Game device

Abstract

To provide a game device that can give a player a sense of immersion in the game and a sense of speed in the game.SOLUTION: Provided is a game device having: an operation unit having a plurality of operation areas and for receiving operation input from a player in the plurality of operation areas; a display unit for displaying an image that instructs the operation input to the operation unit; and a control unit for controlling the display of the image. The display unit includes a plurality of lanes that correspond to the plurality of operation areas and on which the image moves. The image includes a combined image that is displayed across the plurality of lanes. The plurality of lanes include a first lane in which one end of the combined image is located, and a second lane in which the other end of the combined image is located. The plurality of operation areas correspond to the plurality of lanes on which the combined image is displayed, and include a third operation area that has a first operation area corresponding to the first lane and a second operation area corresponding to the second lane. The control unit is configured to change a size of a success area of the third operation area at a predetermined ratio, with respect to a size of the combined image. Thereby, the difficulty of game play can be increased.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a game device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a game in which a player operates an operation unit of a game device in accordance with music. Such a game is called a so-called music game. The music game is performed not only using a portable information terminal but also using a game device installed in an amusement facility (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] For example, the game device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a circular monitor and operation buttons provided at intervals around the monitor. Since the monitor and the operation buttons are formed in substantially the same plane, during the game, the player unnecessarily obtains surrounding information. Therefore, the game device lacks the sense of urgency of the game and cannot provide the player with the concentration on the game.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a game device capable of giving a player a sense of immersion in the game and a sense of speed of the game.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] Such an object is achieved by the present invention as described in the following (1) to (14).

[0007] (1) An operation unit that receives an operation input from a player, A display unit that displays an image instructing the operation input to the operation unit, A game device having a control unit that controls the display of the image, The operation unit has a first opening and a second opening larger than the first opening, A game device, wherein at least a part of the operation unit is provided in the vicinity of the display unit so as to protrude from the display unit.

[0008] (2) The game device according to (1) above, wherein the operation unit is provided on the display unit.

[0009] (3) The game device according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the operation unit is formed in a frustum-shaped cylinder.

[0010] (4) The game device according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the protruding angle of the operation unit with respect to the display unit is 90 to 150°.

[0011] (5) The game device according to any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein the operation unit includes a main body having the first opening and the second opening, and a plurality of operation members.

[0012] (6) The game device according to (5) above, wherein the plurality of operation members are arranged along the inner peripheral surface of the main body.

[0013] (7) The game device according to any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein at least a part of the operation unit is provided so as to protrude from the display unit with the first opening facing the display unit.

[0014] (8) The game device according to any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein the first opening is provided so as to be included in the display unit.

[0015] (9) The game device according to (5) or (6) above, wherein the plurality of operation members are provided so as to protrude from the display unit in the moving direction of the image.

[0016] (10) The plurality of operation members are formed in a long shape, The game device according to (9) above, wherein the length of the plurality of operation members is 50 to 150% of the distance by which the image moves.

[0017] (11) An operation unit having a plurality of operation areas and receiving an operation input from a player in the plurality of operation areas, A display unit that displays an image instructing the operation input to the operation unit, A game device having a control unit that controls the display of the image, The display unit corresponds to the plurality of operation areas and includes a plurality of lanes in which the image moves, The image includes a combined image that is displayed across the plurality of lanes, The plurality of lanes include a first lane where one end of the combined image is located and a second lane where the other end of the combined image is located, The plurality of operation areas correspond to the plurality of lanes in which the combined image is displayed, and include a third operation area having a first operation area corresponding to the first lane and a second operation area corresponding to the second lane, The game device, wherein the control unit is configured to change the size of the success area of the third operation area at a predetermined ratio with respect to the size of the combined image.

[0018] (12) The game device according to (11) above, wherein the plurality of operation areas are each divided along a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the image moves.

[0019] (13) The game device according to (11) above, wherein the control unit is configured to change the size of the success area within the first operation area and the second operation area.

[0020] (14) The game device according to (11) above, wherein the control unit evaluates the operation input to the first operation area and the second operation area as a successful operation.

Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a game device that can give a player a sense of immersion and a sense of speed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, the game apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. For convenience of explanation, the upper side in the figure is referred to as "upper", the lower side as "lower", the left side as "left", the right side as "right", the front side of the paper as "front", and the back side of the paper as "rear".

[0024] <<First Embodiment>> 1. Game Apparatus FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the game apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view schematically showing the operation unit and the display unit of the game apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the game apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] The game device 1 of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is a game device installed in an amusement facility or the like. However, the game device 1 of the present invention is not limited thereto and can also be applied to a home game machine. This game device 1 plays music and displays a predetermined image in accordance with the music. The player operates the game device 1 in accordance with the music and the predetermined image. By evaluating the player's operation, the game device 1 enables the player to enjoy the game.

[0026] Such a game device 1 of the present invention includes a housing 2, a display unit 3, a storage unit 4, an operation unit 5, a communication unit 6, a speaker 7, and a control unit 8. Hereinafter, the configuration of each part of the game device 1 will be described.

