Body toy, control body toy and cooperating toy

Abstract

The present application provides a combination toy, a control main body component and a matching component, which eliminates the trouble of intentionally performing switch operation for outputting a performance to make the atmosphere of a transformation combination operation exciting. The combination toy has a control main body component which can be transformed from a pre-transformation shape to a combination shape and a plurality of matching components which can be combined with the control main body component in the combination shape. The control main body component is provided with a performance output unit, a combination transformation detection unit for detecting the transformation of the shape relative to the pre-transformation shape, a displacement member capable of displacement relative to the pre-combination state, a displacement detection unit for detecting the displacement of the displacement member, and a control unit for performing standby control of the performance output unit to start outputting a prescribed combination standby performance in response to the detection of the combination transformation detection unit and displacement control of the performance output unit to output a prescribed displacement performance in response to the detection of the displacement detection unit.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application filed on November 19, 2021, with application number 202111399945.1 and invention title "Combination Toy, Control Main Toy Body and Cooperative Toy Body". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to combination toys, etc., which combine multiple toys from their original forms to their combined forms for play. Background Technology

[0003] Combination toys are popular among boys. Combination toys are toys that allow multiple toys that can be played with individually to transform from their original forms to a combined form, so that they can be played with as a large toy.

[0004] Among combination toys, those mimicking the combining robots that appear as the vehicles used by heroes in tokusatsu (special effects) superhero shows are particularly popular. In typical combination scenes of tokusatsu superhero shows, multiple small machines (such as vehicles or animal-shaped robots) that the heroes ride transform and combine to a heroic background music, eventually becoming a giant robot. The heroes then pilot this giant robot to fight and defeat enemy monsters and robots. Children use combination toys that simulate this giant robot, feeling like they are the heroes in the show, transforming and combining the toys in a "role-playing" game.

[0005] Among existing combination toys, one type is known that has a built-in sound source for playing sound effects (such as background music, sound effects of mechanical parts coming into contact and combining, voices of heroes, etc.), which can be played by the user operating a designated button (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Playing sound effects while transforming the combination toy naturally increases anticipation and excitement, and enhances the "atmosphere of character immersion," resulting in a strong sense of immersion and making it popular with many children.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-108288 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0010] In existing technology, users must manually operate a switch to play background music (BGM) before transforming and combining, making the transformation and BGM playback separate operations. Therefore, the following situation may occur: a user, engrossed in playing with the toy before transformation and "immersed" in the character's atmosphere, decides to transform and begin, but accidentally forgets to operate the switch, preventing the BGM from playing. This interrupts the immersive experience. Consequently, sometimes users, wanting to enjoy the transformation and combining process while listening to BGM, deliberately return to the previous state, operate the switch again, and begin the transformation and combining process. The existing technology suffers from the problems described above. Furthermore, while playing BGM is explained as part of the transformation and combining performance, the same problem exists even when methods such as LED flashing and vibrator vibration are used instead of sound.

[0011] Solution for solving the problem

[0012] The present invention provides a combination toy comprising multiple toy bodies capable of transformation, wherein the toy bodies, which transform from their original forms to a combination form, can combine with each other. The multiple toy bodies consist of a single control body and other cooperating toy bodies. The control body includes: a performance output unit; a combination deformation detection unit for detecting deformation relative to the original form; a displacement member capable of displacement relative to the original state; a displacement detection unit for detecting displacement of the displacement member; and a control unit that performs standby control and displacement control. The standby control is a control that, in response to the combination deformation detection unit detecting deformation relative to the original form, causes the performance output unit to start outputting a predetermined combination standby performance. The displacement control is a control that, in response to the displacement detection unit detecting displacement of the displacement member, causes the performance output unit to output a predetermined displacement performance. Furthermore, the combination toy according to the present invention comprises multiple toy bodies capable of transformation, wherein the toy bodies, which transform from their pre-transformation forms to their combination forms, can combine with each other. The multiple toy bodies consist of a single control main toy body and other cooperating toy bodies. The control main toy body comprises: a performance output unit; a combination transformation detection unit for detecting form deformation relative to the pre-transformation form; a combination detection unit for detecting that the cooperating toy bodies have combined; and a control unit that performs standby control and combination control. The standby control is a control that, in response to the combination transformation detection unit detecting form deformation relative to the pre-transformation form, causes the performance output unit to start outputting a predetermined combination standby performance. The combination control is a control that, in response to the combination detection unit detecting that the cooperating toy bodies have combined, causes the performance output unit to output a predetermined combination performance.

[0013] Alternatively, the control body toy can be configured such that it has a combination detection unit, which is used to detect that the matching toy body has combined, and the control unit performs combination control, which is a control that causes the performance output unit to output a predetermined combination output in response to the combination detection unit detecting that the matching toy body has combined.

[0014] Alternatively, the combination control can be configured such that the combination detection unit stops the output of the combination standby performance after detecting that the matching toy body has combined, and then outputs the combination performance.

[0015] Alternatively, it can be configured such that, as the cooperating toy body, there are multiple types that can be combined with the control main toy body, the control main toy body also has a type detection unit, the type detection unit is used to detect the specific type of the cooperating toy body that has been combined, the performance output unit includes at least a speaker, and the combination control is to make the speaker play a sound as the control of the combination performance, wherein the sound contains the name of the cooperating toy body corresponding to the type detected by the type detection unit.

