WO1998041299A1

WO1998041299A1 - Portable game machine for simulating growth of virtual living creature

Info

Publication number: WO1998041299A1
Application number: PCT/JP1997/002932
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hiroshi Ichigaya
Original assignee: Seft Development Laboratory Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 1997-03-14
Filing date: 1997-08-25
Publication date: 1998-09-24
Also published as: AU3952697A

Abstract

The case (2) of a game machine (1) has a nearly oval shape. A liquid crystal display device (3) is provided on the front face of the case (2) and a virtual pet is displayed on the device (3). Control buttons (4a, 4b, and 4c) used for performing various operations for breeding the pet contained in the game machine (1) are provided below the device (3). On the back of the case (2), electrodes (11a, 11b) for exchanging information with another game machine while the game machines are brought into contact with each other as hardware are provided in addition to a lid (10) for exchanging batteries. Beside the electrodes (11a, 11b), an engaging means which also works as a positioning means and a fixing means is provided so that the electrodes (11a, 11b) of one game machine can be properly brought into contact with the corresponding electrodes of the other game machine.

Description

Specification

Portable virtual creature breeding stain game machine Technical field

The present invention relates to a portable virtual creature simulating game machine for executing a virtual creature simulating simulation inside a portable game machine. Background art

Simulation game machines that simulate virtual creatures, for example, virtual pets, inside a palm-sized portable game machine are widely accepted. In this method, the operator cultivates virtual pets created in software within a palm-sized game machine over a long period of time, and the virtual pets laugh and get angry. It is a game machine that allows you to feel as if you are breeding real pets by showing physiological reactions when you sleep, get sick, or excrete I have. This game machine has a liquid crystal display device about the size of a wristwatch, an ultra-small central processing unit (CPU) and its peripheral circuits, a timer, a memory that stores programs for game contents, and a palm size that contains these. It consists of attractive design cases.

Such game consoles are gaining in popularity because they provide a virtual experience similar to breeding real pets, and because they are software-based virtual pets, they have the same hassle as real pets. In fact, even those in an environment where it is impossible to breed pets in real life can easily experience virtual breeding of pets, and their virtual pets have their own intentions and not necessarily their own thoughts Children do not grow because they are not grown up in the same way, they resemble real pets, they grow differently depending on how they are raised, and the price of electronic components, including semiconductor integrated circuits, is low. It is considered that the game machine itself is not so small because of the low cost of the parts and the size of the parts can be reduced, so that the virtual machine can be carried around at any time.

In the conventional portable virtual pet breeding simulation simulation game machine, the virtual pet cultivated therein is completed only inside the game machine. There was no negotiation between them. However, there are various negotiations with other individuals, such as actual pets performing reproductive activities. Therefore, by incorporating such negotiations with other individuals in a simulation on a game machine, it is thought that the virtual unit can be made closer to the real unit. In addition, since the substance of the virtual pet is information processed inside the game machine, if this information is transmitted to another game machine, the virtual pet can be moved to another game machine. This can evoke a new interest.

In addition, real animals sense external situations by their own sight, smell, hearing, touch, etc., and take various actions based on the results. Therefore, the actual animal behavior is very complex. However, in the conventional portable virtual pet breeding simulation game machine, the behavior of the virtual pet bred in the virtual pet breeding is mainly defined by the time factor and the operator's button operation. Just an operation. For this reason, there was a large gap between the virtual creature bred on the conventional portable virtual pet breeding simulation game machine and the actual pet.

The present invention has been made based on the above circumstances, and a virtual creature in a game machine can negotiate with a virtual creature in another game machine or can move a virtual creature to another game machine. Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a portable virtual creature cultivation simulation capable of simulating a creature closer to a real one. Disclosure of the invention

The first invention for achieving the above object is to provide a portable virtual creature breeding simulation game machine that executes a simulating virtual creature simulation. Hardware means and software means for causing at least two virtual creatures to exist, and input / output means for exchanging information about the virtual creatures with another game machine. It is characterized by.

