JP2010167148A - Traveling toy, program, information storage medium, and game device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To appropriately read data such as course data by a data sensor of a traveling toy. <P>SOLUTION: The traveling toy 10 traveling on a course 60 includes a body 12, a motor 30 mounted on the body and making the traveling toy travel by being supplied with prescribed power, a data sensor 50a sensing a plurality of data markers DM1 to DMn provided in the course for the traveling toy to read data, a clock sensor 50b sensing a plurality of clock markers CM1 to CM 16 provided in the course so as to read a clock to sample data, and a control section 310 extracting data by sampling the sensing signal of the data sensor by a clock extracted from the sensing signal of the clock sensor. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a mobile toy, a program, an information storage medium, a game device, and the like.

  Conventionally, a vehicle toy (moving toy) has been known that simulates a racing car or the like that travels a course constituted by connecting a plurality of course parts, and is designed so that users can enjoy it more. . As such a moving toy, there exist the prior art example of patent document 1 and patent document 2, for example.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle toy travel device that can switch between automatic control based on a predetermined program and manual control that operates a travel speed and a travel direction by using a remote controller of a user according to a course state. ing. In the vehicle toy traveling device, the autopilot program is set in advance by an input device serving as an external terminal, and is written in a storage device built in a doll mounted on the vehicle toy. Then, the automatic pilot program is transferred to a memory mounted on the vehicle toy via a storage device imitating the doll.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for transferring control information obtained by playing a game on a game device to a vehicle toy and controlling the running of the vehicle toy based on the control information.

JP-A-6-269574 JP 2000-210476 A

  However, in these conventional techniques, a technique for properly reading data set in a course has not been disclosed.

  According to some aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide a mobile toy that can appropriately read data set in a course.

  The present invention is a mobile toy that moves on a course, a body, a motor that is mounted on the body and is supplied with a given power to move the mobile toy, and for the mobile toy to read data A data sensor for detecting a plurality of data markers provided in the course, a clock sensor for detecting a plurality of clock markers provided in the course for reading a clock for sampling the data, and the clock sensor And a control unit that extracts the data by sampling the detection signal of the data sensor using the clock extracted from the detection signal.

  According to the mobile toy of the present invention, when the mobile toy runs, the clock sensor is read by the clock sensor and the data extracted by sampling the detection signal of the data sensor by the clock extracted from the detection signal of the clock sensor. Will be extracted. For this reason, data, such as course data, can be appropriately read by the data sensor.

  At this time, in the present invention, the data sensor and the clock sensor are on the grounding surface side of the body with respect to the course, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction that is the moving direction of the moving toy. It is good also as providing in parallel along this direction.

  In this way, the clock can be extracted by the clock sensor arranged in parallel with the data sensor, and the data can be appropriately acquired based on the clock.

  In the present invention, the front end side of the grounding surface of the body is a first contour line and the left end side of the grounding surface is a second contour line with respect to the first direction which is the moving direction of the mobile toy. When the rear end side of the ground plane is a third outline and the right end side of the ground plane is a fourth outline, the data sensor is on the second outline or the fourth outline. The clock sensor may be provided on either one of the second outline and the fourth outline.

  In this way, the data marker corresponding to the clock marker read by the clock sensor can be properly read by the data sensor.

  In the present invention, the front end side of the grounding surface of the body is a first contour line and the left end side of the grounding surface is a second contour line with respect to the first direction which is the moving direction of the mobile toy. The rear end side of the ground plane is a third outline, the right end side of the ground plane is a fourth outline, and the middle line of the first outline and the third outline is the first outline. A middle line between the first contour line and the first middle line is a second middle line, and a middle line between the first middle line and the third outer line is a third middle line. The data sensor and the clock sensor are surrounded by the second middle line, the second outline, the third outline, and the fourth outline of the ground plane. It may be provided in a closed region.

  In this way, since the data sensor and the clock sensor are provided near the center of the moving toy body on the grounding surface side, the data marker corresponding to the clock marker to be read by the clock sensor is appropriately set by the data sensor. Can be read.

  In the present invention, on the course, the plurality of data markers and the plurality of clock markers are provided in a shifted manner in the first direction, and the control unit is configured to detect the rising edge or the falling edge of the clock. The data may be extracted by sampling the detection signal of the data sensor.

  In this way, the detection signal of the data sensor can be sampled stably at the rising edge or falling edge of the clock, so that reading errors can be reduced.

  In the present invention, the course is composed of first to Nth course parts, and the data is stored in the first area of the running surface or wall surface of each course part of the first to Nth course parts. A plurality of data markers for the mobile toy to read are provided, and a plurality of clock markers for the mobile toy to read a clock for sampling the data are provided in the second area of the running surface or the wall surface. It may be done.

  In this way, when the moving toy runs on the course, data set in each course part can be easily read without performing a special calibration process.

  In the present invention, the i-th course part is different from the i-th course part in the first to N-th course parts when the shape of the j-th course part is different (1 ≦ i <j ≦ N). The arrangement of the plurality of data markers in the part may be different from the arrangement of the plurality of data markers in the jth course part.

  In this way, the difference in the shape of the course parts can be expressed by the difference in the arrangement of the data markers.

  Moreover, in this invention, the direction marker for judging the advancing direction on the said course of the said mobile toy may be provided in the both ends in the 1st direction of these clock markers.

  In this way, the traveling direction of the moving toy on the course can be determined by reading the direction marker when one of the sensors travels on the course.

  In the present invention, the width of the direction marker in the first direction may be different from the width of the clock marker in the first direction.

  In this manner, the direction marker and the clock marker can be easily distinguished by the clock sensor.

  In the present invention, the control unit sets one sensor that has read the direction marker, as the clock sensor, of the two sensors provided on the ground surface side of the body, and the other sensor as the sensor. It may be set in the data sensor.

  In this way, the data marker can be read regardless of the orientation of the course part.

  Further, in the present invention, the first to Nth travel controls in which each travel control data is associated with a plurality of data markers provided in corresponding course parts among the first to Nth course parts. The information processing apparatus may further include a storage unit that stores data, and the control unit may control the traveling of the mobile toy based on the first to Nth traveling control data.

  In this way, when the mobile toy travels on the course, the travel of the mobile toy can be controlled based on the travel control data associated with each course section.

  The present invention further includes an external interface unit for receiving the first to Nth driving control data from an external game device, and the control unit receives the game device from the game device via the external interface unit. The mobile toy may be controlled based on the first to Nth travel control data.

  In this way, when the moving toy travels on the course, the traveling of the moving toy can be controlled based on the travel control data associated with each course section received from the game device.

  The present invention may further include a data transmission processing unit that transmits the course data extracted by the control unit via the external interface unit to the game device.

  In this way, the course data detected when the moving toy travels on the course can be transmitted to the game device.

  In the present invention, the data may be course data for specifying the shape of each course part.

  In this way, the course data can be read by the data sensor reading the data marker when the mobile toy runs.

  In the present invention, a guide portion that fits into a groove portion formed in the course along the first direction that is the moving direction of the movable toy is provided on the grounding surface side of the body with respect to the course. Also good.

  In this way, the moving toy moves along the groove while the guide part of the moving toy is fitted in the groove, so that the moving toy goes out of the course even if the speed of the moving toy is increased. Can be suppressed.

  In the present invention, at least one of the data sensor and the clock sensor may be provided between one of the left end and the right end of the ground plane and the guide portion with respect to the first direction. Good.

  In this way, when the moving toy moves along the groove while the guide part of the moving toy is fitted in the groove, at least one of the data sensor and the clock sensor is at least the data marker and the clock marker. One can be read.

  In the present invention, one of the data sensor and the clock sensor is provided between one of the left end and the right end of the ground plane and the guide portion with respect to the first direction, and the data sensor The other of the sensor and the clock sensor may be provided between the other of the left end and the right end of the ground plane and the guide portion with respect to the first direction.

  In this way, the data sensor reads the data marker and the clock sensor reads the clock marker when the moving toy moves along the groove while the guide part of the moving toy is fitted in the groove. Can do.

  In the present invention, at least two guide rollers for guiding the guide portion to the groove portion are provided on the grounding surface side, and the first guide roller which is one of the at least two guide rollers is the first guide roller. The second guide roller, which is provided between one of the left end and the right end of the grounding surface with respect to the direction 1 and the guide portion, is the other of the at least two guide rollers. It may be provided between the other of the left end and the right end of the grounding surface and the guide portion.

  In this way, when the moving toy moves on the course, the guide portion is guided to the groove portion by the guide roller, so that the moving toy can be prevented from going out of the course even if the speed of the moving toy is increased. .

  In the present invention, the guide portion is provided at one end of the string-like member fixed to the grounding surface side of the body and the other end side of the string-like member, and the movable toy is detached from the course. It is good also as including the detachment | desorption control member which controls doing.

  In this way, when the moving toy moves on the course, even if the moving toy increases the speed of the moving toy and goes out of the course, the moving toy is detached from the course by the string-like member and the detachment regulating member. Can be suppressed.

  Further, the present invention provides a travel control data storage unit that stores travel control data that is data for controlling travel of the mobile toy according to any one of the above, and the travel control data to the mobile toy. The computer functions as a transmission processing unit that performs processing to transmit and a display control unit that performs control to display a virtual course corresponding to the course on the display unit, and the display control unit corresponds to each course part of the course The present invention relates to a program for performing control to display a travel data setting screen for a player to input and set the travel control data for each virtual course section of the virtual course.

  According to the program of the present invention, the player can set the travel control data and transmit the travel control data after setting to the moving toy by a simple operation using the travel control data setting screen. A simple interface environment for toy running control can be provided to the player.

  At this time, in the present invention, a simulation is performed to perform a simulation process in which a virtual moving body provided corresponding to the moving toy is driven according to the driving control data in the virtual course provided in the virtual space corresponding to the course. The processing unit may further function a computer.

  In this way, the mobile toy can be virtually run by simulation processing on the game device, so that the range of player tuning settings can be expanded.

  In the present invention, the data is course data for specifying the shape of each course part constituting the course, and the reception processing unit receives the course data from any of the moving toys described above. The computer may further function as a virtual course setting unit that sets the virtual course in the virtual space based on the course data.

  In this way, the virtual course can be easily set in the virtual space based on the course data read when the moving toy travels.

  In the present invention, a reception processing unit that performs processing for receiving from the mobile toy actual travel result data obtained by the mobile toy traveling on the course based on the transmitted travel control data; The computer may function as a display control unit that performs control to display the received actual traveling result data on the display unit.

  In this way, by transmitting the travel control data to the mobile toy and receiving the actual travel result data corresponding to the travel control data from the mobile toy, the player can obtain the optimal travel control data set by the player. It becomes possible to objectively determine whether or not the setting is made.

  In the present invention, the data is course data for specifying the shape of each course part constituting the course, and the reception processing unit receives the course data from the mobile toy according to any one of the above. A virtual course setting unit that sets the virtual course in the virtual space based on the course data, and a display control unit that performs control to display the virtual course set by the virtual course setting unit on the display unit, It relates to programs that make computers work.

  The present invention also relates to a computer-readable information storage medium that stores the program described above.

  In addition, the present invention provides a travel control data storage unit that stores travel control data that is data for controlling travel of the mobile toy according to any one of the above, and transmits the travel control data to the mobile toy. A transmission processing unit that performs processing to perform, and a display control unit that performs control to display a virtual course corresponding to the course, wherein the display control unit includes each of the virtual course corresponding to each course part of the course The present invention relates to a game apparatus that performs control to display a travel data setting screen for a player to input and set the travel control data for a virtual course section.

  In the present invention, the data is course data for specifying the shape of each course part constituting the course, and the reception processing unit receives the course data from the mobile toy according to any one of the above. A virtual course setting unit that sets the virtual course in the virtual space based on the course data, a display control unit that performs control to display the virtual course set by the virtual course setting unit on a display unit, Related to a game device including

1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams of a course on which a vehicle toy travels. 2A is an external perspective view of a course part to which the present embodiment is applied, and FIG. 2B is a plan view of the course part to which the present embodiment is applied. FIG. 3A is an external perspective view of a course part to which another embodiment is applied, and FIG. 3B is a plan view of the course part to which the other embodiment is applied. 4A is an external perspective view of a course part to which another embodiment is applied, and FIG. 4B is a plan view of the course part to which another embodiment is applied. FIG. 5A is an external perspective view of a course part to which another embodiment is applied, and FIG. 5B is a plan view of the course part to which another embodiment is applied. 1 is an external perspective view of a vehicle toy to which the present embodiment is applied. The top view which shows the internal structure of the vehicle toy to which this embodiment is applied. The top view which shows the structure by the side of the grounding surface of the toy vehicle to which other embodiment is applied. FIG. 9A is a front view showing a traveling state of a vehicle toy to which another embodiment is applied, and FIG. 9B is a traveling state of a modified example of the vehicle toy to which the other embodiment is applied. FIG. The top view which shows the structure by the side of the grounding surface of the toy vehicle to which other embodiment is applied. FIG. 11A is a front view showing a state in which a vehicle toy to which another embodiment is applied travels on the course part of the first modified example, and FIG. 11B shows the other embodiment. The front view which shows the state at the time of a vehicle toy driving | running | working on the course parts of a 2nd modification. The top view which shows the structure by the side of the grounding surface of the toy vehicle to which other embodiment is applied. FIG. 13A is a side view showing a traveling state of a vehicle toy to which another embodiment is applied, and FIG. 13B is a traveling state of a modified example of the vehicle toy to which the other embodiment is applied. FIG. The functional block diagram of the vehicle toy to which this embodiment is applied. The external view of the game device to which this embodiment is applied. The functional block diagram of the game device to which this embodiment is applied. FIG. 17A is a schematic diagram of the first method of the marker code recognition method by the vehicle toy according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 17B is a clock sensor and data according to the first method of the vehicle toy according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a waveform diagram of a detection signal of a sensor for use. The flowchart of the 1st method of the marker code recognition method by the vehicle toy of this embodiment. FIG. 19A is a schematic diagram of a second method of recognizing a marker code by the vehicle toy according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 19B is a clock sensor and data according to the second method of the vehicle toy according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a waveform diagram of a detection signal of a sensor for use. The mounting image figure of the 2nd method of this embodiment. The flowchart of the 2nd method of the marker code recognition method by the vehicle toy of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the problem in the 2nd method of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the solution of the problem in the 2nd method of this embodiment. The example of sensor arrangement in the 2nd method of this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the setting method of driving control data. The figure for demonstrating the setting method of driving control data. The figure for demonstrating the setting method of driving control data. 28A to 28C are explanatory diagrams of a course data automatic acquisition method. FIG. 29A to FIG. 29C are diagrams illustrating a method for setting traveling control data. The figure explaining the setting method of course data. FIGS. 31A and 31B are explanatory diagrams of a method for receiving and displaying actual traveling result data. FIGS. 32A and 32B are explanatory diagrams of a method for displaying the actual travel result data and the travel simulation result data in comparison with each other.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. The present embodiment described below does not unduly limit the contents of the present invention described in the claims, and all the configurations described in the present embodiment are essential as means for solving the present invention. Not necessarily.

