JP4728593B2 - Program, information storage medium and game system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a program, an information storage medium, and a game system. For example, the present invention relates to a program, an information storage medium, and a game system that can create a rhythm pattern according to an input operation of a player.

  Conventionally, a game (so-called rhythm game) in which a player performs an input operation and evaluates the timing of the input operation is known. As such a game, for example, there are a music game and a dance game in which an input operation is performed in accordance with the reproduction of music.

However, conventional music games and dance games test the superiority or inferiority of the player's rhythm, and the game results depend on the player's talent, which attracts the attention of players who are unfamiliar with input operations and players who lack rhythm. It was not easy. In the above music game and dance game, an input operation that matches a predetermined timing is requested using a previously prepared music piece, that is, the player reproduces a preset rhythm pattern. Thus, the player does not have the pleasure of freely performing an input operation and creating a rhythm pattern or composing music by himself.
JP 2002-239222 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a program, an information storage medium, and a game system that can give a player the pleasure of easily creating a rhythm pattern and music and attract the interest of a wide range of players. It is to provide.

  (1) The present invention is a game system for a game in which a player performs an input operation on an input unit to play, and a timing acquisition unit that acquires an input timing for the input operation of the player from the input unit A reproduction timing setting unit for setting a reproduction timing of sound data in a given reproduction cycle based on the acquired input timing; and a storage unit for each reproduction cycle based on the set reproduction timing. A sound reproduction control unit that performs sound reproduction control that repeats reproduction of the stored sound data; and an end condition determination unit that determines whether or not a given reproduction end condition is satisfied with respect to the reproduction timing. For the reproduction timing determined by the reproduction control unit to satisfy the reproduction end condition, the sound data at the reproduction timing is used. Related to the game system to perform end or pause the sound playback control to the playback. The present invention also relates to a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above-described units. The present invention also relates to an information storage medium that can be read by a computer and stores (records) a program that causes the computer to function as each of the above-described units.

  According to the present invention, the input timing is acquired based on the input operation performed by the player with respect to the input unit, and the reproduction timing for reproducing the sound data is set using the input timing. This reproduction timing is set as one timing within an arbitrarily set reproduction cycle. Then, when the set playback timing arrives for each playback cycle, the sound data is read from the storage unit, and the playback of the sound data is repeated.

  Here, as the player's input operation proceeds, the number of playback timings set within the playback cycle increases each time the playback cycle elapses, and the sound data playback pattern, that is, the player's input operations accumulates. The created rhythm pattern may become monotonous.

  However, in the present invention, it is determined whether or not a given playback end condition is satisfied for the set playback timing, and playback of the sound data is ended or paused (pause or pause) for the playback timing that satisfies the playback end condition. Sound reproduction control is performed. Therefore, according to the present invention, even if the player performs an input operation freely or the player performs an input operation with no regularity, the periodic sound data is automatically reproduced at each reproduction timing. Because it is controlled to end or pause, the pattern of playback timing at which sound data should be played within the playback cycle changes from moment to moment, making it easy even for players who are unfamiliar with input operations or players with little rhythm Rhythm patterns and music that are comfortable to listen to can be created easily and with few input operations. That is, according to the present invention, it is possible to attract the interest of a wide range of player groups by giving the player the pleasure of easily creating rhythm patterns and music.

  (2) In the game system, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, the end condition determination unit satisfies the playback end condition for the playback timing when the number of times the sound data has been played exceeds a predetermined number. You may make it determine that it was. In this way, since the reproduction of the sound data for the set reproduction timing is periodically terminated (with a given regularity) or paused, a rhythm that is comfortable to listen to even when the input operation is performed appropriately Easy to create patterns and music.

  (3) In the game system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, it is determined whether the number of the reproduction timings set within the reproduction period has reached a predetermined number, and the number of the reproduction timings is When it is determined that the predetermined number has been reached, the number of reproductions for a plurality of the reproduction timings set within the reproduction cycle are compared with each other, and the reproduction end condition is satisfied for the reproduction timings with a large number of reproductions. You may make it determine that it was. In this case, with regard to the reproduction timing with a large number of times of sound data reproduction, it can be determined that the input timing acquisition timing, the reproduction timing setting timing, or the sound data reproduction start timing based on the reproduction timing is old. In this way, the number of reproduction timings to be reproduced within one reproduction cycle does not exceed a predetermined number, so that it is possible to reduce the calculation load on the system and save the storage capacity.

  (4) In the game system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the end condition determination unit determines whether the elapsed time after acquisition of the input timing, the elapsed time after setting the playback timing, and the playback timing. The playback timing may be determined to satisfy the playback end condition when at least one of the elapsed periods after the start of playback of the sound data exceeds a predetermined period. Even in this case, since the reproduction of the sound data at the set reproduction timing is periodically ended (with a given regularity) or paused, a rhythm that is comfortable to listen to even when the input operation is performed appropriately Easy to create patterns and music.

  (5) In the game system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the reproduction timing setting unit may include any one of a plurality of timing determination periods in which the input timing acquired by the timing acquisition unit divides the reproduction cycle. It may be determined whether the input timing belongs, and based on the determination result, a correction process may be performed in which a reference timing set within the timing determination period to which the input timing belongs is set as the reproduction timing. In this way, even if the input timing is irregularly acquired by appropriately performing the input operation by the player, the playback timing is set after being corrected to the reference timing. It is also possible for the player to create a regular rhythm pattern relatively easily.

  (6) In the game system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the sound reproduction control unit reproduces the sound data based on the input timing in the reproduction cycle in which the input timing is acquired, After the reproduction period after the reproduction period from which the input timing has been acquired, sound reproduction control for reproducing the sound data may be performed based on the reproduction timing set by the correction process. When performing the correction process, in the playback cycle in which the input timing is acquired, the timing can be corrected later, but it cannot be corrected by shifting the timing forward. By reproducing the sound data based on the input timing, it is possible to perform the sound data reproduction process reflecting the instruction by the input operation of the player.

  (7) In the game system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the timing determination period is set to equally divide the reproduction cycle, and the reference timing setting interval is equal within the reproduction cycle. It may be set to be. Thus, if the timing determination period is set to equally divide (apportion) the reproduction cycle, the input operation can be performed while making the player aware of the timing determination period. In addition, since the reference timing setting intervals are set to be equal within the reproduction cycle, it is possible to relatively easily create a regular rhythm pattern for a wide range of player layers.

  (8) In the game system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the reproduction timing setting unit stores the reproduction timing set based on the input timing acquired in the timing acquisition unit in the storage unit, The sound reproduction control unit may read the reproduction timing stored in the storage unit and perform sound reproduction control for reproducing the sound data based on the read reproduction timing. In this way, it is not necessary to sequentially set the reproduction timing at the time of the reproduction processing of the sound data executed for each reproduction cycle, so that the calculation load can be reduced.

  (9) In the game system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the reproduction timing setting unit reads the input timing stored in the storage unit for each reproduction period, and reads the input timing. The playback timing may be set based on the above. In this way, at the time of sound data playback processing executed at each playback cycle, the setting of playback timing (for example, whether or not correction processing is performed) can be easily changed in units of input timing. High sound data processing can be realized.

