U.S. Pat. No. 10,179,278

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

With reference toFIG. 1, a game apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment is described. For example, a game apparatus3can execute a game program stored in a storage medium such as an exchangeable optical disk or a memory card, or received from another apparatus. The game apparatus3may be a device such as a general personal computer, a stationary game apparatus, a mobile phone, a handheld game apparatus, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant).FIG. 1is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the game apparatus3.

InFIG. 1, the game apparatus3includes a control section31, a storage section32, a program storage section33, an input section34, a display section35, and a sound output section36. It should be noted that the game apparatus3may include one or more apparatuses containing: an information processing apparatus having at least the control section31; and another apparatus.

The control section31is information processing means (a computer) for performing various types of information processing, and is, for example, a CPU. The control section31has the functions of performing as the various types of information processing processing based on the operation performed on the input section34by a user; and the like. The above functions of the control section31are achieved, for example, as a result of the CPU executing a predetermined program.

The storage section32stores various data to be used when the control section31performs the above information processing. The storage section32is, for example, a memory accessible by the CPU (the control section31).

The program storage section33stores a program. The program storage section33may be any storage device (storage medium) accessible by the control section31. For example, the program storage section33may be a storage device provided in the game apparatus3having the control section31, or may be a storage medium detachably attached to the game apparatus3having the control section31. Alternatively, the program storage section33may be a storage device (a server or the like) connected to the control section31via a network. The control section31(the CPU) may read some or all of the program to the storage section32at appropriate timing, and execute the read program.

The input section34is an input apparatus that can be operated by the user. The input section34may be any input apparatus. For example, the input section34has a touch panel341. The touch panel341detects the position of the input provided to a predetermined input surface (a display screen of the display section35). Further, the game apparatus3may include an operation section such as a slide pad, an analog stick, a directional pad, and an operation button as the input section34.

The display section35displays an image in accordance with an instruction from the control section31.

The sound output section36outputs a sound in accordance with an instruction from the control section31.

Next, with reference toFIGS. 2 through 6, a description is given of an overview of the processing performed by the game apparatus3, before the description of specific processing performed by the game apparatus3. It should be noted that the following descriptions are given taking as an example the process of outputting sounds in accordance with the contact of an operation object OBJo and sound objects OBJs. Further,FIGS. 2 and 3are diagrams showing an example of an image displayed on the display section35in the process of outputting sounds in accordance with the contact of the operation object OBJo and the sound objects OBJs.FIG. 4is a diagram showing an example of the specification of the operation object OBJo.FIG. 5is a diagram showing an example of the specification of each sound object OBJs.FIG. 6is a diagram showing another example of the image displayed on the display section35in the process of outputting sounds in accordance with the contact of the operation object OBJo and the sound objects OBJs.

As shown inFIG. 2, a virtual world including an operation object OBJo and sound objects OBJs is displayed on the display section35. The operation object OBJo moves in accordance with a touch operation on the touch panel341. For example, the operation object OBJo is allowed to move along a movement path To provided so as to extend in a left-right direction in the virtual world (the directions indicated by outline arrows shown inFIG. 2), and moves to the position, on the movement path To, overlapping the touch position of a touch operation on the touch panel341. Further, the plurality of sound objects OBJs, set for respective steps at which sounds are output, appear in the virtual world, and each sound object OBJs moves toward the movement path To. For example, the sound objects OBJs appear so as to be timed to the sounds to be output at the respective steps in accordance with a composition to be performed, and move along a plurality of movement paths T1 through T8 provided so as to extend in an up-down direction in the virtual world. As an example, as shown inFIG. 2, the movement path To is provided in a lower portion of the display section35so as to extend in the left-right direction, and the movement paths T1 through T8 are arranged next to each other so as to extend in the up-down direction and cross the movement path To from thereabove. In this case, the sound objects OBJs appear from above any of the movement paths T1 through T8, and move downward (that is, toward the movement path To; in the directions indicated by filled arrows shown inFIG. 2) along the movement paths T1 through T8. It should be noted that the movement paths T1 through T8 are set for respective steps at which sounds are output, so that the sound objects OBJs move along the movement paths T1 through T8 based on the steps set for the respective sound objects OBJs.

