U.S. Pat. No. 6,962,527

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1is a block diagram showing the configuration of one aspect of a video game device of this invention. In the following explanation, as an example of a video game device, a home-use video game system configured by connecting home-use video game equipment to a home-use television set is explained. However, this invention is not limited to the above configuration, but can be similarly applied to commercial video game equipment configured with an integral monitor, to a personal computer which executes a video game program to function as video game equipment, and similar.

The video game device ofFIG. 1comprises home-use game equipment100and a home-use television set200. Computer-readable recording medium300, on which is recorded a video game program and game data, is loaded into the home-use game equipment100, and the video game program and game data are read as appropriate to execute the game.

The home-use game system100comprises a CPU (central processing unit)1, bus line2, graphic data generation processor3, interface circuit (I/F)4, main memory5, ROM (read-only memory)6, expansion circuit7, parallel port8, serial port9, image processor10, sound processor11, decoder12, interface circuit13, buffers14to16, recording medium drive17, memory18, and controller19. The home-use television set200comprises a television monitor21(hereinafter also called a monitor), amplifier circuit22, and speaker23.

The CPU1is connected to the bus line2and the graphic data generation processor3. The bus line2comprises an address bus, data bus, and control bus, and interconnects the CPU1, interface circuit4, main memory5, ROM6, expansion circuit7, parallel port8, serial port9, image processor10, sound processor11, decoder12, and interface circuit13.

The image processor10is connected to the buffer14. The sound processor11is connected to the buffer15. The decoder12is connected to the buffer16and to the recording medium drive17. The interface circuit13is connected to the memory18and controller19.

The television monitor21of the home-use television set200is connected to the image processor10. The speaker23is connected to the sound processor11via the amplifier circuit22.

Next, each of the constituent components shown inFIG. 1is explained. The graphic data generation processor3plays the role of a so-called coprocessor to the CPU1. Specifically, the graphic data generation processor3performs coordinate transformation processing, light source calculation processing and similar, performing, for example, fixed-point matrix and vector operations through parallel processing.

The main processing performed by the graphic data generation processor3includes computing address data for an image for processing in a prescribed display area and returning the results to the CPU1, processing to calculate the brightness of an image according to the distance from a virtually set light source, and similar, based on the coordinate data, movement data, rotation data and similar for each vertex of image data provided by the CPU1in two-dimensional or three-dimensional space.

The interface circuit4is used as the interface with peripheral devices such as, for example, a mouse, trackball, or other pointing device or similar. The main memory5comprises RAM (random access memory) or similar. The ROM6stores a program which serves as the operating system of the video game device. This program corresponds to, for example, the BIOS (basic input-output system) of a personal computer.

The expansion circuit7performs decompressions processing of compressed image data, compressed by means of intra-coding conforming to the MPEG (Moving Picture Engineering Group) standard for moving images and the JPEG (Joint Picture Engineering Group) standard for still images. Decompression processing comprises decoding (decoding of data encoded using a VLC, or variable-length code), inverse quantization processing, IDCT (inverse discrete cosine transform) processing, and processing to restore intra-image data.

The image processor10performs imaging (drawing) processing on a buffer14based on an imaging (drawing) instruction, issued by the CPU1at prescribed time intervals T (for example at each frame, T= 1/60second).

The buffer14comprises RAM, for example, and is divided into a display area (frame buffer) and non-display area. The display area comprises an expansion area for data to be displayed on the display screen of the television monitor21. The non-display area comprises storage areas for data defining skeletons, model data defining polygons, animation data which causes models to move, pattern data indicating the content of each animation, texture data, and color palette data.

Here, the texture data is two-dimensional image data; color palette data is data used to specify colors for texture and other data. This data is recorded in the non-display area of the buffer14by the CPU1from the recording medium300, either all at once, or in several operations according to the game progress.

Also, as drawing instructions, there are rending instructions to render a three-dimensional image using polygons, and drawing instructions to render ordinary two-dimensional images. As polygons, polygonal two-dimensional virtual figures such as triangles are used.

Drawing instructions to render a three-dimensional image using polygons are performed for polygon vertex address data, indicating the stored positions of polygon vertex coordinate data in the display area of the buffer14; texture address data, indicating the storage positions in the buffer14of texture data for application to polygons; color palette address data, indicating the storage positions in the buffer14of color palette data representing the colors for texture data; and brightness data, indicating the brightness of textures.

Of the above data types, polygon vertex address data in the display area is polygon vertex coordinate data in a two-dimensional plane obtained by coordinate transformation of polygon vertex coordinate data in a three-dimensional space, which the graphic data generation processor3outputs from the CPU1based on movement data and rotation data. Brightness data is data determined by the graphic data generation processor3, based on the distance from the positions represented by the polygon vertex coordinate data after the above coordinate transformations to a virtually positioned light source.

The polygon vertex address data indicates addresses in the display area of the buffer14; the image processor10performs processing to write texture data corresponding to a display area of the buffer14indicated by three polygon vertex address data values.

Here a character or other object in the game space consists of a plurality of polygons; the CPU1stores coordinate data in three-dimensional space for each polygon in the buffer14, associated with corresponding skeleton vector data. When a character is moved, a character action is represented, or the viewpoint of a character is changed on a game screen displayed by the television monitor21according to operation of the controller19, described below, the following processing is performed.

The CPU1provides the graphic data generation processor3with three-dimensional coordinate data of the vertices of each polygon held in the non-display area of the buffer14, and with movement data and rotation data for each polygon, computed from the skeleton coordinate data and rotation data. The graphic data generation processor3calculates in order three-dimensional coordinate data after movement and rotation of each polygon, based on the three-dimensional coordinate data of the vertices of each polygon and on movement data and rotation data.

Of the three-dimensional coordinate data for each polygon computed in this way, coordinate data in the horizontal and vertical directions is supplied to the image processor10as address data in the display area of the buffer14, that is, as polygon vertex address data.

The image processor10writes texture data specified by texture address data allocated in advance to triangular-shape display areas in the buffer14indicated by three polygon vertex address data values. By this means, an object, represented by a plurality of polygons to which texture data is applied, is represented on the display screen of the television monitor21.

