JP2018134452A - Block, block system, and display method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a block and a component that can show various information and expression while restraining complication of a structure.SOLUTION: A block system 1 includes a block 102 and a host terminal 10. The block 102 is constituted so that a plurality of blocks are connected together, and comprises a power supply mechanism 110 that supplies power to the block 102, a communication mechanism 114 that establishes connection with the host terminal 10 and transmits/receives various signals, a memory mechanism 112 that stores identification information related to the block 102, a display mechanism 118 that emits light or displays an image under the control of the host terminal 10, and a control mechanism 116 that executes programmed processing in response to a signal from the host terminal 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a block, a block system applicable to the block, and a display method using the block.

  Conventionally, toys that can assemble a three-dimensional object by connecting a plurality of blocks and parts are known. For example, there are blocks with basic shapes such as cubes and rectangular parallelepipeds that can be freely assembled according to the user's idea, and dedicated blocks and parts formed to assemble a presumed solid object according to the design drawing. Widely used.

  The blocks and parts as described above basically have a simple structure made of a lump of plastic or the like. Therefore, although it is an advantage that it can be provided at low cost, the information that can be embodied is limited to the shape, size, color set from the original, etc., so there is a problem that the world that can be expressed in a narrow range of application is difficult to spread .

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a block or a part capable of expressing various information and expressions while suppressing the complexity of the structure.

  In order to solve the above problems, an aspect of the present invention relates to a block. This block includes an identification information storage unit that stores its own identification information, and a display unit that acquires information related to the display mode set for the identification information and performs display according to the information. Thus, the identification information is associated with the identification information of other blocks according to a predetermined rule, and the display unit displays the information in a manner common to the other blocks associated with the identification information.

  Here, the shape of the “block” is not limited to basic shapes such as cubes, rectangular parallelepipeds, and spheres, but the shapes of objects that exist in the real world, such as people, animals, plants, and industrial products. It may be a complicated shape as imitated. Further, the size of the “block” is not limited.

  Another aspect of the present invention relates to a block system. The block system includes a plurality of blocks and a host terminal capable of communicating with the block. The host terminal is common to each block group in which the plurality of blocks are associated with each other according to a predetermined rule. The information processing unit for setting the display mode of the display, the identification information of each block, and the display information transmitting unit for transmitting the information related to the set display mode to the block in association with each other, the block identifying itself An identification information storage unit for storing information, a display unit for acquiring information related to a display mode associated with the identification information, and displaying the information in a mode common to other blocks belonging to the same block group, It is provided with.

  Still another embodiment of the present invention relates to a display method using blocks. The display method includes a step of reading out its own identification information from the memory, a step of acquiring information related to a display mode set for the identification information, and a step of displaying according to the information related to the display mode. The identification information is associated with the identification information of another block according to a predetermined rule, and the step of performing the display is performed in a manner common to the other blocks associated with the identification information. .

  It should be noted that any combination of the above-described constituent elements and a conversion of the expression of the present invention between a method, an apparatus, a system, a recording medium, a computer program, etc. are also effective as an aspect of the present invention.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide blocks and components that can represent various information and expressions while suppressing the complexity of the structure.

It is a figure which shows the example of an external appearance of the block in this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically the internal structure of the system and block of this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the internal circuit structure of the host terminal in this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the block in this Embodiment, and the functional block of a host terminal. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the storage area in the identification information storage part of the block of this Embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the display change of the block at the time of the tidying up in this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a data structure of the table stored in the registration information storage part of a host terminal in this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence which light-emits a block by the color which changes with owners in this Embodiment. In this Embodiment, it is a figure which shows typically the example of the information transmitted with the information transmission path | route in the solid object comprised by a some block. In this Embodiment, it is a figure which shows the structural example of the data stored in the registration information storage part of a host terminal in order to specify the connection relation of a block. In this Embodiment, it is a figure for demonstrating the aspect which provides the user with the information which concerns on an assembly procedure. It is a figure which shows the example of a data structure of the information which a host terminal hold | maintains in the aspect which displays the assembly procedure of this Embodiment, and specifies the block connected next. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence which presents the information which concerns on the assembly procedure of a block in this Embodiment. In this Embodiment, it is a figure for demonstrating the aspect which a user sets the display content of the completed solid object. It is a figure which shows the example of a data structure of the information which the user set with respect to the display content setting screen in this Embodiment. In this Embodiment, it is a figure for demonstrating the aspect which shares the information which concerns on a solid object using a network. It is a figure for demonstrating the aspect which combines a block with a computer game in this Embodiment.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of the appearance of a block in the present embodiment. The blocks can have various shapes such as a quadrangular prism block 102a, a cubic block 102b, a cylindrical block 102d, and a spherical block 102c. In addition, the shape of a block is not restricted to what is illustrated, The size may be various. For example, it may have a more complicated shape that imitates a mechanical part such as a column, a screw, or a spring, or a human head, hand, or foot. In the following description, these are also referred to as “blocks”.

  However, a plurality of shapes may not necessarily be included. Further, in the figure, one block is shown for one shape, but the number is naturally not limited. Each block is provided with a convex portion 104 and a concave portion 106 having a predetermined size and shape, and the blocks can be connected to each other at a desired position by inserting the convex portion 104 into the concave portion 106. Further, the position / posture relationship between the connected blocks may be changed by rotating the joint block.

  FIG. 2 schematically shows the internal structure of the system and block of the present embodiment. The block system 1 includes a block 102 and a host terminal 10. Although the shape and number of blocks are not limited as described above, they are representatively shown as blocks 102 here. The block 102 includes a power supply mechanism 110, a storage mechanism 112, a communication mechanism 114, a control mechanism 116, and a display mechanism 118.

  The power supply mechanism 110 supplies power to the block 102 by a general technique such as acquiring power by a wired or wireless connection from a general battery or a separately provided power source. The communication mechanism 114 establishes a connection with the host terminal 10 by wire or wireless and transmits and receives various signals. The storage mechanism 112 is a memory that stores identification information related to each block 102.

  The display mechanism 118 is realized by a light emitting diode, a light emitting element, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an electronic paper, or other element having a light emitting function of a plurality of colors or an aggregate thereof, and emits light under the control of the host terminal 10. Or display an image. The control mechanism 116 is realized by a microcomputer or the like, and executes a programmed process according to a signal from the host terminal 10. Then, the communication mechanism 114, the storage mechanism 112, the display mechanism 118, and the power supply mechanism 110 are controlled as necessary.

  In the present embodiment, the host terminal 10 acquires the identification information stored in the storage mechanism 112 by the block 102. Based on the acquired identification information, the host terminal 10 determines display contents to be performed by the block 102 and notifies the block 102 of the display contents. The control mechanism 116 of the block 102 receives the notification via the communication mechanism 114 and changes the display on the display mechanism 118 based on the notification. For example, each block owner emits light in a different color. In this case, the host terminal 10 determines the owner of each block based on information in which the individual identification information of the block 102 is associated with the identification information of the owner.

  Then, each block is caused to emit light in a different color determined for each owner. Thereby, for example, when a plurality of users play by assembling or mixing one thing by bringing a block owned by each user, and then putting it away, it is possible to distinguish one's own block from the other. As described above, the display mechanism 118 may cause the light emitting diode to emit light with the color requested from the host terminal 10 and may cause the requested image to be displayed on the display included in the display mechanism 118. In the following description, these processes may be collectively referred to as “display”. Also, the description of simply “light emission” can be replaced with “image display”.

