JP2002143563A - Electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide interesting electronic equipment that makes behave as in a human society by making a character of a virtual organism or a living thing in a screen freely go out. SOLUTION: Electronic equipment 1 stores an image concerning a virtual organism or the like in an image storage section 3, displays the stored image on a display section 9, and receives radio waves from a base station by an antenna 13 connected to a transmission means 11, and has a control device 2 displaying the stored image and controlling the receiving means, and the control device 2 receives character information from the base station by the receiving means 11 through the antenna 13 stores the character information in the image storage section 3 and displays a related image.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus having a character of a virtual creature or a creature living on its own screen, and more particularly, to an electronic apparatus capable of allowing a character of a virtual creature or a creature to go out. It concerns the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various electronic game apparatuses for keeping pets such as dogs and cats within a predetermined screen have been proposed and sold. Conventional electronic game devices of this type include, for example, JP-A-7-261962 and JP-A-7-261962.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. -281819 is known. In the conventional example disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-261962, a light emitting element and a light receiving element are provided in an apparatus main body, and infrared light from the light emitting element is reflected by a hand or the like by a user (player) in a non-contact operation. The light is received by the light receiving element. And, since the data of the dog character of the plurality of patterns and the biorhythm of the dog character are stored in the memory, the number of times of the non-contact operation and the data of the dog character corresponding to the biorhythm of the day are selectively read out from the memory and displayed. I try to make it. Thus, a character image that matches the physical condition of the dog character can be selectively displayed.

In the conventional example disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-281819, a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element are provided in an apparatus main body, and infrared light from the light-emitting element is reflected by a hand or the like by a user's non-contact operation. The non-contact operation distance is detected by causing the light receiving element to receive light. In addition, since a plurality of types of dog character data whose movements have changed, such as a dog turning around and a dog holding a hand, and sound effect data thereof are stored in the memory, the dog character data is stored in the memory in accordance with the non-contact operation distance. From the speaker and display it, and the sound effect is generated from a speaker. As a result, a character image in accordance with a gesture command by the user's hand can be selectively displayed.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional examples, the character image always stays on the display screen of the electronic game device owned by the user and acts. Did not exist before.

[0005] The present invention has been devised in view of the above, and allows a virtual creature or a creature character on a screen to freely go out to perform an action similar to that of a human society. It is an object to provide a high electronic device.

[0006]

Means for Solving the Problems The invention according to claim 1 of the present application relates to an electronic apparatus, and an image storage unit for storing an image relating to a virtual creature, a display unit for displaying the image, and a base station. An antenna for receiving radio waves from the antenna, receiving means connected to the antenna, and a control device for controlling the display and reception of the image, the control device transmits character information from a base station to the antenna And the character information is received in the image storage unit and the related image is displayed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electronic apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the electronic apparatus includes an antenna for receiving character information, and an operation unit including a key switch including numeric keys and function keys. A microphone that inputs voice information, a speaker that outputs voice information, and a receiving unit that receives data information such as text information, voice information, and image information via the antenna based on an input from the operation unit. And a control device that is instructed by the operation unit and controls the display and reception of the image, and is a mobile phone that communicates via a predetermined base station.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One example of an embodiment of an electronic apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [First Embodiment] In the first embodiment, for example,
Mobile phones, simplified mobile phones (PHS), pagers,
The present invention is applied to an appropriate electronic device such as an electronic organizer having various communication functions, various game machines, and personal computers. Electronic equipment 1
Has an image storage unit that stores a plurality of images related to the motion of a virtual creature or a creature character and images of other virtual creatures or creature characters. The ROM 3 is used as the image storage unit. The ROM 3 is fixedly provided in the electronic device 1. Of course, ROM3 is RO
The ROM cartridge may be provided in the M cartridge, and the ROM cartridge may be detachably provided to the electronic apparatus 1. Also, ROM
Instead of 3, an appropriate recording medium may be used.
That is, when the electronic apparatus 1 is small, for example,
When formed compactly so as to be portable, a ROM, an EEPROM, an SRAM, or the like is fixedly or detachably provided as the storage unit. When the electronic apparatus 1 is relatively large, for example, when incorporated in a personal computer system, the storage unit may be, for example, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a DVD. And other suitable recording media.

The electronic apparatus 1 has a display unit 9 for displaying the virtual creature or creature character. As the display unit 9, an appropriate display such as a liquid crystal display is used. Further, the control device 2 includes a control device 2 that reads an image of a virtual creature or a creature character from the ROM 3 and displays the image on the display unit 9. Also, an operation unit 7 for letting the virtual creature or creature character go out
And a transmission unit for transmitting out-of-home information of a virtual creature or a creature character to another electronic device when the operation unit 7 is operated. At this time, the control device 2 controls the display unit 9 to display an image indicating that the virtual creature or the creature character goes out when transmitting the go-out information. When the out-of-home information is transmitted from another electronic apparatus, the electronic device has a receiving unit that receives the out-of-home information.
At this time, the control device 2 causes the display unit 9 to display an image indicating that another virtual creature or a creature character has arrived when receiving out-of-home information from another electronic device. The transmitting means and the receiving means are provided in the transmitting / receiving circuit 11. In the first embodiment, not only the case where a virtual creature or a creature character goes out temporarily,
This includes the case of leaving home for a long period of time, that is, leaving home. In other words, when the player takes care of the virtual creature or the character of the creature with a low degree, or grows into a virtual creature with a selfish character, the player may not return for a long time while going out, so-called leaving home. . Further, the image indicating that the character goes out includes a moving image indicating a state of going out as a dynamic image and a still image indicating a static image. Similarly, the image indicating that the character has arrived includes a moving image indicating the appearance of the character as a dynamic image and a still image indicating a static image.

[Second Embodiment] In the second embodiment, for example, a portable telephone, a simple portable telephone (PH
S), a pager, an electronic organizer having a communication function, various game machines, personal computers, and other appropriate electronic devices.
The electronic device 1 has an image storage unit that stores a plurality of images related to the movement of a virtual creature or a creature character and images of other virtual creatures or creature characters. The ROM 3 is used as the image storage unit. ROM3
Is fixedly provided in the electronic apparatus 1. of course,
The ROM 3 may be provided in a ROM cartridge, and the ROM cartridge may be provided detachably to the electronic device 1. Further, an appropriate recording medium may be used instead of the ROM 3. That is, when the electronic apparatus 1 is small, for example, when the electronic apparatus 1 is compactly formed so as to be portable, the storage unit may be a ROM, an EEPROM, or the like.
M, SRAM, and the like are fixedly or detachably provided. When the electronic apparatus 1 is large, for example, when incorporated in a personal computer system, the storage unit may be, for example, a CD-ROM,
An appropriate recording medium such as a DR, a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a DVD is used.

