JP2005144191A - Toy - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a toy easy to handle even for children by adding a new function to the toy, which can be associated with a specific object by appearance, for solving problems related with operability. <P>SOLUTION: When a toy 300 is put on a reader 200, the latter reads out access information stored in the former through data transmission performed between them by a contactless data carrier system. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a toy using an information providing system.

  A classic toy that imitates the form of a specific object includes a model called a minicar that looks like a car, and a model that looks like a cartoon character. These toys, which are represented by expressions (imitations of shapes) that can be recalled from the appearance of cars and characters, are generally played by moving them by hand or running and operating them with a motor. In addition, a character card on which various forms of characters are printed is also known as a kind of toy. The character card reminds the user of a specific character by an expression technique such as printing a picture or a photo on the surface.

  With regard to such toys, it is desired that they are difficult to break even if children handle them roughly, that they are easy to operate, and that they are inexpensive. Therefore, adding a new function to a toy for which these are required not only tends to be expensive, but also tends to cause problems such as a complicated way of playing and breakage. For these reasons, it is not easy to further improve the added value of a toy product while satisfying the above three requirements.

  On the other hand, with the rapid spread of various networks such as the Internet, users can easily obtain various information by accessing various information (information resources) existing on the network ( For example, see Patent Document 1). In addition, in order to differentiate information provided to users and improve added value, a method of providing information that cannot be obtained by general users only to member users (so-called membership system sites) is also widely adopted. In a membership system, user authentication that is performed to distinguish between a member user and others is generally performed using authentication information such as ID and password that are individually issued to the member user. Is.

For example, a user who has purchased a personal computer obtains a member-specific ID or the like by performing user registration with a personal computer manufacturer. By inputting such information and obtaining user authentication, the manufacturer's homepage can receive a service different from that of a general user, such as a software download service dedicated to the personal computer.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-203381

  With regard to the toys described above, if the user is a regular user and can receive various services (information provision), new value can be added to the toys and the product appeal to customers can be improved. . At this time, if different information can be provided for each toy, toy type, or form by identifying the toy itself, the added value of the toy can be further increased. For example, different information is prepared for each model of the model, and only a user who has a model of a specific model can access information on the actual vehicle and the model (for example, a driving scene video, an action game, etc.). is there. In this case, since the user's willingness to collect the model can be increased, it can be expected to stimulate new demand. However, as described above, toy users are mainly children, and operations such as operating a computer or inputting an ID are often difficult or unfamiliar, so that operability is a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and its purpose is to further improve the appeal of the product by adding a new function to a toy that expresses a specific object from the appearance. At the same time, it is an object to provide a toy that is easy to handle for children by solving a problem related to operability that becomes a problem when commercializing such a toy.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1
In toys such as models provided by a specific business unit or models with a mark reminiscent of a specific business unit,
Storage means for storing related information related to the business entity and / or toy;
Control means for controlling the storage means in order to output the related information stored in the storage means to the outside;
It is characterized by having.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1,
The related information is access information associated with an address of information related to the business entity and / or toy stored in a predetermined server existing on the network.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1,
The control means randomly outputs a plurality of the related information stored in the storage means.

  According to the present invention, when toy information is detected by the reader, the corresponding information is automatically provided by the information providing device, so that the operation information is reduced and even the child can easily perform the related information. You can see and hear. In addition, interesting video and audio that stirs the imagination for the user (child) who owns the toy by making the related information into information that introduces the real thing that the toy represents or introduces the toy itself. Can be added, and the added value to the toy can be increased. Further, since the toy is equipped with a data carrier system responder, the toy can be satisfactory in terms of durability and price.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a case where the present invention is applied to a notebook personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer) will be described as an example. However, the information providing device operated by the user is not limited to this, and a desktop personal computer, a home game machine, a digital TV transmission / reception device, a dedicated system, or the like can also be used. However, as a condition of the information providing apparatus according to the present embodiment, it is necessary that the user system be capable of accessing at least information stored on the toy side, as will be described later.

  First, a brief description will be given of a data carrier system that is one of the important technologies in realizing the information providing system according to the present embodiment. The data carrier system includes an interrogator and a responder, and the responder generates an identification signal in response to a radio wave transmitted from the interrogator. As such a data carrier system, a non-contact type IC card is best known as a responder.

  As the non-contact type IC card (responder), a contact type (ISO / IEC10536), a proximity type (ISO / IEC14443), a proximity type (ISO / IEC15693), and a microwave type are known. Generally, an LSI chip, a capacitor, and a winding coil are mounted in a card, and data communication with a reader / writer device (interrogator) is performed by an electromagnetic induction method. In addition, as a kind of responder, a key ring, a button, and the like have been developed and put into practical use as an IC tag instead of an IC card, and these may be used as a responder.

  These responders are non-contact type, and power is supplied to the LSI mounted in the responder by the electromagnetic induction action by the radio wave transmitted from the interrogator, and it is necessary to have the power in the responder There is no. For this reason, the transponder is excellent in environmental resistance such as damage and wear and in maintainability. A data carrier system having such merits is an optimum technology to be adopted mainly for toys handled by children.

