JP3119714U - Environmentally interactive character simulation with extended interconnection - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a simulated character module.
A simulated character module includes a processor, a display operably coupled to the processor, and a communication device operably coupled to the processor. The processor is configured to control the simulated character, and an image associated with the simulated character can be displayed on the display. Further, the image can be displayed on the second display of the second module to simulate the movement of the simulated character to the second module. The module communicates with the second module using a communication device. Further, if the image is displayed on the second display of the second module, it is not displayed on the display of the module.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to portable electronic character simulation. More specifically, the present invention relates to a portable electronic character simulation module that interconnects with one or more other portable electronic character simulation modules. Images associated with the character simulation can be moved between any interconnected modules and can interact with the character simulation of any interconnected module. Further, the portable electronic character simulation module can comprise an orientation sensor, a sound sensor, a light sensor, a time sensor, and / or other sensors.

  Character simulations, such as portable electronic units containing virtual pets, have become particularly popular with school-aged children in the last decade. A virtual pet is typically a handheld electronic device that has a display (eg, a dot matrix LCD) and one or more buttons. An image representing a character simulation (eg, fantasy / alien creature, dog, cat, etc.) is displayed on the display and the user can interact with the character simulation via buttons.

  In some virtual pets, user interaction affects character simulation development and health. For example, the user can feed the character by pressing a bait button. If the user does not feed the character for a certain length of time, the image of the displayed character can be changed to indicate that the character is hungry or has a poor health condition. A simulated character can even die if left unfed for long enough. Conversely, if the user feeds the character too often, the character may become fat and fail to reach the next stage or take on a less desirable shape at the next stage. Similarly, the user can meet the hygiene, play, discipline, medical, and other needs of the simulated character.

  Although handheld character simulation remains popular, users want more interactivity. Specifically, there is a need for handheld character simulation that is more interactive with the user and the user's environment. Furthermore, there is a need for a handheld character simulation that is more interactive with other handheld character simulations.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the simulated character module includes a processor, a display operably coupled to the processor, and a communication device operably coupled to the processor. The processor is configured to control the simulated character, and an image associated with the simulated character can be displayed on the display. Further, the image can be displayed on the second display of the second module to simulate the movement of the simulated character to the second module. The module communicates with the second module using a communication device. Further, if the image is displayed on the second display of the second module, it is not displayed on the display of the module.

  In another embodiment, the image can be displayed on the third display of the third module to simulate the movement of the simulated character to the third module. The third module is indirectly connected to the module.

  In one embodiment, the simulated character module includes an orientation sensor. In another embodiment, the simulated character module comprises a sound sensor. In yet another embodiment, the simulated character module comprises a light sensor. In yet another embodiment, the simulated character module comprises a time device.

  In another embodiment, the character is simulated, the representation of the character is displayed on the display of the simulated character module, the simulated character module is operatively connected to the second simulated character module, and is connected to the second simulated character module. Character movement is simulated. The movement simulation includes displaying the representation of the character on the display of the second simulated character module.

  In another embodiment, the movement of the character to the third simulated character module is simulated. The simulation includes displaying a representation of the character on the third display of the third simulated character module. The third simulated character module is indirectly connected to the simulated character module.

  In one embodiment, simulating the character includes receiving input from an orientation sensor. In another embodiment, simulating the character includes receiving input from a sound sensor. In yet another embodiment, simulating the character includes receiving input from a light sensor. In yet another embodiment, simulating the character includes receiving input from a time device.

  Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description of the Invention and Figures.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, a character simulation module can be interconnected with one or more other character simulation modules. Preferably, the module can be directly interconnected with up to four other character modules and indirectly interconnected with an unlimited number of other modules, but directly or indirectly interconnected. The module limit may be any suitable number.

  As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the character simulation module 100 is preferably substantially cubic, but may be any suitable shape. Further, the module 100 is preferably of a size suitable for holding by hand (eg, 40 mm × 40 mm × 40 mm, or 47 mm × 47 mm × 47 mm), but may be any suitable size. At least one surface 110 (eg, the front surface) of the module 100 includes a display 120. Display 120 is preferably a 32 × 32 pixel dot matrix liquid crystal display (LCD) approximately 25 mm × 25 mm in size, but may be of any suitable type, resolution, and size. In addition, the module 100 has an input device 130 that allows a user to interact with the module 100.

