Toy

Abstract

To make it easy for users to understand which of the multiple control buttons in a toy they should operate. [Solution] The toy comprises a housing having a first passage and a second passage formed inside, a first member that blocks at least a portion of the second passage when the housing is in the first position, and a second member that blocks the first passage when the housing is in a second position different from the first position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to toys.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technology related to a display device capable of changing a display mode according to the inclination of a display body has been known (for example, Patent Document 1). Toys using such a display device are also known. Furthermore, toys provided with a plurality of operation parts are also known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the field of toys, when a predetermined image is displayed on a display device, it may be difficult for a user to understand which of the plurality of operation parts should be operated. Therefore, there is a need for a technology that can easily make a user understand which of the plurality of operation parts in a toy should be operated.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The toy includes a housing in which a first passage and a second passage are formed inside, a first member that closes at least a part of the second passage when the posture of the housing is the first posture, and a second member that closes the first passage when the posture of the housing is a second posture different from the first posture.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] <^ According to the toy of the present disclosure, it is possible to easily make a user understand which of the plurality of operation parts should be operated.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the toy from a viewpoint in the upper right front. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the toy from the rear left. [Figure 3] This is a front view of the toy. [Figure 4] This is a right side view of the toy. [Figure 5] This is a left side view of the toy. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in Figure 4. [Figure 7] This figure shows the toy in the posture shown in Figure 6, rotated 180° around a horizontal axis extending from front to back. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of how an object is displayed. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a toy with a finger inserted into the first passage. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a toy with a finger inserted into the second passage. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The toy disclosed herein allows the user to experience the worldview of an image displayed on a display device. For example, when the user touches a control unit installed inside the toy, they can experience the worldview of an object displayed on the display device. Further details will be described later.

[0009] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Duplication of descriptions of these components may be omitted. Furthermore, in the following description, "XX unit" does not simply mean a physical means for realizing function "XX," but may also mean that the function performed by that "XX unit" is realized by software. Also, a function performed by one "XX unit" may be realized by two or more physical means or two or more software programs. Furthermore, the functions of two or more "XX units" may be realized by one physical means or one software program. Also, for convenience in describing embodiments, the directions indicated by the arrows in each figure may be referred to as "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," and "back" in the description of toys. Furthermore, "based on YY" as described below means "based on at least YY." Therefore, it includes cases based on other elements as well as "YY." Also, "based on YY" includes not only cases where "YY" is used directly, but also cases where some calculation or processing is performed on "YY." "YY" is any element (for example, any piece of information).

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the toy from the upper right front viewpoint. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the toy from the lower left rear viewpoint. Figure 3 is a front view of the toy. Figure 4 is a right side view of the toy. Figure 5 is a left side view of the toy. Toy 1 comprises a housing 2, a display device 3, a first button 4, a second button 5, a third button 6, and a control device (not shown).

[0011] The housing 2 is a component that constitutes the external shape of the toy 1. The housing 2 is also a component that houses the various parts of the toy 1. The housing 2 is formed in a shape such that a part of it is cut off from a cylinder that extends in the front-to-back direction. The housing 2 is a shape in which a part of the side surface of the cylinder is cut off by a horizontal plane, and the cut-off part is formed by a plane. The horizontal plane cuts off a part of the upper and a part of the lower side surface of the cylinder. In other words, the housing 2 has an upper surface 201 and a lower surface 202. Therefore, when the toy 1 is placed on a table or the like with the upper surface 201 or lower surface 202 facing down when the user is not playing with the toy 1, the toy 1 can be prevented from rolling on the table.

[0012] On the front of the housing 2, which corresponds to one bottom surface of the cylinder, a display device 3, a first button 4, a second button 5, and a third button 6 are arranged. The display device 3, the first button 4, the second button 5, and the third button 6 will be described later. On the rear surface of the housing 2, which corresponds to the other bottom surface of the cylinder, various information is inscribed. This information may include precautions for the user when using the toy 1, copyright information for characters used in the toy 1, and information about the original author.

[0013] The housing 2 has a first passage 7 and a second passage 8 formed on its interior. The first passage 7 and the second passage 8 are formed on opposite sides of each other with respect to the display device 3. The first passage 7 and the second passage 8 are formed in a cylindrical shape, for example, large enough to allow a finger to be inserted. The diameter of the first passage 7 and the second passage 8 is, for example, 1.5 cm or more and 4 cm or less.

