GB2350451A

GB2350451A - Mail exchanging device with memory card and incorporating characters

Info

Publication number: GB2350451A
Application number: GB9928614A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mitsuru Higashida
Original assignee: THERMAL KK; Tomy Co Ltd; Thermal Co Ltd
Current assignee: THERMAL KK; Tomy Co Ltd; Thermal Co Ltd
Priority date: 1998-12-18
Filing date: 1999-12-06
Publication date: 2000-11-29
Also published as: DE19961137A1; IT1313888B1; NL1013875A1; NL1013875C2; ITMI992635A1; BE1013180A3; ITMI992635A0; GB9928614D0; JP2001084194A; FR2787666A1

Abstract

A mail exchanging device 1 comprises an opening for inserting and extracting a memory card, a writing-in unit for writing mail onto a memory card, and a reading-out unit for reading mail from the memory card. Each device may have a number of points. When a message is received by another user, attributes of the sender and receiver are compared, such as date of birth (i.e. chemistry is compared). A number of points is added to the total depending on how closely these attributes match. This is to encourage use of the device. The device stores a number of characters. These characters may be bought using the stored points, which enables their display on the screen. The purchasable characters may be randomly selected to the user, to allow for rare characters. Characters may be grown wit points, or by playing some form of game. Characters can interact with the user by sending virtual messages, such as "I am hungry". Games may be supplied which give points or character growth when won. Each character may have music associated with it.

Description

2350451 MAIL EXCHANGING DEVICE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mail exchanging device f or exchanging electronic mails simply by reading out mails f rom a memory medium and for writing ones in a memory medium. In particular, the present invention relates to a mail exchanging device for reading and writing mails- by using a memory card.

Description of the Related Art

Recently, telecommunications technology has been developed. In this situation, an electronic mail is one of the most available functions in the network. When there is a computer or a terminal unit, which is connected to the network, anyone can use electronic mail and can exchange messages with each other.

On the other hand, as a message exchanging method for children, one of the most popular methods is that they exchange dairies with each other. In order to carry out the above method by using an electronic mail. it is necessary that anyone who will exchange dairies with each other must purchase computers or the like. It will cost highly to carry out the above method. It is difficult for children to operate computers. Therefore, 2 the above method carried out by using an electronic mail is not realistic. Because the friends with whom the messages will be exchanged are limited to a certain extent, there is little necessity of realizing the above method through the network. Further, the above method carried out by using an electronic mail can be used only at a place at which the computer or the like is set up.

If there is a cheep device for exchanging message with each other, which is easily operable for children and is portable, it is thought that children can use the device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention was developed in view of these problems. An object of the present invention is to provide a mail exchanging device cheaply, which can read and write a mail by using a memory card to operate the mail exchanging device easily and which is very portable.

That is, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the mail exchanging device comprises; an inserting opening f or inserting and extracting a memory card, a writing-in unit for writing a mail in the memory card inserted into the inserting opening, and a reading-out unit f or reading out the mail from the memory card which is inserted into the inserting 3 opening and in which the mail is written.

According to the present invention, because mails can be exchanged with each other by using the memory card, a cheap mail exchanging device can be realized. Because a mall is written in the memory card and is read out from the memory card by inserting the memory card into the inserting opening, it is not necessary to carry out complex operations like an electronic mail. Therefore, children can use the above mail exchanging device by carrying out simple operations. Because the mail exchanging device can be easily downsized by using the memory card to exchange mails with each other, the portable mail exchanging device can be realized.

When the memory card in which a mail which has not been read out is written is inserted into the inserting opening, preferably, the readingout unit automatically reads out the mall which has not been read out, and when the memory card in which a mail which has been read out is written is inserted into the inserting opening, preferably, the reading- out unit does not automatically read out the mail which has been read out.

According to the present invention, because the mail which has not been read out is automatically read out without carrying out the reading-out operation for mails at the time that the memory card Is inserted into the inserting opening, mails can be exchanged with each other by carrying out simpler 4 operations.

When a mail has already been written in the memory card inserted into the inserting opening, the writing-in unit may delete the mail which has already been written in the memory card and writes a new mail therein.

According to the present invention, because mails are not written-in the memory card one after another, it is possible to save the memory capacity of the memory card and to realize the cheap mail exchanging device by using the memory card having a little memory capacity.

When the writing-in unit writes a mail in the memory card, the writing-in unit may further write a sender's information, and when the reading-out unit reads out a mail from the memory card, the reading-out unit may further read out the sender's information.

Because the sender's information can be read out f rom the memory card and can be written in the memory card with the mail, it is possible to identify one sender among others, f or example, by using a sender's portrait as a sender' s inf ormation. A mail receiver can obtain a mail exchanging device user's attached information, such as, the sender's birthday information or the like, as a sender's information.

The writing-in unit may further write a musical data (corresponding to a melody data) as the sender's information in the memory card.

According to the present invention, because the musical data (melody data) is written in the memory card as a sender's information, the mail exchanging device can give the user great pleasure of reading out the mail by reading out the musical data to output a melody when the mail is read out from the memory card.

The mail exchanging device may f urther comprise a point memorizing unit f or adding a predetermined point to memorize it therein when the readingout unit reads out a mail from the memory card.

The mail exchanging device may further comprise; a point determining unit for judging a chemistry between a user and a sender on the basis of a user's information which is previously set and the sender's information when the reading-out unit reads out a mail from the memory card, and for determining a point on the basis of the chemistry, and a point memorizing unit f or adding the point determined by the point determining unit to memorize it therein.

The mail exchanging device may further comprise a game unit for playing a game and for additionally memorizing a predetermined point in the point memorizing unit when the game 6 unit judges that a user wins at the game.

The mail exchanging device may further comprise; a character memorizing unit for memorizing a plurality of characters therein, and a displaying unit for selecting a character according to the point memorized in the point memorizing unit and for reading out the selected character from the character memorizing unit to display it.

According to the present invention, it is possible to display a new character according to the point stored by using the mail exchanging device. The point can be increased by playing a game. As a result, it is possible to cause the user to be eager to use the mail exchanging device. Further, the mail exchanging device can give the user great pleasure of using the mail.

The writing-in unit may further write the character which is memorized in the character memorizing unit, in the memory card as a sender's information.

According to the present invention, because the character is written in the memory card as a sender's information, it is possible to give the user great pleasure of reading out the mail by displaying the character when the mail is read out from the memory card.

The mail exchanging device may further comprise a point 7 transferring unit for transferring a point memorized in a point memory card inserted into the inserting opening to the point memorizing unit, and for transferring a point memorized in the point memorizing unit to the point memory card.

According to the present invention, because the point memorized in the point memorizing unit can be transferred to the point memory card and the Point memorized in the point memory card can be transferred to the point memorizing unit, it is possible to present the point to another user having a mail exchanging device. The mail exchanging device can be used variously.

The mail exchanging device may further comprise a purchasing unit for purchasing a character by exchanging the point memorized in the point memorizing unit or the point memorized in the point memory card f or the character, and f or memorizing a purchasing status of the purchased character in the point memory card, wherein the displaying unit reads out the purchased character of which the purchasing status is memorized in the point memory card f rom the character memorizing unit to display it.

According to the present invention, because the character itself is memorized in the character memorizing unit and the purchasing status is memorized in the point memory card, it is possible to save the memory capacity of the point memory card.

8 As a result, the cost of the point memory card can be lower. When the purchasing status memorized in the point memory card shows that a specif ic character has been purchased, the two mail exchanging device can display the same specific character by lending the point memory card to another user having a mail exchanging device. Because the same specific character can be displayed, the mail exchanging device can be more useful.

The mail exchanging device may further comprise a growth processing unit for growing the character memorized in the character memorizing unit according to the point memorized in the point memorizing unit or the point memorized in the point memory card, wherein the character memorizing unit further memorizes a degree of growth of the character grown by the growth processing unit and a display form of the character, which corresponds to the degree of the growth, and the displaying unit displays the character according to the display form memorized in the character memorizing unit.

The character memorizing unit may further memorize a degree of growth of the character memorized therein and a display form of the character, which corresponds to the degree of growth thereof, the mail exchanging device may further comprise a growth processing unit for varying the degree of growth of the character, which is memorized in the character memorizing unit, according to the point memorized in the point 9 memorizing unit or the point memorized in the point memory card, and the character may be displayed by the displaying unit according to the display form of the character, which is memorized in the character memorizing unit.

The character memorizing unit may further memorize a degree of growth of the character memorized therein and a display f orm of the character, which corresponds to the degree of growth thereof, the mail exchanging device may further comprise, a mail making unit for automatically making a mail which the character memorized in the character memorizing unit appears to send as a sender and a growth varying unit f or varying the degree of growth of the character, which is memorized in the character memorizing unit, on the basis of a mail which the character appears to receive as a receiver, and the character may be displayed by the displaying unit according to the display form of the character, which is memorized in the character memorizing unit.

