Game apparatus

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of further improving taste, etc. by disposing an actual object and an image on a display surface overlapped with each other, in a game apparatus, etc.SOLUTION: A game apparatus 1 comprises a housing 10, a game execution section for executing a game, a display section 20 including a display surface 23 for displaying a game element of the game, an operation section 30 with which a user can execute an operation relating to the game, and a detection section 50 for detecting movement of the operation section 30. The game execution section can execute the game so as to change a display of the game element on the display surface 23 based on the detection result of the movement of the operation section 30, by the detection section 50. The operation section 20 is so disposed that, during the operation of the operation section 30 relating to at least the execution of the game, a first portion 31, at least a part of the operation section 30 is visible in a state of being overlapped with an image of the game element of the display surface 23 in a first direction of viewing the display surface 23 from a viewpoint of the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to technology for game devices, toys, and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Various proposals have been made to add interest to game devices, toys, etc. by using technology such as Augmented Reality (AR). For example, some devices display images superimposed on the display screen of a display device placed in front of or behind a real object (e.g., a model) as seen from the user's point of view.

[0003] An example of the prior art related to the above is JP 2006-218293 A (Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes the following about a toy: Inside a room (corresponding to a model house), a transparent LCD screen visible from the front of the room is arranged, and an interior body such as a chair and an exterior body such as wood are arranged in front and behind the screen. A character (corresponding to an image) such as a girl is displayed on the screen. A user can enjoy a game while watching the character on the screen. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-218293 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As in the example of Patent Document 1, a game device or toy has been proposed in which a display screen is placed inside a structure such as a model, and the image on the display screen is changed in association with real objects placed in front of or behind the display screen, thereby creating interest. However, in such conventional technology, for example in the toy of Patent Document 1, real objects such as the interior and exterior bodies are not operated by the user, and game operations are performed by a specified switch / button. Therefore, the interest of playing a game by user operation is insufficient.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a technology that can realize, for example, increased entertainment value with respect to technology for game devices and the like that are capable of changing an image on a display screen in association with a real object. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A representative embodiment of the present invention has the following configuration: A game device in one embodiment includes a housing, a game execution unit that executes a game, a display unit including a display surface that displays game elements of the game executed by the game execution unit, an operation unit that allows a user to perform operations related to the game, and a detection unit that detects the movement of the operation unit, the game execution unit is capable of executing the game so as to change the display of the game elements on the display surface based on a detection result of the movement of the operation unit by the detection unit, and the operation unit is arranged so that at least a first portion of the operation unit appears to be superimposed on an image of the game elements on the display surface in a first direction in which the display surface is viewed from the user's viewpoint, at least during an operation of the operation unit related to the execution of the game. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to a representative embodiment of the present invention, in relation to technology for game devices and the like, it is possible to realize, for example, heightening the interest by superimposing an image on a display screen on an actual object. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an overall external configuration of a game device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front side. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the game device of embodiment 1 as seen from the front. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the game device of embodiment 1 as seen from the side; [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the game device of embodiment 1 as viewed from above. FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is a perspective view of the game device of embodiment 1 as viewed from the rear side. [Figure 6] 1A to 1C are diagrams showing display examples (first example and second example) of the game device of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 11A to 11C are diagrams showing display examples (third example and fourth example) of the game device of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 11 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a game device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the side. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] (Embodiment 1) A game device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 7. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the overall external configuration of the game device 1 according to the first embodiment, as viewed from the front side. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the game device 1 in a plane (XY plane) corresponding to a planar view of the front side from a user's viewpoint. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration overview of the game device 1 in a cross section (YZ plane) corresponding to a planar view of the side. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration overview of the game device 1 in a cross section (XZ plane) as viewed from above. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the game device 1 from the rear side. Note that the illustrated X, Y, and Z directions may be used as directions for explanation. The X direction corresponds to the left-right direction (horizontal direction on the display surface 23), the Y direction corresponds to the up-down direction (vertical direction on the display surface 23), and the Z direction corresponds to the front-rear direction or depth direction, a first direction in which the display surface 23 of the game device 1 is viewed from the user's viewpoint, and the like.

[0011] 1 etc., game device 1 is, in summary, a device or toy that enables a game to be played using food or drink (e.g., tapioca drink) as an object. Housing 10 of game device 1 is a structure that resembles the food or drink. Game device 1 displays images related to the game on display surface 23 on the front side, and a user such as a child can play the game by operating operation unit 30 that resembles a straw with his or her fingers.

[0012] The game device 1 includes a housing 10, a game execution unit that executes a game, a display unit 21 including a display surface 23 that displays images of game elements of the game executed by the game execution unit, an operation unit 30 that allows a user to perform operations related to the game, and a detection unit 50 that detects a state such as the movement of the operation unit 30. The game execution unit is capable of executing a game so as to change the display of the game elements on the display surface 23 based on a detection result of the movement of the operation unit 30 by the detection unit 50. The operation unit 30 is disposed so that a first portion 31, which is at least a part of the operation unit 30, appears superimposed on the images of the game elements on the display surface 23 in a first direction in which the display surface 23 is viewed from the user's viewpoint at least during an operation of the operation unit 30 related to execution of the game.

[0013] Possible operations of the operation unit 30 by the user include a first operation corresponding to a first action AC1 such as swinging the second part 32 mainly in the X direction, and a second operation corresponding to a second action AC2 such as pushing a predetermined object in the Y direction. These actions and operations correspond to inputs to the game. In this embodiment, the first action AC1 is an action that imitates the action of stirring a straw. The second action AC2 is an action that imitates the action of poking a straw.

[0014] [1-1: Overall composition] As shown in FIG. 1, the game device 1 of the first embodiment is roughly divided into a housing 10, a display unit 20, an operation unit 30, a button operation unit 40, a detection unit 50, and a shielding unit 60. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the game device 1 also includes a restriction unit 80 (FIGS. 3 to 5), a board 100 (FIG. 3), a battery storage unit 90 (FIG. 3), a speaker, and the like. The housing 10 generally has two parts, a lid 11 and a container 12, which are shaped to resemble a lid and a container for food and drink. The lid 11 is fixed to the upper surface of the container 12. In this example, the housing 10 generally has a shape in which a part of the rear side of a cylinder is cut flat in the vertical direction (Y direction) and removed, and has a shape as shown in FIG. 4 in the XZ plane corresponding to the horizontal plane. As shown in FIG. 4, the housing 10 generally has a convex curved shape on the front side and a flat shape on the rear side.

[0015] As shown in Figs. 1 to 4, a display unit 20 is provided on the front side of the housing 10. The display unit 20 has a display device 21 and a window 22. The window 22 is provided, for example, as a roughly rectangular area in a part of the front side of the housing 10. The window 22 is simply configured as an opening, or configured with a transparent member fixed to the opening. The window 22 may be configured with a door or the like. A display device 21 is disposed behind the window 22. The display device 21 has a transmissive display surface 23, a display drive circuit, and the like. The display drive circuit of the display device 21 displays an image on the display surface 23 based on control from the substrate 100 (Fig. 3). The display surface 23 corresponds to an area in which an image can be displayed. The transmissive display surface 23 is a display surface having a property or function that allows an actual object such as the first part 31 disposed on the rear side to be seen through the display surface 23 in a first direction from the user's viewpoint. The display surface 23 has a larger area in the XY plane than the window 22. Even if the direction in which the display surface 23 is viewed from the user's viewpoint is shifted from the Z direction by a certain angle, there is no problem in viewing the image on the display surface 23. In this embodiment, a transmissive liquid crystal display device is used as the display device 21, but the present invention is not limited to this and any display device having transmissivity that allows the operation unit 40 to be viewed through the display device 21 in the first direction from the user's viewpoint can be used.

