JP2021137583A - Game apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of further improving taste, etc. by disposing an actual object and an image on a display surface overlapped with each other, in a game apparatus, etc.SOLUTION: A game apparatus 1 comprises a housing 10, a game execution section for executing a game, a display section 20 including a display surface 23 for displaying a game element of the game, an operation section 30 with which a user can execute an operation relating to the game, and a detection section 50 for detecting movement of the operation section 30. The game execution section can execute the game so as to change a display of the game element on the display surface 23 based on the detection result of the movement of the operation section 30, by the detection section 50. The operation section 20 is so disposed that, during the operation of the operation section 30 relating to at least the execution of the game, a first portion 31, at least a part of the operation section 30 is visible in a state of being overlapped with an image of the game element of the display surface 23 in a first direction of viewing the display surface 23 from a viewpoint of the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to techniques such as game devices and toys.

Various proposals have been made for game devices, toys, and the like to bring about interest by using technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR). For example, from the user's point of view, there is a device in which an image is superimposed and displayed on a display surface of a display device arranged in front of or behind an actual object (for example, a model).

As an example of the prior art related to the above, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-218293 (Patent Document 1) can be mentioned. Patent Document 1 describes the following as a toy. Inside the room (corresponding to the model of the house), a transparent LCD screen that can be seen from the front of the room is placed, and interior parts such as chairs and exterior parts such as wood are placed at the front and rear of the screen. Be placed. Characters such as girls (corresponding to images) are displayed on the screen. The user can enjoy the game while looking at the characters on the screen.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-218293

As in the example of Patent Document 1, a display surface is arranged inside a structure such as a model, and the image of the display surface is changed in association with the actual object arranged before or after the display surface to bring about interest. Such game devices and toys have been proposed. However, in such a conventional technique, for example, in the toy of Patent Document 1, the actual body such as the interior body and the exterior body is not operated by the user, and the game is operated by a predetermined switch / button. Therefore, it is not sufficient in terms of the interest in playing the game by the user's operation.

An object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of further enhancing the interest of a technique such as a game device capable of changing an image on a display surface in association with an actual object.

A typical embodiment of the present invention has the following configurations. The game device of one embodiment includes a housing, a game execution unit for executing a game, a display unit including a display surface for displaying game elements of the game executed by the game execution unit, and the game by the user. The game execution unit includes an operation unit capable of performing operations related to the above, and a detection unit that detects the movement of the operation unit, and the game execution unit displays the display based on the detection result of the movement of the operation unit by the detection unit. The game can be executed so as to change the display of the game element on the surface, and the operation unit views the display surface from the user's viewpoint at least during the operation of the operation unit related to the execution of the game. In the first direction, the first portion, which is at least a part of the operation unit, is arranged so as to be seen as being superimposed on the image of the game element on the display surface.

According to a typical embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to further enhance the interest of the technology of the game device or the like by superimposing the actual object and the image on the display surface.

It is a perspective view seen from the front side which shows the overall appearance composition in the game apparatus of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the outline of the structure from the front in the game apparatus of Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the outline of the structure from the side of the game apparatus of Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the outline of the structure from the upper side in the game apparatus of Embodiment 1. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the game device of the first embodiment as viewed from the back side. It is a figure which shows the display example (the first example, the second example) in the game apparatus of Embodiment 1. It is a figure which shows the display example (the 3rd example, the 4th example) in the game apparatus of Embodiment 1. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structural outline from the side of the game apparatus of Embodiment 2 of this invention.

(Embodiment 1)
The game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the game device 1 of the first embodiment as viewed from the front side as an overall appearance configuration. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a schematic configuration of the game device 1 in a plane (XY plane) corresponding to a plane view of the front side viewed from the user's viewpoint. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an outline of the configuration of the game device 1 in a cross section (YZ plane) corresponding to a plan view of a side view. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing an outline of the configuration of the game device 1 in a cross section (XZ plane) viewed from above. FIG. 5 is a perspective view from the back side of the game device 1. In addition, as the explanatory direction, the X, Y, Z directions shown in the figure may be used. The X direction is the left-right direction (horizontal direction on the display surface 23), the Y direction is the vertical direction (vertical direction on the display surface 23), the Z direction is the front-back direction and the depth direction, the display surface 23 of the game device 1 from the user's viewpoint, etc. Corresponds to the first direction, etc.

In FIG. 1 and the like, as an outline, the game device 1 is a device or a toy that enables a game that imitates a food or drink (for example, tapioca drink) as an object. The housing 10 of the game device 1 is a structure that imitates the food and drink. The game device 1 displays an image related to the game on the display surface 23 on the front side, and a child or the like who is a user can play the game by operating the operation unit 30 imitating a straw with his or her fingers.

The game device 1 relates to a housing 10, a game execution unit that executes a game, a display unit 21 including a display surface 23 that displays an image of a game element of the game executed by the game execution unit, and a game by a user. It includes an operation unit 30 that can be operated, and a detection unit 50 that detects a state such as movement of the operation unit 30. The game execution unit can execute the game so as to change the display of the game element on the display surface 23 based on the detection result of the movement of the operation unit 30 by the detection unit 50. The operation unit 30 is in the first direction in which the display surface 23 is viewed from the user's point of view at least during the operation of the operation unit 30 related to the execution of the game, and the first portion 31 which is at least a part of the operation unit 30 is the display surface 23. It is arranged so that it can be seen as being superimposed on the image of the game element of.

The operation of the operation unit 30 by the user includes a first operation corresponding to the first operation AC1 such as swinging the second portion 32 mainly in the X direction, and a second operation such as pushing a predetermined object in the Y direction. A second operation corresponding to the operation AC2 is possible. These actions / operations correspond to input to the game. In the present embodiment, the first operation AC1 is an operation that imitates the operation of stirring the straw. The second operation AC2 is an operation that imitates the operation of poking a straw.

[1-1: Overall configuration]
As shown in FIG. 1, the game device 1 of the first embodiment is roughly classified into a housing 10, a display unit 20, an operation unit 30, a button operation unit 40, a detection unit 50, and a shielding unit 60. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the game device 1 also includes a regulation unit 80 (FIGS. 3 to 5), a substrate 100 (FIG. 3), a battery accommodating unit 90 (FIG. 3), a speaker, and the like. The housing 10 generally has two parts, a lid 11 and a container 12, which have a shape imitating a food and drink lid and a container. The lid 11 is fixed to the upper surface of the container 12. In this example, the housing 10 has a shape in which a part of the back surface side of the cylinder is roughly cut flat in the vertical direction (Y direction) and removed. It has a shape like 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the housing 10 generally has a convex curved surface shape on the front surface side and a planar shape on the back surface side.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a display unit 20 is provided on the front surface side of the housing 10. The display unit 20 has a display device 21 and a window 22. The window 22 is provided on a part of the front surface of the housing 10 as, for example, a substantially rectangular area. The window 22 has a simple opening structure or a structure in which a transparent member is fixed to the opening. The window 22 may be provided with a door or the like. A display device 21 is arranged behind the window 22. The display device 21 includes a transmissive display surface 23, a display drive circuit, and the like. The display drive circuit of the display device 21 displays an image on the display surface 23 based on the control from the substrate 100 (FIG. 3). The display surface 23 corresponds to an area in which an image can be displayed. The transparent display surface 23 is a display surface having a property and a function that an actual object such as the first portion 31 arranged on the rear side can be seen through in the first direction from the user's viewpoint. The display surface 23 has a larger area on the XY surfaces than the window 22. Even if the direction in which the display surface 23 is viewed from the user's viewpoint deviates from the Z direction by a certain angle, the image on the display surface 23 may be visually recognized. In the present embodiment, the display device 21 uses a transmissive liquid crystal display device, but the display device has transparency so that the operation unit 40 can be visually recognized via the display device 21 in the first direction from the user's viewpoint. If so, it is not limited to this and can be applied.

