JP6746728B2 - Program, game device, and server system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a program for causing a computer to execute a game that is enjoyed by performing a pointing operation on a display-controlled marker.

One of the genres of games in which the user can enjoy operation input in time with the display of markers is a so-called “music game”, “sound game”, “playing game”, or “rhythm game”. (Hereinafter, it is called "music game".)

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a game in which a player operates and inputs a marker (target of operation input) flow-displayed along a line in consideration of the timing of reaching an input timing line (evaluation position). There is. The timing at which the marker reaches the input timing line is set so as to match the rhythm of the music, so that the player can obtain a high score by operating and inputting in accordance with the rhythm of the music.

JP, 2007-181650, A

In recent years, many music games played by touching a touch panel have been developed, and a style of playing a game by touching a marker is generally adopted.

What is important in this game style is a technique for identifying which marker is touched. Paradoxically, it is a technique of allocating the detected touch operation to which displayed marker. If the assignment is not performed properly, the touch operation is assigned to a marker different from the marker intended by the player, and the player's play operation cannot be correctly input and evaluated. The simplest and most effective solution is to display the markers with sufficient separation in terms of time and display position so as not to misidentify or misjudge the marker display interval.

On the other hand, even in a game style with touch operation, it is necessary to prepare a variety of songs (play songs), so for example, for a high-level player, a song with a high degree of difficulty that requires a heavy touch operation that is performed by repeatedly striking in finely I also want to prepare. However, since such music requires a touch operation on many markers in a short time, the display position interval between the markers is inevitably shortened, and it may be necessary to display the markers at positions close to each other. .. Therefore, the above assignment problem occurs. That is, in order to avoid the assignment problem, the lower limit of the display position interval between the markers before and after the touch operation is set, and as a result, the music that requires the touch operation for many markers in a short time is higher than expected. There was a risk of difficulty.

A touch operation has been given as an example of the pointing operation, but the same problem occurs in a game style using a mouse or the like.
The present invention was devised to solve the above-mentioned problems.

A first invention for solving the above-mentioned problem is a program for causing a computer to execute a game that is enjoyed by performing a pointing operation on a marker whose display is controlled,
A marker display control means (for example, FIG. 1) that performs control to sequentially display the markers in which an input allowable period that is a time range that allows input to the marker and an input allowable area that is a range that allows the input position are defined. Control board 1450, processing unit 200 of FIG. 8, marker display control unit 208, step S12 of FIG. 12,
Part or all of the input allowable period overlaps, and, for a plurality of pointing operations for a marker group consisting of a plurality of markers that part or all of the input allowable area overlap, assign a pointing operation to each marker of the marker group, Marker group input evaluation means (e.g., control board 1450 in FIG. 1, processing unit 200 in FIG. 8, marker group input evaluation unit 210, simultaneous pressing marker routine in FIG. 15, FIG. Step S170) of the above is a program for causing the computer to function.

When a plurality of markers are displayed in such a manner that part or all of the input allowable period overlaps and part or all of the input allowable area overlaps, each time a pointing operation is simply detected, the marker is assigned. If you do, the assignment may be different from the operation intended by the player. For example, in a scene in which the first and second markers are displayed so that they are markers that should be input almost at the same time or at the same time and a part of the input allowance area overlaps, two pointing operations are performed with a slight time lag. That is the case. Specifically, the first pointing operation is performed on the area where the input allowance area overlaps, and 2 is applied to the area of the input allowance area of the first marker that does not overlap the input allowance area of the second marker. This is the case when the th pointing operation is performed. In this case, there is a problem that the second pointing operation cannot be assigned. In order to avoid this problem, conventionally, it is necessary to display a marker so that the input allowable period and the input allowable area do not overlap. For example, markers to be input at the same time have to be displayed at extremely distant positions. Note that, in the past, the fact that the input marker itself indicated the input allowable area was also one of the causes of this problem.

However, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the markers displayed in close proximity to each other so that the input allowable period and the input allowable area overlap each other are regarded as a “group (marker group)”, and a plurality of pointing operations are performed in the “group (marker group)”. )”, it is possible to appropriately assign a pointing operation to each marker forming the marker group.

Therefore, it becomes possible to display the marker densely, which has been impossible in the past, and the interest of the game can be enhanced. Of course, even if the markers are displayed so as to be densely arranged, the pointing operations can be appropriately assigned, so that it is possible to realize a play in which the markers are close to each other and a violent pointing operation is performed in which the markers are repeatedly struck in a finely divided manner.

A second invention is that the marker group input evaluation means completes the assignment of a pointing operation to each marker of the marker group, or until the input allowable period of the marker group elapses. Evaluation standby control means for waiting for the evaluation of the operation input (for example, the control board 1450 of FIG. 1, the processing unit 200 of FIG. 8, the evaluation standby control unit 212, the completion flag 579 of the marker management data 570 of FIG. The program according to the first aspect of the present invention includes steps S94 to S96 and step S200 in FIG.

According to the second aspect, it is possible to prevent the input evaluation from being performed before the allocation is completed, or to prevent the input evaluation from being performed until the input allowable period elapses.
If the pointing operation is simply assigned to the markers in the order in which they are input and the input is evaluated for each assignment, the correction of the assignment error will not work. For example, when the player intends to input simultaneously, but actually inputs two inputs with a slight time lag. According to the second invention, since the input evaluation is performed after the allocation of each marker included in the marker group is completed, such a problem is eliminated.

Various methods can be used for assigning the pointing operation.
For example, as a third invention, the marker group input evaluation means configures the program according to the first or second invention, in which the pointing operation is assigned to each marker of the marker group by using the display order of the markers. be able to.

Furthermore, as a fourth invention, the marker group input evaluation means assigns the pointing operation to the first displayed marker of the marker group each time the pointing operation is performed, and the marker group input evaluation means assigns the pointing operation to the marker displayed first in the marker group. If the pointing operation has already been assigned to, the assigned pointing operation is forwarded in the shape of a bead in the marker display order to cancel the assignment of the marker displayed first, and then It is also possible to configure the program of the third invention for assigning the pointing operation to the displayed marker.

Further, as a fifth invention, the marker group input evaluation means assigns a pointing operation to each marker of the marker group using a distance between a display position of the marker and an operation position of the pointing operation. The program of the second invention can be configured.

Further, various methods can be used for input evaluation.
For example, as a sixth invention, the marker group input evaluation means uses the time difference between the target timing associated with each marker of the marker group and the operation timing of the assigned pointing operation with respect to the marker group. The program of any one of the first to fifth inventions for evaluating the operation input can be configured.

Further, as a seventh invention, the marker group input evaluation means evaluates an operation input for the marker using a time difference between an operation timing of a pointing operation assigned to the marker and a target timing of the marker. The program according to the sixth aspect of the invention can be configured.

An eighth aspect of the present invention relates to a plurality of pointing operations for the marker group, a sound effect output control means for outputting a predetermined sound effect at the time of input of each pointing operation (for example, the control board 1450 in FIG. 1, the processing unit in FIG. 8). 200, a sound effect output control section 230, and the program of any one of the first to seventh inventions for further causing the computer to function as step S24) of FIG.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, even if the evaluation of the operation input to the marker group is on standby, the output of the sound effect is not delayed due to the standby.

A ninth invention is an evaluation result corresponding sound output control means (for example, the control board 1450 in FIG. 1, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 8, the evaluation result corresponding sound, which outputs a sound according to the evaluation result by the marker group input evaluation means. The output control unit 232 is the program of any one of the first to eighth inventions for further causing the computer to function as step S222) of FIG.

According to the ninth aspect, the player can be notified by sound of the evaluation result of the input.

In a tenth aspect of the present invention, the computer is provided with a built-in touch panel or externally connected by wire or wirelessly, and the marker display control means sequentially displays the markers from an unspecified position of the touch panel in an unspecified direction. It is a program according to any one of the first to ninth inventions for causing the computer to further function as an operation input means for controlling and inputting a touch operation on the touch panel as the pointing operation.

According to the tenth invention, it is possible to realize a play style in which a pointing operation is performed at various positions by using the entire area of the touch panel. Therefore, along with the effects of the first to third inventions, it is possible to realize an unprecedented fun. .. With a screen size that allows pointing operations on the entire touch panel by expanding and contracting the left and right arms, it is possible to achieve a stylish gameplay style such as dance using active hands and arms and paraparadance. Let's do it.

In an eleventh invention, the marker display control means selects from markers including at least a first type marker for instructing a touch position and a second type marker for instructing a touch position and a sliding direction. Markers are sequentially displayed, and when the marker group input evaluation means performs a touch operation including a touch position and a slide direction as a touch operation on the marker group including the second type marker, the marker group input evaluation means is adapted to the slide direction. A tenth, which has a priority allocation unit (for example, the control board 1450 in FIG. 1, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 8, the priority allocation control unit 214, and steps S130 to S132 in FIG. 16) that preferentially allocates the touch operation to the seed marker. Is a program of the invention of.

According to the eleventh aspect, by causing the first type marker and the second type marker having different contents of the required pointing operation to appear in an interwoven manner, it is possible to change the pointing operation continuously performed during the play. ..