[0016] In the Z direction, the rear side of the display surface 23 is a space (see FIG. 3, etc.), and the first part 31 of the operation unit 30 can be moved in this space. A shielding part 60 is arranged behind the first part 31 so as to separate the space within the housing 10. The shielding part 60 blocks actual objects behind the shielding part 60 from being seen in the first direction. Behind the shielding part 60, the third part 33 of the operation unit 30, the detection part 50, the battery housing part 90 in FIG. 3, etc. are arranged.

[0017] The operation unit 30 has a first part 31, a second part 32, a third part 33, a bearing part 35, a connecting part 36, and the like. A part of the lid 11 has a bearing part 35. The bearing part 35 supports the operation unit 30. The bearing part 35 serves as a fulcrum for the movement of the operation unit 30. The bearing part 35 connects the second part 32 and the first part 31 to roughly form a single rod-shaped object. The second part 32 is disposed so as to protrude outside the housing 10, particularly on the upper side of the lid 11. The second part 32 is a part that a user can directly grasp with his / her fingers, and can be operated by touching and moving it. The first part 31 is a part that is disposed so as to overlap with the display surface 23 in the first direction within the housing 10. The third part 33 is a part that is disposed so as to overlap with the first part 31 and the rear side of the shielding part 60 in the Z direction. The third part 33 is fixed to the first part 31 via the connecting part 36. The third portion 33 moves integrally with the first portion 31 in conjunction with the movement of the first portion 31. The third portion 33 is shielded by the shielding portion 60 and the restricting portion 80, and is disposed so as not to be visible from the user's viewpoint.

[0018] In the first embodiment, a first action AC1 and a second action AC2 can be independently performed as operations by the operating unit 30. As shown in Fig. 1 etc., the first action AC1 includes at least an action such as a swinging motion in the left and right direction in the X direction. The second action AC2 includes at least an action such as a pushing and returning motion in the up and down direction in the Z direction.

[0019] A button operation unit 40 is provided on the housing 10, for example, below the window 22 on the front side. The button operation unit 40 is a portion where the user can input basic operations related to the game device 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the button operation unit 40 has, for example, three hardware buttons, buttons 41, 42, and 43. For example, the button 41 is set to perform a selection operation, the button 42 is set to perform a decision operation, and the button 43 is set to perform a cancellation operation. The button operation unit 40 is connected to the board 100 (FIG. 3), and the operation state of each button is grasped by the controller. Note that operation buttons and the like may be provided on other surfaces of the housing 10.

[0020] The location of the detection unit 50 is shown simply in FIG. 1, and is shown in detail in FIGS. 2 to 5. The detection unit 50 is a part that detects the operation state of the operation unit 30. The detection unit 50 has a first detection unit 51 and a second detection unit 52 shown in FIG. 2 and the like. The first detection unit 51 is a part that detects the movement and position state of the third part 33 in the X direction corresponding to the first operation AC1. The second detection unit 52 is a part that detects the movement and position state of the third part 33 in the Y direction corresponding to the second operation AC2. The state detected by the detection unit 50 is grasped as an operation input by the operation unit 30 by the controller of the board 100 (FIG. 3).

[0021] In the first embodiment, the straw-like operating unit 30 has a first part 31, a second part 32, and a third part 33 that are not simply cylindrical or cylindrical, but are different in shape for each part. Specifically, the second part 32 is cylindrical or cylindrical, i.e., the cross section in a horizontal plane is substantially circular, so that the second part 32 looks like a three-dimensional shape close to the real thing (a straw in this embodiment) (FIG. 4, etc.). In addition, in this embodiment, the operating unit 30 imitates a straw, but unlike an actual straw, the second part 32 is cylindrical in shape with the upper end closed. This can improve the strength of the second part 32. The first part 31 only needs to look like a straw in the first direction (FIG. 2), and does not need to be limited to a column or cylinder. In this example, the second part 32 is shaped like a cylinder crushed in the Z direction, i.e., the cross section in a horizontal plane is elliptical (FIGS. 1 and 3). That is, the thickness in the Z direction corresponding to the first direction is made different between the first part 31 and the second part 32 (in this embodiment, the thickness of the first part 31 is made smaller than the thickness of the second part 32). By making the shape as seen by the user from the Z direction corresponding to the first direction substantially the same as the shape of the second part 32, the first part 31 and the second part 32 appear to be an integrated real three-dimensional shape when seen by the user from the first direction. Also, when the thickness dimension in the Z direction of the first part 31 is made smaller than the thickness dimension of the second part 32, the thickness dimension in the Z direction of the housing 10 of the game device 1 is kept small overall. Therefore, when a child holds the housing 10 of the game device 1 and operates it, it is easy to operate it even if the child holds the housing 10 with a small hand. Therefore, it is easy for a child to hold the housing 10 with one hand and operate the second part 32 with the other hand while looking at the display surface 23 on the front side. Since the third portion 33 is arranged so as not to be seen when viewed from the first direction due to being shielded by the shielding portion 60, various shapes are permitted, and in this example, the third portion 33 is in a flat plate shape thinner in the Z direction than the second portion 32 (FIGS. 1 and 3). As a result, the first portion 31 and the third portion 33 each have a thinner Z direction thickness than the second portion 32, and the same effect as when the thickness of the first portion 31 in the Z direction is reduced can be obtained. The first portion 31 and the third portion 33 may have the same shape as the second portion 32.

[0022] [1-2: Front configuration] 2, on the front of the game device 1, a window 22, a display surface 23, a first portion 31, and a shielding portion 60 are arranged around the center of the container 12, for example, as indicated by a dashed line. Images of game elements are displayed on the transparent display surface 23 based on game-related control by the controller of the board 100 (FIG. 3) (FIG. 6, etc., described later). In a first direction from the user's viewpoint, the first portion 31 is seen through the display surface 23 and superimposed on an image behind it. That is, the user can operate and view the inside of the food and drink container, which is modeled as an image on the display surface 23, with a sensation of stirring with a straw, which is modeled as the first portion 31.

[0023] In FIG. 2, the state of the first part 31 and the second part 32 of the operating part 30 shown by solid lines indicates a basic state in which the first part 31 and the second part 32 are at a central position XC in the X direction and stand upright in the Y direction. In the basic state, the second part 32 is provided from a predetermined position Y1 on the upper side to a predetermined position Y2 on the lower side. The first part 31 is provided from a predetermined position Y3 on the upper side to a predetermined position Y4 on the lower side. As shown by the dashed line, the third part 33 is hidden behind the first part 31. In this example, the first part 31 and the third part 33 are longer than the second part 32 in the Y direction. Therefore, with respect to the first action AC1, the range of action AC1a of the tip part 31a of the first part 31 and the range of action of the tip part 33a of the third part 33 are wider than the range of action of the tip part of the second part 32.