In the Z direction, the rear side of the display surface 23 is a space (FIG. 3 and the like), and the first portion 31 of the operation unit 30 can be moved in that space. On the rear side of the first portion 31, a shielding portion 60 is arranged so as to partition the space inside the housing 10. The shielding portion 60 shields the actual object behind the shielding portion 60 so that it cannot be seen when viewed in the first direction. A third portion 33 of the operation portion 30, a detection portion 50, a battery accommodating portion 90 of FIG. 3, and the like are arranged on the rear side of the shielding portion 60.

The operation unit 30 includes a first portion 31, a second portion 32, a third portion 33, a bearing portion 35, a connecting portion 36, and the like. A bearing portion 35 is provided in a part of the lid 11. In the bearing portion 35, the operation portion 30 is supported. The bearing portion 35 serves as a fulcrum for the movement of the operation portion 30. In the bearing portion 35, the second portion 32 and the first portion 31 are connected so as to be substantially one rod-shaped object. The second portion 32 is arranged so as to come out on the outside of the housing 10, particularly on the upper side of the lid 11. The second portion 32 is a portion that can be operated by the user by directly grasping and touching it with his / her fingers. The first portion 31 is a portion arranged in the housing 10 so as to overlap the display surface 23 in the first direction. The third portion 33 is a portion arranged so as to be overlapped with the first portion 31 and the rear side of the shielding portion 60 in the Z direction. The third portion 33 is fixed to the first portion 31 via the connecting portion 36. The third portion 33 moves integrally in conjunction with the movement of the first portion 31. The third portion 33 is shielded by the shielding portion 60 and the regulating portion 80, and is arranged so as not to be seen from the user's viewpoint.

In the first embodiment, the first operation AC1 and the second operation AC2 can be independently performed as an operation by the operation unit 30. As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the first operation AC1 includes at least an operation such as swinging in the left and right directions in the X direction. The second operation AC2 includes an operation of pushing back at least in the up and down directions in the Z direction.

In the housing 10, for example, a button operation unit 40 is provided under the window 22 on the front side. The button operation unit 40 is a portion in which a user can input a basic operation related to the game device 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the button operation unit 40 has buttons 41, 42, and 43 as, for example, three hardware buttons. For example, the button 41 is set to perform a selection operation, the button 42 is set to perform a decision operation, and the button 43 is set to perform a cancel operation. The button operation unit 40 is connected to the board 100 (FIG. 3), and the operation state of each button is grasped by the controller. An operation button or the like may be provided on the other surface of the housing 10.

The location of the detection unit 50 is simply shown in FIG. 1, and details are shown in FIGS. 2 to 5. The detection unit 50 is a unit that detects the operation state of the operation unit 30. The detection unit 50 includes a first detection unit 51 and a second detection unit 52 as shown in FIG. 2 and the like. The first detection unit 51 is a portion that detects the movement and the state of the position of the third portion 33 corresponding to the first operation AC1 in the X direction. The second detection unit 52 is a part that detects the movement and the state of the position of the third part 33 corresponding to the second operation AC2 in the Y direction. The state detected by the detection unit 50 is grasped by the controller of the board 100 (FIG. 3) as an operation input by the operation unit 30.

In the first embodiment, the operation unit 30 that imitates a straw does not simply make the shapes of the first part 31, the second part 32, and the third part 33 into the shape of a cylinder or a cylinder, but if the shapes are different for each part. It has a cylindrical shape. Specifically, first, the second part 32 has a cylindrical or cylindrical shape, that is, a cross section in a horizontal plane is substantially a perfect circle so that it looks like a three-dimensional shape close to the real thing (straw in the present embodiment). It has a shape (Fig. 4, etc.). Further, in the present embodiment, the operation unit 30 imitates a straw, but unlike an actual straw, the second portion 32 has a cylindrical shape with the upper tip portion closed. Thereby, the strength of the second portion 32 can be improved. The first portion 31 may look like a straw in the first direction (FIG. 2) and need not be limited to a cylinder or a cylinder. In this example, the shape is such that a cylinder is crushed in the Z direction, that is, the cross section on the horizontal plane is an ellipse (FIGS. 1 and 3). That is, the thickness in the Z direction corresponding to the first direction is made different between the first portion 31 and the second portion 32 (in the present embodiment, the thickness of the first portion 31 is larger than the thickness of the second portion 32). Make it smaller). By making the shape seen by the user from the Z direction corresponding to the first direction substantially the same as the shape of the second part 32, when the user sees from the first direction, the first part 31 and the second part It looks like a real three-dimensional shape that is integrated with 32. Further, when the dimension of the thickness of the first portion 31 in the Z direction is smaller than the dimension of the thickness of the second portion 32, the game device 1 has the thickness of the housing 10 as a whole in the Z direction. The size of is kept small. Therefore, when a child holds and operates the housing 10 of the game device 1, it is easy to operate even if the child holds the housing 10 with a small hand. Therefore, it becomes easy for the child to hold the housing 10 with one hand and operate the second portion 32 with the other hand while looking at the display surface 23 on the front side. Since the third portion 33 is shielded by the shielding portion 60 and arranged so as not to be seen when viewed from the first direction, various shapes are allowed, and in this example, the second portion 32 in the Z direction. It has a flat plate shape thinner than the thickness of (Figs. 1 and 3). As a result, the thickness of the first portion 31 and the third portion 33 in the Z direction is thinner than the thickness of the second portion 32 in the Z direction, respectively, and the thickness of the first portion 31 in the Z direction is reduced. The same effect as in the case of The first portion 31 and the third portion 33 may have the same shape as the second portion 32.

[1-2: Front configuration]
In FIG. 2, on the front surface of the game device 1, the window 22, the display surface 23, the first portion 31, and the shielding portion 60 are arranged around the center of the container 12, for example, indicated by the alternate long and short dash line. An image of a game element is displayed on the transmissive display surface 23 based on the control of the game by the controller of the substrate 100 (FIG. 3) (FIG. 6 described later). In the first direction from the user's point of view, the first portion 31 is seen as a state in which the image is superimposed on the back through the display surface 23. That is, the user can operate and visually recognize the inside of the food / drink container imitated as an image on the display surface 23 as if it were stirred by the straw imitated in the first portion 31.

In FIG. 2, the states of the first portion 31 and the second portion 32 shown by the solid lines of the operation unit 30 indicate the basic states at the central position XC in the X direction and upright in the Y direction. In the basic state, the second portion 32 is provided from the upper predetermined position Y1 to the lower predetermined position Y2. The first portion 31 is provided from a predetermined position Y3 on the upper side to a predetermined position Y4 on the lower side. Behind the first portion 31, the third portion 33 is hidden, as shown by the broken line. In this example, the first portion 31 and the third portion 33 are longer than the second portion 32 in the Y direction. Therefore, with respect to the first operation AC1, the range of operation AC1a of the tip portion 31a of the first portion 31 and the range of operation of the tip portion 33a of the third portion 33 are wider than the range of operation of the tip portion of the second portion 32. ..