[0016] Alternatively, it can be configured such that after the control unit performs the combination control, if the combination is detected by the combination detection unit as being released, the control unit performs a combination release control that causes the performance output unit to output a specified combination release performance.

[0017] Alternatively, the species detection unit can also be configured to function as the combination detection unit, and the control unit can perform combination control in response to the species detection unit's detection of the specific species of the combined playthings.

[0018] Alternatively, it can be configured such that, as the cooperating toy body, there are multiple types that can be combined with the control main toy body, and the control main toy body also has a type detection unit, which is used to detect the specific type of the cooperating toy body that has been combined, and the displacement control is to cause the performance output unit to output a displacement performance that is different according to the type detected by the type detection unit.

[0019] Alternatively, the mating toy body may be configured such that, when mated with the control main toy body, it has a protrusion at a position facing the type detection unit. The number and arrangement of the protrusions vary depending on the specific type of the mating toy. The type detection unit detects the specific type of the mating toy based on the number and arrangement of the protrusions.

[0020] Alternatively, the displacement member can be displaced from the pre-combination state to the combined state by displacement. The displacement detection unit is a combined completion detection unit used to detect that the displacement member is in the combined completion state. The control unit executes combined completion control as displacement control. The combined completion control is a control that causes the performance output unit to output a specified combined completion performance in response to the combined completion detection unit detecting that the displacement member is in the combined completion state.

[0021] Alternatively, the control upon completion of the combination can be configured such that the control outputs the control for completing the combination performance when the combination detection unit detects that the mating toy body has been combined and the combination completion detection unit detects that the displacement member is in the state of completion of the combination.

[0022] Another aspect of the present invention is a control main toy body that becomes a combination toy by combining one or more mating toy bodies with the control main toy body, which transforms from a pre-transformation form to a combination form. The control main toy body includes: a performance output unit; a combination transformation detection unit for detecting that the toy body has transformed into the combination form; a displacement member capable of displacement relative to the pre-combination state; a combination completion detection unit for detecting that the displacement member has been displaced; and a control unit that performs standby control and displacement control. The standby control is a control that, in response to the combination transformation detection unit detecting that the toy body has transformed into the combination form, causes the performance output unit to start outputting a predetermined combination standby performance. The displacement control is a control that, in response to the displacement detection unit detecting that the displacement member has been displaced, causes the performance output unit to output a predetermined displacement performance. Furthermore, the control body toy body according to the present invention becomes a combination toy by combining one or more mating toy bodies with the control body toy body which transforms from a pre-transformation form to a combination form. The control body toy body includes: a performance output unit; a combination deformation detection unit for detecting shape deformation relative to the pre-transformation form; a combination detection unit for detecting that the mating toy bodies have combined; and a control unit that performs standby control and combination control. The standby control is a control that starts the performance output unit to output a predetermined combination standby performance in response to the combination deformation detection unit detecting that shape deformation has occurred relative to the pre-transformation form. The combination control is a control that starts the performance output unit to output a predetermined combination performance in response to the combination detection unit detecting that the mating toy bodies have combined.

[0023] Alternatively, the displacement member can be displaced from the pre-combination state to the combined state by displacement. The displacement detection unit is a combined completion detection unit used to detect that the displacement member is in the combined completion state. The control unit executes combined completion control as displacement control. The combined completion control is a control that causes the performance output unit to output a specified combined completion performance in response to the combined completion detection unit detecting that the displacement member is in the combined completion state.

[0024] Another aspect of the invention is a toy body that can combine with a control body toy body of a first other manner that can transform from the pre-deformation form to the combined form.

[0025] The effects of the invention

[0026] According to the present invention, a combination toy is available that can output a performance that heightens the atmosphere of the transformation and combination operation in conjunction with the transformation operation for combination. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a combination toy.

[0028] Figure 2 This is an illustration of an example of the transforming and combining capabilities of a combination toy.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating a specific structural example of the control unit.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure for state determination baseline data.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure for class determination benchmark data.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of a performance package.

[0033] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the transformation of the main toy body from its pre-transformation form to its combined form, as well as the changes in the state of the combined deformation detection unit and the type detection unit that accompany this transformation.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a specific structural example of a plaything.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a diagram (1) used to illustrate the combination of the main control toy body and the specific toy body.

[0036] Figure 10 This is a diagram (Figure 2) used to illustrate the combination of the main control toy body and the specific toy body.

[0037] Figure 11 This is a diagram (3) used to illustrate the combination of the main control toy body and the specific toy body.

[0038] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating the process flow of the control unit related to the deformable assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates a structural example of a combination toy 2, which is an embodiment of the present invention. The combination toy 2 is a toy for users to enjoy, allowing multiple toys to transform and combine. The completed form of the combination toy 2 can be considered an assembly of multiple toys; therefore, the combination toy 2 can also be called a toy set. The combination toy 2 has one or more control main toy bodies 10 whose forms can transform, and multiple types of matching toy bodies 20 (20a, 20b, ...) whose forms can transform. The combination toy 2 can be sold as a set or separately, allowing users to choose which to purchase.

[0040] Furthermore, the number of control body toy 10 and matching toy 20 constituting a combination toy 2 can be appropriately varied. For example, a combination toy can be composed of a total of six toy bodies, such as two types of control body toy 10 and four types of matching toy bodies 20. When there are multiple control body toy bodies 10, it is preferable to make the design of each type different. Of course, the design of the control body toy body 10 and matching toy body 20 is not limited to the example shown in the figure, and can be appropriately set.