[0024] In the first embodiment, as shown in the figure, the operation unit 30 has the first portion 31 and the third portion 33 separated in the Z direction by the shielding portion 60 or the like, and the third portion 33 is longer on the lower side than the first portion 31 in the Y direction. The lower end 33a of the third portion 33 is at a position Y7 lower than the position Y4 of the lower end 31a of the first portion 31. As a result, the end 31a of the first portion 31 is designed to be visible at a suitable position Y4 in the window 22 and the display surface 23 in the first direction from the user's viewpoint. In particular, the end 31a is located in the lower half area of ​​the display surface 23. This design is intended to make it easier for the user to see simulated actions such as poking a granular object with the end of a straw, which is a game element described later. Furthermore, the end 33a of the third portion 33, which is not visible due to the shielding portion 60, is designed to be easily detected by the press switch of the second detection unit 52 located near the bottom surface of the housing 10. In addition, the restriction of the movement of first portion 31 is designed mainly as the restriction of the movement of third portion 33 by restricting portion 80 (FIGS. 3 to 5). In space 301 (FIG. 3) including first portion 31, no unnecessary real objects other than first portion 31 are arranged. This makes it possible to further enhance the sensation of simulating food and drink by superimposing the image on display surface 23 in the first direction and first portion 31 simulating a straw.

[0025] As a modified example, the tip 31a of the first portion 31 may be disposed at another position, for example, at a position near the lower side of the window 22 or the display surface 23 area.

[0026] The states of the first portion 31 and the second portion 32 of the operation unit 30 shown by the two-dot chain line indicate the left and right position states in the X direction according to the first action AC1. The first action AC1 shown by the dashed arrows roughly indicates the movement range of the second portion 32. The action AC1a shown by the dashed arrows roughly indicates the movement range of the tip portion 31a of the first portion 31 in particular in the first action AC1. In response to the first action AC1 by the user on the second portion 32, the tip portion 31a of the first portion 31 swings in an arc from side to side in the X direction, as in the action AC1a. For example, when the user tilts the second portion 32 to the right, the tip portion 31a of the first portion 31 moves to the left. In conjunction with the movement of the tip portion 31a of the first portion 31, the tip portion 33a of the third portion 33 moves toward the left position XL. Such a first action AC1 is designed to be possible within a predetermined range of movement, and is also restricted by a restricting portion 80 and a shielding portion 60, which will be described later.

[0027] The first detection unit 51 detects the movement and position state of the tip 33a of the third portion 33 in the X direction. In this example, the first detection unit 51 detects the position of the tip 33a as three types of approximate ternary positions: left position XL, right position XR, or near the center position XC. If the detection result of the first detection unit 51 is neither the left position XL nor the right position XR, the state corresponds to the state near the center position XC. This near-center state is, to be precise, a state between the left position XL and the right position XR.

[0028] The second action AC2 indicated by the dashed arrows generally indicates the range of movement when the user presses the second portion 32. Correspondingly, an action AC2a of the second action AC2 generally indicates the range of movement of the tip 31a of the first portion 31. The second action AC2 is also possible when the first portion 31, etc. are in the left or right position in the X direction due to the first action AC1. In this example, the second detection unit 52 for detecting the second action AC2 is configured using, for example, a press switch. The press switch is disposed near the bottom surface of the housing 10. The press switch is switched from an off state to an on state in response to contact and pressing by the tip 33a of the third portion 33. When the tip 31a of the first portion 31 is positioned so that it overlaps with an image simulating the inside of a container on the display surface 23 when viewed from the first direction by the user, the tip 33a of the third portion 33 needs to be positioned at position Y7 lower than position Y4 of the tip 31a of the first portion 31 so that it can contact the top surface of the push switch during the second operation AC2, and the length of the third portion 33 in the Y direction is longer than the length of the first portion 31 in the Y direction.

[0029] [1-3: Side configuration] In FIG. 3, in the configuration seen from the side of the housing 10, in the first direction from the user's viewpoint, for example, at a position YC near the center in the Y direction, the window 22, the display surface 23 of the display device 21, the first portion 31, the shielding portion 60, the third portion 33, the battery housing portion 90, and the like are arranged in this order from front to back. In the Z direction, the window 22 is arranged at a position Z1, the display surface 23 at a position Z2, the first portion 31 at a position Z3, the shielding portion 60 at a position Z4, and the third portion 33 at a position Z5. The distance between the positions Z2 and Z3 is a distance d1. In this example, the display surface 23 is arranged at a position Z2 behind the position Z1 of the window 22 in the Z direction, but the display surface 23 may be arranged at the position Z1 of the window 22.

[0030] A substrate 100 is disposed near the bottom surface of the housing 10. The substrate 100 may be disposed in an empty area in the housing 10, such as near the rear surface of the housing 10 or behind the shielding portion 60. The substrate 100 may be composed of a plurality of substrates. A battery housing portion 90 is provided near the rear surface of the housing 10. A battery is removably housed in the battery housing portion 90 depending on whether a cover portion on the rear surface of the housing 10 is opened or closed. The battery supplies power to the substrate 100 and the like. The button operation portion 40, the display device 21, and the sensors and switches of the detection portion 50 are also connected to the substrate 100. The controller of the substrate 100 grasps the state of the operation portion 30 based on the detection results of the first detection portion 51 and the second detection portion 52.

[0031] The board 100 is an electronic circuit board that controls the game device 1, and in particular corresponds to a computer or controller that controls a game or the like. The board 100 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a non-volatile memory, an input / output interface, a communication interface, a bus, and the like, and the CPU and the like constitute a controller. The controller constitutes a game execution unit that controls and executes a game based on program processing and the like. The game execution unit controls the display of images of game elements and the like that constitute a game on the display surface 23 of the display device 21.

[0032] The housing 10 has a space 301 surrounded by the window 22 and the shielding portion 60 and including most of the first portion 31. This space 301 is a space that is recognized by the user as a portion that imitates the liquid inside a food and drink container. As shown in FIG. 3, the shielding portion 60 has at least a flat plate-shaped portion 60a having an XY plane arranged between the first portion 31 and the third portion 33, and this portion 60a shields the third portion 33 and the detection portion 50 in the first direction. Furthermore, as shown in the figure, the shielding portion 60 may have an upper surface portion having an XZ plane that extends forward from the portion 60a to the vicinity of the window 22, a lower surface portion having an XZ plane, and left and right side portions having a YZ plane. As a result, the shielding portion 60 can form the space 301 that includes most of the first portion 31. The display device 21 is fixed to, for example, the container 12 or the shielding portion 60. In addition, a part of the upper surface of the shielding part 60 has a restricting part 61 through which the first part 31 passes vertically. The restricting part 61 also restricts the movement of the first part 31.