[0014] The first passage 7 is formed, for example, on the right side of the housing 2 and above the central position in the height direction. A part of the first passage 7 may be formed below the central position in the height direction. For example, it is sufficient that the center of the entrance of the first passage 7 is arranged above the central position in the height direction. The first passage 7 may be formed, for example, so as to extend obliquely upward to the right from near the center in the left - right direction and the height direction of the housing 2. The second passage 8 is formed, for example, on the left side of the housing 2 and below the central position in the height direction. A part of the second passage 8 may be formed above the central position in the height direction. For example, it is sufficient that the center of the entrance of the second passage 8 is arranged below the central position in the height direction. The second passage 8 may be formed, for example, so as to extend obliquely downward to the left from near the center in the left - right direction and the height direction of the housing 2.

[0015] The housing 2 may be composed of a plurality of components. The housing 2 may be composed of, for example, components that constitute the upper side of the toy 1, components that constitute the lower side of the toy 1, components that constitute the front surface of the toy 1, components that constitute the rear surface of the toy 1, components that constitute the periphery of the first passage 7, components that constitute the periphery of the second passage 8, and the like. Further, the components that constitute the upper side of the toy 1 may include components that constitute the front side of the toy 1 and components that constitute the rear side of the toy 1. Further, the components that constitute the lower side of the toy 1 may include components that constitute the front side of the toy 1 and components that constitute the rear side of the toy 1.

[0016] The toy 1 further includes a first operation part, a second operation part, a first member, a second member, a first object detection sensor, a second object detection sensor, and a posture detection sensor (not shown).

[0017] FIG. 6 is a cross - sectional view taken along the VI - VI arrow in FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a view showing the state in which the toy 1 in the posture shown in FIG. 6 is rotated 180° about a horizontal axis extending in the front - rear direction.

[0018] The first operating section 9 is provided at a first installation position located on or behind the first passage 7. In other words, the first passage 7 is a passage connecting an opening (first opening) formed on the surface of the housing 2 to at least the first operating section 9 inside the housing 2. The first installation position is, for example, a position that is easily operated by a finger inserted into the first passage 7. For example, as shown in Figure 6, when the orientation of the housing 2 is maintained such that the center of the entrance to the first passage 7 is located above the center position in the height direction of the housing 2, the first installation position is the center position in the left-right direction and below the center position in the height direction.

[0019] The plane containing the installation surface 10 of the first installation position and the first central axis A1, which is the central axis of the first passage 7, intersect at a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle is, for example, 10° or more and 45° or less.

[0020] The first operating part 9 provides a first sensation. The first sensation is the feeling a person experiences when they touch the first operating part 9 or operate it with their finger. The first sensation is a first tactile sensation. The first operating part 9 is made of, for example, an elastic material. When the first operating part 9 is made of an elastic material, the user can experience the sensation of "softness" when they touch the first operating part 9. The user can also feel that it is pleasant to the touch. In other words, the first tactile sensation is softer than the second tactile sensation, which will be described later. The first operating part 9 is made of, for example, rubber, fiber, or a soft resin. In addition, at least a part of the surface of the first operating part 9 is made of, for example, a curved surface. When the surface of the first operating part 9 is made of a curved surface, the user can further feel that the first operating part 9 is pleasant to the touch.

[0021] The first operating unit 9 is movable parallel to the mounting surface 10. That is, the first operating unit 9 can be moved forward, backward, to the right, and to the left by the user. The first operating unit 9 may also be movable up and down. By operating the first operating unit 9, the user can operate objects displayed on the display device 3.

[0022] The second operating section 11 is located on the second passage 8 or at a second installation position located further inside the second passage 8. In other words, the second passage 8 is a passage connecting an opening (second opening) formed on the surface of the housing 2 to at least the second operating section 11 inside the housing 2. The second installation position is, for example, a position that is easily operated by a finger inserted into the second passage 8. For example, as shown in Figure 7, when the orientation of the housing 2 is maintained such that the center of the entrance to the second passage 8 is located above the center position in the height direction of the housing 2, the second installation position is the center position in the left-right direction and below the center position in the height direction. The first installation position and the second installation position are located opposite each other in the internal space of the housing 2.