The character memorizing unit may further memorize a degree of growth of the character memorized therein and a display form of the character', which corresponds to the degree of growth thereof, the game unit may vary the degree of growth of the character, which is memorized in the character memorizing unit when the game unit judges that a user wins at the game, and the character may be displayed by the displaying unit according to the display form of the character, which is memorized in the character memorizing unit.

The mail exchanging device may f urther comprise a sound outputting unit for outputting a sound corresponding to the character memorized in the character memorizing unit.

According to the present invention, the display f orm of the character can be changed variously by growing the character. The degree of growth of the character can be changed by exchanging the mail or by playing a game. A sound can be outputted. Therefore, the mail exchanging device which suits user's taste can be realized. The mail exchanging device can be applied variously., The mail exchanging device may further comprise; a musical data memorizing unit f or memorizing a musical data, and a relating unit for relating the musical data memorized in the musical data memorizing unit, with the character memorized in the character memorizing unit, wherein the sound outputting unit outputs a sound corresponding to the character memorized in the character memorizing unit, on the basis of the musical data related with the character by the relating unit.

According to the present invention, because a theme music corresponding to the character can be selected and outputted, the user can enjoy the mail exchanging device variously.

The mail exchanging device may further comprise a time and date specific mail making unit for automatically making a mail which the character memorized in the character memorizing unit appears to send as a sender, at a predetermined time.

According to the present invention, the user can be f riendly with the character strongly by automatically preparing a mail on the specific day, such as Christmas, the user's birthday or the like. Because the mail is automatically made at the time which is designated by the user, it is possible to add a function like an alarm of a clock to the mail exchanging device.

The external form of the mail exchanging device may be a shape of a portable telephone.

According to the present invention, because the mail exchanging device has a shape of a portable telephone, children can have a virtual experience of using a real portable telephone. The mail exchanging device can cause the children to feel a desire to purchase the mail exchanging device and to have a will to use it.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, in the mail exchanging device f or exchanging mails by writing a mail in a memory card and by reading out the mail from the memory card, a character data is sent and received through the memory card.

12 According to the present invention, because mail can be exchanged by using the memory card, it is not necessary to carry out complex operations like an electronic mail. Therefore, children can use the above mail exchanging device by carrying out simple operations. Because the character data is sent and received through the memory card, favorite characters can be exchanged between the friends having the mail exchanging devices. Further, it is possible to display the character by each mail exchanging device.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the mail exchanging device comprises; an inserting opening f or inserting and extracting a memory card, a writing-in unit for writing a mail in the memory card inserted into the inserting opening, a reading-out unit for reading out the mail from the memory card which is inserted into the inserting opening and in which the mail is written, and a character memorizing unit for memorizing a plurality of characters therein, wherein the writing- in unit further writes a sender' s information when the mail is written in the memory card, the writing-in unit further writes the character memorized in the character memorizing unit in the memory card as the sender's information, and the reading-out unit further reads out the sender 1 s inf ormation when the mail is read out f rom the memory card.

13 According to the present invention, because mail can be exchanged by using the memory card, it is possible to realize a cheap mail exchanging device. Because a mail is written in the memory card and is read out f rom the memory card by inserting the memory card into the inserting opening, it is not necessary to carry out complex operations like an electronic mail.

Therefore, children can use the above mail exchanging device by carrying out simple operations. Because the mail exchanging device can be easily downsized by using the memory card to exchange mails with each other, the portable mail exchanging device can be realized.

Further, because the character is written in the memory card as a sender's information, it is possible to identify one sender among others easily on the basis of the written character. It is possible to give the user great pleasure of reading out the mail by automatically displaying the character when the mail is read out from the memory card.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, in the mail exchanging device for exchanging mails by writing a mail in a memory card and by reading out the mail f rom the memory card, a predetermined point is added by reading out the mail, and a character is displayed according to the added point.

In accordance with another aspect of the present 14 invention, the mail exchanging device comprises; an inserting opening for inserting and extracting a mail, a writing-in unit f or writing a mail in the memory card inserted into the inserting opening, a reading-out unit for reading out the mail from the memory card which is inserted into the inserting opening and in which the mail is written, a point memorizing unit f or adding a predetermined point to memorize it therein when the reading-out unit,reads out the mail from the memory card, a character memorizing unit for memorizing a plurality of characters therein, and a displaying unit for selecting a character according to the point memorized in the point memorizing unit and for reading out the selected character from the character memorizing unit to display It.

According to the present invention, it is possible to display the character according to the point stored by exchanging mails. It is possible to cause the user to be eager to use the mail exchanging device. Further, the mail exchanging device can give the user great pleasure of using the mail.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, in the mail exchanging device f or exchanging mails by writing a mail in a memory card and by reading out the mail from the memory card, a character is obtained according to a result of a game, and the obtained character is displayed.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the mail exchanging device comprises; an inserting opening for inserting and extracting a mail, a writing-in unit f or writing a mail in the memory card inserted into the inserting opening, a reading-out unit for reading out the mail from the memory card which is inserted into the inserting opening and in which the mail is written, a character memorizing unit f or memorizing a plurality of characters in a status in which the character is permitted to be displayed or in a status in which the character is not permitted to be displayed, and a game unit for playing a predetermined game, wherein a predetermined character which is selected from the plurality of characters memorized in the character memorizing unit is permitted to be displayed according to a result of the predetermined game which is played by the game unit.

According to the present invention, because the character can be obtained according to the result of playing the game, that is, the character can be displayed, the user can be given not only great pleasure of exchanging mails but also that of displaying the character by playing the game. The game includes a lot game, a game f or deciding a winner of a loser, a quiz game, a chemistry judging game, or the like.

The mail exchanging device may change a degree of growth of the character according to the result of the game.

A degree of growth of the character memorized in the 16 character memorizing unit may be changed according to the result of the predetermined game which is played by the game unit.

According to the present invention, the mail exchanging device not only can display the character by playing the game but also can change the degree of growth of the character. For example, when the user loses the game, the character gets ill. When the user obtains "a drug for making the character get well" by playing a lot game, the character gets well.

The mail exchanging device may output a sound corresponding to a character.

According to the present invention, because the sound corresponding to the character is outputted, f or example, by outputting the theme music of the character, the user can enjoy the character visually and audibly. The user can enjoy the mail exchanging device variously.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention, and wherein;

FIG. 1A is a view showing an appearance of the mail 17 exchanging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1B Is a view showing an appearance of the memory card; FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a construction of the mail exchanging device, that of the mail memory card and that of the point memory card; FIG. 3A is a view showing a table structure of the character storing table stored in the character storing unit; FIG. 3B is a view showing a table structure of the character purchase table stored in the purchase table storing unit; FIGS. 4A to 4C are views showing examples of the characters stored in the character storing table and each point to be required in order to display each character; FIG. 5 is a view showing data f low between the functional blocks and command signal flow therebetween in the mail writing-in process according to the first embodiment; FIG. 6 is a view showing data f low between the functional blocks and command signal flow therebetween in the mail reading-out process according to the first embodiment; FIG. 7 is a view showing data flow between the functional blocks and command signal flow therebetween in the point transferring process according to the first embodiment; FIG. 8 is a view showing data flow between the functional blocks and command signal flow therebetween, which are related 18 to the steps for purchasing the character in the character purchasing process according to the first embodiment; FIG. 9 is a view showing data f low between the functional blocks and command signal flow therebetween, which are related to the steps for displaying the purchased character in the character purchasing process according to the f irst embodiment; FIGS. 10A and 10B are views showing an example of lot game displayed on the display part according to the f irst embodiment; FIG. 11 is a view showing an appearance of the mail exchanging device according to the second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 12 is a view showing data f low between the functional blocks and command signal flow therebetween in the mail writing-in process according to the second embodiment; and FIG. 13 is a view showing data f low between the functional blocks and command signal flow therebetween in the mail reading-out process according to the second embodiment.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION First Embodiment:

Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the mail exchanging device applied to the present invention will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2 to 9, 10A and 10B. In the explanation of the present invention, the same reference 19 numerals are attached to the elements. The explanation for them will be omitted.

First, the construction of the mail exchanging device will be explained.

FIG. 1A is a view showing an appearance of the mail exchanging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows that a memory card is attached to the mail exchanging device.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the mail exchanging device 1 has a shape of a portable telephone. The mail exchanging device 1 comprises an input part 20 and a display part 30 as exterior structural elements thereof. As shown in FIG. 2, the mail exchanging device 1 comprises a processing part 40, a storing part 50, a card data input/output part 60 or the like as interior structural elements thereof. The input part 20 comprises input keys for inputting a number and a character, a determination key for determining an operation and cursor keys for indicating items or the like, which are displayed on the display part 30. A signal generated by pushing a key is outputted to a control processing unit 41 shown in FIG. 2, to carry out a predetermined process corresponding to the signal generated by pushing a key. The display part 30 comprises a liquid- crystal display panel or the like. The display part 30 displays a data inputted from the input part 20, a character which will be described below or the like on the basis of the command signal outputted from the control processing unit 41 shown in FIG. 2.