1. Course FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing an example of a course in which a vehicle toy that is a moving toy of the present embodiment is run. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 (A), the course 60 for running the vehicle toy 10 is appropriately connected with a plurality of course parts CP1 to CP16 having various configurations of a linear shape, a curved shape, and a slope shape. Through the structure, it is connected to other course parts adjacent to each other to form an endless shape, and a straight line, a curve, and a slope are arranged. The course 60 is followed by a first traveling course 61 composed of course parts CP1 to CP8, followed by a second traveling course 62 composed almost identically to the first traveling course 61 by course parts CP9 to CP16. It is configured so that it is one course in two rounds of the circuit.

  The first traveling course 61 includes a first straight course part CP1, a first curved course part CP2, a first slope course part CP3, a second curved course part CP4, a second slope course part CP5, and a third. The curved course part CP6, the second straight course part CP7, and the fourth curved course part CP8 are connected in order. The first straight course part CP1 is a straight course part longer than the second straight course part CP7, and is connected to the first curved course part CP2. The first curve course part CP2 is a loop-shaped course part and is connected to the first slope course part CP3. The first slope course part CP3 is connected to the subsequent second curve course part CP4 as a slope-shaped bridge so as to form a three-dimensional intersection with the first straight course part CP1 and the third straight course part CP9. The The second curve course part CP4 is a gentle curve course, and is connected to the subsequent second slope course part CP5 as a slope-shaped bridge so as to form a three-dimensional intersection with the sixth curve course part CP12. The The second slope course part CP5 is connected to the subsequent third curve course part CP6 as a bridge in a slope shape so as to form a three-dimensional intersection with the first straight course part CP1 and the third straight course part CP9. The The third curved course part CP6 is a curved course part and is connected to the subsequent second straight course part CP7. The second straight course part CP7 is a straight course part and is connected to the subsequent fourth curved course part CP8. The fourth curve course part CP8 is a loop-shaped course part, and is connected to a third straight course part CP9 which is an introduction course of the subsequent second traveling course 62.

  On the other hand, the second traveling course 62 includes a third straight course part CP9, a fifth curved course part CP10, a third slope course part CP11, a sixth curved course part CP12, a fourth slope course part CP13, The seventh curved course part CP14, the fourth straight course part CP15, and the eighth curved course part CP16 are sequentially connected. The third straight course part CP9 is the same straight course part as the first straight course part CP1, and is connected to the fifth curved course part CP10. The fifth curve course part CP10 is a course part having the same loop shape as the first loop course part CP2, and is connected to the third slope course part CP11. The third slope course part CP11 is a slope-shaped bridge having the same configuration as the first slope course part CP3, and is connected to the subsequent sixth curve course part CP12. The sixth curve course part CP12 is a gentle curve course and is connected to the subsequent fourth slope course part CP13. The fourth slope course part CP13 becomes a slope-shaped bridge with the same configuration as the second slope course part CP5, and is connected to the subsequent seventh curve course part CP14. The seventh curved course part CP14 is a curved course part and is connected to the subsequent fourth straight course part CP15. The fourth straight course part CP15 is a straight course part and is connected to the subsequent eighth curved course part CP16.

  Moreover, as shown in the AA arrow sectional view of FIG. 1 (B), each course section has a first traveling course 61 and a second traveling course 62 arranged in parallel. Side walls 63L, 63R, 64L, and 64R are provided on both sides, respectively.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2B, the course parts CP1 to CP16 constituting the course 60 have a traveling direction D1 (first direction) of the toy vehicle 10 on the traveling surface CPB1 (to CPB16) of the course 60. In contrast, a marker code MC1 (to a plurality of data markers DM1 to DMn (n is an integer of 2 or more)) for the vehicle toy 10 to read data in a region CPBR1 (first region in a broad sense) on the right half side. MC16) is provided.

  In the present embodiment, data read by the plurality of data markers DM1 to DMn included in these marker codes MC1 (to MC16) are indicated by course part IDs for specifying the shapes of the course parts CP1 to CP16. Course data. That is, each marker code MC1 (to MC16) includes a plurality of course codes CP1 to CP16 as long as the i-th course part CPi and the j-th course part CPj (1 ≦ i <j ≦ 16) have different shapes. The arrangement of the data markers DM1 to DMn is different. For this reason, the difference in the shape of the course parts CP1 to CP16 can be expressed by the difference in the arrangement of the data markers DM1 to DMn. Note that the data is not limited to the course data, and may be, for example, travel instruction data when traveling in each of the course parts CP1 to CP16.

  On the other hand, the region CPBL1 (second region) on the left half side of the traveling direction D1 of the vehicle toy 10 on the running surfaces CPB1 to CPB16 of the course parts CP1 to CP16 is shown in FIGS. ), A plurality of clock markers CM1 (to CM16) are provided for the vehicle toy 10 to read a clock for sampling the data. Note that the arrangement of the data markers DM1 to DMn and the clock markers CM1 to CM16 is not limited to the arrangement shown in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the direction markers DMA1 (to DMA16) and DMB1 (for determining the traveling direction of the vehicle toy 10 on the course) are provided at both ends of the clock markers CM1 to CM16 in the first direction D1. To DMB16). The direction markers DMA1 (to DMA16) and DMB1 (to DMB16) have widths in the first direction D1 in the first direction D1 of the clock markers CM1 to CM16 so that they can be distinguished from the clock markers CM1 to CM16. It is set larger. The widths of the direction markers DMA1 (to DMA16) and DMB1 (to DMB16) in the first direction D1 may be different from each other so that they can be distinguished from the clock markers CM1 to CM16. The width may be smaller than the width in the first direction D1.

  In the present embodiment, the data markers DM1 to DMn and the clock markers CM1 (to CM16) are white markers, and the running surface CPB1 (to CPB16) of the course 60 is colored black. Note that the colors of these markers DM1 to DMn and CM1 to CM16 are not limited to white, the luminance is set to be equal to or higher than a given reference luminance, and the luminance of the running surface CPB1 (to CPB16) of the course 60 is the reference luminance. It may be set to less than. Conversely, the brightness of these markers DM1 to DMn and CM1 to CM16 is set to be less than a given brightness, and the brightness of the running surface CPB1 (to CPB16) of the course 60 is set to be equal to or higher than the reference brightness. Good.

  The vehicle toy 10 which has started running on the course 60 provided with the data markers DM1 to DMn and the clock markers CM1 (to CM16) is controlled in its running operation by a program installed from a game device including various terminal devices. While traveling, the vehicle travels on the course 60 counterclockwise (direction D1 in FIG. 1). In this embodiment, when traveling on the course 60, the data sensor 50a (see FIG. 4) included in the vehicle toy 10 reads the data markers DM1 to DMn included in the marker codes MC1 to MC16, so that each course A course part ID (course data) for specifying the shapes of the parts CP1 to CP16 can be acquired. In the course 60, course sections CS1 to CS16 are set corresponding to the course parts CP1 to CP16. The course 60 of the present embodiment is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1A, and various modifications such as omitting some of the components or adding other components are possible. .

  The course parts CP1 to CP16 constituting the course 60 are not limited to the configuration examples shown in FIGS. 2 (A) and 2 (B). In other words, when the vehicle toy traveling on the course 60 is, for example, a slot car system, as shown in FIGS. A guide groove portion 200D that fits with the first portion is formed between the first region CPBR1 and the second region CPBL1 of the traveling surfaces CPB1 to CPB16 along the first direction D1.

  Thus, by forming the guide groove portion 200D in the course parts CP1 to CP16, the guide portion of the vehicle toy is fitted to the guide groove portion 200D along the first direction D1. For this reason, when the vehicle toy of the slot car system or the like is driven, the guide portion is fitted so as to slide with respect to the guide groove portion 200D. It becomes difficult to derail from 60. Accordingly, since the derailment of the vehicle toy from the course 60 is suppressed without providing a side wall as in the configuration example shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the vehicle toy travels on the course 60. It becomes easier for the user to view the operation, and more enjoyment of the traveling operation of the vehicle toy can be enjoyed. Further, since the course 60 does not require a side wall, it becomes easy for the user to see the traveling operation of the vehicle toy on the course 60, and it becomes easy to find a traveling trouble of the vehicle toy.

  As a configuration example of a course part used in the case of a slot car system having a pair of guide rollers for guiding a guide part of a vehicle toy to a guide groove part on a grounding surface side to be described later, FIG. There is a first modification shown in (B) and a second modification shown in FIGS. 5 (A) and 5 (B).

  In the first modification, the guide groove portion 300D of the course parts CP301 to CP316 is formed so that the guide groove portion 300D is convex with respect to the traveling surfaces CPB1 to CPB16, as shown in FIGS. Provided between the first convex portion 302 and the second convex portion 304. The first convex portion 302 is formed in a convex shape with respect to the traveling surfaces CPB1 to CPB16 along the first direction D1 on the center side of the course 60 with respect to the plurality of data markers DM1 to DMn. And the 1st convex part 302 is formed so that the side surface 302W by the side of the data markers DM1-DMn may contact | abut one side of a pair of guide roller provided in the grounding surface side of a vehicle toy. On the other hand, the second convex portion 304 is formed in a convex shape with respect to the traveling surfaces CPB1 to CPB16 along the first direction D1 on the center side of the course 60 with respect to the plurality of clock markers CM1 to CM16. . And the 2nd convex part 304 is formed so that side 304W by the side of clock marker CM1-CM16 may contact the other of a pair of guide roller provided in the grounding surface side of a vehicle toy.

  As described above, by providing the guide groove portion 300D between the first convex portion 302 and the second convex portion 304, when the vehicle toy travels, the guide roller can move to the first convex portion 302 and the first convex portion 302. The two guide portions 304 come into contact with each other, and the guide portion is guided to the guide groove portion 300D. For this reason, even when the vehicle toy is driven at a high speed, the course out of the vehicle toy can be suppressed. In addition, by providing a magnetic material such as iron on the top portions 302T and 304T of the first convex portion 302 and the second convex portion 304 by coating or the like, an attractive force is exerted by a magnetic force generated by a motor drive of the vehicle toy. Becomes difficult to detach from the convex portions 302 and 304. For this reason, even when the speed of the vehicle toy is increased, the occurrence of a course out of the vehicle toy can be suppressed.

  In the second modified example, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the guide groove portion 400D of the course parts CP401 to CP416 is formed in a concave shape with respect to the running surfaces CPB1 to CPB16. Provided between the first recess 402 and the second recess 404. The first concave portion 402 is concave with respect to the traveling surfaces CPB1 to CPB16 along the first direction D1 on the center side of the course 60 with respect to the first region CPBR1 where the plurality of data markers DM1 to DMn are provided. Is formed. And the 1st recessed part 402 is formed so that the side surface 402W by the side of a running surface may contact | abut one side of a pair of guide roller provided in the grounding surface side of a toy vehicle. On the other hand, the second recess 404 is located on the center side of the course 60 with respect to the second area CPBL1 where the plurality of clock markers CM1 to CM16 are provided, and with respect to the traveling surfaces CPB1 to CPB16 along the first direction D1. It is formed in a concave shape. The second recess 404 is formed such that the side surface 404W on the traveling surface side contacts the other of the pair of guide rollers provided on the grounding surface side of the vehicle toy.

  As described above, the guide groove portion 400D is provided between the first recess portion 402 and the second recess portion 404, so that when the vehicle toy travels, the guide roller is provided with the first recess portion 402 and the second recess portion. By coming into contact with 404, the guide part of the vehicle toy is guided to the guide groove part 400D. For this reason, even when the vehicle toy is driven at a high speed, the course out of the vehicle toy can be suppressed.

2. FIG. 6 shows an external perspective view of a vehicle toy 10 that is an example of the moving toy according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the body 12 of the vehicle toy 10 has a chassis 16 in which an exterior part 14 simulating the outer shape of a sports car, etc., and a pair of front wheels 18 and rear wheels 20 (grounding parts) are provided. Including. These front wheels 18 and rear wheels 20 are driven by a prime mover such as a motor mounted on the chassis 16 to move the vehicle toy 10.

  As shown in FIG. 6, guide rollers (plates) 21, 22, 23, and 24 (see FIG. 7 for 24) are provided at the four corners of the body 12. The guide rollers 21 to 24 smoothly travel on the course 60 of the toy vehicle 10 by hitting the side walls 63L, 63R, 64L, and 64R shown in FIG. In addition, it is a member for ensuring the running stability of the toy vehicle 10.

  In the present embodiment, the vehicle toy 10 has a body 12 (exterior portion 14) shaped like a sports car, but the vehicle toy 10 is not limited to this, and various forms of automobiles (for example, trucks) Etc.) or a motorcycle (for example, a motorcycle). Moreover, the mobile toy of this embodiment is not limited to a vehicle toy, and can be applied to, for example, an animal such as a racehorse of a horse race or a doll imitating each character such as a cartoon along a course. is there.

  FIG. 7 is a plan view of the internal configuration of the toy vehicle 10 according to the present embodiment, showing a state in which the exterior portion 14 of the body 12 is removed. In the present embodiment, the vehicle toy 10 has a pair of front wheels 18 (18L, 18R) and rear wheels 20 (20L, 20R) on the left and right, respectively, and a front wheel axle that pivotally supports the front wheels 18 and the rear wheels 20 ( This is a four-wheel drive vehicle toy in which the drive of the motor 30 mounted on the rear side of the chassis 16 is transmitted to the shaft 26) and the rear wheel axle 28, and the front wheels 18 and the rear wheels 20 are rotationally driven. The prime mover that supplies the given power and converts it into mechanical energy for running and moving the toy vehicle 10 is not limited to the motor 30 and may be another prime mover such as a small engine.

