Abstract:
The objective of present invention is to provide a game input device which allows a player to enjoy the feeling of actually playing a musical instrument along with a rhythm of music, a game method and a game system using such a game input device. The present invention is a game input device having a moving portion and a neck portion, the moving portion has at least two or more inputs, the moving portion is provided onto the neck portion, and the position of the moving portion is movable on the neck portion. The present invention is also a game method and a game system using the game input device.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a game input device used for a music performance game where a player performs input operations along with a rhythm of music, and further a game method and a game system using such an input device. 
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     Conventionally, there is a game where an user inputs an input signal from a controller shaped as a music instrument while watching an operation instruction display corresponding to a rhythm, and evaluate the timing of the input. 
     For example, the Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 2001-293246 discloses a game device which enables one to enjoy a rhythm matching game with realistic instrument performance by using a mock guitar having a neck button to select at least one rhythm sound out of a plurality of rhythm sounds according to the flow of a music number, and a picking blade to confirm the output timing of selected rhythm sound. 
     Also, the Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 2001-013959 discloses a game input device in a guitar shape having a sliding operation input mechanism on the neck portion of the guitar 
     However, when using the mock guitar described in the Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 2001-0293246, an input operation of a player at the neck portion of guitar is a mere button input. This does not allow a player to feel the change in performance depending on how to hold strings or moving between flames like an actual guitar, thus it lacks reality. 
     Also, the sliding operation input mechanism can slide on the neck portion of the guitar when playing a game using the guitar-shaped input device disclosed in the Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 2001-013959, however, the sliding operation input mechanism does not have a plurality of input buttons for the input operation. This does not allow a player to feel the change in performance depending on how to hold strings or move between flames like an actual guitar, thus it lacks reality. 
     Under these circumstances, development of a game input device that can provide an enjoyment of an aggressive feeling just like playing an actual instrument along with the rhythm of music has been sought. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a game input device which is capable of expressing a high level of reality just like playing an actual instrument without impairing operatablity in a game where an user inputs a signal from a controller in a musical instrument shape by watching an operation instruction display according to a rhythm of music and evaluates the timing, and further a game method and a game system using such an input device. 
     That is, the present invention is a game input device which has a main body portion, a neck portion extending from the main body portion, and a moving portion movably attached to the neck portion, the moving portion including a plurality of signal input portions, wherein a controller located in the game input device outputs a positioning signal or a moving motion signal on the moving portion and an input signal on the signal input portion. 
     By this configuration, an user inputs an operation signal by combining a slide operation in one or two directions and a pressing operation of the plurality of signal input portions, thereby the input operation can be performed just like playing an actual music instrument, and also realizes numerous variations as a game and obtains high game characteristics. Also, unlike arranging signal input portions on each operation position of an actual instrument, the user can experience the feel of sliding while touching each signal input portion itself, thereby the structure is not going to be complicated and operatablity is not impaired. 
     Also, in the game input device according to the present invention, the moving portion may be slidably attached on the neck portion. 
     Further, in the game input device according to the present invention, the moving portion may be slidably attached on the neck portion while an input is depressed. 
     This configuration enables various input means that could not be experienced by a game using a conventional game input device, thereby it enables more aggressive operation. 
     And, in the game input device according to the present invention, the moving portion may be attached slidably in the direction perpendicular to the extension of the neck portion. 
     Also, the number of inputs for the game input device according to the present invention may be three. 
     Further, the number of inputs for the game inputs device according to the present invention may be four. 
     The game input device is held with the neck portion with one hand, and that hand performs a slide operation and input. Therefore, when the number of inputs is three or four, three or four fingers out of five perform input and the rest of fingers can support the neck portion and the moving portion thereby enabling a player to focus more on the input and the slide operation and to enjoy playing the game. 
     And, the number of inputs for the game input device according to the present invention may be five. 
     Also, the game input device according to the present invention may be in a shape of guitar. 
     Further, the present invention is a game method using a game input device which has a main body portion, a neck portion extending from the main body portion, and a moving portion movably attached to the neck portion and provided with a plurality of signal input portions, wherein a first positioning signal or a first moving motion signal and a first input signal on the signal input portion are output by the game input device, a player inputs a second positioning signal or a second moving motion signal, and a second input signal to the game input device according to an instruction displayed on a display screen, and the game input device evaluates both the first and second positioning signals, moving motion signals, and input signals. 
     By this configuration, a player can enjoy both the input operation and the sliding operation on the neck portion of the game input device, thereby the player can experience an aggressive feeling just like playing an actual instrument. Further, since both the input operation and the sliding operation can be performed on the neck portion, higher level techniques exist and players can complete their techniques. 
