JP4151189B2 - Music game apparatus and method, and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a music game apparatus capable of learning music-related knowledge, musical instrument playing skills, and the like while playing a game, and more particularly to a music game apparatus and method and a storage medium capable of happily advancing learning by enhancing game entertainment. .
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, when teaching music to children, etc., the instructor teaches and learns musical knowledge such as scale, chords, rhythm, and length of sound while listening to the specified keys on the piano etc. Is done. In addition, with regard to musical instrument performance techniques such as pianos, instructors actually play musical instruments to teach children and the like. By the way, recently, music-related game apparatuses that can acquire music knowledge and musical instrument performance techniques independently without an instructor have become widespread. That is, a conventionally known music game device has a game controller shaped like a musical instrument, and music knowledge and musical instrument playing techniques can be acquired by operating the game controller while operating the game controller. It can be done. For example, by using a game controller simulating a piano keyboard and operating the keyboard of the game controller so as to correspond to the notes displayed on the screen, the correspondence between the contents displayed on the screen and the keyboard Music game apparatuses that allow users to learn key release timing and the like are already widely known.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, music game devices that have been known so far have mainly been intended for learning music knowledge and musical instrument playing techniques, so that only musical notes, music symbols, etc. are displayed on the screen. Yes, the operator simply operated the game controller in accordance with changes in the display of notes, music symbols, etc. on the screen. Therefore, it is not interesting for the operator and lacks entertainment, especially because it is very boring for children etc., it is difficult to interest in music and music learning cannot last long There was a problem.
In addition, in such a music game apparatus, since a game operation cannot be performed without using a dedicated game controller that imitates the shape of a predetermined musical instrument, a different type of musical instrument operation is learned. There was a problem that it was not possible. Furthermore, since the game controller main body does not produce a sound in accordance with the operation, it cannot be denied that it lacks realism compared to the performance using the actual natural musical instrument, and the performance when the natural musical instrument is played for the operator. There was a problem that it was inconvenient unlike the sense.
[0004]
  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and by making it possible to acquire music knowledge and instrument performance techniques in a highly entertaining game format, it is fun to learn music knowledge and instrument performance techniques without getting tired. It is intended to provide a music game apparatus and method that can be continued, and a storage medium.The
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The music game device according to the present invention is:1Or multiple notesofWith displayAt least 2 matchesDisplay control means for generating a character and displaying it on a display;musicsAn operation means for a player to perform a performance operation,The operating means is associated with the first character of the at least two fighting characters, and is performed by the player using the operating means.Generating performance information according to performance operations, andDisplay on the display via display control meansSaidOne or morenoteAs the time changes,The movement of the first character displayed on the display via the display control meansBy the operation meansRThe performance information generatedIn response to theControl means to controlThe information of the one or more notes displayed on the display is compared with the performance information generated by the first operation means to display the one or more notes on the display. In response, it is determined whether or not a performance operation according to the one or more displayed notes has been performed via the operation means, and it is determined that a performance operation according to the one or more displayed notes has been performed Is a predetermined attack technique corresponding to the displayed one or more notes against another second character whose first character associated with the operation means that has been operated is the opponent. The first process for controlling the movement of the first character associated with the operation means that has been operated is different from the case where the number of displayed notes is one and the case where a plurality of notes are displayed. type The predetermined attack technique is assigned, a performance phrase for defense against the attack technique that the second character delivers is predetermined, and when the second character delivers an attack technique, And the performance information generated by the operation means is compared to determine whether or not a performance operation according to the performance phrase for the defense has been performed via the operation means. If it is determined that a performance operation according to the performance phrase for the operation has been performed, the performance operation is performed so that the first character associated with the operation means that has been operated for performing a predetermined movement for defense. And a second process for controlling the movement of the first character associated with the operation means, and the first process applied by the first character based on the determination result in the first process. Depending on a predetermined attack technique type and a state of defense of the second character against this, a third process for scoring a performance operation by the player of the first character, and a determination result in the second process A fourth process for scoring a performance operation by the player of the first character according to a type of attack technique that the second character has played and a state of defense of the first character against the attack technique; Executing a fifth process of counting the total of the scores in the third process and the fourth process as the score of the player of the first character;It is something that has.
[0006]
  According to the present invention, there is provided a first operation means for generating at least two fighting characters accompanied by one or a plurality of note display objects and displaying them on a display, and for performing a music performance operation by a player. Using the first operation means associated with the first character among the at least two battle characters, performance information corresponding to the performance operation performed by the player is generated and displayed on the display. The one or more notes are changed with time, and the movement of the first character displayed on the display is controlled according to the performance information generated by the first operating means. In that case, by configuring the first to fifth processes to be executed by the first control means, while taking the form of a battle game, It is configured to be able to give a score as a game when an appropriate music performance operation according to the indicated notes is performed, so that both the entertainment and the music performance practice function are combined, and the user (player) is interested. It has an excellent effect that it can be used to practice music performance.
Further, when controlling the movement of the first character associated with the first operation means that has been operated to perform a predetermined attack technique corresponding to the displayed one or more notes, Different types of the predetermined attack technique are assigned to the case where the displayed note is one and a plurality of cases (first process), and the predetermined attack technique applied by the first character Since the performance operation by the player of the first character is scored according to the type and the state of defense of the second character against this (third process), the type of attack technique ( The degree of difficulty) and the degree of success are scored, and a high incentive can be given to the user (player).
In addition, a performance phrase for defense against an attack technique that the opponent (second character) delivers is predetermined, and when the opponent delivers an attack technique, a performance operation according to the defense performance phrase is appropriate. The second character is appropriately controlled (second processing), and the second character has advanced the attack technique and the first character's defense state against this, Since the performance operation by the player of the first character is scored (fourth processing), scoring is performed according to the degree of success of defense against the attack technique. High incentives can be given to (players).
  In this way, it is possible not only to perform performances such as playing music or music performance phrases, but also to exhibit both entertainment and music performance practice as a battle game in both offensive and defensive aspects. A rich music game device can be provided. Also,Music in a highly entertaining game formatPerformance practiceSo thatuser(player)Is funInmusicsPerformance practiceTheContinueBe able to
[0007]
  The present inventionAccording to the present invention, there is provided an interface device for detachably connecting a second operation means for a player to perform a music performance operation, wherein the second operation means is the second of the at least two fighting characters. Associated with the second character, generating performance information corresponding to the performance operation performed by the player using the second operation means, and displaying on the display via the display control means Second control means for controlling movement of the second character based on performance information generated from the second operation means connected via the interface device or automatically according to a predetermined program; May be further provided.
  In this way, the movement of the second character displayed on the display is controlled based on performance information generated from the second operation means connected via the interface device or automatically according to a predetermined program. By configuring as described above, the music game can be in any form of a music game in which the human players play against each other, or a music game in which the human players play against the fighting characters that are automatically moved according to a predetermined program inside the apparatus. And the function as a music game device can be expanded.
[0008]
  As an example, the display control unit generates the display object of the one or a plurality of notes in association with each battle character and displays the display object on the display, respectively, and the second control unit includes the display control unit. The one or more notes to be displayed on the display in association with the second character via a time change, and the movement of the second character displayed on the display via the display control means According to the performance information generated by the second operation means, and the information on the one or more notes displayed on the display in association with the second character and the first information The performance information generated by the two operation means is compared, and the first information is displayed in response to the display of the one or more notes on the display. It is determined whether or not a performance operation according to the one or more displayed notes is performed via the operation means, and when it is determined that a performance operation according to the one or more displayed notes is performed, A predetermined attack technique corresponding to the one or a plurality of displayed notes against the first character whose second character associated with the second operation means that has been operated is the opponent. A first process for controlling the movement of the second character associated with the second operating means that has been operated, and a case where the number of displayed notes is one and a plurality The predetermined attack technique of a different type is assigned, and a performance phrase for defense against the attack technique that the first character delivers is predetermined, and the first character has deployed the attack technique. The defensive performance phrase is compared with the performance information generated by the second operation means, and a performance operation according to the defensive performance phrase is performed via the second operation means. If it is determined that a performance operation according to the performance phrase for defense has been performed, the second character associated with the second operation means that has been subjected to the performance operation is protected. A second process for controlling the movement of the second character associated with the second operation means that has been operated to perform a predetermined movement, and the first of the second control means. Based on the result of the determination in the process, a performance operation by the player of the second character is performed in accordance with the type of the predetermined attack technique applied by the second character and the state of defense of the first character against this. Based on the third process of scoring and the determination result in the second process of the second control means, the type of attack technique that the first character has delivered, and the state of defense of the second character against this In response to the second character, the fourth process of scoring the performance operation by the player of the second character, and the sum of the scoring in the third process and the fourth process of the second control means is the second character. And a fifth process of summing up the player's score.