As shown inFIG. 3, if the operation object OBJo and each moving sound object OBJs have made contact with each other, a sound based on the step set for the sound object OBJs is output from the sound output section36. For example, in the example ofFIG. 3, the sound object OBJs for which the step “mi” is set and which moves along the movement path T3 makes contact with the operation object OBJo, and as a result, the step “mi” set for the sound object OBJs having made the contact is output from the sound output section36. Thus, the user of the game apparatus3causes the operation object OBJo to move so as to make contact with each moving sound object OBJs, and thereby can output a sound at the step set for the sound object OBJs with which the operation object OBJo has made contact. Then, the sound objects OBJs appear in accordance with a composition to be performed, so that the user can listen to the sound of the composition by bringing the operation object OBJo into contact with all the sound objects OBJs having appeared.

As shown inFIG. 4, the operation object OBJo is formed of a plurality of parts that, if having made contact with each sound object OBJs, result in the output of different sounds. For example, in the operation object OBJo, a reference pitch generation region is provided in the center in the moving direction (the left-right direction), a higher-pitch sound generation region is provided to the right of the reference pitch generation region (at the right end), and a lower-pitch sound generation region is provided to the left of the reference pitch generation region (at the left end).

The reference pitch generation region is a part that, if having made contact with each sound object OBJs, results in the output of a sound at the step set for the sound object OBJs (a reference pitch) as it is from the sound output section36. In contrast, the higher-pitch sound generation region is a part that, if having made contact with each sound object OBJs, results in the output of a sound at a pitch higher than the reference pitch set for the sound object OBJs from the sound output section36. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 4, if each sound object OBJs has made contact with the higher-pitch sound generation region, the sound to be output from the sound output section36is adjusted such that the pitch becomes higher by gradually increasing from the reference pitch in a linear manner in accordance with the distance between the reference pitch generation region and the contact position. On the other hand, the lower-pitch sound generation region is a part that, if having made contact with each sound object OBJs, results in the output of a sound at a pitch lower than the reference pitch set for the sound object OBJs from the sound output section36. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 4, if each sound object OBJs has made contact with the lower-pitch sound generation region, the sound to be output from the sound output section36is adjusted such that the pitch becomes lower by gradually decreasing from the reference pitch in a linear manner in accordance with the distance between the reference pitch generation region and the contact position. It should be noted that, if each sound object OBJs has not made contact with the operation object OBJo, a sound at the step set for the sound object OBJs is not output from the sound output section36(“No sound generated” shown inFIG. 4).

In addition, the operation object OBJo is formed also of a plurality of parts that, if having made contact with each sound object OBJs, result in the determination of different points. For example, in the operation object OBJo, a BEST determination region is provided in the center in the moving direction (the left-right direction). Further, GOOD determination regions are provided to both sides of the BEST determination region, and BAD determination regions are provided outside the respective GOOD determination regions (at both ends of the operation object OBJo).

The BEST determination region is typically a part that is provided as the same region as the reference pitch generation region, and that, if each sound object OBJs has made contact with the BEST determination region first, results in the highest evaluation point (BEST). The GOOD determination regions are parts that, if each sound object OBJs has made contact with either one of the GOOD determination regions first, result in the second highest evaluation point (GOOD). Further, the BAD determination regions are parts that, if each sound object OBJs has made contact with either one of the BAD determination regions first, result in the lowest evaluation point (BAD). It should be noted that, if each sound object OBJs has not made contact with the operation object OBJo, a miss evaluation (MISS) is determined, and a point based on the miss evaluation is added.

It should be noted that the exemplary embodiment is described above using the example where sounds and points vary in accordance with the part of the operation object OBJo having made contact with each sound object OBJs. Alternatively, sounds and points may vary in accordance with the part of each sound object OBJs having made contact with the operation object OBJo. For example, as shown inFIG. 5, each sound object OBJs is formed of a plurality of parts that, if having made contact with the operation object OBJo, result in the determination of different points. For example, in each sound object OBJs, a BEST determination region is provided at the front in the moving direction (the downward direction indicated by a filled arrow). Further, a GOOD determination region is provided adjacent to the rear of the BEST determination region in the moving direction. Furthermore, a BAD determination region is provided adjacent to the rear of the GOOD determination region in the moving direction. Furthermore, a MISS determination region is provided adjacent to the rear of the BAD determination region in the moving direction.

