Game device for sauna

Abstract

To provide a game device for a sauna, allowing a sauna activity including a series of set of sauna / water bath / rest to be pleasantly continued.SOLUTION: A game device 10 for a sauna includes a housing 11 with waterproofness, a display 12 and a control part. The control part includes: a time measuring part for measuring an elapsed time from a start operation to a stopping operation by a user; and a game progress control part for executing a process of raising a character by setting a time measuring operation of predetermined times performed by the user who is using the sauna as one set, and changing a parameter set in the character in each completion of one set.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a game device that can be played in a sauna. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, saunas have become increasingly popular as a way to refresh the body and mind. In particular, an increasing number of people are enjoying regular sauna visits and alternating between hot and cold baths, including sauna, cold bath, and rest, which they refer to as "sauna activities" or "sa-katsu."

[0003] Sauna users have a need to measure and record the time they spend in the sauna, and to continue enjoying their sauna activities. However, the inside of a sauna room is hot and humid, so bringing electronic devices such as smartphones or smartwatches into the room can cause malfunctions.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a wristwatch that houses a calculation mechanism and a sensor in a heat-resistant and waterproof case. The wristwatch described in Patent Document 1 can be used as a timepiece and can measure and record body temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure, etc. even in places with poor electronic environments, such as sauna rooms.

[0005] However, although Patent Document 1 describes measuring the user's biological information, it does not describe any functions that allow users to continue enjoying sauna activities or exercise. A simple clock function or a mere measurement and recording function alone does not fully satisfy the need to continue enjoying sauna activities.

[0006] Various game devices for use during exercise have been proposed. Patent Document 2 describes a device that is attached to exercise equipment by the user, which includes an exercise amount evaluation means and a game function, and promotes exercise by changing the attribute values ​​of a character or raising the character according to the amount of exercise evaluated by the exercise amount evaluation means. Patent Document 3 describes an exercise assisting instrument that counts the amount of repetitive exercise performed by the user, selects a virtual creature corresponding to this amount of exercise, and grows the virtual creature's form over time.

[0007] However, no game devices have been proposed for use in saunas, especially those that allow sauna activities that combine sauna, cold bath, and rest to be enjoyed and continued. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2-253189 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-237364 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-52834 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems and to provide a sauna game device that allows sauna activities, including a series of sauna, cold bath, and rest, to be enjoyed and continued. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problem, a sauna game device is provided which includes a waterproof housing, a display unit, and a control unit, the control unit including a timing unit which measures the elapsed time from the start operation by the user to the stop operation, and a game progress control unit which executes a process of changing the parameters set for the character and developing the character each time a set is completed, with a predetermined number of timing operations performed by the user while using the sauna.

[0011] Preferably, the control unit further includes a display control unit that automatically displays a new timing start screen when one timing by the timing unit ends, until a predetermined number of times is reached.

[0012] Furthermore, it is preferable that the game progress control unit is configured to increase the parameter each time a set is completed, with three timing operations corresponding to the user's sauna bathing time, cold bath bathing time, and rest time.

[0013] Furthermore, it is preferable that the display control unit executes control to display either a game display mode in which game presentation images of the training game are displayed, or a simple display mode in which game presentation images of the training game are not displayed, based on a selection operation by the user, and that the game progress control unit is configured to perform processing to change the parameters each time one set is completed, even when the timing operation is performed in the simple display mode.

[0014] It is also preferable that the apparatus further comprises a notification means for notifying the user that a predetermined time has elapsed since the start operation by the user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The present invention makes it possible to provide a sauna game device that allows users to continue enjoying sauna activities, including a series of sauna, cold bath, and outdoor bathing, in an enjoyable manner. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a sauna game device according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a sauna game device according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the sauna game device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a training process in the sauna game device of the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in a game display mode. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing examples of a mode selection screen, a character selection screen, a home screen, and a menu screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in a game display mode. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of (a) a sauna activity home screen, (b) a sauna start screen, (c) a confirmation screen, and (d) a sauna in-progress screen. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of (a) a cold bath start screen, (b) a cold bath screen, (c) a break start screen, (d) a break screen, (e) a sauna activity result screen, and (f) a training result screen. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of (a) an evolution presentation screen, (b) an evolution screen, (c) a character introduction screen, (d) a clear screen, (e) a confirmation screen, (f) a premium presentation screen, and (g) a sauna activity home screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of operation in a game display mode (premium character development); [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of operations relating to stopping and restarting timing in the game display mode. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation in a simple display mode. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of (a) a home screen, (b) a sauna activity home screen, (c) a sauna start screen, and (d) a sauna activity result screen in simple display mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The following describes an embodiment of the invention: A sauna game device 10 according to the embodiment described below is worn by a user on the body or held in the hand and brought into a sauna room or the like for use.