     And in the game method according to the present invention, the instruction displayed on the display screen may be an object moving on an object lane. 
     Also the number of object lanes may be five for the game method according to the present invention. 
     Further the number of inputs may be three or four for the game method according to the present invention. 
     When the number of object lanes is five and the number of inputs is three or four, the slide positions of the moving portion on the neck portion may be two or three, thereby the player&#39;s operation is not too complicated and enables players to complete their techniques. 
     Also, the number of object lanes may be six for the game method according to present invention. 
     Further the number of inputs may be three to five for the game method according to present invention. 
     When the number of object lanes is six and the number of inputs is three to five, the slide positions of the moving portion on the neck portion may be two to four, thereby the player&#39;s operation is not too complicated, and this enables players to complete techniques different from those described above. 
     Also in the game method according to present invention, the object lane is displayed on a display screen, the display screen has a first input region which is an object lane that can be selected with an input before moving and a second input region adjacent to the first input region, and the moving portion may be arranged across the first input region and the second input region to receive inputs. 
     Further, the present invention is a game system having a controller and a platform, the controller has an moving portion and a neck portion, the input means has at least two or more inputs, the moving portion is provided onto the neck portion, and the position of the moving portion is movable on the neck portion, the platform has an input data evaluation portion, and a memory containing game result judgment data. The controller and the input data evaluation portion are connected through input/output terminal. The controller obtains an operation data input by a player, the operation data is then transmitted to the input data evaluation portion through the input/output terminal, the input data evaluation portion receives the game result judgment data, and compares the operation data and the game result judgment data based on judgment parameters including the timing of input operation and the sliding distance of the moving portion, thereby evaluating a player&#39;s input operation. 
     By this configuration, a user inputs an operation signal by combining a slide operation in one or two directions and a pressing operation of the plurality of signal input portions, thereby the input operation can be performed just like playing an actual music instrument, and also enables numerous variations as a game and obtains high game characteristics. Also, unlike arranging signal input portions on each operation position of an actual instrument, the user can experience the feel of sliding while touching each signal input portion itself, thereby the structure is not going to be complicated and operatablity is not impaired. In addition, not only the consistency of timing, the configuration enables various evaluations, such as deviation of slide operation positions and mistakes in pressing inputs, thereby evaluation at a high level can be made. 
     And, in the game system according to the present invention, the controller and platform may be integrated. Also, the game system according to the present invention further consists of a display, the display and memory are connected through an input/output terminal, and game execution data may be transmitted from the memory to the display. 
     Further, in the game system according to the present invention, the number of object lanes may be larger than the number of inputs by one when the object lane is displayed on the display screen of said display. 
     Still further, a judgment parameter of a game system according to the present invention may include continuity of a player&#39;s appropriate input operation. 
     Because the system includes such a judgment parameter, a player can further enjoy the game and able to set a goal to improve his or her own technique. 
     Further, in the game system according to the present invention, the judgment element may include the consistency of the color of input for the input operation and the color of a selected object when an object lane and an object are displayed on the display screen of said display. 
     Because the system includes such a judgment parameter, a player can further enjoy the game and able to set a goal to improve his or her own technique. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows an example of a game input device in a guitar shape according to present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged view of a neck portion of the mock guitar in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  shows an overview of a game system according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an example of a display screen provided to a display on the game system according to present invention; 
         FIG. 5  shows an example of sliding and an example of input operation for a moving portion of the mock guitar described in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  shows an example of an object button moving on an object lane of the display screen; 
         FIG. 7  is a flow chart showing a game configuration according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  shows an example of sliding and an example of an input operation for a moving portion of a mock guitar described in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  shows an embodiment of a game according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  shows another embodiment of a game according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  shows yet another embodiment of a game according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  shows a further embodiment of a game according to the present invention; and 
         FIG. 13  shows another embodiment of a game according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION 
     Embodiments according to the present invention will hereinafter be explained in detail. In addition, configurations of the present invention are explained below, however, these are specific examples to show only a portion of the present invention and the present invention is not limited to these. 
       FIG. 1  is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a guitar-shaped game input device according to the present invention (hereinafter referred as a mock guitar  1 ). 
     The mock guitar  1  consists of a neck portion  4  and a main body portion  7 . A moving portion  3  is provided to the neck portion  4 . A first signal input  2 A, a second signal input  2 B, and a third signal input  2 C are provided to the moving portion  3 . Also the main body portion  7  has a timing input means  5  and a rotary switch  6 . 
