Game system, computer program used therein, and control method

Abstract

To provide a game system capable of intentionally creating settings that affect play results.SOLUTION: A game machine 3 provides a music game. In addition, the game machine 3 determines by lottery some of the multiple settings prepared for the music game as settings that affect the play results. Specifically, the game machine 3 includes a first monitor 13 that displays a guide screen 50 including each instruction object 55, seven normal lanes LN1 as movement paths of each instruction object 55, and a determination line 57, and a control panel 14 on which an operation unit 15 is provided, and guides when to execute an operation to the operation unit 15 through the guide screen 50. The game machine 3 determines by lottery the settings of the arrangement order of the seven normal lanes LN1 on the guide screen 50 as some settings, and grants a user U a ticket as the right to use the arrangement order in the music game.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a game system and the like that provide a timing game which guides, via an output device, the execution timing of a play action input via an input device, and evaluates the actual execution timing of the play action when the play action is executed.

Background Art

[0002] There exists a game system that provides a timing game which guides, via an output device, the execution timing of a play action input via an input device, and evaluates the actual execution timing of the play action when the play action is executed. For example, a timing game that uses a touch panel as an input device and a monitor as an output device, respectively, is known (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Literature

Non-Patent Literature

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the game described in Non-Patent Document 1, the player is guided to perform actions such as tapping at positions corresponding to the judgment line on the game screen displayed on the monitor. Specifically, the timing of tapping actions is guided through the movement of each note to coincide with the judgment line at each execution time, in a game screen that includes notes corresponding to each execution time and a judgment line that functions as an indicator of the current time. In addition, the game screen is provided with multiple lanes as movement paths for each note, and the lane in which each note should be placed is specified in advance through appropriate data.

[0005] In the game described in Non-Patent Document 1, the arrangement of each lane on the game screen is often fixed. On the other hand, some similar games include a practice mode to improve playing skills, which rotates the arrangement of each lane according to a predetermined rule, randomly rearranges them, or randomly changes the notes that should be placed. However, the use of these functions is often limited to practice mode. They may also be applied to the actual game mode (where you play against other users and your results are officially recorded), but only to bridge the skill gap with opponents or to prevent users from getting bored (or accustomed) to the game. On the other hand, changes in note placement and other factors affect the outcome of the game. Therefore, depending on the content of the note placement and other factors, it can often lead to better results. Also, since there are often individual differences in whether the note placement and other factors have a positive or negative effect, it may function as a strategic element in competitive play.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a game system, etc., that can intentionally create settings that affect the outcome of gameplay. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a game system that provides guidance via an output device on the timing of execution of a play action input via an input device, and a timing game that evaluates the actual timing of execution of the play action when it is performed, comprising: setting identification means for identifying some of the settings among a plurality of settings provided for the timing game as settings that affect the play result, based on predetermined specific conditions; and right granting means for granting usage rights as the right to use the some of the settings in playing the timing game to a special user who is a user among the users who meets predetermined granting conditions, such that the special user becomes the owner.

[0008] On the other hand, the computer program of the present invention is configured to cause the computer connected to the input device and the output device to function as each of the means of the game system described above.

[0009] Furthermore, the control method of the present invention causes a computer incorporated into a game system that provides a timing game that guides the timing of execution of a play action input via an input device via an output device and evaluates the actual timing of execution of the play action when the play action is performed, to execute a setting identification procedure that identifies some of the settings among a plurality of settings provided for the timing game as settings that affect the play result, based on predetermined specific conditions, and a right granting procedure that grants the right to use the aforementioned some of the settings in playing the timing game to a special user who is one of the users who meets predetermined granting conditions, so that the special user becomes the owner. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the schematic configuration of a game system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A perspective view showing the exterior of a game console. [Figure 3] A functional block diagram showing the essential components of the game system's control system. [Figure 4]A schematic diagram illustrating an example of a music game's guidance screen. [Figure 5] An explanatory diagram for describing the ticket service. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of the structure of play data. [Figure 7] A flowchart illustrating an example of the ticket issuance process. [Figure 8] A flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure for restricting usage. [Figure 9] A flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure for changing the display. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The following describes an example of a game system according to one embodiment of the present invention. First, the overall configuration of the game system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 1. The game system 1 includes a central server 2 and a plurality of game machines 3 as client devices that can be connected to the central server 2 via a predetermined network 5. The central server 2 is configured as a single logical server device by combining a plurality of server units 2A, 2B, etc., which are computer devices. However, the central server 2 may be configured by a single server unit. Alternatively, the central server 2 may be logically configured using cloud computing.

[0012] Game machine 3 is an example of a game device, and is a device that provides games as a predetermined service. Game machine 3 may provide games free of charge, but as an example, it may provide them for a fee. Game machine 3 may also include various game devices (computer devices) that provide games, and for example, if the user terminal device 4 described later provides games, such user terminal device 4 may also be included, but as an example, it is configured as a commercial (business) game machine. A commercial game machine is a game device that allows users to play games within a range corresponding to the payment of a predetermined play fee. This type of game machine 3 is sometimes called an arcade game machine. Game machine 3 may be installed in any suitable location, but in the example in Figure 1, it is installed in a suitable facility 6 such as a store, primarily for the purpose of generating revenue by having many users repeatedly play the game.

[0013] Game machine 3 provides timing games. Timing games are a type of game that guides and evaluates the appropriate timing of gameplay actions. Game machine 3 can provide various types of timing games as appropriate, but below we will explain the case of providing a music game as an example. A music game is a timing game that guides the player to the appropriate timing of gameplay actions in accordance with the rhythm of the music. Specifically, in a music game, the timing at which the appropriate gameplay action should be performed is provided along with the music. In addition, in a music game, the timing that matches the rhythm of the music is used as the timing for execution. In other words, a music game is a type of game that guides the user to the appropriate timing for gameplay actions in accordance with the rhythm of the music, and evaluates the actual timing of the gameplay action when it is performed. For this reason, multiple songs are prepared for gameplay in a music game, and the song selected from among them is used for actual gameplay.

[0014] Furthermore, in music games, guidance for each execution period may be implemented as appropriate, for example, through sound, but as an example, it may be implemented through a game screen displayed on a display device. Specifically, each execution period is guided through a relative displacement between an indicator sign and a reference sign that occurs in a game screen that includes an indicator sign corresponding to each execution period and a reference sign that functions as a reference for the current time, so that the positions of the indicator sign and the reference sign coincide at each execution period. The game screen for guiding each execution period will be described further later.

[0015] A user terminal device 4 may be connected to the game system 1 via a network 5. The user terminal device 4 is a computer device that is network-connected and intended for the user's personal use. Various computer devices that are network-connected and intended for the user's personal use may be used as the user terminal device 4, such as a portable game console or a portable tablet device. In the example in Figure 1, a stationary or book-type personal computer 4a, or a mobile terminal device 4b such as a mobile phone (including a smartphone) is used. By implementing various computer software, these user terminal devices 4 can allow users to enjoy various services provided by the center server 2.

[0016] The network 5 may be appropriately configured as long as it can connect the game machines 3 and the user terminal devices 4 to the center server 2 respectively. As an example, the network 5 is configured to implement network communication using the TCP / IP protocol. Typically, it is constructed by connecting the Internet 5A as a WAN, and LANs 5B and 5C that connect each of the center server 2 and the game machine 3 to the Internet 5A via a router 5D. The user terminal device 4 is also connected to the Internet 5A via an access point or the like with an appropriate configuration. Note that a local server may be installed between the game machine 3 and the router 5D of the facility 6, and the game machine 3 may be communicably connected to the center server 2 via the local server. The server units 2A, 2B, ... of the center server 2 may be connected to each other via the WAN 5A instead of or in addition to the LAN 5C.

