WO2024090274A1 - Toy - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a toy which causes a display unit to display a character, imparts a high sense of reality to the character, and can also improve entertainment properties.　The present invention comprises a display unit, a set part, which is a location at which a target object is set, a trigger detection unit, and a control unit that controls the content displayed on the display unit, wherein: the control unit is configured to execute an event when the trigger detection unit has detected an event start state; the event includes a display step for causing the display unit to display an animation; and in the display step, an animation of the character acting in connection with the target object set at the set part is displayed on the display unit, or the presence/absence of the appearance of the character in the animation is switched depending on the presence/absence of the target object set at the set part.

Description

toy

The present invention relates to a toy that displays a character on a display unit.

　A toy is known that includes a transparent LCD (display unit) on which a character is displayed, objects such as a table, chair, tree, fence, doghouse, etc. that are arranged in space either in front of or behind the display unit, and a control unit that controls the content displayed on the display unit, with the control unit configured to display animations of the character acting in response to the objects on the display unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

　According to the toy described in the above document, the display unit shows the character acting in response to objects that are actually present in the location, making it possible to give the character a certain degree of realism, but since the objects themselves are fixed in place and the character does not act in response to moving objects, there is a limit to how high a level of realism can be achieved.

Patent No. 4916721

The objective of the present invention is to provide a toy that displays a character on a display unit, that gives the character a high level of realism, and that is capable of improving entertainment value.

In order to solve the above problem, a toy that displays a character on a display unit includes the display unit, a set unit where an object is set, a trigger detection unit that detects an event start state that is a predetermined state, and a control unit that controls the display content on the display unit, and the control unit is configured to execute an event when the event start state is detected by the trigger detection unit, and the event includes a display step of displaying an animation on the display unit, and in the display step, an animation of the character acting in relation to the object set in the set unit is displayed on the display unit, or the presence or absence of the character appearing in the animation is switched depending on the presence or absence of the object set in the set unit.

The object may be a character body imitating a fictional or real animal or human character, the setting unit may be a character placement unit that places the character body, and the display step may display an animation of the character moving.

The display device may further include a detection unit that detects that the character body is placed in the character placement area, and in the display step, if the detection unit detects that the character body is placed in the character placement area, an animation that assumes that the character is in the character placement area is displayed on the display unit, whereas if the detection unit does not detect that the character is placed in the character placement area, an animation that assumes that the character is not in the character placement area is displayed on the display unit.

As the target object, a provided object simulating a present for the character may be provided separately from the character body, and as the setting unit, a present setting unit in which the provided object is set may be provided separately from the character placement unit, the trigger detection unit may be configured to detect the setting of the provided object in the present setting unit, and the control unit may execute the event when the setting of the provided object in the present setting unit is detected by the trigger detection unit.

The target object is a provided object simulating a present for the character, and further includes a collection mechanism that collects the provided object by a collection operation of an actuator, and a provision mechanism that provides the provided object by a provision operation of an actuator, the control unit is configured to control the operation of the collection mechanism and the provision mechanism, the event includes a collection operation step of causing the collection mechanism to perform a collection operation, and a provision operation step of causing the provision mechanism to perform a provision operation after the collection operation step, and the display step may be an action display step of displaying, on the display unit, an action of the character associated with at least one of the collection of the provided object or the provision of the provided object by animation.

The device may include an opening/closing door arranged on the set unit side and an opening/closing mechanism for opening and closing the opening/closing door, and the event may include an opening operation step for opening the opening/closing door by the opening/closing mechanism before the recovery operation step, and a closing operation step for closing the opening/closing door by the opening/closing mechanism after the recovery operation step.

The recovery mechanism includes a oscillating body that is disposed directly above the container that contains the provided object and is supported so that it can oscillate up and down. The recovery mechanism is configured to be able to switch the oscillating body between a horizontal placement position and a recovery position in which it is swung to a lower position by the power from the actuator. The recovery mechanism may hold the oscillating body in a state switched to the placement position, thereby enabling the provided object to be placed and set on its upper surface, while switching the oscillating body from the placement position to the recovery position causes the provided object set on its upper surface to drop into the container and be recovered in the container.

The recovery mechanism and the provision mechanism may be configured to be operable by a single actuator.

The actuator may be a motor, and the power switching mechanism may be configured to transmit the power of the actuator to the recovery mechanism when the motor is rotated in one direction, and to transmit the power of the actuator to the supply mechanism when the motor is rotated in the other direction.

The event may include at least one of a pre-collection action display step of displaying, on the display unit, an action of the character before collecting the provided item before the collection operation step as an animation, and a post-collection action display step of displaying, on the display unit, an action of the character after collecting the provided item after the collection operation step and before the provision operation step as an animation.

The event may include at least one of a pre-provision behavior display step of displaying, on the display unit, the behavior of the character before the provision of the provision after the collection operation step and before the provision operation step as an animation, and a post-provision behavior display step of displaying, on the display unit, the behavior of the character after the provision operation step and after the provision operation step as an animation.

Because the actual action of placing the object on the set is associated with whether or not a character is displayed during the animation, or with changes in the character's behavior, it is possible to give the character a high level of realism, further improving the entertainment value.

1 is an overall perspective view of a toy to which the present invention is applied; FIG. 1 is an overall rear view of a toy to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 3 is a front perspective view showing the internal configuration of the toy shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view showing the internal configuration of the toy shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . 5A and 5B are front views showing the operating state of the power switching mechanism. 4A and 4B are a perspective view and a front view showing the configuration of a recovery mechanism. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an opening/closing mechanism. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a providing mechanism. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control unit. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a control unit. 1A to 1I are explanatory diagrams illustrating the contents displayed on an LCD. FIG. 11 is an overall front view of a toy according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an overall side view of a toy according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is an overall plan view of a toy according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is an overall bottom view of a toy according to another embodiment of the present invention. (A) and (B) are a front view and a side view of the character. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control unit mounted on the toy of FIGS. 12 to 15 . FIG. 4 is a transition diagram of various events executed by the control unit. 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams showing an example of an animation displayed on an LCD in chronological order. 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams showing an example of an animation displayed on an LCD in chronological order. 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams showing an example of an animation displayed on an LCD in chronological order. 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams showing an example of an animation displayed on an LCD in chronological order. 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams showing an example of an animation displayed on an LCD in chronological order. 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams showing an example of an animation displayed on an LCD in chronological order. 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams showing an example of an animation displayed on an LCD in chronological order. 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams showing an example of an animation displayed on an LCD in chronological order. 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams showing an example of an animation displayed on an LCD in chronological order. 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams showing an example of an animation displayed on an LCD in chronological order. 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams showing an example of an animation displayed on an LCD in chronological order. 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams showing an example of an animation displayed on an LCD in chronological order. 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams showing an example of an animation displayed on an LCD in chronological order. 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams showing an example of an animation displayed on an LCD in chronological order. 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams showing an example of an animation displayed on an LCD in chronological order. Each of (A) to (C) is a drawing showing the display content of a play event. 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams showing an example of an animation displayed on an LCD in chronological order.

Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are an overall perspective view and an overall rear view of a toy to which the present invention is applied. The toy shown in the figures is enjoyed by players as they interact with a character set to live there. The toy comprises a base 1 and a house 2 that protrudes upward from the base 1 and has an external shape resembling a two-story house in which the character lives. The character is assumed to be a fictional or real animal or human character, and in this example is set to be a dwarf boy.

The flat upper surface of the base 1 serves as the garden 3 which surrounds both the left and right sides and the front of the house 2 in a plan view. A platform 6 is installed on one side of the garden 3 (left side) on which an object (object, present) 4 provided by the player is positioned and placed. This object 4 is set as a gift for the player's dwarf, and in the example shown, it is shaped like an acorn. In other words, the gift is set as an "acorn."

The house 2 is formed to protrude upward from the foundation 1. The house 2 has a front cover 9 formed integrally with a circular arc-shaped peripheral wall 7 that bulges forward in a plan view and a roof 8 arranged on the upper side of the peripheral wall 7, and a rear cover 11 that is removably attached to the front cover 9 so as to cover the open rear of the front cover 9.