In FIG. 1, an inserting opening 10a for inserting the memory card 100 is provided on the right side of the case 10 of the mail exchanging device 1. The inserting opening 10a is f ormed so as to f it the memory card 100 thereinto. FIG. 1B shows an appearance of the memory card 100.

The m emory card 100 comprises a memory 100a for storing not only an identification data for identifying the type of memory card 100 but also a mail, a point and a character purchase table for showing a character purchase information, which will be explained below, according to the type of memory card 100, or the like. The memory 100a is composed of a smart media, that is, a thin memory medium which can be incorporated into a thin plate like a card, or the like. Although the type of memory card 100 is explained in detail below, there are a mail memory card 110 for storing a mail and a point memory card 120 for storing a point and a character purchase table.

When the memory card 100 is inserted into the inserting opening 10a and is attached to the mail exchanging device 1, a card data input/output part 60 (shown in FIG. 2) of the mail exchanging device 1 is connected to the memory 100a. Data, such as a mail, a point or the like, which are stored in the memory 100a are read out from the memory 100a through the card data input/output part 60. Further, data, such as a mail inputted f rom the input part 20 or the like, are written in the memory 21 100a through the card data input/output part 60.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing construction of the mail exchanging device 1, that of the mail memory card 110 and that of the point memory card 120.

In order to explain the present invention plainly, f irst, a point which is stored in a point storing unit 55 of the storing part 50, a point which is stored in a card point storing unit 121 of the point memory card 120, a character storing table 57a (shown in FIG. 3A) stored in the character storing unit 57 of the storing unit 50 and a character purchase table 123a (shown in FIG. 3B) stored in the purchase table storing unit 123 of the point memory card 120 will be explained.

The chemistry judging unit 43 determines the point by judging a chemistry between a sender and a user on the basis of the mail preparation date attached to a mail to be sent to a user which is a receiver, a sender's birthday attached to the mail and a user's birthday previously stored in a user's information storing unit 51, whenever the mail is readout. The chemistry judging unit 43 selects the point out of 1 to 6 according to the chemistry. The point selected by the chemistry judging unit 43 is integrated by the point storing unit 55 to store the integrated point in the point storing unit 55. In the point transferring process (shown in FIG. 7), which will be described below, the point stored in the point storing unit 55 is transferred to the card point storing unit 121 of the point 22 memory card 120 to store it therein, or the point stored in the card point storing unit 121 is transferred to the point storing unit 55 in order to integrate it with the point stored in the point storing unit 55and to store the integrated point in the point storing unit 55.

FIG. 3A shows a table structure of the character storing table 57a. The character storing table 57a is stored in the character storing unit 57, and is a table for storing each identification information about each character, such as a name of the character or the like, which corresponds to each character, a character to be displayed on the display part 30 and a display permission f lag f or indicating whether a character is permitted to be displayed on the display part 30 or not. The display permission flag is previously stored as an "OFF" signal indicating that a character is not permitted to be displayed. The display permission flag is reset as an "ON" signal indicating that a character is permitted to be displayed, on the basis of a purchase f lag of a character purchase table 123a, which corresponds to a character to be purchased by exchanging between the integrated point and the character in a character purchasing process (shown in FIGS. 8 and 9), which will be explained below. The character to which the purchase f lag which is set as the "ON" signal corresponds can be altered according to the command signals inputted from the input part 20 to display the character on the display part 30. In FIGS. 4A to 4C, 23 examples of the characters stored in the character storing table 57a and each point to be required in order to display each character are shown.

In FIG. 3B, the table structure of the character purchase table 123a is shown. The character purchase table 123a is stored in the purchase table storing unit 123 of the point memory card 120, and is a table for storing each purchase flag corresponding to each identification information about the characters, as an "ON" signal indicating that a character has been purchased or an "OFF" signal indicating that a character has not been purchased. The character identification information stored in the character purchase table 123a is the same as that of the character storing table 57a. The purchase f lag is previously stored as an "OFF" signal. The purchase f lag is reset as an "ON" signal indicating that a character is purchased, by exchanging between the point stored in the card point storing unit 121 and the character in a character purchasing process (shown in FIGS. 8 and 9), which will be explained below. In the above character purchasing process, the display permission flag of the character storing table 57a is reset as an "ON" signal on the basis of the purchase f lag reset as an RON" signal in order to display the character on the display part 30.

With reference to FIG. 2, each functional block of the mail exchanging device 1 will be explained. The mail exchanging 24 device 1 comprises an input part 20, a display part 30, a processing part 40, a storing part 50 and a card data input/output part 60. The processing part 40 comprises a control processing unit 41 and a chemistry judging unit 43. The storing part 50 comprises a user's information storing unit 51, a mail temporary storing unit 53, a point storing unit 55 and a character storing unit 57.

The control processing unit 41 carries out a mail writing-in process (shown in FIG. 5), a mail reading-out process (shown in FIG. 6), a point transferring process (shown in FIG. 7) and a character purchasing process (shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.), which will been explained below, according to the command signal inputted from the input part 20 and the type of memory card 100 inserted into the inserting opening 10a or the like. In the mail writing-in process, the control processing unit 41 attaches a user's name and a user's birthday which are previously inputted into the user information storing unit 51 and a mail preparation date of a mail which is inputted from the input part 20 and which is stored in the mail temporary storing unit 53, to the mail as sender's information. The control processing unit 41 writes them in a mail storing part 111 of the mail memory card 110 inserted into the inserting opening 10a through the card data Input/output part 60.

In the mail reading-out process, the control processing unit 41 judges whether the mail stored in the mail storing part 111 of the mail memory card 110 has been read out or not, when the mail memory card 110 is inserted into the inserting opening 10a. That is, the control processing unit 41 judges whether the mail stored in the mail storing part 111 has been read out or not on the basis of an identification information about a mail which has been read out and which is stored in the mail temporary storing unit 53, such as a sender's name, a preparation date of the mail which has been read out or the like. When the control processing unit 41 judges that the mail has not been read out, the control processing unit 41 reads out the mail from the mail storing part 111 through the card data input/output part 60 t6 output it to the chemistry judging unit 43 and to display the mail read out by the control processing unit 41 or the like on the display part 30.

In the point transferring process, the control processing unit 41 carries out a process in which the point stored in the point storing unit 55 is transferred to a card point storing unit 121 of the point memory card 120 inserted into the inserting opening 10a, or the point stored in the card point storing unit 121 is transferred to the point. storing unit 55, according to the command signal inputted from the input part 20.

In the character purchasing process, the control processing unit 41 resets a purchase flag corresponding to the character stored in the purchase table storing unit 123 of the point memory card 120 inserted into the inserting opening 10a 26 as an "ON" signal indicating that the character has been purchased by exchanging between the character and the point which is stored in the card point storing unit 121 and which is required in order to purchase the character according to the command signal for purchasing the character, which is inputted from the input part 20. The display permission flag of the character storing table 57a is reset as an "ON" signal indicating that the character is permitted to be displayed, on the basis of the purchase f lag which is reset as an "ON" signal.

When the mail which is read out f rom the mail storing part Ill of the mail memory card 110 through the card data input/output part 60 by the control processing unit 41 is inputted into the chemistry judging unit 43, the chemistry judging unit 43 fetches the mail preparation date attached to the mail and the sender's birthday from the mail. Further, the chemistry judging unit 43 reads out the user's (receiver's) birthday from the user Is information storing unit 5 1. (A signal line is not shown.) The chemistry judging unit 43 judges the chemistry between the sender and the user on the basis of the mail preparation date, the sender's birthday and the user's birthday. The chemistry judging unit 43 selects the point out of 1 to 6 according to the chemistry in order to display the point on the display part 30, to integrate it with the point stored in the point storing unit 55 and to store the integrated point in the point storing unit 55. The chemistry judging unit 27 43 outputs the inputted mail to the mail temporary storing unit 53 to display it on the display part 30 according to the command signal outputted from the control processing unit 41.

The construction of the storing part 50 will be explained.

The user's information storing unit 51 stores a plurality of pieces of information about a user having the mail exchanging device 1, that is, a user's name and a user's birthday, which are inputted into the mail exchanging device 1 when the mail exchanging device 1 is used for the first time. Further, the user's information storing unit 51 stores a clock for attaching a mail preparation date to the mail therein.

The mail temporary storing unit 53 is a buf f er f or storing a content of a mail inputted from the input part 20 and a mail which is read out from the mail memory card 110 through the chemistry judging unit 43 or the like, temporarily. When the inputted mail and the mail which has been read out are displayed on the display part 30, the mail temporary storing unit 53 stores an identif ication inf ormation about the mail which has been read out, such as a sender's name, a preparation date or the like, therein in order to judge whether the mail has been read out in the mail reading-out process or not.