[0017] The center server 2 provides various game console services related to music games to the game machine 3 or the user thereof. The game console service may include various services related to music games, and as an example, includes a distribution service for distributing and updating programs or data via the network 5. The center server 2 appropriately distributes various programs or data necessary for providing the music game to each game machine 3 through such a distribution service. In addition, the game console services may also include a service of receiving user identification information from the game machine 3 and authenticating the user. The service may also include receiving and saving data such as usage history of the authenticated user from the game machine 3, or providing the saved data to the game machine 3. Furthermore, the game console services may include a billing service for collecting charges from users, a matching service for matching with other users, and the like.

[0018] Similarly, the center server 2 provides various web services to the user of the user terminal device 4 via the network 5. The web service may include any appropriate services. For example, the web service may include an information service that provides various types of information related to games provided by the game machine 3, a distribution service that distributes various data or software (including updates of data and the like) to each user terminal device 4, a community service that provides a place for interaction such as information transmission, exchange, and sharing by users, and a service that provides user IDs for identifying each user, as well as other various services.

[0019] Next, the external appearance of the game machine 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the game machine 3. As shown in FIG. 2, the game machine 3 includes a housing 10 and a stage 11 arranged in front of the housing 10. The stage 11 provides a place for a user to stand on to play a game. As viewed from the user on the stage 11, a first monitor 12 and a second monitor 13, which are examples of display devices, are arranged on the front face of the housing 10. The first monitor 12 is arranged to face the user, and the second monitor 13 is arranged obliquely downward as viewed from the user. A control panel 14 is provided in front of the second monitor 13.

[0020] The game machine 3 may be provided with various input devices in accordance with play actions required for a music game, and in the example of FIG. 2, the control panel 14 functions as such an input device. Further, the control panel 14 may be appropriately provided with various operation members on which operations functioning as play actions are performed, and in the example of FIG. 2, a pair of left and right operation units 15L and 15R (hereinafter may be represented by reference numeral 15) are provided. Each operation unit 15 may be used as appropriate, and as one example, each operation unit 15 is used for play by a user. That is, the two operation units 15 are respectively used by two users, and in the music game, simultaneous play by these two users is allowed.

[0021] Each operating unit 15 is provided with a push-button unit 16 and a turntable unit 20. The push-button unit 16 includes, as an example of an operating member, seven push-button switches 17 (only some are given reference numerals in the figure) arranged in a staggered pattern in two rows, front and back. The two rows may be formed as appropriate, but in the example of Figure 2, three push-button switches 17 and four push-button switches 17 positioned side by side form the upper row and lower row, respectively. Each push-button switch 17 outputs an operating signal in response to the user's pressing operation. On the other hand, the turntable unit 20 includes a turntable 20A as an example of a rotary operating unit that rotates both clockwise and counterclockwise. As an example of the play action to be performed, a rotation operation is performed on the turntable 20A to rotate it clockwise or counterclockwise. The turntable unit 20 then outputs an operating signal in response to the user's rotation operation of the turntable 20A.

[0022] Between the control units 15, the push-button switch 17 and the turntable 20A are arranged symmetrically. That is, in the left control unit 15L, the turntable 20A is located to the left of the push-button switch 17, and in the right control unit 15R, the turntable 20A is located to the right of the push-button switch 17. Note that the control unit 15 is not limited to the push-button switch 17 and the turntable 20A, and may be provided with other appropriate operating members such as sliders and knobs (other examples of rotary control units).

[0023] Furthermore, speakers 18 are provided at appropriate positions above, to the side of, or to the left of the first monitor 12 to output the sound of music playback or sound effects that should be played in response to the operation of the control unit 15. The game machine 3 may also be equipped with various other devices, such as a card reader for authenticating the user (for example, to obtain ID information recorded on an ID card) (which may also be used to collect an appropriate value such as electronic currency), and a coin selector for collecting play fees, but these are not shown in the illustration.

[0024] Next, with reference to Figure 3, the main components of the control system of game system 1 will be explained. First, the center server 2 is equipped with a control unit 21 and a storage unit 22 as a storage means. The control unit 21 is configured as a computer that combines a CPU, which is an example of a processor that performs various calculation processes and operation controls according to a predetermined computer program, with internal memory and other peripheral devices necessary for its operation.

[0025] The storage unit 22 is an external storage device implemented by a storage unit that includes a non-volatile storage medium (computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk array. The storage unit 22 may be configured to hold all data within a single storage unit, or it may be configured to distribute and store data across multiple storage units. The storage unit 22 stores a server program PG1 as an example of a computer program that causes the control unit 21 to execute various processes necessary to provide various services to the user.

[0026] Furthermore, the memory unit 22 stores server data SD necessary for providing services for the game machine. Such server data SD contains various types of data, but in the example in Figure 3, play data PD and sequence data QD are shown as examples of such data. Sequence data QD is data that describes each execution time when appropriate play actions should be performed in a music game. Sequence data QD is used to guide the user to each of these execution times. When a play action is actually performed by the user, that play action is evaluated based on the execution time in the sequence data QD. In other words, sequence data QD is used for guiding and evaluating each execution time. For this reason, sequence data QD is written so that each execution time and information on appropriate play actions to be performed at that time (information that instructs operating members such as push button switches 17. When operating members and paths are associated on the game screen, path information functions as such information) are related to each other. Also, in music games, if multiple songs or multiple difficulty levels are available, sequence data QD is prepared for each song or for each difficulty level.

[0027] On the other hand, Play Data PD is data that describes information about each user's past play history. Play Data PD is used, for example, to carry over previous play results (past performance) to subsequent play sessions, or to carry over settings unique to each user. Also, if items or rewards are available in the music game, Play Data PD is used for granting (owning) such items, etc. In other words, Play Data PD is used to manage various elements that are individually granted to each user. Such elements may include various other elements besides items, but one example is tickets that are individually granted to users. Details of tickets will be described later.

[0028] Furthermore, server data may include various other data necessary to implement various services. For example, such data may include ID management data for managing various IDs, such as user IDs for identifying each user. Also, server data may include game data, such as image data for displaying various images for the game screen, or music data for playing game music. However, these are not shown in the illustration.

[0029] The control unit 21 is equipped with a logical device realized by a combination of the hardware resources of the control unit 21 and the server program PG1 as a software resource. While any suitable logical device may be provided, the example in Figure 3 shows a Web service management unit 23 and a game machine service management unit 24. The Web service management unit 23 is a logical device that executes various processes to realize the aforementioned Web service for the user terminal device 4. Similarly, the game machine service management unit 24 is a logical device that executes various processes to realize the aforementioned game machine service for the game machine 3. Input devices such as keyboards and output devices such as monitors may be connected to the control unit 21 as needed. However, their illustrations are omitted.

[0030] On the other hand, the game console 3 is equipped with a control unit 31 as a computer and a memory unit 32 as a storage means. The control unit 31 is configured as a computer that combines a CPU, which is an example of a processor that performs various processes according to a predetermined computer program, with internal memory and other peripheral devices necessary for its operation.

[0031] The storage unit 32 is an external storage device implemented by a storage unit that includes a non-volatile storage medium (computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk or semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 32 stores a game program PG2 as an example of a computer program that causes the control unit 31 to execute various processes necessary to provide various services such as games. The storage unit 32 also stores game data GD necessary for providing games. Such game data GD includes various types of game data such as image data, music data, or ID management data, but in the example in Figure 3, play data PD and sequence data QD are shown.

[0032] Various game data GDs, such as sequence data QD, may be stored in the storage unit 32 by an appropriate method, for example, they may be pre-installed on the game console 3, or they may be stored in the storage unit 32 via various recording media. In this way, game data GDs can be stored in the storage unit 32 by an appropriate method, but as an example, play data PDs and sequence data QDs may be provided from the center server 2 through a distribution service, including the necessary parts.

