JP2001252477A - Video game interlocking device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem that a portable video game machine having a communication port is not necessarily utilized effectively other than the use of its function in a competition type video game. SOLUTION: This video game interlocking device is provided with a communication means at least receiving various information related to the video game being played and outputted from an electronic apparatus having a communication function with the outside and capable of implementing the video game via a radio communication, a signal decoding means decoding various information received with the communication means, and a realizing means realizing the information based on the information decoded with the signal decoding means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a portable video game machine, a stationary video game machine, a portable personal computer, a PDA (Personal Digital).
Video that wirelessly communicates with a portable information device such as an assistant or a handheld computer, or an electronic device capable of executing a video game, such as a portable telephone, and outputs audio or the like in conjunction with a character of the video game being played. It relates to a game interlocking device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, a portable video game machine (hereinafter abbreviated as a game machine) can play against another game machine in one game by using a communication function by infrared rays. It has been known. That is, for example, in a so-called battle-type game software that separates into enemy and ally, a game cassette storing the same game software is mounted on both sides, and the respective game machines are operated to surrender the character in the opponent's game and play. It is.

[0003]

In such a game machine, the communication function is used only when playing the above-mentioned competitive video game (hereinafter abbreviated as a game). It is low and has not been fully utilized. In other words, when playing a game alone, such a communication function is not used at all, and it is overspecified for a user who does not often play a competitive game.

Also, when playing a game alone, if a friend who previously played in the game is nearby, how to develop a game that is advantageous when the character controlled by the player becomes disadvantageous, You can give me support, but usually you have to play the game alone. Or, in a so-called role-playing game, etc., the set item is not known, and the item may be overlooked in a situation where the item is taken.
The game may not progress smoothly. In such a case, the player plays the game while referring to a manual that explains the content of the game, which is a so-called strategy book, but it is troublesome to find a page corresponding to the scene of the game currently in progress, or In some cases, the whole picture could be understood, which could be intriguing.

According to the present invention, in order to solve such a problem, it is possible to use the communication function of such a game machine to output various sounds in conjunction with the game when playing the game. It is an object of the present invention to provide a video game interlocking device that can be used.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention takes the following measures. That is, the video game interlocking device according to the present invention includes:
When playing a game, it is configured to output sound based on the signal output from the playing electronic device by wireless communication, or to perform an action similar to the movement of the character in conjunction with the character of the game It was done.

[0007]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention relates to an electronic device capable of executing a video game having a communication function with an external device, a communication means for receiving at least a signal output by wireless communication and associated with a playing video game. A video game comprising: signal decoding means for decoding a signal received by a communication means; and embodying means for embodying information of the signal based on the signal decoded by the signal decoding means. It is an interlocking device.

With such a configuration, a signal output from the electronic device during execution of the video game is received by the communication means, and the signal is decoded by the signal decoding means. The decrypted information is embodied by the embodying means, for example, by voice if the information is a utterance of a game character, or by an operation similar to the motion of the character. Therefore, while playing the game, it is possible to make a sound from a position close to the user, or to check the movement of the character of the game being played at a place other than the display screen of the electronic device, thereby doubling the enjoyment of the game. Become. Examples of the communication unit include a unit including a receiving unit that receives various information output from the game and a transmitting unit that outputs a signal for detecting an operation state of the electronic device. As described above, in addition to receiving various kinds of information, if a signal for detecting the operation state of the electronic device is output by including the transmission unit, it is possible to detect that the power of the electronic device is turned on. It is possible to confirm that both are in the communicable range of wireless communication.

The signal decoding means includes a storage unit for storing information for decoding received information, and a decoding unit for decoding information based on the information stored in the storage unit and the received information. What is. With such a configuration, it is possible to make the information stored in the storage unit correspond to a plurality of games, and realize the information output from the plurality of games for each game.

[0010] In order to double the enjoyment of the game without keeping an eye on the game, the embodying means includes a sound source unit for generating sound data based on the decoded information and a sound source unit corresponding to the sound data output from the sound source unit. And a conversion unit that converts a signal to be converted into sound.

