Toy

Abstract

To provide highly entertaining toys. [Solution] The main body 2 has a liquid crystal monitor 22. The lid 4 can be in a first state in which it covers at least a portion of the main body 2, and a second state in which it leaves at least a portion of the main body 2 open. The lid 4 also has a window 42 that makes the liquid crystal monitor 22 visible in the first state. The processor 20 performs display control on the liquid crystal monitor 22, including display of a first character. In the second state, the processor 20 performs display control to display on the liquid crystal monitor 22 a first effect associated with the first character. In the first state, the processor 20 performs display control to display on the liquid crystal monitor 22 a second effect associated with the first character that is different from the first effect.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to toys. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 describes an image display device that includes a display unit that displays an image, a first detection unit and a second detection unit that emit light and detect the reflected light when the light is reflected by a tangible object, and a control unit that controls the image display on the display unit depending on the detection results of the reflected light in each of the first detection unit and the second detection unit, and the first detection unit and the second detection unit are located at a position where a line segment connecting the two detection units crosses the display screen of the display unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-241047 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technology of the present disclosure aims to provide a highly entertaining toy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] (1) a main body having a display screen; a lid portion that can be placed in a first state in which it covers at least a portion of the main body portion and a second state in which it opens at least a portion of the main body portion, and that has an opening that allows the display screen to be viewed in the first state; a control unit that controls display of the display screen including display of the first character; Equipped with The control unit In the second state, a display control is performed to display a first effect associated with the first character on the display screen; In the first state, a display control is performed to display a second effect associated with the first character and different from the first effect on the display screen. toy. a main body having a display screen; a cover portion that can be placed in a first state in which it covers at least a portion of the main body portion and a second state in which it opens the at least a portion of the main body portion, and that has an opening that allows the display screen to be viewed in the first state; a control unit that controls display of the display screen including display of the first character; Equipped with The control unit In the second state, a display control is performed to display a first effect associated with the first character on the display screen; In the first state, a display control is performed to display a second effect, which is associated with the first character and different from the first effect, on the display screen; When the cover portion changes from the first state to the second state, control is performed to display the first performance. toy.

[0006] (2) (1) A toy according to the present invention, the first effect is an effect that changes a display of the first character in response to a first operation by a user; The second effect is an effect in which a predetermined display related to the first character is displayed in response to a second operation by the user. toy.

[0007] (3) (2) A toy according to the present invention, the first operation is a care operation for the first character, The second operation is an operation for the first character and is different from the care operation. toy.

[0008] (4) A toy according to any one of (2) or (3), the first operation is an operation for changing a parameter associated with the first character, The second operation is an operation that does not change the parameter. toy.

[0009] (5) A toy according to any one of (2) to (4), The cover portion has a first operation portion that enables the user to perform the second operation. toy.

[0010] (6) A toy according to item (5), the main body portion has a second operating portion that is operated in response to an operation on the first operating portion when the cover portion is in the first state, the second operation is an operation on the second operation unit; toy.

[0011] (7) A toy according to any one of (1) to (6), The control unit performs control to display the first performance when the lid unit changes from the first state to the second state. toy.

[0012] (8) A toy according to any one of (2) to (6), The control unit performs control to display the first performance when the first operation by the user is received while the cover unit is in the second state. toy.

[0013] (9) (8) A toy according to the present invention, The control unit performs control to display the first representation when a user operation is received when the cover unit is in the second state and the display screen is in a non-display state. toy.

[0014] (10) A toy according to any one of (1) to (9), The control unit performs control to display a third effect different from the first effect and the second effect based on the parameter associated with the first character satisfying a predetermined condition. toy.

[0015] (11) A toy according to (10), The control unit controls to display the third performance when the cover unit is in the first state, the display screen is in a non-display state, and the parameter satisfies the predetermined condition. toy.

[0016] (12) The toy according to (10) or (11), The third performance is a performance that prompts the user to operate the lid portion in the second state. toy.

[0017] (13) A toy according to any one of (10) to (12), The control unit performs the display control of the third performance on the condition that it is a predetermined time period. toy.

[0018] (14) A toy according to any one of (1) to (13), The control unit In the first performance, a first parameter associated with the first character is changed in response to a first operation by a user; adding a second character to be displayed together with the first character in the display control in accordance with a change in the first parameter; toy.

[0019] (15) (14) A toy according to the present invention, the control unit adds the second character multiple times in response to changes in the first parameter; toy.

[0020] (16) A toy according to (14) or (15), The second character is a character associated with the first character. toy.