[0027] <Housing> The housing 2 has a function of installing or storing each member of the game device 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 2 is formed in a box shape. However, the shape of the housing 2 is not particularly limited. The upper front surface (the first surface) of the housing 2 is inclined toward the back surface (the second surface) side with respect to the vertical axis. Thereby, all players can comfortably view the display unit 3. Also, it can be installed so that the operation unit 5 can be easily operated.

[0028] <Display Unit> The display unit 3 has a function of displaying an image related to the game. As shown in FIG. 1, the display unit 3 is provided on the front surface of the housing 2 of the game device 1. The display unit 3 may be composed of a single panel, a plurality of panels, or a single panel divided into a plurality of parts. Also, the display unit 3 may be a touch panel. As shown in FIG. 1, the display unit 3 is formed in a circular shape. However, the display unit 3 is not limited thereto and may be square or triangular.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the display unit 3 is composed of a game area where a plurality of instruction images (hereinafter referred to as "notes") 31 are displayed and a determination area where a determination line (also referred to as an instruction image) 32 is displayed. The game area is composed of a vanishing point located at the center of the display unit 3, the notes 31, and a plurality of lanes 33 extending radially from the vanishing point.

[0030] When the note 31 overlaps on the determination line 32, it has a function of instructing the player to perform an operation input. The notes 31 include normal notes, slide notes, snap notes, hold notes, and chain notes. The functions of each note will be described later. The vanishing point is the point where the note 31 appears and is located at the center of the display unit 3.

[0031] The plurality of lanes 33 are the lanes on which the note 31 moves and extend linearly from the vanishing point to the determination line 32. The plurality of lanes 33 are provided corresponding to an operation member 52 described later along the direction in which the note 31 moves. Thereby, since the note 31 moves as if approaching from the vanishing point, a sense of immersion in the game can be given to the player. The width of the lane 33 becomes wider as it approaches the determination line 32. In this embodiment, 60 lanes 33 are formed from the vanishing point toward the determination line 32. Note that the plurality of lanes 33 may not be displayed and may extend in a curved shape or a zigzag shape.

[0032] When the note 31 overlaps on the determination line 32, the determination line 32 has a function of instructing the player to perform an operation input. The determination line 32 is formed along the circumference of the display unit 3 and is formed in an annular shape. The determination line 32 is divided so as to correspond to the plurality of lanes 33. Therefore, the determination line 32 is also divided into 60 corresponding to the plurality of lanes 33. Note that the determination line 32 may not be displayed or may not be provided. Also, the determination line 32 is not limited to an annular shape and may be linear or may form an individual ring shape corresponding to each lane 33.

[0033] <Storage unit> Next, the storage unit 4 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an instruction image pattern stored in the storage unit of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a determination table stored in the storage unit of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a success area table stored in the storage unit of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] The storage unit 4 stores a game program and game data. The game program is a program for causing the game device 1 to execute a game, and is realized by cooperation with hardware. The game data is data related to the game, and includes music data, image data, sound effect data, and instruction image pattern data.

[0035] The music data is music data flowing from the speaker 7. The music data includes, for example, music data of a plurality of songs such as a singer's song or an anime song.

[0036] The image data is image data related to the game and is displayed on the display unit 3. The image data includes, for example, data such as note images, lane images, determination line images, and various effect images. The note image has an auxiliary image for instructing various operations. For example, the auxiliary image includes a rightward auxiliary image for instructing a right slide operation, a leftward auxiliary image for instructing a left slide operation, an upward auxiliary image for instructing an upward snap operation, a downward auxiliary image for instructing a downward snap operation, and a hold auxiliary image for indicating a hold operation (see FIG. 4).

[0037] The sound effect data is sound data reproduced during game play and is different from the music data. The sound effect data includes, for example, evaluation sound data that flows according to the operation result of the player. Such evaluation sound data includes sound data at the time of operation success and sound data at the time of operation failure.

[0038] The instruction image pattern data is data indicating the pattern in which notes 31 appear in a plurality of lanes 33 during one piece of music. This instruction image pattern data corresponds to one piece of music. The storage unit 4 stores such instruction image pattern data according to the number of pieces of music. For example, FIG. 4 shows the instruction image pattern data corresponding to Piece of Music A. Numbers from 1 to 60 are assigned to the plurality of lanes 33, and each lane 33 includes the pattern of the notes 31 that appear. The notes 31 are arranged in the order of time from the start to the end of the piece of music. In FIG. 4, the fact that the notes 31 appear at the beginning of the piece of music is meant as going downwards.

[0039] Specifically, when the piece of music starts, first, a normal note appears in the first lane, then a normal note appears straddling the second and third lanes, and then a right slide note appears in the 60th lane. According to such an instruction image pattern, until the piece of music ends, the notes 31 move through each lane 33.

[0040] The instruction image pattern data may have a plurality of types of patterns for one piece of music. The plurality of types of patterns may be classified according to the difficulty level. Further, the instruction image pattern data may be stored in correspondence with the moving speed of the notes 31. Thereby, in addition to different patterns, the moving speed can be changed, and the difficulty level of the game can be further increased.

[0041] The instruction image pattern includes the above-mentioned five types of notes 31. A normal note instructs a tap operation. A slide note instructs a slide operation in either the left or right direction and has a left-facing auxiliary image or a right-facing auxiliary image. A snap note instructs a slide operation in either the up or down direction and has an upward-facing auxiliary image or a downward-facing auxiliary image. A hold note instructs to continuously touch the note and has a hold auxiliary image. A chain note is a note 31 that instructs to continuously operate the notes 31.