  Further, the purpose of these conventional data carrier systems is to provide a simple identification method that makes it possible to identify, for example, the employee number of an employee having a non-contact type IC card (responder) from a remote location as a kind of ID. Is to provide. The above is the outline of the data carrier system.

  Next, the overall configuration of the information providing system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a personal computer 100, a reader 200 connected to the personal computer 100, and a toy 300. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of the entire information providing system.

  In FIG. 1, a toy 300 is a model (minicar) represented by an expression means that imitates the appearance of an actual vehicle that is a figure, and stores various types of information including “access information” that can be output to the outside. . Here, “access information” refers to information necessary for accessing specific “information” stored outside the toy 300. The “information” here includes not only information resources existing on the network but also local information existing on the personal computer 100 side corresponding to the information providing apparatus. In addition, although mentioned later for details, in this embodiment, ID code (toy information) provided uniquely to the toy 300 is used as access information. The toy 300 includes a responder 310 (see FIG. 10) that is a data carrier. In a state where a program to be described later is resident or started up, the reader 200 performs data communication with the responder 310 in the toy 300, whereby information stored in the toy 300 is read out to the personal computer 100 side. Then, the personal computer 100 identifies the responder 310, that is, the toy 300. Then, with the identification of the toy 300 as a trigger, the following operation is automatically performed on the personal computer 100 side.

  That is, when the user places the toy 300, which is a model in the shape of a car, on the reader 200, the toy 300 is identified by the reader 200. Then, “related information” related to the toy 300 itself, or “related information” related to a real car that the toy 300 represents is provided to the user. Here, the “related information” refers to information having a direct or indirect relationship with the toy 300 itself or the object (actual vehicle) that it represents. In addition, the relationship with the object to be represented is not limited to the actual vehicle itself that the toy 300 represents, but in a broader sense includes general automobiles, and moreover, a specific subject such as the manufacturer or sales manufacturer of the actual vehicle. May also include relevance. Such related information includes, for example, detailed information about the toy 300 and the actual vehicle, games (action games, puzzle games, etc.) and stories in which it appears, information about the business entity such as the manufacturer of the actual vehicle (for example, advertisement of the business entity) ) And the like. In the present embodiment, a real car driving scene (image information) represented by the toy 300 is automatically displayed on the display unit 104 of the personal computer 100, and the engine sound (voice information) of the car is output to the sound output unit 105. Is output.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the personal computer 100 can be connected to a wired or wireless network represented by the Internet, and can appropriately access information existing on the network. Various information (typically Web content) exists on such a network, but the server 400 (Web server) of a subject (for example, the manufacturer of the toy 300) has a toy 300 or a representation of it. Web contents related to actual vehicles are stored. By appropriately accessing local information stored in the personal computer 100 or Web contents on the network, the user sees the latest information related to the toy 300 or a non-authorized user who has the toy 300. It becomes possible to browse and enjoy information that cannot be done.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of a publicly available home page (hereinafter, the home page is referred to as “HP”, and the publicly available HP is referred to as “general HP”), and FIG. , “Membership HP”). A general viewer can browse the website of a manufacturer that manufactures a toy 300 as shown in FIG. 3 by using a personal computer or the like. On the other hand, the user who owns the toy 300 places the toy 300 on the reader 200, thereby identifying the toy 300. As a result, the member's HP as shown in FIG. 4 is automatically displayed, and the user can access information accessible only to the members stored in the server 400.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a menu page of the member HP. The user can select “Jidoshakan” or “Catalog” from the menu page by operating the keys of the personal computer 100. When “Jizushakan” is selected, a type selection screen as shown in FIG. 5 for further selecting the type of vehicle is displayed. You can browse related information about cars.

  In FIG. 4, when “catalog” is selected, as shown in FIG. 6, information about an actual vehicle that the toy 300 is formed is directly displayed. Thereby, the relevant information regarding the specific actual vehicle which the toy 100 represents is provided to the user.

  In this way, the user can view (listen) related information on the toy 300 on the personal computer by placing the toy 300 owned by the user on the reader 200, so that even a child can easily do so. Can be operated. Further, since the responder 310 incorporated in the toy 300 is a non-contact type, it is excellent in maintainability because it is excellent in external contact and wear and requires no power source or the like. Therefore, the problem regarding operability or durability, which is a problem in commercializing the toy 300, can be solved, and the toy 300 that is easy to handle for children can be realized. Furthermore, since the structure of the data carrier system is relatively simple and the parts cost is relatively low, it is possible to suppress an increase in the price of the toy 300 due to the above-described functions.

