JP2000334163A - Electronic equipment with communication function - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily take around an artificial pet under keeping anywhere and further to provide physical reality as well. SOLUTION: In this electronic equipment, a remote cancel mode for caring of a stuffed doll body 10 and a remote designation mode for caring of a pet image modeling the doll body 10 by displaying it on a display part 22 are appropriately switched and the current state of the pet is expressed by a pet state parameter to be increased/decreased corresponding to the contents of care or caring number of times. In this cancel mode, this parameter is transferred to the side of the doll body 10 and managed, and in the designation mode, the parameter is transferred to the side of a terminal 20 and managed. In any mode, a pet action corresponding to the contents of care designated by a key input part 21 of the terminal 20 is determined commonly by an action determining table on the basis of a pet state. Corresponding to this action, in the cancel mode, the action of the doll body 10 is controlled, and in the designation mode, the action of the pet image displayed on the display part 22 of the terminal 20 is controlled.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic device with a communication function for breeding creatures virtually and practically.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, creatures such as dogs and cats have been stuffed, and the user has been able to act as if they had real creatures. This stuffed animal itself has various sensors, limbs, neck,
A more actual stuffed animal in which a driving device for moving the tail and the like and a sound output device for producing a squealing sound are built in and various operations are performed in response to a user's contact or inquiry has been considered.

More recently, a learning function has been added to the relationship between the detection states of the various sensors and various operation states performed in response thereto, and a robot-like stuffed animal closer to a real creature has been considered. Have been.

On the other hand, animals such as dogs and cats are represented as image data displayed on a display screen of a computer, and care is taken on this biological image such as feeding and playing on the display screen, and the state of the care is taken. There is also considered an electronic device that can change or move the biological image in accordance with the image, or output a singing voice, so that the creature can be bred virtually.

[0005]

In the case of a stuffed toy as described above, the physical size and shape can be approximated to actual dogs and cats, and although there is an advantage that a more realistic feeling can be obtained, There is a problem that it is not always physically easy to take them out like a real dog or cat.

On the other hand, in the case of an electronic device capable of virtually breeding creatures on the computer screen, it can be configured to be very small and can be carried around everywhere to go. There is a problem that it is not easy to get tired of realism.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has a communication function that allows a pet to be easily taken around anywhere and that can also provide a real feeling of reality. An object is to provide an electronic device.

[0008]

That is, an electronic device with a communication function according to a first aspect of the present invention is an electronic device with a communication function comprising a pet body having communication means capable of wireless communication with each other and a terminal device. A pet state storage means for storing state data indicating the state of the pet; a care instruction means for instructing care for the pet; contents of the care instructed by the care instruction means and the pet state storage means. An operation determining unit that determines the operation of the pet according to the state data of the pet, and a pet operation control unit that controls the operation of the pet body in response to the operation of the pet determined by the operation determining unit; Pet image display means for displaying, on the terminal device, a pet image corresponding to the action of the pet determined by the action determining means, Characterized in that a pet state updating means for updating the status data of the pet that has been stored in the pet state storage means in accordance with the contents of care which is instructed by the shown means.

In such an electronic device with a communication function, when care for a pet is instructed by, for example, care instructing means provided in a terminal device, the contents of the instructed care and the pet status stored in the pet state storage means are stored. The operation of the pet is determined in accordance with the state data, and the operation of the pet body is controlled via the communication unit on the one hand in accordance with the determined operation of the pet. Is displayed, and the status data of the pet stored in the pet status storage means is updated according to the content of the instructed care by any of the pet operations. For example, taking care of the pet body while at home and taking care of the pet image when going out for the same pet It can be operated carried out as Do take care, will be able to achieve both a sense of unity with the pet by substantive realism and a terminal mobile by the pet body.

[0010]

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

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of a pet breeding apparatus according to an embodiment of an electronic device with a communication function of the present invention.

The pet breeding apparatus includes a stuffed animal 10 such as a dog or a cat and a portable terminal device 20.

The stuffed animal (pet) body 10 has an optical communication module 11 for transmitting and receiving various data to and from the portable terminal device 20 using the infrared light signal P, and for detecting external contact with the top of the head. Contact sensor 1
2. A driving device 13 for driving each movable part such as a limb, a neck, a tail, an eye, a mouth, a nose, etc., and a speaker 14 for outputting various squeals are incorporated.

The terminal body 20 has an optical communication module for transmitting and receiving various data by the infrared light signal P to and from the key input unit 21, the liquid crystal display unit 22, and the optical communication module 11 of the stuffed body 10. 23 are provided.

The key input section 21 of the terminal body 20 includes:
A power key 21a for turning on / off the power, a menu key 21b for displaying a menu of care for the pet, a selection key 21c for selecting an item for care on the care menu, and An execution key 21d for executing a corresponding care is provided.