  The rear wheel axle 28 is provided with a rear wheel drive gear 32 for driving the rear wheel 20, and the drive of the motor 30 is transmitted to the rear wheel axle 28 via the rear wheel drive gear 32. Is done. The rear wheel axle 28 is provided with a rear wheel crown gear 34 for transmitting the drive of the motor 30 to the front wheel axle 26, and a drive transmission shaft for transmitting the drive to the front wheel axle 26. A rear wheel side drive transmission gear 38 provided at the end of 36 is meshed.

  On the other hand, the front wheel axle 26 is provided with a front wheel side crown gear 40 for transmitting the drive of the motor 30 via the drive transmission shaft 36, and the front wheel side drive transmission provided at the other end of the drive transmission shaft 36. It meshes with the gear 42. Therefore, when the motor 30 is driven, the motor 30 is driven via the rear wheel drive gear 32, the rear wheel side drive transmission gear 38, the drive transmission shaft 36, the front wheel side drive transmission gear 42, and the front wheel side crown gear 40. The vehicle toy 10 of this embodiment is transmitted to the four-wheel drive. In addition, the power transmission mechanism which supplies predetermined power to the motor 30 of the vehicle toy 10 of this embodiment and converts it into mechanical energy for running the vehicle toy 10 is not limited to the configuration of FIG. Various modifications can be made such as omitting some of the components or adding other components.

  The front wheel axle 26 is rotatably supported by a front wheel shaft support portion 46 that is pivotally supported by the chassis 16 via a shaft portion 44. For this reason, the front wheel 18 allows the vehicle toy 10 to travel by allowing it to rotate around the horizontal axis via the front wheel axle 26, and the vertical axis via the front wheel shaft support 46 supported by the shaft 44. The direction of the vehicle toy 10 is changed by making it swingable around.

  In the approximate center of the chassis 16, a dry battery 48 (power source) is installed as a power source for supplying power to the motor 30 as power. The installation location of the dry battery 48 is not limited to the approximate center of the chassis 16, but by installing the heavy dry battery 48 in the approximate center of the chassis 16, the center of gravity of the vehicle toy 10 moves to the approximate center and the vehicle toy 10 Since the running operation becomes stable, it is preferable to install the dry battery 48 in the approximate center of the chassis 16. In addition, in this embodiment, although it is set as the vehicle toy 10 which installs the dry battery 48 as an electric power supply source, it is also possible to make electric power supply into a rechargeable type.

  Further, a sensor for detecting a marker provided on the traveling surface of the course 60 is provided in front of the grounding surface side of the body 12 facing the course 60 while the vehicle toy 10 is traveling on the course 60, that is, the rear surface side of the chassis 16. 50 is provided. In the present embodiment, the sensor 50 includes a data sensor 50a and a clock sensor 50b. The data sensor 50a detects marker codes MC1 to MC16 including a plurality of data markers DM1 to DMn provided on the course 60 for the vehicle toy 10 to read data. The clock sensor 50b detects a plurality of clock markers CM1 to CM16 provided on the course 60 in order to read a clock for sampling the data.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the data sensor 50a and the clock sensor 50b are arranged in a first direction that is the traveling direction (movement direction) of the vehicle toy 10 on the ground surface side of the body 12 with respect to the course 60. They are provided in parallel along a second direction D2 that is perpendicular to D1. Therefore, when the vehicle toy 10 travels on the course 60, the data markers DM1 to DMn can be read by the data sensor 50a while reading the clock markers CM1 to CM16 by the clock sensor 50b. In other words, the clock can be extracted by the clock sensor 50b arranged in parallel with the data sensor 50a, and the data can be appropriately acquired based on the clock.

  Note that the installation location of the data sensor 50a and the clock sensor 50b is not limited to the front of the rear surface side of the chassis 16, as shown in FIG. That is, it is only necessary to provide the data sensor 50a at a position where the data markers DM1 to DMn can be read and the clock sensor 50b at a position where the clock markers CM1 to CM16 can be read when the vehicle toy 10 travels. For example, it is also possible to provide these sensors 50a and 50b in parallel in the second direction D2 in the approximate center of the body 12 on the grounding surface side. Further, if any one of the data markers DM1 to DMn or the clock markers CM1 to CM16 is provided on the side walls 63L, 63R, 64L, and 64R on both sides of the course 60, these markers DM1 to DMN, CM1 to CM16 are provided. Sensors 50a and 50b may be provided on the side wall side of the body 12 so as to face each other.

  In the present embodiment, the data sensor 50a detects the luminance (luminance information) of the data markers DM1 to DMn included in the marker codes MC1 to MC16 to be detected, and the clock sensor 50b is a clock marker to be detected. The luminance (luminance information) of CM1 to CM16 is detected. The course data for specifying the shapes of the course parts CP1 to CP16 can be read by sampling the detection signal of the data sensor 50a using the clock extracted from the detection signal of the clock sensor 50b.

  Specifically, the data sensor 50a is located on the course surface CP1 to CP16, CP201 to CP216, CP301 to CP316, CP401 to CP416 of the course 60 on the traveling surface CPB1 to CPB16 with respect to the traveling direction D1 of the vehicle toy 10. It arrange | positions so that the data markers DM1-DMn provided in the area | region (1st area | region) of the half side may be opposed. Then, the data sensor 50a detects the brightness of the data markers DM1 to DMn to be detected. In this case, the brightness of the running surfaces CPB1 to CPB16 of the course 60 is set to be less than a given reference brightness, and the brightness of the data markers DM1 to DMn is set to be equal to or higher than the reference brightness. Then, when the vehicle toy 10 travels and passes through the data markers DM1 to DMn of the marker codes MC1 to MC16 provided on the course 60, the brightness of the detection target of the sensor 50 is determined using the reference brightness as a threshold, Each marker code MC1-MC16 is detected. The course data for specifying the shapes of the course parts CP1 to CP16, CP201 to CP216, CP301 to CP316, CP401 to CP416 by detecting the data markers DM1 to DMn included in these marker codes MC1 (to MC16). Is read. The reference luminance referred to here is a given luminance between the first luminance and the second luminance for clearly setting the difference between the first luminance and the second luminance.

  As the sensor 50, for example, a reflective photosensor (infrared sensor) can be used. This reflection type photosensor includes a light emitting element (light projecting element) such as an LED, and reflects light reflected by the detection target (emitted from the light projecting element) by the light emitting element. It is a sensor which detects by receiving light with a light receiving element.

  However, the sensor 50 (50a, 50b) is not limited to a reflection type photosensor, and various sensors such as a distance sensor, a barcode reading sensor, or a CCD can be used. For example, the sensor 50 is an infrared sensor in which the infrared light receiving unit is installed, and the infrared light emitting unit is installed in the data markers DM1 to DMn and the clock markers CM1 to CM16 to be detected by the sensor 50. IRDA communication suitable for data communication may be used. That is, data is obtained by sampling the detection signal of the data sensor by the clock extracted from the detection signal of the clock sensor by the infrared signals output from the data markers DM1 to DMn and the clock markers CM1 to CM16 on the course 60. Can be read.

  Alternatively, the detection of the detection target by the sensor 50 may be always performed after the start of the vehicle toy 10 (after the start of the race and after the prime mover is turned on). That is, after the start, the detection by the sensor 50 is always performed, and the obtained detection result data is accumulated in the storage unit 330. At this time, for example, detection result data may be stored in a ring buffer (not shown) of the storage unit 330. In this case, when the detection result data is written in all the storage areas of the ring buffer, the detection result is overwritten thereafter, so the detection result data stored in the ring buffer is updated every predetermined time. Become so.

  Further, light emitting elements 52L and 52R functioning as brake lamps or the like are provided on the rear end side of the body 12 (chassis 16) of the vehicle toy 10, and when the speed of the vehicle toy 10 changes (for example, during deceleration or acceleration). Lights up when). Thereby, lighting of the brake lamp at the time of deceleration can be simulated. Note that the internal configuration of the vehicle toy 10 of the present embodiment is not limited to the configuration of FIG. 7, and various modifications such as omitting some of the components or adding other components are possible. is there.

  The vehicle toy according to the present embodiment can be applied to, for example, a slot car type vehicle toy including a guide portion that fits in the guide groove portions 200D, 300D, and 400D formed on the course 60 as described above. It is.

  That is, when the vehicle toy according to the present embodiment is applied to the slot car system, as shown in FIG. 8, the guide unit 70 is located on the grounding surface side with respect to the course 60 in the chassis 16 of the body 12 of the vehicle toy 10X. 50a and the clock sensor 50b. As shown in FIG. 8, the guide portion 70 is configured by providing a substantially plate-shaped guide member 72 so as to be rotatable with respect to the support shaft 74. And as shown to FIG. 9 (A), the said guide member 72 fits in the guide groove part 200D formed on the course 60 along the 1st direction D1 used as the moving direction of the vehicle toy 10X.

  Thus, by providing the guide portion 70 on the ground contact surface side of the toy vehicle 10X facing the course 60, the guide member 72 is fitted into the groove portion 200D when traveling on the course in which the guide groove portion 200D is formed. However, the vehicle toy 10X moves along the groove 200D. For this reason, even when the traveling speed of the vehicle toy 10X is suddenly increased, the guide member 72 is fitted in the groove portion 200D, so that the vehicle toy 10X can be prevented from going out of course.

  Further, by providing the guide member 72 of the guide portion 70 so as to be rotatable with respect to the support shaft 74, the vehicle toy 10 </ b> X is placed on the course 60 regardless of the shape of the guide groove portion 200 </ b> D regardless of the shape. When running, the guide member 72 is fitted into the guide groove portion 200D while sliding.

  In the configuration example shown in FIG. 8, the guide unit 70 is arranged between the data sensor 50a and the clock sensor 50b. However, the arrangement of the guide unit 70 is not limited to the configuration example shown in FIG. That is, when the guide part 70 of the vehicle toy 10X travels while being fitted in the groove part 200D (300D, 400D), the data sensor 50a reads the data markers DM1 to DMn, and the clock sensor 50b is the clock markers CM1 to CM16. As long as it can be read.

  Further, the shape of the guide member 72 of the guide portion 70 is not limited to a substantially plate shape. That is, when the vehicle toy 10X travels on the course 60, for example, a substantially rod-shaped guide member may be used as long as it fits into the guide groove 200D. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9B, when the cross section of the guide groove 202D is bifurcated, the guide member 74 is fitted with the guide groove 202D having the cross section of the branch shape. By using the guide member 74 having a substantially U-shaped cross section, the vehicle toy 10X can be made more difficult to derail from the course 60.

  In the case of a slot car type vehicle toy that runs on a course composed of the course parts of the first and second modified examples described above, as shown in FIG. 10, with respect to the first direction D1. A pair of guide rollers 50 (50a, 50b) for guiding the guide portion 70 to the guide groove portions 302D, 402D are provided on both sides of the guide portion 70. Further, in the present embodiment, in order to stabilize the traveling posture and traveling state of the toy vehicle 10, as shown in FIGS. 11 (A) and 11 (B), a spring damper serving as a biasing means for the shaft portions 50a1 and 50b1. 50a2 and 50b2 are provided.

  Thus, by providing a pair of guide rollers 50a and 50b on the grounding surface side of the toy vehicle 10Y, the first guide is used when traveling on a course composed of the course parts of the first modification described above. As shown in FIG. 11A, the roller 50a contacts the side surface 302W of the first convex portion 302, and the second guide roller 50b contacts the side surface 304W of the second convex portion 304. On the other hand, when traveling on a course composed of the course parts of the second modified example described above, the first guide roller 50a is provided with a side surface 402W of the first recess 402 as shown in FIG. The second guide roller 50b comes into contact with the side surface 404W of the second recess 404.

  By providing the guide rollers 50a and 50b on both sides of the guide portion 70 in this way, when the vehicle toy 10 moves on the course 60, these guide rollers 50a and 50b guide the guide portion 70 to the guide groove portions 200D and 300D. Therefore, even if the speed of the vehicle toy 10 is increased, the vehicle toy 10 can be prevented from going out of the course. Note that the number of guide rollers and the installation location are not limited to the above-described embodiment as long as the guide portion is guided to the guide groove portion by the guide roller. Further, when the guide rollers 50a and 50b including the spring dampers 50a2 and 50b2 are provided on the shaft portions 50a1 and 50b1 on the ground contact surface side of the vehicle toy 10Y, the vehicle toy 10Y is provided with the convex portion 302 via the guide rollers 50a and 50b. 304 and the recesses 402 and 404, the guide portion 70 may be omitted.

  As described above, the speed of the vehicle toys 10X and 10Y is increased by providing the guide portion 70 fitted so as to slide with respect to the guide groove portions 200D, 300D, and 400D on the approximate center side of the course 60. Even in this case, it becomes difficult for the vehicle toys 10X and 10Y to derail from the course 60. Accordingly, since the derailment of the vehicle toys 10X and 10Y from the course 60 can be suppressed without providing a side wall on the course 60, the user can observe the running operation of the vehicle toys 10X and 10Y on the course 60. This makes it easier to enjoy the traveling operation of the vehicle toys 10X and 10Y.

