Combination toy, controlling toy body and partner toy

Abstract

To eliminate the trouble of having to operate a switch in order to perform a performance output that enhances a transformation and combination operation. [Solution] The combination toy has a single control toy body 10 that can transform from a pre-transformation form to a combination form, and multiple types of partner toy bodies that can combine with the control toy body 10 in the combination form. The control toy body 10 has a performance output unit 56, a combination transformation detection unit 60 that detects form transformation from the pre-transformation form, a displacement member 6 that can be displaced from the pre-combined state, a displacement detection unit 82 that detects displacement of the displacement member 6, and a control unit 50 that executes standby control that starts outputting a given combination standby performance from the performance output unit 56 in response to detection by the combination transformation detection unit 60, and displacement control that outputs a given displacement performance from the performance output unit 56 in response to detection by the displacement detection unit 82.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a combination toy that can be played with by transforming a plurality of toys from a pre-transformation form into a combination form and combining them. [Background technology]

[0002] Combination toys are popular among boys. Combination toys are toys in which multiple toys that can be played with individually can be transformed from their pre-transformation form into a combined form and combined to form a single large toy.

[0003] Particularly popular among combination toys are toys that imitate the combination robots that appear as the heroes' vehicles in special effects superhero TV shows. In a typical combination scene in a special effects superhero TV show, along with heroic background music, multiple small vehicles (for example, vehicles or animal-like robot-like machines) that the heroes ride on transform and combine one after another, eventually becoming a giant robot. The heroes then pilot the giant robot to fight and defeat enemy monsters and robots. Children can "pretend play" with combination toys that imitate the giant robots, transforming and combining the toys to feel as if they were the heroes in the show.

[0004] Among conventional combination toys, there are known ones that have built-in sound sources that emit sound effects (for example, background music, sound effects when machines come into contact and combine, shouts of heroes, etc.), and that allow the user to emit the sound effects by operating a predetermined button (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The act of transforming and combining combination toys while sound effects are played naturally heightens the sense of anticipation and excitement, and also enhances the "feeling of becoming a character," making them highly immersive and popular with many children. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-108288 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] With conventional technology, users had to operate a switch to play background music before transforming and combining the toys, separating the process of transforming and combining from the operation of playing the background music. As a result, a user who had become immersed in the role-playing experience while playing with the toys before the transformation and combination could accidentally forget to operate the switch and the background music would not play. This could break the immersive experience. In this case, users would want to enjoy the process of transforming and combining the toys while listening to the background music, so they would have to go to the trouble of returning the toys to their pre-transformation state, operate the switch again, and start the transformation and combination process. Conventional technology had the above-mentioned issues. Furthermore, while we have discussed playing background music as a means of creating a transformation and combination effect, similar issues exist when using methods other than sound, such as flashing LEDs or vibrations using a vibrator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a combining toy that has a plurality of toy bodies that can change shape, and that can combine with each other when the toy bodies are transformed from a pre-transformation form to a combination form, wherein the plurality of toy bodies are a single control body toy body and other partner toy bodies, and the control body toy body is equipped with a performance output unit, a combination transformation detection unit that detects the transformation of shape from the pre-transformation form, a displacement member that can be displaced from a pre-combined state, a displacement detection unit that detects the displacement of the displacement member, a standby control that starts outputting a given combination standby performance from the performance output unit in response to detection by the combination transformation detection unit, and a displacement control that outputs a given displacement performance from the performance output unit in response to detection by the transformation detection unit. In addition, the combination toy of the present invention is a combination toy that has a plurality of toy bodies that can change shape, and the toy bodies can combine with each other when transformed from a pre-transformation form to a combination form, and the plurality of toy bodies are a single control body toy body and other partner toy bodies, and the control body toy body executes a performance output unit, a combination transformation detection unit that detects the form transformation from the pre-transformation form, a combination detection unit that detects the combination of the partner toy bodies, a standby control that starts outputting a given combination standby performance from the performance output unit in response to detection by the combination transformation detection unit, and a combination time control that outputs a given combination performance from the performance output unit in response to detection by the combination detection unit. The combination toy according to the present invention is a combination toy that includes a plurality of toy bodies that can change their form, and the toy bodies that have been transformed from a pre-transformation form into a combination form can be combined with each other, and the plurality of toy bodies are a single control main toy body and other partner toy bodies, and the control main toy body includes a performance output unit, a combination transformation detection unit that detects the form transformation from the pre-transformation form, Equipped with The toy body combiner executes a combination detection section which detects that the opposing toy bodies have combined, a standby control which starts outputting a given combination standby performance from the performance output section in response to detection by the combination transformation detection section, and a combination control which stops outputting the combination standby performance in response to detection by the combination detection section and then outputs a given combination performance from the performance output section.

[0008] In addition, the control subject toy body may be equipped with a combination detection unit that detects when the other toy body has combined, and the control unit may execute combination control that causes a given combination output to be output from the performance output unit in response to detection by the combination detection unit.

[0009] The combination control may be a control that stops the output of the combination standby effect in response to detection by the combination detection unit, and then outputs the combination effect.