Moreover, since the second type marker can be preferentially selected and adapted to the slide direction and the touch operation can be assigned, for example, the operation input intended by the player is actually the operation input for the second type marker that appears later in sequence. Even if it is, it is possible to remedy this and evaluate as if the operation input intended by the player was correct. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation that obscures the interest of the game.

In a twelfth aspect, the marker group input evaluation means assigns the touch operation to the marker group including the second type marker, after the touch position is input, the slide direction is input, or It has an allocation standby control means (for example, the control board 1450 in FIG. 1, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 8, the allocation standby control unit 216, steps S126 to S140 in FIG. 16) that waits until the given slide input standby time elapses. It is a program of the eleventh invention.

Also for the type 2 marker, if the pointing operation is simply assigned to the markers in the input order and the input is evaluated every time the markers are assigned, the correction of the assignment error will not work. According to the twelfth invention, this situation can be prevented in advance.

A thirteenth invention is a game device for executing a game which is enjoyed by performing a pointing operation on a display-controlled marker,
Marker display control means for performing control to sequentially display the markers in which the input allowable period that is a time range that allows input to the marker and the input allowable area that is a range that allows the input position are sequentially displayed;
Part or all of the input allowable period overlaps, and, for a plurality of pointing operations for a marker group consisting of a plurality of markers that part or all of the input allowable area overlap, assign a pointing operation to each marker of the marker group, Marker group input evaluation means for evaluating operation input to the marker group,
It is a game device provided with.

A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is a server system for playing a game in which the player terminal is used as a man-machine interface to perform a pointing operation on a marker whose display is controlled and which is enjoyed by the player terminal.
Marker display control means for performing control to sequentially display the markers in which the input allowable period that is a time range that allows the input to the marker and the input allowable area that is the range that allows the input position are sequentially displayed,
Part or all of the input permissible period overlaps, and, for a plurality of pointing operations on a marker group consisting of a plurality of markers that part or all of the input permissible area overlap, assign a pointing operation to each marker of the marker group, Marker group input evaluation means for evaluating operation input to the marker group,
It is a server system equipped with.

According to the thirteenth and fourteenth inventions, the same effect as that of the first invention can be obtained.

The perspective external view which shows an example of a structure of the arcade game device. The right view of the arcade game machine. The figure which shows the example of a game screen. The figure explaining the basic way of thinking about the allocation to the marker about the operation input made into the overlap area of the input permission area. The figure which shows the concept of the allocation of the operation input with respect to a simultaneous pressing marker, and the handling after allocation. The figure which shows the way of thinking about the allocation of the basic operation input with respect to a flick marker, and the handling after allocation. The figure which shows the way of thinking about the allocation of the operation input and the handling after allocation when a plurality of flick markers are included in the allocation candidate set. The functional block diagram which shows an example of a functional structure of the arcade game device. The figure which shows an example of a data structure of a selection candidate music data set. The figure which shows the data structural example of play data. The figure which shows an example of the data structure of marker management data. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a process of an arcade game device. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of operation allocation processing. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing in a single marker routine. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a process in the routine for simultaneous pressing markers. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a process in the routine for flick markers. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of an input evaluation process. The figure which shows the example of a system structure at the time of implement|achieving as an online game. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the process in the modification of the routine for independent markers. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the process in the modification of the routine for simultaneous pressing markers.

[First Embodiment]
As a first embodiment to which the present invention is applied, an example of an arcade game device that executes a music game will be described.
FIG. 1 is a perspective external view showing an example of the configuration of an arcade game machine according to this embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a right side view of the arcade game machine according to this embodiment. However, the illustration of the right speaker support structure is omitted for easy understanding of the structure.

The arcade game device 1400 of the present embodiment is designed as a video game device for enjoying a music game using a touch operation. The arcade game device 1400 includes: 1) a base 1401 provided with a device for displaying screens and operated by a player; 2) a standing back 1402 provided above the back of the base 1401 as seen from the player; and 3) And speaker support portions 1406R and 1406L extending from the standing back portion toward the vicinity of the head of the player 9 in the operation position.

The speaker support portions 1406R and 1406L have a substantially U shape or a substantially U shape in a top view, and are fixed to the back surface of the standing back portion 1402 at the inner portion corresponding to the bottom of the recess. The width in the vertical direction (height direction) of the speaker support portions 1406R and 1406L is set to be larger than the assumed average width in the height direction of the player's head (vertical width). The speaker support portions 1406R and 1406L include speaker units 1408R and 1408L whose sound output surfaces are arranged toward the player's head, respectively.

The base portion 1401 is a main housing portion, and is a touch panel 1420 that also serves as a screen display portion and an operation input portion, a body support portion 1422 on which the player who is operating can lean back, and pays a play consideration. A payment device 1424, a woofer 1426, and a control board 1450 are provided.

The touch panel 1420 is provided on the upper end of the base 1401 with the screen facing upward or diagonally upward. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the player 9 looks at the screen from the top and a touch operation-based play style that includes a dynamic slide operation while extending and contracting both arms vertically and horizontally along the screen. The size of 1420 is as large as possible. Desirably, the length is 14 inches or more, for example, 24 inches to 30 inches, but other sizes may be used. Note that the touch panel 1420 is not limited to the configuration integrally incorporated in the base 1401 and may be externally attached to the base 1401 (communication connection may be wired or wireless).

The body support portion 1422 is set so that the player who is operating can apply the abdomen to partially support the weight of the body. Specifically, the body support portion 1422 is the front end portion of the base portion 1401, is fixed near the front lower end of the touch panel 1420, and the surface with which the player 9 abuts is a convex curved surface. It is covered with a suitable elastic material so that it will not be a burden even if it is applied with weight. Below the body support portion 1422, a space where the toes can be stored when the player 9 stands up is secured.

The consideration payment device 1424 is realized by a coin insertion device, a reader/writer such as a prepaid card or a player card having an electronic money function. The player card is a card-type player identification information carrying medium provided with a storage medium that is issued through a player registration procedure in advance, and rewritably stores various registration information such as a player account. For example, data is read and written by an NFC reader/writer that uses NFC (Near Field Communication). The player card may be a device capable of storing data corresponding to NFC, for example, a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or a portable game device. Payment for game play can be replaced by consumption of prepaid points stored in the player card.

The woofer 1426 is the third speaker unit in charge of the low frequency range. The woofer 1426 is installed toward the lower body of the player 9, more specifically, toward the bottom of the player, and can emit heavy bass to the lower body of the player.

The control board 1450 includes various microprocessors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1451, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), various kinds of ICs such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), VRAM, RAM, and ROM. A memory 1452, a communication device 1453 for connecting to the communication line N, a driver IC 1454 of the touch panel 1420, an I/F (Interface) control IC 1457, etc. are mounted. The I/F control IC 1457 includes, for example, (1) an output amplifier circuit that outputs a sound signal to a speaker and a signal input/output circuit for the payment device 1424, and controls signal input/output between the CPU 1451 and various devices. To do. These elements mounted on the control board 1450 are electrically connected via a bus circuit or the like, and are connected so as to be able to read and write data and send and receive signals.

The communication line N means a communication path capable of data communication. That is, the communication line N includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN (Local Area Network) such as Ethernet (registered trademark), a communication network such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, and the Internet. It means that the communication method may be wired/wireless.

Then, the control board 1450 reads out and executes the program stored in the IC memory 1452, and performs arithmetic processing based on various data and operation inputs, thereby integrally controlling the arcade game device 1400 and executing the operation. The progress of the game of the embodiment is controlled. The program and data may be stored in the IC memory 1452 in advance, or may be downloaded from an external server system via the communication line N.

[Explanation of game contents]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen in this embodiment.
In the music game of the present embodiment, as the music to be played is reproduced, the markers 2 (2S, 2M, 2F) are sequentially displayed from the unspecified position to the unspecified direction on the game screen of the touch panel 1420 in accordance with the rhythm.

Specifically, the display control of the markers 2 (2S, 2M, 2F) is successively performed along the reference line 1 that is regularly or irregularly folded over the entire display area of the touch panel 1420. This is called a "musical score."
The player performs a touch operation on the touch panel 1420 for the marker 2 in the displayed order in accordance with the rhythm of the emitted music, or a slide operation after the touch. The touch operation and the slide operation are the “pointing operation” in this embodiment.

The reference line 1 defines a direction in which the marker 2 is arranged, but is a non-display line that cannot be seen by the player. For example, it is defined by a combination of straight lines, curved lines, closed loops, zigzags, and the like.

The markers 2 (2S, 2M, 2F) are displayed so as to appear and disappear one after another along the reference line 1. The marker 2 appears immediately above the reference line 1 a predetermined time before the "target timing (one of the correct timings that matches the rhythm of music)" at which the pointing operation should be started. Alternatively, it appears at a position slightly distant from the reference line 1 while being given an appropriate distance from the reference line 1. Then, a timing guide 4 is attached to each of the markers 2, and the timing guide 4 guides the timing at which the pointing operation should be started, that is, the timing at which the marker 2 is first touched. A predetermined time period (more specifically, a predetermined number of frames) before and after the target timing indicated by the timing guide 4 is a time range in which input to the marker is allowed, that is, an input allowable period.

