JP4242549B2 - Mail exchange device using memory card - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a toy that implements simple e-mail by reading and writing mail via a storage medium, and more particularly to a mail exchange device that reads and writes mail using a memory card.
[0002]
[Prior art]
With the recent development of communication technology, one of the most used functions on the network is e-mail. Anyone with a computer or terminal connected to the network can exchange messages with others using e-mail.
[0003]
On the other hand, one of the popular means of exchanging messages between children is the exchange diary, but in order to do this via e-mail, the exchange diaries need to purchase computers from each other. Therefore, it is expensive and the operation is complicated for children, which is not a realistic method. In addition, since the partner with whom the message is exchanged is specified, there is little need to realize it through the network. Moreover, it can be used only at a place where a computer or the like is installed.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Therefore, it is considered that any device can be used as long as it is an inexpensive message exchange means and can realize easy operability and portability.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and is intended to realize reading and writing of mail by an easy operation using a memory card, and to realize a mail exchange apparatus excellent in portability at low cost.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The mail exchange device of the present invention is, as a basic component, an insertion slot for inserting / removing a memory card, a writing means for writing mail to the memory card inserted in the insertion slot, and an insertion slot inserted into the insertion slot, A reading means for reading mail from a memory card in which mail is written is provided.
[0007]
By including this component, the mail exchange apparatus of the present invention has the following operations and effects. That is, since mail exchange using a memory card can be performed, an inexpensive mail exchange device can be realized, and writing and reading mail to the memory card are performed by inserting the memory card into the insertion slot. It can be realized by an easy operation even by a child, not by an operation based on a complicated procedure like an e-mail. Further, by exchanging mail using a memory card, the size of the mail exchanging apparatus can be easily reduced, so that a mail exchanging apparatus having excellent portability can be realized.
The following problem solving means can be realized based on the mail exchange apparatus having the basic component. The description will be made according to each invention described in the claims.
[0008]
The invention according to claim 1 is the mail exchanging apparatus having the basic configuration section, wherein the reading means inserts the memory card into which the mail not yet read is written into the insertion slot. Sometimes, the mail is automatically read out, and when the memory card in which the already read mail is written is inserted into the insertion slot, the mail is not automatically read out.
[0009]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the mail that has not yet been read is automatically read when the memory card is inserted into the insertion slot without instructing to read the mail. In addition to the effects of the invention, still simpler operability can be realized.
[0010]
  Claims2The invention described in claim 1 is the mail exchange apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the mail is written in the memory card inserted into the insertion slot, the writing means deletes the mail and creates a new mail. It is characterized by writing.
[0011]
  This claim2According to the described invention, since mail is not written to the memory card in a cumulative manner, the capacity of the memory card can be saved, and an inexpensive mail exchange device can be obtained by using a memory card with a small storage capacity. Can be realized.
[0012]
  Claims3The invention described in claim 1Or 2In the mail exchanging apparatus according to claim 1, the writing means further writes sender information when writing mail to the memory card, and the reading means further reads sender information when reading mail from the memory card. It is characterized by that.
[0013]
  This claim3According to the described invention, the sender information can be written and read together with the e-mail, so that the sender can be easily identified by using, for example, the sender's portrait as the sender information. By using the date of birth of the sender as the sender information, the mail recipient can uniformly acquire the accompanying information of the user of the mail exchange device.
[0014]
  And claims4Like the claimed invention, the claims3In the mail exchange device described above, the writing unit may further write music data (corresponding to melody data) as the sender information in the memory card.
[0015]
  This claim4According to the described invention, music data (melody data) is written as sender information, so that at the time of mail reading, the music data can be read and output as a melody, thereby increasing the enjoyment when reading mail. .
[0016]
  Where the claim5As described in the invention,4The mail exchange device according to any one of the above, may further include point storage means for adding and storing predetermined points when the reading means reads mail from the memory card..
[0017]
  Claims6As described in the invention,4In the mail exchange device according to any one of the above, when the reading unit reads mail from the memory card, compatibility is determined based on preset user information and the sender information, and points are determined based on the compatibility. It may be configured to further comprise point determining means for determining and point storage means for adding and storing the points determined by the point determining means..
[0018]
  And claims7Like the claimed invention, the claims5 or 6The mail exchange device described in the above may further comprise a game means for additionally storing a predetermined point in the point storage means when it is determined that the game has been won and the game has been won.
[0019]
  And further claims8Like the claimed invention, the claims5 to 7The mail exchange device according to any one of the above, further comprising: character storage means for storing the character; and display means for reading out and displaying the character corresponding to the point stored in the point storage means from the character storage means. You may comprise as follows.
[0020]
  These claims5From8According to any of the inventions, a new character can be displayed according to the points accumulated by using the mail exchange device, and this point can be increased by playing a game. Can be motivated to use and give you the fun of using email.
[0021]
  Claims9Like the claimed invention, the claims8In the mail exchange apparatus described above, the writing unit may further write a character stored in the character storage unit as the sender information in the memory card.
[0022]
  This claim9According to the described invention, since the character is written as the sender information, it is possible to increase the enjoyment when reading the mail by displaying the character when reading the mail.
[0023]
  Claims10Like the claimed invention, the claims5From9The mail exchange apparatus according to any one of the above, further comprising point transfer means for transferring the points stored in the point memory card inserted into the insertion slot and the points stored in the point storage means to each other. You may comprise as follows.
[0024]
  This claim10According to the described invention, the points stored in the point storage means and the points stored in the point memory card can be transferred to each other, so that points are given to users having other mail exchange devices. And the range of use of the mail exchange device can be expanded.
[0025]
  Claims11Like the claimed invention, the claims10In the mail exchange device described above, the character is purchased in exchange for the point stored in the point storage means or the point stored in the point memory card, and the purchase status of the character is stored in the point memory card The display means may be configured to read and display a purchased character stored in the point memory card from the character storage means.