[0009]
The present invention can be constructed and implemented not only as an apparatus invention but also as a method invention. Further, the present invention can be implemented in the form of a program of a processor such as a computer or a DSP, or can be implemented in the form of a storage medium storing such a program.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0011]
FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration block diagram showing an embodiment of a music game apparatus according to the present invention.
The music game apparatus shown in this embodiment is controlled by a microcomputer comprising a microprocessor unit (CPU) 1, a read only memory (ROM) 2 and a random access memory (RAM) 3. The CPU 1 controls the operation of the entire music game apparatus. A read only memory (ROM) 2, a random access memory (RAM) 3, a switch detection circuit 4, a display circuit 5, a sound source circuit 6, an effect circuit 7, and an external storage device are connected to the CPU 1 via a data and address bus 1D. 8, a MIDI interface (I / F) 9 and a communication interface 10 are connected to each other. Further, the CPU 1 is connected to a timer 1A for measuring the interrupt time and various times in the timer interrupt process (interrupt process). That is, the timer 1A generates tempo clock pulses for counting time intervals and setting the tempo of automatic performance. The frequency of the tempo clock pulse is adjusted by a tempo setting switch or the like in the various switches 4A. Such a tempo clock pulse from the timer 1A is given to the CPU 1 as a processing timing command or to the CPU 1 as an interrupt command. In accordance with these instructions, the CPU 1 executes various processes during the music game execution. The various processes include, for example, a screen display process for displaying a game on the screen, an automatic performance process for playing BGM (background music) flowing during the game, and the like.
Note that this music game device is not limited to a dedicated device. For example, the music game device is a general-purpose device such as a computer such as a personal computer or a multimedia device that can enjoy a music game by using predetermined software. There may be.
[0012]
The ROM 2 stores various programs executed by or referred to by the CPU 1 (for example, various music game processing programs to be described later), various data (for example, command conversion tables to be described later), and the like. The RAM 3 stores various game information and automatic performance information related to the music game, a working memory that temporarily stores various data generated when the CPU 1 executes the program, or stores the currently running program and related data. Used as memory etc. A predetermined address area of the RAM 3 is assigned to each function and used as a register, flag, table, memory, or the like. The switch 4A includes various operators for instructing the game progress speed of the music game or inputting various conditions during the music game. For example, a numeric keypad for inputting numeric data, a keyboard for inputting character data, or a panel switch. Of course, in addition to these, various operators for selecting, setting and controlling the pitch, timbre, effect and the like may be included. The switch detection circuit 4 detects the operation state of each operator of the switch 4A, and outputs switch information corresponding to the operation state to the CPU 1 via the data and address bus 1D. The display circuit 5 displays the contents of the music game on a display 5A composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), a CRT, etc., as well as various information related to the music game such as the difficulty level or the control state of the CPU 1 Displayed on the display 5A.
[0013]
The tone generator circuit 6 can simultaneously generate musical tone signals in a plurality of channels, inputs data and performance information given via the address bus 1D, and generates musical tone signals based on the data. The musical tone signal generated from the sound source circuit 6 is generated via the sound system 7A. The effect circuit 7 gives various effects to the musical sound signal generated from the sound source circuit 6. Any tone signal generation method in the tone generator circuit 6 may be used. For example, a waveform memory reading method for sequentially reading out musical tone waveform sample value data stored in a waveform memory in accordance with address data that changes in response to the pitch of a musical tone to be generated, or a predetermined angle as phase angle parameter data. A known method such as an FM method for obtaining musical tone waveform sample value data by executing frequency modulation computation or an AM method for obtaining musical tone waveform sample value data by executing predetermined amplitude modulation computation using the address data as phase angle parameter data. May be adopted as appropriate. That is, the method of the tone generator circuit 6 may be any method such as a waveform memory method, FM method, physical model method, harmonic synthesis method, formant synthesis method, VCO + VCF + VCA analog synthesizer method, analog simulation method, and the like. In addition, the tone generator circuit 6 may be configured using a DSP and a microprogram, or a CPU and software, without being limited to the configuration of the tone generator circuit 6 using dedicated hardware. Further, a plurality of sound generation channels may be formed by using one circuit in a time division manner, or one sound generation channel may be formed by one circuit.
[0014]
The external storage device 8 stores data related to control of music data used in the music game and various programs related to the music game executed by the CPU 1. When the control program is not stored in the ROM 2, the control program is stored in the external storage device 8 (for example, a hard disk) and read into the RAM 3 to store the control program in the ROM 2. A similar operation can be performed by the CPU 1. In this way, control programs can be easily added and upgraded. The external storage device 8 is not limited to a hard disk (HD), but a floppy disk (FD), a compact disk (CD-ROM / CD-RAM), a magneto-optical disk (MO), a DVD (abbreviation for Digital Versatile Disk), or the like. The storage device may use various forms of external storage media that are detachable.
[0015]
The MIDI interface (I / F) 9, 9 'inputs MIDI standard performance information (MIDI data) from the MIDI controller 9A, 9A' or the like to the music game device, or performs MIDI standard performance from the music game device. This is an interface for outputting information (MIDI data) to the MIDI controllers 9A, 9A 'and the like. The MIDI controllers 9A and 9A ′ are controllers that generate MIDI data in response to an operation by the player, and include any type of operation elements such as a keyboard type, a guitar type, a wind instrument type, a percussion instrument type, and a hybrid type (or It may be a controller (consisting of operation modes). Of course, when a plurality of MIDI controllers 9A and 9A ′ are used, the respective types (or operation modes) may be different or the same. A normal full-fledged MIDI musical instrument can be used as the controller 9A (9A '). The communication interface 10 is connected to a communication network 10B such as a LAN, the Internet, or a telephone line. The communication interface 10 is connected to the server computer 10A via the general communication network 10B, and receives control programs and various data from the server computer 10A. This is an interface for taking in the game device. That is, when no control program or various data is stored in the ROM 2 or the hard disk, it is used for downloading the control program or various data from the server computer 10A. The music game device serving as a client transmits a command requesting download of a control program and various data to the server computer 10A via the communication interface 10 and the communication network 10B. Upon receiving this command, the server computer 10A distributes the requested control program and data to the apparatus via the communication network 10B, and the apparatus receives the control program and various data via the communication interface 10. And downloading to the hard disk.
Note that the MIDI interfaces 9 and 9A ′ are not limited to those using a dedicated MIDI interface, but a MIDI interface using a general-purpose interface such as RS232-C, USB (Universal Serial Bus), IEEE 1394 (I-Triple 1394), or the like. 9, 9 'may be configured. In this case, data other than MIDI event data may be transmitted and received simultaneously. In the present embodiment, the configuration example using the two MIDI controllers 9A and 9A 'is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is sufficient that at least one MIDI controller 9A can be used, and three or more MIDI controllers are used. The controller 9A may be usable. When the general-purpose interface as described above is used as the MIDI interface 9, the MIDI controller 9A may be able to transmit / receive data other than MIDI event data. Of course, the data format of the music performance information is not limited to MIDI, but may be any other format. In that case, the interface 9 and the controller 9A are configured accordingly.
[0016]
As described above, in this embodiment, the CPU 1 performs processing related to the music game (music game processing) and the like. That is, the music game is executed by the CPU 1 executing a predetermined program (software) according to the user's operation of the switch 4A. Of course, the present invention is not limited to the form of computer software, and can be implemented in the form of a microprogram processed by a DSP (digital signal processor). The present invention is not limited to this form of software program, and a discrete circuit or You may implement in the form of the dedicated hardware apparatus comprised including the integrated circuit or the large-scale integrated circuit, or the gate array. Hereinafter, various examples of the “music game process” executed by the CPU 1 will be described with reference to the drawings corresponding to the respective examples.
[0017]
First, an example of performing a “music game” in the form of a shooting game will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of display contents of a music game performed in the form of a shooting game. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of “music game processing” for playing a music game in the form of the shooting game shown in FIG.
When the music game is started, the cannon 101 is displayed on the display 5A. Then, one or a plurality of characters 100 (hereinafter simply referred to as “note characters”) expressing the notes in order over time are sequentially displayed on the display 5A. In this embodiment, each note character 100 is displayed so as to move from the right end of the display 5A to the left end of the display 5A as time elapses. That is, each note character 100 appears from the right end of the display 5A as time passes, moves to the left end, and disappears. As an example, each note character 100 is provided with a note display on a 5-line score. The note display (note name, note length, etc.) attached to the note character 100 may be determined randomly, or may be based on a melody or accompaniment of a predetermined song. In this case, the user may be able to select and set whether the appearance form of the note character 100 is randomly determined or associated with the progress of a predetermined song. In addition, when associated with the progress of a predetermined song, the user may select and set the associated song. In this case, the music that determines the appearance form of the note character 100 may be automatically played, or may be played manually by another person.