In this embodiment, the timing guide 4 is displayed on the outer periphery of the marker 2 as the corresponding marker 2 appears. In the example of FIG. 3, the timing guide 4 is configured by annularly arranging four arcuate bodies as one set, but other designs may be used.

The timing guide 4 that has just appeared together with the marker 2 is large enough to have a predetermined distance (for example, a distance within 5 cm on the screen) from the outer edge of the marker 2, and is gradually reduced in display with the passage of time, and the target timing of the corresponding marker 2 The display is controlled so that it exactly overlaps the outer edge of the marker 2. In the example of FIG. 3, the timing guide 4 attached to the marker 2 (2F) shown on the rightmost side in FIG. 3 shows the positional relationship at the time of appearance. The timing guide 4 passes through the state of the timing guide 4 attached to the two markers 2 (2Ma, 2Mb) in the center with the passage of time, and then the timing guide 4 attached to the marker 2 (2S) shown on the leftmost side. As shown in 4, the marker 2 and the timing guide 4 are erased from the screen in a short time from the state of overlapping with the marker 2.

The target timing is basically matched with the rhythm such as a melody line of music whose sound is controlled at the start of the game play. By imagining the invisible reference line 1 from the positions of the markers 2 that appear one after another, the player can predict the position at which the next marker 2 will appear and at the same time the timing guide 4 overlaps with the marker 2. Touch to play the game.

[About marker types]
In the music game of this embodiment, a single marker 2S and a simultaneous pressing marker 2M (2Ma, 2Mb) are provided for the purpose of improving the variety of pointing operations, adjusting the difficulty level of the game, and improving the rhythmic sense of the operation. , 3 types of markers, flick marker 2F are used.

The single marker 2S is a type 1 marker for designating the first touch position in the pointing operation. The single marker 2S appears and is displayed by itself, and if one of them is touched, the input evaluation of the marker becomes possible.

The simultaneous pressing marker 2M is composed of a plurality of type 1 markers having a common target timing. In the example of FIG. 3, two groups of the simultaneous pressing marker 2Ma and the simultaneous pressing marker 2Mb having the same target timing form one group. Simultaneous pressing markers 2Ma and 2Mb of the same group are displayed on the game screen at the same timing, and the player is required to simultaneously touch them. In other words, the apparently two simultaneous pressing markers 2Ma and the simultaneous pressing marker 2Mb are, in effect, one marker as a whole including both of the operation input allocation frames, and are used to evaluate the input. Is a type of marker that requires the timing of two operation inputs. Note that the number of simultaneous pressing markers 2M forming one group may be three or more.

The flick marker 2F is a marker that is required to perform a so-called "payout operation" or "flick operation", which is an operation of sliding the marker in the direction of the designated direction display 3 while maintaining the touch after the touch operation, and then releasing the finger. is there. That is, the flick marker 2F is a second type marker for instructing the touch position and the sliding direction, and two operation contents of the touch position and the sliding direction are required for input evaluation.

The music played in the game in the present embodiment can be arbitrarily selected by the player from the options. The genre and tempo of music to be selected can be set appropriately. In other words, depending on the result of the music selection, a case in which the tempo is fast and a large number of markers 2 are continuously displayed close to each other is also assumed. Therefore, the display size of the marker 2 in the present embodiment is slightly larger than the fingertip (for example, a diameter of about 2 cm to 3 cm) so that each marker 2 can be easily identified even if a plurality of markers 2 are displayed in close proximity. ) Is set.

In addition, an input allowance area 8 for internal processing which is invisible to the player is set separately for each marker 2. Then, even if the touched position deviates slightly from the apparent marker 2, if it is within the input allowable area 8, it is considered that the marker has been input, and the requirement regarding the display size of the marker 2 is considered. And the requirements related to the operability assumed from the play style.

The input allowance area 8 of this embodiment has substantially the same shape as the marker 2, is larger than the display size of the marker 2, and is set to be substantially the same size as the initial display size of the timing guide 4. The shape and size of the input allowance area 8 can be changed appropriately. Also, the shape and size are not limited to fixed, and the difficulty level increases according to the game difficulty level (for example, the player selects the game before starting the game, or is automatically selected according to the player's play history). It may be variable such that it becomes smaller.

[Handling of markers displayed in close proximity]
Now, when a plurality of markers 2 are displayed in proximity so that a part or all of the input allowance area 8 is overlapped, it is determined that the touch operation made in the overlapping range is an operation input corresponding to which one of the markers 2. Whether or not it should be important. The association between the touch operation and the marker 2 is referred to as “assignment of operation input to marker” or simply “operation assignment”.

In this embodiment, the latest touch operation is basically interpreted as an operation performed on the earliest displayed marker 2 among the markers 2 that can be candidates for allocation. Therefore, when there are a plurality of markers 2 in which the input allowance area 8 overlaps, the operation input is basically assigned from the marker 2 having the earliest display order.
Then, the markers displayed in close proximity so that the input allowable period and the input allowable area 8 overlap each other are regarded as a “group (marker group)”, and a plurality of touch operations are performed as an operation for the “group (marker group)”. By observing, the operation input is assigned to each marker that constitutes the marker group.

For example, in FIG. 4A, it is assumed that two markers are displayed in the display order of the single markers 2Sa and 2Sb. Then, the first touch operation T1 is performed within a range where the input allowance area 8a of the individual marker 2Sa and the input allowance area 8b of the individual marker 2Sb overlap, and the second touch operation T2 is the input allowance of the individual marker 2Sa. It is assumed that it is done in the area 8a. By the way, the context of the display order of the individual markers 2Sa and 2Sb can be known from the display transition states of the respective timing guides 4a and 4b.

First, “assignment candidate markers” to which the first touch operation T1 can be assigned are collected. This is called an "allocation candidate set". Since the touch position of the first touch operation T1 is included in the input allowance areas 8a and 8b of both the single marker 2Sa and the single marker 2Sb, the allocation candidate set 12A for the first touch operation T1 is the single marker 2Sa. And a single marker 2Sb.

When the basic idea of operation assignment is applied, the single marker 2Sa having the earliest display order among the individual markers 2Sa and the individual markers 2Sb forming the assignment candidate set 12A is first selected as the assignment destination of the first touch operation T1. Be done. Since the operation input is not yet assigned to the single marker 2Sa, the first touch operation T1 is assigned. However, the assignment candidate set 12B for the second touch operation T2 is only the single marker 2Sa. When the basic idea of operation allocation is applied, the single marker 2Sa is naturally selected. However, since the first touch operation T1 has already been assigned to the single marker 2Sa, it cannot be assigned.

As in the case of FIG. 4A, if the display timings of the single marker 2Sa and the single marker 2Sb are clearly separated, the timing of touching by the first touch operation T1 and the second touch operation T2 is set. Since the time lag can be clearly recognized, even if the second touch operation T2 cannot be assigned as described above, the player can be convinced.
However, the closer these display timings are, the closer the timings of the first touch operation T1 and the second touch operation T2 are almost simultaneously, and the player intends to be behind the order in which the touch operations are actually detected. Even if it is reversed, it becomes difficult to understand. For example, when the display timings of the single marker 2Sa and the single marker 2Sb are the same or almost the same, as the sense of the player's intention and operation, the first touch operation T1 is performed ahead of the single marker 2Sb and a little If the second touch operation T2 is later performed toward the single marker 2Sa, it is expected that the player feels that the allocation is different from what the player intended.

Therefore, in order to avoid such a problem, the concept of the “marker group” described above is applied.
As shown in FIG. 4(1), in the case where the display timings of the single marker 2Sa and the single marker 2Sb are so far apart from each other that the input allowable periods do not overlap at all, the single marker 2Sa has a “part of the input allowable period”. Alternatively, even if a search is made for “another marker that overlaps all or part or all of the input-allowed area overlaps”, there is no corresponding other marker. Therefore, in this case, the “marker group consisting of a plurality of markers in which part or all of the input allowable period overlaps and part or all of the input allowable area overlaps” is composed of one of the single markers 2Sa. The first touch operation T1, which is a pointing operation for the group, can only be assigned to the single marker 2Sa. Therefore, in this case, the second touch operation T2 cannot be assigned even if the concept of the “marker group” is applied, and the second touch operation T2 is treated as a “miss operation”.

However, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the display timings of the single marker 2Sa and the single marker 2Sb are close to each other such that the input allowable periods partially overlap with each other, the single marker 2Sa is displayed as “one of the input allowable periods. When a search is made for "another marker whose part or all overlaps and part or all of the input-allowed area overlaps", the single marker 2Sb is searched.

The “marker group” in this case is composed of two single markers 2Sa and 2Sb, and it is considered that the second touch operation T2 for the marker group may be assigned to any of the single markers. .. Therefore, even if the first touch operation T1 is already assigned to the individual marker 2Sa, the second touch operation T2 can be assigned to the individual marker 2Sb to which the operation assignment has not been made yet. Therefore, strictly speaking, even if the player's intended operation input assignment and the actual assignment are in the opposite relationship, the result of the game play is the same as the operation assignment according to the player's intention, which makes the player feel comfortable. You can get them to play.