[0033] One end of the connecting portion 36 is fixed to a part of the upper side of the first portion 31 at a position below the lid 11, between the bearing portion 35 and the restricting portion 61, and extends rearward in the Z direction. A part of the upper side of the third portion 33 is fixed to the other end of the connecting portion 36, and the third portion 33 extends downward in the Y direction to a position Y7.

[0034] A restricting portion 80, a first detecting portion 51, and a second detecting portion 52 are disposed near the operating range of the tip portion 33a of the third portion 33 (FIGS. 4 and 5 described below). The first detecting portion 51, particularly an infrared sensor, is disposed at position Y6. A push switch is disposed as the second detecting portion 52 connected to the substrate 100 near position Y8.

[0035] During the second operation AC2 in the basic state, the tip 31a of the first portion 31 is displaced downward from position Y4 to position Y5 as in operation AC2a. In conjunction with this operation, the tip 33a of the third portion 33 is also displaced downward from position Y7 to position Y8 (or the position of the upper surface of the press switch of the second detection unit 52) ​​as in operation AC2b. Accordingly, the tip 33a contacts the upper surface of the press switch of the second detection unit 52 and presses it. The press switch detects the state at the time of this pressing as at least a binary state of on / off. That is, when the second operation AC2 is performed in the basic state, the press switch changes from an off state to an on state. The second detection unit 52 may be configured with a press sensor or the like that can detect the degree of pressing as a plurality of values ​​in more detail. Alternatively, the second detection unit 52 may be configured with a simple touch sensor that detects a binary state of contact or non-contact. Here, during the second action AC2, it is preferable to design the position Y5 so that, when viewed from the first direction by the user, it overlaps with an image simulating the inside of the container on the display surface 23. By designing it in this way, even if the first portion 31 is displaced during the second action AC2, the user can view up to the tip of the first portion 31.

[0036] In the first embodiment, in order to simulate the elastic feel of granular objects in food and drink in association with the second action AC2, a press switch is used as the second detection unit 52. When the upper surface of this press switch is pressed during the second action AC2, it gives the user a predetermined tactile effect similar to elasticity. That is, at this time, the user feels as if he or she is poking an elastic object with the tip of a straw.

[0037] The second part 32 protruding from the upper side of the lid 12 may be made of a hard part that is difficult to deform, such as synthetic resin or metal, but in the first embodiment, it is made of a softer material than the first part 31, such as an elastic part such as rubber. In FIG. 3, the state of the second part 32 made of the soft material is shown as the second part 32b by a two-dot chain line. In this way, the second part 32 elastically deforms in response to the load of the first action AC1 by the user's finger. In the former configuration in which the second part 32 is made of a hard part, the operation of the second part 32 is more directly transmitted to the first part 31, etc.

[0038] In the latter configuration in which the second part 32 is made of a soft part as in the first embodiment, the following actions and effects can be obtained. When a user, i.e., a child, moves the second part 32 violently, the movement can be received and cushioned by the elastic deformation of the second part 32b as shown in the figure. This makes it possible to prevent damage to parts due to violent movements of the operating part 30. In addition, in the first embodiment, the first action AC1 is configured to detect mainly the movement in the X direction (FIG. 4, etc.). At this time, in the latter configuration, the user can move the second part 32 to some extent in the Z direction by elastic deformation, and while the detection itself is mainly in the X direction, it is possible to realize a pseudo feeling of operation in the Z direction. That is, it is possible to simulate to some extent the action of stirring a straw in a horizontal plane (XZ plane).

[0039] The restricting unit 80 restricts the movement of the first portion 31 by restricting the movement of the third portion 33. More specifically, the movement of the tip 33a of the third portion 33 is restricted within a predetermined range in the left-right and front-back directions by the restricting unit 80, and at the same time, the movement of the tip 31a of the first portion 31, which is linked thereto, is also restricted within a predetermined range. Due to this restriction, the movement of the tip 31a of the first portion 31 becomes a movement moving on a plane (XY plane) approximately parallel to the display surface 23, as in the action AC1a, in other words, a movement crossing the display surface 23.

[0040] The shielding unit 60 may have not only a shielding function of shielding at least a part of the third portion 33 and the detection unit 50 from view in the first direction, but also a regulating function of regulating the movement of the operation unit 30. Conversely, the regulating unit 80 may have not only a regulating function but also a shielding function. The shielding unit 60 and the regulating unit 80 may be integrally configured. The shielding unit 60 may have, as a regulating function, a function of preventing the first portion 31 from contacting other parts such as the display device 21, or, even if the first portion 31 does come into contact with other parts, such as the display device 21, by cushioning the contact to prevent damage, etc.

[0041] [1-4:Top configuration] In FIG. 4, the upper surface of the housing 10 has a rectangular area at the rear in the Z direction and a semi-elliptical area at the front. At least the front side of the housing 10 has a curved shape imitating a food and drink container. In the first embodiment, the housing 10 has a curved front side and a flat rear side as shown in the figure, taking into consideration the need to reduce the thickness in the Z direction and to stably place the housing 10 on a horizontal placement surface such as a desk. The shape of the housing 10 is not limited to this, and the front side may be flat and the back side may be curved, or both the front side and the back side may be curved, or both the front side and the back side may be flat. In addition, the shape of the housing 10 in the Y direction is illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 as having the same area on the bottom side and the top side, but as in FIG. 2, the top side may have a larger area than the bottom side.

[0042] At predetermined positions (positions XC and Z3) near the center on the top surface of lid 12 of housing 10, a bearing portion 35 is provided in a hole through which operation portion 30 passes. At position XC, which is the center in the X direction, in the basic state, second portion 32, first portion 31, and third portion 33 are disposed. At position XL on the left side in the X direction, a left sensor 51L is disposed as an infrared sensor constituting first detection portion 51, and at position XR on the right side, a right sensor 51R is disposed.

[0043] The first action AC1 includes at least an action such as a left-right swing in the X direction. In conjunction with the first action AC1 for the second portion 32, the tip end 31a of the first portion 31 has a range such as action AC1a, and the tip end 33a of the third portion 33 has a range such as action AC1b. Note that since the third portion 33 is longer than the first portion 31 in the Y direction, the range of action AC1b in the X direction is slightly wider than that of action AC1a.

[0044] When it is desired to more accurately imitate an actual straw stirring motion, the first motion AC1 may be capable of motions including motions in the Z direction, not limited to motions in one direction such as the X direction. In the first embodiment, such motions in the Z direction are permitted to a certain extent. In FIG. 4, the first motion AC1 may also be motion AC12 such as a swing back and forth motion in the Z direction. The first motion AC1 may also be motion AC13 such as a free rotation in an arc shape in a horizontal plane. A mechanism including a bearing portion 35 is implemented according to the definition of such a first motion AC1. The first motion AC1 may also be implemented to accept only motions in the X direction.

[0045] However, when movement in the Z direction is permitted for the operation unit 30, it is desirable that the first portion 31 does not come into contact with other portions including the display device 21, etc., in order to prevent damage to members around the operation unit 30, etc. In the first embodiment, when a first operation AC1 including the X direction and Z direction is performed on the second portion 32, the movement of the third portion 33 is restricted by the restricting portion 80, thereby restricting the movement of the first portion 31. This makes it possible to prevent the tip portion 31a of the first portion 31 from coming into contact with other portions such as the display device 21.