In the first embodiment, as shown in the drawing, in the operation unit 30, the first portion 31 and the third portion 33 are separated from each other via a shielding portion 60 or the like in the Z direction, and the operation unit 30 is arranged on the lower side in the Y direction. The third part 33 is longer than the first part 31. The lower tip 33a of the third portion 33 is at a position Y7 below the position Y4 of the lower tip 31a of the first portion 31. As a result, the tip portion 31a of the first portion 31 is designed to be visible at a suitable position Y4 in the window 22 and the display surface 23 in the first direction from the user's viewpoint. In particular, the tip portion 31a is arranged in the lower half region of the display surface 23. This design is for making it easy for the user to see a simulated operation such as poking a granular object, which is a game element described later, with the tip of a straw. Moreover, the tip portion 33a of the third portion 33, which cannot be seen by the shielding portion 60, is designed so as to be easily detected by the pressing switch of the second detection unit 52 arranged near the bottom surface of the housing 10. Along with this, the regulation of the movement of the first portion 31 is mainly designed as the regulation of the movement of the third portion 33 by the regulation unit 80 (FIGS. 3 to 5). In the space 301 (FIG. 3) including the first portion 31, no extra real object other than the first portion 31 is arranged. As a result, the feeling of imitating food and drink can be further enhanced by superimposing the image of the display surface 23 in the first direction and the first portion 31 imitating a straw.

As a modification, the tip portion 31a of the first portion 31 may be arranged at another position, for example, a position near the lower side of the area of the window 22 or the display surface 23.

The states of the first portion 31 and the second portion 32 indicated by the alternate long and short dash lines of the operation unit 30 indicate the states of the left and right positions in the X direction according to the first operation AC1. The first operation AC1 indicated by the broken line arrow schematically indicates the movement range of the second portion 32. The operation AC1a indicated by the broken line arrow schematically indicates the movement range of the tip portion 31a of the first portion 31 of the first operation AC1. In response to the first operation AC1 with respect to the second portion 32 by the user, the tip portion 31a of the first portion 31 swings in an arc to the left and right in the X direction like the operation AC1a. For example, when the user tilts the second portion 32 to the right, the tip portion 31a of the first portion 31 moves to the left. In conjunction with the movement of the tip portion 31a of the first portion 31, the tip portion 33a of the third portion 33 moves toward the position XL on the left side. Such a first operation AC1 is designed so as to be possible within a predetermined movement range, and is also regulated by the regulation unit 80 and the shielding unit 60, which will be described later.

The first detection unit 51 detects the movement and the state of the position of the tip portion 33a of the third portion 33 in the X direction. In this example, the first detection unit 51 detects the position of the tip portion 33a as an approximate position of three types of ternary values: the position XL on the left side, the position XR on the right side, or the vicinity of the position XC in the center. .. As a detection result of the first detection unit 51, a state in which neither the left side position XL nor the right side position XR is associated is associated with a state near the center position XC. To be exact, this state near the center is a state between the position XL on the left side and the position XR on the right side.

The second operation AC2 indicated by the broken line arrow schematically indicates the range of movement when the second portion 32 is pushed by the user. Correspondingly, the operation AC2a of the second operation AC2 schematically indicates the movement range of the tip portion 31a of the first portion 31. Similarly, the second operation AC2 is possible even when the first portion 31 and the like are located at the left and right positions in the X direction by the first operation AC1. In this example, the second detection unit 52 for detecting the second operation AC2 is configured by using, for example, a pressing switch. The pressing switch is arranged near the bottom surface of the housing 10. This pressing switch is switched from an off state to an on state in response to contact and pressing by the tip portion 33a of the third portion 33. When the position of the tip portion 31a of the first portion 31 is arranged so as to overlap with the image imitating the inside of the container on the display surface 23 when the user views it from the first direction, the tip portion 33a of the third portion 33 is arranged. It is necessary to be arranged at a position Y7 below the position Y4 of the tip portion 31a of the first portion 31 so that it can come into contact with the upper surface of the pressing switch during the second operation AC2, and the length of the third portion 33 in the Y direction. Is longer than the length of the first portion 31 in the Y direction.

[1-3: Side configuration]
In FIG. 3, in the configuration viewed from the side surface of the housing 10, the windows 22 and the display device 21 are displayed in order from the front to the back in the first direction from the user's viewpoint, for example, at the position YC near the center in the Y direction. A surface 23, a first portion 31, a shielding portion 60, a third portion 33, a battery accommodating portion 90, and the like are arranged. In the Z direction, a window 22 is arranged at position Z1, a display surface 23 is arranged at position Z2, a first portion 31 is arranged at position Z3, a shielding portion 60 is arranged at position Z4, and a third portion 33 is arranged at position Z5. The distance between the position Z2 and the position Z3 is the distance d1. In this example, the display surface 23 is arranged at the position Z2 on the rear side with respect to the position Z1 of the window 22 in the Z direction, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the display surface 23 is arranged at the position Z1 of the window 22. May be good.

A substrate 100 is arranged near the bottom surface of the housing 10. Not limited to this, the substrate 100 may be arranged in an empty area in the housing 10, and may be arranged near the back surface of the housing 10, behind the shielding portion 60, or the like. The substrate 100 may be composed of a plurality of substrates. A battery accommodating portion 90 is provided near the back surface of the housing 10. The battery is detachably housed in the battery accommodating portion 90 according to the opening and closing of the lid portion on the back surface of the housing 10. The battery supplies electric power to the substrate 100 and the like. Each sensor, switch, and the like of the button operation unit 40, the display device 21, and the detection unit 50 are also connected to the substrate 100. The controller of the board 100 grasps the state of the operation unit 30 based on the detection results of the first detection unit 51 and the second detection unit 52.

The board 100 is an electronic circuit board that controls a game device 1, and particularly corresponds to a computer or controller that controls a game or the like. The board 100 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, non-volatile memory, an input / output interface, a communication interface, a bus, and the like, and the controller is composed of the CPU and the like. The controller constitutes a game execution unit that controls and executes the game based on program processing and the like. The game execution unit controls the display of images of game elements and the like that make up the game on the display surface 23 of the display device 21.

The housing 10 has a space 301 surrounded by a window 22 and a shielding portion 60 and including most of the first portion 31. This space 301 is a space recognized by the user as a portion imitating a liquid or the like inside the food and drink container. As shown in FIG. 3, the shielding portion 60 has at least a flat plate-shaped portion 60a having an XY plane arranged between the first portion 31 and the third portion 33, and is first by the portion 60a. The third portion 33 and the detection portion 50 are shielded in the direction. Further, as shown in the drawing, the shielding portion 60 has an upper surface portion having an XZ surface extending forward from the portion 60a to the vicinity of the window 22, a lower surface portion having an XZ surface, and a YZ surface. It may have left and right side surface portions to have. As a result, the shielding portion 60 can form a space 301 including most of the first portion 31. The display device 21 is fixed to, for example, a container 12 or a shielding portion 60. Further, a part of the upper surface portion of the shielding portion 60 also has a regulating portion 61 through which the first portion 31 is passed up and down. The movement of the first part 31 is also regulated by the regulation part 61.