  Further, by storing the billing information in the responder 310 of the toy 300, a pay homepage (hereinafter referred to as “pay HP”) as shown in FIG. Specifically, a predetermined number of points are stored in advance in the responder 310 as initial values. Each time the pay HP is browsed, a predetermined number, for example, “1” point is subtracted. When the point becomes “0”, the pay HP cannot be viewed. In FIG. 7, the paid HP is configured so that two games of “driving game” and “puzzle game” can be enjoyed, and related information (driving game or puzzle) according to the selection is given to the user. Provided. Specifically, when the “driving game” is selected, the opening screen of the “driving game” as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed, and the user can enjoy a drive game in which the user operates the car representing the toy 300 on the surface. Can do. Further, when the “puzzle game” is selected, it is possible to enjoy a “puzzle game” that restores a picture representing the toy 300 owned by the user as shown in FIG.

  Next, a hardware configuration for realizing this embodiment will be described. FIG. 10A is a diagram showing functional blocks of the responder 310 incorporated in the toy 300. The responder 310 includes a coil 312, a power supply circuit 314, and a response IC 316, and the response IC 316 includes a memory 318 that functions as a storage unit that stores predetermined information. The peripheral circuit integrated in the response IC 316 and the coil 312 function as a control unit for outputting stored information to an external system. The coil 312 performs data communication by the electromagnetic induction method with the coil 202 (see FIG. 11) of the reader 200 which is an interrogator, and is constituted by a winding coil or the like. The power supply circuit 314 is a circuit that rectifies current caused by electromagnetic induction generated in the coil 312 and supplies a predetermined voltage to the response IC 316, and is configured by a capacitor or the like.

  The response IC 316 is automatically activated by the power supplied from the power supply circuit 314, and performs substantial data communication with the reader 200 (interrogator) via the coil 312. Specifically, the response IC 316 transmits the ID code 318a, the password 318b, and the billing information 318c stored in the memory 318 to the reader 200 on the personal computer 100 side via the coil 312.

  FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating an example of an ID code as toy information stored in the memory 318, and FIG. 10C is a diagram illustrating a structure of the ID code. In FIG. 10B, “C01-00123” is shown as an ID code unique to the toy 300 (or may be given according to the type or form of the toy). Indicates the type of toy 300 (hereinafter referred to as “toy type”), and “00123” indicates the serial number. The toy type is a toy type such as a toy shaped like a car of a private car A or a toy shaped like a cartoon character B in the case of a model toy 300, and “C01” It is a code for specifying a toy type (hereinafter referred to as “toy type code”). The ID code which is toy information also functions as access information necessary for designating the location (address) of specific information on the network.

  FIG. 10D shows an example of a password as authentication information necessary for authentication of the toy 300 performed when accessing information on the network. FIG. 10E shows a user's password for information on the network. It is a figure which shows an example of the accounting information for controlling access. “010” is stored as the password, and the point value “0500” is stored as the billing information.

  The memory 318 can be realized by a RAM, a ROM, or the like. However, when the charging information is managed on the toy 300 side, the charging information 318c needs to be configured to be rewritable. In this case, it is preferable to use an electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory (typically EPROM or EEPROM) as the memory 318 in the response IC 318 for storing the billing information 318c. Note that the medium for storing the password 318b may also be configured by an EEPROM or the like so as to be rewritable.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the personal computer 100 and the reader 200. The personal computer 100 includes a CPU 101, a RAM 102, a ROM 103, a display unit 104, a sound output unit 105, a storage unit 106, an operation unit 107, and a communication unit 108, and each unit is connected to a bus 109. Thus, mutual data communication is possible. Since each function of the personal computer 100 is the same as that of a general personal computer, the description will focus on the characteristic parts according to the present invention.

  The storage unit 106 is configured by a hard disk, a CD-ROM, or the like, stores data and a program, and includes a storage medium and its read / write device. As programs, a toy recognition program 106a, a toy data output program 106b, a member's HP access program 106c, and a paid HP access program 106d are stored, and as data, possessed toy data 106f and access data 106g are stored. Remember.

  The toy recognition program 106a is a control program for the interrogator control unit 204 of the reader 200, and controls reading of the ID code of the toy placed on the reader 200, reading of the password, and reading / writing of billing information. is there. That is, in this embodiment, under the execution of the toy recognition program 106a, the personal computer 100 and the reader 200 cooperate to read out (in other words, access) information stored in the toy 300.

  The toy data output program 106b is a program for causing the CPU 101 to execute toy data display processing. Specifically, a program for identifying data corresponding to a toy placed on the reader 200 from the possessed toy data 106f and causing the display unit 104 to output a video and a sound output unit 105 to output a sound. It is.

  The member HP access program 106c is a program that causes the CPU 101 to execute the member's HP access process (see FIG. 20), and the pay HP access program 106d is a program that causes the CPU 101 to execute the pay HP access process (see FIG. 21). is there. Specifically, both programs specify a URL corresponding to the toy 300 placed on the reader 200 from the access data 106g, and the location where the location is specified by the URL via the communication unit 108 or the like is specified. A program for accessing the above information. In this access, the ID code and password read from the toy 300 are output to the server 400 to access the member's HP or access to the paid HP. Note that the address (URL) of information on the network to be accessed is uniquely specified from the ID code in the toy 300 by referring to a data table described later.

