Mixer toy

Abstract

To raise a savor in a mixer toy as a performance for imitating mixing.SOLUTION: A mixer toy 1 includes: a housing part 11 which houses a plurality of figures of different types; a reading part 16 which reads out type information indicating the type of the figure held by each figure; a storage part which stores two or more pieces of different performance information by correlating with the type information; a performance output part 15 which outputs a performance based on the performance information stored in the storage part; and a drive part 13 for driving the figures housed in the housing part 11. The reading part 16 reads out the type information which is held by the figures housed by the housing part 11. The performance output part 15 outputs the performance based on the performance information which is correlated with the type information read out by the reading part 16. The figures are driven at least once by the drive part 13 during output of the performance by the performance output part 15.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mixer toy.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, action toys mimicking cooking utensils have been known. Patent Document 1 describes an action toy that performs an action according to an item when a plurality of figurines are put into a pot model. The action toy of Patent Document 1 reads an ID code possessed by the plurality of input figurines by a reader of the pot model and performs an action based on action data corresponding to the read ID code.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The action toy of Patent Document 1 performs a sound emission action or a light emission action as an action corresponding to the input figurine. However, although it mimics an instrument that stirs a plurality of food ingredients for cooking, the趣味性 of the toy for experiencing stirring pseudo only with sound and light effects is insufficient.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A mixer toy according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises: a storage unit for accommodating a plurality of shapes of different types; a reading unit for reading type information indicating the type of shape held by each of the shapes; a storage unit for storing two or more different performance information associated with the type information; a performance output unit for outputting a performance based on the performance information recorded in the storage unit; and a drive unit for moving the shapes accommodated in the storage unit. The reading unit reads the type information held by the shapes accommodated in the storage unit. The performance output unit outputs a performance based on the performance information associated with the type information read by the reading unit. The shapes are moved at least once by the drive unit while the performance is being output by the performance output unit. Another embodiment of the present invention is mixer The toy has a storage space for accommodating multiple objects of different types, and includes a container section with an insertion opening into which the objects are inserted and an outlet into which the objects are discharged from the storage space, a reading unit that reads type information indicating the type of object held by each of the objects, a storage unit that stores two or more different performance pieces associated with the type information, and a performance output unit that outputs a performance based on the performance information recorded in the storage unit, wherein the reading unit reads the type information held by the objects accommodated in the storage space from the insertion opening, the performance output unit outputs a performance based on the performance information associated with the type information read by the reading unit, and the objects, after being inserted into the storage space, can be discharged from the outlet to the storage space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a mixer toy with improved entertainment value. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is an external view of the mixer toy according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] (A) and (B) are external views of the objects. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols for various shapes. [Figure 4] (A) is a cross-sectional view of the working container of a mixer toy, and (B) is a magnified cross-sectional perspective view showing the area around the opening of the working container. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing the main components of the working vessel. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart explaining the operation of the working container. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The mixer toy of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] Figure 1 is an external view of the mixer toy 1. The mixer toy 1 comprises an operating container 10, a storage container 20, and an object 30. The mixer toy 1 is a toy that allows users to simulate the process of making mixed juice inside the operating container 10 by placing an object 30, such as a fruit or vegetable, into the operating container 10. For the sake of explanation, a Cartesian coordinate system is set up with a z-axis perpendicular to the bottom surface 111 of the storage section 11 of the operating container 10 shown in Figure 1 and pointing upwards in the paper of Figure 1, a y-axis perpendicular to the z-axis and pointing towards the front of the paper of Figure 1, and an x-axis perpendicular to the y-axis and z-axis and pointing to the right of the paper of Figure 1. <figuration 30>

[0010] In addition to Figure 1, the object 30 will be described with reference to the external view of the object 30 shown in Figure 2. Figure 2(A) is an external view of the object 30 as seen from the first surface 31, and Figure 2(B) is an external view of the object 30 as seen from the second surface 32.

[0011] The shape object 30 is a disc-shaped member made of, for example, resin or metal, and has a first surface 31 and a second surface 32 which is the opposite surface of the first surface 31. However, the shape and material of the shape object 30 are not limited to those described above. Also, although eight shape objects 30 are shown in Figure 1, the number of shape objects 30 included in the mixer toy 1 is not limited to eight, and may be more or less than eight. However, the number of shape objects 30 is at least two.

[0012] Each of the multiple shapes 30 is depicted with an illustration of the fruit or vegetable that it represents, for example, on the first face 31, to indicate that it is modeled after a fruit or vegetable. Examples of the types of shapes 30 include "apple," "strawberry," "banana," "carrot," "grape," "orange," "kiwi," and "spinach."

[0013] The shape object 30 has a groove 321 and a data section 322 on the second surface 32. The groove 321 is composed of a first groove region 321a formed in the first range RE1 in Figure 2(B), a second groove region 321b formed in the second range RE2, and a third groove region 321c formed in the third range RE3. The first groove region 321a is a rectangular region formed near the center of the shape object 30. The second groove region 321b and the third groove region 321c are formed adjacent to both ends of the first groove region 321a in the direction of arrow AR (first direction).

[0014] In the direction perpendicular to the first direction (second direction), the lengths of the second groove region 321b and the third groove region 321c are longer than the length of the first groove region 321a. Furthermore, the lengths of the second groove regions 321b and 321c along the second direction increase as they approach the end of the shape 30.