  A communication device 140 that allows the module 100 to interconnect with other modules is disposed on one or more surfaces 150 (eg, top, left, right, and bottom). Preferably, the communication device 140 and the display 120 are not on the same surface, but may be positioned on the same surface as the display 120. When another module is interconnected to module 100, communication device 140 preferably forms a physical connection with the communication device of that other module. The communication device 140 is preferably a flat metal connector, but may be a male or female connector that helps connect the two modules and hold the modules in an interconnected position. Good. Alternatively, the communication device 140 may communicate wirelessly (eg, via IR, RF, other light or sound transmission) and may be located within the module 100 rather than in any plane.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the modules 100 can be interconnected. Preferably, the modules can only be connected in a specific configuration. For example, the top surface of one module may be connectable only to the bottom surface of another module and may not be connectable to any other surface of that module. FIGS. 3A and 3B show examples of correct and incorrect interconnections of the module 100 when the module 100 can only be connected in a particular configuration. In FIG. 3A, each of the illustrated interconnection configurations is allowed. Conversely, in FIG. 3B, none of the illustrated interconnect configurations are allowed.

  Alternatively, the modules may be interconnected in any configuration if desired. For example, any surface of one module may be connected to any surface of another module. Further, the modules are preferably fixed in place when interconnected by magnets, but may be fixed in any other suitable manner, or may not be fixed and move freely relative to each other. May be.

  When module 100 is interconnected with another module, preferably one or more, possibly all input devices 130 are disabled or ignored, but input devices 130 remain active and the module The user may continue to be provided with the ability to provide input to 100 and / or other interconnected modules. The housing 160 can have any suitable color, decoration, or design. Preferably, the appearance of the housing 160 of a particular module is created through injected plastic color, paint, or pad printing, although the appearance may be created in any other suitable manner. Further, the housing 160 is preferably substantially opaque as shown in FIG. 1A, but may be translucent as shown in FIG. 1B, or transparent if desired.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the character simulation module (eg, module 100) also includes a processor 400, a memory unit 410, a power source 420, a display 430, one or more input devices 440, and one or more communication devices 460. Prepare. The processor 400, memory unit 410, display 430, input device 440, and communication device are connected by a bus 450, although these components can be connected in any suitable manner (eg, each component is connected to the processor). Directly connected). Although the processor 400 and the memory unit 410 are separate, the memory unit 410 may alternatively be provided as part of the processor 400. Similarly, power source 420 powers each component directly, but power may be supplied from power source 420 to other components in any suitable manner. Further, the power source 420 is preferably a battery, but may be a DC or AC connection to a normal household power line, or a car cigarette lighter slot, or any other suitable power source.

  The processor 400 and the memory unit 410 control and store the simulated character. One or more images associated with the simulated character can be displayed on the display 430. Preferably, display 430 is a virtual window into the simulated character world. The behavior of the simulated character can be influenced by signals from the input device 440 and / or the communication device 460.

  Different simulated character modules can contain simulated characters with different appearance, behavior, or other characteristics. Thus, the simulated characters can be distinguished by their associated images or their animated actions. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the simulated character can have gender. An image 500 resembling the general shape of a man is shown on the display 510 of FIG. 5A, and an image 520 resembling the general shape of a woman wearing a dress and a butterfly ribbon on the hair is shown on the display 530 of FIG. 5B. Show. Alternatively, such as that represented by a stick figure person image 540 shown on the display 550 in FIG. 5C, or a stick figure person image 560 carrying a stick, object, or stick shown in the display 570 in FIG. 5D, etc. The simulated character may not have gender. Further, as shown in FIG. 5E, the simulated character may be an animal such as an image 580 that resembles a dog shown on the display 590.