  When the light emission color is used, at least a part of the housing of the block 102 is made of a transparent or translucent resin or glass so that the light emission of the internal diode can be seen from the outside. Alternatively, the display mechanism 118 may include a plurality of single-color or multi-color diodes, and the block 102 may be caused to emit light locally, or may be caused to emit light in a different color depending on the location. When an image is displayed on the display, the image may be any one of a solid-colored image, an image having local brightness, an image having a different color depending on a region, and the like. Alternatively, it may be a general still image or moving image expressing some object, pattern, character, or the like.

  The host terminal 10 may be a game device or a personal computer, for example, and implements an information processing function by loading a necessary application program. The host terminal 10 is connected to the display device 12 and the input device 14 by wire or wirelessly. The display device 12 may be a general display such as a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or an organic EL display. Moreover, the television provided with those displays and a speaker may be sufficient. The input device 14 may be any one or a combination of general input devices such as a game controller, a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, and a touch pad provided on the screen of the display device 12.

  FIG. 3 shows an internal circuit configuration of the host terminal 10. The host terminal 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 22, a GPU (Graphics Porcessing Unit) 24, and a main memory 26. The CPU 22 controls processing and signal transmission in components inside the host terminal 10 based on programs such as an operating system and applications. The GPU 24 performs image processing. The main memory 26 is constituted by a RAM (Random Access Memory), and stores programs and data necessary for processing.

  These units are connected to each other via a bus 30. An input / output interface 28 is further connected to the bus 30. The input / output interface 28 includes a peripheral unit interface such as USB or IEEE1394, a communication unit 32 including a wired or wireless LAN network interface, a storage unit 34 such as a hard disk drive or a nonvolatile memory, an output of the display device 12 or a speaker. An output unit 36 for outputting data to the apparatus, an input unit 38 for inputting data from the input device 14, and a recording medium driving unit 40 for driving a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk or a semiconductor memory are connected.

  The CPU 22 controls the entire host terminal 10 by executing an operating system stored in the storage unit 34. The CPU 22 also executes various programs read from the removable recording medium and loaded into the main memory 26 or downloaded via the communication unit 32. The GPU 24 has a function of a geometry engine and a function of a rendering processor, performs drawing processing according to a drawing command from the CPU 22, and stores a display image in a frame buffer (not shown). Then, the display image stored in the frame buffer is converted into a video signal and output to the output unit 36 or the like.

  FIG. 4 shows the functional block configuration of the block 102 and the host terminal 10. Each functional block shown in FIG. 4 can be realized in hardware by the configuration of various mechanisms, CPU, GPU, RAM, various processors shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and in software, the storage unit 34 or recording This is realized by a program loaded from the recording medium to the main memory 26 via the medium driving unit 40, a program stored in the microcomputer, or the like. Therefore, it is understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by hardware only, software only, or a combination thereof, and is not limited to any one.

  The block 102 includes an identification information storage unit 120 that stores identification information related to the block, an identification information transmission unit 122 that transmits the identification information to the host terminal 10 as necessary, and an identification related to the block transmitted from the host terminal 10 An identification information receiving unit 124 that receives information, an identification information updating unit 126 that updates information stored in the identification information storage unit 120 based on the received identification information, and information related to display contents transmitted from the host terminal 10 A display information receiving unit 128 to display, and a display unit 130 to display the received content.

  The host terminal 10 includes an identification information receiving unit 50 that receives identification information related to the block from the block 102, an input information acquisition unit 54 that acquires information input by the user via the input device 14, and information and blocks necessary for input. A display processing unit 56 that performs processing for displaying such information on the display device 12, an information processing unit 58 that controls each functional block of the host terminal 10, and an identification information transmission unit 62 that transmits identification information related to the block to the block 102. The display content storage unit 60 stores data representing the content to be displayed by the block 102, and the display information transmission unit 64 transmits information related to the content to be actually displayed to the block 102.

  The identification information storage unit 120 of the block 102 is realized by the storage mechanism 112 of FIG. 2 and stores information for identifying the individual of the block 102. This identification information may include identification information unique to all blocks and identification information common to blocks having the same shape. The original identification information of the block is given in the manufacturing process or the like, and is stored in a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) constituting the storage mechanism 112.

  The identification information storage unit 120 may further store identification information of the owner of the block 102. The owner identification information is basically assigned by the host terminal 10 for each user and transmitted to the block 102. When the identification information receiving unit 124 receives it, the identification information updating unit 126 stores it in the identification information storage unit 120. In addition, the identification information storage unit 120 may store identification information such as a group to which the owner belongs and a group of blocks connected to each other. Such identification information is also given by the host terminal 10 as necessary and transmitted to the block 102. Thus, the identification information given by the host terminal 10 is stored in a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) constituting the storage mechanism 112.

  The identification information of the owner and the identification information such as the group to which the owner belongs and groups of blocks connected to each other may be stored in the nonvolatile memory. In this way, even if you mix user blocks registered in different host terminals, you can share the information without using the network, etc., or re-registering the user with the host terminal each time you use it. Can be discriminated by the emission color or the like.

  The “identification information relating to the block” used for transmission / reception with the host terminal 10 may be at least one of the original identification information of the block and the identification information provided by the host terminal 10. The identification information transmission unit 122 is realized by the communication mechanism 114 of FIG. 2, reads the identification information relating to the block from the identification information storage unit 120 at a necessary timing such as when tidying up, and transmits the identification information to the host terminal 10. For example, when communication is realized by the short-range wireless communication technology used for the RF tag, the user himself / herself generates “necessary timing” by holding the block 102 over the reader / writer connected to the host terminal 10.

  In this case, the function of the identification information receiving unit 50 of the host terminal 10 is realized by the reader / writer, and the identification information related to the block is recognized by the host terminal 10. Even when the host terminal 10 assigns an identification number, the reader / writer can be used. That is, the function of the identification information transmission unit 62 of the host terminal 10 is realized by a reader / writer, and the identification information given by the host terminal 10 is recognized by the block 102 by holding the block 102.

  The display information receiving unit 128 of the block 102 is realized by the communication mechanism 114 of FIG. 2, and acquires information such as the emission color and the image to be displayed from the host terminal 10. The display unit 130 is realized by the control mechanism 116 and the display mechanism 118 of FIG. 2, and causes the light emitting diode to emit light or display an image on the display based on the information acquired by the display information receiving unit 128. When an image is displayed on the display, the image data may be acquired from the host terminal 10 each time, or the data may be held inside the display unit 130. In this case, the identification information of the image to be displayed is also acquired from the host terminal 10. In addition, when the light emitting diode is caused to emit light locally, in addition to the light emission color, information indicating a site to emit light, information associating the site with the light emission color, and the like are also acquired.

  The identification information receiving unit 50 and the identification information transmitting unit 62 of the host terminal 10 are realized by the communication unit 32 of FIG. As described above, the identification information receiving unit 50 receives the identification information related to the block held by the block 102, and the identification information transmitting unit 62 transmits the identification information provided by the host terminal 10 to the block 102. The information processing unit 58 is realized by the CPU 22, the GPU 24, the main memory 26, and the like in FIG. 3, and determines the emission color of the block and the image to be displayed in the block. The color and image data to be assigned are stored in the display content storage unit 60 and referred to as necessary.