An opening and closing door 12 is provided on the front side of the lower part of the peripheral wall 7, close to the platform 6. A circular providing hole (providing section) 2a is formed at the lower part of the peripheral wall 7 on the side farther from the platform 6 (right side) through which the offerings 13 (see Figure 4) stored inside the house 2 are discharged to the outside and offered to the player.

The offering 13 is a small item given by the dwarf to the player as a return gift for the gift (in this example, a jewel), and in the example shown, is molded in a shape that resembles a jewel. The offering hole 2a is closed so as to be able to be opened and closed by a closing cover 14 that can swing up and down around its lower end as a fulcrum. This closing cover 14 is elastically biased in the upward swinging direction, which is the closing direction, by a biasing member (not shown).

In order to deal with a shortage of the offerings 13 stored inside the house 2, a circular refill hole (refill section) 2b is formed on the left and right sides of the rear cover 11 on the side farthest from the mounting base 6 (right side) to refill the offerings 13 inside the house 2.

A viewing window 16 is formed in the upper part of the peripheral wall 7 near the front. The viewing window 16 exposes a transparent LCD (display) 18, which is located inside the house 2, to the outside of the house 2. Still images or animations (moving images) of dwarf characters are displayed on the LCD 18. With the above-mentioned configuration, the player can visually check the image displayed on the LCD 18 through the viewing window 16.

A toy configured as described above requires a recovery mechanism 19 (see FIG. 3) that recovers the provided object 4 placed on the placement platform 6, an opening/closing mechanism 21 (see FIG. 3) that opens and closes the door 12, and a providing mechanism 22 (see FIG. 3) that provides the provided object 13 from the providing hole 2a. In addition, the actions of the dwarf associated with the recovery operation by the recovery mechanism 19, the opening/closing operation by the opening/closing mechanism 21, and the providing operation by the providing mechanism 22 are displayed on the LCD 18 as animation (moving image).

Next, the structure of the base 1 will be explained based on Figures 1 to 4.

Figs. 3 and 4 are front and rear perspective views showing the internal structure of the toy shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The entire base 1 is molded into a semicircular thick plate with its thickness oriented vertically. The base 1 has a base 23 and a cover body 24 that covers the periphery and above of the base 23. The top surface of the cover body 24 (base 1), which is the court 3, is formed flat.

A space is formed inside the base 1, and specifically, there is a storage section 1a that stores the collected objects 4, and a battery box section 1b that houses batteries such as dry cells. The battery box section 1b is open at the bottom, and the battery can be replaced through this open section, which is closed and can be opened and closed by a removable opening and closing lid 25. The left and right sides of the storage section 1a that are farther from the mounting base 6 (the right side in the illustrated example) are open towards the outside, and a drawer 26 is inserted into this open section in a sliding engagement state that allows it to be inserted and removed. The drawer 26 is open at the top.

The mounting base 6 has a peripheral wall cover 27 that protrudes upward from the top surface of the base 1 and is formed into a cylindrical shape with both the top and bottom open, and a square oscillating plate (oscillating body) 28 that is positioned midway in the axial direction in the space on the inner circumferential surface side of the peripheral wall cover 27 and is supported by the peripheral wall cover 27 so that it can oscillate up and down.

The space on the inner periphery of the wall cover 27 is connected to the storage section 1a (the space inside the drawer 26 stored in the storage section 1a). The upper part (specifically, the upper half) of the wall cover 27 near the opening and closing door 12 is cut out to form an exposed section 27a.

The rocking plate 28 is configured to be able to switch between a placement position, which is a position along a horizontal direction facing left and right (in the illustrated example, a horizontal position facing left and right), and a recovery position, which is a position facing downward from the support end toward the free end, by rocking up and down.

The above-mentioned recovery mechanism 19 is configured to switch the rocking plate 28 from the placement position to the recovery position (recovery operation) and to hold the rocking plate 28 in each of the placement position and recovery position. The end located on one of the left and right sides (the side farther from the opening and closing door 12 when viewed from the front) of the rocking plate 28 whose placement position has been switched becomes a support end that serves as the rocking fulcrum, and the opposite end becomes a free end. The free end of the rocking plate 28 is formed in an arc shape that follows the inner surface of the peripheral wall cover 27.

When the rocking plate 28 is switched to the placing position, it blocks the middle of the space on the inner circumferential surface side of the peripheral wall cover 27 in the overall length direction, and by being held in this position, it is possible to set the provided object 4 in a positioned and placed state on its upper surface. In other words, the upper surface of the rocking plate 28 forms a setting section (present setting section) 28a where the player can set the provided object 4 while held in the placing position. Incidentally, the provided object 4 set in the setting section 28a of the rocking plate 28 held in the placing position is left open on the left and right sides facing the opening and closing door 12 by the above-mentioned exposed sections 27a.

On the other hand, when the oscillating plate 28 is switched from the placement position to the recovery position by the recovery operation, the provided objects 13 set in the setting section 28a fall into the storage section 1a directly below (specifically, into the drawer 26 that is fitted and inserted into the storage section 1a) and are recovered. When a certain number of provided objects 4 are contained in the drawer 26 stored in the storage section 1a, the player can pull out the drawer 26 from the storage section 1a, take out the provided objects 4, and reuse them.

Next, the structure of house 2 will be explained based on Figures 1 to 4.

The space between the front cover 9 and the back cover 11 of the house 2 is connected to the space inside the base 1. In the space inside the house 2, there are arranged a display device 29, a speaker 31 arranged between the display device 29 and the back cover 11, a part or all of the collection mechanism 19 (a part of it in the illustrated example), a part or all of the opening/closing mechanism 21 (a part of it in the illustrated example), a part or all of the provision mechanism 22 (a whole of it in the illustrated example), an electric motor (actuator) 32, a power switching mechanism 33 that selectively switches and transmits the power of the motor 32 to the collection mechanism 19, the opening/closing mechanism 21, and the provision mechanism 22, and a storage box (storage section) 34 capable of storing a plurality of provision items 13.

The display device 29 is unitized and positioned toward the center of the house 2. The display device 29 has a housing 35 and the above-mentioned LCD 18 that covers the front of the housing 35. The display device 29 is detachably attached and fixed to one or both of the front cover 9 and rear cover 11 (house 2 side). Inside the housing 35, a dwarf's room (not shown) that is a space modeled after a room where a dwarf lives is formed. This dwarf's room can be seen from the outside through the transparent LCD 18 exposed to the outside by the viewing window 16, so that the dwarf displayed on the LCD 18 becomes one with the dwarf's room, providing the player with the sense of realism that they are actually living there.

The speaker 31 is disposed in the space between the rear cover 11 and the display device 29. Sound from the speaker 31 is output to the outside through a number of speaker holes 11a drilled in the rear cover 11.

The storage box 34 is a container that is long in the vertical direction, and is molded into a flat shape that allows its back surface to be in surface contact with the front surface of the rear cover 11. The storage box 34 is removably attached and fixed to one or both of the front cover 9 and the rear cover 11 so that its back surface is aligned with (more specifically, in surface contact with) the rear cover 11.

The lower area of the storage box 34 constitutes an alignment section 36, the cross-sectional area of which gradually decreases in the downward direction. A discharge port 34a that opens outward is formed in the left and right parts of the lower end of the storage box 34 (the lower part of the alignment section 36) that are closer to the outside. A supply port 34b that opens to the rear is formed in the upper back surface of the storage box 34.

The discharge port 34a is formed to be the same size and shape as the supply hole 2a. When viewed from the back, this discharge port 34a is located at a position that coincides with the supply hole 2a in the storage box 34 when it is attached and fixed to the house 2. The supply port 34b is formed to be the same size and shape as the supply hole 2b. When viewed from the side, this supply port 34b is located at a position that coincides with the supply hole 2b in the storage box 34 when it is attached and fixed to the house 2.