  Two simulated characters that look similar or even identical can be distinguished by animation of their respective actions. For example, one character jumps around and another character walks upside down. Additional distinctions between characters include dancing a disco dance, turning the wheel, flipping backwards, flipping over, moving the muscles, dissecting, gapping, dancing with a cane, wearing a top hat, wearing a sword, Shoot arrows, fire, use lasso, wink, throw kiss, resize, fly, shake, store mustache, make long hair, mohawk, store mustache, skirt Such as, but not limited to, certain animals, plants, and reading.

(Mobility between simulated character modules)
As shown in FIGS. 6A to 6I, the simulated character image 600 can exit from one simulated character module and enter another simulated character module. Thus, the character's virtual world is expanded to include interconnected modules. The image 600 associated with the character simulation can move between any interconnected modules. Typically, identifying the characteristics of the simulated character allows the viewer to follow the image 600 as the image 600 moves between modules. However, in some situations, the display of one or more modules can be cumbersome, which can hinder the ability to follow a particular simulated character image 600.

  The simulated character modules 602, 604, 606, 608, 610, 612, 614, 616, and 618 are interconnected in a square pattern similar to an apartment, but may be arranged in any suitable configuration. First, as an example, the character simulation related to the character image 600 is held in the simulated character module 610, and the image is displayed on the simulated character module 610 in FIG. 6E. The image 600 can be moved to any of the interconnected modules. If the simulated character climbs, jumps, passes, momentarily moves, or otherwise passes through the ceiling of module 610, image 600 is displayed in module 604 as shown in FIG. 6B.

  Similarly, if the simulated character walks, jumps, runs, jumps, passes, momentarily moves, or otherwise exits the left wall of module 610, image 600 is displayed in module 608 as shown in FIG. 6D. Is done. If the simulated character instead passes through the right wall or floor, the image is displayed in module 612 as in FIG. 6F or in module 616 as in FIG. 6H, respectively. Preferably, the image 600 can be moved directly between any two modules that are directly interconnected. However, depending on the situation (eg, game rules or specific modules), the image 600 may not be able to move directly between the two directly interconnected modules.

  Preferably, the image 600 cannot be moved directly to a module that is only indirectly connected to the module that is currently displaying the image 600. For example, the image 600 cannot be moved directly to the module 602. Instead, to reach module 602 as shown in FIG. 6A, image 600 must first pass through either module 604 or 608. Similarly, image 600 must move from either module 604 or module 612 to reach module 606 as shown in FIG. 6C. Similarly, if image 600 is in module 616, it can be moved to module 614 or module 618, as shown in FIGS. 6G and 6I, respectively.

  Alternatively, the image 600 can be moved directly from module 610 to module 602 even when these two modules are only indirectly connected. The image 600 can move directly between two indirectly connected modules that are far apart (eg, modules do not share sides or even corners). For example, in an alternative configuration of module 700 shown in FIG. 7, image 600 can be moved directly from module 705 to module 710. In such a case, preferably, a certain amount of time elapses before image 600 exits module 705 and appears at module 710. Preferably, the amount of time is generally equal to the amount of time it takes for the image 600 to pass through the empty space 715 if one or more modules 700 are provisionally in the empty space 715. However, the amount of time may be of any length or no delay at all. Further, if the image 600 is instantaneously moved from module 705 to module 710, the amount of time may be approximately the same as the amount of time it takes for image 600 to instantaneously move between any other two modules.

  Preferably, when the character image moves between modules, the information about the character remains in the memory of the original module. Furthermore, the character is still controlled by the processor of the original module. The character image destination module transmits information about itself (for example, other simulated objects displayed by the module, module attributes or rules) to the module controlling the character. The processor of that module determines the next action for the character and sends that information to the module displaying the character. Information can be sent directly to the display of the module or the processor of the displaying module.

  Alternatively, if the character's image is moved to a new module, information about the character is sent to the new module's memory, and the new module's processor controls the character's actions. Preferably, a copy of the character's information is permanently stored in the original module, and the character can be re-initialized with the original module when the original module is disconnected from the module containing the character. . Preferably, the character remains in a non-original module until the character disappears due to some event (eg, power failure). However, the character can directly disappear when the original module is disconnected from the module in which the character is stored.