[0026]
  This claim11According to the described invention, the character itself is stored in the character storage means, and the purchase status is stored in the point memory card. Therefore, the storage capacity of the point memory card can be saved, and the point memory card can be saved. Can be realized at low cost. If the point memory card purchase status indicates that it has been purchased, the same character can be displayed by lending the point memory card to a user having another mail exchange device. Thus, the same character can be displayed, so that the usability of the mail exchange device can be improved.
[0027]
  Claims12Like the claimed invention, the claims8From11In the mail exchange device according to any one of the above, the growth for growing the character stored in the character storage unit in accordance with the points stored in the point storage unit or the points stored in the point memory card The character storage means further stores a growth degree of the character grown by the growth processing means and a character display form corresponding to the growth degree, and the display means stores the character storage. You may comprise so that a character may be displayed according to the display form memorize | stored in the means.
[0028]
  Claims13Like the claimed invention, the claims8From12In the mail exchange device according to any one of the above, the character storage means further stores the character's growth degree and the character display form corresponding to the growth degree in association with the stored character, In accordance with the points stored in the point storage means or the points stored in the point memory card, further comprising a growth processing means for changing the degree of growth of the corresponding character stored in the character storage means. The character may be displayed by the display unit in accordance with the display mode of the character stored in the character storage unit.
[0029]
  Claims14Like the claimed invention, the claims8From13In the mail exchange device according to any one of the above, the character storage means further stores the character's growth degree and the character display form corresponding to the growth degree in association with the stored character, Mail creation means for automatically creating a mail with the character stored in the character storage means as the sender, and growth of the corresponding character stored in the character storage means based on the mail with the destination as the character Mail growth means for changing the degree, and the character may be displayed by the display means according to the display form of the character stored in the character storage means.
[0030]
  And claims15Like the claimed invention, the claims12From14In the mail exchange device according to any one of the above, the game means may be configured to change the degree of growth of the character stored in the character storage means when it is determined to win.
[0031]
  And further claims16Like the claimed invention, the claims8From15The mail exchange apparatus according to any one of the above may further include sound output means for outputting a sound corresponding to the character stored in the character storage means.
[0032]
  These claims12From16According to the described invention, the character can grow and the display form can be changed variously, the degree of growth of the character can be changed by mail exchange or a game, or a sound can be output. A mail exchange device can be realized, and the application range of the mail exchange device can be expanded.
[0033]
  Claims17Like the claimed invention, the claims16In the mail exchange apparatus described above, music data storage means for storing music data, association means for associating music data stored in the music data storage means with characters stored in the character storage means, And the sound output means may be configured to output a sound corresponding to the character stored in the character storage means based on the music data associated by the association means.
[0034]
  This claim17According to the described invention, it can be set and output as a theme song for each character, and the range of ways to enjoy the mail exchange device can be expanded.
[0035]
  Claims18Like the claimed invention, the claims8From17In the mail exchange device according to any one of the above, it may be configured to further include a date and time specific mail creating means for automatically creating a mail with the character stored in the character storage means as a sender at a predetermined date and time.
[0036]
  This claim18According to the described invention, for example, an email is automatically created on Christmas or a user's birthday, etc., and the user can feel closeness with the character. It is also possible to add a function such as a clock alarm by automatically creating a mail at the date and time designated by the user.
[0037]
  Claims19As described in the invention,18In the mail exchange device according to any one of the above, the outer shape of the mail exchange device may be configured as the shape of a mobile phone.
[0038]
  This claim19According to the described invention, since the external shape of the mail exchange device is a mobile phone type, it is possible to give a child a pseudo-experience using a real mobile phone, and to promote a purchase motivation and a desire for use Can be generated.
[0039]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a mail exchange apparatus according to a first embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.
[0040]
First, the configuration will be described.
FIG. 1A is a diagram showing the appearance of the mail exchange device 1 according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied, and shows a state in which a memory card 100 is attached to the mail exchange device 1.
[0041]
In FIG. 1A, the mail exchange device 1 has a mobile phone type shape, and has an input unit 20 and a display unit 30 as its external components, and its internal components are as follows. As shown in FIG. 2, there are a processing unit 40, a storage unit 50, a card data input / output unit 60, and the like. The input unit 20 includes input keys for inputting numbers and characters, a confirmation key for confirming the operation, a direction key for designating items displayed on the display unit 30, and the like. The control processing unit 41 outputs a predetermined process corresponding to each key press signal. The display unit 30 is configured by a liquid crystal display panel or the like, and displays data input from the input unit 20, characters to be described later, and the like based on an instruction signal from the control processing unit 41 in FIG.
[0042]
An insertion slot 10a for the memory card 100 is provided on the right side of the case 10 of the mail exchange device 1 in the figure, and the insertion slot 10a is formed in a shape that fits the outer shape of the memory card 100. ing. An appearance of the memory card 100 is shown in FIG.
[0043]
The memory card 100 includes a memory 100a. The memory 100a includes identification data for identifying the type of the memory card 100, mails described later, points, This is a memory for storing a character purchase table indicating character purchase information, and is composed of smart media or the like. As will be described in detail later, the types of memory card 100 include a mail memory card 110 for storing mail and a point memory card 120 for storing points and a character purchase table.
[0044]
Further, when the memory card 100 is inserted into the insertion slot 10a and attached to the mail exchange device 1, the card data input / output unit 60 (see FIG. 2) of the mail exchange device 1 is configured to be connected to the memory 100a. The memory 100a reads and writes data such as mail and points stored in the memory 100a via the card data input / output unit 60.
[0045]
FIG. 2 is a functional block configuration diagram of the mail exchange device 1, the mail memory card 110, and the point memory card 120.