  Further, when it is necessary to specify information provided by the host terminal 10 such as the owner identification information from the original identification information of the block, the information processing unit 58 associates the information stored in the registration information storage unit 52 with each other. Browse the table. The display content storage unit 60 and the registration information storage unit 52 are realized by the main memory 26, the storage unit 34, and the like. Note that at least part of the information stored in the display content storage unit 60 and the registration information storage unit 52 may be stored in a server connected via a network and acquired from the server as necessary. .

  Furthermore, as will be described later, the information processing unit 58 acquires a state of a three-dimensional object during assembly, and performs processing for clearly indicating information related to the assembly procedure corresponding to the stage by display on the display device 12 or light emission of a block. You may go. Further, when the user sets display contents such as the emission color of the block via the input device 14, the information may be stored in the display content storage unit 60. Furthermore, various kinds of information processing such as a game requested by the user may be executed via the input device 14 and processing for reflecting the result on the display of the display device 12 or the block 102 may be performed.

  The display information transmission unit 64 is realized by the communication unit 32 of FIG. 3, and transmits a signal requesting light emission or image display with the contents determined by the information processing unit 58 to the block 102. At this time, the display information transmission unit 64 may associate the identification information related to the block 102 with the information of the determined display content and transmit it to all the blocks 102. The block 102 that has received the information refers to its own identification information stored in the identification information storage unit 120, and changes the display on the display unit 130 as requested when it corresponds to the requested block. However, when individual signals can be transmitted and received by connecting individual blocks with cables, the display information transmitting unit 64 may transmit the request signal only to the requested block.

  Note that what kind of identification information such as the owner determines the display content and what rule the display content is determined in accordance with the purpose of changing the display of the block. The input information acquisition unit 54 is realized by the input unit 38 and the input / output interface 28 of FIG. 3, and supplies the content of the operation performed by the user via the input device 14 to the information processing unit 58. This operation includes processing start and end requests, registration of the owner of the block, display settings such as the light emission color of the block, and command input for information processing performed by the information processing unit 58 such as a game.

  In accordance with a request from the information processing unit 58, the display processing unit 56 causes the display device 12 to display an image necessary for registration of the owner and the like, and display setting of the block. For example, when registering the owner of the block 102, icons of a plurality of users registered in advance in the host terminal are displayed on the display device 12. The user who is the owner makes an input for selecting his / her icon on the screen via the input device 14 with the block 102 held over the reader / writer. In response to this, the information processing unit 58 associates the block identification information read from the block 102 with the user identification information and stores them in the registration information storage unit 52 to register the owner.

  The display processing unit 56 may further cause the display device 12 to display information related to the assembly order of the blocks. Although details will be described later, by associating the display on the display unit 130 of the block 102 with the display of the display device 12, it is possible to correlate the actual block and the image of the displayed block and provide various information. it can. The display processing unit 56 may also display a screen such as a game being executed by the information processing unit 58. In any case, image data necessary for display is stored in the display content storage unit 60.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the structure of the storage area in the identification information storage unit 120 of the block 102. The identification information storage unit 120 includes a read-only storage area 140a made of a nonvolatile memory, and a writable and readable storage area 140b made of a volatile memory or a nonvolatile memory. In the read-only storage area 140a, an “individual ID” storage area 142a that is identification information unique to a block and a “part ID” storage area 142b that is identification information for each shape are provided. By giving the same “part ID” to blocks with the same shape even if the block owners are different, the configuration information of the three-dimensional object created by assembling the block can be shared with other users, block manufacturers, etc. it can.

  The writable and readable storage area 140 b is provided with the “owner ID” storage area 142 c that is the above-described owner identification information and the “group ID” storage area 142 d that is the identification information of the group to which the owner belongs. “Group ID” is, for example, information for identifying a club to which the owner belongs, a school class, and the like, and can be used at the time of tidying up like the owner.

  The storage area 140b further includes a “keep flag” storage area 142e, a “set ID” storage area 142f, an “individual set ID” storage area 142g, and an “in-set group ID” storage area 142h. The “keep flag” represents a flag for securing a block that the user wants to use for assembly when a plurality of users assemble the blocks in one place. For example, the user performs an input for setting a flag in the host terminal 10 while holding the target block over the reader / writer.

  Then, the host terminal 10 transmits a request to update the value of the flag stored in the “keep flag” storage area 142 e from “0” to “1” from the identification information transmission unit 62 to the block 102. When the identification information receiving unit 124 of the block 102 receives the request, the identification information updating unit 126 updates the value of the “keep flag” storage area 142e. The display unit 130 detects that the value in the “keep flag” storage area 142e is “1”, and causes the diode to emit light in a color assigned in advance to the flag. The host terminal 10 may separately send a request for emitting a block with a flag set.

  In this way, since the block to be secured emits light in a predetermined color, even if the block to be used is shared by a plurality of users, it is possible to prevent the target block from being used by others for some time. . The block secured for each owner may be color-coded by determining the color in combination with the owner ID. When there is no possibility that the block is connected to another block or the like, the user operates the host terminal 10 again to update the keep flag from “1” to “0”. Stops flashing. Alternatively, the block itself may detect the connection and stop the light emission itself.

  “Set ID” is identification information unique to a solid object completed by assembling blocks, and the same identification information is given to a plurality of blocks constituting the solid object. The “in-set individual ID” is information for identifying each block in the three-dimensional object. The “in-set group ID” is group unit identification information in which blocks constituting the three-dimensional object are grouped in a predetermined unit such as each part of the three-dimensional object. The “set ID”, “in-set individual ID”, and “in-set group ID” can be used to manage a solid object and its configuration when, for example, blocks are freely assembled to create a solid object.

  The structure of the storage area of the identification information storage unit 120 shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example, and data may be stored only in a part of the area as needed, or another information storage area is provided. Also good. Alternatively, the identification information storage unit 120 may have only a read-only storage area 140a. For example, only the “individual ID” storage area 142 a may be provided in the block, and all other information may be stored in the registration information storage unit 52 of the host terminal 10 in association with the “individual ID”. Then, on the host terminal 10 side, display content information may be determined for the “individual ID” of the block based on the attribute of each block, and the request signal may be transmitted to each block. By doing so, the manufacturing cost of the block itself can be reduced. On the other hand, according to the aspect in which necessary information is written in the block itself, appropriate display control is possible regardless of the host terminal.

  FIG. 6 illustrates the display change of the block at the time of tidying up. The upper part of the figure is a three-dimensional object 150a formed by assembling blocks, and is composed of eight blocks. These blocks are brought together by a plurality of owners. However, when the appearances of the respective blocks are the same as in the three-dimensional object 150a, each owner does not know which block to bring home after the separation. In this embodiment, the owner ID is stored in each block at the start of assembly or the like, so that the block is made to emit light in a different color for each owner ID at the time of tidying up. This allows each owner to identify his block.

  The lower part of FIG. 6 shows a three-dimensional object 150b that emits light when it is cleaned, and blocks having different fill patterns have different emission colors. With such a light emission, one owner's block may be blocks 152a, 152b, and 152c, another owner's block may be blocks 154a, 154b, 154c, and another owner's block may be blocks 156a, 156b. Easy to understand. The correspondence between each owner and the emission color may be registered together when the owner himself registers the owner ID in the block, or may be assigned by the host terminal 10. In the latter case, the correspondence is made clear by, for example, displaying the emission color and the icon of each owner on the display device 12 in association with each other.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the block itself stores the owner ID, the host terminal 10 displays a light emission request including information in which each owner ID is associated with a light emission color assigned to each owner ID. Information is transmitted from the information transmission unit 64 to all blocks. The display unit 130 of each block 102 acquires the owner ID of its own block from the identification information storage unit 120, and causes the light emitting diode to emit light with the color associated therewith. On the other hand, when the block 102 does not store the owner ID, the host terminal 10 acquires each owner ID from the individual ID acquired from the block 102.