[0041] Figure 2 This is an illustration of an example of the transforming and combining of the combining toy 2.

[0042] The main control toy body 10 and the assisting toy body 20 are designed as separate units in their pre-transformation forms. For example, Figure 2 The main control toy body 10 is designed with a land-walking bird theme and is a small land combat robot weapon with a movable large cannon 15 mounted on its back. Figure 2 The accompanying toy body 20 (20a) is an aviation robot weapon designed with a flying bird theme, equipped with large wings 25 and a sword 26 for attack on its back.

[0043] The user performs transformation operations on the main control toy body 10 and the auxiliary toy body 20 respectively, transforming them into combined forms (10h, 20h). Then, they are combined into one, and after combination, a combined completion operation is performed, resulting in a combined completed form in the posture of a giant humanoid robot 30.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown at the bottom, the robot head 33 of the giant humanoid robot 30 is exposed through the combination operation. The large cannon 15 becomes a weapon leaning against the waist of the giant humanoid robot 30, and the wings 25 are connected to form a large shield. The sword 26 can be installed and removed relative to the shield. Users can use the giant humanoid robot 30 to play Western-style knight-themed puppet games.

[0045] Furthermore, the design of the combined form is not limited to a humanoid shape and can be appropriately set. For example, it can be a large four-legged land animal, a giant warship, a giant tank, fantasy creatures such as dragons and demons, or monsters. In addition, the number of toys required for combination is not limited to two toy bodies, such as one control main toy body 10 and one matching toy body 20. It can also be a structure in which two or more matching toy bodies 20 combine into one control main toy body 10. For example, it can also be the following structure: the control main toy body 10 transforms into the torso of a giant robot, and the four matching toy bodies 20 transform into the left and right arms and legs, thereby combining.

[0046] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing a structural example of the control body toy 10, which corresponds to a side view of the control body toy 10 in its pre-transformation form.

[0047] The control body toy 10 is composed of multiple parts interconnected by movable structures such as joints and sliding mechanisms. Specifically, the control body toy 10 has a first base 11, a second base 12, a head 13, legs 14, a large cannon 15, and an equipment stand 17. The legs 14 and the equipment stand 17 each have multi-joint structures formed by multiple small parts movably connected together. The head 13, legs 14, large cannon 15, and equipment stand 17 are displacement parts 6 capable of moving from the pre-transformation form to the combined form. A control unit 50 is mounted inside the first base 11. Although not shown, the control body toy 10 appropriately includes other elements such as a power switch for the control unit 50. In addition, in Figure 3 In the middle, the head 13 forms a hollow space with an opening on the lower side, and the right half 33R of the head 33 of the giant humanoid robot 30 is placed inside the space.

[0048] The control unit 50 is implemented as a so-called control board. That is, the control unit 50 is implemented by a printed circuit board and various electronic circuits and electrical components mounted on the printed circuit board. Specifically, the control unit 50 includes a CPU 51, RAM 52, ROM 53, a reader 54 for the IC memory card 4, a battery 55, a performance output unit 56, a combination deformation detection unit 60, a type detection unit 70, a combination detection unit 80, and a combination completion detection unit (displacement detection unit) 82. In this embodiment, a reader 54 for the IC memory card 4 is provided, but this is not necessary. If the data stored in the IC memory card 4 is pre-stored in the ROM 53, the reader 54 can be omitted.

[0049] The performance output unit 56 outputs the performance accompanying the transformation and combination. Specifically, in this embodiment, sound effects are played as the performance, so the performance output unit 56 is implemented through a speaker.

[0050] In addition, other electronic / electrical components can be appropriately incorporated. For example, it could be a structure that incorporates interface ICs, decoder ICs, and sound / audio ICs that manage signal input / output between the CPU 51 and other circuit elements. Furthermore, some of these can also be implemented using a SoC (System on a Chip).

[0051] The combination deformation detection unit 60 is used to detect the transformation operation from the pre-transformation form to the combination form and outputs a detection signal to the CPU 51. Specifically, the combination deformation detection unit 60 is implemented by a small push switch, which is configured to be pressed from the outside into a recess provided on the upper surface of the first base 11. In the control main toy body 10 in the pre-transformation form, the combination deformation detection unit 60 is in a state where it is pressed by the protrusion 19 provided on the lower surface of the equipment bracket 17 (ON state).

[0052] The type detection unit 70 is a unit used to detect the type of the mating toy body 20 that has been combined with the control main toy body 10. Specifically, the type detection unit 70 is implemented by three small push switches (first detection switch 71, second detection switch 72, and third detection switch 73), which are configured to be operable from the upper surface of the first base 11. In the control main toy body 10 in its pre-transformation form, the type detection unit 70 is in an inactive state (OFF state). Furthermore, the number of push switches constituting the type detection unit 70 can be appropriately increased or decreased according to the number of types of mating toy bodies 20, so that all types can be identified. For example, if there are only three types of mating toy bodies 20, all types can be identified using only the first detection switch 71 and the second detection switch 72.

[0053] In this embodiment, the combination deformation detection unit 60 and the type detection unit 70 together function as a combination detection unit 80, which detects whether the control main toy body 10 in its combination form and the mating toy body 20 in its combination form have been combined. Furthermore, the combination detection can be performed simultaneously with the type detection unit 70 detecting the type of the mating toy body 20 that has been combined; in this case, only the type detection unit 70 functions as the combination detection unit 80. In other words, the type detection unit 70 also serves as the combination detection unit 80.