  (10) In the game system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the sound reproduction control unit provides a reference sound for informing the player of the reproduction cycle at a given timing set within the reproduction cycle. You may make it perform sound reproduction control which reproduces | regenerates data repeatedly. In this way, since it is easy to grasp the rhythm as a reference when the player performs the input operation, a music having a rhythm pattern that is easy to listen to even a player unfamiliar with the input operation or a player with a poor rhythm feeling can easily Can be created.

  (11) In the game system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the sound reproduction control unit reproduces the sound data for the reproduction timing determined to satisfy the reproduction end condition. You may make it perform sound reproduction | regeneration control which complete | finishes, decreasing. Thus, by fading out the reproduction volume of the sound data for the reproduction timing that satisfies the reproduction end condition and ending, it is possible to easily create a music or rhythm pattern that is comfortable to listen to.

  (12) In the game system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the sound reproduction control unit reproduces the music data stored in the storage unit, and sets the reproduction speed information set for the music data. Based on this, sound reproduction control for reproducing the sound data by changing the reproduction cycle may be performed. The playback speed information refers to, for example, the tempo of music that is output as a result of music data playback. Changing the playback cycle means changing the playback cycle by lengthening or shortening the time required for one playback cycle. In this way, by changing the rhythm pattern created by the player in accordance with the tempo of the music flowing as BGM, the reproduced music can be made comfortable to listen to.

  (13) In the game system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, when the plurality of input units corresponding to a plurality of players are provided, the reproduction cycle corresponding to each input unit is set. The timing acquisition unit acquires the input timing from each input unit, and the reproduction timing setting unit corresponds to each input unit based on the input timing acquired by the timing acquisition unit. The reproduction timing is set, and the sound reproduction control unit is configured to change the sound data that differs according to the type of the input unit for each reproduction cycle based on the reproduction timing set corresponding to each input unit. Sound reproduction control that repeats reproduction may be performed. In this way, it is possible to cause the player to simulate a session performance with a plurality of musical instruments.

  (14) In the game system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the input operation to the input unit of the player is performed by comparing and determining the set timing set by the timing setting unit and a given evaluation timing. The evaluation part which evaluates may be included. Moreover, you may make a computer function as said each part. In this way, while giving the player the pleasure of creating music and rhythm patterns, it is possible to improve the game performance by giving an evaluation to the input operation performed by the player, and to attract the player's interest over a long period of time. it can.

  Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described. In addition, this embodiment demonstrated below does not unduly limit the content of this invention described in the claim. In addition, all the configurations described in the present embodiment are not necessarily essential configuration requirements of the present invention.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 shows an example of the game system of the present embodiment. This game system includes at least an input unit 160 (percussion instrument type controller) imitating the shape of a percussion instrument such as a drum, and a main body apparatus 10 (game apparatus). The input unit 160 has an input area 160a, and the player performs an input operation by hitting the input area 162 with a hand, for example. A sensor (not shown) corresponding to the input area 160a is provided inside the input unit 160, and the input operation of the player can be detected using this sensor.

  The main device 10 performs a game process based on input data from the input unit 160 and a program stored in the information storage medium 12 (CD, DVD, etc.), and generates a game image and plays a game sound. . The generated game image is displayed on the display unit 190 (display), and the reproduced game sound is output from the sound output unit 192 (speaker).

  In FIG. 1, the input unit 160 and the main body device 10 (sound reproduction control device) are provided separately. However, the function (sound reproduction control unit) of the main body device 10 is built in the input unit 160. Also good. In the case of this configuration, the input unit 160 is directly connected to the display unit 190 and the game image is displayed on the display unit 190. Although FIG. 1 shows a case of a home game device as an example, the present invention can also be applied to an arcade game device and a toy.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the game system (sound reproduction control system) of the present embodiment. Note that the game system of the present embodiment does not have to include all the components (each unit) in FIG. 2, and may have a configuration in which some of them are omitted. The music game (or rhythm game) realized by the game system (program) of the present embodiment is a game for playing music with an input unit that simulates a musical instrument, a game for dancing according to music, or the like.

  The input unit 160 is for a player to input input data (input timing in a narrow sense), and functions as a controller imitating a percussion instrument, an operation button, an operation lever, or a voice as shown in FIG. This can be realized by hardware such as an input microphone. The storage unit 170 serves as a work area such as the processing unit 100 or the communication unit 196, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a RAM.

  The information storage medium 180 (computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, and the like, and functions as an optical disk (CD, DVD), magneto-optical disk (MO), magnetic disk, hard disk, and magnetic tape. Alternatively, it can be realized by hardware such as a memory (ROM). The processing unit 100 performs various processes of this embodiment based on a program (data) stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, the information storage medium 180 stores a program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment (a program for causing a computer to execute processing of each unit).

  The display unit 190 outputs an image generated according to the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a CRT, LCD, touch panel display, or HMD (head mounted display). The sound output unit 192 outputs the sound generated by the sound generation unit 140, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a speaker or headphones. The portable information storage device 194 stores player personal data, game save data, and the like. Examples of the portable information storage device 194 include a memory card and a portable game device. The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (for example, a host device or other game system), and functions thereof are hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, It can be realized by a program.

  Note that a program (data) for causing a computer to function as each unit of this embodiment is distributed from the information storage medium of the host device (server) to the information storage medium 180 (storage unit 170) via the network and the communication unit 196. You may do it. Use of the information storage medium of such a host device (server) can also be included in the scope of the present invention.

  The processing unit 100 (processor) performs various processing such as game processing, image generation processing, or sound generation processing based on input data (input timing in a narrow sense) from the input unit 160, a program, and the like. Here, the game process performed by the processing unit 100 includes a process for starting a game when a game start condition is satisfied, a process for advancing the game, a process for placing a display object (object) such as a character, and a display object. A process of playing sound data, a process of calculating a game result, or a process of ending a game when a game end condition is satisfied. The processing unit 100 performs various processes using the storage unit 170 as a work area. The function of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), and a program (game program).

  The processing unit 100 includes a timing acquisition unit 110, a reproduction timing setting unit 112, an end condition determination unit 114, a sound reproduction control unit 116, an evaluation unit 118, a display control unit 120, an image generation unit 130, and a sound generation unit 140. Note that some of these may be omitted.

  The timing acquisition unit 112 performs processing of acquiring the input timing when the player performs a predetermined input operation on the input unit 160 (percussion instrument performance). Specifically, input data from the input unit 160 is monitored and acquired every predetermined period. Then, a process of accumulating and storing the acquired input data in the timing data storage unit 172 (a given storage buffer) is performed. As a period for monitoring input data, for example, a frame rate or a sampling rate obtained by equally dividing a reproduction cycle of sound data can be used. The frame rate (for example, 1/60 seconds, 1/30 seconds) is a unit of time for performing the game process (display object movement / motion process) or image generation process. The sound data playback cycle (for example, the required time per measure) is a unit of time for repeated playback of sound data, and is the tempo (BPM; Beat Par Minute) and the number of beats that can be set within the playback cycle. (For example, 16 beats, 8 beats).