At the position on the lower side of the lid 11 between the bearing portion 35 and the regulating portion 61, one end of the connecting portion 36 is fixed to a part on the upper side of the first portion 31, and extends rearward in the Z direction. There is. A part of the upper side of the third portion 33 is fixed to the other end of the connecting portion 36, and the third portion 33 extends downward in the Y direction to the position Y7.

A regulation unit 80, a first detection unit 51, and a second detection unit 52 are arranged in the vicinity of the operating range of the tip end portion 33a of the third portion 33 (FIGS. 4 and 5 described later). At position Y6, a first detection unit 51, particularly an infrared sensor, is arranged. A pressing switch is arranged near the position Y8 as a second detection unit 52 connected on the substrate 100.

At the time of the second operation AC2 in the basic state, the tip portion 31a of the first portion 31 is displaced downward from the position Y4 to the position Y5 as in the operation AC2a. In conjunction with the operation, the tip portion 33a of the third portion 33 is also displaced downward from the position Y7 to the position Y8 (or the position of the upper surface of the pressing switch of the second detection unit 52) like the operation AC2b. Along with this, the tip portion 33a comes into contact with the upper surface of the pressing switch of the second detection unit 52 and is pushed so as to press the upper surface thereof. The pressing switch detects the state at the time of this pressing as at least a binary state of on / off. That is, when the second operation AC2 is performed in the basic state, the pressing switch changes from the off state to the on state. The second detection unit 52 may be configured with a pressing sensor or the like that can detect the degree of pressing as a plurality of values in more detail. Alternatively, the second detection unit 52 may be simply composed of a touch sensor and may detect a binary state with or without contact. Here, at the time of the second operation AC2, it is preferable that the position Y5 is arranged so as to overlap with the image imitating the inside of the container on the display surface 23 when viewed from the first direction by the user. .. By designing in this way, even if the first portion 31 is displaced during the second operation AC2, the user can visually recognize the tip of the first portion 31.

In the first embodiment, a pressing switch is used as the second detection unit 52 in order to imitate the elastic feel of the granular object in the food or drink in association with the second operation AC2. This pressing switch imparts a predetermined tactile effect such as elasticity to the user when the upper surface is pressed during the second operation AC2. That is, at this time, the user can get the feeling of poking an elastic object with the tip of the straw.

The second portion 32 protruding above the lid 12 may be made of a hard part that is not easily deformed, for example, a synthetic resin or a metal, but in the first embodiment, a member that is softer than the first part 31. For example, it is composed of elastic parts such as rubber. In FIG. 3, the state of the second portion 32 composed of the soft member is shown as the second portion 32b by the alternate long and short dash line. In this way, the second portion 32 is elastically deformed in response to the load of the first operation AC1 by the user's fingers. When the second portion 32 has the former configuration composed of hard parts, the operation of the second portion 32 is more directly transmitted to the first portion 31 and the like.

In the latter configuration in which the second portion 32 is composed of soft parts as in the first embodiment, the following actions and effects can be obtained. When a child who is a user violently moves the second portion 32, the movement can be received and buffered by the elastic deformation of the second portion 32b as shown in the figure. As a result, it is possible to prevent damage to parts due to violent movement of the operation unit 30. Further, in the first embodiment, the first operation AC1 is configured to mainly detect the movement in the X direction (FIG. 4 and the like). At this time, in the latter configuration, the user can move the second portion 32 in the Z direction to some extent by elastic deformation, and the detection itself is mainly in the X direction, but a pseudo operation feeling in the Z direction is performed. Can be realized. That is, the operation of stirring the straw in the horizontal plane (XX plane) can be simulated to some extent.

The regulation unit 80 regulates the movement of the first part 31 by regulating the movement of the third part 33. Specifically, the movement of the tip portion 33a of the third portion 33 is regulated within a predetermined range in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction by the regulation portion 80, and at the same time, the movement of the tip portion 31a of the first portion 31 is interlocked. Is also regulated within a predetermined range. Due to this regulation, the movement of the tip portion 31a of the first portion 31 moves on a plane (XY plane) substantially parallel to the display surface 23 like the operation AC1a, in other words, crosses the display surface 23. It becomes a movement like.

The shielding unit 60 may have not only a shielding function of shielding at least a part of the third portion 33 and the detecting unit 50 from being seen in the first direction, but also a regulating function of restricting the movement of the operating unit 30. good. On the contrary, the regulation unit 80 may have not only the regulation function but also the shielding function. The shielding unit 60 and the regulating unit 80 may be integrally configured. As a regulating function, the shielding portion 60 may have a function of preventing the first portion 31 from coming into contact with other parts such as the display device 21, or a function of buffering even when the first portion 31 comes into contact with the display device 21 to prevent damage or the like. ..

[1-4: Top surface configuration]
In FIG. 4, the upper surface of the housing 10 generally has a rectangular region at the rear and a semi-elliptical region at the front in the Z direction. At least the front side of the housing 10 has a curved surface shape that imitates a food and drink container. In the first embodiment, the front side of the housing 10 is set as shown in the figure in consideration of reducing the thickness in the Z direction and stably placing the housing 10 on a horizontal mounting surface such as a desk. It has a curved surface shape and a flat shape on the back side. The shape of the housing 10 is not limited to this, and the front side may be a flat shape, the back side may be a curved shape, both the front side and the back side may be a curved shape, and both the front side and the back side may be a curved shape. It may have a planar shape. Further, the shape of the housing 10 in the Y direction is shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 assuming that the area on the bottom surface side and the area on the top surface side are the same, but as shown in FIG. 2, the area on the top surface side rather than the bottom surface side. May be a large shape.

A bearing portion 35 is provided in a hole through which the operation portion 30 passes at predetermined positions (position XC and position Z3) near the center of the upper surface of the lid 12 of the housing 10. At the center position XC in the X direction, a second portion 32, a first portion 31, and a third portion 33 are arranged in a basic state. A sensor 51L on the left side is arranged as an infrared sensor constituting the first detection unit 51 at the position XL on the left side in the X direction, and a sensor 51R on the right side is arranged at the position XR on the right side.

The first operation AC1 includes an operation such as swinging left and right in at least the X direction. In conjunction with the first operation AC1 with respect to the second portion 32, the tip portion 31a of the first portion 31 has a range such as the operation AC1a, and the tip portion 33a of the third portion 33 has a range such as the operation AC1b. Have. Since the third portion 33 is longer than the first portion 31 in the Y direction, the operating AC1b has a slightly wider range in the X direction than the operating AC1a.

When the first operation AC1 wants to more accurately imitate an operation such as stirring an actual straw, the first operation AC1 is not limited to a one-way operation such as the X direction, but can also include an operation in the Z direction. good. In the first embodiment, such an operation in the Z direction is allowed to some extent. In FIG. 4, the first operation AC1 can also perform an operation AC12 such as swinging back and forth in the Z direction. Further, the first operation AC1 can also be an operation AC13 that freely rotates in an arc shape in a horizontal plane. A mechanism including the bearing portion 35 is mounted according to the provisions of such first operation AC1. As the first operation AC1, it may be implemented that accepts only the movement in the X direction.

However, when the operation unit 30 is allowed to move in the Z direction, it is desirable that the first portion 31 does not come into contact with other parts including the display device 21 or the like in order to prevent damage to the members surrounding the operation unit 30. In the first embodiment, when the first operation AC1 including the X direction and the Z direction with respect to the second portion 32 is performed, the movement of the third portion 33 is regulated by the regulation unit 80, so that the first portion 31 Movement is regulated. As a result, the tip portion 31a of the first portion 31 can be prevented from coming into contact with other parts such as the display device 21.