The electronic apparatus 1 has a display unit 9 for displaying the virtual creature or creature character. As the display unit 9, an appropriate display such as a liquid crystal display is used. Further, the control device 2 includes a control device 2 that reads an image of a virtual creature or a creature character from the ROM 3 and displays the image on the display unit 9. Also, an operation unit 7 for letting the virtual creature or creature character go out
And a transmission unit for transmitting out-of-home information of a virtual creature or a creature character to another electronic device when the operation unit 7 is operated. At this time, the control device 2 controls the display unit 9 to display a marker indicating that the virtual creature or the creature character is going out when transmitting the go-out information. When the out-of-home information is transmitted from another electronic apparatus, the electronic device has a receiving unit that receives the out-of-home information. At this time, the control device 2 causes the display unit 9 to display a marker indicating that another virtual creature or a creature character has arrived when receiving out-of-home information from another electronic device. The transmitting means and the receiving means are provided in the transmitting / receiving circuit 11. Note that the second embodiment includes not only a case where a virtual creature or a creature character temporarily goes out, but also a case where a character does not return for a long time while going out, that is, goes home. In other words, when the player grows into a selfish personal virtual creature due to a low degree of care for the virtual creature or the character of the creature, the player may not return for a long time while going out, that is, may run away from home. .

[Third Embodiment] In the second embodiment, for example, a portable telephone, a simple portable telephone (PH
S), a pager, an electronic organizer having a communication function, various game machines, personal computers, and other appropriate electronic devices.
The electronic device 1 has an image storage unit that stores a plurality of images related to the movement of a virtual creature or a creature character and images of other virtual creatures or creature characters. The ROM 3 is used as this storage unit. The ROM 3 is fixedly provided in the electronic device 1. Of course, RO
M3 may be provided in a ROM cartridge, and the ROM cartridge may be detachably provided to the electronic device 1. Further, an appropriate recording medium may be used instead of the ROM 3. That is, when the electronic device 1 is small, for example, when it is compactly formed so as to be portable, the above-mentioned storage unit may be a ROM, an EEPROM,
An SRAM or the like is fixedly or detachably provided. When the electronic apparatus 1 is large, for example,
When incorporated in a personal computer system, the storage unit may be, for example, a CD-ROM, a CD-ROM, or the like.
An appropriate recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a DVD is used.

There is provided a display unit 9 for displaying the character of the virtual creature or creature. As the display unit 9, an appropriate display such as a liquid crystal display is used. And the ROM 3
And a control device 2 for performing control for reading an image of a virtual creature or a creature character from the display unit and displaying the image on the display unit 9. In addition, the electronic device includes an operation unit 7 for letting the virtual creature or the character of the creature go out, and when the operation unit 7 is operated, sends outgoing information of the virtual creature or the creature to another electronic device. It has transmission means. As described above, when transmitting the outside information, the control device 2 controls the display unit 9 to display an image indicating that the virtual creature or the creature character is going out.
In addition, the control device 2 causes the display unit 9 to display an image indicating that the virtual creature or the creature character has returned after a predetermined time has elapsed after the virtual creature or the creature character has gone out. As a result, the virtual creature or creature that has gone out has an operation as if it returned after a predetermined time has elapsed. When the out-of-home information is transmitted from another electronic apparatus, the electronic device has a receiving unit that receives the out-of-home information. The receiving means and the transmitting means are provided with a transmitting / receiving circuit 11
Is provided. When the receiving unit receives the outside information from another electronic device, the control unit causes the display unit to display an image indicating that another virtual creature or a creature character has arrived. In addition, the control device 2 causes the display unit 9 to display an image indicating that another virtual creature or a creature character returns after a predetermined time has elapsed since the reception of the outside information. As a result, the virtual creature or the character of the creature that has come to play has an operation as if it returned after a predetermined time has elapsed.

The control device 2 displays an image or a marker on the display unit 9 indicating that the virtual creature or the creature character is out of the home from the time it goes out to the time it returns, so that the virtual It is easy to visually recognize that a living thing or a living thing is out. in this way,
When the character of the virtual creature or the creature is out, it is not possible to perform various care and discipline treatments on the character of the virtual creature or the creature. Note that the image indicating that the character goes out includes a moving image indicating a state of going out as a dynamic image and a still image indicating a static image. Similarly, the image indicating that the character has arrived includes a moving image indicating the appearance of the character as a dynamic image and a still image indicating a static image. Further, the image indicating that the character has returned includes a moving image indicating a state of returning as a dynamic image and a still image indicating a static image. Similarly, the image indicating that the character is returning includes a moving image indicating a returning image as a dynamic image and a still image indicating a static image. And
The image indicating that the user is going out includes a moving image showing a state of going out as a dynamic image and a still image showing a static image.

[Fourth Embodiment] In a fourth embodiment, for example, a portable telephone, a simple portable telephone (PH
S), a pager, an electronic organizer having a communication function, various game machines, personal computers, and other appropriate electronic devices.
The electronic device 1 has an image storage unit that stores a plurality of images related to the movement of a virtual creature or a creature character and images of other virtual creatures or creature characters. The ROM 3 is used as this storage unit. The ROM 3 is fixedly provided in the electronic device 1. Of course, RO
M3 may be provided in a ROM cartridge, and the ROM cartridge may be detachably provided to the electronic device 1. Further, an appropriate recording medium may be used instead of the ROM 3. That is, when the electronic device 1 is small, for example, when it is compactly formed so as to be portable, the above-mentioned storage unit may be a ROM, an EEPROM,
An SRAM or the like is fixedly or detachably provided. When the electronic apparatus 1 is large, for example,
When incorporated in a personal computer system, the storage unit may be, for example, a CD-ROM, a CD-ROM, or the like.
An appropriate recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a DVD is used.

There is provided a display unit 9 for displaying the character of the virtual creature or creature. As the display unit 9, an appropriate display such as a liquid crystal display is used. And the ROM 3
And a control device 2 for performing control for reading an image of a virtual creature or a creature character from the display unit and displaying the image on the display unit 9. In addition, the electronic device includes an operation unit 7 for letting the virtual creature or the character of the creature go out, and when the operation unit 7 is operated, sends outgoing information of the virtual creature or the creature to another electronic device. It has transmission means. As described above, when transmitting the outside information, the control device 2 controls the display unit 9 to display a marker indicating that the virtual creature or the creature character is going out. Further, the control device 2 causes the display unit 9 to display a marker indicating that the virtual creature or the creature character has returned after a predetermined time has elapsed since the virtual creature or the creature character has gone out. As a result, the virtual creature or creature that has gone out has an operation as if it returned after a predetermined time has elapsed. When the out-of-home information is transmitted from another electronic apparatus, the electronic device has a receiving unit that receives the out-of-home information. The receiving means and the transmitting means are provided in the transmitting / receiving circuit 11. When the receiving unit receives the out-of-home information from another electronic device, the control device causes the display unit to display a marker indicating that another virtual creature or creature character has arrived. In addition, the control device 2 causes the display unit 9 to display a marker indicating that a character of another virtual creature or a creature returns after a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the outside information. As a result, the virtual creature or the character of the creature that has come to play has an operation as if it returned after a predetermined time has elapsed. Further, the control device 2 displays an image or a marker indicating that the character of the virtual creature or the creature is going out on the display unit until the character of the virtual creature or the creature goes out and returns. Can easily be visually recognized as being out. The image indicating that the user is going out includes a moving image showing a state of going out as a dynamic image and a still image showing a static image.