Ts = 60 / BPM × N
(Ts: playback cycle, BPM: tempo, N: number of beats in playback cycle)
For example, in the case of 4 beats (16 beats contain 16 16th notes per measure), if the BPM is 120, the time per beat is 0.125 seconds and the playback cycle (per measure) Required time) is 0.125 seconds × 16 pieces = 2 seconds. That is, in the above example, when 1 bar is assigned as the playback cycle, the playback cycle is 2 seconds, and when N bar is assigned as the playback cycle, the playback cycle is N × 2 seconds. In this case, the sampling rate for monitoring the input data needs to be at least finer than the number of beats N and equally divided the reproduction cycle.

  Based on the input timing acquired by the timing acquisition unit 110, the playback timing setting unit 112 performs processing for setting the playback timing (note) of sound data in a given playback cycle (bar). The reproduction timing is set such that one timing within the reproduction cycle is set as the reproduction timing for each of the plurality of acquired input timings.

  Although the input timing itself can be set as the playback timing within the playback cycle, the acquired input timing is corrected to a given reference timing so that the timing of the input operation of the player may be irregular. By setting the reproduction timing, a regular rhythm pattern (or timing pattern) can be set within the reproduction cycle.

  Specifically, it is determined which of the plurality of timing determination periods obtained by dividing the reproduction cycle the input timing acquired by the timing acquisition unit 110 belongs, and within the timing determination period to which the input timing belongs based on the determination result Correction processing for setting the set reference timing as the reproduction timing is performed. In this case, at least one reference timing corresponding to each of the plurality of timing determination periods is set. Further, the timing determination period may be set so that the reproduction cycle is equally divided (apportioned). In this way, the player can perform an input operation while being conscious of the timing determination period. Further, the reference timing setting intervals belonging to each timing determination period may be set to be equal within the reproduction period. In this way, a regular rhythm pattern can be created relatively easily by a wide range of player layers.

  The end condition determination unit 114 performs a process of determining whether or not a given playback end condition is satisfied for the playback timing. If there are a plurality of reproduction timings set within the reproduction cycle, it is determined whether or not the reproduction end condition is satisfied for each of them. Specifically, when the number of reproductions of sound data exceeds a predetermined number, when an elapsed period after setting the reproduction timing exceeds a predetermined period, when an elapsed period after acquisition of the input timing exceeds a predetermined period, Alternatively, when the elapsed time after the start of reproduction of the sound data based on the reproduction timing exceeds a predetermined period, it can be determined that the reproduction end condition is satisfied for the reproduction timing to be determined.

  Further, the end condition determination unit 114 determines whether or not the number of reproduction timings set within the reproduction cycle (the number of reproductions of sound data within one reproduction cycle) has reached a predetermined number, and the number of reproduction timings is determined. When it is determined that the predetermined number has been reached, the number of playbacks for a plurality of playback timings set within the playback cycle is compared with each other, and it is determined that the playback end condition is satisfied for playback timings with a large number of playbacks It may be. In this way, it is possible to specify a reproduction timing that is older than the input timing acquisition timing, the reproduction timing setting timing, or the sound data reproduction start timing based on the reproduction timing.

  The sound reproduction control unit 116 reads out the sound data stored in the sound data storage unit 171 of the storage unit 170 for each reproduction cycle based on each of the plurality of reproduction timings set by the reproduction timing setting unit 112. As for the reproduction timing determined to satisfy the reproduction end condition by the end condition determination unit 114 while repeating the reproduction, the sound that ends or pauses (pauses, pauses, rests) the sound data reproduction at the reproduction timing. Perform playback control. In this way, the sound data is repeatedly played back periodically at each playback timing, and the playback is controlled to automatically end or pause according to the playback end condition. By the operation, the pattern of the reproduction timing at which the sound data should be reproduced within the reproduction cycle can be changed every moment. That is, even if the player performs an input operation freely or the player performs an input operation without regularity, a rhythmic sound data reproduction pattern is automatically generated.

  In addition, when the reproduction timing is set by the reproduction timing setting unit 112 based on the reference timing, the timing can be corrected even if the timing can be corrected later in the reproduction cycle in which the input timing is acquired. It cannot be corrected by shifting forward. Therefore, when performing the correction process, the sound data is reproduced based on the input timing in the reproduction cycle in which the input timing is acquired, and the correction is performed in the reproduction cycle after the reproduction cycle in which the input timing is acquired. Sound data may be reproduced based on the reproduction timing set by the processing. As described above, by reproducing the sound data based on the input timing in the reproduction cycle in which the input timing is acquired, it is possible to perform the sound data reproduction process reflecting the instruction by the input operation of the player.

  The sound reproduction control unit 116 performs sound reproduction control for repeatedly reproducing reference sound data for informing the player of the reproduction cycle at a given timing set in advance within the reproduction cycle. In this way, the rhythm (or tempo and measure interval) that is a reference for the player to perform the input operation can be easily grasped, so that even a player who is unfamiliar with the input operation or a player who is not familiar with the input operation can easily listen to it. A song having a rhythm pattern can be created.

  Further, the sound reproduction control unit 116 may end or pause the reproduction of the sound data for the reproduction timing determined to satisfy the reproduction end condition while decreasing the reproduction volume. Thus, by fading out the reproduction volume of the sound data for the reproduction timing that satisfies the reproduction end condition and ending or pausing, it is possible to easily create a music or rhythm pattern that is comfortable to listen to.

  The sound reproduction control unit 116 reproduces the music data stored in the music data storage unit 173 of the storage unit 170, and changes the reproduction cycle based on the reproduction speed information set for the reproduced music data. The sound data may be reproduced. The reproduction speed information here refers to, for example, the tempo (BPM) of the music output from the sound output unit 192 by the playback of music data. For example, in the case of 4 beats, the playback period (required time per bar) is 2 seconds at BPM = 120, but when the tempo of the music changes from BPM = 120 to BPM = 150, the time per beat is 0.00. The reproduction period changes from 125 seconds to 0.1 second, and accordingly, the reproduction cycle changes to 1.6 seconds. Thus, by changing the reproduction cycle of the rhythm pattern created by the player in accordance with the tempo of the music flowing as BGM, the reproduced music can be made comfortable.

  The evaluation unit 118 compares and determines the reproduction timing set by the reproduction timing setting unit 112 and the evaluation timing stored in the evaluation data storage unit 173, and performs processing for evaluating the input operation to the input unit 160 of the player. For example, when an evaluation timing set in advance within a playback cycle arrives during the playback processing of sound data, if the playback timing is set at that timing, a high evaluation can be given to the input operation of the player. . Further, for example, an evaluation pattern in which a plurality of evaluation timings are set within a reproduction cycle is compared (matched) with a reproduction timing pattern set within the reproduction cycle by the reproduction timing setting unit 112, and the number of matching timings is determined. An evaluation that gives the score obtained can be performed. In this way, while giving the player the pleasure of creating music and rhythm patterns, it is possible to improve the game performance by giving an evaluation to the input operation performed by the player, and to attract the player's interest over a long period of time. it can.