The BEST determination region of the sound object OBJs is also set as a part that, if the operation object OBJo has made contact with the BEST determination region first, results in the highest evaluation point (BEST). The GOOD determination region of the sound object OBJs is also set as a part that, if the operation object OBJo has made contact with the GOOD determination region first, results in the second highest evaluation point (GOOD). The BAD determination region of the sound object OBJs is also set as a part that, if the operation object OBJo has made contact with the BAD determination region first, results in the third highest evaluation point (BAD). Then, the MISS determination region of the sound object OBJs is set such that, even if the operation object OBJo has made contact with the MISS determination region first, a miss evaluation (MISS) is determined. Thus, the MISS determination region is set as a part that results in the addition of a point based on the miss evaluation, or is set as a pointless part.

As described above, each sound object OBJs is formed of a plurality of parts that, if the operation object OBJo has made contact with them first, result in the determination of different points. Thus, even if the operation object OBJo has been brought into contact with each sound object OBJs, the determination of different points is made depending on the time when the objects are brought into contact with each other. Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment described above, the parts are arranged next to each other in descending order of evaluation, starting from the front of the sound object OBJs in the moving direction. Thus, the earlier the user brings the operation object OBJo into contact with each moving sound object OBJs, the higher evaluation (the higher point of the game score) they obtain. It should be noted that the determination regions described above may be set not only in either of the operation object OBJo and the sound objects OBJs, but also in both the operation object OBJo and the sound objects OBJs. In this case, the evaluation (a point of the game score) may be determined in accordance with the combination of both determination regions having made contact with each other.

In addition, similarly to the determination regions formed in each sound object OBJs for the determination of a point, a plurality of parts that, if having made contact with the operation object OBJo, result in the output of different sounds may be formed in the sound object OBJs. As an example, in each sound object OBJs, a reference pitch generation region, a higher-pitch sound generation region or a lower-pitch sound generation region, and a no-sound generation region are provided, starting from the front of the sound object OBJs in the moving direction. Then, if the operation object OBJo has made contact with the reference pitch generation region of each sound object OBJs first, a sound at the step set for the sound object OBJs (a reference pitch) is output as it is from the sound output section36. Further, if the operation object OBJo has made contact with the higher-pitch sound generation region or the lower-pitch sound generation region of each sound object OBJs first, a sound at the pitch higher or lower than the reference pitch set for the sound object OBJs in accordance with the distance from the front is output from the sound output section36. Then, if the operation object OBJo has made contact with the no-sound generation region of each sound object OBJs first, a sound at the step set for the sound object OBJs is not output from the sound output section36.

As described above, each sound object OBJs is formed of a plurality of parts that, if the operation object OBJo has made contact with them first, result in the output of sounds at different pitches or do not result in the output of any sound. Thus, even if the operation object OBJo has been brought into contact with each sound object OBJs, different sounds are output, or no sound is output, depending on the time when the objects are brought into contact with each other. For example, in the exemplary embodiment described above, the parts are arranged next to each other in descending order such that the closer to the front of each sound object OBJs in the moving direction, the closer to the step set for the sound object OBJs the sound to be output. Thus, the earlier the user brings the operation object OBJo into contact with each moving sound object OBJs, the closer to the set step the sound they can listen to. It should be noted that the generation regions described above may be set not only in either of the operation object OBJo and the sound objects OBJs, but also in both the operation object OBJo and the sound objects OBJs. In this case, a sound may be output in accordance with the combination of both generation regions having made contact with each other.

It should be noted that, in the exemplary game described above, the movement path To of the operation object OBJo is provided in the lower portion of the display section35so as to extend in the left-right direction, while the movement paths T1 through T8 of the sound objects OBJs are provided so as to extend in the up-down direction. Alternatively, the virtual world may be formed on the basis of another placement relationship so long as the movement path of the operation object OBJo is provided so as to cross the movement paths of the sound objects OBJs. For example, the plurality of movement paths of the sound objects OBJs may be arranged next to each other so as to extend in the left-right direction, and the movement path of the operation object OBJo may be provided so as to extend in the up-down direction, such that the movement paths of the sound objects OBJs are orthogonal to the movement path of the operation object OBJo. Alternatively, the plurality of movement paths of the sound objects OBJs may be provided so as to cross the movement path of the operation object OBJo at various angles. Yet alternatively, the movement paths of the sound objects OBJs and the movement path of the operation object OBJo may be provided so as to cross each other not on a two-dimensional plane but in a three-dimensional manner in a virtual space. With reference toFIG. 6, a description is given below of an example where the movement paths of the sound objects OBJs and the movement path of the operation object OBJo are provided so as to cross each other in a stereoscopically viewable virtual space.