[0018]
As a way of playing, for example, the player views the note character 100 appearing on the display 5A, and inputs the pitch instruction information corresponding to the note by operating the keyboard or the like on the MIDI controller 9A. When an appropriate pitch is input from the MIDI controller 9A, the bullet 102 is displayed as if the bullet 102 was fired from the cannon 101 in accordance with the pitch input. The bullet 102 advances toward a predetermined note character 100 as time passes. At this time, if the pitch of the note attached to the displayed note character 100 matches the pitch input from the MIDI controller 9A, the bullet 102 fired from the cannon 101 is the input sound. The note character 100 on which a note display with a pitch that matches the pitch is hit, and the note character 100 is dropped. If the pitches do not match, the bullet 102 does not hit the note character 100 and the note character 100 continues to move. When the note character 100 is dropped (that is, when the pitch that matches the note display is correctly input from the MIDI controller 9A), a score is added. On the other hand, when the note character 100 cannot be dropped (that is, when the pitch that matches the note display is not accurately input from the MIDI controller 9A), no score is added. The higher the score is, the shorter the time from when the note character 100 appears on the display 5A until it is dropped is shorter.
According to such a music game in the form of a shooting game, the user can advance music learning while enjoying the shooting game. That is, in order to successively drop the note characters 100 sequentially displayed on the display 5A, it is necessary to input pitches quickly and accurately from the MIDI controller 9A. For this purpose, the user must remember the operation position and operation method of the MIDI controller 9A corresponding to the musical note. In this way, the user can naturally learn the correspondence with notes and quick input operations.
[0019]
Note that the note character 100 is not limited to moving from the right end to the left end of the display 5A, and is displayed so as to move in any direction such as left to right, top to bottom, bottom to top, and diagonal directions. Also good. Or you may display so that it may stay in one place, without moving. In addition, the note character 100 is not limited to the one in which the note is displayed on the staff, and may be one in which a note name, a floor name, or the like is displayed. Moreover, the display contents unrelated to the notes may be displayed on the note character 100 itself without displaying the display related to the notes. However, in that case, it is preferable to sound a note corresponding to the display content so that the note corresponding to the display content can be understood. In this case, the player performs pitch designation input corresponding to the pitch of the sound heard. In this way, any musical symbol may be displayed on the note character 100. Further, the note character 100 may be a character imitating the type of percussion instrument. In this case, the MIDI controller 9A may include a percussion instrument type operator, or a predetermined percussion instrument may be assigned to each key of the keyboard type operator. Further, a plurality of characters 100 may appear at the same time.
The display of the cannon 101 is not limited to this, and may be composed of other appropriate display objects such as a gun and a bow and arrow.
When the bullet 102 hits the note character 100, a predetermined explosion sound or the sound of the note may be generated. Further, when the bullet 102 does not hit the musical note character 100, a predetermined sound effect (such as Hugh) may be generated. Further, when the note character 100 appears on the display 5A, the pitch of the note of the note character 100 may be generated.
It should be noted that the cannon 101 can be appropriately directed to the note character 100 in accordance with the operation of the joystick or the like, not limited to the one that fires the bullet 102 and knocks down the note character 100 only by the operation of the MIDI controller 9A. The bullet character 100 may be fired by the operation of the MIDI controller 9A so that the musical note character 100 can be shot down. Of course, the direction of the cannon 101 may be changed as appropriate by using an operator attached to the MIDI controller 9A (for example, a pitch bend wheel attached to the keyboard controller, a tremolo arm attached to the guitar controller, etc.).
Further, the note character 100 may be dropped when the note character 100 reaches a predetermined position on the display 5A, or when the note character 100 takes some action (for example, blinking). It may be possible to shoot down. In this case, a low score may be added when the bullet 102 hits with a deviation from these timings.
When a plurality of note characters 100 are displayed, if the order of dropping them (that is, the order of pitches input from the MIDI controller 9A) constitutes a predetermined musical phrase, a high score is given. It may be. Alternatively, the note character 100 may not be dropped unless the order in which the note character 100 is dropped matches the appearance order of the note character 100.
Note that a bullet may be fired from the musical note character 100 toward the cannon 101 and the game may be over (game end) unless the user operates the cannon 101 to avoid the bullet. The method of avoiding bullets fired from the note character 100 may be any method such as moving the position of the cannon 101 with a joystick or the like, or inputting the same pitch as the note character 100 from the MIDI controller 9A. .
Moreover, it is good also as what is called a battle | competition type game which plays a game with a some user. For example, the two cannons 101 are displayed on the display 5A at positions facing each other. Each user operates one cannon 101 one by one using the MIDI controller 9A or the like. That is, the note character 100 that appears is shot down earlier than the opponent user, the bullet 102 is fired toward the opponent's cannon 101, or the bullet 102 fired from the opponent's cannon 101 is avoided. Then, the player who scores more than the opponent or who destroys the opponent's cannon 101 as soon as possible wins.
Needless to say, the configuration is not limited to that described above. For example, not only the musical character 100, the cannon 101, and the bullet 102 are displayed on the display 5A and the shooting game is simulated on the display 5A, but the shooting game may be performed using an actual model or the like. Good. Further, not only the note itself indicated by the character 100 is input by the controller 9A, but a sound related to a predetermined pitch, such as a sound that is three times higher or a sound that is three times lower, may be input. Further, a chord having the note indicated by the character 100 as a root may be input by the controller 9A. In this case, the display of the character 100 may be slightly modified to instruct display of chord types such as major, minor, and seventh.
Further, the musical note character 100, background display form, game progress, and the like may be changed depending on the genre of the song (for example, rock, enka, etc.) and the tone (for example, C major, D minor, etc.). For example, genre identification data or tune identification data is attached to the song data, and the musical note character 100 is displayed in an appropriate manner such as a star shape or an airplane type according to the contents (genre or tune) of the genre identification data or tune identification data. A display form is preferable. Alternatively, the genre or tune of a song may be determined from the content of the first one bar input by song data or hand-playing performance.
[0020]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of “music game processing” for playing a music game in the form of a shooting game as shown in FIG. That is, when the “music game process” is executed by the CPU 1, the user can enjoy the music game in the form of a shooting game.
In step S1, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the time when the note character 100 appeared just before (or whether or not the note timing of music data has elapsed). That is, it is determined whether or not the next note character 100 appears. When a predetermined time (or note timing of song data) has elapsed (YES in step S1), pitch information for generating the note character 100 is generated randomly or based on song data depending on the difficulty level. Occurs (step S2). A note character 100 is generated based on the pitch information and displayed on the display 5A (step S3). As a result, one or more note characters 100 with note display are displayed so as to appear from the right end of the display 5A. On the other hand, if the predetermined time (or note timing of the music data) has not elapsed (NO in step S1), the process jumps to step S4. In this case, the new note character 100 does not appear at the right end of the display 5A. However, the moving display according to the passage of time is performed so that the musical note character 100 already displayed is moved toward the left end of the display 5A.
[0021]
In step S4, the MIDI input is checked. That is, the presence / absence of input from the MIDI controller 9A is checked. When there is an input from the MIDI controller 9A and the MIDI input is a MIDI note event (that is, when a pitch input is made from the MIDI controller 9A) (YES in step S5), the pitch of this MIDI note event It is determined whether or not the information matches the pitch information of the note of the note character 100 displayed on the display 5A (step S6). If the pitch information of each other matches (YES in step S6), the bullet 102 is displayed on the display 5A such that the bullet 102 advances from the cannon 101 toward the note character 100 having the same pitch information (step S7). ). The bullet 102 fired from the cannon 101 hits the note character 100 having the same pitch information, erases the display of the note character 100 and the bullet 102 together with the hit, and generates a predetermined sound (step S8). ). Further, the score is calculated according to the time from when the display of the note character 100 appears until the bullet 102 hits, and the score is added (step S9). On the other hand, if the pitch information does not match each other (NO in step S6), the bullet 102 is displayed on the display 5A so that the bullet advances from the cannon 102 in a direction away from the predetermined note character 100 (step S10). ). When the bullet 102 is displayed so as to pass by a predetermined note character, a predetermined sound is generated (step S11).
If a predetermined time has elapsed since the display of a certain note character 100 appears on the display 5A (YES in step S12), the display of the note character 100 is deleted (step S13). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S12), the process in step S13 is not performed. That is, the movement display of the note character 100 is continued as it is.