[Fifth Embodiment] In the fifth embodiment, for example, a portable telephone, a simple portable telephone (PH
S), a pager, an electronic organizer having a communication function, various game machines, personal computers, and other appropriate electronic devices.
The electronic device 1 has an image storage unit that stores a plurality of images related to the movement of a virtual creature or a creature character and images of other virtual creatures or creature characters. The ROM 3 is used as the image storage unit. ROM3
Is fixedly provided in the electronic apparatus 1. of course,
The ROM 3 may be provided in a ROM cartridge, and the ROM cartridge may be provided detachably to the electronic device 1. Further, it can be configured using an appropriate recording medium instead of the ROM 3. That is, when the electronic apparatus 1 is small, for example, when the electronic apparatus 1 is compactly formed so as to be portable, the storage unit may be a ROM, an EE, or the like.
A PROM, an SRAM, and the like are fixedly or detachably provided. When the electronic apparatus 1 is incorporated in a personal computer system, for example, an appropriate recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a CD-R, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a DVD is used as the storage unit. .

There is provided a display unit 9 for displaying the character of the virtual creature or creature. As the display unit 9, an appropriate display such as a liquid crystal display is used. And the ROM 3
And a control device 2 for performing control for reading an image of a virtual creature or a creature character from the display unit and displaying the image on the display unit 9. In addition, the electronic device includes an operation unit 7 for letting the virtual creature or the character of the creature go out, and when the operation unit 7 is operated, sends outgoing information of the virtual creature or the creature to another electronic device. It has transmission means. At this time, the control device 2 controls the display unit 9 to display an image or a marker indicating that the virtual creature or the character of the creature goes out when transmitting the go-out information. When the out-of-home information is transmitted from another electronic apparatus, the electronic device has a receiving unit that receives the out-of-home information. At this time, the control device 2 causes the display unit 9 to display an image or a marker indicating that another virtual creature or a creature character has arrived when receiving out-of-home information from another electronic device. As described above, this embodiment includes not only the case where the virtual creature or the character of the living thing goes out temporarily, but also the case where the character does not return for a long time while going out, that is, goes home. In addition, it has time information output means for outputting time information, and has living time setting means for setting the living time of the virtual creature or living thing based on this time information. The body or organism can be activated.

[Sixth Embodiment] In the sixth embodiment, for example, a portable telephone, a simple portable telephone (PH
S), a pager, an electronic organizer having a communication function, various game machines, personal computers, and other appropriate electronic devices.
The electronic device 1 has an image storage unit that stores a plurality of images related to the movement of a virtual creature or a creature character and images of other virtual creatures or creature characters. The ROM 3 is used as this storage unit. The ROM 3 is fixedly provided in the electronic device 1. Of course, RO
M3 may be provided in a ROM cartridge, and the ROM cartridge may be detachably provided to the electronic device 1. Further, an appropriate recording medium may be used instead of the ROM 3. That is, when the electronic device 1 is small, for example, when it is compactly formed so as to be portable, the above-mentioned storage unit may be a ROM, an EEPROM,
An SRAM or the like is fixedly or detachably provided. When the electronic apparatus 1 is incorporated in, for example, a personal computer system, the storage unit may be a CD-ROM, a CD-R, an optical disk,
An appropriate recording medium such as a magneto-optical disk and a DVD is used.

There is provided a display unit 9 for displaying the character of the virtual creature or creature. As the display unit 9, an appropriate display such as a liquid crystal display is used. And the ROM 3
And a control device 2 for performing control for reading an image of a virtual creature or a creature character from the display unit and displaying the image on the display unit 9. In addition, the electronic device includes an operation unit 7 for letting the virtual creature or the character of the creature go out, and when the operation unit 7 is operated, sends outgoing information of the virtual creature or the creature to another electronic device. It has transmission means. At this time, the control device 2 controls the display unit 9 to display an image or a marker indicating that the virtual creature or the character of the creature goes out when transmitting the go-out information. In addition, the control device 2 causes the display unit 9 to display an image or a marker indicating that the virtual creature or the creature character has returned after a predetermined time has elapsed after the virtual creature or the creature character has gone out. As a result, the virtual creature or creature that has gone out has an operation as if it returned after a predetermined time has elapsed. When the out-of-home information is transmitted from another electronic apparatus, the electronic device has a receiving unit that receives the out-of-home information. At this time, the control device 2 causes the display unit to display an image or a marker indicating that another virtual creature or a creature character has arrived when receiving the outing information from another electronic device. In addition, the control device 2 causes the display unit 9 to display an image or a marker indicating that a character of another virtual creature or a creature returns after a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the outside information. As a result, the virtual creature or creature character that has come to the guest has an operation as if returning after a predetermined time has elapsed.

Note that the image indicating that the character goes out includes a moving image indicating a state of going out as a dynamic image and a still image indicating a static image. Similarly, the image indicating that the character has arrived includes a moving image indicating the appearance of the character as a dynamic image and a still image indicating a static image. Further, the image indicating that the character has returned includes a moving image indicating a state of returning as a dynamic image and a still image indicating a static image. Similarly, the image indicating that the character is returning includes a moving image indicating a returning image as a dynamic image and a still image indicating a static image. In addition, it has time information output means for outputting time information, and has living time setting means for setting the living time of the virtual creature or living thing based on this time information. The body or organism can be activated.

[Seventh Embodiment] In the seventh embodiment, the following requirements are added to the electronic apparatus 1 of the first to sixth embodiments. is there.
The electronic device 1 includes an operation unit 7 that is an input unit for inputting a treatment related to the growth of the virtual creature or the creature described above.
In addition, the electronic device 1 stores a storage unit (ROM 3) storing control data related to the growth of a virtual creature or a living thing, and, when a treatment related to the growth is input from the operation unit 7, the control data corresponding to the input. It has a control device 2 that reads from the ROM 3 and performs control processing related to the breeding of a virtual creature or living thing based on the read control data, and a display unit 9 that displays the grown virtual creature or living thing.