By using such "principle of priority selection in the earliest display order" and "concept treated as a marker group", appropriate operation allocation can be performed even when a plurality of markers are displayed in proximity. Therefore, the lower limit of the display position interval between the markers becomes larger than necessary, and even if it is possible to play a music that requires a touch operation on many markers in a short time, the difficulty level is higher than expected. There is no problem saying that it will happen.

[Handling of simultaneously pressed markers]
Of course, the same idea is effective in assigning the operation to the simultaneous pressing marker 2M.
FIG. 5 shows a scene in which two simultaneous pressing markers 2Ma and 2Mb belonging to the same group having the same target timing are displayed so close to each other that a part of the input allowable area 8 overlaps, and the player makes a first touch. The situation where the operation T1 and the second touch operation T2 are executed is shown. Although the player intends to realize two touch operations at the same time, it is assumed that the first touch operation T1 actually precedes with a slight time lag. The positional relationship between the touch position of the first touch operation T1 and the second touch position T2 is similar to that in the example of FIG.

Since the plurality of simultaneous pressing markers 2Ma and 2Mb forming one group have the same target timing, all of the input allowable periods overlap in the first place. Further, the input allowance areas are arranged close to each other so as to partially or entirely overlap each other. Therefore, although each of them has the input allowance areas 8a and 8b that are apparently independent and independent from each other in terms of internal processing, one input allowance area obtained by logically combining the two input allowance areas 8a and 8b. It can be considered as one "marker group" having 8'. Then, the marker group can be treated as having a plurality of “assignment frames” of operation inputs that are the same as those of the simultaneous pressing markers 2M belonging to the same group.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the first touch operation T1 is performed in a range where the input allowance area 8a and the input allowance area 8b overlap each other, the touch operation is performed by the simultaneous pressing marker 2Ma, It can be assigned to either 2 Mb. The allocation candidate set 12C for the first touch operation T1 is composed of them. The first touch operation T1 is assigned to either one. It is assumed that the left simultaneous pressing marker 2Ma is assigned. At this time, if the simultaneous pressing markers 2Ma and 2Mb are regarded as one marker group, there are two operation input allocation frames 7a and 7b in the input sum area 8'combined with the logical sum, and one of them is this. It has been decided.

The operation has been assigned to either one of the simultaneous pressing markers 2Ma and 2Mb, but the other allocation frame (in this example, the allocation frame 7b for the other simultaneous pressing marker 2Mb of the same group) has been allocated. Not at all. Therefore, the assignment of the operation to the marker group is not completed, and at this stage, the input evaluation process is not performed for the simultaneously pressed markers 2Ma and 2Mb, and the touch operation detection waits next.

Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, it is assumed that the second touch operation T2 is detected within the input allowance area 8a of the simultaneous pressing marker 2Ma after a short time.
The allocation candidate set 12D for the second touch operation T2 is only the simultaneous pressing marker 2Ma, but since the first touch operation T1 that has already preceded is already allocated to the marker, “a part or all of the input allowable period is exceeded. A marker group" composed of a plurality of markers that overlap and partially or entirely overlap the input-allowed area is obtained. Then, a marker group including the simultaneous pressing marker 2Ma and the simultaneous pressing marker 2Mb of the group having the same target timing is obtained. That is, by obtaining the "marker group", a virtual input allowable area 8'combined with the input allowable area 8a of the left simultaneous pressing marker 2Ma and the input allowable area 8b of the right simultaneous pressing marker 2Mb is obtained. Simultaneous pressing markers that are included and that have not yet been assigned an operation input are detected. Then, based on the idea of the “marker group”, the second touch operation T2 can be assigned to the detected marker.

It should be noted that another way of thinking can be used as a method of allocation within the “marker group”. For example, the first touch operation T1 already assigned to the left simultaneous pressing marker 2Ma is released from the assignment and is treated as a hold, and the second touch operation T2 is assigned instead. Then, it may be considered that the released/held first touch operation T1 is assigned to the right simultaneous pressing marker 2Mb in the same group. In other words, it may be considered that the first touch operation T1 is re-assigned to another simultaneously pressed marker that can be assigned by projecting the first touch operation T1 in a “ball-shaped shape” by the second touch operation T2.

In any case, when the allocation of the second touch operation T2 is completed, the allocation of the operation input to all the simultaneous pressing markers 2Ma and 2Mb having the common target timing is completed. In other words, a plurality of pointing operations for the "marker group" having the input-allowed area 8'combined with the logical sum are assigned to the two assumed two operation input assignment frames 7a and 7b. Therefore, since all of the simultaneous pressing markers 2Ma and 2Mb in the same group have completed the allocation of the operation input, the standby/delay of the input evaluation processing is released, and the input evaluation of these two simultaneous pressing markers 2Ma and 2Mb is performed. ..

The input evaluation of the simultaneous pressing marker 2M is performed based on the time difference between the timing of two operation inputs and the common target timing. Then, a score corresponding to the evaluation result is given to the player. When the input evaluation is completed, the simultaneously pressed marker 2M is erased from the game screen and also from the internal processing. That is, it will not be referred to when the next new touch operation is detected. It should be noted that, for the marker 2 for which the input allowable period has elapsed even if the assignment of the operation input is not completed, the standby/delay of the input evaluation of the operation input is canceled and the evaluation is performed.

[Handling of flick markers]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the concept of the allocation of the basic operation input to the flick marker 2F and the handling after the allocation.
The flick marker 2F is a marker (second type marker) for instructing the touch position and the sliding direction, and is considered to be prepared with two operation input allocation frames 7c and 7d. One is the allocation frame 7c corresponding to the touch position of the touch operation, and the other is the allocation frame of the "payment operation (= operation of sliding the finger while keeping the touch and finally releasing the touch: flick operation)". It becomes 7d.

The allocation of allocation frames will be specifically described. First, as shown in FIG. 6A, it is assumed that the touch operation T1 on the flick marker 2F is detected and the assignable marker is only the flick marker 2F. It may be possible to allocate the touch position of the touch operation T1 to the allocation frame 7c, but in the present embodiment, allocation is not performed at this stage. Naturally, at this stage, the operation allocation related to the marker is not completed and the input evaluation process is not executed. Wait until the given slide input wait time has elapsed.

As shown in FIG. 6B, when the paying operation is performed in succession to the touch operation T1 within a given slide input waiting time, the sliding direction vector of the touch position, that is, the “paying operation direction V1” is changed. To be judged. If the determined payout operation direction V1 matches the designated direction (broken line black arrow in the figure) indicated by the designated direction display 3 of the assignable flick marker 2F, the assignment is suspended for the first time. The touch operation T1 and the payout operation direction V1 that have been used are assigned to the touch operation allocation frame 7c and the payment operation allocation frame 7d, respectively. At this stage, it is determined that the allocation of the operation input to the flick marker 2F is completed, the delay/waiting of the input evaluation process related to the marker is released, and the input evaluation is performed.
It should be noted that when the input allowable period of the flick marker 2F elapses, the standby for the input evaluation is canceled and the evaluation is executed even if the allocation of the operation input is not completed.

When the basic operation input allocation for the flick marker 2F and the idea of the "marker group" described above are implemented, a plurality of flick markers 2F as described below are displayed in close proximity. It is possible to realize an assignment in which the player's operation feeling is comfortably reflected in the play result.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a concept of allocation of operation inputs and handling after allocation when a plurality of flick markers 2F are displayed in proximity.
As shown in FIG. 7(1), it is assumed that the left flick marker 2Fa is displayed first with a slight time difference, and the right flick marker 2Fb is subsequently displayed. Simultaneous display is also possible. Then, the player performs the first touch operation T1 and the payout operation (payout operation direction V1) so as to correspond to the two flick markers 2Fa and 2Fb, respectively, and at the same time or with a slight delay, the second touch operation T2. It is assumed that the payment operation (payment operation direction V2) is performed. Moreover, it is assumed that the first touch operation T1 and the second touch operation T2 are performed in the overlapping range of the input allowance areas 8a and 8b of both flick markers 2Fa and 2Fb.

The allocation candidate set 12 of the first touch operation T1 is composed of flick markers 2Fa and 2Fb. Therefore, the first touch operation T1 can be assigned to both the flick markers 2Fa and 2Fb. However, according to the basic concept of allocation for the flick marker 2F described in FIG. 6, as shown in FIG. 7B, the designated direction to which the payout operation direction V1 of the first touch operation T1 is compatible is set. The first touch operation T1 and its payout operation direction V1 are preferentially assigned to the right flick marker 2Fb.

Then, the allocation candidate set 12 of the second touch operation T2 is also composed of the flick markers 2Fa and 2Fb. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 7C, the second touch operation T2 and the payment operation subsequent thereto are paid. The operation direction V2 will be assigned to the left flick marker 2Fa. That is, the same operation allocation result as the player intended is obtained, and the play result (score) also reflects the image of the player intended allocation.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, even in a music game using the single marker 2S, the simultaneous pressing marker 2M, and the flick marker 2F, touch operations on many markers can be performed at positions close to each other in a short time. It is possible to realize a music game in which the requested music can be played at an appropriate difficulty level.

[Description of functional configuration]
Next, the functional configuration of this embodiment will be described.
FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the arcade game device 1400 according to this embodiment. The arcade game device 1400 of this embodiment includes an operation input unit 100, a processing unit 200, a sound output unit 350, an image display unit 360, a communication unit 370, and a storage unit 500.