[0023] The plane containing the installation surface 12 of the second installation position and the second central axis A2, which is the central axis of the second passage 8, intersect at a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle is, for example, 10° or more and 45° or less.

[0024] The first central axis A1 and the second central axis A2 are, for example, arranged parallel to each other. That is, the first central axis A1 and the second central axis A2 are not collinear. However, the first central axis A1 and the second central axis A2 may be collinear.

[0025] The second operating part 11 provides a second sensation different from the first sensation. The second sensation is the sensation a person experiences when they touch the second operating part 11 or operate the second operating part 11 with their finger. The second sensation is a second tactile sensation. The second operating part 11 is made of, for example, an inelastic material. Here, an inelastic material does not mean only a rigid body, but also includes an object that does not deform to the extent of being pressed with a finger, or an object that the user does not perceive as deformed.

[0026] If the second operating part 11 is made of an inelastic material, the user can perceive it as "hard" when touching it. The second operating part 11 is made of, for example, plastic, metal, or a hard resin. Also, at least a portion of the surface of the second operating part 11 is made up of, for example, one or more planes. The surface of the second operating part 11 is made up of, for example, one or more planes, at least a portion of which is made up of one or more planes, like the surface of a cut gemstone. If the surface of the second operating part 11 is made up of one or more planes, the user can perceive the second operating part 11 as hard.

[0027] Furthermore, the second operating section 11 may be made of a different material or shape from the first operating section 9. For example, even if the material constituting the first operating section 9 and the material constituting the second operating section 11 are the same, if their surface shape or surface roughness is different, the first operating section 9 and the second operating section 11 can provide the user with different tactile sensations. In addition, the first operating section 9 and the second operating section 11 may be made of materials with different hardness levels.

[0028] The second operating section 11 is movable perpendicular to the mounting surface 12. That is, the second operating section 11 can be moved vertically by user operation. Furthermore, when the user presses the second operating section 11, the user may feel a click sensation. That is, when the user operates the second operating section 11, the user may feel the sensation of pressing a switch, and a sound may be emitted as if a switch had been pressed. By operating the second operating section 11, the user can operate the object displayed on the display device 3.

[0029] A projection 13 is formed at the back of the first operating section 9, as viewed from the entrance of the first passage 7, projecting in the direction from the first operating section 9 to the second operating section 11. The projection 13 can prevent the first operating section 9 from being pressed or operated with excessive force. If the first operating section 9 is pressed or operated with excessive force without the projection 13, there is a risk that the first operating section 9 may peel off or break. The projection 13 can prevent these problems.

[0030] The first member 14 is a member that blocks at least a portion of the second passage 8 when the housing 2 is in a first position. The first position is, for example, the position of the housing 2 when the first operating part 9 is located on the lower side, as shown in Figure 6. The first member 14 is, for example, a plate-shaped member. The first member 14 is also formed from, for example, synthetic resin.

[0031] When the housing 2 is in the first orientation, a first housing portion 15 for accommodating the first member 14 is formed above the second passage 8. In addition, a guide groove 16 is formed in the housing 2, extending from the first housing portion 15 to the second passage 8 to guide the first member 14.

[0032] The second member 17 is a member that blocks at least a portion of the first passage 7 when the orientation of the housing 2 is a second orientation different from the first orientation. The second orientation is, for example, the orientation of the housing 2 when the second operating part 11 is positioned downwards, as shown in Figure 7. The second member 17 is, for example, a plate-shaped member. The second member 17 is also formed from, for example, synthetic resin.

[0033] When the housing 2 is in the second orientation, a second housing portion 18 for accommodating the second member 17 is formed above the first passage 7. Furthermore, a guide groove 19 is formed in the housing 2, extending from the second housing portion 18 to the first passage 7 to guide the second member 17.

[0034] When the orientation of the housing 2 is changed from the first orientation shown in Figure 6 to the second orientation shown in Figure 7, the first member 14 transitions from blocking the second passage 8 to being housed in the first housing section 15. That is, the first member 14 transitions from blocking the second passage 8 to opening it due to its own weight. Also, the second member 17 transitions from being housed in the second housing section 18 to blocking the first passage 7. That is, the second member 17 transitions from opening the first passage 7 to blocking it by sliding downward due to its own weight. In other words, when the first passage 7 is blocked by the second member 17, the second passage 8 is open.