  Moreover, in the vehicle toy of this embodiment, the vehicle toy provided with the guide part 70 guided to the guide groove parts 200D, 300D, and 400D is not limited to the slot car type. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, in the guide portion 80, one end 82a is fixed to the grounding surface side of the chassis 16 of the body 12, and the vehicle toy 10Z is detached from the course 60 on the other end 82b side. It is also possible to include a detachment regulating member 84 that regulates the operation.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the string-like member 82 is attached to the approximate center in front of the grounding surface side of the chassis 16 of the toy vehicle 10Z. The string-like member 82 has a predetermined length so that it does not jump out of the predetermined range of the course 60 even if the vehicle toy 10Z goes out of the course, and the length changes within the predetermined range. Thus, for example, it is formed of an elastic member such as a rubber string. In addition, the installation location of the string-like member 82 is not limited to a substantially central portion in front of the grounding surface side of the chassis 16 of the toy vehicle 10 </ b> Z, and is attached to any of the front, rear, left and right portions of the chassis 16 on the grounding surface side. May be. Further, the material of the string-like member 82 is not limited to a stretchable member such as a rubber string, and when formed of a hard material such as a wire having a predetermined length, the grounding surface of the chassis 16 of the body 12 is used. One end side fixed to the side may be fixed by a member that can be wound with a reel member or the like, and the length of the string-like member 82 may be changed within a predetermined range. At this time, the reel member is preferably pivotally supported with respect to the chassis 16 so that the winding direction of the string-like member 82 can be freely changed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13B, the detachment regulating member 84 has an outer diameter larger than the width of the guide groove 200D, and is provided so as to be below the running surface 60Z of the course 60. For this reason, even when the vehicle toy 10Z travels on the course 60 and goes out of course when the speed of the vehicle toy 10Z is increased, as shown in FIG. It is possible to prevent the toy vehicle 10 </ b> Z from being detached from the course 60 by the detachment regulating member 84 fixed to the vehicle. Note that the detachment restricting member 84 has an outer surface formed by a curved surface such as a substantially spherical shape or a substantially elliptical sphere shape, in order to have an equal drag force when the cord-like member 82 is pulled from any direction. Is preferably formed. The vehicle toy 10Z having the configuration example shown in FIG. 12 can also be applied to a vehicle toy that runs a course other than the course 60 of the present embodiment provided with the data markers DM1 to DMn and the clock markers CM1 to CM16 described above.

  In FIG. 14, the example of the functional block diagram of the vehicle toy (moving toy) 10 of this embodiment is shown. A circuit board (system board) 300 on which circuit components for controlling each component of the vehicle toy 10 are mounted is provided in the body 12 of the vehicle toy 10. As shown in FIG. 14, the circuit board 300 includes a control unit 310, a storage unit 330, a light emitting element driving unit 340, a driving unit 350, a sensor controller 360, and an external interface (I / F) unit 370. In addition, each component contained in the circuit board 300 of the vehicle toy 10 of this embodiment is not limited to the example of the functional block diagram of FIG. 14, A part of the component may be omitted or other components may be omitted. Various modifications such as addition are possible.

  The control unit 310 controls the vehicle toy 10 (moving toy). Specifically, based on data or a program read from the storage unit 330, the entire vehicle toy 10 is controlled and each component (drive unit and the like) of the circuit board 300 is controlled. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, for example, the control unit 310 includes a clock extraction processing unit 312, a data determination processing unit 314, a light emitting element drive control unit 316, a data transmission / reception processing unit 318, a direction determination processing unit 320, And a sensor determination processing unit 322.

  The clock extraction processing unit 312 extracts a clock from the detection signal of the clock sensor 50b that detects the clock markers CM1 to CM16 on the course 60.

  The data determination processing unit 314 extracts data by sampling the detection signal of the data sensor 50a that has detected the data markers DM1 to DMn by the clock extracted from the detection signal of the clock sensor 50b. In this embodiment, the data determination processing unit 314 specifies the shapes of the course parts CP1 to CP16, CP201 to CP216, CP301 to CP316, and CP401 to CP416 constituting the course 60 on which the toy vehicle 10 has traveled as data to be extracted. To extract the course data. The data is not limited to the course data. For example, the data determination processing unit 314 extracts travel instruction data and the like when traveling in each of the course parts CP1 to CP16, CP201 to CP216, CP301 to CP316, CP401 to CP416. May be.

  When receiving an operation command for causing the light emitting element 52 to emit light, the light emitting element drive control unit 316 performs control to transmit a command for driving the light emitting element 52 to emit light to the light emitting element driving unit 340.

  The data transmission / reception processing unit 318 performs control to transmit / receive data to / from the external device when the external interface unit 370 performs interface processing with the external device. Specifically, the data transmission / reception processing unit 318 receives various data transmitted from the game device 400 and stores it in the ROM of the storage unit 330 when the external interface unit 370 performs interface processing with the game device 400. On the contrary, control is performed to transmit various data newly stored in the toy vehicle 10 actually traveled to the game apparatus 400. In the present embodiment, the data transmission / reception processing unit 318 also functions as a data transmission processing unit that transmits the course data extracted by the data determination processing unit 314 to the game apparatus 400 via the external interface unit 370.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the control unit 310 is based on, for example, detection information from the sensor 50 (50a, 50b) and data (travel control data, course data) stored in the storage unit 330. Control for driving a motor (a motor in a broad sense) 30 is performed. Note that the function of the control unit 310 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU or the like), ASIC (gate array or the like), or a program.

  The direction determination processing unit 320 is a direction provided at both ends of the plurality of clock markers CM1 to CM16 arranged in the course parts CP1 to CP16, CP201 to CP216, CP301 to CP316, CP401 to CP416 in the first direction D1. Based on the detection of the markers DMA and DMB, the vehicle toy 10 has a function of determining the traveling direction on the course 60.

  Of the data sensor 50a and the clock sensor 50b provided as the sensor 50, the sensor determination processing unit 322 sets one sensor that has read the direction markers DMA and DMB as the clock sensor 50b, and sets the other sensor as the data. A function to be set in the sensor 50a.

  The storage unit 330 stores various programs and data, and the function can be realized by a RAM, a ROM, or the like. For example, the control unit 310 operates according to a program read from the storage unit 330 (ROM), and performs various processes using the storage unit 330 (RAM) as a work area. Specifically, the storage unit 330 includes a travel control data storage unit 332 that stores travel control data received from an external game device (external terminal), detection information of the sensor 50 of the vehicle toy 10, and a jump of the vehicle toy 10. And a travel detection data storage unit 334 that stores travel detection data such as sections and flight times as a data log.

  In the present embodiment, as the traveling control data stored in the traveling control data storage unit 332, each traveling control data is provided in a plurality of corresponding course parts among the first to sixteenth course parts CP1 to CP16. 1st to 16th traveling control data associated with the data markers DM1 to DMn are stored. Further, the shape of the course parts CP1 to CP16, CP201 to CP216, CP301 to CP316, and CP401 to CP416 detected by the data sensor 50A is specified as detection information of the sensor 50 of the vehicle toy 10 stored in the travel detection data storage unit 334. A course part ID (course data) is included.

  As described above, the storage unit 330 stores various data related to the travel control of the toy vehicle 10. In the case of a mobile toy in which a portable information storage device such as a memory card can be mounted, some functions of the storage unit 330 may be realized by the portable information storage device.

  The light emitting element driving unit 340 drives a light emitting element 52 such as an LED used for a brake lamp or the like. For example, in the present embodiment, the control unit 310 performs control for causing the light emitting element 52 to emit light during deceleration control (braking) of the vehicle toy 10. Specifically, when the vehicle toy 10 is decelerated, the light emitting element driving unit 340 drives the light emitting element 52 to emit light based on an instruction signal from the control unit 310 to artificially express the lighting of the brake lamp.

  The drive unit 350 (motor drive unit) drives the motor 30 under the control of the control unit 310. The motor 30 (prime mover) is mounted on the body 12 of the vehicle toy 10 (moving toy) and supplied with a given power (electric power) to run (move) the vehicle toy 10.

  For example, when driving the vehicle toy 10, the drive unit 350 drives the motor 30 by PWM. The duty of PWM driving in this case is set by power setting data (power setting data) that is travel control data read from the storage unit 330. And the running speed of the toy vehicle 10 can be controlled by the duty of the PWM drive. Moreover, when performing acceleration control of the vehicle toy 10, for example, a voltage corresponding to a high duty such as 100% is applied to the motor 30. On the other hand, when performing deceleration control, for example, a voltage having a polarity opposite to that during normal running is applied to the motor 30.

  The sensor controller 360 is a controller that controls the sensor 50 (the data sensor 50a and the clock sensor 50b). Specifically, it receives a detection signal from the sensor 50 (data sensor 50a, clock sensor 50b), and outputs data corresponding to the detection signal to the control unit 310. For example, when the sensor 50 is a reflective photosensor, the sensor 50 includes a light projecting unit realized by a light emitting element such as an LED and a light receiving unit that receives reflected light from a detection target. In this case, the sensor controller 360 performs a process of causing the light emitting element to emit light or detecting a detection signal from the light receiving unit. When the sensor 50 includes an infrared sensor in which the infrared light receiving unit is installed, the sensor controller 360 performs processing for detecting a detection signal from the infrared light receiving unit of the sensor 50.

  An external interface (I / F) unit 370 performs interface processing with an external device. Specifically, data such as running control data is received from game device 400 which is an external device, or data such as actual running result data and course data is transmitted to game device 400. When the sensor 50 includes an infrared sensor in which an infrared light receiving unit is installed, the sensor controller 360 also serves as the external interface unit 370.

  That is, the interface by the external I / F unit 370 may be realized by a wired interface such as RS232C or USB, or may be realized by a wireless interface such as infrared rays. For example, when an interface of the external I / F unit 370 is realized by infrared communication (IRDA), an infrared light receiving sensor is provided on, for example, the back side of the vehicle toy 10. And by detecting the infrared rays from the light emitting element on the game device side (IC card mounted on the game device main body or the game device) with this light receiving sensor, data such as running control data (motion control data) from the game device. Is downloaded to the vehicle toy 10. In addition, an infrared light emitting element is provided on, for example, the back side of the vehicle toy 10. Then, the infrared light from the light emitting element is detected by the light receiving sensor on the game device side, whereby data such as the travel result data (operation result data) of the vehicle toy 10 is uploaded to the game device 400.

  Thus, the sensor controller 360 receives data such as travel control data from the game device 400 that is an external device by IRDA communication using an infrared sensor, thereby controlling the travel operation of the vehicle toy 10 or for the game device 400. Data such as actual driving result data is transmitted. Thus, by providing an infrared sensor as the sensor 50, it is possible to control the operation of the toy vehicle 10 by IRDA communication suitable for short-range communication. In addition, in order to race a plurality of vehicle toys, when traveling on the course at the same time, it is possible to suppress troubles caused by crossing between these vehicle toys.

  Of the sensors 50, the data sensor 50 a includes the data included in the marker codes MC 1 to MC 16 provided in the course parts CP 1 to CP 16, CP 201 to CP 216, CP 301 to CP 316, CP 401 to CP 416 constituting the course 60. The markers DM1 to DMn are detected. For example, when the vehicle toy 10 passes through the installation positions of the marker codes MC1 to MC16, the course parts CP1 to CP16 and CP201 to CP216 are based on the arrangement of the data markers DM1 to DMn read by the data sensor 50a. Course data for specifying the shapes of CP301 to CP316 and CP401 to CP416 are extracted.

  And in this embodiment, the memory | storage part 330 memorize | stores the travel control data which are the data for controlling the driving | running | working of the mobile toy (vehicle toy 10 in a narrow sense) in the course 60. FIG. This traveling control data is data for setting the speed and the like in each course section of the mobile toy. In addition, the storage unit 330 sets, as travel control data, power setting data for setting the magnitude of power supplied to the motor (in the narrow sense, the motor 30) in each course section of the course 60 in each course section of the course 60. Store it in association. The power setting data is, for example, setting data for the power (effective voltage) supplied to the motor 30, and specifically, data for setting a duty when the motor 30 is PWM-driven. The storage unit 330 stores course data for specifying the shapes of the course parts CP1 to CP16, CP201 to CP216, CP301 to CP316, and CP401 to CP416 detected by the data sensor 50a.

3. Game Device FIG. 15 shows an external view of a game device (image generation device) of this embodiment. Here, a portable game device is shown as an example of the game device. Note that the game device of the present embodiment is not limited to such a portable game device. For example, a game device other than the portable game device, a portable information terminal capable of executing a game program, a mobile phone, or the like It can be applied to various game devices.

  The game device 400 of FIG. 15 includes a touch panel type display unit 190 and a normal display unit 191. In addition, it includes a direction instruction key (cross key) 401 that functions as an operation unit, operation buttons 402, and speakers 404 and 406 that function as sound output units. Further, it has a card slot 412 in which an IC card 410 (game card, game cartridge) functioning as an information storage medium is detachably mounted. The IC card 410 stores a game program (game data). The stylus pen 420 is used to perform a touch operation on the touch panel type display unit 190 in place of the finger of the player (user).

  Various images (menu screen, simulation image, game image) are displayed on the display units 190 and 191. For example, the touch panel type display unit 190 displays a setting screen for travel control data, which will be described later. The display unit 191 displays a simulation image (game image). Specifically, a virtual course 430 corresponding to the course 60 (a course in a virtual space simulating the course 60) is displayed. In addition, a virtual moving body 440 (moving object simulating a vehicle toy) corresponding to the vehicle toy 10 is displayed, and a state in which the virtual moving body 440 travels on the virtual course 430 is displayed. The display unit 190 and the display unit 191 can be configured by a color liquid crystal display such as a TFT. In the touch panel type display unit 190, a touch panel is integrally formed on the upper surface (or lower surface) of the color liquid crystal display, thereby enabling operation input by a touch operation.

  FIG. 16 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the game apparatus 400 of the present embodiment. Note that the game device 400 of the present embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (each unit) in FIG. 16 are omitted.

  The operation unit 160 is for a player to input operation data, and the function can be realized by a direction instruction key, an operation button, a joystick, or the like.

  The storage unit 170 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, and the like, and its function can be realized by a RAM (DRAM, VRAM) or the like. The storage unit 170 includes a travel characteristic data storage unit 172, a course data storage unit 173, a travel control data storage unit 174, a travel detection data storage unit 175, and a drawing buffer 178.

  The travel characteristic data storage unit 172 stores travel characteristic data. This running characteristic data is data set based on the running characteristics (acceleration characteristic, braking characteristic, cornering characteristic, etc.) of the moving toy moving on the course. The course data storage unit 173 stores course data (course characteristic data). This course data is data set based on the course characteristics (course length, course width, corner curvature, etc.) of the course along which the moving toy moves. In the present embodiment, the course data storage unit 173 identifies the shapes of the course parts CP1 to CP16, CP201 to CP216, CP301 to CP316, and CP401 to CP416 read by the data sensor 50a when the vehicle toy 10 is traveling. The course data is also stored. The travel control data storage unit 174 stores travel control data. This travel control data (motion control data) is data for controlling the travel (speed, acceleration, turning, etc.) of the mobile toy on the course. The travel detection data storage unit 175 stores travel detection data (course-out occurrence section, jump space, flight time, etc.) that is a detection result of the sensor 50 when the toy vehicle 10 travels.

