Toy
The toy's innovative passage-blocking mechanism and tactile feedback system simplifies operation unit identification, addressing user confusion in multi-unit toys with tilt-dependent display devices.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2025550537
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-12-16
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-23
- Estimated Expiration
- 2045-03-25
AI Technical Summary
Users often struggle to understand which of multiple operation units to operate in toys equipped with display devices that change modes based on tilt, leading to confusion.
The toy incorporates a housing with first and second passages, each blocked by respective members that transition based on the housing's position, along with distinct tactile sensations and detection sensors to guide user interaction.
Users can easily identify which operation unit to operate by visual cues and tactile feedback, enhancing user experience and understanding of toy functionality.
Smart Images

Figure 0007805538000001 
Figure 0007805538000002 
Figure 0007805538000003
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to toys. [Background technology]
[0002] Conventionally, there is known technology relating to a display device that can change the display mode depending on the tilt of the display device body (for example, Patent Document 1). Toys that use such display devices are also known. Furthermore, toys that have multiple operating units are also known. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-2865 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] However, in the toy field, when a predetermined image is displayed on a display device, it is sometimes difficult for a user to understand which of a plurality of operation units to operate. Therefore, there is a demand for a technology that enables a user to easily understand which of a plurality of operation units to operate in a toy. [Means for solving the problem]
[0005] The toy includes a housing having a first passage and a second passage formed therein, a first member that blocks at least a part of the second passage when the housing is in a first position, and a second member that blocks the first passage when the housing is in a second position different from the first position. [Effects of the Invention]
[0006] According to the toy of the present disclosure, the user can easily understand which of the multiple operating units to operate. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the toy as seen from the front, upper right corner. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the toy as seen from the rear, lower left. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the toy in the position shown in FIG. 6 rotated 180° around a horizontal axis extending forward and backward. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of an object. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a toy in a state where a finger is inserted into a first passage. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a toy in a state where a finger is inserted into a second passage. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a control device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The toy of the present disclosure is a toy that allows a user to experience the worldview of an image displayed on a display device. For example, when the user touches an operation unit installed inside the toy, the user can experience the worldview of an object displayed on the display device. Details will be described later.
[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be designated by the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions of these components may be omitted. In the following description, the term "XX unit" does not simply refer to a physical means for realizing the function "XX." It may also refer to software implementing the function performed by the "XX unit." The function performed by a single "XX unit" may be implemented by two or more physical means or two or more software programs. The functions of two or more "XX units" may be implemented by a single physical means or a single software program. For ease of explanation of the embodiments, the directions indicated by the arrows in each figure may be referred to as "up," "down," "left," "right," "forward," and "backward." In the following description, "based on YY" means "based on at least YY." Therefore, it includes cases where the toy is based on not only "YY" but also other elements. Furthermore, "based on YY" not only refers to the direct use of "YY" but also includes cases where the toy is based on "YY" after some calculation, processing, or the like has been performed on "YY." "YY" is an arbitrary element (eg, arbitrary information).
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the toy as seen from the front, upper right. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the toy as seen from the rear, lower left. FIG. 3 is a front view of the toy. FIG. 4 is a right side view of the toy. FIG. 5 is a left side view of the toy. The 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 outer shape of the toy 1. The housing 2 also houses various components of the toy 1. The housing 2 is formed, for example, in a shape like a cylinder extending in the front-to-rear direction with a portion cut away. The housing 2 has a shape in which, for example, a portion of the side of the cylinder is cut away by a horizontal plane, and the cut-out portion is composed of a flat surface. The horizontal plane, for example, cuts away a portion of the upper side and a portion of the lower side of the cylinder. In other words, the housing 2 has an upper surface 201 and a lower surface 202. Therefore, when the user places the toy 1 on a table or the like with the upper surface 201 or the lower surface 202 facing down when not playing with the toy 1, the toy 1 can be prevented from rolling on the table.
[0012] A display device 3, a first button 4, a second button 5, and a third button 6 are arranged on the front surface of the housing 2, which corresponds to one bottom surface of the cylinder. The display device 3, the first button 4, the second button 5, and the third button 6 will be described later. Furthermore, various information is written on the rear surface of the housing 2, which corresponds to the other bottom surface of the cylinder. The various information may include precautions for the user when using the toy 1, copyright information for characters used in the toy 1, information about the original author, and the like.