[0033] The control unit 31 is configured with various logical devices through a combination of the control unit 31's hardware resources and the game program PG2 as a software resource. Various processes necessary for providing the game (including processes necessary to enjoy the game machine services provided by the game machine service management unit 24 of the center server 2) are executed through these logical devices. In the example in Figure 3, the logical devices related to the game are shown as the guidance execution unit 33, the data management unit 34, the evaluation execution unit 35, and the assignment execution unit 36.

[0034] The guidance execution unit 33 is a logical device that performs various processes to guide the player through each execution period in the music game. Since the music game may request various play actions (various operations on each control member of the control unit 15) at each execution period, the guidance for each execution period includes guidance on the play actions that should be performed at each execution period. In other words, the processes performed by the guidance execution unit 33 include processes to guide the player through each execution period and the operations that should be performed on each control member of the control unit 15 at each execution period. For example, the guidance execution unit 33 performs a display change process as one such process. Details of the display change process procedure will be described later.

[0035] The data management unit 34 is a logical device that performs various processes related to the management of various data recorded in the storage unit 32. Such processes include obtaining game data such as sequence data QD from the central server 2, updating the game data as appropriate, or providing (transmitting) the game data to the central server 2.

[0036] The evaluation execution unit 35 is a logical device that performs various processes to evaluate the operations (play actions) performed by the user in the music game. Through these processes, the evaluation execution unit 35 performs evaluations according to the various operations required in the music game. Therefore, the processes performed by the evaluation execution unit 35 include appropriate processes for evaluating various operations.

[0037] The granting execution unit 36 ​​is a logical device that performs various processes to grant elements included in the music game to the user. Such elements may include items or benefits as appropriate, but one example is a ticket. In other words, the processes performed by the granting execution unit 36 ​​include the process of issuing (granting) a ticket to the user. Furthermore, the processes performed by the granting execution unit 36 ​​also include the process related to the use of the issued ticket. The granting execution unit 36 ​​may perform appropriate processes as such, but one example is the ticket issuance process and the usage restriction process. Details of the procedures for the ticket issuance process and the usage restriction process will be described later.

[0038] Furthermore, the game machine 3 is appropriately equipped with various output devices and input devices for functioning as an arcade game machine. Such output devices include, for example, the first monitor 12, the second monitor 13, and the speaker 18 mentioned above. On the other hand, the game machine 3 is equipped with the control panel 14 mentioned above as an input device. The control panel 14 is equipped with various operation sections 15, including the push button unit 16 as described above, and each operation section 15 includes push button switches 17 and turntables 20A as operating members. Therefore, the control panel 14 outputs signals to the control unit 31 in accordance with the operation of each push button switch 17 and each turntable 20A.

[0039] Next, with reference to Figure 4, an example of a game screen and a music game using it will be explained. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a guidance screen for a music game. The guidance screen is a game screen that guides the player on when operations on each control unit 15 should be performed. In other words, the guidance screen is a game screen displayed for playing the music game, and in the case of two-player mode, it is displayed for each user (for each control unit 15). The music game may require each user to perform various operations as play actions, such as pressing one of the seven push-button switches 17, pressing multiple of them, or rotating the turntable 20A. The example in Figure 4 shows the guidance screen when pressing the push-button switches 17 and rotating the turntable 20A are required as such play actions.

[0040] As shown in Figure 4, the guidance screen 50 includes a guidance execution area 51, three small switch images 52 (only some reference numerals are shown), four large switch images 53 (only some reference numerals are shown), and a table image 54. The guidance execution area 51 is an area for actually guiding the user to each execution time when an operation for each operation unit 15 should be performed. The guidance execution area 51 may be configured as appropriate to guide the user to each execution time, but in the example in Figure 4, it includes an instruction object 55 as an instruction sign, seven normal lanes LN1 corresponding to the seven push-button switches 17, a special lane LN2 corresponding to the turntable 20A, and a judgment line 57 as a reference sign.

[0041] The seven normal lanes LN1 and special lanes LN2 (hereinafter sometimes referred to collectively as lanes LN) may be formed as appropriate, but in the example of Figure 4, they are all formed to extend linearly from the top toward the judgment line 57 located below. Each lane LN is used as the movement path of the indicator object 55 (the path in the relative displacement between the indicator sign and the reference sign) and also functions as a time axis. The seven normal lanes LN1 may correspond as appropriate to the seven push-button switches 17, but as an example, they are distinguished into three small lanes LNs (reference symbols only partially) corresponding to the three push-button switches 17 forming the upper row, and four large lanes LNb (reference symbols only partially) corresponding to the four push-button switches 17 forming the lower row. In this example, the normal lanes LN1 function as the paths of the present invention.

[0042] The judgment line 57 may be formed in any appropriate shape, for example, as a circle or a star, for each lane LN. However, as an example, it may be formed in a straight line extending across all lanes LN and used in common across all lanes LN. The judgment line 57 may also be placed in any appropriate position, for example, in a different position for each lane LN. However, in the example in Figure 4, it is placed in a common position across all lanes LN, located at the lower end. Therefore, in the guidance execution area 51, an appropriate number of instruction objects 55 appear at the upper end of each lane LN at appropriate times and are displayed to move towards the judgment line 57 at the lower end as time progresses.

[0043] The instruction object 55 may be configured as appropriate to instruct various operations, but as an example, it includes a normal object 55A (reference code only partially shown) and a rotation object 55B (reference code only partially shown). The normal object 55A is an instruction object 55 that instructs a pressing operation for each push-button switch 17. The normal object 55A is placed in the normal lane LN1 corresponding to the push-button switch 17 among the seven normal lanes LN1 so as to guide the user to the push-button switch 17 in which the pressing operation should be performed. Through such a normal object 55A, the user is required to press the push-button switch 17 corresponding to the normal lane LN1 in which the normal object 55A is placed, in line with the timing when the normal object 55A reaches the judgment line 57. The system evaluates the system so that the smaller the time difference between when the normal object 55A reaches the judgment line 57 and when the operation to press the push-button switch 17 is performed, the higher the evaluation.

[0044] The rotation object 55B is an instruction object 55 that instructs a rotation operation on the turntable 20A. The rotation object 55B may instruct any rotation operation, and may also specify the direction of rotation, such as rotating the turntable 20A clockwise or counterclockwise, but as an example, it may instruct a rotation operation in any direction. In other words, the rotation object 55B does not specify the direction of rotation and allows rotation operations in any direction, either clockwise or counterclockwise. The rotation object 55B is placed in special lane LN2 to instruct such a rotation operation. Through such a rotation object 55B, the user is requested to perform a rotation operation to rotate the turntable 20A in the desired direction, coinciding with the time when the rotation object 55B reaches the judgment line 57. The system evaluates the system so that the smaller the time difference between when the rotation object 55B reaches the judgment line 57 and when the rotation operation on the turntable 20A is performed, the higher the evaluation.

[0045] The three small switch images 52 correspond to the three push-button switches 17 that form the upper row of the seven push-button switches 17. Each small switch image 52 is positioned below the guidance execution area 51 in a location corresponding to each small lane LNs, showing the relationship between each normal lane LN1 and each push-button switch 17. Similarly, the four large switch images 53 correspond to the four push-button switches 17 that form the lower row of the seven push-button switches 17. Each large switch image 53 is positioned below the guidance execution area 51 in a location corresponding to each large lane LNb, showing the relationship between each normal lane LN1 and each push-button switch 17. The table image 54 corresponds to the turntable 20A. The table image 54 is positioned below the guidance execution area 51 in a location corresponding to the special lane LN2, showing the relationship between the turntable 20A and the special lane LN2. In this example, the guidance screen 50 functions as the game screen of the present invention.

[0046] Next, with reference to Figure 5, the ticket service and tickets will be explained. A ticket is a type of right granted to the user as an element that creates settings in the music game that affect the outcome of the gameplay. On the other hand, the ticket service is a service for granting and allowing users to use tickets. In the ticket service, tickets may be granted as appropriate. For example, if a ticket issuing machine (printer, etc.) is provided on the game machine 3, tickets may be granted physically through that machine. However, as an example, tickets may be granted electronically, and their ownership is managed via the play data PD. In this case, the use of the ticket is also realized via the play data PD. In this example, the ticket functions as a right to use the present invention.