In this pet breeding apparatus, a remote release mode in which the stuffed animal (pet) body 10 can be directly cared for, and a stuffed animal (pet) body 10
Can be used by appropriately switching to a remote designation mode in which the current state of can be taken into the terminal body 20 and the corresponding pet data can be displayed on the display screen to take care of the pet data. The operation of the stuffed body 10 is controlled in accordance with a care operation on the key input section 21 of the terminal body 20. In the remote designation mode, the operation of the stuffed body 10 is controlled in accordance with the care operation on the key input section 21 of the terminal body 20. The operation of the pet data taken into the device 20 is controlled.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic circuit built in the stuffed animal main body 10 of the pet breeding apparatus.

The electronic circuit of the stuffed body 10 includes
A control unit 15 including a CPU is provided.

The control unit (CPU) 15 responds to a data signal from the terminal main body 20 received by the optical communication module 11 and a contact signal of the head of the stuffed animal 14 detected by the contact sensor 12.
An electronic pet processing program (see FIG. 9) stored in advance in M16 is started, and the operation of each part of the circuit is controlled using the RAM 17 as a work memory. The control unit (CPU) 15 includes the optical communication module. 11, a contact sensor 12, a ROM 16, a RAM 17 are connected, a drive unit 13 is connected via a drive unit controller 18, and a speaker (SP) 14 via a D / A conversion unit (D / A) 19. Is connected.

The control unit (CPU) 15 has a built-in timer 15a.

The stuffed body 10 is stored in the ROM 16.
A system program and an electronic pet processing program (see FIG. 9) that govern the entire operation of the electronic circuit are stored in advance, and a conversation data ROM 16a (see FIG. 3A) and a drive data ROM 16b (see FIG. 3B). ), A ROM area such as the operation determination table ROM 16c (see FIG. 4) is secured.

FIG. 3 shows conversation data RO secured in the ROM 16 of the stuffed animal main body 10 in the pet breeding apparatus.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing data contents of an M16a and a drive data ROM 16b.

The conversation data ROM 16a contains FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of types of audio data to be uttered by the speaker (SP) 14 via the D / A converter 19 are respectively associated with audio data numbers N (= 1, 2,...). The plurality of types of voice data, which are stored in advance, are read out according to the voice data number N of the pet motion determined by the motion determination table ROM 16c in FIG. (SP) 14 outputs a voice.

The drive data ROM 16b contains the data shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of types of drive patterns for moving each movable portion of the stuffed body 10 by the drive unit 13 via the drive unit controller 18 are respectively associated with drive pattern numbers M (= 1, 2,...). The plurality of types of drive patterns are read out in accordance with the drive pattern number M of the pet action determined by the action determination table ROM 16c in FIG. The driving device 13 of each movable section corresponding to this is driven.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the data contents of an operation determination table ROM 16c secured in the ROM 16 of the stuffed toy main body 10 in the pet breeding apparatus.

The operation determination table ROM 16c contains:
As shown in FIG. 4, the content of care for the pet and the current state of the pet are defined as satisfaction A (= 1 to 3) and satiety B
(= 1 to 3), and operation data for selectively determining various pet operations are stored in correspondence with each combination with a state parameter expressed as a growth degree C (= 1 to 3). The pet operation data determined in accordance with the care content for the pet and the pet state parameter includes an audio data number N and the drive data ROM 16 for indicating the type of audio data in the conversation data ROM 16a.
b is given by a drive pattern number M for indicating the type of drive pattern.

The RAM 17 stores the stuffed body 10
In addition to the work area in which data input and output by the control unit (CPU) 15 is temporarily stored as necessary in accordance with the system program processing and the electronic pet processing (see FIG. 9), a pet state parameter 17a (see FIG. 5) is stored.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the data content of the pet state parameter 17a stored in the RAM 17 of the stuffed animal main body 10 in the pet breeding apparatus.

The pet state parameter 17a indicates the current state of the pet as a degree of satisfaction A (= 1 to 3) and a degree of satiety B (=
1-3), expressed as the growth degree C (= 1-3),
The data value of the degree of satisfaction A is increased each time the care of “stroke” is performed, the data value of the degree of satiety B is increased each time the care of “feeding” is performed, and the data value of the degree of growth C is increased. It is increased according to the number of times. The data values of the satisfaction degree A and the satiety degree B are subtracted every time a predetermined time (for example, 24 hours) elapses.

FIG. 6 shows the terminal body 20 of the pet breeding apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic circuit built in the device.

The electronic circuit of the terminal body 20 includes a CPU
Is provided.