  The possessed toy data 106f is a set of data downloaded by accessing the member's HP or the like, and FIG. 12 shows an example of the retained toy data 106f. In FIG. 12, the toy data 106f stores toy data related to the toy type code “C01” and toy data related to “C02”. That is, the toy data is downloaded using the toy type codes “C01” and “C02” to access the member's HP.

  Here, the toy data is data relating to the toy 300, and is an image such as an image of an actual car that the toy represents, such as engine sound and narration, as described with reference to FIG. 6 as the HP of the “catalog”.・ Audio data. The toy data is stored in the storage unit 106 as different data for each toy type.

  The access data 106g is a data table that stores the correspondence between toy types (part of toy information) and accessible HP URLs. FIG. 13 shows an example of the access data 106g. In FIG. 13, the access data 106g includes, for example, a URL with a toy type code “C00”, a member HP “http: //www.aaa.aa/member”, and a catalog HP “ttp: // www. aaa.aa / member / catalog / c00 ”, billing website“ http: //www.aaa.aa/member/pay ”, puzzle game website“ http: //www.aaa.aa/member/pay/ It is memorized as “puzzle / c00”. The access data 106g stores URLs for all toy type codes regardless of whether the toy is owned by the user. In order to obtain the latest access data, such information may be appropriately updated when the member HP is accessed.

  In this way, by referring to the data table shown in FIG. 13, if toy information (ID code) of a certain toy 300 is given, the location of the accessible information on the network is uniquely specified. Therefore, the toy information indirectly defines the address of information existing on the network, and can be regarded as the access information described above. In other words, toy information, which is an aspect of the access information, is associated with an address of information related to a specific object stored on the server side existing on the network or a toy representing it. Further, different catalog HPs, puzzle games HP, and the like are set for each type of toy 300 in the same category (that is, automobile), but the content differs depending on the type (or form) of toy 300. Therefore, the related information provided to the user differs depending on the type or form of the toy 300. For example, a user having a toy 300 imitating a sports car can browse a sports car catalog and a click movie in which it appears, and can also enjoy a drive game and the like. On the other hand, a user having a toy 300 imitating a fire truck can browse a fire truck catalog and a click movie in which it appears, and can also enjoy a fire fighting game of a building.

  The CPU 101 reads out the program stored in the storage unit 106 and executes processing according to the program. As a result, information is provided to the user such as displaying an image on the display unit 104 or outputting sound (including music and voice) from the sound output unit 105. The CPU 101 also executes processing such as storing processing results in the storage unit 106.

  The RAM 102 forms a work area for temporarily storing various processing data executed by the CPU 101, and the ROM 103 stores initial data when starting up the personal computer 100, an IPL program, and the like. The display unit 104 displays and outputs video data instructed by the CPU 101, and is configured by an LCD or the like. The sound output unit 105 outputs sound data or the like designated by the CPU 101 as sound, and is configured by a speaker or the like. The communication unit 108 is for connecting the personal computer 100 to the Internet and browsing the HP on the server 400, and is configured by a modem, TA, DSU, or the like. The operation unit 107 includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and outputs an instruction input by a user to the CPU 101.

  The reader 200 is an interrogator composed of a coil 202 and an interrogator controller 204. The reader 200 and a toy responder 310 constitute a data carrier system, and data is transmitted to and from the responder 310. It communicates. Further, the interrogator control unit 204 executes data communication with the responder 310 by changing the amount of current and the voltage value flowing through the coil 202 in accordance with the instruction signal input from the CPU 101. In addition, the interrogator control unit 204 outputs the communication result to the CPU 101.

  The data communication between the reader 200 and the personal computer 100 may be serial communication using RS-232C, USB, or the like, or parallel communication.

  FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram of the server 400 that provides HP information and the like via the Internet. The server 400 includes a CPU 401, a RAM 402, a ROM 403, a display unit 404, a sound output unit 405, a storage unit 406, an operation unit 407, and a communication unit 408, and each unit is connected to a bus 409. Thus, mutual data communication is possible. Moreover, in order to ensure the function as a WWW server, it is common to adopt a configuration in which a DNS server is separately provided or a local LAN for a firewall and a filter is provided. Next, a description will be given of a configuration in which one server 400 and the Internet are directly connected. Further, since the server 400 is the same as a computer of a general WWW server, the description will focus on the characteristic part according to the present embodiment.

  The storage unit 406 is configured by a hard disk or the like, and stores HP information 406a, authentication information 406b, DL toy data 406c, and billing information 406d.

  The HP information 406a is information related to HP such as a general HP, a member HP, and a pay HP. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hierarchical structure of URLs for HPs that the server 400 discloses on the Internet. In FIG. 15, the URL of the top page is “http: //www.aaa.aa”, and the HP of this URL is open to the public (FIG. 3). And, as a menu HP of the member's HP (FIG. 4), there is “http: //www.aaa.aa/member”, and below that is the URL of the homepage (FIG. 5) “Http: //www.aaa.aa/member/zukan” and “http: //www.aaa.aa/member/catalog” as the URL of the catalog HP (FIG. 6). Under the catalog URL, there is a URL corresponding to each toy type.