The multiple offerings 13 supplied from the supply hole 2b to the inside of the storage box 34 via the supply port 34b move downwards due to their own weight and reach the inside of the alignment section 36. The offerings 13 inside the alignment section 36 move one by one to the discharge port 34a side due to the effect of their own weight and the above-mentioned shape of the alignment section 36, and are finally discharged to the outside from the offering hole 2a via the discharge port 34a.

The offering 13 in the lowest position moving inside the storage box 34 in this way is locked by a locking member 37 so that it is not discharged to the outside through the offering hole 2a. This locking member 37 is located on the side furthest from the outside on the left and right of the alignment section 36 (the left side in the illustrated example).

The locking member 37 is supported inside the house 2 so that it can slide left and right between a locking position where the plate-shaped insertion portion 37a formed at the tip end is inserted into an insertion hole 36a drilled on the locking member 37 side of the alignment section 36 and locks the offering 13, and a release position where the insertion portion 37a is pulled out of the insertion hole 36a or the amount of insertion into the insertion hole 36a is minimized and the restriction on the downward movement of the offering 13 is released. The locking member 37, which can slide left and right in this way, is elastically biased toward the locking position (to the right in the illustrated example) by a biasing member (not shown).

The above-mentioned provision mechanism 22 slides (provision operation) the locking member 37 from the locked position to the released position against the elastic force of the biasing member. On the other hand, when the operating force from the provision mechanism 22 is released, the locking member 37 immediately slides to the locked position due to the elastic force from the biasing member, so that with each provision operation of the provision mechanism 22, one provision 13 is discharged to the outside from the provision hole 2a and provided to the player. Incidentally, the provision 13 that is released from engagement by the locking member 37 and moves downward opens the blocking cover 14 by its own weight and momentum against the biasing force from the biasing member, and is discharged to the outside from the provision hole 2a via the discharge port 34a.

The opening/closing door 12 is supported on the house 2 side so that it can rotate back and forth, with the left and right ends farthest from the mounting base 6 as fulcrums, and is elastically biased in the closing direction (the rearward rotation direction in the illustrated example) by a biasing member (not shown). An actuator 38 is disposed inside the house 2 behind the opening/closing door 12, supported so that it can slide back and forth, and formed into a rod-like shape that is long in the front-to-rear direction. The front end of the actuator 38 abuts against the rear surface of the opening/closing door 12.

The above-mentioned opening/closing mechanism 21 opens the opening/closing door 12 by sliding the actuator 38 to a forward position against the elastic force of the biasing member, while when the actuator force from the opening/closing mechanism 21 is released, the elastic force of the biasing member causes the opening/closing door 12 to close and the actuator 38 to slide to a rearward position. In other words, the action of sliding the actuator 38 back and forth is the opening and closing operation of the opening/closing door 12.

The power switching mechanism 33 operates a number of operating mechanisms, such as the recovery mechanism 19, the opening/closing mechanism 21, and the supply mechanism 22, by means of the single motor 32 described above. Incidentally, the on/off and driving direction of this motor 32 are controlled by a control unit 39 (see FIG. 9) that includes a microcomputer in which storage devices such as RAM and ROM are unitized. This control unit 39 is mounted on the inside of the house 2. The contents displayed on the display device 29 (LCD 18) and the sound output from the speaker 31 are also controlled by this control unit 39.

Next, the configurations of the recovery mechanism 19, the opening/closing mechanism 21, the supply mechanism 22, and the power switching mechanism 33 will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 8.

Figures 5(A) and (B) are front views showing the operating state of the power switching mechanism. The power switching mechanism 33 has a switching gear 42 that is constantly meshed with an output gear 41 that rotates integrally with the output shaft 32a of the motor 32, a first transmission gear (transmission gear) 43, and a second transmission gear (transmission gear) 44.

The rotating shaft 42a of the switching gear 42 is supported in a freely rotating state so as to be slidable on a support part 46 consisting of an arc-shaped groove or hole centered on the output shaft 32a. The support part 46 is integrally formed on the inside of the house 2 (specifically, the front surface of the rear cover 11).

When the motor 32 drives the output gear 41 to rotate in one direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 5, hereafter referred to as the "first direction"), the rotational power causes the rotating shaft 42a of the switching gear 42 to slide to one end of the arc shape of the support portion 46 (the lower end in the same figure) and mesh with the first transmission gear 43, switching to a state (first state) in which power from the motor 32 is transmitted to the first transmission gear 43 (see FIG. 5(A)).

In contrast, when the output gear 41 is driven to rotate in the other direction (clockwise in FIG. 5, hereafter referred to as the "second direction") by the motor 32, the rotational power causes the rotating shaft 42a of the switching gear 42 to slide to the other end of the arc shape of the support portion 46 (the upper end in the same figure) and mesh with the second transmission gear 44, switching to a state (second state) in which power from the motor 32 is transmitted to the second transmission gear 44 (see FIG. 5(B)).

In the first state, the first transmission gear 43 is driven to rotate, and the opening/closing mechanism 21 is operated to open and close. A third transmission gear 47 is provided which is constantly meshed with this first transmission gear 43. Therefore, as the first transmission gear 43 is driven to rotate, the third transmission gear 47 is also driven to rotate. The recovery mechanism 19 is operated to recover by the rotation of this third transmission gear 47. Meanwhile, in the second state, the second transmission gear 44 is driven to rotate, and the provision mechanism 22 is operated to provide.

Figures 6 (A) and (B) are a perspective view and a front view showing the configuration of the recovery mechanism. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the recovery mechanism 19 has a slide member 48 and a cam 49 that is attached to the rotation shaft 47a of the third transmission gear 47 described above and rotates integrally with the third transmission gear 47, and is disposed directly behind the mounting table 6.

The slide member 48 has a supported portion 51 supported on the house 2 side so as to be slidable in the left-right direction and formed in the sliding direction, a contact portion 52 formed to protrude upward from a portion of the supported portion 51 farther from the oscillating plate 28 in the overall length direction, a protruding portion 53 formed to protrude toward the mounting base 6 from the opposite portion, and a support portion 54 which is a convex portion protruding upward from the protruding end of the protruding portion 53 and which supports the supported portion 28b which is integrally formed on the underside of the oscillating plate 28 to hold the oscillating plate 28 in the mounted position.

When viewed from the front, the cam 49 is disposed between the abutment portion 52 and the support portion 54, and a cam surface 56 is formed along the direction of rotation of the cam 49. The slide member 48 is elastically biased by a biasing member (not shown) in the direction in which the abutment portion 52 abuts against the cam surface 56 of the cam 49, and the abutment with the cam 49 is stably maintained.

The cam surface 56 is composed of an action surface 56a that is formed in a shape in which the distance from the rotation shaft 47a (center of rotation) gradually decreases in the direction of rotation of the cam 49 in the first state (clockwise direction in FIG. 6(B)), and a step portion 56b that connects in a stepped manner the start end of the action surface 56a, where the distance from the rotation shaft 47a is minimum, to the end end, where the distance is maximum. Since the action surface 56a is formed over a range that covers almost the entire rotation direction of the cam 49, the step portion 56b is formed in a direction that follows a straight line that connects the rotation shaft 47a and the end end of the action surface 56a when viewed in the axial direction of the rotation shaft 47a.

When the contact portion 52 is in contact with the starting end of the action surface 56a, the support portion 54 is positioned away from directly below the rocking plate 28, and the rocking plate 28 is switched to a state in which it is maintained in the recovery position by its own weight.

When the cam 49 rotates in the first state, the contact position of the cam surface 56 with the contact portion 52 is displaced from the start end of the action surface 56a to the end end of the action surface 56a. In this process, the support portion 54 slides in directly below the supported portion 28b of the rocking plate 28, and the rocking plate 28 is switched from the recovery position to the placement position. Thereafter, the support portion 54 is displaced in the range directly below the supported portion 28b, and the rocking plate 28 is held in the placement position.