[0046] In this example, the restricting portion 80 has a flat plate-like portion 80a having an XY plane arranged on the rear side of the shielding portion 60, and a flat plate-like portion 80b having a YZ plane arranged on the left and right sides of the range of the operation AC1b of the third portion 33 (see FIG. 5 for details). When the tip end 33a of the third portion 33 moves outward in the X direction from the left position XL or the right position XR in response to the first operation AC1, the portion 80b of the restricting portion 80 restricts the movement to be within a predetermined range. When the tip end 33a of the third portion 33 moves forward in the Z direction, the portion 80a of the restricting portion 80 restricts the movement.

[0047] In this example, the first detection unit 51 detects a state in which the tip 33a of the third portion 33 is at the left position XL, the right position XR, or between them, using two sensors 51L and 51R on the left and right sides as infrared sensors. The two sensors 51L and 51R are arranged, for example, between the shielding portion 60 and the portion 80a of the restricting portion 80 in the Z direction (FIG. 5). For example, the left sensor 51L arranged at the left position XL emits infrared rays to the rear side in the Z direction. The infrared rays enter the space surrounded by the restricting portion 80 through the hole in the restricting portion 80. When the tip 33a is at the left position XL, the infrared rays are blocked and reflected by the tip 33a and return to the sensor 51L. When the infrared rays are not blocked by the tip 33a, the sensor 51L detects the infrared rays as being in the OFF state, and when the infrared rays are blocked, the sensor 51L detects the infrared rays as being in the ON state. When the detection result of the left sensor 51L is in the ON state with respect to the first operation AC1, the controller of the board 100 can determine that the third portion 33 is in the left position XL. That is, the controller can determine that the tip 31a of the first portion 31 is in a position roughly on the left side in the X direction. The same action applies to the right sensor 51R. When the detection results of the two sensors 51L and 51R are both in the OFF state, the controller can determine that at least the tip 31a is in a position between the left position XL and the right position XR in the X direction, and may further determine that the tip 31a of the first portion 31 is in the vicinity of the roughly center position XC in the X direction. The first detection unit 51 is not limited to such a configuration, and may be implemented using other switches or sensors. The first detection unit 51 may be configured to detect the position in the X direction more precisely, and may also be configured to detect the position in the Z direction.

[0048] In this example, the push switch of the second detection unit 52 is arranged at the center position XC in the X direction, and is designed so that the area of ​​the top surface that receives the pressure from the tip 33a of the third portion 33 is within a predetermined range. Therefore, when the tip 33a of the third portion 33 is near the center position XC in the X direction in response to the first operation AC1, the push switch can be turned on by the second operation AC2. On the other hand, when the tip 33a of the third portion 33 is at a left or right position in the X direction, that is, outside the above-mentioned area range, in response to the first operation AC1, the push switch cannot be turned on even if the second operation AC2 is performed. By doing so, the position of the first portion 31 that moves in conjunction with the third portion 33 during the second operation AC2 can be set to the vicinity of the center position XC in the X direction, and the positional relationship between the first portion 31 and the image on the display surface 23 when viewed from the first direction during the second operation AC2 can be determined to be a predetermined positional relationship. The second detection unit 52 is not limited to this configuration, and for example, by making the area of ​​the press switch larger in the X direction to expand the range for receiving the second operation AC2, the press switch can be turned on even if the second operation AC2 is performed when the tip 33a is in the left or right position in the X direction. Also, by providing a plurality of second detection units 52 in the X direction, the second operation can be detected when the tip 33a is in the left or right position in the X direction.

[0049] In FIG. 4 and the like, when the user moves the second part 32 in the Z direction as in the action AC12 and the like, the first part 31 and the third part 33 are also moved in the Z direction to a certain extent in conjunction with the second part 32 through the buffering by the above-mentioned elasticity (the second part 32b in FIG. 3). At that time, the movement of the first part 31 is restricted by the restricting part 80 and the shielding part 60 so as not to come into contact with other parts such as the display device 21. Alternatively, even if the first part 31 comes into contact with other parts, a member for buffering the contact and protecting the first part 31 from damage and the like may be provided. For example, a protective material made of an elastic member or the like may be provided on each surface of the shielding part 60 or the back surface of the display device 21. Alternatively, the tip part 31a of the first part 31 may be made of an elastic member or the like.

[0050] [1-5: Rear configuration] In the configuration seen from the rear side in FIG. 5, the movement of the first portion 31 of the operation unit 30 is detected as the movement of the third portion 33 by the detection unit 50 (the first detection unit 51 and the second detection unit 52). The movement of the tip portion 33a of the third portion 33 is restricted by the restriction unit 80 as shown in the figure, and the movement AC1b in the X direction and the movement AC2b in the Y direction are permitted. The restriction unit 80 has a front portion 80a having an XY plane, left and right side portions 80b having YZ planes, and a bottom portion 80c having an XZ plane. The top surface of the push switch is exposed at the center of the bottom portion 80c, so that the movement AC2b in the Y direction is permitted.

[0051] In this example, the tip 33a of the third portion 33 has a curved shape that is convex downward in the Y direction as shown in the figure. This makes it easier for the tip 33a to press the upper surface of the push switch of the second detection portion 52. The bottom portion 80c of the restriction portion 80 has a curved shape that matches the range of operation AC1b of the tip 33a. The shape of the restriction portion 80 is not limited to this. The restriction portion 80 may also have a flat portion having an XY surface on the rear side in the Z direction to restrict movement in that direction.

[0052] In addition, the restricting portion 80 and the tip 33a of the third portion 33 may also be provided with a protective material made of an elastic member or the like to cushion the impact between the portions. Even if the user moves the second portion 32 violently, the tip 33a will come into contact with any of the portions (80a, 80b, 80c) of the restricting portion 80 and be stopped. This ensures that the movement of the tip 31a of the first portion 31 linked to the third portion 33 is also kept within a predetermined range. In addition, an elastic member or the like may be used for the tip 33a as a component for providing a feeling of elastic operation during the second action AC2.

[0053] As a modified example, the first detection unit 51 may be configured with a touch sensor, a proximity sensor, or the like provided on the portion 80b or the like of the left or right side surface of the restriction unit 80. For example, when the tip 33a comes into contact with a sensor on the left portion 80b of the restriction unit 80, the state is detected as being at the left position XL.

[0054] [1-6: How to play] The basic operation and the way of playing the game device 1 are as follows. A user such as a child performs basic operations such as selecting and deciding on a game by pressing buttons on the button operation unit 40 while looking at the display on the display surface 23. A game execution unit of the game device 1 executes the game and displays images of game elements on the display surface 23. The user plays the game by operating the operation unit 30 while looking at the image on the display surface 23 and performing the first action AC1 and the second action AC2 described above.