  Further, there is “http: //www.aaa.aa/member/pay” as the HP for the paid HP menu (FIG. 7), and “http” as the URL of the HP for the driving game (FIG. 8) therebelow. “http: //www.aaa.aa/member/pay/drivin” is “http: //www.aaa.aa/member/pay/puzzle” as the URL of the puzzle game HP (FIG. 9). Under the puzzle game URL, there is a URL corresponding to each toy type.

  The authentication information 406b is for authenticating whether or not the user who has accessed the member's HP is a regular member. As shown in FIG. 16, the toy type code and serial number of the toy and the password are stored. It is a data table stored in association with each other.

  The toy data for DL 406c is a set of toy data for all types of toys, and the toy data of the corresponding toy type is downloaded from the HP of the “catalog”. Specifically, in the member's HP of “Catalog” shown in FIG. 6, when the user operating the personal computer 100 selects the download button 500 at the lower left in the figure, the information of “Catalog” is downloaded. It is what is done. That is, the download button 500 is linked to a download program, and when the download button 500 is selected, the download program is automatically executed, and the toy data is downloaded via the Internet. Executed.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of DL toy data 406c. 17, the DL toy data 406c includes toy data for each toy type such as “C00”, “C01”, “C02”,. In executing the download, only toy data corresponding to the toy type is downloaded. Therefore, for example, the toy data for “C01” and the toy data for “C02” are stored in the possessed toy data 106f in the personal computer 100 shown in FIG.

  The billing information 406d is a data table that stores the number of points necessary for browsing the paid HP as shown in FIG. In the figure, “1” points are stored. In addition, it is good also as allocating a different consumption point number with respect to the content in paid HP, ie, the "driving game" and the "puzzle game" in this embodiment.

  Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with the personal computer 100 as a main component. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an overall flow in the personal computer 100. In the personal computer 100, the CPU 101 first displays a menu screen for selecting a process to be executed on the display unit 104, and selects which of the toy data display process, the member HP access process, and the paid HP access process is to be executed. To wait for input from the user (step S1). When the toy data display process is selected by the user, the CPU 101 reads the toy data output program 106b from the storage unit 106 and starts executing the toy data display process.

  When the toy 300 is placed on the reader 200 (step S2), the CPU 101 reads the ID code from the toy 300 via the reader 200 or the like by executing the toy recognition program 106a (step S3). . Next, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the toy data corresponding to the read ID code is in the possessed toy data 106f (step S4). If there is no toy data, an error message is displayed on the display unit 104. (Step S5), the process ends. If there is toy data, the CPU 101 reads the toy data from the possessed toy data 106f (step S6), causes the display unit 104 to display an image included in the toy data, and includes the toy data. After outputting the music or voice to be output from the sound output unit 105 (step S7), the process ends.

  If the member HP access process is selected in step S1, the CPU 101 executes the member HP access process shown in FIG. 20 (step S10) and ends the process. On the other hand, when the pay HP access process is selected, the pay HP access process shown in FIG. 21 is executed (step S20), and the process is terminated. In these access processes, the personal computer 100 requests specific information stored on the server 400 side (access request) and receives the information from the server 400 side.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the operation of member HP access processing. In executing the member HP access process, first, the CPU 101 reads the member HP access program 106c from the storage unit 106 and starts executing the member HP access process. When the toy 300 is placed on the reader 200 (step A1), the CPU 101 reads the ID code and password from the toy 300 via the reader 200 and the like by executing the toy recognition program 106a (step A1). A2). Next, the CPU 101 identifies the URL of the member HP corresponding to the read ID code from the access data 106g, and accesses the HP on the server 400 via the communication unit 108 or the like (step A3).

  Next, the CPU 101 transmits the ID code and password read in step A2 to the server 400, whereby authentication is performed in the server 400 (step A4). When the authentication result is OK, browsing (more precisely, downloading HP information from the server 400) for the URL specified in step A3 is started (step A5). If the authentication result is NG, the CPU 101 determines that the user is not a legitimate user, displays an error message on the display unit 104 (step A6), and the process ends.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the operation of the paid HP access process. In executing the pay HP access process, first, the CPU 101 reads the pay HP access program 106d from the storage unit 106, and starts executing the pay HP access process. When the toy 300 is placed on the reader 200 (step B1), the CPU 101 executes the toy recognition program 106a, whereby the ID code, password, and billing information are received from the toy 300 via the reader 200 or the like. Is read (step B2).

  Next, the CPU 101 specifies the URL of the pay HP corresponding to the read ID code from the access data 106g, and accesses the HP on the server 400 via the communication unit 108 or the like (step B3).

  Next, the CPU 101 transmits the ID code and password read in step B2 to the server 400, whereby authentication is performed in the server 400 (step B4). If the authentication result is NG, the CPU 101 determines that the user is not a legitimate user, displays an error message on the display unit 104 (step B13), and ends the process. If the authentication result is OK, Further, billing information is checked.