[0010] In addition, there may be multiple types of the opposing toy body that can be combined with the control body toy body, the control body toy body further comprising a type detection unit that detects the type of the combined opposing toy body, the performance output unit including at least a speaker, and the combination control may be a control that causes the speaker to emit a sound including the name of the opposing toy body corresponding to the type detected by the type detection unit as the combination performance.

[0011] In addition, the control unit may execute a combination release control that causes a given combination release effect to be output from the effect output unit when detection by the combination detection unit is released after executing the combination control.

[0012] The type detection section may also function as the combination detection section, and the control section may execute the combination control in response to the type of the combined partner toy object detected by the type detection section.

[0013] In addition, there may be multiple types of the partner toy body that can be combined with the control body toy body, and the control body toy body may further include a type detection unit that detects the type of the combined partner toy body, and the displacement control may be a control that causes the performance output unit to output different displacement performances depending on the type detected by the type detection unit.

[0014] In addition, the opposing toy body may be provided with protrusions whose number and arrangement vary depending on the type of the opposing toy body at a position facing the type detection unit when the opposing toy body is combined with the control main toy body, and the type detection unit may detect the type of the combined opposing toy body based on the combination of the number and arrangement of the protrusions.

[0015] In addition, the displacement member can be displaced from a pre-combined state to a combined state by displacement, the displacement detection unit is a combined state detection unit that detects that the displacement member is in the combined state, and the control unit may be equipped with a control unit that executes combined state control as the displacement control, in which a given combined state performance is output from the performance output unit in response to detection by the combined state detection unit.

[0016] Furthermore, the combination completion control may be a control that outputs the combination completion effect when detection is made by the combination detection unit and also when detection is made by the combination completion detection unit.

[0017] Another aspect of the present invention is a control subject toy body that becomes a combined toy by combining one or more partner toy bodies with a control subject toy body that has transformed from a pre-transformation form to a combination form, and that comprises: a performance output unit; a combination transformation detection unit that detects the transformation to the combination form; a displacement member that can be displaced from the pre-combination state; a combination completion detection unit that detects the displacement of the displacement member; a standby control that starts outputting a given combination standby performance from the performance output unit in response to detection by the combination transformation detection unit; and a displacement time control that outputs a given displacement performance from the performance output unit in response to detection by the displacement detection unit. In addition, the control subject toy body of the present invention is a control subject toy body that becomes a combined toy by combining one or more partner toy bodies with the control subject toy body that has transformed from a pre-transformation form to a combination form, and is equipped with a performance output unit, a combination transformation detection unit that detects form transformation from the pre-transformation form, a combination detection unit that detects that the partner toy bodies have combined, a standby control that starts outputting a given combination standby performance from the performance output unit in response to detection by the combination transformation detection unit, and a control unit that executes combination time control that outputs a given combination performance from the performance output unit in response to detection by the combination detection unit. In addition, the control subject toy body of the present invention is a control subject toy body that becomes a combined toy by combining one or more partner toy bodies with the control subject toy body that has transformed from a pre-transformation form to a combination form, and is equipped with a performance output unit, a combination transformation detection unit that detects form transformation from the pre-transformation form, a combination detection unit that detects that the partner toy bodies have combined, a standby control that starts outputting a given combination standby performance from the performance output unit in response to detection by the combination transformation detection unit, and a control unit that executes combination time control that stops outputting the combination standby performance in response to detection by the combination detection unit and then outputs a given combination performance from the performance output unit.

[0018] In addition, the displacement member can be displaced from a pre-combined state to a combined state by displacement, the displacement detection unit is a combined state detection unit that detects that the displacement member is in the combined state, and the control unit may be equipped with a control unit that executes combined state control as the displacement control, in which a given combined state performance is output from the performance output unit in response to detection by the combined state detection unit.

[0019] Another aspect of the present invention is a partner toy object that can be combined with a control subject toy object in a first alternative form that has been transformed from the pre-transformation form to the combination form. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, a combination toy can be realized that can output a performance output that adds excitement to the transformation and combination operation in conjunction with the transformation operation for combination. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a combination toy. [Figure 2] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of transformation and combination of a combination toy. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control subject toy body. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of state determination criteria data. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of type determination criterion data. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of a production package. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the transformation of the control toy body from the pre-transformation form to the combination form, and the accompanying changes in the state of the combination transformation detection unit and the type detection unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a partner toy body. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining the combination of the control toy body and the partner toy body. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram (part 2) for explaining the combination of the control toy body and the partner toy body. [Figure 11] FIG. 3 is a diagram (part 3) for explaining the combination of the control toy body and the partner toy body. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the flow of processing by a control unit related to transformation and combination. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a combination toy 2 which is an example of an embodiment to which the present invention is applied. The combination toy 2 is a toy that the user can enjoy by transforming and combining multiple toys. The completed form of the combination toy 2 can be said to be an aggregation of multiple toys, so the combination toy 2 can also be said to be a toy group. The combination toy 2 has one or more controller toy bodies 10 that can change shape, and multiple types of partner toy bodies 20 (20a, 20b, ...) that can also change shape. The combination toy 2 may be sold as a set, or the controller toy bodies 10 and partner toy bodies 20 may be sold individually so that the user can select and purchase them as they wish.