[0054] The displacement detection unit (combination completion detection unit) 82 is used to detect that the head 13 has been displaced (has entered the combination completion state) and outputs a detection signal to the CPU 51. Specifically, the displacement detection unit (combination completion detection unit) 82 is implemented by a small push switch, which is set to a position that is pressed by the swing of the head 13 (if it is set to swing the head 13 at the end of the combination operation, then the combination completion operation is performed) (described in detail later).

[0055] CPU 51 performs the following control: reads and executes the control program stored in ROM 53, and outputs performances related to transformation and combination.

[0056] Specifically, the CPU 51 determines the current state of the control main toy body 10 and the type of the combined toy body 20 based on detection signals from the combination deformation detection unit 60, the type detection unit 70, the combination detection unit 80, and the displacement detection unit (combination completion detection unit) 82, as well as the state determination reference data 100 and the type determination reference data 102 stored in the ROM 53 or IC memory card 4. Then, the CPU 51 reads the performance data corresponding to the determined current state and the type of the combined toy body 20 from the performance package 110 stored in the ROM 53 or IC memory card 4, and performs performance output control. In this embodiment, the performance is set as sound, so the following control is performed: the sound data of the effect sound is reproduced, and the sound data of the effect sound is output by the performance output unit 56, which is a speaker.

[0057] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the state determination reference data 100. Furthermore, the following explanation assumes that in this embodiment, the displacement of the displacement member should be performed at the end of the assembly completion operation.

[0058] Therefore, the state determination reference data 100 is defined data used to determine which of the following four states is met. These four states are: before deformation (before deformation for assembly; state before deformation), standby (deformation state for assembly before assembly; state for assembly), assembly detected (an intermediate state where assembly has occurred but not yet reached the displacement of the displacement member (in this embodiment, assembly completion)), and assembly completed (displacement of the displacement member is completed). These four states are determined by the on / off state of the assembly deformation detection unit 60 (in... Figure 4 The terms are defined as the combination of the on / off states of the three switches of the type detection unit 70 (on = 1, off = 0) and the on / off states of the displacement detection unit (combination completion detection unit) 82.

[0059] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the category determination benchmark data 102.

[0060] Type determination benchmark data 102 is definition data used to determine and control the type of the mating toy body 20 that has been combined with the main toy body 10. It is determined by the on / off state of the three switches (first detection switch 71, second detection switch 72, and third detection switch 73) of the type detection unit 70. Figure 5 It is defined as a combination of "on = 1" and "off = 0". Furthermore, Figure 5 The data structure example of the category determination criterion data 102 shown is merely one example. For instance, if there are three types of toy bodies 20, it can also be defined by the combination of the on / off state of the first detection switch 71 and the second detection switch 72. Specifically, it is sufficient to determine that when only the first detection switch 71 is on, it is determined to be... Figure 5 The Eagle (the first type of toy unit) was combined. When only the second detection switch 72 was turned on, it was determined that the Drill (the second type of toy unit) was combined. When both the first switch 71 and the second switch 72 were turned on, it was determined that the Armory (the third type of toy unit) was combined.

[0061] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of performance package 110.

[0062] One or more performance packages 110 are pre-stored in the initial state, but users can add or delete them by purchasing / downloading them from a designated website via the Internet. A performance package 110 includes an inherent package ID 112, application conditions 114, combined standby performance data 116, a dataset 120 classified by combined mode, and combined decompression performance data 130, wherein the application conditions 114 define the conditions for applying the package to control.

[0063] Application condition 114 is described, for example, by one or a combination of one or more of the following: a value representing a standard setting, a specific date, a specific time period, the time required from the start of the combination until each state is detected.

[0064] The combination standby performance data 116 is data used to implement the combination standby performance. Specifically, the combination standby performance data 116 is the sound data of the first type of sound effect, which starts playing upon detection of a transformation operation for combination, and plays during the period before the combination is detected. In the case of a combination scene in a tokusatsu hero program, it is the heroic background music that plays at the beginning of the scene. The combination standby performance data 116 can appropriately include narration such as a voiceover announcing that the combination sequence has been entered. The types of combination standby sounds can be set separately by package, either common to all packages or multiple combination standby sounds can be prepared depending on the settings of application condition 114.

[0065] The dataset 120, categorized by combination mode, is prepared according to the combination of the control toy body 10 and the cooperating toy body 20, i.e., the combination mode. A dataset 120 categorized by combination mode includes an inherent mode ID 121, application conditions 123, combination performance data 125, and combination completion performance data 127. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the displacement of the displacement member is set as the combination completion operation that should be performed at the end of the combination operation; therefore, data 127 is called combination completion performance data. However, if the displacement of the displacement member is not a combination completion operation, then data 127 should be called displacement performance data.

[0066] Application condition 123 illustrates the combination mode. Specifically, it is described by the combination of the type of the main toy body 10 and the type of the mating toy body 20. Furthermore, in cases where the types of the main toy body 10 and the mating toy body 20 are the same, but the relative positional relationship for combination is different, resulting in multiple modes (e.g., there is a mode where the main toy body 10 is on top and the mating toy body 20 is below, or a mode where the mating toy body 20 is on top and the main toy body 10 is below), application condition 123 includes, in addition to the condition of the combination of the types of the main toy body 10 and the mating toy body 20, appropriately including conditions related to the relative positional relationship for definition.