[0046]
Here, for easy understanding, the points stored in the point storage unit 55 of the storage unit 50 and the card point storage unit 121 of the point memory card 120 and the character storage unit 57 of the storage unit 50 are first described. The stored character storage table 57a (FIG. 3A) and the character purchase table 123a (FIG. 3B) stored in the purchase table storage unit 123 of the point memory card 120 will be described.
[0047]
Each time an e-mail is read, the compatibility determination unit 43 stores the date of birth of the sender attached to the e-mail and the user information storage unit 51 in advance based on the e-mail creation date attached to the e-mail. This is a score obtained as a result of determining the compatibility with the date of birth of the user who is the recipient of the mail, and is a score of 1 to 6 depending on the compatibility. The points determined by the compatibility determination unit 43 are accumulated and added to the point storage unit 55 and stored. Then, the points are transferred and stored in the card point storage unit 121 of the point memory card 120 or stored in the card point storage unit 121 in a point transfer process (see FIG. 7) described later. The received points are acquired and further accumulated and stored in the point storage unit 55.
[0048]
FIG. 3A shows the table structure of the character storage table 57a. The character storage table 57a is stored in the character storage unit 57, and is associated with each character, such as identification information for each character such as a name, a character displayed on the display unit 30, and whether or not the character can be displayed on the display unit 30. The display availability flag is stored as “OFF” indicating that the character cannot be displayed in advance. The display permission / prohibition flag is displayed based on the purchase flag in the character purchase table 123a corresponding to the character purchased in exchange for the accumulated points in the character purchase process (see FIGS. 8 and 9) described later. It is reset as “ON” indicating that it is possible. A character for which the display enable / disable flag is set to “ON” can be changed and displayed on the display unit 30 at any time according to an instruction from the input unit 20. 4A to 4C show display examples of characters stored in the character storage table 57a, together with points necessary for displaying each character.
[0049]
Next, FIG. 3B shows a table structure of the character purchase table 123a. The character purchase table 123a is a table stored in the purchase table storage unit 123 of the point memory card 120, and “ON” is set for purchase and “OFF” is set for non-purchase in association with the identification information of each character. It is the table in which the purchase flag shown is stored. The character identification information is the same as the character identification information stored in the character storage table 57a. Further, the purchase flag is stored as “OFF” in advance, and indicates “purchased” in exchange for the points stored in the card point storage unit 121 in a character purchase process (see FIGS. 8 and 9) described later. It is reset as “ON”. Further, as described above, in the character purchase process, based on the purchase flag reset as “ON”, the display propriety flag of the character storage table 57 a is reset as “ON”, and the character is displayed on the display unit 30. .
[0050]
Next, each functional block of the mail exchange device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The mail exchange device 1 includes an input unit 20, a display unit 30, a processing unit 40, a storage unit 50, and a card data input / output unit 60. The processing unit 40 includes a control processing unit 41 and a compatibility determination unit 43. The storage unit 50 includes a user information storage unit 51, a mail temporary storage unit 53, a point storage unit 55, and a character storage unit. 57.
[0051]
The control processing unit 41, as will be described in detail later, according to an input instruction from the input unit 20 and the type of the memory card 100 inserted into the insertion slot 10a, A read process (see FIG. 6), a point transfer process (see FIG. 7), and a character purchase process (see FIGS. 8 and 9) are performed. In the mail writing process, the control processing unit 41 adds the user name and date of birth previously input to the user information storage unit 51 to the mail input from the input unit 20 and stored in the mail temporary storage unit 53. The creation date of the mail is attached to the mail as sender information and written to the mail storage section 111 of the mail memory card 110 attached to the insertion slot 10a via the card data input / output section 60. .
[0052]
In the mail reading process, when the mail memory card 110 is inserted into the insertion slot 10a, the control processing unit 41 determines whether the mail stored in the mail storage unit 111 of the mail memory card 110 has not yet been read. Determine whether or not. That is, whether the mail stored in the mail storage unit 111 is an unread mail based on the identification information of the read mail stored in the mail temporary storage unit 53 (name of the sender of the read mail, creation date, etc.). Determine whether or not. When it is determined that the mail has not been read, the control processing unit 41 reads the mail from the mail storage unit 111 via the card data input / output unit 60, outputs the mail to the compatibility determination unit 43, and displays the read mail and the like. Displayed on the unit 30.
[0053]
In the point transfer process, the control processing unit 41 stores the points stored in the point storage unit 55 in accordance with an input instruction from the input unit 20 and stores the points stored in the point memory card 120 attached to the insertion slot 10a. A process of transferring and storing the points stored in the card point storage unit 121 to the point storage unit 55 is performed.
[0054]
In the character purchase process, the control processing unit 41 responds to a character purchase instruction input from the input unit 20 and stores the character stored in the purchase table storage unit 123 of the point memory card 120 attached to the insertion slot 10a. The purchase flag corresponding to is reset to “ON” indicating the purchase in exchange for the number of points necessary for purchasing the character stored in the card point storage unit 121. Further, based on the purchase flag reset as “ON”, the display propriety flag of the character storage table 57a is reset as “ON” indicating that display is possible.
[0055]
When the compatibility determination unit 43 inputs a mail read from the mail storage unit 111 of the mail memory card 110 via the card data input / output unit 60 by the control processing unit 41, the compatibility determination unit 43 creates a mail attached to the mail The date and the date of birth of the sender are extracted, and the date of birth of the user who is the recipient of the mail is read from the user information storage unit 51 (the signal line is not shown). Then, the compatibility determination unit 43 determines the compatibility from the date of birth of the sender and the date of birth of the user based on the creation date of the mail, and scores any of 1 to 6 according to the compatibility Is displayed as a point on the display unit 30 and accumulated and stored in the point storage unit 55. In addition, the compatibility determination unit 43 outputs the input mail to the temporary mail storage unit 53 and displays it on the display unit 30 in response to the instruction signal from the control processing unit 41.