[0015] The groove 321 functions as a second guide having a shape corresponding to the first guide formed in the insertion opening 14 of the working container 10, which will be described in detail later. Through the groove 321 and the first guide formed in the insertion opening 14, the orientation of the object 30 is controlled so that it passes through the insertion opening 14 along a first direction when it is housed in the housing section 11 of the working container 10, which will be described later. In other words, the first direction can also be described as the direction of passage through the insertion opening 14.

[0016] A data section 322 is formed in the first groove region 321a of the groove 321. Multiple unit data sections 323 are arranged in the data section 322. A total of six unit data sections 323 are arranged: two along the first direction and three along the second direction. Some of the unit data sections 323 (unit data sections 323a, 323c, and 323f in Figure 2(B)) have marks 33 formed on them for forming a digital code. The marks 33 are configured as protrusions having a predetermined height. Depending on the presence or absence of the marks 33, binary data of "1" or "0" is assigned to the unit data section 323, respectively. As a result, a digital code is formed by the arrangement of the unit data sections 323. This digital code is held in the object 30 as type information representing the type of object 30. Therefore, by changing the arrangement of the unit data sections 323, it is possible to form type information representing different types of objects 30.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing patterns of a plurality of type information represented by the array of the unit data portion 323. In FIG. 3, the pattern is indicated by a digital code represented by replacing the presence or absence of the mark 33 in the unit data portion 323 with binary data of "1" or "0". The array of the unit data portion 323 can represent 14 different type information patterns P1 to P14. Among these patterns P1 to P14, the patterns P1 and P9 are point-symmetric with respect to the center of the second surface 32 in the arrangement of the mark 33. For this reason, the patterns P1 and P9 represent the case where the same figurine 30 with the same pattern of the mark 33 arrangement is inserted into the insertion port 14 from the first groove region side 321a and the case where it is inserted into the insertion port 14 from the second groove region side 321b. That is, the patterns P1 and P9 represent the same type information. The same relationship also applies to the patterns P2 and P10, the patterns P3 and P11, the patterns P4 and P12, the patterns P5 and P13, and the patterns P7 and P14. Due to the above reasons, the type information corresponding to the eight patterns P1 to P8 is represented by the array of the unit data portion 323. <Container 20>

[0018] The container 20 shown in FIG. 1 has a container portion 21 and a lid portion 22. The container portion 21 has, for example, a cup-like shape and houses the figurine 30 discharged from the housing portion 11 of the operation container 10 described later. The lid portion 22 is detachably attached to the opening at the upper end of the container portion 21 and covers the upper end of the container portion 21 when attached. In FIG. 1, the case where the lid portion 22 has a hemispherical shape is shown, but the shape of the lid portion 22 is not limited to the illustrated shape and may be, for example, a disc shape. The lid portion 22 has a mounting portion 221 on which the figurine 30 can be mounted. The mounting portion 221 is a recess formed according to the shape of the figurine 30. As shown in FIG. 1, the mounting portion 221 has a rectangular opening having sides with lengths corresponding to the thickness of the figurine 30 (the length between the first surface 31 and the second surface 32) and sides with lengths corresponding to the radial length of the figurine 30, and has a depth such that the mounted figurine 30 does not fall from the lid portion 22. <Operation container 10>

[0019] In addition to FIG. 1, the operation container 10 will be described in detail while referring to FIG. 4. FIG. 4(A) is a cross-sectional view of the operation container 10, and FIG. 4(B) is a cross-sectional perspective view near the insertion port. In FIG. 4 as well, a rectangular coordinate system composed of the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis is set in the same manner as in the case of FIG. 1.

[0020] The operation container 10 includes a housing part 11, an input operation part 12, a drive part 13, an insertion port 14, a rendering output part 15, and a reading part 16. <Housing part 11>

[0021] The housing part 11 houses a plurality of figurines 30 of different types inside. The inside of the housing part 11 has a first housing space SP1 which is the internal space on the side where the input operation part 12 is provided (z-axis + side), and a second housing space SP2 which is the internal space on the bottom surface 111 side of the housing part 11 (z-axis - side). The first housing space SP1 is a space where the figurine 30 is housed. In the second housing space SP2, a rendering output part 15, the details of which will be described later, is provided.

[0022] Among the first regions 112 of the housing part 11 that surround the first housing space SP1, at least one figurine 30 housed in the first housing space SP1 can be visually recognized, and it is made of a material having light transmissivity such as transparent resin. Among the second regions 113 of the housing part 11 that surround the second housing space SP2, it is made of a material having light transmissivity such as transparent resin. However, the second region 113 has lower light transmissivity than the first region 112, for example, by processing the surface into a matte finish.