[0011] In order to increase the affinity, it is preferable to further provide a replaceable exterior body in which the characters appearing in the game are three-dimensional. As described above, if the appearance, that is, the exterior body can recognize the character at a glance, the game can be enjoyed in an illusion that the character has escaped from the screen. In such a configuration,
Preferably, the embodying means has a motion expression mechanism for moving a part or substantially the whole of the exterior body based on the decoded information, so that it can be enjoyed visually. In addition, when the game is not performed, it is possible to view as a figurine.

[0012]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, a video game interlocking device (hereinafter, simply referred to as an interlocking device) VGC
And a detachable exterior body 2 that is three-dimensionally formed from characters appearing in the game and is detachably attached so as to cover the main body 1 of the apparatus. The exterior body 2 is, for example, the same as the outside of a stuffed animal three-dimensionally formed with a brushed cloth if the character appearing in the game is a creature imitating an animal and has hair on the surface. If it is an imaginary creature whose skin is exposed or a robot, it is formed of a flexible colored soft synthetic resin. Such an exterior body 2 is created corresponding to the character of the game, and is used after being replaced in accordance with the game to be played. For example, in the case of a shape having portions corresponding to the head, the torso, the limbs, and the like, the mechanism 11 for that purpose is incorporated into the apparatus main body 1 so that those portions can be moved individually or in cooperation with each other. do it. In this embodiment, the head 2a and the arm 2b shown in FIG. 1 move.

The apparatus main body 1 includes a mechanism section 11 as an operation expression mechanism for moving a part or the whole of the exterior body 2,
An electronic signal processing unit 10 that controls the mechanism unit 11 and processes information output from a game machine GM, which is an electronic device capable of executing a video game. The mechanism section 11 includes a motor serving as a drive source for moving the exterior body 2, and an operation mechanism including a gear and the like for converting the rotational driving force of the motor into movement of the head portion 2 a and the arm portion 2 b of the exterior body 2. It has. As the game machine GM, a portable game machine having a display device and an operation pad integrally and having an infrared communication port for wireless communication, and a stationary game dedicated machine in which the operation pad and the display device are separated from each other are provided. No. Apart from such a video game dedicated machine, as the game machine GM, for example, a portable personal computer (notebook personal computer) having an infrared communication port, a PD
A, handheld computer, I (Internet) that can receive distribution of video game programs
An electronic device that can execute a video game, such as a mobile phone corresponding to the mode, may be used.

The electronic signal processing unit 10 receives information output from the game machine GM by wireless communication using infrared rays, and also enables the game machine GM to use the game machine GM, that is, power is on. An infrared communication port 10a for transmitting a signal for determining whether the state is the state, a microprocessor (hereinafter abbreviated as CPU) 10b for performing various information and signal processing, a basic control program, ROM (read only memory) 10c in which various data corresponding to the game are stored, and RAM (writable memory) 10 in which data is temporarily stored
d, an audio source IC (integrated circuit) 10e that generates various types of audio data, an amplifier circuit 10f and a speaker 10g that are conversion units that convert signals corresponding to audio data output from the audio source IC 10e into audio. And a drive circuit 10h that outputs an electric signal for driving the mechanism section 11 based on an output signal from the CPU 10b. In such a configuration, the infrared communication port 10a and the CPU 1
0b and the ROM 10c constitute communication means. The signal decoding means is constituted by the CPU 10b and the ROM 10c. Further, a CPU 10b, a ROM 10c, a RAM 10d, an audio source IC 10e, and an amplifier circuit 10f
The speaker and the speaker 10g constitute an implementation unit. In this embodiment, the drive circuit 10h and the mechanism unit 11 also constitute a part of the realizing unit.