  The information storage medium 180 (a computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, and the like, and functions as an IC card (memory card), optical disk (CD, DVD), HDD (hard disk drive), or It can be realized by a memory (ROM). The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present embodiment based on a program (data) stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, in the information storage medium 180, a program for causing a computer (an apparatus including an operation unit, a processing unit, a storage unit, and an output unit) to function as each unit of the present embodiment (a program for causing the computer to execute processing of each unit). ) Is stored.

  The touch panel type display unit 190 is for a player (user) to perform various operations and to display an image generated by the present embodiment. For example, a display such as an LCD or an organic EL, and a display integrated with the display. This can be realized by a touch panel that is formed automatically. Examples of the touch panel method include a resistive film method (4-wire type, 5-wire type), a capacitive coupling method, an ultrasonic surface acoustic wave method, and an infrared scanning method.

  The display unit 191 is for displaying an image generated according to the present embodiment, and can be realized by a display such as an LCD or an organic EL. Note that a touch panel display may be used as the display unit 191.

  The sound output unit 192 outputs the sound generated by the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by a speaker, a headphone terminal, or the like.

  The auxiliary storage device 194 (auxiliary memory, secondary memory) is a storage device used to supplement the capacity of the storage unit 170, and can be realized by an IC card such as an SD memory card or a multimedia card. The auxiliary storage device 194 is detachable, but may be built-in. The auxiliary storage device 194 is used for storing save data such as game results, personal image data or music data of the player (user), and the like.

  The communication unit 196 communicates with the outside (for example, a mobile toy, a server, other game devices, etc.) via a wired or wireless communication network (network), and its function is a communication ASIC. Alternatively, it can be realized by hardware such as a communication processor or communication firmware.

  For example, when data is transmitted and received between the game apparatus 400 and the mobile toy 10, the function of the communication unit 196 can be realized by a transfer controller that performs data transfer according to a standard such as RS232C or USB. In this case, this transfer controller may be built in the IC card 410 shown in FIG. Further, the IC card 410 may further incorporate a controller such as a barcode reader that reads information from an external information storage medium such as a card. In addition, data may be transmitted and received wirelessly between the game device 400 and the mobile toy 10 by the communication unit 196. Alternatively, data may be transmitted and received between the game device and the mobile toy using a portable storage device such as a USB memory.

  Note that a program (data) for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment is obtained from the information storage medium of the server (host device) via the network and communication unit 196, or the information storage medium 180 (or storage unit 170, auxiliary It may be distributed to the storage device 194). Use of an information storage medium by such a server (host device) can also be included within the scope of the present invention.

  The processing unit 100 (processor) performs game processing (simulation processing), image generation processing, sound generation processing, and the like based on operation data from the operation unit 160, a program, and the like. The game process in this case includes a process for determining the game content and game mode, a process for starting the game when the game start condition is satisfied, a process for advancing the game, or when the game end condition is satisfied. There is a process to end the game. The functions of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, GPU, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), and programs.

  The processing unit 100 includes a simulation processing unit 102, a transmission processing unit 104, a reception processing unit 106, an authentication processing unit 108, a comparison processing unit 110, a display control unit 112, a grade evaluation unit 114, an upload processing unit 116, and a virtual course setting unit 118. The setting change unit 130 is included. In addition, it is good also as a structure which abbreviate | omits these some components (for example, an authentication process part, a comparison process part, etc.).

  The simulation processing unit 102 performs a simulation of moving (operating) the virtual moving body corresponding to the moving toy 10. For example, a simulation process of running a virtual moving body on a virtual course corresponding to the course is performed. This simulation process is performed as part of the game process, for example.

  Specifically, the simulation processing unit 102 provides a virtual moving body that is provided corresponding to the moving toy 10 and whose driving characteristics are set based on the driving characteristic data, corresponding to the course, and based on the course data. In the virtual course in the virtual space in which the course characteristics are set, a simulation process for running according to the running control data is performed. And the result data of driving | running | working simulation are produced | generated.

  In this case, the simulation process is to sequentially obtain the movement information (position, rotation angle, speed, or acceleration) of the virtual moving body for each frame (1/60 second) as in the case of a normal racing game. It may be realized with. That is, the acceleration performance, maximum speed performance, braking performance, cornering performance, etc. of the virtual moving body are set by the travel characteristic data. The course data is set by the same method as that for a normal racing game. For example, course data in which a course width, a course direction, and the like are associated with each sampling point of a plurality of sampling points set along the course is prepared. And using this course data, the virtual course corresponding to the actual course (for example, a basic course, a special course of a store, etc.) which a mobile toy runs is built in virtual space (game space). Then, a simulation process for running the virtual moving body in the virtual course is performed by an automatic running algorithm generally used in a racing game. If necessary, as shown in FIG. 15, a state where the virtual moving body 440 travels on the virtual course 430 is displayed on the display unit 191.

  Alternatively, the simulation processing is performed by using table data in which traveling characteristic data and course data are input data and traveling simulation result data such as lap time is output data without performing such real-time simulation movement processing of the virtual moving body. May be realized. This table data is stored in a table data storage unit (not shown) of the storage unit 170. And the simulation process part 102 performs a simulation process using this table data. As table data in this case, for example, a manufacturer of a moving toy prepares table data under various conditions by running an actual moving toy on an actual course. For example, even if a mobile toy of the same type (vehicle type) on the same course, if the parts to be mounted on the mobile toy are different, each table data of a plurality of table data so as to have different running simulation result data Create Then, the created table data is stored in the information storage medium 180 as game software data, or can be downloaded from the outside via the network and the communication unit 196.

  The transmission processing unit 104 performs a process for transmitting data to the moving toy. For example, data to be transmitted is prepared in the storage unit 170 or the communication unit 196 is instructed to transmit data. Specifically, the transmission processing unit 104 performs processing for transmitting travel control data to the moving toy. For example, traveling control data (power setting data, power setting data) associated with each course section of the course is transmitted. Or you may transmit the traveling control data for course data acquisition to a moving toy as traveling control data.

  The reception processing unit 106 performs processing for receiving data from the moving toy. For example, the communication unit 196 is instructed to receive data, or the received data is stored in the storage unit 170. Specifically, the reception processing unit 106 is a process for receiving, from the moving toy, actual traveling result data obtained by the moving toy traveling on the course based on the traveling control data transmitted by the transmission processing unit 104. I do. In this case, the actual traveling lap time data of the moving toy in each course section of the course may be received as actual traveling result data, or the actual acceleration / deceleration data of the moving toy in each course section of the course may be received as the actual traveling result. You may receive as data. Alternatively, course data obtained by the moving toy running on the course based on the transmitted course data acquisition running control data may be received.

  The reception processing unit 106 also receives travel detection data (course-out occurrence section, jump space, flight time, etc.) that is a detection result by the sensor 50 (data sensor 50a, clock sensor 50b) when the moving toy travels. And stored in the travel detection data storage unit 175. In this way, by controlling the reception processing unit 106, the detection result of the moving toy can be received, and the game device can transmit more suitable traveling control data to the moving toy based on the detection result. In the present embodiment, the reception processing unit 106 has shapes of the course parts CP1 to CP16, CP201 to CP216, CP301 to CP316, CP401 to CP416 based on the arrangement of the data markers DM1 to DMn read by the data sensor 50a. The course data for specifying is also received.

  The authentication processing unit 108 performs an authentication process on data received from the mobile toy. For example, it is authenticated whether or not the received actual traveling result data is valid data (data for which uploading or the like is permitted). Specifically, when it is determined that the moving toy has started from the starting point of the course and has passed the goal point of the course, it is determined that the actual traveling result data is valid data. For example, when it is determined based on the detection information from the sensor that the moving toy has passed through the course section corresponding to the start point and the course section corresponding to the goal point, the actual travel result data obtained by the travel is valid. Judge as data. In this case, on the condition that all course sections (markers) of the course have been passed (detected), it may be determined that the actual traveling result data is valid data. Or, considering that the mobile toy jumps on the course and the detection of the sensor is skipped, it is justified on the condition that it passes (detects) a course section (marker) of a certain ratio (for example, 90%) or more. It may be determined that the data is correct.

  The comparison processing unit 110 performs data comparison processing. For example, a comparison process between the actual travel result data received by the reception processing unit 106 and the travel simulation result data obtained by the simulation process by the simulation processing unit 102 is performed. As the comparison process in this case, for example, there is a process of comparing the actual travel lap time in each course section and the simulation lap time in each virtual course section corresponding to the course section and obtaining the difference. Alternatively, the actual acceleration / deceleration data in each course section and the simulation acceleration / deceleration data in each virtual course section may be compared. Then, by performing such a comparison process, the parts necessary for improving the actual traveling result are specified. And the display control part 112 performs control which displays the advice screen (change part display screen) of the parts change of a moving toy based on the comparison result in this comparison process.

  The display control unit 112 performs display control of the display units 190 and 191. For example, based on the results of various processes (simulation process, game process) performed by the processing unit 100, an image drawing process to the drawing buffer 178 is performed, whereby an image (for example, a travel control data setting screen in FIG. 15) is displayed. Image, simulation image), and the generated image is displayed on the display units 190 and 191. In this case, the generated image may be a so-called two-dimensional image or a three-dimensional image. When generating a three-dimensional image, first, geometric processing such as coordinate transformation (world coordinate transformation, camera coordinate transformation), clipping processing, or perspective transformation is performed, and drawing data ( The position coordinates, texture coordinates, color data, normal vector, α value, etc.) of the vertexes of the primitive surface are created. Then, based on the drawing data (primitive surface data), the perspective transformation (geometry processing) object (one or a plurality of primitive surfaces) is stored in the drawing buffer 178 (frame buffer, intermediate buffer, etc.) as pixel information. Can be drawn in a VRAM). Thereby, an image that can be seen from the virtual camera (given viewpoint) in the virtual space (object space) is generated.

  In the present embodiment, the display control unit 112 performs control to display actual traveling result data in association with each course section of the course. Specifically, lap time data and acceleration / deceleration data, which are actual travel result data, are displayed in association with each course section of the course. Alternatively, the actual traveling result data may be displayed in association with the traveling simulation result data obtained by the simulation process.

  The score evaluation unit 114 (score calculation unit) performs evaluation processing (calculation processing) of the player's play results (running results, scores, points, wins and losses). For example, based on the received actual travel result data (actual operation result data), the player's play results for the moving toy are evaluated. Alternatively, the player's game play performance may be evaluated.

  The upload processing unit 116 performs data upload processing. Specifically, a process of uploading play results such as actual running result data of the player to an external server or the like is performed via the communication unit 196 and the network. This makes it possible to display the ranking of the actual running result data of the player under the management of the server. In this case, when the authentication processing unit 108 determines that the received actual travel result data is valid data, the actual travel result data determined to be valid data is uploaded via the network. Also good. That is, uploading is permitted for valid actual traveling result data, and uploading is not permitted for unauthorized actual traveling result data.

  The virtual course setting unit 118 sets a virtual course in the virtual space based on the course data received by the reception processing unit 106.

  The setting changing unit 130 performs various setting changing processes. For example, the setting change unit 130 performs a process of changing the setting content of the travel characteristic data in response to the part change of the moving toy. For example, when the player changes a part such as a motor or a tire of a mobile toy owned by the player and inputs (registers) the change on a part selection screen described later, the setting changing unit 130 responds accordingly to the driving characteristics. Change data settings (travel simulation algorithm parameters, table data to use, etc.). And the simulation process part 102 performs the simulation process which makes a virtual mobile body drive | work on a virtual course based on the running characteristic data after a change.

  Specifically, the setting changing unit 130 changes acceleration characteristic data (horsepower, torque data) in the running characteristic data in response to a change in the prime mover (motor, engine) of the moving toy. For example, when the player replaces the motor of the moving toy with another type of motor, the acceleration characteristics of the virtual moving body are changed accordingly. Then, based on the changed acceleration characteristic data, the simulation processing unit 102 performs a simulation process in which a virtual moving body in which the acceleration characteristic is set travels (pseudo travel) on a virtual course. Further, the setting changing unit 130 changes cornering characteristic data (grip ability, turning ability) in the running characteristic data in response to the change in the tire of the moving toy. For example, when the player replaces the tire of the moving toy with another type of tire, the cornering characteristics of the virtual moving body are changed accordingly. And the simulation process part 102 performs the simulation process which makes the virtual mobile body by which the cornering characteristic is set based on the changed cornering characteristic data drive in a virtual course.

4). Method of the present embodiment 4.1. First Method of Marker Code Recognition FIG. 17A is a schematic diagram of a first method of the method of recognizing the marker codes MC1 to MC16 by the vehicle toy 10 of this embodiment, and FIG. The wave form diagram of the detection signal of the sensor 50b for clocks and the sensor 50a for data by the said 1st method of the toy vehicle 10 is shown.

  In the first method, when the toy vehicle 10 travels in the traveling direction, white / black sampling of the data markers DM1 to DMn read by the data sensor 50a when the clock sensor 50b reads the clock marker portion. The number Nwp · Nbp is counted, and the one with the larger sampling number is adopted as the data value. That is, while the clock code passes through the corresponding bit, the number of samplings of 0 · 1 of the data code (128 μsec interval in this embodiment) is acquired, and the larger number is used as the data of the bit.

  The processing flow of the first method is shown in FIG. In the first method, first, the number of samplings of 0 · 1 of the data code whose clock code passes the first bit (clock 0) is acquired, and the larger number is used as the data of the bit (steps S104 to S111). ). Next, the number of samplings of 0 · 1 of the data code passing through the second bit (clock 1) is acquired, and the larger number is used as the data of the bit (steps S112 to S121). Then, after repeating these steps three times, the number of samplings of 0 · 1 of the data code when 6 bits are passed is acquired, and the larger number is used as the data of that bit (steps S122 to S129). ).

  Specifically, first, it is determined whether or not the clock sensor 50b detects white (step S101). That is, it is determined whether or not the vehicle toy 10 has entered the area of clock0. When the clock sensor 50b detects white, the bit number t is initialized (step S102), and sampling at the bit number t is started (step S103).