[0021] (17) A toy according to any one of (14) to (16), The control unit performs control to display a fourth performance in which the first character and the predetermined number of the second characters appear, on the condition that the number of added second characters reaches a predetermined number. toy.

[0022] (18) A toy according to any one of (1) to (17), The control unit In the first performance, an encounter event with a third character different from the first character is generated in response to an operation by the user; Register the third character above, The third character can be displayed in response to a user operation. toy.

[0023] (19) A toy according to (18), The control unit performs control to display a fifth effect in which a plurality of the third characters appear in response to a user operation. toy.

[0024] (20) A toy according to any one of (1) to (19), The lid portion has an appearance that resembles part of a house, The openings mimic windows in the house. toy.

[0025] (twenty one) A toy according to (20), a portion of the cover simulating the window portion covers a portion of the display screen in the first state; toy.

[0026] (twenty two) A toy according to (20) or (21), The first effect is a display showing a state in which the first character is in the first character's room, The second rendering is a display showing the room of the first character as seen from outside the house, toy.

[0027] (twenty three) A toy according to any one of (1) to (22), The first character is a character selected by the user from a plurality of candidate characters. toy. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to the technology of the present disclosure, a highly entertaining toy can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing one embodiment of the toy 1. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing a main body 2 and a lid 4 that constitute a toy 1. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the toy 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a second effect. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the first effect. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a first type of sub-character displayed in addition to the main character 61. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence relationship between a main character and a first type of sub-character. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a second type of sub-character that the main character meets. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a parade in which a main character and a first type of sub-character appear. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a parade in which a second type of sub-character appears. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] A toy according to one embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view showing one embodiment of the toy 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the toy 1 has an appearance that resembles, for example, a part of a house or a room. The toy 1 displays an image of a character, such as an animal, on a display screen, and the user can take care of the displayed character in response to button operations, etc.

[0031] Toy 1 has a door section 41 that imitates a door through which a character enters and exits, and a window section 42 that imitates a window through which the inside of a house can be seen. Toy 1 also has a selection button 32, a decision button 33, and a cancel button 34 that serve as operation sections that the user operates when taking care of the character, for example. Window section 42 is an example of the "opening" of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the main body 2 and the lid 4 that make up the toy 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the toy 1 includes the main body 2 and the lid 4 that is connected to the main body 2 so as to be able to open and close. The lid 4 is attached to the main body 2 via a hinge 43, for example, and is able to open and close relative to the main body 2. The toy 1 in FIG. 2 is in a state where the lid 4 is open relative to the main body 2. In contrast, the toy 1 in FIG. 1 is in a state where the lid 4 is closed relative to the main body 2.

[0033] The lid 4 in FIG. 2 shows the back side of the lid 4 in FIG. 1. When closed, the lid 4 is positioned so as to overlap the front side of the main body 2. When the lid 4 is closed, the lid 4 covers at least a portion of the main body 2. In contrast, when the lid 4 is open, the lid 4 exposes at least a portion of the main body 2. The main body 2 has a support portion that can support the open state of the lid 4 when the lid 4 is open. This support portion is provided, for example, on the hinge 43. The state in which the lid 4 is closed relative to the main body 2 and covers a portion of the main body 2 is an example of the "first state" of the present invention. The state in which the lid 4 is open relative to the main body 2 and exposes a portion of the main body 2 is an example of the "second state" of the present invention. The lid 4 may be configured to be openable and detachable relative to the main body 2.

[0034] The lid portion 4 is provided with a door represented by the door portion 41 and a window represented by the window portion 42. The door portion 41 is provided with a door button 51, which is an example of the "first operation portion" of the present invention. The door button 51 is provided on the back side of the door portion 41 when the lid portion 4 is closed relative to the main body portion 2 (see FIG. 1). The door button 51 is attached in a state where it protrudes slightly from the back surface of the door portion 41. The door button 51 is a button that can be operated via the door portion 41 when the user presses and operates the door portion 41. A curtain 42a is attached to the window portion 42, and in the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the curtain 42a is opened so that the inside of the house can be seen from the outside.

[0035] The main body 2 has a liquid crystal monitor 22, a lid detection switch 25, a main body button 31, a selection button 32, a decision button 33, and a cancel button 34. For example, a character-based image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 22. The liquid crystal monitor 22 is provided in a position corresponding to the window 42 of the lid 4, and can be seen from outside through the window 42 of the lid 4 even when the lid 4 is closed. Furthermore, when the lid 4 is closed, a portion of the liquid crystal monitor 22 is covered by a curtain 42a of the lid 4.