When the cam 49 further rotates in the first state, the contact position of the cam surface 56 with the contact portion 52 moves from the end of the action surface 56a to the step portion 56b, and then to the start of the action surface 56a. During this process, the support of the rocking plate 28 by the support portion 54 is released, and the above-mentioned recovery operation is performed.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the opening/closing mechanism. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the opening/closing mechanism 21 has the above-mentioned actuator 38 and a cam 57 that is attached to the rotating shaft 43a of the first transmission gear 43 and rotates integrally with the first transmission gear 43. The peripheral portion of the surface of the cam 57 facing the opening/closing door 12 forms an abutment range 58 with the rear end of the actuator 38. The circular donut-shaped abutment range 58 is made up of an acting portion 58a that protrudes toward the opening/closing door 12, and a non-acting portion 58b that is the other C-shaped portion and is formed flat.

During the rotation of the cam 57 in the first state, the contact position of the contact range 58 with the actuator 38 reaches the beginning of the action portion 58a, and then, in the process of displacing the arc-shaped portion of the action portion 58a from the beginning to the end, the actuator 38 begins to slide forward from the rear position against the elastic force of the biasing member, and the above-mentioned opening operation is performed.

Next, during the rotation of the cam 57 in the first state, as the contact position of the contact range 58 with the actuator 38 returns from the end of the acting portion 58a to the non-acting portion 58b, the actuator 38 returns from the forward position to the rearward position due to the elastic force of the biasing member, and the above-mentioned closing operation is performed. Incidentally, during the rotation of the cam 57 in the first state, while the contact position of the contact range 58 with the actuator 38 is the non-acting portion 58b, the actuator 38 is held in the rearward position.

Here, the operation timing of the collection mechanism 19 and the opening/closing mechanism 21 will be explained. The first transmission gear 43 and the third transmission gear 47 are set to have the same number of teeth, and rotate at the same rotation speed without any phase shift between them. Therefore, the timing of the collection operation and the opening/closing operation can be freely set, and the respective operating states can be grasped by detecting the amount of rotation of either the first transmission gear 43 or the third transmission gear 47. Incidentally, in this example, the operation timing of the collection mechanism 19 and the opening/closing mechanism 21 is set so that the opening/closing door 12 first opens, then the collection operation is performed, and then the opening/closing door 12 closes.

Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the providing mechanism. The providing mechanism 22 has the above-mentioned locking member 37 and an operating member 59 that is attached to the rotating shaft 44a of the second transmission gear 44 and rotates integrally with the second transmission gear 44. The locking member 37 has an abutment portion 37b that protrudes downward from most of the width direction range on its lower surface side. The operating member 59 is disposed directly below the locking member 37. This operating member 59 has a sleeve-shaped mounting portion 59a that is attached to the rotating shaft 44a, and an operating portion 59b that is formed over almost the entire axial direction of the mounting portion 59a and protrudes radially outward from the rotating shaft 44a.

The actuating member 59, which rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the second transmission gear 44 in the second state, has its actuating part 59b abutting against the surface of the abutment part 37b closer to the insertion part 37a, sliding the locking member 37 from the locked position to the released position against the elastic force of the biasing member, thereby performing the provision operation. After the provision operation, if the rotation operation of the second transmission gear 44 in the second state is further continued, the abutment between the actuating part 59b of the actuating member 59 and the abutment part 37b is released, and the elastic force from the biasing member returns the locking member 37 from the released position to the locked position. Incidentally, these operations are performed while the actuating member 59 and the second transmission gear 44 make one rotation.

With this configuration, the operating state of the supply mechanism 22 can also be ascertained by detecting the amount of rotation of the second transmission gear 44 (operating member 59).

Next, the configuration of the control unit 39 will be explained with reference to Figures 9 to 11.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit. A trigger detection unit 61 and two operation state detection units 62, 63 are connected to the input side of the control unit 39. On the other hand, an LCD 18, a speaker 31, and a motor 32 are connected to the output side of the control unit 39. A timer 39a is built into the control unit 39.

The trigger detection unit 61 is configured to detect an event start state (hereinafter simply referred to as "trigger") in which an event (present event) in which the player exchanges the provided object 4 and the provided object 13 with the dwarf is started. For example, if the trigger is set to the placement of the provided object 4 on the placement table 6, then the detection sensor that detects the placement of the provided object 4 in the placement unit 28a becomes the trigger detection unit 61.

In the illustrated example, a single press of the start button 61, which is a momentary push button, is set as the trigger, and this start button 61 constitutes the trigger detection unit 61. Incidentally, in this example, it is assumed that the object 4 is set on the mounting table 6 before the start button 61 is pressed. Note that, in the illustrated example, the start button 61 is located below the viewing window 16 on the front side of the front cover 9, but is not limited to this position, and the start button 61 may be provided on the mounting table 6 side.

In this example, one operation state detection unit 62 is a rotation sensor that detects the amount of rotation of the first transmission gear 43 or the third transmission gear 47, and detects the operation state of the collection mechanism 19 and the opening/closing mechanism 21 using the configuration described above. In this example, the other operation state detection unit 63 is a rotation sensor that detects the amount of rotation of the second transmission gear 44, and detects the operation state of the provision mechanism 22 using the configuration described above.

The control unit 39 controls the amount and direction of rotation of the motor 32. The operating states of the recovery mechanism 19, opening/closing mechanism 21, and providing mechanism 22 can be determined to some extent based on the amount and direction of rotation of the motor 32. Furthermore, if the electric motor 32 is configured as a stepping motor rather than a DC motor, this becomes even easier to determine. For this reason, the operating state detection units 62, 63 can be omitted.

Incidentally, the power supply to the control unit 39 is turned on and off by an alternate power switch 64 that is located toward the center of the rear cover 11 from top to bottom and toward one of the left and right sides and is exposed so that it can be operated externally.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram showing the processing procedure of the control unit, and each of FIGS. 11(A) to (I) is an explanatory diagram explaining the display contents on the LCD. When the power switch 64 is turned on to turn on the power, the control unit 39 starts processing from step S1.

In step S1, a startup event, which is an event that occurs when the device is started, is executed, and then the process proceeds to step S2. In step S2, a standby event, which is an event that occurs when the device is on standby, is executed, and then the process proceeds to step S3.

In step S3, the trigger detection unit (start button) 61 checks whether a trigger (pressing the start button 61) has been detected during execution of the standby event. If the trigger has not been detected, the process returns to step S2 and the standby event is executed again, whereas if a trigger has been detected, the process proceeds to step S4.

In step S4, the present event is executed, and then the process returns to step S2 to execute the standby event again.

In the above startup event, first, the title screen is displayed on the LCD 18 for a predetermined time, and a startup sound is output from the speaker 31. The passage of this predetermined time is measured by the timer 39a. Hereinafter, the measurement of the passage of time is performed by the timer 39a, and a description thereof will be omitted. Next, the LCD 18 is switched to a non-displayed transparent state, and this state is maintained for a predetermined time (0.5 seconds in this example). Next, a still image or video (see FIG. 11(A)) of a dwarf entering the dwarf's room while looking outside (forward) is displayed on the LCD 18 for a predetermined time (1 second in this example), and then a still image or video (see FIG. 11(B)) of a dwarf standing close to the peephole 16 is displayed on the LCD 18 for a predetermined time (0.5 seconds in this example), and the dwarf's laughter is output from the speaker 31. Next, a video (see FIG. 11(C)) of a dwarf waving his hand forward through the peephole 16 is displayed on the LCD 18 for a predetermined time (3 seconds in this example), and this startup event ends.

In the above standby event, a still image or video (see FIG. 1(D)) of a dwarf standing a short distance from the peephole 16 is displayed on the LCD 18 for a predetermined time (1 second in this example). Next, a video (see FIG. 1(E) and FIG. 1(F)) of the dwarf wandering left and right in the dwarf's room is displayed for a predetermined time (4 seconds in this example) and the dwarf's humming is output from the speaker 31. Next, a still image or video (see FIG. 1(D)) of the dwarf standing a short distance from the peephole 16 is displayed on the LCD 18 for a predetermined time (1 second in this example), and the standby event ends.

