Water detection means and game device equipped with this means

Abstract

To provide a water detection means that can detect when a toy's casing is submerged in water without allowing water to enter the casing, and to provide a bath toy that is easy for children to use and that they are less likely to get bored with. [Solution] A water detection means 20 is provided in a toy equipped with a housing 11, comprising a light-transmitting part 21 having a recess 214 into which water is introduced, and a light-emitting element 22a and a light-receiving element 22b arranged opposite each other with the recess 214 in between, wherein the recess 214 is exposed to the outside of the housing 11, and when there is no predetermined amount of water in the recess 214 the light-receiving element 22b receives the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22a, and when the housing 11 is immersed in water and water enters the recess 214, the water detection means 20 is configured such that the light-receiving element 22b does not receive the emitted light due to the difference in refractive index between water and air.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to water detection means provided in a toy having a housing and a game device provided with the water detection means.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, toys used by children in water areas such as bathtubs and pools have been proposed. In particular, toys that can detect contact with water, water temperature, etc. have been proposed so that even children who tend to dislike bathing can enjoy bathing.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a bathtub notification device provided with a temperature sensor that generates an output corresponding to the temperature of hot water. The bathtub notification device described in Patent Document 1 includes a display element and a speaker in a buoyant body having a shape preferred by children, and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is displayed and a sound is emitted corresponding to the rise in water temperature.

[0004] Further, Patent Document 2 describes a toy that detects a liquid and generates a predetermined sound or performs a predetermined operation. In Patent Document 2, by providing a pair of conductive pieces that conduct when in contact with a liquid inside the toy, it is possible to detect water that has entered from the outside or detect the movement of water enclosed inside the toy.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Conventional toys described in Patent Documents 1-2 have relatively simple functions as toys, which leads to problems such as children easily getting bored with them and a narrow range of target ages.

[0007] Furthermore, in a structure like that described in Patent Document 2, where water seeping into the toy is detected by a conductive piece, not only are the internal components prone to deterioration due to rust, but limescale may also adhere to the conductive piece, potentially causing malfunctions. Moreover, when the toy is used in the bathroom, limescale, soap scum, and mold tend to accumulate in the hard-to-clean internal areas, making the toy prone to becoming unsanitary.

[0008] The objective of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems and to provide a water detection means that can detect when a toy's casing is submerged in water without allowing water to enter the inside of the casing, and a bath toy that is easy for children to use and that they are less likely to get bored with. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above problems, a water detection means is provided for a toy equipped with a housing, comprising a light-transmitting portion having a recess into which water is introduced, and a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element arranged opposite each other with the recess in between, wherein the recess is exposed to the outside of the housing, and when there is no predetermined amount of water in the recess, the light-receiving element receives light emitted from the light-emitting element, and when the housing is immersed in water and water enters the recess, the light-receiving element does not receive the emitted light due to the difference in refractive index between water and air.

[0010] Furthermore, the toy is a game device comprising a waterproof housing, a display unit that displays a game screen, and a control unit that advances the game, and it is preferable that the light-receiving element is configured to output a signal to the control unit indicating whether or not it has received the emitted light.

[0011] Furthermore, it is preferable that at least a portion of the recess constitutes the outer surface of the housing.

[0012] Also, it is preferable that the concave portion is hemispherical.

[0013] Further, a game device is provided with a waterproof housing, a display unit on which a game screen is displayed, the water detection means, and a control unit that advances the game based on the water detection result by the water detection means.

[0014] In the game device, it is preferable that the concave portion is hemispherical and opens toward the outside of the housing.