[0067] The combination performance data 125 is data used to realize the performance when combination is detected, and in this embodiment, it is the sound data of the combination sound. The combination sound is the effect sound reproduced / played when combination is detected. Specifically, the combination sound includes one or more of the following sounds: effect sound effects produced when the mechanical parts come into contact or combine (e.g., action sound / friction sound / impact sound, etc., click, whoosh, snap, etc.), the sound of reading the name of the control main toy body 10 and the sound of matching the name of the toy body 20, and the background music reproduced instead of the combination standby sound. Moreover, the content of the combination sound varies according to the type of dataset, that is, according to the combination mode.

[0068] The combination completion performance data 127 is data used to realize the performance when the combination is completed. In this embodiment, it is sound data for the combination completion sound. The combination completion sound is an effect sound that is reproduced / played when the combination is detected. Specifically, the combination completion sound includes one or more of the following sounds: effect sound effects produced when the machines come into contact or combine with each other, the sound of reading the name of the giant humanoid robot 30 in the combined form, effect sound effects that indicate the completion of the combination (e.g., swish, whoosh, etc.), background music such as a blowing sound that indicates the completion of the combination. Moreover, the content of the combination completion sound varies depending on the type of dataset, that is, according to the combination mode. In addition, in this embodiment, the displacement of the displacement member is set as the combination completion operation that should be performed at the end of the combination operation. Therefore, data 127 is set as data for realizing the performance when the combination is completed. However, if the displacement of the displacement member is not a combination completion operation, then data 127 is data for the performance when that displacement is realized. Specifically, the performance during transformation is considered to be effect sound effects such as the sound effects produced when the machines rub against each other.

[0069] The combination-to-dissolution performance data 130 is data used to realize the performance of combination-to-dissolution; in this embodiment, it is the sound data of the combination-to-dissolution sound. The combination-to-dissolution sound is the effect sound reproduced / played when changing from a state of combination completion to another state. Specifically, it includes one or more of the following: effect sound effects produced when machines come into contact or combine, sounds describing the dissolution, etc. The content of the combination-to-dissolution sound can be common within the package or can differ according to the type of dataset, that is, according to the combination mode.

[0070] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the transformation of the main toy body 10 from its pre-transformation form to its combined form, and the changes in the state of the combined deformation detection unit 60 and the type detection unit 70 that occur during this transformation. Figure 7 The extracted portion is equivalent to an enlarged view around the deformation detection unit 60 and the type detection unit 70 for combined assembly.

[0071] like Figure 7As shown in (1), in the control body toy body 10 in its pre-transformation form, the switch of the combination deformation detection unit 60 is configured such that the actuating part of the switch protrudes into a recess provided on the opposing surface of the first base 11 facing the equipment bracket 17. The equipment bracket 17 has a protrusion 19 on the opposing surface facing the first base 11. In the pre-transformation form, this protrusion 19 presses the switch of the combination deformation detection unit 60, thereby turning on the switch of the combination deformation detection unit 60. However, since the equipment bracket 17 does not have a protrusion corresponding to the three switches (first detection switch 71, second detection switch 72, and third detection switch 73) of the type detection unit 70, these three switches are off.

[0072] In order to transform the main control toy body 10 from its pre-transformation form to its combined form, the user performs the transformation operation. Specifically, as follows: Figure 7 As shown in (2), the equipment support 17, which was originally folded on the first base 11, extends rearward. Then, as... Figure 7 As shown in (3), the user removes the large cannon 15 from the equipment bracket 17 and installs it on the lower surface of the second base 12. Additionally, the head 13 is reversed vertically and then slid towards the upper surface. The legs 14 are slid forward and reversed vertically. Next, as... Figure 7 As shown in (4), the user makes a leg 14 ( Figure 7 The front side of the leg changes from a folded state to an extended state, allowing the other leg 14 ( Figure 7 The inside of the folded side changes from a folded state to a further folded state, thus swinging to the back side. Figure 7 (The inside). Through the above, it becomes a combined form.

[0073] The control body toy 10 (10h) in the combined form becomes the right half of the giant humanoid robot 30. That is, the first base 11 becomes the right chest of the giant humanoid robot 30, the second base 12 becomes the right waist, the head 13 becomes the right head cover, one of the legs 14 becomes the right arm, the other of the legs 14 becomes the back equipment, the large cannon 15 moves to the waist position, and the equipment stand 17 becomes the right leg. The head 13, legs 14, large cannon 15, and equipment stand 17 of the control body toy 10 can be considered as displacement parts 6 that can be displaced from the pre-transformation form to the combined form for the control body toy 10.

[0074] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a structural example of the mating toy body 20 (20a), which is equivalent to a side view of the mating toy body 20 (20a) in its pre-deformation state.

[0075] The combination toy body 20 (20a) is composed of multiple parts interconnected by movable structures such as joints and sliding structures. Specifically, the combination toy body 20 has a first base 21, a second base 22, a head 23, legs 24, inherent equipment of this type (wings 25 and sword 26), and equipment support 27. The head 23, legs 24, wings 25, sword 26, and equipment support 27 are displacement parts 6 that can be displaced from the pre-transformation form to the combined form for the combination toy body 20. Furthermore, while the control body 10 has a control unit 50 mounted inside the first base 11, the combination toy body 20 does not have one, which helps reduce the overall cost of the combined toy 2. In addition, in Figure 8 In the middle, the head 23 forms a hollow space with an opening on the lower side, and the left half 33L of the head 33 of the giant humanoid robot 30 is placed inside the space.