The point storing unit 55 stores the point integrally, which is selected by the chemistry judging unit 43 therein. The character storing unit 57 stores the character storing table 57a therein.

28 The functional block construction of the mail memory card 110 and that of the point memory card 120 will be explained.

The mail storing part 111 of the mail memory card 110 is integrated into the memory 100a of the mail memory card 110. The mail storing part Ill stores the mail outputted from the mail exchanging device 1 through the card data input/output part 60 therein. The card point storing unit 121 of the point memory card 120 and the purchase table storing unit 123 thereof are integrated into the memory 100a of the mail memory card 120. The card point storing unit 121 stores the point therein. The purchase table storing unit 123 stores the character purchase table 123a therein.

The operations of the mail exchanging device 1, which are a mail writingin process, a mail reading-out process, a point transferring process and a character purchasing process, will be explained.

The mail writing-in process will be explained with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 shows data flow between the functional blocks and command signal flow therebetween in the mail writing-in process. In the mail writing-in process, when the mail memory card 110 is inserted into the inserting opening l0a, the memory 100a of the mail memory card 110 is connected to the card data input/output part 60. (This connecting operation is not shown in the f igure.) When the user uses the mail exchanging device 1 f or the f irst time, a user I s name and 29 a user's birthday are inputted from the input part 20 as a plurality of pieces of information about the user. Further, the present time and date are inputted from the input part 20. The inputted data are stored in the user's information storing unit 51. When a content of a mail and an address thereof are inputted from the input part 20 by the user, they are stored in the mail temporary storing unit 53 temporarily. When a command signal for writing the mail in the mail memory card 110 is inputted from the input part 20, the control processing unit 41 attaches the name and the birthday which are stored in the user v s inf ormation storing unit 51 and the mail preparation date to the mail stored in the mail temporary storing unit 53, as sender's information. The control processing unit 41 writes the mail in the mail storing part 111 of the mail memory card 110 through the card data input/output part 60. The process described above is the mail writing7in process.

After the mail reading-out process which will be explained below are carried out, the mail writing-in process maybe carried out for the mail memory card 110 as follows. When a new mail is written in the mail storing part 111 of the mail memory card 110, a mail which has been read out is deleted in order to write the new mail therein. In such a process, because the new mail is substituted for the mail which has been read out, one mail can be exchanged for another by using one mail memory card between a plurality of users having a mail exchanging device 1 each. Because the memory capacity of the mail memory card 110 can be saved, it is possible to reduce the cost of the mail exchanging device 1 according as the memory capacity of the memory card is reduced.

The mail reading-out process will be explained with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a view showing data flow between the functional blocks and command signal flow therebetween in the mail reading-out process. In the mail reading-out process, when the mail memory card 110 is inserted into the inserting opening 10a, the memory 100a of the mail memory card 110 is connected to the card data input/output part 60. (This connecting operation is not shown in the figure.) The control processing unit 41 judges whether a mail stored in the mail storing part 111 of the mail memory card 110 has been read out or not. That is, an identification information about a mail which has been read out is read out from the mail temporary storing unit 53. (This reading out operation is not shown in the figure.) Whether a mail stored in the mail storing part 111 has been read out or not is judged on the basisof the identification information. When the mail has not been read out, the control processing unit 41 reads out the mail stored in the mail storing part 111 through the card data input/output part 60 to output it to the chemistry judging unit 43.

When it is judged that the mail stored in the mail storing part 111 of the mail memory card 110 has been read out, the 31 control processing unit 41 does not output the mail to the chemistry judging unit 43 and outputs a message or the like to the display unit 30 in order to inform the user whether the mail which has been read out will be read out again. Then, the mail reading-out is finished.

The chemistry judging unit 43 f etches a sender's birthday and a mail preparation date which are the sender's information attached to the inputted mail to be sent to a user which is a receiver. Further, the chemistry judging unit 43 reads out the user's birthday from the user's information storing unit 51. (A signal line is not shown in the figure.) The chemistry judging unit 43 judges the chemistry between the sender and the user on the basis of the mail preparation date, the sender's birthday and the user's birthday in order to calculate a point. The chemistry judging unit 43 outputs the inputted mail to the mail temporary storing unit 53 in order to display the inputted mail on the display part 30. Further, the chemis try judging unit 43 outputs the calculated point to the point storing unit 55 in order to integrate the calculated point with the point stored in the point storing unit 55 and to store the integrated point in the point storing unit 55. The process described above is the mail reading-out process.

Although it is explained that the chemistry judging unit 43 carries out the above chemistry judgement by using the birthday, the chemistry judgement may be carried out by using 32 the blood type or the like or by using both of the blood type and the birthday. In this case, the user's blood type is also stored as an inf ormation to be stored in the user I s inf ormation storingunit5l. The user's blood type is written together with the mail during the mail writing- in process. The user Is blood type is read out together with the mail during the mail reading- out process. Therefore, the chemistry judgement can be carried out by using the blood type. Various chemistry judgements can be applied to the present invention.

The point transferring process will be explained with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a view showing data f low between the functional blocks and command signal flow therebetween in the point transferring process. In the point transferring process, when the point memory card 120 is inserted into the inserting opening 10a, the memory 100a of the point memory card 120 is connected to the card data input/output part 60. (This connecting operation is not shown in the figure.) When a command signal for transf erring the point stored in the point storing unit 55 to the point memory card 120 is inputted from the input part 20 by the user, the control processing part 41 outputs the point stored in the point storing unit 55 to the card point storing unit 121 of the point memory card 120 through the card data input/output part 60. When the point has been stored in the card point storing unit 121, the outputted point is integrated into the point which has been stored in the card 33 point storing unit 121 to store the integrated point in the card point storing unit 121. On the other hand, when a command signal f or transferring the point stored in the card point storing unit 121 to the point storing unit 55 is inputted from the input part 20, the control processing part 41 outputs the point stored in the card point storing unit 121 to the point storing unit 55 through the card data input/output part 60. When the point has been stored in the point storing unit 55, the outputted point is integrated into the point which has been stored in the point storing unit 55 to store the integrated point in the point storing unit 55. The process described above is the point transferring process.

The character purchasing process will be explained with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIGS. 8 and 9 are views showing data flow between the functional blocks and command signal flow therebetween in the character purchasing process. The character purchasing process is divided roughly into two steps which are a step for purchasing the character and a step for displaying the purchased character. FIG. 8 is a view showing the step f or purchasing the character. FIG. 9 is a view showing the step for displaying the purchased character.- The step for purchasing the character will be explained with reference to FIG. 8. When the point memory card 120 is inserted into the inserting opening 10a, the memory 100a of the point memory card 120 is connected to the card data input/output 34 part 60. (This connecting operation is not shown in the figure.) When a command signal for purchasing an unpurchased and desired character among the characters which can be purchased by using a point stored in the card point storing unit 121 is inputted from the input part 20 by the user, the control processing unit 41 sets a purchase flag corresponding to the character to be purchased as an "ON" signal indicating that the character has been purchased. A predetermined point corresponding to the character to be purchased is subtracted from the point stored in the card point storing unit 121. Although it is explained that the character is purchased only by using the point stored in the card point storing unit 121 in the present embodiment, the same step may be carried out by using the point stored in the point storing unit 55.

The step f or displaying the purchased character will be explained with ref erence to FIG. 9. The control processing unit 41 reads out the character purchase table 123a stored in the purchase table storing unit 123 of the point memory card 120 to fetch the character identification information corresponding to the purchase flag which is an "ON" signal indicating that the character has been purchased. When a command signal f or displaying a desired character is inputted from the input part 20 by the user and the purchase flag corresponding to the character to be displayed is an "ON" signal, the display permission flag of the character storing table 57a stored in the character storing unit 57, which corresponds to the character to be displayed is set as an ONR signal indicating that the character can be displayed A desired character is displayed on the display part 30 among the characters corresponding to the display permission flags which are stored in the character storing table 57a and which are "OW signals. The process described above is the character purchasing process.

In the purchasing process, it is explained that when the purchase flag of the character purchase table 123a stored in the purchase table storing unit 123 of the point memory card 120 changes from an "OFFu signal to an nONR signal indicating that the character has been purchased, the "OW signal is not changed into the "OFFn signal. However, when the display permission flag of the character storing table 57a stored in the character storing unit 57 of the mail exchanging device 1 is set from an ROFF" signal to an nON" signal indicating that the character can be displayed, that is, when the mail exchanging device 1 is set so as to permit the purchased character to be displayed, the purchase flag of the character purchase table 123a may be set from an "ON" signal to an "OFFn signal.

In this case, because the character which is stored in the point memory card 120 and which has been purchased is reset as an unpurchased character by displaying the character on the 36 mail exchanging device 1, the character which is the same as the reset character cannot be displayed on another user's mail exchanging device 1 even though the point memory card 120 is lent to another user. Therefore, the rarity that the character can be displayed can be increased.