As shown inFIG. 6, a virtual space including an operation object OBJo and sound objects OBJs is displayed on the display section35as a stereoscopic image or as a planar image that is not stereoscopically viewable. Here, the display of a stereoscopic image is performed as follows. A left-eye image and a right-eye image that differ depending on the parallax are displayed using substantially the same display area, thereby displaying a three-dimensional image (a stereoscopically viewable image) having a stereoscopic effect to the user, and displaying an image as if the objects are present in the depth direction of the screen. Further, the display of a planar image means the display of an image that is planar, as opposed to the term “stereoscopic” described above. The display of a planar image is the same as the display of a stereoscopic image in that the virtual space is displayed; however, the display of a planar image is performed such that the same displayed image is viewable to both the left eye and the right eye. In the virtual space, a three-dimensional cylinder is placed, whose cylindrical axis is directed in the depth direction of the screen. Then, a plurality of movement paths T1 through T8 of the sound objects OBJs are arranged next to each other so as to extend in the direction of the axis and along the inner surface of the cylinder. Further, a movement path To of the operation object OBJo is provided in a circular manner on the end surface of the cylinder (at the circular end of the cylinder) formed on the closer side in the depth direction of the screen.

In the example shown inFIG. 6, on the inner surface of the cylinder, the sound objects OBJs appear at the end of the cylinder on the further side in the depth direction of the screen, and then move along the movement paths T1 through T8 toward the closer side in the depth direction of the screen. On the other hand, the operation object OBJo moves along the movement path To in accordance with the operation on the touch panel341or an analog stick (an input apparatus that allows an input of a direction by inclining or sliding its member relative to a base point). For example, in the case of the operation using the analog stick, the operation object OBJo is caused to move to a position, on the movement path To, corresponding to the direction indicated by the analog stick with respect to the center of the circular movement path To (the axis of the cylinder). Then, if the operation object OBJo has made contact with each moving sound object OBJs, a sound based on the step set for the sound object OBJs is output from the sound output section36, as in the music game described with reference toFIGS. 2 and 3.

In addition, the above descriptions are given using the example where the operation object OBJo is configured to move along the linear circular movement path To or the circular movement path To. Alternatively, the operation object OBJo may be configured to move in a predetermined range. In this case, the operation object OBJo can freely move, in accordance with a user operation, not only on a straight line or a curved line but also on a plane set as a movement-allowed range, which enables a music game with a higher degree of freedom.

In addition, the above descriptions are given using the example where the movement paths T1 through T8 along which the sound objects OBJs move are set for respective steps. Alternatively, one movement path may be set for a plurality of steps. Yet alternatively, movement paths may be set independently of steps, in which case the sound objects OBJs, for which respective steps are set, may be configured to move along the movement paths in a random manner.

In addition, the example is used where, if each sound object OBJs has made contact with the higher-pitch sound generation region or the lower-pitch sound generation region, the sound to be output from the sound output section36is adjusted such that the pitch becomes higher by gradually increasing from the reference pitch in a linear manner, or becomes lower by gradually decreasing from the reference pitch in a linear manner, in accordance with the distance between the reference pitch generation region and the contact position. Alternatively, another form of change may be made in the sound if the contact position is included in the higher-pitch sound generation region or the lower-pitch sound generation region. For example, the sound to be output from the sound output section36may be adjusted such that the pitch becomes higher by gradually increasing from the reference pitch in a stepwise manner, or becomes lower by gradually decreasing from the reference pitch in a stepwise manner, in accordance with the distance between the reference pitch generation region and the contact position.