In the present event, the control unit 39 performs a pre-collection behavior display process (behavior display process, display process) in which the action of the dwarf before receiving (collecting) the acorn, which is the provided object 4, is displayed on the LCD 18 as an animation and the necessary sound is output from the speaker 31 at the necessary timing; an opening operation process in which the opening/closing mechanism 21 is opened; a collection operation process in which the collection mechanism 19 is collected; a closing operation process in which the opening/closing mechanism 21 is closed; and a process in which the action of the dwarf after receiving (collecting) the acorn is displayed on the LCD 18 as an animation and the necessary sound is output from the speaker 31 at the necessary timing. The system executes the following steps in this order: a post-collection action display step (action display step, display step); a pre-provision action display step (action display step, display step) for displaying, as an animation, the action of the dwarf before giving (providing) the gem, which is the offering 13, to the player on the LCD 18 and outputting the necessary sound from the speaker 31 at the necessary timing; a provision activation step for activating the offering mechanism 22; and a post-provision action display step (action display step, display step) for displaying, as an animation, the action of the dwarf after giving (providing) the gem to the player on the LCD 18 and outputting the necessary sound from the speaker 31 at the necessary timing.

In the pre-retrieval behavior display process, first, a still image of the dwarf standing a short distance from the peephole 16 (see FIG. 1(D)) and a still image of the dwarf standing very close to the peephole 16 (see FIG. 1(B)) are displayed on the LCD 18 in that order for a predetermined time (0.5 seconds in this example), respectively, to express the appearance of the dwarf realizing that the player has given him something and approaching. Next, a still image or video (see FIG. 1(G)) of the dwarf leaving the dwarf's room is displayed on the LCD 18 for a predetermined time (0.5 seconds in this example). Next, the LCD 18 is switched to a non-display, transparent state, and this state is maintained for a predetermined time (3 seconds in this example), and the sound of the dwarf going down the stairs is output from the speaker 31, ending this pre-retrieval behavior display process.

In the opening operation process, the motor 32 is driven in the first direction by a predetermined amount of rotation to open the opening/closing mechanism 21, thereby opening the opening/closing door 12 and outputting the sound of the door opening from the speaker 31.

In the recovery operation process, the motor 32 is driven a predetermined amount of rotation in the first direction to perform recovery operation on the recovery mechanism 19, thereby recovering the provided object 4 set in the setting section 28a.

In the closing operation process, the motor 32 is driven in the first direction by a predetermined amount of rotation to close the opening/closing mechanism 21, thereby closing the opening/closing door 12 and outputting the sound of the door closing from the speaker 31.

The control unit 39 completes the opening operation process, the recovery operation process, and the closing operation process in a predetermined time (in this example, 4 to 5 seconds). Incidentally, in this series of processes, the total amount of rotation of the first transmission gear 43 (third transmission gear 47) is set to one rotation.

In the post-retrieval behavior display process, first, the sound of the dwarf climbing the stairs is output from the speaker 31 for a predetermined time (1 second in this example). Next, a still image or video (see (A) in the same figure) of the dwarf entering the dwarf's room while looking outside is displayed on the LCD 18 for a predetermined time (1 second in this example). Next, a series of videos (see (H) in the same figure) of the dwarf showing an acorn and then holding it with joy is displayed on the LCD 18 within a predetermined time (1.5 seconds in this example), and the dwarf's laughter is output from the speaker 31 for a predetermined time (1 second in this example) during this series of movements of the dwarf. Next, a video of the dwarf saying thank you while holding the acorn is displayed on the LCD 18 for a predetermined time (3 seconds in this example), and the post-retrieval behavior display process is terminated.

In the pre-providing behavior display step, first, a still image or video (see FIG. 1B) of a dwarf standing close to the peephole 16 is displayed on the LCD 18 for a predetermined time (1 second in this example). Next, a still image or video (see FIG. 1G) of a dwarf leaving the dwarf's room is displayed on the LCD 18 for a predetermined time (0.5 seconds in this example) while the speaker 31 outputs the dwarf's humming, and then the LCD 18 is switched to a non-display, transparent state, and this state is maintained for a predetermined time (2 seconds in this example). Next, a still image or video (see FIG. 1A) of a dwarf entering the dwarf's room while looking outside is displayed on the LCD 18 for a predetermined time (1 second in this example) while the speaker 31 outputs the dwarf's laughter. Next, a still image or video (see FIG. 1I) of a dwarf showing a gift box containing jewels is displayed on the LCD 18 for a predetermined time (2 seconds in this example), and this pre-providing behavior display step is terminated.

In the provision operation process, a video of an enlarged gift box with effects applied is displayed on the LCD 18 for a predetermined time (five seconds in this example), and while the gift box is being displayed, a sound effect corresponding to the jewel is output from the speaker 31, and the motor 32 is driven a predetermined amount of rotation (one rotation in this example) in the second direction to operate the provision mechanism 22 to provide the item 13, thereby terminating the provision operation process. Incidentally, the sound effect is output from the speaker 31 while the gift box is being displayed on the LCD 18 in an enlarged manner and a predetermined time (0.5 seconds in this example) has elapsed since the start of the enlarged display, and the provision operation is executed while the gift box is being displayed in an enlarged manner and a predetermined time (two seconds in this example) has elapsed since the output of the sound effect.

In the post-provision behavior display process, a video of a dwarf waving forward through the viewing window 16 (see FIG. 1C) is displayed on the LCD 18 for a predetermined time (3 seconds in this example) and the dwarf's laughing voice is output from the speaker 31, creating the appearance of the dwarf greeting. After that, the LCD 18 is maintained in a transparent non-display state for a predetermined time (1 second in this example), and this post-provision behavior display process is terminated.

The toy of this embodiment, configured as described above, appropriately outputs images and sounds corresponding to mechanical operations, enhancing the sense of realism and ensuring high entertainment value.

In addition, because the actual action of placing the present 4 (object) in the placement section 28a is associated with changes in the behavior of the dwarf (character) during the animation (specifically, the presence or absence of an animation of the dwarf receiving a present), it is possible to give the character a high level of realism.

The characters are not limited to dwarfs, and can of course be animal characters or human characters.

Next, with reference to Figures 12 to 35, we will explain another embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the differences from the above embodiment.

Figures 12 to 15 are overall front, side, plan and bottom views of a toy according to another embodiment of the present invention. The toy shown in the figures, like the embodiment described above, comprises a base 1, a house 2 protruding upward from the base 1 and having an external shape resembling a house in which a character lives, and a doll (character body, object) 66 (see Figure 16) resembling the character.

16(A) and (B) are a front view and a side view of the character. As shown in the figures, the character in this embodiment is a dwarf fairy girl, and the doll 66 that imitates this character can swing left and right leg parts 68, 68 back and forth relative to a torso part 67.

As shown in Figures 12 to 15, the house 2 is formed in its entirety to resemble a tree. The part of the house 2 that resembles a single thick trunk of a tree constitutes the cylindrical main body 69. The part of the house 2 that branches out upward from the trunk of the tree (i.e., the main body 69) and has countless leaves growing out of it constitutes the roof 8.

A viewing window 16 is formed on the front of the main body 69, exposing the LCD 18 of the display device 29 arranged inside the main body 69 to the outside. Inside the main body 69, a dwarf's room (set section, character placement section), which is a space (not shown) in which the doll 66 is housed and set, is formed. One of the left and right sides of this room is open to the outside.

This opening is opened and closed by an opening/closing door 12 attached and supported on the side of the main body 69 where the room is open. The opening/closing door 12 is formed in a vertically long rectangular shape and is attached and supported on the main body 69 so that it can swing back and forth around a vertical axis on one side of its width (specifically the rear end side), and this swinging back and forth opens and closes the above-mentioned opening.

The roof 8 has a larger area than the main body 69 in a plan view. Both the left and right sides of the roof 8 protrude outward from the main body 69 in a plan view. The amount of protrusion on one side of the roof 8 (the left direction in FIG. 12, hereafter referred to as the "protruding direction") is greater than the amount of protrusion on the other side. Most of the roof 8 is cut out, and this cut-out space serves as the rooftop 71. A swing 72, on which a doll 66 can sit, is suspended and supported from the underside of the part of the roof 8 that protrudes in the protruding direction.

