JP2003038696A - Dance game device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a dance game device which can be easily operated. SOLUTION: A game system 10 is provided with the dance game device 12, and a first controller 14 is integrally provided in the dace game device 12. Also, to the dance game device 12, a second controller 16 is connected. When the power of the dance game device 12 is turned on, a profile selection image, a game mode selection image and a music piece selection image, and the like, are successively displayed on the screen 20a of a television receiver 20 for households. A player selects (decides) a profile, a game mode and a music piece (music), and the like, by operating the first controller 14 and the second controller 16 by a step operation and a dance game is played in the decided game mode.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a dance game device, and more particularly to displaying a guidance screen for guiding a player's step motion, outputting music corresponding to the guidance screen, and detecting the step motion to advance the game. , A dance game device device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An example of a conventional dance game apparatus of this type has been published and filed on February 8, 2000.
0-37490 [A63B 69/00, A63
B 71/06, A63F 9/00]. This dance game device is installed in an amusement facility such as a game center, and a player enjoys a dance game by inserting coins. An example of a dance game device for enjoying such a dance game at home is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-293292 [G06F 3/0], which was filed and published on October 20, 2000.
2, A63B 69/00, A63F 13/00, H
01H 13/16]. This dance game device is connected to a home-use television receiver, and the player can easily enjoy the dance game.

In these dance game devices, the number of players, the game mode, the song (music), etc. are set using a controller for manual operation provided in the dance game device main body or a controller connected to the dance game device main body. Then, in the dance game, a dedicated controller (foot switch device) for detecting the step motion is used.

[0004]

However, in these conventional techniques, when selecting (determining) the number of players, the game mode, the song (music), etc., a controller for manual operation must be used. was there. Also,
Even when it is possible to select (determine) the number of players and the like using only the foot switch device, it is necessary for the player to operate the foot switch device to select the number of players. That is, the operation was troublesome.

Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a dance game device that can be easily operated.

[0006]

According to the present invention, a guide screen for guiding a player's step motion is displayed on a display, music corresponding to the guide screen is output, and a step motion is detected to progress the game. A dance game device including a processor includes a sheet-shaped foot switch that is connected to the game processor and includes at least a presence detection switch for detecting the presence or absence of a player and a plurality of step detection switches for detecting a step motion. A dance game device characterized in that a mode determination process for determining a game mode is executed according to an input from a foot switch.

[0007]

This dance game device includes a game processor such as a high speed processor and is connected to a display (monitor) such as a home television receiver. When a song (music) is selected by the player, the corresponding play screen (guidance screen) and the song are output from the home television receiver. In accordance with this, the player makes a step motion, this is detected by the game device, and the dance game proceeds. In such a dance game device, a sheet-shaped (mat-shaped) foot switch (sheet-shaped) connected to a game processor and including at least a presence detection switch for detecting the presence or absence of a player and a plurality of step detection switches for detecting a step motion Foot switch)
Is provided. Number of players, profile, game mode and song (music) at the start of the dance game
When selecting (determining), etc., the sheet-like foot switch as described above is used. Therefore, the game processor can execute the game mode determination process for determining the game mode according to the input of the sheet-shaped foot switch.

For example, the game processor is configured so that the first and second sheet-shaped foot switches can be connected, and the mode determination processing is performed in response to an input from either one of the first and second sheet-shaped foot switches. Can be executed. That is, the game mode can be selected (determined) by one or two players, and the mode determination processing according to it can be executed.

The game processor has first and second game processors.
The number of players is recognized according to the input from the presence / absence detection switches provided on each of the sheet-shaped foot switches. That is, the presence / absence of the player is recognized by turning on / off the presence detection switch. Therefore, the selectable game modes can be displayed according to the number of players.

Therefore, when the presence / absence detection switch of the second sheet-shaped foot switch is off, it can be determined that the second player does not exist, and according to the input from the step detection switch of the first sheet-shaped foot switch. The game mode is selected.

Further, if the presence / absence detection switch of the second sheet-shaped foot switch is turned on, it can be determined that the second player exists, and the step detection switch of the first sheet-shaped foot switch or the second sheet-shaped foot switch. The game mode is selected according to the input from.

For example, when the game processor recognizes that the number of players is one, it disables the game mode for the two-player game, so that the game mode for the two-player game cannot be erroneously selected. Absent.

Further, the game device has a built-in memory such as a ROM coupled to the game processor via a system bus or the like, and the built-in memory has a game program for the dance game and image data for the dance game. And music data are stored in advance. The game processor displays, as a song selection screen, song names that can be selected based on the music data stored in the built-in memory. Therefore, the player can enjoy the dance game by selecting a desired song (music) on the song selection screen.
It is not necessary to prepare a D-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a memory cartridge, or the like.

Further, the game device is provided with a connector connected to the high speed processor and a memory cartridge inserted into the connector and mounted in the game device.
Additional image data and additional music data are stored in advance in this memory cartridge. In this way, when the memory cartridge is mounted, the music titles that can be selected based on the music data stored in the built-in memory and the additional music data stored in the memory cartridge are displayed as a music selection screen. As described above, when the memory cartridge is mounted on the game device, the dance game can be expanded by adding / changing the song of the dance game.

Furthermore, the game processor displays a profile selection screen for selecting the profile of the player, and in response to an input from the step detection switch of the first sheet-shaped foot switch or / and the second sheet-shaped foot switch. Determine the player's profile.
During the dance game, the game processor calculates the calorie consumption based on the determined profile and displays the calorie consumption on the display unit, so that the player can easily know the calorie consumed while enjoying the dance game.

[0016]

According to the present invention, the number of players, the profile, the game mode, and the song (music) are used by using only the sheet-shaped foot switch for inputting step motions and the like.
It is easy to operate because it is possible to determine etc.

The above-mentioned objects, other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of the following embodiments made with reference to the drawings.