The control unit (CPU) 24 includes a key input unit 21
The terminal device processing program (see FIG. 10) stored in the ROM 25 is started in accordance with the key operation signal from the PC and the data signal from the stuffed body 10 received in the optical communication module 23, and the RAM 26 is stored in the work memory. The control section (CPU) 24 includes the key input section 2.
1, the optical communication module 23, the ROM 25, the RAM 26 are connected, the liquid crystal display unit 22 is connected via the display drive circuit 27, and the D / A conversion unit (D / A) 28
The speaker (SP) 29 is connected via the.

In the ROM 25, a system program and a terminal device processing program (see FIG. 10) for controlling the entire operation of the electronic circuit of the terminal body 20 are stored in advance, and conversation data similar to the ROM 16 in the stuffed body 10 is stored. Each ROM area of the ROM 16a (see FIG. 3A) and the operation determination table ROM 16c (see FIG. 4) is secured, and further, a ROM area such as the care menu ROM 25a (see FIG. 7) and the image data ROM 25b is secured.

FIG. 7 shows a care menu ROM 2 secured in the ROM 25 of the terminal body 20 in the pet breeding apparatus.
It is a figure which shows the data content of 5a.

The care menu ROM 25a has a plurality of types of care items for pets to be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 22 as a menu screen in response to operation of the menu key 21b on the key input unit 21, and a remote designation / cancel mode. The switching item of is stored.
In this case, a conversation menu ROM 25a 'is further secured and associated with the care item "conversation", and the contents of various conversations are stored.

That is, a remote release mode in which the stuffed animal (pet) body 10 can be directly cared for, and the current state of the stuffed animal (pet) body 10 is taken into the terminal body 20 and the corresponding pet data is displayed. In any of the remote designation modes in which the car can be displayed on the screen and cared for, the caring for the pet is performed in accordance with various menus stored in the caring menu ROM 25a in response to the operation of the menu key 21b. Are displayed in a list, an arbitrary care item is selected by operating the selection key 21c, and the item is executed by operating the execution key 21d.

FIG. 8 shows an image data ROM 25 secured in the ROM 25 of the terminal body 20 in the pet breeding apparatus.
It is a figure which shows the data content of b.

The image data ROM 25b stores pet image data of the basic still pattern M0 when the stuffed animal body 10 is viewed from the front, and a plurality of types of pets determined by the drive data ROM 16b of the stuffed animal body 10. Pet image data of expressions corresponding to the movement patterns M1 to Mn are prepared and stored in advance for each of the degree of growth C (= 1 to 3) of the state parameter. M1
.About.Mn are read out according to the pet care pattern number M determined by the action determination table ROM 16c in FIG.

In the RAM 26, data input / output by the control unit (CPU) 24 in accordance with the system program processing and the terminal processing (see FIG. 10) in the terminal body 20 is temporarily stored as necessary. In addition to the work area, a pet state parameter 17a (see FIG. 5) is stored as in the case of the stuffed animal body 10.

Here, the RAM of the stuffed body 10 is used.
The pet status parameter 17a stored in the RAM 17 and the pet status parameter 17a stored in the RAM 26 of the terminal body 20 are different from each other in accordance with the switching between the remote release mode and the remote designation mode. , 23 are updated to the latest parameters, and the care for the stuffed body 10 and the care for the pet image on the display screen of the terminal body 20 are unified.

Next, the operation of the pet breeding apparatus having the above configuration will be described.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an electronic pet process in the stuffed animal main body 10 of the pet breeding apparatus.

FIG. 10 shows the terminal body 2 of the pet breeding apparatus.
6 is a flowchart illustrating terminal device processing in the case of the terminal device 0.

FIG. 11 is a view showing a state (part 1) of taking care of the stuffed toy main body 10 in the remote release mode accompanying the electronic pet processing and the terminal device processing of the pet breeding apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a view showing a state (part 2) of taking care of the stuffed animal body 10 in the remote release mode accompanying the electronic pet processing and the terminal device processing of the pet breeding apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state of taking care of a pet image in the terminal main body 20 in the remote designation mode accompanying the electronic pet processing and the terminal device processing of the pet breeding apparatus.

When the power of the stuffed animal main body 10 is turned on, the electronic pet processing in FIG. 9 is started, and detection of various signals which are the starting factors of the operation as the electronic pet is started. When it is determined that the timer signal output in response to the time counting operation by the timer 15a has been obtained (step S
1) According to the random number value generated in the control unit (CPU) 15, the RAM 1 is selected from the pet operation data predetermined in the operation determination table ROM 16c (see FIG. 4).
7 is the current pet state parameter 17a stored in
(See FIG. 5), the pet movement data corresponding to any of the care items is selectively determined, and
The timer 15a is also set to a new value based on the random number, and the timer operation is reset and started (step S1 → S
2, S3).