[0042] Also, the storage unit 4 stores the criteria for determining the success of the operation input by the player. That is, the storage unit 4 stores in the determination table by associating the positional relationship between the determination line 32 and the note 31 with the determination result. FIG. 5 shows that the determination result varies depending on the position where the note 31 receives the operation input with respect to the determination line 32.

[0043] Specifically, when the note 31 is at a position far (not in contact) from the determination line 32, it is associated with the determination result of "Miss". When the note 31 is at a position slightly away (in contact) from the determination line 32, it is associated with the determination result of "Good". When the note 31 is at a position slightly away (in contact) from the determination line 32, it is associated with the determination result of "Great". When the note 31 and the determination line 32 are at a position where they approximately overlap, it is associated with the determination result of "Marvelous".

[0044] Also, the storage unit 4 stores the successful region of the operation member 52 for each note 31. That is, the storage unit 4 stores a table (successful region table) that associates the note 31 in the instruction image pattern data with the successful region of the operation member 52 for each lane 33. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, in the case of a normal note, it shows that the first to fourth regions 521 to 524 of the first operation member 52 are the successful regions. That is, for a normal note, it indicates that the operation is successful regardless of where the operation member 52 is operated. This is the same for chain notes and hold notes.

[0045] Also, in the case of a left slide note, in the first lane, it shows that operating leftward from any of the first to fourth regions 521 to 524 of the corresponding first operation member 52 is the successful region. That is, the left slide operation indicates that sliding leftward from any position of the operation member 52 and detecting no operation input with the operation member 52 is a success. This is the same for right slide notes.

[0046] In the case of the lower snap notes, in the first lane, it indicates that a continuous operation (slide operation or tap operation) in the combination from the first region 521 to the second region 522 of the corresponding first operation member 52 is a success region. On the other hand, in the 60th lane, it indicates that continuous operations in the combinations from the first region 521 to the second region 522 and from the third region 523 to the fourth region 524 of the corresponding 60th operation member 52 are success regions. This is the same in the case of the upper snap notes.

[0047] Note that the combinations of the success regions may have combinations of adjacent regions or combinations of separated regions other than such combinations. Combinations of adjacent regions include combinations from the second region 522 to the third region 523 and from the third region 523 to the fourth region 524, etc. Combinations of separated regions include combinations of the first region 521 and the third region 523, etc.

[0048] <Operation unit> Next, the operation unit 5 will be described. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing the operation member of the operation unit of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The operation unit 5 has a function of receiving operation inputs made by the player to execute the game. The operation unit 5 is formed in a cylindrical shape, particularly a frustum-shaped cylinder. However, the shape of the operation unit 5 is not particularly limited, and it may be a cylindrical shape, a box shape, a triangular cylinder shape, etc. The operation unit 5 is provided near the display unit 3 so as to protrude from the display unit 3 on the upper front surface of the housing 2.

[0049] The operation unit 5 includes a cylindrical main body 51 and a plurality of long operation members 52. The main body 51 has a function of supporting the operation members 52. In the present embodiment, the main body 51 has a frustum-shaped cylindrical shape, but it is not limited thereto. Since the main body 51 is formed in a cylindrical shape, it has a circular upper bottom opening (first opening) and a lower bottom opening (second opening) having a larger area than the upper bottom opening. The diameter of the upper bottom opening is not particularly limited, but is preferably 40 to 80 cm, and more preferably 50 to 70 cm. Also, the diameter of the lower bottom opening is not particularly limited, but is preferably 80 to 150 cm, and more preferably 90 to 120 cm. With such diameters, the player can surely visually recognize the display unit 3.

[0050] The operation unit 5 is provided on the display unit 3 such that its upper bottom opening is included in the display unit 3. Thereby, the player can visually recognize the display unit 3 through the upper bottom opening of the operation unit 5.

[0051] The plurality of long operation members 52 have a function of receiving operation inputs from the player. The plurality of operation members 52 are continuously provided on the inner peripheral surface of the main body 51. However, the arrangement of the operation members 52 is not limited thereto, and they may be intermittently provided along the inner peripheral surface of the main body 51. The number of the operation members 52 is not particularly limited, but in the present embodiment, it is set to 60. This corresponds to the number of lanes 33 displayed on the display unit 3.

[0052] The shape of the operation member 52 is not particularly limited and includes a plate shape, a disc shape, a block shape, a rod shape, an annular shape, etc. In the present embodiment, the operation member 52 is formed in a long plate shape. The length of the operation member 52 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 150 to 350 cm, and more preferably 200 to 300 cm. In other words, the length of the operation member 52 is preferably 50 to 150% of the radius of the display unit 3, which is the distance that the note 31 moves, and more preferably 60 to 140% of the length. With such a length, slide operations such as from the front to the back and from the back to the front of the game device 1 become possible, and the interestingness of the game can be enhanced.

[0053] In addition, these operation members 52 are provided in the longitudinal direction thereof (the moving direction of the notes 31) so as to correspond to the lanes 33 and the notes 31 displayed on the display unit 3. Therefore, the total length of the length of the lane 33 and the length of the operation member 52 can give the player a sense of depth of the game device 1, enhancing the immersion in the game and the sense of speed of the game.