In addition, if each sound object OBJs has made contact with a region different from the reference pitch generation region of the operation object OBJo (the higher-pitch sound generation region or the lower-pitch sound generation region inFIG. 4), a parameter different from the pitch of the sound set for the sound object OBJs may be changed. For example, at least one of three sound elements (the loudness of the sound, the pitch of the sound, and the quality (timbre) of the sound) of the sound set for the sound object OBJs may be changed. In this case, the amount of change in at least one of the three sound elements may be changed in a gradually increasing manner or in a gradually decreasing manner in accordance with the distance between the reference pitch generation region and the contact position. Alternatively, if each sound object OBJs has made contact with a region different from the reference pitch generation region of the operation object OBJo, a sound unrelated to the sound set for the sound object OBJs may be output. For example, if each sound object OBJs has made contact with such a region, an electronic sound fixed in advance (for example, a beeping sound) may be output.

In addition, the above descriptions are given using the example where the operation object OBJo moves in accordance with the operation on the touch panel341or the analog stick; however, input means for causing the operation object OBJo to move is not limited to these. As a first example, the operation object OBJo may be caused to move along the movement path in accordance with the position indicated by another pointing device for designating a position on the screen. Here, the pointing device is input apparatus for designating an input position or coordinates on the screen, and the input apparatus is achieved by, as well as the touch panel341, a system in which a mouse, a trackpad, or a trackball is used to designate a position on the screen, or a game controller is pointed to the screen, thereby detecting a specific position in the screen. As a second example, the operation object OBJo may be caused to move along the movement path in accordance with the direction corresponding to the pressing of a directional pad. As a third example, a button for making a movement in the forward direction of the movement path and another button for making a movement in the opposite direction of the movement path may be set, so that the operation object OBJo is caused to move along the movement path in accordance with the pressed button. As a fourth example, an input apparatus may be used on which at least part of the user's body is placed to detect the load value of the placed part and the position of the center of gravity of the placed part, so that the operation object OBJo is caused to move along the movement path in accordance with a change in the load value or a shift in the position of the center of gravity.

In addition, to adjust the level of difficulty in a music game, generally, the moving speed of the sound objects OBJs may be adjusted, or the number of the sound objects OBJs to appear may be adjusted. In the music game described above, however, it is possible to easily adjust the level of difficulty in the game by another method as well. For example, it is possible to adjust the level of difficulty in the game by making at least one of the following changes: increasing or decreasing the number of the movement paths along which the sound objects OBJs are allowed to move; increasing or decreasing the range in which the movement paths of the sound objects OBJs and the movement path of the operation object OBJo cross each other; increasing or decreasing the size of the operation object OBJo; increasing or decreasing the size of the reference pitch generation region (the BEST determination region); and the like.

Next, a detailed description is given of the processing performed by the game apparatus3. First, with reference toFIG. 7, main data used in the processing is described. It should be noted thatFIG. 7is a diagram showing examples of main data and programs stored in the storage section32of the game apparatus3.

As shown inFIG. 7, the following are stored in the data storage area of the storage section32: operation data Da; operation object position data Db; sound object appearance control data Dc; sound object position data Dd; contact position data De; game score data Df; pitch data Dg; display image data Dh; and the like. It should be noted that the storage section32may store, as well as the data shown inFIG. 7, data and the like necessary for the processing, such as data used in an application to be executed. Further, in the program storage area of the storage section32, various programs Pa included in the game program are stored.

The operation data Da is data representing the content of the operation performed on the input section34, and includes data representing the touch position of a touch operation on the touch panel341.

The operation object position data Db is data representing the position of the operation object OBJo in the virtual world.

The sound object appearance control data Dc is data for setting the types and the shapes of the sound objects OBJs to appear, and the time of the appearance, the movement path, the moving speed, and the like of each sound object OBJs, in order to perform the control of causing the sound objects OBJs to appear and move in the virtual world.

The sound object position data Dd is data representing the positions of the sound objects OBJs in the virtual world.

The contact position data De is data representing the position, in the operation object OBJo, with which each sound object OBJs has made contact.

The game score data Df is data representing the point of the score with respect to each evaluation rank, the point being added in accordance with the contact position, in the operation object OBJo, with which each sound object OBJs has made contact.

The pitch data Dg is data representing the pitch set in accordance with the type of each sound object OBJs having made contact with the operation object OBJo and in accordance with the contact position.

The display image data Dh is data for generating an image in which virtual objects, backgrounds, and the like such as the operation object OBJo and the sound objects OBJs are placed, and displaying the image on the display section35.