Drawing instructions to render normal two-dimensional images are performed for vertex address data, texture address data, color palette address data indicating the storage position in the buffer14of color palette data representing the color of texture data, and brightness data indicating the brightness of a texture. Of these data types, vertex address data is coordinate data obtained by coordinate transformation of vertex coordinate data on a two-dimensional plane output by the graphic data generation processor3from the CPU1, based on movement data and rotation data output from the CPU1.

The sound processor11stores ADPCM (adaptive differential pulse code modulation) data read from the recording medium300in the buffer15, and ADPCM data stored in the buffer15is used as a sound source.

The sound processor11reads ADPCM data from the buffer15based on, for example, a clock signal of frequency 44.1 kHz, performs processing of the ADPCM data read in this way such as pitch conversion, noise addition, envelope setting, level setting, and reverb addition, and then outputs the corresponding audio from the speaker23.

On the other hand, when audio data read from the recording medium300is CD-DA (Compact Disc Digital Audio) or other PCM data, the sound processor11converts this PCM data into ADPCM data. Processing of PCM data by the program is performed directly in main memory5. The PCM data processed in main memory5is supplied to the sound processor11, and after conversion into ADPCM data, the various processing described above is performed, and audio is output from the speaker23.

As a recording medium drive17, for example, a DVD-ROM drive, CD-ROM drive, hard disk drive, optical disc drive, flexible disk drive, silicon disk drive, cassette medium reading equipment, or similar is used. In this case, as the recording medium300, a DVD-ROM disc, CD-ROM disc, hard disk, optical disc, flexible disk, semiconductor memory, or similar is used.

The recording medium drive17reads image data, audio data and program data from the recording medium300, and provides the read data to the decoder12. The decoder12uses an error correction code (ECC) to perform error correction processing of the data reproduced from the recording medium drive17, and supplies the error-corrected data to main memory5or to the sound processor11.

As memory18, for example, card-type memory may be used. Card-type memory is used to hold various game parameters at a point of interruption, as for example when holding the state at the point of interruption when the video game is interrupted.

The controller19is an operating device used by a player to input various operation instructions; operation signals corresponding to player operations are sent to the CPU1.

Next, the action of the above video game device is explained in summary. When recording medium300is loaded into the recording medium drive17, the power supply switch (not shown) is turned on and power is supplied to the video game device, the CPU1instructs the recording medium drive17to read the game program from the recording medium300, based on the operating system stored in ROM6. By this means, the recording medium drive17reads image data, audio data, and program data from the recording medium300. The image data, audio data and program data thus read is supplied to the decoder12, and the decoder12performs error correction processing for the different data types.

Image data which has been error-corrected by the decoder12is supplied to a expansion circuit7via a bus line2. Image data on which decompressions processing described above has been performed by the expansion circuit7is supplied to the imaging processor10, and is written to the non-display area of the buffer14by the imaging processor10. Audio data which has been error-corrected by the decoder12is written either to the main memory5, or to the buffer15via the sound processor11. Program data which has been error-corrected by the decoder12is written to the main memory5.

Subsequently, the CPU1advances the video game based on the game program stored in main memory5and on the instructions issued by the player using the controller19. That is, the CPU1appropriately controls image processing, audio processing, and internal processing based on instructions issued by the player using the controller19.

As image processing control, for example, calculations of the coordinates of each skeleton from pattern data corresponding to animation specified for a character, calculation of vertex coordinate data for polygons, provision of the resulting three-dimensional coordinate data and viewpoint position data to the graphic data generation processor3, issuing of drawing instructions including address data and brightness data in the display area of the buffer14and calculated by the graphic data generation processor3, and similar are performed. As audio processing control, for example, the issuing of audio output commands to the sound processor11, and level, reverb and other specifications are performed. As internal processing control, for example, computations are performed according to operation of the controller19.

In this aspect, the case is explained in which the video game executed by the video game device1is a video game which simulates mogul skiing, which is one kind of freestyle skiing. In mogul skiing, a plurality of bumps provided by heaping snow up on the course are navigated by turning rhythmically, and “air points” are awarded by performing an “air trick” (feat) from jump platforms provided at two places on the course. The actual points awarded include points for turns, air points, and speed points; players compete on the basis of the total of these points.

FIG. 2is a screen diagram showing one example of a game screen in which a character skis on a bumpy slope. In the game screen500, when the player operates the controller19with good timing, the character501is displayed skiing around bumps502. The player performs operations according to the movements of a timing indicator504displayed moving left and right within the timing gauge503displayed at the top of the game screen500. That is, the player presses the L1button19L1on the controller19when the timing indicator504is at the L position505, and presses the R1button19R1when the timing indicator504is at the R position506, to move the character501. In this way, by pressing the L1button19L1and R1button19R1with good timing according to movements of the timing indicator504displayed in the timing gauge503, the player causes the character501to be displayed skiing rapidly through turns, and the speed of the character501is increased.

The time displayed in the upper-left of the game screen500is the time display portion507, which displays the movement time of the character501from the start; in the lower-right of the game screen500is a character name display portion508, in which the “XXX” displays the character name of the character501being manipulated by the player, and “JPN” indicates the nationality of the character501. Speed points are awarded according to the time displayed in the time display portion507when the character501reaches the finish line.

FIG. 3is a functional block diagram of a video game device of this invention. The game progress control program of this invention is recorded in the recording medium300shown inFIG. 1, similarly to the above-described game program, and is loaded into main memory5; the game progress control program is executed sequentially in main memory5by the CPU1, while accepting operations performed by the player via the controller19, in order to realize the various functions.

The video game device functionally comprises a program execution unit400, a controller19comprising a plurality of operation portions, and main memory5.

The program execution unit400comprises, for example, the CPU1; by executing the game progress control program stored in main memory5, the CPU1functions as an operation reception unit401, operation decision (determination) unit402, time calculation unit404, image display unit405, and point-awarding unit406.

The operation reception unit401receives operations from the controller19performed within a prescribed length of time.