[0035] When the orientation of the housing 2 is changed from the second orientation shown in Figure 7 to the first orientation shown in Figure 6, the second member 17 transitions from blocking the first passage 7 to being housed in the second housing section 18. That is, the second member 17 transitions from blocking the first passage 7 to opening it due to its own weight. Also, the first member 14 transitions from being housed in the first housing section 15 to blocking the second passage 8. That is, the first member 14 transitions from opening the second passage 8 to blocking it by sliding downward due to its own weight. In other words, when the second passage 8 is blocked by the first member 14, the first passage 7 is open.

[0036] Furthermore, the first member 14 and the second member 17 may each block the second passage 8 and the first passage 7 by rotating around a predetermined position. In this case as well, the first member 14 and the second member 17 may each block the second passage 8 and the first passage 7 by moving downward due to their own weight.

[0037] Furthermore, the first member 14 and the second member 17 are not limited to plate-shaped members, but may be, for example, cloth-like members. That is, the first member 14 and the second member 17 may be members such as curtains. The first member 14 and the second member 17 may be any member that allows the user to see at a glance whether the second passage 8 and the first passage 7 are blocked or not.

[0038] The first object detection sensor 20 is a sensor that detects an object inserted into the first passage 7. The first object detection sensor 20 is located inside the second member 17. The first object detection sensor 20 is, for example, a photoelectric sensor. The first object detection sensor 20 comprises, for example, a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit. The light-emitting unit emits light toward the light-receiving unit, and the light-receiving unit receives the light emitted by the light-emitting unit.

[0039] In the first object detection sensor 20, when the light-receiving unit is receiving light, it means that there is no object between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit. That is, when the light-receiving unit is receiving light, it sends a signal to the control device indicating that it has not detected an object.

[0040] On the other hand, when the light-receiving unit of the first object detection sensor 20 is not receiving light, it means that an object is present between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit. That is, when the light-receiving unit is not receiving light, the first object detection sensor 20 sends a signal to the control device indicating that an object has been detected.

[0041] The second object detection sensor 21 is a sensor that detects an object inserted into the second passage 8. The second object detection sensor 21 is located inside the first member 14. The second object detection sensor 21 is, for example, a photoelectric sensor. The second object detection sensor 21 comprises, for example, a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit. The light-emitting unit emits light toward the light-receiving unit, and the light-receiving unit receives the light emitted by the light-emitting unit.

[0042] When the light-receiving unit of the second object detection sensor 21 is receiving light, it means that there is no object between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit. In other words, when the light-receiving unit is receiving light, the second object detection sensor 21 sends a signal to the control device indicating that it has not detected an object.

[0043] On the other hand, when the light-receiving unit of the second object detection sensor 21 is not receiving light, it means that an object is present between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit. In other words, when the light-receiving unit is not receiving light, the second object detection sensor 21 sends a signal to the control device indicating that an object has been detected.

[0044] The attitude detection sensor (not shown) is a sensor that detects the attitude of the housing 2. The attitude detection sensor detects, for example, whether the housing 2 is in a first attitude or a second attitude. The attitude detection sensor is, for example, an accelerometer. The accelerometer is, for example, a 3-axis accelerometer. The attitude detection sensor may also be a ball switch that detects tilt.

[0045] The display device 3 is a device that displays a predetermined image. The predetermined image includes a predetermined object. For example, when the posture detection sensor detects that the orientation of the housing 2 is a first orientation, the display device 3 displays the object in a first mode. The first mode is a mode associated with a first sensation. The object is, for example, a character, content, etc. The first sensation is a first tactile sensation. If the first tactile sensation is a "soft" sensation, the display device 3 displays the object in a display manner that appears soft. Here, the first mode is a mode that displays the object in a display manner that appears soft. However, whether or not it appears soft is not absolute; it is sufficient if it appears softer than the display manner of the second mode described later.

[0046] Furthermore, when the posture detection sensor detects, for example, that the posture of the housing 2 is a second posture different from the first posture, the display device 3 displays the object in a second mode different from the first mode. The second mode is a mode associated with a second sense. The second sense is a second tactile sensation. If the second tactile sensation is "hard," the display device 3 displays the object in a display manner that makes it appear hard. Here, the second mode is a mode in which the object is displayed in a manner that makes it appear hard. However, whether or not it appears hard is not absolute; it is sufficient that it appears harder than the display manner of the first mode described above.