[0056]
Next, the configuration of the storage unit 50 will be described.
The user information storage unit 51 is the information about the user of the mail exchange device 1 that is input when the mail exchange device 1 is used for the first time, the user's name and date of birth, and the mail creation date attached to the mail. Stores the clock for.
[0057]
The temporary mail storage unit 53 is a buffer that temporarily stores the content of the mail input from the input unit 20 and the mail read from the mail memory card 110 via the compatibility determination unit 43 and the like. In addition, when the input mail and the read mail are displayed on the display unit 30, the mail temporary storage unit 53 determines whether the mail is unread mail in the mail reading process as mail identification information. Stores the name, creation date, etc. of the sender of the read mail.
[0058]
The point storage unit 55 cumulatively stores the points determined by the compatibility determination unit 43, and the character storage unit 57 stores a character storage table 57a.
[0059]
Next, functional block configurations of the mail memory card 110 and the point memory card 120 will be described.
[0060]
The mail storage unit 111 of the mail memory card 110 is configured in the memory 100 a of the mail memory card 110 and stores mail input from the mail exchange device 1 via the card data input / output unit 60. The card point storage unit 121 and the purchase table storage unit 123 of the point memory card 120 are configured in the memory 100 a of the point memory card 120, and the card point storage unit 121 stores points and the purchase table storage unit 123. Stores the character purchase table 123a.
[0061]
Next, operations will be described in sequence for the mail writing process, the mail reading process, the point transfer process, and the character purchase process.
[0062]
First, the mail writing process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a flow of data and instruction signals between the functional blocks in the mail writing process. In the mail writing process, the mail memory card 110 is first inserted into the insertion slot 10a, and the memory 100a of the mail memory card 110 and the card data input / output unit 60 are connected (not shown). When the user uses the mail exchange device 1 for the first time, the user's name, date of birth, and current date / time are input from the input unit 20 as information about the user and stored in the user information storage unit 51. . Next, when the content and destination of the mail are input from the input unit 20 by the user, they are temporarily stored in the mail temporary storage unit 53. Then, when an instruction to write to the mail memory card 110 is input from the input unit 20, the control processing unit 41 creates the name, date of birth, and mail creation stored in the user information storage unit 51 as sender information. The date and time are attached to the mail stored in the mail temporary storage unit 53 and written to the mail storage unit 111 of the mail memory card 110 via the card data input / output unit 60. The above is the mail writing process.
[0063]
The mail writing process is performed on the mail memory card 110 after the mail reading process described later is performed, and the mail stored in the mail storage unit 111 of the mail memory card 110 is deleted. It is also possible to write a new mail. By overwriting the mail in this way, it is possible to exchange mails using the same mail memory card 110 among a plurality of users who own the mail exchange device 1, and to store the memory of the mail memory card 110. By saving the capacity, it is possible to realize a cost reduction associated with a reduction in capacity.
[0064]
Next, the mail reading process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a flow of data and instruction signals between the functional blocks in the mail reading process. In the mail reading process, first, the mail memory card 110 is inserted into the insertion slot 10a, and the memory 100a of the mail memory card 110 and the card data input / output unit 60 are connected (not shown). Then, it is determined whether or not the mail stored in the mail storage unit 111 of the mail memory card 110 is an unread mail. That is, the read mail identification information is read from the temporary mail storage unit 53 (not shown), and it is determined whether the mail stored in the mail storage unit 111 is an unread mail based on the mail identification information. To do. If the mail is an unread mail, the control processing unit 41 reads the mail stored in the mail storage unit 111 via the card data input / output unit 60 and outputs the mail to the compatibility determination unit 43.
[0065]
In addition, after determining that the mail stored in the mail storage unit 111 of the mail memory card 110 is already read, the control processing unit 41 does not output the mail to the compatibility determination unit 43 and does not output the mail. A message as to whether or not to re-read is output to the display unit 30 and the mail reading process is terminated.
[0066]
The compatibility determination unit 43 extracts the sender's date of birth and email creation date and time, which are sender information attached to the input email, and further, from the user information storage unit 51, the user who is the recipient of the email Read birth date (signal line not shown). Then, the compatibility determination unit 43 determines the compatibility based on the date of birth of the sender and the date of birth of the user based on the mail creation date and calculates points. Next, the compatibility determination unit 43 outputs the input mail to the temporary mail storage unit 53 and displays it on the display unit 30, and also outputs the calculated points to the point storage unit 55 and accumulates them together with the stored points. And store it. The above is the mail reading process.
[0067]
The compatibility determination performed by the compatibility determination unit 43 has been described as being performed using the date of birth. However, it is performed using the blood type or the like, or using both the blood type and the date of birth. It is good. In that case, the user's blood type or the like is further stored as information stored in the user information storage unit 51, and the user's blood type or the like is written together with the mail when the mail writing process is executed. This can be realized by reading the blood type of the sender of the mail together with the mail at the time of execution, and various compatibility determination methods can be applied.
[0068]
Next, the point transfer process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a flow of data and instruction signals between the functional blocks in the point transfer process. In the point transfer process, first, the point memory card 120 is inserted into the insertion slot 10a, and the memory 100a of the point memory card 120 and the card data input / output unit 60 are connected (not shown). Next, when the user inputs an instruction to transfer the points stored in the point storage unit 55 to the point memory card 120 from the input unit 20, the control processing unit 41 is stored in the point storage unit 55. The points are output to the card point storage unit 121 of the point memory card 120 via the card data input / output unit 60, and if there are already stored points, the points are accumulated together with the points. Store in the storage unit 121. On the other hand, when the input unit 20 receives an instruction to transfer the points stored in the card point storage unit 121 to the point storage unit 55, the control processing unit 41 displays the card point storage unit. The points stored in 121 are output to the point storage unit 55, and if there are already stored points, they are accumulated together with the points and stored in the point storage unit 55. The above is point transfer processing.