[0054] The protruding angle of the operation member 52 with respect to the display unit 3 is preferably 90 to 150°, more preferably 100 to 140°. Thereby, since the operation member 52 spreads in a flare shape from the display surface, a sense of immersion in the game can be given to the player. In addition, an impression that the note 31 moves beyond the lane 33 to the operation member 52 can be given, and a sense of speed of the game can be given.

[0055] The operation member 52 has, as a detection device, an electrostatic touch sensor for detecting an operation input. The number of electrostatic touch sensors may be one or a plurality of two or more. However, the number is preferably 1 to 10, more preferably 1 to 5, and most preferably 1 to 4. Thereby, no matter which part of the long operation member 52 is operated, the operation can be surely detected. The electrostatic touch sensor is provided on the surface (back surface) on the main body 51 side of the operation member 52. Note that the touch sensor provided on the operation member is not limited to the electrostatic touch sensor, and any detection device that can detect an operation input by being touched by the player may be used. Such devices include, for example, an ultrasonic surface acoustic wave type sensor, a resistive film type sensor, a projection type infrared ray type sensor, and the like.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 7, the operation member 52 is divided into a plurality of regions along its longitudinal direction. The number of regions is not particularly limited, but in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, it is divided into four regions. Thereby, since the electrostatic touch sensors can be provided in each region, the player's operation input can be evaluated for each region of the operation member 52. Specifically, the back surface of the operation member 52 is divided into four parts in the longitudinal direction of the operation member 52 as shown in FIG. 7. And the operation member 52 forms a first region 521, a second region 522, a third region 523, and a fourth region 524 from the display unit 3 side. One electrostatic touch sensor is provided in each of these regions. By adopting such a configuration, a slide operation in the longitudinal direction can be accurately and reliably detected, so that the variations in the evaluation of the operation input can be increased. Therefore, a game that can be enjoyed by advanced players can be provided.

[0057] In the present embodiment, the operation member 52 is divided into four regions, but the division is not limited to four divisions. By increasing the number of divisions, the variations in the evaluation of the operation input can be increased, and the player can obtain a smooth operation feeling. Specifically, when the number of divisions increases, the number of combinations of regions and the number of combinations of adjacent regions can be increased, so that the variations in the operation input can be increased.

[0058] Also, by dividing the operation member 52 into at least two parts, an operation that spans regions can be performed with one operation member 52. If the number of divisions is 3 or more, the snap operation and the like described later can be made easier. For example, when the operation member 52 is divided into three parts and when it is divided into eight parts, it is possible to succeed in the snap operation with fewer hand movements and reduce the player's hand movements when divided into eight parts compared to when divided into three parts.

[0059] Note that all of the plurality of operation members 52 may be divided into a plurality of regions, or at least some of the plurality of operation members 52 may be divided into a plurality of regions. In the present embodiment, the operation members (30 operation members) 52 arranged on the lower inner peripheral surface of the main body 51 are divided into four regions. In other words, in the present embodiment, the operation members (30 operation members) 52 arranged on the upper inner peripheral surface of the main body 51 may not be divided into a plurality of regions. However, all of the operation members 52 may be divided into a plurality of regions over the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface of the main body 51. In this case, more operation variations can be provided.

[0060] Similarly, a plurality of electrostatic touch sensors may be provided in each of the plurality of regions of all of the operation members 52, or a plurality of electrostatic touch sensors may be provided in each of the plurality of regions of some of the operation members 52. In the present embodiment, four electrostatic touch sensors are provided in each of the four regions of the operation members 52 arranged on the lower inner peripheral surface of the main body 51. In other words, the operation members 52 arranged on the upper inner peripheral surface of the main body 51 are provided with only one electrostatic touch sensor. Note that when the operation member 52 is divided into a plurality of regions, only one electrostatic touch sensor may be provided in any one of the regions.

[0061] (Communication unit) The communication unit 6 has a function of communicating with an external network (LAN, WAN, Internet, etc.) or device via wired or wireless means. The game device 1 of the present invention may perform data communication with other devices such as other game devices and information terminals via the communication unit 6. For example, the communication unit 6 can communicate with other devices to obtain music data and game programs. As a result, the music data can be updated and the latest music can be provided.

[0062] (Speaker) The speaker 7 has a function of outputting various sounds. The speaker 7 is provided at the lower front part of the housing 2. The number of speakers 7 is not particularly limited and may be one or a plurality of two or more. In the present embodiment, the speakers 7 are provided one on each side of the lower front part of the housing 2. The sounds output by the speaker 7 include music stored in the storage unit 4, sound effects provided by executing a game program, and the like.

[0063] (Control unit) Next, the control unit 8 will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the basic operations of the game apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the basic operations of the game apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The control unit 8 has a function of executing game processing. Specifically, the present invention displays an instruction image 31 on the display unit 3 while playing music, and receives an operation input from the player. Then, it executes a process of evaluating the operation by the player. Such a control unit 8 has, as shown in FIG. 3, a game processing unit 81, a display control unit 82, an evaluation unit 83, and a sound output control unit 84.