As described above, the mail exchanging device 1 has a shape of a portable telephone. One mail exchanging device user exchanges mails with another by writing the mail in the mail memory card 110 and by reading out the written-in mail from the mail memory card 110. When the mail is written in the mail memory card 110, a user's birthday which is previously set to the mail exchanging device I and a mail preparation date are attached to the mail and are written in the mail memory card 110. When the mail is readout, the chemistry between the sender and the receiver is judged on the basis of the sender's birthday and the receiver's birthday which is set to the receiver I s mail exchanging device 1 in order to determine the point. After the point was stored in the point storing unit 55, the character purchasing process is carried out by using the point memory card 120. Therefore, a desired character can be displayed on the display part 30.

Because the mails are exchanged by using the mail memory card 110, it is possible to realize a cheap mail exchanging device. Because a mail is written in the mail memory card 110 and is read out from the mail memory card 110 by inserting the 37 memory card 110 into the inserting opening 10a, it is not necessary to carry out complex operations like an electronic mail. Therefore, children can use the above mail exchanging device by carrying out simple operations.

Because the mail exchanging device 1 has a shape of a portable telephone, children can have a virtual experience of using a real portable telephone. The mail exchanging device 1 can cause the children to f eel a desire to purchase the mail exchanging device and to have a will to use it. Because new character can be displayed according to the point stored up by using the mail exchanging device 1, it is possible to cause the users to have a will to use the mail. Therefore, the user can enjoy using the mall.

In the point transferring process, because the point stored in the point storing unit 55 can be transferred to the point memory card 120 and the point stored in the card point storing unit 121 of the point memory card 120 can be transferred to the point storing unit 55, it Is possible to present the point to another user having a mail exchanging device 1. The mail exchanging device 1 can be used variously.

Because the character itself to be displayed on the display part 30 is stored in the character storing table 57a of the character storing unit 57 and the character purchase table 123a for storing only purchase flags is stored in the purchase table storing unit 123 of the point memory card 120, 38 it is possible to save the memory capacity of the memory 100a. As a result, the cost of the point memory card 120 can be lower.

When the purchasing flag stored in the purchase table storing unit 123 of the point memory card 120 is an "ON" signal showing that a specific character has been purchased, the two mail exchanging device can set the same display permission f lag to an "ON" signal by lending the point memory card 120 to another user having a mail exchanging device. Therefore, the same specific character can be displayed. The mail exchanging device 1 can be more useful.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Various changes and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the function for predicting the suitable date for preparing mails and the suitable date for obtaining many points by previously estimating the chemistry between two users may be added to the mail exchanging device 1. It is not necessary that the character which can be purchased according to the point is fixed. The purchasable character may be changed randomly to provide a rare character. The mail exchanging device 1 not only displays the purchasable character but also may output a sound and may grow the character according to a degree of growth of the character, which corresponds to the point stored in the point storing unit 55 or stored in the point memory card 120. That is, the mail exchanging device I may comprise a growth 39 processing unit for growing the character or varying a degree of growth of character according to the point. The character storing unit 57 stores a degree of growth of the character and a display form of the character, which corresponds to the degree of the growth therein. The display part 30 displays the character according to the display f orm of the character thereon. Instead of displaying a character, a function f or playing a game, that is, a game unit may be added to the mail exchanging device 1. When the user wins at the game, the user can obtain a predetermined point. The obtained point is integrated with the point stored in the point storing unit 55 to store the integrated point in the point storing unit 55. The type of game, the amount thereof, the difficulty thereof, or the like may be changed according to the point. A new character may be displayed. When the user wins at the game, the degree of growth of the character, which is stored in the character storing unit 57 may be changed. The hero of the game or the heroine thereof may evolve and may be transformed. Therefore,- it is possible to increase the applicability of the mail exchanging device 1. Further, as a sender's information, the character stored in the character storing unit 57 is written in the memory card 100. The degree of growth of the character and the display f orm of the character, which corresponds to the degree of growth are written in the memory card 100.

The mail m6mory card 110 may have a password. The mail memory card 110 which can memorize a plurality of mails may be provided.

Although the mail exchanging device 1 has a shape of a portable telephone, the mail exchanging device 1 may have any shapes, f or example, a shape of a small notebook type of personal computer, that of portable information termination or the like, if the mail exchanging device 1 can input data into the memory card and can output data from the memory card.

The character may be grown by exchanging mails between the character and the user. That is, the mail exchanging device 1 may comprises a mail preparing unit for automatically preparing a mail including a message "I am hungry or the like, which the character appears to send as a sender. The user who receives the mail from the character exchanges mails with the character by sending a mail including a message "Are you all right?" or the like to the character. As a result, the character may be grown by exchanging mails. The degree of growth of the character may be changed on the basis of the number of time the mails are exchanged or a specific word included in a m411 which the user sends to the character, such as a message 'Fightl", "I like you very muchlw or the like. That is, the mail exchanging device 1 may comprise a growth varying unit for varying the degree of growth of the character, which is stored in the character storing unit 57, on the basis of a mail which the character appears to receive as a receiver. In this case, 41 the user can grow the character while the user is friendly with the character. The user can enjoy exchanging mails with the character alone without exchanging mails with a user's friend.

A function for informing the user that the mail is received from the character may be provided in the display part 30. A function for displaying a content of the mail on the display 30 forcedly when the mailis received from the character may be provided. A function for informing the user that the mail is received f rom the character, by using a melody or the like may be provided.

The mail exchanging device 1 may comprise a time and date specifying mail preparing unit for automatically preparing a mail which the character appears to send as a sender, on the specific day, such as New Year's Day, Christmas, the user's birthday stored in the user's information storing unit 51 or the like. In this case, the user can be friendly with the character strongly by preparing a mail including a message corresponding to the specific day. such as "Happy birthday to you! " or the like. Therefore, the user can enjoy exchanging mails with the character still more.

The mail which the character appears to send as a sender may be prepared at the time and on the date which are previously set by the user. In this case, although the user is informed visually, the mail exchanging device 1 comprises the function which Is same as an alarm of a clock. Because the character 42 appears to send the mail to the user, the user can have a friendly feeling toward the alarm itself.

A character displaying method which is dif f erent f rom the method carried out by growing the character with only one mail exchanging device 1 may be carried out by preparing a memory card for storing various display forms according to the degree of growth of the character therein to read out the display f orms from the memory card.

As a game installed in the mail exchanging device 1, a game for betting the stored point, such as a poker game, a slot machine, a lot game or the like may be prepared. FIGS. 10A and 10B are views showing an example of lot game displayed on the display part 30. When one lot is drawn from four lots as shown in FIG. 10A, the result of the lot game is displayed as shown in FIG. 10B. As a giveaway of the these games, an item for changing the degree of growth of the character, such as "a drug for making the character get well", wbread for causing the character not to be hungry", or the like, may be presented to the user. In this case, the user can be given great pleasure of growing the character. A memory card for games, in which these games are stored may be prepared. These games may be read out from the memory card by inserting the memory card into the inserting opening loa. In this case, as a giveaway, a new character stored in the memory card for games may be stored in the character storing unit 57 to display the new character by 43 the mail exchanging device 1.

Second Embodiment:

Next, the second embodiment of the mail exchanging device applied to the present invention will be explained with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13.

According to the second embodiment, a mail exchanging device 2 comprises not only the same functions as the mail exchanging device I of the f irst embodiment but also a unit f or making and outputting a melody (a music). The unit can attach a made melody to a mail as a sender's information. When the memory card is inserted in order to read out the mail, the unit can output a favorite melody.

Hereinafter, the mail exchanging device 2 of the second embodiment will be explained in detail. In the explanation of the present invention, the same reference numerals are attached to the elements corresponding to those of the mail exchanging device 1 of the f irst embodiment. The explanation f or them will be omitted. In order to clarify the difference between the first embodiment and the second embodiment, in the explanation of the second embodiment, the explanations for the chemistry judging unit 43, the point storing unit 55, the character storing unit 57 and the point memory card 120 are omitted. In FIGS. 12 and 13, these units are not shown.

FIG. 11 is a view showing an appearance of the mail 44 exchanging devIce 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The mail exchanging device 2 comprises an input part 20 and a display part 30 as exterior structural elements thereof. In order to be convenient to input a melody, an indication of a musical scale, such as do, re, mi or the like, that of a tempo of a music, that of a halftone and the like are printed on the portions 20a... which are below each key of the input part 20. As shown in FIG. 12, the mail exchanging device 2 comprises a processing part 40, a storing part 50, a card data input/output part 60, a melody output part 70, or the like as interior structural elements thereof.

The storing part 50 comprises a user's information storing unit 51, a mail temporary storing unit 53, a melody data storing unit 59, which are composed of a semiconductor memory or the like. The explanation of the user's information storing unit 51 and that of the mail temporary storing unit 53 are omitted because the two units are the same as those of the mail exchanging device 1 of the first embodiment.