[0018] <Configuration of sauna game device> First, the configuration of a sauna game apparatus 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 1, the sauna game device 10 of the embodiment includes a housing 11 and a display 12. The sauna game device 10 of the embodiment is a small and portable game device that can be used in various forms, such as a wristwatch type, pendant type, or handheld type, using attachments (not shown).

[0020] The housing 11 of the embodiment is made of heat-resistant resin (for example, PC, ABS, silicone, PPS, PEEK, PI, etc.) and is generally plate-shaped and generally rectangular when viewed from the front. The housing 11 of the embodiment is waterproof, and the sauna game apparatus 10 of the embodiment has waterproof performance (for example, IPX6). The sauna game apparatus 10 of the embodiment has a structure that makes it difficult for the internal temperature to rise, as the housing 11 has heat insulating properties and the spaces in the internal structure are filled with resin and / or rubber.

[0021] The display 12 of the embodiment is a full-color liquid crystal display screen. As shown in Fig. 1, the display 12 of the embodiment is substantially rectangular and is provided on the front surface of the sauna game apparatus 10. The shape of the display 12 is not limited to this and may be other shapes. The display 12 displays game images (still images or videos) generated by the sauna game apparatus 10, elapsed time measured by a stopwatch function described below, and the like.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the sauna game device 10 of the embodiment has three operation buttons (a decision button 13, a right selection button 14, and a left selection button 15). In the embodiment, the buttons are arranged below the display 12 on the front surface of the sauna game device 10. The number and arrangement of the operation buttons are not limited to this. These operation buttons are used to perform game operations and various setting operations.

[0023] 2 is an exploded perspective view of the sauna game apparatus 10 according to the embodiment. The sauna game apparatus 10 of this example includes a housing 11 made up of a front cover 11a and a back cover 11b.

[0024] In the sauna game device 10 of the example shown in FIG. 2, a display 12, each operation button, an intermediate base 16, a board 17, a vibration motor M, and a battery B are housed in the storage space inside the housing 11.

[0025] 2, the display 12 in this example is composed of a liquid crystal 12b and a glass 12a that covers the liquid crystal 12b. The intermediate base 16 is a plate material to which each component in the storage space inside the housing 11 is fixed.

[0026] The board 17 in this embodiment is disposed on the back side of the intermediate base 16. The board 17 in this example is an electronic circuit board equipped with a processor such as a CPU, a storage medium such as RAM, a real-time clock, etc. As described above, the sauna game device 10 in this embodiment is designed to prevent the internal temperature from rising, but it is preferable that the board 17 be heat resistant. In addition, the board 17 is waterproof and moisture-proof by applying a waterproof coating to the board itself.

[0027] The vibration motor M is a vibrator for game effects and notifications. In addition, the sauna game device 10 may have a built-in speaker for outputting sound.

[0028] The sauna game device 10 of the embodiment operates using power supplied from a built-in battery B. The battery B of the embodiment is a heat-resistant, rechargeable lithium polymer battery. The sauna game device 10 of this example has a terminal (not shown) that can be connected to an external power source. The battery B is connected to this terminal and can be charged via this terminal. The charging method for the battery B is not limited to this, and it may also be a wireless power supply type. Furthermore, the battery B is not limited to a rechargeable battery and may be a non-rechargeable battery, but it is preferable that either battery has heat resistance.

[0029] <Functional Configuration of Sauna Game Device 10> Next, the functional configuration of the sauna game apparatus 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0030] The sauna game device 10 of the embodiment includes a control unit 110, a storage unit 120, a display unit 130, an input unit 140, a real-time clock (hereinafter referred to as "RTC") 150, and a notification means 160.

[0031] The control unit 110 is, for example, a CPU, and controls the operation of each function of the sauna game device 10. The control unit 110 of this embodiment operates in accordance with various programs stored in the storage unit 120, thereby fulfilling the functions of a timing unit 111, a display control unit 112, a game progress control unit 113, and a setting management unit 114.

[0032] The timing unit 111 measures the elapsed time from the user's start operation to the user's stop operation. The timing unit 111 obtains the current time using the RTC 150 and realizes a stopwatch function. Furthermore, the timing unit 111 of the embodiment realizes a timer function and enables notification by the vibration motor M at a predetermined timing.

[0033] The display control unit 112 controls the display of various information on the display 12. For example, when one count by the timing unit 111 ends, the display control unit 112 automatically displays a new count start screen until a predetermined number of counts are reached. Furthermore, the display control unit 112 of the embodiment controls the display of either a game display mode in which game presentation images of the training game are displayed, or a simple display mode in which game presentation images of the training game are not displayed, based on a selection operation by the user. Details of the control of the display control unit 112 will be described later.

