the footstep information that matches or resembles the footstep key AFK from the timing t1 to t4 is retrieved, and the footstep information from the timing t1 to t4 is retrieved. Since the music list associated with is displayed on the monitor 12, the music displayed in the music list is gradually narrowed down.

Thus, each time the player performs a stepping motion, the music list in which the music is sequentially narrowed down is displayed, so that the player can easily search for the desired music.

In such a music search process, by inputting the stepping motion (part) of the music that the player wants to dance, the music including such a stepping motion is searched and displayed in a list. For this reason, the player wants to dance while the target music is narrowed down and displayed by simply inputting a series of stepping motions that he or she remembers without performing complicated operations as in the past. You can easily select songs.

Even if a part of the stepping motion to be input is inaccurate, music containing similar stepping motions is also searched, so that the ratio of selecting a desired music from the list displayed is increased. .

As a result, the music to be played can be searched with a simpler operation.

(Other embodiments)
In the above embodiment, the case where the player inputs only the stepping motion that is the basis of the footstep key has been described. However, another stepping motion indicating the rhythm of the music may be input.

For example, since the rhythm of the music cannot be accurately specified, a lot of footstep information is searched, and as a result, the music list may become very long and it may be difficult to select the music. In this case, the music list can be shortened by allowing the player to separately input an auxiliary stepping action indicating a rhythm and narrowing down the footstep information.

Hereinafter, a game apparatus 400 according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

The game apparatus 400 has a configuration in which a narrowing unit 301 is added to the game apparatus 200 shown in FIG. That is, the configuration of the music information storage unit 201 to the image drawing unit 207 is the same as that of the game device 200.

The narrowing-down unit 301 causes the image drawing unit 207 to draw an image that prompts the user to input an auxiliary stepping action when the number of footstep information that can be searched by the search unit 205 exceeds a predetermined number.

When an auxiliary stepping motion indicating the rhythm of the music is input from the stepping motion reception unit 203, the rhythm is identified from the auxiliary stepping motion, and the footstep information searched by the search unit 205 is narrowed down based on the identified rhythm. .

For example, when the same stepping motion is continuously received a predetermined number of times or more from the stepping motion reception portion 203, the narrowing-down portion 301 determines that an auxiliary stepping motion indicating the rhythm of the music has been input. More specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, when a stepping action on the same panel P is detected at the timing of “one, two, one, two, three, four”, the narrowing unit 301 Specifies a four-beat rhythm. In addition, when a stepping action that can specify a rhythm is detected, the narrowing unit 301 specifies a rhythm based on the stepping action.

Then, based on the identified rhythm, the search unit 205 narrows down the footstep information searched. For example, among the searched footstep information, the step information that does not match the rhythm is discarded.

Thereby, the footstep information searched by the search unit 205 can be reduced, and the music list can be prevented from becoming long.

On the contrary, it is also possible to input the auxiliary stepping action first, search for the music of the rhythm, and narrow down the footstep information by the footsteps based on the inputted stepping action after that. .

Also in this case, the music to be played can be searched by a simpler operation.

In the game apparatus 400 described above, the case where the auxiliary stepping action indicating the rhythm of the music is further input when the searched musical score information exceeds a predetermined number has been described.

However, the auxiliary stepping motion and the stepping motion to be searched (main stepping motion) may be input every time.

That is, the stepping motion accepting unit 203 accepts an auxiliary stepping motion and a main stepping motion. For example, after accepting the stepping action of the same panel P as shown in FIG. 12 described above, the stepping action for search (main stepping action) as shown in FIG. 7A is accepted.

Then, the footstep key generation unit 204 specifies the rhythm of the music by the auxiliary stepping motion received by the stepping motion reception unit 203, and generates the footsteps key according to the specified rhythm based on the main stepping motion. .

In this case, since the rhythm of the music is accurately specified, unnecessary footstep information is not searched, and as a result, the music list is shortened, and the player can easily select music. In this case as well, the music to be played can be searched with a simpler operation.

Further, the narrowing-down unit 301 specifies the tempo (for example, the number of beats per minute) from the input stepping speed, and the footstep information searched by the search unit 205 based on the specified tempo. You can also narrow down. For example, if a tempo of 120 beats per minute is input, the footstep information corresponding to a tempo of 110 beats per minute and 130 beats per minute is discarded, and a tempo from 110 to 130 beats is discarded. You can also search for songs that correspond to.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the player inputs a stepping motion by stepping on the panel of the step housing 20 has been described. .

For example, even if the game is a bodily sensation game in which a player performs a swinging motion or a tilting motion in accordance with a music piece to be played using a controller with a built-in acceleration sensor, it is possible as appropriate.

In this case, the game device stores the task information corresponding to the footstep information in association with the music, and if a series of shaking motions and the like are acquired by the detection of the acceleration sensor before the game starts, the footstep key A search key corresponding to is generated to search for matching or similar task information. Then, a list of songs associated with the searched task information is displayed, and the player selects a song to be played.

Also, a game in which a player's motion can be acquired by photographing the player's movement with an image sensor (camera or the like) can be applied as appropriate.

For example, even if it is a bodily sensation game in which a player moves a hand or a leg in accordance with the music to be played without using a controller or the like, it is possible as appropriate.