[0076] The legs 24 and the equipment support 27 each have a multi-jointed structure formed by multiple parts being movably connected. The wings 25 are detachable from the equipment support 27, and the sword 26 is detachable from the first base 11.

[0077] The toy body 20 transforms into the left half of a giant humanoid robot 30. The transformation of the toy body 20 is essentially the same as that of the main control toy body 10. That is, the user removes the inherent equipment of the toy body 20 (in... Figure 8 In the example, wings 25 and sword 26 are extended, equipment support 27 is extended, legs 14 are reversed, one leg is extended and the other leg is folded and swung. Then, the user slides head 23 and reverses it, installing the removed inherent equipment in the specified position to transform it into a combination form.

[0078] Figures 9-11 This is a diagram illustrating the combination of the main control toy body 10 and the mating toy body 20 (20a), according to Figures 9-11 The state transitions are performed in sequence. Furthermore, the extraction portion in the figure corresponds to an enlarged view of the area surrounding the deformation detection unit 60 and the type detection unit 70 for combined assembly.

[0079] like Figure 9 As shown, the control main toy body 10 (10h), which has transformed into a combined form, forms the right half of the giant humanoid robot 30, and the cooperation toy body 20 (20h), which has transformed into a combined form, forms the left half of the giant humanoid robot 30. When focusing on the combined transformation detection unit 60 and the type detection unit 70 at this time, the switch of the combined transformation detection unit 60 and the three switches (first detection switch 71, second detection switch 72, and third detection switch 73) of the type detection unit 70 are all off.

[0080] The user tightly connects the left side of the control main toy body 10 (10h), which has transformed into a combined form, with the right side of the mating toy body 20 (20h), which has also transformed into a combined form, facing each other. For example... Figure 10 As shown, through this connection operation, the two toy bodies are joined together as one through the connecting structure 90.

[0081] Specifically, as the connecting structure 90, at the opposing positions on the left side of the control main toy body 10 (10h) which has transformed into a combined form and the right side of the mating toy body 20 (20h) which has transformed into a combined form, there is a first engaging part 91 or a second engaging part 92 in the shape of a claw (see reference). Figure 9 They are connected by engaging each other through a connection operation. Furthermore, the connection structure 90 is not limited to a hook type. For example, one of the control body toy 10 and the mating toy 20 may have a built-in magnet, while the other has an embedded iron plate, connecting them by magnetic force.

[0082] In addition, the head 13 of the control main toy body 10 (10h) is closely joined with the head 23 of the cooperating toy body 20 (20h). In their internal space, the right half 33R and the left half 33L are closely joined and combined to form the shape of the head 33 of the giant humanoid robot 30.

[0083] Furthermore, the method of dividing the head 33 into a right half 33R and a left half 33L can be appropriately set according to the design of the head 33. For example, if the head 33 is a Western knight-style design equipped with a helmet-like armor, it can be divided as follows: the left half 33L is the face and the left half of the helmet-like armor, and the right half 33R is the right half of the helmet-like armor. In this case, it is preferable to change the design of the face part according to the type of the combined control main toy body 10 and the type of the matching toy body 20. The connection structure between the right half 33R and the left half 33 can appropriately adopt an embedded structure or a magnetic connection, etc.

[0084] Here, focusing on the combination deformation detection unit 60 and the type detection unit 70, in this embodiment, by connecting and combining, the combination detection protrusion 28g provided on the right side of the mating toy body 20 (20h) presses the combination deformation detection unit 60 to turn on the switch. Furthermore, if a combination is detected by turning on any of the switches of the type detection unit 70 according to the type determination protrusion 28s described later, the combination detection protrusion 28g can be omitted. In this case, the type detection unit 70 also serves as the combination detection unit as described in this invention.

[0085] Additionally, a type-determination protrusion 28s is provided on the right side of the mating toy body 20 (20h). The number and arrangement of the type-determination protrusions 28s vary depending on the type of the mating toy body 20, and upon mating, at least one of the three switches of the type detection unit 70 is activated. The type-determination protrusions 28s are implemented by protrusion, and the type of the mating toy body 20 is determined by the presence or absence of the type-determination protrusions 28s at positions corresponding to the switches of the type detection unit 70. Figure 10 The example shown has only one type-determining protrusion 28s for pressing the third detection switch 73. By connecting and assembling, the three switches of the type detection unit 70 are switched on / off according to the type of the mating toy body 20.

[0086] like Figure 11 As shown, if a connection operation is performed, the user performs a combination completion operation. As a combination completion operation, the head 13 (referred to as the "displacement member" in this invention) of the control main toy body 10 (10h) is tilted (displaced) outwards, and the head 23 of the mating toy body 20 (20h) is tilted outwards. That is, immediately after the connection operation, the head 13 and head 23 are brought together face-to-face along the center line of the giant humanoid robot 30 (see reference). Figure 10 After that, the heads 13 and 23 are unfolded in such a way that their upper ends are separated from each other. Then, the robotic head 33 of the giant humanoid robot 30 emerges from it.