  The display control unit 120 performs display control of a display object (object) such as a game character. Specifically, a process of arranging a display object, a process of moving the display object, or a process of changing an image of the display object is performed. Particularly in the present embodiment, the display control unit 120 displays the character for each reproduction period of the sound data based on the set reproduction timing, and the reproduction timing determined to satisfy the reproduction end condition is as follows. Display control for terminating the display of the character at the reproduction timing can be performed. In this way, characters are displayed one after another on the game screen in conjunction with the reproduction of the sound data (since the display screen changes in conjunction with the reproduction of the sound data), so the player receives VJ (video jockey). ) Can be experienced easily.

  Further, the display control unit 120 displays the display character based on the reproduction timing in accordance with at least one of the display count of the display character, the elapsed period after setting the reproduction timing, and the number of reproduction timings set within the reproduction cycle. Display control may be performed such that a new character different from the character is displayed or the display mode of the already displayed character is changed. In this way, not only the auditory effect but also the visual effect can be fully enjoyed by the player, and the player can be influenced by the visual effect that the displayed image changes even if the rhythm pattern is monotonous. The player's interest can be attracted for a long time without getting bored.

  In addition, the display control unit 120 displays an indicator display for informing the player of the playback cycle at a given timing set within the playback cycle, or an indicator display whose display mode changes in conjunction with the playback cycle. Display control may be performed such as displaying. In this way, the rhythm (tempo and measure interval) that is a reference when the player performs the input operation can be easily grasped, so that even a player who is unfamiliar with the input operation or a player with a poor sense of rhythm can easily listen to the rhythm. A song having a pattern can be created.

  The image generation unit 120 performs drawing processing based on the results of various processes (game processing) performed by the processing unit 100, thereby generating an image and outputting the image to the display unit 190.

  The sound generation unit 130 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100, generates game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, or sounds, and outputs the game sounds to the sound output unit 192. In the present embodiment, the sound generation unit 130 generates a game sound based on the sound data and music data reproduced (read) by the sound reproduction control unit 116 and outputs the game sound to the sound output unit 192.

  Note that the game system according to the present embodiment may be a system dedicated to the single player mode in which only one player can play, and not only such a single player mode but also a multiplayer mode in which a plurality of players can play. A system may be provided. Further, when a plurality of players play, game images and game sounds to be provided to the plurality of players may be generated using one terminal, or connected via a network (transmission line, communication line) or the like. Alternatively, it may be generated using a plurality of terminals (game machine, mobile phone).

2. Next, the method of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, the case where the method of the present embodiment is adopted in a music game will be mainly described, but the method of the present embodiment can be applied not only to such a music game but also to various games.

2-1. Setting of Reproduction Timing FIG. 3 shows a reproduction cycle Ts of sound data in the present embodiment. In the reproduction cycle Ts, timing determination periods Th1 to Th16 that equally divide the reproduction cycle Ts into 16 periods are set, and reference timings having equal set intervals so as to correspond to the respective timing determination periods Th1 to Th16. T1 to T16 are set. In this embodiment, when the input timing is acquired, it is determined which timing determination period the input timing belongs to, and when the reproduction of the sound data is repeated with the reference timing set in the timing determination period to which the input timing belongs. Is set as the reproduction timing To. In this way, even if the input timing Ti is irregularly acquired by appropriately performing the input operation by the player, the reproduction timing To is set by correcting the input timing Ti to the reference timing T1 to T16. It is also possible to create a regular rhythm pattern relatively easily even for a player with a poor sense of rhythm.

  FIG. 4 shows a case where the input timings Ti1 and Ti2 are acquired by the timing acquisition unit 110. The input timing Ti1 is determined to belong to the timing determination period Th1, and the reference timing T1 set in the timing determination period Th1 is set as the reproduction timing To1 corresponding to the input timing Ti1. The input timing Ti2 is determined to belong to the timing determination period Th2, and the reference timing T2 set within the timing determination period Th2 is set as the reproduction timing To2 corresponding to the input timing Ti2.

  In this case, if the reproduction timing To is set for the acquired input timing Ti, the set reproduction timing To can be stored (saved or stored). Specifically, the reproduction timing To set based on the input timing Ti acquired by the timing acquisition unit 110 is stored in the timing data storage unit 172 of the storage unit 170. At this time, the sound data is read and reproduced at the reproduction timing To stored in the timing data storage unit 172 for each reproduction cycle Ts. In this way, it is not necessary to sequentially set the reproduction timing To during the sound data reproduction process, so that the calculation load can be reduced.

  On the other hand, the acquired input timing Ti is stored (saved and stored) in association with the reproduction cycle Ts, and the reproduction timing To is set based on the sequential input timing Ti for each reproduction cycle Ts during the sound data reproduction processing. Good. In this case, the input timing Ti stored in the timing data storage unit 172 is read for each reproduction cycle Ts, and the sequential reproduction timing To is set based on the read input timing Ti. In this way, during the sound data reproduction process executed at each reproduction cycle Ts, the setting content of the reproduction timing To (for example, whether correction processing is performed) is easily changed in units of the input timing Ti. Therefore, highly arrangeable sound data processing can be realized.

2-2. Sound Data Reproduction Control FIGS. 5A to 5F show examples of sound reproduction control executed in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, sound data reproduction is repeated for each reproduction period in accordance with the set reproduction timing, and sound reproduction control for ending sound data reproduction is performed for the reproduction timing determined to satisfy the reproduction end condition. Is called.

  In the present embodiment, a count process (in a narrow sense, a time count process) with the playback cycle Ts as one cycle is performed to sequentially check whether or not the playback timing To is set within the playback cycle Ts, and the playback timing To Is set, the sound data is read from the sound data storage unit 171 and reproduced at that timing.

  First, in FIG. 5A, the input operation is performed at the timing to be set to the reproduction timing To3, and the reproduction timing To3 is set. In this case, sound data may be reproduced based on the input timing as necessary. Next, when the count process of the reproduction cycle Ts proceeds and circulates, as shown in FIG. 5B, sound data is reproduced at the reproduction timing To3, and the number of reproductions is counted and stored. In FIG. 5B, the input operation is further performed at the timing to be set to the reproduction timing To10, and the reproduction timing To10 is set. When the counting process further proceeds and circulates, sound data is reproduced in accordance with the reproduction timings To3 and To10 at the reproduction timings To3 and To10 in the reproduction cycle Ts shown in FIGS.

  Then, as the counting process of the reproduction cycle Ts progresses, the number of reproductions at the reproduction timing To3 reaches four as shown in FIG. 5 (E). In the present embodiment, when the number of reproductions at each reproduction timing To set within the reproduction cycle Ts reaches a predetermined number (for example, four times), it is determined that the sound data reproduction end condition is satisfied. Then, the process of ending the reproduction of the sound data after that (after the next reproduction cycle) is performed. That is, as shown in FIG. 5E, with respect to the reproduction timing To3 that has reached the predetermined number of times (four times), after reproducing the sound data at that timing, as shown in FIG. The setting information of the reproduction timing To3 is deleted. After that, regarding the reproduction timing To10, when the number of reproductions at that timing reaches a predetermined number (for example, four times), reproduction of the sound data at the reproduction timing To10 is similarly terminated. When the reproduction end condition is satisfied, the reproduction of the sound data at the reproduction timing To that satisfies the reproduction end condition may be paused (paused or paused). In this case, the reproduction volume at the reproduction timing To to be paused is muted (set to 0). By performing the above processing for each set reproduction timing To, a reproduction pattern (rhythm pattern) in which the reproduction state of the sound data automatically changes every reproduction cycle as shown in FIG. 6 is generated. Is done.