  Therefore, the registration information storage unit 52 of the host terminal 10 stores a table in which individual block IDs are associated with owner IDs. FIG. 7 shows an example of the data structure of the table stored in the registration information storage unit 52 of the host terminal 10 in this case. The owner ID table 160 includes an individual ID column 162a and an owner ID column 162b. The individual ID column 162a describes an individual ID that is identification information unique to the block, or a range thereof. This individual ID corresponds to the individual ID stored in the identification information storage unit 120 of the block 102.

  The owner ID column 162b describes an owner ID that is identification information of the owner of the block having the individual ID described in the individual ID column 162a. In the example shown in the figure, 50 blocks having individual IDs “0001” to “0050” are owned by the owner having the owner ID “AAA”. Fifty blocks with individual IDs “0051” to “0100” are owned by the owner with owner ID “BBB”. Fifty blocks of individual IDs “0101” to “0150” are owned by the owner having the owner ID “CCC”.

  In this way, when the owner ID is managed on the host terminal 10 side, the host terminal 10 obtains the individual ID of the block to be cleaned up, and refers to the owner ID table 160 based on the block ID, so that each block The owner ID of is acquired. A light emission color is assigned to each owner, and a light emission request is transmitted to all the blocks in association with the individual ID of the block. The display unit 130 of each block 102 acquires the individual ID of its own block from the identification information storage unit 120, and causes the light emitting diode to emit light with the color associated therewith. In the case where the block includes a display, initials of each owner, symbol marks, and the like may be displayed instead of single color light emission.

  Next, an example of operations realized by the block 102 and the host terminal 10 with the above configuration will be described. FIG. 8 shows a processing procedure for causing a block to emit light in a different color depending on the owner at the time of cleaning in this embodiment. It is assumed that the owner ID is written in the block 102 or the block individual ID in the host terminal 10 is associated with the owner ID in advance. The block 102 is not limited to one, but is at least one of a plurality of blocks to be cleaned up.

  First, in block 102, it is monitored whether or not a situation for starting clean-up has occurred (S10). Such a situation occurs, for example, when the user holds the block to be cleaned up over the reader / writer or presses a button or the like provided on the block for inputting a cleanup start request. Monitoring is continued until such a situation occurs (N in S10). When the situation occurs (Y in S10), the block 102 notifies the host terminal 10 that the cleaning is started (S12). This notification may actually be a process in which the identification information transmission unit 122 of the block 102 transmits the identification information related to the block to be cleared. If the block is held over the reader / writer in S10, the process of S12 is also performed simultaneously. Is called.

  Naturally, communication may be established between the block 102 and the host terminal 10 separately in S12, and a signal may be transmitted wirelessly or by wire. Then, the information processing unit 58 of the host terminal 10 acquires the owner ID of each block based on the transmitted information (S14). As described above, the owner ID may be transmitted directly from the block 102, or the host terminal 10 may determine the owner ID based on the individual ID transmitted from the block 102. Then, another emission color is assigned for each owner (S16), and the assignment result is transmitted to the block 102 via the display information transmitting unit 64 (S18).

  When the owner sets the emission color of his / her block in advance, the set color is stored in the display content storage unit 60 in association with the owner ID, and is read in S16. Further, the information transmitted in S18 varies depending on the information stored in the block 102 as described above. That is, when the block 102 stores the owner ID, information that associates the owner ID with the emission color is transmitted, and when the block 102 does not store the owner ID, the individual ID and the light emission are transmitted. Information that associates colors is transmitted.

  In any case, the display unit 130 of the block 102 acquires the owner ID or individual ID from the identification information storage unit 120, specifies the color assigned to the own block from the information transmitted from the host terminal 10, and Light emission starts with the color (S20). By such a processing procedure, a display change as shown in FIG. 6 is obtained.

  The emission color itself may be stored in each block in the same manner as the owner ID. That is, similar to the owner ID, information on the emission color set by the user in advance for the host terminal 10 is transmitted to the block 102 and stored in the identification information storage unit 120. If a button for inputting a cleanup start request is provided in the block, the display change as shown in FIG. 6 can be realized without communication with the host terminal 10 simply by pressing the button at the time of cleanup. Alternatively, when cleaning up is started, the user may input the fact at the host terminal 10. In this case, if the host terminal 10 makes a light emission request for cleaning up to the block 102, light emission can be realized by processing inside the block 102.

  In the aspect in which the blocks are lit in different colors for each owner as shown in FIG. 6, how the three-dimensional object is assembled, that is, the connection relationship of each block is not related to the light emission process. That is, the same processing is performed even when the block is assembled or not connected at all. On the other hand, when the host terminal 10 grasps the connection relationship between the blocks, as shown above, the order of the blocks is shown to the user, or for decoration purposes, a color is assigned to each part of the assembled three-dimensional object. It can be changed.

  In this embodiment, in order for the host terminal 10 to grasp the connection relationship between blocks, in the block shown in FIG. 1, the convex portion 104 and the concave portion 106 serve as terminals that enable signal transmission between the blocks. . Therefore, a connector having a structure conforming to a standard such as a bus provided inside the block is provided at each end. Signal transmission and physical connection between blocks can be achieved at the same time by employing various commonly used connectors or by providing a dedicated special connector. Each terminal is given a unique identification number in each block, and the position where the other block is connected, that is, the connection location, is identified by the identification number.

  In this case, the communication mechanism 114 included in the block 102 may include a wired communication mechanism that transmits and receives signals to and from other blocks via a connection terminal, and a mechanism that performs wireless communication with the host terminal 10. However, the communication mechanism 114 of some blocks may be configured only by a wired communication mechanism that transmits and receives signals to and from other blocks. Such a block is used in combination with a block capable of communicating with the host terminal 10. In order to prevent the complication of information, basically, there is only one block that establishes communication with the host terminal 10 among the blocks constituting one solid object. In other words, the role of the hub is given to the block. Then, information is transmitted from a block having a connection relationship with the block, and the information of the entire three-dimensional object is aggregated in the block having the role of a hub.

  Hereinafter, a block relatively close to the block having the role of the hub in the connection of the blocks is referred to as “upper”, and a far block is referred to as “lower”. The block that gives the role of the hub may be determined in advance, or a block or the like may be provided in the block that has a communication mechanism with the host terminal 10 to give the role of the hub to the block that is turned on by the user. . Alternatively, a hub role may be given to a block that first establishes communication with the host terminal 10 in the assembly stage.

  Each block receives information transmitted from a directly connected lower block. The information received here includes the individual ID of the block connected lower than the block and the identification number of the connection location. When a plurality of blocks are connected, information is superimposed every time the block passes from the lowest block. The block having the hub function adds its own information to the information of each block sequentially added from the lower block, and transmits it to the host terminal 10. The host terminal 10 acquires aggregated information transmitted from the block having the role of a hub for each three-dimensional object.