Effect of the Invention

[0015] In the present invention, it is possible to provide a water detection means that can detect that the housing has been immersed in water without allowing water to enter the inside of the housing of the toy, and a bathtub toy that is not easily boring for children and has good handling properties.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view schematically showing the water detection means of the embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a front view of the game device of the embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a rear view of the game device of the embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a view in which a part of the rear side of the game device of the embodiment is cut away. [Figure 5] It is an exploded perspective view of a part of the game device of the embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 2. [Figure 7] It is a schematic view showing a state in which the game device of the embodiment is immersed in water in a sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 2. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the game device of the embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing the operation of the game device of the embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing the play start screen of the game device of the embodiment. [Figure 11]It is a diagram showing (a) a game start screen, (b) a standby screen, (c) a creature appearance screen, and (d) an acquisition screen of the game device of the embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] (Outline of Water Detection Means) The following shows the mode for carrying out the invention. First, the outline of the water detection means 20 of the embodiment will be described. The water detection means 20 of the embodiment is a water detection means for toys provided in a toy having a housing. As shown in FIG. 1, the water detection means 20 of the embodiment includes a light-transmitting portion 21 and a sensor portion 22.

[0018] The light-transmitting portion 21 of the embodiment is a light-transmitting member made of a transparent resin. As the material of the light-transmitting portion 21, for example, polycarbonate (PC), PMMA acrylic, etc. are preferably used. The material of the light-transmitting portion 21 is not limited to this, and it may be made of, for example, transparent inorganic glass. The light-transmitting portion 21 transmits the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22a of the sensor portion 22 described later.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the light-transmitting portion 21 of the embodiment includes a hollow hemispherical portion 211, a flange portion 212 provided around the hemispherical portion 211, and a plurality of attachment portions 213 provided on the flange portion 212. The inner peripheral surface of the hemispherical portion 211 constitutes a recess 214 into which water is introduced. The recess 214 of the embodiment forms a dome-shaped space with an open bottom as shown in FIG. 6. The light-transmitting portion 21 is provided so that the recess 214 is exposed to the outside of the housing of the toy, and when the housing of the toy is immersed in water, water enters the recess 214. Note that the light-transmitting portion 21 may be integrally formed with the housing.

[0020] The sensor unit 22 of this embodiment is a separate-type photosensor comprising a light-emitting element 22a and a light-receiving element 22b. The light-emitting element 22a and the light-receiving element 22b of this embodiment are arranged facing each other near the light-transmitting portion 21 (more specifically, the hemispherical portion 211), with the hemispherical portion 211 including the recess 214 in between (see Figures 4 and 6). The sensor unit 22 is arranged such that the light-receiving element 22b receives light emitted from the light-emitting element 22a when there is no predetermined amount of water in the recess 214.

[0021] If no water is introduced into the recess 214 and the recess 214 is hollow, the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22a passes through the hemispherical portion 211 and reaches the light-receiving element 22b. However, when a predetermined amount of water is present in the recess 214, the refraction of the emitted light increases due to the difference in refractive index between water and air, and the light-receiving element 22b does not receive the emitted light (see Figure 7). As a result, the water detection means 20 of this embodiment can detect the presence or absence of water in the recess 214.

[0022] As a result, the water detection means 20 of this embodiment can detect when the toy's casing is submerged in water without allowing water to enter the inside of the casing. Using the water detection means 20 of this embodiment, even electronic devices and game consoles that are not generally recommended for use in wet areas can be made into bath toys that utilize the requirement of being submerged in water, making them less likely to bore children. Furthermore, because the water detection means 20 of this embodiment allows for a configuration in which water does not enter the inside of the toy's casing, the inside of the toy is less likely to get dirty, resulting in a toy that is easy to handle.

[0023] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the water detection means 20 has a light-transmitting part 21 made of resin or glass that comes into contact with water, and the sensor 22 does not come into contact with water, so deterioration and soiling are less likely to occur even when installed on toys used in wet areas.

[0024] (Game device) Next, an example of a toy equipped with the water detection means 20 of the embodiment will be described. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the water detection means 20 is provided in a game device 10 that provides a game for catching aquatic organisms such as fish.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the game device 10 of this embodiment comprises a waterproof housing 11 and a display 12 on which the game screen is displayed. Hereafter, in this specification, the side on which the display 12 is located in Figure 2 will be referred to as the front (front side) of the game device 10, and the opposite side will be referred to as the back (back side). Furthermore, the vertical and horizontal directions when viewed from the front will be referred to as the vertical and horizontal directions of the game device 10, respectively.