     The first signal input  2 A, the second signal input  2 B, and the third signal input  2 C are attached on the moving portion  3  to select an object according to an instruction of a game console. The moving portion  3  is slidably attached on the neck  4  to enable the first signal input  2 A, the second signal input  2 B, and the third signal input  2 C to move on the neck portion  4 . 
     The timing input means  5  is attached on the center of body portion to confirm an input of selection after selecting an object with the input. The rotary switch  6  is arranged below the timing input means  5  to switch to additional modes, such as a echo mode (same types of sound staggered and outputted) or a chorus mode (different types of sound output simultaneously). 
     Means to confirm an input of selection after selecting an object with an input is not limited to the timing input means  5 . For example, the first signal input  2 A, the second signal input  2 B, and the third signal input  2 C may be used as a means for confirming an input of selection, and any other means may be also used. 
     Also, the number of input is not limited to three, as long as there are two or more. Preferably, there may be three, four, or five inputs. A player holds the body portion of the mock guitar  1  with one hand while supporting the neck portion  4  of the mock guitar  1  with the other hand and operates the mock guitar  1 . Therefore, the number of fingers that can operate the inputs provided to the moving portion  3  is normally three or four. Based on this standpoint, three or four are the most preferable number of inputs. 
     Further, the mock guitar  1  may be provided with components not described above. The mock guitar  1  may be provided with, for example, a speaker, a vibratory device, a band for positioning the guitar  1  closer to a player&#39;s body, or a start button and a select button to proceed with a game. 
     Normally, the first signal input  2 A, the second signal input  2 B, the third signal input  2 C, and the moving portion  3  provided to the neck portion  4  of mock guitar  1  correspond to a input means for a left hand. Meanwhile, the timing input means  5  and the rotary switch  6  provided to the main body portion  7  of mock guitar  1  correspond to an input mean for a right hand. However, in the mock guitar  1 , these input means for a right hand and left hand and may be opposite. That is, the means normally used for a left hand may be used as an input means for a right hand, also the means normally used for a right hand may be used as input means for a left hand. 
     Also, the game input device according to the present invention is not limited to a guitar shape. The game input device according to the present invention may be, for example, in a shape of a ukulele. 
       FIG. 2  is an enlarged view of the neck portion  4  of the mock guitar  1 . The neck portion  4  is provided with a moving portion  3 . Also, a first signal input  2 A, a second signal input  2 B and a third signal input  2 C are provided to the moving portion  3 . 
     The moving portion  3  is slidably attached on the neck portion  4 . The moving portion  3  is able to move to a slide level  1  position, a slide level  2  position, or a slide level  3  position. 
     The slide level  1  position is a position on the neck portion  4  and the farthest away from the main body portion  7  (hereinafter referred as the left end of neck portion  4 ). The slide level  2  position is a position sliding one level from the left end of neck portion (hereinafter referred as the center of neck portion  4 ). The slide level  3  position is a position sliding two levels to the main body portion  7  from the left end of neck portion (hereinafter referred as the right end of neck portion  4 ). 
     Also, the moving portion  3  located on the slide level  1  position can be moved to the slide level  3  position without stopping at the slide level  2  position. Also, it is possible to perform the opposite operation. 
     The moving portion  3  can move to any position on the neck portion  4  and is not limited to the slide level  1  position, the slide level  2  position, or the slide level  3  position. For example, the moving portion  3  can also move to a slide level  4  position (not shown), that is, a position sliding three levels to the main body portion  7  from the left end of neck portion (hereinafter referred as the extreme right end of neck portion  4 ). 
     The moving portion  3  may be movably attached on the neck portion  4 . For example, the moving portion  3  may slide on the fixed neck portion  4 . Alternatively, the neck portion  4  may slide on the fixed moving portion  3 . In such case, the neck portion  4  may be attached so as to slide parallel to the arrangement of signal input portions provided to the moving portion  3 . Also, the neck portion  4  may be attached slidably to the moving portion  3  perpendicular to the direction which the neck portion  4  extends. 
     Also the moving portion  3  may be slidably attached on the neck portion  4  while the first signal input  2 A, the second signal input  2 B or the third signal input  2 C is depressed. 
       FIG. 3  shows an outline of game system  9  according to the present invention. The game system  9  according to the present invention is provided with a controller  10 , platform  11 , and a display  12 . 
     The controller  10  is, for example, having a configuration similar to that of the mock guitar  1  described above. The platform  11  is provided with an input data evaluation portion  13  and a memory  14 . The memory  14  contains game result judgment data and game execution data. The display  12  has a display screen. 