[0036] The staged image is also displayed on the part of the LCD monitor 22 that is covered by the curtain 42a or the like. Therefore, when looking into the window 42 from the outside, for example, from the left, right, top, or bottom, it is possible to see the part of the LCD monitor 22 that is covered by the curtain 42a or the like, and it is configured so that the entire room can be seen. Furniture and the like may be placed in the room, and by looking into the entire room, furniture placed in the corners of the room (the edges of the LCD monitor 22) can also be seen. Furthermore, when viewed from the front of the LCD monitor 22, the bottom surface of the toy 1 is configured to be flat. Therefore, the toy 1 can be easily placed on a surface such as a desk. The LCD monitor 22 is an example of a "display screen" in the present invention.

[0037] Lid detection switch 25 is a switch for detecting whether lid 4 is open or closed relative to main body 2. Lid detection switch 25 is turned on when lid 4 is closed relative to main body 2, and is turned off when lid 4 is open relative to main body 2. The configuration of lid detection switch 25 is not limited to this, and it may be provided inside hinge 43 or on the side of lid 4.

[0038] The main body button 31 is an example of a "second operation unit" of the present invention. The main body button 31 is a button that is operated by the door button 51 when the door button 51 is operated while the lid 4 is closed. The main body button 31 is provided, for example, at a surface position slightly lower than the surface of the main body 2. In other words, the location where the main body button 31 is provided is recessed, making it difficult for the user to operate by directly pressing the main body button 31. The main body button 31 is provided at a position corresponding to the door button 51 of the lid 4, and is configured to be pressed by the protruding door button 51 when the door 41 is pressed while the lid 4 is closed.

[0039] The select button 32 is a button that allows, for example, the user to select an arbitrary menu from a plurality of menus. The enter button 33 is a button that allows, for example, the user to transition to the mode of the menu selected by the select button 32. The cancel button 34 is a button that allows, for example, the user to cancel the selection of a menu when the menu is selected.

[0040] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the toy 1. The toy 1 includes a processor 20, a memory 21, a liquid crystal monitor 22, a speaker 23, a push button 24, and a lid detection switch 25. The processor 20, the memory 21, the liquid crystal monitor 22, the speaker 23, the push button 24, and the lid detection switch 25 are connected by, for example, a bus 26.

[0041] The liquid crystal monitor 22 displays, for example, a presentation image of a predetermined character under the control of the processor 20. The speaker 23 outputs, for example, sound effects corresponding to the presentation of the character and sound effects accompanying button operations by the user under the control of the processor 20.

[0042] The push buttons 24 include a main body button 31, a select button 32, a decide button 33, and a cancel button 34. The push buttons 24 transmit a press signal of each button that is pressed to the processor 20. The lid detection switch 25 transmits a lid detection signal indicating the open / closed state of the lid 4 relative to the main body 2 to the processor 20.

[0043] The memory 21 includes, for example, a main memory and an auxiliary memory. The main memory is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The main memory is used as a work area for the processor 20. The auxiliary memory is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a flash memory. The auxiliary memory stores various programs for operating the toy 1. The programs stored in the auxiliary memory are loaded into the main memory and executed by the processor 20. The auxiliary memory also stores image information related to various characters. The auxiliary memory also stores a correspondence table (see FIG. 7) that shows the correspondence between characters.

[0044] The processor 20 is a circuit that performs signal processing, and is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the entire toy 1. The processor 20 may be realized by other digital circuits such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The processor 20 controls various performances by controlling each unit based on a program stored in an auxiliary memory. The program includes downloadable applications for controlling various performances. The processor 20 is an example of a "control unit" of the present invention.

[0045] For example, the processor 20 performs display control to display featured characters on the liquid crystal monitor 22. The featured characters include a main character, which is an example of a "first character" in the present invention, a first type of sub-character, which is an example of a "second character," and a second type of sub-character, which is an example of a "third character." The main character is a character that is the main character in the game of the toy 1. The first type of sub-character is a character that is associated with the main character in advance, for example, a friend of the main character. The second type of sub-character is a character that the main character becomes friends with through an encounter.

[0046] The processor 20 performs display control to display a first effect associated with the main character on the liquid crystal monitor 22 when the cover 4 is open, and performs display control to display a second effect associated with the main character and different from the first effect on the liquid crystal monitor 22 when the cover 4 is closed. For example, the first effect is an effect that changes the display of the main character in response to a first operation by the user, and the second effect is an effect that displays a predetermined display related to the main character in response to a second operation by the user.