[0018]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. 1, a dance game system (hereinafter, simply referred to as "system") 10 of this embodiment is a dance game device (hereinafter simply referred to as "game device").
Including 12. The game apparatus 12 is provided with a power button 12a and a reset button 12b on the upper surface side of its main body, and similarly, an infrared ray receiving section 12c.

A first foot switch (controller) 14 for the first player, which is formed in a mat shape (sheet shape), is integrally connected to the game apparatus 12. The first controller 14 operates in the area where the player stands first (home position) and the player selects the profile, game mode and song, and operates during the game (step operation).
And an area for inputting (step area). Figure 1
As can be seen from the above, the home position is arranged substantially in the center of the first controller 14, and four step areas are arranged on the front and rear (up and down) and left and right thereof.

Switches 14a to 14e are provided corresponding to the home position and the step area, respectively. The switches 14a to 14e are provided mainly for detecting the presence or absence of a player and the step motion.
The configuration of the switch in this embodiment has been already filed by the applicant of the present application and has already been published in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-293292.
Gazette [G06F 3/02, G63B 69/00,
A63F 13/00, H01H 13/16] is the same as the internal structure of the sheet-shaped foot switch. The structure will be briefly described. Although not shown, a spacer formed in a sponge shape having a predetermined thickness and having a plurality of small holes, and two elastically deformable spacers arranged in parallel with the spacer therebetween. It is a switch equipped with electrodes. This switch is in an off state when the player is not present and the electrodes are separated by the spacers, and when the electrodes and the spacer are deformed by the player stepping on the switch, the two electrodes form a small hole portion of the spacer. It comes into contact with them and turns on.

However, in this embodiment, the switch 14a is provided at the home position, which is a big difference from the switch configuration described in the above publication. As a result, when the player is located (present) on the switch 14a provided at the home position, the switch 14a is turned on, and for example, by a method described later, it is recognized whether the player is present or not. , The contents of the dance game can be changed automatically. Further, not only the switch 14a provided at the home position but also the other switches 14b to 14e can be used as means for recognizing the presence of the player.

In FIG. 1, the home position, the step area, and the switch are indicated by the same reference numerals for easy understanding.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, the home position and the step area are printed so that the player can easily recognize the respective switches 14a to 14e. For example, a circle is printed at the home position, and up, down, left, and right arrow marks are printed in the step area. Therefore, the switches 14a-1
4e will be referred to as a first player recognition switch 14a, a first upper switch 14b, a first lower switch 14c, a first left switch 14d, and a first right switch 14e, respectively, for easy understanding.

The system 10 also includes a first controller 1
4 includes a second controller 16 for the second player, which is formed in the same manner as 4. The second controller 16 also includes a home position and a step area, and correspondingly, the second player recognition switch 16a, the second upper switch 16b, the second lower switch 16c, and the second left switch 16d.
And a second right switch 16e is provided. The second controller 16 is attached to and detached from the game device 12 as needed, and is connected using a connection cable 16f.

As the first controller 14 and the second controller 16 as described above, not only the switch portion but also the foot switch device disclosed in the above publication can be used.

The system 10 further includes an AV cable 1
8 includes a home-use television receiver (hereinafter, simply referred to as “television”) 20 connected to the game device 12. The game device 12 also includes a memory cartridge 22 that is removable from the main body of the game device 12.

The configuration of such a system 10 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the game device 12 includes a high-speed processor 30, and as this high-speed processor 30, any kind of processor can be used. In this embodiment, the applicant has developed and already has a patent. The high-speed processor (trade name "Xavix") filed by the applicant is used. This high speed processor is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-307.
790 [G06F13 / 36, G06F15 /
78] and corresponding US Patent No. 09/01
It is disclosed in detail in No. 9,277.

The high speed processor 30 includes a CPU 30a,
Further, although not shown, it includes various processors such as a graphic processor, a sound processor and a DMA processor, receives an operation signal such as a key operation signal and an input signal such as an infrared signal, and gives an output signal to an external device. It includes an input / output control circuit. The CPU 30a executes a necessary calculation according to an input signal and gives the result to another graphic processor, a sound processor or the like. Therefore, the graphic processor and the sound processor execute image processing and sound processing according to the calculation result.

A system bus 32 is connected to the high speed processor 30, and the system bus 32 is provided on a board (not shown) housed inside the main body of the game apparatus 12 together with the high speed processor 30. Main unit built-in RO
A memory cartridge ROM (external ROM) 36 included in the M34 and the memory cartridge 22 is coupled.
Therefore, the high speed processor 30 can access these ROM 34 and ROM 36 through the system bus 32, and can extract video data, music data (score data for playing musical instruments) and the like from there. That is, the graphic processor performs video processing on the video data read from the ROM 34 or ROM 36, and the sound processor performs the video processing on the ROM 34 or ROM 36.
The audio data read from is processed by voice.

However, as can be seen from FIG. 2, the game apparatus 12 is provided with a memory cartridge connector (hereinafter, simply referred to as “cartridge connector”) 38, and the memory cartridge 22 is attached to the cartridge connector 38. The external ROM 36 is thereby coupled to the system bus 32.

The first controller 14 described above is
The second controller 16 is directly connected to the input port of the high speed processor 30, and the second controller 16 is connected to the input port of the high speed processor 30 via the connection cable 16f and the controller connector 40. Similarly, the reset button 1 described above
2b is also connected to the input port of the high speed processor 30.

Note that, in FIG. 2, the first controller 14 and the second controller 16 are illustrated small for convenience of the drawing.

The power button 12a shown in FIG. 1 is connected to a power circuit (not shown), and the power circuit is turned on or off according to the operation of the power button 12a.
2) Power is supplied or stopped to each component built in the main body.

Further, although omitted in FIG. 1, the system 1
Reference numeral 0 includes a heartbeat sensor unit 24, and the detailed configuration of the heartbeat sensor 24 is omitted. For example, the heartbeat sensor 24 is attached to the wrist or ear of the player and detects the pulse of the player. Then, the data corresponding to the detected pulse is converted into an infrared signal and given to the infrared light receiving section (infrared light receiving module) 12c provided in the game apparatus 12. The infrared light receiving module 12c is connected to the input port of the high speed processor 30.