The input / output means is configured to be electrically connected to another game machine to exchange information about the virtual creature with the other game machine, or between the other game machine and the other game machine. Information about the virtual creature can be exchanged with the other game machine by wireless or optical communication in a non-contact manner.

Further, the portable virtual creature breeding simulation simulation game machine described above may have a reproductive simulation function using virtual creatures included in a plurality of game machines.

According to the first invention, a plurality of virtual creatures belong to one game machine by receiving information of virtual creatures cultivated therein from another game machine by the input / output means. Therefore, for example, when a reproduction simulation by a plurality of virtual creatures is executed, or when the virtual creatures cannot be taken care of for convenience, the information of the virtual creatures is stored in another person's game machine. It is possible to move the car and ask for care, and it can evoke a new interest not found in existing game consoles.

A second invention for achieving the above object is a portable virtual creature breeding simulation simulation game machine that executes a virtual creature breeding simulation, wherein a microphone, an optical sensor, a temperature sensor, a vibration sensor, Software means comprising at least one sensor of a sensor group consisting of a gravity sensor, a magnetic sensor, a gas sensor, and a humidity sensor, wherein the virtual creature reacts based on a signal from the sensor provided. It is characterized by having.

According to the second invention, as described above, by providing the game machine with at least one sensor, it is possible to execute a simulation in which the virtual creature reacts according to the surrounding situation detected by this sensor. It is possible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a front view and a rear view of a portable virtual pet breeding simulation game machine of the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an overall block diagram of the portable virtual pet breeding simulation game machine of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a main part of the portable virtual pet simulation simulation game machine of the second embodiment, FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the inside of the sensor unit of the second embodiment in detail, and FIG. FIG. 4 is an overall block diagram of a portable virtual pet simulation game machine according to a second embodiment. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view and a rear view of a portable virtual pet breeding simulation game machine (hereinafter, referred to as “game machine”) according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an overall block diagram of the game machine according to the first embodiment. .

In FIG. 1, the case 2 of the game machine 1 of the present embodiment has an almost oval shape, and the outer shape is almost the same as the existing game machine. A liquid crystal display device 3 is provided on the front side, and a virtual unit is displayed here. The display screen moves to perform various operations. The operation buttons 4 a, 4 b, and 4 c below the liquid crystal display 3 are used to perform various operations for keeping virtual pets inside the game machine, and for information necessary for communication with another game machine. This button is used as a transfer control switch when giving and receiving, but is also built in other than the built-in clock other than the built-in clock, setting the characteristics of the virtual pet, and the virtual pet training simulation game Other games It is also used for operations. A small hole 5 is provided in the upper part of the case 2 so that a chain of a key ring or the like can be passed therethrough for convenient carrying.

On the back of Case 2, in addition to the battery replacement lid 10, electrodes 1 la and lib are provided for exchanging information by bringing this game machine into hardware contact with other game machines. Have been. Next to the electrodes 11a and 11b, engaging means serving as both positioning means and fixing means for ensuring that the corresponding electrodes 11a and lib of the two game machines come into correct contact with each other. 1 2 is provided. The electrodes 11a, 11b and the engagement means i2 are covered with a cover (not shown) in a normal state, and the two game machines are removed by removing the cover when making contact. Of electrodes can be brought into contact with each other. Such electrodes 11a, lib and engaging means 12 are not provided in the existing game machines.