The infrared communication port 10a is connected to a game machine GM
A signal for detecting the power supply state of the game machine is transmitted to the game machine GM, and a signal for determining whether the game machine GM is located within a communicable range is transmitted. Various kinds of information such as a signal indicating the state of the power supply output from the device GM, a signal indicating that it is within a communicable range, and audio information output after the game is started are received. The infrared communication port 10 a is mounted to be exposed on the surface of the exterior body 2 and is electrically connected to other components of the electronic signal processing unit 10 housed inside the exterior body 2.

The control program stored in the ROM 10c controls the infrared communication port 10a and decodes various information from the game machine GM. The information stored in the ROM 10c is information relating to sound such as dialogue and information relating to an operation for operating the head portion 2a and the arm portion 2b, which is embodied in correspondence with the progress state of the game. Further, the RAM 10d temporarily stores such information output from the game machine GM as needed. The ROM 10c and the RAM 10d are:
It is configured as one memory cassette, and is used by replacing it according to the game. Therefore, the device body 1
Is provided with a cassette slot for mounting the memory cassette. In this embodiment, the interlocking device VGC that outputs sound and moves the head portion 2a and the arm portion 2b will be described, but may output at least only sound.

In such a configuration, based on the information output from the game machine GM, the information is decoded and embodied according to the procedure shown in FIG.
In order to explain the procedure, in the game machine GM,
For example, assume that a role playing game is played.

First, in step S1, it is determined whether or not information has been received from the game machine GM. The information output from the game machine GM is programmed for each game played on the game machine GM, and when the game progresses and the scene is displayed on the display device of the game machine GM. What is output. When information is output from the game machine GM, the information is received by the infrared communication port 10a and is temporarily stored in the RAM 10d. If the information has been received, the process proceeds to step S2. In step S2, C
In the PU 10b, it is determined whether or not the received information is information related to audio. If it is determined to be audio information,
The process proceeds to step S3, and if it is determined that the information is not audio information, the process proceeds to step S4. In step S3, the received voice information is decoded. The audio information includes, for example, additional commentary at the start of the game, hints indicating that there are treasures called so-called items in the game, and tools necessary for progressing the game, cheering, cheering, praising, Voice-related items such as dialogues indicating weaknesses of the character of the opponent to be attacked are set.

In step S5, the ROM 10c is searched based on the decoded voice information, and voice data corresponding to the content is read. The read audio data is the audio source I
Input to C10e. In response to this, the audio source IC 10e
Outputs a speech according to the progress of the game, and is embodied as a voice via the amplifier circuit 10f and the speaker 10g. If it is determined that the received information is in a format that can output audio, the information is output from the RAM 10d to the audio source IC 10e without searching the ROM 10c, and is embodied as audio. On the other hand, if it is determined that the information is not audio information, information on an operation defining how the mechanism section 11 is operated is decoded in step S4. This motion information is, for example, that the head part is swung left and right or back and forth, or is turned, or the arm part is shaken or turned, and these are simultaneously performed. Then, in step S6, the mechanism unit 11 is driven based on the decoded operation information. That is, the CPU 10b searches the ROM 10c, reads out the operation data corresponding to the decoded information, and outputs it to the drive circuit 10h, as in the case of the audio information. The drive circuit 10h drives the mechanism unit 11 based on the operation data to embody the received information.

Specifically, at the start of the game, when the text explaining the outline of the game is displayed on the opening screen together with the music flowing in the background, the audio information output by the game machine GM is received (step S1). S1 →
In S2), the interlocking device VGC supplements the outline or outputs more specific contents by voice according to the voice information (steps S3 → S5). After this, the game progresses, and an item hidden on the roadside while the character in the game is moving is set, and even if the player playing the game approaches the position without noticing, the game machine GM An audio signal is output, and based on the audio signal, the interlocking device VGC outputs a voice, for example, "There is something", that is, a dialogue, so that the player can search for the part and take an item. Further, when the game progresses and a character that needs to fight, that is, an enemy character appears, based on the voice information output from the game machine GM, for example, cheering such as “go good” or outputting a line indicating a weak point of the enemy character is output. I do. At this time, when the operation information is output from the game machine GM together with or after the voice information (step S1 → S2 → S
4) For example, the operation is performed such that the arm portion is swung up and down in order to embody an operation for defeating the enemy character (step S6). Then, when the enemy character is defeated, based on the voice information output from the game machine GM at the time when the enemy character is defeated, a speech that rejoices the victory or a speech that is praised is output.