Therefore, in the high speed processor 30, the reset button 12b, the infrared light receiving module 12c, the first
Upon receiving the input signals from the controller 14 and the second controller 16, the CPU 30a executes necessary arithmetic processing, and, for example, the graphic processor and the sound processor execute video processing and audio processing, respectively, according to the arithmetic result.

An analog video signal, which is the result of the video processing by the graphic processor, is output from the video output terminal 42a and input to the television 20 via the AV cable 18 shown in FIG. An analog audio signal, which is the result of the audio processing by the sound processor, is output from the audio output terminal 42b and, like the analog video signal, the AV signal is output.
It is input to the television 20 via the cable 18.

Storage states of programs and data in the main body built-in ROM 34 and the external ROM 36 will be described with reference to FIG. A game program 34a, image data 34b, and music data 34c are stored (stored) in the ROM 34.

The memory cartridge 22 is the game device 12
If the power switch 12a is turned on or the reset button 12b is turned on when it is not attached to the
The game program 34a is started, system initialization,
Processing such as sequence control, game rule control, image display control and music reproduction control is performed. Image data 3
4b includes title screen data, profile / game mode selection screen data, song selection screen data, moving image data (arrow mark, life gauge, etc.), and game background image data. The music data 34c is composed of score data (including arrow mark appearance pattern data) and basic sound source data.

The ROM 36 also stores an additional game program 36a, additional image data 36b, and additional music data 36c. When the power button 12a is turned on or the reset button 12b is turned on while the memory cartridge 22 is attached to the game device 12, the additional game program 36a is started, and system initialization, sequence control, game rule control, Processing such as image display control and music reproduction control is performed. The additional image data 36b includes song selection screen data and additional game background screen data. Additional music data 36c
Is composed of musical score data (including arrow mark appearance pattern data) and additional sound source data.

However, the title screen data, profile / game mode selection screen data, moving image data, and basic sound source data stored in the ROM 34 and commonly used in dance games are also used when the additional game program 36a is started. .

The shapes of the memory cartridge 22 and the cartridge connector 38 are shown in FIGS. The substrate 2 is provided in the lower housing 22a of the memory cartridge 22.
2b is fixed, and a plurality of cartridge side terminals 22c, 22 are provided on the surface of the substrate 22b in the width (longitudinal) direction.
c, ... Are formed. Of these, the two cartridge-side terminals 221c and 222c located on one end side in the width direction of the substrate 22b are connected to each other to form a switch SW1.

On the other hand, the cartridge connector 38 is formed with a horizontally long insertion portion 38a for inserting the front ends of the lower housing 22a and the substrate 22b. Inside the insertion portion 38a, a plurality of widthwise (longitudinal) directions are provided. Connector-side terminals 38b, 38b, ... Are formed. As can be seen from FIG. 5, each connector-side terminal 38b is in close contact with the upper housing 38c at an appropriate position in the length direction, and is fixed at this position. The connector terminal 38b is bent from the upper housing 38c toward the insertion portion 38a, and is bent again toward the upper housing 38c. A plurality of rectangular openings are formed above the insertion portion 38a in the width direction, and one end of each connector-side terminal 38b is exposed from these openings.

A metal piece is provided at an appropriate position in the center in the width direction so as to straddle the two openings, and this metal piece forms the switch SW2. The two connector-side terminals 383b and 384b exposed from the two openings are electrically connected by the switch SW2 when an external force is not applied.

Lower housing 22a and substrate 22b
When the tip end of each of the connector side terminals 38b is inserted into the insertion portion 38a, the connector side terminals 38b are inserted into the lower housing 22a and the substrate 22
It is lifted by b and comes into contact with each cartridge side terminal 22c on the substrate 22b. Connector side terminal 381
b and 382b come into contact with the switch SW1, and thereby the connector side terminals 381b and 382b are short-circuited. On the other hand, the connector side terminals 383b and 384b are separated from the switch SW2, whereby the connector side terminal 3
83b and 384b are opened.

The connector side terminals 383b and 38
The cartridge side terminals 223c and 224c come into contact with 4b, but the cartridge side terminals 223c and 224
All of c are open, and the connector side terminal 383b
And 384b are not shorted.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the OE output port of the high speed processor 30 is the OE input port of the main body built-in ROM 34 and the external ROM 36 (when the cartridge is mounted).
The CE1 output port of the high-speed processor 30 is connected to
The connector side terminal 383b is connected to the CE input port of the external ROM 58 (when the cartridge is mounted), and the CE2 output port of the high speed processor 30 is the connector side terminal 381.
connected to b. On the other hand, the CE input port of the main body built-in ROM 56 is connected to the connector side terminals 382b and 384b. The system bus 32 is the address bus 32.
a and a data bus 32b, a high-speed processor 30,
The main body built-in ROM 34 and the external ROM 36 are also connected to each other by the two buses 32a and 32b.

The high speed processor 30 outputs the chip enable signal 1 or the chip enable signal 2 from the CE1 output port or the CE2 output port, and outputs the address bus 32.
The address signal is output through a, and the output enable signal is output from the OE output port. When the chip enable signal 1 or the chip enable signal 2 is input from the CE input port, the main body built-in ROM 34 and the external ROM 36 each recognize that they have been selected as the access destination, and the address signal and the output that are input almost at the same time. The data signal is output in response to the enable signal. The data signal is sent to the data bus 32.
It is provided to the high speed processor 30 through b.

The chip enable signal 1 and the chip enable signal 2 are output corresponding to different address values. That is, referring to FIG. 9, the upper 8-bit address value indicates any one of "00" to "3F", and the lower 16-bit address value indicates "FFFF" to "800".
When it indicates any one of "0" or when the address value of the upper 8 bits indicates any of "80" to "BF", the chip enable signal 1 is output. Indicates any of "60" to "7F", and the address value of the lower 16 bits is "FFF
When any of F "to" 8000 "is indicated, or when the address value of the higher 8 bits indicates any of" E0 "to" FF ", the chip enable signal 2 is output.