  FIG. 9 schematically illustrates an example of an information transmission path and information transmitted in a three-dimensional object including a plurality of blocks. In the information transmission path 170, circles with numbers written therein each represent a block, and a straight line between the circles represents a state in which the blocks are connected. The number in the circle is the individual ID of each block. In the figure, the block with the individual ID “1” has a role of a hub and establishes communication with the host terminal 10.

  In the example of the figure, a block with individual ID “1” is connected to a block with individual ID “2” and a block with “5”. A block with individual ID “2” is connected in series with a block with individual ID “3” and a block with “4” in this order. A block with individual ID “5” is connected in parallel with a block with individual ID “6” and a block with “7”.

  As described above, information transmission is basically transmitted from the lower block to the upper block. In FIG. 9, the content of the information to be transmitted is shown with an arrow indicating the transmission direction. For example, information transmitted from the block having the individual ID “3” to the block “2” is indicated as [3: J2 (4)]. This is a signal having a format of “own individual ID: identification number of connection location provided in the block (individual ID of the block connected to the block)”, and the connection location of the individual ID “3”. Of these, the block of the individual ID “4” is connected to the location of the identification number “J2”. However, the format and contents of the information are not limited with the same figure.

  Which direction corresponds to the higher rank of a block can be determined by searching for a network having a role of a hub and making a ranking by searching for a network composed of the blocks. A networking technique in a device tree that constitutes a general information processing system can be applied to such a procedure.

  In FIG. 9, the block with the individual ID “4” is at the lowest position in the connection sequence to which it belongs, so information is transmitted to the block with the individual ID “3”, which is one level higher. Since no other block is connected to the block with the individual ID “4”, only the individual ID “4” is transmitted, and the transmission content is “[4: − ] ”. "-" Indicates that there is no block connected lower than that.

  When the block of the individual ID “3” receives the signal from the individual ID “4”, the block number of the terminal that received the signal is associated as the identification number of the connection location, and the individual ID “3” is also associated. To the block of the individual ID “2” which is one level higher. The content of transmission of this signal is [3: J2 (4)] as described above. Similarly, the block of the individual ID “2” is also a signal in which the individual ID, the identification number of the connection location (“J5” in the example in the figure), and the individual ID “3” of the connected block are associated with each other. 2: J5 (3)] is generated.

  The block with the individual ID “2” is the data generated in this way and the data transmitted from the lower block, that is, [3: J2 (4)], into the block with the higher individual ID “1”. Send. However, these signals need not always be transmitted at the same time, and only the information may be transmitted when the contents of the signal once transmitted are changed. On the other hand, from the blocks with individual IDs “6” and “7” connected to the block with individual ID “5”, as in the block with individual ID “4”, [6: −], [7: −] The signal is transmitted to the block having the individual ID “5”.

  The block with the individual ID “5” generates a signal in which the identification number of the connection location and the individual ID of the connected block are associated with the individual ID of the individual, and the block with the individual ID number “1” which is one higher level is generated. Send to. As shown in the figure, when a plurality of blocks are connected, they are collectively referred to as [5: J3 (6), J8 (7)] or the like. Here, “J3” and “J8” are identification numbers of connection points to which individual ID blocks in parentheses are connected.

  In this way, information on the entire three-dimensional object is collected in the block having the individual ID “1”. Similarly to the other blocks, the block with the individual ID “1” generates a signal in which the individual ID is associated with the identification number of the connection location and the individual ID of the block connected to the individual ID. And it transmits to the host terminal 10 with the signal transmitted from the low-order block. The host terminal 10 holds information in which the size, shape, and connection location identification number of each block is associated with the individual ID of the block in the registration information storage unit 52.

  Thereby, based on the information transmitted from the block which has a role of a hub among solid objects, the connection relation of a block and the shape of a solid object can be specified in real time. When realizing such an aspect, the block 102 further includes functional blocks of an inter-block communication unit that transmits and receives information related to connection with other blocks and an aggregate information transmission unit that transmits aggregated information to the host terminal 10. Is provided. Those functional blocks may also serve as the identification information transmitting unit 122 or the identification information receiving unit 124 of FIG.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of the structure of data stored in the registration information storage unit 52 of the host terminal 10 in order to specify the block connection relationship. The block information table 180 includes an individual ID column 182, a shape column 184, a size column 186, and a connection location column 188. The individual ID column 182 describes the individual ID of the block. When there are a plurality of blocks having the same shape, a plurality of solid IDs may be described in the individual ID column 182. In the shape column 184, the shape of each block, that is, the type of block as illustrated in FIG. 1, such as “quadrangular column” and “cube” is described. The size column 186 describes the horizontal width, depth, and vertical length of each block.

  In the connection location column 188, the connection location provided in each block is described in association with its identification number. In the example of FIG. 10, it is described in a format of “connection location identification number (surface number, x coordinate, y coordinate in the surface)”. The face number is uniquely determined in advance for each face of the block. For example, the block with the individual ID “0001” is a quadrangular prism block having a width of 4 cm, a depth of 4 cm, and a length of 8 cm. The connection location with the identification number “J1” is at the position of the coordinates (2, 2) on the first surface. The connection location with the identification number “J2” is at the position of coordinates (1, 2) on the second surface. However, this is not intended to limit the present embodiment to the format shown here.

  The host terminal 10 obtains the information shown in FIG. 9 from any of the blocks constituting the three-dimensional object, and refers to the block information table 180 to determine the state of the three-dimensional object during and after assembly, and each part. The individual ID of the block to be configured can be specified. For example, if a three-dimensional model of each block is prepared and each three-dimensional model is connected in the virtual space displayed on the display device 12 based on the transmitted connection relationship, the same shape as the actual three-dimensional object is obtained. 3D graphics can be represented on the screen.

  By using such a mechanism, the assembly procedure can be shown to the user in accordance with the actual progress in the assembly process of the three-dimensional object whose final shape is set in advance. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an aspect in which information related to the assembly procedure is provided to the user. In the figure, a three-dimensional object 192 indicates a state in which a three-dimensional object having a final shape is being assembled. In the real world, there are a plurality of blocks 194a, 194b, 194c including blocks to be connected to the three-dimensional object 192 thereafter.

  In the host terminal 10, the stage in which the three-dimensional object 192 is in the assembly process can be specified by the mechanism that acquires the connection relationship. The host terminal 10 prepares an image describing a block to be connected next and a connection location in each stage, and displays an image corresponding to the actual arrival stage on the display device 12. A screen 196 in FIG. 11 is in a state in which such an explanatory image is displayed, and includes a solid 198 corresponding to the actual three-dimensional object 192, a block 200 to be connected next, and an arrow indicating a connection position. Such an image may have the same configuration as that of a general assembly manual page, and may be further described in text or a moving image.

  In this way, since only information according to the actual situation can be presented, especially in the case of a three-dimensional object that requires a large number of assembly steps, it is possible to save the user from searching for the relevant part from many pages in the manual. On the other hand, when there are a plurality of blocks similar to the block to be connected next, such as blocks 194a, 194b, and 194c, it may not be possible to determine which block 200 is displayed. Therefore, the next block to be connected is made to emit light in a predetermined color so that it can be distinguished from the others.

  FIG. 11 shows a state in which the block 194b emits light as a block to be connected next. In this way, the user can associate the content displayed in the screen 196 with the actual three-dimensional object or block, and can easily follow the exact assembly procedure. FIG. 12 shows an example of the data structure of information held by the host terminal 10 in a mode in which the assembly procedure is displayed and the block to be connected next is clearly shown.