[0064] The game processing unit 81 has a function of acquiring information on the operation input of the player and processing the information. For example, the game processing unit 81 executes determination and provision of music stored in the storage unit 4, and determination and provision of an instruction image pattern corresponding to the music, based on the operation input of the player. Specifically, when the operation unit 5 receives an operation input for the player to select music, the game processing unit 81 determines the music from the music group stored in the storage unit 4. Then, the game processing unit 81 provides the determined music to the sound output control unit 84. At the same time, it provides an instruction image pattern corresponding to the determined music, as shown in FIG. 4, to the display control unit 82. Thereby, the sound output control unit 84 described later is controlled to output music, and the display control unit 82 is controlled to display the corresponding instruction image pattern.

[0065] Note that the game processing unit 81 may randomly determine a piece of music without being based on the player's operation of selecting a piece of music. Also, when a plurality of instruction image patterns correspond to one piece of music, the game processing unit 81 can randomly determine an arbitrary pattern from among the plurality of instruction image patterns.

[0066] Also, the game processing unit 81 acquires information on the player's operation input and executes a function of providing this information. Specifically, the game processing unit 81 provides the information to the evaluation unit 83 by acquiring the information on the operation input. At the same time, the game processing unit 81 provides the information to the display control unit 82. Thereby, the evaluation unit 83 can evaluate the operation based on the determination criteria in FIG. 5.

[0067] The display control unit 82 has a function of controlling the display of all images related to the game. That is, the display control unit 82 controls the display of the instruction image pattern determined by the game processing unit 81 and the display of an image based on the evaluation result by the evaluation unit 83. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the display control unit 82 controls the display of the instruction image so that the normal notes move from the vanishing point toward the determination line 32. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the display control unit 82 controls the display of the evaluation image 34 indicating the evaluation of the player's operation by the evaluation unit 83. Also, the display control unit 82 may control the display of character images (evaluation images) such as "Miss", "Great", "Marvelous", "Good", etc. indicating the evaluation of the operation by the evaluation unit 83.

[0068] The evaluation unit 83 has a function of evaluating the position and timing of the operation input by the player. First, the evaluation unit 83 evaluates the operation from the information on the operation input acquired by the game processing unit 81 and the success region table. That is, the evaluation unit 83 compares the information on the region of the acquired operation member 52 with the success region table for each note 31 and evaluates whether the operation is successful or not.

[0069] Specifically, in the case of normal notes, regardless of the operation input received from any of the regions 521 to 524 of the operation member 52, the evaluation unit 83 refers to FIG. 6 and evaluates the operation as a success. Also, in the case of snap notes, when the evaluation unit 83 receives continuous input in adjacent operation regions of the operation member 52, it refers to FIG. 6 and evaluates it as a successful snap operation (first success). In the case of slide notes, after the evaluation unit 83 detects an operation input in any of the regions 521 to 524 of the operation member 52 and then no longer detects an operation input with the operation member 52, it refers to FIG. 6 and evaluates it as a successful slide operation (third success).

[0070] In such slide operations and snap operations, when the information of the operation input does not match the success region in the success region table of FIG. 6, the evaluation unit 83 does not evaluate it as a successful slide operation or a successful snap operation, but evaluates it as a normal operation success (second success). In this case, regardless of the result of the evaluation based on timing, the lowest evaluation (Good) is made for the operation.

[0071] After evaluating the operation based on the success region, the evaluation unit 83 evaluates the positional relationship between the determination line 32 and the note 31. That is, the evaluation unit 83 evaluates the timing of the input from the information of the operation input acquired by the game processing unit 81 and the determination table. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, when the note 31 is at a position far from (not in contact with) the determination line 32 and the game processing unit 81 acquires the information of the operation input, the evaluation unit 83 evaluates the input operation as "Miss" from the determination table. Similarly, when the note 31 and the determination line 32 are slightly separated (in contact) and the game processing unit 81 acquires the information of the operation input, the evaluation unit 83 evaluates the input operation as "Good" from the determination table. Also, when the note 31 approximately overlaps the determination line 32 and the game processing unit 81 acquires the information of the operation input, the evaluation unit 83 evaluates the input operation as "Marvelous" from the determination table. In this way, the evaluation unit 83 evaluates the player's operation based on four levels of determination criteria.

[0072] The sound output control unit 84 controls the output of all sounds and music related to the game. Specifically, the sound output control unit 84 controls the output of the music determined by the game processing unit 81. Also, based on the evaluation result, it controls the output of the evaluation sound data.

[0073] In addition to the above configuration, the control unit 8 of the present invention may include a display mode change unit having a function of changing the size of the note 31. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, one note 31 corresponds to one lane 33. However, in order to increase the difficulty level of the game, the display mode change unit can change the size of the note 31 to 20% to 80% (predetermined ratio) of the size of one lane 33. Also, the display mode change unit can change the size so that one note 31 is displayed across a plurality of lanes (for example, two lanes) 33, and change the size of the note 31 to 20% to 80% of the size of the plurality of lanes. That is, regardless of the size of the note 31, the size of the note 31 can be changed to a size reduced by a predetermined ratio with respect to the width of the lane 33.