When the memory cartridge 22 is not mounted, the connector side terminals 383b and 384b are short-circuited by the switch SW2, and the connector side terminal 3
81b and 382b are opened. Then, the chip enable signal 1 is input to the CE input port of the ROM 34 incorporated in the main body, and the chip enable signal 2 is not input to any port. Since the high-speed processor 30 outputs the chip enable signal 1 and the chip enable signal 2 in the above-described manner, the game program 34a, the image data 34b, and the music data 34c (see FIG. 3) read from the main body built-in ROM 34 are shown in FIG. Mapped as shown.

That is, the upper 8 bits are "00" to "1".
F "and the lower 16 bits are" FFFF "to" 8 "
Game program 34a in the address space indicating "000"
Are mapped, and the upper 8 bits are “80” to “9F”
And the lower 16 bits are "FFFF" to "000".
The game program 34a, the image data 34b, and the music data 34c are all mapped in the address space indicating "0". In the high-speed processor 30, the upper 8 bits are "0".
Since the access is started from the address "0", the game program 56a is first executed when the power is turned on with the memory cartridge 22 not mounted.

When the memory cartridge 22 is installed,
The connector-side terminals 383b and 384b are opened, and the connector-side terminals 381b and 382b are short-circuited by the switch SW2. At this time, the chip enable signal 2 is input to the CE input port of the ROM 34 incorporated in the main body, and the chip enable signal 1 is input to the external ROM 36.
Is input to the CE input port. The game program 34a and the image data 3 read from the main body ROM 34
4b and music data 34c, and external ROM 36
The game program 36a, the additional image data 36b, and the additional music data 36c read from are mapped as shown in FIG.

That is, the upper 8 bits are "60" to "7".
F "and the lower 16 bits are" FFFF "to" 8 "
Game program 34a in the address space indicating "000"
Are mapped, and the upper 8 bits are “E0” to “FF”
And the lower 16 bits are "FFFF" to "000".
Game program 34a indicating 0 ", image data 34b
And the music data 34c is mapped. Further, the upper 8 bits indicate “00” to “3F”, and the lower 16
The game program 36a is mapped in the address space whose bits indicate "FFFF" to "8000", and the upper 8
The game program 36a, the additional image data 36b, and the additional music data 36c are mapped in an address space in which the bits indicate "80" to "BF" and the lower 16 bits indicate "FFFF" to "0000". Since the high speed processor 30 starts access from the address whose upper 8 bits are "00", when the power is turned on with the memory cartridge 22 mounted, the high speed processor 30 first executes the game program 36a.

As described above, the mapping state of the address space viewed from the high-speed processor 30 is made different depending on whether the memory cartridge 22 is not attached or not, so that the state of attachment / detachment of the memory cartridge 22 is changed. The internal ROM 34 and the external ROM 3
Each program stored in 6 can be started appropriately.

If an update program or correction program for the data or program stored in the internal ROM 34 of the main body is prepared in the external ROM 36, the update program or correction program is executed by mounting the memory cartridge 22, and the output video or output audio is output. Can be changed.

For example, in such a game device 12, the CPU 30a included in the high speed processor 30 is shown in FIG.
A dance game is executed by processing the flow chart shown in FIG. Power button 12 of game device 12
When a is turned on or the reset button 12b is turned on while the power is on, the CPU 30a starts the process, and in step S1, starts the game program and executes the system initialization process. At this time, as described above, the memory cartridge 22 is inserted into the game device 12.
The game program 34a or the additional game program 36a is activated depending on whether or not the game program is attached to the.

In a succeeding step S3, a title screen as shown in FIG. 17 is displayed on the screen 20a of the television 20.
Specifically, the CPU 30a reads out title screen data from the image data 34b stored in the ROM 34, performs video processing using a graphic processor, and then outputs it to the television 20 from the video output terminal 42a.

Hereinafter, when various screens are displayed, the same processing is executed except that the screen data to be used is different, and a detailed description will not be given each time.

As shown in FIG. 17, the title of the dance game is displayed on the game title screen and
A character indicating a switch of the controller to be operated in order to progress the dance game is displayed. In this embodiment, as can be seen from FIG. 17, the arrow mark “→” is displayed. Therefore, the player follows the title screen to display the first right switch 14e or the second right switch 16
The game can be advanced by stepping on (stepping) e, that is, by turning it on.

That is, in step S5, the CPU 3
0a is the first right switch 14e or the second right switch 1
It is determined whether 6e is on. In step S5, "N
O ", that is, the first right switch 14e and the second right switch 14e
If both the right switches 16e are not turned on, the process returns to the same step S5. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S5, that is, if either the first right switch 14e or the second right switch 16e is turned on, the step S7
Then, a profile selection screen as shown in FIG. 18 is displayed on screen 20.
Display in a.

Referring to FIG. 18, the profile selection screen displays items for selecting gender, age and weight (profile). In addition, the first player “1P” and the second player can move on each item of the profile.
A character (cursor) indicating the player "2P" is displayed. In addition, at the bottom of the profile selection screen, arrow marks “↑” and “↓” that indicate the switch of the controller that should be operated to move the cursor up and down.
Is displayed. Furthermore, arrow marks “→” and “←” indicating the switch of the controller to be operated for determining and canceling (returning) the profile are displayed.

For example, the 1P cursor can be moved to a desired item by operating the first upper switch 14b and the first lower switch 14c. Also,
The 2P cursor can be moved to a desired item by operating the second upper switch 16b and the second lower switch 16c.

Both the first player and the second player can select the profile. Specifically, the 1P or 2P cursor is moved to the desired item, and the first right switch 14e or the second right switch 16e is displayed.
When is turned on, the profile of the first player or the second player is determined to be the profile indicated by the 1P or 2P cursor. However, in the profile selection screen, the first left switch 14d or the second left switch 1
When 6d is turned on, the screen returns to the title screen described above.