  Alternatively, the original module can delete the character from memory and not have a permanent copy. As a result, if the initial module leaves the character, the character cannot be reinitialized with the original module.

(Direction sensor)
As shown in FIGS. 8A to 8D, the character simulation module 800 is preferably, but not necessarily, provided with an orientation sensor 805. The orientation sensor 800 includes electrical connectors 810, 815, 820, 825, 830, 835, 840, and 845 and a movable conductive member 850. Although 8 is the preferred number of connectors, there can be any suitable number of connectors greater than or equal to two. When the character simulation module 800 is stationary as shown in FIG. 8A, the conductive member 850 comes into contact with the electrical connectors 830 and 835 due to gravity, and a signal can be passed between the two connectors. Thus, the direction sensor 805 detects the direction.

  When the module 800 and the orientation sensor 805 rotate 90 degrees counterclockwise, as shown in FIG. 8B, the conductive member 850 contacts the electrical connectors 840 and 845 due to gravity so that signals can be passed between the two connectors. become. Similarly, if the module 800 and the orientation sensor 805 rotate 90 degrees counterclockwise again, as shown in FIG. 8C, the conductive member 850 again moves due to gravity, where it contacts the electrical connectors 810 and 815, and this Signals can be passed between the two connectors. When rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise again, module 800 and orientation sensor 805 are in the position shown in FIG. 8D. Conductive member 850 contacts electrical connectors 820 and 825 so that signals can be passed between the two connectors.

  The conductive member 850 is preferably a metal disk or metal sphere, but any suitable material (eg, a conductive liquid such as mercury) can be used. Further, the conductive member 850 preferably contacts only a maximum of two electrical connectors at a time. Alternatively, the conductive member 850 can contact and thus electrically couple more than two electrical connectors at a time.

  The orientation sensor 805 allows the simulated character to react to changes in the orientation of the module 800 or no change. For example, if the module 800 is tilted to the left, an animation showing a simulated character that falls to the left and then stands up again is displayed. Similarly, when the module 800 is tilted to the right, an animation showing a simulated character that is in close contact with the left side of the display and prevents slipping to the right is displayed. Further, different animations can be triggered by a series of changes in the orientation of the module 800. For example, if the module is rotated 360 degrees, an animation of a fuzzy simulated character is displayed. Orientation sensor 805 with eight electrical connectors has four different orientation categories, namely four approximately similar to those shown and four more similar to the orientation reached by rotating 45 of any of the illustrated orientations by 45 degrees. It should be noted that it is possible to distinguish between the two orientations. Other orientation sensors can resolve the orientation to different resolutions.

  In addition to or instead of triggering animation, a change in direction or a series of changes in direction, launching a game, changing simulated world attributes, disabling one or more input devices, one or more inputs Ignoring input from the device, turning off the module display, or starting any other suitable reaction. In addition, the reaction triggered by one or more subsequent orientation changes can be module status, simulated world, number of interconnected modules, configuration of interconnected modules, and / or any other Variable depending on suitable conditions. It should be noted that different characters can react differently to the same conditions.

(Sound sensor)
Preferably, the simulated character module has a sound sensor that provides the processor with voice input from the module's environment, but the sound sensor is not necessarily required for the module. The sound sensor enables the simulated character to react to noise. For example, if music is playing (eg, from a radio, stereo system, computer, instrument, table tap, etc.), the character will begin to dance, preferably in synchronization with the music. However, the character may dance without synchronizing with music.

  In addition to or instead of dancing the character, voice input (eg, spoken words, tapping sounds, whistle, tones, etc.), game activation, changing simulated world attributes, one or more Disabling the input device, ignoring input from one or more input devices, turning off the module display, or initiating any other suitable reaction. Furthermore, the reaction triggered by the voice input can vary depending on the state of the module, the simulated world, the number of interconnected modules, the configuration of the interconnected modules, and / or any other suitable conditions. is there. It should be noted that different characters can react differently to the same conditions.