     The game result judgment data is data to determine whether a player&#39;s input operation is appropriately performed according to the instructions of the game machine. The game result judgment data includes, for example, (1) data indicating a timing of a player&#39;s input operation relative to an object, (2) data indicating the shortest distance that should be taken for a player&#39;s slide operation relative to an object, (3) data to indicate a color that should be input by a player according to an object, (4) a normal sliding operation for a player to input an object. The game execution data is the data to conduct a game from the beginning to the end. 
     The controller  10  and the input data evaluation portion  13  are connected through the input/output terminal. Through this input/output terminal, the operation data input to the controller  10  is transmitted to the input data evaluation portion  13 . 
     The input data evaluation portion  13  receives the game result judgment data from the memory  14 , as well as receives the operation data from the controller  10 . The input data evaluation portion  13  compares the operation data and the game result judgment data based on judgment parameters, and evaluates the input operation of a player. The judgment parameters include timing of input operation, slide distance of the moving portion, consistency of the color of input and the color of a selected object, continuity of a player&#39;s appropriate input operation, and a difficulty of a slide operation. However, the judgment parameters are not limited to this. 
     Comparison and evaluation of timing for input operations are performed as follows: First, compare the timing of an input operation contained in the operation data and above (1) timing of a player&#39;s input operation relative to an object contained in the game result judgment data. The closer the timing of both, the player receives a higher evaluation. 
     Comparison and evaluation for the sliding distance of the input moving device are performed as follows. First, compare the sliding distance of the moving portion contained in operation data and above (2) the shortest distance should be taken for a player&#39;s sliding operation relative to an object contained in the game result judgment data. When the sliding distance is longer than the minimum distance for the sliding operation, the player receives a high evaluation. 
     Comparison and evaluation for consistency of the color of input and the color of a selected object are performed as follows. Compare the color of an input contained in the operation data and above (3) the color that should be input by a player according to an object contained in the game result judgment data. When both are matched, a high evaluation is provided, when not matched, a low evaluation is provided. 
     Evaluation for the continuity of a player&#39;s appropriate input operation is performed by determining how many input operations are determined to be appropriate based on the above comparison and evaluation, are performed in a row. When the degree of continuity is high, the player obtains a high evaluation, and when the degree of continuity is low, the player obtains a low evaluation. 
     Comparison of a sliding operation for the moving portion and evaluation of its difficulty are performed as follows. First, compare input sliding data contained in the operation data and above (4) normal sliding operation for a player to input an object contained in the game result judgment data. 
     When an input sliding operation is determined to be difficult to perform compared to the normal sliding operation, a high evaluation is given to a player. When both operations are the same, no specific evaluation is given. When an input sliding operation is determined to be easy to perform compared to the normal sliding operation, a low evaluation is given to the player. Judgment of difficulty for this sliding operation is hereinafter explained in detail referring to the embodiments described in  FIGS. 9 to 13  below. 
     Also, the display  12  and the memory  14  are connected through an input/output terminal. Through this input/output terminal, the game execution data stored in the memory  14  is transmitted to the display  12 . 
     As a display  12 , for example, a liquid display device and a plasma display device can be considered but not limited to this. 
     Also, in the game system according to the prevent invention, a controller  10  or a display  12  may be provided to the platform  11  and these may be integrated. 
       FIG. 4  shows an example of a display screen  19  provided to the display  12  of the game system according to the present invention. 
     The display screen  19  has an object lane  20 , a lateral bar graph  23 , and a presentation display  31 . The object lane  20  has object buttons  21  move downward on the object lane, and an input guide line  22 . 
     The object buttons  21  are to instruct input operations to a player. The object lane  20  is to indicate a route of an object button  21  moving from the upper end to the lower end of the object lane. When the object button  21  moves downward and reaches the input guide line  22  on the object lane  20  is when the timing occurs. In this case, the object button only moves downward, and does not move, for example, sideways or upward. 
     The number of lanes for the object lane  20  is not limited to a specific number and may be any number. However, the number of object lanes is preferably five or six due to the standpoint of experiencing the game aggressively, such as by completing the game techniques. Further, the number of object buttons  21  moving on the object lane  20  is not limited to a specific number and may be any number. 
     Also, the lateral bar graph  23  indicates a game score and an amount of gage. The game score is the points obtained by a player as a result of game play. The amount of gage is a parameter to continue the game and is the parameter that disables continuation of the game when it is lost. The presentation display  31  is to display a player&#39;s game. 