[0047] For example, the first effect is a display in which the main character reacts to the first operation, and the second effect is a display in which the main character does not react to the second operation. For example, the first effect is a display showing the main character in his or her room, and the second effect is a display showing the main character's room as seen from outside the house.

[0048] Also, for example, the first effect is an effect in which a care icon (for example, items 91a to 91j shown in FIG. 5) is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 22, and the second effect is an effect in which the care icon is not displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 22. When the care icon is displayed, some of the furniture and other items placed in the room are not displayed because of the care icon, so in the second effect in which the care icon is not displayed, the design of the room, including the furniture and other items, can be more clearly seen.

[0049] In addition, both the first and second performances display both the main character and the room in which the main character is located, so players can enjoy watching the main character they are caring for spend time in the room.

[0050] "User operations" refer to, for example, care operations for taking care of the main character. Care operations include, for example, "petting" the main character, "feeding" the main character, "cleaning" the room in which the main character lives, "bathing" the main character, and "going out" with the main character. The user performs these operations by, for example, operating the push buttons (selection button 32, decision button 33, cancel button 34) provided on the main unit 2. "An effect in which the main character reacts" refers to an interactive effect between the user and the main character. "An effect in which the main character does not react" refers to a non-interactive effect between the user and the main character.

[0051] "Reactions of the main character" include, for example, reactions that make the main character happy, reactions that change the display of the main character, reactions that output the sound of the main character, etc. "Specified display" refers to a display selected from pre-set displays, such as a display of a dance performance of the main character, a display of a performance in which the main character pops out, and a display of a performance for each character that appears. There are multiple candidate characters available for the main character that the user can take care of. The user can select the main character to take care of from among the candidate characters during the game.

[0052] The first operation is, for example, an operation to take care of the main character. The second operation is an operation for the main character that is different from the operation to take care of the main character. Furthermore, the first operation is an operation to change a parameter associated with the main character. The second operation is an operation to not change a parameter associated with the main character.

[0053] The "parameters" include, for example, the "friendship level" between the user and the main character, the "hungry level" of the main character, and the "mood level" of the main character. The "friendship level," "hungry level," and "mood level" increase as the user cares for the main character more. The "hungry level" and "mood level" also change over time. The longer the user does not care for the main character, the lower the "hungry level" and "mood level" decrease.

[0054] When the door button 51 is pressed while the lid 4 is closed, and the main body button 31 is pressed in response to the operation of the door button 51, the processor 20 performs display control to display the second effect. Even if the main body button 31 is pressed while the lid 4 is open, the processor 20 does not perform display control to display the second effect. The second operation is an operation performed on the main body button 31. The door button 51 is a button that enables the user to perform the second operation.

[0055] The processor 20 performs display control to display a first performance when the cover 4 changes from a closed state to an open state. The processor 20 performs display control to display a first performance when a first operation by the user is received while the cover 4 is in an open state. The processor 20 performs display control to display a first performance when a user operation is received while the cover 4 is in an open state and the LCD monitor 22 is in a non-display state. The "non-display state" refers to, for example, a sleep state. The non-display state may be a state in which a uniform image is displayed, for example, a completely black image.

[0056] When a parameter associated with the main character satisfies a predetermined condition, the processor 20 performs display control to display a third effect that is different from the first and second effects. For example, the processor 20 performs display control to display the third effect when the "hunger level" or "mood level" of the main character drops to "0 (zero)." The "third effect" is a call effect in which the main character calls the user from the character side to inform the user that the main character's hunger level has reached zero.

[0057] When the cover 4 is closed, the LCD monitor 22 is in a non-display state, and the parameters associated with the main character satisfy a predetermined condition, the processor 20 performs display control to display a third effect. The third effect is an effect that prompts the user to perform an operation with the cover 4 in an open state. For example, the processor 20 performs an effect that prompts the user to operate the press buttons (selection button 32, decision button 33, cancel button 34) on the main body 2 with the cover 4 in an open state.

[0058] Processor 20 performs display control to display the third effect if it is within a predetermined time period. An example of a "predetermined time period" is the time period from 7:00 to 20:59. The time period from 21:00 to 6:59 is set as the sleeping period of the main character. Processor 20 performs the third effect during the time period from 7:00 to 20:59 when the main character is awake.