Next, with reference toFIG. 8, a detailed description is given of the game processing performed by the game apparatus3. It should be noted thatFIG. 8is a flow chart showing an example of the game processing performed by the game apparatus3. Here, in the flow chart shown inFIG. 8, descriptions are given mainly of, in the processing performed by the game apparatus3, the process of outputting sounds based on the states of the contact of the sound objects OBJs and the operation objects OBJo. The detailed descriptions of other processes not directly related to these processes are omitted. Further, inFIG. 8, all the steps performed by the control section31are abbreviated as “S”.

The CPU of the control section31initializes a memory and the like of the storage section32, and loads the game program from the program storage section33into the memory. Then, the CPU starts the execution of the game program. The flow chart shown inFIG. 8is a flow chart showing the processing performed after the above processes are completed.

It should be noted that the processes of all the steps in the flow chart shown inFIG. 8are merely illustrative. Thus, the processing order of the steps may be changed, or another process may be performed in addition to and/or instead of the processes of all the steps, so long as similar results are obtained. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, descriptions are given on the assumption that the control section31(the CPU) performs the processes of all the steps in the flow chart. Alternatively, a processor or a dedicated circuit other than the CPU may perform the processes of some or all of the steps in the flow chart.

Referring toFIG. 8, the control section31performs initialization (step41), and proceeds to the subsequent step. For example, the control section31constructs a virtual world to be displayed on the display section35, and initializes parameters. As an example, the control section31sets a composition to be performed in a game performed in the following processes, and sets the sound object appearance control data Dc for the plurality of sound objects OBJs set for respective sounds to be output in accordance with the composition.

Next, the control section31acquires operation data from the input section34, updates the operation data Da (step42), and proceeds to the subsequent step.

Next, in accordance with the operation data acquired in the above step42, the control section31performs the process of causing the operation object OBJo to move (step43), and proceeds to the subsequent step. For example, if the operation data indicates that a touch operation has been performed on the movement path To, the control section31calculates the position of the operation object OBJo so as to overlap the position, on the movement path To, overlapping the touch position on which the touch operation has been performed, or so as to approach the overlapping position at a predetermined speed, and updates the operation object position data Db using the calculated position. It should be noted that, if the operation data indicates a touch position performed not on the movement path To, or indicates a touch-off state (that is, a touch operation has not been performed), the control section31maintains the position of the operation object OBJo represented by the operation object position data Db, and proceeds to the subsequent step.

Next, the control section31performs the process of causing the sound objects OBJs to appear, move, or disappear (step44), and proceeds to the subsequent step. For example, on the basis of the sound object appearance control data Dc, the control section31performs: the process of causing the sound objects OBJs to appear in the virtual world; the process of causing the sound objects OBJs placed in the virtual world to move; the process of causing the sound objects OBJs to disappear from the virtual world; or the like. Then, in accordance with the result of the process, the control section31calculates the position of each sound object OBJs, and updates the sound object position data Dd using the calculated position.

Next, the control section31determines whether or not it is the time to determine the contact of the sound objects OBJs and the operation object OBJo (step45). For example, if at least one of the sound objects OBJs placed in the virtual world is present on the movement path To of the operation object OBJo, the control section31determines that it is the time to determine the contact. Then, if it is the time to determine the contact, the control section31proceeds to step46. If, on the other hand, it is not the time to determine the contact, the control section31proceeds to step49.

In step46, the control section31determines the contact position, in the operation object OBJo, with which the sound object OBJs has made contact, and proceeds to the subsequent step. For example, the control section31calculates the position, in the operation object OBJo, with which the sound object OBJs has made contact (for example, the distance between the center of the operation object OBJo and the center of the sound object OBJs on which the determination is being made), and updates the contact position data De using the calculated position.