[0034] The game progress control unit 113 executes processing related to a character development game based on user operations using the operation buttons, a game program stored in the storage unit 120, and the like. For example, the game progress control unit 113 executes processing to develop a character by changing parameters set for the character each time a set is completed, with a predetermined number of timing operations performed by a user while using a sauna being considered as one set. In the embodiment, the game progress control unit 113 increases the parameters each time a set is completed, with three timing operations corresponding to the user's sauna bathing time, cold bath bathing time, and rest time being considered as one set. Furthermore, the game progress control unit 113 in the embodiment also executes processing to increase the parameters each time a set is completed, even when the timing operations are performed in the simple display mode. Details of the game processing in the embodiment will be described later.

[0035] The setting management unit 114 manages game-related settings, display settings for the display 12, notification settings, and the like, based on setting inputs by the user.

[0036] The storage unit 120 is, for example, a non-volatile memory, and stores programs related to the operation of the sauna game apparatus 10, various data used in the game, and the like.

[0037] The display unit 130 of the embodiment is a screen on which game images and the like are displayed, and is specifically the display 12.

[0038] The input unit 140 of the embodiment is an input device that accepts operation inputs from the user, and specifically includes the operation buttons (the decision button 13, the right selection button 14, and the left selection button 15).

[0039] The RTC 150 of the embodiment generates information indicating the current time. The RTC 150 may operate by receiving power from a backup power source separate from the battery B. This allows the current time to be measured for a certain period of time even if the remaining power of the battery B is depleted.

[0040] The notification means 160 of the embodiment is a means for notifying the user at a predetermined timing. The notification means 160 of the embodiment includes a vibration motor M. The notification means 160 may notify the user by vibration caused by the vibration motor M, or by light or sound. The notification means 160 notifies the user that a predetermined time has elapsed since the user performed a timing start operation, for example. The behavior of the notification means 160 will be described in detail later.

[0041] <Overview of the training game> Here, with reference to FIG. 4, an outline of an example of a training game that can be played on the sauna game device 10 of the embodiment will be described.

[0042] In the training game of the embodiment, a user selects a character to be trained from among a plurality of characters and trains the character. The character evolves or grows through a plurality of stages, and its form changes as it evolves or grows. The character of the embodiment is a virtual creature such as character A shown in FIG. 4, but is not limited thereto, and various characters, living or inanimate objects, may be trained.

[0043] In this embodiment, the user takes a sauna bath, a cold bath, and a rest in this order (hereinafter, this continuous action may be referred to as "sauna activity"), and the time spent on each action is measured using a stopwatch function. A total of three timing operations in one sauna activity is counted as one set, and each time a set is completed, the parameter of the character in question increases by one.

[0044] In this embodiment, when a character's parameters reach a predetermined value, an evolution event for the character occurs, causing the character's form, size, etc. to change, and adding a special effect display P to the character. When the character has evolved a predetermined number of times, the character's development is complete, and the game is cleared for that character.

[0045] The example shown in Figure 4 is for a user who visits the sauna four times a month and performs three sets of sauna activities per day. In this example, the system is set up so that one character's development is completed after a total of 36 sets of timing operations.

[0046] Specifically, the user selects character A and starts the training game. After a total of 12 sets of timing operations, the parameter value reaches 12, and the first evolution event occurs. This evolution event causes character A to transform into character AA, which has a different form and size from character A.

[0047] After the first evolution event, timing operations continue in the sauna activity, and when the cumulative number of timing operations reaches 24 sets, the parameter value becomes 24. When the parameter value reaches 24, a second evolution event occurs, and character AA changes into character AAA, which has a different form and size from character AA.

[0048] In this embodiment, after the second evolution event, timing operations continue in the sauna activity, and when the cumulative number of timing operations reaches 36 sets, the parameter value becomes 36. When the parameter value reaches 36, a training clear event occurs, and a display effect P is added to character AAA. In this example, a colored aura appears behind character AAA as the display effect P. Once training of one character is complete, the user can select and train another character.

[0049] In this embodiment, a daily limit is set for the number of character parameter increases that can be made by a user's timekeeping operation. For example, if a maximum of five sets per day is set, even if six or more sets of timekeeping operations are performed in the same day, the excess will not contribute to the character parameter increase. This can prevent excessive sauna activity per day by the user.

[0050] <Operation of sauna game device> Next, an example of the operation of the sauna game apparatus 10 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0051] (Step S100) A predetermined operation is performed to turn on the power of the sauna game apparatus 10. In this embodiment, the decision button 13 is pressed and held to turn on the power.

[0052] (Step S101) When the sauna game apparatus 10 is powered on, a game title screen is displayed on the display 12 in this embodiment.

[0053] (Step S102) In this embodiment, after the title screen is displayed for a predetermined time, the screen automatically transitions to the mode selection screen sc1 shown in FIG. 6(a). In this embodiment, the mode selection screen sc1 allows the user to select a game display mode in which game presentation images of the training game are displayed, or a simple display mode in which game presentation images of the training game are not displayed. When the user selects one of the display modes using each operation button, the display control unit 112 controls the display 12 to display the screen of the selected display mode.