[0022]
In step S14, it is determined whether or not the difficulty level of the music game has been changed. If there is a change in the difficulty level (YES in step S14), the difficulty level is changed (step S15). That is, the types of notes displayed on the display 5A are changed according to the changed difficulty level, and the more difficult the note display is performed as the difficulty level is higher. For example,
When the set difficulty level is level 1: Only the treble clef and C major scale sound appear
When the set difficulty level is level 2: Appearance of clefs
When the set difficulty level is level 3: Appearance of # and ♭
If the set difficulty is level 4: chords also appear
When the set difficulty level is level 5: Key signatures other than C major also appear
As described above, the types of notes that appear are varied according to the set difficulty level (level 1 to level 5 in the above example). The degree of difficulty (level) may be set by the user, or may be automatically changed according to the progress (stage) of the music game. Alternatively, the user's operation level may be detected, and the difficulty level may be automatically changed according to the detected operation level. Furthermore, the frequency (tempo) at which notes appear according to the difficulty level may be changed. By doing so, the user can change the difficulty level of the music game, and can play the music game with contents suitable for the user's level. In step S16, it is determined whether or not a game ending operation has been performed. If a game ending operation or a game over determination is made, the music game process is ended (YES in step S16). If the game end operation has not been performed or the game over has not been determined, the process returns to step S1 and the above-described processes are repeatedly executed (NO in step S16).
With such a processing procedure, music can be learned while enjoying a music game in the form of a shooting game as described above.
[0023]
Next, an embodiment in which a music game is played in the form of a fighting game will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of display contents of a music game performed in the form of a fighting game. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of “music game processing” for playing a music game in the form of the fighting game shown in FIG.
When the music game of this embodiment is started, the five staffs 21A and 21B are displayed on the display 5A corresponding to the two battle characters 20A and 20B and the respective battle characters 20A and 20B. One or a plurality of notes are displayed while changing in accordance with the progress of the music game on the five staffs 21A and 21B corresponding to the characters 20A and 20B. When a plurality of notes are displayed, the plurality of notes correspond to a predetermined short phrase. The displayed note (or a combination of multiple notes) corresponds to a predetermined technique, for example, a simple trick for a single note, and a complex trick for a complex sound. The displayed note changes every predetermined time. The time change of the display note may be performed in an arbitrary form, such as in a predetermined pattern, in accordance with the progress of a predetermined music, or randomly. If no pitch input corresponding to the note is made from the MIDI controller 9A within the time when the note is displayed, the pitch input becomes invalid. That is, if the pitch input from the MIDI controller 9A is made accurately within the time when the musical note is displayed, one character 20A (or 20B) will be the other character 20B (or 20A: hereinafter referred to as the opponent character). Various techniques are given out against. By repeating this, the opponent character 20B (or 20A) is damaged, and the opponent character can be defeated. The opponent character 20B (or 20A) may operate by being automatically operated by a computer, or may be operated by another user operating another MIDI controller 9A ′. (In other words, it may be a so-called competitive game in which a plurality of users play a game).
According to the music game in the form of such a fighting game, the user can advance music learning while enjoying the fighting game. That is, in order to defeat the opponent character 20B (or 20A) displayed on the display 5A, it is necessary to input a pitch quickly and accurately from the MIDI controller 9A. For this purpose, the user must remember the operation position and operation method of the MIDI controller 9A corresponding to the musical note. Therefore, by repeatedly playing the music game, the user can naturally learn the correspondence between the operation of the MIDI controller 9A and the notes to be played, the quick input operation, and the like.
[0024]
Even when the phrase displayed on the display 5A is changed in accordance with a predetermined pattern or a predetermined music progression, the pitch of the phrase displayed on the display 5A may be shifted and changed at random each time it occurs. . In this way, since the difficulty level is further increased, the game performance of the music game is improved and the reading ability of the user is improved.
In the above-described embodiment, a predetermined technique can be applied to the opponent character 200 only when the input pitch matches the musical note on the staff. In some cases (for example, the pitch is correct but the timing is incorrect, or some of the multiple notes are mistaken) Also good. However, even in this case, if no match is found, the technique cannot be sent out.
When guarding (defending) the technique that the opponent character 20B (or 20A) has drawn, a predetermined phrase is input from the MIDI controller 9A. If the predetermined phrase is correctly input, the technique of the opponent character 20B (or 20A) can be completely guarded. If a part of the information is entered incorrectly, the guard may be made sweet. If they do not match at all, or if a predetermined phrase is not input, no guard (ie, no protection) is set.
Each time a technique is determined for the opponent character 20B (or 20A), a predetermined score is added. The higher the fixed skill, the higher the score. If the opponent character 20B (or 20A) is completely guarded, no score is added. When the guard of the opponent character is sweet, a low score is added in proportion to the sweetness of the guard. Also, the shorter the time from when a note is displayed to when the pitch is input, the higher the score is added. On the other hand, when the technique is determined by the opponent character, the score is reduced according to the time until the opponent's technique is handled, the sweetness of the guard, and the like. Then, when either the character 20A (or 20B) or the opponent character 20B (or 20A) that moves in accordance with the operation of the MIDI controller 9A by the user runs out, the game ends.
The user can select the type of battle character. The technique to be drawn out differs depending on each character, and the phrase to be input from the MIDI controller 9A differs depending on the technique. That is, the user can select the difficulty level of the phrase to be input by selecting a battle character.
Note that the notes or phrases displayed on the staffs 21A and 21B corresponding to the characters 20A and 20B may be the same or different. For example, one phrase may be made difficult and handicap may be applied.
Note that the present invention is not limited to the configuration described above, and any modification may be made. For example, the fighting game may be performed using an actual model or the like without being limited to a game in which a fighting character is displayed on the display 5A and the fighting game is simulated on the display 5A.
[0025]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of “music game processing” for performing a “music game” in the form of a fighting game as shown in FIG. That is, when the “music game process” is executed by the CPU 1, the user can enjoy the music game in the form of a fighting game.
In step S21, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the display of the notes or phrases on the currently displayed musical notation 21A, 21B. When the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S21), the displayed note is deleted, and the pitch information being input from the controller 9A is invalidated (step S22). Then, one or a plurality of pitch information is generated for displaying the next note or phrase, and the notes based on the pitch information are arranged and displayed on the 5-line score of the display 5A (step S23). When the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S21), the process jumps to step S24. In this case, the displayed note remains displayed on the display 5A. In this way, one or more notes are displayed while changing in accordance with the progress of the music game on the respective five-line notation 21A, 21B corresponding to each character 20A, 20B.
[0026]
In step S24, the MIDI input is checked. That is, the presence / absence of input from the MIDI controller 9A is checked. When there is an input from the MIDI controller 9A and the MIDI input is a MIDI note event (that is, when a pitch input is made from the MIDI controller 9A) (YES in step S25), the pitch of this MIDI note event It is determined whether or not the information matches the pitch information of the note displayed on the display 5A (step S26). If the pitch information of each other matches (YES in step S26), the character 20A (or 20B) is displayed so that the displayed opponent character 20B (or 20A) performs a technique corresponding to a note (step S26). S27). When the technique is determined for the opponent character 20B (or 20A) (YES in step S28), a score is calculated according to the time from when the note is displayed on the display 5A until the note input ends, and the score is calculated. Add (step S29). If the technique is not determined for the opponent character 20B (or 20A), that is, if the opponent character 20B (or 20A) is in the guard position (NO in step S28), no score is added. On the other hand, if the pitch information does not match (NO in step S26), it is determined whether or not the predetermined guard phrase matches the input phrase (step S30), and the predetermined guard phrase and If they match (YES in step S30), the character 20A (or 20B) takes a guard posture (step S31).
In step S32, it is determined whether or not the character 20A (or 20B) has received a technique from the opponent character 20B (or 20A). When a skill is received from the opponent character 20B (or 20A) (YES in step S32), if the character 20A (or 20B) does not take a guard posture (NO in step S33), the score is deducted (step S33). Step S34). In other words, it takes attack and takes damage. When the points are eliminated (YES in step S35), the character 20A (or 20B) is defeated and the fighting game ends (step S36). If the score remains (NO in step S35), the process returns to step S21 and the above processes are repeated.
By such a processing procedure, music can be learned while enjoying a music game in the form of a fighting game as described above.
[0027]
The music game device according to the present invention can not only learn music while enjoying music games in the form of shooting games and fighting games as described above, but also can learn music in various other game forms. . Hereinafter, an example will be briefly described.
First, a music game in the form of an ad lib game will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of “music game processing” for playing a music game in the form of an ad-lib game. The ad-lib game is a game in which users compete for ad-lib performance, and two users perform ad-lib performance alternately, scoring the ad-lib performance and scoring. The ad lib game proceeds according to the following processing procedure.