The operation input unit 100 outputs an operation input signal to the processing unit 200 according to various operation inputs made by the player. For example, it can be realized by a push switch, a joystick, a touch pad, a trackball, an acceleration sensor, a gyro, a CCD module, or the like. The touch panel 1420 of FIG. 1 corresponds to this.

The processing unit 200 is realized by a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, or an electronic component such as an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) or an IC memory, and is connected to each functional unit including the operation input unit 100 and the storage unit 500. Input/output control of data with. Then, various arithmetic processes are executed based on a predetermined program and data, an operation input signal from the operation input unit 100, and various data to control the operation of the arcade game device 1400. The control board 1450 of FIG. 1 corresponds to this. The processing unit 200 according to the present embodiment includes the game calculation unit 202, the sound generation unit 250, the image generation unit 260, and the communication control unit 270.

The game calculation unit 202 executes various processes related to game progress control.
For example, while displaying the background, musical score display such as the marker 2 is performed in accordance with the reproduction of music. When the touch operation of the marker 2 within the input allowance area 8 is detected, the target timing set for the touch-operated marker 2 is compared with the touch operation timing to evaluate the input and score. Is added.

Specifically, the game calculation unit 202 of this embodiment includes a pointing operation detection unit 204, a play song selection control unit 206, a marker display control unit 208, a marker group input evaluation unit 210, and a sound effect output control unit. 230 is provided.

The pointing operation detection unit 204 detects a pointing operation directed to the marker 2 displayed as an image, periodically detects the position coordinates of the pointing by the coordinate values of the image display coordinate system, and outputs the detected position coordinates to the processing unit 200. You can Further, it is possible to track the time-series displacement for each of the already detected pointing positions. In the configuration of FIG. 1, the driver IC 1454 of the touch panel corresponds to this, and such a function can be realized by appropriately using a known touch position detection technique by a touch panel, a slide operation detection technique by tracking a touch position, and the like.

The play music selection control unit 206 executes a process related to selection of music to be played in the game before the game starts. For example, referring to the selection candidate song data set 510 stored in the storage unit 500, a list of song names of music selectable by the player is displayed, and one of them is selected according to an operation input from the operation input unit 100.・Perform processing to make a decision. The selection result is stored in the play data 550 of the storage unit 500.

The marker display control unit 208 performs a process related to the display of the musical score including the display of the marker 2 for performing the touch operation according to the music. Information such as the background to be displayed, music, display timing of the marker 2, target timing, etc. is stored for each music in the storage unit 500 as the selection candidate music data set 510.

The marker group input evaluation unit 210 controls allocation of operation inputs to markers, control of waiting for input evaluation and release of standby, control of input evaluation, and score assignment based on the input evaluation result.
That is, the marker group input evaluation unit 210 performs a plurality of pointing operations on a marker group including a plurality of markers in which a part or all of the input allowable period overlaps and a part or all of the input allowable area overlaps the marker group. It is possible to assign a pointing operation to each marker and evaluate the operation input for the marker group.

The marker group input evaluation unit 210 of this embodiment includes an evaluation standby control unit 212, a priority allocation control unit 214, and an allocation standby control unit 216.

The evaluation waiting control unit 212 waits until the assignment of the pointing operation to each of the markers in the marker group is completed or the input allowable period for the marker group elapses until the evaluation of the operation input for the marker group is waited for. I do.

When the touch operation including the touch position and the slide direction is performed as the touch operation on the marker group including the second type marker, the priority allocation control unit 214 preferentially relates to the second type marker that matches the slide direction. Performs control to assign touch operations. In the present embodiment, this corresponds to the control (FIG. 7) relating to the allocation of the operation input in the case where the plurality of flick markers 2F form the overlapping area 10 and are displayed.

The allocation standby control unit 216 allocates the touch operation to the marker group including the second type marker, after the touch position is input, the slide direction is input, or a predetermined slide input standby time elapses. Control to wait until. In the present embodiment, this corresponds to the control (FIG. 7) regarding the allocation of the operation input in the case where the plurality of flick markers 2F form the overlapping area 10 and are displayed.

The sound effect output control unit 230 can output control a predetermined sound effect corresponding to the operation sound at the timing when the touch operation is detected. Also for a plurality of pointing operations on the marker group, a predetermined sound effect can be output at the time of inputting each pointing operation. Therefore, even if the evaluation standby control unit 212 delays the evaluation of the pointing operation on the marker group, the sound effect can be output at the time of the pointing operation, and the operation feeling of the player can be aurally adapted. ..
In addition, the sound effect output control unit 230 has the evaluation result corresponding sound output control unit 232, and can output control the sound according to the evaluation result by the marker group input evaluation unit 210.

The sound generation unit 250 is realized by, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as a voice synthesis IC, an audio codec capable of reproducing a voice file, and the like, and a sound signal of a sound effect, a BGM, and various operation sounds according to the progress of the game. Is generated and output to the sound output unit 350. In the present embodiment, when the play is started, the generation of the sound signal of the music selected by the play music selection control unit 206 is started.

The sound output unit 350 is realized by a device that outputs a sound effect, BGM, or the like based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 250. The right speaker unit 1408R, the left speaker unit 1408L, and the woofer 1426 in FIG. 1 correspond to this.

The image generation unit 260 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a GPU or a digital signal processor (DSP), a program such as a video signal IC, a video codec, an IC memory for a drawing frame such as a frame buffer, or the like. The image generation unit 260 generates an image of one game screen in one frame time (for example, 1/60 seconds) according to the progress of the game, and outputs the generated image signal of the game screen to the image display unit 360.

The image display unit 360 displays various game images based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 260. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head mounted display. In the present embodiment, the touch panel 1420 of FIG. 1 corresponds to this.

The communication control unit 270 executes data processing related to data communication and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 370. The communication unit 370 is realized by a device that realizes communication by connecting to the communication line N (FIG. 1), for example, a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack of a wired communication cable, a control circuit, or the like. It The communication device 1453 of FIG. 1 corresponds to this.

The storage unit 500 stores a system program for realizing various functions for causing the processing unit 200 to integrally control the arcade game device 1400, a program necessary for game play, various data, and the like. Further, it is used as a work area of the processing unit 200, and temporarily stores a calculation result executed by the processing unit 200 according to various programs, input data input from the operation input unit 100, and the like. Such a function is realized by, for example, an IC memory such as a RAM or a ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or a DVD. The IC memory 1452 mounted on the control board 1450 of FIG. 1 corresponds to this.

The storage unit 500 stores a system program 501 and a game program 502. The system program 501 is a program for realizing the basic input/output functions of the arcade game device 1400 as a computer. The game program 502 is application software for realizing the function as the game calculation unit 202 by being read and executed by the processing unit 200. The configuration may be incorporated as a part of the system program 501.

If the game of this embodiment is realized in the form of an online game, the game program 502 may be a dedicated client program according to the technical method for realizing the online game, or a web browser program and interactive image display. It may be configured by a plug-in or the like that realizes. That is, some or all of the functions of the game calculation unit 202 are configured to be realized by an online game server, and the arcade game device 1400 has an online game player with a function for paying a consideration for game play. It is also possible to make it function as a terminal.

Further, the storage unit 500 stores in advance a plurality of selection candidate song data sets 510 prepared for each game playable music. Of course, these may be updated regularly. The storage unit 500 also stores play data 550 as the game is played. In addition, information such as various flags and a counter of the history is also stored as appropriate.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the selection candidate song data set 510.
The selection candidate song data set 510 includes a music ID 512 which is identification information of music played at the time of playing, music data 514 for playing music, reference line setting data 518, and musical score data 520. Of course, other information regarding the selected song can be stored in association with each other as appropriate.

The reference line setting data 518 defines the reference line 1 (FIG. 3). For example, a reference line function representing the reference line is stored. The definition of the reference line function can be appropriately performed, but for example, (1) the starting point coordinates and the ending point coordinates of the screen coordinate system, and (2) the straight line, the curved line, and the bending line connecting the starting point coordinates and the ending point coordinates. Defined by, and defined by.

The musical score data 520 defines the display timing 521 of the marker 2 to be displayed according to the reproduction of the music and the type of the marker 2 to be displayed. For example, in association with the display timing 521, the marker type 522 of the marker to be displayed, the marker placement parameter value 523 that is a parameter value indicating the placement configuration of the marker, and the target timing 524 are stored in association with each other.

The display timing 521 defines the timing to start displaying the marker 2. For example, it is defined by the elapsed time counted from the start of music reproduction or the number of frames accumulated from the start of displaying the game screen.

In the present embodiment, the marker type 522 stores any one of the three types, that is, the single marker 2S, the simultaneous pressing marker 2M, and the flick marker 2F.

The marker arrangement parameter value 523 is not particularly stored for the single marker 2S. The simultaneous pressing marker 2M stores the number of simultaneous pressing markers in the same group and data defining the relative positional relationship between them (for example, the difference in the coordinates of the display position, the distance, the direction, etc.). For the flick marker 2F, an angle serving as a reference of the designated direction (designated direction angle) is stored.