[0069]
Next, the character purchase process will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams showing the flow of data and instruction signals between the functional blocks in the character purchase process. The character purchase process is roughly divided into two steps, that is, a step of purchasing a character and a step of displaying the purchased character. FIG. 8 is a diagram related to the step of purchasing the former character, and FIG. It is a figure which concerns on the step which displays the purchased character.
[0070]
First, the step of purchasing a character will be described with reference to FIG. In the character purchase process, the point memory card 120 is first inserted into the insertion slot 10a, and the memory 100a of the point memory card 120 and the card data input / output unit 60 are connected (not shown). When the user inputs an instruction for an unpurchased and desired character from among the characters that can be purchased in the points stored in the card point storage unit 121 from the input unit 20, the control processing unit 41 The purchase flag corresponding to the character is set as “ON” indicating that it has been purchased. Then, the number of points set in advance corresponding to the character is subtracted from the points stored in the card point storage unit 121. In the present embodiment, only the points stored in the card point storage unit 121 have been described, but the same processing may be performed on the points stored in the point storage unit 55.
[0071]
Next, the step of displaying the purchased character will be described with reference to FIG. The control processing unit 41 reads the character purchase table 123a stored in the purchase table storage unit 123 of the point memory card 120, and extracts “ON” character identification information indicating that the purchase flag has been purchased. When the user inputs a desired character to be displayed from the input unit 20 and the purchase flag corresponding to the character is “ON”, the character in the character storage table 57a stored in the character storage unit 57 is displayed. Is set to “ON” indicating that display is possible.
[0072]
Then, a desired character is displayed on the display unit 30 among the characters whose display enable / disable flag stored in the character storage table 57a is “ON”. The above is the character purchase process.
[0073]
In this character purchase process, the character purchase table 123a stored in the purchase table storage unit 123 of the point memory card 120 indicates that the purchase flag has changed from “OFF” to “ON” indicating purchase. It was explained as not returning to “OFF”. However, when the display enable / disable flag of the character storage table 57a stored in the character storage unit 57 of the mail exchange device 1 is set from “OFF” to “ON” indicating that display is possible, that is, the purchased character can be displayed. Therefore, when the mail exchange device 1 is set as possible, the purchase flag of the character purchase table 123a may be set from “ON” to “OFF”.
[0074]
In this case, since the purchased character stored in the point memory card 120 is displayed on the mail exchange device 1, the character is reset in the point memory card 120 as not purchased. Therefore, even if the point memory card 120 is lent to another user, the same character cannot be displayed on the mail exchange device 1 of the other user. Thereby, the rarity for displaying a character can be made high.
[0075]
As described above, the mail exchange device 1 has a telephone-type configuration, and exchanges mail by writing mail to the mail memory card 110 or reading the written mail from the mail memory card 110. . In addition, when writing an email, the user's date of birth and email creation date and time preset in the email exchange device 1 are written and attached to the email. When the email is read out, the recipient's email exchange device 1 has Along with the set recipient's date of birth, compatibility is forgotten and points are determined. And after storing the said point in the point storage part 55, a desired character can be displayed on the display part 30 by performing a character purchase process using the memory card 120 for points.
[0076]
Therefore, since the mail is exchanged using the mail memory card 110, an inexpensive mail exchange device can be realized. In addition, the mail memory card 110 is used for writing and reading mail to the mail memory card 110. Since it is inserted and inserted into the insertion slot 10a, it can be realized by an easy operation even for a child, rather than an operation according to a complicated procedure like e-mail.
[0077]
In addition, since the external shape of the mail exchange device 1 is a mobile phone type, it is possible to give the child a pseudo-experience using a real mobile phone, and to promote the purchase motivation and the desire for use. Can do. Moreover, since a new character can be displayed according to the points accumulated by using the mail exchange device 1, it is possible to induce the user's willingness to use mail and to enjoy the use of mail.
[0078]
Further, in the point transfer process, the points stored in the point storage unit 55 and the points stored in the card point storage unit 121 of the point memory card 120 can be transferred to each other, whereby another mail exchange device Points can be presented to users having 1 and the range of use of the mail exchange device 1 can be expanded.
[0079]
The character itself displayed on the display unit 30 is stored in the character storage table 57a of the character storage unit 57, and the character purchase table 123a stores only the purchase flag in the purchase table storage unit 123 of the point memory card 120. Therefore, the storage capacity of the memory 100a can be saved, and the point memory card 120 can be realized at low cost.
[0080]
If the purchase flag stored in the purchase table storage unit 123 of the point memory card 120 is “ON” indicating that the purchase has been completed, the point memory card 120 is stored in the user having another mail exchange device 1. Since the same character can be displayed by setting the display permission flag of the same character to “ON”, the usability of the mail exchange device 1 can be improved.
[0081]
The present invention is not limited to the contents of the above embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, it is suitable for mail creation by making a prior prediction of compatibility determination. It is also possible to add a function for predicting a day with many points, or to specify a character that can be purchased according to the points, and to provide a character with a rare value as a character that can be purchased randomly changes. Further, in addition to displaying characters that can be purchased, the character may be grown as a sound output or the degree of character growth according to the points. Also, instead of displaying characters, the mail exchange device 1 includes a game function so that the type, amount, difficulty, etc. of the game can be changed according to points, a new character can be displayed, The hero may evolve and transform. In this case, the application range of the mail exchange device 1 can be expanded.
[0082]
The mail memory card 110 may have a password or a memory card that can store a plurality of mails.
[0083]
In addition, the external shape of the mail exchange device 1 has been described as the shape of a mobile phone. However, as long as data can be input / output to / from the memory card, for example, the shape of a small laptop computer or the shape of a portable information terminal It goes without saying.