  The assembly order information 210 is configured to have individual tables 212a, 212b, 212c,... For each final three-dimensional object shape such as a car, a ship, a house, a robot, etc., and a display content storage unit of the host terminal 10 60. Each table 212a, 212b, 212c,... Includes an assembly process column 214a, an image column 214b, and an individual ID column 214c. The information described in the assembly process column 214a indicates the order of the assembly process by numbers in ascending order from 1. In this example, the assembly process uses one unit of content expressed by one explanatory image.

  That is, one block may be connected per process, or a plurality of blocks may be connected. For example, in the case where a plurality of blocks having the same shape are connected to a plurality of locations at the same time, the explanation images are combined into one, so that one step may be used. Even when connecting blocks having different shapes, if only one explanatory image is required, that may be one step. In the case where the shapes of a plurality of blocks connected in one process are different, in the explanation image, the plurality of blocks are color-coded, and the actual blocks are also made to be distinguished by emitting light in corresponding colors.

  In the image column 214b, the identification information of the data of the explanation image to be displayed on the display device 12, that is, the image data name or the storage address of the image data is described. In the individual ID column 214c, the individual ID of the block to be connected next is described. In the step of connecting a plurality of blocks, individual IDs of the plurality of blocks are described. In this case, in order to cause the block to emit light in the same color as the color in the explanation image to be displayed, color information may be further described for each block.

  Next, an example of operations realized by the block 102 and the host terminal 10 with the above configuration will be described. FIG. 13 shows a processing procedure for presenting information relating to a block assembling procedure in the present embodiment. Here, the block 102 is at least one of all blocks on the spot, that is, a block constituting a three-dimensional object being assembled, or an unconnected block. First, the user inputs to the host terminal 10 for setting a final shape (S30). For example, a list of cars, ships, houses, robots, etc. for which assembly order information 210 is prepared is displayed on the display device 12, and the input information acquisition unit 54 acquires a selection operation performed by the user via the input device 14. The information processing unit 58 is notified. If one final shape is set in advance, the process of S30 can be omitted.

  The display processing unit 56 of the host terminal 10 displays an initial image of the explanation image on the display device 12 under the control of the information processing unit 58 (S32). At this time, the information processing unit 58 refers to the table of the assembly order information 210 corresponding to the set final shape from the display content storage unit 60, and the image associated with the first process (assembly process “1”) among them. The data is read out and the display processing unit 56 executes display processing. Next, the information processing unit 58 reads the individual ID of the block to be connected from the individual ID column 214c of the table of the order information 210, and associates it appropriately with the light emission color to the communicable block 102 on the spot. Transmit (S34).

  The display unit 130 of the block 102 acquires its own individual ID from the identification information storage unit 120, and emits light in the requested color when it corresponds to the individual ID transmitted from the host terminal 10 (S36). Accordingly, the user can easily determine which block actually to be connected in the explanation image displayed on the display device 12 is. When the user connects them (S38), the states of the connected blocks are aggregated in the format shown in FIG. 9 and transmitted to the host terminal 10 (S40).

  The blocks that have emitted light in S36 stop emitting light when connected in S38 (S42). On the other hand, if the state of the block has not reached the final shape, the host terminal 10 determines that the block is incomplete (N in S44) and advances the presenting step by one. That is, the image data associated with the second process (assembly process “2”) in the table of the assembly order information 210 is read, and the display on the display device 12 is updated (S46). Then, the individual IDs of the blocks to be connected in the process are transmitted to all the blocks 102 in association with the emission color (S34).

  The block 102 corresponding to the individual ID transmitted from the host terminal 10 emits light with the requested color (S36), and the user connects the light emitting block according to the explanation image (S38). Information relating to the connection relationship of the blocks in the assembled three-dimensional object is transmitted from the three-dimensional object to the host terminal 10 (S40). Then, the blocks connected in the process stop emitting light (S42). Thereafter, the processing from S34 to S46 is repeated until the three-dimensional object reaches the final shape (N in S48, N in S44). When the final shape is reached, the process ends (Y in S48, Y in S44).

  In FIG. 11, among the incomplete solid object 192 and the block 194b to be connected to the latter, the latter is caused to emit light so that the actual block to be connected in the explanation image can be easily understood. On the other hand, the connecting portion of the three-dimensional object 192 may be caused to emit light together with the block 194b to be connected. In this case as well, the basic processing may be the same as described above, and the host terminal 10 may further transmit the solid ID of the block including the connection location of the three-dimensional object 192 and the identification information of the connection location to the block 102. The block corresponding to the solid ID emits light at a connection location having the specified identification information, that is, around the convex portion or the concave portion. In this way, the user can easily recognize both the connection target block and the connection location in the unfinished three-dimensional object, and therefore it may not be necessary to display an explanation image.

  Further, when the user performs an incorrect assembly, the user may be notified of this. In this case, when the information related to the connection relationship is transmitted from the three-dimensional object in S40, the host terminal 10 corrects the error by comparing the block or connection location connected in S38 with the block or connection location that should be connected originally. judge. If there is an error in at least one of them, the connected block or the connection location in this column is flashed in red or the like. Alternatively, a warning to that effect may be displayed on the display device 12 or a warning sound may be generated.

  The above is the light emission in the process of assembling the block, but it is also possible to emit light for the purpose of decoration after completion. For example, when the three-dimensional object is completed, the user uses the host terminal 10 to set the emission color and display image of each block, and transmits the information to each block constituting the three-dimensional object. As a result, the three-dimensional object can be colored according to the user's preference or the real color imitated by the three-dimensional object, or a favorite image can be displayed on some blocks. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a mode in which the user sets display contents of a completed three-dimensional object. In the figure, a three-dimensional object 220 is obtained by assembling a plurality of blocks by a user.

  The connection relationship of each block in the three-dimensional object 220 and, consequently, the shape of the three-dimensional object 220 are transmitted to the host terminal 10 through the information transmission path as shown in FIG. When the three-dimensional object 220 is completed, when the user inputs the fact to the host terminal 10, the host terminal 10 sets the set ID for the three-dimensional object 220 and the set ID for each block constituting the three-dimensional object 220. You may give individual ID. Information of these IDs is transmitted to each block constituting the three-dimensional object, and stored in a corresponding area of the identification information storage unit 120 shown in FIG. In this case, the block ID in the subsequent processing may be replaced with the individual ID, and the set ID and the individual ID within the set may be used.

  The host terminal 10 displays the display content setting screen 222 on the display device 12 by drawing an image using the three-dimensional graphics technique as described above based on the connection relation information transmitted from the three-dimensional object 220. . The display content setting screen 222 includes an image 224 of the three-dimensional object 220 and a display content selection area 226 for selecting the display content of each block. A display content selection area 226 in the figure shows a list of colors that can be selected in order to set the emission color of the block. The display content setting screen 222 further displays a cursor 228 for allowing the user to move on the screen via the input device 14 and instruct a selection target.

  For example, the user moves the cursor 228 to a block whose color is to be set, and selects the block by performing a determination operation using the input device 14. Subsequently, by moving the cursor 228 to the color to be set in the color list of the display content selection area 226 and performing a determination operation, the block and the color are associated with each other. Such an operation is performed for all blocks for which colors are to be set. Then, the host terminal 10 associates the individual ID of the block with the color identification information set for each block, and transmits the block to the blocks constituting the three-dimensional object 220. Thereby, the display part 130 of the block in which the color was set specifies the color set to each one based on own ID, and light-emits with the said color.