[0013] A first passage 7 and a second passage 8 are formed inside the housing 2. The first passage 7 and the second passage 8 are formed on opposite sides of the display device 3. The first passage 7 and the second passage 8 are formed in a cylindrical shape large enough to allow a finger to be inserted, for example. 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, above the center in the height direction. A portion of the first passage 7 may be formed below the center in the height direction. For example, the center of the entrance of the first passage 7 may be located above the center in the height direction. The first passage 7 may be formed, for example, so as to extend diagonally upward to the right from near the center in the left-right and height directions of the housing 2. The second passage 8 is formed, for example, on the left side of the housing 2, below the center in the height direction. A portion of the second passage 8 may be formed above the center in the height direction. For example, the center of the entrance of the second passage 8 may be located below the center in the height direction. The second passage 8 may be formed, for example, so as to extend diagonally downward to the left from near the center in the left-right and height directions of the housing 2.
[0015] The housing 2 may be made up of multiple parts. For example, the housing 2 may be made up of parts that make up the upper side of the toy 1, parts that make up the lower side of the toy 1, parts that make up the front side of the toy 1, parts that make up the rear side of the toy 1, parts that make up the periphery of the first passage 7, parts that make up the periphery of the second passage 8, etc. Furthermore, the parts that make up the upper side of the toy 1 may include parts that make up the front side of the toy 1 and parts that make up the rear side of the toy 1. Furthermore, the parts that make up the lower side of the toy 1 may include parts that make up the front side of the toy 1 and parts that make up the rear side of the toy 1.
[0016] The toy 1 further includes a first operating unit, a second operating unit, a first member, a second member, a first object detection sensor, a second object detection sensor, and an attitude detection sensor (not shown).
[0017] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in Fig. 4. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the toy 1 in the position shown in Fig. 6 has been rotated 180° around a horizontal axis extending back and forth.
[0018] The first operating unit 9 is provided at a first installation position on the first passage 7 or on the back side of the first passage 7. In other words, the first passage 7 is a passage that connects an opening (first opening) formed on the surface of the housing 2 to at least the first operating unit 9 inside the housing 2. The first installation position is, for example, a position that is easy to operate with a finger inserted into the first passage 7. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, in a state where the orientation of the housing 2 is maintained so that the center of the entrance of the first passage 7 is located above the center position of the housing 2 in the height direction, the first installation position is a position that is the center position in the left-right direction and below the center position in the height direction.
[0019] A plane including the installation surface 10 of the first installation position intersects with the first central axis A1, which is the central axis of the first passage 7, at a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle is, for example, 10° or more and 45° or less.
[0020] The first operation unit 9 provides a first sensation. The first sensation is a sensation a person gets when they touch the first operation unit 9 or operate the first operation unit 9 with their finger. The first sensation is a first tactile sensation. The first operation unit 9 is made of, for example, an elastic material. When the first operation unit 9 is made of an elastic material, the user gets a sensation of "softness" when touching the first operation unit 9. The user can also feel a pleasant touch. That is, the first tactile sensation is softer than the second tactile sensation described below. The first operation unit 9 is made of, for example, rubber, fiber, or soft resin. Furthermore, at least a portion of the surface of the first operation unit 9 is made of, for example, a curved surface. When the surface of the first operation unit 9 is made of a curved surface, the user can further feel a pleasant touch of the first operation unit 9.
[0021] The first operation unit 9 is movable parallel to the installation surface 10. That is, the first operation unit 9 can be moved forward, backward, rightward, and leftward by a user's operation. The first operation unit 9 may also be movable up and down. By operating the first operation unit 9, the user can operate objects displayed on the display device 3.
[0022] The second operating unit 11 is provided on the second passage 8 or at a second installation position located on the back side of the second passage 8. In other words, the second passage 8 is a passage that connects an opening (second opening) formed on the surface of the housing 2 to at least the second operating unit 11 inside the housing 2. The second installation position is, for example, a position that is easy to operate with a finger inserted into the second passage 8. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, in a state where the orientation of the housing 2 is maintained so that the center of the entrance of the second passage 8 is located above the center position of the housing 2 in the height direction, the second installation position is a position that 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 at positions facing each other in the internal space of the housing 2.
[0023] A plane including the installation surface 12 at the second installation position intersects with a second central axis A2, which is the central axis of the second passage 8, 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 on the same straight line. However, the first central axis A1 and the second central axis A2 may be on the same straight line.