First, a performance sound of a predetermined phrase (for example, two bars) is generated (step S41). The user listens to the generated predetermined phrase performance and performs another ad phrase performance by inputting another phrase similar to the phrase with the MIDI controller 9A. When the user performs an ad-lib performance, the ad-lib performance data is fetched (step S42), the ad-lib performance is scored, added to the user's score (0 points for the first time), and the score is displayed (step S43). Of course, the sound of the user's ad-lib performance performed through the controller 9A is also generated. Examples of scoring methods for this ad-lib performance include the following. For example, by specifying a scale and scoring by calculating the degree of match, how much ad lib performance was possible within that scale. Or a method of scoring by calculating the degree of inclusion of the sound within a given phrase. In this case, the degree of inclusion of the reference sound is selected from a plurality (for example, A = phrase sound 90%, scale sound 10% B = phrase sound 50%, scale sound 50%, etc.) You may calculate whether they match. In addition, when using a guitar-type MIDI controller 9A, including technical evaluations such as how much operation techniques such as choking and hammering were put in, ad-lib performance, and how fast input could be performed There are methods for scoring. Thereafter, the same predetermined phrase is generated (step S44), and the same is performed for the other user. That is, the other user also performs ad-lib performance by inputting another phrase similar to the predetermined phrase with the MIDI controller 9A. Then, the ad-lib performance input is captured (step S45), the ad-lib performance is scored, added to the user's score (0 points for the first time), and the score is displayed (step S46).
In step S47, it is determined whether or not the game is to be ended. If the game is not to be ended (NO in step S47), the process jumps to step S41 and the above processes are repeated. That is, another predetermined phrase is newly generated, and this is used as a motif to further perform an ad lib performance, and the scoring is repeated. In this ad-lib game, the user with the highest score will eventually win.
The performance of the predetermined phrase generated in step S41 may be displayed as a score on the display 5A without sounding. In that case, it is better to let players compete for ad lib performance developed from this motif.
[0028]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing another example of “music game processing” for playing a music game in the form of an ad-lib game. Unlike the ad-lib game of the above-described embodiment, the ad-lib game is performed by one user and the music game device alternately, scoring and scoring the user's ad-lib performance. The ad lib game proceeds according to the following processing procedure.
First, a performance of a predetermined phrase (for example, two bars) is generated as a sound or a score (step S51). The user listens to or watches the generated predetermined phrase, and inputs another performance (for example, two measures) similar to the phrase with the MIDI controller 9A (ie, ad-lib performance). When the user performs an ad-lib performance, the ad-lib performance data is captured (step S52), the performance sound is generated, the ad-lib performance is scored, and the score is added to the user's score (0 points for the first time). (Step S53). If the game is not finished (NO in step S54), the process goes to steps S55 and S56 to automatically create an ad-lib performance on the device side. That is, the input user phrase is interpreted, a different ad lib phrase is created by a counterpoint method or the like (step S55), and a performance sound of the ad lib phrase is generated (step S56). When an ad-lib phrase is generated, the process jumps to step S52, and the above processes are repeated. That is, in response to the user's ad-lib performance, the music game device automatically generates an ad-lib phrase and returns the ad-lib performance. Therefore, the user further performs another ad-lib performance in response to the ad-lib performance. In this way, the ad lib performance can be repeatedly developed between the user and the apparatus using the predetermined phrase as a motif.
According to such a music game in the form of an ad-lib game, the user can advance music learning while enjoying the ad-lib game. That is, it is practiced to quickly create and play an ad-lib performance corresponding to a predetermined phrase by enjoying the game while learning music.
[0029]
As yet another example, a music game in the form of a tempo keep game will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of “music game processing” for playing a music game in the form of a tempo keep game. The tempo keeping game is a game whose goal is to perform and operate while keeping the tempo, and is a game in which the user's performance tempo is scored and scored. The tempo keeping game proceeds according to the following processing procedure.
In step S61, the performance of the predetermined music is started and the playback tempo of the predetermined video or the music to be played is displayed on the display 5A. Then, it is checked whether or not a predetermined input has been made from the MIDI controller 9A or an appropriate operation element (step S62). If there is an input (YES in step S63), the input from the MIDI controller 9A or the operation element. The tempo is detected based on (step S64). For example, it is set by operating a tempo that is set by performing a performance using the MIDI controller 9A or a predetermined operator (game pad or button, controller with acceleration sensor, angular velocity meter such as an exercise bike). Detect tempo. For example, a player performs a tempo performance by tapping a game pad or a button, an acceleration sensor performs a tempo performance by shaking the controller at a desired tempo, or a tempo performance by stroking an exercise bike at a desired tempo. . When the performance tempo based on the player operation is detected in this way, the detected tempo is compared with the reproduction tempo of the currently played music (step S65). Depending on the degree of coincidence between the detected tempo and the music playback tempo, the score is added or subtracted (step S66), or the motion of the video is controlled (step S67). That is, a high score is added when there is little deviation between the tempo input by the user and the playback tempo of the music that has already been played (tempo deviation), and no score is added or subtracted when the tempo deviation is large. At this time, the video displayed on the display 5A may move smoothly when the tempo shift is small, and the video may move awkwardly when the tempo shift is large. For example, when an image of a character running is displayed, when the tempo deviation is small, the character may be displayed so as to run smoothly, and when the tempo deviation is large, the character may be displayed as if it is walking or walking. Or, in the case of a driving simulation game in which the scenery of a car window such as a car or train is displayed, when the tempo deviation is small, the image of the car window is displayed lightly, and when the tempo deviation is large, the flow of the car window image May be displayed so as to slow down or stop.
[0030]
In step S68, it is determined whether or not the music has been reproduced. If the music has been reproduced, the game is terminated (YES in step S68). Alternatively, even if the reproduction of the music has not ended, the game is ended if no score remains (NO in both step S68 and step S69). That is, the game ends if there is no score before the music playback ends. Even if the music reproduction is finished, the game is finished. Alternatively, the game is ended when a score equal to or higher than a predetermined score has not been acquired at the end of the music reproduction. On the other hand, when the score more than a predetermined score is acquired, it transfers to the performance of the following music continuously (YES of step S69).
According to the music game in the form of such a tempo keep game, the user can advance music learning while enjoying the change of the video.
[0031]
In the above embodiment, the display 5A displays the playback tempo of the music to be played along with the predetermined video. That is, when the game is started, the music is played at a predetermined tempo, and a predetermined video and the playback tempo of the music are displayed on the display 5A. The playback tempo display of the music to be played is displayed at a constant tempo regardless of the tempo input by the user. When the tempo is input by the user and the degree of coincidence between the input tempo and the reproduction tempo of the music is low, the music reproduction tempo is changed to the tempo input by the user and the music reproduction is performed. In other words, music with a tempo deviating from the correct tempo is played. In this case, the tempo display on the display 5A displays the correct tempo at the start of music playback. Therefore, if the user inputs the tempo so as to match the correct tempo displayed on the display 5A, the music can be reproduced at the correct tempo. Thus, by setting the tempo so as to follow the correct tempo displayed on the display 5A, it is possible to reproduce a predetermined music piece at the correct tempo.
It should be noted that the tempo set by performing the performance using the MIDI controller 9A and a predetermined operator (game pad, button, controller with an acceleration sensor, angular velocity meter such as an exercise bike) are operated. The tempo may be used for controlling the game event in the above-described shooting game or fighting game. For example, in a shooting game, when a correct tempo is input, the character is dropped, and when an incorrect tempo is input, the character is not dropped.
[0032]
In the music game apparatus according to the present embodiment, the MIDI controller 9A is used as a game controller. By the way, since the MIDI event data input / output by the MIDI controller 9A and the control data (game machine command) for controlling the game are generally different in data format, the MIDI event data is directly used as game control data in the music game apparatus. Cannot be used. Therefore, a command conversion table may be prepared in order to convert MIDI event data that can be input and output by the MIDI controller 9A into various command data in the music game device so that the music game device can be operated. FIG. 9 is a table data configuration diagram showing an embodiment of the command conversion table.
[0033]
The command conversion table is a table that stores the conversion correspondence between MIDI event data and game machine commands. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 9, MIDI event data is shown on the right side, and game machine commands corresponding to each MIDI event data are shown on the left side. For example, when “note event: C4” is input as MIDI event data, “button A” is set as a game machine command, and when “modulation” is input as MIDI event data, “joystick left / right direction” is a game. Set as machine command. That is, since MIDI event data generated by the user's operation of the MIDI controller 9A is converted into a game machine command by the command conversion table each time, the user operates the music game apparatus using the MIDI controller 9A. Will be able to. Therefore, the user can play various games as described above by using various general MIDI controllers 9A that are already widely used.
