Sauna game device

Abstract

To provide a game device for a sauna, allowing a sauna activity including a series of set of sauna / water bath / rest to be pleasantly continued.SOLUTION: A game device 10 for a sauna includes a housing 11 with waterproofness, a display 12 and a control part. The control part includes: a time measuring part for measuring an elapsed time from a start operation to a stopping operation by a user; and a game progress control part for executing a process of raising a character by setting a time measuring operation of predetermined times performed by the user who is using the sauna as one set, and changing a parameter set in the character in each completion of one set.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a game device that can be used in a sauna.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the popularity of saunas has been increasing as they are said to be able to refresh the mind and body. In particular, the number of people who regularly visit saunas and enjoy a series of hot and cold alternating baths including saunas, hydrotherapy baths, and breaks, which is called "sauna activity" or "sa-living", is increasing.

[0003] Sauna users have a need to measure and record the time they spend in the sauna, and a need to enjoy the sauna activity continuously. However, since the inside of the sauna room is hot and humid, if electronic devices such as smartphones or smartwatches are brought in, there is a risk of malfunction.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a wristwatch in which an arithmetic mechanism and a sensor are housed in a heat-resistant and waterproof case. The wristwatch described in Patent Document 1 can be used as a watch or measure and record body temperature, pulse, blood pressure, etc. even in an electronically harsh environment such as a sauna room.

[0005] However, although Patent Document focuses on measuring the user's biological information, it does not describe a function that allows for continuous and enjoyable sauna use or exercise. A simple timekeeping function or just a measurement and recording function alone cannot fully meet the need to continuously enjoy activities in the sauna.

[0006] Incidentally, various game devices for use during exercise have been proposed. Patent Document 2 describes a device that a user attaches to exercise equipment and which includes a means for evaluating the amount of exercise and a game function, and which promotes exercise by changing the attribute values ​​of a character or developing the character according to the amount of exercise evaluated by the means for evaluating the amount of exercise. Patent Document 3 describes an exercise aid that counts the amount of repetitive exercise performed by the user, selects a virtual creature corresponding to this amount of exercise, and grows the form of the virtual creature as the days go by.

[0007] However, no gaming devices have been proposed for use in saunas to date. In particular, there have been no gaming devices that can make the sauna experience, which involves sauna, cold bath, and relaxation, more enjoyable and sustainable. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2-253189 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-237364 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-52834 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The objective of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the conventional methods and to provide a sauna game device that allows users to enjoy and continue a sauna activity that includes a series of steps such as sauna, cold bath, and rest. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, a sauna game device is provided, which includes a waterproof housing, a display unit, and a control unit. The control unit includes a timing unit that measures the elapsed time from the start operation by the user to the stop operation, and a game progress control unit that, taking a predetermined number of timing operations performed by the user during sauna use as one set, executes a process of growing the character by changing the parameters set for the character every time one set is completed.

[0011] Moreover, it is preferable that the control unit further includes a display control unit that automatically displays a new timing start screen until a predetermined number of times is reached when one timing by the timing unit ends.

[0012] Also, it is preferable that the game progress control unit is configured such that three timing operations corresponding to the user's sauna bath time, bath time in a hot spring bath, and rest time are taken as one set, and the parameters are increased every time one set is completed.

[0013] )]]Furthermore, the display control unit executes control to display either a game display mode in which a game production image of the growth game is displayed or a simple display mode in which the game production image of the growth game is not displayed based on a selection operation by the user. The game progress control unit is preferably configured to perform a process of changing the parameters every time one set is completed even when the timing operation is performed in the simple display mode.