[0074] For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when one note 31 is displayed across six lanes, the display mode change unit can reduce the size of the note 31 by 50% of the lanes 33 located on the outside. In other words, in the case of the note (combined note) 31 displayed across a plurality of lanes 33, the display mode change unit can also change the combined note 31 to a note 31 having a size reduced by the size of one lane in the entire combined note 31. Thereby, even if the operation members 52 corresponding to both ends of the note 31 are operated, an impression that it is not evaluated can be given to the player, and the difficulty level of the game play can be increased.

[0075] As described above, the game device 1 of the present invention has been described. In addition to the above-described respective parts, the game device 1 of the present invention also includes a coin insertion slot, a coin return slot, and the like.

[0076] 2. Evaluation method of operation input for each instruction image Next, the evaluation of the operation inputs of the five types of notes 31 will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the slide operation of the game apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the snap operation of the game apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the hold operation of the game apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the chain operation of the game apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] (1) Normal Note When the normal note 31 overlaps the determination line 32, the player taps the operation member 52 corresponding to the lane 33 in which the normal note 31 moves. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in the case of the normal note 31, any area of the operation member 52 that receives the operation input is determined to be a successful operation.

[0078] (2) Slide Operation When the slide note 31 overlaps the determination line 32, the player slides the operation member 52 corresponding to the lane 33 in which the slide note 31 moves in the direction indicated by the auxiliary image. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, in the case of a left slide note, after receiving the operation input in any area of the operation member 52, when the operation input stops, the slide operation is evaluated as successful. That is, the player inputs an operation in any area of the operation member 52 and slides in the left direction. At this time, when the player slides beyond the operation member 52, the game processing unit 81 stops receiving the operation input information. Thereby, the evaluation unit 83 evaluates the slide operation as successful.

[0079] (3) Snap Input When the snap note 31 overlaps the judgment line 32, the player performs a slide (or tap) operation on the operation member 52 corresponding to the lane 33 in which the snap note 31 moves in the direction indicated by the auxiliary image. As shown in FIG. 11, in the case of the lower snap note, when there is an operation input stored in the success area table, the snap operation is evaluated as successful. For example, when the player slides the operation member 52 from the first area 521 to the second area 522, the evaluation unit 83 evaluates the snap operation as successful.

[0080] (4) Hold operation When the hold note 31 overlaps the judgment line 32, the player continuously touches the operation member 52 corresponding to the lane 33 in which the hold note 31 moves while the hold note 31 is being displayed. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, in the case of the hold note, no matter which area of the operation member 52 the operation input is received, as long as the operation input is received while the hold note 31 is being displayed, the hold operation is evaluated as successful.

[0081] (5) Chain operation When the chain note 31 overlaps the judgment line 32, the player performs a touch operation on the operation member 52 corresponding to the lane 33 of the incoming chain note 31. If the chain notes 31 are continuous, it is not necessary to touch the operation member 52 corresponding to the second and subsequent chain notes 31. By continuously touching the operation member 52 corresponding to the first chain note 31, the operation input to the operation member 52 corresponding to the second and subsequent chain notes 31 is also successful. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, in the case of the chain note 31, no matter which area of the operation member 52 corresponding to the first chain note 31 the operation input is received, as long as the corresponding operation member 52 is being touched, the chain operation is evaluated as successful.

[0082] As described above, in the game device 1 of the present invention, the operation unit 5 is formed in a cylindrical shape and arranged so as to protrude from the display unit 3. Therefore, information around the game device 1 can be excluded, and a sense of immersion in the game can be given to the player. Further, the lane 33 of the display unit 3 and the operation member 52 are arranged in a straight line. Therefore, the player can be given a feeling that the moving distance of the note 31 is a distance that is a multiple of the actual moving distance (the length of the lane), and a sense of speed of the game can be given. Thus, a novel game that has never existed before can be provided.

[0083] 3. Operating Method of Game Device Next, the operating method of the game device of the present embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of game processing of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] First, an operation input for the player to select a music piece is received (S1). When the game processing unit 81 receives the operation input, the game processing unit 81 determines a music piece and an instruction image pattern corresponding to the music piece based on the operation input (S2). As a result, the sound output control unit 84 controls the output of the music piece so that the music piece flows from the speaker 7 (S3). At the same time, the display control unit 82 controls the display of the instruction image pattern, and the display unit 3 displays the instruction image pattern in accordance with the music piece (S4).

[0085] Next, the game processing unit 81 determines whether or not an operation input from the player has been received (S5). If the game processing unit 81 determines that no operation input has been received, the process repeats step S5. On the other hand, if the game processing unit 81 determines that an operation input has been received, the process proceeds to step S6.

[0086] In step S6, the game processing unit 81 determines whether the instruction image 31 is on the determination line 32 (S6). That is, the game processing unit 81 determines whether an operation input is received at the timing when the instruction image 31 is on the determination line 32. If the game processing unit 81 determines that the instruction image 31 is on the determination line 32, the evaluation unit 83 evaluates the operation as a success (S7). Thereby, the process proceeds to step S9. On the other hand, if the game processing unit 81 determines that the instruction image 31 is not on the determination line 32, the evaluation unit 83 evaluates the operation as a failure (S8). Thereby, the process proceeds to step S9.

[0087] In step S9, the game processing unit 81 determines whether the music has ended (S9). If the game processing unit 81 determines that the music has ended, the process ends. On the other hand, if the game processing unit 81 determines that the music has not ended, the process returns to step S4, and steps S4 to S9 are repeated.