[0023] A discharge port 114 is formed in a part of the first region 112 of the housing part 11 on the z-axis + side. From the discharge port 114, the figurine 30 housed in the first housing space SP1 is discharged to the external housing container 20 in response to the user tilting the housing part 11 of the operation container 10 to a predetermined inclination. In this case, the user tilts the housing part 11 with respect to the horizontal plane to a predetermined inclination by tilting the operation container 10 while gripping the gripping part 19 provided on the operation container 10. <Input operation part 12>

[0024] The input operation unit 12 is located on the top 23 of the operating container 10 (on the z-axis+ side in Figures 1 and 4) and is configured to be pushable by the user. The input operation unit 12 is initially positioned in a normal location, biased towards the z-axis+ side by the biasing force of the spring 121. When the input operation unit 12 is pushed in, a protruding portion 123 located on the housing portion 11 side (z-axis- side) of the input operation unit 12 contacts the switch 122, and an operation signal indicating that the input operation unit 12 has been pushed in is output. When the pushing operation is completed, the input operation unit 12 returns to its normal position due to the biasing force of the spring 121. <Drive unit 13>

[0025] The drive unit 13 includes a support portion 131, a spiral recess 132, and a connecting portion 133. The support portion 131 is positioned near the boundary between the first housing space SP1 and the second housing space SP2 inside the housing portion 11, and supports the object 30 housed in the first housing space SP1. The support portion 131 has a support surface that supports the object 30 on the z-axis+ side, and the support surface is formed in a non-planar shape that is not parallel to the bottom surface 111. An example of a non-planar shape is a curved shape in which the support surface of the support portion 131 includes multiple regions with different positions in the z-axis direction (distance from the bottom surface 111). In addition, the support surface of the support portion 131 is provided with a projection 131a that protrudes toward the z-axis+ side. Note that the support portion 131 is not limited to having a support surface formed in a non-planar shape and a projection 131a. The support surface of the support portion 131 does not necessarily have to have a protrusion 131a, and the support surface may be parallel to the bottom surface 111 rather than having a non-planar shape.

[0026] The support portion 131 is manufactured from, for example, resin, and has lower light transmittance than the second region 113 of the housing portion 11. It is more preferable that the support portion 131 does not have light transmittance. In this case, the support portion 131 may be manufactured from, for example, a metal.

[0027] The spiral recess 132 extends from the end of the input operation unit 12 on the housing unit 11 side toward the bottom surface 111 of the housing unit 11. When the input operation unit 12 is pressed in, the spiral recess 132 moves toward the z-axis - side (towards the bottom surface 111) in accordance with the amount of the pressing operation, and moves toward the z-axis + side (towards the top 23) when the pressing operation of the input operation unit 12 is completed.

[0028] The connecting portion 133 is a member that connects the helical recess 132 and the support portion 131. The connecting portion 133 is provided at the z-axis+ end of the support portion 131 and has an opening formed therein for meshing with the helical recess 132. When the helical recess 132 moves in response to a pushing operation on the input operation portion 12, the connecting portion 133 rotates as the helical recess 132 passes through the opening of the connecting portion 133. The support portion 131 rotates in conjunction with this rotation of the connecting portion 133. <Insertion opening 14>

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 and 4(B), the insertion port 14 is an opening provided at the top 23 of the working container 10. The insertion port 14 is a rectangular opening consisting of a long side along the x-axis and a short side along the y-axis. The object 30 is inserted into the housing section 11 through the insertion port 14.

[0030] The insertion opening 14 is provided with a first guide section 141 and a restricting section 142. The first guide section 141 is a member that controls the orientation of the object 30 when it is inserted, guiding the object 30 into the housing section 11 while maintaining a predetermined orientation (insertion orientation). <1st guide section 141>

[0031] The first guide portion 141 is provided on a guide surface 143 that is parallel to the zx plane and passes through the long side of the opening on the y-axis side. The first guide portion 141 is a plate-shaped member parallel to the zx plane. Therefore, the first guide portion 141 forms a projection that protrudes from the guide surface 143 toward a plane (not shown) parallel to the zx plane opposite to the guide surface 143 (i.e., toward the y-direction + side). In other words, the first guide portion 141 is a projection that protrudes from one of the multiple inner circumferential surfaces of the insertion opening 14 toward the opposite surface, and can also be said to be a projection that protrudes toward the inside of the insertion opening 14.

[0032] The first guide portion 141 and the groove 321 of the shape object 30 have corresponding shapes. Specifically, the length of the first guide portion 141 in the x-axis direction is shorter than the length of the first groove region 321a of the groove 321 formed in the shape object 30 along the second direction. The shape object 30, inserted from the insertion opening 14 along the first direction with the second surface 32 facing the y-axis, is guided towards the z-axis direction and housed in the housing portion 11 while being controlled to an insertion posture in which the first direction and the z-axis direction substantially coincide, due to the relationship between the x-axis lengths of the groove 321 and the first guide portion 141.

[0033] Furthermore, the length of the first guide portion 141 in the x-axis direction is longest in the region where the reading portion 16, described later, is located, and gradually shortens towards the z-axis+ end from this region. Due to this shape and the shapes of the second groove region 321b and the third groove region 321c of the groove 321, the object 30 inserted into the insertion opening 14 with the second surface 32 facing the y-axis- side and inclined with respect to the first direction is corrected to the above-mentioned insertion posture. As a result, the object 30 is guided towards the z-axis- side while controlled to the insertion posture and is housed in the housing portion 11.