[0014] Also, it is preferable that the configuration further includes a notification means for notifying that a predetermined time has elapsed since the start operation by the user.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] In the present invention, it is possible to provide a sauna game device that can enjoyably continue a sauna activity including a series of sets such as a sauna, a hot spring bath, and an outdoor bath.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] Front view of the sauna game device of the embodiment. [Figure 2] Exploded perspective view of the sauna game device of the embodiment. [Figure 3] Diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the sauna game device of the embodiment. [Figure 4] Diagram showing an example of the cultivation process in the sauna game device of the embodiment. [Figure 5] Diagram showing an example of the operation in the game display mode. 0000082Diagram showing an example of (a) mode selection screen, (b) character selection screen, (c) home screen, (d) menu screen. [Figure 7] Diagram showing an example of the operation in the game display mode. [Figure 8] Diagram showing an example of (a) SA activity home screen, (b) sauna start screen, (c) confirmation screen, (d) during sauna screen. [Figure 9] Diagram showing an example of (a) bath start screen, (b) during bath screen, (c) rest start screen, (d) during rest screen, (e) SA activity result screen, (f) cultivation result screen. * [Figure 10] Diagram showing an example of (a) evolution effect screen, (b) evolution screen, (c) character introduction screen, (d) clear screen, (e) confirmation screen, (f) premium effect screen, (g) SA activity home screen.* [Figure 11] Diagram showing an example of the operation in the game display mode (during premium character cultivation). [Figure 12] Diagram showing an example of the operation regarding the stop and retry of timing in the game display mode. [Figure 13] Diagram showing an example of the operation in the simple display mode. [Figure 14] Diagram showing an example of (a) home screen, (b) SA activity home screen, (c) sauna start screen, (d) SA activity result screen in the simple display mode.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] The following describes embodiments for carrying out the invention. The sauna game device 10 of the following embodiments is used by the user by wearing it on their body or holding it in their hand and bringing it into a sauna room or the like.

[0018] <Configuration of a game machine for saunas> First, the configuration of the sauna game device 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the sauna game device 10 of this embodiment comprises a housing 11 and a display 12. The sauna game device 10 of this embodiment is a small and portable game device that can be used in the form of a wristwatch, pendant, handheld, etc., with attachments (not shown).

[0020] The housing 11 of the embodiment is made of heat-resistant resin (e.g., PC, ABS, silicone, PPS, PEEK, PI, etc.) and is formed in a generally plate-like shape and a generally rectangular shape when viewed from the front. Furthermore, the housing 11 of the embodiment is waterproof, and the sauna game device 10 of the embodiment has waterproof performance (e.g., IPX6). The sauna game device 10 of the embodiment has a structure in which the internal temperature does not rise easily because the housing 11 has heat insulation properties and the spaces in the internal structure are filled with resin and / or rubber.

[0021] The display 12 in this embodiment is a full-color liquid crystal display screen. As shown in Figure 1, the display 12 in this embodiment is substantially rectangular and is provided on the front surface of the sauna game device 10. The shape of the display 12 is not limited to this and may be other shapes. The display 12 displays game images (still images or videos) generated by the sauna game device 10, as well as elapsed time measured by the stopwatch function described later.

[0022] The sauna game device 10 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, is equipped with three operation buttons (a select button 13, a right select button 14, and a left select button 15). Each button of this embodiment is located on the front surface of the sauna game device 10, below the display 12. The number and arrangement of the operation buttons are not limited to this. These operation buttons are used to perform game operations and various setting operations.

[0023] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the sauna game device 10 according to this embodiment. The sauna game device 10 in this example comprises a front cover 11a and a back cover 11b that constitute the housing 11.

[0024] In the example sauna game device 10 shown in Figure 2, the display 12, the operation buttons, the intermediate base 16, the circuit board 17, the vibration motor M, and the battery B are housed in the storage space inside the housing 11.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the display 12 in this example consists of a liquid crystal 12b and a glass 12a that covers the liquid crystal 12b. The intermediate base 16 is a plate material that fixes each component in the storage space inside the housing 11.

[0026] In this embodiment, the substrate 17 is located on the back side of the intermediate base 16. The substrate 17 in this example is an electronic circuit board equipped with a processor such as a CPU, a storage medium such as RAM, a real-time clock, and the like. As mentioned above, the sauna game device 10 in this embodiment has a structure that makes it difficult for the internal temperature to rise, but it is preferable that the substrate 17 has heat resistance. Furthermore, the substrate 17 is waterproof and moisture-proof by applying a waterproof coating to the substrate itself.

[0027] The vibration motor M is a vibrator used for game effects and notifications. In addition, the sauna game device 10 may have a built-in speaker for outputting sound.

[0028] The sauna game device 10 of this embodiment operates using power supplied from a built-in battery B. The battery B of this embodiment is a heat-resistant, rechargeable lithium polymer battery. The sauna game device 10 of this example is equipped with a terminal (not shown) that can be connected to an external power source. The battery B is connected to this terminal and is rechargeable via this terminal. The method of charging the battery B is not limited to this and may be wireless. Also, the battery B is not limited to a rechargeable battery and may be a non-rechargeable battery, but it is preferable that any battery has heat resistance.