If the first player and the second player simultaneously operate when selecting a profile, C
The PU 30a gives priority to the input signal from the first controller 14a and ignores the input signal from the second controller 16.

If there is no second player, there is no input signal from the second controller 16,
The CPU 30a can recognize that only the profile of the first player has been selected.

That is, when the CPU 30a displays the profile selection screen in step S7, it continues to step S9.
To move the cursor. As described above, in response to the operations of the first player and the second player, 1P
And move the 2P cursor up and down.

In this embodiment, the same applies to the cursor movement processing described later, so that
The detailed description will be omitted.

Succeedingly, in a step S11, it is determined whether or not the first left switch 14d or the second left switch 16d is turned on. That is, it is determined whether the player has selected "return". If “YES” in the step S11, that is, if one of the first left switch 14d and the second left switch 16d is turned on, it is determined that “return” is selected, and the process returns to the step S3 to display the title screen. To do.

On the other hand, if "NO" in the step S11, that is, if both the first left switch 14d and the second left switch 16d are not turned on, it is determined in a step S13 whether the first right switch 14e is turned on. To do.
If "NO" in the step S13, that is, if the first right switch 14e is not turned on, the process proceeds to a step S15. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S13, that is, if the first right switch 14e is turned on, the step S1
After the profile content change / confirmation process of the first player is executed in step 7, the process returns to step S7.

In step S15, the second right switch 16
It is determined whether or not e is turned on. If “NO” in the step S15, that is, if the second right switch 16e is not turned on, the process proceeds to a step S21 shown in FIG. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S15, that is, the second
If the right switch 16e is turned on, the profile content change / confirmation process of the second player is executed in step S19, and then the process returns to step S7.

The profile content change / confirmation processing of the first player will now be described. In step S17, the profile content change / confirmation processing as shown in FIG. 19 is performed.
A confirmation screen is displayed on the screen 20a. Although not shown in the ROM 34, the data of the default screen (screen in which no profile is entered) is stored together with the profile / game mode selection screen data included in the image data 34b.

On this profile content change / confirmation screen, the profile selected (determined) by the player on the profile selection screen described above is displayed. At the bottom of the profile content change / confirmation screen, arrow marks “←” and “→” of switches to be operated when changing / confirming (confirming) the content of the profile decided by the player are displayed.

Therefore, the player (first player)
If the content of the profile is correct, that is, if the confirmation is OK, turn on the first right switch 14e,
Confirm your profile. On the other hand, when changing the contents of the profile, the first left switch 14d is turned on.
Then, the profile selection screen shown in FIG. 18 is displayed, and the profile can be selected again.

In the second player profile content change / confirmation process, the same profile content change confirmation screen (including the profile selected by the second player) as in the case of the first player is displayed, and the same operation is performed. Therefore, duplicate description will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 13, in step S21,
It is determined whether or not the second player recognition switch 16a is on. That is, it is determined whether or not the second player exists. If “YES” in the step S21, that is, if the second player recognition switch 16a is on, it is determined that the second player exists, and the step S4 shown in FIG.
Proceed to 9.

On the other hand, if "NO" in the step S21, that is, if the second player recognition switch 16a is off, it is determined that the second player does not exist, and the step S21 is executed.
At 23, the two-player-only game mode is disabled. That is, the flag of the dance game dedicated to two-player play in the game program or the additional game program is turned off.

Thus, the second player recognition switch 1
The game mode is determined according to ON / OFF of 6a.

Succeedingly, in a step S25, a one-player game mode selection screen as shown in FIG. 20 is displayed. On this single-player game mode selection screen, items indicating game modes that can be played by one or two players are displayed. Also, as with the profile selection screen, arrow marks “↑”, “↓”, “←” and “→” that indicate switches to be operated (ON) to instruct selection, determination and cancellation (return) of a game mode. Etc. are displayed at the bottom of the screen.

In the single-player game mode selection screen, the items for the two-player-only game (in this embodiment,
The item of “raib mode” is not displayed. That is,
On the single-player game mode selection screen, the items for the two-player game only are disabled. However, in the single-player game mode selection screen, the item for the two-player game may be displayed in a lighter color than the other items so that the cursor cannot be moved to the item.

When the player operates the first upper switch 14b or the first lower switch 14c, a thick frame (cursor) having the same size as the frame surrounding the item is moved up and down. Then, when the desired item is selected and the first right switch 14e is turned on, the game mode indicated by the cursor is determined. However, when the first left switch 14d is turned on, the screen returns to the title screen described above.

In this embodiment, when the first left switch 14e is turned on in the one-player game mode selection screen, the title screen is displayed, but it is also possible to return to the profile selection screen.

That is, the CPU 30a executes the step S25.
When the one-player game mode selection screen is displayed in step S27, cursor movement processing is executed in step S27, and step S2
At 9, it is determined whether the first left switch 14d is on.
If “YES” in the step S29, that is, if the first left switch 14d is turned on, it is determined that “return” is selected, and the process returns to the step S3 shown in FIG. On the other hand, if "NO" in the step S29, that is, if the first left switch 14d is not turned on, it is determined in a step S31 whether the first right switch 14e is turned on.

If "NO" in the step S31, that is, if the first right switch 14e is not turned on, the process directly returns to the step S25. On the other hand, in step S31, "YE
If "S", that is, if the first right switch 14e is turned on, it is determined that the game mode is selected, and step S
At 33, a music selection screen as shown in FIG. 21 is displayed on the screen 20a.

Data corresponding to the music selection screen (music selection screen data) is stored in the ROM 34 and the ROM 36, and when the memory cartridge 22 is not installed, the image data 34b stored in the ROM 34.
When the memory cartridge 22 is mounted, both the song selection screen data stored in the ROM 34 and the song selection screen data of the additional image data 36b stored in the ROM 36 are read out. Be done.