The command conversion table includes a default command conversion table in which the contents stored in advance cannot be rewritten, and a command conversion table in which the user can freely set the contents (user setting is possible). The game device may be configured to store either one or both. A plurality of types of default command conversion tables with different settings may be stored. Further, a plurality of types of command conversion tables that can be set by the user may be stored in the same manner.
[0034]
Next, a process for supplying a game command to the music game device using the command conversion table will be briefly described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of processing for supplying a game command to the music game device using the command conversion table.
In step S71, the MIDI input is checked. That is, the presence / absence of input from the MIDI controller 9A is checked. If there is an input from the MIDI controller 9A and the MIDI input is MIDI event data (YES in step S72), the command conversion table is referred to (step S73). If there is a game command corresponding to the input MIDI event data (step S74), the game command is supplied to the music game device (step S75).
Thus, even when the user replaces the MIDI controller 9A, the music game can be operated from the MIDI controller 9A to enjoy the game. Therefore, the user can easily practice various musical instrument performances by appropriately using the MIDI controller 9A imitating various musical instruments.
[0035]
In addition, the music game apparatus according to the present embodiment can enjoy various music simulation games. The music simulation game is a game in which, for example, a musical score controller is used to compete for a score in accordance with a moving note character. FIG. 11 is an overall configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a music game apparatus capable of performing a music simulation game.
The music game apparatus includes a game machine main body 300 and a musical instrument type controller 400 attached to the game machine main body 300, and the musical instrument type controller 400 incorporates sound generation means 401 (speaker or the like). When a music simulation game is performed using this music game apparatus, operation information from the musical instrument type controller 400 is supplied to the game machine 300 side, and the game machine 300 side outputs a musical sound signal corresponding to a note character according to this operation information. Generate. The generated musical sound signal is returned to the musical instrument type controller 400 and emitted from the speaker 401. That is, in response to the operation of the musical instrument type controller 400, a musical sound corresponding to a note character is generated on the musical instrument controller 400 side. As an example of a music simulation game, song data is stored on the game machine 300 side, and an accompaniment is played in accordance with predetermined song data, and operation procedures of the musical instrument type controller 400 are sequentially displayed as follows. The content of the operation procedure to be displayed is that for each of a plurality of tracks 302 corresponding to a plurality of switches 402 of the musical instrument type controller 400, a character 301 corresponding to a note (displayed by a solid rectangle) is displayed, and a note according to the accompaniment tempo is displayed. The character 301 is displayed so as to scroll up and down. When the note character 301 reaches a predetermined position, when the switch 402 of the musical instrument type controller 400 is operated, an operation signal is received by the game machine side 300, and a musical tone signal corresponding to the musical note is transmitted to the musical instrument type controller 400. The score 303 is added and displayed. When the operation timing deviates, the musical tone signal is transmitted to the musical instrument type controller 400, but the score 303 is not added.
Note that the pitches of the notes corresponding to each of the plurality of switches 402 provided in the musical instrument type controller 400 sequentially change corresponding to the pitches generated in each track as the music progresses. In this way, various performances are possible with a small number of switches 402. The musical tone signal transmitted to the musical instrument type controller 400 may be an analog musical tone signal or a digital signal. In the case of a digital signal, it may be a musical tone waveform signal such as PCM or a MIDI signal. In the case of a MIDI signal, the musical instrument type controller 400 also includes a MIDI sound source that generates a musical sound waveform based on the MIDI signal. It is preferable that the tone color to be generated is generated with a tone color corresponding to the shape of the musical instrument type controller 400. For example, if the musical instrument type controller 400 is in the shape of a guitar, a tone such as an acoustic guitar or an electric guitar is generated, and if it is in the shape of a keyboard, a tone such as a piano or organ is generated. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and other timbres may be generated. Further, the musical instrument type controller 400 may be in the form of a wind instrument such as a saxophone or a flute.
[0036]
Next, processing during a music simulation game will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the music simulation game process. However, the process for sound generation by the musical instrument type controller 400 is mainly illustrated. In FIG. 12, the process executed on the game machine 300 side is shown on the right side of the figure, and the process executed on the instrument type controller 400 side is shown on the left side of the figure.
The game machine 300 stores music data of a plurality of (for example, three) tracks, which are sequentially read out as the performance progresses, and a note character 303 representing the music data is displayed. The displayed note character 303 is scrolled in a predetermined direction (for example, from bottom to top) as the performance progresses (step S91). Further, accompaniment sound data is sequentially read out as the performance progresses, and is pronounced on the game machine 300 side (step S92). The music data of a plurality of tracks constitutes predetermined music (for example, melody). On the other hand, a plurality of operators (for example, three operators 402 on the neck side and one operator 403 on the body side) are provided on the musical instrument type controller 400 side, and whether or not any of the operators is operated. Is checked (step S81). When an operation of any one of the operators is detected (YES in step S81), operation information corresponding to the type of the operated operator is output from the musical instrument controller 400 to the game machine 300 (step S82). . For example, when one of the neck side operation elements 402 and the body side operation element 403 are operated simultaneously, an identifier indicating the type (any one of the three) of the neck side operation elements 402 is included. Operation information is output.
[0037]
On the game machine 300 side, when the operation information is received (YES in step S93), the operation is performed based on the song data to be pronounced currently read from the track corresponding to the operator type identifier included in the received operation information. The signal is converted into a musical sound signal and output (step S94). Examples of this conversion and output include the following.
(1-1) The music data to be sounded is output as a musical sound signal.
(1-2) An appropriate digital musical sound waveform signal is generated based on the music data to be generated at present and output as a musical sound signal.
(1-3) An appropriate digital musical sound waveform signal is generated based on the music data to be generated now, and then converted into an analog musical sound waveform signal and output as a musical sound signal. After outputting the musical tone signal, scoring based on the operation information is performed and added to the score 303 for display (step S95), and the process returns to step S91 to repeat the process.
On the other hand, when the musical tone controller 400 receives the musical tone signal output from the game machine 300 (see step S94) (YES in step S83), it generates a predetermined musical tone based on the musical tone signal (step S84). . At this time, the following processing is performed according to the format of the received tone signal.
(2-1) When the music data itself is received, a digital musical sound waveform signal is generated based on the music data, D / A converted, amplified, and output from the speaker 401.
(2-2) When a digital musical sound waveform signal is received, it is D / A converted, amplified and output from the speaker 401.
(2-3) When an analog musical sound waveform signal is received, it is amplified and output from the speaker 401.
It should be noted that when a digital musical tone waveform signal or an analog musical tone waveform signal is received, the actual processing is automatically performed by hardware, so that it is not necessary to determine whether or not a musical tone signal has been received (see step S83). Become.
As described above, the sound generator is built in the musical instrument type controller 400 side, and the operation signal generated in response to the operation of the musical instrument type controller 400 is converted into a musical sound signal on the game machine 300 side, and again on the musical instrument type controller 400 side. Send. Therefore, since the musical sound can be generated by the sound generation means built in the musical instrument type controller 400, the user can listen only to the musical sound as a result of operating the musical instrument type controller 400 by himself / herself. In other words, apart from the accompaniment sound, it is possible to directly listen to the musical sound accompanying the operation of the musical instrument type controller 400 and confirm the musical instrument performance operation.
[0038]
When the music game apparatus according to the present embodiment is applied to an electronic musical instrument, the electronic musical instrument is not limited to a keyboard instrument, and may be any type of instrument such as a stringed instrument, a wind instrument, or a percussion instrument. In such a case, the sound source device, the automatic performance device, and the like are not limited to those built in one electronic musical instrument body, and each device is configured separately, and each device is configured using communication means such as a MIDI interface or various networks. Needless to say, the present invention can be similarly applied to a device configured to connect the two. In addition, a configuration of a personal computer and application software may be used. In this case, the processing program may be supplied from a storage medium such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or may be supplied via a network. Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to a karaoke device, a game device, a portable communication terminal such as a mobile phone, an automatic performance piano, or the like.
[0039]
The format of the song data is the “event + absolute time” format in which the event occurrence time is expressed in absolute time in the song or measure, and the event occurrence time is expressed in time from the previous event. "Event + Relative time" format, "Pitch (rest) + note length" format that represents the song data in terms of note pitch and note length or rest and rest length, for each minimum performance resolution Any format may be used, such as a “solid method” format in which a memory area is secured and events are stored in a memory area corresponding to the time at which a performance event occurs. Further, when there is music data for a plurality of channels, a format in which data for a plurality of channels are mixed may be used, or a format in which data for each channel is separated for each track may be used. Further, the music data processing method is a method of changing the processing cycle according to the set tempo, a method of changing the value of timing data during automatic performance according to the set tempo, the processing cycle being constant, and a processing cycle May be any method such as a method of changing the counting method of timing data in music data in accordance with the tempo in a single process.