The operation decision unit402selects one operation procedure from among the operation procedures stored in the procedure storage unit51, as the operation procedure corresponding to the operations from the controller19. The operation decision unit402comprises a discrimination portion403. The discrimination portion403discriminates valid operations, which are operations included in an operation procedure, and invalid operations not included in the operation procedure. An operation discriminated by the discrimination portion403as an invalid operation is not determined as having been performed. Also, when operations from the controller19are equivalent to a plurality of operation procedures, the operation decision unit402selects the longest operation procedure.

The time calculation unit404calculates the holding time, which is the continuous time over which the last operation of an operation procedure selected by the operation decision unit402is performed from the controller19within a prescribed length of time.

The image display unit405displays on the game screen an image for the decision result of the operation decision unit402. The image display unit405displays on the game screen an image representing the action of a character appearing in the video game.

The point-awarding unit406awards points based on the decision result of the operation decision unit402and on the holding time.

The main memory5functions as the procedure storage unit51. The procedure storage unit51stores a plurality of operation procedures, where each operation procedure is represented by a combination of at least one operation.

The controller19is provided with a first button19a; second button19b; third button19c; fourth button19d; up key19U; down key19D; left key19L; right key19R; L1button19L1; L2button19L2; R1button19R1; R2button19R2; start button19e; select button19f; left joystick19SL; and right joystick19SR.

The up key19U, down key19D, left key19L and right key19R are used, for example, to sends commands to the CPU1to move a character or cursor up, down, left, or right on the screen of the monitor21. The start button19eis used to instruct the CPU1to load the game program from the recording medium300. The select button19fis used to instruct the CPU1to make various selections relating to the game program loaded into main memory5from the recording medium300. Except for the left joystick19SL and right joystick19SR, each of the buttons and keys of the controller19is configured so as to be turned on by applying a depressing force from outside to press down from a neutral position, and to be turned off on releasing the depressing force, resulting in a return to the above neutral position.

The left joystick19SL and right joystick19SR are a pair of operation members capable of input of operation directions; both function as a joystick or as a game pad, which is a stick-type controller. Operation directions include linear directions and turning directions. These stick-type controllers have an upright stick; the stick, supported at a prescribed position, is configured to enable inclination through 360°, including forward, backward, left, and right. The left joystick19SL and right joystick19SR send, to the CPU1via the interface circuit13, operation signals which are values of the x coordinate in the lateral direction and the y coordinate in the anteroposterior direction, according to the direction and angle of inclination of the stick, with the upright position as the origin. The first button19a,second button19b,third button19c,fourth button19d,L1button19L1, L2button19L2, R1button19R1, and R2button19R2function in various manners depending on the game program loaded from the recording medium300. The player grips the controller19with both hands, operates the left joystick19SL with the thumb of the left hand, operates the right joystick19SR with the thumb of the right hand, and tilts the left joystick19SL and/or the right joystick19SR.

In this way, the player can perform complicated operations by using the left joystick19SL and right joystick19SR, which are a pair of operation members enabling input of an operation direction, so that the video game has diversified operations and excellent game properties.

In this aspect, the procedure storage unit51is equivalent to the procedure storage means, the operation reception unit401and operation decision unit402are equivalent to the operation determination means, the discrimination portion403is equivalent to the discrimination means, the time calculation unit404is equivalent to the time calculation means, the image display unit405is equivalent to the image display means, and the point-awarding unit406is equivalent to the point-awarding means.

Also, there are a plurality of types of the above tricks; each trick belongs to one of eight groups according to difficulty, and a mogul competitor must normally perform tricks belonging to different groups according to the two “air” tricks. The tricks belonging to group1include the spread-eagle, kosak, and zudnik. Tricks belonging to group2include the daffy. Tricks belonging to group3include the backscratcher and mule kick. Tricks belonging to group4include the twister. Tricks belonging to group5include the 360° rotation helicopter. Tricks belonging to group6include the helicopter in a different posture. Tricks belonging to group7include the 720° rotation helicopter. Tricks belonging to group8include the 720° rotation helicopter in a different posture. These tricks generally are of greater difficulty, and have higher awarded points, as the group number increases.

FIGS. 4 through 11show examples of operation procedures for tricks (feats) in different groups.

FIG. 4shows one example of an operation procedure for a group1trick (feat). The operation procedure511shown inFIG. 4Ais the operation procedure for a trick called a spread-eagle.19SL corresponds to movement of the left joystick19SL of the controller19,19SR corresponds to movement of the right joystick19SR of the controller19, the arrow512indicates the direction in which the left joystick19SL is tilted, and the arrow513represents the direction in which the right joystick19SR is tilted. When performing this spread-eagle trick, the player tilts the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow512(the left direction), and at the same time tilts the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(the right direction).

The operation procedure514shown inFIG. 4Bis the operation procedure for a trick called a spread twister spread. The arrow515indicates the order in which the operations of the operation procedure514are performed; in the operation procedure514, first the operation514ais performed, then the operation514bis performed, and then the operation514cis performed. That is, when performing the spread twister spread trick, the player tilts the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow512(the left direction) while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(right direction) (operation514a); then tilts the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow512(right direction) while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(right direction) (operation514b); and then tilts the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow512(the left direction) while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(the right direction) (operation514c).

In this way, when performing the spread eagle and other so-called single jump actions, one operation is performed, and when performing a spread twister spread or other double or greater jump actions, a plurality of single jump operations are combined to become an operation procedure.

The operation procedure516shown inFIG. 4Cis the operation procedure for a trick called the kosak. When performing this kosak trick, the left joystick19SL is tilted in the direction of the arrow512(diagonally left-upward at 45°), and at the same time the right joystick19SR is tilted in the direction of the arrow513(diagonally right-upward at 45°).

The operation procedure517shown inFIG. 4Dis the operation procedure of a trick called the zudnik. When performing the zudnik trick, the player tilts the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow512(upward) while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(upward).

FIG. 5shows one example of an operation procedure for a group2trick (feat). The operation procedure shown inFIG. 5Ais the operation procedure518for a trick called a daffy. When performing this daffy trick, the player tilts the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow512(upward), while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(downward).