[0084]
Moreover, the growth of the character may be performed by mail exchange between the character and the user. That is, the mail exchange device 1 automatically creates a mail such as “Onaka Hettayo” with the sender as a character for the user. Next, the user who received the mail from the character may exchange mail by inputting mail such as “Dijou?” To the character, and the character may be grown by this mail exchange. The character growth level at this time may be changed according to the number of mail exchanges, or may be changed based on specific words such as “Fight!” Or “Daiski!” Included in the email entered by the user. Also good. In this case, the user can grow the character while feeling closeness with the character, and can enjoy mail exchange with the character as one individual without exchanging mail between friends.
[0085]
In addition, a display notifying the presence of mail from the character is provided on the display unit 30. When there is mail from the character, the content of the mail is forcibly displayed on the display unit 30, or from the character by a melody or the like. It is good also as providing the function of informing the existence of.
[0086]
Furthermore, a mail having this character as the sender may be automatically created on a specific date such as New Year, Christmas, or the user's birthday stored in the user information storage unit 51. In this case, by creating an e-mail with a content suitable for the specific date such as “Otanjobiomedeto!”, The user feels closer to the character and enjoys more e-mail exchange with the character. be able to.
[0087]
Moreover, it is good also as producing automatically the mail which uses this character as a sender on the date and time which the user set. In that case, although it is visual, it can have the same function as the alarm of the clock, and since it is a mail from the character for the user, the alarm itself can feel familiar.
[0088]
Also, a memory card storing various display forms corresponding to the degree of character growth is prepared, and the display form is read from the memory card, which is different from the case where the character is grown only by the mail exchange device 1 main body. It is good also as performing the display method of a character.
[0089]
Further, as a game to be included in the mail exchange device 1, a game such as a poker game in which accumulated points are bet, a slot machine, and an amida lottery may be included. FIG. 10 shows an example of an Amidakuji screen displayed on the display unit 30. When one option is selected in FIG. 10A, the result is displayed as shown in FIG. Furthermore, as prizes for these games, prizes that change the growth degree of the character, such as “cheerful medicine” or “bread that does not reduce stomach” may be used as a prize. In that case, the fun of growing the character can be further enhanced. Alternatively, a game-specific memory card storing these games may be prepared and loaded into the insertion slot 10a to read and execute the game from the memory card. Further, in that case, a new character stored in a memory card dedicated to the game may be stored in the character storage unit 57 as a prize so that the new character can be displayed in the mail exchange device 1.
[0090]
(Second Embodiment)
Next, the mail exchange device 2 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0091]
The mail exchange device 2 in the second embodiment is a device capable of creating and outputting a melody (music) in addition to the same function as the mail exchange device 1 in the first embodiment. This is a device that can output a favorite melody when attaching a created melody to an e-mail as sender information or reading a mail by inserting a memory card.
[0092]
Hereinafter, the mail exchange device 2 according to the second embodiment will be described in detail. However, the same elements as those of the mail exchange device 1 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. To do. In addition, in order to simplify the differences from the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the compatibility determination unit 43, the point storage unit 55, the character storage unit 57, and the point memory card 120 are illustrated. Description is omitted.
[0093]
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the mail exchange device 2 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 11, the mail exchange device 2 includes an input unit 20 and a display unit 30 as components on the appearance, and each key is arranged on the key lower part 20a of the input unit 20 for convenience of inputting notes and the like. The display shows the Doremi scale, tempo of the song, semitones, and so on. As shown in FIG. 12, the mail exchange device 2 includes a processing unit 40, a storage unit 50, a card data input / output unit 60, a melody output unit 70, and the like as internal components.
[0094]
The storage unit 50 includes a user information storage unit 51, a mail temporary storage unit 53, and a melody data storage unit 59 configured by a semiconductor memory or the like, and the user information storage unit 51 and the mail temporary storage unit 53. Since the configuration is the same as that of the mail exchange device 1 in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.
[0095]
The melody data storage unit 59 includes a built-in song data storage unit 591 configured by a ROM (Read Only Memory) or the like and a music composition data storage unit 593 configured by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like. The built-in song data storage unit 591 stores in advance melody data related to melody for four songs such as a rhythmic song and a continuous chime sound. Melody data is data in which tempo information that determines the tempo of a song, scale information that determines the pitch of Doremi, note information that determines the length of the sound, etc. are described and configured in order from the beginning of the song, In one piece of melody data, data relating to a melody for a maximum of 10 seconds can be described.
[0096]
The composition data storage unit 593 has a storage capacity for storing melody data for four songs, and stores melody data composed and input from the input unit 20 by the user. It goes without saying that the number of songs and the length of songs that can be stored can be changed according to the storage capacity of the melody data storage unit 59.
[0097]
The melody output unit 70 includes a signal conversion unit that converts input melody data into a sound signal, a speaker that outputs sound based on the converted sound signal, and the like, and includes a built-in song data storage unit 591 and a music composition. In addition to the melody data stored in the data storage unit 593, the melody data read from the mail memory card 110 in the mail reading process described later is input.
[0098]
In the melody data, one long sound may be output by continuously inputting a plurality of the same short sounds. That is, for example, when all notes are described by eighth notes, and when it is desired to input a quarter note, two identical eighth notes are described in succession. Then, the melody output unit 70 may be configured to output the sound of a quarter note by outputting the sound interval at an interval that cannot be heard by the human ear.
[0099]
Next, the operation of the mail exchange device 2 will be described.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a flow of data and instruction signals between functional blocks in the mail writing process according to the second embodiment.
[0100]
In FIG. 12, first, the content of the mail and the destination are input from the input unit 20 by the user, and the attached melody data is instructed and selected from the melody data storage unit 59. Next, the control processing unit 41 temporarily stores the content of the input mail, the destination, the selection information of the melody data, and the like in the temporary mail storage unit 53.