[0055] Initially, the game device 1 displays a menu screen (not shown) on the display surface 23 in a power-on state. The user looks at the menu screen and operates the buttons of the button operation unit 40 to select and determine the game to be played, etc. From the menu screen, it is possible to transition to several game modes including the basic game described below, a user setting mode, a standby screen mode, etc. The game device 1 provides several games including the basic game described below by the game execution unit. Note that the games are not limited to the examples described below, and various games can be provided depending on the design of the program, etc. When the basic game is selected and determined, the game device 1 starts displaying images of game elements of the basic game on the display surface 23 based on program processing.

[0056] [1-7: Basic Game] An example of the configuration of the basic game in the game device 1 will be described below. The basic game is a game that imitates a tapioca drink as the target food and drink, and is called, for example, a "tapioca search game." In this basic game, a user such as a child searches for, acquires, and collects tapioca, which is a granular object that constitutes a tapioca drink. The housing 10 of the game device 1 is shaped like a tapioca drink (particularly the container 12 and the lid 11), and the operation unit 30 is shaped like a straw. An image that imitates a tapioca drink (particularly the liquid and granular object inside the container) is displayed on the display surface 23. In the first direction, the user sees an image imitating the inside of the container on the display surface 23 superimposed on a first portion 31 imitating a straw.

[0057] In the basic game, the user operates the operation unit 30 while viewing the image on the display surface 23 to simulate a first action AC1 such as stirring a tapioca drink with a straw and a second action AC2 such as poking a granular object. In this way, in the basic game, the user searches for and finds tapioca, which is one of various types of granular objects that make up a tapioca drink, such as tapioca that has not been obtained. Then, the user captures and obtains the tapioca by performing an action that imitates a predetermined suction action by the operation unit 30 (particularly the second action AC2). In the basic game, the game execution unit determines the operation of the operation unit 30 by the user based on detection by the detection unit 50, and determines whether the acquisition of the granular object is successful or unsuccessful according to predetermined conditions, etc.

[0058] The above-mentioned first action AC1 (corresponding first operation) is reflected as an operation of stirring the straw to cause the liquid and granular matter inside the tapioca drink to flow. The second action AC2 (corresponding second operation) is reflected as an action of poking or pushing the elastic granular matter of tapioca with the straw. The second action AC2 is detected by the third part 33 as an action of pressing the push switch of the second detection unit 52 with an elastic feel. This gives the user a feel of poking the elastic tapioca.

[0059] The basic game also simulates sucking up granular objects with a straw. In the first embodiment, this sucking action is implemented as a common action with the second action AC2, which is an up-down action, in consideration of simplifying the mechanism and reducing costs. In the basic game, the second action AC2 can be switched as a function from a pecking action to a sucking action according to a change in the game progress on the time axis. As a modified example, a third action simulating a sucking action may be implemented with a different mechanism (for example, an operating button for sucking) in addition to the second action AC2 simulating a pecking action.

[0060] [1-8: Example of display for basic game] 6 and 7 show examples of displays on the display surface 23 of the display device 21 relating to the basic game. 1. When the basic game starts, the game execution unit of the game device 1 displays a game setting screen (not shown) simulating ordering a tapioca drink, etc., on the display surface 23. This game setting screen is a screen for setting the content of the current basic game, such as the difficulty level and the types of granular objects that will appear, and the details are not particularly limited and may be omitted.

[0061] The game device 1 displays parameters for configuring a tapioca drink (corresponding basic game) on a game setting screen and accepts a selection operation by the user. On the game setting screen, the user can select parameter values ​​such as the type of liquid (e.g., straight tea or milk tea) that is the base of the drink, the amount of ice, and sweetness. The game device 1 determines the internal configuration of the tapioca drink in the current basic game according to the selected parameter values. The internal configuration of the tapioca drink includes a distribution configuration for multiple tapioca pearls contained in the liquid, or at least one specific tapioca pearl. The distribution configuration can be realized, for example, by a process of randomly selecting tapioca pearls that appear based on a program process, or a process of reading out a specified tapioca pearl from a predefined table. The game difficulty level can also be adjusted, for example, by the number of tapioca pearls, the flow speed of the tapioca pearls, etc.

[0062] As an element of the basic game, data including images and information is prepared for a plurality of types of tapioca (granular objects) that can be acquired by the user. For example, tapioca of various colors such as black, white, orange, and blue are prepared. In addition, tapioca imitating food such as strawberry tapioca, tapioca imitating animals such as cat tapioca, and tapioca imitating characters in fiction or stories are also prepared. In addition, each tapioca is set with a rarity, i.e., a difference in appearance probability, such as normal and rare. In addition, images of tapioca with various expressions such as a smiling face, an angry face, a crying face, and an expressionless face are prepared as still images or animations.

[0063] In this example, the tapioca distribution configuration of the tapioca drink at the start of the basic game is that one specific tapioca that is a candidate for acquisition is determined by lottery. The multiple tapioca other than the one specific tapioca that appears in the tapioca drink are tapioca that are specified for performance and cannot be acquired. It is not limited to this, and it is of course possible to have two or more tapioca appear at the same time by lottery.

[0064] 2. After the setting of the basic game is determined, the game device 1 starts the basic game. FIG. 6A shows a display example at the start of the basic game (particularly the "search start phase") as a first example of the display. From the user's viewpoint, an image g0 representing the liquid inside the tapioca drink (e.g., straight tea) and an image g1 representing each of the multiple tapioca are displayed on the display surface 23 through the window 22. The image g1 of the tapioca is an image that is personified for children and has a facial expression including eyes and a mouth. Behind the image on the display surface 23, the first part 31 imitating a straw is seen through. Also, on the display surface 23, an image g2 such as a character string (e.g., "START!") for guiding the user on game operations and various information is appropriately displayed. In this example, at this point, the game device 1 does not yet cause the image of the specific type of tapioca selected by lottery to appear or be displayed, but displays an image g1 representing a certain number of tapioca for presentation purposes. In this example, the image g1 shows a smiling tapioca pearl with a certain color. This makes the tapioca pearls that are candidates for acquisition unknown, thereby increasing the user's sense of expectation.

[0065] 3. After the basic game starts, the user moves the second portion 32, and the game execution unit changes the image on the display surface 23 in response to the detection of the operation of the operation unit 30. (B) of FIG. 6 shows a display (second example) at that time (particularly in the "search phase"). The user performs a first action AC1 like stirring the straw, for example, an action of repeatedly swinging it back and forth in the X direction. As a result, the tip 31a of the first portion 31 swings back and forth repeatedly on the display surface 23. The game device 1 detects the state of the third portion 33 (FIG. 2, etc.) according to the first action AC1 by the first detection unit 51. The game device 1 changes the image g0 of the liquid inside the tapioca drink and the image g1 of the tapioca on the display surface 23 in response to the detected state, as shown in (B) of FIG. 6. Specifically, on the display surface 23, the state of the liquid and multiple tapioca flowing in the container is displayed as an image such as an animation. The liquid image g0 is, for example, an image of a rippling top surface or an image of bubbles occurring in the liquid. In this case, each tapioca may flow, for example, in an arc in the X direction (arrow in the figure) or the Y direction. Each tapioca may appear and disappear on the display surface 23 according to the flow.