[0029] <Functional configuration of sauna game device 10> Next, with reference to Figure 3, the functional configuration of the sauna game device 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0030] The sauna game device 10 of this embodiment includes a control unit 110, a storage unit 120, a display unit 130, an input unit 140, a real-time clock (hereinafter referred to as "RTC") 150, and a notification means 160.

[0031] The control unit 110 is, for example, a CPU and controls the operation of each function of the sauna game device 10. In this embodiment, the control unit 110 operates according to various programs stored in the memory unit 120, thereby performing the functions of a timing unit 111, a display control unit 112, a game progress control unit 113, and a setting management unit 114.

[0032] The timing unit 111 measures the elapsed time from the user's start operation to the stop operation. The timing unit 111 acquires the current time from the RTC 150 and implements a stopwatch function. Furthermore, the timing unit 111 of this embodiment implements a timer function and enables notification by the vibration motor M at predetermined timings.

[0033] The display control unit 112 performs control to display various information on the display 12. For example, when one timing by the timing unit 111 ends, the display control unit 112 automatically causes a new timing start screen to be displayed until a predetermined number of times is reached. Also, the display control unit 112 in the embodiment executes control to cause either a game display mode in which a game production image of the breeding game is displayed or a simple display mode in which the game production image of the breeding game is not displayed to be displayed based on a selection operation by the user. Details of the control of the display control unit 112 will be described later.

[0034] The game progress control unit 113 executes processing related to a breeding game for breeding a character based on an operation using each operation button by the user and a game program stored in the storage unit 120 or the like. For example, the game progress control unit 113 sets a predetermined number of timing operations performed by the user during sauna use as one set, and for each set completion, executes processing to change the parameters set for the character and breed the character. The game progress control unit 113 in the embodiment sets three timing operations corresponding to the user's sauna bath time, hot spring bath time, and rest time as one set, and increases the parameters for each set completion. Also, the game progress control unit 113 in the embodiment performs processing to increase the parameters for each set completion even when the timing operation is performed in the simple display mode. Details of the game processing in the embodiment will be described in detail later.

[0035] The setting management unit 114 manages game-related settings, display settings of the display 12, notification settings, etc. based on setting inputs by the user.

[0036] The storage unit 120 is, for example, a non-volatile memory or the like, and stores programs related to the operation of the sauna game device 10, various data used in the game, and the like.

[0037] The display unit 130 in the embodiment is a screen on which a game image or the like is displayed, and specifically is the display 12.

[0038] The input unit 140 of the embodiment is an input device that receives user operation inputs, specifically each operation button (OK button 13, right selection button 14, left selection button 15).

[0039] The RTC 150 of the embodiment generates information indicating the current time. The RTC 150 may operate by receiving power supply from a backup power source separately from the battery B. Thereby, even when the remaining battery level of the battery B runs out, the current time can be measured for a certain period.

[0040] The notification means 160 of the embodiment is a means for notifying the user at a predetermined timing. The notification means 1 of the embodiment includes a vibration motor M. Note that the notification means 160 may notify by light or sound in addition to the vibration by the vibration motor M. The notification means 160 notifies, for example, that a predetermined time has elapsed since the user's start operation of timing. The behavior of the notification means 160 will be described in detail later.

[0041] <Overview of the breeding game> Here, referring to FIG. 4, an example of a breeding game playable on the sauna game device 10 of the embodiment will be outlined.

[0042] In the breeding game of the embodiment, the user selects and breeds a character to be bred from among a plurality of characters. The character evolves or grows through a plurality of stages, and its form changes by evolution or growth. The character of the embodiment is a virtual creature such as character A shown in FIG. 4, but is not limited thereto, and various characters, organisms, or inanimate objects may be breeding targets.

[0043] In the embodiment, the user continuously performs sauna bathing, bathing in a hot spring bath, and resting in this order (hereinafter this continuous action may be referred to as a "sauna activity"), and the time spent on each action is measured using the stopwatch function. Three timing operations in one sauna activity are regarded as one set, and each time one set is completed, the parameter of the character increases by one.