[0101]
Next, when an instruction to write to the mail memory card 110 is input from the input unit 20, the control processing unit 41 stores the name, date of birth, and mail creation date and time stored in the user information storage unit 51 as sender information. The melody data selected from the melody data storage unit 59 is read out and attached to the mail stored in the temporary mail storage unit 53. Then, the control processing unit 41 writes to the mail storage unit 111 of the mail memory card 110 via the card data input / output unit 60. The above is the mail writing process.
[0102]
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a flow of data and instruction signals between functional blocks in the mail reading process according to the second embodiment.
In FIG. 12, the control processing unit 41 first determines whether or not the mail stored in the mail storage unit 111 of the mail memory card 110 attached to the insertion slot 10a has not yet been read.
[0103]
If it is an unread mail, the control processing unit 41 reads out the mail stored in the mail storage unit 111 and outputs it to the temporary mail storage unit 53 to display it on the display unit 30. It is determined whether or not melody data is attached. If melody data is attached, the control processing unit 41 outputs the melody data to the melody output unit 70 to output a melody (music). The above is the mail reading process.
[0104]
In the mail reading process, if the melody data is not attached to the mail, it may be set to output a preselected melody from the melody data storage unit 59, or the name of the friend A melody corresponding to the melody may be set in advance, and the corresponding melody may be output when reading mail from the friend (sender). Even if the melody to be output is set in advance, if the melody data is attached to the mail, the attached melody data may be preferentially read and played.
[0105]
As described above, the mail exchange device 2 according to the second embodiment can create and output a melody, and also attach the created melody to a mail or read a mail as sender information. Melody can be output.
[0106]
Therefore, it is possible to increase the enjoyment of creating a melody and the pleasure of reading a mail, and it is possible to immediately determine whether the mail is an unread mail. In addition, by setting to output a melody according to the sender when reading mail, it is possible to immediately determine who the mail is from.
[0107]
In the second embodiment, the melody data read from the mail memory card 110 has been described as being output as a melody (music) by the melody output unit 70, but is stored in the composition data storage unit 593. It is also good to do. In that case, even without the mail memory card 110, the melody composed by a friend can be taken into the mail exchange device 2 and enjoyed only by the mail exchange device 2 itself.
[0108]
The melody data attached to the e-mail has been described as being read and played only when the e-mail has not been read. However, when the e-mail memory card 110 is attached to the insertion slot 10a, the e-mail is not received. Regardless of whether it is unread or not, it may be read as needed and output as a melody.
[0109]
In addition, the mail exchange device 2 stores the melody data selected by the user in the melody data stored in the melody data storage unit 59 in association with each character stored in the character storage unit 57, and stores each character. It may be configured so that it can be set and output as a theme song.
[0110]
Similarly to the mail exchange device 1 of the first embodiment, the mail exchange device 2 may include a game function, or a memory card dedicated to the game may be prepared. A new character may be stored and displayed in the exchange device 2. Further, in this case, a melody corresponding to the character may be acquired as a game prize.
[0111]
Further, although the mail exchange device 2 has been described as attaching a melody to the mail as the sender information, the character stored in the character storage unit 57 or the character acquired by the game function is attached to the mail as the sender information. When the mail is read, the attached character may be displayed.
[0112]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, since mail exchange using a memory card can be performed, an inexpensive mail exchange apparatus can be realized, and for writing and reading mail to and from the memory card, the memory card is inserted into the insertion slot. Therefore, even if it is a child, it is realizable by easy operation rather than operation by a complicated procedure like e-mail. Further, by exchanging mail using a memory card, the size of the mail exchanging apparatus can be easily reduced, so that a mail exchanging apparatus having excellent portability can be realized.
[0113]
Further, even if a mail read instruction is not performed, mail that has not yet been read is automatically read when the memory card is inserted into the insertion slot, so that even easier operability can be realized.
[0114]
In addition, since mail is not written to the memory card in a cumulative manner, the capacity of the memory card can be saved, and an inexpensive mail exchange device can be realized by using a memory card with a small storage capacity. it can.
[0115]
In addition, since sender information can be written and read in conjunction with e-mail, the sender can be easily identified by using the sender's portrait as sender information, and the date of birth of the sender By using, for example, sender information, the mail recipient can uniformly acquire the accompanying information of the user of the mail exchange apparatus.
[0116]
In addition, since music data (melody data) is written as sender information, it is possible to increase the enjoyment of reading mail by reading the music data and outputting it as a melody when reading mail.
[0117]
In addition, according to the points accumulated by using the mail exchange device, a new character can be displayed, and since this point can be increased by playing a game, the incentive to use mail is attracted, It can give you the fun of using email.
[0118]
In addition, since the character is written as the sender information, displaying the character at the time of reading the mail can increase the enjoyment when reading the mail.
[0119]
In addition, since the points stored in the point storage means and the points stored in the point memory card can be transferred to each other, points can be presented to users who have other mail exchange devices, and mail exchange is possible. The range of use of the device can be expanded.
[0120]
Further, since the character itself is stored in the character storage means and the purchase status is stored in the point memory card, the storage capacity of the point memory card can be saved, and the point memory card can be realized at low cost. be able to. If the point memory card purchase status indicates that it has been purchased, the same character can be displayed by lending the point memory card to a user having another mail exchange device. Thus, the same character can be displayed, so that the usability of the mail exchange device can be improved.
[0121]
In addition, because the character grows up, the display form can be changed in various ways, the degree of growth of the character can be changed by mail exchange and games, and sound can be output, so a mail exchange device tailored to the user's taste is realized And the scope of application of the mail exchange device can be expanded.
[0122]
Further, it can be set and output as a theme song for each character, and the range of ways to enjoy the mail exchange device can be expanded.
[0123]
In addition, for example, an email can be automatically created at Christmas or a user's birthday to make the user feel close to the character. It is also possible to add a function such as a clock alarm by automatically creating a mail at the date and time designated by the user.