As described above, the interlocking device VGC outputs various sounds as the game progresses and operates by imitating the movement of the character on the display screen of the game machine GM. Not only enjoy the game, but also increase the fun of the game and double the fun of the game. Further, since the interlocking device VGC has the shape of a character, it can be enjoyed as an ornament by decorating the room like a stuffed animal when the game is not played. In addition, by replacing the exterior body 2 and the memory cassette containing the ROM 10c and the RAM 10d, various games can be supported, and one interlocking device VGC allows the user to enjoy various games.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above.

For example, the ROM 10c stores a minimum program necessary for receiving and decoding voice information and operation information, that is, a basic program such as an operating system necessary for operating the interlocking device VGC. In addition, when starting the game, all of the information relating to the sounds and movements output during the game is transferred from the game machine GM to the R.
The game may be stored in the AM 10d, and after starting the game, the RAM 10d may be searched to output a sound or a motion corresponding to each scene. That is, the ROM 10c does not store information corresponding to a game, but stores a minimum program for transmitting and receiving information, searching for information, and the like corresponding to various games. Therefore, it is not necessary to change the ROM 10c every time the game changes, and if the game changes, it is only necessary to change the exterior body 2 representing the character according to the game, and it is not necessary to prepare the ROM 10c individually according to the game. Therefore, the pleasure of the game can be doubled at a low cost. Also, RO
Since there is no need to use a memory cassette for the M10c and the RAM 10d, it is possible to manufacture the memory cassette at low cost, and it is not necessary to purchase a memory cassette for each game, so that the burden on the user can be reduced.

If the RAM 10d is configured to be backed up by a battery, data of the progress of the game being played is stored in the RAM 10d, and a person different from the person who saved the data can play the game using the data. You can play. That is, according to the configuration in which the interlocking device VGC is provided with such a function as a data server, R
Since the game progress data is stored in the AM 10d, the game machine GM does not need to store such data. That is, since there is no need to back up the battery in the RAM of the game machine GM, the configuration of the game cassette can be simplified, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. In addition, since you can play from the continuation of the game advanced by your brothers and friends, if you are stuck with the game, you will be able to experience the part of the game that is earlier than the part of the game you are playing, You can expand the way you enjoy the game.

When such a function as a data server is provided, a plurality of users can share data during the game as described above, and exchange game data via an interlocking device as the data server. Or you can. In this case, in order to store data of different games, the data for discrimination that can discriminate the game for each data is stored in association with the data of the game to be stored, and when the data of the game is used, the data for discrimination is stored. What is necessary is just to transmit and read from a game machine. Further, a plurality of programs may be stored in the ROM 10c so as to correspond to a plurality of game machines GM.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the exterior body 2 is formed into a three-dimensional shape according to the character has been described. For example, the embodying means includes various panels such as a liquid crystal display device and a plasma display capable of displaying the movement of the character. Display device such as a flat panel display or a CRT, a sound source IC 10e for outputting sound corresponding to a displayed image, and an amplifier circuit 1
0f and a speaker 10g.

In the above embodiment, the game machine is provided with the infrared communication port. However, the game machine may be one in which communication means including the infrared communication port is incorporated in the game cassette. That is, the communication range of the infrared light output from the infrared communication port provided in the game machine is assumed to be a case where communication is performed in a competitive video game or a case where new data is stored in the game machine at a store or the like. In many cases, the distance is set to be relatively short. In consideration of such a case, in order to operate normally even if the interlocking device is arranged outside the above-mentioned communication range which is the output range of the communication means provided in the game machine, the communication means is expanded. In a game cassette. The communication means incorporated in the game cassette has a communication output larger than that of the communication means incorporated in the game machine, and is set to an output equivalent to that of a remote controller such as a home television receiver or an air conditioner. do it. That is, the signal output from the infrared communication port reaches the interlocking device regardless of whether the interlocking device is located in the same room as the general house where the game is played, or in other words, the size that the interlocking device can receive. May be set to the output of the communication means. As a specific circuit configuration, one used for such a remote controller may be applied.