[0044] In an embodiment, when the parameters of a character reach a predetermined value, an evolution event of the character occurs, and the form, size, etc. of the character change, or an effect display P is added to the character. When a predetermined number of evolutions are achieved, the cultivation of the character is completed, and the game is cleared for the character.

[0045] The example shown in FIG. 4 is an example when the user uses the sauna four times a month and performs three sets of sauna activities per day. In this example, it is set that the cultivation of one character is completed by a total of 36 sets of timing operations.

[0046] Specifically, when the user selects character A and starts the cultivation game, and 12 sets of timing operations are performed in total, the value of the parameter becomes 12, and the first evolution event occurs. Due to this evolution event, character A changes to character AA, which has a different form and size from character A.

[0047] After the first evolution event, the timing operation in the sauna activity continues to be performed. When the cumulative number of timing operations reaches 24 sets, the value of the parameter becomes 24. When the value of the parameter reaches 24, the second evolution event occurs, and character AA changes to character AAA, which has a different form and size from character AA.

[0048] In the embodiment, after the second evolution event, the timing operation in the sauna activity continues to be performed. When the cumulative number of timing operations reaches 36 sets, the value of the parameter becomes 36. When the value of the parameter reaches 36, a cultivation clear event occurs, and the effect display P is added to character AAA. In this example, as the effect display P, a colored aura appears in the background of character AAA. When the cultivation of one character is completed, the user can select and cultivate another character.

[0049] In the embodiment, an upper limit per day is set for the number of increases in the parameters of the character associated with the user's timekeeping operation. For example, when it is set to a maximum of 5 sets per day, even if six or more timekeeping operations are performed on the same day, the excess does not contribute to the increase in the character's parameters. This can suppress the user's excessive sauna activities per day.

[0050] <Operation of the Sauna Game Device> Next, referring to FIG. 5, an example of the operation of the sauna game device 10 in the embodiment will be described.

[0051] (Step S100) Turn on the power of the sauna game device 10 by a predetermined operation. In the embodiment, the power is turned on by long-pressing the determination button 13.

[0052] (Step S101) When the power of the sauna game device 10 is turned on, in the embodiment, a game title screen is displayed on the display 12.

[0053] (Step S102) In the embodiment, after the title screen is displayed for a predetermined time, it automatically transitions to the mode selection screen sc1 shown in FIG. 6(a). On the mode selection screen sc1 of the embodiment, it is possible to select a game display mode in which a game production image of the breeding game is displayed and a simple display mode in which the game production image of the breeding game is not displayed. When the user selects either display mode using each operation button, the display control unit 112 performs control to display the screen of the selected display mode on the display 12.

[0054] (Step S103) When the user selects the "breeding mode" (game display mode) on the mode selection screen sc1 and presses the determination button 13, the process proceeds to step S104. The flow when the user selects the "simple mode" (simple display mode) on the mode selection screen sc1 is shown in FIG. 13 and will be described later.

[0055] (Step S104) If the user is playing the training game on the sauna game device 10 for the first time, or if it is the first time playing after completing the training of one character, proceed to step S105. If it is not the first time playing or the first time playing after completion, proceed to step S108.

[0056] (Step S105) When playing for the first time, select "Training Mode" (game display mode) on the mode selection screen sc1 and press the OK button 13 to automatically transition to the character selection screen sc2 shown in Figure 6(b) (hereinafter, "character" may be abbreviated as "Char"). The character selection screen sc2 displays the characters that can be trained. In this example, from the four types of characters A to D, character A is selected as the target for training.

[0057] (Step S106) When you select a character to train, you will be taken to the character's introduction screen (not shown). The introduction screen will display, for example, the character's name, image, and a description of their personality.

[0058] (Step S107) Pressing the confirm button 13 on the introduction screen will take you to the character selection screen (not shown). On the character selection screen, a confirmation message will be displayed, such as "Do you want to raise this character? (Yes / No)". Selecting "Yes" will determine the character to be raised, and you will proceed to step S108. Selecting "No" will take you back to step S105, and you will have to select a character again on the character selection screen sc2.