[0023] The number of control toy bodies 10 and partner toy bodies 20 that make up one combination toy 2 can be changed as appropriate. For example, it is possible to configure two types of control toy bodies 10 and four types of partner toy bodies 20, for a total of six bodies. When there are multiple control toy bodies 10, it is preferable to use different designs for each type. Of course, the designs of the control toy bodies 10 and partner toy bodies 20 are not limited to the examples shown in the drawings and can be set as appropriate.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of transformation and combination of the combination toy 2. As shown in FIG. The control subject toy body 10 and the opponent toy body 20 are each designed as a single unit in the pre-transformed form. For example, the control subject toy body 10 in Fig. 2 is designed with a land-walking bird motif and is a small land-based robot weapon equipped with a large movable artillery cannon 15 on its back. The opponent toy body 20 (20a) in Fig. 2 is an aerial robot weapon designed with a flying bird motif and equipped with large wings 25 and an attacking sword 26 on its back.

[0025] The user transforms the control toy body 10 and the partner toy body 20 into combination forms (10h, 20h), combines them into one body, and after the combination, performs a combination completion operation to create the combined form in the shape of a giant humanoid robot 30.

[0026] As shown in the bottom row of Figure 2, the combination completion operation exposes the robot head 33 of the giant humanoid robot 30. The large artillery cannon 15 becomes a weapon attached to the waist of the giant humanoid robot 30, and the wings 25 connect to form a large shield. A sword 26 can be attached and detached to the shield. The user can use the giant humanoid robot 30 to play with Western knight-style dolls.

[0027] The design of the combined form is not limited to a human form and can be set as appropriate. For example, it may be a large land quadruped, a giant battleship, a giant tank, a fantasy creature such as a dragon or demon, or a monster. Furthermore, the number of toys required for combination is not limited to a total of two, one controller toy body 10 and one partner toy body 20, but may be a configuration in which one controller toy body 10 and two or more partner toy bodies 20 combine. For example, it is also possible to configure the controller toy body 10 to transform into the torso of a giant robot, and the four partner toy bodies 20 to transform into left and right arms and left and right legs and combine.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control toy body 10, and corresponds to a side view of the control toy body 10 in the pre-transformation form. The control toy body 10 is composed of multiple parts interconnected by movable structures such as joints and sliding structures. Specifically, the control toy body 10 has a first base 11, a second base 12, a head 13, legs 14, a large artillery cannon 15, and an equipment rack 17. The legs 14 and the equipment rack 17 each have a multi-joint structure in which multiple small parts are movably connected. The head 13, legs 14, large artillery cannon 15, and equipment rack 17 form a displacement part 6 that can be displaced from a pre-transformation form to a combined form. A control unit 50 is mounted inside the first base 11. Although not shown, the control toy body 10 also includes other elements, such as a power switch for the control unit 50, as appropriate. Furthermore, the head 13, as shown in FIG. 3, forms a hollow space that is open at the bottom, and the right half 33R of the head 33 of the giant humanoid robot 30 is housed within this space.

[0029] The control unit 50 is realized as a so-called control board. That is, the control unit 50 is realized by a printed circuit board and various electronic circuits and electrical elements mounted on the printed circuit board. Specifically, the control unit 50 has a CPU 51, a RAM 52, a ROM 53, a reader 54 for the IC memory card 4, a battery 55, a performance output unit 56, a combination transformation detection unit 60, a type detection unit 70, a combination detection unit 80, and a combination completion detection unit (displacement detection unit) 82. Note that, although the IC memory card 4 reader 54 is provided in this embodiment, it is not essential. If the data stored in the IC memory card 4 is stored in the ROM 53 in advance, the reader 54 can be omitted.

[0030] The effect output unit 56 outputs an effect accompanying the transformation and combination. Specifically, in this embodiment, sound effects are emitted as the effect, and therefore the effect output unit 56 is realized by a speaker.

[0031] Other electronic and electrical components may also be mounted as appropriate. For example, an interface IC that manages signal input / output between the CPU 51 and other circuit elements, a decoder IC, a voice / audio IC, etc. may be mounted. Some of these components may also be implemented as an SoC (System on a Chip).

[0032] The combination transformation detection unit 60 detects the transformation operation from the pre-transformation form to the combination form and outputs a detection signal to the CPU 51. Specifically, the combination transformation detection unit 60 is realized by a small push switch, and is arranged so that it can be pressed from the outside in a recess provided on the upper surface of the first base 11. In the pre-transformation form, the control main toy body 10 is in a pressed state (ON state) by a protrusion 19 provided on the lower surface of the equipment rack 17.

[0033] The type detection unit 70 is a means for detecting the type of the partner toy body 20 combined with the control toy body 10. Specifically, the type detection unit 70 is realized by three small push switches (a first detection switch 71, a second detection switch 72, and a third detection switch 73), and is arranged so that they can be operated from the top surface of the first base part 11. In the pre-transformation form, the control toy body 10 is in an unoperated state (OFF state). The number of push switches constituting the type detection unit 70 can be increased or decreased as needed depending on the number of types of partner toy bodies 20 so that all types can be identified. For example, if there are only three types of partner toy bodies 20, all types can be identified using only the first detection switch 71 and the second detection switch 72.