[0026] The housing 11 has a waterproof structure that prevents water from entering the internal electronic component storage area from the outside. The housing 11 in this embodiment is composed of multiple cover members made of synthetic resin, and is generally plate-shaped overall, with a roughly rectangular shape when viewed from the front. In the example housing 11 shown in Figures 2 and 3, a front cover 11a, a back cover 11b, an upper cover 11c, a lower cover 11d, a right cover 11e, a left cover 11f, and a packing member (not shown) are combined to form a waterproof structure.

[0027] The material and shape of the housing 11 are not limited to these, but it is preferable that the housing 11 be large enough for a child to hold in their hand and play with at least the back of the housing 11 submerged in bathwater.

[0028] The display 12 functions as a display unit that displays game images (still images or videos). As shown in Figure 2, the display 12 in this embodiment is substantially rectangular, but the shape of the display 12 is not limited to this and may be various shapes such as circular. The display 12 is provided on the front surface of the game device 10. The display 12 in this embodiment faces an opening formed in the front cover 11a and is assembled so that it can be seen from the outside.

[0029] The display 12 in this embodiment is a liquid crystal display screen, but is not limited to this. The display 12 may be a transmissive liquid crystal screen. In a transmissive liquid crystal screen, the space behind the display 12 is visible, and the images of objects in the game are displayed semi-transparently or opaquely. As a result, when a child plays with the game device 10 submerged in the bath, the objects appear as if they are actually appearing in the water, enhancing the sense of realism. The display 12 may also be configured to include a touch panel on its screen.

[0030] The game device 10 of this embodiment is provided with a plurality of operation buttons 13. These operation buttons 13 are used for game operation and various setting operations. As shown in Figure 2, each of the buttons 13 in this embodiment is arranged around the display 12 on the front surface of the game device 10. The number and arrangement of the operation buttons 13 are not limited to this.

[0031] The game device 10 includes a control unit (not shown) that advances the game. The control unit in this embodiment is an electronic circuit board equipped with a processor such as a CPU and a storage medium such as RAM, and is located inside the game device 10. The control unit in this embodiment advances the game based on the water detection result from the water detection means 20 provided in the game device 10. The functional configuration of the control unit in this embodiment will be described later.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, a water passage hole 14 is provided on the back of the game device 10 of the embodiment. The water passage hole 14 is an opening that exposes the recess 214 to the outside of the housing 11. In the illustrated example, the water passage hole 14 opens into the back cover 11b of the housing 11. The light-transmitting section 21 of the embodiment is positioned so that the recess 214 faces the water passage hole 14.

[0033] In the illustrated example, the water passage hole 14 is equipped with a roughly Y-shaped partition wall 141, dividing the water passage area into three sections. The presence of the partition wall 141 in the water passage hole 14 makes it difficult for foreign objects to be inserted into the water passage hole 14, thus protecting the recess 214. Furthermore, if the light-transmitting portion 21 is formed integrally with the housing 11, the opening of the recess 214 can serve as the water passage hole.

[0034] The game device 10 may be provided with a charging terminal for connecting the game device 10 to a charger (not shown). In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the charging terminal is provided at the upper center of the back cover 11b, and this charging port is covered by a charging port cap 15.

[0035] Figure 4 is a view showing a portion of the rear side of the game device 10 of the embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the game device 10 of the embodiment comprises a water detection means 20, a battery B, and a vibration motor M. The battery B and vibration motor M of the embodiment are supported by a resin internal case 16.

[0036] In this embodiment, battery B is a rechargeable battery. In the example shown in Figure 4, battery B is connected to the charging terminal (not shown) and can be repeatedly recharged via this terminal. The game device 10 in this embodiment operates using power supplied from the built-in battery B. Note that battery B is not limited to a rechargeable battery and may be a non-rechargeable dry cell battery.