[0034] Furthermore, because the first guide portion 141 is a projection having the shape described above on the zx plane, the object 30 cannot be inserted into the insertion opening 14 when the second surface 32 of the object 30 is facing the y-axis+ side. Also, even when the second surface 32 of the object 30 is facing the y-axis- side, the object 30 cannot be inserted into the insertion opening 14 along the second direction in which the groove 321 is not formed. In other words, the first guide portion 141 can also be said to be a restricting portion that restricts the entry of the object 30 into the insertion opening 14 in a direction other than the desired direction. <Restriction section 142>

[0035] The restricting portion 142 is a member that restricts the discharge of the shape object 30 guided into the housing portion 11 from the insertion opening 14. The restricting portion 142 has a first restricting portion 142a and a second restricting portion 142b. The first restricting portion 142a is provided on the x-axis- side relative to the first guide portion 141 and is biased to the x-axis-+ side (direction toward the inside of the insertion opening 14) by, for example, a spring, to be positioned at a first predetermined position. The second restricting portion 142b is provided on the x-axis-+ side (direction toward the inside of the insertion opening 14) relative to the first guide portion 141 and is biased to the x-axis- side by, for example, a spring, to be positioned at a second predetermined position. Figure 4(B) shows the case where the first restricting portion 142a and the second restricting portion 142b are located at the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position, respectively.

[0036] The first restricting portion 142a and the second restricting portion 142b are plate-shaped members. The end of the first restricting portion 142a on the bottom surface 111 side, on the x-axis+ side, is formed in a curved shape corresponding to the outer edge of the shape 30. The end of the first restricting portion 142a on the top surface 23 side, on the x-axis+ side, is formed in a straight line with an inclination with respect to the x-axis. The second restricting portion 142b has a shape symmetrical to the first restricting portion 142a with respect to the first guide portion 141. Therefore, as shown in Figure 4(B), the distance between the first restricting portion 142a and the second restricting portion 142b increases towards the z-axis+ side.

[0037] When the first restricting portion 142a and the second restricting portion 142b are positioned at the first and second predetermined positions, respectively, an opening of a predetermined size smaller than the size of the opening of the insertion port 14 (normal opening) is set. When the object 30 is inserted into the insertion port 14 while the normal opening is set, the object 30 comes into contact with the linear portions of the first restricting portion 142a and the second restricting portion 142b on the z-axis+ side. As the object 30 moves further towards the z-axis- side, the length of the object 30 sandwiched between the first restricting portion 142a and the second restricting portion 142b (length in the x-direction) increases. As a result, the first restricting portion 142a is moved from the first predetermined position towards the x-axis- side (direction toward the outside of the insertion port 14) against the biasing force, and the second restricting portion 142b is moved from the second predetermined position towards the x-axis+ side (direction toward the outside of the insertion port 14) against the biasing force. This creates an opening wider than a normal opening, allowing the object 30 to be inserted towards the z-axis.

[0038] When the object 30 is inserted into the insertion opening 14 by a predetermined length (the radius of the object 30) or more, the length of the object 30 sandwiched between the first restricting portion 142a and the second restricting portion 142b (length in the x-direction) decreases. As a result, the first restricting portion 142a is moved by the biasing force toward a first predetermined position on the x-axis+ side (direction toward the inside of the insertion opening 14), and the second restricting portion 142b is moved by the biasing force toward a second predetermined position on the x-axis- side (direction toward the inside of the insertion opening 14). As described above, the z-axis- side of the first restricting portion 142a and the second restricting portion 142b has a curve formed that corresponds to the outer edge of the object 30. Due to the movement of the first restricting portion 142a and the second restricting portion 142b due to the biasing force, and the curved shapes they each have, a force acts on the object 30 in the z-direction. In other words, as the object 30 is inserted into the insertion opening 14 by a predetermined length, a force is applied to the object 30 in a direction that pushes it into the housing section 11.

[0039] Furthermore, due to the curved shape of the first limiting portion 142a and the second limiting portion 142b, even if an attempt is made to pull up the object 30 inserted into the insertion port 14 for a predetermined length or more in the z-axis direction, no force acting on the first limiting portion 142a and the second limiting portion 142b to resist the biasing force along the x-axis direction is achieved. As a result, no opening is formed for the object 30 to pass through, and the discharge of the object 30 inserted into the insertion port 14 for a predetermined length or more is suppressed. Also, once the object 30 has passed through the insertion port 14, the first limiting portion 142a and the second limiting portion 142b are located at the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position, respectively, so the discharge of the object 30 from the insertion port 14 is suppressed by performing an action such as tilting the working container 10. <Performance Output Unit 15>

[0040] As shown in Figure 4(A), the performance output unit 15 is located in the second storage space SP2 within the storage unit 11 and outputs light emission of different colors and patterns, and sound corresponding to the type of object 30 stored in the storage unit 11, as performances. The performance output unit 15 has a light emission unit 151 and a sound output unit 152. The light emission unit 151 is a light-emitting element that emits light, such as an LED. The sound output unit 152 is, for example, a speaker, which is controlled by a control unit (described later) and outputs sound or music based on sound information stored in the memory unit. The performance output unit 15 may have either the light emission unit 151 or the sound output unit 152.