Next, the control section31adds a point in the game (a point of the game score) in accordance with the contact position (step47), and proceeds to the subsequent step. For example, the control section31determines the part of the operation object OBJo and the part of the sound object OBJs having made contact with each other first, adds an evaluation point based on the determined parts, and updates the game score data Df. For example, if determining an evaluation point using the determination regions set in the operation object OBJo (the BEST determination region, the GOOD determination region, and the BAD determination region; seeFIG. 4), the control section31determines the determination region of the operation object OBJo in which the operation object OBJo and the sound object OBJs have make contact with each other first, adds an evaluation point based on the determined region (that is, the BEST evaluation point, the GOOD evaluation point, or the BAD evaluation point), and updates the game score data Df. Alternatively, if determining an evaluation point using the determination regions set in the sound object OBJs (the BEST determination region, the GOOD determination region, the BAD determination region, and the MISS determination region; seeFIG. 5), the control section31determines the determination region of the sound object OBJs in which the operation object OBJo and the sound object OBJs have made contact with each other first, adds an evaluation point based on the determined region (that is, the BEST evaluation point, the GOOD evaluation point, the BAD evaluation point, or the MISS evaluation point), and updates the game score data Df. It should be noted that, if in the touch-off state (that is, the state where a touch operation has not been performed on the touch panel341), the control section31may determine, even if the contact position indicates that the operation object OBJo and the sound object OBJs have made contact with each other, that the operation object OBJo has not made contact with the sound object OBJs. Further, if one of the sound objects OBJs has passed through the movement path To of the operation object OBJo without making contact with the operation object OBJo, the control section31adds a miss evaluation point (that is, the MISS evaluation point), and updates the game score data Df.

Next, the control section31determines a pitch in accordance with the contact position (step48), and proceeds to step49. For example, on the basis of the contact position, the control section31determines the sound generation region, of the operation object OBJo, with which the sound object OBJs has made contact (the reference pitch generation region, the higher-pitch sound generation region, or the lower-pitch sound generation region; seeFIG. 4), determines a pitch in accordance with the determined region, and updates the pitch data Dg. For example, if the sound object OBJs has made contact with the reference pitch generation region, the control section31updates the pitch data Dg using the reference pitch set for the sound object OBJs. Alternatively, if the sound object OBJs has made contact with the higher-pitch sound generation region, the control section31determines a pitch by gradually heightening the reference pitch set for the sound object OBJs, in accordance with the distance between the contact position and the reference pitch generation region, and updates the pitch data Dg using the determined pitch. Yet alternatively, if the sound object OBJs has made contact with the lower-pitch sound generation region, the control section31determines a pitch by gradually lowering the reference pitch set for the sound object OBJs, in accordance with the distance between the contact position and the reference pitch generation region, and updates the pitch data Dg using the determined pitch. It should be noted that, if the contact position indicates that the operation object OBJo has not made contact with the sound object OBJs, or indicates the touch-off state, the control section31updates the pitch data Dg using data indicating that no sound is generated (for example, Null). Further, on the basis of the contact position, the control section31may determine the sound generation region, of the sound object OBJs (the reference pitch generation region, the higher-pitch sound generation region, the lower-pitch sound generation region, or the no-sound generation region), with which the operation object OBJo has made contact first, and may determine a pitch in accordance with the determined region. In this case, the pitch to be set on the basis of the contact with the sound object OBJs after the confirmation of the contact with the operation object OBJo may be determined by changing the pitch determined on the basis of the first contact with the operation object OBJo, or may be determined by maintaining the pitch determined on the basis of the first contact with the operation object OBJo as it is.

In step49, the control section31performs a display process and a sound output process, and proceeds to the subsequent step. For example, on the basis of the operation object position data Db and the sound object position data Dd, the control section31performs the process of generating an image of the virtual world where the operation object OBJo and the sound objects OBJs are placed, and causing the generated image to be displayed on the display section35. Further, on the basis of the game score data Df, the control section31performs the process of generating an image representing the current game score, and causing the generated image to be displayed on the display section35. Furthermore, on the basis of the pitch data Dg and the composition performed in the game, the control section31performs the process of generating sound data, and outputting the sound based on the sound data from the sound output section36. Specifically, the control section31generates the sound data, for the sound to be output as a result of the sound object OBJs and the operation object OBJo making contact with each other, so that the sound represented by the pitch data Dg (if data representing the pitch is set, the sound at the indicated pitch) is output from the sound output section36.

Next, the control section31determines whether or not the game processing is to be ended (step50). Examples of conditions for ending the game processing include: the satisfaction of the condition under which the game processing is ended; and the fact that the user has performed the operation of ending the game processing. If the game processing is not to be ended, the control section31returns to the above step42, and repeats the process thereof. If the game processing is to be ended, the control section31ends the processing indicated by the flow chart.