  That is, the CPU 101 transmits the billing information read in step B2 to the server 400, thereby checking the number of points in the server 400 to determine whether there is a number of points necessary for browsing the paid HP ( Step B5). If it is determined that the paid HP cannot be browsed due to a shortage of points (step B6: No), the CPU 101 receives a signal to that effect and displays an error message on the display unit 104 (step B14). The paid HP access process is terminated.

  If it is determined that browsing of the paid HP is possible (step B6: Yes), the CPU 101 determines the number of points necessary for browsing the paid HP based on the instruction to subtract the number of points from the server 400. The charging information in the toy 300 is updated by subtracting from the charging information read in B2 (step B7). Then, browsing (more precisely, downloading HP information from the server 400) for the URL specified in step B3 is started, and the top page (FIG. 7) of the paid HP is displayed on the display unit 101 (step B8).

  Next, when a drive game selection input is made from the operation unit 107, browsing and execution of the drive game HP (FIG. 8) is performed. When a puzzle game selection input is made, the puzzle game HP ( The CPU 101 performs browsing / execution of FIG. 9) (steps B9 to B11).

  After the process of step B10 or B11, if an input to end the process is made from the operation unit 107, the paid HP access process is ended (step B12: Yes), and an input not to end is made (Step B12: No), the process proceeds to Step B8.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, toy information that can be read from the outside is stored in the toy 300 imitating the shape of a specific vehicle. Based on the information read from the toy 100 side, the personal computer 100 provides the user with image information and audio information related to the actual vehicle or the toy 300 that represents it. As a result, the toy 300 can be added with a new function of providing information in addition to the conventional way of playing by moving by hand or running / operating with a motor. As a result, the product appeal of the toy 300 can be improved.

  In particular, like the catalog HP and the puzzle game HP shown in FIG. 13, the information provided to the user is made different depending on the individual toy, the type of toy, or the form. And the person who can browse these contents is limited to the user who owns the specific toy 300. Therefore, the value added to the toy 300 can be further enhanced as the content becomes more attractive to the user. Such differentiation of the provided information can increase the user's willingness to collect the toy 300, and thus can be expected to stimulate new demand.

  In this embodiment, information stored in the toy 300 is read using a data carrier system, and a responder 310 is incorporated on the toy 300 side. Then, on the personal computer 100 side to which the reader 200 is connected, video and sound corresponding to the type of the toy 300 and the like are automatically displayed and output. Therefore, it is possible to solve a problem relating to operability or durability that becomes a problem when commercializing such a toy 300 and to realize a toy that is easy for children to handle. At the same time, since the data carrier system has a relatively low component cost, even if a new function is added to the toy 300, it is possible to suppress an increase in the product price.

  In the present embodiment, in view of the fact that the target of the toy 300 is mainly a child, an example in which a data carrier advantageous in terms of cost and durability is employed has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any method may be used as long as the information on the toy 300 side can be accessed without questioning the contact type or the non-contact type. For example, the same access can be performed by a non-contact access method in which a barcode (including a two-dimensional barcode) written on the surface of the toy 300 is read by a barcode reader. In addition, an OCR, a magnetic card, an IC card, a flash memory, a magnetic drive, a resistance sensor, and the like can be used.

  Moreover, the form of the toy 300 may be anything as long as it represents a specific figure object by an expression method that the user can recall from the appearance. As in the present embodiment, a model imitating the shape of an automobile is a model of the object to be represented by the most popular expression technique of imitating the shape. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to toys such as railways, robots, dolls, and characters that can be expressed by the same expression method. The present invention can also be applied to a character card on which a cartoon character is printed. This is because various forms of the character are drawn on the surface of the character card which is one form of the toy, and the user is reminded of a specific character like the model. In this case, as a method for storing information on the character card side, a data carrier, a built-in memory or the like may be used, but it is preferable to use a bar code which is advantageous in terms of cost.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the content of the said embodiment, In the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention, it can change suitably. For example, in the configuration of the above-described embodiment, the number of points as billing information is reduced every time a paid HP is browsed. However, by obtaining a high score in a driving game or the like, the number of points is recovered or It may be doubled. In the above-described embodiment, the billing information is stored in the toy 300. However, by controlling the personal computer 10 with a toy-specific ID (toy information), it is possible to manage billing centrally on the server 400 side.

  Moreover, it is good also as increasing a point by performing the point addition process as shown in FIG. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the operation of point addition processing in the personal computer 100. In FIG. 22, first, when the toy 300 is placed on the reader 200 (step C1), the CPU 101 reads the ID code, password, and billing information from the toy 300 via the reader 200 or the like (step C2). . Next, the URL for point addition is accessed (step C3), and when authentication is confirmed on the server 400 side (step C4), the authentication number of a payment mechanism such as a credit card or debit card is further entered. (Step C5), the number of points is increased in exchange for a predetermined amount of money, and the points in the toy 300 are rewritten (Step C6). If the authentication result in step C4 is NG, the CPU 101 displays an error message on the display unit 104 (step C7) and ends the point addition process.

