JP2997670B2 - Communication toy system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication toy system, and more particularly to a communication toy system with a considerable thrill, since the success or failure of communication depends on chance.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Many computer-controlled toys such as video games are known, but communication itself is the content of the game.
In particular, there is no known game in which the success or failure of communication depends on chance. If such a game is provided, the success or failure of communication itself can be enjoyed as a pure game.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a communication toy system in which the success or failure of communication itself can be enjoyed as a game.

[0004]

The present invention comprises a first type of communication toy and a second type of communication toy. Each of the first and second types of communication toys includes a transmitter, a receiver, a battery power source, a message An input switch, a notification unit, a microprocessor, and a housing, wherein the first type of communication toy includes means for periodically transmitting its own message signal via the transmitter, After transmitting the message signal of the above, for a predetermined time, the presence or absence of reception at the receiver is checked, and during this time, when the receiver receives a signal containing the same message as its own message, the notification unit Means for informing the second type of communication toy that the receiver receives a message signal from the first type of communication toy by receiving the message signal from the first type of communication toy, so that the second type of communication toy has its own message signal. Through the transmitter Means for transmitting a signal containing its own messages and same message when received by the receiver, means for notifying the notification unit, there is further provided communication toy system and. Preferably, the notification unit is configured by the LED and the sound generation unit. Preferably, the first
The communication toy of the first kind and the communication toy of the second kind are respectively composed of the same battery power source, a message input switch, a notification unit, and a microprocessor, and the transmission frequency of the transmitter of the communication toy of the first kind. Is the same as the reception frequency of the receiver of the second type of communication toy, the transmission frequency of the transmitter of the second type of communication toy is the same as the reception frequency of the receiver of the first type of communication toy, The transmission frequency of one type of communication toy is different from the transmission frequency of the second type of communication toy, and a switch for switching the use between the first type of communication toy and the second type of communication toy is provided. The housing is provided so that a user cannot touch the housing. The microprocessor is provided with two modes for a first type communication toy and a second type communication toy, and the mode of the microprocessor is switched by the switch. . Preferably, each transmission signal is constituted by a pulse of a predetermined duration, and the pulse width of the pulse is changed for each message. Preferably, the first type communication toy and the second type
Each kind of communication toy is provided with a power switch, and the microprocessor is provided with an automatic power-off means for measuring a time after power-on and turning off the power after a predetermined time has elapsed. More preferably, the microprocessor of the second type of communication toy is provided with an operation mode in which the CPU operates and a hold mode in which the CPU stops, and the microprocessor is configured to receive the signal from the first type of communication toy. Means for transitioning to the operation mode are provided. More preferably, the microprocessor of the first type of communication toy is provided with an operation mode in which the CPU operates and a hold mode in which the CPU stops, and the CP is provided at predetermined time intervals.
Means for shifting the microprocessor from the operation mode to the hold mode after transferring the U from the hold mode to the operation mode, performing the transmission in the operation mode, and waiting for a predetermined time in a receivable state; . Also preferably, each of the first type and second type of communication toys is provided with a notification unit that a signal of a message different from its own message is received, and the second type of communication toy is provided with a message different from its own message. When a signal is received, the transmitter sends its own message signal by the transmitter.

[0005]

According to the communication toy system of the present invention,
The communication toys are divided into the first type and the second type, the first type is active and can call the second type by transmitting periodically, the second type is passive and the first type Can only respond to this signal. The communication is not intended for a telephone call or the like, but is limited to transmitting a simple message, and a notification is made when the own message and the received message match. Even if the message matches, it does not develop into a call, etc., and you can always leave the game by turning off the power.

In order to facilitate the manufacture of communication toys, the first and second types of hardware are common, and the first mode is switched by switching the mode of the microprocessor and the frequency of the transmitter and the receiver. Distinguish between species and second species. The mode switching switch is provided in the housing so that the user cannot touch it.