The melody data storing unit 59 comprises a stored music data storing unit 591 composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory) or the like and a musical composition data storing unit 593 composed of a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like. In the stored music data storing unit 591, melody data for four melodies which are a rhythmical one, successive chimes or the like are previously stored. The melody data is a data in which a tempo information for setting a tempo of a music, a musical scale information for setting a musical scale, such as do, re, mi or the like, a note information for setting a length of a note or the like is written and is composed from the beginning of the melody in order. In the melody data f or one melody, a data for outputting a melody for a maximum of 10 seconds can be written.

The musical composition data storing unit 593 comprises a memory capacity for storing melody data for four melodies. The musical composition data storing unit 593 stores the melody data therein, which is related to a melody composed by the user and which is inputted from the input part 20. The number of melodies which can be stored as a melody data and the length thereof can be changed according to the memory capacity of the melody data storing unit 59.

The memory output part 70 comprises a signal converting unit f or converting an inputted melody data into a sound signal, a speaker f or outputting a sound on the basis of the sound signal generated by converting the inputted melody data. Not only the melody data stored in the stored music data storing unit 591 and in the musical composition data storing unit 593 but also the melody data which is read out from the mail memory card 110 in a mail reading-out process which will be described below are inputted into the memory output part 70.

one long sound is outputted by inputting a plurality of 46 the same short sounds successively. That is, for example, it Is assumed that all of the sounds are written by eighth notes. When the sound which is indicated by a quarter note is inputted into the mail exchanging device 2, the same two sounds which are Indicated by eighth notes are written successively. The melody output part 70 may output the sound indicated by a f ourth note, by outputting the two sounds indicated by eighth notes at a short interval at which a person cannot hear the sounds as two sounds.

The operations of the mail exchanging device 2 will be explained.

FIG. 12 is a view showing data f low between the functional blocks and command signal flow therebetween in the mail writing-in process according to the second embodiment.

In FIG. 12, a content of a mail and an address thereof are inputted from the input part 20 by the user. A melody data to be attached to the mail is selected from the melody data storing unit 59. The control processing unit 41 stores the inputted content of the mail, the address thereof, a selection information about the selected melody data or the like in the mail temporary storing unit 53 temporarily.

When a command signal for writing the mail in the mail memory card 110 Is inputted from the input part 20, the control processing unit 41 attaches the name and the birthday which are stored in the user's information storing unit 51, the mail 47 preparation date and the melody data selected f rom the melody data storing unit 59 to the mail stored in the mail temporary storing unit 53, as sender's information. The control processing unit 41 writes the mail in the mail storing part 111 of the mail memory card 110 through the card data input/output part 60. The process described above is the mail writing-in process.

FIG. 13 is a view showing data f low between the functional blocks and command signal flow therebetween in the mail reading-out process according to the second embodiment.

In FIG. 13, the control processing unit 41 judges whether a mail stored in the mail storing part Ill of the mail memory card 110 inserted into the inserting opening 10a has been read out or not.

When the mail has not been read out, the control processing unit 41 reads out the mail stored in the mail storing part 111 to output the mail to the mail temporary storing unit 53 and to display the mail on the display part 30. Further, the control processing unit 41 judges whether a melody data is attached to the mail read out from the mail storing part 111 or not. When the melody data is attached to the mail, the control processing unit 41 outputs the melody data to the memory output part 70 to output a melody (a music). The process described above is the mail reading-out process.

In the mail reading-out process, when the melody data is 48 not attached to the mail, the mail exchanging device 2 may be set so as to output a melody which is previously selected from the melody data storing unit 59. By previously setting a melody corresponding to a friend's name, when a mail which is received from the friend (the sender) is read out, the corresponding melody may be outputted. Even though a melody to be outputted is previously set, when a melody data is attached to the mail, the attached melody data is read out to output the melody corresponding to the attached melody data prior to the set melody.

As described above, the mail exchanging device 2 of the second embodiment can not only make a melody to output it but also attach the made melody to a mail as a sender's information in order to output the attached melody when the mail is read out.

Therefore, the mail exchanging device 2 can give the user great pleasure of making a melody and that of reading out the mail. Further, the mail exchanging device 2 can judge whether the mail has been read out or not immediately. By previously setting a melody corresponding to a sender, when a mail which is received from the sender is read out, the corresponding melody may be outputted. As a result,. it is possible to know who sends the mail immediately.

In the second embodiment, although it is explained that the melody data which is read out from the mail memory card 110 49 is outputted to the melody output part 70 in order to output a melody (a music), the melody data may be stored in the musical composition data storing unit 593. In this case, even though there is no mail memory card 110, the user can enjoy using only the mail exchanging device 2 by writing the melody composed by a friend in the mail exchanging device 2.

It is explained that only when the mail has been read out, the melody data attached to the mail is read out to output the melody. However, whether the mail has been read out or not, the melody data may be read out to output the melody when the mail memory card 110 is inserted into the inserting opening 10a.

The mall exchanging device 2 may have a construction in which the melody output part 70 outputs a melody corresponding to the character stored in the character storing unit 57. The mail exchanging device 2 may further comprise a relating unit for relating the melody data selected by the user from a plurality of melody data stored in the melody data storing unit 59, with the character stored in the character storing unit 57. As a result, the melody output part 70 can output a theme music corresponding to the character on the basis of the melody data related with the character.

Similarly to the mail exchanging device I of the f irst embodiment, the mail exchanging device 2 may comprise a game function. The memory card for games may be prepared. As a giveaway of the game, a new character may be stored in the mail so exchanging device 2 and be displayed on the display part 30. In this case, further, the mail exchanging device 2 may have a construction in which the melody corresponding to the character can be obtained as a giveaway.

Although it is explained that the mail exchanging device 2 attaches the melody to the mail as a sender's information, the mail exchanging device 2 may attach the character stored in the character storing unit 57 or the character obtained by the game function to the mail as a sender's information in order to display the attached character when the mail is read out.

According to the present invention, because mails can be exchanged with each other by using the memory card, a cheap mail exchanging device can be realized. Because a mail is written in the memory card and is read out from the memory card by inserting the memory card into the inserting opening, it is not necessary to carry out complex operations like an electronic mail. Therefore, children can use the above mail exchanging device by carrying out simple operations. Because the mail exchanging device can be easily downsized by using the memory card to exchange mails with each other, the portable mail exchanging device can be realized.

Because the mail which has not been read out is automatically read out without carrying out the reading-out operation f or mails at the time that the memory card is inserted 51 into the inserting opening, mails can be exchanged with each other by carrying out simpler operations.

Because mails are not written- in the memory card one af ter another, it is possible to save the memory capacity of the memory card and to realize the cheap mail exchanging device by using the memory card having a little memory capacity.

Because the sender's information can be read out from the memory card and can be written in the memory card with the mail, it is possible to identify one sender among others, f or example, by using a sender's portrait as a sender's information. Amail receiver can obtain a mail exchanging device user's attached information such as the sender's birthday information or the like as a sender's information.

Because the musical data (melody data) is written in the memory card as a sender's information, the mail exchanging device can give the user great pleasure of reading out the mail by reading out the musical data to output a melody when the mail is read out from the memory card.

It is possible to display a new character according to the point stored by using the mail exchanging device. Thepoint can be increased by playing a game. As a result, it is possible to cause the user to be eager to use the mail exchanging device. Further, the mail exchanging device can give the user great pleasure of using the mail.

Because the character is written in the memory card as 52 a sender's information, it is possible to give the user great pleasure of reading out the mail by displaying the character when the mail is read out from the memory card.

Because the point memorized in the point memorizing unit can be transferred to the point memory card and the point memorized in the point memory card can be transferred to the point memorizing unit, it is possible to present the point to another user having a mail exchanging device. The mail exchanging device can be used variously.

Because the character itself is memorized in the character memorizing unit and the purchasing status is memorized in the point memory card, it is possible to save the memory capacity of the point memory card. As a result, the cost of the point memory card can be lower. When the purchasing status memorized in the point memory card shows that a specific character has been purchased, the two mail exchanging device can display the same specific character by lending the point memory card to another user having a mail exchanging device. Because the same specific character can be displayed, the mail exchanging device can be more useful.

The display f orm of the character can be changed variously by growing the character. The degree of growth of the character can be changed by exchanging the mail or by playing a game - A sound can be outputted. Therefore, the mail exchanging device which suits user's taste can be realized. The mail exchanging 53 device can be applied variously.

Because a theme music corresponding to the character can be selected and outputted, the user can enjoy the mail exchanging device variously.

The user can be friendly with the character strongly by automatically preparing a mail on the specific day, such as Christmas, the user Is birthday or the like. Because the mail is automatically made at the time which is designated by the user, it is possible to add a function like an alarm of a clock to the mail exchanging device.