In this example, the regulating portion 80 is located at the left and right positions outside the range of the flat plate-shaped portion 80a having an XY surface arranged behind the shielding portion 60 and the operation AC1b of the third portion 33. It has a flat plate-shaped portion 80b having a YZ plane arranged in (detailed in FIG. 5). When the tip 33a of the third portion 33 moves outside the left position XL or the right position XR in the X direction according to the first operation AC1, the movement is within a predetermined range by the portion 80b of the regulation unit 80. It is regulated to be. Further, when the tip portion 33a of the third portion 33 moves forward in the Z direction, the movement is regulated by the portion 80a of the regulating portion 80.

In this example, the first detection unit 51 uses two left and right sensors 51L and 51R as infrared sensors, and the tip portion 33a of the third portion 33 has a left position XL, a right position XR, or them. Detects the state between. The two sensors 51L and 51R are arranged, for example, between the shielding portion 60 and the regulating portion 80 portion 80a in the Z direction (FIG. 5). For example, the sensor 51L on the left side arranged at the position XL on the left side emits infrared rays to the rear side in the Z direction. The infrared rays enter the space surrounded by the regulation unit 80 through the hole of the regulation unit 80. If the tip 33a is located at the position XL on the left side, the infrared rays are blocked and reflected by the tip 33a and returned to the sensor 51L. When the infrared ray is not blocked by the tip 33a, the sensor 51L detects it as an off state, and when it is blocked, it detects it as an on state. When the detection result of the sensor 51L on the left side is on, the controller of the board 100 can determine that the third portion 33 is in the position XL on the left side with respect to the first operation AC1. That is, in that case, the controller can determine that the tip portion 31a of the first portion 31 is substantially located on the left side in the X direction. The same effect holds for the sensor 51R on the right side. Further, when the detection results of the two sensors 51L and 51R are both off, the controller states that at least the tip portion 31a is located between the left side position XL and the right side position XR in the X direction. Further, it may be determined that the tip portion 31a of the first portion 31 is substantially in the vicinity of the central position XC in the X direction. The first detection unit 51 is not limited to such a configuration, and may be mounted by using other switches or sensors. The first detection unit 51 may be configured to be able to detect the position in the X direction in more detail, or may be configured to be able to detect the position in the Z direction as well.

Further, in this example, the pressing switch of the second detection unit 52 is arranged at the central position XC in the X direction, and the area of the upper surface that receives the pressing by the tip portion 33a of the third portion 33 is within a predetermined range. It is designed to be. Therefore, when the tip portion 33a of the third portion 33 is near the central position XC in the X direction according to the first operation AC1, the pressing switch can be turned on by the second operation AC2. .. On the other hand, when the tip portion 33a of the third portion 33 is located at the left and right positions in the X direction, that is, outside the range of the above area according to the first operation AC1, the pressing switch is performed even if the second operation AC2 is performed. Cannot be turned on. By doing so, the position of the first part 31 that moves in conjunction with the third part 33 at the time of the second operation AC2 can be set to be near the central position XC in the X direction, and the second operation AC2 o'clock. It is possible to determine the arrangement relationship between the first portion 31 and the image of the display surface 23 when viewed from the first direction in the above. The second detection unit 52 is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, the tip portion 33a is configured in the X direction by increasing the area of the pressing switch in the X direction and expanding the range in which the second operation AC2 is received. The pressing switch can be turned on even if the second operation AC2 is performed when the devices are in the left and right positions. Further, by providing a plurality of second detection units 52 in the X direction, it is possible to detect the second operation when the tip portions 33a are located at the left and right positions in the X direction.

In FIG. 4 and the like, when the user moves the second portion 32 in the Z direction as in the operation AC12 and the like, the second portion 32 is interlocked with the above-mentioned elasticity (second portion 32b in FIG. 3). The first portion 31 and the third portion 33 are also moved in the Z direction to some extent. At that time, the movement of the first portion 31 is regulated by the regulating portion 80 and the shielding portion 60 so as not to come into contact with other parts such as the display device 21. Alternatively, even when the first portion 31 comes into contact with another part, a member for that purpose may be provided so that it can be buffered and protected from damage or the like. For example, a protective material such as an elastic member may be provided on each surface of the shielding portion 60 or on the back surface of the display device 21. Alternatively, the tip portion 31a of the first portion 31 may be made of an elastic member or the like.

[1-5: Rear configuration]
In FIG. 5, in the configuration viewed from the back side, the movement of the first portion 31 of the operation unit 30 is detected as the movement of the third portion 33 by the detection unit 50 (first detection unit 51 and second detection unit 52). NS. The movement of the tip portion 33a of the third portion 33 is restricted by the regulating portion 80 as shown in the drawing, and the operation AC1b in the X direction and the operation AC2b in the Y direction are allowed. The regulating portion 80 has a front side portion 80a having an XY surface, left and right side surface portions 80b having an YY surface, and a bottom surface portion 80c having an XY surface. By arranging the upper surface of the pressing switch to be exposed in the center of the bottom surface portion 80c, the operation AC2b in the Y direction is allowed.

Further, in this example, the tip portion 33a of the third portion 33 has a curved surface shape that is convex downward in the Y direction as shown in the drawing. This makes it easier for the tip 33a to push the upper surface of the pressing switch of the second detection unit 52. The bottom surface portion 80c of the regulation portion 80 has a curved surface shape in accordance with the range of the operation AC1b of the tip portion 33a. The shape of the regulation unit 80 is not limited to this. The regulating unit 80 may also be provided on the rear side in the Z direction with a flat plate-shaped portion having an XY plane for restricting movement in that direction.

Further, the regulating portion 80 and the tip portion 33a of the third portion 33 may also be provided with a protective material such as an elastic member for cushioning when the portions collide with each other. Even when the user violently moves the second portion 32, the tip portion 33a hits any portion (80a, 80b, 80c) of the regulation portion 80 and is stopped. As a result, the movement of the tip portion 31a of the first portion 31 linked to the third portion 33 is also kept within a predetermined range. Further, an elastic member or the like may be used for the tip portion 33a as a component for giving a feeling of elastic operation during the second operation AC2.

As a modification, the first detection unit 51 may be composed of a touch sensor, a proximity sensor, or the like provided on the left and right side surface portions 80b or the like of the regulation unit 80. For example, when the tip portion 33a comes into contact with the sensor of the left portion 80b of the regulation portion 80, it is detected as the state of the left side position XL.

[1-6: How to play]
The basic operation and how to play the game device 1 are as follows. A user such as a child performs basic operations such as selecting and deciding a game or the like by pressing a button on the button operation unit 40 while watching the display on the display surface 23. The game execution unit of the game device 1 executes the game and displays an image of the game element on the display surface 23. The user operates the operation unit 30 while looking at the image on the display surface 23, and performs the first operation AC1 and the second operation AC2 described above to play the game.

First, the game device 1 displays a menu screen (not shown) on the display surface 23 in the power-on state. The user selects and determines the game to be played by looking at the menu screen and operating the buttons of the button operation unit 40. From the menu screen, it is possible to transition to some game modes including the following basic games, a user setting mode, a standby screen mode, and the like. The game device 1 provides some games including the following basic games by the game execution unit. The game is not limited to the following example, and various games can be provided according to the design of the program or the like. When the basic game is selected and determined, the game device 1 starts displaying an image of the game element of the basic game on the display surface 23 based on the program processing.