The operation procedure519shown inFIG. 5Bis the operation procedure for a trick called the double daffy. In the operation procedure519, first the operation519ais performed, and then the operation519bis performed. That is, when performing the double daffy trick, the player tilts the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow512(upward) while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(downward) (operation519a), and then tilts the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow512(downward) while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(upward) (operation519b).

The operation procedure520shown inFIG. 5Cis the operation procedure for a trick called the triple daffy. In the operation procedure520, first the operation520ais performed, then the operation520bis performed, and then the operation520cis performed. That is, when performing the triple daffy trick, first the player tilts the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow512(upward), while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(downward) (operation520a); then tilts the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow512(downward) while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(upward) (operation520b); and then tilts the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow512(upward) while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(downward) (operation520c).

FIG. 6shows one example of an operation procedure for a group3trick (feat). The operation procedure521shown inFIG. 6Ais the operation procedure for a trick called the backscratcher. When performing this backscratcher trick, the player tilts the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow512(downward), while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(downward).

The operation procedure522shown inFIG. 6Bis the operation procedure for a trick called the backscratcher-to-a-spread eagle. In the operation procedure522, first the operation522ais performed, and then the operation522bis performed. That is, when performing the backscratcher-to-a-spread eagle, first the player tilts the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow512(downward) while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(downward) (operation522a), and then tilts the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow512(left) while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(right) (operation522b).

The operation procedure523shown inFIG. 6Cis the operation procedure for a trick called the backscratcher-to-a-kosak. In the operation procedure523, first the operation523ais performed, and then the operation523bis performed. That is, when performing the backscratcher-to-a-kosak, first the player tilts the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow512(left) while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(downward) (operation523a), and then tilts the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow512(diagonally left-upward at 45°) while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(diagonally right-upward at 45°) (operation523b).

The operation procedure524shown inFIG. 6Dis the operation procedure for a trick called the mule kick. When performing this mule kick trick, the player tilts the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow512(diagonally right-upward at 45°) while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(diagonally right-upward at 45°).

FIG. 7shows one example of an operation procedure for a group4trick (feat). The operation procedure525shown inFIG. 7Ais the operation procedure for a trick called the twister. When performing this twister trick, the player tilts the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow512(right), while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(right).

The operation procedure526shown inFIG. 7Bis the operation procedure for a trick called the double twister. In the operation procedure526, first the operation526ais performed, and then the operation526bis performed. That is, when performing the double twister trick, the left joystick19SL is tilted in the direction of the arrow512(right) while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(right) (operation526a), and then the left joystick19SL is tilted in the direction of the arrow512(left) while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(left) (operation526b).

The operation procedure527shown inFIG. 7Cis the operation procedure for a trick called the triple twister. In the operation procedure527, first the operation527ais performed, then the operation527bis performed, and then the operation527cis performed. That is, when performing the triple twister trick, the player tilts the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow512(right) while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(right) (operation527a), then tilts the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow512(left) while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(left) (operation527b), and then tilts the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow512(right) while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(right) (operation527c).

The operation procedure528shown inFIG. 7Dis the operation procedure for a trick called the twister-twister spread. In the operation procedure528, first the operation528ais performed, then the operation528bis performed, and then the operation528cis performed. That is, when performing the twister-twister spread, the player tilts the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow512(right) while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(right) (operation528a), then tilts the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow512(left) while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(left) (operation528b), and then tilts the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow512(left) while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(right) (operation528c).

FIG. 8shows one example of an operation procedure for a group5trick. The operation procedure529shown inFIG. 8is the operation procedure for a trick called the helicopter360. The arrow530indicates the direction in which the left joystick19SL is rotated; when performing this helicopter360trick, the player tilts the left joystick19SL downward, and then makes a half-rotation to the left and upward.

FIG. 9shows one example of an operation procedure for a group6trick. The operation procedure531shown inFIG. 9Ais the operation procedure for a trick called the iron cross helicopter360. In the operation procedure531, firs the operation531ais performed, and then the operation531bis performed. That is, when performing the iron cross helicopter360trick, the player makes a half-rotation of the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow530(operation531a), and then tilts the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow512(diagonally right-downward 45°) while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(diagonally left-downward 45°) (operation531b).

The operation procedure532shown inFIG. 9Bis the operation procedure for a trick called the grab helicopter360. In the operation procedure532, first the operation532ais performed, and then the operation532bis performed. That is, when performing the grab helicopter360trick, the player makes a half-rotation of the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow530(operation532a), and then tilts the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow512(diagonally left-downward 45°) while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(diagonally right-downward 45°) (operation532b).

The operation procedure533shown inFIG. 9Cis the operation procedure for a trick called the spread helicopter360. In the operation procedure533, first the operation533ais performed, and then the operation533bis performed. That is, when performing the spread helicopter360trick, the player makes a half-rotation of the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow530(operation533a), and then tilts the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow512(left) while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(right) (operation533b).

The operation procedure534shown inFIG. 9Dis the operation procedure for a trick called the iron cross helicopter spread360. In the operation procedure534, first the operation534ais performed, then the operation534bis performed, and then the operation534cis performed. That is, when performing the iron cross helicopter spread360, the player makes a half-rotation of the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow530(operation534a); then tilts the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow512(diagonally right-downward 45°) while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(diagonally left-downward 45°) (operation534b); and then tilts the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow512(left) while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(right) (operation534c).

FIG. 10shows one example of an operation procedure for a group7trick. The operation procedure535shown inFIG. 10is the operation procedure for a trick called the helicopter720. The arrow536indicates the direction in which the left joystick19SL is rotated; when performing this helicopter720trick, the player first tilts the left joystick19SL downward, and then makes a full rotation beginning to the left.

FIG. 11shows one example of an operation procedure for a group8trick. The operation procedure537shown inFIG. 11Ais the operation procedure for a trick called the iron cross helicopter720. In the operation procedure537, first the operation537ais performed, and then the operation537bis performed. That is, when performing the iron cross helicopter720trick, the player makes one full rotation of the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow530(operation537a), and then tilts the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow512(diagonally right-downward 45°) while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(diagonally left-downward 45°) (operation537b).