Because the mail exchanging device has a shape of a portable telephone, children can have a virtual experience of using a real portable telephone. The mail exchanging device can cause the children to feel a desire to purchase the mail exchanging device and to have a will to use it.

Because mail can be exchanged by using the memory card, it is not necessary to carry out complex operations-like an electronic mail. Therefore, children can use the above mail exchanging device by carrying out simple operations. Because the character data is sent and received through the memory card, favorite characters can be exchanged between the friends having the mail exchanging devices. Further, it is possible to display the character by each mail exchanging device.

Because mail can be exchanged by using the memory card, it is possible to realize a cheap mail exchanging device.

54 Because a mail is written in the memory card and is read out from the memory card by inserting the memory card into the inserting opening, it is not necessary to carry out complex operations like an electronic mail. Therefore, children can use the above mail exchanging device by carrying out simple operations. Because the mail exchanging device can be easily downsized by using the memory card to exchange mails with each other, the portable mail exchanging device can be realized.

It is possible to display the character according to the point stored by exchanging mails. It is possible to cause the user to be eager to use the mail exchanging device. Further, the mail exchanging device can give the user great pleasure of using the mail.

Because the character can be obtained according to the result of playing the game, that is, the character can be displayed, the user can be given not only great pleasure of exchanging mails but also that of displaying the character by playing the game.

The mail exchanging device not only can display the character by playing the game but also can change the degree of growth of the character. For example, when the user loses the game, the character gets ill. When the user obtains "a drug for making the character get well" by playing a lot game, the character gets well.

Because the sound corresponding to the character is outputted, for example, by outputting the theme music of the character, the user can enjoy the character visually and audibly. The user can enjoy the mail exchanging device variously.

The entire disclosures of Japanese Patent Application Nos. Tokugan-Hei 10361273 filed on December 18, 1998, 11-196466 filed on July 9, 1999 and 11291544 filed on October 13, 1999, including specification, claims drawings and summary are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

56

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A mail exchanging device comprising; an inserting opening for inserting and extracting a memory card, a writing-in unit for writing a mail in the memory card inserted into the inserting opening, and a reading-out unit for reading out the mall from the memory card which is inserted into the inserting opening and in which the mail is written.

2. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 1; wherein when the memory card in which a mail which has not been read out is written is inserted into the inserting opening, the reading -out unit automatically reads out the mail which has not been read out. and when the memory card in which a mail which has been read out is written is inserted into the inserting opening, the reading-out unit does not automatically read out the mail which has been read out.

3. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 1; wherein when a mail has already been written in the memory card inserted into the inserting opening, the writing-in unit deletes the mail which has already been written in the memory card and writes a new mail therein.

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4. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 1; wherein when the writing-in unit writes a mail in the memory card, the writing- in unit f urther writes a sender s inf ormation, and when the reading-out unit reads out a mail f rom the memory card, the reading-out unit further reads out the sender's information.

5. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 4; wherein the writingin unit further writes a musical data as the sender's information in the memory card.

6. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 1; further comprising a point memorizing unit for adding a predetermined point to memorize It therein when the reading-out unit reads out a mail from the memory card.

7. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 4, further comprising; a point determining unit for judging a chemistry between a user and a sender on the basis of a user's information which is previously set and the sender's information when the reading-out unit reads out a mail from the memory card, and for determininga point on the basis of the chemistry, and a point memorizing unit for adding the point determined 58 by the point determining unit to memorize it therein.

8. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a game unit for playing a game and for additionally memorizing a predetermined point in the point memorizing unit when the game unit judges that a user wins at the game.

9. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 6, further comprising; a character memorizing unit for memorizing a plurality of characters therein, and a displaying unit for selecting a character according to the point memorized in the point memorizing unit and for reading out the selected character from the character memorizing unit to display it.

10. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 8, further comprising; a character memorizing unit for memorizing a plurality of characters therein, and a displaying unit for selecting a character according to the point memorized in the point memorizing unit and f or reading out the selected character from the character memorizing unit to display it.

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11. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 9, the writing-in unit further writes the character which is memorized in the character memorizing unit, in the memory card.

12. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a point transferring unit for transferring a point memorized in a point memory card inserted into the inserting opening to the point memorizing unit, and for transferring a point memorized in the point memorizing unit to the point memory card.

13. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a point transferring unit for transferring a point memorized in a point memory card inserted into the inserting opening to the point memorizing unit, and for transferring a point memorized in the point memorizing unit to the point memory card.

14. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 13, f urther comprising a purchasing unit f or purchasing a character by exchanging the point memorized in the point memorizing unit or the point memorized in the point memory card f or the character, and for memorizing a purchasing status of the purchased character in the point memory card, wherein the displaying unit reads out the purchased character of which the purchasing status is memorized in the point memory card f rom the character memorizing unit to display it.

15. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 13, further comprising a growth processing unit for growing the character memorized in the character memorizing unit according to the point memorized in the point memorizing unit or the point memorized In the point memory card, wherein the character memorizing unit further memorizes a degree of growth of the character grown by the growth processing unit and a display form of the character, which corresponds to the degree of the growth, and the displaying unit displays the character according to the display form memorized in the character memorizing unit.

16. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the character memorizing unit further memorizes a degree of growth of the character memorized therein and a display form of the character, which corresponds to the degree of growth thereof, the mail exchanging device further comprises a growth processing unit for varying the degree of growth of the character, which is memorized in the character memorizing unit, 61 according to the point memorized in the point memorizing unit or the point memorized in the point memory card, and the character is displayed by the displaying unit according to the display form of the character, which is memorized in the character memorizing unit.

17. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the character memorizing unit further memorizes a degree of growth of the character memorized therein and a display form of the character, which corresponds to the degree of growth thereof, the mail exchanging device further comprises, a mail making unit f or automatically making a mail which the character memorized in the character memorizing unit appears to send as a sender and a growth varying unit for varying the degree of growth of the character, which is memorized in the character memorizing unit, on the basis of a mail which the character appears to receive as a receiver, and the character is displayed by the displaying unit according to the display form of the character, which is memorized in the character memorizing unit.

18. The mall exchanging device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the character memorizing unit further memorizes a 62 degree of growth of the character memorized therein and a display form of the character, which corresponds to the degree of growth thereof, the game unit varies the degree of growth of the character, which is memorized in the character memorizing unit when the game unit judges that a user wins at the game, and the character is displayed by the displaying unit according to the display form of the character, which is memorized in the character memorizing unit.

19. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a sound outputting unit for outputting a sound corresponding to the character memorized in the character memorizing unit.

20. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claims 19, further comprising; a musical data memorizing unit for memorizing a musical data, and a relating unit for relating the musical data memorized in the musical data memorizing unit, with the character memorized in the character memorizing unit, wherein the sound outputting unit outputs a sound corresponding to the character memorized in the character memorizing unit, on the basis of the musical data related with 63 the character by the relating unit.

21. The mall exchanging device as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a time and date specific mail making unit for automatically making a mail which the character memorized in the character memorizing unit appears to send as a sender, at a predetermined time.

22. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an external f orm of the mail exchanging device is a shape of a portable telephone.

23. A mail exchanging device for exchanging mails by writing a mail in a memory card and by reading out the mail from the memory card, wherein a character data is sent and received through the memory card.

24. A mail exchanging device comprising; an inserting opening for inserting and extracting a memory card, a writing-in unit for writing a mail in the memory card inserted into the inserting opening, a readingout unit for reading out the mail from the memory card which is inserted into the inserting opening and 64 in which the mail is written, and a character memorizing unit f or memorizing a plurality of characters therein, wherein the writing-in unit further writes a sender's information when the mail is written in the memory card, the writing-in unit further writes the character memorized in the character memorizing unit in the memory card as the sender's information, and the reading-out unit further reads out the sender's information when the mail is read out from the memory card.

25. A mail exchanging device for exchanging mails by writing a mail in a memory card and by reading out the mail f rom the memory card, wherein a predetermined point is added by reading out the mail, and a character is displayed according to the added point.

26. A mail exchanging device comprising; an inserting opening f or inserting and extracting a mail, a writing-in unit for writing a mail in the memory card inserted into the inserting opening, a reading-out unit for reading out the mail from the memory card which is inserted Into the inserting opening and in which the mail is written, a point memorizing unit for adding a predetermined point to memorize it therein when the reading-out unit reads out the mail from the memory card, a character memorizing unit for memorizing a plurality of characters therein, and a displaying unit for selecting a character according to the point memorized in the point memorizing unit and f or reading out the selected character from the character memorizing unit to display it.

27. A mail exchanging device for exchanging mails by writing a mail in a memory card and by reading out the mail f rom the memory card, wherein a character is obtained according to a result of a game, and the obtained character is displayed.