With reference to FIG. 21, the song selection screen displays a list of items including the name of the song to be danced and the name of a singer or the like who plays or sings the song. A footstep mark is displayed in the lower right part of each item, and the difficulty level is represented by the footstep mark. Therefore, the difficulty level can be changed even for the same song, and as shown in FIG. 21, items having different difficulty levels are prepared for the same song. At the bottom of the song selection screen, like the profile selection screen,
Arrow mark "↑", "↓" on the switch operated to instruct selection, decision and cancellation (return) of the song
“←” and “→” are displayed.

In this embodiment, the difficulty level increases as the number of footprint marks increases. For example, as a method of increasing the difficulty level, it is conceivable to increase the number of steps of the player or display a white arrow mark (see FIG. 22) described later so that the step becomes difficult.

The player selects an item based on the two factors of the song and the difficulty level. Specifically, by turning on the first upper switch 14b or the first lower switch 14c, a thick frame (cursor) having the same size as the frame surrounding each item
Is moved up and down. When the desired song and the item of difficulty are selected and the first right switch 14e is turned on,
The item (song) indicated by the cursor can be determined.

Since many songs other than those displayed on the song selection screen of FIG. 21 are prepared, the screen is scrolled by turning on the first upper switch 14b or the first lower switch 14c. It is also possible to (roll up or roll down) and select a song other than that shown in FIG.

That is, the CPU 30a causes the step S33.
When the song selection screen is displayed with, the cursor movement process is executed in step S35, and the first left switch 1 is executed in step S37.
It is determined whether 4d is turned on. Step S37
If “YES” in step S11, that is, if the first left switch 14d is turned on, it is determined that “return” is selected, and the process directly returns to step S25. On the other hand, in step S37, "N
If it is "O", that is, if the first left switch 14d is not turned on, it is determined in step S39 shown in FIG. 14 whether the first right switch 14e is turned on.

If "NO" in the step S39, that is, if the first right switch 14e is not turned on, the process returns to the step S33 shown in FIG. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S39, that is, if the first right switch 14e is turned on, it is determined that the song is selected, and the step S41 is performed.
The one-player game is executed in the game mode, song and difficulty selected in.

For example, the player selects (determines)
A game program corresponding to the selected game mode, song and difficulty level is started, and sequence control, game rule control, image display control and music reproduction control are executed in accordance with them. Also, moving image data (arrow mark, life gauge, etc.) corresponding to the determined game mode, song and difficulty level, game background screen, music score data (including arrow mark appearance pattern data) and basic sound source data are read from the ROM 34. Be done.

However, when the memory cartridge 22 is attached to the game apparatus 12 and the additional program 36a stored in the ROM 36 is activated, the additional game background screen, the score data, and the additional sound source data are read from the ROM 36.

In the single-player game mode, a single-player game screen (1P play screen) as shown in FIG.
Is displayed on the screen 20a. On the 1P play screen,
A game screen for the player is displayed. On this game screen, the white arrow mark (white arrow mark) scrolls upward from the bottom, and the black arrow mark is displayed. When the white arrow mark reaches the step position. The player turns on the switches 14b to 14e of the first controller 14 corresponding to the white arrow mark. Further, the items (song name and difficulty level) determined on the song selection screen are displayed at the bottom of the 1P play screen.

Although not shown, a background image is also displayed on the game screen and other areas.

While such a 1P play screen is displayed, the music (music) selected by the player is output from the speaker (not shown) of the television 20. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 30a reads out score data and basic sound source data (and additional sound source data) corresponding to the music (music) selected by the player from the music data 34c / additional music data 36c. , Sound processor performs sound processing, and outputs the sound from the sound output terminal 42b to the television 20. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG.
The musical score data stored in the M34 and the ROM 36 includes the appearance pattern of the white arrow marks shown in FIG. 22 and the like, and the display of the white arrow marks and the like is controlled according to the appearance pattern. . That is, the CPU 30
a is the same ROM 34 / ROM 36 as the ROM 34 / ROM 36 that reads out the moving image data stored in the ROM 34 and the musical score data corresponding to the song selected by the player.
The game background screen data / additional background screen data stored in is read, the graphic processor performs video processing according to the appearance pattern included in the score data, and outputs the video output terminal 42a to the television 20.

Therefore, the music selected by the player (determined) and the 1P play screen corresponding to the music are displayed on the TV 20.
Is output from the player, the step motion of the player is guided, and the dance game proceeds.

As shown in FIG. 22, the life screen and the number of calories consumed are displayed on the game screen of the 1P play screen. The life gauge is divided into a plurality of segments, and when the player can turn on the accurate switches 14b to 14e in a timely manner when the white arrow mark reaches the step position, 1 One or more predetermined number of segments is increased or decreased. However, the number of increasing / decreasing the life gauge may be fixed or may be changed according to the degree of difficulty.

The calorie consumption is basically calculated according to the amount of exercise of the player. That is, if the number of steps of the player, that is, the number of times the switches 14b to 14e are turned on is counted by a counter (not shown), a simple amount of exercise can be known. Therefore, the momentum can be measured regardless of the accuracy of the step motion. further,
An approximate calorie consumption can be calculated by adjusting the increase amount of calorie consumption in consideration of the profile (sex, age and weight). That is, if a calorie table corresponding to the count value (exercise amount) or a calorie increase amount table corresponding to the profile is prepared in advance, the calorie consumption can be easily calculated and displayed. For example, if a player is relatively heavy,
The amount of calories consumed is increased.

The game progresses in this way, and the game ends when the performance of the tune ends or when the life gauge reaches 0 according to the game mode. Specifically, if the game mode is "family mode", the game does not end even when the life gauge becomes 0, and the game ends when the performance of the song ends. Also, the game modes are "Oni-chan / Onee-chan mode" and "Daddy
In the "mama mode", the game ends when the life gauge reaches 0.

In the game, if the player wears the heartbeat sensor unit 24 on his / her body (for example, wrist or ear), the heartbeat of the player can be detected.
Therefore, when the heart rate becomes abnormally high, it is possible to control the progress of the game midway, such as slowing down the tempo of the song.