[0037] The vibration motor M is a vibrator used for game effects and notifications. In addition, the game device 10 may have a built-in speaker for outputting sound.

[0038] (Water detection means) The water detection means 20 provided in the game device 10 will now be described. In this embodiment, the light-transmitting portion 21 is positioned facing the water passage hole 14 with the recess 214 opening toward the outside of the housing 11, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. The light-transmitting portion 21 in this embodiment is fixed to the inside of the back cover 11b via an annular packing P. The packing P provides a watertight seal between the light-transmitting portion 21 and the housing 11. In the illustrated example, each mounting portion 213 is fixed to the back cover 11b with screws, but the method of fixing the light-transmitting portion 21 is not limited to this. As mentioned above, the light-transmitting portion 21 may be formed integrally with the housing 11.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, the recess 214 of the embodiment is exposed to the outside of the housing 11 through the water passage hole 14 and also constitutes the outer surface of the housing 11. When the bottom surface of the game device 10 of the embodiment is immersed in water, water enters the recess 214 through the water passage hole 14 (see Figure 7), but water does not enter the inside of the housing 11. The shape of the recess 214 is not limited to a hemispherical shape, but a hemispherical shape is preferable because it allows water to enter and drain smoothly, and water is less likely to accumulate in the recess 214 after use.

[0040] In the embodiment, the sensor unit 22 is arranged such that the light-emitting element 22a and the light-receiving element 22b face each other across the hemispherical portion 211, as shown in Figures 4 and 6. In the illustrated example, the light-emitting element 22a is provided on the upper side of the hemispherical portion 211 and the light-receiving element 22b is provided on the lower side of the hemispherical portion 211, but their upper and lower positions may be reversed, and the sensor unit 22 may be provided on the left and right sides of the hemispherical portion 211.

[0041] The sensor unit 22 of this embodiment is fitted into a concave sensor mounting portion 162 (see Figures 4 to 6) formed in the internal case 16. This facilitates adjustment of the optical axis OA (see Figure 6) of the sensor unit 22.

[0042] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the internal case 16 of the embodiment has a relief hole 162 at a position corresponding to the hemispherical portion 211. Providing the relief hole 162 in the internal case 16 allows for space saving in the assembled state shown in Figure 6. Note that a plate-shaped base member 17 (see Figures 5 and 6) and an internal case cover 18 (see Figure 6) are positioned at the tip of the top of the hemispherical portion 211 located within the relief hole 162, thereby blocking the incidence of ambient light from the front side of the game device 10 into the recess 214.

[0043] In this embodiment, the light-receiving element 22b outputs a signal to the control unit indicating whether or not it has received light emitted from the light-emitting element 22a. The operation of the water detection means 20 in the game device 10 of this embodiment will be described below.

[0044] When the housing 11 is not submerged in water and there is no water in the recess 214, the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22a passes through the hemispherical portion 211 and reaches the light-receiving element 22b. Although the hemispherical portion 211 slightly alters the directionality of the emitted light, the amount of alteration is so small that the light-receiving element 22b can detect the emitted light. The sensor unit 22 outputs a detection signal to the control unit indicating that the light-receiving element 22b has detected the emitted light, and the control unit determines that the housing 11 is not submerged in water.

[0045] As shown in Figure 7, when the back of the game device 10 of the embodiment is immersed in water W, such as bathwater, water W enters the recess 214. As a result, the light emitted from the light-emitting element 22a is refracted significantly toward the back of the game device 10, as indicated by the arrow in Figure 7, and does not reach the light-receiving element 22b. The sensor unit 22 outputs a detection signal to the control unit indicating that the light-receiving element 22b is not receiving the emitted light, and the control unit determines that the housing 11 has been immersed in water.