Then, the pet voice data and the pet driving pattern corresponding to the voice data number Nn and the driving pattern number Mn given by the pet operation data determined according to the random number value are stored in the conversation data ROM 16a (FIG. 3A).
3), and the pet sound is output from the speaker (SP) 14 via the D / A conversion unit 19 in accordance with the pet sound data. Then, the corresponding driving device 13 of the stuffed movable unit is driven via the driving unit controller 18 (step S4).

That is, as the pet operation data determined according to the random number, for example, the sound data number N1,
When given as the drive pattern number M1, the pet sound of "Good morning!" Is output from the speaker (SP) 14, and the movable part of the base of the hand is driven by the drive device 13 to shake the hand. A delightful movement is expressed.

As described above, even when the stuffed toy body 10 is left in a power-on state, the pet operation data is randomly determined according to the irregular timer signal.
In each case, the corresponding audio output and driving of the stuffed animal movable section are performed.

On the other hand, when the top of the stuffed toy main body 10 is stroked by the user, the care of "stroke" is detected by the contact sensor 12 (step S5), and the "head" in the motion determination table ROM 16c (see FIG. 4). The current pet state parameter 17a is selected from among a plurality of pet operation data corresponding to the item of
The voice data number Nn and the drive pattern number Mn of the pet operation data corresponding to (see FIG. 5) are read, and the output of the corresponding pet voice and the driving of the stuffed animal movable part are performed (steps S5 → S6).

Then, the pet status parameter 17a
The satisfaction degree data A is incremented by (+1) and updated (step S7).

On the other hand, the key input unit 2 in the terminal body 20
When the infrared signal P transmitted in response to the operation 1 is received via the optical communication module 11 of the stuffed body 10, as shown in FIG. If it is determined that the signal instructs the care of the “spear”, the operation determination table ROM 16
Voice data number of the pet operation data corresponding to the current pet state parameter 17a (see FIG. 5) from among the plurality of pet operation data corresponding to the item of “feeding” in c (see FIG. 4). Nn and the driving pattern number Mn are read, and the output of the corresponding pet sound and the driving of the stuffed animal movable section are performed. Then, the satiety degree data B in the pet state parameter 17a is (+)
1) is updated and updated (steps S8 → S9 → S1)
0).

The infrared signal P received from the terminal body 20 via the optical communication module of the stuffed body 10 is determined to be a signal for instructing "conversation" as shown in FIG. 11, for example. In this case, the current pet state parameter 17a is selected from a plurality of pet operation data corresponding to the received conversation contents (1, 2,...) In the operation determination table ROM 16c (see FIG. 4). The voice data number Nn and the drive pattern number Mn of the pet operation data corresponding to (see FIG. 5) are read, and the output of the corresponding pet voice and the driving of the stuffed animal movable section are performed (steps S8 → S11 → S12).

In this case, every time the number of times that the “feeding” and “conversation” are taken reaches a preset number, the growth degree data C in the pet state parameter 17a is changed to ( +1) to be updated.

On the other hand, while the stuffed body 10 updates the data of the degree of satisfaction A, the degree of satiety B, and the degree of growth C in the pet state parameter 17a in accordance with the contents of various cares, the generation or stuffed of the pet sound is performed. While operating by driving each movable unit, the control unit (CP
U) The count data (for example, 24 hours) that is independently counted using an internal counter (not shown) is
If it is determined that the counter has exceeded the set time (step S13), the pet state parameter 17 is determined.
The satisfaction degree data A and the satiety degree data B at a are respectively decreased by (−1) (step S13 → S1).
4).

That is, if the frequency of care for the pet is low, the satisfaction degree data A and the satiety degree data B gradually decrease, and the contents of the pet voice and the drive pattern determined when the care is performed thereafter are displeased. It is changed to one that indicates the state.

Further, an infrared signal P received from the terminal main body 20 via the optical communication module of the stuffed animal main body 10 fetches the current state of the stuffed animal (pet) main body 10 into the terminal main body 20 and corresponding pet data. Is displayed on the display screen, and if it is determined to be a signal instructing switching to the remote designation mode for taking care of, the current pet state parameter 17a stored in the RAM 17 is read out. Is transmitted from the optical communication module 11 to the terminal body 20 (step S8 →
S15 → S16).

On the other hand, in response to the switching operation from the remote designation mode to the remote release mode in the terminal main body 20, the infrared signal P received from the terminal main body 20 via the optical communication module of the stuffed main body 10 is transmitted to the terminal main body 20. If it is determined that the current pet state parameter 17a of the pet data in the device 20 is the received pet state parameter 17a, the satisfaction degree data A, the satiety degree data B, and the growth degree data C of the received current pet state parameter 17a are any of the following. Is also stored and updated in the RAM 17 as it is, and is returned to the remote release mode for directly taking care of the stuffed animal (pet) body 10 (step S8 → S1).
7 → S18).