[0047] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the ticket service. More specifically, the example in Figure 5 shows an example of the flow of the ticket service. As shown in Figure 5, the ticket service includes three steps: request (F1), issuance (F2), and use (F3). Specifically, the request is the step of requesting the provision of the ticket service (F1). The ticket service may be provided as appropriate, for example, free of charge, but as an example, it may be provided for a fee (in exchange for a predetermined consideration). Therefore, the request for the ticket service includes the payment of a predetermined consideration. The ticket service may also be provided as part of the music game when appropriate provision conditions are met during the music game, but in the example in Figure 5, it is provided as a service independent of the music game. In other words, the ticket service is requested separately from playing the music game. The request for the ticket service may be performed as appropriate, but as an example, it is realized based on a predetermined request operation to the operation unit 15. In other words, the ticket service is provided to user U when user U performs the request operation and the associated payment of a predetermined consideration. In this example, the payment of a predetermined consideration (which may include the request operation) functions as a predetermined granting condition of the present invention. Furthermore, a user U who pays a predetermined fee functions as a special user of the present invention.

[0048] Issuance is the procedure for issuing tickets (F2). Various settings related to the play result may be used as appropriate settings for the target to be assigned as a ticket. For example, at least some of the multiple evaluation criteria provided as criteria for evaluating the delay time (these criteria may be applied to all or some of the seven push-button switches 17 and the turntable 20A), or settings related to various evaluation methods (how to evaluate) such as determining the appropriate operation, such as the appropriate direction of rotation in rotation operations, may be used. As an example, settings related to the guidance method (how to guide) for each execution timing may be used. Furthermore, the settings for the guidance method at each execution time may include various settings as appropriate. For example, these may include various speed-related settings for the movement speed of the instruction object 55, various path-related settings such as changing the destination of the lane LN where each instruction object 55 is placed from the lane LN specified in the sequence data QD to another lane LN, or settings for visual obstruction such as hiding at least some of the multiple instruction objects 55 that should be displayed in the guidance execution area 51, or hiding at least some of the eight lane LNs. As an example, it includes settings related to the placement of each lane LN (a type of path-related setting). Below, as an example of settings related to the placement of each lane LN, we will describe a case in which the user is granted the right to set the order of each lane LN on the guidance screen 50 through a ticket.

[0049] As a right to set the order of each lane LN, the order of all eight lanes LN may be represented as tickets and granted to the user. However, as an example, only the right to set the order of lane LN1 is represented as a ticket and granted to the user. In other words, the target of order changes via tickets is limited to lane LN1. The order of lane LN1 may be specified as appropriate, but as an example, it may be numbered from 1 to 7 from left to right and identified by that number. In other words, the order of lane LN1 corresponding to the normal guidance screen 50 is identified by the numbers "1234567" from left to right.

[0050] On the other hand, if, for example, the rightmost regular lane LN1 (number 7) and the second-to-last regular lane LN1 (number 6) are swapped, the resulting order is identified by the number "1234576". The same applies if the order of other regular lanes LN1 is swapped. As a result, the guidance screen 50 displays arrangements of regular lanes LN1 corresponding to the combinations of these seven regular lanes LN1's order. Then, in the ticketing procedure, these combinations of order are appropriately converted into tickets and assigned to the user.

[0051] In the ticketing procedure, the order in which tickets are issued may be specified as appropriate, for example, by the user, but as an example, it may be determined by lottery. Therefore, the ticketing procedure includes a lottery. Specifically, when a request (F1) is executed, the game machine 3 performs a lottery to determine the order in which tickets should be given to the user. The order in which the lottery was determined is then issued as a ticket with the right to use it to play the music game, and given to the user. In other words, in the ticketing procedure, the game machine 3 updates the play data PD so that user U owns (user U becomes the owner) the ticket corresponding to the order in which the lottery was determined. In this example, the lottery result functions as a predetermined specific condition of the present invention. Furthermore, the multiple order settings resulting from combinations of the arrangement of the seven normal lanes LN1 function as multiple guidance settings (multiple settings) and arrangement settings of the present invention. Moreover, among the multiple order settings, the order determined to be awarded by lottery (for example, the order "1234576") functions as a part of the guidance setting (partial setting) of the present invention.

[0052] On the other hand, use is the procedure for assigning settings corresponding to the ticket to the music game (F3). More specifically, use is the procedure for playing the music game in the order set on the ticket. The use of a ticket (exercise of rights) may be permitted unconditionally or only under predetermined exercise conditions. For example, it may be permitted unconditionally in single-player mode, and under exercise conditions in competitive two-player mode. In other words, in single-player mode, the user can use any ticket as they wish at any time, but in competitive two-player mode, the use of each ticket is restricted according to the exercise conditions.

[0053] The exercise conditions are designed to restrict the number of tickets that can be used in actual gameplay of a music game when each user U possesses multiple tickets. The exercise conditions may be set as appropriate, but examples include quantity conditions and designation conditions. The quantity condition is a condition that limits the number of usable tickets to a predetermined number when each user U possesses multiple tickets. On the other hand, the designation condition is a condition that utilizes the designation results of each user U. Therefore, in the case of a two-player competitive game, use is restricted to only a predetermined number of tickets based on the designation of user U. Furthermore, the designation conditions may utilize the designation results of user U as appropriate, and may include only one of the following: a self-designation condition to utilize one's own designation results for the tickets used in play, and an opponent-designation condition to reflect the designation results of the opponent (including the computer) in the tickets used in one's own play, but an example includes both. Furthermore, the opponent-designation condition may be configured as a condition that actively identifies the tickets that each user U can use in play, but an example is that it may be configured as a condition that identifies tickets that each user U cannot use (cannot use) in play. In other words, in a two-player competitive game, the music game provides a first selection opportunity for each user U to choose which tickets to use, and a second selection opportunity for the opponent to choose tickets. The second selection opportunity is structured to allow the opponent to choose which tickets that user U owns are unusable in the current play session.

[0054] The first and second selection opportunities may be provided as appropriate. For example, they may be provided in the order of the first and second selection opportunities, and if a ticket selected in the first selection opportunity is designated as an unusable ticket in the second selection opportunity, that ticket may be made unusable so that the selection result of the second selection opportunity takes precedence. However, as an example, they may be provided in the order of the second and first selection opportunities, and in the first selection opportunity, only usable tickets are presented as candidate options. Therefore, in the case of a two-player competitive game (a competitive music game), in the first selection opportunity, a predetermined number of tickets (e.g., one ticket) are selected from the tickets owned by each user, excluding the ticket designated by the opponent in the second selection opportunity, and these selected tickets are actually used in playing the music game. In this example, the self-selection condition and the opponent-selection condition function as the user selection condition and the opponent selection condition of the present invention, respectively. The second selection opportunity also functions as the designation opportunity of the present invention.

[0055] When each ticket is used, the order set for that ticket is applied to the music game. In the usage procedure, tickets corresponding to various order sets issued in the ticketing procedure may be used, but in the example in Figure 5, a ticket corresponding to the order "1234576" is used. In this case, the order of each normal lane LN1 on the guidance screen 50 changes from "1234567" (see example in Figure 4) to "1234576". On the other hand, even if there is a change in the order of each normal lane LN1, there is no change in the normal lane LN1 specified in the sequence data QD as the lane LN where each instruction object 55 should be placed. For this reason, for example, there is a difference between the order "1234567" and the order "1234576" in the normal lane LN1 where each instruction object 55 is placed on the guidance screen 50. In the example in Figure 5, the same guidance screen 50 corresponding to the same timing is displayed based on the same sequence data QD as in the example in Figure 4. However, due to the change in the order of the normal lanes LN1 caused by the use of tickets, the placement of the instruction object 55 also changes. Specifically, the instruction object 55, which is designated as the 6th normal lane LN1 in the sequence data QD, is placed in the second normal lane LN1 from the right in the order "1234567", but is placed in the rightmost normal lane LN1 in the order "1234576".