The operation procedure538shown inFIG. 11Bis the operation procedure for a trick called the grab helicopter720. In the operation procedure538, first the operation538ais performed, and then the operation538bis performed. That is, when performing the grab helicopter720trick, the player makes a full rotation of the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow530(operation538a), and then tilts the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow512(diagonally left-downward 45°) while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(diagonally right-downward 45°) (operation538b).

The operation procedure539shown inFIG. 11Cis the operation procedure for a trick called the spread helicopter720. In the operation procedure539, first the operation539ais performed, and then the operation539bis performed. That is, when performing the spread helicopter720trick, the player makes a full rotation of the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow530(operation539a), and then tilts the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow512(left) while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(right) (operation539b).

The operation procedure540shown inFIG. 11Dis the operation procedure for a trick called the iron cross helicopter spread720. In the operation procedure540, first the operation540ais performed, then the operation540bis performed, and then the operation540cis performed. That is, when performing the iron cross helicopter spread720trick, the player makes a full rotation of the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow530(operation540a); then tilts the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow512(diagonally right-downward 45°) while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(diagonally left-downward 45°) (operation540b); and then tilts the left joystick19SL in the direction of the arrow512(left) while tilting the right joystick19SR in the direction of the arrow513(right) (operation540c).

In this way, the higher the group number, the more complicated are the operation procedures, and the more difficult the input operation, so that more time is required for the input operation. These operation procedures are stored in the procedure storage unit51.

Operations using the controller19correspond to trick actions in an actual mogul run.FIG. 12explains the kosak, which is a trick in group1. InFIG. 12,FIG. 12Adepicts a mogul competitor551immediately after leaving the jump platform552;FIG. 12Bdepicts the competitor551at the instant the trick is performed;FIG. 12Cdepicts the competitor551immediately before landing; andFIG. 12Ddepicts the competitor551at the instant of landing. When the competitor551leaves the jump platform552, trick actions are performed in the order shown inFIGS. 12Ato12D.

As shown inFIGS. 12Ato12D, the kosak is a trick in which the left leg551aand right leg551bare opened to the left and right in midair. In this way, the action of the competitor551of opening the left leg551aand right leg551bto the left and right corresponds to the operation in which the left joystick19SL of the controller19is tilted diagonally left-upward 45° while tilting the right joystick19SR diagonally right-upward 45°. When performing, for example, the daffy trick of group2, the competitor551performs an action in which the left leg551aand right leg551bare opened forward and backward; as the input operation of the controller19, the left joystick19SL is tilted upward while the right joystick19SR is tilted downward. In this way, the controller19is operated to correspond to the actual actions of the competitor.

FIG. 13is a drawing to explain operations from the controller19performed within a prescribed length of time. FIG.14andFIG. 15are screen diagrams showing one example of a game screen displayed within a prescribed length of time.

The arrow601shown inFIG. 13indicates the path of movement of the character; the interval from the time t1at which the trick input is begun until the time t2at which trick input is completed is taken to be the trick input-enabled time interval (a prescribed length of time), and the interval from the time t2of trick input completion until the time t3of holding completion is taken to be the trick display time interval. The trick input-enabled time interval t1to t2is equivalent, in terms of an actual mogul, to the takeoff area (the portion from the last bump before the jump to the tip of the jump platform). The time during which a prescribed operation is performed using the controller19is taken to be the trick input time S, and the time for which the final operation of an operation procedure is held is the holding time T. When the trick input beginning time t1is reached, the image display unit405switches from a camera viewpoint which displays the game screen500(see FIG.2), to a camera viewpoint which displays the game screen600(see FIG.14). In this way, by changing the camera viewpoint, the player is notified that the trick input beginning time t1has been reached.

The character501, an air time display portion601, which displays the trick input-enabled time interval t1to t2, the jump platform602, the time display portion507, and character name display portion508are displayed on the game screen600. During the trick input-enabled time interval t1to t2, operations of the character501are not accepted, and only trick input operations are accepted. That is, within the trick input-enabled time interval t1to t2, the character501is, for example, automatically operated by the CPU1. A gauge605is displayed in the air time display portion601; by progressively shrinking from the right edge to the left edge of the air time display portion601, this gauge605indicates the progression of time in the trick input-enabled time interval t1to t2. That is, when the gauge605reaches the left edge of the air time display portion601, the trick input-enabled time interval t1to t2ends.

On reaching the trick input end time t2, a game screen700as shown inFIG. 15is displayed. The trick input end time t2represents the instant at which the character501leaves the jump platform602, and the gauge605displayed in the air time display portion601of the game screen700reaches the left edge. The instant at which the character501ends the trick and lands on the snow surface of the course is the holding end time t3.

During the trick input-enabled time interval t1to t2, the operation reception unit401receives trick input operations from the controller19. And, during the trick display interval t2to t3, the image display unit405displays images representing the trick corresponding to the input operation procedure on the game screen.

FIG. 16is an example of a flowchart showing the actions of a video game device of this invention.

In step S1, the operation reception unit401judges whether an operation from the controller19is within the trick input-enabled time interval t1to t2(a prescribed length of time). If it is judged that the operation is within the trick input-enabled time interval t1to t2(“YES” in step S1), processing proceeds to step S3; if it is judged that the operation is not within the trick input-enabled time interval t1to t2(“NO” in step S1), a wait state is entered.

In step S3, the operation decision unit402performs processing to select one operation procedure from among the operation procedures stored in the procedure storage unit51. That is, the operation procedure among the operation procedures of the tricks shown inFIGS. 4to11equivalent to the operations input by the player from the controller19is selected. Details of the processing in step S3are explained below, based on FIG.17.

In step S5, when the final operation of the operation procedure selected in step S3was begun within the trick input-enabled time interval t1to t2, the time calculation unit404calculates the holding time T over which the final operation is continuously held. If the final operation was performed to extend beyond the trick input end time t2, this holding time T becomes invalid (see FIG.13C).