Also, on the memory, time-series song data may be stored in a continuous area, or song data that is scattered and stored in a skipped area may be separately managed as continuous data. Good. That is, it is only necessary to manage the music data as time-sequential continuous music, and it does not matter whether the music data is continuously stored in the memory.
[0040]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, music can be learned through various music games, so that music can be learned happily. For this reason, not only active learners who are willing to learn but also passive learners who are not motivated to learn can be naturally invited to the learning environment. Furthermore, since the habit of learning naturally can be acquired, the effect that the learner's learning amount naturally increases can be obtained.
Further, according to the present invention, since a MIDI event is assigned to a game command and a normal MIDI musical instrument can be used as a game controller, various musical instruments can be used by using a MIDI musical instrument having a shape imitating a musical instrument. The effect of being able to practice the operation of is obtained. Further, by providing a sound generation means on the controller side used in the music game, a realistic performance similar to that of a live musical instrument can be performed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a hardware configuration showing an embodiment of a music game device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of display contents of a music game performed in the form of a shooting game.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of “music game processing” for playing a music game in the form of the shooting game shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of display contents of a music game performed in the form of a fighting game.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of “music game processing” for playing a music game in the form of the fighting game shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of “music game processing” for playing a music game in the form of an ad-lib game.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing another example of “music game processing” for playing a music game in the form of an ad-lib game.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of “music game processing” for playing a music game in the form of a tempo keep game.
FIG. 9 is a table data configuration diagram showing an example of a command conversion table.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for supplying a game command to a music game device using a command conversion table.
FIG. 11 is an overall configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a music game apparatus capable of performing a music simulation game.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of a music simulation game process.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... CPU, 1A ... timer, 2 ... ROM, 3 ... RAM, 4 ... switch detection circuit, 4A ... switch, 5 ... display circuit, 5A ... display, 6 ... sound source circuit, 7 ... effect circuit, 7A ... sound system, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 8 ... External storage device, 9 (9 ') ... MIDI interface, 9A (9A') ... MIDI controller, 10 ... Communication interface, 10A ... Server computer, 10B ... Communication network, 1D ... Data and address bus

Claims (21)

Generates a fighting character of at least two bodies involving one or more notes of the display object, a display control means for displaying on the display,
An operation means for a player to perform a music performance operation, wherein the operation means is associated with a first character of the at least two battle characters and is performed by the player using the operation means. Generate performance information according to the performance operation,
The one or more notes to be displayed on the display via the display control means are changed temporally, and the movement of the first character to be displayed on the display via the display control means is displayed on the operation means. control means for controlling in response to said performance information generated Ri good,
The information on the one or more notes displayed on the display is compared with the performance information generated by the first operating means, and the display is made in response to the display of the one or more notes on the display. It is determined whether or not a performance operation according to the one or more displayed notes has been performed via the operation means, and when it is determined that a performance operation according to the one or more displayed notes has been performed, A predetermined attack technique corresponding to the displayed one or a plurality of notes is applied to the other second character whose first character associated with the operated operation means is the opponent. The first process for controlling the movement of the first character associated with the operation means that has been operated for performance, and the predetermined type of the type that is different depending on whether the displayed note is one or plural. Attack technique is assigned,
A performance phrase for defense against an attack technique that the second character delivers is determined in advance. When the second character delivers an attack technique, the performance phrase is generated by the defense phrase and the operation means. The performance information is compared to determine whether a performance operation according to the performance phrase for defense has been performed via the operation means, and a performance operation according to the performance phrase for defense has been performed. If the determination is made, the first character associated with the operation means that has been operated is set such that the first character associated with the operation means that has been operated has a predetermined movement for defense. A second process for controlling the movement of the character;
Based on the result of the determination in the first process, depending on the type of the predetermined attack technique applied by the first character and the state of defense of the second character against this, the player of the first character A third process for scoring performance operations;
Based on the determination result in the second process, a performance operation by the player of the first character is performed in accordance with the type of attack technique that the second character has deployed and the state of defense of the first character against the attack technique. A fourth process for scoring;
A fifth process of counting the total score in the third process and the fourth process as the score of the player of the first character;
And the one that performs
A music game apparatus comprising: An interface device for detachably connecting a second operating means for a player to perform a music performance operation, wherein the second operating means is connected to the second character of the at least two fighting characters. Generating performance information corresponding to a performance operation performed by the player using the second operation means,
The movement of the second character displayed on the display via the display control means is based on performance information generated from the second operation means connected via the interface device or according to a predetermined program. A second control means for automatically controlling;
The music game apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The display control means generates the display object of the one or a plurality of notes in association with each battle character, respectively, and displays it on the display,
The second control means temporally changes the one or more notes to be displayed on the display in association with the second character via the display control means, and via the display control means. The movement of the second character displayed on the display is controlled according to the performance information generated by the second operation means,
The information on the one or more notes displayed in association with the second character on the display is compared with the performance information generated by the second operating means, and the one or more on the display is displayed. In response to the display of the note, it is determined whether or not a performance operation according to the displayed one or more notes is performed via the second operation means, and the performance according to the displayed one or more notes is performed. If it is determined that an operation has been performed, the displayed 1 is displayed for the first character whose opponent is the second character associated with the second operation means that has been operated. Or a first process for controlling the movement of the second character associated with the second operation means that has been operated so as to apply a predetermined attack technique corresponding to a plurality of notes; Was Marks are assigned different types of said predetermined Attack Technique in the case when a plurality of one
A performance phrase for defense against an attack technique that the first character delivers is predetermined, and when the first character delivers an attack technique, the performance phrase for the defense and the second operation means Is compared with the performance information generated by the first operation means to determine whether or not a performance operation according to the performance phrase for defense has been performed via the second operation means, and follows the performance phrase for defense When it is determined that the performance operation has been performed, the performance operation is performed so that the second character associated with the second operation means that has been operated performs a predetermined movement for defense. A second process for controlling the movement of the second character associated with the second operating means;
Based on the determination result in the first process of the second control means, depending on the type of the predetermined attack technique applied by the second character and the state of defense of the first character against the predetermined attack technique, A third process for scoring a performance operation by the player of the second character;
Based on the determination result in the second process of the second control means, depending on the type of attack technique that the first character has deployed and the state of defense of the second character against this, the second character A fourth process for scoring performance operations by the player of the character;
A fifth process of counting the sum of the scores in the third process and the fourth process of the second control means as the score of the player of the second character;
The music game apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: Wherein the display control unit, in which time series to receive, to generate the character with a display object corresponding to the note and musical symbols corresponding to the performance information in accordance with the performance information for any song progression of the song music game device according to any one of a claims 1 to 3. 5. The music game apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the character or a background image thereof is changed according to a type of the arbitrary song related to the received performance information. Of claims 1 to 5 comprising means for generating a performance sound according to at least one of the playing progression in accordance with the performance operation of any regular playing progression and said operating means song given for generation and display of the character The music game device according to any one of the above. The music game apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the performance phrase for defense includes a different performance phrase corresponding to the type of the attack technique that the character of the opponent sends out. Generating at least two fighting characters with a display of one or more notes and displaying them on a display;
A step of receiving performance information generated by the manipulation means in accordance with performance operation by the player using the operation means for performing the player musical performance operation, the the manipulation means fighting character of said at least two bodies One associated with the first character ,
The one or more notes to be displayed on the display together is time-varying, depending on the performance information generated in response to the performance operation of the operating means the movement of the first character to be displayed on the display A control step for controlling ,
The information on the one or more notes displayed on the display is compared with the performance information generated by the operation means, and the operation means is responsive to the display of the one or more notes on the display. Whether or not a performance operation according to the displayed one or more notes is performed, and if it is determined that a performance operation according to the displayed one or more notes is performed, the performance operation is performed. The performance is performed so that a predetermined attack technique corresponding to the one or more displayed notes is applied to another second character whose first character associated with the operation means is an opponent. The first process for controlling the movement of the first character associated with the operated operating means, and the predetermined attack of a different type depending on whether the displayed note is one or plural And it is assigned,
A performance phrase for defense against an attack technique that the second character delivers is determined in advance. When the second character delivers an attack technique, the performance phrase is generated by the defense phrase and the operation means. The performance information is compared to determine whether a performance operation according to the performance phrase for defense has been performed via the operation means, and a performance operation according to the performance phrase for defense has been performed. If the determination is made, the first character associated with the operation means that has been operated is set such that the first character associated with the operation means that has been operated has a predetermined movement for defense. A second process for controlling the movement of the character;
Based on the result of the determination in the first process, depending on the type of the predetermined attack technique applied by the first character and the state of defense of the second character against this, the player of the first character A third process for scoring performance operations;