[0087] The switch of the displacement detection unit (combination completion detection unit) 82 is set to a position where it is pressed by the swing of the head 13. Therefore, by the combination completion operation (in this embodiment, the swing of the head 13, i.e. the displacement of the displacement member, is set as the combination completion operation that should be performed at the end of the combination operation), the displacement detection unit (combination completion detection unit) 82 changes from off to on.

[0088] Next, the automatic playback of the sound effects accompanying the transformation and combination of the combination toy 2 will be explained.

[0089] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating the processing flow of the control unit 50 related to the transformation and combination. When the power is turned on, the CPU 51 automatically reads and executes the control program, and begins the processing described herein.

[0090] First, the CPU 51 compares the input status (on / off) of the detection signals from the combination deformation detection unit 60, the type detection unit 70, the combination detection unit 80, and the displacement detection unit (combination completion detection unit) 82 with the status determination reference data 100 (refer to...). Figure 4The current state of the control toy body 10 is determined (step S2). The determination result is temporarily stored in RAM 52.

[0091] If the state determination result is that the user has performed a combination transformation operation, and the state changes from "before transformation" to "standby," in other words, if a transformation operation is detected ("yes" in step S4), the CPU 51 starts outputting the combination standby performance, that is, it starts reproducing the combination standby sound as standby control (step S6). Specifically, from the performance package 110 (refer to...) Figure 6 The CPU searches for packets that meet application condition 114 in the RAM 51, reads the combined standby performance data 116 from the searched packets, and begins sound reproduction output. Furthermore, the CPU 51 temporarily stores the number of outputs or the output duration of the combined standby performance in the RAM 52, and stops the performance output when the number of outputs reaches the specified upper limit or the output duration reaches the specified length.

[0092] If the result of the state determination is that the state changes from "standby" to "detected combination", in other words, if a combination operation is detected ("yes" in step S10), the CPU 51 executes steps S12 to S16 as combination control.

[0093] That is, the CPU 51 compares the on / off status of the three switches of the type detection unit 70 with the type determination reference data 102 (refer to...). Figure 5 The CPU 51 compares the results to determine the type of the combined toy body 20 (step S12). Next, the CPU 51 searches for and refers to the combination performance data 125 corresponding to the type of the combined toy body 20 (refer to...). Figure 6 (Step S14) Stop the reproduction output of the combined standby sound and start the reproduction output of the combined sound of the searched data as the output of the combined standby performance (Step S16). In addition, the CPU 51 stores the number of outputs or the output duration of the combined performance in RAM 52, and stops the performance output when the number of outputs reaches the specified upper limit or the output duration reaches the specified time length.

[0094] If the state determination result is a change from "detected combination" to "combination completed" (in this embodiment, the displacement of the displacement member is set as the combination completion operation that should be performed at the end of the combination operation, so although the state changes to "combination completed", in other words, "the displacement member has been displaced"). In other words, if a combination completion operation (an operation that displaces the displacement member) is detected ("Yes" in step S20), the CPU51 executes steps S22 to S24 as combination completion control (displacement control).

[0095] That is, CPU 51 searches for and refers to the combination completion performance data 127 corresponding to the type of the combined toy body 20 that has been combined (refer to...). Figure 6 (Step S22) Stop the reproduction output of the combined sound and start the reproduction output of the combined completion sound of the searched data as the output of the combined performance (Step S24). In addition, the CPU 51 temporarily stores the number of outputs or the output duration of the combined performance in RAM 52, and stops the performance output when the number of outputs reaches the specified upper limit or the output duration reaches the specified time length.

[0096] If the state determination result changes from "combination complete" to another state, in other words, if a combination release operation is detected ("yes" in step S30), the CPU 51 stops the currently outputting performance as a combination release control, searches for and refers to the combination release performance data 130 (refer to...). Figure 6 The combined release sound of the searched data is reproduced and output as the output of the combined release performance (step S32).

[0097] According to this embodiment, a combining toy can be realized that automatically outputs a performance that heightens the atmosphere of the transformation and combination operation in conjunction with the transformation operation itself. Unlike previous methods where the user had to manually operate a switch to reproduce sound effects before transformation and combination, sound effects are reproduced and output along with the transformation and combination operation. Furthermore, the sound effects change as the transformation and combination operation progresses, thus enhancing the atmosphere of the transformation and combination operation without diminishing immersion. Additionally, the operation related to the robot's head, which is the climax of the transformation and combination operation, is detected and output along with the performance, thus increasing the entertainment value. Moreover, this performance, being the climax of the transformation and combination-related performance, further enhances the atmosphere.

[0098] [Variation Example]

[0099] The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the examples described above, and structural elements can be appropriately added, omitted, or changed.

[0100] (Example 1 of the variations)

[0101] For example, as an example of the posture of the combined toy 2 after combination using the present invention, a humanoid robot weapon is shown, but the posture after combination is not limited to this. For example, it could also be a beast-type or insect-type robot weapon, a multi-legged vehicle, etc. Moreover, as long as the positions of the deformation detection unit 60, type detection unit 70, combination detection unit 80, and displacement detection unit (combination completion detection unit) 82 are at the separation / joining points before or after deformation or before or after combination, or at points where the relative angle or relative position has changed, they can be appropriately set according to the design.