In step S7, the image display unit405displays images of the trick corresponding to the operation procedure selected in step S2on the game screen. That is, images showing actions of the character501as inFIG. 12are displayed.

In this way, images of the trick corresponding to the player operations are displayed on the game screen, so that the game screen can be used to confirm whether an appropriate operation procedure was performed or not, increasing the appeal of the video game. Also, because images depicting the actions of tricks of the character501appearing in the video game are displayed on the game screen, the displayed images corresponding to the operation procedure of the player are abundant in change, and again the appeal of the video game is enhanced.

In step S9, the point-awarding unit406awards points based on the trick corresponding to the operation procedure selected in step S2and the holding time T. For example, if the trick input time S is short, the holding time T is long (see FIG.13A); hence in the case of simple input operations, the points corresponding to the trick will be low, but the points corresponding to the holding time T will be high. On the other hand, if the trick input time S is long, then the holding time T is short (see FIG.13B), so that in the case of complicated input operations, the points corresponding to the trick will be high, but the points corresponding to the holding time T will be low.

In the video game of this aspect, two “air tricks” are performed, and so the processing of the above steps S1to S9is performed twice.

In this way, points are awarded by the point-awarding unit406based on the decision result of the operation decision unit402and the holding time T. Hence if, for example, the more complicated the operation procedure which is the decision result, the more points are awarded, and the longer the holding time, the more points are awarded, then in addition to the operation technique of performing complicated operations in a short amount of time, the player must also devise a strategy with respect to which operation procedures to perform, so that the player strategy is reflected in the video game, and the appeal of the video game is enhanced. In an actual mogul run, by halting a trick momentarily in midair, the trick becomes more impressive, and higher points are received. Hence the holding of operations of the controller19is associated with momentary halting of the trick, to further add to the appeal of the video game.

FIG. 17is an example of a flowchart showing processing actions to select an operation procedure in step S3of FIG.16.

In step S101, the holding time T is initialized. That is, the counter for the holding time T is reset to 0. In step S103, the operation reception unit401receives operations of the left joystick19SL and right joystick19SR of the controller19by the player. The operation reception unit401detects the directions in which the left joystick19SL and right joystick19SR of the controller19are tilted, from among eight directions: upward, downward, leftward, rightward, upward-leftward, downward-leftward, upward-rightward, and downward-rightward.

In step S105, the discrimination portion403judges whether a received operation is a valid operation included in an operation procedure stored in the procedure storage unit51. If the operation is judged to be a valid operation included in an operation procedure (“YES” in step S105), processing proceeds to step S107; if the operation is judged to be an invalid operation not included in an operation procedure (“NO” in step S105), processing returns to step S101. For example, when the left joystick19SL and right joystick19SR are both tilted to the right, and then the left joystick19SL and right joystick19SR are both tilted to the left, the operation procedure corresponding to a double twister, belonging to group4, is selected (see FIG.7). On the other hand, if the left joystick19SL and right joystick19SR are both tilted to the right, and then the left joystick19SL and right joystick19SR are both tilted upward, there are no equivalent operation procedures, and so the latter operation is discriminated as an invalid operation.

Thus by means of the discrimination portion403included in the operation decision unit402, valid operations which are operations included in an operation procedure are discriminated from invalid operations not included in an operation procedure, and operations discriminated as invalid operations are not selected by the operation decision unit402as having been performed; hence even when, in the midst of a specific operation procedure, the player erroneously performs an operation not included in the operation procedure, the operation is discriminated as an invalid operation, and the operation procedure equivalent to the remaining operations is selected, so that the erroneous operation of the player can be corrected. For example, when the player is a novice, the accurate performance of operations can be supported.

In step S107, the operation decision unit402judges whether an operation is the same as the previous operation. That is, the fact that an operation is the same as the previous operation means that the operation is in the state of being held. Hence if the operation is the same as the previous operation (“YES” in step S107), the holding time T is incremented by 1 (step S109), and processing proceeds to step S111; if the operation is not the same as the previous operation (“NO” in step S107), processing proceeds to step S113. If there is no previous operation, that is, if the received operation is the first operation, the operation is judged not to be the same as the previous operation (“NO” in step S107), and processing proceeds to step S113.

In step S111, the operation decision unit402judges whether the current time is within a prescribed time interval (the trick input-enabled time interval, t1to t2). If judged to be within the trick input-enabled time interval t1to t2(“YES” in step S111), processing returns to step S103; if judged not to be within the trick input-enabled time interval t1to t2(“NO” in step S111), processing proceeds to step S129.

In step S113, operations input using the controller19are stored in a buffer. That is, information on the direction in which the left joystick19SL is tilted and the direction in which the right joystick19SR is tilted is stored in the buffer.

In step S115, a judgment is performed as to whether the operation procedure corresponding to the operations stored in the buffer is in the procedure storage unit51. There are operations, such as rotation operations, which consist of tilting the left joystick19SL or right joystick19SR in a plurality of directions; hence a check is performed in order starting with the newest data stored in the buffer. For example, if there is data in the order: downward, downward-rightward, rightward, rightward-upward, upward, then the operation of a half-rotation counterclockwise from downward to upward is adopted. If there is data in the order: downward, downward-rightward, rightward, rightward-upward, upward, upward-leftward, leftward, leftward-downward, downward, then the operation of a full rotation counterclockwise from downward to downward is adopted. If there is data in the order: downward, downward-rightward, rightward, rightward-upward, then a rightward-upward direction operation is adopted. Here, if the operation procedure equivalent to the operations stored in the buffer is judged to be in the procedure storage unit51(“YES” in step S115), processing proceeds to step S117, and if the operation procedure equivalent to the operations stored in the buffer is judged not to be in the procedure storage unit51(“NO” in step S115), processing returns to step S101.

In step S117, the operation decision unit402selects the operation procedure corresponding to the operations input by the player. When the operations stored in the buffer correspond to a plurality of operation procedures, the longest operation procedure is selected.

In step S119, the holding time T is initialized. In step S121, the operation decision unit402judges whether the current time is within a prescribed time interval (the trick input-enabled time interval t1to t2). If judged to be within the trick input-enabled time interval t1to t2(“YES” in step S121), processing returns to step S103; if judged not to be in the trick input-enabled time interval t1to t2(“NO” in step S121), processing proceeds to step S123.