[0054] (Step S103) When the user selects "training mode" (game display mode) on the mode selection screen sc1 and presses the confirm button 13, the process proceeds to step S104. The flow when the user selects "simple mode" (simple display mode) on the mode selection screen sc1 is shown in FIG. 13 and will be described later.

[0055] (Step S104) If this is the first time the user is playing the training game on the sauna game device 10 or if this is the first time the user has played since clearing the training of one character, proceed to step S105. If this is not the first time the user is playing or the first time the user has played since clearing the training, proceed to step S108.

[0056] (Step S105) When playing for the first time, if you select "training mode" (game display mode) on the mode selection screen sc1 and press the confirm button 13, the screen will automatically transition to the character selection screen sc2 shown in FIG. 6(b) (hereinafter, "character" may be abbreviated to "chara"). The character selection screen sc2 displays characters that can be trained. In this example, from the four types of characters A to D, character A is selected as the character to be trained.

[0057] (Step S106) When a character to be trained is selected, the screen transitions to an introduction screen (not shown) for the selected character. The introduction screen displays, for example, the name and image of the character, explanatory text such as personality settings, etc.

[0058] (Step S107) Pressing the decision button 13 on the introduction screen transitions to a character decision screen (not shown). On the character decision screen, a confirmation message such as "Do you want to raise this character? (Yes / No)" is displayed. If "Yes" is selected, the character to be raised is decided, and the process proceeds to step S108. If "No" is selected, the process returns to step S105, and the character selection is redone on the character selection screen sc2.

[0059] (Step S108) In step S108, the home screen sc3 shown in FIG. 6(c) is displayed. The home screen sc3 in this example includes a main display area 200 and a sub-display area 300. In the main display area 200 of the home screen sc3, for example, an image 201 of a character to be trained, a background image 202, and function information 203 of the enter button 13 are displayed. The image 201 of a character to be trained is displayed in a form corresponding to the current training stage of the character to be trained. The background image 202 may be selectable by the user from a plurality of images, such as an exterior of a hot spring facility or public bath, an image simulating the inside of a bathroom, or an outdoor landscape.

[0060] The sub-display area 300 displays, for example, date information 301, remaining battery level information 302, time information 303 indicating the current time, an experience value gauge 304, and a title gauge 305. In this example, the experience value gauge 304 indicates the accumulated amount of parameters related to character development, and in this example, 12 squares are displayed. In this embodiment, when one set of timing operations is completed, one square of the experience value gauge 304 is displayed in color. When 12 sets are completed, the experience value gauge 304 becomes full, a character evolution event occurs, and the display is reset. Furthermore, in this example, the title gauge 305 increases in number of stars according to the number of characters that have been developed.

[0061] (Step S109-1) In this embodiment, when the right selection button 14 is pressed on the home screen sc3, the screen transitions to a status screen (not shown). On the status screen, the character parameters of the character to be trained, which will be described later, can be confirmed.

[0062] (Step S109-2) When the enter button 13 is pressed on the home screen sc3, the screen transitions to the menu screen sc4 shown in FIG. 6(d).

[0063] In the menu screen sc4 of this embodiment, you can select from "Sauna Activity," "Character," "History," "Settings," or "Exit."

[0064] (Steps S200, S201) When "Sauna Activity" is selected on the menu screen sc4 and the decision button 13 is pressed, the screen transitions to the sauna activity home screen sc5 shown in Fig. 8(a). The game flow after the sauna activity home screen sc5 will be described later with reference to Fig. 7.

[0065] (Steps S300, S301) When "Character Information" is selected on the menu screen sc4 and the decision button 13 is pressed, the screen transitions to a character name list screen (not shown). The character name list screen displays, for example, a list of the names of characters A to D and the names corresponding to the evolution stages of each character. The character name list screen may display the character names for all evolution patterns of all characters in a selectable manner, or may display the names of unselected / unevolved characters in a non-selectable manner.

[0066] (Step S302) When the user selects a character name and presses the decision button 13, the screen transitions to a character introduction screen (not shown). The character introduction screen displays an image and description of the character. In this embodiment, when the right selection button 14 is pressed on the introduction screen for a fully trained character (for example, character AAA with the effect display P shown in FIG. 4), introduction screens for characters AAA with different effect displays P (colored auras in this example) are displayed in sequence. This allows the user to view information about different color versions of the aura of the fully trained character.

[0067] Pressing the left selection button 15 on the character introduction screen will return you to the character list screen, and pressing the left selection button 15 again will return you to the menu screen sc4.

[0068] (Steps S400, S401) When "History" is selected on the menu screen sc4 and the decision button 13 is pressed, the screen transitions to a history screen (not shown). On the history screen, a list of history information of past sauna activities (specifically, the result information shown in FIG. 9(e)) is displayed. When the left selection button 15 is pressed on the history screen, the screen returns to the menu screen sc4.