[0088] The above processing is the basic processing of the game. In particular, it can be applied when the operation unit 5 receives input of a tap operation, a hold operation, or a chain operation. However, when the operation unit 5 receives input of a slide operation and a snap operation, the evaluation criteria of the evaluation unit 83 are different. Hereinafter, the processing when input of a slide operation and a snap operation is received will be described.

[0089] First, the processing when a slide operation input is received will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the slide operation of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In step S4 of FIG. 14, after the display unit 3 displays the instruction image pattern, the process proceeds to step S51 shown in FIG. 15.

[0090] In step S51, the game processing unit 81 determines whether a slide operation input has been received from the player (S51). If the game processing unit 81 determines that no slide operation input has been received, the process repeats step S51. On the other hand, if the game processing unit 81 determines that a slide operation input has been received, the process proceeds to step S61.

[0091] In step S61, the game processing unit 81 determines whether or not the slide operation input has disappeared (S61). That is, after the player starts a slide operation with the operation member 52, the game processing unit 81 determines whether or not the operation input has stopped being received with the operation member 52. When the game processing unit 81 determines that the slide operation input has disappeared, the evaluation unit 83 determines that the slide operation is successful (S71). As a result, the process proceeds to step S6 in FIG. 14. On the other hand, when the game processing unit 81 determines that the slide operation input has not disappeared, the evaluation unit 83 determines that the slide operation has failed (S81). Instead, the evaluation unit 83 evaluates it as a normal operation success. As a result, the process proceeds to step S6 in FIG. 14.

[0092] Next, the processing when a snap operation input is received will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the snap operation of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In step S4 in FIG. 14, after the display unit 3 displays the instruction image pattern, the process proceeds to step S52 shown in FIG. 16.

[0093] In step S52, the game processing unit 81 determines whether or not an operation input has been received from the player in a plurality of regions 521 to 524 of the operation member 52 (S52). When the game processing unit 81 determines that no operation input has been received in the plurality of regions 521 to 524, the process repeats step S52. On the other hand, when the game processing unit 81 determines that an operation input has been received in the plurality of regions 521 to 524, the process proceeds to step S62.

[0094] In step S62, the evaluation unit 83 refers to the success area table and determines whether the operation inputs in the plurality of areas 521 to 524 match the success areas stored in the success area table (S62). For example, when the game processing unit 81 receives continuous operation inputs from the second area 522 to the third area 523, the evaluation unit 83 refers to the success area table and determines whether the operation inputs match the combination in the success area table. If the evaluation unit 83 evaluates that they match, it determines that the snap operation is successful (S72). As a result, the process proceeds to step S6 in FIG. 14. On the other hand, if the evaluation unit 83 determines that they do not match, it determines that the snap operation fails (S82). Instead, the evaluation unit 83 evaluates it as a normal operation success. As a result, the process proceeds to step S6 in FIG. 14.

[0095] As described above, the above-described processing method can be created by a program executed by a computer. Such a program is realized by a CPU (central processing unit), a microprocessor, a GPU (graphic processing unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like.

[0096] <<Second Embodiment>> Next, a second embodiment of the game device of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0097] FIG. 17 is a perspective view schematically showing a game device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described, centering on the differences from the above-described first embodiment, and the description of the same matters will be omitted. In addition, the same components as those in the above-described first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0098] The game device 1 of this embodiment is the same as the game device 1 of the first embodiment, except for the different configuration of the operation unit 5. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, the operation unit 5 of this embodiment includes an arch-shaped first operation unit and a plate-shaped second operation unit 53.

[0099] The arch-shaped first operation unit includes an arch-shaped main body 51 and a plurality of operation members 52 continuously provided on the inner peripheral surface of the main body 51. The first operation unit is configured to be half the size of the operation unit 5 of the first embodiment. That is, the first operation unit is composed of 30 operation members 52.

[0100] The plate-shaped second operation unit 53 includes a plate-shaped main body and a plurality of operation members 52 continuously provided on the upper surface of the main body. The second operation member 53 may be composed of 30 operation members 52 corresponding to 30 lanes in the game area, or may be composed of 10 operation members 52 corresponding to any 10 lanes. By providing such a second operation unit 53, it is possible to give a sense of speed and immersion in the game while maintaining the operation configuration of the conventional game device. Therefore, beginners of the game can easily play the game with the game device 1 of the present invention. Note that the game device 1 of this embodiment also has the same effects as the game device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0101] <<Third Embodiment>> Next, a third embodiment of the game device of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0102] FIG. 18 is a perspective view schematically showing the game device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the third embodiment will be described, centering on the differences from the first embodiment described above, and the description of the same matters will be omitted. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0103] The game device 1 of this embodiment is the same as the game device 1 of the first embodiment, except that the splitting directions of the operation members 52 are different. Specifically, the operation member 52 of the operation unit 5 of the game device 1 of the third embodiment is divided into three regions along the direction orthogonal to its longitudinal direction. That is, each of the regions 521 to 523 is formed in a long shape along the longitudinal direction of the operation member 52. With such a configuration, since the slide operation is evaluated in the same way as the snap operation of the first embodiment, it is possible to make the evaluation during the slide operation difficult. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game that can be enjoyed by advanced players. Note that the game device 1 of this embodiment also has the same effects as the game device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0104] Here, the number of regions into which the operation member 52 is divided is not particularly limited. Similar to the first embodiment, since an electrostatic touch sensor can be provided in each region, it is possible to evaluate the player's operation input for each region of the operation member 52. Specifically, one electrostatic touch sensor is provided on the back surface of each of the regions 521 to 523 of the operation member 52. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to accurately and reliably detect a slide operation in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, so that the variations in the evaluation of the operation input can be increased. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game that can be enjoyed by advanced players.