[0059] In the first performance, the processor 20 changes a first parameter associated with the main character in response to a first operation by the user, and adds a first type of sub-character to be displayed together with the main character in display control in response to the change in the first parameter. The "first parameter" is, for example, the intimacy (degree of friendship) between the user and the main character. The processor 20 adds the first type of sub-character multiple times in response to the change in the first parameter. The first type of sub-character is a character associated with the main character (see, for example, FIG. 7). For example, multiple types of the first type of sub-character are associated with the main character, and the processor 20 additionally displays the first type of sub-character, one type at a time, multiple times in response to the change in the first parameter based on the user operation. The first type of sub-character is a friend character whose role is to liven up the main character. The added first type of sub-character will be described later with reference to FIG. 6.

[0060] The processor 20 performs display control to display a fourth effect in which the main character and a predetermined number of the first type of sub-characters appear, provided that the number of added sub-characters of the first type reaches a predetermined number. When all (the predetermined number of) the first type of sub-characters are gathered, a lottery is held, and if the lottery results in a win, a tea party (fourth effect), for example, is held. The probability of winning the lottery may vary depending on a parameter such as the main character's mood level (1 to 16), which can motivate a player to perform a first operation that changes the parameter associated with the main character. As an example of a parameter-dependent probability, the probability of winning the lottery may be 5% when the mood level is 1 to 12, and 10% when the mood level is 13 to 16.

[0061] In the first presentation, processor 20 generates an encounter event in which the main character has a chance to encounter a second type of sub-character in response to an operation by the user. Processor 20 registers the character encountered in the encounter event as a second type of sub-character in a correspondence table (see, for example, FIG. 7).

[0062] In response to user operation, the processor 20 can display on the LCD monitor 22 a second type of sub-character encountered in a meeting event. Meeting a second type of sub-character in a meeting event will be described later with reference to FIG. 8. In response to user operation, the processor 20 performs display control to display a fifth effect in which a second type of sub-character appears. The fifth effect may be an effect in which multiple second type of sub-characters appear, provided that multiple second type of sub-characters are registered. The fifth effect is, for example, a parade event. In addition, in response to user operation, the processor 20 performs display control to display a fifth effect in which a main character and a first type of sub-character appear. The parade event will be described later with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0063] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the second effect. As shown in Fig. 4, the second effect is executed when the lid 4 is closed. The second effect is an effect in which an image showing, for example, the inside of a house is displayed on the LCD monitor 22 through the window 42. When the door 41 is pressed while the lid 4 is closed, the main body button 31 is pressed via the door button 51 on the door 41, and an effect is displayed.

[0064] For example, when the door 41 is pressed while the lid 4 is closed, a chime sound (ping-dong) is generated, and an image of the main character 61 is displayed through the window 42 as shown in FIG. 4 . The displayed image of the main character 61 is the main character currently being cared for by the user. The displayed image shows the state of the main character 61 at that time. In this example, the main character 61 is displayed looking outside through the window 42. For example, if the main character 61 is taking a nap, the state of the main character 61 during that nap is displayed. The displayed image may also show a first type of friend sub-character alongside the main character 61. Note that no chime sound is generated even if the door 41 is pressed again while the second effect is being displayed. Furthermore, when the lid 4 is closed and the second effect is being performed, operation of the select button 32, the enter button 33, and the cancel button 34 on the main body 2 is disabled. In other words, care operations for the main character 61 cannot be performed during the second effect, and parameters (friendship level, satisfaction level, and mood level) cannot be changed.

[0065] <Other effects when lid 4 is closed> If the lid 4 is closed while the lid is open and some screen (for example, a care screen) is being displayed on the LCD monitor 22, the care screen being displayed fades out to a solid black screen. After that, an image showing the inside of the house, such as that shown in Figure 4, fades in, and the device soon enters a sleep state. Also, if the lid 4 is closed while the lid is open and in a sleep state, the device will maintain that sleep state. Closing the lid 4 enables the device to accept operation of the door 41, and when the door 41 is pressed, a chime sounds as described above and the second effect is displayed.

[0066] <Transition to and return from sleep mode> For example, if no operation is performed on the toy 1 for, say, 60 seconds, the toy 1 goes into a sleep state. Also, when the second performance ends, the toy 1 goes into a sleep state. Also, when the enter button 33 is pressed and held for, say, about one second with the cover 4 open, the toy 1 goes into a sleep state.

[0067] If the device is in sleep mode with the lid 4 closed, it will wake up from sleep mode when the door button 51 is pressed briefly (second effect). If the device is in sleep mode with the lid 4 open, it will wake up from sleep mode when the enter button 33 is pressed and held for, for example, about one second (first effect). If the device is in sleep mode with the lid 4 closed, it will wake up from sleep mode when the lid 4 is opened. If the device is in sleep mode with the lid 4 closed, it will wake up from sleep mode when it receives a call from the main character 61.