[0069] (Steps S500, S501) When "Settings" is selected on the menu screen sc4 and the decision button 13 is pressed, the display transitions to a setting screen (not shown). A menu of various settings is displayed on the setting screen. In this embodiment, the setting screen displays four setting menus, "Date and Time," "Brightness," "Vibration," and "Background," as well as "Initialize," which can be selected.

[0070] (Step S502) When "Date and Time" is selected on the setting screen of step S501, the screen moves to a date and time adjustment screen (not shown). When the adjustment is complete, press the decision button 13 to return to the setting screen, and then press the left selection button 15 to return to the menu screen sc4.

[0071] (Step S503) When "Brightness" is selected on the setting screen of step S501, the screen moves to a brightness adjustment screen (not shown) of the display 12. The brightness adjustment may be selectable from three levels, for example, strong, medium, and weak. When the adjustment is complete, press the decision button 13 to return to the setting screen, and then press the left selection button 15 to return to the menu screen sc4.

[0072] (Step S504) When "Vibrate" is selected on the setting screen of step S501, the screen moves to a vibration ON / OFF switching screen (not shown). In addition to switching the vibration ON / OFF, the vibration intensity may also be adjustable. When the setting is complete, press the decision button 13 to return to the setting screen, and then press the left selection button 15 to return to the menu screen sc4.

[0073] (Step S505) When "Background" is selected on the setting screen of step S501, the screen moves to a selection screen (not shown) for the background image 202 on the home screen sc3. After selecting the background image 202, press the decision button 13 to return to the setting screen, and then press the left selection button 15 to return to the menu screen sc4.

[0074] (Step S506) When "Initialize" is selected on the setting screen of step S501, the screen transitions to an initialization confirmation screen (not shown). The initialization confirmation screen displays selectable text such as "Do you want to initialize? YES / NO." When YES is selected, all achievements in the training game are reset and the screen returns to the title screen. When NO is selected, the screen returns to the setting screen, and when the left selection button 15 is pressed again, the screen returns to the menu screen sc4.

[0075] (Steps S600, S601) When "Exit" is selected on the setting screen in step S501, the power is turned off and the game ends.

[0076] Next, an example of the operation of the sauna game apparatus 10 during sauna activity in the training mode (game display mode) of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0077] (Step S201) As described above, when "Sauna Activity" is selected on the menu screen sc4 (see FIG. 6(d)), the screen transitions to the sauna activity home screen sc5 (see FIG. 8(a)). In the embodiment, the main display area 200 of the sauna activity home screen sc5 displays, for example, an image 201 of a character to be trained, a background image 202, and function information 203 of the decision button 13. The display of the sub-display area 300 of the sauna activity home screen sc5 is the same as that of the home screen sc3 (see FIG. 6(c)) described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0078] (Step S202) Pressing the decision button 13 on the sauna activity home screen sc5 (selecting "Start sauna activity") transitions to the sauna start screen sc6 (see FIG. 8(b)). In the main display area 200 of the sauna start screen sc6, in addition to a character image 201 to be trained, a background image 202, and function information 203 of the decision button 13, elapsed time information 204 and function information 205 of the left selection button 15 are displayed.

[0079] When a user enters the sauna room and presses the enter button 13 (selects "START") on the sauna start screen sc6, the stopwatch starts counting and the time display of the elapsed time information 204 starts. This starts timing the sauna bath.

[0080] In this embodiment, during timing operation using the stopwatch function, it is possible to return to the previous step in case of pressing the wrong operation button. Specifically, if the left selection button 15 is pressed during timing operation, the confirmation screen sc7 shown in FIG. 8(c) is displayed, and it is possible to return to the previous screen. This "back" operation will be explained later with reference to FIG. 12. Below, explanation of the "back" operation will be omitted and one set of timing operation will be explained.

[0081] While the user is taking a sauna bath, a sauna screen sc8 (see FIG. 8(d)) is displayed on the display 12. On the sauna screen sc8, a dramatic effect 207 such as steam may be displayed around the character image 201.

[0082] In the sauna game device 10 of the embodiment, the notification means 160 is activated when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of timing the sauna bath time, to notify the user that the predetermined time has elapsed. In the embodiment, the vibration motor M is activated to notify the user by vibration when 5, 8, 10, and 12 minutes have elapsed since the start of timing the sauna bath time. This notification can serve as a guide for the user to end their sauna bath.

[0083] (Step S203) When the user exits the sauna room, he or she presses the decision button 13 on the sauna in-room screen sc8 (selects "STOP"), which stops the time display in the elapsed time information 204 and ends the measurement of the sauna bathing time.