In the terminal device processing in FIG. 10, when the power of the terminal device 20 is turned on in response to the operation of the power key 21a in the key input section 21 of the terminal body 20,
In accordance with the status flag stored in the RAM 26, it is determined whether the current operation mode is the remote designation mode or the remote release mode, and is used to directly take care of the stuffed animal (pet) body 10. If it is determined that the mode is the remote release mode, a plurality of types of care items for pets stored in the care menu ROM 25a (see FIG. 7) and a switch item of the remote designation / release mode are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit as a menu screen. 2
2 (steps A1 → A2 → A3).

In the display state of the menu screen, the selection key 21 c and the execution key 21
When it is determined that the item of “feeding” is designated according to the operation d, an infrared signal P instructing the care of “feeding” is transmitted from the optical communication module 23 to the stuffed body 10. (Step A4 → A5).

In the display state of the menu screen, if it is determined that the item of "care" of "conversation" is selected according to the operation of the selection key 21c of the key input unit 21, the "conversation" is further performed. The contents of various conversations stored in the conversation menu ROM 25a '(see FIG. 7) in association with the item of care are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 22 as a menu screen (steps A6 to A7).

In the display state of the menu screen of the conversation contents, the selection key 21 in the key input unit 21 is displayed.
When it is determined that an arbitrary conversation content has been selected and designated according to the operation of the c key and the execution key 21d, an infrared signal P indicating the care of the "conversation" and the content thereof is transmitted from the optical communication module 23 to the stuffed animal. It is transmitted to the main body 10 (step A8).

As described above, the care of the pet is instructed according to the menu screen of the terminal body 20, and the corresponding infrared signal P
Is transmitted to the stuffed body 10, as described above, in the stuffed body 10, according to the determination and processing of steps S 8 to S 12 in the electronic pet processing (see FIG. 9), the pet voice corresponding to various care instructions is given. The output and drive of the stuffed animal movable part are performed.

In the display state of the menu screen, when it is determined that the switching item of the remote designation / cancellation mode has been selected and designated according to the operation of the selection key 21c in the key input unit 21, the RAM 26 is displayed. The state flag is rewritten from the remote release mode to the flag indicating the remote designation mode, and the current state of the stuffed animal (pet) body 10 is taken into the terminal body 20 to display the corresponding pet data on the display screen. An infrared signal P for instructing switching to the remote designation mode for taking care is transmitted from the optical communication module 23 to the stuffed body 10 (step A9 → A1).
0).

Then, in step S16 in the electronic pet process shown in FIG. 9, a standby state is received for the current pet state parameter 17a transmitted from the stuffed body 10, and the optical communication module 23 of the terminal body 20 is set.
When the current pet state parameter 17a transmitted from the stuffed animal main body 10 via the above is received, the satisfaction degree data A, the satiety degree data B, and the growth degree data C of the received current pet state parameter 17a are: All of them are stored and updated in the RAM 26 as they are, and a remote designation mode for taking care of the pet by displaying the pet data corresponding to the current pet state parameter 17a on the display screen is set (step A11).

When the terminal body 20 is set to the remote designation mode, the image data ROM in the ROM 25 is read.
The pet image data of the basic still pattern M0 corresponding to the current pet state parameter 17a received from the stuffed toy main body 10 stored in the stuffed animal main body 25b is read and displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 22 as a virtual pet image (step). A13).

Then, the menu key 2 of the key input section 21
1b, the care menu ROM 25a (FIG. 7)
(See FIG. 14), a plurality of types of care items for the pet and items for switching the remote designation / release mode are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 22 as a menu screen (steps A14 → A15).

In the display state of the menu screen, the selection key 21 c and the execution key 21
When it is determined that either the item of "feeding" or the item of "conversation" and the content of the conversation are designated according to the operation d, the process proceeds to the normal breeding process (step A17). ).

That is, when it is determined that the item of care of “feeding” has been designated, the operation determination table ROM 16c (see FIG. 9) performs the operation determination table ROM 16c (see FIG. 9). From the plurality of pet operation data corresponding to the item of “feeding” in FIG. 4), the voice data number Nn of the pet operation data corresponding to the current pet state parameter 17a (see FIG. 5) and the like. The operation pattern number Mn is read,
The corresponding pet voice data and pet image data are read from the conversation data ROM 16a (see FIG. 3A) and the image data ROM 25b (see FIG. 8). Then, a pet sound corresponding to the care of “feeding” in the current pet state is output from the speaker (SP) 29 via the D / A converter 28 in accordance with the pet sound data read from the conversation data ROM 16a. , And the image data R
The pet image data of the operation corresponding to the care of “feeding” in the current pet state read from the OM 25b is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 22. Then, the satiety degree data B in the pet state parameter 17a is incremented by (+1) and updated (step A17).

Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, when it is determined that the item of care of "conversation" has been designated,
Step S1 in the electronic pet processing (see FIG. 9)
1 → Similar to S12, the operation determination table RO
From the plurality of pet operation data corresponding to the item of the content (1, 2,...) Of the specified conversation in M16c (see FIG. 4), the current pet state parameter 17 is selected.
a (see FIG. 5), the voice data number Nn and the motion pattern number Mn of the pet motion data are read out, and the corresponding pet voice data and pet image data are stored in the conversation data ROM 16a (see FIG. 3A). ) And image data R
It is read from the OM 25b (see FIG. 8). Then, the speaker (SP) 2 via the D / A converter 28 according to the pet voice data read from the conversation data ROM 16a.
9 outputs a pet sound corresponding to the content of “conversation” in the current pet state, and reads a pet image of the operation corresponding to the content of “conversation” in the current pet state read from the image data ROM 25b. The data G is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 22 (Step A17).

In this case, as in the case of the electronic pet processing in the stuffed animal main body 10, each time the number of times of taking care of "feeding" and "conversation" reaches the preset number of times, the pet is replaced. The growth degree data C in the state parameter 17a is incremented by (+1) and updated.

Then, according to the contents of various kinds of care according to the menu screen, while the data of the degree of satisfaction A, the degree of satiety B, and the degree of growth C in the pet state parameter 17a are updated, the generation of the pet voice or the pet Operating state by displaying image data (steps A14 to A14)
18) In the case where it is determined that the count data counting the preset time (for example, 24 hours) in the control unit (CPU) 24 of the terminal main body 20 exceeds the set time, the counter is over. Also, similarly to the determination processing of step S13 → S14 in the electronic pet processing (see FIG. 9), the satisfaction degree data A and the satiety degree data B in the pet state parameter 17a are respectively decreased by (−1) and reduced ( Step A17).

On the other hand, the display state of the menu screen according to the operation of the menu key 21b (step A14 → A1)
In 5), when it is determined that the switching item of the remote designation / cancellation mode has been selected and designated in response to the operation of the selection key 21c, the status flag in the RAM 26 is written from the remote designation mode to the flag indicating the remote cancellation mode. At the same time, the current pet state parameter 17a stored in the RAM 26 is read and transmitted from the optical communication module 23 to the stuffed animal main body 10 (steps A16 → A19).

As a result, in the stuffed animal main body 10, step S17 in the electronic pet processing (see FIG. 9) is performed.
→ By the determination and processing of S18, the satisfaction degree data A, the satiety degree data B, and the growth degree data C of the current pet state parameter 17a received from the terminal device 20 are all stored and updated in the RAM 17 as they are, The mode is returned to the remote release mode for directly taking care of the stuffed animal (pet) body 10.

Therefore, according to the pet breeding apparatus having the above configuration, the remote release mode for taking care of the stuffed animal (pet) body 10 and the pet image data representing the stuffed animal body 10 are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 22. And a remote designation mode for taking care of the pet, and changing the current state of the pet according to the contents and the number of cares, the satisfaction degree A, the satiety degree B, and the growth degree C.
In the remote release mode, the pet status parameter 17a represented by is transferred to the RAM 17 of the stuffed body 10 for management, and in the remote designation mode, the pet status parameter 17a is transferred to the RAM 26 of the terminal body 20 for management. On the basis of the state parameter 17a, the terminal body 2
The pet operation data corresponding to the contents of the care designated by the operation of the key input unit 21 of 0 is determined by the operation determination table ROM1.
6c, the pet voice output of the stuffed body 10 and the driving of each movable part are controlled in the remote release mode in accordance with the pet operation data, and in the remote designation mode, the liquid crystal display of the terminal body 20 is controlled. Since the movement of the pet image data displayed on the display 22 and the pet sound output are controlled, for example, when the user is at home, the user takes care of the stuffed animal body 10 in the remote release mode and operates the stuffed toy body 10 to provide a realistic realistic feeling. On the other hand, when going out, the user switches to the remote designation mode, displays the stuffed body 10 in the pet state at that time as pet image data on the liquid crystal display unit 22 of the terminal body 20 and takes it out. Take care of your pet image data and make it work wherever you go It becomes possible to take care while carrying on.