[0068] <Call Occurrence (Third Scene)> When the fullness or mood level of the main character 61 drops to "0 (zero)", a call is generated from the main character 61 to the user. A status check of the main character 61's parameters (fullness, mood level) is performed, for example, every two hours. When the parameters (fullness, mood level) reach zero, the call generation flag is turned "on".

[0069] When a call is made from the main character 61 while the cover 4 is closed, a call effect (third effect) is initiated on the liquid crystal monitor 22. First, when a call is made, a ring tone is output from the speaker 23. After that, the main character 61 with a sulky expression is displayed in the window 42, and an effect is performed in which the user is prompted to open the cover 4 and take care of the main character 61. Taking care of the main character 61 means, for example, feeding the main character meals and snacks, or giving the main character accessories and clothes. When the main character 61 is taken care of and both the satisfaction level and mood level rise to 1 or greater, the call occurrence flag is "cleared." Note that calls from the main character 61 occur during the time period between 7:00 and 20:59, when the main character 61 is awake.

[0070] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the first effect. As shown in Fig. 5, the first effect is executed when the cover 4 is open. The first effect is an effect in which an image showing the main character 61 in a room is displayed on the LCD monitor 22. The first effect is displayed by operating the selection button 32, the decision button 33, and the cancel button 34 to take care of the main character 61 while the cover 4 is open.

[0071] For example, when the cover 4 is opened, the main character 61 currently being cared for is displayed on the LCD monitor 22. In addition, a plurality of menu items (e.g., items 91a to 91j) are displayed on the LCD monitor 22. The items include, for example, "Parameters," "Pat," "Food," "Cleaning," "Bath," "Game Center," "Going Out," "Treasure," "Moving," and "Settings."

[0072] When the selection button 32 is pressed, an item 91a (for example, "parameters") is selected. Each time the selection button 32 is pressed, the selection moves in the order of item 91a, item 91b, item 91c, ..., item 91j, and item 91a. When the decision button 33 is pressed after selecting an item with the selection button 32, the screen transitions to the mode of the selected item. For example, when "parameters" is selected and the decision button 33 is pressed, the screen transitions to the parameter display screen mode, where the user can check the "satisfaction level" and "mood level" of the main character 61.

[0073] Also, for example, by selecting "Pat," "Food," "Cleaning," or "Bath" and pressing the confirm button 33, the screen will transition to the respective care screen mode. When transitioning to the "Food" mode, the "Satisfaction" of the main character 61 will increase. When transitioning to the "Pat," "Food," "Cleaning," or "Bath" mode, the "Mood" of the main character 61 will increase.

[0074] If 10 seconds pass without any operation while an item is selected, the selection is canceled. The selection is also canceled if the Cancel button 34 is pressed while an item is selected. When returning from each mode, the item of the mode selected at that time remains selected. If the selection is canceled, the next time the Select button 32 is pressed, the default item 91a "Parameters" will be selected.

[0075] Furthermore, for example, when the lid 4 is opened while the device is closed and in sleep mode, the device returns from sleep mode, and an image (FIG. 5) representing the main character 61 in the room fades in on the LCD monitor 22. Also, when the lid 4 is opened while the lid 4 is closed and some screen (for example, a screen showing the inside of a house) is displayed, the currently displayed screen fades out and becomes a solid (black screen). Then, the image (FIG. 5) representing the main character 61 in the room fades in. Also, when the lid 4 is open and in sleep mode, pressing the enter button 33 for a long time, for example, about one second, causes the device to return from sleep mode, and the image (FIG. 5) representing the main character 61 in the room fades in. The display screen shown in FIG. 5 indicates a state where the device is ready for care.

[0076] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a first type of sub-character displayed in addition to the main character 61. The first type of sub-character is a character that is additionally displayed in response to a care operation performed by the user on the main character 61. The friendship level between the user and the main character 61 increases in response to the care operation, and when the friendship level exceeds a threshold, the first type of sub-character is additionally displayed.

[0077] For example, if a user takes care of a main character 61 for two days, the friendship level rises and exceeds the threshold, and one additional type of sub-character of the first type is displayed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6 , when two days have passed since the user started taking care of the main character 61, a first sub-character of the first type 71 is added to the main character 61 and displayed. Then, after another two days have passed since the user started taking care of the main character 61, a second sub-character of the first type 72 (twin characters in this example) is added and displayed. After two more days have passed since the user started taking care of the main character 61, a third sub-character of the first type 73 is added. Note that once one type of sub-character of the first type has been added, the number of days of taking care of the main character 61 is reset to zero. The number of days is calculated, for example, based on the cumulative time spent taking care of the main character. Because the type of main character to be taken care of can be changed, the number of days of taking care of each main character is calculated and stored.