  That is, according to the method of the present embodiment, it is possible to automatically change the pattern of the reproduction timing at which sound data should be reproduced in the reproduction cycle from time to time with a simple and relatively few input operations. Therefore, according to this method, it is possible to easily create a rhythm pattern or music that is comfortable to listen to even a player who is unfamiliar with the input operation or a player with a poor sense of rhythm. Therefore, according to this method, it is possible to attract the interest of a wide range of player groups by giving the player the pleasure of easily creating rhythm patterns and music.

  In the present embodiment, when the reproduction of the sound data for the reproduction timing To determined to satisfy the reproduction end condition is terminated or paused, control may be performed so as to end or pause while decreasing the reproduction volume. . For example, in the example of FIGS. 5A to 5F, for the reproduction timing To when the number of reproduction reaches 4 times, the sound volume is reduced in stages in a subsequent reproduction cycle, and then the sound data is reduced. Can be stopped or paused. Thus, by fading out the reproduction volume of the sound data for the reproduction timing that satisfies the reproduction end condition and ending or pausing, it is possible to easily create an emotional musical piece or rhythm pattern that is comfortable to listen to. .

  The sound data reproduction end condition determined for each of the plurality of reproduction timings To set based on the input timing Ti is not limited to the condition that the number of reproductions of the sound data at each reproduction timing To is a condition. An elapsed period from a predetermined time (for example, an elapsed period after the setting of the reproduction timing To, an elapsed period after the acquisition of the input timing Ti, or an elapsed period from the start of reproduction of sound data based on the reproduction timing To) exceeds a predetermined period. In this case, it may be determined that the playback end condition is satisfied for the playback timing To to be determined.

  When the number of playback timings To set within the playback cycle Ts (the number of playbacks of sound data within one playback cycle) reaches a predetermined number, it is determined that the playback end condition is satisfied for a given playback timing To. May be. In this case, when it is determined that the number of playback timings To set within the playback cycle Ts has reached a predetermined number, the input timing Ti for the plurality of playback timings To set within the playback cycle Ts is determined. The acquisition timing or the setting timing of the reproduction timing To may be compared with each other, and it may be determined that the reproduction end condition is satisfied for the reproduction timing To for which the acquisition timing of the input timing Ti or the setting timing of the reproduction timing To is old.

  Specifically, the number of playback timings To that can be set within the playback cycle Ts is 16, but the number of playback timings To that can be played back in one cycle of the playback cycle Ts due to the storage capacity limit on the system side or the like. Let us consider a case where there is a limit such that there are up to twelve. For example, in the case shown in FIG. 7A, the number of reproduction timings To set within the reproduction cycle Ts is 12, which has reached the upper limit of the number of reproduction timings To that can be reproduced.

  At this time, if an input operation is performed and the reproduction timing To9 is newly set as shown in FIG. 7B, the number of reproduction timings To that can be reproduced within the reproduction cycle Ts exceeds the upper limit value. It will be. Therefore, in this case, the acquisition timing or reproduction timing of the input timing Ti for the reproduction timings To2, To3, To4, To6, To7, To8, To11, To12, To13, To14, To15 and To16 that have already been set. The prior and subsequent relationships of To set times are compared with each other.

  For example, it can be determined that the sound data having a large number of reproductions has an old acquisition timing of the input timing Ti or a setting timing of the reproduction timing To. Then, in the case shown in FIG. 7B, it is determined that the reproduction timings To3, To6, and To16 have the old acquisition timing of the input timing Ti or the setting timing of the reproduction timing To. In the present embodiment, based on the result of the comparison determination described above, as shown in FIG. 7C, it is determined that the reproduction end conditions are compulsorily satisfied for the reproduction timings To3, To6, and To16. End or pause (pause) playback of sound data. In this way, since the number of playback timings to be played back within one playback cycle can be controlled so as not to exceed a predetermined number, the created playback pattern (rhythm pattern) can be prevented from being monotonous. It is possible to reduce the calculation load of the system and save the storage capacity.

  In addition, it is preferable for an unfamiliar player or a player who lacks a sense of rhythm to know a reference timing when performing an input operation. Therefore, in this embodiment, the reference sound data for informing the player of the cycle interval of the playback cycle Ts may be repeatedly played at a given timing set in advance within the playback cycle Ts. A plurality of timings for reproducing the reference sound data may be set within the reproduction cycle Ts, or only one timing may be set. This makes it easy for the player to grasp the rhythm (tempo and measure interval) that is the reference when performing the input operation, so that even players who are unfamiliar with the input operation or players who are not familiar with the input operation can easily listen to it. Rhythm patterns and music can be created. Further, instead of reproducing the reference sound data at a given timing within the reproduction cycle Ts, or in addition to the reference sound data, music data (BGM data) in which a measure synchronized with the reproduction cycle Ts is set is reproduced. It may be. Even in this case, the interval of the reproduction cycle Ts can be grasped by the tempo of the music (BGM) to be reproduced by the player.

  In the present embodiment, the music data stored in the music data storage unit 173 of the storage unit 170 is reproduced, and the reproduction cycle is changed based on the reproduction speed information set for the reproduced music data. Sound data may be reproduced. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when a maximum of N playback timings To can be set in one playback cycle Ts, Ts = N × 60 / BPM. Therefore, at BPM = 120, the playback cycle Ts is N × 2 seconds. However, when the tempo of the music changes from BPM = 120 to BPM = 150, the reproduction cycle Ts can be changed to N × 1.6 seconds. Thus, by changing the reproduction cycle of the rhythm pattern created by the player in accordance with the tempo of the music flowing as BGM, the reproduced music can be made comfortable.

2-3. Character Display Control Next, game screen display control performed in the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, display control for displaying a character (game character) on the game screen (changing the display image in a broad sense) is performed based on the playback timing set within the playback cycle.

  That is, in the present embodiment, when sound data is reproduced based on the reproduction timing To, the character K is repeatedly displayed for each reproduction cycle Ts so as to be interlocked therewith.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, when the reproduction timing To3 is set in the reproduction cycle Ts, when sound data is reproduced based on the reproduction timing To3, as shown in FIG. The character K1 is displayed on the screen.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, when a plurality of reproduction timings To are set within the reproduction cycle Ts, sound data is based on the reproduction timings To3, To5, To7, To9, To10, To11, and To13. Is reproduced, characters K1 to K7 corresponding to the respective reproduction timings To are displayed as shown in FIG. 9B. By controlling the effect image to be displayed in conjunction with the reproduction of the sound data in this way, it is possible to make the player feel like a VJ (video jockey) with a simple input operation.

  When such display control is performed, the number of times the sound data is reproduced, the number of times the character is displayed, the acquisition timing of the input timing Ti, the setting timing of the reproduction timing To, or the number of reproduction timings To set within the reproduction cycle Ts. Depending on the above, display control may be performed such that a new character different from the character displayed based on the reproduction timing To is displayed, or the display mode of the already displayed character is changed. For example, as shown in FIG. 9B, the characters K1 to K7 may be displayed in different sizes, or as shown in FIG. 10, the characters K1 to K7 may be displayed differently. it can.