[0056] Furthermore, there are no restrictions on the validity of each ticket, and the same ticket may be used repeatedly. However, as an example, restrictions may be placed on the validity of each ticket. These restrictions on the validity of each ticket may include various limitations such as duration and game conditions, but as an example, a limit on the number of times it can be used at one time. Therefore, when the right to change the order of the queue is exercised through the use of each ticket, the ticket is extinguished as a result of that exercise. In other words, each ticket cannot be reused, and ownership of the same ticket again is required to make a similar change. However, the music game may include a practice mode and a performance mode, and the validity of tickets may differ between the practice mode and the performance mode. Specifically, in the performance mode, as mentioned above, tickets are extinguished after one use, while in the practice mode, tickets may not be extinguished no matter how many times they are used and may be retained. The ticket issuance service is provided in the following manner as an example, and normally tickets to change the order of the queue in lane LN1 are issued to the user.

[0057] Next, we will explain the details of the Play Data PD. Figure 6 shows an example of the configuration of the Play Data PD. The Play Data PD may include various achievement information for each user related to the music game, but the example in Figure 6 shows the part related to ticket issuance. As shown in Figure 6, the Play Data PD includes a Play Record PDR for each user to manage information about that user's achievements. The Play Record PDR also includes information such as "User ID", "Ticket", and "Issuance Date and Time".

[0058] The "User ID" is information indicating the user ID used to identify each user. The User ID is a unique ID assigned to each user. The "Ticket" is information indicating the ticket owned by each user. There are many types of tickets, each with a combination of order, such as "1234576", "1234756", or "1237456". Therefore, the "Ticket" field contains information indicating the type (combination of order) of ticket owned by the user. The ticket type may be identified as appropriate, but as an example, the ticket ID information provided for each type is used to identify each type (combination). In other words, when a ticket is assigned to a user through the ticket issuance service, the "Ticket" field contains information on the ticket ID corresponding to the type of ticket assigned. On the other hand, when a ticket is used, the information of that ticket is deleted from the "Ticket" field so that ownership of the used ticket is extinguished. The "Issuance Date and Time" is information indicating the issuance date and time of the ticket. This information is recorded in the Play Record PDR so that it is interconnected. Furthermore, the play data PD may include, but is not limited to, any other information necessary for managing each user's achievements. Alternatively, the above information may be omitted as appropriate.

[0059] Next, the procedures for ticket issuance processing, usage restriction processing, and display change processing will be explained with reference to Figures 7 to 9. Ticket issuance processing is the process for implementing the issuance procedure of the ticket service. The example in Figure 7 shows the ticket issuance processing when the order of the normal lanes LN1 to be issued as tickets is determined by lottery. In this case, when appropriate issuance conditions such as the collection of a predetermined consideration are met, the granting execution unit 36 ​​starts the ticket issuance processing in Figure 7 and first performs a lottery to determine the order of the items to be issued (the order of the normal lanes LN1 to be issued as tickets) (step S101).

[0060] Next, the granting execution unit 36 ​​determines the order in which the recipients should be granted tickets based on the lottery results in step S101 (step S102). Specifically, the granting execution unit 36 ​​identifies the order determined by the lottery in step S101 and decides that order to be the order of recipients for this granting. Next, the granting execution unit 36 ​​issues tickets corresponding to the order of recipients determined in step S102 (step S103). In other words, the granting execution unit 36 ​​updates the user's play data PD so that the user owns tickets of the type corresponding to the order of recipients determined in step S102. After issuing (updating) the tickets, the granting execution unit 36 ​​terminates the ticket issuance process for this granting. As a result, tickets to realize the order determined by the lottery (set on the guidance screen 50) are electronically issued, and their ownership is managed via the play data PD. In other words, the procedure for issuing tickets is realized.

[0061] The usage restriction process is a process for implementing usage restrictions set for each ticket based on the exercise conditions. The usage restriction process is executed in the case of a two-player versus game, as described above. The timing of the instruction to use a ticket and the duration of the ticket's effect can be set as appropriate. For example, they may be set at any time when the user performs the operation to instruct the use of the ticket, and for a predetermined period thereafter (part of the play period). As an example, they may be set at the start of display of the guidance screen 50 (start of play) and for the entire display period of the guidance screen 50 (from the start to the end of play). In this case, the condition of one ticket is applied. That is, only one ticket is allowed to be used in a single play. Also, for example, if the use of multiple tickets is allowed, an opportunity to select the ticket to actually use from among the multiple tickets selected in the first selection opportunity may be provided separately from the first selection opportunity. However, if only one ticket is allowed to be used, the first selection opportunity functions as the opportunity to select the ticket to actually use. That is, the order corresponding to the tickets selected in the first selection opportunity is applied from the start of display of the guidance screen 50 for its entire display period. Figure 8 shows an example of the usage restriction process in such a case. Furthermore, while restrictions on use may be implemented as appropriate in music games, the example in Figure 8 shows a case where restrictions on use are implemented at the first selection opportunity.

[0062] Each time a first selection opportunity is provided, the granting execution unit 36 ​​starts the usage restriction processing shown in Figure 8 and first determines the exercise conditions (step S201). The exercise conditions include, as mentioned above, a quantity condition and a designation condition as an example. The designation condition further includes a self-designation condition and an opponent-designation condition. Therefore, the granting execution unit 36 ​​determines these conditions. Specifically, the granting execution unit 36 ​​determines the number of tickets that the user can select in the first selection opportunity based on the quantity condition. However, since the quantity condition is set to one, the granting execution unit 36 ​​determines one as the number of selectable tickets. The granting execution unit 36 ​​also determines the selection result of the opponent in the second selection opportunity in order to make some tickets unselectable (unusable) based on the opponent-designation condition. The selection result of the second selection opportunity is obtained, for example, via the center server 2. On the other hand, since the first selection opportunity is still being provided, the determination of the self-designation condition in step S101 is omitted.

[0063] Next, the granting execution unit 36 ​​sets restrictions on the use of tickets (exercise of rights) based on the exercise conditions determined in step S201 (step S202). Specifically, the granting execution unit 36 ​​presents the selection candidates (each ticket owned by the user) for the first selection opportunity so that the ticket selected by the opponent in the second selection opportunity is excluded. In other words, the granting execution unit 36 ​​presents each ticket owned by the user that is limited to usable as an option in the first selection opportunity. Furthermore, the granting execution unit 36 ​​limits the number of tickets that can be selected in the first selection opportunity to one, based on the number condition. In addition, if a ticket is selected in the first selection opportunity, the granting execution unit 36 ​​limits the target of the effect to only that ticket based on the self-specified condition. In other words, the granting execution unit 36 ​​restricts the effect of other tickets so that only the ticket selected in the first selection opportunity becomes effective. After these restrictions, the granting execution unit 36 ​​terminates the usage restriction process. This realizes the restriction of ticket use (restriction of exercise of rights) based on exercise conditions in a two-player competitive game.