In step S123, the operation reception unit401receives operations by the player of the left joystick19SL and right joystick19SR of the controller19.

In step S125, a judgment is made as to whether an operation is the same as the previous operation. If the operation is judged to be the same as the previous operation (“YES” in step S125), the holding time T is incremented by 1 (step S127), and processing proceeds to step S129; if judged not to be the same as the previous operation (“NO” in step S127), processing ends.

In step S129, a judgment is made as to whether the current time is the holding end time t3. If it is judged that the current time is the holding end time t3(“YES” in step S129), processing ends; if judged not to be the holding end time t3(“NO” in step S129), processing returns to step S123. The processing of the above steps S101to S129is performed for each frame.

If an input operation is performed after the trick input-enabled time interval t1to t2, the trick equivalent to the operation procedure input within the trick input-enabled time interval t1to t2is selected, and the holding time T is not counted.

When holding is stopped during the interval from the trick input end time t2to the holding end time t3, it is assumed that the holding time T is not counted.

The present invention can assume the following forms.

(A) In this aspect, a video game simulating a mogul run was explained; the present invention is not limited to such a game, but may be applied to any video game of a form in which operations are input within a prescribed time interval, and points are awarded according to the holding time over which the last operation is held continuously from the prescribed time interval, as for example in the cases of video games which simulate figure skating or snowboarding, for example.

(B) In this aspect, operations are received through operation procedures as shown in FIG.4throughFIG. 11; but the present invention is not thereby limited, and other operation procedures may be used. For example, the operation of rotating the left joystick19SL which is the operation for input of the helicopter360trick may be performed counterclockwise rather than clockwise as shown in FIG.8. Also, the rotation operation may be performed with the right joystick19SR instead of the left joystick19SL, or may be performed with both the left joystick19SL and the right joystick19SR. Further, these operation procedures may be set in advance before the start of the game, or judgments may be performed for all operation procedures.

(C) In this aspect, jump platforms602from which tricks are performed are positioned in two places, but the invention is not thereby limited, and platforms may be positioned in three or more places, or in one place. When there are three or more jump platforms602, points for tricks may for example be awarded for the two jump platforms602at which points were highest. In this way, by providing a plurality of prescribed time intervals during which player operations are received, the appeal of the game is further enhanced.

(D) In this aspect, the operation reception unit401detects operations in eight directions, but the invention is not thereby limited; fewer than eight directions may be detected, such as for example the four directions upward, downward, leftward, rightward, or more than eight directions, such as for example 16 directions, may be detected. A mode in which four directions are detected is useful in video games where complicated operation input is not required; a mode in which 16 directions are detected is useful in video games requiring complicated operation input.

In summary, the present invention takes a form of a video game device, comprising operating means which is operated by the player, is made to function as: procedure storage means, which stores a plurality of operation procedures of the operating means; operation determination means, which selects, from among the plurality of operation procedures stored in the above procedure storage means, one operation procedure as an operation procedure equivalent to operations from the above operating means performed within a prescribed period of time; time calculation means, which calculates the holding time for holding the last operation performed in an operation procedure selected by the above operation determination means; and, point-awarding means, which awards points based on the decision result of the above operation determination means and the above holding time.

According to the aforementioned invention, a video game device comprising operating means which is operated by the player is made to function as procedure storage means, which stores a plurality of operation procedures of the operating means; operation determination means, which selects one operation procedure from a plurality of operation procedures stored by the procedure storage means; time calculation means, which calculates the holding time for which the last operation performed as an operation procedure selected by the operation determination means is held; and, point-awarding means, which awards points based on the decision result of the operation determination means and the holding time.

That is, a plurality of operation procedures of the operating means are stored by the procedure storage means; the operation determination means selects, as an operation procedure equivalent to operations from the operating means performed within a prescribed period of time, one operation procedure from among a plurality of operation procedures stored by the procedure operating means; and the holding time for which the last operation performed as an operation procedure selected by the operation determination means has been held is calculated. Further, the point-awarding means awards points based on the decision result of the operation determination means and on the holding time.

Hence by means of the point-awarding means, points are awarded based on the decision result of the operation determination means and on the holding time, so that if, for example, the more complicated the operation procedure in a decision result, the higher the points awarded, and the longer the holding time, the higher the points awarded, then in addition to the operation technique of performing complicated operations in a short length of time, the player must also improve strategy with respect to which operation procedures to perform; so that the video game has excellent game properties, in which player strategies are reflected in the game.

The aforementioned invention can be characterized in that the above operating means comprises a plurality of operating portions, and the above operations are operations which use the above plurality of operating portions.

According to the invention with the above feature, the operating means comprises a plurality of operating portions, and operations performed by the player are operations using a plurality of operating portions of the operating means.

That is, the player performs operations using the operating means comprising a plurality of operating portions, so that complicated operations are possible, and the video game has diversified operations and excellent game properties.

In addition, the invention can be characterized in that the above operating means comprises a pair of operating members enabling input of an operation direction, and that the above operations are operations using the above operating members.

According to the invention with the above features, the operating means comprises a pair of operating members enabling input of an operation direction, and operations by the player are operations using the operating members.

That is, operations are performed by the player using an operating means comprising a pair of operating members enabling input of an operation direction, so that complicated operations become possible; for example, actions corresponding to the movements of an athlete in an actual sports game can be performed on a character in the video game.

Moreover, the invention can be characterized in that the above video game device is further made to function as image display means, which displays on the game screen an image corresponding to the decision result of the above operation determination means.

According to the invention with the above features, the video game device is further made to function as image display means which displays an image corresponding to the decision result of the operation determination means on the game screen.

That is, because an image corresponding to the operation of the player is displayed on the game screen, the player can view the game screen to determine whether an appropriate operation procedure was successfully performed or not, so that the appeal of the video game is increased.

Yet, moreover, the invention can be characterized in that the above image display means displays, on the game screen, images representing the actions of a character appearing in the video game.