28. A mail exchanging device comprising; an inserting opening f or inserting and extracting a mail, a writing-in unit for writing a mail in the memory card inserted into the Inserting opening, a reading-out unit for reading out the mail from the memory card which is Inserted into the inserting opening and in which the mail is written, a character memorizing unit for memorizing a plurality of characters in a status in which the character is permitted to be displayed or in a status in which the character is not 66 permitted to be displayed, and a game unit for playing a predetermined game, wherein a predetermined character which is selected from the plurality of characters memorized in the character memorizing unit is permitted to be displayed according to a result of the predetermined game which is played by the game unit.

29. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 27, wherein the mail exchanging device changes a degree of growth of the character according to the result of the game.

30. A mail exchanging device substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

30. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 28, wherein a degree of growth of the character memorized in the character memorizing unit is changed according to the result of the predetermined game which is played by the game unit.

31. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 23, wherein the mail exchanging device outputs a sound corresponding to a character.

32. A mail exchanging device substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in the accaTpanying drawings.

& 7 Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1, - 1 A mail exchanging device comprising; an inserting opening for inserting and extracting a memory card, a writing-in unit for writing a mail in the memory card inserted into the inserting opening, and a reading-out unit for reading out the mail from the memory card which is inserted into the inserting opening and in which the mail is written, wherein when the memory card in which a mail which has not been read out is written is inserted into the inserting opening, the reading- out unit automatically reads out the mail which has not been read out, and when the memory card in which a mail which has been read out is written is inserted into the inserting opening, the reading-out unit does not automatically read out the mail which has been read out.

2. A mail exchanging device comprising; an inserting opening for inserting and extracting a memory card, a writing-in unit for writing a mail in the memory card inserted into the inserting opening, and a reading-out unit for reading out the mail from the memory card which is inserted into the inserting opening and in which the mail is written, wherein when a mail has already been written in the memory card inserted into the inserting opening, the writing-in unit deletes the mail which has already been written in the memory card and writes a new mail therein.

,e (A/ 3. A mail exchanging device comprising; an inserting opening for inserting and extracting a memory card, a writing-in unit for writing a mail in the memory card inserted into the inserting opening, and a reading-out unit for reading out the mail from the memory card which is inserted into the inserting opening and in which the mail is written, wherein when the writing-in unit writes a mail in the memory card, the writing-in unit further writes a sender's information, and when the reading-out unit reads out a mail from the memory card, the reading-out unit further reads out the sender's information.

4. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising a point memorizing unit for adding a predetermined point to memorize it therein when the reading-out unit reads out a mail from the memory card.

5. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 3, further comprising; a point determining unit for judging a chemistry between a user and a sender on the basis of a user's information which is previously set and the sender's information when the reading-out unit reads out a mail from the memory card, and for determining a point on the basis of the chemistry, and a point memorizing unit for adding the point determined by the point determining unit to memorize it therein.

6. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a game unit for playing a game and for additionally memorizing a predetermined point in the point memorizing unit when the game unit judges that a user wins at the game.

7. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 4, further comprising; a character memorizing unit f or memorizing a plurality of characters therein, and a displaying unit for selecting a character according to the point memorized in the point memorizing unit and f or reading out the selected character from the character memorizing unit to display it.

8. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 6, further comprising; a character memorizing unit for memorizing a plurality of characters therein, and a displaying unit for selecting a character according to the point memorized in the point memorizing unit and for reading out the selected character from the character memorizing unit to display it.

9. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 7, the writing-in unit further writes the character which is memorized in the character memorizing unit, in the memory card.

10. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a point transferring unit for transferring a point memorized in a point memory card inserted into the inserting opening to the point memorizing unit, and for transferring a point memorized in the point memorizing unit to the point memory card.

11. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a point transferring unit for transferring a point memorized in a point memory card inserted into the inserting opening to the point memorizing unit, and for transferring a point memorized in the point memorizing unit to the point memory card.

12. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a purchasing unit for purchasing a character by exchanging the point memorized in the point memorizing unit or the point memorized in the point memory card for the character, and for memorizing a purchasing status of the purchased character in the point memory card, 6 -y 7( wherein the displaying unit reads out the purchased character of which the purchasing status is memorized in the point memory card f rom the character memorizing unit to display it.

13. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a growth processing unit for growing the character memorized in the character memorizIng unit according to the point memorized in the point memorizing unit or the point memorized in the point memory card, wherein the character memorizing unit further memorizes a degree of growth of the character grown by the growth processing unit and a display form of the character, which corresponds to the degree of the growth, and the displaying unit displays the character according to the display form memorized in the character memorizing unit.

14. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the character memorizing unit further memorizes a degree of growth of the character memorized therein and a display f orm of the character, which corresponds to the degree of growth thereof, the mail exchanging device further comprises a growth processing unit for varying the degree of growth of the character, which is memorized in the character memorizing unit, 7 1 according to the point memorized in the point memorizing unit or the point memorized in the point memory card, and the character is displayed by the displaying unit according to the display form of the character, which is memorized in the character memorizing unit.

15.. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the character memorizing unit furtlier memorizes a degree of growth of the character memorized therein and a display form of the character, which corresponds to the degree of growth thereof, the mail exchanging device further comprises, a mail making unit for automatically making a mail which the character memorized in the character memorizing unit appears to send as a sender and a growth varying unit for varying the degree of growth of the character, which is memorized in the character memorizing unit, on the basis of a mail which the character appears to receive as a receiver, and the character is displayed by the displaying unit according to the display form of the character, which is memorized in the character memorizing unit.

16. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the character memorizing unit further memorizes a -7 3 degree of growth of the character memorized therein and a display form of the character, which corresponds to the degree of growth thereof, the game unit varies the degree of growth of the character, which is memorized in the character memorizing unit when the game unit judges that a user wins at the game, and the character is displayed by the displaying unit according to the display form of the charaucter, which is memorized in the character memorizing unit.

17. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a sound outputting unit for outputting a sound corresponding to the character memorized in the character memorizing unit.

18. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claims 17, further comprising; a musical data memorizing unit for memorizing a musical data, and a relating unit for relating the musical data memorized in the musical data memorizing unit, with the character memorized in the character memorizing unit, wherein the sound outputting unit outputs a sound corresponding to the character memorized in the character memorizing unit, on the basis of the musical data related with the character by the relating unit.

19. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a time and date specific mail making unit for automatically making a mail which the character memorized in the character memorizing unit appears to send as a sender, at a predetermined time.

19 1 20. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein an external form of the mail exchanging device is a shape of a portable telephone.

21. A mail exchanging device for exchanging mails by writing a mail in a memory card and by reading out the mail from the memory card.

wherein a character data is sent and received through the memory card.

22. A mail exchanging device comprising; an inserting opening for inserting and extracting a memory card, a writing-in unit for writing a mail in the memory card inserted into the inserting opening, a reading-out unit for reading out the mail from the memory card which is inserted into the inserting opening and in which the mail is written, and a character memorizing unit for memorizing a plurality of characters therein, wherein the writing-in unit further writes a sender's information when the mail is written in the memory card, the writing-in unit further writes the character memorized in the character memorizing unit in the memory card as the sender's information, and the reading-out unit further reads out the sender's information when the mail is read out from the memory card.

23. A mail exchanging device for exchanging mails by writing a mail in a memory card and by reading out the mail f rom the memory card, wherein a predetermined point is added by reading out the mail, and a character is displayed according to the added point.

24. A mail exchanging device comprising; an inserting opening f or inserting and extracting a mail, a writing-in unit for writing a mail in the memory card inserted into the inserting opening, a reading-out unit for reading out the mail from the memory card which is inserted into the inserting opening and in which the mail is written, a point memorizing unit for adding a predetermined point -7 to memorize it therein when the reading-out unit reads out the mail from the memory card, a character memorizing unit for memorizing a plurality of characters therein, and a displaying unit for selecting a character according to the point memorized in the point memorizing unit and for reading out the selected character from the character memorizing unit to display it.

25. A mail exchanging device for exchanging mails by writing a mail in a memory card and by reading out the mail from the memory card, wherein a character is obtained according to a result of a game, and the obtained character is displayed.

26. A mail exchanging device comprising; an inserting opening for inserting and extracting a mail, a writing-in unit for writing a mail in the memory card inserted into the inserting opening, a reading-out unit for reading out the mail from the memory card which is inserted into the inserting opening and in which the mail is written, a character memorizing unit for memorizing a plurality of characters in a status in which the character is permitted to be displayed or in a status in which the character is not -"-' -7 7 permitted to be displayed, and a game unit for playing a predetermined game, wherein a predetermined character which is selected from the plurality of characters memorized in the character memorizing unit is permitted to be displayed according to a result of the predetermined game which is played by the game unit.

27. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 25, wherein the mail exchanging device changes a degree of growth of the character according to the result of the game.

28. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 26, wherein a degree of growth of the character memorized in the character memorizing unit is changed according to the result of the predetermined game which is played by the game unit.

29. The mail exchanging device as claimed in claim 21. wherein the mail exchanging device outputs a sound corresponding to a character.