  FIG. 9 shows a process for operating a simulated character module having a sound sensor. In step 900, it is determined whether the sound sensor detects sound. If the sound sensor does not detect sound, the process returns to step 900. If the sound sensor detects a sound, it is determined in step 910 whether a simulated character module action is associated with the sound. Simulated character module actions include: causing a character to take a certain action, starting a game, changing simulated world attributes, disabling one or more input devices, and inputting from one or more input devices Non-limiting examples include neglect, turn off of module display, or any other suitable response. If the simulated character module action is not associated with the sound, the process returns to step 900. If the sound has a simulated character module action associated with it, at step 930, the action is performed and the process returns to step 900.

  Preferably, the simulated character module has a sound generator such as a piezo buzzer or a speaker, but may have any other suitable sound generator, any suitable vibration device, or have a sound generation function. It does not have to be. Preferably, the simulated character module can detect and react to one or more sounds generated by another simulated character module.

(Optical sensor)
Similarly, the simulated character module preferably has a light emitting device such as an LED, flash bulb, or laser, but may have any other suitable light emitting device or may not have a light emitting function. Good. The simulated character module is preferably capable of detecting and reacting to light emitted by another simulated character module.

  Preferably, the simulated character module has a light sensor that provides visual input from the module's environment to the processor, but the light sensor is not necessary for the module. Preferably, the light sensor detects the light intensity and / or brightness of the module's environment, but the light sensor may be more complex (eg, a video camera) or any other suitable light detection input device. There may be. The light sensor allows the simulated character to respond to visual input from the environment. For example, if the light is bright (eg, during the day or the room light is on), the character is active, and if the light is dark or absent (eg, at night or the room light is off), the character sleeps. It should be noted that the character can take any other suitable action in response to input provided by the light sensor. Furthermore, different characters can react differently to the same conditions.

  In addition, the input from the light sensor can trigger a game, change the simulated world attributes, disable one or more input devices, ignore input from one or more input devices, turn off the module display, or Any other suitable reaction initiation can occur. Also, the reaction triggered by the input from the optical sensor depends on the state of the module, the simulated world, the number of interconnected modules, the configuration of the interconnected modules, and / or any other suitable conditions Variable.

  FIG. 10 shows a process for simulating a character that reacts to light intensity. In step 1000, the light sensor detects the light intensity from the environment around the simulated character module. In step 1010, it is determined whether or not the simulated character's action is associated with the luminous intensity. The simulated character's actions include sleeping, playing, praying, dancing, eating, singing, working, mating, bathing, taking a shower, grooming, dressing, tugging, closing the eyes of the character, facial expression Varying or any other suitable reaction is included, but not limited to. If the simulated character's action is not associated with light intensity, the process returns to step 1000. If the simulated character's action is associated with the light intensity, the action is executed at step 1020 and the process returns to step 1000.

  Preferably, the simulated character module can also respond to the rate of change and / or frequency of change of light intensity. For example, if the light intensity rises rapidly (eg, the light is turned on in a dark room with the module), the module can cause the simulated character to rub the eyes or perform any other suitable reaction. Similarly, if the luminosity falls rapidly, the module can cause the simulated character to blindly stagger or perform any other suitable reaction. If the light intensity fluctuates irregularly (eg, the only light source is lightning light), the module can cause the simulated world to rain simulated rain or perform any other suitable reaction. Similarly, if the light intensity varies regularly (eg, the light source is a flash), the module can cause the simulated character to dance or perform any other suitable reaction.

  The input from the light sensor can preferably be used with other input sensors to generate more complex module and / or simulated character responses, but the light sensor can be used alone if desired. Any suitable module and / or simulated character response may be generated. For example, if the intensity rises sharply when the module's time device indicates night, the module will cause the simulated character to lower the simulated shade or close the simulated blind on the display, or any other A suitable reaction can be carried out. Similarly, if desired, other input devices can be used alone or together to generate any suitable module and / or simulated character response.