Also, in the above-described embodiment, the description has been made of the one using infrared rays as the communication means. However, FM (frequency modulation) is used.
For example, a weak radio wave such as the above may be used. Even in such a communication means using radio waves, its output may be set to a communication range as described above, that is, a communication range in which communication is possible within the same room.

In addition, the configuration of each section is not limited to the illustrated example, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0031]

As described above, according to the present invention, a signal output from an electronic device capable of executing a video game is received by communication means, and the signal is decoded by signal decoding means. Then, in accordance with the decoded information, the embodying means, for example, if the information is a dialogue uttered by a character of the game, is embodied by voice, and if the character is a motion of the game, it is embodied by an operation similar to the motion. While the game is being performed, a sound can be heard from a position close to the user, or the movement of the character of the game being played at a place other than the display screen of the electronic device can be confirmed, and the enjoyment of the game can be doubled.

If the communication means comprises a receiving section for receiving various information output from the game and a transmitting section for outputting a signal for detecting an operation state of the electronic device, the electronic device Can be detected, and it can be confirmed that both are in the communicable range of the wireless communication.

The signal decoding means comprises a storage unit for storing information for decoding the received information, and a decoding unit for decoding the information based on the information stored in the storage unit and the received information. If it is a game, the information stored in the storage unit can be made to correspond to a plurality of games, and the information output from the plurality of games can be embodied for each game.

[0034] If the embodying means comprises an audio source section for generating audio data based on the decoded information, and a conversion section for converting a signal corresponding to the audio data output from the audio source section into audio. , You can double the fun of the game without taking your eyes off the game.

As long as it further comprises a replaceable exterior body in which a character appearing in the game is three-dimensional,
The appearance, that is, the exterior body, allows the character to be recognized at a glance, allowing the user to enjoy the game in the illusion that the character has escaped from the screen, increase the affinity for the game, and, when not in use, an ornament. You can enjoy it as well. In addition, by replacing the exterior body, various games can be supported, and the range of application to games can be expanded at low cost.

In the case where the exterior body is as described above, if the embodying means has a motion expression mechanism for moving a part or substantially the whole of the exterior body based on the decoded information, visually Can be enjoyable, and interest in the game can be increased.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electronic signal processing unit of the embodiment together with a portable video game machine;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart schematically showing a control procedure of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Device main body 2 ... Exterior body 10a ... Infrared communication port 10b ... Microprocessor 10c ... ROM 10d ... RAM 10e ... Audio source IC 10f ... Amplifier circuit 10g ... Speaker 10h ... Drive circuit

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Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A communication means for receiving at least various kinds of information associated with a playing video game output by wireless communication with an electronic device capable of executing a video game having a communication function with the outside, and the communication means A video game interlocking apparatus, comprising: signal decoding means for decoding various information received by the communication means; and embodying means for embodying the information based on the information decoded by the signal decoding means. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising a receiving unit for receiving various information output from the video game, and a transmitting unit for outputting a signal for detecting an operation state of the electronic device. The video game interlocking device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: 3. A signal decoding means comprising: a storage unit for storing information for decoding received information; and a decoding unit for decoding information based on the information stored in the storage unit and the received information. The video game interlocking device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein: 4. An embodying means comprising: an audio source section for generating audio data based on decoded information; and a conversion section for converting a signal corresponding to the audio data output from the audio source section into audio. 5. The video game interlocking device according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4. 5. The video game interlocking device according to claim 1, further comprising a replaceable exterior body in which a character appearing in the video game is made three-dimensional. 6. The video game interlocking device according to claim 5, wherein the embodying means has a motion expression mechanism for moving a part or substantially the whole of the exterior body based on the decoded information.