  In this way, not only the auditory effect but also the visual effect can be fully enjoyed by the player, and the player can be influenced by the visual effect that the displayed image changes even if the rhythm pattern is monotonous. The player's interest can be attracted for a long time without getting bored. In particular, according to the number of times the sound data is reproduced or as the reproduction end condition for the reproduction timing To approaches, a different character is displayed, or the character display mode is changed by displaying the character smaller. Since it is possible to visually notify the player of the number of times of reproduction at each reproduction timing To and the reproduction end time, the operation interface environment can be improved.

  Further, in the present embodiment, at a given timing set within the reproduction cycle Ts, an indicator display for informing the player of the cycle interval of the reproduction cycle Ts is displayed, or a display mode is interlocked with the reproduction cycle Ts. An indicator display object that changes may be displayed. A plurality of display timings of the indicator display object may be set within the reproduction cycle Ts, or only one timing may be set. For example, in the case where only one display timing is set within the reproduction cycle Ts, as shown in FIG. 11A, a display object simulating a clock, and the hand N1 moves in conjunction with the reproduction cycle Ts. Thus, it is possible to display the indicator display object M1 that is displayed so as to be one reproduction cycle in one rotation. Further, for example, when a plurality of display timings are set within the reproduction cycle Ts, as shown in FIG. 11B, the display object is similar to a metronome, and the pendulum N2 is linked to the reference timing setting interval. The indicator display object M2 that is moved and displayed can be displayed. Thereby, the player can be notified of the cycle interval of the reproduction cycle Ts and the set interval of the reference timing. As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, every time one timing within the reproduction period Ts arrives or every time a plurality of reference timings set within the reproduction period Ts arrive, the background of the display image is displayed. By changing the color or the like, the player can be notified of the period interval of the reproduction period Ts and the reference timing setting interval.

  In this way, if display control is performed so that the display image changes in conjunction with the reproduction cycle Ts or the reference timing, it becomes easier for the player to grasp the reference rhythm (tempo and measure interval) when performing the input operation. Even a player who is unfamiliar with the input operation or a player with a poor sense of rhythm can easily create music having a comfortable rhythm pattern.

2-4. Timing Evaluation In this embodiment, a game process for evaluating the input operation of the player is performed using the reproduction timing set based on the input operation performed by the player.

  Examples are shown in FIGS. 13A to 13D. In this example, as shown in FIG. 13A, evaluation data in which one or more evaluation timings are set within the reproduction cycle Ts is set and stored in the evaluation data storage unit 174 of the storage unit 170. By comparing the determined reproduction timing with the evaluation timing, when the reproduction timing is set at the evaluation timing (when sound data is reproduced at the evaluation timing), it is higher than the input operation of the player. An evaluation can be given.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13B, when the sound data is reproduced at the reproduction timing To11, since the evaluation timing corresponding to the reproduction timing To11 is set, the sound data at that timing is set. A good evaluation of “Good” is given to the reproduction of “Good”.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13C, when the sound data is reproduced at the reproduction timing To12 in which the evaluation timing is not set, it is determined that the input operation matching the evaluation timing pattern has not been performed. Therefore, a bad evaluation of “Bad” is given to the reproduction of the sound data at the reproduction timing To12.

  In addition, even when the evaluation timing is set as shown in FIG. 13D, when the reproduction timing To14 is not set, the sound data is not reproduced. A bad evaluation of “Bad” is made with the arrival of timing.

  FIGS. 14A and 14B show examples of display control when such game processing is performed. As shown in FIG. 14A, the result of comparison judgment with the evaluation timing (“Good!” Or “Bad!”) Can be displayed together with the characters K1 to K7 displayed in conjunction with the reproduction of the sound data. it can. Note that, as in the case shown in FIG. 13D, when the evaluation timing is set but the reproduction timing for reproducing the sound data is not set, “Bad” is set based on the evaluation timing. A character may be displayed together with the evaluation result. Further, as shown in FIG. 14B, a character corresponding to the evaluation result may be displayed in conjunction with the reproduction of the sound data. In this case, the smiling characters K1, K4, and K5 are displayed based on the reproduction timing at which “Good” is obtained, and the sad characters K2, K3, K6, and K7 are evaluated as “Bad”. Displayed based on playback timing or evaluation timing.

  Note that the above-described evaluation of the input operation of the player may be performed by comparing and determining the input timing and the evaluation timing.

2-5. Application Example The technique according to the present embodiment can also be applied to a game system using an input unit that receives a plurality of types of input operations from a player.

  For example, in the example of the game system shown in FIG. 15, the input unit 160 receives the first tapping input unit 161 and the second tapping input unit 162 that receive the player's tapping input, and inputs applause (clap), voice, and the like. A microphone input unit (sound detection unit) 163 for receiving. The player performs an input operation by, for example, hitting the first and second tapping input units 161 and 162 with a hand or by performing clapping on the microphone input unit 163. Inside the input unit 160, there are provided sensors (press detection sensor, sound detection sensor) (not shown) corresponding to the first and second tapping input units 161 and 162 and the microphone input unit 163, and these sensors are used. The player's input operation is detected. In this case, a plurality of reproduction periods are set for each of the types of input operations or the types of input units, and the reproduction timing is individually set for each type of input operation or type of input unit.

  At this time, it is possible to repeatedly reproduce different sound data based on the type of input operation performed by the player or the reproduction timing set for each type of input unit. Also, in a multiplayer game system in which an individual input unit 160 is provided for each player for a plurality of players, a playback cycle and a playback timing are set for each input unit 160 used by each player, and are set for each type of input unit 160. Different sound data may be repeatedly reproduced based on the reproduction timing. In this way, it is possible to cause the player to simulate a session performance with a plurality of musical instruments.

  As shown in FIG. 15, when the input unit 160 has a configuration that accepts an input operation of a player such as a microphone input unit 163 or other analog stick in an analog manner, the input amount detected by the sound reproduction control unit 116 (for example, In the case of the microphone input unit 163, control for changing the reproduction volume of sound data and the type of sound data to be reproduced may be performed in accordance with the detected sound volume. In this case, the display control unit 120 may perform control to change the type and display mode of the character to be displayed according to the detected input amount so that the player can visually grasp the change in the input amount. Good.

3. Processing of this Embodiment Next, a detailed processing example of this embodiment will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

  First, a process for displaying a screen for the player to select a background music (BGM) of the game is performed (step S10). Then, a process of outputting the music of the song selected by the player is performed (step S11). That is, the sound reproduction control unit 116 reads out and reproduces the music data of the selected music from the music data storage unit 173 and outputs it from the sound output unit 192.

  Subsequently, the reproduction cycle counting process is started (step S12). For example, a process of counting the system clock as a reference clock and incrementing (adding) the count value is performed. Thereafter, the processes of steps S13 to S17 or steps S18 to S22 are performed until the count process for one reproduction cycle is completed.