(Time device)
Preferably, the simulated character module has a time device or clock that provides time series information to the processor, but the time device is not necessarily required for the module. Preferably, the time device is a standard clock that can always be known by setting the time and / or date, but may be more complex (eg, a clock set by a signal from an atomic clock). Or any other suitable time device. The light sensor allows the simulated character to react to date and / or time. For example, a character becomes socially active at night and goes to work during the day. Similarly, on July 4, the character can shoot fireworks, or on New Year's Eve, the character can dance all night with a lamp shade on his head. It should be noted that the character can take any suitable action in response to the date and / or time. Furthermore, different characters can react differently to the same conditions.

  In addition, input from a time device may trigger a game, change the attributes of the simulated world, disable one or more input devices, ignore input from one or more input devices, turn off the module display, or Any other suitable reaction initiation can occur. Also, the reaction triggered by input from the time unit depends on the module status, simulated world, number of interconnected modules, configuration of interconnected modules, and / or any other suitable conditions Variable.

  FIG. 11 shows a process of simulating a character that behaves (reacts) differently according to time or date. In step 1100, the time unit provides time series information to the processor. In step 1110, it is determined whether or not the behavior of the simulated character is associated with the time or date. Simulated characters include sleeping, playing, praying, dancing, eating, singing, working, mating, bathing, taking a shower, grooming, dressing, singing, drinking, launching fireworks, waving flags, Wear a hat as a hat, wear a costume, fast, participate in religious ceremonies, marry, play instruments and / or songs (eg, tap), present, march, grill, or Any other suitable reaction can be mentioned, but not limited to. If there is no simulated character action associated with the time or date, the process returns to step 1100. If the simulated character's action is associated with the time or date, the action is performed at step 1120 and the process returns to step 1100.

(Simulated character dialogue)
Preferably, two or more simulated characters from different interconnected modules can interact. For example, two characters may participate in a game, dance, fight, compete, exchange information, participate in a competition, exchange virtual goods or virtual services, become friends, date, give each other, children Or any other suitable dialogue can be conducted. The type of interaction is preferably affected by the characteristics of the simulated character, the configuration of the module, the characteristics of one or more modules, and / or the environmental input, but the type of interaction is determined in any suitable manner. Also good.

  Preferably, the user can control or influence the interaction by providing input to the module. The user can use one or more buttons to make a sound, emit light, turn the module, add or remove modules, or any other suitable to provide input to the module Input can be provided by other means. However, the user may not be able to influence or control the interaction.

  The game interaction may be any suitable type of game. For example, if two or more simulated character modules are connected, the simulated characters play against each other in a game (eg, checker, chess, competition, card game, fighting game, or any other suitable game). be able to. Alternatively, the character may be an in-game component played by one or more users.

  For example, the user can connect two modules directly or indirectly, and the simulated characters of these modules can play against each other. Preferably, the losing character is transferred to the winning character's module or some other module owned by the same player, but simply removes the losing character from the module and rewards the winning player in a different manner. May be given (eg, by increasing the competitive value of the winning character), or any other suitable set of actions may be performed. The loser's module is preferably able to reinitialize the simulated character, but may not be able to reinitialize the simulated character. Such a module may remain empty until another simulated character is transferred. The battle results between characters may be deterministic, but preferably there are random or pseudo-random elements with respect to the results. The purpose of such a game may be to collect a valuable collection of simulated characters.

  In another game, each player may have more than one simulated character as a component in the game. For example, modules can be used to play games similar to card games based on fantasy or other themes (eg, Magic the Gathering, Illuminati, etc.). Preferably, the player sequentially adds one or more modules to the interconnected group. Game play preferably includes characters within the added module, location where the module was added, random or pseudo-random number generator, input from the player (eg, via buttons or other sensors), and / or environment (For example, direction, sound, light, etc.) However, game play may be performed in any suitable manner.

  FIG. 12 shows a process of playing a game in which a simulated character is a component of the game according to an embodiment of the present invention. The game is preferably a two player game as shown, but may have more than two players if desired. At step 1200, player A's simulated character module is connected to player B's simulated character module. These modules are configured such that game play is started upon connection. Preferably, the other modules are not connected to either player A's module or player B's module when they are connected, but game play may involve one or more other modules being player A or The player B may be connected to one or both of the modules of the player B when these modules are connected.