[0066] 4. At a predetermined opportunity, such as when the flow caused by the first action AC1 reaches a certain level, the game device 1 makes the image g3 representing the selected specific tapioca appear and display on the display surface 23 as shown in FIG. 6B. In this example, at this point, the specific tapioca is an unknown tapioca whose true identity has not yet been revealed, and is set as the image g3 representing the unknown tapioca. This can increase the user's sense of expectation. This unknown specific tapioca (image g3) represents a candidate state that the user can obtain, and is displayed to flow in the liquid, similar to other specific tapioca (image g1). This image g3 of the unknown specific tapioca may be, for example, a tapioca wearing sunglasses or a tapioca with a '?' mark. As a modified example, an image showing the true identity of the specific tapioca may be displayed at this point.

[0067] Furthermore, at a predetermined opportunity, the game device 1 displays, on the display surface 23, an image g4 (e.g., a dashed circular frame) indicating an area ("capture area", "target frame") in which a specific tapioca can be captured. In this example, this area is located at the center in the X direction on the display surface 23, and in the Y direction, as an area approximately in the lower half, corresponding to the tip 31a of the first portion 31. This area indicates that when a specific tapioca (image g3) is within this area, that tapioca can be captured and sucked up by the second action AC2.

[0068] 5. When the specific tapioca (image g3) enters the area (image g4) of FIG. 6B, the user performs a second action AC2 to push the straw downward. This second action AC2 corresponds to the first stage of sucking action. The game device 1 detects the second action AC2 by the push switch of the second detection unit 52. As described above, this second action AC2 can only be successful if it is an action near the center in the X direction. If the push switch is turned on by the second action AC2 when the specific tapioca (image g3) is in the area (image g4), the game device 1 determines that the first stage of sucking to obtain the specific tapioca is successful. If the first stage of sucking is successful, the game device 1 transitions to the next display as described below. At this time, as an example of presentation, an animation or the like may be displayed showing the specific tapioca being sucked into the tip of the straw.

[0069] 6. (A) of FIG. 7 shows a display example (third example) during the second stage of suction (particularly the "acquisition chance phase") after the first stage of suction is successful. At this time, the game device 1 switches the phase of the game progress on the display surface 23 from (B) of FIG. 6 to (A) of FIG. 7. In the phase of (A) of FIG. 7, an image showing an enlarged tapioca drink and a part of a straw is displayed on the display surface 23. In this example, the display surface 23 has an image g5 showing a part of liquid or other tapioca, an image g6 showing a part of a cylindrical straw, and an image g7 showing a specific tapioca in the straw. In this example, at this point, the image g7 of the specific tapioca has not yet revealed its true identity and is a certain tapioca (for example, a smiling tapioca). Not limited to this, at this point, this image g7 may be an image of tapioca showing an unknown state like the image g3, or may be an image showing its true identity as described later.

[0070] In this phase, the user is made to focus on a specific tapioca (image g7) and a straw (image g6) on the image, and is made to attempt a second stage suction action using the second action AC2. In this phase, the straw (image g6) on the image is displayed, and the straw on the image overlaps with the first part 31 of the actual object. In this phase, since it is desired that the user pay attention to the straw (image g6) on the image, it is preferable that the first part 31 of the actual object behind it is difficult for the user to see. Therefore, in this example, the image g6 of the straw and the image g7 of the specific tapioca are displayed on the display surface 23 in a large size, a specific color, or the like to make them stand out so that the first part 31 is difficult to see.

[0071] 7. Next, the user performs the second stage sucking action using the second action AC2 while looking at the display surface 23 as shown in (A) of FIG. 7. The second action AC2 in this stage ("acquisition chance phase") is an action that imitates sucking tapioca with a straw, and is simulated by the second action AC2. One second action AC2 corresponds to an operation in which the detection state of the push switch of the second detection unit 52 changes from an off state to an on state for a short time, and then to an off state. This one second action AC2 corresponds to a predetermined amount of sucking in the game. In addition, a second action AC2 by a long press may be provided. A second action AC2 by a long press corresponds to an operation in which the on state of the push switch continues for a longer period of time, and corresponds to continuous sucking in the game. The user appropriately performs the second action AC2 several times or the second action AC2 by a long press. In response to the second action AC2, the game device 1 displays, by animation or the like, on the display surface 23, a state in which a specific tapioca (image g7) gradually rises and is sucked inside the long straw (image g6). The game device 1 displays, for example, a part of the long straw along with a scroll on the display surface 23.

[0072] Furthermore, in this phase, the game device 1 may display an image g8 representing a predetermined gauge on the display surface 23. This gauge is a game element that imitates breathing when inhaling. The game device 1 changes the amount of this gauge depending on the second action AC2 related to inhalation. For example, the game device 1 increases the amount of the gauge depending on the on state of the second action AC2, and decreases it depending on the off state. Furthermore, when the amount of the gauge exceeds a certain amount, the game device 1 can put the player in an out of breath state and impose a predetermined penalty.

[0073] If the amount of the specific tapioca (image g7) sucked up and raised by the second action AC2 exceeds a predetermined amount, the game device 1 determines that the second stage of suction is successful, i.e., that the acquisition of the specific tapioca is successful. This causes the game device 1 to move to the next display. If the user does not perform the second action AC2 related to suction well and the specific tapioca is sucked up and raised less than a predetermined amount, the game device 1 determines that the second stage of suction is a failure. In this case, the game device 1 controls the display to return to the state before suction, for example as shown in (B) of FIG. 6, so as to enable a second attempt.

[0074] 7A, the game device 1 may display, as another game element, other tapioca pearls in the liquid (image g5) clinging to the vicinity of the straw (image g6) so as to hinder the suction of a specific tapioca pearl (image g7) in the straw. In this case, the game device 1 accepts a first action AC1 by the user, and when the first action AC1 is performed, displays the other tapioca pearls being shaken off.

[0075] 8. (B) of FIG. 7 shows a display example (fourth example) when the specific tapioca is successfully acquired ("tapioca acquisition successful phase"). The game device 1 transitions the display from (A) to (B) of FIG. 7. The game device 1 displays, on the display surface 23, a scene in which the specific tapioca reveals its true form, with a predetermined effect (e.g., light emission or transformation), using animation or the like. The game device 1 displays, near the center of the display surface 23, an image g9 representing the specific type of tapioca (strawberry tapioca in this example) that was determined in the initial lottery. In addition, the game device 1 displays, together with the image g9, an image g10 representing the type, name character string, rarity, etc. of the specific tapioca. At this point, the user knows the specific tapioca, and the user feels a sense of accomplishment.

[0076] 9. The game device 1 registers the image and information of the tapioca acquired by the user in the tapioca list of the user. The game device 1 holds in memory the list of the tapioca list of the user. The user can display his / her own tapioca list on the display surface 23 according to the basic operation on the menu screen as appropriate, select a desired tapioca from the tapioca list, and view detailed image and information. The user can also set the desired tapioca selected from the tapioca list ("My Tapioca") as an image to be displayed in the standby screen mode or the like. When not playing a game, the game device 1 displays an image including the above-mentioned My Tapioca along with a clock or the like in the standby screen mode. In the standby screen mode, for example, an animation or the like of My Tapioca flowing in a tapioca drink is displayed. In addition, the user can affect the My Tapioca by operating the operation unit 30. This allows the user to enjoy the appreciation of My Tapioca and interactions such as communication.