[0034] In this embodiment, the combination transformation detection unit 60 and the type detection unit 70 together function as a combination detection unit 80 that detects the combination of the control toy body 10 in the combination form and the partner toy body 20 in the combination form. Note that the detection of combination may be performed together with the detection of the type of the combined partner toy body 20 by the type detection unit 70, in which case only the type detection unit 70 functions as the combination detection unit 80. In other words, the type detection unit 70 also serves as the combination detection unit 80.

[0035] The displacement detection unit (combination completion detection unit) 82 detects that the head 13 has been displaced (that the combination has been completed), and outputs a detection signal to the CPU 51. Specifically, the displacement detection unit (combination completion detection unit) 82 is realized by a small push switch, and is installed in a position where it is pressed by the swing of the head 13 (by the combination completion operation if the swing of the head 13 is to be performed at the end of the combination work) (described in detail later).

[0036] The CPU 51 reads and executes a control program stored in the ROM 53, and performs control to output effects relating to transformation and combination. Specifically, the CPU 51 determines the current state of the controlling toy body 10 and the type of the combined partner toy body 20 based on detection signals from the combination transformation detection section 60, type detection section 70, combination detection section 80, and displacement detection section (combination completion detection section) 82, and on the state determination standard data 100 and type determination standard data 102 stored in the ROM 53 or IC memory card 4. The CPU 51 then reads out performance data corresponding to the determined current state and the type of the combined partner toy body 20 from the performance package 110 stored in the ROM 53 or IC memory card 4, and executes performance output control. In this embodiment, the performance is sound, so the CPU 51 executes control to play back sound effect audio data and output it from the performance output section 56, which is a speaker.

[0037] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the state determination criterion data 100. In the following, in this embodiment, the displacement of the displacement member will be described as a combination completion operation that should be performed at the end of the combination work. The state determination reference data 100 is definition data for determining which of the four states the robot is in: before transformation (before transformation for combination; state of pre-transformation form), waiting (transformed state for combination before combination; combination form), combination detection (an intermediate state in which combination has been achieved but the displacement of the displacement members has not yet occurred (combination completion in this embodiment)), and combination completion (completion of displacement of the displacement members). These four states are defined by combinations of ON / OFF (indicated as ON=1, OFF=0 in FIG. 4) of the combination transformation detection unit 60, ON / OFF of the three switches of the type detection unit 70, and ON / OFF of the displacement detection unit (combination completion detection unit) 82.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the type determination criterion data 102. As shown in FIG. The type determination standard data 102 is definition data for determining the type of the partner toy body 20 combined with the control main toy body 10, and is defined by a combination of ON / OFF (in FIG. 5, ON=1, OFF=0) of the three switches (first detection switch 71, second detection switch 72, third detection switch 73) of the type detection unit 70. Note that the data configuration example of the type determination standard data 102 shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example. For example, if there are three types of partner toy bodies 20, it is also possible to define them by a combination of ON / OFF of the first detection switch 71 and the second detection switch 72. Specifically, when only the first detection switch 71 is ON, it is determined that Hawk (first type of partner toy) in Figure 5 has been combined, when only the second detection switch 72 is ON, it is determined that Drill (second type of partner toy) has been combined, and when both the first switch 71 and the second switch 72 are ON, it is determined that Arsenal (third type of partner toy) has been combined.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the rendering package 110. As shown in FIG. One or more effect packages 110 are pre-stored in the initial state, but users can purchase and download additional packages from a predetermined website via the Internet, etc., or delete them as needed. One effect package 110 includes a unique package ID 112, application requirements 114 that define the conditions for applying the package to control, combination standby effect data 116, a combination pattern-specific data set 120, and combination release effect data 130.

[0040] The application requirement 114 is described by one or a combination of a number of factors, such as a value indicating a standard setting, a specific date, a specific time period, and the time required from the start of the combination until each state is detected.

[0041] The combination standby performance data 116 is data for realizing a combination standby performance. Specifically, the combination standby performance data 116 is audio data of a first type of sound effect that starts emitting sound when a transformation operation for combination is detected and is emitted until the combination is detected. In the case of a combination scene in a special effects superhero program, this would be the heroic background music that plays as the scene begins. The combination standby performance data 116 can appropriately include a narration voice announcing that the combination sequence has begun. The type of combination standby sound can be set for each package, and may be common to all packages, or multiple types may be prepared depending on the setting of the application requirement 114.

[0042] The data set 120 for each combination pattern is prepared for each combination of the control toy body 10 and the partner toy body 20 to be combined, i.e., for each combination pattern. One data set 120 for each combination pattern includes a unique pattern ID 121, application requirements 123, combination performance data 125, and combination completion performance data 127. In this embodiment, the displacement of the displacement member is the combination completion operation that should be performed at the end of the combination work, so the data 127 is called combination completion performance data, but if the displacement of the displacement member is not the combination completion operation, the data 127 should be called displacement performance data.

[0043] The application requirement 123 indicates a combination pattern. Specifically, it is described as a combination of the type of control toy body 10 and the type of partner toy body 20. Note that even if the type of control toy body 10 and the type of partner toy body 20 are the same, if multiple patterns are possible due to different relative positional relationships at combination (for example, if there is a pattern where the control toy body 10 is on top and the partner toy body 20 is on bottom, and a pattern where the partner toy body 20 is on top and the control toy body 10 is on bottom), the application requirement 123 is defined to include conditions on the relative positional relationships as appropriate in addition to the conditions on the combination of the type of control toy body 10 and the type of partner toy body 20.