[0084] (Step S204) In this embodiment, when the timing of the sauna bath ends, the screen automatically transitions to the cold bath start screen sc9 shown in FIG. 9(a). This allows the user to automatically start timing the next cold bath bath time without any effort. The cold bath start screen sc9 in this embodiment displays a background image 202 corresponding to the cold bath. Other elements are the same as the sauna start screen c5.

[0085] When the user enters the cold bath and presses the decision button 13 (selects "START") on the cold bath start screen sc9, the stopwatch starts counting and the time display of the elapsed time information 204 starts. This starts timing the cold bath bathing time.

[0086] While the user is soaking in the cold bath, a cold bath screen sc10 (see FIG. 9(b)) is displayed on the display 12. On the cold bath screen sc10, a dramatic effect 207 such as sparkling light may be displayed around the character image 201.

[0087] (Step S205) When the user gets out of the cold bath, he / she presses the decision button 13 (selects "STOP") on the cold bath screen sc10, and the time display of the elapsed time information 204 stops, and the timing of the cold bath bathing time ends.

[0088] (Step S206) In this embodiment, when the cold bath bathing time has finished timing, the screen automatically transitions to the break start screen sc11 shown in FIG. 9(c). This allows the user to automatically start timing the next break time without any effort. In this embodiment, the break start screen sc11 displays a background image 202 of a chaise lounge or other elements that indicate a rest space. Other elements are the same as those in the sauna start screen c5.

[0089] When the user moves to the rest space and presses the decision button 13 (selects "START") on the rest start screen sc11, the stopwatch starts counting and the time display of the elapsed time information 204 is activated. This starts timing the rest time.

[0090] While the user is taking a break in the rest space, a break screen sc12 (see FIG. 9(d)) is displayed on the display 12. On the break screen sc12, a dramatic effect 207 such as a sparkling light may be displayed around the character image 201.

[0091] (Step S207) When the user wants to end the break, he or she presses the decision button 13 (selects "STOP") on the break screen sc12, which stops the time display in the elapsed time information 204 and ends the timing of the break time.

[0092] (Step S208) When the timing of the break time has finished, a confirmation screen (not shown) containing text such as "Do you want to complete this set? YES / NO" is displayed. If the user selects NO, timing of the break time resumes. If the user selects YES, the process proceeds to step S209.

[0093] In each screen where the stopwatch is running, the character image 201 may be a still image or a moving image. Also, the character may have more variations in facial expressions and movements as it progresses through the evolutionary stages.

[0094] (Step S209) When the user selects to complete the timing set, the screen transitions to the sauna activity result screen sc13 (see FIG. 9(e)). The sauna activity result screen sc13 displays the measurement results of the sauna bathing time, cold bath bathing time, and rest time. It may also display which set of measurements was taken that day.

[0095] (Step S210) In the game display mode, pressing the enter button 13 on the sauna activity result screen sc13 transitions to a training result screen sc14 (see FIG. 9(f)). The training result screen sc14 displays the current status of the character to be trained (after the sauna activity has been timed).

[0096] The training result screen sc14 displays an image 201 of the character being trained, status information 208 including an experience value gauge and text indicating the number of sets required for the next evolution, personality parameter information 209, and the like.

[0097] Here, the character's personality parameter information 209 will be explained. In the training game of this embodiment, a character's personality parameters are set in addition to the parameters that cause the character's evolution event. In this example, there are four personality parameters: "Cool," "Passion," "Beauty," and "Cute."

[0098] The initial values ​​of the personality parameters may be different for each character. In an embodiment, these personality parameters increase randomly each time a timed set of sauna activity is completed. The personality parameters are associated with the aura color of the character's final evolved form, and the character is endowed with an aura of the color corresponding to the personality parameter with the highest value at the time of completion of the training. The character's motion may change depending on the color of the aura that has been granted.

[0099] (Step S211) When the confirm button 13 is pressed on the training result screen sc14, if the evolution conditions have not been met (if the experience gauge is not full), the screen transitions to the sa-katsu home screen sc5. If the evolution conditions have been met (if the experience gauge is full), a character evolution event occurs. At this time, if the value of the training parameter reaches 12 or 24, the screen proceeds to step S212, and if the value of the parameter reaches 36, the screen proceeds to step S215.

[0100] (Step S212) If 12 sets have been achieved, the first evolution event (see FIG. 4) occurs. As a result, an evolution presentation screen sc15 (see FIG. 10(a)) is displayed on the display 12. The evolution presentation screen sc15 displays the current character image 210 to be raised (character A in this example).

[0101] (Step S213) When the decision button 13 is pressed on the evolution production screen sc15, the evolution screen sc16 (see FIG. 10(b)) is displayed. The evolution screen sc16 displays the image 210 of the character to be trained (character AA in this example) in its evolved form.

[0102] (Step S214) When the confirm button 13 is pressed on the evolution screen sc16, a character introduction screen sc17 (see FIG. 10(c)) relating to the evolved character is displayed. When the confirm button 13 is pressed on the character introduction screen sc17, the screen transitions to the sauna activity home screen sc5.