Based on the determination result in the second process, a performance operation by the player of the first character is performed in accordance with the type of attack technique that the second character has deployed and the state of defense of the first character against the attack technique. A fourth process for scoring;
A fifth process of counting the total score in the third process and the fourth process as the score of the player of the first character;
And the one that performs
A method for executing a music game comprising: The second operation according to the performance operation by the player using the second operation means via the interface device for detachably connecting the second operation means for the player to perform the music performance operation. Receiving the performance information generated by the means, wherein the second operation means is associated with the second character among the at least two fighting characters;
A second character that controls the movement of the second character to be displayed on the display based on performance information generated from the second operating means connected via the interface device or automatically according to a predetermined program. Two control steps;
The method of claim 8, further comprising: In the step of displaying on the display, the display object of the one or a plurality of notes is generated in association with each battle character and displayed on the display,
In the second control step, the one or the plurality of notes to be displayed on the display in association with the second character are temporally changed, and the movement of the second character to be displayed on the display is changed to the second character. Controlling according to the performance information generated by the second operating means,
The information on the one or more notes displayed in association with the second character on the display is compared with the performance information generated by the second operating means, and the one or more on the display is displayed. In response to the display of the note, it is determined whether or not a performance operation according to the displayed one or more notes is performed via the second operation means, and the performance according to the displayed one or more notes is performed. If it is determined that an operation has been performed, the displayed 1 is displayed for the first character whose opponent is the second character associated with the second operation means that has been operated. Or to apply a predetermined attack technique corresponding to multiple notes, The first process for controlling the movement of the second character associated with the second operation means that has been operated, and the type of the displayed note is different depending on whether the displayed note is one or more. The predetermined attack technique is assigned,
A performance phrase for defense against an attack technique that the first character delivers is predetermined, and when the first character delivers an attack technique, the performance phrase for the defense and the second operation means Is compared with the performance information generated by the first operation means to determine whether or not a performance operation according to the performance phrase for defense has been performed via the second operation means, and follows the performance phrase for defense When it is determined that the performance operation has been performed, the performance operation is performed so that the second character associated with the second operation means that has been operated performs a predetermined movement for defense. A second process for controlling the movement of the second character associated with the second operating means;
Based on the result of the determination in the first process of the second control step, depending on the type of the predetermined attack technique applied by the second character and the state of defense of the first character against the predetermined attack technique, A third process for scoring a performance operation by the player of the second character;
Based on the result of the determination in the second process of the second control step, the second character depends on the type of attack technique that the first character has deployed and the state of defense of the second character against the attack technique. A fourth process for scoring performance operations by the player of the character;
A fifth process of summing up the total score in the third process and the fourth process of the second control step as a score of the player of the second character;
The method according to claim 8, wherein the method is executed. The step of displaying on the display receives performance information of an arbitrary song in time series according to the progress of the song, and generates the character with a display corresponding to the note and the music symbol corresponding to the performance information. 11. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein The method according to claim 11, wherein the character or a background image thereof is changed according to a type of the arbitrary song related to the received performance information. 13. A device according to claim 8, further comprising means for generating a performance sound in accordance with at least one of a regular performance progression of an arbitrary song given for generating and displaying the character and a performance progression according to a performance operation of the operation means. The method according to any one. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the performance phrase for defense includes a different performance phrase corresponding to the type of the attack technique that the character of the opponent sends out. A computer- readable storage medium for playing a game using an operation means for inputting music performance information in response to an operation by a player .
Generating at least two fighting characters with a display of one or more notes and displaying them on a display;
A step of receiving performance information generated by the operation means in response to a music performance operation by the player using the operation means, the operation means corresponding to a first character of the at least two battle characters What is attached ,
The one or more notes to be displayed on the display together is time-varying, depending on the performance information generated in response to the performance operation of the operating means the movement of the first character to be displayed on the display A control step for controlling ,
The information on the one or more notes displayed on the display is compared with the performance information generated by the operation means, and the first information is displayed in response to the display of the one or more notes on the display. It is determined whether or not a performance operation according to the one or more displayed notes has been performed via the operation means, and when it is determined that a performance operation according to the one or more displayed notes has been performed, A predetermined attack technique corresponding to the displayed one or plural notes is applied to the other second character whose first character associated with the operated operation means is the opponent. The first process for controlling the movement of the first character associated with the operation means that has been operated for performance, and the predetermined type of the type that is different depending on whether the displayed note is one or plural. Attack technique is assigned,
A performance phrase for defense against an attack technique that the second character delivers is determined in advance. When the second character delivers an attack technique, the performance phrase is generated by the defense phrase and the operation means. The performance information is compared to determine whether a performance operation according to the performance phrase for defense has been performed via the operation means, and a performance operation according to the performance phrase for defense has been performed. If the determination is made, the first character associated with the operation means that has been operated is set such that the first character associated with the operation means that has been operated has a predetermined movement for defense. A second process for controlling the movement of the character;
Based on the result of the determination in the first process, depending on the type of the predetermined attack technique applied by the first character and the state of defense of the second character against this, the player of the first character A third process for scoring performance operations;
Based on the determination result in the second process, a performance operation by the player of the first character is performed in accordance with the type of attack technique that the second character has deployed and the state of defense of the first character against the attack technique. A fourth process for scoring;
A fifth process of counting the total score in the third process and the fourth process as the score of the player of the first character;
And the one that performs
A storage medium storing a music game program for executing the program . The second operation according to the performance operation by the player using the second operation means via the interface device for detachably connecting the second operation means for the player to perform the music performance operation. Receiving the performance information generated by the means, wherein the second operation means is associated with the second character among the at least two fighting characters;
A second character that controls the movement of the second character to be displayed on the display based on performance information generated from the second operating means connected via the interface device or automatically according to a predetermined program. 2 control steps and
The storage medium according to claim 15, wherein the music game program for causing the processor to further execute is stored. In the step of displaying on the display, the display object of the one or a plurality of notes is generated in association with each battle character and displayed on the display,
In the second control step, the one or the plurality of notes to be displayed on the display in association with the second character are temporally changed, and the movement of the second character to be displayed on the display is changed to the second character. Controlling according to the performance information generated by the second operating means,
The information on the one or more notes displayed in association with the second character on the display is compared with the performance information generated by the second operating means, and the one or more on the display is displayed. In response to the display of the note, it is determined whether or not a performance operation according to the displayed one or more notes is performed via the second operation means, and the performance according to the displayed one or more notes is performed. If it is determined that an operation has been performed, the displayed 1 is displayed for the first character whose opponent is the second character associated with the second operation means that has been operated. Or a first process for controlling the movement of the second character associated with the second operation means that has been operated so as to apply a predetermined attack technique corresponding to a plurality of notes; Was Marks are assigned different types of said predetermined Attack Technique in the case when a plurality of one
A performance phrase for defense against the attacking technique that the first character unfolds in advance. When the first character takes out an attack technique, the second operation is performed by comparing a performance phrase for defense with the performance information generated by the second operation means. It is determined whether or not a performance operation according to the performance phrase for defense has been performed through the means, and when it is determined that a performance operation according to the performance phrase for defense has been performed, The movement of the second character associated with the second operation means that has been operated is controlled so that the second character associated with the second operation means performs a predetermined movement for defense. A second process to perform,
Based on the result of the determination in the first process of the second control step, depending on the type of the predetermined attack technique applied by the second character and the state of defense of the first character against the predetermined attack technique, A third process for scoring a performance operation by the player of the second character;
Based on the result of the determination in the second process of the second control step, the second character depends on the type of attack technique that the first character has deployed and the state of defense of the second character against the attack technique. A fourth process for scoring performance operations by the player of the character;
A fifth process of summing up the total score in the third process and the fourth process of the second control step as a score of the player of the second character;
The storage medium according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the storage medium is executed. The step of displaying on the display receives performance information of an arbitrary song in time series according to the progress of the song, and generates the character with a display corresponding to the note and the music symbol corresponding to the performance information. The storage medium according to claim 15, which is a storage medium. The storage medium according to claim 18, wherein the character or a background image thereof is changed according to a type of the arbitrary song related to the received performance information. 20. The device according to claim 15, further comprising means for generating a performance sound in accordance with at least one of a regular performance progression of an arbitrary song given for generating and displaying the character and a performance progression according to a performance operation of the operation means. The storage medium according to any one of the above. The storage medium according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein the defensive performance phrase is composed of a different performance phrase corresponding to the type of the attack technique that the character of the opponent sends out.

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