[0046] As described above, in the game device 10 of the embodiment, water in the recess 214 exposed to the outside of the housing 11, that is, water in contact with the outside of the housing 11, is detected. As a result, the game device 10 of the embodiment can reliably determine whether or not the housing 11 has been submerged in water without allowing water to enter the inside of the housing 11.

[0047] In the game device 10 of this embodiment, the control unit can advance the game based on the water detection result from the water detection means 20. According to this embodiment, for example, it is possible to control the game to start on the condition that the water detection means 20 detects water, thereby increasing the motivation of children to take a bath. The control unit may also use the water detection signal as a condition for the progress of events during the game, in addition to the condition for starting the game.

[0048] (Functional configuration of the game device) An example of the functional configuration of the game device 10 of this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 8, the game device 10 of this embodiment includes a control unit 310 and a storage unit 320.

[0049] The control unit 310 in this embodiment performs control to enable the game to be played on the condition that the water detection means 20 has detected water at least once. The control unit 310 in this embodiment is, for example, a CPU and controls the operation of each function of the game device 10. The control unit 310 in this embodiment performs the functions of an appearance control unit 311, an acquisition processing unit 312, a picture book function provision unit 313, and a setting management unit 314 by operating according to a program.

[0050] The appearance control unit 311 controls the appearance of object OB (see Figure 11) on the game screen displayed on the display 12. In this embodiment, the appearance control unit 311 makes object OB appear on the game screen after the water detection means 20 has detected water at least once.

[0051] The acquisition processing unit 312 executes game processing to acquire the appearing object OB based on the user's operation.

[0052] The encyclopedia function provider 313 displays acquired object OBs and information related to object OBs in an encyclopedia format. In this embodiment, when an object OB is acquired in the game, the encyclopedia function provider 313 automatically registers the object OB in the encyclopedia.

[0053] The settings management unit 314 sets and manages the play time and other factors that allow players to play the game in which they acquire object OB, based on the settings input by the user.

[0054] The memory unit 320 is, for example, a non-volatile memory, and stores programs related to the operation of the game device 10, various data used in the game, an encyclopedia database, and so on.

[0055] (Game device operation) Next, with reference to Figure 9, an example of the operation of the game device 10 in the embodiment will be described. This example shows the flow when a child plays in the bath. The child will hold the game device 10 in their hand and play the game while submerged in the bathtub. In this embodiment, the object OB is an aquatic organism, and the game is provided in which the child can capture the aquatic organism by pressing a predetermined operation button 13 when the aquatic organism appears.

[0056] (Step S101) When the power of the game device 10 is turned on by a predetermined operation, the play start screen shown in Figure 10 is displayed. The play start screen displays a background image that simulates an underwater environment such as the sea or a river. If the display 12 is a transmissive liquid crystal screen, the configuration may display the water in a bathtub without a background image.

[0057] The play start screen displays the text "Get in the bath and press the button" and an arrow pointing to a designated operation button 13. When the child user immerses at least the back of the game device 10 in water (hot water) such as a bathtub, following the instructions, the water detection means 20 detects the water (hot water). The water detection signal from the water detection means 20 is transmitted to the control unit 310, and when the designated operation button 13 is pressed down, the process proceeds to step S102.

[0058] (Step S102) When the control unit 310 receives a water detection signal and an input signal for a predetermined operation button 13, it transitions to the game start screen shown in Figure 11(a) and the game starts. In this example, the game start screen displays play time information, which is a timer showing the remaining play time set in advance by the child's guardian or the like.

[0059] (Step S103) When the game starts, the waiting screen shown in Figure 11(b) is displayed.

[0060] (Step S104) In this embodiment, after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the start of the game, an object OB appears on the waiting screen, and the creature appearance screen shown in Figure 11(c) is displayed. In this example, the object OB is displayed in the form of a fish silhouette. The shape of the fish silhouette may be a silhouette corresponding to the appearing object OB, or it may be an abstract shape whose type of creature is unknown until it is acquired. The system may also be configured to activate vibration when the creature appearance screen is displayed.