     The display screen according to the present invention may be different from the screen described above as long as it instructs input operations to a player. For example, the object button  21  may be in other shapes (such as a star shape, a triangle shape, or a square shape) instead of a button shape. Also, the direction of the object button  21  moving on the object lane  20  may be sideways or a diagonal direction. Also, the display screen  19  may be without the object lane  20  thereby an object instructing a player for an input operation suddenly appears on the display screen. 
     The lateral bar graph  23  may indicate more information other than a player&#39;s game score or a gage amount. For example, the lateral bar graph  23  may indicate a player&#39;s personal data. Also, for example, a game score or a gage amount for an opponent playing against via a network may be indicated. The presentation display  31  may display any presentation, for example, fire-work like shapes may be displayed simultaneously with the player&#39;s input operation. 
       FIG. 5  is a diagram showing an object lane  20  existing on the display screen  19 . Also  FIG. 5  shows object buttons  21  on the display screen, which may be selected by the input on each slide level of the mock guitar  1  above. 
     In  FIG. 5 , the neck portion  4  shows a neck portion provided to the mock guitar  1  above. A moving portion  3  is attached to the neck portion  4 . The moving portion  3  has a first signal input  2 A, a second signal input  2 B and a third signal input  2 C. Slide levels  1 ,  2 , and  3  are the same as explained in  FIG. 2  above. 
     Also in  FIG. 5 , a first object lane  24 , a second object lane  25 , a third object lane  26 , a fourth object lane  27 , and a fifth object lane  28  indicate each lane in the object lane  20  of the display screen  19  above. The object lane has the input guide line  22  as explained in  FIG. 4  above. 
       FIG. 5  shows a case of five object lanes  20  and three inputs. As shown in this figure, when the position of the moving portion  3  is on the slide level  1 , the first object lane  24  to the third object lane  26  may be selected by the input. That is, the first signal input  2 A can select the first object lane  24 . Also, the second signal input  2 B can select the second object lane  25 . Further, the third signal input  2 C can select the third object lane  26 . 
     Also, when the position of the moving portion  3  is on the slide level  2 , the second object lane  25  to the forth object lane  27  may be selected by the input. That is, the first signal input  2 A can select the second object lane  25 . Also, the second signal input  2 B can select the third object lane  26 . Further, the third signal input  2 C can select the fourth object lane  27 . 
     Further, when the position of the moving portion  3  is on the slide level  3 , the third object lane  26  to the fifth object lane  28  may be selected by the input. That is, the first signal input  2 A can select the third object lane  26 . Also, the second signal input  2 B can select the fourth object lane  27 . Further, the third signal input  2 C can select the fifth object lane  28 . 
     As apparent from above, the selection of the first object lane  24  can be made in one way. And, the selection of the second object lane  25  can be made in two ways. Also, the selection of the third object lane  26  can be made in three ways. Further, the selection of the fourth object lane  27  can be made in two ways. Still further, the selection of the fifth object lane  28  can be made in one way. 
     As described above, the moving portion  3  provided with inputs is arranged across the object lane and can be selected by the inputs before moving (In this case, this means the first object lane  24  to the third object lane  26 . Hereinafter referred as a first input region) and the region adjacent to the first input region (In this case, this means the fourth object lane and the fifth object lane. Hereinafter referred as a second input region), and is able to receive input. 
       FIG. 6  shows an object lane  20  existing on the display screen  19 . Also  FIG. 6  shows a display screen that has object buttons  21  existing on the object lane in a linear form (hereinafter referred as a linear form object button  30 ). 
     In  FIG. 6 , the display screen  19  has an object lane  20 , a lateral bar graph  23  and a presentation display  31  as explained in  FIG. 4 . The object lane  20  has a first object lane  24 , a second object lane  25 , a third object lane  26 , a fourth object lane  27 , a fifth object lane  28 , and an input guide line  22 . Further, there is a linear shaped object button  30  which moves downward on the object lane and is straddled between the first object lane  24  and the second object lane  25 . The linear shaped object button  30  is also an input instruction to a player. 
     The method for player&#39;s input operation according to the input instruction of linear shaped object button  30  is hereinafter explained. First is to move the position of above moving portion  3  on the mock guitar  1  to above slide level  1 . And select the first signal input  2 A above provided on the moving portion  3 . While selecting the first signal input  2 A, perform selection confirmation input with the timing input means  5  when the lower end of linear shaped object button  30  reaches the input guide line  22 . 