  In the above-described embodiment, the personal computer 100 has been described as an example. However, the present invention may be applied to a dedicated base other than the personal computer. Specifically, a kit 600 including a diorama pedestal body 610 with a built-in reader 200 and an LCD display 604 on the back of the pedestal body 610 as shown in FIG. The toy data may be displayed on the display unit 604 by placing the toy 300 on the pedestal body 610.

  In the above-described embodiment, the toy data is updated / added by downloading via a network such as the Internet. However, the update / addition may be performed by a storage medium such as a CD-ROM. Good.

  In the above-described embodiment, one toy data for one toy has been described, but a plurality of toy data for one toy may be used. In other words, when there is only one toy data for one toy, only one pattern display and sound output are made, but when there are a plurality of toy data, the video and sound to be output are determined at random, etc. And it is good also as increasing the variation of toy data. Further, the toy data stored in the server 400 may be appropriately updated, various toy data may be stored, and downloadable. Further, based on the access date and time from the personal computer 100, toy data to be downloaded may be changed by day and night, or toy data to be downloaded may be changed by summer and winter.

  In the above-described embodiment, the access data 106g is described as being stored in the personal computer 100. However, the toy 300 may store the corresponding URL or the like. That is, the URL corresponding to the toy 300 may be stored in the memory 318 of the responding device 310 included in the toy 300, and the personal computer 100 may access the homepage according to the URL stored in the toy 300. In this case, it is not necessary to store the access data 106g in the personal computer 100, and the toy 300 and the URL can be handled as a unit, so that the URL corresponding to the toy 300 can be easily managed.

  In this case, in addition to the e-mail address and the telephone number of the access point of the provider, all information necessary for logging in to the Internet may be stored in the toy 300.

  Note that the various variations described above can be applied to the following second and subsequent embodiments as appropriate.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram of an information providing system according to the second embodiment, and this embodiment relates to an advertisement / advertisement technique using the toy 300. The toy 300 is marked with a specific business entity (for example, the company name, CI, character, etc. of the business entity), and the user can recall the business entity from the appearance. As an example, the name of the shipping company and a character that reminds the user of the company are printed on the side surface of the toy 300 imitating a truck. Further, in the toy 300, a URL of a homepage related to the shipping company is stored as access information.

  As the information providing apparatus which is a user side system, the personal computer 100 and the reader 200 described in the first embodiment can be used, and the program described in the first embodiment is installed in the personal computer 100. (It is basically the same for the embodiments described later). When the user places the advertising toy 300 on the reader 200, the access information (URL) stored in the toy 300 is read to the personal computer 100 side. Then, the personal computer 100 accesses information on the server 400 side specified by the read access information. As a result, the homepage of the shipping company is displayed on the screen of the personal computer 100, and advertisement / advertisement information related to the shipping company is provided to the user.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the advertising toy 300 has an expression reminiscent of a specific business entity (subject). At the same time, the access information stored in the toy 300 is associated with an address on the network of advertisement / promotion information related to the business entity. Therefore, it is possible to effectively provide related information on the network related to the business entity to the user who owns the advertising toy 300. As a result, the advertising / advertisement effect as the advertising toy 300 can be improved.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of an information providing system according to the third embodiment, and the present embodiment relates to a network environment setting method using the toy 300. In general, a user who uses the Internet or the like needs to make a contract in advance with a provider that provides a network service. When a new user provides personal information to a provider and applies for service subscription, a toy 300 is sent from the provider.

  This toy 300 is a figure having a provider-specific character shape, and the user can recall the provider from the appearance. The toy 300 stores environment setting information necessary for setting a network environment. This environment setting information includes information necessary for dial-up connection and information for personal authentication. For example, the user name, DNS server address, mail address, incoming mail server (POP server), outgoing mail server (SMTP server) And an initial password unique to the user.

  As the information providing apparatus which is a user side system, the personal computer 100 and the reader 200 described in the first embodiment can be used, and a program for executing the processing shown in FIG. 26 is installed on the personal computer 100 side. First, the user places the toy 300 on the reader 200. Thereby, in step 101, the environment setting information stored in the placed toy 300 is read from the reader 200. In step 102, parameter settings necessary for enabling the personal computer 100 to be connected to the network are automatically performed based on the read environment setting information.

  After the network environment setting is completed by the above procedure, dial-up is automatically established and the network service can be provided simply by placing the figure-shaped toy 300 on the reader 200 by the user. .