[0041] Since the performance output unit 15 is located within the second containment space SP2, the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 151 is diffused by reflection, refraction, etc., in the second region 113 of the containment unit 11, which has low transmittance. Furthermore, as described above, the support unit 131 has a lower transmittance than the second region 113. For this reason, the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 151 is prevented or suppressed from being visible in the first region 112, and is diffused throughout the entire second region 113 to be visible. <Reading unit 16>

[0042] As shown in Figure 4(B), the reading unit 16 is positioned in the area surrounded by the first guide section 141, which forms the insertion opening 14. The reading unit 16 reads the type information held by the object 30, which indicates the type of object 30, and outputs the type information to the control unit, which will be described later. The reading unit 16 consists of three switches 161a, 161b, and 161c (collectively referred to as switch 161) arranged along a direction (x-axis direction) perpendicular to the direction in which the object 30 is inserted (insertion direction). When the object 30 is inserted from the insertion opening 14 and passes over the switches 161, the switches 161 are pressed down by the marks 33 of the unit data section 323 formed on the object 30. After the marks 33 pass over the switches 161, the switches 161 automatically float up from the pressed state. When the switches 161 are pressed, they output a high-level signal, and when they float up, they output a low-level signal. Furthermore, a state in which no signal is output from switch 161 may be considered a low-level signal.

[0043] For example, when the object 30 shown in Figure 2(B) passes over switch 161, switch 161a is pressed down as the object passes over mark 33 of unit data section 323f, outputting a high-level signal, and then automatically floats up after the object passes over mark 33, outputting a low-level signal. Furthermore, as the object 30 passes, switch 161a is pressed down as the object passes over mark 33 of unit data section 323c, outputting a high-level signal, and then automatically floats up after the object passes over mark 33, outputting a low-level signal. At this time, switch 161c is pressed down as the object passes over mark 33 of unit data section 323a, outputting a high-level signal, and then automatically floats up after the object passes over mark 33, outputting a low-level signal.

[0044] Thus, the combination of High-level and Low-level signals output from the switch 161 differs depending on the arrangement of the unit data units 323 of the object 30. As described above, since the arrangement of the unit data units 323 represents the type information of the object 30, the combination of High-level and Low-level signals output from the reading unit 16 becomes the signal representing the type information of the object 30 (hereinafter referred to as the type signal). <Regarding the control system of the working vessel>

[0045] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the main components of the operating container 10. The operating container 10 includes the input operation unit 12, the performance output unit 15, and the reading unit 16, as well as a storage unit 17 and a control unit 18.

[0046] The memory unit 17 is a storage medium such as ROM or RAM, and stores the control program executed by the control unit 18, the type information of the object 30, and performance information related to the various performance contents output by the performance output unit 15. The performance information includes light emission information indicating the light emission color and pattern of the light emission unit 151, and sound information indicating the sound and music of the sound output unit 152. The performance information is associated with the type information of the object 30 and stored in the memory unit 17 as performance data.

[0047] In the memory unit 17, for example, a type (e.g., "apple") is associated with pattern P1 shown in Figure 3 and stored as type information. The audio information "apple" and the light information red, which correspond to the type "apple," are associated with the type information as performance information and stored in the memory unit 17 as performance data. Similarly, for the other patterns P2 to P8, performance data in which type information and performance information are associated is stored in the memory unit 17.

[0048] Furthermore, the memory unit 17 stores audio information related to the audio output unit 152 that is output in response to the user's pressing operation of the input operation unit 12. In this case, the audio information stored includes phrases such as "That's good," "You're doing well," "Keep it up," and "Mix, mix."

[0049] The control unit 18 is a processor that controls each part of the operating container 10 by, for example, reading and executing a control program pre-recorded in the storage unit 17. The control unit 18 acquires type information by arranging the High-level signal and Low-level signal read by the reading unit 16 and output when the object 30 passes through the insertion opening 14, according to the arrangement of the switches 161, thereby generating a data sequence. As described above, by providing a first guide unit 141 in the insertion opening 14 into which the object 30 is inserted, and providing grooves 321 and data units 322 on the second surface 32 of the object 30, the object passes through the reading unit 16 in a controlled state of insertion in the desired position, thereby suppressing the erroneous generation of a data sequence representing type information.

[0050] Upon acquiring type information, the control unit 18 reads out the performance data stored in the memory unit 17 that is associated with the same type information as the acquired type information. The control unit 18 outputs a performance instruction signal to the performance output unit 15 that instructs a performance according to the read performance information, causing the performance output unit 15 to output a performance corresponding to the performance information associated with the type information read by the reading unit 16.

[0051] Furthermore, when the control unit 18 receives an operation signal output from the switch 122 in response to an operation of the input operation unit 12, it detects that the user has pressed the input operation unit 12. The control unit 18 then reads the audio information stored in the memory unit 17, outputs an effect instruction signal to the effect output unit 15 that instructs the effect to be performed according to the audio information, and outputs audio from the audio output unit 152. <Regarding the operation of the operating container 10>

[0052] The operations performed by the operating container 10 will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 6. Each process shown in the flowchart is performed by the control unit 18 reading a program stored in the storage unit 17 and executing that program. The flowchart shown in Figure 6 is started when a start switch (not shown) is operated.

[0053] In step S1, the control unit 18 outputs a startup animation instruction signal to the animation output unit 15 to perform the startup animation output. As the startup animation output, the audio output unit 152 outputs a predetermined message (startup message) such as "Let's play together" in audio. After that, the process proceeds to step S2.