  Next, after initializing the clock clock value and the data white / black sampling numbers Nwp (Data_w) and Nbp (Data_b) values (step S104), the clock sensor 50b detects black. That is, it is determined whether the toy vehicle 10 has escaped from the clock0 area and entered the clock1 area (step S105).

When the clock sensor 50b detects black in step S105, it next determines the magnitude relationship between the white sampling number Nwp (Data_w) and the black sampling number Nbp (Data_b) (step S106). At this time, if it is determined that the black sampling number Nbp (Data_b) is larger, 2 ^t is input as data (step S107). That is, while the clock sensor 50b is reading the white clock marker in steps S106 and S107, the color read by the data sensor 50a is detected as to whether black or white is more, and the attribute of the larger one is detected. Is the current clock value. On the other hand, if it is determined that the white sampling number Nwp (Data_w) is larger, nothing is entered as data, that is, the process proceeds to the next step while keeping 0.

  When the clock sensor 50b detects white in step S105, it is next determined whether or not the color detected by the data sensor 50a is white (step S108). That is, it is determined whether or not the data sensor 50a detects white when the clock sensor 50b detects black. When the data sensor 50a detects white, the data white sampling number Nwp (Data_w) is incremented (step S109). When the data sensor 50a detects black, the data black sampling number Nbp ( Data_b) is incremented (step S110). Then, the clock is incremented (step S110), and the process returns to step S105.

  Thereafter, the clock clock value at the moment when the clock enters clock 1 and the values of the white and black sampling numbers Nwp (Data_w) and Nbp (Data_b) of the data are initialized (step S112), and then the clock sensor 50b. Is detected as white, that is, whether or not the toy vehicle 10 has escaped from the clock1 area and entered the clock2 area (step S113).

If the clock sensor 50b detects white in step S113, then the magnitude relationship between the white sampling number Nwp (Data_w) and the black sampling number Nbp (Data_b) is determined (step S114). At this time, if it is determined that the black sampling number Nbp (Data_b) is larger, 2 ^{t + 1} is input as data (step S115). That is, while the clock sensor 50b is reading the black clock marker in steps S113 and S114, the color read by the data sensor 50a is detected to detect which one is black or white, and the attribute of the larger one is detected. Is the current clock value. Then, after increasing the bit number t by 2 (step S116), it is determined whether or not the bit number has reached 6 (step S117). On the other hand, if it is determined that the white sampling number Nwp (Data_w) is larger, the number of bits t is increased by 2 as it is without entering anything as data (step S116). Is determined (step S117). That is, the loop from step S103 to step 121 is repeated three times until the number of bits reaches six.

  If the clock sensor 50b detects black in step S113, it is next determined whether or not the color detected by the data sensor 50a is white (step S118). That is, when the clock sensor 50b detects black, it is determined whether the data sensor 50a detects white. If the data sensor 50a detects white, the data white sampling number Nwp (Data_w) is incremented (step S119). If the data sensor 50a detects black, the data black sampling number Nbp ( Data_b) is incremented (step S120). Then, the clock is incremented (step S121), and the process returns to step S113.

  Thereafter, the clock clock value at the moment when the clock enters clock 6 and the values of the white and black sampling numbers Nwp (Data_w) and Nbp (Data_b) of the data are initialized (step S122), and then the clock sensor 50b. Has detected black, that is, whether or not the toy vehicle 10 has escaped from the clock 6 area (step S123).

When the clock sensor 50b detects black in step S123, the relationship between the white sampling number Nwp (Data_w) of data and the black sampling number Nbp (Data_b) is determined (step S124). At this time, if it is determined that the black sampling number Nbp (Data_b) is larger, ²⁶ is input as data (step S125). That is, while the clock sensor 50b reads the white clock marker in steps S123 and S124, it is detected whether the color read by the data sensor 50a is black or white, and the attribute of the larger one is determined. Ends as the current clock value. On the other hand, if it is determined that the white sampling number Nwp (Data_w) is larger, the process ends without entering any data.

  If the clock sensor 50b detects white in step S123, it is next determined whether or not the color detected by the data sensor 50a is white (step S126). That is, when the clock sensor 50b detects white, it is determined whether or not the data sensor 50a detects white. If the data sensor 50a detects white, the data white sampling number Nwp (Data_w) is incremented (step S127). If the data sensor 50a detects black, the data black sampling number Nbp ( Data_b) is incremented (step S128). Then, the clock is incremented (step S129), and the process returns to step S123.

  As described above, in the first method, the data such as the course data is appropriately read by reading the plurality of data markers DM1 to DMn included in the marker codes MC1 to MC16 with reference to the clock arranged in parallel with the data. Can be read. Thus, by appropriately reading the data such as the course data, it is possible to appropriately cope with the speed change in each of the course parts CP1 to CP16. In addition, since the calibration code for reading the course data is not required unlike the conventional case, the marker codes MC1 to MC16 can be made compact. Furthermore, even if needle pulse noise exists in the data, the risk of being affected can be reduced.

4.2. Second Method of Marker Code Recognition In the first method of marker code recognition described above, the white sampling number Nwp (Data_w) and the black sampling number Nbp (Data_b) of data are counted at 128 μs intervals. Therefore, there is a possibility that the CPU load is applied and the motor control process is affected. Therefore, in the second method of marker code recognition, in order to reduce the CPU load, data is extracted by sampling the detection signal of the data sensor 50a at the rising edge or falling edge of the clock. . Therefore, in the second method, on the course 60, as shown in FIG. 19A, the data markers DATA2, DATA4 and the clock markers clock1, clock3 are shifted from the first direction D1.

  Further, the course 60 is configured by combining a plurality of course parts CP1 to CP16. However, due to the nature of the product of the vehicle toy 10, the direction in which the course 60 is traveled is not always a fixed direction, and thus from any direction. It is desired that marker codes MC1 to MC16 including a plurality of data markers DM1 to DMn can be recognized during travel even when the vehicle toy 10 is advanced. Therefore, each of the course parts CP1 to CP16 in the second method is provided with direction markers DMA and DMB on both ends of the clock marker group.

  Further, in the second method, of the two sensors 50 provided in front of the vehicle toy 10, the role of the left sensor LS provided on the left side with respect to the traveling direction and the right sensor RS provided on the right side with respect to the traveling direction. Can be switched. That is, the switching can be performed so that either the left sensor LS or the right sensor RS serves as the data sensor 50a and the other serves as the clock sensor 50b.

  When the role of the left sensor LS and the right sensor RS can be switched in this way, and the direction marker DMA or DMB is provided on both sides of the clock marker group, when the vehicle toy 10 enters one of the course parts CP1 to CP16, First, one of the direction markers DMA and DMB is read first.

  As shown in FIG. 19A, when the vehicle toy 10A enters one of the course parts CP1 to CP16 from the first direction D1, the left sensor LS reads the direction marker DMA, so the left sensor LS is the clock sensor. It will play the role of 50b. For this reason, the left sensor LS reads the clocks clock0 to clock4, and the right sensor RS reads the data DATA0 to DATA5.

  On the contrary, when the vehicle toy 10B enters any of the course parts CP1 to CP16 from the third direction D3, the right sensor RS reads the direction marker DMB, so that the right sensor RS serves as the clock sensor 50b. Become. For this reason, the right sensor RS reads the clocks clock0 to clock4, and the left sensor LS reads the data DATA0 to DATA5.

  Thus, in the second method, the data marker DM1 to DMn included in the marker codes MC1 to MC16 can be read even if the vehicle toy 10 enters from any direction of the course parts CP1 to CP16. The degree of freedom of replacement of the parts CP1 to CP16 can be expanded. That is, as shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, even if the direction of the data marker DM is confused, by reading the direction markers DMA and DMB of the course parts CPS1 to CPS4 and CPC1 to CPC8, Since the roles of the sensor LS and the right sensor RS can be exchanged at any time, the course part ID (course data) added corresponding to each marker code MC1 to MC16 can be read.

  For this reason, if the same shape is used for the curved course parts CPC1 to CPC8, it is possible to code with one course part ID in the form of the same curved course part CPC, without dedicated to the left curve and the right curve. In addition, if the straight course parts CPS1 to CPS4 have the same shape, they can be similarly coded with one course part ID in the form of the same straight course part CPS. In this way, by making it possible to add course data corresponding to the marker code MC consisting of the data marker DM having the same arrangement to the course parts having the same shape, the marker code ID is assigned to each course part CP without any special operation. The course data such as can be easily read. Thus, by appropriately reading the data such as the course data, it is possible to appropriately cope with the speed change in each of the course parts CP1 to CP16.

  Next, the processing flow of the second method is shown in FIG. In the second method, first, after initializing the clock (step S201), it is determined whether or not the left sensor LS has detected white (step S202). That is, it is determined whether or not the vehicle toy 10 has entered the area of the direction markers DMA and DMB shown in FIG. When the left sensor LS detects white, the clock select is set to 1 (step S204), and sampling with the bit number t is started (step S205).

  On the other hand, if the left sensor LS does not detect white in step S202, it is next determined whether the right sensor RS detects white (step S203). That is, it is determined whether or not the vehicle toy 10 has entered the area of the direction markers DMA and DMB shown in FIG. When the right sensor RS detects white, sampling with the bit number t is started with RS = 0 (step S205).

  In the above steps S202 to S204, it is determined which of the left sensor LS and the right sensor RS has read the direction markers DMA and DMB, and the sensor that has read the direction markers DMA and DMB shown in FIG. Is set to the clock sensor 50b, and the other sensor is set to the data sensor 50a.

  Next, in order to determine which of the left sensor LS and the right sensor RS is set as the clock sensor 50b, it is determined whether or not the clock select is 0 (S206). When it is detected that the clock select is 0, it is determined that the right sensor RS is set to the clock sensor 50b, and then the right sensor RS determined to be the clock sensor 50b detects black, that is, the vehicle toy. It is determined whether or not 10 has left the direction marker DMB area shown in FIG. 19A (step S207).

When it is detected that the vehicle toy 10 has exited the direction marker DMB region shown in FIG. 19A, is the left sensor LS at the moment when the vehicle toy 10 has exited the direction marker DMB region detected black? Is determined (step S208). If it is determined in step S208 that black is detected, 2 ^t is added as data (step S209). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S208 that white is detected, the process proceeds to the next process (adding 0 as data). In other words, during steps S207 to S209, the rising edge of the clock at the moment when the right sensor RS is determined to be set to the clock sensor 50b and then exits the direction marker DMB area shown in FIG. Sampling data.

  Thereafter, this time, it is determined whether or not the right sensor RS determined as the clock sensor 50b detects white, that is, whether or not the vehicle toy 10 has passed through the area of clock 4 shown in FIG. 19A (step S210). .

When it is detected that the vehicle toy 10B has passed through the clock4 area shown in FIG. 19A, it is determined whether the left sensor LS at the moment when the vehicle toy 10 has passed through the clock4 area detects black. (Step S211). If it is determined in step S211 that black is detected, ^{2t + 1} is added as data (step S212). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S211 that white is detected, the process proceeds to the next step (0 is added as data). That is, during the steps S210 to S212, the data of the rising edge of the clock which is the moment when the right sensor RS set in the clock sensor 50b of the toy vehicle 10B passes through the area of clock4 shown in FIG. is doing.

  On the other hand, when it is detected that the clock select is 1 in step S206, the left sensor LS is determined to be the clock sensor 50b, and the left sensor LS determined to be the clock sensor 50b next detects black. That is, it is determined whether or not the vehicle toy 10A has passed the direction marker DMA shown in FIG. 19A (step S213).

When it is detected that the vehicle toy 10A has passed the direction marker DMA shown in FIG. 19A, it is next determined whether the right sensor RS at the moment when the vehicle toy 10A has passed the direction marker DMA detects black. (Step S214). If it is determined in step S216 that black is detected, ^2t is added as data (step S215). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S214 that white is detected, the process proceeds to the next step (0 is added as data). That is, between steps S213 to S215, after the determination that the left sensor LS has been set to the clock sensor 50b, the rising edge of the clock at the moment when the direction marker DMA shown in FIG. Sampling data.

  Thereafter, this time, it is determined whether or not the left sensor RS determined as the clock sensor 50b detects white, that is, whether or not the vehicle toy 10A has passed through the area of clock0 shown in FIG. 19A (step S216). .

When it is detected that the vehicle toy 10A has exited the clock0 area shown in FIG. 19A, it is next determined whether the right sensor RS at the moment when the vehicle toy 10A has exited the clock0 area detects black. (Step S217). If it is determined in step S217 that black is detected, 2 ^{t + 1} is added as data (step S218). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S217 that white is detected, the process proceeds to the next step (0 is added as data). That is, between the steps S216 to S218, the data of the rising edge of the clock that is the moment when the left sensor LS set in the clock sensor 50b of the toy vehicle 10A passes through the area of clock0 shown in FIG. is doing.

  When the sampling of data of 2 bits is completed in the above steps S205 to 218, 2 is added to the bit number t (step S219), and it is determined whether or not the value after the addition has reached 6 (step S219). Step S220). That is, until the number of bits reaches 6, the loop from step S205 to step S220 is repeated three times, and then the data sampling is finished.

  As described above, in the second method, the detection signal of the data sensor 50a can be stably sampled at the rising edge of the clock, so that reading errors can be reduced and the load on the CPU can be reduced. Further, by reading a plurality of data markers DM1 to DMn included in the marker codes MC1 to MC16 with reference to a clock arranged in parallel with the data, data such as course data can be properly read. Thus, by appropriately reading the data such as the course data, it is possible to appropriately cope with the speed change in each of the course parts CP1 to CP16. Further, since the calibration code for reading the course data is not required as in the prior art, the marker codes MC1 to MC16 can be made compact. In the description of the second method described above, an example in which data of the rising edge of the clock is sampled is taken up. However, the same operation and effect can be obtained by sampling the data of the falling edge of the clock. It is done.

  Further, in the second method, as shown in FIG. 22, in the course part CPC of the course 60 in particular, depending on the angle at which the vehicle toy 10 enters the course part CPC, For example, as shown in FIG. 22C, the data sensor 50a may read the next data marker DM and misrecognize the acquired data. Although the approach angle to the data marker DM varies depending on the shape of the body 12 of the toy vehicle 10, the installation location of the sensors 50a and 50b, the set speed, the course design, etc., the influence of the installation location of the sensors 50a and 50b is particularly large. I understood.