[1-7: Basic game]
An example of the configuration of the basic game in the game device 1 will be described below. The basic game is a game that imitates a tapioca drink as a food or drink that is an object, and its name is, for example, a "tapioca search game". In this basic game, a user such as a child searches for, acquires, and collects tapioca, which is a granular object constituting a tapioca drink. The housing 10 of the game device 1 has a shape imitating a tapioca drink (particularly, the container 12 and the lid 11), and the operation unit 30 has a shape imitating a straw. An image imitating a tapioca drink (particularly a liquid or granular object inside the container) is displayed on the display surface 23. To the user, the image imitating the inside of the container on the display surface 23 in the first direction and the first portion 31 imitating a straw are superposed.

In the basic game, the user operates the operation unit 30 while looking at the image on the display surface 23 to simulate the first operation AC1 such as stirring a straw for tapioca drink and the second operation AC2 such as poking a granular object. do. Thereby, in the basic game, the user searches for and discovers tapioca, for example, unacquired tapioca, which is various kinds of granular objects constituting the tapioca drink. Then, the user captures and acquires the tapioca by an operation (particularly the second operation AC2) that imitates a predetermined suction operation by the operation unit 30. In the basic game, the game execution unit determines the operation of the operation unit 30 by the user based on the detection by the detection unit 50, and determines the success or failure of the acquisition of the granular object according to a predetermined condition or the like.

The above-mentioned first operation AC1 (corresponding first operation) is reflected as an operation of flowing the liquid and granular objects inside the tapioca drink by stirring the straw. The second operation AC2 (corresponding second operation) is reflected as an operation of poking or pushing tapioca, which is an elastic granular object, with a straw. The second operation AC2 is detected by the third portion 33 as an operation of pressing the pressing switch of the second detection unit 52 with an elastic feel. This gives the user the feel of poking elastic tapioca.

The basic game also simulates sucking a granular object with a straw. In the first embodiment, this suction operation is implemented as an operation common to the second operation AC2, which is an operation in the vertical direction, in consideration of simplification of the mechanism and cost reduction. In the basic game, the second operation AC2 is functionally switched from the operation of poking a granular object to the operation of sucking according to the change of the game progress on the time axis. As a modification, apart from the second operation AC2 that imitates the pecking operation, another third operation that imitates the suction operation may be implemented by another mechanism (for example, an operation button for suction).

[1-8: Display example related to basic game]
6 and 7 show a display example on the display surface 23 of the display device 21 related to the basic game.
1. 1. At the start of the basic game, the game execution unit of the game device 1 displays a game setting screen imitating an order for a tapioca drink or the like, although not shown, on the display surface 23. This game setting screen is a screen for setting the contents of the basic game this time, for example, the difficulty level and the type of granular objects that appear, and the details are not particularly limited and may be omitted.

The game device 1 displays parameters for configuring tapioca drink (corresponding basic game) on the game setting screen, and accepts a selection operation by the user. On the game setting screen, the user can select values of parameters such as, for example, the type of liquid (for example, straight tea or milk tea) on which the drink is based, the amount of ice, and the sweetness. The game device 1 determines the internal configuration of the tapioca drink in the current basic game according to the value of the selected parameter. The internal composition of tapioca drink includes a distribution composition for a plurality of tapioca contained in a liquid, or at least one specific tapioca. The distribution configuration can be realized by, for example, a process of probabilistically drawing tapioca that appears based on program processing, a process of reading a specified tapioca from a predetermined table, or the like. The game difficulty level can also be adjusted by, for example, the number of tapioca, the speed of tapioca flow, and the like.

In advance, as an element of the basic game, data including images and information are prepared for a plurality of types of tapioca (granular objects) that are candidates that can be acquired by the user. For example, tapioca of each color such as black, white, orange, and blue is prepared. In addition, tapioca that imitates food such as strawberry tapioca, tapioca that imitates animals such as cat tapioca, and tapioca that imitates characters in fiction and stories are also available. In addition, each tapioca is set with a rarity, that is, a difference in appearance probability, such as normal and rare. Further, as the image of each tapioca, as a still image or an animation, an image of tapioca having each facial expression such as a smiling face, an angry face, a crying face, and an expressionless face is prepared.

In this example, as the tapioca distribution configuration of the tapioca drink at the start of the basic game, one specific tapioca candidate for acquisition is determined by lottery. Multiple tapioca other than the one specific tapioca that appears in the tapioca drink shall be the tapioca specified in the production and cannot be obtained. Not limited to this, it is of course possible to draw two or more tapioca at the same time and make them appear.

2. The game device 1 starts the basic game after determining the setting of the basic game. FIG. 6A shows a display example at the start of the basic game (particularly, the “search start phase”) as the first example of the display. From the user's point of view, the display surface 23 via the window 22 displays an image g0 representing the liquid (for example, straight tea) inside the tapioca drink, an image g1 representing each tapioca of a plurality of tapioca, and the like. The image g1 of this tapioca is a case where it is anthropomorphized for children and has a facial expression including eyes and mouth. Behind the image on the display surface 23, the first portion 31 imitating a straw is transparently visible. Further, on the display surface 23, an image g2 (for example, "start!") Such as a character string for guiding the game operation and various information to the user is appropriately displayed. In this example, at this point, the game device 1 does not yet appear and display the image of the specific type of tapioca drawn by the lottery, and displays an image g1 representing a certain plurality of tapioca for production. In this example, the image g1 is a tapioca with a constant color and a smile. As a result, the user's expectation can be increased by making the tapioca of the acquisition candidate unknown.

3. 3. After the start of the basic game, the user moves the second portion 32, and the game execution unit changes the image of the display surface 23 in response to the detection of the operation of the operation unit 30. FIG. 6B shows the display (second example) at that time (particularly the “search phase”). The user performs a first operation AC1 such as stirring a straw, for example, an operation of repeatedly swinging left and right in the X direction. As a result, the tip portion 31a of the first portion 31 repeatedly swings left and right on the display surface 23. The game device 1 detects the state of the third portion 33 (FIG. 2, etc.) according to the first operation AC1 by the first detection unit 51. The game device 1 changes the image g0 of the liquid inside the tapioca drink and the image g1 of the tapioca on the display surface 23 as shown in FIG. 6B, depending on the detected state. Specifically, on the display surface 23, a state in which the liquid and the plurality of tapioca flow in the container is displayed as an image such as an animation. The liquid image g0 is, for example, an image in which the upper surface is wavy or an image in which bubbles are generated in the liquid. At this time, each tapioca may flow so as to draw an arc in the X direction (arrow in the figure) or the Y direction, for example. Each tapioca may appear or disappear in the display surface 23 depending on the flow.

4. The game device 1 has the specific tapioca drawn on the display surface 23 as shown in FIG. 6B at a predetermined trigger, for example, when the flow of the first operation AC1 exceeds a certain level. The image g3 representing the above appears and is displayed. In this example, at this point in time, the specific tapioca is an unknown tapioca without showing its true identity, and the image g3 representing the unknown tapioca. As a result, the user's expectation can be increased. This unknown specific tapioca (image g3) represents a candidate state that can be acquired by the user and, like other constant tapioca (image g1), is displayed to flow in the liquid. The image g3 of this unknown specific tapioca is, for example, tapioca with sunglasses or'? It may be tapioca with a'mark. As a modification, an image showing the true identity of a specific tapioca at this point may be displayed.