[0007] The content of communication is limited to simple message transmission and reception. For example, when a message is represented by the duration of an unmodulated carrier, communication can be performed extremely easily. It is preferable to automatically turn off the power after a predetermined time has passed since the power was turned on so that the battery can be driven by a dry battery for about several tens of hours. To save energy. Furthermore, power saving can be achieved by setting the first type of microprocessor to the operation mode periodically, transmitting and waiting for reception, and resting in the hold mode until the next transmission.

In the communication toy system of the present invention, whether or not communication is successful is enjoyed purely as a game. Therefore, whether the topic is abundant has nothing to do with the game, and anyone can participate in the game. To make the game a target of whether or not the communication partner is within the communication range, and add a simple message to the communication to further increase the expectation and chance,
Matching messages is the key to success or failure of communication. The key to this game is whether the opponent is within the communication range and whether the messages match. It is a thrilling game that depends on chance, has very simple rules, and has considerable expectation.

[0009]

An embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication toy according to an embodiment.
, A transmission unit 2, a first conversion unit 3 for performing parallel / serial conversion of transmission data, and a CPU as a microprocessor
A display unit 5, a second conversion unit 6 for performing serial / parallel conversion of received data,
A receiving unit 7, a receiving antenna 8 and a power supply 9 are provided.
The antennas 1 and 8 may be used as one.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the communication toy, in which a display unit 20 such as an LED and a display / setting switch 21 are arranged on the front, and when the switch 21 is pressed, the display unit 20 is turned in order.
Is switched from 0 to 9 and a desired number can be set. Although another switch may be provided for setting and display, in this example, display switching and setting are performed by the same switch, and the display is switched by a short press of, for example, 1 second or less, for example, a long press of 2 seconds or more. The display value is set with. Alternatively, when the display / setting switch 21 is pressed, the current set value is displayed for a short time.
Pressing 1 causes the next number to be displayed. In this way, new numbers are sequentially displayed, and the number may be set if the desired number is left as it is. In this way, a plurality of operations can be performed with one switch 21, and the number of components is reduced. A power switch 22 and a sound ON / OFF switch 23 are provided on the side of the housing.
An LED 24 is provided on the upper surface, and the sound switch 2 is provided.
When 3 is turned off, L
The ED 24 turns on / off. Reference numeral 25 denotes a battery box 25 having, for example, two AAA batteries.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are control flowcharts of the communication toy. FIG. 3 is a communication toy (G1T) for group 1 (for women).
R) and FIG. 4 is a control flowchart of the communication toy (G2TR) of group 2 (for men). In the communication toy for women, when the power is turned on (ST1), a desired circuit such as a logic circuit or a memory is initialized (ST2),
Data is set to 0 (ST3). From this state, an arbitrary numerical value is set by the switch 21 (ST4), and the control unit 4 stores the set value as its own operation mode (ST5).
Regarding communication toys for men and women, numbers are determined in advance corresponding to a plurality of message contents such as "story" and "karaoke", and a desired one is selected from the numbers.

The control unit 4 outputs a message set by a number as parallel data, and the first conversion unit 3 converts the message into serial data and transmits the serial data with a carrier of frequency N (S
T6). At this time, the identification code set to the own communication toy is added, and the communication toy is similarly transmitted as serial data together with the data.

When the transmitted radio wave is received by another group of communication toys, a response is made if both messages match. In the communication toy for women, to receive a reply, switch to the reception state for a short time after transmission (ST
7) The cycle of transmission and reception is repeated twice, and a waiting time of, for example, about 2 seconds is sufficient (ST8, ST8).
9). When the reply from the communication toy for men is received, it is received via the receiving antenna 8 and demodulated by the receiving unit 7,
The serial data is converted into parallel data by the second conversion unit 6 and supplied to the control unit 4, and the other party identification code, number or message included in the received signal is set to the identification number or message of the other party's communication toy set in advance. Is determined (ST10), and if they match, a sound is generated or the LED 24 is turned on (ST11).