[0078] When the main character 61 has been looked after and all of the first type of sub-characters associated with the main character 61 have been displayed, it becomes possible to execute, for example, a tea party performance (fourth performance) involving all of the first type of sub-characters. The tea party is held if a lottery is held and the winner is successful. However, once all of the first type of sub-characters have been displayed, the tea party may be held automatically without holding a lottery.

[0079] 7 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence between a main character and a first type of sub-character. As shown in FIG. 7, the correspondence between a main character 60 and a first type of sub-character 70 is stored in a correspondence table 100. A plurality of candidate characters are prepared for the main character 60, such as character A, character B, etc. A plurality of types of first type of sub-characters 70 are associated with each of character A and character B.

[0080] For example, character A is associated with first type sub-characters a, b, and c, and character B is associated with first type sub-characters d, e, and f. The above-mentioned main character 61 and the first first type sub-character 71 to the third first type sub-character 73 are examples of these characters.

[0081] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a second type of sub-character that the main character meets. When the "Go Out" menu item is selected, the main character 61 can meet other new characters at places he or she goes out to (for example, a park). Then, it is possible to make a friendly character from among the other characters he or she meets a second type of sub-character. As shown in FIG. 8, a second type of sub-character 81 that the main character 61 meets can be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 22. For example, when the "Display Met Friends" item is selected, the met second type of sub-character can be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 22.

[0082] 9 is a diagram showing an example of a parade in which a main character and a first-type sub-character appear. After "Going Out" is selected as a menu item, for example, when "Dreamland" is selected as the destination and then "Parade" is selected as the area to be visited, a character parade performance (fifth performance) is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 22. The parade performance is, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, a parade performance in which a main character 61 appears together with a first first-type sub-character 71 to a third first-type sub-character 73 riding in a car.

[0083] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a parade in which a second type of sub-character appears. When the "Going Out" item described in Fig. 9 is selected and, for example, "Parade" is selected as the visiting area, a parade performance (fifth performance) of the second type of sub-character is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 22. In this parade performance, for example, as shown in Fig. 10, a second type of sub-character 81 appears in a car.

[0084] <Other performances> When "Move" is selected from the menu item, a move effect is displayed on the LCD monitor 22. When "Move" is selected, backup main characters other than the main character currently being cared for are displayed. When the next main character to be cared for is selected from among them, the selected main character is displayed in the room, and the move effect begins. When the main character is changed, the first type of sub-characters appearing in the effect are also changed to the first type of sub-characters associated with the changed main character (see FIG. 7).

[0085] As described above, the toy 1 of this embodiment can perform a first effect in which parameters associated with the main character are changed in response to a care operation by the user when the lid 4 is open on the main body 2, and can perform a second effect in which parameters associated with the main character are not changed in response to a user operation different from the care operation when the lid 4 is closed on the main body 2. Therefore, it is possible to play with two different effects simply by opening or closing the lid 4 on the main body 2, thereby increasing the user's interest in the toy 1.

[0086] Furthermore, according to the toy 1 of this embodiment, by continuing to perform care operations on the main character 61, as a reward, friend sub-characters of the first type (first sub-character 71 of the first type, second sub-character 72, etc.) can be made to appear in the room of the main character 61, and a scene of everyone having fun can be displayed. Furthermore, when all of the sub-characters of the first type associated with the main character 61 are gathered, a further reward can be displayed, for example, a tea party presentation (fourth presentation) in which the main character 61 and the sub-characters of the first type participate. This can further increase the user's interest in the toy 1.

[0087] Furthermore, in the second presentation, the toy 1 of this embodiment can display a state in which the inside of the main character 61's house is viewed from outside the house through the window 42. This can increase the user's interest in opening the lid 4 to see more of the inside of the main character 61's room, and in taking care of the main character 61. This increases the user's interest in the toy 1.

[0088] Furthermore, according to the toy 1 of this embodiment, when the fullness or mood level of the main character 61 that the user is taking care of drops to "0 (zero)", the main character 61 can call the user and display a third effect that urges the user to take care of the main character 61. This can remind the user, for example, who has forgotten to take care of the main character 61, of the main character 61. This increases the user's interest in the toy 1.