Further, the game device 1 displays an image g4 (for example, a broken line round frame) representing an area (“capture area”, “target frame”) that can be acquired by a specific tapioca on the display surface 23 at a predetermined opportunity. In this example, this region is arranged in the center of the display surface 23 in the X direction, and is arranged as a region of about the lower half corresponding to the tip portion 31a of the first portion 31 in the Y direction. This region indicates that when a specific tapioca (image g3) is in this region, the tapioca can be acquired and sucked by the second operation AC2.

5. The user performs a second operation AC2 such as pushing the straw downward at the timing when the specific tapioca (image g3) enters the region (image g4) of FIG. 6 (B). This second operation AC2 particularly corresponds to the first stage suction operation. The game device 1 detects the second operation AC2 by the pressing switch of the second detection unit 52. As described above, this second operation AC2 cannot succeed unless it operates in the X direction with respect to the vicinity of the center. When the pressing switch is turned on by the second operation AC2 when the specific tapioca (image g3) is contained in the area (image g4), the game device 1 is the first to acquire the specific tapioca. One-step suction is judged to be successful. When the first stage suction is successful, the game device 1 shifts to the next display as shown below. At this time, as an example of the effect, a state in which a specific tapioca is sucked into the tip of the straw may be displayed by animation or the like.

6. FIG. 7A shows a display example (third example) at the time of the second stage suction (particularly the “acquisition chance phase”) after the success of the first stage suction. At this time, the game device 1 switches the phase in the progress of the game on the display surface 23 as shown in (B) of FIG. 6 to (A) of FIG. In the phase (A) of FIG. 7, an enlarged image showing a part of the tapioca drink and the straw is displayed on the display surface 23. In this example, the display surface 23 has an image g5 representing a part of liquid or other tapioca, an image g6 representing a part of a cylindrical straw, and an image g7 representing a specific tapioca inside the straw. Has. In this example, at this point, the image g7 of the specific tapioca has not yet shown its true identity and is a constant tapioca (for example, a smiling tapioca). Not limited to this, at this point, the image g7 may be an image of tapioca representing the unknown as in the image g3, or may be an image showing the true identity described later.

In this phase, the user is made to focus on a specific tapioca (image g7) and a straw on the image (image g6) and try a second-stage suction operation using the second operation AC2. In this phase, the straw on the image (image g6) is displayed, and the straw on the image and the first portion 31 of the real thing overlap. In this phase, since the user wants to pay attention to the straw (image g6) on the image, it is preferable that the first part 31 of the real thing behind it is hard to be seen by the user. Therefore, in this example, the straw image g6 and the specific tapioca image g7 are displayed on the display surface 23 so as to be conspicuous with a large size, a specific color, or the like so that the first portion 31 is difficult to see. ..

7. Subsequently, the user performs the second-stage suction operation using the second operation AC2 while looking at the display surface 23 as shown in FIG. 7A. The second operation AC2 at this stage (“acquisition chance phase”) is an operation that imitates the suction of tapioca by a straw, and is simulated by the second operation AC2. The first second operation AC2 corresponds to an operation in which the detection state by the pressing switch of the second detection unit 52 changes from an off state to an on state for a short time and then to an off state. This one second operation AC2 is associated with a predetermined amount of suction in the game. Further, the second operation AC2 by long pressing may be provided. The second operation AC2 by one long press corresponds to the operation in which the pressing switch is kept on for a longer period of time, and is associated with continuous suction in the game. The user appropriately performs the second operation AC2 several times and the second operation AC2 by long-pressing. The game device 1 displays on the display surface 23 how a specific tapioca (image g7) gradually rises and is sucked inside the long straw (image g6) according to the second operation AC2, by animation or the like. do. The game device 1 displays, for example, a part of a long straw with scrolling on the display surface 23.

Further, in this phase, the game device 1 may display an image g8 representing a predetermined gauge on the display surface 23. This gauge is a game element that imitates breathing during suction. The game device 1 changes the amount of this gauge depending on the second operation AC2 related to suction. For example, the game device 1 increases the amount of the gauge according to the on state by the second operation AC2, and decreases it according to the off state. Further, when the amount of the gauge exceeds a certain amount, the game device 1 may be in a shortness of breath state and cause a predetermined penalty.

When the amount of suction / rise of the specific tapioca (image g7) by the second operation AC2 exceeds a predetermined amount, the game device 1 determines that the suction of the second stage is successful, that is, the specific tapioca. The acquisition is judged to be successful. As a result, the game device 1 shifts to the next display. When the user cannot successfully perform the second operation AC2 related to suction and the suction / rise of the specific tapioca does not reach a predetermined amount, the game device 1 determines that the suction in the second stage is a failure. In this case, the game device 1 is controlled so that the display is returned to the state before suction as shown in (B) of FIG. 6, and the display can be redone.

Further, in the game device 1, at the time of the second stage suction as shown in FIG. 7A, as other game elements, other tapioca in the liquid (image g5) causes specific tapioca in the straw (image g7). ) May be displayed so as to cling to the vicinity of the straw (image g6) so as to interfere with the suction. In this case, the game device 1 accepts the first operation AC1 by the user, and when the first operation AC1 is performed, displays so as to unwind the other tapioca.

8. FIG. 7B shows a display example (fourth example) at the time of successful acquisition of the specific tapioca (“tapioca acquisition success phase”). The game device 1 shifts the display as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7B. The game device 1 displays on the display surface 23, along with a predetermined effect (for example, light emission or transformation), the appearance of a specific tapioca by animation or the like. The game device 1 displays an image g9 representing a specific tapioca (strawberry tapioca in this example) of the type determined in the first lottery on the display surface 23 near the center. Further, the game device 1 displays the image g9 and the image g10 representing the specific tapioca type and name character string, rarity, and the like. At this point, the user knows the specific tapioca, and the user feels a sense of accomplishment.

9. The game device 1 registers the tapioca image / information acquired by the user in the tapioca list of the user. The game device 1 holds a list of tapioca lists and the like held by the user in the memory. The user can appropriately display his / her tapioca list on the display surface 23 according to the basic operation on the menu screen, select a desired tapioca from the tapioca list, and see detailed images / information. The user can also set a desired tapioca (“My Tapioca”) selected from the tapioca list as an image to be displayed in the standby screen mode or the like. When the game device 1 is not playing a game, in the standby screen mode, the game device 1 displays an image including the above-mentioned mita tapioca together with a display such as a clock. In the standby screen mode, for example, the flow of tapioca in the tapioca drink is displayed by animation or the like. Further, at this time, the user can operate the operation unit 30 to affect the mita tapioca. As a result, the user can enjoy the interaction such as appreciation of mita tapioca and communication.

The following may be used as a modification of the above basic game. First, regarding the configuration in which the acquisition of tapioca is controlled in two stages, the second stage ((A) in FIG. 7) is omitted, and a specific tapioca is acquired by the success of the first stage ((B) in FIG. 6). It may be configured to be possible. Further, as an example of another game, a game in which the score or the like is increased according to the number of granular objects acquired by the user, the time required for acquisition, or the like is also possible.