This rooftop 71 is completely open upward, forward, and in the protruding direction. The floor surface 71a of the rooftop 71, the wall surface 71b on the rear side of the rooftop 71, and the wall surface 71c on the opposite side of the protruding direction are formed flat.

A cylindrical present setting section (setting section) 70 with an open top and a bottom is integrally provided on the rooftop 71 near the two walls 71c and 71b and protrudes upward from the floor 71a. This present setting section 70 has a bottom 70a and a peripheral wall 70b that surrounds the bottom 70a on all four sides.

A bench 73 on which a doll 66 can be seated is installed near the rear wall 71b of the rooftop 71 and closer to the protruding direction than the stand 6. A table 74 is installed directly in front of the bench 73 on the rooftop 71.

The roof 8 is also provided with multiple locking sections 75 that can detachably lock provided objects 4, which resemble apples or jewels, as presents for the dwarves. Specifically, multiple locking sections 75 are provided on the front side of the roof 8, opposite the protruding direction, and on the rear wall surface 71c of the top 71, and each locking section has a provided portion formed thereon. The player removes the provided object 4 from the locking section 75 and sets it in the present setting section 70 by placing it on the top surface of the bottom 70a.

The base 1 is formed in a flange shape on the lower end side of the main body 69. The outer periphery of the base 1 is elliptical when viewed from the bottom. The flat bottom surface of the main body 69 is formed flush with the flat bottom surface of the base 1, and an opening/closing lid 25 and a power switch 64 are installed on the bottom surface of this main body 69. When the opening/closing lid 25 is removed, it becomes possible to access the inside of the battery box section (not shown) installed inside the main body 69, making it possible to replace the battery.

Fig. 17 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit mounted on the toy of Figs. 12 to 15. The input side of the control unit 39 is connected to a character detection unit (detection unit) 76 that detects whether or not a doll 66 is set in the dwarf's room, an opening/closing detection unit (trigger detection unit) 77 that detects whether or not the opening/closing door 12 is open, a present detection unit (trigger detection unit) 78 that detects whether or not an object 4 is set in the present setting unit 70, and a number of operation units (trigger detection units) 79, 81, 82, 83 provided on the main body 69.

On the other hand, the LCD 18 and speaker 31 are connected to the output side of the control unit 39.

This control unit 39 is equipped with a timer 39a that is realized by the CPU clock count, etc.

Incidentally, the LCD 18 is equipped with a backlight, and the ON/OFF of this backlight is also controlled by the control unit 39. Also, when the LCD 18 is displaying any information, still images, or animations, the backlight is kept on.

In this example, the character detection unit 76 is a detection sensor that responds to a magnet built into the doll 66. This character detection unit 76 enables the control unit 39 to recognize whether or not the doll 66 is installed in the dwarf's room.

The open/close detection unit 77 is a potentiometer, a sensor, or a switch that detects whether the door 12 is open or closed. The open/close detection unit 77 enables the control unit 39 to recognize the open or closed state (i.e., open or closed) of the door 12.

The present detection unit 78 is a detection switch installed on the bottom 70a side of the present setting unit 70. When the provided object 4 is set in the space on the inner surface side of the present setting unit 70, the detection switch is switched on and off. This present detection unit 78 enables the control unit 39 to recognize whether or not the provided object 4 has been set in the present setting unit 70.

The first operation unit 79 is a call button located adjacent to the closed door of the main body 69. This call button 79 is a momentary switch that, when pressed, calls a character in the dwarf's room.

The other three operation sections 81, 82, 83 are liquid crystal buttons arranged side by side near the bottom of the LCD 18. These three liquid crystal buttons 81, 82, 83 are also momentary switches, and when any of them is pressed, the corresponding content is displayed on the LCD 18 and the corresponding sound is output from the speaker 31.

FIG. 18 is a transition diagram of various events executed by the control unit. The control unit 39 is configured to be able to execute the following events: a start-up event, a standby event, a present event, a call event, play events prepared for each of the LCD buttons 81, 82, and 83, and a door opening/closing event.

The trigger for the present event is the detection by the present detection unit 78 of a state in which the provided object 4 has been set in the present setting unit 70. The trigger for the call event is the single press of the call button 79. The trigger for the play event is the single press of the LCD buttons 81, 82, 83. The trigger for the door opening/closing event is the detection by the opening/closing detection unit 77 of the opening/closing of the opening/closing door 12 (specifically, switching from a closed state to an open state, switching from an open state to a closed state, or switching from a closed state to an open state to a closed state).

Each event includes a display process for displaying an animation of the corresponding content on the LCD 18.

In addition, in the display process, the animations displayed on the LCD 18 have two patterns for each of the multiple events mentioned above: an at-home version ("character IN" in Figure 18) which assumes that a dwarf is present in the dwarf's room (a state in which a doll 66 is set in the dwarf's room, hereinafter referred to as "at-home state"), and an away version ("character OUT" in Figure 18) which assumes that a dwarf is not present in the dwarf's room (a state in which a doll 66 is not set in the dwarf's room, hereinafter referred to as "away state").

By the way, with this configuration, it becomes possible for the LCD 18 to display the state of the cubicle that can be seen through the peephole 16. Also, with the above-mentioned configuration, the control unit 39 can recognize, by the character detection unit 76, whether the current status is that the person is at home or away.

First, when the power switch 64 is turned from OFF to ON, the control unit 39 executes a startup event.

If the control unit 39 detects the trigger by the open/close detection unit 77, the present detection unit 78, the call button 79, or the LCD buttons 81, 82, 83 while the start-up event is being executed, the control unit 39 will immediately stop the start-up event and start the execution of the event corresponding to the trigger (specifically, a present event, a call event, a play event, or a door open/close event), or will start the execution of the event corresponding to the trigger after the execution of the start-up event has ended.

On the other hand, if no trigger is detected by the open/close detection unit 77, the present detection unit 78, the call button 79, or the LCD buttons 81, 82, and 83 while the start-up event is being executed, the control unit 39 starts executing the standby event after the execution of the start-up event ends.

Once the control unit 39 starts executing a standby event, it repeatedly executes this standby event at a predetermined interval until a predetermined time (standby time) has elapsed.

If the control unit 39 detects a trigger by the open/close detection unit 77, the present detection unit 78, the call button 79, or the LCD buttons 81, 82, 83 while repeatedly executing a standby event, it immediately stops the standby event and starts executing the event corresponding to that trigger.

On the other hand, if the state in which no trigger is detected by the open/close detection unit 77, the present detection unit 78, the call button 79 or the LCD buttons 81, 82, 83 continues while the standby event is being repeatedly executed, and as a result the standby time has elapsed, the control unit 39 switches the LCD 18 to auto-off, in which nothing is displayed on the LCD 18 and the backlight is turned off.

If the power switch 64 is turned from ON to OFF while the device is in the auto-off mode, and then turned ON again, the control unit 39 will start processing from the startup event as described above. Also, if a trigger is detected by the open/close detection unit 77, the present detection unit 78, the call button 79, or the LCD buttons 81, 82, and 83 while the device is in the auto-off mode, the control unit 39 will immediately start executing the event corresponding to that trigger.

The control unit 39 starts the execution of a present event on the condition that the present detection unit 78 detects that the provided item 4 has been placed in the present placement unit 70 while a start-up event or standby event is being executed or while switching to auto-off, and starts the execution of a standby event when the execution of that event ends.

At this time, the timer 39a starts counting the waiting time from the beginning (is reset). Incidentally, when the execution of another event is ended and the execution of a waiting event is started, the count of the waiting time is always reset.

The control unit 39 starts the execution of a call event when it detects that the call button 79 is pressed while a startup event or a standby event is being executed or while switching to auto-off, and starts the execution of a standby event when the execution of that event ends.