The control device 2 has a setting means for setting one or more growth stages according to the growth of the virtual creature or creature. As shown in FIG. 8, when the virtual creature of the first generation character image KT1 grows and reaches the first growth stage, it changes to a virtual creature of the second generation character image KT2. In addition, the virtual creature grows up
Reaches the growth stage of the third generation character image KT of the virtual life form of the second generation character image KT2
3, KT4, KT5, and KT6. When the virtual creature further grows and reaches the third growth stage, the virtual creature changes from the third generation character image to any one of the fourth generation character images KT7 to KT12. After changing from the third generation character image to any one of the fourth generation character images KT7 to KT12, the process moves to the fourth growth stage only when certain conditions and probabilities are met and the fifth generation stage is reached. Of the character image KT13. This character image KT13 is a so-called hidden character and is not always displayed.

After changing from the third generation character image to any of the virtual life forms of the fourth generation character images KT7 to KT12, the character limited to the base station under special conditions different from the hidden character. The image is displayed. That is, when the talk time during a call via a specific base station has reached a predetermined time or more, or when call information has been transmitted to a specific base station a predetermined number of times, or when call information has been transmitted from a specific base station a predetermined number of times or more. If received,
Or, when the number of times of transmission and reception of the call information reaches a predetermined number or more, in this case, the character image of the virtual creature or creature unique to the base station is read from the ROM 3 and displayed.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, four types of growth stages, a first growth stage, a second growth stage, a third growth stage, and a fourth growth stage, are set. Here, it is set so that the first growth stage is reached when, for example, 60 minutes have passed since the virtual creature or creature of the first generation character image KT1 was born. In addition, the virtual creature or creature of a certain character image is, for example,
It is set to reach the second growth stage when 23 hours have elapsed. In addition, the virtual creature or creature of a certain character image is set to reach the third growth stage when, for example, four days have elapsed from the second growth stage. As described above, the period required to reach the growth stage can be set to a different appropriate period for each character image. Although four types of growth stages are set in the example shown in FIG. 8, the present invention is not limited to this, and a single growth stage or five or more arbitrary growth stages may be set. The character images shown in FIG. 8 are examples, and are character images of various other virtual creatures, character images of pets such as dogs and cats, and creatures imitating other appropriate types of animals and plants. Character image is used.

The ROM 3 serving as a storage unit stores a plurality of types of grown virtual creatures or creatures having at least different appearances for each growth stage. For example, as shown in FIG.
In the growth stage, four types of character images KT each having a different appearance as a third-generation virtual creature or creature
3, KT4, KT5, and KT6 are stored. In the third growth stage, virtual creatures or creatures of six types of character images KT7 to KT12 having different appearances are stored as virtual creatures or creatures of the fourth generation. The storage unit that stores at least a plurality of types of virtual creatures or creatures having different appearances at each growth stage is not limited to ROM, but may be RAM, SR, or the like.
An appropriate recording medium such as an AM, an EEPROM, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a DVD is fixedly or detachably provided. In the example shown in FIG. 8, 1 is used in the first growth stage and the fourth growth stage.
Although various types of character images are shown, the storage unit (ROM)
The information may be stored in 3). In particular, in the fourth growth stage, a different type of character image from the above-mentioned hidden character KT13 is stored. In other words, a plurality of types of virtual creatures or creature character images that are different for each of the plurality of base stations are stored in the ROM 3. The character images of the plurality of types of virtual creatures or creatures may be stored in a recording medium separate from the ROM 3.

Further, there is provided calling means for calling from the virtual creature or creature in the process of growing the virtual creature or creature. The calling means includes a CPU 21 and a buzzer (not shown) which operates according to a command from the CPU 21.
For example, a light-emitting element, an LED, or an appropriate mark display that is turned on is used. Further, an operation unit 7 is provided as input means for performing a treatment for a call from the virtual creature or living thing. As this input means, an appropriate key switch, a non-contact type optical switch, a magnetic switch, or the like can be used. And determining means for determining, when the virtual creature or the creature reaches a certain growth stage, the contents of the action for the call in the growth process up to that time, and determining the plurality of types in consideration of the determination result of the determination means. Selecting means for selecting one grown virtual creature or creature from among the virtual creatures or creatures. As this selection means, for example, one grown virtual creature or creature is selected from a plurality of types of virtual creatures or creatures in accordance with the number of times of taking care of a meal in response to a call from the virtual creature or creature. It is supposed to be. The determination means and the selection means are provided in the control device 2. Then, the control device 2 has a change unit that changes the virtual creature or creature that has reached the growth stage into the selected virtual creature or creature.

[Eighth Embodiment] In the eighth embodiment, the following requirements are added to the electronic apparatus 1 of the first to sixth embodiments. is there.
An operation unit 7 is provided as an input unit for inputting a treatment relating to the breeding of the virtual creature or the creature. In addition, the electronic device 1 stores a storage unit (ROM 3) storing control data related to the growth of a virtual creature or a living thing, and, when a treatment related to the growth is input from the operation unit 7, the control data corresponding to the input. R
It has a control device 2 that reads from the OM 3 and performs a control process related to breeding of a virtual creature or an organism based on the read control data, and a display unit 9 that displays the cultivated virtual creature or creature.

The control device 2 has setting means for setting one or more growth stages in accordance with the growth of the virtual creature or creature. As shown in FIG. 8, the virtual creature or creature of the first generation character image KT1
When the stage reaches the growth stage, the image is changed to the virtual creature or creature of the second generation character image KT2. When the virtual creature or creature further grows and reaches the second growth stage, the third creature character image KT3, KT4, KT from the virtual creature or creature of the second generation character image KT2.
5, KT6 to any virtual creature or creature. Further, when the virtual creature or creature grows and reaches the third growth stage, the virtual creature or creature changes from the third generation character image to any one of the fourth generation character images KT7 to KT12. From the third generation character image to the fourth generation character image KT7 to KT12
After changing to any one of the virtual creatures, the process moves to the fourth growth stage and changes to the virtual creature of the fifth generation character image KT13 only when certain conditions and probabilities are met. That is, the character image KT13 is a so-called hidden character, and is not always displayed. After the third generation character image is changed to any of the fourth generation character images KT7 to KT12, the character limited to the base station is displayed under special conditions different from the hidden character. You. That is, when the talk time during a call via a specific base station has reached a predetermined time or more, or when call information has been transmitted to a specific base station a predetermined number of times, or when call information has been transmitted from a specific base station a predetermined number of times or more. If the call information is received, or if the number of times of transmission and reception of the call information has reached a predetermined number or more, the character image of the virtual creature or creature unique to the base station is displayed.
It is read from OM3 and displayed.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, four types of growth stages, a first growth stage, a second growth stage, a third growth stage, and a fourth growth stage, are set. Here, it is set so that the first growth stage is reached when, for example, 60 minutes have passed since the virtual creature or creature of the first generation character image KT1 was born. In addition, the virtual creature or creature of a certain character image is, for example,
It is set to reach the second growth stage when 23 hours have elapsed. In addition, the virtual creature or creature of a certain character image is set to reach the third growth stage when, for example, four days have elapsed from the second growth stage. As described above, the period required to reach the growth stage can be set to a different appropriate period for each character image. Although four types of growth stages are set in the example shown in FIG. 8, the present invention is not limited to this, and a single growth stage or five or more arbitrary growth stages may be set. The character images shown in FIG. 8 are examples, and are character images of various other virtual creatures, character images of pets such as dogs and cats, and creatures imitating other appropriate types of animals and plants. Character image is used.