[0089] Furthermore, according to the toy 1 of this embodiment, in the first performance in which the main character 61 is taken care of, it is possible to display, for example, a performance in which the user can meet a second type of sub-character 81 at a destination, or a parade performance (fifth performance) in which the first type of sub-character and the second type of sub-character appear. This allows a variety of user operations in the care operation, further increasing the user's interest in the toy 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1 toy 2 Main body 4 Lid 20 processors 21 Memory 22 LCD monitor 23 speakers 24 Press button 25 Lid detection switch 26 Bus 31 Main unit buttons 32 Select button 33 Confirm button 34 Cancel button 41 Door section 42 Window 42a Curtain 43 Hinge 51 Door Button 60,61 Main Characters 70~73,81 Sub-characters 91a~91j items 100 compatible tables

Claims

1. a main body having a display screen; a cover portion that can be placed in a first state in which it covers at least a portion of the main body portion and a second state in which it opens the at least a portion of the main body portion, and that has an opening that allows the display screen to be viewed in the first state; a control unit that controls display of the display screen including display of a first character; Equipped with The control unit In the second state, a display control is performed to display a first effect associated with the first character on the display screen; In the first state, a display control is performed to display a second effect, which is associated with the first character and different from the first effect, on the display screen; When the cover portion changes from the first state to the second state, control is performed to display the first performance. toy.

2. 10. The toy of claim 1, the first effect is an effect of changing a display of the first character in response to a first operation by a user; The second effect is an effect in which a predetermined display related to the first character is displayed in response to a second operation by a user. toy.

3. 3. The toy according to claim 2, the first operation is a care operation for the first character, the second operation is an operation for the first character and is different from the care operation; toy.

4. 3. The toy according to claim 2, the first operation is an operation for changing a parameter associated with the first character, the second operation is an operation that does not change the parameter; toy.

5. 3. The toy according to claim 2, the cover portion has a first operation portion that enables the user to perform the second operation; toy.

6. 6. The toy according to claim 5, the main body portion has a second operating portion that is operated in response to an operation on the first operating portion when the cover portion is in the first state, the second operation is an operation on the second operation unit; toy.

7. 3. The toy according to claim 2, the control unit performs control to display the first performance when the first operation by the user is accepted when the cover unit is in the second state. toy.

8. 8. The toy of claim 7, the control unit performs control to display the first effect when a user operation is accepted when the cover unit is in the second state and the display screen is in a non-display state. toy.

9. 10. The toy of claim 1, the control unit performs control to display a third effect different from the first effect and the second effect based on a parameter associated with the first character satisfying a predetermined condition. toy.

10. 10. The toy of claim 9, The control unit controls to display the third effect when the cover unit is in the first state, the display screen is in a non-display state, and the parameter satisfies the predetermined condition. toy.

11. 10. The toy of claim 9, The third effect is an effect that prompts the user to operate the lid portion in the second state. toy.

12. 10. The toy of claim 9, The control unit performs the display control of the third performance on the condition that it is a predetermined time period. toy.

13. 10. The toy of claim 1, The control unit In the first performance, a first parameter associated with the first character is changed in response to a first operation by a user; adding a second character to be displayed together with the first character in the display control in accordance with a change in the first parameter; toy.

14. 14. The toy of claim 13, the control unit adds the second character a plurality of times in accordance with a change in the first parameter; toy.

15. 14. The toy of claim 13, The second character is a character associated with the first character. toy.

16. 14. The toy of claim 13, the control unit performs control to display a fourth effect in which the first character and the predetermined number of the second characters appear, on condition that the number of added second characters reaches a predetermined number. toy.

17. 10. The toy of claim 1, The control unit In the first performance, an encounter event with a third character different from the first character is generated in response to an operation by a user; Register the third character, The third character can be displayed in response to a user operation. toy.

18. 18. The toy of claim 17, The control unit performs control to display a fifth effect in which a plurality of the third characters appear in response to a user operation. toy.

19. 10. The toy of claim 1, The lid portion has an appearance that resembles part of a house, The openings mimic windows in the house. toy.

20. 20. The toy of claim 19, a portion of the cover simulating the window portion covers a portion of the display screen in the first state; toy.

21. 20. The toy of claim 19, The first rendering is a display showing a state in which the first character is in the first character's room, the second rendering is a display showing the room of the first character as seen from outside the house; toy.

22. 22. A toy according to any one of claims 1 to 21, The first character is a character selected by the user from a plurality of candidate characters. toy.

Images