  When the block includes a display, an image can be selected on the display content setting screen 222, and the block and the image data may be associated with each other. Further, on the display content setting screen 222, an operation for collecting a plurality of blocks into one group may be accepted, and a color or the like may be set in units of the group. This aspect is particularly effective when the number of blocks constituting the three-dimensional object 220 is large. At this time, the host terminal 10 assigns a group ID in the set to each formed group, transmits the group ID to the three-dimensional object 220, and stores it in the identification information storage unit 120 of the blocks belonging to the group.

  Information set by the user on the display content setting screen 222 may be stored in the host terminal 10. At this time, by storing together with the information related to the connection relationship of the three-dimensional object 220, the same three-dimensional object 220 can be reassembled and emitted or displayed in the same manner even if the block is released once. Here, the information related to the connection relationship may be the same as the information transmitted to the host terminal 10 shown in FIG. FIG. 15 shows an example of the data structure of information set on the display content setting screen 222 by the user.

  The display content setting information 230 is configured to have individual tables 232a, 232b, 232c,... For each three-dimensional object and by extension, set ID, and is stored in the display content storage unit 60 of the host terminal 10. Each table 232a, 232b, 232c,... Includes an in-set group ID column 234a, an in-set individual ID column 234b, an individual ID column 234c, and an emission color column 234d. The in-set group ID column 234a describes identification information to be given when the user groups a plurality of blocks as described above. In the in-set individual ID column 234b, information for identifying a block belonging to a three-dimensional object is described.

  The individual ID column 234c describes the individual ID of the block. In the emission color column 234d, identification information such as the name of the emission color set by the user is described. In the case of the figure, the emission color is set for each group. For example, a group with a group ID “001” is composed of three blocks with individual IDs “001”, “002”, and “003”. The three blocks originally have solid IDs “0008”, “0004”, and “0002”, respectively, and these blocks are set to emit light in “red”.

  If the correspondence between the individual ID in the set and the solid ID is stored in each block constituting the three-dimensional object, one of the IDs included in the light emission request from the host terminal 10 may be sufficient. On the other hand, by storing the correspondence relationship in the host terminal 10, it is not necessary to reassign the in-set individual ID when reassembling the once separated block. In this way, if information related to block connection and display content setting information are stored in association with each other, not only solid objects created in the past and solid objects recommended by the block manufacturer but also created by others. It is easy to reproduce and create a three-dimensional object.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining an aspect in which information relating to a three-dimensional object is shared using a network. In the figure, the host terminal 10 is connected to a server 302 via a network 300. The server 302 may be a server of a block manufacturer or a server that allows an individual to upload data in order to share information of a three-dimensional object. When the user selects a desired one from the image list of the three-dimensional object that is disclosed in the host terminal 10, information related to the block connection relation and display content setting information for creating the three-dimensional object from the server 302. Is sent. At this time, if there is an explanation image indicating the assembly order as shown in FIG. 11, the assembly order information 210 and the explanation image data as shown in FIG. 12 are also transmitted together.

  However, even if there is no such information, a similar explanatory image can be created on the host terminal 10 side based on the connection relation information. The user assembles a block based on the explanation image displayed on the display device 12. As described with reference to FIG. 11, the block to be connected may be caused to emit light. In this case, by making a light emission request to the block from the host terminal 10 using the part ID given for each block shape, not the individual ID uniquely given to the block, the own block having the same shape as the block of the other person Can be identified. The part ID may be stored in the block itself as described above, or a table in which the part ID and the individual ID are associated with each other is prepared in the host terminal 10, and the part ID of each block transmitted from the server 302 is prepared. Alternatively, the host terminal 10 may make a light emission request by converting it into an individual ID.

  When the three-dimensional object 240 is completed, the host terminal 10 refers to the display content setting information acquired from the server 302 and transmits a light emission request designating the light emission color of each block to the three-dimensional object 240. The solid objects created by others have different solid IDs for the blocks that make up the solid objects, so the same parts can be found using the individual IDs or part IDs in the set assigned to the positions of the solid objects according to the same rules. Make sure to emit the same color. Each block constituting the three-dimensional object 240 identifies a color set for each block based on the transmitted light emission request, and emits light in that color. Thereby, it is possible to easily create a solid object 240 having the same shape and color as the solid object (image 242) selected from the published list.

  The light emission color of the block and the display image may be changed with time. In this case, if data for which change or switching of display contents with respect to the time axis is set is created for each block or group of blocks, the other processes are the same as described above. In this embodiment, since the display content is set for the block in a state in which the three-dimensional object is configured, the three-dimensional object is not a block unit, such as changing the color of the three-dimensional object or changing the pattern. An effect that changes the surface of an object is also possible.

  If the display content is not set in advance and is changed in real time according to a user operation on the host terminal 10, a three-dimensional object composed of blocks can be combined with a computer game. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a mode of combining blocks with a computer game. As an example, the figure shows a battle game in which the positions on the game board formed by assembling blocks are increased by a battle performed by a computer game.

  First, the user assembles a plurality of blocks as previously set, and creates a game board 250 as shown. In the figure, 6 × 6 blocks of the same shape are connected vertically and horizontally to create a flat square board, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a more complicated three-dimensional shape may be used. The host terminal 10 specifies which block is assembled at which position on the game board 250 based on connection relation information transmitted from the game board 250. Also, a block emission color is assigned to each game player.

  Then, the corresponding computer game is started on the host terminal 10. The game player performs an operation on the game using the input devices 14a and 14b. At this time, a game screen 252 representing the progress of the game is displayed on the display device 12. In the figure, the appearance of waving the dice is displayed, but the present invention is not limited to this, and more complicated games and game screens may be used. The host terminal 10 changes the light emission of the blocks on the game board 250 according to the score of each player in the computer game.

  Specifically, as the number of points increases, the number of blocks that emit light is increased so that the color area assigned to each player increases. The block to be newly emitted may be determined by the host terminal 10 according to a predetermined rule, or the player himself / herself may designate the game on the screen 252. In the example of FIG. 17, the number of blocks that emit light in order from the block row that configures two opposite sides of the game board is increased. However, the display changes on the game board 250 may vary depending on the contents of the computer game executed on the host terminal 10. For example, if an image of a piece is displayed on a display provided in a block, a board game such as chess played as a computer game can be reflected on the real game board 250.

  According to the present embodiment described above, a display mechanism such as a light emitting diode or a display and a communication mechanism with a host terminal are provided in blocks that can be connected to each other. Make the content change. As a result, it is possible to realize a block that can freely express various types of information without reducing the complexity of the internal configuration and without impairing the appearance.

  For example, when a block brought by a plurality of users is cleared, the owner can be identified by the color of the block, or when the block is assembled as set, the block to be connected next can be identified. Further, the assembled three-dimensional object can be made to emit light in a color according to the user's setting, or an image according to the setting can be displayed.

  Also, by providing a short-range wireless communication mechanism in the block and preparing a reader / writer connected to the host terminal, the identification information such as the owner is written in the block itself, or the host terminal reads the block identification information. Can be done easily. Thereby, it is possible to easily realize communication with the host terminal without the trouble of connection and setting for establishing communication, and the influence on the external appearance of the block, and even an infant can easily handle it. In addition, it is easy to combine a virtual world displayed in a computer game with a real object using blocks, and a tool with excellent design and entertainment can be realized.