The ROM 3, which is a storage unit, stores a plurality of types of grown virtual creatures or creatures having different appearances and characteristics for each growth stage. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, in the second growth stage, four types of character images KT3, KT4, KT5, and KT6 having different appearances and personalities are stored as the third generation virtual creatures or creatures. ing. In the third growth stage, six types of virtual creatures or creatures of character images KT7 to KT12 having different appearances and personalities are stored as fourth-generation virtual creatures or creatures. For example, the virtual creature or creature of the character image KT3 has a selfish nature and is less likely to be ill. The virtual creature or creature of the character image KT5 has a property of being easily ill with an obedient character. The virtual creature or creature of the character image KT6 has a very selfish nature and is prone to be ill. In addition, wake-up time, bedtime, period during one generation, calling frequency, number of injections for illness, minimum weight, and the like are set for each character image. The storage unit for storing a plurality of types of virtual creatures or creatures having different appearances and personalities for each of the above-described growth stages is not limited to ROM, but may be R
AM, SRAM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, CD-
An appropriate recording medium such as an R, a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a DVD is fixedly or detachably provided.
In the example shown in FIG. 8, one type of character image is shown in the first growth stage and the fourth growth stage.
A plurality of types of grown virtual creatures or creatures may be stored in the storage unit (ROM 3).

Further, there is provided calling means for calling from the virtual creature or creature in the process of growing the virtual creature or creature. The calling means includes a CPU 21 and a buzzer (not shown) which operates according to a command from the CPU 21.
For example, a light-emitting element, an LED, or an appropriate mark display that is turned on is used. The contents of the call include contents necessary for the growth of the virtual creature or living thing, and selfish contents that do not require urgency. Here, the contents necessary for the growth of the virtual creature or the creature are, for example, when the stomach of the virtual creature or the creature is hungry (the value of the
This is a case where a call for requesting rice is made when the value is lower than the value of AX. In addition, when the behavior of the virtual creature or the creature is not good (when the value of the behavior parameter is lower than the value of MAX), a call is made to request a game for raising the behavior. . Also, there is a case where a virtual creature or a creature makes a call to request that the light be turned off in order to sleep. And the selfish contents that the call from the virtual creature or the living thing does not require urgency means that both the value of the tummy parameter and the value of the
This is a case where a call is made regardless of the value of X. In addition, there is a case where a call is made and no meal is taken even though the value of the tummy parameter is lower than the value of MAX.
Also, there is a case where the game is called and the game is not performed even though the value of the fine parameter is lower than the value of MAX.

Further, the apparatus has input means for performing a treatment for a call from a virtual creature or a living thing. The input means includes a means for taking care of a call for contents necessary for the growth of a virtual creature or a living thing, and a means for disciplining calls for selfish contents that do not require urgency. For example, when calling for the contents necessary for the growth of a virtual creature or living thing,
The player can operate a key switch of the operation unit 7 to prepare a meal, play a game, or turn off the light. In addition, in response to a call of selfish content from a virtual creature or a creature, the player can operate a key switch of the operation unit 7 to perform discipline. Then, when the virtual creature or the creature reaches a certain growth stage, the control device 2 performs a process for the call in the growth process up to that time,
That is, it has a determination means for determining the contents of the care and discipline. In addition, the control device 2 has reached a growth stage, and a selection unit that selects one grown virtual creature or creature from the plurality of types of virtual creatures or creatures in consideration of the judgment result of the judgment unit. And changing means for changing the virtual creature or creature into the selected virtual creature or creature. Therefore, if the player takes care of it diligently and properly disciplines it, a virtual creature or creature with a good personality will be selected from multiple types of creatures or creatures. Not to be. Conversely, if the player does not care and does not discipline frequently, a virtual creature or creature with a poor personality will be selected from a plurality of types of creatures or creatures. So
After that, the number of calls from the virtual creature or the creature increases, and the burden on the player increases.

[0034]

Next, an embodiment of an electronic apparatus 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment shown in FIG.
This shows a case where the present invention is applied to a simple type mobile phone (PHS). The electronic device 1 according to the present invention performs character communication (a so-called P
And a transmission / reception circuit 11 for performing data communication or telephone communication. An antenna 13 is connected to the transmission / reception circuit 11. The electronic device device 1 is a base station (not shown) under its control of the plurality of base stations via the antenna 13.
1.9 GHZ band, and emits a radio wave to the base station. Further, a microphone 15 and a speaker 17 are connected to the transmission / reception circuit 11. The microphone 15 is for inputting audio information, and the speaker 17 is for outputting audio information. The transmission / reception circuit 11 includes a transmission circuit, a reception circuit, a high frequency amplification circuit, an intermediate frequency amplification circuit, a modulation circuit, a demodulation circuit, a channel codec (TDMA), an ADPCM, an A / D conversion circuit, and a D / A.
It has various circuit units such as a conversion circuit. The transmission / reception circuit 11 transmits the outgoing information of the virtual creature to another electronic device when the operation unit described later is operated, and transmits the outgoing information transmitted from the other electronic device. Receiving means for receiving.

A control device 2 is connected to the transmission / reception circuit 11. The control device 2 is connected to each of the ROM 3, the RAM 5, the operation unit 7, and the display unit 9. ROM3
Stores a plurality of images related to the operation of the virtual creature, for example, an image related to the operation when the virtual creature of its own device goes out and an image related to the operation when the virtual creature that has gone out returns. Then, the ROM 3 stores an image of another virtual creature, for example, an image showing that another virtual creature has come to visit, an image showing that two virtual creatures play with each other, and a situation where the visitor has returned. And the like. Also,
The ROM 3 stores various programs related to the simulation of raising virtual creatures. Further, the ROM 3 stores a plurality of types of virtual creature images having different appearances and characteristics for each of the growth stages of the growth simulation. The RAM 5 is a CPU 21
Memory for work. The operation unit 7 has various key switches such as numeric keys and function keys.
It is possible to input an operation relating to a telephone call and a measure relating to breeding of a virtual creature. Then, the operation unit 7 can perform an operation for causing the virtual creature to go out. Display 9
Is constituted by a liquid crystal display (LCD), and displays a telephone number, date, current time, and the like input from the numeric keypad in a call mode. The display unit 9 displays character information or data information in the character communication mode or the data communication mode. The display unit 9 displays a character image and various marks of the virtual creature in the breeding simulation mode.