[0105] The control unit 8 of this embodiment includes a success region changing unit having a function of changing the size of the success region of the operation member 52. The success region changing unit has a function of changing the position of the operation input evaluated by the evaluation unit 83 as the success region. For example, the display control unit 82 controls the display of a note (combined note) in which one note 31 is displayed across four lanes. In this case, the combined note is displayed corresponding to four operation members 52 as shown in FIG. 18. At this time, the left operation member 52 displayed in FIG. 18 corresponds to the first operation region, the right operation member 52 corresponds to the second operation region, and the four operation members 52 including these correspond to the success region (the third operation region).

[0106] In this state, the success area changing unit can change the size of the success area at a predetermined ratio with respect to the size of the combined note. For example, the success area changing unit can reduce the size of the success area by the areas of area 521 of the first operation area and area 523 of the second operation area in order to increase the difficulty level of the game. In this case, the evaluation unit 83 is configured not to evaluate the operation inputs to the leftmost area in FIG. 18 and the rightmost area 523.

[0107] Also, the success area changing unit can increase the size of the success area by the areas of area 521 of the first operation area and area 523 of the second operation area. In this case, in FIG. 18, the success area is the combined area of the third operation area of the four operation members 52, the area 523 of the operation member 52 adjacent to the left thereof, and the area 521 of the operation member 52 adjacent to the right thereof. As a result, the evaluation unit 83 is configured to evaluate the operation inputs to the area of the operation member 52 adjacent to the left of the leftmost operation member 52 in FIG. 18 and the area of the operation member 52 adjacent to the right of the rightmost operation member 52.

[0108] The predetermined ratio changed by the success area changing unit means the total value of the widths of the respective areas 521 to 523 of the operation member 52 with respect to the size of the combined note. Specifically, the predetermined ratio is preferably in the range of 5 to 85% with respect to the size of the combined note, more preferably in the range of 15 to 70%, and most preferably in the range of 30 to 50%. With such a range, since the player cannot immediately tell which area of the operation member 52 is the success area, the difficulty level of the game play can be increased. Also, since the operation inputs near the boundary of the operation member 52 can be considered, an unexpected sense of success can be given to the player.

[0109] Note that the number of areas 521 to 523 to be increased or decreased is not particularly limited, and two or more areas may be increased or decreased. Also, the success area changing unit may increase or decrease the area corresponding to the operation member 52. Furthermore, in addition to increasing or decreasing the area outside the operation member 52 as described above, the success area changing unit may intermittently increase or decrease the area of the operation member 52.

[0110] As described above, the game device of the present invention has been described based on preferred embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The configuration of each part can be replaced with any configuration having the same function. Further, any other arbitrary means or components may be added to the present invention. Further, the present invention may be a combination of any two or more configurations (features) among the above-described embodiments.

Industrial Applicability

[0111] The game device of the present invention as described above includes an operation unit that receives an operation input from a player, a display unit that displays an image instructing the operation input to the operation unit, and a control unit that controls the display of the image. At least a part of the operation unit is provided in the vicinity of the display unit so as to protrude from the display unit. With such a configuration, it is possible to give the player a sense of immersion and a sense of speed. Therefore, the present invention has industrial applicability.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0112] 1... Game device 2... Housing 3... Display unit 31... Instruction image (notes) 32... Judgment line 33... Plurality of lanes 34... Evaluation image 4... Storage unit 5... Operation unit 51... Main body 52... Operation member 521... First region 522... Second region 523... Third region 524... Fourth region 53... Second operation unit 6... Communication unit 7... Speaker 8... Control unit 81... Game processing unit 82... Display control unit 83... Evaluation unit 84... Sound output control unit

Claims

1. An operation unit having a plurality of operation areas and receiving operation inputs from a player in the plurality of operation areas, A display unit that displays an image instructing the operation input to the operation unit, A game device having a control unit that controls the display of the image, wherein The display unit includes a plurality of lanes corresponding to the plurality of operation areas and in which the image moves, The image includes a combined image that is displayed across the plurality of lanes, The plurality of lanes includes a first lane where one end of the combined image is located and a second lane where the other end of the combined image is located, The plurality of operation areas corresponds to the plurality of lanes in which the combined image is displayed, and includes a third operation area having a first operation area corresponding to the first lane and a second operation area corresponding to the second lane, The game device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to change the size of the success area of the third operation area at a predetermined ratio with respect to the size of the combined image.

2. The game device according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of operation areas is divided along a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the image moves.

3. The game device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to change the size of the success area within the first operation area and the second operation area.

4. The game device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit evaluates the operation input to the first operation area and the second operation area as a successful operation.

Images