  Preferably, the game includes an order in which the player can take action, but may include round play, simultaneous play, and / or any other suitable system that advances game play. In step 1205, it is determined whether or not the order of player A is present. If it is player A's turn, in step 1210, player A can connect another module to the interconnected module group. In step 1215, one or more simulated characters of player A can act. The action of the simulated character can be instructed by player A (eg, through instructions input through one or more module input devices), but the configuration of interconnected modules, random events or pseudo-random events Or any other suitable manner. Actions may include attacking player B's simulated character, defense, or game point, building player A's defense, maneuvering, waiting, magic, or any other suitable action. Preferably, some actions allow the simulated character to move between modules and interact (eg, fight or attack) with other characters.

  In step 1220, it is determined whether a game end event has occurred. If a game end situation has occurred, the game ends in step 1225. If not, the process returns to step 1205.

  If it is determined in step 1205 that it is not the order of player A, it is determined in step 1230 whether or not it is the order of player B. If player B is not in turn, the process returns to step 1205. If it is player B's turn, in step 1235, player B can connect another module to the interconnected module group. In step 1240, one or more simulated characters of player B can act and the process continues to step 1220. Preferably, once a module is connected to an interconnected module group, that module is not removed until game play is complete, but if desired, the module can be removed at any suitable time during game play. Also good.

  The game can also be a simulation. A user can connect two or more modules and simply observe the simulated character's actions and interactions in the simulated world, similar to viewing an interconnected ant rearing box or hamster home. Good. Modules can be added to introduce new characters into the world and / or provide new interaction options. For example, one module can dance a character in the simulated world, another module can copy the character, and the other module can give the character the ability to perform other suitable interactions. it can.

(Generation of simulated characters)
Preferably, the user can influence or control the character attributes that are presented when the character is created or created, but the character attributes that are presented when the character is created can alternatively be influenced by the user. Can't affect. Attributes presented at the time of character generation can include how the character looks in the simulated environment, communicates, or acts. In addition, the character is preferably displayed in the form of a stick, but if it is desired to communicate with the world outside the simulated environment, the head is displayed in full screen. As a result, facial features, facial expressions, or movements can be displayed in more detail. Such facial features, facial expressions, and movements can be attributes that the user can influence or control during character generation. Still further, the simulated character can communicate with the real world (eg, a user) via text. The text is preferably displayed in a comic balloon when the character displays his head full screen, but may be presented at any suitable time in any suitable manner.

  Preferably, characters generated in response to a user affecting one or more character attributes (eg, appearance, temperament, language, dialect, educational level, etc.) move to other user's modules. be able to. The character then coexists in the host module and interacts with the host module character. Preferably, the module includes a “clone” function that allows a user to keep his creation in one module and move one or more copies to another module. Preferably, the amount of memory required for character storage is relatively small compared to the total amount of memory available for the module. Therefore, many simulated characters can coexist in the same module.

  Preferably, the simulated character attribute generator can efficiently use the volatile memory resources of the system uC for character generation and storage. The attributes are preferably formed of elements, similar to the police “photofit” system, and the elements are assembled into a character profile. The character profile can be generated according to random input and / or user input. Alternatively, the character profile may be a default profile.

  Preferably, the attribute or attributes are represented as a memory addressed pixel pattern in the uC ROM, but the attributes may be represented in any suitable manner and in any suitable device. In addition, the character is preferably treated as a sprite and can be moved around the screen with simple internal code commands, but may be displayed as any type of graphical representation and any suitable You may operate in style.

  Preferably, the firmware forms a “virtual world” generation engine where several interactive routine libraries are available, but the generation engine may be hardware or software, and if desired the library Need not be included. Preferably, these routines are further modified by specific character attributes (eg, character's personality / action weights or values), thereby providing play pattern changes.

  The generated characters can be stored in system registers / RAM, or preferably in flash memory that can withstand prolonged power interruptions, but may be stored in any suitable storage device.