  That is, when the sensors LS and RS are installed on the front side of the body 12, that is, when the front end side of the grounding surface of the body 12 of the vehicle toy 10 is installed on the first contour line OFL1, FIG. As indicated by P in (B), an angle difference X of the first contour line OFL1 with respect to the markers DM and CM is generated. However, when the sensors LS and RS are installed on the center side of the body 12, that is, the first outer line OFL1 that is on the front end side of the grounding surface of the body 12 of the vehicle toy 10 and the first outer line OFL1 that is on the rear end side of the grounding surface. In the case where it is installed on the first middle line ML1 which is the middle line of the third contour line OFL3, as shown by Q in FIG. 23B, the angle of the first middle line ML1 with respect to the markers DM and CM The difference Y can be suppressed to be smaller than the angle difference X with the first outline OFL1. This is because the rotation center of the vehicle toy 10 is set at the center portion of the body 12 by the guide rollers 21 to 24 provided at the four corners of the body 12.

  From the above verification results, in order to properly read the data markers DM1 to DMn corresponding to the clock markers CM1 to CM16 read by the clock sensor 50b with the data sensor 50a, the sensors LS and RS in the second method 12, that is, as shown in FIG. 24 (A), it is preferably installed at both ends of the first middle line ML1. However, when the left end side of the ground plane of the body 12 is the second outline OFL2, and the right end side of the ground plane is the fourth outline OFL4, as shown in FIG. LS is provided on either the second outline line OFL2 or the fourth outline line OFL4, and the right sensor RS is provided on either the second outline line OFL2 or the fourth outline line OFL4. It is good also as a structure to be made. In this way, by making the distance between the left sensor LS and the right sensor RS larger, it is possible to suppress an entry angle change when the vehicle toy 10 enters the area of the data marker DM and the clock marker CM.

  Further, as described above, the sensors LS and RS are preferably provided on the center side of the body 12. Specifically, the middle line of the first outer line OFL1 and the first middle line ML1 is the second middle line ML2, and the middle line of the first middle line ML1 and the third outer line OFL3 is the third line. The middle line ML3 is provided in the closed area CA1 surrounded by the second middle line ML2, the second outer line OFL2, the third middle line ML3, and the fourth outer line OFL4 in the ground plane. Is preferred. If both the sensors LS and RS are provided in the closed region CA1, as shown in FIG. 24C, both the sensors LS and RS may be provided on the front side from the first center line ML1. As shown in FIG. 24D, one sensor LS may be provided on the front side of the first center line ML1, and the other sensor RS may be provided on the rear side of the first center line ML1. As described above, by providing both sensors LS and RS near the center of the ground surface of the body 12 of the toy vehicle 10, data markers DM1 to DMn corresponding to the clock markers CM1 to CM16 read by the clock sensor 50b are obtained. Data can be read appropriately by the data sensor 50a.

4.3. Setting of Travel Control Data Next, the method of this embodiment will be described. First, a method for setting traveling control data (operation control data in a broad sense) will be described.

  FIG. 25 shows an example of a travel control data setting screen. This setting screen is displayed on the touch panel type display unit 190 as shown in FIG. 15, and the player can use the setting screen to display the traveling control data in the course sections CS1 to CS16 of the course 60 in FIG. Set.

  For example, when there is travel control data template data (default data prepared by the manufacturer) or when there is travel control data that has been set and saved in the past, the icon indicated by J1 in FIG. Selection is made by a touch operation on the display unit 190, and the setting contents are read out. Further, when the setting of the traveling control data is completed, the icon indicated by J2 is selected and the setting content is saved. Further, when the traveling control data is transmitted to the vehicle toy 10, the icon indicated by J3 is selected. On the other hand, when actual running result data (running detection data) or the like is received (uploaded) from the vehicle toy 12, the icon shown in H1 is selected.

  When the course selection screen is displayed and the course is selected, the icon indicated by H2 is selected. When the course lap number selection screen is displayed and the course lap number is set, the icon indicated by H3 is selected. When the character is selected and a character selection screen is displayed and a character for virtually operating the vehicle toy 10 is selected, the icon shown in H4 is selected.

  In J4 of FIG. 25, “61” is set as the travel control data in the first course section CS1 corresponding to the start point. The traveling control data in this case is power setting data (power setting data) of the motor 30, and specifically, is a duty in PWM driving described later. By setting the travel control data to “61”, the motor 30 is PWM-driven with a duty of 61% in the first course section CS1. That is, since the first course section CS1 is a straight section having a long distance, the player sets a high duty to accelerate the vehicle toy.

  In J5 of FIG. 25, “10” is set as the travel control data in the next second course section CS2. That is, since the second course section CS2 is a section of a sharp curve, the player sets a low duty and decelerates the vehicle toy 10 so as not to go out of the course.

  In J6 of FIG. 25, “29” is set as the travel control data in the next third course section CS3. That is, as shown in FIG. 25, the third course section CS3 is a slope-shaped section for crossing the second course section CS2, so that the player can play the first course section CS1 from the straight first course section CS1. The vehicle toy 10 is accelerated by setting a duty that is lower and higher than that of the curved second course section CS2. Similarly, the travel control data for the course sections CS3 to CS7 are set, and the travel control data for the final eighth course section CS8 of the first circuit course 61 is set as indicated by J7. Moreover, as shown in J8, J9, J10, J11, etc., the traveling control data of each course section CS9 to CS16 of the second circuit course 62 is set.

  In J20 of FIG. 26, the player sets the travel control data by a drag operation using the stylus pen 420. In J20 of FIG. 26, the travel control data is set to “62” by the drag operation, and then the icon shown in J21 is selected to confirm the setting of the travel control data of “62”. When canceling the setting, the icon shown in J22 is selected.

  When the setting of the travel control data for all the course sections is completed, the player selects an icon indicated by J3 in FIG. When the transmission (downloading) of all the travel control data from the game device 400 to the vehicle toy 10 is completed, a screen as shown in FIG. 27 is displayed.

  According to the traveling control data setting method of the present embodiment described above, the player can efficiently input traveling control data for a plurality of course sections with a simple operation.

4.4. Automatic acquisition of course data In this embodiment, data is transmitted and received between the game apparatus 400 and the vehicle toy 10, but the course of the course 60 in which the vehicle toy 10 travels by effectively utilizing this transmission / reception system. Data may be automatically acquired.

  Specifically, for example, a confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 28A is displayed, and the player selects whether to automatically acquire course data. Then, as shown in FIG. 28B, after displaying a screen instructing to connect the vehicle toy to the game device, the traveling control data for acquiring the course data is transmitted to the vehicle toy. Based on the travel control data for acquiring the course data, the vehicle toy travels the course data, so that the course data is acquired on the vehicle toy side. When the acquired course data is received from the vehicle toy, for example, a screen as shown in FIG. 28C is displayed on the game device.

  In the present embodiment, the vehicle toy 10 is provided with sensors 50 (50a, 50b) for reading the data markers DM1 to DMn and clock markers CM1 to CM16, and from a plurality of data markers DM1 to DMn provided on each course part CP1 to CP16. A course part ID is set as course data for identifying the shape and the like of each course part CP1 to CP16 in the marker codes MC1 to MC16. Then, by reading the course part ID with the sensor 50 (50a, 50b) of the vehicle toy 10, course type information of each of the course parts CP1 to CP16, course shape information such as the course length and maximum curvature, and the like are acquired. For example, if the course part ID is included as identification information of the course parts CP1 to CP16 in the marker codes MC1 to MC16 including the data markers DM1 to DMn, the course parts data registered in the database are selected from the course parts data. By reading the course part data corresponding to the identification information, the course data can be created.

  According to the method of the present embodiment described above, the player can automatically acquire the course data and use it for the simulation process only by actually running the toy vehicle on the course desired by the player. In addition, course data corresponding to each course part can be acquired only by running the course data of a course constituted by connecting course parts of any combination only once. This can greatly improve the convenience of the player.

4.5. Simulation Process Now, in the hobby racing car shown in FIG. 6, the player performs tuning for exchanging parts such as motors and tires and competes with other players for the lap type.

  However, in previous hobby racing cars, the player could not objectively evaluate how much the replaced parts contributed to improving the lap time. Accordingly, the player has to try and replace parts intuitively through trial and error. For this reason, there is a problem that the lap time cannot be shortened easily and there is a limit to the improvement of the lap time, which causes the player to get bored immediately.

  Also, since it is difficult for a player to install a course with a large occupation area as shown in FIG. 1 at home, he goes to a store where a special course is installed, and tries to shorten the lap time while changing various parts there. I had to make mistakes. Therefore, the tuning of the vehicle toy cannot be easily performed, and such a troublesome tuning work has caused the player to keep away from the hobby racing car.

  In this regard, in the above-described prior art of Patent Document 2, the range of fun of the game is expanded by running the vehicle toy side based on control information obtained by the player playing the game on the game device.

  However, in the prior art of this Patent Document 2, the course in which the vehicle toy actually runs and the virtual course that is constructed in the game space in the game device are not linked to each other. Moreover, the running characteristics of the vehicle toy and the running performance of the car running in the game space were not linked. For this reason, there has been a problem that the setting on the game device cannot be reflected on the side, and conversely, the actual traveling result of the vehicle toy cannot be reflected on the game device side.

  In the present embodiment, in order to solve such a problem, a method as described below is adopted. That is, first, in the present embodiment, traveling characteristic data that is data set based on the traveling characteristics of a vehicle toy that moves on the course, and course data that is data set based on the course characteristics of the course on which the vehicle toy moves. Prepare. Moreover, the traveling control data set by the method as shown in FIGS. Based on the travel characteristic data, the course data, and the travel control data, a simulation process for setting the vehicle toy is performed in the game device.

  By doing so, the actual course in which the vehicle toy runs and the virtual course in which the virtual moving body corresponding to the vehicle toy runs in the game apparatus are linked to each other. Further, the running characteristics such as the acceleration performance of the vehicle toy and the running characteristics of the virtual moving body on the game apparatus side are linked. Therefore, even if the player does not go to a store or the like where a special course is installed, for example, the player cannot virtually try running the vehicle toy by the simulation processing in the game device owned by the player. In addition, by capturing the actual running result of the actual vehicle toy on the game device side, it is possible to objectively determine the degree of contribution of the replaced part to the lap time. Therefore, through trial and error, it becomes possible to provide the player who is the user with the fun of tuning that could not be realized with conventional hobby racing cars that depended on intuition.

  For example, FIGS. 29A to 29C show examples of screens displayed on the display unit of the game device for setting the running characteristics of the vehicle toy.

  First, as shown in FIG. 29A, a vehicle type selection screen is displayed. On this selection screen, the player selects the vehicle type of the vehicle toy used by the player. Specifically, the product name of the vehicle toy is displayed on the selection screen, and the player selects the product name of the vehicle toy owned by the player from the product name.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 29B and 29B, a parts set selection screen is displayed. In this selection screen, the player selects a parts set used for tuning the vehicle toy. For example, in FIG. 29B, since the player purchases and uses the great up parts set B2 instead of the basic parts set B1, the player selects the up grade parts set B2. Further, if there is a changed part in the upgraded parts set B2, the changed part is selected on the selection screen of FIG. Note that the part to be changed may be selected directly as shown in FIG. 29C without displaying the part set selection screen as shown in FIG.

  When the selection screen as described above is displayed and the player selects the vehicle type and parts used by the player, the driving characteristics of the vehicle toy used by the player are specified, and the driving characteristics data is set. That is, manufacturers that manufacture and sell vehicle toys and parts know the weight and shape of vehicle toys, the horsepower and torque of motors, the size and grip of tires, the degree of chassis strengthening, and running stability. Therefore, the player can specify the acceleration force, maximum speed, cornering performance, running stability, etc. of the vehicle toy by inputting the model and part name of the vehicle toy used by the player to the game device. Accordingly, by preparing the identified running characteristics as running characteristics data in a format that can be handled by the simulation processing algorithm, simulation processing suitable for the running characteristics of the actual vehicle toy can be performed. It should be noted that the database information such as the vehicle type and parts for creating the running characteristic data may be downloaded to the game device as appropriate using a network connection function of the game device.

  By setting the travel characteristic data as described above, it is possible to match and link the vehicle toy that the player actually travels on the course and the virtual moving body that travels on the virtual course.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 30, a selection screen for a course used by the player is displayed. For example, in FIG. 30, a basic oval course and a basic 8-character course sold as a starter kit are displayed as courses to be selected. For example, a special course installed in a store A in Tokyo is displayed as a selection candidate course.

  That is, the course shape of the basic oval course and the basic 8-character course that are commercially available as starter kits can be specified immediately. On the other hand, special courses for official races installed at specific stores are also created with the same course parts as commercial course parts, so by identifying the course parts used and their connection configuration, The course shape of the special course can also be specified.

  In this case, the used course parts and connection configuration information of the special course may be downloaded to the game device via the network, or the player may be arranged and set on the course editing screen. That is, the player creates and edits a course having the same shape as the special course by connecting the images of the course parts as appropriate on the course editing screen. Then, by registering the edited course, course data corresponding to the special course is set.

  By setting the course data as described above, it is possible to match and link the course in which the vehicle toy actually travels with the virtual course in which the virtual moving body travels.

  Next, the traveling control data setting screen shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 is displayed. In this setting screen, the player sets travel control data necessary for obtaining a good lap time through trial and error. Then, when the player instructs the start of the simulation process, the running characteristic data set in FIGS. 29A to 29C, the course data set in FIG. 30, and the settings in FIGS. A simulation process is performed based on the travel control data. That is, a simulation process is performed in which a virtual moving body whose traveling characteristics are set based on traveling characteristic data is traveled according to traveling control data in a virtual course in a virtual space where the course characteristics are set based on course data.

  Then, the player confirms the result data of the running simulation, sets the running control data again, and repeatedly executes the simulation process until he can obtain the desired lap lime. In this way, virtual tuning related to the running of the vehicle toy is repeated on the game device side. Then, when a satisfactory result is obtained, the player connects the game device and the vehicle toy by wire or wirelessly, and transmits the final traveling control data to the vehicle toy as shown in FIG. Remember me. Then, the vehicle toy is actually run on the course shown in FIG.