[0025] The second operation unit 11 provides a second sensation different from the first sensation. The second sensation is a sensation a person gets when they touch the second operation unit 11 or operate the second operation unit 11 with their finger. The second sensation is a second tactile sensation. The second operation unit 11 is made of, for example, a non-elastic body. Here, a non-elastic body does not mean only a rigid body, but also includes an object that does not deform when pressed with a finger, or an object whose deformation is not felt by the user.
[0026] When the second operation unit 11 is made of a non-elastic material, the user can get a sense of "hardness" when touching the second operation unit 11. The second operation unit 11 is made of, for example, plastic, metal, or hard resin. Furthermore, at least a portion of the surface of the second operation unit 11 is made up of, for example, one or more flat surfaces. At least a portion of the surface of the second operation unit 11 is made up of one or more flat surfaces, for example, like the surface of a gemstone that has been cut. When the surface of the second operation unit 11 is made up of one or more flat surfaces, the user can feel that the second operation unit 11 is hard.
[0027] The second operation unit 11 may be made of a different material or have a different shape from the first operation unit 9. For example, even if the first operation unit 9 and the second operation unit 11 are made of the same material, if the surface shapes or surface roughnesses are different, the first operation unit 9 and the second operation unit 11 can provide the user with different tactile sensations. Furthermore, the first operation unit 9 and the second operation unit 11 may be made of materials with different hardnesses.
[0028] The second operation unit 11 is movable vertically relative to the installation surface 12. That is, the second operation unit 11 is movable in the up and down directions by the user's operation. Furthermore, when the user presses the second operation unit 11, the user may feel a clicking sensation. That is, when the user operates the second operation unit 11, the user may feel a sense of resistance as if they have pressed a switch, and a sound may be generated that corresponds to the sound of a switch being pressed. By operating the second operation unit 11, the user can operate an object displayed on the display device 3.
[0029] At the back of the first operating unit 9 when viewed from the entrance of the first passage 7, a protrusion 13 is formed that protrudes from the first operating unit 9 in the direction in which the second operating unit 11 is disposed. The protrusion 13 can prevent the first operating unit 9 from being pressed or operated with a strong force. If the protrusion 13 were not provided, and the first operating unit 9 were pressed or operated with a strong force, there is a risk that the first operating unit 9 would peel off or break. The protrusion 13 can prevent these from happening.
[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 unit 9 is located on the lower side, as shown in FIG. 6. The first member 14 is, for example, a plate-shaped member. The first member 14 is formed, for example, from a synthetic resin.
[0031] When the housing 2 is in the first position, a first housing portion 15 that houses the first member 14 is formed above the second passage 8. In addition, the housing 2 is formed with a guide groove 16 that guides the first member 14 from the first housing portion 15 to the second passage 8.
[0032] The second member 17 is a member that blocks at least a part of the first passage 7 when the housing 2 is in a second position that is different from the first position. The second position is, for example, the position of the housing 2 when the second operating unit 11 is located on the lower side, as shown in FIG. 7 . The second member 17 is, for example, a plate-shaped member. The second member 17 is formed, for example, from a synthetic resin.
[0033] When the housing 2 is in the second position, a second housing portion 18 that houses the second member 17 is formed above the first passage 7. In addition, the housing 2 is formed with a guide groove 19 that guides the second member 17 from the second housing portion 18 to the first passage 7.
[0034] When the orientation of the housing 2 is changed from the first orientation shown in FIG. 6 to the second orientation shown in FIG. 7, the first member 14 transitions from a state in which it blocks the second passage 8 to a state in which it is housed in the first housing portion 15. That is, the first member 14 transitions, due to its own weight, from a state in which it blocks the second passage 8 to a state in which it opens the second passage 8. Also, the second member 17 transitions from a state in which it is housed in the second housing portion 18 to a state in which it blocks the first passage 7. That is, the second member 17 slides downward due to its own weight, transitioning from a state in which it opens the first passage 7 to a state in which it blocks the first passage 7. That is, when the first passage 7 is blocked by the second member 17, the second passage 8 is open.
[0035] When the attitude of the housing 2 is changed from the second attitude shown in FIG. 7 to the first attitude shown in FIG. 6, the second member 17 transitions from a state in which it blocks the first passage 7 to a state in which it is housed in the second housing portion 18. That is, the second member 17 transitions from a state in which it blocks the first passage 7 to a state in which it opens the first passage 7 due to its own weight. Also, the first member 14 transitions from a state in which it is housed in the first housing portion 15 to a state in which it blocks the second passage 8. That is, the first member 14 transitions from a state in which it opens the second passage 8 to a state in which it blocks the second passage 8 by sliding downward due to its own weight. That is, when the second passage 8 is blocked by the first member 14, the first passage 7 is open.