As shown in FIG. 4, in the communication toy G2TR for men, after power-on (ST21), initialization (ST22), data is set to 0 (ST23),
Data setting is performed (ST24, ST25). The operation at this time is to set an identification number of a communication toy for a woman and a number corresponding to a desired condition such as a story or karaoke, as in steps ST4 and ST5 in FIG. After the setting, it waits for transmission from the communication toy for women and repeats the receiving operation periodically (ST26, ST27). When there is an incoming call, whether the identification number of the partner toy in the received signal or the predetermined condition matches the set value. It is determined whether or not there is a match (ST28). If they match, a sound is generated or the LED 24 is turned on (ST29), a response to the effect of receiving is returned (ST30), and a response from the other party is received (ST31, ST31). 32).

In this way, the sound or the LED 24 informs the success of the communication by the duplicate judgment of the identification number of the other party and the message or the judgment of the message coincidence. In the embodiment, various changes are possible. Instead of inputting the other party identification signal in advance, a sound is generated when an incoming call is received, the number of the sending party is displayed, and a response is returned after seeing this display. It may be possible to determine whether or not to do so.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of a communication toy, and 51 is a CPU using a microprocessor, RA0 to RA4, RB
0 is an input port, and RB1 to RB7 are output ports. For example, a 7-segment LED display 52 is driven, a clock is generated by a crystal oscillator 53, and a switch 54 switches between LED display and sound notification. The transmitting unit 55 is a CPU 51
, And the receiving unit 56 amplifies the received signal and inputs the amplified signal to the CPU 51. Reference numeral 57 denotes a power supply, and 58 denotes a male / female changeover switch which cannot be operated from the outside as shown in FIG. 2, and uses the same substrate as two male and female communication toys. L1 to L4 are coils,
C1 and C2 are variable capacitors, and BZ is a sound buzzer. The variable capacitors C1 and C2 are coils L1 and L
2 is switched, and the transmission frequency for women (reception frequency for men) is set to, for example, 300 MHz.
In z, the transmission frequency for men (the reception frequency for women) is, for example, 315 MHz.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of another embodiment, in which the receiving frequencies of all the communication toys are set to different values, and the transmitting section of each communication toy determines the transmission frequency by a frequency synthesizer. The frequency synthesizer can switch the oscillation frequency, and when selecting and setting a specific communication toy of the other group from the communication toy belonging to one group, the set reception frequency of the other party communication toy is known in advance, so that frequency A signal is set as a transmission carrier frequency, and an identification code of itself and an interrogation signal to the other party are transmitted. This radio wave can be received only by the selected specific other party communication toy, and is not received by other wireless devices. On the other hand, the wireless device that has received this signal has a specific wireless device identification code set in advance by the owner, and returns a response signal only when the same code is detected in the incoming signal. The frequency synthesizer oscillator of the wireless device is controlled so that the return signal also matches the reception frequency of the other party.

[0018] The communication toys for men have predetermined question contents, for example, "I have a will to talk now", "I am busy now, but I will be free after an hour", "I want to go to a movie".
And the like, and identification information assigned to each of the communication toys for women. Further, there are provided input means for designating one of the contents of the question, display means for displaying numbers or characters, and means for adding identification information assigned to the input information to the input information and transmitting the information via a wireless medium. . On the other hand, the communication toys for women belonging to the other group include memory means for storing their own identification information, identification information selected from the identification information assigned to each of the male communication toys, and response information to the identification information. Means to input and store, to determine the identity of the male communication toy identification information included in the received signal and the selected male communication toy identification information, if they match,
A response signal to a male communication toy may be transmitted with its own identification information attached. According to this configuration,
Even if the amount of data exchanged is small, abundant contents can be transmitted to the other party, and it is possible to quickly determine the coincidence between the two.

In the embodiment, various games can be enjoyed. For example, at parties,
Divide into two groups, each holding the communication toys described above. At this time, the man holds the communication toy for men and the woman holds the communication toy for women, and inputs the identification number of the other party that he / she liked with a message. Communication is performed from the male communication toy, and if the received female communication toy matches the input identification number of the male communication toy and also matches the message, a reply is made. Choosing a message by choosing a partner you like, choosing a message, and also having a low likelihood of matching the message with the other party being self-favored, waiting for this is a considerable thrill.