[0054] In step S2, the control unit 18 outputs an audio output instruction signal to the sound output unit 15 to instruct the output of audio. In response to the audio output instruction signal, the audio output unit 152 outputs a voice message (a reminder message) such as "Please put in some fruit or vegetables" to prompt the user to put the object 30 into the storage unit 11. The control unit 18 also causes the audio output unit 152 to output the same reminder message after 10 seconds and 20 seconds. After that, the process proceeds to step S3.

[0055] In step S3, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the object 30 has been housed in the housing unit 11. If the reading unit 16 outputs both a high-level signal and a low-level signal, the control unit 18 determines that the object 30 has been housed in the housing unit 11 (affirmative determination), and the process proceeds to step S4. If neither a high-level signal nor a low-level signal is output from the reading unit 16, the control unit 18 determines that the object 30 has not been housed in the housing unit 11 (negative determination), and the process proceeds to step S6, which will be described later.

[0056] In step S4, the control unit 18 reads the performance information associated with the type information read by the reading unit 16 from the storage unit 17. The control unit 18 then outputs a performance instruction signal to the performance output unit 15, causing the performance output unit 15 to output the performance information. In this case, the light-emitting unit 151 emits light in a color associated with the type of object 30 that passed through the insertion slot 14. The sound output unit 152 outputs the type of object 30 in sound. In this case, if the type of object 30 is "orange", the sound output unit 152 outputs the sound of "orange", and if the type of object 30 is "carrot", the sound output unit 152 outputs the sound of "carrot".

[0057] Then, the control unit 18 stores the type of the object 30 that was inserted into the storage unit 11 from the insertion slot 14 as insertion type information in the storage unit 17, based on the type information read by the reading unit 16. After that, the process proceeds to step S5.

[0058] In step S5, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the input operation unit 12 has been pressed. If the switch 122 outputs an operation signal in response to the press operation, the control unit 18 determines that the press operation has been performed (affirmative determination), and the process proceeds to step S9, which will be described later. If the switch 122 does not output an operation signal, the control unit 18 determines that the press operation has not been performed (negative determination), and the process returns to step S3.

[0059] In step S6, which proceeds after a negative determination in step S3, the control unit 18 determines whether 2 minutes have elapsed since the audio output in step S2. If 2 minutes have not elapsed, the control unit 18 makes a negative determination, and the process returns to step S3. If 2 minutes have elapsed, the control unit 18 makes an affirmative determination, and the process proceeds to step S7. In step S7, the control unit 18 causes the audio output unit 152 to output a message such as "bye-bye" as audio, and the process proceeds to step S8. In step S8, the control unit 18 sets the operation of the operating container 10 to sleep mode and terminates the process.

[0060] Furthermore, even during the processing of steps S3 to S5 described above, the audio output unit 152 will output the reminder message output in step S2 as audio 10 seconds and 20 seconds after the audio is output in step S2.

[0061] If step S5 is determined to be positive, in the subsequent step S9, the control unit 18 outputs a performance instruction signal to the performance output unit 15. In response to the performance instruction signal, the audio output unit 152 outputs music from multiple songs (for example, 3 songs) that are pre-stored in the memory unit 17. The audio output unit 152 outputs the music from the multiple songs in a predetermined output order, but it may start outputting from any song.

[0062] Furthermore, the light-emitting unit 151 emits light in a color associated with the type information held by the shape objects 30 housed in the housing unit 11. In this case, if there are three or fewer types of shape objects 30 housed in the housing unit 11, the light-emitting unit 151 emits light in the colors associated with the type information held by the shape objects 30 in sequence. If there are more than a predetermined number of types of shape objects 30 housed in the housing unit 11 (for example, four or more types), the light-emitting unit 151 may emit light in a gradient of, for example, seven colors.

[0063] In response to the pushing operation performed in step S5, the rotational movement of the support portion 131 of the drive unit 13 causes the object 30 inside the storage unit 11 to move within the first storage space SP1. Due to the non-planar shape and protrusion 131a of the support portion 131, the object 30 bounces (moves up and down) within the storage unit 11 on the upper part of the rotating support portion 131. As a result, by the user pushing operation on the input operation unit 12, it is possible to simulate the process of mixing multiple objects 30 to produce a mixed juice. That is, while the above-mentioned effects (music playback and light emission) are being output by the performance output unit 15, the object 30 is moved at least once by the drive unit 13.

[0064] At this time, as described above, the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 151 is suppressed in visibility in the first region 112 and diffuses throughout the entire second region 113 to become visible. Because the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 151 is diffused and visible in the second region 113, the working container 10 can simulate the state in which a beverage such as juice, which has been stirred by the pushing operation, has accumulated on the bottom surface 111 of the storage section 11. Also, as described above, the surface of the second region 113 has been treated to create a matte finish. Therefore, it is possible to simulate the state in which water droplets have adhered to the surface of the container, which has been cooled by the generated beverage such as juice. After that, the process proceeds to step S10.

[0065] In step S10, similar to step S5, the control unit 18 determines whether or not a push operation has been performed. If the switch 122 outputs an operation signal, the control unit 18 determines that a push operation has been performed (affirmative determination), and the process proceeds to step S11.