The target timing 524 defines the optimum timing of the operation input to the marker. For example, it is defined by the elapsed time counted from the start of music reproduction or the number of frames accumulated from the start of displaying the game screen.

When the display start of the marker 2 is determined by back calculation from the target timing 524 of the marker 2, the display timing 521 can be omitted.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a data configuration example of the play data 550.
The play data 550 stores various data that describes the game progress status.
For example, the play music ID 551, the number of frames 552, the elapsed time 553, the score 554, the touch operation data 560, the marker management data 570, and the allocation candidate set data 580 which is a marker list forming the allocation candidate set 12. To store. Also, an allocation confirmation period timer 582 that measures a period for confirming the allocation of the operation input and a payment operation reception period timer 584 that measures a period for accepting the payment operation are stored. Of course, parameter values other than these can also be stored as appropriate according to the game content and the like.

The play music ID 551 stores the music ID 512 (FIG. 9) of the music to be played in the game.

The number of frames 552 and the elapsed time 553 are the number of drawing frames of the game screen counted from the start of the game, respectively, and the time counted from the start of the game. It is a parameter value for describing the display timing of the marker 2 and the operation start timing of the operation input.

The score 554 is an integrated value of points given each time the input evaluation result of the operation input assigned to each marker 2. The initial value at the start of the game is of course "0".

The touch operation data 560 is created each time a touch operation is detected.
In this embodiment, a unique operation ID 561 that is automatically assigned, an operation start timing 562, a start position coordinate 563, a position coordinate change history 564, and an assigned flag 565 are included. Of course, it is possible to include other than these.

The operation start timing 562 stores the number of frames 552 or the elapsed time 553 when the touch operation is detected.
The coordinates of the coordinate system of the touch panel 1420 when the touch operation is detected (=the coordinates of the screen coordinate system) are stored in the start position coordinates 563.

The position coordinate change history 564 is data describing a change in the touch position from the start of the touch operation, and describes, for example, a list of touch positions or a movement trajectory continuously detected by the pointing operation detection unit 204 in a predetermined cycle. Function, etc. The payment operation direction can be obtained from the history.
The allocated flag 565 is “0 (unallocated)” in the initial state, and is “1 (allocated)” when allocated to any of the markers 2.

The marker management data 570 stores various data that describes the state of each marker 2 displayed on the game screen and the allocation result of the operation input to each marker 2.
For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the marker management data 570 includes display timing 571, marker ID 572, marker type 573, display coordinates 574, timing guide control data 575, input allowable area definition data 576, and allocation. The operation ID 577, the allocation payment operation direction 578, and the completion flag 579 are stored in association with each other. Of course, parameter values other than these can also be associated with each marker and stored.

The display timing 571 stores the number of frames 552 or the elapsed time 553 at the time when the marker 2 is displayed.
Identification information unique to the marker is automatically generated in the marker ID 572.
The marker type 573 stores the marker type 522 (FIG. 9) of the displayed marker.
The display system 574 stores coordinate system coordinate values of the game screen on which the marker 2 is displayed.
The timing guide control data 575 is data for controlling the timing guide 4 (FIG. 3) of the marker. It is updated sequentially from the start of display.

The input allowable area definition data 576 is data that defines the input allowable area 8 (FIG. 3) of the marker. In the present embodiment, the display coordinates 574 of the corresponding marker are used as reference points to form a circular area described by a predetermined radius Ri, but the present invention is not limited to this. The radius Ri or the shape may be changed according to a predetermined rule according to the marker type 573.

The assigned operation ID 577 stores the operation ID 561 (FIG. 10) of the touch operation assigned to the marker. This corresponds to the operation input allocation frames 7a and 7b (FIG. 5) and the touch operation allocation frame 7c (FIG. 7). In the initial state, a predetermined value that means "undecided" is set.

The allocation payment operation direction 578 is a parameter set only for the flick marker 2F. It corresponds to the allocation frame 7d (FIG. 7) of the payment operation and stores the payment operation directions V1 and V2 (FIGS. 6 and 7). In the initial state, when the marker type 573 is “single” or “simultaneous pressing”, a predetermined value (for example, NULL) meaning “unused” is set. When the marker type 573 is “flick”, a predetermined value meaning “undecided” is set.

The completion flag 579 is a flag indicating that the allocation of the operation input necessary for performing the input evaluation related to the corresponding marker is completed, the initial value is “0”, and it is determined that the information necessary for the input evaluation has been completed. And “1” are stored.

[Description of operation]
Next, the operation of the arcade game machine 1400 in this embodiment will be described.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing of the arcade game device 1400. The flow of the series of processes in the flowchart is realized by executing the game program 502 while the processing unit 200 executes the system program 501.

The processing section 200 first performs an initialization process (step S2). The parameter values of the play data 550 are all “0”. The touch operation data 560 has not been generated yet. Neither the marker management data 570 nor any marker 2 is registered.

Next, the processing section 200 executes processing relating to selection of music to be played (step S4). For example, the music ID 512 is extracted from each of the selection candidate song data sets 510 (FIG. 9) and displayed in a list selectable by the player. The selection result is stored as the play music ID 551 of the play data 550 (FIG. 10). After the game starts, the selection candidate song data set 510 indicated by the play music ID 551 is referred to.

When the game play is started (step S6), the processing section 200 reads out the music data 514 from the selection candidate song data set 510 to start the playing music reproducing process and the game screen display. At the same time, counting the number of frames 552 and measuring elapsed time 553 are also started.

After the game starts, when the display timing 521 of the musical score data 520 (FIG. 9) arrives, or when the timing before the target timing 524 reaches a predetermined time, the processing unit 200 determines that the new marker 2 generation timing has come. (YES in step S10), the marker 2 indicated by the marker type 522 is newly generated.
Specifically, the value of the current frame number 552 or the elapsed time 553 is stored in the display timing 571 of the marker management data 570, and the type identifier of the marker 2 generated in the marker type 573 is stored. The display coordinates 574 are calculated based on the position calculated from the start point of the reference line 1 according to the elapsed time 553. An initial value is stored in the timing guide control data 575. The allocation operation ID 577 and the allocation payment operation direction 578 are set to predetermined values indicating “unallocated”. The completion flag 579 is set to "0". Then, the marker 2 newly registered in the marker management data 570 is displayed on the game screen.

When a new touch operation is detected after the game starts (YES in step S20), the processing section 200 newly generates touch operation data 560 (FIG. 10) to manage the content of the touch operation (step S22). Specifically, the value of the current number of frames 552 or the elapsed time 553 is stored in the operation start timing 562, and the latest coordinate value output from the pointing operation detection unit 204 is stored in the start position coordinate 563. The allocated flag 565 remains the initial value “0 (unallocated)”.

Next, the processing unit 200 controls the sound output of a predetermined sound effect as a touch operation sound (step S24), and the touch operation that is not yet assigned to the marker, specifically, the assigned flag 565 is "0 (not yet. For the touch operation "allocation", the operation allocation process is executed (step S26).

FIG. 13 is a flow chart for explaining the flow of the operation allocation process in this embodiment. In the process, the processing unit 200 first sets the allocation candidate set 12 (step S50). Specifically, the start position coordinates 563 of the touch operation to be processed in the loop A and the input allowable area definition data 576 of the marker management data 570 are compared to determine the touch start position of the touch operation as the input allowable area. The marker 2 included in 8 is extracted. Then, the list of the marker ID 572 of the extracted marker 2 is set as the allocation candidate set data 580 (FIG. 10).

Next, if the parameter of the set allocation candidate set 12 is “1” or more (“1 or more” in step S52), the marker having the earliest display order among the markers included in the allocation candidate set 12 is “assignment candidate”. "Marker" (step S54).

If the type of “assignment candidate marker” is a single marker (single in step S56), the processing section 200 executes a single marker routine (step S60).

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing in the single marker routine. In the routine, the processing section 200 first confirms the current allocation status of the operation input of the allocation candidate marker. If the allocation has not been made yet (NO in step S62), the touch operation to be processed is allocated to the allocation candidate marker (step S64). With the single marker 2S, the information required for input evaluation is now complete. That is, since the allocation of the operation input is confirmed, the completion flag 579 of the allocation candidate marker is changed from the initial value "0" to "1" meaning completion of allocation (step S72). Then, the process exits the routine and returns to the flowchart of FIG. Then, the operation assignment process for the touch operation that is the current processing target is ended.

If the allocation candidate marker has already been allocated (YES in step S62), the processing unit 200 searches for a marker that overlaps the current allocation candidate marker with the input allowable period and the input allowable area from all the markers. (Step S66). That is, a "marker group including a plurality of markers in which part or all of the input allowable period overlaps and part or all of the input allowable area overlaps" is obtained. Then, if there is an unassigned marker to which the operation input is not yet assigned among the retrieved markers (YES in step S68), the touch operation to be processed is assigned to any of the corresponding markers (step S70). Then, the completion flag 579 of the allocation candidate marker is changed from the initial value "0" to "1" meaning allocation completion (step S72). The flow of processing that goes through steps S66 to S70 corresponds to the case of FIG.