The communication toy can be used for a game between an unspecified number of people. From the above example, it is assumed that the identification number is excluded from the communication content, only the message is transmitted, and a reply is returned if the receiving side matches the own message in advance. Successful communication by this method is when a person with a communication toy happens to approach and the messages match. Therefore, this game is accompanied by considerable expectation and excitement.

[0021]

FIG. 7 to FIG. 11 show an optimum embodiment. 7, 100 is a communication toy, 102 is a housing, 104 is a volume switch, 106 is a power switch, 1
Reference numeral 08 denotes a mode switch, which is used to select, for example, a mode such as story, karaoke, and tea. Reference numerals 110 to 112 denote LEDs for displaying the input mode. Only one mode (message) can be selected from the three modes.
Each time the mode switch 108 is pressed, the mode shifts to the next mode. Reference numeral 114 denotes a match display LED, which is turned on / off when the mode of the other party matches the mode of the self when communication is successful. Reference numeral 116 denotes a FIND display LED, which is turned on / off when transmission / reception is performed with another communication toy but the modes do not match.

The housing 102 accommodates, for example, two AAA batteries (3 V) and mounts the circuit shown in FIG. The only difference between the first type communication toy (female communication toy) and the second type communication toy (male communication toy) is the transmission / reception frequency, the operation mode of the built-in microprocessor, and the color of the housing 102.

FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of the communication toy 100. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 5 denote the same parts, and 120 is a new microprocessor, 122 is a mode setting unit, and a signal from the mode switch 108 is transmitted. Accepting and storing the set mode, the three LEDs 1
One of 10-112 is turned on. Reference numeral 124 denotes a power-off processing unit which starts the operation of the microprocessor 120 when the power switch 106 is turned on, and simultaneously measures time from power-on, and this time reaches a predetermined value (for example, 30 minutes to 5 hours). Then, the power is automatically turned off. Reference numeral 126 denotes a timer, 128 denotes a transmission / reception processing unit, and 130 denotes a wake-up processing unit. When transmission / reception is not required, the microprocessor 120 is shifted to a hold mode to reduce power consumption. That is, what is performed in the hold mode is only counting the time by the timer 126, turning on any of the LEDs 110 to 112, receiving an input signal corresponding to wake-up, and holding data. 132 is an operation program storage unit, for example, RO
Using M, a signal from the mode selection switch 58 activates either the male or female operation program. Reference numeral 134 denotes a control unit, which controls the entire microprocessor 120. Reference numeral 136 denotes a drive unit, which outputs a buzzer B when communication is successful (hereinafter, whether or not a message matches).
One of the Z and coincidence display LED 114 or the FIND display LED 116 is turned on / off. The volume of the buzzer BZ is made variable by the volume switch 104.

FIG. 9 shows the operation of the communication toy for women.
When the power switch 106 is turned on, the toy 100 starts operating, and at the same time, the auto power-off function is activated.
The power is automatically turned off after about 5 minutes or 5 hours. Next, a mode setting from the mode switch 108 is received, and an LED indicating the set mode is set.
110 to 112 are turned on, and this LED is always turned on even in the hold mode. Communication toys for women 10
A job at 0 is, for example, once every second or 1 every 10 seconds.
The microcomputer 120 shifts to the operation mode in the wake-up processing unit 130 when the transmission timing comes,
Transmission is performed using a non-modulated pulse wave at 0 MHz, and the pulse width is set to 10, 15, or 20 msec, and the mode is indicated by the pulse width. In consideration of the convenience of the receiving side, a pulse having a width of 10 to 20 msec is transmitted, for example, for one pulse.
It shall be repeated three times at intervals of seconds. After the transmission is completed, the presence or absence of reception is checked for a predetermined time, for example, 1 to 2 seconds, and if there is no reception, the mode shifts to the hold mode on the premise that the auto power off time has not been reached. Thereafter, the hold mode is maintained unless transmission is required or a switch is operated to perform setting. When the reception is performed, the signal matching with the own mode is checked for a mismatch, and if the signals match, the buzzer BZ is turned on and the LED 114 is turned on / off.
It is turned off and a message to that effect is displayed. Also, if the mode is not matched after receiving, the buzzer BZ is turned on and the LED
116 is turned on / off to notify that effect. When the reception is performed, the process returns to the transmission step again, and the transmission and reception cycle is repeated until the reception is not performed.