[0047] Figure 8 shows an example of how an object is displayed. The figure shown to the left of the arrow in Figure 8 is an object displayed in a first mode associated with a first tactile sensation. In the first mode, the surface of the object is formed as a smooth curved surface. When a user views this object, they perceive it as being soft, like rubber. Furthermore, to further emphasize that the object is displayed in the first mode, the display device 3 may display the object in a manner that simulates rubber swaying when vibration is applied.

[0048] The diagram shown to the right of the arrow in Figure 8 is an object displayed in a second mode associated with a second tactile sensation. In the second mode, the surface of the object is made up of multiple planes. When a user views this object, they perceive it as hard, like a crystal or a diamond.

[0049] Now, let's return to the explanation of Figure 1, etc. The first button 4 has, for example, a confirmation function. The first button 4 may also function as a power button for the toy. For example, when the first button 4 is pressed and held, the control device turns the toy's power on or off. The second button 5 and the third button 6 are, for example, buttons for indicating direction in a game. For example, in a given game, when the second button 5 is operated, the control device moves the object to the left. Also, in a given game, when the third button 6 is operated, the control device moves the object to the right.

[0050] Figure 9 shows an example of toy 1 with a finger inserted into the first passage 7. When the housing 2 is in the first position and an object is detected by the first object detection sensor 20, the display device 3 displays an image indicating that a finger is touching an object in the first mode. Also, when a finger is inserted through the first passage 7 while the housing 2 is in the first position, the finger can touch the first operating part 9. This allows the user to feel as if they are actually touching the object in the first mode displayed on the display device 3.

[0051] Figure 10 shows an example of toy 1 with a finger inserted into the second passage 8. When the housing 2 is in the second orientation and an object is detected by the second object detection sensor 21, the display device 3 displays an image indicating that a finger is touching an object in the second mode. Also, when a finger is inserted through the second passage 8 while the housing 2 is in the second orientation, the finger can touch the second operating part 11. This allows the user to feel as if they are actually touching the object in the second mode displayed on the display device 3.

[0052] Furthermore, the housing 2 may include a first surface associated with a first tactile sensation and a second surface associated with a second tactile sensation. For example, as shown in Figures 1-5, at least a portion of the surface of the lower part of the housing 2 is formed by a curved surface. Here, the surface of the lower part of the housing 2 corresponds to the first surface. The curved surface is imagined as a soft surface. In other words, the first surface is the surface associated with the first tactile sensation.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1-5, at least a portion of the surface of the upper part of the housing 2 is composed of multiple planes. Here, the surface of the upper part of the housing 2 corresponds to the second surface. The surface composed of multiple planes is imagined as a hard surface. In other words, the second surface is a surface associated with a second tactile sensation.

[0054] Figure 11 shows an example of the configuration of the control device. The control device 100 controls the display device 3 in response to operations on the first button 4, the second button 5, and the third button 6. For example, the control device 100 executes processing related to a predetermined game using the display device 3 based on a predetermined program. The control device 100 also executes game processing based on operations on the first operation unit 9 or the second operation unit 11.

[0055] The control device 100 has a hardware configuration similar to that of a known computer, and includes, for example, an arithmetic unit 101 and a storage unit 102. The arithmetic unit 101 includes, for example, a hardware processor. The hardware processor is, for example, an integrated circuit, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc. The storage unit 102 is, for example, a storage medium such as semiconductor memory. Part or all of the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium. The storage unit 102 stores programs such as games that are executed using the display device 3. The storage unit 102 also stores various data and information.

[0056] The calculation unit 101 receives predetermined signals in response to operations on the first button 4, the second button 5, the third button 6, the first operation unit 9, and the second operation unit 11. The calculation unit 101 also controls the display device 3 based on the predetermined signals it receives.

[0057] In the toy 1 of the above-described embodiment, the first passage 7 and the second passage 8 are formed to extend in a straight line toward the center of the housing 2. However, the first passage 7 and the second passage 8 do not necessarily have to be formed to extend in a straight line.

[0058] For example, in Figure 6, the first passage 7 may be formed to curve gradually downward from the upper right. The first passage 7 may be formed to curve gradually downward from the upper right and then further downward to the lower right. In this case, the first operating section 9 may be positioned lower to the right than the position shown in Figure 6.