If there is no unallocated marker among the markers searched in step S66 (NO in step S68), the processing unit 200 determines that the display order of the current allocation candidate marker in the allocation candidate set 12 is the last. If it is determined that the routine is to be exited and it is not the last one (NO in step S74), the marker which is the earliest in the display order from the current allocation candidate marker is selected from the markers included in the current allocation candidate set 12, and the next It is reset as a "candidate marker" (step S76), the routine is exited, and the process proceeds to step S56 in FIG.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 13, if the type of “assignment candidate marker” is “simultaneous pressing marker” (simultaneous pressing in step S56), the processing section 200 executes a simultaneous pressing marker routine (step S80). ..

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing in the simultaneous pressing marker routine. In the routine, the processing section 200 first confirms the current allocation status of the operation input of the allocation candidate marker.

If the allocation has not been performed yet (NO in step S82), the touch operation to be processed is allocated to the allocation candidate marker (step S84).
If the allocation candidate marker is already allocated (YES in step S82), the processing unit 200 searches for a marker in which the current allocation candidate marker and the input allowable period overlap, and the input allowable area overlaps among all the markers. (Step S86). That is, a "marker group including a plurality of markers in which part or all of the input allowable period overlaps and part or all of the input allowable area overlaps" is obtained. More specifically, from among all the markers, another simultaneous pressing marker that is in the same group as the current allocation candidate marker and has the input allocation area 8 overlapping the current allocation candidate marker is searched.

Then, if there is an unassigned marker to which an operation input is not yet assigned among the simultaneous pressing markers searched in step S86 (YES in step S90), the touch operation to be processed by any of the corresponding simultaneous pressing markers. Are assigned (step S92).

Then, as a result of the allocation in step S84 or step S92, if the operation input has already been allocated to the current allocation candidate marker and all the simultaneously pressed markers 2M of the same group having the same target timing (YES in step S94). ), the processing unit 200 determines that the information for input-evaluating the simultaneous pressing markers 2M is complete, and sets the completion flags 579 of all the simultaneous pressing markers 2M to "1 (complete)" (step S96). .. Then, the routine is exited.

On the other hand, if any of the searched simultaneous pressing markers has been assigned the operation input (NO in step S90), if the display order of the assignment candidate markers in the current assignment candidate set 12 is the last, the routine is exited. If it is not the last (NO in step S100), the processing unit 200 selects the marker next to the current allocation candidate marker in the display order from the markers included in the allocation candidate set 12 as the next "allocation candidate marker". Is reset (step S102), the routine is exited, and the process proceeds to step S56 in FIG.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 13, if the type of the “assignment candidate marker” is the “flick marker” (flick in step S56), the processing unit 200 executes the flick marker routine (step S120).

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing in the flick marker routine. In the routine, the processing section 200 first confirms the current allocation state of the operation input of the allocation candidate marker.

If the allocation has not been made yet (NO in step S122), the processing unit 200 activates the payment operation reception period timer 584 and starts measuring the reception period (step S124).

If the player touches the screen and then moves the screen with his/her finger still touched, the pointing operation detection unit 204 can calculate and output the paying operation direction V1 when the amount of movement exceeds a specified value.
The processing unit 200 can detect the paying operation when the paying operation direction V1 is output from the pointing operation detecting unit 204. When the payment operation can be detected within the payment operation reception period (YES in step S126), the processing unit 200 compares the current designated direction of the allocation candidate marker with the payment operation direction V1, and the payment operation direction V1 is suitable. It is determined whether to do so (step S130).

If the direction difference between the payout operation direction V1 and the designated direction is less than or equal to a predetermined reference value, it is determined to be suitable (YES in step S130), and the touch operation targeted for the current allocation candidate marker and the payout operation detection in step S126. The original payment operation direction V1 is assigned (step S132). Specifically, the allocation operation ID 577 of the allocation candidate marker is changed to the operation ID 561 of the touch operation to be processed, and the allocation payment operation direction 578 is changed to the payment operation direction V1. Then, the completion flag 579 of the allocation candidate marker is changed to "1" (step S140), and the routine ends.

If the payment operation direction V1 does not match the designated direction (NO in step S130) and there is another flick marker 2F in the current allocation candidate set 12 (YES in step S134), the processing unit 200 Any of the other applicable flick markers 2F is reset to a new "allocation candidate marker" (step S136), and the designated direction of the reset allocation candidate marker and the payment operation detection in step S126. It is determined whether or not the payment operation direction V1 is not satisfied (step S130).

However, if there is no other flick marker 2F in the current allocation candidate set 12 (NO in step S134), the processing unit 200 sets the current allocation candidate marker to the touch operation to be processed and “payment operation”. A predetermined value or a predetermined vector meaning "no input" is assigned (step S138). Then, the completion flag 579 of the allocation candidate marker is changed to "1" (step S140), and the routine ends.
In addition, in step S126, if the payment operation is not detected within the payment operation acceptance period, for example, even when the player releases the finger without performing the payment operation after the touch operation (NO in step S126). ) It is the same.

In the first place, if the operation input has already been assigned to the current assignment candidate marker (YES in step S122), if the display order of the current assignment candidate marker in the assignment candidate set 12 is the last, this routine is exited, and the last If not (NO in step S142), the processing unit 200 re-selects, from among the markers included in the allocation candidate set 12, the marker that is the next earliest to the current allocation candidate marker as the next "allocation candidate marker". The setting is performed (step S144), the routine is exited, and the process proceeds to step S56 in FIG.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 13, when the “single marker routine”, “simultaneous pressing marker routine”, and “flick marker routine” are completed, the operation input process is completed.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 12, after the operation assignment process is executed (step S26), the processing section 200 executes the input evaluation process (step S170).

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of input evaluation processing.
In the process, the processing unit 200 first extracts a marker that can be input and evaluated (step S200). That is, a marker to which information necessary for input evaluation determined for each marker type is assigned, more specifically, a marker whose completion flag 579 is “1” is extracted. Further, a marker that has reached the deadline of the input allowable period obtained from the target timing 524 is also extracted. Then, loop C is executed for all the extracted markers in the display order to perform input evaluation (steps S202 to S224).
Paradoxically, the input evaluation is postponed for the marker whose completion flag 579 is "0". That is, the input evaluation for the marker is substantially in a standby state.

In loop C, when the type of the processing target marker is “single marker” (“single” in step S204), the processing unit 200 determines the operation start timing 562 (operation target marker) of the operation assigned to the processing target marker. Assigned in the touch operation data 560 (FIG. 10) that matches the assigned operation ID 577 (FIG. 11) and the target timing 524 (FIG. 9: musical score data 520) of the processing target marker to the display timing 571 of the processing target marker. The input evaluation is determined stepwise from the time difference between the matching display timing 521 and the target timing 524 is determined (step S206).

If the type of the processing target marker is “simultaneous pressing marker” (“simultaneous pressing” in step S204), the processing unit 200 simultaneously presses the group of simultaneous pressing markers whose target timing 524 is the same as the processing target marker. For each marker, the time difference between the operation start timing 562 of the allocated operation and the target timing 524 common to the group is calculated (step S208), and the input evaluation is gradually determined based on the total value (step S210). ).

If the type of the processing target marker is “flick marker” (“flick” in step S204), the processing unit 200 determines the operation start timing 562 of the operation already assigned to the processing target marker and the target timing of the processing target marker. 524 is calculated (step S212), and the input evaluation is determined step by step based on the calculated time difference and the suitability result of the allocation payment operation direction 578 for the process target marker (step S214). It is to be noted that the adequacy referred to here is a "no" determination when the allocation payment operation direction 578 is a predetermined value or a predetermined vector (see step S138 of FIG. 16) meaning "no input" of the payment operation, and otherwise " Appropriate” is determined.

Then, if the input evaluation is determined, a score determined in advance according to the input evaluation is added/added to the point 554 (FIG. 10) (step S220), and a sound effect corresponding to the input evaluation is output (step S222). ), the loop C is ended (step S224). Then, when the loop C is executed for all the markers extracted in step S200, the input evaluation processing is ended.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 12, the processing unit 200 performs the erasing process of the marker that is input and evaluated next (step S252) and the erasing process of the marker when the target timing arrives (step S254). In the erasing process, the registration of the corresponding marker is deleted from the marker management data 570, and the marker is deleted from the game screen.

Next, the display transition processing of the marker which is not erased and is still displayed, for example, control for changing the size of the timing guide 4 is executed (step S256).

If the game end condition is not satisfied (NO in step S260), the process returns to step S10 to continue the game progress.
If the game end condition is satisfied (YES in step S260), the processing unit 200 executes the game end process such as displaying the evaluation of the game play result and displaying the ending effect (step S262), A series of processing ends.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to appropriately assign the pointing operation to the input evaluation even for the markers displayed in close proximity so that the input allowable period and the input allowable area overlap each other. Therefore, it is possible to display a musical score in which markers are densely arranged, which has been impossible in the past, and the interest of the game can be further enhanced. Of course, even if the markers are displayed densely, the pointing operation can be appropriately assigned, so that it is possible to realize a play in which the markers are close to each other and a violent pointing operation in which the markers are continuously struck to be finely cut is required. The interest can be increased.

[Modification]
Note that the application form of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and appropriate addition, omission, and modification of the constituent elements can be performed.