[0066] In step S11, the control unit 18 causes the audio output unit 152 to output messages (encouragement messages) such as "Good job," "Well done," "Keep it up," and "Mix, mix," which are audio information stored in the memory unit 17. At this time, the audio output unit 152 outputs the above multiple encouragement messages in no particular order, but does not output the same encouragement message consecutively. In addition, the drive unit 13 is driven in response to the push operation of the input operation unit 12 in step S10, causing the object 30 inside the storage unit 11 to move. After that, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0067] If the switch 122 does not output an operation signal in step S10, the control unit 18 determines that no pressing operation has been performed (negative determination), and the process proceeds to step S12.

[0068] In step S12, the control unit 18 determines whether the output of the multiple songs started by the audio output unit 152 in step S9 has finished. If the music output has finished, the control unit 18 makes a positive determination, and the process proceeds to step S13. If the music output has not finished, the control unit 18 makes a negative determination, and the process returns to step S9.

[0069] In step S13, the control unit 18 causes the audio output unit 152 to output a message (completion message) indicating that the mixed juice is ready. At this time, if there are three or fewer types of objects 30 stored in the storage unit 11, the audio output unit 152 outputs the completion message including the name of the type based on the insertion type information stored in the memory unit 17. For example, if the types are "orange," "strawberry," and "banana," the audio output unit 152 outputs a completion message such as "Orange, strawberry, banana juice is ready." If there are more than a predetermined number of types of objects 30 stored in the storage unit 11 (for example, four or more types), the audio output unit 152 outputs a completion message such as "Special mixed juice is ready." Furthermore, if two of the three objects 30 stored in the storage unit 11 are of the same type (for example, the types are "banana," "banana," and "strawberry"), the voice output unit 152 may output a voice message indicating completion: "Banana and strawberry juice is ready." Also, if multiple objects 30 of the same type are stored in the storage unit 11, the voice output unit 152 will output a voice message indicating completion: "Special mixed juice is ready." The process then proceeds to step S14.

[0070] In step S14, the control unit 18 causes the voice output unit 152 to output a message (serving message) such as "Pour into a glass and enjoy." This prompts the user to grasp the gripping part 19 of the working container 10, tilt the working container 10 to discharge the object 30 from the discharge port 114 and store it in the storage container 20. The process then proceeds to step S15.

[0071] In step S15, 0.5 seconds after the serving message is output in step S14, the control unit 18 causes the audio output unit 152 to output a sound effect such as "Shalalan" based on the audio information stored in the memory unit 17. The process then proceeds to step S16. In step S16, 0.5 seconds after the sound effect is output in step S15, the control unit 18 outputs a message such as "It looks delicious" in audio. In this case, if the control unit 18 determines that the type information of the inserted object 30 includes type information of an object 30 corresponding to a specific type such as "carrot" or "spinach," the audio output unit 152 can output a message such as "It looks delicious with the vegetables in it" as a special effect corresponding to the specific type. The process then proceeds to step S17.

[0072] In step S17, the control unit 18 instructs the light-emitting unit 151 to terminate the light emission started in step S9 after a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed since the message was output in step S16. The process then proceeds to step S18.

[0073] In step S18, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the user has performed a termination operation using the start switch (not shown). If the termination operation has not been performed, the control unit 18 makes a negative determination, and the process returns to step S2. If the termination operation has been performed, the control unit 18 makes an positive determination, and the process ends. According to the embodiments described above, the following effects and advantages can be obtained.

[0074] (1) In the working container 10 of the mixer toy 1, the performance output unit 15 outputs a performance based on performance information associated with the type information of the shape object 30 read by the reading unit 16. The shape object 30 contained in the storage unit 11 is moved at least once by the drive unit 13 while the performance output unit 15 is outputting a performance. As a result, in addition to the performance output by the performance output unit 15, the shape object 30 moves within the storage unit 11 as if it were being mixed, such as bouncing or rolling, thereby improving the entertainment value of the mixer toy 1.

[0075] (2) The drive unit 13 moves the shape object 30 in response to a push operation performed on the input operation unit 12. This allows the user to feel as if they are stirring the shape object 30 with their own operation, thereby improving the appeal of the mixer toy 1.

[0076] (3) The drive unit 13 drives the support unit 131 that supports the object 30 within the housing unit 11 in response to the pushing operation. This makes it possible to move the object 30 within the housing unit 11 by operating the user's input operation unit 12.

[0077] (4) The support portion 131 has at least one of a non-planar shape and a protrusion. This makes it easier for the object 30 inside the housing portion 11 to bounce and roll up and down, and makes it easier for the user to get the impression that they are stirring the object 30.

[0078] (5) The performance output unit 15 outputs a performance when the type information of at least one shape 30 housed in the housing unit 11 from the insertion opening 14 is read by the reading unit 16 and a push operation is performed. As a result, the performance is started by the user's input operation unit 12, which enhances the entertainment value of the mixer toy 1.

[0079] (6) The second region 113 surrounding the second containment space SP2 of the containment section 11 has lower light transmittance than the first region 112 surrounding the first containment space SP1. This allows the movement of the object 30 contained in the first containment space SP1 in response to the pushing operation of the input operation section 12 to be visible from the outside, thereby improving the appeal of the mixer toy 1. In addition, the light emitted from the light-emitting section of the performance output section 15 of the second containment space SP2 is refracted and reflected in the second region 113, so that it appears to be diffused throughout the entire area of ​​the second containment space SP2 from the outside. Therefore, it is possible to simulate the appearance of juice generated by stirring accumulating on the bottom surface 111 side of the containment section 11, thereby improving the appeal.