Further, in this embodiment, in the "Family mode" and the "Oni-chan / Onee-chan mode", one song selected on the song selection screen is played.
In "Daddy mama mode", multiple songs are played continuously. Therefore, when “Daddy / Mama mode” is selected, a plurality of songs may be selected on the song selection screen as described above, or although not shown, a plurality of predetermined courses may be selected. You can do it.

After executing the one-player game in step S41, the CPU 30a determines in the following step S43 whether or not the game is over. “NO” in step S43
If so, that is, if the performance of the song has not ended or the life gauge has not reached 0, it is determined that the game has not ended, and the process returns to step S41.

On the other hand, if "YES" in the step S43, that is, if the performance of the song is finished or the life gauge becomes 0, it is determined that the game is over, and the step S4 is performed.
Go to 5. In step S45, although not shown, 1
Display the result screen for human play. The single player result screen is the same as the 1P play screen except that the white arrow mark is not displayed and the arrow mark "→" indicating the switch to be operated for the game progress is displayed at the bottom of the screen. Yes, life gauge and calorie consumption are fixed by the memory and numerical value at the end of the game.

Then, in step S47, it is determined whether or not the first right switch is on. “NO” in step S47
If so, that is, if the first right switch is not turned on,
It returns to the same step S47. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S47, that is, if the first right switch 14e is turned on, the process returns to the step S33 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 15, in step S49, the two-player-only game mode is activated. That is, the flag for the two-player play-only game in the sequence of the game program is turned on. In a succeeding step S51, a two-player game mode selection screen as shown in FIG. 23 is displayed. This two-player game mode selection screen is the same as the one-player game mode selection screen shown in FIG. 20 except that the two-player dedicated game mode item is added (selectable). Also, since the operation method is the same, duplicate description will be omitted.

That is, the CPU 30a causes the step S51.
When the two-player game mode selection screen is displayed in step S51, cursor movement processing is executed in step S51, and step S51 is executed.
55 for the first left switch 14d or the second left switch 16
It is determined whether d is turned on.

In the cursor movement processing, CP
U30a moves a cursor up and down according to the input signal from both the 1st controller 14 and the 2nd controller 16. However, when there are input signals from both the first controller 14 and the second controller 16 at the same time, the input signal from the first controller 14 is given priority and the cursor is moved accordingly. Hereinafter, the same applies when the first controller 14 and the second controller 16 can be operated simultaneously.

If "YES" in the step S55, that is, the first left switch 14d or the second left switch 16d.
If is turned on, the process returns to step S3 shown in FIG.
On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S55, that is, the first
If either the left switch 14d or the second left switch 16d is turned on, it is determined in step S57 whether the first right switch 14e or the second right switch 16e is turned on.

If "NO" in the step S57, that is, if both the first right switch 14e and the second right switch 16e are not turned on, the process returns to the step S51. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S57, that is, the first
When either the right switch 14e or the second right switch 16e is turned on, the music selection screen as shown in FIG. 21 is displayed in step S59.

Note that, in step S59, the operation is the same as the above-described music selection operation except that two players can perform an operation for selecting a music, and therefore a duplicated description will be omitted.

That is, the CPU 30a carries out step S59.
When the song selection screen is displayed with, the cursor movement process is executed in step S61, and the first left switch 1 is executed in step S63.
4d or the second left switch 16d is turned on.

If "YES" in the step S63, that is, the first left switch 14d and the second left switch 16d.
If either one of these is turned on, the process returns to step S51. On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S63, that is, if both the first left switch 14d and the second left switch 16d are not turned on, the process proceeds to a step S65 shown in FIG.

In step S65, the first right switch 14
e or whether the second right switch 16e is on or not. If "NO" in the step S65, that is, if both the first right switch 14e and the second right switch 16e are not turned on, it is determined that the song is not selected, and the process returns to the step S59. On the other hand, “YES” in the step S65
If so, that is, if one of the first right switch 14e and the second right switch 16e is turned on, it is determined that a song is selected, and two persons are selected according to the game mode, song and difficulty level selected in step S67. Run the game for play.

When the 2-play game is started, FIG.
A play screen for two-player play (2P play screen) is displayed on the screen 20a as shown in FIG. On this 2P play screen, game screens for the first player and the second player are displayed on the screen 20a of the television 20. However, like the 1P play screen, only one item indicating the song title and the difficulty level is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

For example, in the "Family Mode", "Oni-chan / One-chan Mode" or "Daddy / Mama Mode" game modes, the two single-player games described above are in progress at the same time. Also,
In the “raibaru mode”, it is possible to develop a game in which the first player and the second player compete.

That is, in the "Family mode", "Oni-chan / Onee-chan mode" or "Daddy-mama mode" game modes, when the white arrow mark reaches the step position during the game, step at a proper timing. If you can, you can increase the life gauge, but in the "Raibaru mode", you can reduce the life gauge of the opponent. Although illustration is omitted, if an arrow mark (attack arrow mark) of a color or shape different from the white arrow mark is displayed and the attack arrow mark can be stepped at the step position in a timely manner, the opponent's play Can interfere with. For example, multiple types of attack arrow marks are prepared, and it is possible to mask a part of the game screen of the opponent player, or to increase the moving speed (scrolling speed) of the outline arrow mark of the opponent player. You can

In this way, the dance game in each game mode proceeds, and the CPU 30a determines in step S69 whether or not the game is over. In other words, the performance of the song ends, or the life gauge of either player reaches 0.
Determine whether or not. If “NO” in the step S69, that is, the performance of the song is not finished,
If the life gauges of both players are not 0, it is determined that the game is not over, the process returns to step S67, and the dance game is continued. On the other hand, "YES" in the step S69.
If so, that is, if the performance of the song ends or the life gauge of either player becomes 0, it is determined that the game is over, and in step S71, although not shown, the result for two-player play Display the screen.

The result screen for two-player play is almost the same as the 2P play screen, and the white arrow mark and the like displayed during the play are not displayed, and the switches to be operated for advancing the game at the bottom of the screen. The arrow mark “→” is displayed. Also, the life gauge and the calorie consumption are fixed at the end of the game.