[0059] (Step S108) In step S108, the home screen sc3 shown in Figure 6(c) is displayed. The home screen sc3 in this example includes a main display area 200 and a sub-display area 300. The main display area 200 of the home screen sc3 displays, for example, an image of the character to be trained 201, a background image 202, and function information 203 for the select button 13. The image of the character to be trained 201 displays the character to be trained in a form corresponding to the current training stage. The background image 202 may be selected by the user from multiple images, such as an image of the exterior of a hot spring facility or public bath, an image of the inside of a bathroom, or an outdoor landscape.

[0060] The sub-display area 300 displays, for example, date information 301, battery level information 302, time information 303 indicating the current time, experience point gauge 304, title gauge 305, etc. In this example, the experience point gauge 304 shows the amount of accumulated parameters related to character development, and in this example, 12 cells are displayed. In this embodiment, when one set of timing operations is completed, one cell of the experience point gauge 304 is colored. The experience point gauge 304 becomes full when 12 sets are completed, a character evolution event occurs, and the display is reset. Also, in this example, the number of stars in the title gauge 305 increases according to the number of characters that have been completed.

[0061] (Step S109-1) In this embodiment, pressing the right selection button 14 on the home screen sc3 transitions to a status screen (not shown). On the status screen, the personality parameters of the character to be trained, as described later, can be checked.

[0062] (Step S109-2) When the OK button 13 is pressed on the home screen sc3, the screen transitions to the menu screen sc4 shown in Figure 6(d).

[0063] In the menu screen sc4 of this embodiment, you can select one of the following: "Sauna Activity," "Character," "History," "Settings," or "Exit."

[0064] (Steps S200, S201) Select "Sauna Activity" on the menu screen sc4 and press the OK button 13 to proceed to the Sauna Activity Home screen sc5 shown in Figure 8(a). The game flow from the Sauna Activity Home screen sc5 onwards will be described later with reference to Figure 7.

[0065] (Steps S300, S301) Selecting "Character Information" on menu screen sc4 and pressing the OK button 13 will transition to a character name list screen (not shown). The character name list screen displays a list of names, for example, characters A to D, and the names corresponding to each character's evolution stage. The character name list screen may display all character names for all evolution patterns for all characters as selectable, or it may display unselected and unevolved character names as unavailable.

[0066] (Step S302) When the user selects a character name and presses the confirm button 13, the user is taken to a character introduction screen (not shown). The character introduction screen displays an image and description of the character. In this embodiment, when the user presses the right selection button 14 on the introduction screen of a character that has been trained (for example, character AAA with the effect display P shown in Figure 4), the introduction screens of character AAA with different effect displays P (colored aura in this example) are displayed sequentially. This allows the user to see information on different colored versions of the aura of the character that has been trained.

[0067] Pressing the left selection button 15 on the character introduction screen will return you to the character list screen, and pressing the left selection button 15 again will return you to the menu screen sc4.

[0068] (Steps S400, S401) Select "History" on the menu screen sc4 and press the OK button 13 to transition to the history screen (not shown). The history screen displays a list of past sauna activity history information (specifically, the result information shown in Figure 9(e)). Pressing the left selection button 15 on the history screen returns you to the menu screen sc4.

[0069] (Steps S500, S501) Selecting "Settings" on menu screen sc4 and pressing the OK button 13 will transition to a settings screen (not shown). The settings screen displays various settings menus. In this embodiment, the settings screen displays four setting menus: "Date and Time," "Brightness," "Vibration," and "Background," as well as "Initialization," which can be selected.

[0070] (Step S502) Selecting "Date and Time" on the settings screen in Step S501 will take you to the date and time adjustment screen (not shown). Once the adjustment is complete, press the OK button 13 to return to the settings screen, and then press the left selection button 15 to return to the menu screen sc4.

[0071] (Step S503) Selecting "Brightness" on the settings screen in Step S501 will take you to the brightness adjustment screen (not shown) of the display 12. The brightness adjustment may be selectable from, for example, three levels: strong, medium, and weak. Once the adjustment is complete, press the OK button 13 to return to the settings screen, and then press the left select button 15 to return to the menu screen sc4.

[0072] (Step S504) Selecting "Vibration" on the settings screen in Step S501 will take you to the vibration ON / OFF switching screen (not shown). In addition to switching vibration ON / OFF, the vibration intensity may also be adjustable. Once you have finished setting, press the OK button 13 to return to the settings screen, and then press the left selection button 15 to return to the menu screen sc4.