As described above, on the basis of the game processing according to the exemplary embodiment described above, the operation object OBJo is brought into contact with the sound objects OBJs that appear in accordance with a composition, whereby it is possible to output the sounds set for the respective sound objects OBJs, and therefore possible to enjoy performing the composition. Here, in accordance with a touch operation, the user can freely cause the operation object OBJo to move in the movement-allowed range (along the movement path or in the movement range) so as to make contact with the sound objects OBJs, and output the sounds based on the composition merely by placing the operation object OBJo on the movement paths of the sound objects OBJs. This makes it possible to enjoy a music game by an easy touch operation.

It should be noted that the above descriptions are given using the example where the game apparatus3performs the game processing. Alternatively, another apparatus may perform at least some of the processing steps in the game processing. For example, if the game apparatus3is further configured to communicate with another apparatus (for example, another server, another game apparatus, or another mobile terminal), the other apparatus may cooperate to perform the processing steps of the game processing. As an example, the other apparatus may generate a virtual world and a sound and perform the game processing using the virtual world, and the result of the game processing may be displayed on the display section35of the game apparatus3. Another apparatus may thus perform at least some of the processing steps in the game processing, which enables game processing similar to that described above. Further, the game processing described above can be performed by a processor or the cooperation of a plurality of processors, the processor and the plurality of processors contained in an information processing system including at least one information processing apparatus. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, the processing indicated in the flow chart described above is performed as a result of the control section31of the game apparatus3executing a predetermined game program. Alternatively, some or all of the game processing indicated in the flow chart may be performed by a dedicated circuit included in the game apparatus3.

Here, the above variations make it possible to achieve the exemplary embodiment also by a system form such as cloud computing, or a system form such as a distributed wide area network or a local area network. For example, in a system form such as a distributed local area network, it is possible to execute the game processing between a stationary information processing apparatus (a stationary game apparatus) and a handheld information processing apparatus (a handheld game apparatus) by the cooperation of the apparatuses. It should be noted that, in these system forms, there is no particular limitation on which apparatus performs the process of each step of the game processing described above. Thus, it goes without saying that it is possible to achieve the exemplary embodiment by sharing the processing in any manner.

In addition, the processing orders, the setting values, the conditions used in the determinations, and the like that are used in the game processing described above are merely illustrative. Thus, it goes without saying that the exemplary embodiment can be achieved also with other orders, other values, and other conditions.

In addition, the game program may be supplied to the game apparatus3not only through an external storage medium such as the external memory45, but also through a wired or wireless communication link. Further, the game program may be stored in advance in a non-volatile storage device included in the game apparatus3. It should be noted that examples of an information storage medium having stored therein the game program may include CD-ROMs, DVDs, optical disk storage media similar to these, flexible disks, hard disks, magneto-optical disks, and magnetic tapes, as well as non-volatile memories. Alternatively, an information storage medium having stored therein the game program may be a volatile memory for storing the game program. It can be said that such a storage medium is a storage medium readable by a computer or the like. For example, it is possible to provide the various functions described above by causing a computer or the like to load a game program from the storage medium and execute it.

While some exemplary systems, exemplary methods, exemplary devices, and exemplary apparatuses have been described in detail above, the above descriptions are merely illustrative in all respects, and do not limit the scope of the systems, the methods, the devices, and the apparatuses. It goes without saying that the systems, the methods, the devices, and the apparatuses can be improved and modified in various manners without departing the spirit and scope of the appended claims. It is understood that the scope of the systems, the methods, the devices, and the apparatuses should be interpreted only by the scope of the appended claims. Further, it is understood that the specific descriptions of the exemplary embodiment enable a person skilled in the art to carry out an equivalent scope on the basis of the descriptions of the exemplary embodiment and general technical knowledge. It should be understood that, when used in the specification, the components and the like described in the singular with the word “a” or “an” preceding them do not exclude the plurals of the components. Furthermore, it should be understood that, unless otherwise stated, the terms used in the specification are used in their common meanings in the field. Thus, unless otherwise defined, all the jargons and the technical terms used in the specification have the same meanings as those generally understood by a person skilled in the art in the field of the exemplary embodiment. If there is a conflict, the specification (including definitions) takes precedence.

As described above, the exemplary embodiment is useful as, for example, a computer-readable storage medium having stored therein a game program, a game program, a game apparatus, a game system, a game processing method, and the like in order to enjoy a music game by an easy operation.