As shown in Fig. 2, inside the game machine, as shown in Fig. 2, a very small CPU 20 for controlling the game, a timer 21 for controlling various times, a program for the game content, and a plurality of Memory 22 that stores parameter values, display controller 23 that controls display on the liquid crystal display device 3, electrodes 11a and lib are brought into contact with electrodes of other game machines to input and output information An input / output control unit 24 that controls when data is transmitted, an input port 25 that mediates when transferring data between the CPU 20 and the operation buttons 4a, 4b, and 4c, etc. include. In addition, the existing game machine has only a function of cultivating one virtual pet, whereas the game machine of the present embodiment has hardware capable of cultivating at least two or more virtual pets. It has functional and software functions. This is because it is possible to reproduce with a virtual bet of another game machine and give birth to a child, or to temporarily move a virtual bet of another game machine and keep it. For this purpose, software-based information on virtual pets is collected from outside. When inserted, the program will include a function to decode this and reproduce it as a virtual pet. Further, in terms of hardware, a writable and readable memory (for example, RAM) 22 needs to have a capacity enough to store information of a plurality of virtual pets. Functions that can process virtual pet information are required. However, in the case of the simulation game as in the present embodiment, since high-speed operation is not required, it is possible to operate sufficiently with a commercially available low-cost CPU. However, even if the virtual pet is moved to another game machine, the virtual pet grows independently, and the virtual pet originally in the game machine is not directly affected. It is information that consists of several parameters that characterize it. This includes the sex, weight, appearance, personality, intelligence, age, cry, type, and behavioral pattern of the virtual pet. The simulation of raising virtual pets is almost the same as that of existing game machines. For example, it is necessary to breed such as warming eggs, feeding them after birth, and moistening them. However, virtual pets that have grown up should be set in software to have various personalities, depending on how they are bred. As a result, the weight, appearance, character, etc. of the grown virtual pet will be different for each virtual pet.

Note that among the characteristics of the virtual pet, the parameters of the male and female may be set in advance by using the operation buttons (setting means) 4a before starting the game. Also, the operation buttons 4a may be used to set parameters such as the weight, appearance, character, intelligence, age, etc. of the virtual pet before starting the game. When these parameters are set, the CPU 20 performs calculations based on the set parameters, and displays the state of the virtual pet at the start of the game, not only the egg but also the growth process of the virtual pet. At a predetermined time. When the virtual pet has grown to a certain stage, reproductive simulation can be performed on the virtual pet. That is, for example, when the virtual pet is a male, the electrodes 11a and 11b of the game machine are used as the electrodes 11a and lib of the other game machines where the female virtual pet is bred. And make electrical contact. After that, the virtual unit of one game machine is moved to the other game machine by a predetermined operation, and the reproductive action is performed there.

At this time, both virtual units may be made to judge compatibility. In other words, males and females are not necessarily reproductive if combined, and may or may not reproduce based on the results of mutual compatibility judgments. If they do not match, one side should display or say, for example, the message "I hate you." This enables a more realistic simulation game. The factors for determining compatibility are the appearance, character, and weight of the other party's virtual pet. After performing the reproductive simulation, return the moved virtual pet to the original game console. Then, if the reproduction is successful, a program is set up so that the female virtual pet lays eggs or gives birth to the child after a certain pregnancy period. In the case of laying eggs, it is possible to set so that the eggs return only when the temperature is maintained within a certain range for a certain period of time, and that the eggs do not return if the temperature is not managed first.

A virtual pet born as a child can be simulated in the same way as a virtual pet that had existed from the beginning. A virtual pet born as a child inherits the characteristics of the parent in some way. As an example, all parameters that characterize a virtual pet are represented in 26 steps from A to Z in the alphabet, and for each parameter, the father's value and the mother's Performs some operation based on the value and assigns the resulting value to the child's temporary The value of the pet. However, for this operation, it would be more interesting for a game to make it difficult to predict what kind of result would be obtained as a random operation than to perform a simple average, for example.

The newly born virtual pet can be raised on a game machine with a mother or on a game machine with a father, but the character of the virtual pet must be influenced by which side it is raised. If the child grows up, reproductive simulations can be performed there again. On the other hand, a parent's virtual pet dies when it reaches a certain age. In this way, virtual pets can be developed for generations.