Further, according to the pet breeding apparatus having the above configuration, the care item selected and designated on the menu screen displayed on the terminal body 20 and the pet state parameter 17
A different pet operation is determined in accordance with the current pet satisfaction level A, fullness level B, and growth level C indicated by a, and the operation of the stuffed toy body 10 is controlled in the remote release mode, and in the remote designation mode. Since the operation of the pet image data representing the stuffed body 10 displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 22 of the terminal body 20 is controlled, particularly,
Unlike conventional stuffed animals, instead of performing a fixed operation by detecting external contact and sound,
The stuffed body 10 in various operation patterns according to the contents of continuous care always performed at home or on the go.
Can be made to react, and an artificial pet that does not get tired can be realized.

In the above embodiment, the pet state parameter 17a and the operation determination table ROM 16c are provided in both the stuffed body 10 and the terminal body 20. In the remote release mode, the stuffed body 10 receives the pet from the terminal body 20 in the remote release mode. Depending on the contents of the care and the pet state parameter 17a of the stuffed animal body 10 side,
Operation decision table ROM1 on the stuffed animal main body 10 side
6c determines the pet operation, controls the operation of the stuffed body 10 and the stuffed body 1
The 0-side pet state parameter 17a is configured to be updated, and in the remote designation mode, according to the contents of care given in accordance with the menu screen on the terminal body 20 and the pet state parameter 17a on the terminal body 20 side. The operation determination table ROM1 on the terminal body 20 side
6c, the pet action is determined, the corresponding pet image is displayed, and the pet status parameter 17a on the terminal body 20 is updated. The pet status parameter 17a on the stuffed body 10 and the terminal The pet state parameter 17a on the 20 side is configured to be shared with the newer pet state parameter 17a by infrared communication in response to a remote designation / release mode switching operation.
7a and the operation determination table ROM 16c are stored in the terminal body 20.
In the remote release mode, the operation determination table ROM 16c is provided in accordance with the contents of the care instructed in the terminal body 20 and the pet state parameter 17a.
Is transmitted to the stuffed animal main body 10, and the stuffed animal main body 10
The operation may be controlled according to the data of the pet operation received from the terminal body 20 without deciding the operation by itself.

In this case, one pet state parameter 1
7a can be originally used for both care for the stuffed animal body 10 and care for the pet image in the terminal body 20, and the care state for each pet can be continuously reflected in the same manner as described above. .

On the contrary, the stuffed body 10
Only, a means for instructing care, the pet state parameter 17a and the action determination table ROM 16c are provided, and data of the pet action determined by this is transmitted to the terminal body 20 to display a pet image of the corresponding action. It may be configured.

Further, in the above embodiment, the mutual wireless communication means in the stuffed body 10 and the terminal body 20 are
Although the communication device is configured as a communication device using an infrared light emission signal, the communication device may be configured as a wireless communication device using a radio wave or another communication medium.

[0082]

As described above, according to the electronic apparatus with a communication function according to the present invention, when care for a pet is instructed by, for example, care instruction means provided in a terminal device, the contents of the instructed care and the pet state are indicated. The operation of the pet is determined according to the state data of the pet stored in the storage means, and the operation of the pet body is controlled via the communication means on the other hand, in response to the determined operation of the pet, On the other hand, a pet image corresponding to the determined pet operation is displayed on the terminal device, and the pet state stored in the pet state storage means according to the content of the instructed care by any of the pet operations. Since the status data of the pet is updated, for example, care for the pet body when at home and care for the pet image when going out, Flip can be operated carried out as a continuous care for the pet, it becomes possible to achieve both a sense of unity with the pet by substantive realism and a terminal mobile by the pet body.

Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily carry a pet with him anywhere, and to obtain a real feeling.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a view showing an external configuration of a pet breeding apparatus according to an embodiment of an electronic device with a communication function of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic circuit incorporated in the stuffed animal main body of the pet breeding apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a conversation data ROM and drive data R secured in a ROM of the stuffed animal main body in the pet breeding apparatus.
The figure which shows the data content of OM.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing data contents of an operation determination table ROM secured in a ROM of the stuffed toy main body in the pet breeding apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a view showing data contents of pet state parameters stored in a RAM of a stuffed animal main body in the pet breeding apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic circuit built in a terminal main body of the pet breeding apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a ROM of a terminal main body in the pet breeding apparatus.
Showing the data contents of the care menu ROM secured in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a ROM of a terminal main body in the pet breeding apparatus.
Showing the data contents of the image data ROM secured in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an electronic pet process in the stuffed toy main body of the pet breeding apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing terminal device processing in the terminal main body of the pet breeding device.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state (part 1) of taking care of the stuffed toy main body in the remote release mode accompanying the electronic pet processing and the terminal device processing of the pet breeding apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a state (part 2) of taking care of the stuffed toy main body in the remote release mode accompanying the electronic pet processing and the terminal device processing of the pet breeding device.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state of taking care of a pet image in a terminal main body in a remote designation mode accompanying the electronic pet processing and the terminal device processing of the pet breeding apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 ... stuffed body, 11 ... optical communication module of stuffed body, 12 ... contact sensor, 13 ... driving device, 14 ... speaker (SP) of stuffed body, 15 ... control unit (CPU) of stuffed body, 15a ... timer, 16 ... ROM of the stuffed animal body, 16a ... conversation data ROM, 16b ... drive data ROM, 16c ... operation determination table ROM, 17 ... RAM of the stuffed animal body, 17a ... pet state parameter, 18 ... drive unit controller, 20 ... terminal body, 21 ... key input section, 21a ... power key, 21b ... menu key, 21c ... selection key, 21d ... execute key, 22 ... liquid crystal display section, 23 ... optical communication module of terminal body, 24 ... control section (CPU) of terminal body , 25 ... ROM of the terminal body, 25a ... care menu ROM, 25a ': conversation menu ROM, 25b: image data ROM, 26: RAM of terminal body, 29: speaker (SP) of terminal body, P: infrared light (line) signal.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F-term (reference) 2C001 AA00 AA17 BA00 BA06 BA07 BB00 BB04 BB05 BB10 BC00 BC05 CA00 CA02 CA08 CB00 CB01 CB03 CB08 CC03 CC08 DA00 DA04 2C150 BC06 CA02 DA24 DA26 DA27 DA28 DF03 ED31 ED32 ED32 ED02 ED52 EE02 EE07 EF16 EF23

Claims (4)

[Claims] An electronic device with a communication function, comprising a pet body having communication means capable of wireless communication with each other and a terminal device, wherein pet status storage means for storing status data indicating the status of a pet; Care determining means for instructing the pet, and operation determining means for determining the operation of the pet in accordance with the contents of the care specified by the care indicating means and the pet status data stored in the pet status storage means. A pet operation control unit that controls the operation of the pet body in accordance with the operation of the pet determined by the operation determination unit; and an image of the pet that corresponds to the operation of the pet determined by the operation determination unit. A pet image display unit to be displayed on the device; and a pet state storage unit according to contents of the care indicated by the care instruction unit. An electronic device with a communication function, comprising: pet status updating means for updating the stored status data of the pet. 2. An electronic device with a communication function, comprising a pet main body having communication means capable of wireless communication with each other and a terminal device, wherein the pet main body stores status data indicating the status of the pet. Storage means, care determination means for determining the content of care performed on the pet body, contents of care determined by the care determination means, and status data of the pet stored in the body pet status storage means Pet operation control means for controlling the operation of the pet main body in accordance with the above, and the state data of the pet stored in the main body pet state storage means in accordance with the contents of the care determined by the care determination means The terminal device includes: a display unit configured to display an image of a pet that imitates the pet main body; Terminal pet state storage means for storing state data indicating the state of the pet displayed on the terminal; care instruction means for instructing care for the pet; contents of the care indicated by the care instruction means and the terminal pet state storage means Display control means for displaying an image of a pet having an action determined according to the pet's state data stored in the display means on the display means, and the terminal pet state storage according to the contents of the care indicated by the care instruction means. And a terminal pet state updating means for updating the pet state data stored in the means, wherein the pet body and the terminal device are further stored in the body pet state storage means by their respective communication means. The state data of the pet and the state data of the pet stored in the terminal pet state storage means. An electronic device with a communication function, comprising: a pet state sharing unit for sharing the new state data. 3. The mode switching means for switching between a first mode for taking care of the pet body and a second mode for taking care of a pet image displayed on the display means. And in the first mode, a care content transmitting means for transmitting the content of the care designated by the care instruction means to the pet body by the communication means, wherein the care determination means of the pet body comprises A care judging means for judging the contents of the care taken directly to the main body and the contents of the care received from the terminal device by the communication means, wherein the pet state sharing means is a first one by the mode switching means. When the mode is switched between the mode and the second mode, the communication unit stores the pet stored in the main body pet state storage unit. The pet state commoning means for commonizing the state data of the pet and the state data of the pet stored in the terminal pet state storing means to the newer state data. 2
An electronic device with a communication function according to item 1. 4. An electronic device communicable with an internal arithmetic unit and a pet main body whose operation is controlled based on the status data, wherein the data receiving means receives status data stored in the pet main body; An electronic apparatus comprising: a display unit that displays a pet image image; and a control unit that changes a pet image image displayed by the display unit based on state data received by the data receiving unit. .