When any of the three LCD buttons 81, 82, 83 is pressed while a startup event or standby event is being executed or while switching to auto-off, the control unit 39 starts the execution of a play event corresponding to the pressed LCD button 81, 82, 83, and when that execution ends, starts the execution of a standby event.

The control unit 39 starts the execution of a door opening/closing event on the condition that the opening/closing detection unit 77 detects that the door 12 is open or closed while a start-up event or standby event is being executed or while switching to auto-off, and starts the execution of a standby event when the execution of that event ends.

In the start-up event of the at-home version, first, as shown in FIG. 19, the view of the dwarf's room is not displayed, and an animation of stars falling from above is displayed on the LCD 18, and a corresponding sound (specifically, a "sparkle sparkle" sound) is output from the speaker 31.

Next, in the startup event of the at-home version, as shown in FIG. 20, an animation of the dwarf walking from the edge of the viewing window 16 to the center, then facing forward and waving one hand is displayed on the LCD 18, and a corresponding sound (specifically, the dwarf's laughing "ufufu" as he waves his hand) is output from the speaker 31, and the startup event is now complete.

On the other hand, in the startup event of the away version, as in the at-home version, first, the animation shown in FIG. 19 is displayed on the LCD 18, and a similar sound is output from the speaker 31. Next, in the startup event of the away version, the backlight of the LCD 18 is turned on and a state in which nothing is displayed on it continues for a predetermined time (2.0 seconds in this example), and with this, the startup event ends.

In the at-home version of the waiting event, as shown in Figures 21 to 23, an animation of the dwarf wandering back and forth in the dwarf's room is displayed on the LCD 18, and the dwarf's humming (specifically, "run run"), footsteps (specifically, "knock knock knock, jah"), and sounds expressing that he or she has noticed something (specifically, "Hmm?") are output from the speaker 31, and the waiting event ends.

In the away version standby event, first, as shown in FIG. 24, an animation of a butterfly flying is displayed multiple times (twice in this example) on the LCD 18, and each time the animation is displayed, a sound representing a butterfly flying (specifically, "flapping flapping") is output from the speaker 31. Next, in the away version away event, the backlight is turned on and nothing is displayed on the LCD 18 for a predetermined period of time (five seconds in this example).

After that, in the away-from-home version standby event, as shown in FIG. 25, an animation of a squirrel running up is displayed on the LCD 18, and a corresponding sound (specifically, "kikikikiki") is output from the speaker 31. Finally, in the away-from-home version standby event, the animation shown in FIG. 24 is displayed multiple times (twice in this example) on the LCD 18, and each time the animation is displayed, the corresponding sound described above (specifically, "flapping") is output from the speaker 31, thus ending the standby event.

Incidentally, as mentioned above, the standby event is executed repeatedly under the specified conditions until the standby time has elapsed.

In the at-home version of the gift-giving event, an animation of a little person standing facing forward in the center of the screen notices a gift, then turns to the left or right and walks away, disappearing from the LCD 18 for a moment (see Figure 26), then turns to the side and catches the gift falling from above, then turns to the front and makes several happy movements (twice in this example) (see Figure 27) is displayed on the LCD 18, and sounds corresponding to these scenes are output from the speaker 31, and the event ends with this.

To explain in more detail about the sounds output from speaker 31 in the at-home version of the gift event, first, when the dwarf notices the gift, a "clink" sound effect is output, when the dwarf walks to the left or right, a "tatatata" sound of footsteps is output, when the dwarf catches the gift, a "ping" sound effect is output, and when the dwarf makes an action that indicates joy, a "wow" sound that conveys surprise and joy is output, followed by a "sparkle sparkle" sound effect, and with this, the event ends.

From this animation, it appears that the gift placement section 70 can be part of a chimney, with gifts being placed through a hole in the chimney and falling down from above.

In the "Away" version of the present event, a squirrel in the dwarf's room notices the present while the dwarf is away, carries a basket to where it will land, and after receiving the present (see Figure 28), an animation of the present in the basket being enlarged and sparkling (see Figure 29) is displayed on the LCD 18, and sounds corresponding to these scenes are output from the speaker 31, and the event ends.

To give a more detailed explanation of the sounds output from speaker 31 in the present event when the squirrel is away, when the squirrel notices the present a corresponding sound effect of "clink" is output, when the squirrel is carrying the basket a dragging sound such as "kikikkikiki" is output, when the squirrel receives the present in the basket a sound effect such as "ping-pong" is output, and when the present is enlarged and glowing a sound effect of "kirakiraaan" is output.

In the at-home version call event, after the little person notices the call in the center of the screen (see Figure 30), he turns to the left or right and walks away, disappears from the screen for a moment, and after a predetermined time (four seconds in this example) has passed, he turns to the other left or right and walks away from the side where he disappeared from the screen, and finally, an animation of him facing forward in the center of the screen is displayed on the LCD 18 (see Figure 31), and a corresponding sound is output from the speaker 31, and the event ends.

To explain in more detail about the sounds output from speaker 31 in the at-home version call event, first, before the dwarf appears on the screen, a ringing sound such as "ping pong" is output from speaker 31, and when the dwarf notices, a voice such as "Huh?" indicating that the dwarf has noticed that he has been called is output from speaker 31, and while the dwarf is walking, footsteps such as "tatatata" are output from speaker 31, and when the dwarf comes from the screen and the backlight is turned on, the sound of the dwarf opening the door such as "clack" is output from speaker 31, followed by a sound greeting the visitor such as "yay", and when the dwarf appears on the screen again and stands in front, a happy voice such as "fufufu" is output from speaker 31, and with this, the event ends.

In the away version call event, first the backlight is turned on and nothing is displayed on the screen for a specified period of time (3 seconds in this example), then the little boy visitor peers into the room, then places the flowers he brought with him on the desk in the little boy's room before leaving (see Figure 32), after which the flowers are enlarged and a sparkling animation is displayed (see Figure 33), and a corresponding sound is output from speaker 31, ending the event.

To explain in more detail about the sounds output from speaker 31 in the away version call event, first, before the backlight is turned on and processing is performed so that nothing is displayed on LCD 18, a call sound such as "ping pong" is output from speaker 31, then, just before a visitor is displayed on LCD 18, the sound of a visitor opening the door such as "clack" is output from speaker 31, and then, when the visitor peers inside, the visitor's voice such as "Hmm?" is output from speaker 31, and when the flower is enlarged and sparkling, a sound effect such as "sparkle sparkle" is output from speaker 31.

Each of Figures 34(A) to (C) shows the display contents of a play event.

In the at-home version play event (first play event) that is executed by pressing the first LCD button 81, first, a sound effect such as "Piron" is output from the speaker 31, then a still image or animation of a dwarf telling fortunes is displayed on the LCD 18 (see FIG. 34(A)), and a sound such as "Chara-ran" is output from the speaker 31, followed by an animation of stars falling from above being displayed on the LCD 18 (see FIG. 19), and a corresponding sound (specifically, the sound "Sparkle, sparkle...") is output from the speaker 31, and with this, the event ends.

In the at-home version play event (second play event) that is executed by pressing one of the other LCD buttons 82, first, a sound effect such as "Piron" is output from the speaker 31, then a still image or animation of a dwarf performing is displayed on the LCD 18 (see FIG. 34(B)), and a sound such as "Chara-ran" is output from the speaker 31, followed by an animation of stars falling from above being displayed on the LCD 18 (see FIG. 19), and a corresponding sound (specifically, the sound "Twinkle, twinkle...") is output from the speaker 31, and with this, the event ends.

In the at-home version play event (third play event) that is executed by pressing one of the other LCD buttons 83, first, a sound effect such as "Piron" is output from the speaker 31, then a still image or animation of a dwarf cooking is displayed on the LCD 18 (see Figure 34 (C)), and a sound such as "Charararan" is output from the speaker 31, followed by an animation of stars falling from above being displayed on the LCD 18 (see Figure 19), and a corresponding sound (specifically, the sound "Twinkle, twinkle...") is output from the speaker 31, and with this, the event ends.