  It is also easy to reproduce a three-dimensional object created in the past by recording information related to the connection relationship of the assembled three-dimensional object and information related to display contents such as emission color. Furthermore, it is possible to share 3D object information such as creating what you like among 3D objects released by block makers and others.

  The present invention has been described based on the embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the above-described embodiment is an exemplification, and that various modifications can be made to combinations of the respective constituent elements and processing processes, and such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. is there.

  For example, in the present embodiment, the block holds only the individual ID of the block, and the mode in which other attributes are managed on the host terminal side and the mode in which other attributes are held on the block side are exemplified. Here, any of “other attributes” may be managed by a server such as a cloud server connected to the host terminal via a network, and the host terminal may make an inquiry as necessary. In any case, the smaller the information held by the block, the higher the dependency on the host terminal and the server, while the required memory capacity is reduced, so that the manufacturing cost of the block can be kept low.

  Conversely, the more information held by a block, the more abstract the request signal from the host terminal or server, so various aspects can be realized without being managed by the host terminal or server that has registered the detailed information. it can. Therefore, the entity that holds the necessary information may be appropriately determined from various viewpoints such as the purpose of use of the block, the mode of use, and cost restrictions. In that sense, the block may hold more information than the information described in the present embodiment. For example, the block may hold at least part of the information held by the host terminal, such as the assembly order information 210 shown in FIG. 12 or the display content setting information 230 shown in FIG.

  By doing in this way, an assembly manual and the display setting after an assembly can be carried with a block. As described above, since the block itself holds various information related to each block, the block can be used as if the USB memory is connected.

  Further, during the cleanup processing procedure shown in FIG. 4, when the host terminal 10 acquires the owner ID of each block in S14, it may be stored as a history relating to the situation of playing. In other words, information that associates individual IDs and owner IDs of all the blocks to be cleaned up and the date and time when the processing of S14 is performed is stored in the registered information storage unit 52 of the host terminal 10 as a play history. deep. Furthermore, the connection relationship of the three-dimensional object assembled at that time may be acquired and correlated as described with reference to FIG. This makes it possible to display information such as who and when using which block and what three-dimensional object has been assembled on the display device 12 or the like at any later timing.

  Furthermore, if the recorded history can be uploaded to a server that provides various information disclosure services such as web logs and SNS (Social Networking Service), it can be published as a “block diary”. Easy to do. Information sharing related to a three-dimensional object as described with reference to FIG. 16 may be realized through such a personal block diary web page.

  In addition, since the host terminal can recognize the connection relationship of the three-dimensional object formed by assembling the block, information related to the connection relationship may be used as an authentication key at the time of login or the like. In this case, the registration information storage unit 52 of the host terminal 10 has a connection relationship of a plurality of blocks as shown in FIG. 9 instead of the individual ID column 162a in the owner ID table 160 shown in FIG. A table having a column for storing such information is stored. In order to create this table, the user creates a favorite three-dimensional object in advance and registers it as an authentication key. When logging in, the user inputs his login name to the host terminal and assembles the block in the same manner as when the block is registered.

  The host terminal obtains information related to the connection relationship from the assembled block, and determines the success or failure of authentication by comparing it with the registered content. Further, the host terminal may cause the block to emit light in a predetermined color upon success, such as blue if authentication is successful, or on a predetermined color upon failure, such as red, if failed. By doing in this way, the unique authentication form using the act of assembling a block is realizable.

  Further, the assembled block may be used as a controller for information processing executed by a host terminal such as a computer game. In this case, the block is provided with a function for detecting external contact and force such as a switch, a touch sensor, and an impact sensor. Of the assembled three-dimensional object, a block having such a function is assigned to various operations for a game or the like. The allocation may be performed automatically by the host terminal according to the function of the block and the content of information processing, or may be set by the user. The allocation result is stored in the registration information storage unit 52 of the host terminal 10 by associating the individual ID in the set with the operation content, for example.

  At the time of use, the host terminal recognizes that the block corresponding to the operation content has been pressed, touched or hit according to the detection method through the information transmission path as shown in FIG. 9, and performs processing accordingly. Make progress. Thus, the user can perform a game operation or the like using a controller having a favorite shape and having operation means provided at a favorite position.

  Further, the assembled three-dimensional object may be associated with a character of a computer game processed by the host terminal. In this case, the group ID assigned to the three-dimensional object is associated with the character identification information and stored in the registration information storage unit 52 of the host terminal 10. Then, when the associated character appears on the game screen displayed on the display device 12, a request signal may be transmitted from the host terminal so that the three-dimensional object emits light. By doing in this way, the fusion of a computer game and a real thing is realizable like the aspect of the game board shown in FIG.

  1 block system, 10 host terminal, 12 display device, 14 input device, 22 CPU, 24 GPU, 26 main memory, 50 identification information reception unit, 52 registration information storage unit, 54 input information acquisition unit, 56 display processing unit, 58 Information processing unit 60 Display content storage unit 62 Identification information transmission unit 64 Display information transmission unit 102 Block 120 Identification information storage unit 122 Identification information transmission unit 124 Identification information reception unit 126 Identification information update unit 128 Display information receiving unit, 130 Display unit.

Claims (10)

An identification information storage unit for storing its own identification information;
A display unit that obtains information related to a display mode set for the identification information and performs display according to the information.
A block with
The identification information is associated with the identification information of other blocks according to a predetermined rule,
The block, wherein the display unit displays in a manner common to other blocks associated with the identification information.   The block according to claim 1, further comprising a communication unit that establishes communication with an external device wirelessly and acquires information related to the display mode from the external device. The identification information storage unit stores identification information given in a fixed manner in a read-only storage area, and stores identification information based on registration by a user in a writeable and readable storage area.
The block according to claim 1, wherein the display unit performs display in a mode based on any identification information stored in the identification information storage unit.   The block according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display unit has the same emission color of the light emitting elements as the common mode. A block system comprising a plurality of blocks and a host terminal capable of communicating with the blocks,
The host terminal has an information processing unit that sets a common display mode for each block group in which the plurality of blocks are associated with each other according to a predetermined rule.
A display information transmission unit that associates identification information of each block with information related to the set display mode and transmits the information to the block
With
The block is
An identification information storage unit for storing its own identification information;
A display unit that acquires information related to the display mode associated with the identification information, and displays the information in a common mode with other blocks belonging to the same block group,
A block system characterized by comprising:   The block system according to claim 5, wherein the block further includes a communication unit that establishes communication with the host terminal wirelessly. The host terminal further includes an identification information transmission unit that associates the identification information for each block group associated with each other based on registration by a user and the identification information unique to the block, and transmits the identification information to the block.
The block system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the block identification information storage unit further stores identification information of the block group to which the block belongs. The host terminal is
An identification information receiving unit that acquires identification information of the block by short-range wireless communication with the block;
An input information acquisition unit for acquiring registration for the block to form the block group from a user;
The block system according to claim 7, further comprising: Reading out its identification information from memory;
Obtaining information related to a display mode set for the identification information;
Displaying according to the information relating to the display mode;
Including
The identification information is associated with the identification information of other blocks according to a predetermined rule,
The step of performing the display includes performing display in a manner common to other blocks associated with the identification information. A function to read out its own identification information from the memory;
A function of acquiring information relating to a display mode set for the identification information;
A function of performing display according to the information relating to the display mode;
Is realized by the computer built in the block,
The identification information is associated with the identification information of other blocks according to a predetermined rule,
The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the function of performing the display is performed in a manner common to other blocks associated with the identification information.