The evaluation results of the compatibility judgment during the reproductive simulation are also stored as data on the evaluated side, respectively, and this data is made to influence the growth of the virtual kit. For example, irrespective of whether they actually reproduce or not, if the other person's evaluation is good, it will be the confidence of the evaluated person, which has a positive effect on the appearance and personality, and vice versa. There are. In existing game consoles, the factors that influence the growth process of an individual are mainly the operation contents of the operator. In other words, it can be said that the operation is led by the operator. On the other hand, in the game machine according to the present embodiment, data and evaluation contents obtained from virtual machines in other game machines are also significant factors affecting the growth process, and the growth is unpredictable for the operator. In some cases, this kind of unexpectedness makes it possible to realize a breeding simulation game that is more like a real pet.

As described above, data can be exchanged with another game machine, and a plurality of virtual units can be cultivated in one game machine. An optional game is also possible. That is, for example, when a certain operator cannot take care of a virtual pet for some reason, the virtual pet is temporarily transmitted to another person by transmitting only the information of the virtual pet to another game machine. It is also possible to deposit and take care of them instead. this When the virtual pet is returned to the original game machine by keeping the history of how the person who took the virtual pet took care of the development of the virtual pet In addition, the owner may have been affected in an unpredictable way. For example, there may be cases where the body gets fat due to overfeeding, and on the other hand, where it gets sick due to too little bait. By making such settings, the simulation game becomes more interesting.

The hardware required to implement the virtual pet training simulation game described above is significantly lower in function than the widely used high-resolution, high-speed shooting games, etc. No. Therefore, if a highly functional semiconductor element such as a CPU is used, the above functions can be sufficiently realized by a palm-sized game machine.

In the above, the case where the electrodes 11a and lib for exchanging information with other game machines are provided on the back of the game machine has been described. This method is considered to be the best mode as a low-cost and easy-to-use game machine, but as other embodiments, for example, data can be exchanged by directly connecting with a cable or by wireless communication or optical communication You can also do so. It is also possible to exchange data via telephone lines. If a telephone line is used, data can be sent anywhere if a telephone is available, so the virtual unit can be moved to a distant place, which makes the game more interesting. In addition to simply depositing virtual pets at a game machine that you know, you can install a game depositing machine at an Omocha-ya, like a real pet hotel, for a fee. There is also a sales style where specialized staff takes care of virtual machines and takes care of them. In this case, a function that cannot be realized by each game machine can be given to the game custody machine, for example, so that a virtual kit that has been weakened by illness can be restored to a healthy state in a short time. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the virtual life of another game machine is not a simulation game in which the game machine alone can be enjoyed as in the existing portable virtual creature simulation game machine. In addition to enjoying each game machine alone, such as reproductive with the body or moving the virtual life form to another game machine, multiple people bring their own game machines and interact with each other. It is possible to cultivate each virtual creature while interfering with each other, so that a new sensation of being able to enjoy the breeding simulation with a sense closer to the real creatures can be evoked, Since a plurality of game machines are enjoyed in this way, once this type of game machine is once accepted by the market, it will become more demanding. Tuna to the evocation want can and provide child a portable virtual creature training stains Yuresho Ngemu machine.

In the above embodiment, the case has been described where the virtual creature is a virtual pet, but the virtual creature is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a virtual human, a virtual dinosaur, a virtual beast, or the like. Further, the operator may be allowed to freely set a virtual pet, a virtual human, and the like by using the operation buttons according to his / her preference.

Further, when the virtual creature is a virtual human, a blood type and a date of birth may be set as parameters for characterizing the virtual creature. As a result, the operator can freely set the virtual human as not only a baby but also a child, a parent or a lover. Therefore, for example, when parameters other than gender, such as occupation and height, are set so that the virtual creature becomes a virtual self (male), the operator trains the set virtual self. It will be a simulation. Also, in this case, two game machines are electrically connected via electrodes or the like to another operator who has set a female virtual human as a virtual creature, and compatibility between the two is determined. Alternatively, reproductive acts can be performed based on the compatibility judgment. Furthermore, by entrusting and nurturing one's own virtual human to another person, that virtual human will grow differently from nurturing himself, and gain from the virtual human of another person's game machine. The way of growth also depends on the data and evaluation content that is obtained. As described above, according to the present embodiment, a virtual human being can be cultivated while being associated with another game machine. You can enjoy the event.

Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The outer shape of the game machine of the present embodiment is the same as the game machine of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

—Since it is the same as the machine, the illustration of the outer shape is omitted here.

As shown in FIG. 3, inside the game machine 50 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, an ultra-small CPU 20 for controlling the game, a timer 21 for controlling various times, a program for the game contents, etc. And a display control unit 23 for controlling display on the liquid crystal display device 3. Since these are the same as in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, they are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the present embodiment, in addition to the above, a sensor unit 30 including various sensors for detecting various external phenomena is provided.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing in detail the inside of the sensor unit 30 shown in FIG. In the same figure, the optical sensor 31 can be used, for example, to perform a simulation in which a virtual pet sleeps when the surroundings are long, but does not sleep when the surroundings are bright. The temperature sensor 32 is used, for example, to perform a simulation so that the virtual pet feels heat or cold, or when the virtual pet is warming an egg, hatching occurs at an appropriate temperature. The microphone 33 can be used for a simulation in which the virtual unit responds to sound. In this case, a simple word, such as a name given to a virtual creature, can be responsive, but the software or CPU load can be reduced. In order to reduce the burden, for example, a loud sound may be displayed to indicate that it is noisy.

The vibration sensor 34 can be used, for example, in a simulation in which a virtual pet is set to be in a bad mood unless it is walked every day, and the number of steps of the walk is measured. In this way, the game machine of the present embodiment can be used for, for example, enjoying the health of an elderly or sick person while enjoying the game like a game. For example, the gravity sensor 35 may be set to be in a certain direction, for example, when carrying a virtual pet, so that it is uncomfortable unless the head is up, or not lying down when sleeping at night. If you can't fall asleep, you can perform a simulation. The magnetic sensor 36 can be used, for example, to attach a weak magnet to a game machine of the same type, and to detect that magnet so that it is possible to know that a friend is nearby.

As described above, by providing various sensors and assuming that the virtual bet itself has various sensations, it is possible to perform a training simulation closer to an actual pet, and Depending on how the gram is created, the possibilities for playing are greatly expanded. The interface 37 in FIG. 4 is an interface means for connecting the sensors 31 to 36 to the CPU 20.

Note that the above sensors 31 to 36 are merely examples, and not all the sensors shown in FIG. 4 are required, and sensors other than those shown in FIG. 4 are provided. You can also. For example, if a gas sensor that detects carbon monoxide is provided, it can be used to detect gas leaks in a game machine, and new applications can be provided. In addition, a humidity sensor may be provided so that when the humidity becomes higher than a certain level, a simulation is performed such that the virtual creature sweats. In the simulation game as in the present embodiment, high-speed operation is not required. Therefore, commercially available low price It can be operated sufficiently with a rated CP u.

In the case of the present embodiment, as in the case of the first embodiment, the child is reproductively reproduced with a virtual pet of another game machine to give birth, or the virtual pet of another game machine is temporarily moved and stored. Can be. Therefore, as in the case of the first embodiment, necessary information can be exchanged with another game machine. The operation for transmitting and receiving this information is also performed using the operation buttons 4a, 4b, and 4c shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an overall block diagram of a portable virtual pet simulation game machine according to the second embodiment, and also shows a state where two game machines 50 are brought into contact with each other.

As shown in FIG. 5, inside the game console 50, as shown in FIG. 5, a very small CPU 20 for controlling the game, a timer 21 for controlling various times, and a memory 22 for storing a game content program. , A display controller 23 for controlling display on the liquid crystal display device 3, a sensor unit 30 for detecting various external phenomena, etc., and the electrodes 11 a and 11 b are used for other games. An input / output control unit 40 is provided for controlling when inputting and outputting information by making contact with the electrodes of the machine 1.