As a modification, the game device 1 may display the tapioca distribution configuration determined at the start of the basic game as an image of each tapioca on the display surface 23 as it is. The user operates to select and acquire the desired tapioca to be acquired from the plurality of tapioca on the display surface 23. In this case, the content of the display surface 23 becomes more complicated, and the difficulty level of the game becomes higher.

[1-9: Effect, etc.]
As described above, according to the game device 1 of the first embodiment, for example, an actual object (housing 10 or operation unit 30) imitating food and drink and an image of a game element on the display surface 23 are superimposed to control the display. By doing so, it is possible to enhance the interest. According to the game device 1, the user can visually recognize the operation unit 30 imitating a straw as a state in which the actual first portion 31 is superimposed on the image of the game element through the display surface 23, and the second. The portion 32 can be operated, and the image of the game element can be changed in response to the operation. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the interest in playing the game by the user's operation. Further, the game device 1 is intended for children and can be realized at low cost without using, for example, an expensive sensor. The detection unit 50 can be realized by using an inexpensive sensor or switch in accordance with the configuration of the operation unit 30.

[1-10: Modification example]
The following is also possible as a modification of the first embodiment. The operation unit 30 may be configured without the second portion 32 that the user grips by hand. For example, the housing 10 may be provided with an operation unit that does not imitate a straw for moving the first portion 31 or the like in the housing 10 instead of the second portion 32 that imitates a straw. As an operation unit that does not imitate a straw, for example, the button operation unit 40 may be configured to enable the operation of moving the second portion 32. Further, as a method of arranging the first portion 31, the game device 1 can be configured to imitate a real thing other than food and drink by configuring the first portion to extend in the X direction.

The first detection unit 51 and the second detection unit 52 of the detection unit 50 may be mounted at any part of the operation unit 30 or in the vicinity of the operation unit 30. For example, the detection unit 50 may be mounted on the bearing unit 35 as shown in FIG. Further, the detection unit 50 may be mounted at a position near the first portion 31 that does not overlap with the image on the display surface 23. In this case, the operation unit 30 does not have to provide the third portion 33 behind the first portion 31.

The game device 1 may be provided in a state in which the first portion 31 and the display surface 23 are not overlapped in the first direction. For example, a mechanism capable of inserting and removing the first portion 31 in the housing 10, for example, a mechanism capable of expanding and contracting the first portion 31 may be provided, or a mechanism capable of attaching / detaching the operation unit 30 may be provided in the housing 10. .. In this case, for example, during non-game, only the image of the display surface 23 can be seen in the first direction as seen by the user.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of the game device 1 of the second embodiment in a cross-sectional view as a modification of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the window 22, the first portion 31 of the operation unit 30, the display surface 23 of the display device 21, the shielding portion 60, the third portion 33, and the like are arranged in order from the front to the rear in the Z direction. .. In the Z direction, the first portion 31 is arranged at the position Z21, and the display surface 23 is arranged at the position Z22 at a distance d2 behind the first portion 31. In this example, the distance d2 is shorter than the distance d1 in FIG. 3, and the first portion 31 and the display surface 23 are arranged closer to each other. The first operation AC1 may be limited to the operation in the X direction. Further, in this example, the bearing portion 35 and the connecting portion 36 are mounted in the lid 11. Also in the second embodiment, the state in which the first portion 31 and the image are superimposed can be visually recognized from the user's viewpoint.

Further, in the second embodiment, the first portion 31 may be composed of a non-transparent member, but is composed of a transparent member in order to further enhance the feeling of superimposition with the image. The user can see the image of the display surface 23 behind the first portion 31 through the first portion 31. Further, the first portion 31 may be configured by using an actual straw. Further, the display device 21 may be configured to have a non-transparent display surface 23, and the shielding unit 60 may be omitted. When the display device 21 is a non-transparent display surface 23, the game device 1 can be cheaper than when the display device 21 is a transparent display surface.

As another embodiment, the game device 1 is configured to have a non-transparent display surface 23, and a straw is provided on the display surface 23 according to the state of operation of the operation unit 30 by the user, particularly the second portion 32. An image representing the above may be displayed. In this case, the first portion 31 is not provided in the housing 10, and the second portion 32 can operate an actual object different from the first portion 31 arranged at a position overlapping the image on the display surface 23. can.

Although the present invention has been specifically described above based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be variously modified without departing from the gist. It is possible to add, delete, replace, and configure various combinations of the components of the embodiment. Some or all of the above-mentioned functions may be implemented by hardware, or may be implemented by software program processing. The programs and data constituting the functions and the like may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or may be stored in a device on a communication network. The present invention can be applied not only to food and drink as an object related to games and simulations. Other examples of food and drink include soups and hot pot dishes, and other examples of rod-shaped objects include spoons and chopsticks. Examples of objects other than food and drink include fishing, insect catching, and the like.

1 ... game device, 10 ... housing, 11 ... lid, 12 ... container, 20 ... display unit, 21 ... display device, 22 ... window, 23 ... display surface, 30 ... operation unit, 31 ... first part, 32 ... 2nd part, 33 ... 3rd part, 35 ... bearing part, 36 ... connecting part, 40 ... button operation part, 50 ... detection part, 51 ... first detection part, 52 ... second detection part, 60 ... shielding part, 80 ... Regulatory part, 90 ... Battery housing part, 100 ... Board.

Claims (11)

With the housing
The game execution department that executes the game and
A display unit including a display surface for displaying an image of a game element of the game executed by the game execution unit, and a display unit.
An operation unit that allows the user to perform operations related to the game,
A detection unit that detects the movement of the operation unit,
With
The game execution unit can execute the game so as to change the display of the game element on the display surface based on the detection result of the movement of the operation unit by the detection unit.
The operation unit is in a first direction in which the display surface is viewed from the user's point of view during operation of the operation unit at least related to the execution of the game, and the first portion, which is at least a part of the operation unit, is the display. Arranged so that they appear to be superimposed on the image of the game element on the surface.
Game device. In the game device according to claim 1,
The first portion is arranged inside the housing and
The operation unit is a game device that is arranged outside the housing and further has a second portion that is interlocked with the first portion and is touched and moved by the user. In the game device according to claim 2.
The operation unit further has a third portion that is interlocked with the first portion.
The detection unit detects the movement of the third part and
A game device including a shielding portion that shields at least a part of the third portion so as not to be seen in the first direction. In the game device according to claim 3,
The shielding unit is a game device that shields at least a part of the detecting unit so that it cannot be seen in the first direction. In the game device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
In the first direction, the display surface and the first portion are arranged in this order.
The display surface is a transmissive display surface, which is a game device. In the game device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
The detection unit is a game device having a first detection unit capable of detecting a first operation by the operation unit and a second detection unit capable of detecting a second operation by the operation unit. In the game device according to claim 6,
The first detection unit detects, as the first operation, a first operation in which at least a part of the operation unit crosses the display surface when the user looks at the display surface in the first direction. .. In the game device according to claim 7.
The second detection unit detects a second operation different from the first operation as the second operation.
The second detection unit is a game device capable of imparting a predetermined tactile effect during the second operation. In the game device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
The first portion of the operation unit is a game device configured to move on a plane substantially parallel to the display surface in response to an operation on the operation unit. In the game device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
Further equipped with a regulation unit that regulates the movement of the operation unit,
The regulation unit is a game device configured to be able to regulate the movement of the first portion by restricting the movement of the third portion. In the game device according to any one of claims 2 to 4.
A game device in which at least a part of the second part is configured to be able to move in a three-dimensional direction.

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