Therefore, in step S73, it is determined whether the first right switch 14e or the second right switch 16e is on. If “NO” in the step S73,
That is, the first right switch 14e and the second right switch 16
If both e are not turned on, the process returns to the same step S73. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S73, that is, if one of the first right switch 14e and the second right switch 16e is turned on, the process returns to the step S59 shown in FIG.

According to this embodiment, since only the first controller or the second controller is used during the setting of the game mode or during the play, there is no need to operate the manual controller. That is, the operation is easy.

The various settings such as the game mode, the game rules, the game progress, and the various screens shown in this embodiment are merely examples, and it goes without saying that these can be freely modified by the programmer or the designer.

In this embodiment, the player recognition switch is provided on both the first controller and the second controller. However, since it is sufficient to detect the presence or absence of at least the second player, the first controller recognizes the player. There is no need to provide a switch.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the one-player game mode, the player operates by using the first controller, but the one-player game can be enjoyed by using the second controller. In this case, for example, 1 including only the game screen for the second player
The P play screen is displayed. However, in this case, it is necessary to recognize the presence or absence of the player and the number of players based on the outputs of the player recognition switches of the first controller and the second controller to advance the game.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an illustrative view showing a system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a system shown in FIG. 1 embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an illustrative view showing a storage state of a main body built-in ROM shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is an illustrative view showing a storage state of an external ROM shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is an external view showing the shapes of a cartridge connector and a memory cartridge.

FIG. 6 is an illustrative view showing shapes of a cartridge connector and a memory cartridge.

FIG. 7 is an illustrative view showing a connection state of a high-speed processor and a main body built-in ROM.

FIG. 8: High-speed processor, built-in ROM and external RO
It is an illustration figure which shows the connection state of M.

FIG. 9 is an illustrative view showing an address space as seen from a high speed processor.

FIG. 10 is an illustrative view showing a mapping state of an address space when a memory cartridge is not attached.

FIG. 11 is an illustrative view showing a mapping state of an address space when a memory cartridge is mounted.

12 is a flowchart showing a part of the processing by the CPU shown in FIG.

13 is a flowchart showing another portion of the processing by the CPU shown in FIG.

14 is a flowchart showing another portion of the processing by the CPU shown in FIG.

15 is a flowchart showing yet another portion of the processing by the CPU shown in FIG.

16 is a flowchart showing another portion of the processing by the CPU shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 is an illustrative view showing one example of a title screen of a dance game.

FIG. 18 is an illustrative view showing one example of a dance game profile selection screen.

FIG. 19 is an illustrative view showing one example of a profile content change / confirmation screen of a dance game.

FIG. 20 is an illustrative view showing one example of a game mode selection screen of a dance game.

FIG. 21 is an illustrative view showing one example of a song selection screen of the dance game.

FIG. 22 is an illustrative view showing one example of a 1P play screen of the dance game.

FIG. 23 is an illustrative view showing another example of the game mode selection screen of the dance game.

FIG. 24 is an illustrative view showing one example of a 2P play screen of the dance game.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 ... System 12 ... Game device 14, 16 ... Controller 18 ... AV cable 20 ... TV 22 ... Memory cartridge 24 ... Heart rate sensor 30 ... High-speed processor 32 ... System bus 34 ... ROM in the main unit 36 ... Memory cartridge ROM

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G10K 15/04 G10K 15/04 302G (72) Inventor Masahiro Matsumoto 1-6-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Konami Stock Company (72) Inventor Kenji Ito 1-6-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Konami Stock Company (72) Inventor Ryo Komatsu 1-6-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Konami Stock Ceremony In-house F-term (reference) 2C001 AA03 BA01 BA07 BB08 BB10 BD07 CA01 CB06 CC02 CC08 5D108 CA04 CA07 CA15 CA25

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A dance game device including a game processor that displays a guide screen for guiding a player's step motion on a display device, outputs music corresponding to the guide screen, and detects the step motion to progress the game. A sheet-like foot switch connected to the game processor and including at least a presence detection switch for detecting the presence or absence of the player and a plurality of step detection switches for detecting the step motion, wherein the game processor is the sheet-like foot switch. A dance game device, characterized in that a mode determination process for determining a game mode is executed according to an input from a switch. 2. The game processor is configured to be connectable to first and second sheet-shaped foot switches, and the game processor performs the mode determination processing in response to an input from the first and second sheet-shaped foot switches. The dance game device according to claim 1, which is executed. 3. The game processor recognizes the number of players according to an input from each of the presence / absence detection switches of the first and second sheet-like foot switches, and a game that can be selected according to the number of players. The dance game device according to claim 2, wherein the mode is displayed on the display. 4. The game processor sets the game mode in response to an input from the step detection switch of the first sheet foot switch when there is no input from the presence detection switch of the second sheet foot switch. The dance game device according to claim 3, wherein the dance game device is determined. 5. The game processor, when receiving an input from the presence / absence detection switches of the first and second sheet-shaped foot switches, the step of the first sheet-shaped foot switch or the second sheet-shaped foot switch. The dance game device according to claim 3, wherein the game mode is determined according to an input from a detection switch. 6. The dance game apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the game processor disables the two-player play-only game mode when the number of players is one. 7. The game processor further comprises a built-in memory coupled to the game processor, wherein the built-in memory prestores a game program, image data, and music data, and the game processor is selectable based on the music data. 7. The dance game device according to claim 1, wherein a song title is displayed on the display as a song selection screen. 8. A connector connected to the game processor and a memory cartridge inserted into the connector, wherein additional image data and additional music data are stored in advance in the memory cartridge. The dance game device according to claim 7, wherein a song name selectable based on music data and the additional music data is displayed on the display as the song selection screen. 9. The game processor further displays a profile selection screen on the display, determines a profile of the player according to an input from a step detection switch of the sheet-shaped foot switch, and determines the profile of the player. 9. The dance game device according to claim 1, wherein the calorie consumption is calculated based on, and displayed on the display.