[0044] The combination performance data 125 is data for realizing a performance when a combination is detected, and in this embodiment, is audio data for a combination sound. The combination sound is a sound effect that is played and emitted when a combination is detected. Specifically, the combination sound includes one or more of the following: sound effects emitted when machines come into contact with or combine with each other (for example, operating sounds, sliding sounds, collision sounds, etc., such as click, whoosh, and clang), a voice that reads out the name of the controlling toy body 10 and the name of the partner toy body 20, and background music that is played in place of the combination standby sound. The content of the combination sound varies depending on the type of data set, i.e., the combination pattern.

[0045] The combination completion effect data 127 is data for realizing an effect when the combination is completed, and in this embodiment, it is audio data for a combination completion sound. The combination completion sound is a sound effect that is played or emitted when the completion of the combination is detected. Specifically, the combination completion sound includes one or more of the following: an effect sound emitted when the machines come into contact with or combine with each other; a voice announcing the name of the giant humanoid robot 30 in the completed combination form; an effect sound announcing the completion of the combination (e.g., "shakin" or "zukyuun"); and background music such as a fanfare announcing the completion of the combination. The content of the combination completion sound varies depending on the type of data set, i.e., the combination pattern. Note that in this embodiment, the displacement of the displacement member is the combination completion operation that should be performed at the end of the combination work, so the data 127 is data for realizing an effect when the combination is completed. However, if the displacement of the displacement member is not the combination completion operation, the data 127 will be data for realizing an effect at the time of that displacement. Specifically, the transformation effect could include sound effects such as those emitted when machines slide against each other.

[0046] The combination cancellation effect data 130 is data for realizing the combination cancellation effect, and in this embodiment, is audio data for a combination cancellation sound. The combination cancellation sound is a sound effect that is played or emitted when the combination state changes from a completed combination state to another state. Specifically, it includes one or more of the sound effects emitted when the machines come into contact or combine with each other, and a sound announcing that the combination has been cancelled. The content of the combination cancellation sound may be common to the package, or may differ depending on the type of data set, i.e., the combination pattern.

[0047] 7 is a diagram illustrating the transformation of the control toy body 10 from the pre-transformation form to the combination form, and the accompanying changes in the state of the combination transformation detection unit 60 and the type detection unit 70. The drawn-out portion in FIG. 7 corresponds to an enlarged view of the combination transformation detection unit 60, the type detection unit 70, and the surrounding area.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 7(1), in the control toy body 10 in the pre-transformation form, the switch of the combination transformation detection unit 60 is installed so that the operating portion of the switch protrudes into a recess provided on the surface of the first base 11 facing the equipment rack 17. The equipment rack 17 has a protrusion 19 on the surface facing the first base 11, and in the pre-transformation form, the protrusion 19 presses the switch of the combination transformation detection unit 60 to turn it ON. However, since the equipment rack 17 does not have protrusions corresponding to the three switches of the type detection unit 70 (first detection switch 71, second detection switch 72, third detection switch 73), these three switches are OFF.

[0049] To transform the control subject toy body 10 from the pre-transformation form to the combination form, the user performs a transformation operation. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7(2), the equipment rack 17, which was folded on the first base 11, is extended rearward. Next, as shown in FIG. 7(3), the user removes the large artillery 15 from the equipment rack 17 and attaches it to the underside of the second base 12. The user also turns the head 13 upside down and then slides it upward. The legs 14 are each slid forward and inverted. Next, as shown in FIG. 7(4), the user extends one leg 14 (the front side of FIG. 7) from its folded state, and further folds the other leg 14 (the back side of FIG. 7) from its folded state and swings it toward the rear side (the back side of FIG. 7). This completes the combination form.

[0050] The control toy body 10 (10h) in the combination form becomes the right half of the giant humanoid robot 30. That is, the first base 11 becomes the right chest of the giant humanoid robot 30, the second base 12 becomes the right waist, the head 13 becomes the right head cover, one of the legs 14 becomes the right arm, the other leg 14 becomes back equipment, the large artillery cannon 15 moves to the waist position, and the equipment rack 17 becomes the right leg. The head 13, legs 14, large artillery cannon 15, and equipment rack 17 of the control toy body 10 can be said to be the displacement parts 6 that can displace the control toy body 10 from the pre-transformation form to the combination form.

[0051] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the mating toy body 20 (20a), and corresponds to a side view of the mating toy body 20 (20a) in the pre-transformation form. The partner toy body 20 (20a) is composed of multiple parts interconnected by movable structures such as joint structures and sliding structures. Specifically, the partner toy body 20 has a first base 21, a second base 22, a head 23, legs 24, specific equipment of the corresponding type (wings 25 and sword 26), and an equipment rack 27. The head 23, legs 24, wings 25, sword 26, and equipment rack 27 form a displacement part 6 that allows the partner toy body 20 to transform from its pre-transformation form to its combined form. While the control unit 50 was mounted inside the first base 11 in the control main toy body 10, it is not mounted in the partner toy body 20, contributing to overall cost reduction of the combined toy 2. In addition, the head 23 forms a hollow space that is open at the bottom in FIG. 8, and the left half 33L of the head 33 of the giant humanoid robot 30 is housed within this space.