FIG. 10 shows the operation of the communication toy for men. When the power is turned on, the auto power-off function is turned on. After the setting is completed, the apparatus is placed in the hold mode until a signal from the communication toy for women is received. Receiving the signal at receiver 56 wakes up microprocessor 120. When the signal is received, the microprocessor 12
0 is woken up to check whether or not the mode matches its own mode. If the mode matches, the buzzer BZ is turned on similarly, and the LED 114 is turned on / off. If the modes do not match, the buzzer BZ is turned on, and the LED 116 is turned on / off. Next, the transmitter 55 transmits a pulse wave representing its mode by a pulse width. For example, the transmission frequency of a communication toy for men is 315 MHz, the transmission frequency of a transmitter for women is 300 MHz, and the reception frequency for men is 300 MHz, and the reception frequency for women is 315 MHz. The lengths of the pulse widths representing the mode 2 are 10, 15, and 20 msec, respectively. The change of the frequency for men and for women is achieved by changing the variable capacitors C1 and C
2 using a switch 58 for selecting between male and female
Is in the housing 102 and cannot be touched by the user. By the way, when the communication toy for men receives the signal from the communication toy for women, it repeats the reception and transmission cycle until the reception is interrupted, and when the reception is interrupted, checks whether the auto power-off time has been reached and has reached. If not, shift to the hold mode.

FIG. 11 shows communication waveforms for men and women. As described above, the communication toy for women transmits first, the transmission frequency is 300 MHz, the carrier is unmodulated, and the pulse width is 10 to 20 msec. The mode (message) is added as a signal by changing to three steps between. Then, considering the convenience of reception of the communication toy for men, the same pulse wave is transmitted three times, and then the communication toy for women is placed in a reception state for a predetermined time, and when reception is performed during this time, transmission is performed again, Repeat transmission and reception until reception is interrupted.

The communication toy for men does not transmit actively, but wakes up by receiving a signal with a frequency of 300 MHz from the communication toy for women, checks for a match or mismatch with its own mode, The buzzer BZ is turned on, and one of the LEDs 114 and 116 is turned on / off. Next, the communication toys for men are frequency 31
The same communication is performed at 5 MHz, and the communication toy for women receives this, and similarly checks whether or not the mode matches its own mode, and issues a notification.

Since communication uses an unmodulated carrier and uses the pulse width of the signal as a signal, the communication protocol is extremely simple.
Communication is easy. In addition, since communication of the same content is repeated a plurality of times (here, three times), reception is easy, and a communication toy for men is woken up by reception to reliably capture the second or third pulse. Can be. Even when the measurement of the pulse width fails in the first pulse wave, the pulse width can be reliably measured in the second and third pulse waves. Therefore, communication can be performed extremely easily.

In terms of power, the microprocessor 120
A power-saving microprocessor driven by 3V is used to prevent accidental loss of power due to automatic power-off. The power consumption of the microprocessor 120 is reduced by setting the microprocessor 120 in the hold mode except when there is a job such as transmission and reception.