[0064] The display change process is a process for assigning settings corresponding to tickets to the guidance screen 50. The example in Figure 9 shows the display change process when the order of the normal lane LN1 on the guidance screen 50 is represented by a ticket. The example in Figure 9 also shows the case where the order corresponding to a single ticket selected by the user as the target of use in single-player mode (or selected at the first selection opportunity) is set for the entire display period of the guidance screen 50. Furthermore, the example in Figure 9 shows the case where the ticket disappears upon use (the validity of the ticket is limited to one use). In this case, the guidance execution unit 33 starts the display change process in Figure 9 when the guidance screen 50 starts displaying, and first determines the type of ticket (order of the normal lane LN1) to be used (applied) in this play (step S301). The guidance execution unit 33 may also provide an opportunity to simulate the settings corresponding to the ticket in advance in step S301. In other words, the music game may include an opportunity to confirm in advance the guidance method corresponding to the ticket to be used. Specifically, the guidance execution unit 33 may provide an opportunity to display the guidance screen 50 for when a ticket is used for a predetermined period (a period including guidance for part of each execution period), and proceed to the subsequent processing if an operation to confirm use is performed at that time. When such a simulation opportunity is provided, that simulation opportunity functions as a verification opportunity of the present invention.

[0065] Next, the guidance execution unit 33 changes the display of the guidance screen 50 to reflect the sorting order corresponding to the ticket type identified in step S301 (step S302). In other words, the guidance execution unit 33 rearranges the arrangement of the normal lanes LN1 to match the sorting order of the ticket used. Specifically, for example, if a ticket corresponding to the sorting order "1234576" is used, the guidance execution unit 33 changes the sorting order of each normal lane LN1 on the guidance screen 50 from "1234567" (see example in Figure 4) to "1234576" (see example in Figure 5). In other words, the guidance execution unit 33 swaps the positions of the rightmost and second-to-right normal lanes LN1 so that the rightmost normal lane LN1 (number 7) is placed second from the right, and the second-to-right normal lane LN1 (number 6) is placed at the rightmost position.

[0066] Next, the guidance execution unit 33 determines whether the use of the ticket in this instance satisfies the expiration condition (step S303). The expiration condition may be set as appropriate, but as an example, it is determined based on the validity of the ticket. More specifically, if the validity of the ticket is maintained after use, the expiration condition is not satisfied, and if the validity of the ticket is lost upon use, the expiration condition is satisfied. If the expiration condition is not satisfied, the guidance execution unit 33 skips the subsequent processing and terminates the current display change processing. However, as mentioned above, the validity of the ticket is lost with each use. Therefore, the expiration condition is satisfied each time the ticket is used. Also, if the validity of the ticket differs between the practice mode and the performance mode, the expiration condition may include the mode being played as a requirement. Specifically, if the mode being played this time is the performance mode, the expiration condition is satisfied with one use as described above, while if it is the practice mode, the expiration condition is not satisfied, and the subsequent processing is skipped. As a result, the validity (ownership) of the ticket is maintained in the practice mode. In this case, the practice mode and the performance mode function as multiple modes of the present invention. Furthermore, the practice mode and the performance mode function, respectively, as the second mode and the first mode of the present invention.

[0067] On the other hand, if the deletion conditions are met, the guidance execution unit 33 deletes the ticket used this time (step S304). Specifically, the guidance execution unit 33 updates the "ticket" information in the play data PD so that the ticket used this time is deleted. Then, after the ticket has been deleted (after the play data PD has been updated), the guidance execution unit 33 terminates the display change process. As a result, the setting corresponding to the ticket is added to the guidance screen 50. In other words, when a ticket is used, the sorting order corresponding to that ticket is applied to the arrangement of the normal lane LN1 on the guidance screen 50. Also, when a ticket is used, that ticket is deleted from the tickets owned by the user. In other words, the validity of each ticket is limited to one use.

[0068] As explained above, in this configuration, among the multiple arrangement settings for the normal lane LN1 provided in the music game that affect the gameplay results, a specific arrangement (a selection of arrangements) is granted as a ticket (the right to use it) to user U who has requested the ticket service (paid a predetermined fee for the lottery). In other words, user U is granted a ticket that grants them the right to use a specific arrangement setting for the normal lane LN1 in the music game. This allows user U to intentionally create a specific arrangement that affects the gameplay results through the use of such a ticket (exercise of the right). It also adds a strategic element to the music game, such as deciding which usage rights to exercise.

[0069] Furthermore, in competitive two-player games (music games structured as competitive games), if restrictions based on usage conditions are set, even if user U possesses multiple tickets, the tickets actually usable for play will be limited to a portion of them based on the usage conditions. Specifically, for example, if the usage conditions include opponent-designated conditions, tickets designated by the opponent will be excluded from the tickets available for selection in the first selection opportunity and will become unusable. In other words, the tickets actually usable for play will be limited to the remaining tickets among the multiple tickets owned by user U that were not designated as unusable by the opponent based on the opponent's designation. Therefore, tickets can be used to strategize against opponents in competitive play.

[0070] Furthermore, if a music game includes both a practice mode where tickets do not disappear after use and a performance mode where tickets disappear upon use, the practice mode can be used to practice the settings corresponding to the tickets. As a result, the enjoyment of the music game can be improved.

[0071] In the above configuration, the grant execution unit 36 ​​of the game machine 3 functions as the setting identification means and the rights granting means of the present invention by executing the procedure in Figure 7. Specifically, the grant execution unit 36 ​​functions as the setting identification means by executing step S102 in Figure 7, and as the rights granting means by executing step S103. Furthermore, the grant execution unit 36 ​​of the game machine 3 functions as the target restriction means of the present invention by executing step S202 in the procedure in Figure 8. In addition, the guidance execution unit 33 of the game machine 3 functions as the rights termination means of the present invention by executing step S304 in the procedure in Figure 9 (especially when the mode of the play target is included in the requirements of the termination condition).

[0072] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and may be implemented in forms that are appropriately modified or changed. For example, in the above embodiment, the setting regarding the order of the normal lane LN1 is represented as a ticket. However, the present invention is not limited to this form. As described above, an appropriate part or combination of the settings for the visual obstruction system, the speed system, or the path system may be represented as a ticket. That is, for example, a combination of a setting to hide the instruction object 55 for a certain period of time (a setting for the visual obstruction system) and a setting to slow down the speed of the instruction object 55, or a combination of these and each order of the normal lane LN1, may be identified by lottery and assigned to user U as a ticket.

[0073] In the above-described configuration, guidance settings such as visual obstruction systems, that is, settings where the display method of the instruction object 55 differs, are used as the target for ticketing. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the target for ticketing is not limited to settings where the display method of these instruction objects 55 differs, but various evaluation system settings, such as settings where different evaluation criteria are applied to all or appropriate parts of each instruction object 55, may also be used as the target for ticketing.

[0074] In the above-described configuration, the targets for ticketing are determined by lottery. In other words, the lottery results are used as a specific condition for identifying the targets for ticketing. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, various conditions such as play status, designation of the operator of game system 1, or user selection results may be used as specific conditions, and appropriate settings may be identified as targets for ticketing based on these conditions. The same applies to the granting conditions for identifying the user U to whom the ticket is granted. In other words, various conditions such as play status, designation of the operator of game system 1, or user selection results may be used as granting conditions, and appropriate users U based on these conditions may function as recipients.

[0075] In the configuration described above, even when a ticket is used, the guidance screen 50 does not display any information specifically about that ticket. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the guidance screen 50 may display various types of ticket information, such as information about the ticket being used by the user or information about the ticket being used by the opponent. The music game may also accept recommendation information from each user, such as information recommending each type of ticket or information against it, in which case such recommendation information may be displayed on the guidance screen 50. Alternatively, this ticket information (including recommendation information) may be displayed on any game screen as appropriate, not just the guidance screen 50.

[0076] Furthermore, in the above-described configuration, the game machine 3 provides a music game. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the game machine 3 may provide various games such as role-playing games, simulation games, or action games. And appropriate settings provided for those games that affect the gameplay results may function as the subject of the ticket service.

[0077] In the above-described configuration, the game machine 3 is configured as an arcade game machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Various types of home game devices, including a user terminal device 4, may be used as the game machine 3. Furthermore, for example, both an arcade game machine and a user terminal device 4 may function as the game machine 3. In this case, the use of a ticket issued by either the arcade game machine or the user terminal device 4 may be limited to either type of game machine 3 that issued the ticket, or it may be permitted on both.