Also in this case, the game device stores task information corresponding to the footstep information in association with the music, and if acquired by analyzing an image obtained by photographing a series of actions before the game starts, A search key corresponding to the key is generated to search for matching or similar task information. Then, a list of songs associated with the searched task information is displayed, and the player selects a song to be played.

Even in this case, the music to be played can be searched with a simpler operation.

As for the present application, the priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2008-178664 is claimed and all the contents of the basic application are incorporated in the present application.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a game device, a music search method, a computer-readable information recording medium, and a program that search for music to be played with a simpler operation.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Dance game apparatus 11 Speaker for performance 12 Monitor 13 Joystick 14 Speaker for rhythm 20 Step housing | casing 101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
104 Interface 105 Hard Disk 106 Image Processing Unit 107 Audio Processing Unit 108 NIC
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 200 Game apparatus 201 Music information storage part 202 Footstep information storage part 203 Stepping movement reception part 204 Footstep key generation part 205 Search part 206 Music list generation part 207 Image drawing part 301 Narrowing part 400 Game apparatus

Claims

A game device (200) that presents a task action together with the reproduction of music and evaluates the action content performed by the player,
A music storage unit (201) for storing a plurality of music;
A task storage unit (202) for storing task operation information corresponding to each music piece;
An action acquisition unit (203) for acquiring an action performed by the player;
A generation unit (204) that generates search operation information based on the acquired operation;
A search unit (205) that searches the task storage unit (202) for task motion information including motion information that matches or is similar to the generated search motion information;
A music information generation unit (206) that generates music information about the music associated with the searched task operation information;
A display unit (207) for displaying the generated music information so that the player can select a music;
A game device (200) characterized by the above.
A game device (200) for sequentially presenting stepping motions that become a problem along with the reproduction of music and evaluating the stepping motions performed by a player,
A music storage unit (201) for storing a plurality of music;
A task storage unit (202) for storing task operation information corresponding to each music piece and synchronized with the rhythm of the music piece;
An operation accepting unit (203) for sequentially accepting the stepping motion of the player;
A generation unit (204) that generates search operation information in accordance with a predetermined rhythm based on the received series of the stepping operations;
A search unit (205) that searches the task storage unit (202) for task motion information including motion information that matches or is similar to the generated search motion information;
A music list generation unit (206) that generates a music list for the music associated with the searched task operation information;
A display unit (207) for displaying the generated music list so that the player can select music;
A game device (200) characterized by the above.
A game device (200) according to claim 2,
A narrowing-down unit (301) for narrowing down a plurality of task operation information searched by the search unit (205) based on other search conditions;
The motion accepting unit (203) further accepts an auxiliary stepping motion indicating the rhythm of the music,
The narrowing-down unit (301) identifies a rhythm based on the received auxiliary stepping motion, and narrows down the task motion information searched by the search unit (205) based on the identified rhythm.
A game device (200) characterized by the above.
A game device (200) according to claim 2,
The motion accepting unit (203) accepts an auxiliary stepping motion indicating the rhythm of the music and a main stepping motion to be searched,
The generation unit (204) specifies a rhythm of the music based on the received auxiliary stepping motion, and generates search operation information along the specified rhythm based on the received main stepping motion.
A game device (200) characterized by the above.
A music search method in a game device (200) having a music storage unit (201), an assignment storage unit (202), an action acquisition unit (203), a calculation unit (204, 205, 206), and a display unit (207). There,
The song storage unit (201) stores a plurality of songs, and the task storage unit (202) stores task operation information corresponding to each song,
An action acquisition step of acquiring an action performed by the player, performed by the action acquisition unit (203);
The calculation unit (204, 205, 206) generates search operation information based on the acquired operation,
A search step in which the calculation unit (204, 205, 206) searches the task storage unit for task operation information including operation information that matches or is similar to the generated search operation information;
A music information generation step in which the arithmetic unit (204, 205, 206) generates music information about the music associated with the searched task motion information;
A display step in which the display unit (207) displays the generated music information so that a player can select a music;
The music search method characterized by this.
A computer that presents a task action along with music playback and evaluates the action performed by the player,
A music storage unit (201) for storing a plurality of music;
A task storage unit (202) for storing task operation information corresponding to each music piece;
An action acquisition unit (203) for acquiring an action performed by the player;
A generation unit (204) that generates search operation information based on the acquired operation,
A search unit (205) that searches the task storage unit (202) for task motion information including motion information that matches or is similar to the generated search motion information;
A music information generation unit (206) that generates music information about the music associated with the searched task operation information;
A display unit (207) for displaying the generated music information so that the player can select music;
A computer-readable information recording medium having a program recorded thereon, which is made to function as:
A computer that presents a task action along with music playback and evaluates the action performed by the player,
A music storage unit (201) for storing a plurality of music;
A task storage unit (202) for storing task operation information corresponding to each music piece;
An action acquisition unit (203) for acquiring an action performed by the player;
A generation unit (204) that generates search operation information based on the acquired operation,
A search unit (205) that searches the task storage unit (202) for task motion information including motion information that matches or is similar to the generated search motion information;
A music information generation unit (206) that generates music information about the music associated with the searched task operation information;
A display unit (207) for displaying the generated music information so that the player can select music;
A program characterized by functioning as