JP2006311974A - Robot toy in which liquid crystal display and liquid crystal display shock absorbing shape switch are incorporated - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an idea of a robot toy which increases amusement property of a "robot" such as the robot toy, and increases an eagerness to buy. <P>SOLUTION: On the surface (one surface or a part) of a robot case, a liquid crystal display and a switch having a shape for protecting the liquid crystal display from impacts are set by combining them, and an image (a still image or a moving image) which is projected and displayed on the liquid crystal display is constituted as a part of the design of the robot case itself. By the association of motions of the robot toy itself and the images on the liquid crystal display, a using way (playing way) which is not found in already existing robots can be achieved. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an idea of a robot toy in which a liquid crystal display is provided on a housing to increase the amusement by increasing the range of how to play in order to make a “robot” such as a robot toy more familiar.

The conventional “robots” can be broadly divided into two if they are already classified into daily life. An “industrial robot” used in factories and a “robot toy” played at home.
Among them, the robot toy market has been growing rapidly, with the “pet-type robot” boom greatly increasing its recognition and selling kits that can be assembled by yourself.
In addition, the “liquid crystal display” that is going to be used for robots is conventionally used mainly for mobile phones, personal computers, television monitors, and the like. Due to the improvement of liquid crystal technology and price reduction, it has also become popular.
As thin displays, in addition to liquid crystal displays, “electronic paper (paper display)” that can be folded has also appeared. However, it is not yet ready for commercialization.

The current robot development mainly focuses on “moving”. Currently, commercially available robot toys (pet robots, etc.) remain limited to basic operations such as walking and climbing stairs. Other than moving, “amusement as a toy” is still a very poor genre. In addition, since many parts are required to realize an elaborate operation, it is very expensive.
The impression of the current robot toy is that it is expensive as a toy, the range that can be played is small, and the cost performance is very bad.
I want to impress that robots are more “fun” than they are now, and inspire users to purchase, aiming to further expand the robot market.
The present invention has been invented to solve these problems.

  A liquid crystal display is installed on the entire surface or part of the robot housing, and the design of the robot itself is represented by images (pictures). It gives a sense of reality by changing the image in conjunction with the movement of the robot, and also has a role as a “moving display”.

Since the design of the robot is “video”, the design of the robot can be expressed infinitely by changing the video with one main body. For example, the user can expand the range of how to play, for example, by attaching a button that allows the user to change his robot to a favorite costume (pattern).
Further, by changing the video in conjunction with the motion, it is possible to appeal to the eye more effectively than when the motion is alone, so that the sense of reality can be increased.
By using the surface of the robot as a monitor, it can be used in the same way as a personal computer or a game.
For the reasons mentioned above, the robot toy can be made more “interesting” than it is now. As a result, the user's willingness to purchase is increased, and as a result, the possibility of further market expansion increases.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.
As shown in the design example of FIG. 1, a “liquid crystal display” is installed on the entire surface of the robot casing, such as arms, legs, and torso (1). The design of the robot is expressed by projecting and displaying images. However, when the power is not turned on, nothing is displayed on the liquid crystal display, so it looks very quiet.
The reason why the liquid crystal display is adopted among the display components is (a) good color development, (b) low driving voltage and power consumption, (c) strength, etc. Was deemed appropriate.
To this, a function for reducing the “impact” applied to the liquid crystal display due to the robot falling or the like is added. That is the “liquid crystal display impact mitigation shape switch” (2). This is a normal on / off type switch, but has a characteristic shape and also serves to protect the liquid crystal display. The reason for the switch is that it can be used in various ways as a sensor by detecting its on / off state and incorporating it into the program. A conceptual diagram of this switch is shown in (8).
As shown in FIG. 2, the switch is provided with a thin rod-like lever (3) at the switch contact portion, and this is covered with a cylindrical rubber (or urethane material) to reduce the impact. When the switch lever is pushed, the contact portion (4) touches the electrode portion (5) to energize. When the lever is released, the contact portion is automatically separated from the electrode portion by the spring (6). This spring has a double structure with the stopper (7) and also serves to protect the switch itself from impact.
This switch is installed at an optimal location so as to protect the liquid crystal display (the installation location and the size of the switch differ depending on the shape of the robot toy). When a shock is applied to the switch, it is turned on because the switch is pushed by reaction. At that time, since the rubber and the switch structure absorb the impact, the influence on the liquid crystal display can be reduced.

Embodiment of the Invention

Example 1: Infinite design change Replace images and pictures projected on the LCD. With just this, you can change the design of the robot. As a result, it is possible to easily construct a “transformer robot” that has been difficult to realize.
Example 2: Display of still images and videos Not only pictures but also photos and videos can be displayed on the LCD (9). As a result, a “robot with moving design” can be easily constructed.
Example 3: Visual effects linked to robot movement For example, if you hit the robot's arm (if you press the arm switch), it will appear on the display of the arm, and if you fall (if you press the knee switch) The image of “blood glue” or “damage” is displayed on the display of (10). As a result, a more realistic visual effect and realism can be brought about, such as blood spilling or breaking.
Because it brings such an effect in conjunction with the movement, depending on how it is used, it can be used as a “part of educational guidance”.

  Basic configuration   LCD shock mitigation shape switch diagram   Explanatory drawing of Example 1   Explanatory drawing of Example 2.   Explanatory drawing of Example 3: Example of using a switch Example of projecting a damaged image on a display near a pressed switch

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Liquid crystal display 2 Liquid crystal display impact mitigation type switch 3 Switch lever 4 Switch contact part 5 Switch electrode part 6 Spring 7 Stopper 8 Liquid crystal display impact mitigation type switch Conceptual drawing 9 Photograph or animation 10 Damaged image

Claims (1)

  A liquid crystal display and a switch shaped to protect the liquid crystal display from shocks are installed in combination on the surface (one or part) of the “robot” housing such as a robot toy. A robot toy that is configured as a part of the design of the robot and has a sense of reality by changing it in conjunction with the movement of the robot, enhancing the amusement as a playground equipment for the robot.

Images