     By continuing the selection confirmation input and the selection of first signal input  2 A, the length of the linear shaped object button  30  gradually shortens. As the player moves the position of the moving portion  3  from above slide level  1  to above slide level  2  when the linear shaped object button  30  is shortened to the position moved from the first object lane  24  to the second object lane  25 . This operation is performed while continuing with the selection confirmation input and the selection of first signal input  2 A. 
     The player continues with the selection confirmation input and the selection of the first signal input  2 A until all the linear shaped object button  30  has disappeared at the end. By operating this way, the linear shaped object button  30  can be input. 
     Further, the linear shaped object button  30  may straddle from the first object lane  24  to the second object lane  25  existing on the display screen  19 . A linear shaped object button  30  may straddle from any lane of object lane  20  to any other existing lane. 
     For example, a linear shaped object button  30  may straddle from the third object lane  26  to the fifth object lane  28 . The input operation to this linear shaped object button  30  is the same as above, except that the first signal input  2 A replaces the third signal input  2 C. 
       FIG. 7  is a flow chart showing a game configuration according to the present invention. The game configuration according to present invention is hereinafter explained in detail referring to  FIG. 7 . In addition, the present invention is not limited to the flowchart below. 
     First, game execution data is output to the display  12  from the memory  14 , game information is displayed on the display screen  19  of the display  12 , and a musical performance game is begun (step  1 ). 
     The player selects a specific difficulty level and a music number from alternatives of game difficulty and music numbers displayed on the display screen  19  when the game is begun (step  2 ). 
     Selections of difficulty levels are displayed on the display screen  19 , for example, choose one play level from three levels, such as advanced (expert), intermediate (normal), beginner (practice). Also, selection of music number is to choose one song from multiple selections of music numbers displayed on the display screen. After these selections, the musical performance game is started (step  3 ). 
     When the musical performance game is begun, a plurality of object lanes  20  are displayed on the display screen  19  and a plurality of object buttons  21  move on each lane over time. 
     The player uses a game input device (such as the mock guitar  1 ) or the controller  10  for input operations according to the object buttons  21 . The input operations select the object button  21  by an input when the object buttons  21  moving on the object lane  20  reach the input guide line  22  and to confirm the selection by the timing input means  5  while selected. 
     When a player&#39;s input operation is performed as above, the game input device (such as the mock guitar  1 ) or the controller  10  obtains input operation data, and the operation data is transmitted to the input data evaluation portion  13  through the input/output terminal. 
     The input data evaluation portion  13  receives game result judgment data from the memory  14  and calculates the game score and the gage amount by comparing the operation data and the game result judgment data (step  12 ). 
     The game score and the gage amount are calculated as follows. First is to judge whether there was a input operation by the timing input means  5  according to the object button  21  displayed on the display screen  19  (step  4 ). When there was no input operation, the game score and the gage amount are calculated (step  12 ). 
     When there is an input operation by the timing input means  5 , the degree of consistency for the timing of input by the timing input means  5  and the input timing of timing input means  5  contained in the game result judgment data is calculated (step  5 ). When the timings for both agree completely, the player receives maximum score and maximum gage amount. 
     Also, when the player input was slightly deviated from the input timing of timing input means  5  contained in the game result judgment data, the smaller the deviation, the player can obtain a high game score and gage amount. When the deviation is large and exceeding a certain value contained in the game result judgment data, the player can not obtain the game score and the gage amount is decreased. 
     Further, when there was input operation by the timing input means  5 , judgment is made whether the color of selected input and the color of object button  21  were matched or not (step  6 ). Each object has a color such as red blue or green, and each object lane has the same color as each object. Further, each input also has a color like red, blue, or green respectively. 
     When the color of the selected input and the color of the selected object are matched, the player receives a high score and a high gage amount. On the other hand, when they are not matched, the player can not obtain a score and the gage amount is decreased. 
     Further, when there was an input operation by the timing input means  5 , the continuity of an appropriate input operation is calculated (step  7 ). That is, a calculation of how many of the above input operations determined to be appropriate based on the game result judgment data is performed. The longer the continued appropriate input operations, the player obtains a high score and a high gage amount. 
     Next is to judge whether the position of moving portion  3  has slid or not (Step  8 ). When it was not slid, music and image are output after steps  4  to  7  above (step  11 ), and the game score and the gage amount are calculated (step  12 ). 
     When the position of moving portion  3  is slid, calculation for the difficulty of the sliding operation will be performed (step  9 ). When the difficulty is high, the player receives a high score and a high gage amount. 
     When the position of the moving portion  3  is slid, calculation for the distance of the sliding for the moving portion  3  will be performed (step  10 ). When the distance is longer, the player receives a high score and a high gage amount. 