[0078] Furthermore, in the above-described configuration, the game system 1 includes a central server 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the central server 2 may be omitted, and the game machine 3 may function as the game system of the present invention on its own. Alternatively, the central server 2 may perform all or part of the role (various processing, etc.) of the game machine 3. In this case, the combination of the game machine 3 and the central server 2, or the central server 2 alone (including cases where it is composed of multiple server devices), may function as the game system of the present invention.

[0079] Various aspects of the present invention derived from the embodiments and modifications described above are described below. In the following description, corresponding components shown in the accompanying drawings are indicated in parentheses to facilitate understanding of each aspect of the present invention, but this does not mean that the present invention is limited to the illustrated forms.

[0080] The present invention provides a game system (3) that guides the timing of execution of a play action input via an input device (14) via an output device (13), and provides a timing game that evaluates the actual timing of execution of the play action when it is performed, comprising: a setting identification means (36) that identifies some of the settings among a plurality of settings provided for the timing game as settings that affect the play result, based on predetermined specific conditions; and a right granting means (36) that grants a right to use the some of the settings in playing the timing game to a special user (U) who is a user among the users that meets predetermined granting conditions, such that the special user becomes the owner.

[0081] According to this invention, some of the multiple settings provided for a timing game that affect the outcome of the game are granted as usage rights to users who meet the granting conditions. In other words, users are granted the right to use some of the settings in playing the timing game. This allows users to intentionally create some of the settings that affect the outcome of the game through the exercise of such usage rights. Furthermore, it is possible to add a strategic element to the timing game, such as deciding which usage rights to exercise. As a result, the enjoyment of the timing game can be improved.

[0082] The settings that affect the outcome of the game may include various settings as appropriate. For example, such settings may include settings related to how the timing of execution is announced (announcement method) and settings related to how the gameplay is evaluated (evaluation method). Specifically, for example, in one embodiment of the game system of the present invention, the timing game is provided with a plurality of announcement settings, each of which announces the timing of execution in a different way, and the setting identification means identifies some of the plurality of announcement settings as the partial settings, and the rights granting means may grant the special user the right to use the partial announcement settings as the usage right.

[0083] The execution timing may be announced as appropriate, and each announcement setting may be implemented as appropriate accordingly. For example, the execution timing may be announced via voice using an appropriate method such as a countdown. In this case, settings such as the type of voice, volume, and playback speed of the voice may be used as each announcement setting. Alternatively, the execution timing may be announced visually through a display device using an appropriate method such as a countdown display. In this case, settings such as the form of the display (including size, color scheme, and shape) or the countdown speed may be used as announcement settings. Specifically, for example, in a configuration in which some announcement settings are used as some settings, a display device (13) that displays a game screen (50) including an indicator sign (55) corresponding to the execution timing and a reference sign (57) corresponding to the current time may be used as the output device, and the execution timing is announced through the relative displacement between the indicator sign and the reference sign that occurs so that the positions of the indicator sign and the reference sign coincide at the execution timing, and the multiple announcement settings may differ from each other due to differences in the display method of the indicator sign on the game screen.

[0084] Furthermore, when directional signs and reference signs are used to guide the timing of execution, various settings related to these directional signs may be used as guidance settings. For example, settings that obscure at least a portion of one or more directional signs displayed on the game screen (including both cases where they occur at the same time and cases where they occur with a time lag over at least a portion of the play period), similar settings related to reference signs, or similar settings related to routes may be used as guidance settings. Alternatively, settings that speed up or slow down the relative displacement speed between directional signs and reference signs may be used as guidance settings. In addition, when the game screen includes multiple routes, route-related settings such as changing the arrangement of those multiple routes, or changing the route on which directional signs should be placed, may be used as guidance settings. Specifically, for example, in an embodiment in which instruction signs and reference signs are used to guide execution timing, the game screen includes a plurality of paths (LN1) that each function as a path of the relative displacement, the instruction signs are placed on each path based on sequence data (QD) described so that each execution timing that functions as an execution timing is associated with each of the plurality of paths, and the plurality of guidance settings may include arrangement settings that cause differences in the arrangement of the plurality of paths on the game screen as differences in the display method of the instruction signs.

[0085] When directional signs and reference signs are used to guide the timing of execution, appropriate parts of various guidance settings may be used as partial guidance settings of the present invention. For example, a combination of two or more settings of the visual obstruction system setting, the speed system setting, or the route system setting may be used as partial guidance settings. Alternatively, one of the settings of the visual obstruction system setting, the speed system setting, or the route system setting may function as partial guidance settings. In this case, for example, one of the settings related to directional signs, reference signs, or routes in the visual obstruction system setting, or an appropriate combination thereof, may function as partial guidance settings. Similarly, one of the changes related to route arrangement and changes related to directional sign arrangement in the route system setting, or an appropriate combination thereof, may function as partial guidance settings. Specifically, for example, in the change related to route arrangement, a portion of the multiple arrangement candidates resulting from combinations of the arrangements of each route may function as partial guidance settings. The same applies to other settings. For this reason, in an embodiment in which instruction signs and reference signs are used to guide the timing of execution, the setting identification means may identify a combination of two or more settings with different display methods for the instruction signs as the partial guidance settings.

[0086] In a timing game, confirmation of the content of the right to use may or may not be permitted before the right to use is exercised. For example, in a configuration in which an instruction sign is used to guide the timing of execution, the timing game may include an opportunity to confirm the display method of the instruction sign corresponding to the guidance setting before the right to use is exercised.

[0087] Some settings may be specified as appropriate. For this reason, various conditions may be used as specifying conditions. For example, some settings may be specified based on various conditions such as the game status (not limited to timing games, but may include various other related games), designation by the game system operator, or lottery. For this reason, these conditions such as game status, designation results, or lottery results may be used as specifying conditions. The same applies to granting conditions. Appropriate conditions such as game status, payment of a predetermined consideration, designation by the operator, or lottery may be used as granting conditions. Specifically, for example, in one embodiment of the game system of the present invention, the lottery result may be used as the specifying condition, and the setting specifying means may specify some settings based on the lottery.

[0088] The right of use may be extinguished based on appropriate extinguishment conditions, or it may not be extinguished and may be used continuously. Appropriate conditions may be used as extinguishment conditions, for example, conditions such as a predetermined play state, a predetermined number of uses, or use for a predetermined period may be used. Furthermore, in a timing game, modes related to the extinguishment conditions and modes unrelated to them may be provided. Specifically, for example, in a case where the extinguishment conditions are met by a single use (the right of use is extinguished by a single exercise), the timing game may be provided with a mode in which the right of use is extinguished when the right of use is exercised, and a mode in which the right of use is maintained even when the right of use is exercised. For example, in one embodiment of the game system of the present invention, when the timing game is provided with multiple modes for playing under different conditions, an embodiment may be adopted in which a right extinguishment means (33) is provided that extinguishes the right of use in the first mode when the right of use is exercised, while maintaining it in the second mode, so that a first mode in which the right of use is extinguished when the right of use is exercised and a second mode in which the right of use is maintained even when the right of use is exercised occur. In this case, the second mode can be used as a practice mode for the first mode.

[0089] The exercise of the usage rights may or may not be subject to restrictions. In other words, the usage rights may be exercised freely at any time the user desires, or they may be permitted to be exercised under appropriate restrictions. For example, in one embodiment of the game system of the present invention, when the special user possesses multiple usage rights, an embodiment may be adopted that includes a target restriction means (36) that restricts the targets that can be exercised in the play of the timing game to a portion of the multiple usage rights based on the exercise conditions.