[0059] Furthermore, in Figure 6, the second passage 8 may be formed to curve gradually upward from the lower left. The second passage 8 may be formed to curve gradually upward from the lower left and then further upward towards the upper left. In this case, the second operating section 11 may be positioned to the upper left of the position shown in Figure 6.

[0060] In the embodiment described above, the first passage 7 and the second passage 8 are connected near the center of the housing. However, the first passage 7 and the second passage 8 do not have to be connected. In other words, the first passage 7 and the second passage 8 may each be blind holes. In this case, the first operating section 9 may be provided at the innermost position of the first passage 7. Also, the second operating section 11 may be provided at the innermost position of the second passage 8.

[0061] If the first passage 7 and the second passage 8 are both blind holes, the lengths of the first passage 7 and the second passage 8 can be anything. For example, the first passage 7 may be made relatively short, and the first operating section 9 may be placed near the entrance of the first passage 7. Alternatively, the second passage 8 may be made relatively short, and the second operating section 11 may be placed near the entrance of the second passage 8.

[0062] In the embodiment described above, the toy 1 is provided with a first passage 7 and a second passage 8. However, the toy 1 may also be provided with one or more additional passages. In this case, each passage is provided with a passage-blocking member. Furthermore, if any of the passages, including the first passage 7 and the second passage 8, is open, the other passages are blocked by the passage-blocking members.

[0063] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the attitude detection sensor that detects the orientation of the housing 2 is a 3-axis accelerometer. However, the attitude detection sensor is not limited to a 3-axis accelerometer; it may also be a gyroscope.

[0064] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the first member 14 and the second member 17 slide downward or upward due to their own weight. However, instead of sliding due to their own weight, the first member 14 and the second member 17 may slide or rotate by a drive device. If the toy 1 has one or more passages other than the first passage 7 and the second passage 8, the drive device opens one of the passages using a member provided in each passage, according to the posture of the toy 1 detected by the posture detection sensor. The drive device is a solenoid, a motor, etc.

[0065] Furthermore, the toy 1 may control the display mode of the display device according to the posture of the toy 1 detected by the posture detection sensor. For example, if the toy 1 is moved slightly counterclockwise from the second posture shown in Figure 7, the display of the object shown on the display device 3 may be made to appear as if it is sliding to the left. If the toy 1 is moved slightly clockwise from the second posture shown in Figure 7, the display of the object shown on the display device 3 may be made to appear as if it is sliding to the right.

[0066] Furthermore, the tactile sensation provided by the first operating part 9 and the tactile sensation provided by the second operating part 11 may be the same. In other words, the texture of the first operating part 9 and the texture of the second operating part 11 may be the same. To put it another way, the first operating part 9 and the second operating part 11 may be made of the same material, have the same surface shape, and have the same surface roughness.

[0067] Furthermore, the first operating section 9 and the second operating section 11 may be movable in different directions. For example, the first operating section 9 may be movable vertically, and the second operating section 11 may be movable horizontally.

[0068] Furthermore, the control device may execute a first control based on an operation on the first operation unit 9, and execute a second control different from the first control based on an operation on the second operation unit 11. The first control is, for example, a control that emits a sound in accordance with the operation of the first operation unit 9, and the second control is, for example, a control that does not emit a sound in accordance with the operation of the second operation unit 11. Alternatively, the first control is a control that emits a first sound in accordance with the operation of the first operation unit 9, and the second control is, for example, a control that emits a second sound different from the first sound in accordance with the operation of the second operation unit 11. In other words, when operated by a user, the first operation unit 9 gives the user a first sense (hearing), and the second operation unit 11 gives the user a second sense (hearing) different from the first sense.

[0069] As described above, toy 1 comprises a housing 2 having a first passage 7 and a second passage 8 formed inside, a first member 14 that blocks at least a portion of the second passage 8 when the housing 2 is in the first position, and a second member 17 that blocks the first passage 7 when the housing 2 is in a second position different from the first position. Therefore, toy 1 makes it easy for the user to understand which of the multiple operating parts to operate. In other words, the user can understand at a glance whether to insert their finger into the first passage 7 or the second passage 8.

[0070] Furthermore, the first member 14 and the second member 17 block the second passage 8 and the first passage 7, respectively, by their own weight. Therefore, there is no need to provide a drive device to drive the first member 14 and a drive device to drive the second member 17 in the toy 1. Consequently, the toy 1 can be made smaller and lighter.