[0052] The legs 24 and the equipment rack 27 each have a multi-joint structure in which multiple parts are movably connected. The wings 25 are detachable from the equipment rack 27, and the sword 26 is detachable from the first base 11.

[0053] The partner toy body 20 transforms into the left half of the giant humanoid robot 30. The transformation of the partner toy body 20 is basically the same as that of the control subject toy body 10. That is, the user removes the unique equipment (wings 25 and sword 26 in the example of FIG. 8) from the partner toy body 20, extends the equipment rack 27, flips the legs 14 to extend one leg, and folds the other leg to swing it. Then, the user slides and flips the head 23, attaches the removed unique equipment in a predetermined position, and transforms it into the combined form.

[0054] 9 to 11 are diagrams for explaining the combination of the control toy body 10 and the partner toy body 20 (20a), and the state transitions are shown in the order of Figs. 9 to 11. The drawer sections in the diagrams correspond to enlarged views of the combination transformation detection unit 60 and the type detection unit 70 and their surroundings.

[0055] 9, the control toy body 10 (10h) transformed into the combination form has the shape of the right half of the giant humanoid robot 30, and the partner toy body 20 (20h) transformed into the combination form has the shape of the left half of the giant humanoid robot 30. Focusing on the combination transformation detection unit 60 and the type detection unit 70 at this time, the switch of the combination transformation detection unit 60 and the three switches of the type detection unit 70 (first detection switch 71, second detection switch 72, third detection switch 73) are all OFF.

[0056] The user brings the left side of the control toy body 10 (10h) transformed into the combination form and the right side of the partner toy body 20 (20h) transformed into the combination form face to face and connect them together. Through this connecting operation, the two toy bodies are joined together by the connecting structure 90, as shown in Figure 10.

[0057] Specifically, the connecting structure 90 has a claw-shaped first engaging portion 91 or a second engaging portion 92 at opposing positions on the left side of the control toy body 10 (10h) transformed into the combination form and on the right side of the mating toy body 20 (20h) transformed into the combination form (see Figure 9). These engage with each other and are connected by a connecting operation. Note that the connecting structure 90 is not limited to the claw type. For example, a magnet may be built into one of the control toy body 10 and the mating toy body 20, and an iron piece may be embedded in the other, and they may be connected by magnetic force.

[0058] In addition, the head 13 of the control toy body 10 (10h) and the head 23 of the partner toy body 20 (20h) are in close contact with each other, and in their internal space, the right half body 33R and the left half body 33L are in close contact and joined together to form the head 33 of the giant humanoid robot 30.

[0059] The method of dividing the head 33 into the right half 33R and the left half 33L can be set as appropriate depending on the design of the head 33. For example, if the head 33 has a Western knight-like design equipped with helmet-like armor, the left half 33L may be divided into the face and the left half of the helmet-like armor, and the right half 33R may be divided into the right half of the helmet-like armor. In this case, it is preferable to change the design of the face depending on the type of control main toy body 10 and the type of partner toy body 20 to be combined. The right half 33R and the left half 33 may be connected by a spigot structure, magnetic connection, or the like, as appropriate.

[0060] Focusing on the combination transformation detection unit 60 and the type detection unit 70, in this embodiment, when the toy is connected and combined, the combination detection convex portion 28g provided on the right surface of the partner toy body 20 (20h) presses the combination transformation detection unit 60 to turn on the switch. Note that if the type determination convex portion 28s described below detects combination by turning on one of the switches of the type detection unit 70, the combination detection convex portion 28g can be omitted. In that case, the type detection unit 70 also serves as the combination detection unit referred to in the present invention.

[0061] In addition, a type-determining protrusion 28s is provided on the right surface of the mating toy body 20 (20h). The number and arrangement of the type-determining protrusions 28s are set to vary depending on the type of mating toy body 20, and at least one of the three switches of the type detection unit 70 is turned ON upon combination. The type-determining protrusion 28s is realized as a protrusion, and the type of the mating toy body 20 is identified depending on whether it is located in a position that corresponds one-to-one with a switch of the type detection unit 70. FIG. 10 shows an example in which only one type-determining protrusion 28s is provided, which presses the third detection switch 73. Upon connection and combination, the three switches of the type detection unit 70 are turned ON / OFF according to the type of the combined mating toy body 20.

[0062] After the coupling operation has been performed, the user performs a combination completion operation, as shown in Figure 11. To perform the combination completion operation, the head 13 (the "displacement member" as referred to in the present invention) of the controlling toy body 10 (10h) is swung (displaced) outward, and the head 23 of the partner toy body 20 (20h) is also swung outward. In other words, immediately after the coupling operation, the heads 13 and 23 are closely facing each other on the midline of the giant humanoid robot 30 (see Figure 10), but these upper ends are then deployed so as to move away from each other. Then, the robot head 33 of the giant humanoid robot 30 appears from within.