According to the invention with the aforementioned features, the image display means displays images representing the actions of a character appearing in the video game on the game screen.

That is, images representing the actions of a character appearing in the video game are displayed on the game screen by the image display means, so that displayed images corresponding to the operation procedure of the player are abundant in change, and the appeal of the video game is increased.

In addition, the invention can be characterized in that the above operation determination means comprises discrimination means, which discriminates valid operations which are operations included an operation procedure and invalid operations not included in the operation procedure, and in that the above operation determination means selects one operation procedure from among a plurality of operation procedures stored in the above procedure storage means as a procedure in which an operation, discriminated by the above discrimination means as an invalid operation, is not performed.

According to the invention with the aforementioned features, the operation determination means comprises discrimination means which discriminates valid operations, which are operations included in an operation procedure, from invalid operations not included in the operation procedure, and the operation determination means selects one operation procedure from a plurality of operation procedures stored in the procedure storage means as a procedure in which an operation, discriminated by the discrimination means as an invalid operation, is not performed.

In other words, valid operations which are operations included an operation procedure are discriminated from invalid operations not included in the operation procedure by discrimination means included in the operation determination means, and one operation procedure is selected from among a plurality of operation procedures stored in the procedure storage means as a procedure in which an operation discriminated as an invalid operation is not performed. Hence, for example, when the player is performing a specific operation procedure, even if an erroneous operation not included in the operation procedure is performed, it is discriminated as an invalid operation, and by selecting the operation procedure equivalent to the remaining operations as valid operations, erroneous operations of the player can be corrected. Consequently, when the player is a novice, accurate operations are supported.

Yet furthermore, the invention can also be characterized in that, when the operation from the above operating means is equivalent to a plurality of operation procedures, the above operation determination means selects the longest operation procedure.

According to the invention with the above features, when an operation from the operating means is equivalent to a plurality of operation procedures, the operation determination means selects the longest operation procedure.

In other words, when an operation from the operating means is equivalent to a plurality of operation procedures, the operation determination means selects the longest operation procedure. Hence when, for example, more points are awarded for a longer operation procedure, that is, an operation procedure requiring more complex operation, a longer operation procedure is selected instead of a shorter operation procedure, and so the appeal of the video game is increased.

The present invention can also takes a form of a video game device, comprising operating means operated by a player, is made to: store a plurality of operation procedures of the operating means; execute operation determination processing, in which one operation procedure is determined from among a plurality of stored operation procedures, where an operation procedure is equivalent to (corresponding to) operations from the above operating means performed within a prescribed length of time; execute time calculation processing, to calculate a holding time over which the last operation performed as an operation procedure selected by the above operation decision processing is held; and, point-awarding processing, to award points based on the decision result of the above operation decision processing and the above holding time.

According to the aforementioned form of the invention, a video game device comprising operating means operated by a player is made to store a plurality of operation procedures of the operating means; execute operation decision processing to select one operation procedure from among a plurality of stored operation procedures, where an operation procedure is equivalent to operations from the operating means performed within a prescribed length of time; execute time calculation processing to calculate the holding time over which the last operation performed as an operation procedure selected by the operation decision processing is held; and, execute point-awarding processing to award points based on the decision result of the operation decision processing and the holding time.

In other words, a plurality of operation procedures of the operating means are stored, and by performing operation decision processing, one operation procedure is selected from among a plurality of operation procedures stored as operation procedures equivalent to operations from the operating means performed within a prescribed length of time, and the holding time over which the operation last performed as an operation procedure selected in operation decision processing has been held is calculated in time calculation processing. And in point-awarding processing, points are awarded based on the decision result in operation decision processing and the holding time.

Hence in point-awarding processing, points are awarded based on the decision result of the operation decision processing and on the holding time, so that when for example higher points are awarded when decision results indicate more complicated operation procedures, and higher points are awarded for longer holding times, in addition to the operation technique of performing complicated operations in a short length of time, the player must also improve strategy with respect to which operation procedures to perform; consequently the video game has excellent game properties, and player strategies are reflected in the game.

In addition, the invention takes a form of a video game device comprising operating means operated by a player; procedure storage means, which stores a plurality of operation procedures of the operating means; operation determination means for determining one operation procedure from among a plurality of operation procedures stored in the above procedure storage means as an operation procedure equivalent to (corresponding to) operations from the above operating means performed within a prescribed length of time; time calculation means for calculating the holding time over which the last operation performed as an operation procedure selected by the above operation determination means has been held; and, point-awarding means for awarding points based on the decision result of the above operation determination means and the above holding time.

According to the invention in the above described form, a video game device comprising operating means operated by a player further comprises procedure storage means, which stores a plurality of operation procedures of the operating means; operation determination means, which selects one operation procedure from among a plurality of operation procedures stored in the procedure storage means, as an operation procedure equivalent (corresponding) to operations from the above operating means performed within a prescribed length of time; time calculation means, which calculates the holding time over which the last operation performed as an operation procedure selected by the operation determination means has been held; and, point-awarding means, which awards points based on the decision result of the operation determination means and the holding time.

That is, a plurality of operation procedures of the operating means are stored in the procedure storage means; one operation procedure is selected from among a plurality of operation procedures stored in the procedure storage means as an operation procedure corresponding to operations from the operating means performed in a prescribed length of time; and, the holding time, over which the last operation performed as an operation procedure selected by the operation determination means had been held, is calculated by the time calculation means. And, points are awarded by the point-awarding means based on the decision result of the operation determination means and the holding time.

Hence points are awarded by the point-awarding means based on the decision result of the operation determination means and the holding time, so that when for example higher points are awarded when decision results indicate more complicated operation procedures, and higher points are awarded for longer holding times, in addition to the operation technique of performing complicated operations in a short length of time, the player must also improve strategy with respect to which operation procedures to perform; consequently the video game has excellent game properties, and player strategies are reflected in the game.

This application is based on Japanese patent application serial no. 2001-313878, filed in Japan Patent Office on Oct. 11, 2001, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Although the present invention has been fully described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, unless otherwise such changes and modifications depart from the scope of the present invention hereinafter defined, they should be construed as being included therein.