  The character attribute may be any suitable variable or fixed size. As an example, each attribute can be an 8-bit element (1 byte). When using such attributes, an exemplary unique character can be stored using 5 bytes, but a unique character can have more or fewer bytes depending on the size and number of attributes. It should be understood that it can be used and stored. An exemplary character byte 1 represents hairstyle / headwear (eg, hat) information. Byte 2 represents face information. Byte 3 represents fuselage information. Byte 4 represents arm and leg type information, with the lower 4 bits representing the arm type and the upper 4 bits representing the leg type. The lower 4 bits of byte 5 represent the vocabulary, dialect, and / or language ability of the character. The upper 4 bits of byte 5 represent the character / behavior information of the character.

  Preferably, the regions can use a specific portion of the bytes for each unique geographic attribute variation. For example, bits 00h-64h of the face information byte can represent facial features having American / British features. Similarly, bits 65h-C8h can represent facial features having Asian features. As a result, modules distributed to American / British users (or users who are primarily in American / British territories) are preferably unable to generate oriental characters, but modules are If so, it may be configured such that any type of character can be configured in any suitable region. Preferably, characters from other areas can still be viewed, stored, and exchanged in all modules, but only the character generation functions are given access to library attributes specific to other areas. I can't. As a result, the value of a character that cannot be generated in a certain area increases, and / or the popularity as a rare object increases later in the area, and it may be difficult to obtain a character.

  It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its intended advantages. Accordingly, such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

It is a figure which shows the simulation character module by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the simulation character module by one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating three simulated character modules interconnected according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the collection of the simulated character module which can be connected only by the specific structure connected correctly according to one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a collection of imitated character modules that are connected inaccurately and can only be connected in a specific configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the electronic structure of the simulation character module of FIG. It is a figure which shows the image of the simulation character by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the image of the simulation character by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the image of the simulation character by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the image of the simulation character by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the image of the simulation character by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the simulation character at the time of moving between the modules by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the simulation character at the time of moving between the modules by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the simulation character at the time of moving between the modules by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the simulation character at the time of moving between the modules by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the simulation character at the time of moving between the modules by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the simulation character at the time of moving between the modules by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the simulation character at the time of moving between the modules by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the simulation character at the time of moving between the modules by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the simulation character at the time of moving between the modules by one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a possible configuration when interconnecting modules according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the simulation character module and orientation sensor by one Embodiment by this invention from different directions. It is a figure which shows the simulation character module and orientation sensor by one Embodiment by this invention from different directions. It is a figure which shows the simulation character module and orientation sensor by one Embodiment by this invention from different directions. It is a figure which shows the simulation character module and orientation sensor by one Embodiment by this invention from different directions. 3 is a flowchart of a process for operating a simulated character module having a sound sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention; 3 is a flowchart of a process for simulating a character that reacts to light intensity according to an embodiment of the present invention; 4 is a flowchart of a process for simulating a character that behaves differently (reacts) according to time and date according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart of a process for playing a game in which a simulated character is a component of the game, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

100 Module 120 Display 130 Input Device 140 Communication Device 400 Processor 410 Memory Unit 420 Power Supply 430 Display 440 Input Device 450 Bus 460 Communication Device

Claims (6)

A module,
A processor;
A display operably coupled to the processor;
A communication device operably coupled to the processor;
With
The processor is configured to control a simulated character, an image associated with the simulated character can be displayed on the display, the image is displayed on a second display of a second module, and the simulated character is displayed. The movement to the second module can be simulated, the module communicates with the second module using the communication device, and the display displays the image on the second display. If done, the module will not display the image.   The image can be displayed on a third display of a third module to simulate the movement of the simulated character to the third module, the third module being indirectly connected to the module. The module according to claim 1.   The module of claim 1, further comprising an orientation sensor operably coupled to the processor.   The module of claim 1, further comprising a sound sensor operably coupled to the processor.   The module of claim 1, further comprising an optical sensor operably coupled to the processor.   The module of claim 1, further comprising a time unit operably coupled to the processor.