[Part 1]
For example, the arcade game device 1400 can be replaced with a home stationary game device, a portable game device, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or another type of computer or electronic device.

[Part 2]
Further, in the above embodiment, the pointing operation is performed by the touch panel, but it may be realized by a mouse, a track pad, a motion capture device, or the like. The motion capture device is a known device (for example, Kinect (registered trademark) manufactured by Microsoft Corp.) that detects the movement of the skeleton of the player by measuring the distance to each part of the subject with a distance sensor while shooting the player with a digital camera. Etc.) to detect the pointing operation from the position and movement of the player's fingers.

[Part 3]
The present invention can also be applied to online games and network games.
In that case, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, an arcade game machine 1400 and a player terminal 1500 such as a smartphone are connected to the server system 1100 via a communication line N to form a client/server system. The player is configured to be able to play the online game on the arcade game device 1400 and the player terminal 1500 including the touch panel 1506. Then, the functional configuration described in the above embodiment (see FIG. 8) may be realized by the server system 1100. At that time, from the viewpoint of distributed processing, a part of the functional configuration may be configured to be executed on the side of the arcade game device 1400 or the player terminal 1500. Even when the online game is realized by a peer-to-peer system, the functions may be appropriately distributed.

The server system 1100 includes a main body device 1101, a keyboard 1106, a touch panel 1108, and a storage 1140. A control board 1150 is mounted on the main body device 1101. The control board 1150 is provided with a CPU 1151, various microprocessors such as GPU and DSP, various IC memories 1152 such as ASIC, VRAM, RAM and ROM, and a communication device 1153.

The server system 1100 has a game management function of managing and distributing, as needed, programs and data necessary for executing a game to the arcade game device 1400 and the player terminal 1500 connected by communication. In the example of FIG. 18, the server system 1100 is shown as a single unit, but a plurality of blade servers may be mounted on the server system 1100 and may be connected to each other via an internal bus so that data communication is possible. .. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of independent servers installed at distant locations are caused to perform data communication via the communication line N, and thereby function as the server system 1100 as a whole.

[Part 4]
Further, "assignment of operation input to marker" can be performed as follows.
For example, FIG. 19 is a flow chart for explaining the flow of processing in a modified example of the single marker routine. Basically, the process flow is the same as that in the flowchart of FIG. 14, but steps S69 to S71 are executed instead of step S70.
More specifically, the processing unit 200 moves the operation assigned to the current assignment candidate marker to any one of the unassigned markers searched in step S66 (step S69). Then, the operation targeted for allocation is allocated to the current allocation candidate marker (step S71). That is, when an operation has already been assigned to the assignment candidate marker, the assigned operation can be sequentially forwarded in a bead shape in the marker display order.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing in a modified example of the simultaneous pressing marker routine. Basically, the process flow is the same as that in the flowchart of FIG. 15, but steps S91 to S93 are executed instead of step S92. More specifically, the processing unit 200 moves the operation assigned to the current assignment candidate marker to any one of the unassigned markers searched in step S86 (step S91). Then, the operation targeted for allocation is allocated to the current allocation candidate marker (step S93). That is, also in the operation allocation to the simultaneous pressing marker 2M, when the operation is already allocated to the allocation candidate marker, the allocated operation can be sequentially forwarded in a bead shape in the display order of the markers.

In addition, in step S69 of FIG. 19 and step S91 of FIG. 20, any one of the following methods can be appropriately selected as the destination to which the operation allocation is transferred.
1) Of the markers searched in step S66 of FIG. 19 and step S86 of FIG. 20, the marker at the earliest in the display order is selected.
2) Based on the distance between the start position coordinate 563 (FIG. 10) of the touch operation to be assigned and the display coordinate 574 (FIG. 11) of the marker, for example, the marker having the shortest distance is selected.
3) For example, the smallest marker is selected based on the time difference between the operation start timing 562 of the touch operation to be assigned and the target timing 524 (FIG. 9) of the marker.

1... Reference line 2... Marker 2F, 2Fa, 2Fb... Flick marker 2M, 2Ma, 2Mb... Simultaneous pressing marker 2S, 2Sa, 2Sb, 2Sc... Single marker 3... Designated direction display 4... Timing guide 7a-7d... Allocation frame 8 , 8a, 8b, 8c... Input allowance area 10... Overlap area 12... Assignment candidate set 200... Processing unit 202... Game calculation unit 204... Pointing operation detection unit 206... Play music selection control unit 208... Marker display control unit 210... Marker Group input evaluation section 212... Evaluation standby control section 214... Priority allocation control section 216... Allocation standby control section 230... Sound effect output control section 500... Storage section 502... Game program 510... Selection candidate music data set 514... Music data 520 ... Music data 521... Display timing 522... Marker type 524... Target timing 550... Play data 560... Touch operation data 562... Operation start timing 565... Allocated flag 570... Marker management data 571... Display timing 573... Marker type 576... Input Allowable area definition data 577... Allocation operation ID
578... Allocation payment operation direction 579... Completion flag 580... Allocation candidate set data 582... Allocation confirmation period timer 584... Payment operation acceptance period timer 1100... Server system 1150... Control board 1151... CPU
1152... IC memory 1400... Commercial game device 1420... Touch panel 1450... Control board 1451... CPU
1452... IC memory

Claims (10)

A program for causing a computer to execute a game that is enjoyed by performing a pointing operation on a display-controlled marker,
Marker display control means for performing control to sequentially display the markers in which an input allowable period that is a time range that allows input including target timing for the marker and an input allowable area that is a range that allows the input position are sequentially displayed,
The target timing is common, and the input allowable period overlap, and assigns a pointing operation on the same time press the markers a plurality of markers which some or all overlaps of the allowable input area as a simultaneous push the markers , a marker group input evaluation unit for evaluating the operation input to the simultaneous pressing the markers, the allocation of the pointing operation for each marker of the simultaneous pushing the markers, the distance between the operation position of the display position of the marker and pointing operation Marker group input evaluation means using
A program for causing the computer to function as. The marker group input evaluating means evaluates an operation input to the simultaneous pressing marker group by using a time difference between the common target timing associated with the simultaneous pressing marker group and the operation timing of the assigned pointing operation. To do
The program according to claim 1 . The marker group input evaluation means uses the time difference between the operation timing of the pointing operation assigned to each marker of the simultaneous pressing marker group and the common target timing to input an operation for each marker of the simultaneous pressing marker group. Evaluate,
The program according to claim 2 . For a plurality of pointing operation with respect to the simultaneous pressing the markers, any one of claim 1 to 3 for further causes the computer to function as the sound effect output control means for outputting a predetermined effect sound input time point of the pointing operation The program described in. Program according to any one of claim 1 to 4 for further functions the computer as the evaluation result corresponding sound output control means for outputting a sound in accordance with the evaluation result by the marker group input evaluation unit. The computer is equipped with a built-in touch panel, or externally connected by wire or wirelessly,
The marker display control means sequentially controls the display of the markers in an unspecified direction from an unspecified position of the touch panel,
For causing the computer to further function as an operation input means for inputting a touch operation on the touch panel as the pointing operation,
Program according to any one of claims 1-5. The marker display control means sequentially displays a marker selected from markers including at least a first type marker for indicating a touch position and a second type marker for indicating a touch position and a sliding direction,
When the touch operation including the touch position and the sliding direction is performed as the touch operation on the simultaneous pressing marker group including the second type marker, the marker group input evaluation means sets the second type marker that matches the sliding direction. A priority assigning means for assigning the touch operation preferentially,
The program according to claim 6 . The marker group input evaluation means assigns a touch operation to the simultaneous pressing marker group including the second type marker, after a touch position is input, a slide direction is input, or a given slide is input. And an allocation standby control means for waiting until the input standby time elapses,
The program according to claim 7 . A game device for executing a game that is enjoyed by performing a pointing operation on a display-controlled marker,
Marker display control means for performing control to sequentially display the markers in which an input allowable period that is a time range that allows input including the target timing for the marker and an input allowable area that is a range that allows the input position are sequentially displayed. ,
The target timing is common, and the input allowable period overlap, and assigns a pointing operation on the same time press the markers a plurality of markers which some or all overlaps of the allowable input area as a simultaneous push the markers , a marker group input evaluation unit for evaluating the operation input to the simultaneous pressing the markers, the allocation of the pointing operation for each marker of the simultaneous pushing the markers, the distance between the operation position of the display position of the marker and pointing operation Marker group input evaluation means performed by using
A game device equipped with. A server system for using a player terminal as a man-machine interface to perform a game for enjoyment by performing a pointing operation on a marker whose display is controlled,
Marker display control means for performing control to sequentially display the markers in which an input allowable period that is a time range that allows input including the target timing for the marker and an input allowable area that is a range that allows the input position are sequentially displayed. ,
The target timing is common, and the input allowable period overlap, and assigns a pointing operation on the same time press the markers a plurality of markers which some or all overlaps of the allowable input area as a simultaneous push the markers , a marker group input evaluation unit for evaluating the operation input to the simultaneous pressing the markers, the allocation of the pointing operation for each marker of the simultaneous pushing the markers, the distance between the operation position of the display position of the marker and pointing operation Marker group input evaluation means performed by using
Server system with.

Images