  As described above, in this embodiment, the network setting toy 300 stores various kinds of information necessary for setting the network environment of the personal computer 100. Then, by simply placing the toy 300 on the reader 200, a network setting that is complicated and difficult for some users is automatically performed. Therefore, it is possible to remarkably improve the convenience of a user who is difficult or unfamiliar with operations such as operating a computer or inputting an ID. In addition, for the provider, it is possible to expect an increase in service subscribers resulting from the above, and since the toy 300 has a figure shape that reminds itself, an advertisement / advertisement effect can also be expected.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the fourth embodiment, a registration method for a user catalog of a toy having a collection property will be described. In the present embodiment, the case of using the automobile model (minicar) exemplified in the first embodiment will be described, but the present invention can also be applied to figures, character cards, and the like representing various forms such as characters.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the collection registration process on the personal computer 100 side. Prior to collection registration, the user places a toy 300 to be registered on the reader 200. Thereby, the personal computer 100 reads the toy information shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C from the placed toy 300 (step 201). Next, a toy type for distinguishing the type of the toy 300 is newly added to the collection file (step 202). This collection file is a file for managing the type of the toy 300 owned by the user, which the personal computer 100 on the client side has. Then, the personal computer 100 transmits information on the updated collection file to the server 400 side (step 203).

  Receiving this information, the server 400 recognizes the collection information from the client side and displays a toy collection screen as shown in FIG. 28 on the personal computer 100 side of the user. In the figure, toy types that the user does not have are displayed as blanks.

  Thus, in this embodiment, since the type of the toy 300 held by the user is managed by the collection file, the user can determine the current holding state of the toy 300 (the type held and the type not held). Can be browsed easily. Therefore, the user's willingness to collect described as the effect of the first embodiment can be further enhanced.

  In the fourth embodiment, the collection of users is managed on the personal computer 100 side, but this management may be performed on the server 400 side. Specifically, a collection database that centrally manages the collection of each user is prepared on the server 400 side. In one record (collection record) in this database, collection information (including the type of toy 300 possessed) of each user is described. When a collection update request is received from the personal computer 100 side of a certain user, the server 400 searches the collection database and extracts a record related to the user. Then, the information described in the record is updated based on the received data from the personal computer 100 side. Thereby, the collection of toys 300 currently owned by each user can be centrally managed on the server 400 side.

  Furthermore, a recording medium that records a computer program that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments may be supplied to the personal computer 100 that is an information providing apparatus. In this case, the object of the present invention can be achieved by the personal computer 100 reading and executing the computer program stored in the recording medium. Therefore, since the computer program itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, the recording medium on which the program is recorded constitutes the present invention. Examples of the recording medium on which the computer program is recorded include a CD-ROM, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, a memory card, an optical disk, a DVD-ROM, and a DVD-RAM. Further, the computer program itself that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments also has a new function.

The figure which shows the personal computer, reader, and toy which concern on 1st Embodiment The figure which shows the structure of the whole system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. Diagram showing an example of a general HP A figure showing an example of HP for members The figure which shows an example of the menu page of HP for members The figure which shows an example of HP which relates to the catalog in HP for members A figure showing an example of a paid HP menu page The figure which shows an example of HP which concerns on the driving game in paid HP The figure which shows an example of HP which concerns on the puzzle game in paid HP (A) is a functional block diagram of the responder incorporated in the toy, (b) is a diagram showing an example of an ID code stored in the memory of the responder, (c) is a diagram showing a structure of the ID code, (d) ) Is a diagram showing an example of a password, and (e) is a diagram showing an example of billing information stored in the memory of the responder. Functional block diagram of PC and reader The figure which shows an example of the possession toy data memorize | stored in the memory | storage part of a personal computer The figure which shows an example of the access data memorize | stored in the memory | storage part of a personal computer Server functional block diagram The figure which shows the hierarchical structure of URL of HP which a server publishes on the internet The figure which shows an example of the authentication information memorize | stored in the memory | storage part of a server The figure which shows an example of the toy data for DL memorize | stored in the memory | storage part of a server The figure which shows an example of the accounting information memorize | stored in the memory | storage part of a server Flow chart showing the overall flow of PC operation Flow chart showing operation of member HP access processing Flow chart showing operation of paid HP access processing Flow chart showing operation of point addition processing Diagram showing a dedicated pedestal Explanatory drawing of the information provision system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment Explanatory drawing of the information provision system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment Flow chart showing network environment setting processing The flowchart which shows the collection registration process which concerns on 4th Embodiment Example of display screen for toy collection

Explanation of symbols

100 PC 101 CPU
106 storage unit 106a toy recognition program 106b toy data output program 106c HP access program for members 106d paid HP access program 106f toy data 106g access data 108 communication unit 200 reader 300 toy 310 responder 318 memory 318a ID code 318b password 318c billing information 400 server 401 CPU
406 Storage unit 406a HP information 406b Authentication information 406c Toy data for DL 406d Billing information

Claims (3)

In toys such as models provided by specific entities or marked with a reminder of specific entities,
Storage means for storing related information related to the business entity and / or toy;
Control means for controlling the storage means in order to output the related information stored in the storage means to the outside;
A toy characterized by comprising:   The toy according to claim 1, wherein the related information is access information associated with an address of information on the business entity and / or toy stored in a predetermined server existing on a network.   The toy according to claim 1, wherein the control means causes the plurality of related information stored in the storage means to be output at random.

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