Next, a display example of the display unit 9 in the growth simulation mode will be described with reference to FIG. The display unit 9 includes an image display unit 12 for displaying a character image of the virtual creature, a mark display unit 14 provided above the image display unit 12, and a mark display unit 16 provided below the image display unit 12. It is composed of Mark display section 1
In FIG. 4, a plurality of marks such as a meal mark 14a, a lighting mark 14b, a game mark 14c, and an injection mark 14d are displayed. When the meal mark 14a is selectively displayed, rice or sweets can be given to the virtual creature. Thus, the stomach parameter of the virtual creature increases by +1 each time one meal is eaten. In addition, each time a virtual creature eats one piece of sweets, the fineness parameter increases by +1. When the illumination mark 14b is selectively displayed, the illumination of the room can be turned off when the virtual creature sleeps. When the game mark 14c is selectively displayed, a game with the virtual creature can be performed. As a result of this game, for example, if a virtual creature wins three or more times in five rounds,
The spirit parameter increases by +1. Injection mark 14d
Is displayed, an injection can be made when the virtual creature becomes sick. As a result, the virtual creature can be treated.

The mark display section 16 displays a plurality of marks including a toilet mark 16a, a check meter mark 16b, a discipline mark 16c, and a call mark 16d. When the toilet mark 16a is selectively displayed, when the virtual creature makes a stool, the virtual creature can be flushed with water and cleaned. When the check meter mark 16b is selectively displayed, the age, weight, physical parameters, tummy parameters, and discipline of the virtual creature can be checked on the meter display. When the discipline mark 16c is selectively displayed, discipline can be performed for a self-call that does not require urgency of the virtual creature. Call mark 16
d is a mark indicating a call from the virtual creature.
The call mark 16d forms a part of calling means for calling the virtual creature in the process of growing the virtual creature.

The key switches provided on the operation unit 7 include a key switch for displaying a mark, a key switch for determining, a key switch for canceling, and a key switch for adjusting time. The key switch for displaying a mark is a key switch for displaying a desired mark from the mark display sections 14 and 16, and each time the key switch for displaying a mark is pressed, the meal mark 14a and the lighting mark 1 are displayed.
4b, a game mark 14c, an injection mark 14d, a toilet mark 16a, a check meter mark 16b, and a discipline mark 16c. The decision key switch is a switch for deciding the mark that has been switched and displayed. The cancel key switch is a switch for canceling the displayed mark. The time adjustment key switch is used for time adjustment of time information output means provided in the control device 2.
In the above, each time a single key switch for displaying a mark is pressed, a meal mark 14a, an illumination mark 14b, a game mark 14c, an injection mark 14d, a toilet mark 16a,
The check meter mark 16b and the discipline mark 16c are switched and displayed in this order.
a, lighting mark 14b, game mark 14c, injection mark 14d, toilet mark 16a, check meter mark 16b, discipline mark 16c,
A dedicated key switch, such as a numeric keypad, may be assigned.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the control device 2
PU 21, interface circuit 23, display drive circuit 2
5. It has a communication control circuit 27. The control device 2 performs control for reading an image of the virtual creature from the ROM 3 serving as a storage unit and displaying the image on the display unit 9. Is displayed on the display unit 9. In addition, the control device 2 causes the display unit 9 to display an image or a marker indicating that the virtual creature has returned after a predetermined time has elapsed since the virtual creature went out. Also, the control device 2
When an outgoing information is received from another electronic device, an image or a marker indicating that another virtual living body has arrived is displayed on the display unit 9 and another after a predetermined time has passed since the outgoing information was received. The display unit 9 displays an image or a marker indicating that the virtual creature has returned. Then, the control device 2 displays an image or a marker indicating that the virtual creature is going out on the display unit 9 from when the virtual creature goes out to when it returns, so that the virtual creature is going out. Can be easily visually recognized.

Next, the operation will be described. First, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8, an operation related to a simulation of growing a virtual creature will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the main flow control of the training simulation. In step SP1, it is determined whether or not the reset switch of the operation unit 7 has been operated. If the reset switch has been operated, the process proceeds to step SP3, and the time is adjusted by operating the key switch of the operation unit 7. Thereafter, the life time of the virtual creature is determined based on this time. Therefore, the virtual creature will be active along the real time zone. For example, a living time is set such that the user wakes up at 9 am to start the activity and goes to bed at 8 pm. Subsequently, in step SP5, an initial screen is displayed. Here, for example, an image in the form of an egg is displayed, and after a lapse of a predetermined time, the egg is cracked to create a virtual creature of a first-generation character image KT1 as a newborn, and the image is displayed on the display unit 9.

Next, in step SP7, processing relating to the first growth process is executed. For example, a player operates a key switch of the operation unit 7 to feed and eat rice and snacks to take care of the player. In addition, it is possible to perform toilet cleaning and medical treatment for a call from the virtual creature. Next, in step SP9, when about 60 minutes have passed since the virtual creature of the first generation character image KT1 was born, the virtual creature of the second generation character image KT2 was changed to the second growth process. Transition. In the second growth process, when there is a call from the virtual creature, as in the first growth process, care is taken for the call of the contents necessary for the growth. In addition, the player can discipline selfish content calls from the virtual creature.

Subsequently, in step SP11, it is determined whether or not the virtual creature has reached the second growth stage. If it is determined in step SP11 that the process has not reached the second growth stage, the process returns to step SP9 again to perform the above-described process of the second growth process. Also, in step SP11, the second
If it is determined that the growth stage has been reached, step S
Proceed to P13. In step SP13, taking into account the contents of care and discipline in the second growth process, a plurality of types of virtual creatures, that is, the third generation character image KT
One grown virtual creature is selected from the virtual creatures of 3, KT4, KT5, and KT6. For example, in the second growth process, if there is a call from the virtual creature, the caller of the content necessary for the growth is missed three or more times, and the selfish content of the virtual creature is missed. If you miss the discipline twice or more for the call, the character image KT
6 virtual creatures are selected and the character image KT
The 6 virtual creatures change into the third generation virtual creatures and grow thereafter. Next, in step SP15, the process proceeds to the third growth process, and when there is a call from the virtual creature as in the above-described second growth process, care is taken for the call of the contents necessary for the growth. At the same time, it is possible to discipline self-calling content from the virtual creature.

Subsequently, in step SP17, it is determined whether or not the virtual creature has reached the third growth stage. If it is determined in step SP17 that the third growth stage has not been reached, the flow returns to step SP15 again to return to the third growth stage.
Of the growth process. If it is determined in step SP17 that the third growth stage has been reached, the process proceeds to step SP19. In step SP19, taking into account the contents of care and discipline in the third growth process, a plurality of types of virtual creatures, that is, the fourth generation character image K
One grown virtual creature is selected from the virtual creatures of T7 to KT12. For example, in the third growth process,
If there is a call from the virtual creature, miss the care of the call of the content necessary for its growth at least 3 times, and discipline at least 6 times the call of the selfish content from the virtual creature. If a mistake is made, the virtual creature of the character image KT12 is selected, and the virtual creature of the character image KT12 changes to a fourth-generation virtual creature and grows thereafter.