[0090] Various conditions may be used as exercise conditions as appropriate. For example, conditions such as gameplay status, a predetermined period, or the user's selection results may be used as exercise conditions. Furthermore, the exercise of the usage rights may be restricted to specific gameplay status, a predetermined period, or the user's selection results. Specifically, for example, in a manner in which the exercise of usage rights is restricted based on exercise conditions, the exercise conditions may include user selection conditions that utilize the selection results of the special user, and the target restriction means may restrict the targets that can be exercised in the timing game to some of the usage rights, such that the usage rights selected by the special user based on the user selection conditions are included.

[0091] Alternatively, in a configuration in which the exercise of usage rights is restricted based on exercise conditions, the timing game is configured as a competitive game played against an opponent, and includes a designation opportunity provided to the opponent as an opportunity to designate one or more usage rights from among the plurality of usage rights, the exercise conditions include a player selection condition that utilizes the opponent's designation result in the designation opportunity, and the target restriction means may restrict the targets that can be exercised in play of the timing game to some of the usage rights such that one or more usage rights are excluded from some of the usage rights based on the player selection condition. In this case, the exerciseable usage rights are restricted based on the opponent's designation. Therefore, usage rights can be used in negotiations with the opponent in a match.

[0092] On the other hand, the computer program (PG2) of the present invention is configured to cause the computer (31) connected to the input device and the output device to function as each of the means of the game system described above.

[0093] Furthermore, the control method of the present invention causes a computer (31) incorporated into a game system (3) that provides guidance via an output device (13) on the timing of execution of a play action input via an input device (14), and a timing game that evaluates the actual timing of the play action when it is performed, to execute a setting identification procedure that identifies some of the settings among a plurality of settings provided for the timing game as settings that affect the play result, based on predetermined specific conditions, and a right granting procedure that grants the right to use the aforementioned some of the settings in playing the timing game to a special user who is one of the users who meets predetermined granting conditions, so that the special user becomes the owner. The game system of the present invention can be realized by executing the computer program or control method of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] 3. Game console (game system) 12. First Monitor (Display Device) 14. Control Panel (Input Device) 31. Control Unit (Computer) 33. Guidance Execution Unit (Method of Extinguishing Rights) 36 Granting Execution Unit (Setting Identification Means, Rights Granting Means, Target Restriction Means) 50. Guidance screen (game screen) 55. Indicative Objects (Indicative Signs) 57 Judgment Line (Reference Marker) LN1 Normal Lane (Route) PG2 Game Program (Computer Program)

Claims

1. A game system that provides a timing game in which the timing of execution of a play action input via an input device is guided via an output device, and the actual timing of execution of the play action is evaluated when the play action is performed, A setting identification means for identifying a specific setting from among multiple settings provided for the timing game that affect the gameplay results, based on predetermined specific conditions, A means for granting rights to grant usage rights as rights corresponding to the specific settings in the play of the aforementioned timing game to a special user who is one of the users who meets the predetermined granting conditions, such that the special user becomes the owner; Equipped with, The aforementioned timing game is provided with multiple guidance settings, each of which provides guidance on the execution timing in a different way. The setting identification means identifies some of the guidance settings among the plurality of guidance settings as the specific setting, The aforementioned rights granting means grants the special user the right to use the aforementioned partial guidance settings as the usage right, As the output device, a display device is used that displays a game screen including an instruction marker corresponding to the execution time and a reference marker corresponding to the current time. The execution timing is guided by the relative displacement between the indicator sign and the reference sign that occurs such that the position of the indicator sign and the position of the reference sign coincide at that execution timing. The aforementioned multiple guidance settings differ from one another due to differences in the method of displaying the instruction signs on the game screen. The aforementioned game screen includes a plurality of paths, each functioning as a path for the relative displacement. The instruction indicators are placed on each path based on sequence data described such that each execution time functioning as an execution time is associated with each of the multiple paths. The aforementioned multiple guidance settings include arrangement settings that differ the arrangement of the aforementioned multiple routes on the game screen as differences in the display method of the instruction signs, A game system in which the aforementioned usage rights are granted the right to set the arrangement of each path on the game screen, which is included in the arrangement settings, to a specified arrangement.

2. As the aforementioned specific conditions, the lottery results are used. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the setting identification means identifies some of the settings based on a lottery.

3. The game system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the setting identification means identifies a combination of two or more settings having different display methods for the instruction sign as the partial guidance setting.

4. The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the timing game includes an opportunity to confirm the method of displaying the instruction sign corresponding to the part of the guidance setting before the right to use is exercised.

5. The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, when the timing game is provided with multiple modes for playing under different conditions, a first mode occurs in which the usage right is extinguished upon exercise of the usage right, and a second mode occurs in which the usage right is maintained even if the usage right is exercised, the system includes means for extinguishing the usage right in the first mode while maintaining it in the second mode upon exercise of the usage right.

6. The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a target restriction means for restricting the targets that can be exercised in playing the timing game to a portion of the multiple usage rights based on the exercise conditions, when the special user possesses multiple usage rights as the usage rights.

7. A game system that provides a timing game in which the timing of execution of a play action input via an input device is guided via an output device, and the actual timing of execution of the play action is evaluated when the play action is performed, A setting identification means for identifying some of the multiple settings provided for the timing game that affect the gameplay results, based on predetermined specific conditions, A means for granting rights to grant the right to use certain settings in the play of the aforementioned timing game to a special user who meets certain granting conditions among the users, such that the special user becomes the owner; A target restriction means that, when the special user possesses multiple usage rights, restricts the targets that can be exercised in the play of the timing game to a portion of the multiple usage rights based on the exercise conditions, Equipped with, The aforementioned timing game is configured as a competitive game played against an opponent, and includes a designation opportunity provided to the opponent as an opportunity to designate one or more of the aforementioned multiple usage rights, The exercise conditions include a condition for selecting an opponent that utilizes the result of the opponent's designation in the designated opportunity, The aforementioned target restriction means is a game system that restricts the targets that can be exercised during play of the timing game to the aforementioned partial usage rights such that, based on the opponent selection conditions, one or more usage rights are excluded from the aforementioned partial usage rights.

8. The exercise conditions include user selection conditions that utilize the selection results by the special user, The game system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the target restriction means restricts the targets that can be exercised in the play of the timing game to the partial rights of use, such that the rights of use selected by the special user based on the user selection conditions.

9. A computer program configured to cause the computer connected to the input device and the output device to function as each of the means of the game system described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A computer incorporated into a game system that provides a timing game in which the timing of execution of a play action input via an input device is guided via an output device, and the actual timing of execution of the play action is evaluated when the play action is performed, A setting identification procedure for identifying a specific setting from among multiple settings provided for the timing game that affect the gameplay results, based on predetermined specific conditions, A procedure for granting rights to a special user, who is a user among the users who meets the prescribed granting conditions, to become the owner of the rights corresponding to the specific settings in the play of the aforementioned timing game, Make it run, The aforementioned timing game is provided with multiple guidance settings, each of which provides guidance on the execution timing in a different way. The setting identification procedure identifies some of the multiple guidance settings as the specific setting, The aforementioned rights granting procedure grants the special user the right to use the aforementioned set of instructions as the usage right, As the output device, a display device is used that displays a game screen including an instruction marker corresponding to the execution time and a reference marker corresponding to the current time. The execution timing is guided by the relative displacement between the indicator sign and the reference sign that occurs such that the position of the indicator sign and the position of the reference sign coincide at that execution timing. The aforementioned multiple guidance settings differ from one another due to differences in the method of displaying the instruction signs on the game screen. The aforementioned game screen includes a plurality of paths, each functioning as a path for the relative displacement. The instruction indicators are placed on each path based on sequence data described such that each execution time functioning as an execution time is associated with each of the multiple paths. The aforementioned multiple guidance settings include arrangement settings that differ the arrangement of the aforementioned multiple routes on the game screen as differences in the display method of the instruction signs, A control method in which the aforementioned usage rights are granted the right to set the arrangement order of each path in the game screen, which is included in the arrangement settings, to a specified specific arrangement.

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