[0103] If 24 sets are achieved, the second evolution event (see Figure 4) will occur. The screen display for the second evolution event is the same as the first.

[0104] (Step S215) If 36 sets have been achieved, a training completion event (see FIG. 4) occurs. At this time, a clear screen sc18 (see FIG. 10(d)) is displayed on the display 12. On the clear screen sc18, an image or video of the character AAA to which the performance effect P has been applied is displayed as the training target character image 201.

[0105] When the enter button 13 is pressed on the clear screen sc18, the process normally proceeds to step S216. In this embodiment, a premium effect occurs at this time with a predetermined probability, and the process proceeds to step S700. The flow after proceeding to step S700 (FIG. 11) will be described later.

[0106] (Step S216) When the training of one character is completed, the confirmation screen sc19 shown in FIG. 10(e) is displayed. If "Continue sauna activity" is selected on this confirmation screen, the screen transitions to the sauna activity home screen sc5, where the player can continue timing their sauna activity. In this case, since a new character to be trained has not been decided, the training game parameters do not increase as a result of timing. If "New training" is selected on this confirmation screen, the screen transitions to the character selection screen sc2 (see FIG. 6(b)), where the player can start playing the game from step S105 shown in FIG. 5.

[0107] Here, the flow after the above-mentioned premium effect occurs will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0108] (Step S700) As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, when the confirm button 13 is pressed on the clear screen sc18 after completing the development of one character, a premium effect occurs with a predetermined probability (10% probability in this embodiment), and the premium effect screen sc20 (see Figure 10(f)) is displayed. When the premium effect occurs, it is possible to develop a premium character that is different from the characters that can be selected on the character selection screen sc2 (see Figure 6(b)).

[0109] (Step S701) When the confirm button 13 is pressed on the premiere production screen sc20, a premiere character introduction screen (not shown) is displayed. On the premiere character introduction screen, an image of the premiere character, an explanation, etc. are displayed.

[0110] (Step S702) When the confirm button 13 is pressed on the premium character introduction screen, the screen transitions to a sauna activity home screen sc21 (see FIG. 10(g)) in which the premium character is displayed as the character image 201 to be trained.

[0111] 11, the timing flow for sauna activity is the same as that for a normal character, so a description thereof will be omitted. Note that in the premium character training mode, the training target character image 201 on each screen during timing is an image of a premium character.

[0112] (Step S712) In this embodiment, the development of a premium character is completed when 12 sets are achieved. When the decision button 13 is pressed on the development result screen (not shown), if the evolution conditions have not been met, the screen transitions to the sauna activity home screen sc21 in step S702, and if the evolution conditions have been met, the screen proceeds to step S713.

[0113] (Step S713) When 12 sets of timing operations are completed, a clear screen (not shown) is displayed. In this embodiment, the form of the premium character itself does not change when the training is cleared, but a colored aura is added to the background of the premium character. Note that this is not limited to this specification, and the premium character may also evolve, resulting in a change in form.

[0114] (S714, S715) The process after completing the training is the same as for normal characters, so we will not explain it here. If you select "New Training", you will be taken to the normal character selection screen sc2, and the training of the premium character will end.

[0115] Here, the "back" operation during each timing operation in the training game will be described with reference to FIG.

[0116] As described above, in the embodiment, when the user presses the enter button 13 on a screen where the stopwatch function is available, the user can start or stop timing. When the user presses the select button (in the embodiment, the left select button 15) on a screen where the stopwatch function is available, the confirmation screen sc7 (see FIG. 8(c)) is displayed, and the user can return to the previous screen.

[0117] (Step S202-a) For example, when the decision button 13 is pressed on the sauna start screen sc6 (see FIG. 8(b)), timing of the sauna bathing starts.

[0118] (Step S202-b) For example, when the left selection button 15 is pressed on the sauna start screen sc6 (see FIG. 8(b)), the screen transitions to a confirmation screen sc7 (see FIG. 8(c)).

[0119] (Step S202-c) If "YES" is selected on the confirmation screen sc7, the screen returns to the sauna activity home screen, and if "NO" is selected, the screen returns to the sauna start screen sc6.

[0120] (Step S202-d) Also, if the left selection button 15 is pressed while timing is being performed by the stopwatch function, the screen will transition to the confirmation screen sc7 (see FIG. 8(c)).

[0121] (Step S202-e) If "YES" is selected on the confirmation screen sc7, the screen returns to the sauna start screen sc6 and the timing can be restarted. If "NO" is selected, the interrupted timing will be restarted.

[0122] (Steps S202-f to S204) When the decision button 13 is pressed while the stopwatch function is timing to end the sauna bath, the timing stops and the screen transitions to the cold bath start screen sc9.

[0123] Similarly, when measuring the time spent in the cold bath or the time spent resting, you can select "Back" (description omitted).