[0124]
In addition, since the external shape of the mail exchange device is a mobile phone type, the child can have a pseudo-experience using a real mobile phone, and the effect of encouraging purchase motivation and use desire can be generated. it can.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a mail exchange device 1 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the memory card 100. FIG.
2 is a functional block configuration diagram of a mail exchange device 1, a mail memory card 110, and a point memory card 120. FIG.
3A is a diagram showing a table structure of a character storage table 57a stored in the character storage unit 57. FIG. (B) is a figure which shows the table structure of the character purchase table 123a stored in the purchase table storage part 123. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of characters stored in a character storage table 57a together with points necessary for enabling display of each character.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a flow of data and instruction signals between functional blocks in the mail writing process according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a flow of data and instruction signals between functional blocks in the mail reading process in the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a flow of data and instruction signals between functional blocks in the point transfer process according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a flow of data and instruction signals between functional blocks related to a step of purchasing a character in the character purchase process according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a flow of data and instruction signals between functional blocks related to a step of purchasing a character related to a step of displaying a purchased character in the character purchase processing according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a screen example of an Amida lottery game displayed on the display unit 30 in the first embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a view showing an appearance of a mail exchange device 2 in the second embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a flow of data and instruction signals between functional blocks in mail writing processing according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a flow of data and instruction signals between functional blocks in the mail reading process in the second embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
1, 2 Mail exchange device
20 Input section
30 Display section
40 processor
41 Control processing unit
43 compatibility judgment part
50 storage
51 User information storage
53 Mail temporary storage
55 point storage
57 Character storage
59 Melody data storage
591 Built-in song data storage
593 Composition data storage
60 Card data input / output section
70 Melody output section
110 Email memory card
111 Mail storage
120 point memory card
121 Card point storage
123 Purchase table storage

Claims (19)

An insertion slot for inserting and removing the memory card;
Writing means for writing mail to the memory card inserted into the insertion slot;
Read means for reading mail from the memory card inserted in the insertion slot and written with mail;
When the memory card in which the mail that has not been read is written is inserted into the insertion slot, the reading means automatically reads the mail at the time of insertion, and the mail that has already been read is written. The mail exchange device is characterized in that when the memory card is inserted into the insertion slot, the mail is not automatically read out.   2. The mail exchanging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the mail is written in the memory card inserted into the insertion slot, the writing means deletes the mail and writes a new mail. . The writing means further writes sender information when writing a mail to the memory card,
The mail exchanging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the reading means further reads sender information when reading mail from the memory card. 4. The mail exchange apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the writing means further writes music data as the sender information in the memory card. Mail exchange apparatus according to any one of the four claims 1, characterized in that said reading means further comprising a point storage means for adding and storing the predetermined point when reading email from the memory card. When the reading unit reads mail from the memory card, a point determination unit that determines compatibility based on preset user information and the sender information, and determines a point based on the compatibility,
Point storage means for adding and storing the points determined by the point determination means;
Mail exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a. 7. The mail exchanging apparatus according to claim 5 , further comprising game means for additionally storing a predetermined point in the point storage means when it is determined that the game has been won. Character storage means for storing a plurality of characters;
Display means for selecting a character corresponding to the point stored in the point storage means, reading out from the character storage means and displaying;
The mail exchange device according to any one of claims 5 to 7 , further comprising: 9. The mail exchange apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the writing means writes a character stored in the character storage means as the sender information in the memory card. And points stored in the memory card inserted point to the insertion port, from claim 5, further comprising a point transfer means for transferring the stored points mutually in said point storage means 9 The mail exchange device according to any one of the above. Purchasing means for purchasing the character in exchange for the points stored in the point storage means or the points stored in the point memory card, and storing the purchase status of the character in the point memory card,
11. The mail exchange device according to claim 10 , wherein the display means reads and displays a purchased character stored in the point memory card from the character storage means. In accordance with the points stored in the point storage means or the points stored in the point memory card, further comprising a growth processing means for growing the character stored in the character storage means,
The character storage means further stores a growth degree of the character grown by the growth processing means, and a character display form corresponding to the growth degree,
The mail exchange apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 11 , wherein the display means displays a character in accordance with a display form stored in the character storage means. The character storage means further stores the degree of growth of the character and the display form of the character corresponding to the degree of growth in association with the stored character,
According to the points stored in the point storage means or the points stored in the point memory card, further comprises a growth processing means for changing the growth degree of the corresponding character stored in the character storage means. ,
The mail exchange device according to any one of claims 8 to 12 , wherein the character is displayed by the display means in accordance with the display form of the character stored in the character storage means. The character storage means further stores a growth degree of the character and a display form of the character corresponding to the growth degree in association with the stored character,
Mail creating means for automatically creating mail with the character stored in the character storage means as the sender;
Mail growth means for changing the degree of growth of the corresponding character stored in the character storage means, based on mail with the addressee as the character;
Further comprising, in accordance with the display form of said stored character to said character storage means, mail exchange apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the character is displayed 13 by the display means. The mail exchange device according to any one of claims 12 to 14 , wherein the game means changes the growth degree of the character stored in the character storage means when it is determined that the game is won. 16. The mail exchange device according to claim 8 , further comprising sound output means for outputting a sound corresponding to the character stored in the character storage means. Music data storage means for storing music data;
And further comprising an association means for associating the music data stored in the music data storage means with the character stored in the character storage means,
17. The mail exchange device according to claim 16 , wherein the sound output means outputs a sound corresponding to the character stored in the character storage means based on the music data associated with the association means. . The mail according to any one of claims 8 to 17 , further comprising a date and time specifying mail creating means for automatically creating a mail with the character stored in the character storage means as a sender at a predetermined date and time. Exchange equipment. The mail exchange device according to any one of claims 1 to 18 , wherein an outer shape of the mail exchange device has a shape of a mobile phone.

Images