  First, it is determined whether or not the input timing is acquired in the timing acquisition unit 110 (step S13). That is, the input timing data of the input operation performed by the player is sampled every predetermined period and held in the timing data storage unit 172.

  When the input timing is acquired (Y in step S13), sound data is reproduced based on the acquired input timing (step S14), and sound data is reproduced after the next reproduction cycle based on the input timing. A reproduction timing for repetition is set (step S15). For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, it is determined which of the plurality of timing determination periods the acquired input timing belongs to, and the timing determination period to which the input timing belongs is set in advance. The reference timing is set and stored in the timing data storage unit 172 as a reproduction timing for the acquired input timing. At this time, it is determined whether or not the set number of reproduction timings is a predetermined upper limit number (MAX) (step S16). When it is determined that the number of reproduction timings has reached the upper limit number (Y in step S16), old reproduction timing data is erased from the timing data storage unit 172. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the number of reproductions of a plurality of set reproduction timings are compared with each other, and it is determined that the reproduction timing is older than the other reproduction timings of the reproduction timings with a large number of reproduction times. By deleting the timing data with priority over other playback timings, the playback of the sound data for the playback timing is terminated. If it is determined that the number of reproduction timings has not reached the upper limit number (N in step S16), the process proceeds to step S23.

  On the other hand, when the acquisition of the input timing is not performed during the count process of the playback cycle (N in step S13), a process of checking whether the playback timing is set in each count value is performed (step S13). S18). When the reproduction timing is set (Y in Step S18), the sound data is read from the sound data storage unit 171 and reproduced based on the set reproduction timing (Step S19), and the sound data regarding the reproduction timing is set. Is added once (step S21). At this time, with respect to the reproduction timing at which the sound data is reproduced, it is determined whether or not the number of reproductions of the sound data has reached a preset maximum number of reproductions, that is, whether or not the reproduction end condition is satisfied (step S21). If the number of reproductions has reached the maximum number of reproductions (Y in step S21), it is determined that the reproduction end condition is satisfied, and the reproduction timing data to be determined is deleted from the timing data storage unit 172 (step S22). ). Thereby, the reproduction of the sound data after the next reproduction cycle is finished for the reproduction timing at which the data is erased. If it is determined that the number of reproductions of the sound data has not reached the preset maximum number of reproductions (N in step S20), the process proceeds to step S23.

  In this way, the processing in steps S13 to S17 or steps S18 to S22 is performed until one period of the reproduction cycle is counted (N in step S23), and when counting of one period of the reproduction period is completed (step S23). Y), the count value of the reproduction cycle is reset (step S24). If the reproduction of the music data has not ended (N in step S25), the process returns to step S12 again to start counting the next reproduction cycle, and when the reproduction of the music data has ended ( Step S25Y), a series of processing ends.

  As shown in FIG. 13A to FIG. 13D, when the evaluation process for the input operation of the player is performed, before and after the sound data reproduction process based on the input timing in step S14 or in step S19. Before and after the sound data reproduction process based on the reproduction timing, the input timing or the reproduction timing is compared with a preset evaluation timing, and the score is calculated together with the evaluation result of the input operation of the player.

4). Hardware Configuration FIG. 17 shows an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing this embodiment. The main processor 900 operates based on a program stored in a CD 982 (information storage medium), a program downloaded via the communication interface 990, a program stored in the ROM 950, or the like, and includes game processing, image processing, sound processing, and the like. Execute. The coprocessor 902 assists the processing of the main processor 900, and executes matrix operation (vector operation) at high speed. For example, when a matrix calculation process is required for a physical simulation for moving or moving an object, a program operating on the main processor 900 instructs (requests) the process to the coprocessor 902.

  The geometry processor 904 performs geometry processing such as coordinate conversion, perspective conversion, light source calculation, and curved surface generation based on an instruction from a program operating on the main processor 900, and executes matrix calculation at high speed. The data decompression processor 906 performs decoding processing of the compressed image data and sound data, and accelerates the decoding processing of the main processor 900. Thereby, a moving image compressed by the MPEG method or the like can be displayed on the opening screen or the game screen.

  The drawing processor 910 executes drawing (rendering) processing of an object composed of primitive surfaces such as polygons and curved surfaces. When drawing an object, the main processor 900 uses the DMA controller 970 to pass the drawing data to the drawing processor 910 and, if necessary, transfers the texture to the texture storage unit 924. Then, the drawing processor 910 draws the object in the frame buffer 922 while performing hidden surface removal using a Z buffer or the like based on the drawing data and texture. The drawing processor 910 also performs α blending (translucent processing), depth cueing, mip mapping, fog processing, bilinear filtering, trilinear filtering, anti-aliasing, shading processing, and the like. When an image for one frame is written in the frame buffer 922, the image is displayed on the display 912.

  The sound processor 930 includes a multi-channel ADPCM sound source and the like, generates game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, and sounds, and outputs them through the speaker 932. Data from the game controller 942 and the memory card 944 is input via the serial interface 940.

  The ROM 950 stores system programs and the like. In the case of an arcade game system, the ROM 950 functions as an information storage medium, and various programs are stored in the ROM 950. A hard disk may be used instead of the ROM 950. The RAM 960 is a work area for various processors. The DMA controller 970 controls DMA transfer between the processor and the memory. The DVD drive 980 (which may be a CD drive) accesses a DVD 982 (which may be a CD) in which programs, image data, sound data, and the like are stored. The communication interface 990 performs data transfer with the outside via a network (communication line, high-speed serial bus).

  The processing of each unit (each unit) in this embodiment may be realized entirely by hardware, or may be realized by a program stored in an information storage medium or a program distributed via a communication interface. Also good. Alternatively, it may be realized by both hardware and a program.

  When the processing of each part of this embodiment is realized by both hardware and a program, a program for causing the hardware (computer) to function as each part of this embodiment is stored in the information storage medium. More specifically, the program instructs the processors 902, 904, 906, 910, and 930, which are hardware, and passes data if necessary. Each processor 902, 904, 906, 910, 930 realizes the processing of each unit of the present invention based on the instruction and the passed data.

  The present invention is not limited to that described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, terms (notes, measures, input timing, pause (pause)) cited as broad or synonymous terms (playback timing, playback cycle, input data, pause, rhythm pattern, etc.) in the description or drawings The reproduction pattern and the like can be replaced with terms having a broad meaning or the same meaning in other descriptions in the specification or the drawings.

  Further, the reproduction timing setting method, the sound reproduction control method, the display control method, and the evaluation method are not limited to those described in the present embodiment, and methods equivalent to these are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a method has been described in which the player reproduces the reference sound data repeatedly or displays an indicator object whose display changes in association with the reproduction period so that the player can grasp the reproduction period of the sound data. However, at a given timing set within the reproduction cycle, a confirmation operation unit that performs a confirmation operation for giving the player vibrations and reaction forces for notifying the player of the reproduction cycle may be provided in the input unit.

  The present invention can also be applied to various games (such as fighting games, shooting games, robot fighting games, sports games, competitive games, role playing games, music playing games, dance games, etc.). Further, the present invention is applied to various image generation systems such as a business game system, a home game system, a large attraction system in which a large number of players participate, a simulator, a multimedia terminal, a system board for generating a game image, and a mobile phone. it can.