[0124] Next, an example of the operation of the sauna game apparatus 10 in the simple display mode will be described with reference to FIG.

[0125] (Step S800) When "Simple Mode" is selected in step S103 shown in Fig. 5, the display enters a simple display mode in which game presentation images of the training game are not displayed. In the simple display mode of the embodiment, character images and evolution presentation images are not displayed on the display 12 during and after timing of sauna activity.

[0126] 14(a) shows an example of a home screen sc22 in the simple display mode. In the home screen sc22 of this embodiment, only the function information 203 of the enter button 13 is displayed in the main display area 200, and the same display as in the game display mode is displayed in the sub-display area 300. However, this is not limited to this, and the sub-display area 300 may also be set not to display game elements.

[0127] (Step S801) Pressing the enter button 13 on the home screen sc22 (selecting "MENU") transitions to the menu screen. The menu screen and subsequent setting screens in the simple display mode are the same as those in the game display mode, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0128] (Step S802) When "Sauna Activity" is selected on the menu screen and the decision button 13 is pressed, the screen transitions to the sauna activity home screen sc23 (see FIG. 14(b)) in the simple display mode.

[0129] (Step S803) Pressing the decision button 13 on the sauna activity home screen sc23 (selecting "Start sauna activity") transitions to the sauna start screen sc24 (see FIG. 14(c)). The sauna start screen sc24 in simple display mode displays function information 203 of the decision button 13 and elapsed time information 204. The sauna start screen sc24 may also display text such as "sauna" to indicate that the sauna bathing time is being measured.

[0130] (Steps S804 to S810) The flow during timing is the same as in the game display mode, so a description thereof will be omitted. Note that the basic configuration of each screen during timing is the same as the sauna start screen sc24.

[0131] (Step S811) When the measurement of the rest time is completed, a confirmation screen "Do you want to complete this set? YES / NO" is displayed, and if you select YES, you will be transferred to the sauna activity result screen sc25 (see Figure 14(d)). Pressing the decision button 13 on the sauna activity result screen sc25 will return you to the sauna activity home screen.

[0132] Thus, in simple display mode, the training result screen SC14 (see Figure 9(f)) is not displayed after the set is completed, nor is the evolution presentation screen displayed after the evolution conditions are met. Furthermore, the lottery for premium characters is not performed during simple display mode. However, even if sauna activity is timed in simple display mode, the parameters related to character training have increased, and the training game can be progressed. Therefore, the next time the game display mode is selected, the parameter increases accumulated during simple display mode are reflected in the game.

[0133] In this embodiment, if the training of one character is completed while timing sauna activity in the simple display mode and the game is cleared for that character, and if the simple display mode is selected the next time the game is started, the next character to be trained will be randomly selected and training will proceed. Note that it is also possible to configure the next character to be trained not to be randomly selected, and parameter increases will stop until the user selects a character.

[0134] In this way, by providing two display modes and configuring the training game so that it can proceed in either display mode, user convenience is improved.

[0135] The sauna game device 10 of the present invention can contribute to the enjoyment and continuation of sauna activities, which include a series of sauna, cold bath, and rest periods.

[0136] While the present invention has been described above using the embodiments as examples, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented in various forms. For example, the present invention may be configured to include a detection means such as a temperature sensor, and to reflect data on the external environment in the progress of the game. [Explanation of symbols]

[0137] 10 Sauna game device 11. Housing 12 Display 13 Confirm button 14 Right selection button 15 Left selection button M vibration motor B Battery 110 control section 111 Timing section 112 Display control unit 113 Game progress control unit 114 Settings Management Department 120 Storage section 130 Display section 140 Input section 150 RTC 160 Means of Notification

Claims

1. The device includes a waterproof housing, a display unit, and a control unit. The control unit a timing unit that measures the elapsed time from a start operation to a stop operation by a user; A sauna game device is provided with a game progress control unit that executes a process of changing parameters set for a character and developing the character each time a set is completed, with a predetermined number of timing operations performed by a user while using the sauna being considered as one set.

2. The control unit The sauna game device according to claim 1, further comprising a display control unit that automatically displays a new timing start screen when one timing by the timing unit ends until a predetermined number of times is reached.

3. The game progress control unit 3. The sauna game device according to claim 1, wherein three timing operations corresponding to the user's sauna bathing time, cold bath bathing time, and rest time are counted as one set, and the parameter is increased each time a set is completed.

4. The display control unit Based on a selection operation by a user, control is executed to display either a game display mode in which a game presentation image of the training game is displayed or a simple display mode in which a game presentation image of the training game is not displayed; The game progress control unit 3. The sauna game device according to claim 1, wherein even when the timing operation is performed in the simple display mode, the parameter is changed every time one set is completed.

5. 3. The sauna game device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification means for notifying the user that a predetermined time has elapsed since the start operation by the user.

Images