[0036] Note that first member 14 and second member 17 may each rotate about a predetermined position to block second passage 8 and first passage 7, respectively. In this case, first member 14 and second member 17 may each move downward due to their own weight to block second passage 8 and first passage 7, respectively.
[0037] Furthermore, the first member 14 and the second member 17 are not limited to plate-like members, and may be, for example, cloth-like members. That is, the first member 14 and the second member 17 may be curtain-like members. The first member 14 and the second member 17 may be any member that allows the user to know at a glance whether the second passage 8 and the first passage 7, respectively, are blocked.
[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 provided inside the second member 17. The first object detection sensor 20 is, for example, a photoelectric sensor. The first object detection sensor 20 includes, 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] When the light-receiving unit of first object detection sensor 20 receives light, it means that no object is present between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit. In other words, when the light-receiving unit receives light, first object detection sensor 20 sends a signal to the control device indicating that no object is being detected.
[0040] On the other hand, when the light-receiving unit of the first object detection sensor 20 does not receive 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 does not receive light, the first object detection sensor 20 sends a signal indicating that an object has been detected to the control device.
[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 provided inside the first member 14. The second object detection sensor 21 is, for example, a photoelectric sensor. The second object detection sensor 21 includes, 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 second object detection sensor 21 receives light, it means that no object is present between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit. In other words, when the light-receiving unit receives light, second object detection sensor 21 sends a signal to the control device indicating that no object is being detected.
[0043] On the other hand, when the light-receiving unit of second object detection sensor 21 does not receive 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 does not receive light, second object detection sensor 21 sends a signal indicating that an object has been detected to the control device.
[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 acceleration sensor. The acceleration sensor is, for example, a three-axis acceleration sensor. The attitude detection sensor may 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 an attitude detection sensor detects that the attitude of the housing 2 is a first attitude, the display device 3 displays the object in a first mode. The first mode is a mode associated with a first sense. The object is, for example, a character, content, etc. The first sense 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 makes it appear soft. Here, the first mode is a mode that displays the object in a display manner that makes it appear soft. However, whether or not it appears soft is not an absolute requirement; it is sufficient that it appears softer than the display manner in a second mode, which will be described later.
[0046] Furthermore, when the orientation detection sensor detects that the orientation of the housing 2 is a second orientation different from the first orientation, 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 sensation. The second sensation is a second tactile sensation. If the second tactile sensation is a "hard" sensation, 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 display manner that makes it appear hard. However, whether or not it appears hard is not an absolute requirement; it is sufficient if the object appears harder than the display manner in the first mode described above.
[0047] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of an object. The diagram shown to the left of the arrow in FIG. 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 smoothly curved surface. When a user visually recognizes this object, the object feels 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 display mode in which the rubber wobbles when vibrations are applied to the rubber.
[0048] The diagram to the right of the arrow in Figure 8 shows an object displayed in a second mode associated with a second tactile sensation. In the second mode, the surface of the object is formed of multiple planes. When a user views the object, the object feels as hard as a crystal or a diamond.
[0049] Returning now to the explanation of FIG. 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 down, the control device turns the power of the toy on or off. The second button 5 and the third button 6 are, for example, buttons for indicating directions in a game. For example, when the second button 5 is operated in a predetermined game, the control device moves an object to the left. Also, when the third button 6 is operated in a predetermined game, the control device moves an object to the right.
[0050] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the toy 1 in a state where a finger is inserted into the first passage 7. When the first object detection sensor 20 detects an object while the housing 2 is in the first position, the display device 3 displays an image indicating that the finger is touching the object in the first mode. Furthermore, when the housing 2 is in the first position and a finger is inserted through the first passage 7, the finger can touch the first operation unit 9. This allows the user to get the feeling that they are actually touching the object in the first mode displayed on the display device 3.
[0051] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the toy 1 in a state where a finger is inserted into the second passage 8. When the second object detection sensor 21 detects an object while the housing 2 is in the second position, the display device 3 displays an image indicating that the finger is touching an object in the second mode. Furthermore, when the housing 2 is in the second position and a finger is inserted through the second passage 8, the finger can touch the second operation unit 11. This allows the user to get the feeling that they are actually touching the object in the second mode displayed on the display device 3.