Subsequently, from step SP19 to step S
Proceed to P20. In step SP20, a hidden character display process is performed. After changing from the third generation character image to any one of the fourth generation character images KT7 to KT12, the process moves to the fourth growth stage only when certain conditions and probabilities are met and the fifth generation stage is reached. Of the character image KT13. That is, the character image KT13 is a so-called hidden character, and is not always displayed. After the third generation character image is changed to any of the fourth generation character images KT7 to KT12, the character limited to the base station is displayed under special conditions different from the hidden character. You.
That is, when the talk time during a call via a specific base station has reached a predetermined time or more, or when call information has been transmitted to a specific base station a predetermined number of times, or when call information has been transmitted from a specific base station a predetermined number of times or more. When it is received, or when the number of times of transmitting and receiving the call information has reached a predetermined number or more, the virtual living organism image unique to the base station is read from the ROM 3 and displayed.

If it is determined in step SP1 that the reset switch of the operation unit 7 has not been operated, the flow advances to step SP2 to determine whether or not a first growth process is in progress. When it is determined in step SP2 that the process is the first growth process, the process proceeds to step SP7, and the process of the first growth process is performed. If it is determined in step SP2 that the process is not the first growth process, the process proceeds to step SP4 to determine whether the process is the second growth process. Second in step SP4
If it is determined that this is the growth process of step SP9
Then, the second growth process is performed. Step S
If it is determined in P4 that the process is not the second growth process, the process proceeds to step SP15, and the process of the third growth process is performed.

Next, the operation in the second growth process will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. Step S in FIG.
At P21, it is determined whether there is a call from the virtual creature or not. If there is a call from the virtual creature, the process proceeds to steps SP23 and SP25 to turn on the call mark 16d on the display unit 9 and simultaneously turn on the buzzer. The predetermined time T1,
For example, it is sounded for only 3 seconds. Also at the same time step SP
At 27, a timer is started and the routine proceeds to step SP31. In step SP31, it is determined whether or not the call from the virtual creature is for sleep. Step SP31
If it is determined that the call is for sleep, the process proceeds to step SP41 in FIG. 5 via. In step 41, it is determined whether or not the player has turned off the illumination by operating the key switch of the operation unit 7. If the illumination has been turned off, the process proceeds to step SP43, and it is determined whether or not the predetermined time has elapsed. . If the light is turned off within a predetermined time T3, for example, 1 hour after the call from the virtual creature, it means that the person has been properly cared for, and proceeds from step SP43 to step SP45, and the degree of care is increased by one. On the other hand, if a call from the virtual creature does not take care of the call, or if the light is turned off after a lapse of a predetermined time T3, for example, one hour or more after the call from the virtual creature, That is, proper care has not been taken, and the process proceeds from step SP41 or SP43 to step SP47, where the care degree is reduced by one.

Referring again to FIG. 4, step SP31
If it is determined that the call is not a sleep call, the process proceeds to step SP33. In step SP33, it is determined whether or not the value of the tummy parameter of the virtual creature is MAX. If the value of the tummy parameter is not MAX, the process proceeds to step SP51 in FIG. In step SP51, it is determined whether or not the player has prepared a meal by operating the key switches of the operation unit 7. When the preparation of the meal has been made, the process proceeds to step SP53. In step SP53, it is determined whether or not the virtual creature has eaten the prepared rice described above, and if it has eaten, the process proceeds to step SP55. In step SP55, it is determined whether or not it is within a predetermined time. If the meal is completed within a predetermined time T2, for example, 15 minutes after the call from the virtual creature, it is determined that the person is properly cared for, and the process proceeds to step SP57, and the degree of care is increased by one. Conversely, even if there is a call from the virtual creature, no care is taken for it, or even if a meal is taken care of, a predetermined time T after the call is made from the virtual creature.
2. If you decide to eat after 15 minutes or more, for example, you have not been properly cared for,
The process proceeds from step SP51 or SP55 to step SP59, and the degree of care is reduced by one. If the virtual creature does not eat the rice in step SP53 even though the player has prepared rice, the process proceeds from step SP53 to step SP37 in FIG. here,
The player has a stomach parameter value of MAX
Nevertheless, not eating a meal means determining that the virtual creature is selfish and performing an operation related to discipline. That is, the player can discipline the virtual creature by operating the key switch of the operation unit 7 to selectively display the discipline mark on the display unit 9. In step SP37, it is determined whether or not the operation related to the discipline is performed. If the operation related to the discipline is performed, the process proceeds to step SP39, and the discipline degree is increased by one.

As described above, in step SP33, it is determined whether or not the value of the tummy parameter of the virtual creature is MAX. If the value of the tummy parameter is MAX, the process proceeds to step SP35. In step SP35, it is determined whether or not the value of the fineness parameter of the virtual creature is MAX. If the value of the fineness parameter is not MAX, the process proceeds to step SP61 of FIG.
Proceed to. In step SP61, it is determined whether or not the player has prepared the game by operating the key switches of the operation unit 7. If the game has been prepared, the process proceeds to step SP61.
Proceed to 63. In step SP63, it is determined whether or not the virtual creature has played the above-mentioned game, and if the game has been played, the process proceeds to step SP65. In step SP65, it is determined whether or not it is within a predetermined time. If the player plays the game within a predetermined time T2, for example, 15 minutes after the call from the virtual creature, he / she has taken proper care of the game,
Proceeding to step SP67, the degree of care is increased by one.

If the game is not ready in step SP61, the process proceeds to step SP62. In step SP62, it is determined whether or not the player has operated the key switches of the operation unit 7 to prepare for the retorting.
When the preparation is performed, the process proceeds to step SP65. As described above, in step SP65, it is determined whether it is within a predetermined time. If the user prepares a meal within a predetermined time T2, for example, 15 minutes after there is a call from the virtual creature, the person is properly taken care of and the step SP
Proceeding to 67 increases the degree of care by one. Conversely, if there is no preparation for the game and no preparation for the call even if there is a call from the virtual creature, step SP61,
The process proceeds from SP62 to step SP69, and the degree of care is reduced by one. Even in the case of taking care of a game or a strange thing, if it is after a lapse of a predetermined time T2, for example, 15 minutes or more after the call from the virtual creature, it is determined that appropriate care has not been taken. Thus, the process proceeds from step SP65 to step SP69, and the degree of care is reduced by one.

If the virtual creature does not play the game in step SP63 even though the player has prepared for the game, the process proceeds from step SP63 to step SP37 in FIG. Here, the player
The reason why the player does not play the game even though the value of the smart parameter of the virtual creature is not MAX means that an operation related to discipline is performed by determining that the virtual creature is selfish. That is,
The player can discipline the virtual creature by operating the key switch of the operation unit 7 to selectively display the discipline mark on the display unit 9. In step SP37, it is determined whether or not the operation related to discipline has been performed. If the operation related to discipline has been performed, the process proceeds from step SP37 to step SP39, and the discipline degree increases by one. Step S
If there is no call from the virtual creature in P21, the process proceeds to step SP29 to perform various care processes. In addition, the process proceeds to step SP29 through the case where there is no operation related to discipline in step SP37, and performs various care processes. Thereafter, the process proceeds from step SP29 to step S in FIG.
Return to P11. The times T1, T2, and T3 are not limited to the values described above, and can be set to appropriate values. The operation in the third growth process is the same as that in the above-described second growth process, and the detailed description is omitted.