In the first play event of the away version, first, a sound effect such as "ping-pong" is output from the speaker 31, then the backlight is turned on and nothing is displayed on the screen for a predetermined time (1 second in this example) and a sound effect such as "clang-clang-clang" is output from the speaker 31, after which an animation of a squirrel running up is displayed on the LCD 18 (see Figure 25) and a corresponding sound (such as "kikikikiki" in this example) is output from the speaker 31, and with this, the event ends.

In the second play event of the away version, first, a sound effect such as "ping-pong" is output from the speaker 31, then the backlight is turned on and nothing is displayed on the screen for a predetermined time (1 second in this example) and a sound effect such as "knock knock knock" is output from the speaker 31, after which an animation of a butterfly flying is displayed on the LCD 18 (see Figure 24) and a sound representing the butterfly flying (specifically, "flapping flapping") is output from the speaker 31, and with this, the event ends.

In the third play event of the away version, first, a sound effect such as "ping-pong" is output from the speaker 31, then the backlight is turned on and nothing is displayed on the screen for a predetermined time (1 second in this example), and then an animation of a spider hanging from a thread descending, then ascending and returning to its original position is displayed on the LCD 18 (see Figure 35), and a corresponding sound ("rustling" in this example) is output from the speaker 31, and with this, the event ends.

In the at-home version of the door opening and closing event, first, only the backlight is turned on and nothing is displayed on the LCD 18 for a predetermined time (1 second in this example), and a sound effect such as "Screw!" is output from the speaker 31. Next, an animation of a dwarf entering the dwarf's room through the opening and closing door 12, facing forward, and waving one hand is displayed on the LCD 18 (see Figure 20), and a corresponding sound is output from the speaker 31, and with this, the event ends.

To give a more detailed explanation of the sounds output from speaker 31 in response to the animations in the door opening and closing events in the at-home version, when the dwarf faces forward, a "fufufu" sound that expresses the dwarf's joy is output, and when the dwarf waves one hand, a sound effect such as "sparkle, sparkle..." is output.

In the away version door opening and closing event, first, only the backlight is turned on and nothing is displayed on the LCD 18 for a specified period of time (1 second in this example), and then a sound effect such as "cry" is output from the speaker 31, and the event ends.

In accordance with the toy of the other embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the actual actions of setting the doll 66 in the dwarf's room and the actual actions of setting the present 4 (object) in the present setting section 70 are associated with the presence or absence of a dwarf (character) in the animation and changes in the dwarf's behavior (specifically, the presence or absence of an animation of the dwarf or squirrel receiving a present), making it possible to give the character a high level of realism.

Although an example has been described in which the character detection unit 76 detects the presence or absence of a doll 66 in the dwarf's room, it may be configured to detect not only the presence or absence but also the type of doll 66. Specifically, multiple types of dolls 66 may be prepared, and each doll 66 may be provided with an IC or RFID tag or a one-dimensional code (barcode) or two-dimensional code (QR code (registered trademark)) corresponding to its type, and the character detection unit 76 may function as a reader that reads these tags or codes. The control unit 39 may change the sound output from the speaker 31 and the content of the animation or still image displayed on the LCD 18 depending on the type of doll 66 detected by the character detection unit 76.

1a Storage section 4 Items to be provided (presents)
12 Opening and closing door 13 Provisions 18 LCD (display unit)
19 Collection mechanism 21 Opening/closing mechanism 22 Supply mechanism 28 Oscillating plate (oscillating body)
28a Set section (gift set section)
32 Motor (actuator)
33 Power switching mechanism 39 Control unit 61 Start button (trigger detection unit)
66 Doll (object, character body)
70 Set (Gift Set)
76 Character detection unit (detection unit)
77 Open/close detector (trigger detector)
78 Present detection unit (trigger detection unit)
79 Call button (trigger detection unit, operation unit)
81 LCD button (trigger detection unit, operation unit)
82 LCD button (trigger detection unit, operation unit)
83 LCD button (trigger detection unit, operation unit)

Claims (11)

1. A toy that displays a character on a display unit,
   The display unit;
   A setting section where an object is set;
   a trigger detection unit that detects an event start state, which is a predetermined state;
   A control unit that controls the display content on the display unit,
   the control unit is configured to execute an event when the event start state is detected by the trigger detection unit;
   the event includes a display step of displaying an animation on the display unit;
   A toy characterized in that, in the display process, an animation of the character acting in relation to the object set in the set section is displayed on the display section, or the appearance or non-appearance of the character in the animation is switched depending on the presence or absence of the object set in the set section.
2. The object is a character body that imitates a fictional or real animal or human character,
   the setting unit is a character placement unit that places the character body;
   The toy according to claim 1 , wherein the display step displays an animation of the character moving.
3. A detection unit detects that the character body is placed in the character placement section,
   The toy described in claim 2, wherein, in the display process, if the detection unit detects that the character body is placed in the character placement area, an animation based on the assumption that the character is in the character placement area is displayed on the display unit, while, if the detection unit does not detect that the character is placed in the character placement area, an animation based on the assumption that the character is not in the character placement area is displayed on the display unit.
4. As the object, a provided object simulating a present for the character is provided separately from the character body;
   As the setting section, a present setting section in which the provided object is set is provided separately from the character arrangement section;
   The trigger detection unit is configured to detect the setting of the provided item in the present setting unit,
   The toy according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the control unit executes the event when the trigger detection unit detects that the provided object has been placed in the present placement unit.
5. The object is a provided object simulating a present for the character,
   A recovery mechanism that recovers the provided object by a recovery operation of an actuator;
   a provision mechanism that provides an offering by a provision actuation by the actuator,
   The control unit is configured to control the operation of the collection mechanism and the provision mechanism,
   The event includes a collection operation step of performing a collection operation of the collection mechanism, and a provision operation step of performing a provision operation of the provision mechanism after the collection operation step,
   The toy according to claim 1 , wherein the display step is an action display step of displaying, on the display unit, an action of the character associated with at least one of collecting the provided object or providing the provided object as an animation.
6. An opening and closing door disposed on the setting unit side;
   an opening/closing mechanism for opening and closing the opening/closing door,
   The toy of claim 5, wherein the event includes an opening operation process in which the opening/closing door is opened by the opening/closing mechanism before the recovery operation process, and a closing operation process in which the opening/closing door is closed by the opening/closing mechanism after the recovery operation process.
7. The recovery mechanism includes a rocking body that is disposed directly above a storage unit that stores the provided object and is supported so as to be rockable up and down,
   the recovery mechanism is configured to be able to switch the swinging body between a placement posture along a horizontal direction and a recovery posture in which the swinging body is swung to a lower position by power from the actuator,
   The toy described in claim 5, wherein the recovery mechanism holds the rocking body in the placement position so that the object can be placed and set on its upper surface, while switching the rocking body from the placement position to the recovery position causes the object set on its upper surface to drop into the storage section and be recovered in the storage section.
8. The toy according to claim 5 , wherein the retrieval mechanism and the provision mechanism are configured to be operable by a single actuator.
9. a power switching mechanism for selectively switching a target to which the power of the actuator is transmitted depending on a drive direction of the target;
   the actuator is a motor;
   The toy according to claim 8 , wherein the power switching mechanism is configured to transmit power when the motor is rotationally driven in one direction to the recovery mechanism, and to transmit power when the motor is rotationally driven in the other direction to the provision mechanism.
10. The toy described in claim 5, wherein the event includes at least one of a pre-collection action display step of displaying on the display unit, as an action display step, the action of the character before the collection of the provided object before the collection operation step using animation, and a post-collection action display step of displaying on the display unit, as an animation, the action of the character after the collection operation step and before the provision operation step.
11. The toy described in claim 5, wherein the event includes at least one of a pre-provision behavior display step of displaying on the display unit, as an behavior display step, the behavior of the character before providing the offering after the collection operation step and before the provision operation step using animation, and a post-provision behavior display step of displaying on the display unit, as an animation, the behavior of the character after providing the offering after the provision operation step.

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