[0052] 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 FIGS. 1 to 5, at least a portion of the surface of the portion constituting the lower side of the housing 2 is curved. Here, the surface of the portion constituting the lower side of the housing 2 corresponds to the first surface. The curved surface is intended to evoke the image of a soft surface. In other words, the first surface is a surface associated with the first tactile sensation.
[0053] 1 to 5, at least a portion of the surface of the portion constituting the upper side of the housing 2 is composed of a plurality of flat surfaces. Here, the surface of the portion constituting the upper side of the housing 2 corresponds to the second surface. Furthermore, the surface composed of a plurality of flat surfaces is intended to resemble a hard surface. In other words, the second surface is a surface associated with a second tactile sensation.
[0054] 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a 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. The control device 100 executes processing related to a predetermined game using the display device 3, for example, 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 as a known computer, and includes, for example, a calculation unit 101 and a storage unit 102. The calculation unit 101 includes, for example, a hardware processor. The hardware processor is, for example, an integrated circuit or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The storage unit 102 is, for example, a storage medium such as a 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 to be executed using the display device 3. The storage unit 102 also stores various data and information.
[0056] The calculation unit 101 receives a predetermined signal in response to an operation 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 received predetermined signal.
[0057] In the toy 1 of the above-described embodiment, the first passage 7 and the second passage 8 are formed so as 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 so as to extend in a straight line.
[0058] For example, in Fig. 6, the first passage 7 may be formed so as to curve gradually downward from the upper right. The first passage 7 may be formed so as to curve gradually downward from the upper right and then toward the lower right. In this case, the first operating unit 9 may be located lower and right than the position shown in Fig. 6.
[0059] 6, the second passage 8 may be formed so as to gradually curve upward from the lower left. The second passage 8 may be formed so as to gradually curve upward from the lower left and then curve upward to the upper left. In this case, the second operating unit 11 may be disposed to the upper left of the position shown in FIG.
[0060] In the above-described embodiment, 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. That is, the first passage 7 and the second passage 8 may each be a blind hole. In this case, the first operating unit 9 may be provided at the innermost position of the first passage 7. Furthermore, the second operating unit 11 may be provided at the innermost position of the second passage 8.
[0061] When the first passage 7 and the second passage 8 are each a blind hole, the first passage 7 and the second passage 8 may have any length. For example, the first passage 7 may be relatively short, and the first operating part 9 may be provided near the entrance of the first passage 7. Alternatively, the second passage 8 may be relatively short, and the second operating part 11 may be provided near the entrance of the second passage 8.
[0062] In the above-described embodiment, the toy 1 includes the first passage 7 and the second passage 8. However, the toy 1 may also include one or more other passages. In this case, each passage is provided with a member that blocks the passage. Furthermore, when any of the passages including the first passage 7 and the second passage 8 is in an open state, the other passages are blocked by a member that blocks the passage.
[0063] In the above-described embodiment, the attitude detection sensor that detects the attitude of the housing 2 is a three-axis acceleration sensor. However, the attitude detection sensor is not limited to a three-axis acceleration sensor, and may be a gyro sensor.
[0064] In the above-described embodiment, the first member 14 and the second member 17 slide downward or upward due to their own weight. However, the first member 14 and the second member 17 may slide or rotate due to a drive device instead of sliding due to their own weight. 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, or the like.
[0065] The toy 1 may also control the display mode of the display device 3 according to the attitude of the toy 1 detected by the attitude detection sensor. For example, when the toy 1 is rotated slightly counterclockwise from the second attitude shown in Fig. 7, an object displayed on the display device 3 may be displayed as sliding toward the left. When the toy 1 is rotated slightly clockwise from the second attitude shown in Fig. 7, an object displayed on the display device 3 may be displayed as sliding toward the right.
[0066] Furthermore, the tactile sensation provided by the first operating unit 9 and the tactile sensation provided by the second operating unit 11 may be the same. In other words, the texture of the first operating unit 9 and the texture of the second operating unit 11 may be the same. In other words, the first operating unit 9 and the second operating unit 11 may be formed from the same material, with the same surface shape and the same surface roughness.
[0067] Furthermore, the first operating unit 9 and the second operating unit 11 may be movable in different directions. For example, the first operating unit 9 may be movable in the vertical direction, and the second operating unit 11 may be movable in the horizontal direction.