     When a player&#39;s input operation is judged as above, sound and image are output according to the result (step  11 ), and the game score and the gage amount are calculated (step  12 ). 
     When the game score and the gage amount are calculated as above, the game score and the gage amount are updated based on the calculation result (step  13 ). That is, the game score and the gage amount calculated in the input data evaluation portion  13  are transmitted to the memory  14 , added to the game score and the gage amount cumulated in the memory  14 , and stored in the memory  14 . Stored game score and gage amount are transmitted to the display  12  and displayed in the lateral bar graph  23  located on upper left on the display screen  19  of the display  12 . 
     And, the memory  14  determines the updated gage amount (step  14 ), and displays “Game Over” on the screen of display  12  when there is no gage amount (step  15 ). 
     When a gage amount still remains, the memory  14  determines whether the presentation is finished, and returns to the step  3  to perform the series of process (step  3  to  14 ) according to the object output next when the presentation is determined to be not finished (step  16 ). This process is repeated until the end of the presentation is detected. When the memory  14  determines the end of the presentation, the musical performance is evaluated based on the calculation result of score, and the stage result is displayed on the screen of display  12  (step  17 ). 
     Thereafter, the memory  14  determines whether a certain clear condition is reached at the completed stage (for example, score reached 100 points or more), and the number of music number can be selected for the next game will be increased when the clear condition has reached (step  19 ). When the condition is not reached, the player chooses whether to continue the game or not (step  20 ). When the player chooses to continue, return to step  1  and the series of actions described above is repeated. When the player chooses not to continue, the game will be finished (step  21 ). 
     And, when the number of music can be selected in the game is increased (step  19 ), the player also chooses whether to continue the game (step  20 ). When the player chooses to continue, return to the step  1  and repeat the series of actions with an increased number of music number. When the player chooses not to continue, the game will be finished (step  21 ). 
       FIG. 8  shows an object lane  20  existing on the display screen  19 . The  FIG. 8  also shows an object button  21  on the display screen which can be selected by the input on each slide level of the mock guitar  1  above. 
     In  FIG. 8 , the neck portion  4  describes a neck portion provided to the mock guitar  1  above. A moving portion  3  is attached to the neck portion  4 . The moving portion  3  has a first signal input  2 A, a second signal input  2 B and a third signal input  2 C. The slide levels  1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  4  are the same as those explained above. 
     Also in  FIG. 8 , the first object lane  24 , the second object lane  25 , the third object lane  26 , the forth object lane  27 , the fifth object lane  28 , and the sixth object lane  29  indicate each lane of the object lane  20 . The object lane  20  has an input guide line  22 . 
       FIG. 8  describes the case of six object lanes and three inputs. As shown in this figure, when the position of moving portion  3  is on the slide level  1 , the first object lane  24  to the third object lane  26  can be selected with the input. That is, the first signal input  2 A can select the first object lane  24 . Also, the second signal input  2 B can select the second object lane  25 . Further, the third signal input  2 C can select the third object lane  26 . 
     And, when the position of moving portion  3  is on the slide level  2 , the second object lane  25  to the fourth object lane  27  can be selected with the input. That is, the first signal input  2 A can select the second object lane  25 . Also, the second signal input  2 B can select the third object lane  26 . Further, the third signal input  2 C can select the fourth object lane  27 . 
     Further, when the position of moving portion  3  is on the slide level  3 , the third object lane  26  to the fifth object lane  28  can be selected with the input. That is, the first signal input  2 A can select the third object lane  26 . Also, the second signal input  2 B can select the fourth object lane  27 . Further, the third signal input  2 C can select the fifth object lane  28 . 
     Still further, when the position of moving portion  3  is on the slide level  4 , the fourth object lane  27  to the sixth object lane  29  can be selected with the input. That is, the first signal input  2 A can select the fourth object lane  27 . Also, the second signal input  2 B can select the fifth object lane  28 . Further, the third signal input  2 C can select the sixth object lane  29 . 
     As is evident from above, there is one way to select the first object lane  24 . And, there are two ways to select the second object lane  25 . Also, there are three ways to select the third object lane  26 . Further, there are three ways to select the fourth object lane  27 . Still further, there are two ways to select the fifth object lane  28 . Still further, there is one way to select the sixth object lane  29 . 
     Next, embodiments of judgment for the difficulty of the sliding operation is hereinafter explained in detail based on  FIGS. 9 to 13 . 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  show an example of player&#39;s input method ( 1 ) to three objects moving on the object lane  20 . Also,  FIGS. 11 to 13  show an example of player&#39;s input method ( 2 ) to similar objects. The example of input method ( 1 ) and the example of input method ( 2 ) are different input methods. 