  For example, when an official race is held on a weekend at a special course of a store, a player performs simulation using a game device on weekdays and repeats virtual tuning of a vehicle toy.

  In this case, no special course exists at the player's home, but a virtual course corresponding to the special course is constructed in the virtual space of the game device based on the course data of the special course. In this virtual course, the player causes the game apparatus to execute a simulation process for running a virtual moving body corresponding to the vehicle toy that the player participates in. Then, repeat the tuning settings until the player is satisfied, and participate in the official race on the weekend.

  At this time, for example, when a good lap time cannot be obtained due to a specific part, the setting for exchanging the parts is performed by the method described with reference to FIGS. 29B and 29C. In this case, the player can virtually exchange parts without actually purchasing parts, and can check whether the parts are effective for improving the lap time by simulation processing. If a good lap time is obtained in the simulation by exchanging specific parts (for example, motors and tires), the parts are actually purchased and installed in the vehicle toy. I will participate in.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a vehicle toy can be virtually run by a simulation process on a game device even for a course that cannot be placed at home, such as a special course. Further, before purchasing a part to be exchanged, the player can objectively evaluate the degree of contribution of the part to the lap time. Therefore, the convenience of the player can be improved, and a higher level of tuning can be performed through simulation to improve the lap time, so that the player's motivation for pursuing speed can be improved and it is difficult to get bored. A hobby racing car system can be provided.

  Note that the simulation process may be a process of performing a realistic simulation process of the virtual moving body corresponding to the vehicle toy to obtain result data of the traveling simulation process, or without performing such a realistic simulation process. Further, a process for instantaneously obtaining the result data of the driving simulation process based on the driving characteristic data, the course data, the movement control data, and the table data may be used. Further, the running simulation process may be performed as a part of the game process. In this case, as shown in FIG. 15, if an effect screen showing a state in which the virtual moving body corresponding to the vehicle toy moves is displayed. Good.

4.6. Actual Travel Result Data In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 31A, not only the travel control data is transmitted from the game device to the vehicle toy, but the vehicle toy travels the course based on the travel control data. The obtained actual travel result data may be received from the vehicle toy.

  FIG. 31B shows an example of actual travel result data. In FIG. 31 (B), the actual traveling lap time data of the vehicle toy in each course section of the course is received as actual traveling result data. The received actual running result data is displayed on the display unit of the game device.

  In this case, in FIG. 31 (B), actual traveling result data is displayed in association with each course section of the course. For example, the actual travel lap time = 0.89, which is actual travel result data in CS1, is displayed in association with the course section CS1, and the actual travel lap time in CS2 = 0.62 for the course section CS2. Are displayed in association with each other.

  Further, in FIG. 32A, running simulation result data is obtained by simulation processing on the game device side. Then, both the actual travel result data received from the vehicle toy and the travel simulation result data are displayed. Further, a comparison process between the actual traveling result data and the traveling simulation result data is performed.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 32 (B), the received actual traveling result data is displayed in association with the traveling simulation result data obtained by the simulation processing. For example, the simulation lap time = 0.94 which is the driving simulation result data in CS1 and the actual driving lap time 0.89 in CS1 are displayed in association with the course section CS1, and the course section CS2 is displayed in CS2. The simulation lap time = 0.64 and the actual travel lap time 0.62 in CS2 are displayed in association with each other.

  In addition, the display form of the actual running result data and the running simulation result data on the game device is not limited to FIGS. 31B and 32B. For example, a screen as shown in FIG. 25 may be displayed, and actual traveling result data or traveling simulation result data may be displayed in association with each course section CS1 to CS16.

  According to the above-described method of the present embodiment, the player transmits the travel control data to the vehicle toy and receives the actual travel result data corresponding to the travel control data from the vehicle toy. It is possible to objectively determine whether or not the data is the optimal setting. Further, by displaying the actual travel result data in association with each course section, it is possible to objectively determine the validity of the travel control data set for each course section.

  Therefore, the player can easily obtain the optimum tuning setting by repeating the work of transmitting the set traveling control data, receiving the corresponding actual traveling result data, and determining the validity of the setting. it can. As a result, it is possible to objectively evaluate the tuning settings that have been performed by intuition as before, based on the actual driving result data, and to give the player an unprecedented tuning enjoyment. Is possible.

  Further, when the parts of the vehicle toy are changed, the player can also objectively evaluate the effect of the change of the parts based on the actual running result data, and can further increase the enjoyment of the player's modification. .

  Further, for example, since the simulation process is performed based on ideal driving characteristic data and course data, the driving simulation result data based on the simulation processing data is often inconsistent with reality.

  In this regard, as shown in FIG. 32B, when the running simulation result data and the actual running result data are displayed in association with each other, the player can objectively recognize the difference between the running simulation and the actual running. Therefore, the player can perform virtual tuning by simulation in the game device while taking this difference into account, and the accuracy of tuning by simulation can be improved.

  It should be noted that a comparison process is performed for comparing the travel simulation result data and the actual travel result data, obtaining correction data based on the comparison result, and making the travel simulation result data close to the actual travel result data based on the correction data. May be performed. By doing in this way, the precision of tuning by simulation can be further improved.

  Although the present embodiment has been described in detail as described above, it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications can be made without departing from the novel matters and effects of the present invention. Therefore, all such modifications and combinations thereof are intended to be included in the scope of the present invention.

  For example, terms (vehicle toys, motors, driving control data, etc.) cited as broad or synonymous terms (mobile toys, prime movers, motion control data, etc.) in the description or drawings are used in the description or drawings. In other descriptions, terms can be replaced with broad or synonymous terms.

  In addition, the mobile toy control method, marker detection method, travel control data setting method, mobile toy deceleration, acceleration control method, prime mover drive method, simulation processing method, etc. are limited to those described in this embodiment. However, techniques equivalent to these can also be included in the scope of the present invention. Further, the mobile toy and game device to which the present invention is applied are not limited to the mobile toy and game device configured as described in the present invention.

CP1-CP16 course parts, CM1-CM16 clock marker,
DM1 to DMn data marker, MC1 to MC16 marker code,
10 vehicle toys, 12 bodies, 30 prime movers, 50 sensors,
50a data sensor, 50b clock sensor, 52 light emitting element,
60 courses, 70 guide units, 100 processing units, 102 simulation processing units,
104 transmission processing unit, 106 reception processing unit, 108 authentication processing unit, 110 comparison processing unit,
112 display control unit, 114 grade evaluation unit, 116 upload processing unit,
130 setting change unit, 160 operation unit, 170 storage unit,
172 driving characteristic data storage unit, 173 course data storage unit,
174 Travel control data storage unit, 178 drawing buffer,
190 touch panel type display unit, 191 display unit, 192 sound output unit,
194 portable information storage device, 196 communication unit,
200D, 300D, 400D guide groove (groove),
300 circuit board, 310 control unit, 330 storage unit, 332 travel control data storage unit, 334 travel detection data storage unit, 340 light emitting element drive unit, 350 drive unit,
360 sensor controller, 370 external interface unit, 400 game device

Claims (27)

A mobile toy that moves on the course,
Body,
A prime mover mounted on the body and provided with a given power to move the mobile toy;
A data sensor for detecting a plurality of data markers provided in the course for the mobile toy to read data;
A clock sensor for detecting a plurality of clock markers provided in the course for reading a clock for sampling the data;
A control unit that extracts the data by sampling the detection signal of the data sensor using the clock extracted from the detection signal of the clock sensor;
A mobile toy comprising: In claim 1,
The data sensor and the clock sensor are arranged in parallel along a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, which is the moving direction of the mobile toy, on the ground surface side of the body with respect to the course. A mobile toy characterized by being provided. In claim 1 or 2,
For the first direction, which is the moving direction of the moving toy,
The front end side of the ground plane of the body is a first outline, the left end side of the ground plane is a second outline, the rear end side of the ground plane is a third outline, and the right end side of the ground plane is As the fourth outline,
The data sensor is:
Provided on either the second outline or the fourth outline;
The clock sensor is
A moving toy provided on the other of the second outline and the fourth outline. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3,
For the first direction, which is the moving direction of the moving toy,
The front end side of the ground plane of the body is a first outline, the left end side of the ground plane is a second outline, the rear end side of the ground plane is a third outline, and the right end side of the ground plane is The fourth outline,
The middle line of the first outer line and the third outer line is a first middle line, the middle line of the first outer line and the first middle line is a second middle line, and the first outer line When the middle line between the middle line and the third outline is the third middle line,
The data sensor and the clock sensor are:
A movable toy provided in a closed region surrounded by the second middle line, the second outer line, the third middle line, and the fourth outer line in the ground surface. . In any of claims 2 to 4,
On the course,
The plurality of data markers and the plurality of clock markers are provided shifted in the first direction,
The controller is
A moving toy characterized in that the data is extracted by sampling a detection signal of the data sensor at a rising edge or a falling edge of the clock. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 5,
The course is composed of first to Nth course parts,
A plurality of data markers for the mobile toy to read the data is provided in the first area of the running surface or wall surface of each course part of the first to Nth course parts,
A moving toy characterized in that a plurality of clock markers for the moving toy to read a clock for sampling the data are provided in the second area of the running surface or the wall surface. In claim 6,
When the shapes of the i-th course part and the j-th course part among the first to N-th course parts are different (1 ≦ i <j ≦ N), a plurality of data in the i-th course part A moving toy characterized in that an arrangement of markers and an arrangement of a plurality of data markers in the j-th course part are different. In claim 6 or 7,
A moving toy characterized in that a direction marker for determining a traveling direction of the moving toy on the course is provided on both ends in the first direction of the plurality of clock markers. In claim 8,
The moving toy characterized in that a width of the direction marker in the first direction is different from a width of the clock marker in the first direction. In claim 8 or 9,
The controller is
Of the two sensors provided on the grounding surface side of the body,
Set one sensor that read the direction marker as the clock sensor,
A moving toy characterized in that the other sensor is set as the data sensor. In any of claims 6 to 10,
A storage unit that stores first to Nth travel control data, each of which is associated with a plurality of data markers provided in corresponding course parts among the first to Nth course parts. Further including
The controller is
A mobile toy that controls the travel of the mobile toy based on the first to Nth travel control data. In claim 11,
An external interface unit for receiving the first to Nth driving control data from an external game device;
The controller is
A mobile toy that controls the mobile toy based on the first to Nth travel control data received from the game device via the external interface unit. In claim 12,
A mobile toy further comprising a data transmission processing unit for transmitting the data extracted by the control unit to the game device via the external interface unit. In claims 1 to 13,
The mobile toy characterized in that the data is course data for specifying the shape of each course part. In claims 1 to 14,
A moving toy characterized in that a guide portion that fits into a groove formed in the course along a first direction that is a moving direction of the moving toy is provided on a grounding surface side of the body with respect to the course. In claim 15,
At least one of the data sensor and the clock sensor is provided between one of a left end and a right end of the ground plane and the guide portion with respect to the first direction. In claim 15,
One of the data sensor and the clock sensor is provided between one of the left end and the right end of the ground plane and the guide portion with respect to the first direction,
The other of the data sensor and the clock sensor is provided between the guide portion and the other of the left end and the right end of the ground plane with respect to the first direction. In any of claims 15 to 17,
On the grounding surface side, at least two guide rollers for guiding the guide portion to the groove portion are provided,
A first guide roller which is one of the at least two guide rollers is provided between one of the left end and the right end of the ground surface and the guide portion with respect to the first direction;
The second guide roller, which is the other of the at least two guide rollers, is provided between the other of the left end and the right end of the ground surface and the guide portion with respect to the first direction. toy. In claim 15,
The guide portion is
A string-like member having one end fixed to the grounding surface side of the body;
A detachment regulating member that is provided on the other end side of the string-like member and regulates detachment of the movable toy from the course;
A mobile toy comprising: A travel control data storage unit that stores travel control data that is data for controlling the travel of the mobile toy according to any one of claims 1 to 19,
A transmission processing unit for performing processing for transmitting the travel control data to the mobile toy;
As a display control unit that performs control to display a virtual course corresponding to the course on the display unit,
Make the computer work,
The display control unit
A program for performing a control for displaying a travel data setting screen for a player to input and set the travel control data for each virtual course section of the virtual course corresponding to each course part of the course. In claim 20,
As a simulation processing unit for performing a simulation process of running a virtual moving body provided corresponding to the moving toy in accordance with the running control data in the virtual course in a virtual space provided corresponding to the course,
Further, a program for causing a computer to function. In claim 20 or 21,
The data is course data for specifying the shape of each course part constituting the course,
A reception processing unit that receives the course data from the mobile toy according to any one of claims 1 to 19,
As a virtual course setting unit that sets the virtual course in the virtual space based on the course data,
Further, a program for causing a computer to function. In any of claims 20 to 22,
A reception processing unit that performs processing for receiving, from the mobile toy, actual travel result data obtained by the mobile toy traveling on the course based on the transmitted travel control data;
As a display control unit that performs control to display the received actual traveling result data on the display unit,
A program characterized by causing a computer to function. The data is course data for specifying the shape of each course part constituting the course,
A reception processing unit that receives the course data from the mobile toy according to any one of claims 1 to 19,
A virtual course setting unit that sets the virtual course in the virtual space based on the course data;
As a display control unit that performs control to display the virtual course set in the virtual course setting unit on the display unit,
A program characterized by causing a computer to function.   A computer-readable information storage medium, wherein the program according to any one of claims 20 to 24 is stored. A travel control data storage unit that stores travel control data that is data for controlling the travel of the mobile toy according to any one of claims 1 to 19,
A transmission processing unit for performing processing for transmitting the travel control data to the mobile toy;
A display control unit that performs control to display a virtual course corresponding to the course,
The display control unit
A game apparatus that performs control for displaying a travel data setting screen for a player to input and set the travel control data for each virtual course section of the virtual course corresponding to each course part of the course. . The data is course data for specifying the shape of each course part constituting the course,
A reception processing unit that receives the course data from the mobile toy according to any one of claims 1 to 19,
A virtual course setting unit that sets the virtual course in the virtual space based on the course data;
A display control unit that performs control to display the virtual course set in the virtual course setting unit on a display unit;
A game apparatus comprising:

Images