[0071] Furthermore, the first member 14 and the second member 17 slide downward to block the second passage 8 and the first passage 7, respectively. Thus, the toy 1 allows the first member 14 and the second member 17 to be moved with a simple configuration.

[0072] Furthermore, the first member 14 and the second member 17 each rotate around a predetermined position to block the second passage 8 and the first passage 7, respectively. Therefore, the toy 1 can move the first member 14 and the second member 17 with a simple configuration.

[0073] Furthermore, the device includes a display device 3 for displaying a predetermined object, and the first passage 7 and the second passage 8 are formed on opposite sides of each other with respect to the display device 3. In addition, when the first passage 7 is blocked by the second member 17, the second passage 8 is open. Therefore, the user can easily recognize which passage to insert their finger into.

[0074] Furthermore, toy 1 is equipped with a first object detection sensor 20 located inside the second member 17 for detecting an object inserted into the first passage 7, and a second object detection sensor 21 located inside the first member 14 for detecting an object inserted into the second passage 8. Therefore, toy 1 can prevent both the first object detection sensor 20 and the second object detection sensor 21 from detecting an object.

[0075] Furthermore, the housing 2 is formed with a first housing section 15 for housing the first member 14 and a second housing section 18 for housing the second member 17. Therefore, the housing 2 can be made to have an excellent design.

[0076] Furthermore, the first member 14 and the second member 15 are both plate-shaped members. Therefore, the first member 14 and the second member 15 can be moved smoothly according to the orientation of the housing 2. In addition, the first member 14 and the second member 15 can reliably prevent fingers from being inserted into the first passage 7 and the second passage 8, respectively.

[0077] Furthermore, the first passage 7 is a passage connecting a first opening formed on the surface of the housing 2 to a first operating unit 9 installed at a first installation position inside the housing 2, and the second passage 8 is a passage connecting a second opening formed on the surface of the housing 2 to a second operating unit 11 installed at a second installation position inside the housing 2. Therefore, the toy 1 can indicate to the user which of the first operating unit 9 and the second operating unit 11 should be operated, depending on the orientation of the housing 2.

[0078] While this disclosure has been described in detail, it is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. These embodiments can be added, replaced, modified, partially deleted, etc., in any way that does not depart from the gist of this disclosure, or from the gist of this disclosure derived from the claims and their equivalents. These embodiments can also be implemented in combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1 toy 2 cabinets 201 Top surface 202 Bottom surface 3 Display device 4. The first button 5. The second button 6. The third button 7. First aisle 8. Second aisle 9. First operating section 10 Installation surface 11. Second operating section 12 Installation surface 13 Protrusion 14 First member 15. First containment section 16 guide grooves 17 Second component 18. Second containment section 19 Guide groove 20. First object detection sensor 21. Second object detection sensor 100 Control device 101 Arithmetic section 102 Storage section

Claims

1. A housing having a first passage and a second passage formed on the inside, A first member that blocks at least a portion of the second passage when the orientation of the housing is in the first orientation, A second member that blocks the first passage when the orientation of the housing is a second orientation different from the first orientation, A toy equipped with [a specific feature / ability].

2. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the first member and the second member, by their own weight, block the second passage and the first passage, respectively.

3. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the first member and the second member slide downward to block the second passage and the first passage, respectively.

4. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the first member and the second member each rotate around a predetermined position to block the second passage and the first passage, respectively.

5. Equipped with a display device that displays a predetermined object, The toy according to claim 1, wherein the first passage and the second passage are formed on opposite sides of each other with respect to the display device.

6. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the second passage is open when the first passage is blocked by the second member.

7. A first object detection sensor for detecting an object inserted into the first passage is provided inside the second member, The toy according to claim 1, further comprising a second object detection sensor for detecting the object inserted into the second passage, located inside the first member.

8. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the housing is formed having a first housing for housing the first member and a second housing for housing the second member.

9. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the first member and the second member are each plate-shaped members.

10. The first passage is a passage connecting a first opening formed on the surface of the housing to a first operating unit installed at a first installation position inside the housing. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the second passage is a passage connecting a second opening formed on the surface of the housing to a second operating part installed at a second installation position inside the housing.

Images