[0063] The switch of the displacement detection unit (combination completion detection unit) 82 is installed in a position where it is pressed down by the swing of the head 13. Therefore, the displacement detection unit (combination completion detection unit) 82 is turned from OFF to ON by the combination completion operation (in this embodiment, the swing of the head 13, i.e., the displacement of the displacement member, is the combination completion operation that should be performed at the end of the combination work).

[0064] Next, automatic sound emission of sound effects accompanying the transformation and combination of the combination toy 2 will be described. 12 is a diagram for explaining the flow of processing related to transformation and combination by the control unit 50. When the power is turned on, the CPU 51 automatically loads and executes a control program, and starts the processing described here.

[0065] First, the CPU 51 compares the input status (ON / OFF) of the detection signals from the combination transformation detection unit 60, the type detection unit 70, the combination detection unit 80, and the displacement detection unit (combination completion detection unit) 82 with the state determination reference data 100 (see FIG. 4), and determines the current state of the controlling toy body 10 (step S2). The determination result is temporarily stored in the RAM 52.

[0066] As a result of the state determination, if it is determined that the user has performed a transformation operation for combination and the state has changed from "before transformation" to "on standby," in other words, if a transformation operation is detected (YES in step S4), the CPU 51 performs standby control and starts outputting a combination standby effect, i.e., playing back and outputting a combination standby sound (step S6). Specifically, the CPU 51 searches for a package that satisfies the application requirements 114 from among the effect packages 110 (see FIG. 6), reads out the combination standby effect data 116 of the searched package, and starts playing back and outputting the sound. The CPU 51 temporarily stores the number of times the combination standby effect is output or the output duration in the RAM 52, and stops the effect output when the number of times the effect is output reaches a predetermined upper limit or when the output duration reaches a predetermined length of time.

[0067] If the state determination result shows that the state has changed from "standby" to "combination detected," in other words, if a combination operation is detected (YES in step S10), the CPU 51 executes steps S12 to S16 as combination control.

[0068] That is, the CPU 51 checks the ON / OFF states of the three switches of the type detection unit 70 against the type determination reference data 102 (see FIG. 5) to determine the type of the combined partner toy bodies 20 (step S12). Next, the CPU 51 searches for and references the combination performance data 125 (see FIG. 6) corresponding to the type of the combined partner toy bodies 20 (step S14), stops the playback output of the combination standby sound as the output of the combination standby performance, and starts the playback output of the combination sound of the searched data (step S16). The CPU 51 stores the number of times the combination performance is output or the output duration in the RAM 52, and stops the performance output when the number of times the output reaches a predetermined upper limit or when the output duration reaches a predetermined length of time.

[0069] If the result of the state determination is that the state has changed from "combination detected" to "combination completed" (in this embodiment, the displacement of the displacement member is considered to be the combination completion operation that should be performed at the end of the combination work, so the state has changed to "combination completed", but in other words, it is "when the displacement member is displaced"), in other words, if the combination completion operation (operation to displace the displacement member) is detected (YES in step S20), the CPU 51 executes steps S22 to S24 as combination completion control (displacement control).

[0070] That is, the CPU 51 searches and references the combination completion effect data 127 (see FIG. 6) corresponding to the type of the combined partner toy body 20 (step S22), stops the playback output of the combination sound as the output of the combination completion effect, and starts the playback output of the combination completion sound of the searched data (step S24). The CPU 51 temporarily stores the number of times the combination completion effect is output or the output duration in the RAM 52, and stops the effect output when the output number reaches a predetermined upper limit or the output duration reaches a predetermined length of time.

[0071] If the result of the state determination is that the state has changed from "combination completed" to another state, in other words, if a combination cancellation operation is detected (YES in step S30), the CPU 51 will stop the performance currently being output as combination cancellation control, search for and refer to combination cancellation performance data 130 (see Figure 6), and start playing and outputting the combination cancellation sound of the searched data as the output of the combination cancellation performance (step S32).

[0072] As described above, according to this embodiment, a combination toy can be realized that can automatically output a performance output to enhance the transformation and combination operation in conjunction with the transformation operation for combination. Unlike conventional devices, the user does not have to manually operate a switch to play and output sound effects before performing the transformation and combination operation. Instead, sound effects are played and output in conjunction with the transformation and combination operation, and the sound effects change as the transformation and combination operation progresses, enhancing the excitement of the transformation and combination operation without losing the sense of immersion. Furthermore, the operation related to the robot's head, which is the climax of the transformation and combination operation, is detected, and a performance is output along with that operation, which is highly entertaining. Furthermore, the performance is the combination completion performance, which is the climax of the transformation and combination performance, further enhancing the excitement.

[0073] [Modification] The embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above examples, and constituent elements can be added, omitted, or modified as appropriate.

[0074] (Variation 1) For example, although a humanoid robot weapon is shown as an example of the appearance of the combination toy 2 to which the present invention is applied after combination is complete, the appearance after combination is not limited to this. For example, it may be a beast-type or insect-type robot weapon, a multi-legged tank, etc. The installation positions of the combination transformation detection unit 60, type detection unit 70, combination detection unit 80, and displacement detection unit (combination completion detection unit) 82 can be set appropriately according to the design, as long as they are at locations where the parts separate / join before and after transformation or combination, or at locations where the relative angle or relative position changes.