[0068] Furthermore, the control device 100 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 may be, for example, a control that emits a sound in accordance with the operation of the first operation unit 9, and the second control may be, 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 may be a control that emits a first sound in accordance with the operation of the first operation unit 9, and the second control may be, 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 the user, the first operation unit 9 provides the user with a first sense (hearing), and the second operation unit 11 provides the user with a second sense (hearing) different from the first sense.
[0069] As described above, the toy 1 includes the housing 2 having the first passage 7 and the second passage 8 formed therein, the first member 14 that blocks at least a portion of the second passage 8 when the housing 2 is in a first position, and the second member 17 that blocks the first passage 7 when the housing 2 is in a second position different from the first position. Therefore, the toy 1 allows the user to easily understand which of the multiple operating units 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, due to their own weight. Therefore, there is no need to provide the toy 1 with a drive device for driving the first member 14 and a drive device for driving the second member 17. This allows the toy 1 to 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. Therefore, the toy 1 can move the first member 14 and the second member 17 with a simple configuration.
[0072] Furthermore, the first member 14 and the second member 17 each rotate about a predetermined position to block the second passage 8 and the first passage 7. Therefore, the toy 1 can move the first member 14 and the second member 17 with a simple configuration.
[0073] The device also includes a display device 3 that displays a predetermined object, and the first passage 7 and the second passage 8 are formed on opposite sides of the display device 3. Furthermore, when the first passage 7 is blocked by the second member 17, the second passage 8 is open. Therefore, the user can easily recognize the passage into which to insert their finger.
[0074] The toy 1 also includes a first object detection sensor 20 that detects an object inserted into the first passage 7, located inside the second member 17, and a second object detection sensor 21 that detects an object inserted into the second passage 8, located inside the first member 14. Therefore, the 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 that houses the first member 14 and a second housing section 18 that houses the second member 17. Therefore, the housing 2 can have an excellent design.
[0076] Moreover, first member 14 and second member 17 are each plate-shaped members. Therefore, first member 14 and second member 17 can be moved smoothly according to the attitude of housing 2. Furthermore, first member 14 and second member 17 can reliably prevent fingers from being inserted into second passage 8 and first passage 7, respectively.
[0077] Furthermore, the first passage 7 is a passage that connects 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 that connects 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 operating unit, the first operating unit 9 or the second operating unit 11, should be operated depending on the attitude of the housing 2.
[0078] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, the present disclosure is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. Various additions, substitutions, modifications, partial deletions, etc. are possible to these embodiments without departing from the gist of the present disclosure or the gist of the present disclosure derived from the content of the claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, these embodiments can also be implemented in combination. [Explanation of symbols]
[0079] 1 toy 2. Case 201 Top surface 202 Bottom surface 3 Display device 4 First Button 5 Second Button 6 Third Button 7 First Passage 8 Second Passage 9 First operation section 10 Installation surface 11 Second operation unit 12 Installation surface 13 Protrusion 14 First member 15 First storage compartment 16 Guide groove 17 Second member 18 Second storage compartment 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 therein; a first member that closes at least a portion of the second passage when the housing is in a first position; a second member that closes the first passage when the housing is in a second position different from the first position; Equipped with the first passage and the second passage are formed from a first opening and a second opening formed in a surface of the housing toward the inside, respectively; the first member opens the second passage when in the second position; The toy wherein the second member opens the first passage when in the first position.
2. The toy according to claim 1 , wherein the first member and the second member close the second passage and the first passage, respectively, due to their own weight.
3. The toy according to claim 1 , wherein the first member and the second member slide downward to close the second passage and the first passage, respectively.
4. The toy according to claim 1 , wherein the first member and the second member are each configured to rotate about a predetermined position to block the second passage and the first passage, respectively.
5. a display device for displaying a predetermined object; The toy according to claim 1 , wherein the first passage and the second passage are formed on opposite sides of the display device.
6. 2. The toy according to claim 1, wherein when the first passage is blocked by the second member, the second passage is open.
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 located inside the first member, the second object detection sensor detecting the object inserted in the second passage.
8. The toy according to claim 1 , wherein the housing is formed with a first housing portion for housing the first member and a second housing portion for housing the second member.
9. The toy according to claim 1 , wherein the first member and the second member are each a plate-like member.
10. the first passage is a passage that connects the first opening to a first operation unit that is installed at a first installation position inside the housing, The toy according to claim 1 , wherein the second passage is a passage that connects the second opening to a second operating unit that is installed at a second installation position inside the housing.
Citation Information
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