The communicable distance in the embodiment is, for example, 10 m or less, and even if the communication is successful, if the volume of the buzzer BZ is reduced, it will not be known to the other party. Further, the communication can be terminated by turning off the power supply 106 at any time. In other words, even if the communication is successful, the person who communicated is itself a puzzle,
Even when the other party is within the communicable distance, the probability that the modes match is 1/3. In this way, in this communication toy system, rather than performing reliable communication, the success or failure of communication itself is enjoyed as a game, the success or failure of communication is left to the majority of the probability, and even if communication is successful, the other party still has a puzzle. Is possible. Therefore, a thrilling game can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication toy according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the communication toy of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a control flowchart of a female communication toy in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a control flowchart of the communication toy for men in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of the communication toy of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a system configuration diagram of another embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the communication toy of the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a communication toy according to the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an operation flowchart of the female communication toy in the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an operation flowchart of the male communication toy in the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a communication waveform diagram in the optimal embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1,8 antenna 2,55 transmitting unit 3,6 converting unit 4 controlling unit 5 display unit 7,56 receiving unit 9,57 power supply 20,52 display unit 21 display / setting switch 22 power switch 23 sound ON / OFF switch 24 LED 25 Battery Box 51 CPU 100 Communication Toy 102 Housing 104 Volume Switch 106 Power Switch 108 Mode Switch 110-112 LED 114 Match Display LED 116 FIND Display LED 120 Microprocessor 122 Mode Setting Unit 124 Power-Off Processing Unit 126 Timer 128 Transmission / Reception Processing Unit 130 wake-up processing unit 132 operation program storage unit 134 control unit 136 drive unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (56) References JP-A-62-179488 (JP, A) JP-A-6-164604 (JP, A) JP-A-7-73572 (JP, A) 7877 (JP, U) Hikaru Hei 3-63229 (JP, U) (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A63H 30/04 A63F 9/06 H04B 7/24

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] 1. A communication toy comprising a first type of communication toy and a second type of communication toy, wherein each of the first and second type of communication toys includes a transmitter, a receiver, a battery power source, a message input switch, , A notification unit, a microprocessor, and a housing, wherein the first type of communication toy includes means for periodically transmitting its own message signal via the transmitter, and its own message signal. After the transmission, for a predetermined time, the presence or absence of reception by the receiver is checked, and during this time, when a signal including the same message as the own message is received by the receiver, the notification unit is notified. The second type of communication toy further comprises: a message signal from the first type of communication toy, the receiver being activated by receiving the message signal, and transmitting the own message signal to the transmitter. Send via Means and, upon receiving a signal including its own message and the same message at the receiver, further communication toy system provided means, the city to be notified to the notification section for. 2. The first type of communication toy and the second type of communication toy each include the same battery power source, a message input switch, a notification unit, and a microprocessor, and the first type of communication toy. The transmission frequency of the transmitter of the toy is the same as the reception frequency of the receiver of the second type of communication toy, and the transmission frequency of the transmitter of the second type of communication toy is the reception of the receiver of the first type of communication toy The transmission frequency of the first type of communication toy and the transmission frequency of the second type of communication toy are different from each other, and between the first type of communication toy and the second type of communication toy A switch for switching the application is provided so that a user cannot touch the housing. The microprocessor is provided with two modes for a first type communication toy and a second type communication toy. The mode of the microprocessor The communication toy system according to claim 1, wherein the communication toy system is configured to be switched. 3. The communication toy system according to claim 2, wherein each transmission signal is constituted by a pulse having a predetermined duration, and a pulse width of the pulse is changed for each message. 4. A power switch is provided for each of the first type of communication toy and the second type of communication toy, and a time after turning on the power is measured in the microprocessor, and the power is turned off after a predetermined time elapses. 3. A communication toy system according to claim 2, further comprising an auto power-off means. 5. A microprocessor of a second type of communication toy having an operation mode in which the CPU operates and a hold mode in which the CPU stops, and receiving a signal from the first type of communication toy, the microprocessor comprising: 5. The communication toy system according to claim 4, further comprising means for shifting the operation mode to the operation mode. 6. A microprocessor of a first type of communication toy is provided with an operation mode in which a CPU operates and a hold mode in which the CPU stops, and causes the CPU to shift from the hold mode to the operation mode at predetermined time intervals. And means for shifting the microprocessor from the operation mode to the hold mode after waiting for a predetermined time in a receivable state after performing the transmission in the operation mode. Communication toy system. 7. A first type and a second type of communication toys are provided with a notification unit for receiving a signal of a message different from the own message, and the second type of communication toy is provided with a message different from the own message. 2. The communication toy system according to claim 1, wherein the transmitter transmits its own message signal even when receiving the signal of the communication toy.