[0075] (Variation 2) In the above embodiment, the combination deformation detection unit 60, the type detection unit 70, the combination detection unit 80, and the displacement detection unit (combination completion detection unit) 82 are implemented by small push switches. However, each detection unit may be implemented by other switches, sensors, or the like. For example, instead of a push switch, two electrodes may be used, and a conductive material that simultaneously contacts the two electrodes and conducts electricity may be attached to the tip of the combination detection convex portion 28g and the type determination convex portion 28s. Alternatively, instead of a push switch, a hall sensor may be used, and a small magnet may be embedded in the tip of the combination detection convex portion 28g and the type determination convex portion 28s.

[0076] (Variation 3) Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the effect output was realized by emitting sound effects, but it is not limited to sound emission; light emission, vibration, and the like can also be used for the effect. In this case, a control IC according to the output form of the effect output unit 56 may be added to the control unit 50 as appropriate. For example, if light emission or image display is used as an effect, the effect output unit 56 may be equipped with a light-emitting element such as an LED or a display element such as an LCD, and the control unit 50 may be equipped with a control driver circuit for these as appropriate. Furthermore, if vibration is used as an effect, a vibrator may be installed as the effect output unit 56, and an IC for vibration control may be installed in the control unit 50. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 2...combination toy 4. IC memory card 6...Displaced area 10...Controlling toy body 11…First base 12…Second base 13...Head 14...legs 15...Large artillery 17...Equipment rack 19...Convex part 20...Toy body 21...1st base 22…Second base 23…Head 24...legs 25...Wings 26...Sword 27...Equipment rack 28g…Convex part for detecting combination 28s...Protrusion for type determination 30...Giant humanoid robot 33...Robot head 33R…Right half 33L…Left half body 50...Control unit 51...CPU 52...RAM 53...ROM 54...Leader 55...Battery 56...Performance output section 60... Combination deformation detection unit 70...Type detection unit 71...First detection switch 72...Second detection switch 73...Third detection switch 80...Merge detection unit 82...Displacement detection unit (combination completion detection unit) 90...Connection structure part 91...first engagement portion 92...Second engagement portion 100...Status judgment criteria data 102...Type determination criteria data 110...Production Package 112...Package ID 114…Applicable requirements 116...Combined standby performance data 120...Dataset by fusion pattern 121...Pattern ID 123…Applicable requirements 125...Combined performance data 127... Fusion completion performance data (displacement performance data) 130... Fusion release performance data

Claims

1. A combination toy comprising a plurality of toy bodies that can be transformed into a combination form, and the toy bodies can be combined with each other when transformed from a pre-transformation form into a combination form, The plurality of toy bodies include one control subject toy body and other counterpart toy bodies, The control subject toy body is A performance output unit; a combination transformation detection unit that detects a transformation from the pre-transformation form; a combination detection unit that detects that the partner toy bodies have been combined; Equipped with A standby control is executed to start outputting a given combination standby performance from the performance output unit in response to detection by the combination transformation detection unit, and a combination control is executed to stop outputting the combination standby performance in response to detection by the combination detection unit and then outputting a given combination performance from the performance output unit. Combined toys.

2. There are multiple types of partner toy bodies that can be combined with the control subject toy body, The control subject toy body is a type detection unit for detecting the type of the combined toy body; Further provided with The performance output unit includes at least a speaker, The combination control is a control to emit a sound including the name of the other toy body according to the type detected by the type detection unit from the speaker as the combination effect. The combination toy according to claim 1.

3. The control subject toy body further includes a control unit that executes the standby control and the combined control, The control unit After executing the combination control, when the detection by the combination detection unit is canceled, execute combination cancellation control to output a given combination cancellation performance from the performance output unit. The combination toy according to claim 1 or 2.

4. There are multiple types of partner toy bodies that can be combined with the control subject toy body, The control subject toy body is a type detection unit for detecting the type of the combined toy body; a control unit that executes the standby control and the combined control; Further provided with the type detection unit also serves as the combination detection unit, the control unit executes the combination control in response to detection of the type of the combined partner toy object by the type detection unit. The combination toy according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The mating toy body is a protrusion having a number and arrangement that differs depending on the type of the counterpart toy body, the protrusion being located at a position facing the type detection unit when the counterpart toy body is combined with the control subject toy body; Equipped with the type detection unit detects the type of the combined partner toy body based on a combination of the number and arrangement of the protrusions. The combination toy according to claim 2 or 4.

6. A control toy body that has been transformed from a pre-transformation form into a combination form can be combined with one or more partner toy bodies to form a combination toy, A performance output unit; a combination transformation detection unit that detects a transformation from the pre-transformation form; a combination detection unit that detects that the partner toy bodies have been combined; a control unit that executes standby control to start outputting a given combination standby performance from the performance output unit in response to detection by the combination transformation detection unit, and a control unit that executes combination control to stop outputting the combination standby performance in response to detection by the combination detection unit and then outputting a given combination performance from the performance output unit; A control subject toy body comprising:

7. A mating toy body combineable with the control main toy body according to claim 6, which has been transformed from the pre-transformation form to the combination form.

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