[0061] (Step S105) When the user presses a predetermined operation button 13 while the creature appearance screen is displayed, the acquisition screen shown in Figure 11(d) is displayed, and the acquisition processing unit 312 performs the acquisition process of object OB. The acquisition screen includes an image of object OB and text information indicating that it has been acquired. The device may also be configured to vibrate when the acquisition screen is displayed. In this embodiment, the encyclopedia function providing unit 313 registers the acquired object OB in the encyclopedia database at this time.

[0062] In this embodiment, steps S103 to S105 are repeated until the set play time has elapsed.

[0063] Thus, with the game device 10 of this embodiment, children can play a game in which they acquire creatures while bathing, making it fun and less likely for them to get bored. In addition, they can learn the names and shapes of creatures through acquiring objects OB, and they can also become familiar with the concept of time, numbers, hiragana, etc. from the displayed information.

[0064] Furthermore, if the game device 10 is equipped with an encyclopedia function, after playing a game to acquire creatures in the bath, users can use the encyclopedia function to continue learning about the acquired creatures in places other than the bath. In addition to the encyclopedia function, the game device 10 may also be equipped with a game function for raising the acquired creatures.

[0065] Furthermore, Object OB is not limited to living things, but can be anything. Object OB may be, for example, minerals such as gemstones, or fictional characters. Also, the games that can be played with game device 10 are not limited to games that acquire Object OB, but may be other games.

[0066] Traditionally, electronic devices such as game consoles have not been recommended for use in wet environments, and no toys had been proposed in which the game progressed on the condition that the casing was immersed in water. The inventor has made it possible to provide a toy that increases children's motivation to bathe by equipping the toy with a water detection means 20 that can detect when the casing is immersed in water without allowing water to enter the inside of the casing.

[0067] This embodiment provides a game device 10 that allows children to enjoy bath time while playing simple and engaging games. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the game ends after a set play time, allowing children to continue playing outside the bath using features such as the picture book function, thus expanding the range of play. Additionally, utilizing the picture book function can contribute to children's learning.

[0068] The present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be made into various forms. For example, the water detection means 20 can be applied not only to game machines but also to toys that do not have game functions. Furthermore, for example, the water detection means 20 can be provided in a toy equipped with a communication function, and configured to transmit the time and number of times the toy has been immersed in water to a separate device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] 10 game devices 11 cabinets 11a Front cover 11b Back cover 12 displays 13 Operation buttons 14 Water passage holes 141 Bulkhead B Battery M Vibration Motor 16 Internal Case 161 Sensor mounting section 162 Escape Hole 17 Base member 18 Internal Case Cover 20 Water detection means 21 Translucent part 211 Hemisphere 212 Flange section 213 Mounting part 214 recess P packing 22 Recovery Unit 22a Light-emitting element 22b Photodetector OA optical axis W water

Claims

1. A water detection means provided in a toy equipped with a housing, A light-transmitting section having a recess into which water is introduced, The system comprises a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element arranged opposite to each other with the recess in between, The recess is exposed to the outside of the housing, If there is no predetermined amount of water in the recess, the light-receiving element receives the light emitted from the light-emitting element. A water detection means in which, when the housing is submerged in water and water enters the recess, the light-receiving element does not receive the emitted light due to the difference in refractive index between water and air.

2. The aforementioned toy is This game device comprises a waterproof casing, a display unit that shows the game screen, and a control unit that manages the game's progress. The water detection means according to claim 1, wherein the light-receiving element outputs a signal to the control unit indicating whether or not it has received the emitted light.

3. The water detection means according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a portion of the recess constitutes the outer surface of the housing.

4. The water detection means according to claim 3, wherein the recess is hemispherical in shape.

5. A game device comprising a waterproof housing, a display unit that displays a game screen, a water detection means as described in claim 2, and a control unit that advances the game based on the water detection result by the water detection means.

6. The game device according to claim 5, wherein the recess has a hemispherical shape that opens toward the outside of the housing.

Images