[0077] The following modifications of the basic game may be made. First, in the configuration in which the acquisition of tapioca is controlled in two stages, the second stage (FIG. 7(A)) may be omitted, and a specific tapioca may be acquired by succeeding in the first stage (FIG. 6(B)). As another example of a game, a game in which the score increases depending on the number of granular objects acquired by the user or the time required to acquire them may be possible.

[0078] As a modified example, the game device 1 may display the tapioca distribution configuration determined at the start of the basic game as an image of each tapioca directly on the display surface 23. The user operates to select and acquire the desired tapioca from among the multiple tapioca on the display surface 23. In this case, the content of the display surface 23 becomes more complicated, and the game becomes more difficult.

[0079] [1-9: Effects, etc.] As described above, according to the game device 1 of the first embodiment, for example, by controlling the display by superimposing real objects (the housing 10 and the operation unit 30) imitating food and drink on the image of the game element on the display surface 23, the interest can be further increased. According to this game device 1, the user can operate the second part 32 while visually recognizing the first part 31, which is the real object, on the image of the game element through the display surface 23, and the image of the game element can be changed in response to the operation. Therefore, the interest in playing the game by the user's operation can be increased. In addition, this game device 1 is intended for children, and can be realized at low cost without using, for example, expensive sensors. In accordance with the configuration of the operation unit 30, the detection unit 50 can be realized using inexpensive sensors and switches.

[0080] [1-10: Variation] The following modifications of the first embodiment are also possible. The operation unit 30 may be configured without the second portion 32 that the user holds in the hand. For example, instead of the second portion 32 that resembles a straw, the housing 10 may be provided with an operation unit that does not resemble a straw for moving the first portion 31 and the like inside the housing 10. The operation unit that does not resemble a straw may be configured, for example, so that the button operation unit 40 can be used to operate to move the second portion 32. In addition, as a method of arranging the first portion 31, the first portion may be configured to extend in the X direction, so that the game device 1 can be configured to resemble an actual object other than food or drink.

[0081] The first detection unit 51 and the second detection unit 52 of the detection unit 50 may be mounted on a part of the operation unit 30 or in a location near the operation unit 30. For example, the detection unit 50 may be mounted on the bearing unit 35 in FIG. 1 etc. Also, the detection unit 50 may be mounted in a position near the first portion 31 that does not overlap with the image on the display surface 23. In this case, the operation unit 30 does not need to have the third portion 33 behind the first portion 31.

[0082] Game device 1 may be provided with a state in which first portion 31 and display surface 23 are not superimposed in the first direction. For example, a mechanism that allows first portion 31 to be inserted and removed from housing 10, such as a mechanism that allows first portion 31 to be extended and contracted, may be provided, or a mechanism that allows operation unit 30 to be attached and detached to housing 10 may be provided. In this case, for example, when not playing a game, it is possible to provide a state in which only the image on display surface 23 is visible in the first direction as seen by the user.

[0083] (Embodiment 2) FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of a cross section seen from the side of the game device 1 of the second embodiment as a modification of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the window 22, the first part 31 of the operation unit 30, the display surface 23 of the display device 21, the shielding part 60, the third part 33, and the like are arranged in this order from front to back in the Z direction. In the Z direction, the first part 31 is arranged at a position Z21, and the display surface 23 is arranged at a position Z22 behind it with a distance d2. In this example, the distance d2 is shorter than the distance d1 in FIG. 3, and the first part 31 and the display surface 23 are arranged closer to each other. The first action AC1 may be limited to an action in the X direction. In this example, the bearing part 35 and the connecting part 36 are mounted inside the lid 11. In the second embodiment, too, the state in which the first part 31 and the image are superimposed can be visually recognized from the user's viewpoint.

[0084] In the second embodiment, the first portion 31 may be made of a non-transparent material, but is made of a transparent material to enhance the sense of superimposition with the image. The user can see the image on the display surface 23 behind through the first portion 31. The first portion 31 may be made of an actual straw. The display device 21 may be configured to have a non-transparent display surface 23, and the shielding portion 60 may be omitted. When the display device 21 has a non-transparent display surface 23, it is possible to make the game device 1 less expensive than when a transparent display surface is used.

[0085] In another embodiment, the game device 1 may have a non-transparent display surface 23, and an image representing a straw may be displayed on the display surface 23 in accordance with the state of operation of the operation unit 30 by the user, particularly the second portion 32. In this case, the first portion 31 may not be provided inside the housing 10, and the second portion 32 may be capable of operating an actual object separate from the first portion 31, which is placed at a position overlapping the image on the display surface 23.

[0086] Although the present invention has been specifically described above based on the embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the present invention. The components of the embodiment can be added, deleted, or replaced, and various combinations can be used. The functions described above can be implemented in part or in whole by hardware, or by software program processing. The programs and data constituting the functions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or in a device on a communication network. The present invention can be applied to objects related to games and simulations, not limited to food and drink. Other examples of food and drink include soup and hot pot dishes, and other examples of rod-shaped objects include spoons and chopsticks. Examples of objects other than food and drink include fishing and catching insects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1...game device, 10...casing, 11...lid, 12...container, 20...display unit, 21...display device, 22...window, 23...display surface, 30...operation unit, 31...first part, 32...second part, 33...third part, 35...bearing unit, 36...connecting unit, 40...button operation unit, 50...detection unit, 51...first detection unit, 52...second detection unit, 60...shielding unit, 80...regulation unit, 90...battery accommodating unit, 100...board.

Claims

1. The housing and a game execution unit that executes a game that allows interaction between a user and a character through user operations; a display unit that displays the game executed by the game execution unit; a detection unit that detects a first pressing operation and a second pressing operation that are pressing operations by a user within the housing; Equipped with the second pressing operation is an operation in which a pressing state continues longer than the first pressing operation, When the detection unit detects the push operation, the game execution unit is capable of executing the game by causing the display unit to display the character in a manner different from a manner in which the detection result by the detection unit is the first push operation and a manner in which the detection result is the second push operation. Game device.

2. 2. The game device according to claim 1, The detection unit is configured using a push switch, the game execution unit causes the display unit to display an operation input display corresponding to an object that is pressed against the push switch; Game device.

3. 3. The game device according to claim 1, the detection unit is capable of providing a predetermined haptic effect when the pressing operation is input. Game device.

4. 4. The game device according to claim 3, the predetermined haptic effect is a feeling of elasticity; Game device.

5. The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the detection unit is disposed inside the game device behind the display surface of the display unit, and at a position that is not visible to a user when viewed from the display surface side; Game device.

6. The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The character is an elastic object having elasticity, the game execution unit is capable of causing the display unit to display a simulated display of an action of poking or pushing the elastic object in response to the detection unit detecting the pushing operation. Game device.

7. The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The pressing operation is an operation of pressing in a direction substantially parallel to the display unit. Game device.

Images