The example of the game system of this embodiment. The example of a functional block diagram of the game system of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the method of this Embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the method of this Embodiment. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5F are explanatory diagrams of the method of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the method of this Embodiment. FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C are explanatory diagrams of the method of this embodiment. FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram of the method of this embodiment. FIG. 8B shows an example of a display image using the method of this embodiment. FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram of the technique of this embodiment. FIG. 9B shows an example of a display image using the method of this embodiment. The example of the display image using the method of this embodiment. FIGS. 11A and 11B show examples of display images using the method of this embodiment. 12A and 12B are examples of display images using the method of this embodiment. FIGS. 13A to 13D are explanatory diagrams of the method of this embodiment. 14A and 14B show examples of display images using the method of the present embodiment. The example of the game system of this embodiment. The flowchart of the specific process of this embodiment. Hardware configuration example.

Explanation of symbols

Ts reproduction period, Th timing determination period,
T reference timing, Ti input timing, To playback timing,
100 processing unit,
110 timing acquisition unit, 112 reproduction timing setting unit,
114 end condition determination unit, 116 sound reproduction control unit, 118 evaluation unit,
120 display control unit, 130 image generation unit, 140 sound generation unit,
160 input unit, 170 storage unit,
171 sound data storage unit, 172 timing data storage unit,
173 Music data storage unit, 174 Evaluation data storage unit,
180 information storage medium, 194 portable information storage device,
190 Display unit, 192 Sound output unit, 196 Communication unit

Claims (15)

A program for a game that is played by a player performing an input operation on an input unit,
A timing acquisition unit for acquiring an input timing for an input operation of the player from the input unit;
A reproduction timing setting unit that sets a reproduction timing of sound data in a given reproduction cycle based on the acquired input timing;
A display control unit that performs display control to display a display object based on the set reproduction timing in the reproduction period ;
A program that causes a computer to function as a sound reproduction control unit that performs sound reproduction control that repeats reproduction of the sound data stored in a storage unit at each reproduction period based on the set reproduction timing. . In claim 1,
The display control unit
A program for performing display control for repeatedly displaying the display object at each reproduction cycle. In claim 1 or 2,
The display control unit
Based on the reproduction timing according to at least one of the number of reproductions of the sound data, the number of display times of the display object, the acquisition timing of the input timing, the setting timing of the reproduction timing, and the number of reproduction timings set within the reproduction cycle A program for performing display control for displaying a new display object different from the display object that has been displayed. In any one of Claims 1-3,
The display control unit
Displayed according to at least one of the number of times of reproduction of the sound data, the number of times of display of the display object, the acquisition timing of the input timing, the setting timing of the reproduction timing, and the number of reproduction timings set within the reproduction cycle. A program for performing display control for changing a display mode of a display object. In any one of Claims 1-4,
The display control unit
A program for performing display control for changing a type of display object according to an input amount detected by the input unit. In any one of Claims 1-5,
The display control unit
A program for performing display control for changing a display mode of a display object according to an input amount detected by the input unit. A program for a game that is played by a player performing an input operation on an input unit,
A timing acquisition unit for acquiring an input timing for an input operation of the player from the input unit;
A reproduction timing setting unit that sets a reproduction timing of sound data in a given reproduction cycle based on the acquired input timing;
A display control unit that performs display control to change a display image based on the set reproduction timing in the reproduction cycle ;
A program that causes a computer to function as a sound reproduction control unit that performs sound reproduction control that repeats reproduction of the sound data stored in a storage unit at each reproduction period based on the set reproduction timing. . In claim 7,
The display control unit
A program for performing display control for repeatedly displaying the display image that is changed based on the reproduction timing for each reproduction period. In any one of Claims 1-8,
The display control unit
A program for performing display control for displaying an indicator display for informing a player of the reproduction cycle at a given timing set within the reproduction cycle. In any one of Claims 1-9,
The display control unit
A program for performing display control for displaying an index display object whose display mode changes in conjunction with the reproduction cycle. A program for a game that is played by a player performing an input operation on an input unit,
A timing acquisition unit for acquiring an input timing for an input operation of the player from the input unit;
A reproduction timing setting unit that sets a reproduction timing of sound data in a given reproduction cycle based on the acquired input timing;
A sound reproduction control unit that performs sound reproduction control for repeating reproduction of the sound data stored in the storage unit for each reproduction period based on the set reproduction timing;
As an end condition determination unit that determines whether a given playback end condition is satisfied for the playback timing,
Make the computer work,
The sound reproduction control unit is
For the playback timing determined to satisfy the playback end condition, perform sound playback control to end or pause playback of the sound data at the playback timing,
The termination condition determination unit
It is determined whether or not the number of playback timings set within the playback cycle has reached a predetermined number, and set within the playback cycle when it is determined that the number of playback timings has reached a predetermined number A program characterized in that the number of reproductions for a plurality of the reproduction timings is compared with each other and it is determined that the reproduction end condition is satisfied for a reproduction timing with a large number of reproductions. An information storage medium readable by a computer, wherein the program according to any one of claims 1 to 11 is stored. A game system for a game in which a player performs an input operation on an input unit to play.
A timing acquisition unit for acquiring an input timing for an input operation of the player from the input unit;
A reproduction timing setting unit that sets a reproduction timing of sound data in a given reproduction cycle based on the acquired input timing;
A display control unit that performs display control to display a display object based on the set reproduction timing in the reproduction period ;
A game system comprising: a sound reproduction control unit that performs sound reproduction control that repeats reproduction of the sound data stored in a storage unit for each reproduction period based on the set reproduction timing . A game system for a game in which a player performs an input operation on an input unit to play.
A timing acquisition unit for acquiring an input timing for an input operation of the player from the input unit;
A reproduction timing setting unit that sets a reproduction timing of sound data in a given reproduction cycle based on the acquired input timing;
A display control unit that performs display control to change a display image based on the set reproduction timing in the reproduction cycle ;
A game system comprising: a sound reproduction control unit that performs sound reproduction control that repeats reproduction of the sound data stored in a storage unit for each reproduction period based on the set reproduction timing . A game system for a game in which a player performs an input operation on an input unit to play.
A timing acquisition unit for acquiring an input timing for an input operation of the player from the input unit;
A reproduction timing setting unit that sets a reproduction timing of sound data in a given reproduction cycle based on the acquired input timing;
A sound reproduction control unit that performs sound reproduction control for repeating reproduction of the sound data stored in the storage unit for each reproduction period based on the set reproduction timing;
An end condition determining unit that determines whether or not a given playback end condition is satisfied for the playback timing;
Including
The sound reproduction control unit is
For the playback timing determined to satisfy the playback end condition, perform sound playback control to end or pause playback of the sound data at the playback timing,
The termination condition determination unit
It is determined whether or not the number of playback timings set within the playback cycle has reached a predetermined number, and when it is determined that the number of playback timings has reached a predetermined number, set within the playback cycle A game system, wherein the number of reproductions for a plurality of the reproduction timings is compared with each other, and it is determined that the reproduction end condition is satisfied for a reproduction timing with a large number of reproductions.