       FIGS. 9 to 13  show embodiments of a game according to the present invention.  FIGS. 9 to 13  also show the display screen  19  and the neck portion  4 . 
     The display screen  19  has an object lane  20 , a lateral bar graph  23  and a presentation display  31 . The object lane  20  has an object button  21  moving downward on the object lane and an input guide line  22 . Also the object lane  20  consists of six lanes (first object lane  24  to sixth object lane  29 ). The neck portion  4  is provided with a moving portion  3 . The moving portion  3  is provided with a first signal input  2 A, a second signal input  2 B and third signal input  2 C. 
     In  FIG. 9 , the player first selects and inputs the object button  21  on the first object lane  24  that has reached the input guide line  22 . That is, moving the position of moving portion  3  to the position of slide level  1  above. And selecting the object button  21  on the first object lane  24  with the first signal input  2 A provided to the moving portion  3 . While continuing the selection, a player selects and confirms the object button  21  that has reached the input guide line  22  with the timing input means  5 . 
     Next, in  FIG. 10 , the player selects and inputs the object button  21  on the second object lane  25  that has reached the input guide line  22 . That is, moving the position of moving portion  3  to the position of slide level  2  above. And selecting the object button  21  on the second object lane  25  with the first signal input  2 A provided to the moving portion  3 . While continuing the selection, a player selects and confirms the object button  21  has reached the input guide line  22  with the timing input means  5 . 
     And next, the player selects and inputs the object button  21  on the third object lane  26  that has reached the input guide line  22 . That is, selecting the object button  21  on the third object lane  26  with the second signal input  2 B provided to the moving portion  3  positioned on the slide level  2  above. While continuing the selection, the player selects and confirms the object button  21  that has reached the input guide line  22  with the timing input means  5 . Above is an example of player&#39;s input method ( 1 ). 
     Meanwhile, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the player first selects and inputs the object button  21  on the first object lane  24  which has reached the input guide line  22 . That is, moving the position of moving portion  3  to the position of slide level  1  above. And selecting the object button  21  on the first object lane  24  with the first signal input  2 A provided to the moving portion  3 . While continuing the selection, the player selects and confirms the object button  21  that has reached the input guide line  22  with the timing input means  5 . 
     Next, in  FIG. 12 , the player selects and inputs the object button  21  on the second object lane  25  that has reached the input guide line  22 . That is, moving the position of moving portion  3  to the position of slide level  2  above. And selecting the object button  21  on the second object lane  25  with the first signal input  2 A provided to the moving portion  3 . While continuing the selection, the player selects and confirms the object button  21  that has reached the input guide line  22  with the timing input means  5 . 
     Next, the player selects and inputs the object button  21  on the third object lane  26  that has reached the input guide line  22 . That is, moving the position of moving portion  3  to the position of slide level  3  above. And selecting the object button  21  on the third object lane  26  with the first signal input  2 A provided to the moving portion  3 . While continuing the selection, the player selects and confirms the object button  21  that has reached the input guide line  22  with the timing input means  5 . Above is an example of player&#39;s input method ( 2 ). 
     Both of input methods ( 1 ) and ( 2 ) above are the input methods for an object moving in a same form. The input method ( 2 ) is more difficult for a player to perform compared to the input method ( 1 ). In such case, the player obtains a high score and a high gage amount when performing the input method ( 2 ). 
     The judgment of difficulty for the sliding operation is not limited to those based on the above embodiments. The judgment of difficulty is performed when one input instruction from a game exists and there are input methods less and more difficult compared to that input instruction. 
     The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and changes can be made. For example, the mock guitar  1  is explained as a controller  10 , however, the controller  10  is not limited to a guitar. The controller  10  may be configured to various shapes, such as a piano/key board shape, a trumpet shape, or a mat shape. 
     Further, in addition to the shapes described in the figures of the present invention, various shapes can be applied to the moving portion  3 . For example, another moving means can further be layered onto the moving portion  3 . 
     Also, the object lane  20  and the object  21  can be changed to various forms. For example, the object lane  20  can be arranged vertically and the object  21  may move from left to right of the display. 
     Further, the object lane  20  may be in a display not considering the depth and the object  21  may drop from the top to the bottom of the screen. In addition, the input guide line  22  may be in a form of a vehicle, such as an airplane or an automobile instead of a fixed line, moving from side to side and up and down to pick up the object  21 .