[0080] (7) The support portion 131 is provided within the housing portion 11 near the boundary between the first region 112 and the second region 113, and the support portion 131 has lower light transmittance than the second region 113. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the transmission of light emitted from the light-emitting portion of the performance output portion 15 into the first housing space SP1.

[0081] (8) The storage section 11 has an outlet 114 that discharges the stored object 30 to the outside when the storage section 11 is tilted to a predetermined angle. This allows users to simulate the action of pouring the mixed juice they have actually made into a container, thereby improving the appeal of the mixer toy 1.

[0082] (9) The reading unit 16 is provided in the insertion slot 14. This ensures that when the object 30 is inserted, the type information of the object 30 can be reliably obtained.

[0083] (10) The insertion opening 14 has a first guide section 141 that controls the insertion orientation of the object 30 and guides it into the housing section 11. This makes it possible to read the marks 33 formed on the data section 322 of the object 30 without error, thereby improving the accuracy of acquiring type information.

[0084] (11) The first guide portion 141 protrudes toward the inside of the insertion opening 14. This makes it possible to insert the object 30 into the housing portion 11 with a controlled posture using a simple structure.

[0085] (12) The insertion opening 14 has a limiting part 142 that restricts the discharge of the shape object 30, which is guided into the housing section 11, from the insertion opening 14. Specifically, the limiting part 142 applies a force to the shape object 30 in a direction that pushes it into the housing section 11, depending on the length to which the shape object 30 has been inserted into the insertion opening 14. This makes it possible to prevent erroneous actions such as the shape object 30 being pulled out of the insertion opening 14 after being partially inserted, with a simple configuration.

[0086] (13) The object 30 has a groove 321 which is a second guide portion with a groove shape corresponding to the first guide portion 141 of the insertion opening 14. This makes it possible to prevent the object 30 from being inserted in a direction other than the insertion direction with a simple structure.

[0087] (14) The mixer toy 1 has a storage container 20 for storing the shapes 30 discharged from the storage section 11. The storage container 20 has a lid 22 that can be attached to the container section 21. The lid 22 has a mounting section 221 to which the shapes 30 are attached. This allows users to experience the action of actually creating and serving mixed juice in a container, and at the same time, the shapes contained in the created mixed juice can be attached in a visible and decorative way, thereby improving the appeal of the mixer toy 1.

[0088] Although various embodiments and modifications have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these. Other embodiments conceivable within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention are also included within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] 1... Mixer toy, 10... Operating container, 11... Storage section, 12... Input operation section, 13... Drive section, 14... Insertion port, 15... Performance output section, 16... Reading section, 17... Memory section, 18... Control section, 20... Storage container, 21... Container section, 22... Lid section, 30... Shape, 33... Mark, 112... First area, 113... Second area, 114... Discharge port, 131... Support section, 131a... Protrusion, 1 41...First guide section, 142...Restriction section, 142a...First restriction section, 142b...Second restriction section, 151...Light-emitting section, 152...Audio output section, 161, 161a, 161b, 161c...Switches, 221...Mounting section, 321...Groove, 321a...First groove area, 321b...Second groove area, 321c...Third groove area, 322...Data section, SP1...First storage space, SP2...Second storage space

Claims

1. A container section having a storage space for accommodating multiple objects of different types, including an insertion port into which the objects are inserted and an outlet into which the objects are discharged outside the storage space, A reading unit that reads type information indicating the type of the object held by each of the aforementioned objects, A storage unit that stores two or more different performance information in association with the aforementioned type information, The system includes a performance output unit that outputs a performance based on the performance information recorded in the memory unit, The reading unit reads the type information held by the object housed in the storage space through the insertion opening. The aforementioned performance output unit outputs the performance based on the performance information associated with the type information read by the reading unit. A mixer toy in which the object inserted into the containment space can be discharged out of the containment space through the discharge port.

2. In the toy described in claim 1, The container portion has a discharge port for discharging the contained object to the outside when the container portion is tilted to a predetermined angle, making it a mixer toy.

3. In the toy according to claim 1 or 2, The reading unit is provided in the insertion opening of the mixer toy.

4. In the toy described in claim 3, A mixer toy, wherein the insertion opening has a first guide section that controls the orientation in which the object is inserted and guides it into the containment space.

5. In the toy according to claim 4, The first guide portion is a projection that protrudes toward the inside of the insertion opening, in a mixer toy.

6. In the toy described in claim 5, A mixer toy, wherein the insertion opening has a limiting portion that restricts the discharge of the object guided into the containment space from the insertion opening.

7. In the toy described in claim 6, The restricting part applies a force to the object in a direction that pushes it into the containment space, depending on the length of the object inserted into the insertion opening, in a mixer toy.

8. In the toy according to any one of claims 5 to 7, The aforementioned shape is a mixer toy having a groove-shaped second guide portion corresponding to the first guide portion of the insertion opening.

9. In the toy according to any one of claims 1 to 10, A mixer toy having a container for storing the shape object discharged from the aforementioned storage space.

10. In the toy according to claim 9, A mixer toy having a detachable lid for the aforementioned storage container.

11. In the toy according to claim 10, The lid portion has a mounting portion to which the object is attached, in a mixer toy.

Images