Like the game machine of the first embodiment, the game machine of the present embodiment also has hardware and software functions capable of cultivating at least two or more virtual machines. As a result, it is possible to perform a reproductive simulation with a virtual pet of another game machine to give birth to a child, or to temporarily move a virtual machine of another game machine to store it. Note that the main feature of the game machine of the second embodiment is that the game machine includes the sensor unit 30, and the function of reproduction simulation is not essential. However, by providing the magnetic sensor 36, before the electrodes were actually brought into contact with each other, the magnetic sensor 36 shown in Fig. 4 and the magnet (not shown) provided in the game machine were used to approach the electrodes to some extent. Can be used to understand the compatibility.

Also in the case of the present embodiment, the form of information exchange with another game machine and Then, for example, data can be exchanged by directly connecting with a cable or by wireless communication or optical communication. Also, data can be exchanged via telephone lines.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, at least one of a sensor group including a microphone, an optical sensor, a temperature sensor, a vibration sensor, a gravity sensor, a magnetic sensor, a gas sensor, and a humidity sensor is provided. This makes it possible to execute a simulation in which a virtual creature reacts according to the surrounding situation detected by these sensors. As a result, time is defined as an element that defines the behavior of the virtual pet. In addition to physical elements and operations by the operator, the surrounding conditions that can be sensed by the sensor are added, and it is possible to simulate the growth of virtual creatures with a feeling closer to that of a real pet.

In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the virtual living body may be a virtual human or the like instead of the virtual pet, and may operate the virtual pet or the virtual human. The setting may be made freely using a button. Other actions and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment. Industrial applicability

As described above, the portable virtual creature breeding simulation game machine according to the present invention is a portable virtual creature breeding simulation that executes a virtual creature breeding simulation inside a portable game machine. It can be used in the field of game machines.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. In a portable virtual living body cultivation simulation simulation game machine that performs virtual creature simulating simulation,

Hardware means and software means for allowing at least two or more virtual creatures to exist inside one game machine;

Input / output means for exchanging information about the virtual creature with another game machine;

A portable virtual creature breeding simulation game machine comprising:

2. The portable virtual life according to claim 1, wherein the input / output means is electrically connected to another game machine to exchange information about the virtual creature with the other game machine. Body training stain game machine.

3. The input / output means transmits and receives information regarding the virtual creature to and from the other game machine without contact by wireless or optical communication. The portable virtual creature breeding simulation game machine described in 1.

4. The portable virtual living body simulating simulation game machine according to claim 1, wherein the portable virtual living body simulating simulation game machine has a reproductive simulation function using virtual creatures included in a plurality of game machines.

5. The portable virtual creature breeding simulation game machine according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein the virtual creature is a virtual pet or a virtual human.

6. Claims 1, 2, 3, 4 having setting means for setting at least one of sex, weight, appearance, character, squeal, kind and date of birth of the virtual creature. Or the portable virtual creature breeding simulation game machine according to 5.

7. Portable virtual creature performing virtual simulation In the life-building stain simulation game machine,

A microphone, an optical sensor, a temperature sensor, a vibration sensor, a gravity sensor, a magnetic sensor, a gas sensor, and a humidity sensor, at least one of which is provided, and based on a signal from the provided sensor, A portable virtual creature breeding simulation game machine characterized by having software means for the virtual creature to react.

8. Hardware and software means for allowing at least two or more virtual creatures to exist inside one game machine, and transfer of information about the virtual creatures to and from other game machines Input / output means,

The portable virtual living body simulating simulation game machine according to claim 7, comprising:

9. The portable virtual life according to claim 8, wherein the input / output means is electrically connected to another game machine to exchange information about the virtual creature with the other game machine. Body training stain game machine.

10. The input / output means transmits and receives information about the virtual creature to and from another game machine by wireless or optical communication in a non-contact manner with the other game machine. The described portable virtual creature breeding stain simulation game machine.

11. The portable virtual creature breeding simulation game machine according to claim 8, 9 or 10, having a function of performing a reproductive simulation with a virtual creature included in another game machine.