Next, the operation when the virtual creature goes out will be described with reference to FIG. In step SP71, it is determined whether or not an operation to go out is performed from the operation unit 7, and if there is an operation to go out, the process proceeds to step SP73. In step SP73, it is determined whether or not the condition for going out is satisfied. That is, it is determined whether the outing parameter is 1 or more. If the outing parameter is 0, the user cannot go out. Further, even if the outgoing parameter is 1 or more, the value of the tummy parameter is “0” or “1” if the virtual creature is in a sick state or a stress sickness, or if another virtual creature is coming to play.
In the case of, neither can go out. Also, the first-generation virtual creature KT1 and the second-generation virtual creature KT2 cannot go out because both are immature. Here, the value of the outing parameter increases when the values of the tummy parameter and the goodness parameter are both MAX. The virtual creature is sick or has a stress illness with a predetermined probability. In particular, when a call is received during a time period when the virtual creature is originally sleeping, the virtual creature receives the virtual creature. If you do wake up, your chances of getting a stress disease increase by 5%.

If it is determined in step SP73 that all of the above-described conditions for going out are satisfied, the process proceeds to step SP75, and the outing information can be transmitted. This out-of-home information is transmitted using, for example, a so-called P-mail function of a portable telephone, and is transmitted to an electronic device such as a friend via a base station under the jurisdiction. At this time, an image or a marker indicating that the virtual creature goes out when going out is displayed on the display unit 9 of the own device (step SP77). As a result, the virtual creature disappears from the display unit 9 of the own device, and it appears as if he / she went out. An image indicating that the virtual creature has arrived is displayed on the display unit 9 of the electronic device at the other end of the visit to the virtual creature. Then, on the display unit 9 of the electronic device of the other party who has received the visit of the virtual creature, the two virtual creatures are displayed, and a screen of eating or playing together is displayed. Subsequently, in step SP79, a predetermined time has elapsed since the virtual creature went out,
For example, it is determined whether 30 seconds have elapsed, and if a predetermined time has elapsed since the virtual creature went out, the process proceeds to step SP81, and an image or marker indicating that the virtual creature has returned Is displayed on the display unit 9. Thereby, the virtual creature exhibits an operation as if it had gone out and returned after a predetermined time. In the above example, when all the conditions for going out are satisfied, the user is allowed to go out. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the user can go out unconditionally at any time. You may. The time from when the virtual creature goes out to when it returns to the original electronic device is not limited to the above, and can be set to an appropriate value for each virtual creature.

Next, with reference to FIG. 10, description will be given of an operation in a case where information about going out of a virtual creature is received from another electronic device. In step SP91, it is determined whether or not the out-of-home information has been received. If the out-of-home information has been received from another electronic device, the process proceeds to step SP93, where an image indicating that another virtual life form has arrived is displayed. It is displayed on the unit 9. And
The display unit 9 displays two virtual creatures, and displays a screen of eating or playing together. Subsequently, in step SP95, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time, for example, one minute has elapsed since the reception of the outside information. If it is determined in step SP95 that the predetermined time has elapsed since the reception of the outside information, the process proceeds to step SP97, and an image indicating that another virtual creature returns is displayed on the display unit 9. As a result, as if receiving a visit of another virtual creature, the behavior is as if returning after a predetermined time.

If the player grows into a self-serving virtual creature due to a low degree of care for the virtual creature, the virtual creature does not return for a long period of time, that is, a so-called runaway. May be. In addition, when the virtual creature suffers a normal disease, the player can cure the disease by operating the operation unit 7 and performing an injection or the like, but the virtual creature suffers a stress disease. Sometimes, it cannot be completely cured by the operation of the operation unit 7 by the player. In such a case, the stress illness can be completely cured only when another virtual creature visits and cares a predetermined number of times, for example, two or more times.

[0055]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, as described above, the first aspect of the present invention is directed to transmitting / receiving character information to / from a base station by a transmission operation of an operation unit. To transmit via an antenna connected to the, when the character information from the base station is received by the transmitting and receiving circuit via the antenna, to store the character information and to display an associated image, Since the character information in the screen is freely transmitted to the base station, and the character information is freely received and stored from the base station and the related image is displayed in the screen, the electronic device and the other devices are connected. The image information related to the character information can be exchanged between the electronic devices. Further, there is an effect that it is possible to provide a highly interesting electronic device.

As described above, the invention according to claim 2 comprises an antenna for receiving character information, an operation unit comprising key switches including numeric keys and function keys, a microphone for inputting audio information, and a microphone for inputting audio information. A speaker for outputting, based on an input from the operation unit, a receiving unit for receiving data information such as character information, voice information, and image information via the antenna, and displaying and displaying the image instructed by the operation unit. A mobile phone that performs communication via a predetermined base station including a control device that controls a receiving unit, and has an effect that the mobile phone can receive an image related to character information such as a virtual creature. . Further, there is an effect that it is possible to provide a highly interesting electronic device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a main part of an electronic apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a display unit in a growth simulation mode.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a main control process according to a simulation of growing a virtual creature.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control process of a second growth process of the flowchart of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control process of a second growth process in the flowchart of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control process of a second growth process in the flowchart of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control process of a second growth process of the flowchart of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a branch accompanying the growth of a character in a training simulation.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the electronic device according to the present invention when a virtual creature or a creature character goes out.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a virtual creature or a creature character when a customer visits the electronic device according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 electronic apparatus 2 control device 3 ROM 5 RAM 7 operation unit 9 display unit 11 transmission and reception circuit 13 antenna 15 microphone 17 speaker 21 CPU 25 display drive circuit 27 communication control circuit

Claims (2)

[Claims] An image storage unit configured to store an image relating to a virtual creature, a display unit configured to display the image, an antenna configured to receive a radio wave from a base station, and a receiving unit connected to the antenna; A control device for controlling the display and reception of the image, wherein the control device receives character information from a base station via the antenna by the reception unit, and stores the character information in the image storage unit. An electronic apparatus device that stores and displays a related image. 2. An electronic device comprising: an antenna for receiving character information; an operation unit including key switches including numeric keys and function keys; a microphone for inputting voice information; and a speaker for outputting voice information.
Receiving means for receiving data information such as character information, voice information, and image information via the antenna based on an input from the operation unit; andcontrolling display and reception of the image instructed by the operation unit. 2. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control device for performing communication via a predetermined base station.