[0102] (Variation Example 2)

[0103] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example is shown where a small push switch is used to implement the deformation detection unit 60 for combination, the type detection unit 70, the combination detection unit 80, and the displacement detection unit (combination completion detection unit) 82. However, each detection unit can also be implemented using other switches or sensors. For example, it can be implemented by using two electrodes instead of a push switch, and pre-installing conductive material that simultaneously contacts the two electrodes to conduct electricity on the top of the combination detection protrusion 28g and the type determination protrusion 28s. Alternatively, it can be implemented by using a Hall sensor instead of a push switch, and embedding a small magnet in the top of the combination detection protrusion 28g and the type determination protrusion 28s.

[0104] (Example 3)

[0105] Furthermore, while the above embodiment illustrates an example of achieving performance output by playing sound effects, it is not limited to playing sound; it is also possible to use light emission or vibration in a performance. In this case, a control IC corresponding to the output mode of the performance output unit 56 can be appropriately added to the control unit 50. For example, when performing a performance using light emission and image display, a light-emitting element such as an LED and a display element such as an LCD can be used as the performance output unit 56, and their control drive circuits can be appropriately included in the control unit 50. Additionally, when using vibration as the performance method, a vibrator can be used as the performance output unit 56, and an IC for vibration control can be included in the control unit 50.

[0106] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0107] 2: Combination toy; 4: IC memory card; 6: Displacement part; 10: Control main toy body; 11: First base; 12: Second base; 13: Head; 14: Legs; 15: Large cannon; 17: Equipment stand; 19: Protrusion; 20: Matching toy body; 21: First base; 22: Second base; 23: Head; 24: Legs; 25: Wings; 26: Sword; 27: Equipment stand; 28g: Protrusion for combination detection; 28s: Protrusion for type determination; 30: Giant humanoid robot; 33: Robot head; 33R: Right half; 33L: Left half; 50: Control unit; 51: CPU; 52: RAM; 53: ROM; 54: Reader; 55: Battery; 56: Performance output unit ; 60: Deformation detection unit for combination; 70: Type detection unit; 71: First detection switch; 72: Second detection switch; 73: Third detection switch; 80: Combination detection unit; 82: Displacement detection unit (combination completion detection unit); 90: Connecting structure unit; 91: First locking part; 92: Second locking part; 100: State determination reference data; 102: Type determination reference data; 110: Performance package; 112: Package ID; 114: Application conditions; 116: Combination standby performance data; 120: Data set classified by combination mode; 121: Mode ID; 123: Application conditions; 125: Combination performance data; 127: Combination completion performance data (displacement performance data); 130: Combination release performance data.

Claims

1. A combination toy comprising multiple toy bodies capable of transforming from their original forms to a combination form, wherein the toy bodies can combine with each other. The multiple toy bodies consist of a single control main toy body and other cooperating toy bodies. The control body toy body has: Performance output department; A deformation detection unit for assembly, which is used to detect morphological deformation relative to the shape before deformation; A fitting detection unit is used to detect whether the mating toy body has been fitted together; and The control unit performs standby control and combination control. The standby control is a control that, in response to the deformation detection unit detecting that a shape deformation has occurred relative to the pre-deformation form, causes the performance output unit to start outputting a predetermined combination standby performance. The combination control is a control that, in response to the combination detection unit detecting that the toy body has combined, causes the performance output unit to output a predetermined combination performance.

2. The combination toy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The combination control is a control that responds to the combination detection unit detecting that the mating toy body has combined, stops the output of the combination standby performance, and then outputs the combination performance.

3. The combination toy according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, As the accompanying toy body, there are several types that can be combined with the control main toy body. The control body toy also includes a type detection unit, which is used to detect the specific type of the assembled toy. The performance output unit includes at least a speaker. The combination control is to control the speaker to play a sound as a control for the combination performance, wherein the sound contains the name of the matching toy body corresponding to the type detected by the type detection unit.

4. The combination toy according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, After performing the combination control, if the combination is detected by the combination detection unit as being released, the control unit performs a combination release control that causes the performance output unit to output a specified combination release performance.

5. The combination toy according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, As the accompanying toy body, there are several types that can be combined with the control main toy body. The control body toy also includes a type detection unit, which is used to detect the specific type of the assembled toy. The type detection unit also serves as the combination detection unit. The control unit performs the combination control in response to the type detection unit's detection of the specific type of the combined plaything.

6. The combination toy according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the mating toy body is combined with the control main toy body, it has a protrusion at a position facing the type detection unit. The number and arrangement of the protrusions vary depending on the specific type of the mating toy. The type detection unit detects the specific type of the assembled plaything based on the combination of the number and configuration of the protrusions.

7. A control body toy body, which becomes a combination toy by combining one or more mating toy bodies with the control body toy body, which transforms from a pre-transformation form to a combination form, wherein the control body toy body comprises: Performance output department; A deformation detection unit for assembly, which is used to detect morphological deformation relative to the shape before deformation; A fitting detection unit is used to detect whether the mating toy body has been fitted together; and The control unit performs standby control and combination control. The standby control is a control that, in response to the deformation detection unit detecting that a shape deformation has occurred relative to the pre-deformation form, causes the performance output unit to start outputting a predetermined combination standby performance. The combination control is a control that, in response to the combination detection unit detecting that the toy body has combined, causes the performance output unit to output a predetermined combination performance.

8. A matching toy body capable of combining with a control main toy body according to claim 7, which transforms from a pre-transformation form to a combined form.

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