[0073] (Step S505) Selecting "Background" on the settings screen in Step S501 will take you to the background image selection screen (not shown) for home screen sc3. After selecting background image 202, press the OK button 13 to return to the settings screen, and then press the left select button 15 to return to the menu screen sc4.

[0074] (Step S506) If you select "Initialize" on the settings screen in Step S501, you will be taken to an initialization confirmation screen (not shown). The initialization confirmation screen displays selectable text such as "Do you want to initialize? YES / NO". If you select YES, all achievements in the training game will be reset and you will return to the title screen. If you select NO, you will return to the settings screen, and if you press the left selection button 15 again, you will return to the menu screen sc4.

[0075] (Steps S600, S601) In Step S501, selecting "Exit" on the settings screen will turn off the power and end the game.

[0076] Next, with reference to Figure 7, an example of the operation of the sauna game device 10 during sauna activity in the training mode (game display mode) of the embodiment will be described.

[0077] (Step S201) As described above, selecting "Sauna Activity" on the menu screen sc4 (see Figure 6(d)) transitions to the Sauna Activity Home screen sc5 (see Figure 8(a)). In the main display area 200 of the Sauna Activity Home screen sc5 in this embodiment, for example, the image of the character to be trained 201, the background image 202, and the function information 203 of the confirm button 13 are displayed. The display of the sub-display area 300 of the Sauna Activity Home screen sc5 is the same as that of the Home screen sc3 (see Figure 6(c)) described above, so its explanation is omitted.

[0078] (Step S202) When you press the OK button 13 on the sauna activity home screen sc5 (selecting "Start Sauna Activity"), you will be taken to the sauna start screen sc6 (see Figure 8(b)). The main display area 200 of the sauna start screen sc6 displays the character to be trained image 201, background image 202, function information 203 for the OK button 13, as well as elapsed time information 204 and function information 205 for the left selection button 15.

[0079] When a user enters the sauna room and presses the select button 13 (selecting "START") on the sauna start screen sc6, the stopwatch begins counting and the elapsed time information display 204 activates. This starts the timing of the sauna session.

[0080] In this embodiment, during timing operations using the stopwatch function, there is a feature that allows users to return to the previous step in case of accidental button presses. Specifically, pressing the left selection button 15 during timing operations displays the confirmation screen sc7 shown in Figure 8(c), allowing users to return to the previous screen. This "back" operation will be explained later with reference to Figure 12. The explanation of the "back" operation will be omitted below, and the timing operations for one set will be described.

[0081] While the user is taking a sauna bath, the display 12 shows the sauna screen sc8 (see Figure 8(d)). The sauna screen sc8 may also display visual effects 207, such as steam, around the character image 201.

[0082] In the sauna game device 10 of this embodiment, the notification means 160 activates when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of sauna time timing, notifying the user that the predetermined time has passed. In this embodiment, the vibration motor M activates at 5 minutes, 8 minutes, 10 minutes, and 12 minutes after the start of sauna time timing, respectively, to provide notification by vibration. This notification can serve as a guide for the user to end their sauna session.

[0083] (Step S203) When the user leaves the sauna room, they press the OK button 13 on the sauna screen sc8 (selecting "STOP"). This stops the elapsed time information 204 from displaying, and the timing of the sauna bath time ends.

[0084] (Step S204) In this embodiment, upon completion of the sauna bath timing, the system automatically transitions to the cold bath start screen sc9 shown in Figure 9(a). This allows the user to automatically start timing the next cold bath without any additional effort. The cold bath start screen sc9 in this embodiment displays a background image 202 corresponding to the cold bath. Other elements are the same as those on the sauna start screen c5.

[0085] When the user immerses themselves in the cold bath and presses the OK button 13 on the cold bath start screen sc9 (selecting "START"), the stopwatch begins counting and the elapsed time information 204 time display activates. This starts the timer for the cold bath time.

[0086] While the user is immersed in the cold bath, the display 12 shows the cold bath screen sc10 (see Figure 9(b)). The cold bath screen sc10 may also display visual effects 207, such as sparkling lights, around the character image 201.

[0087] (Step S205) When the user gets out of the cold bath, they press the OK button 13 on the cold bath screen sc10 (selecting "STOP"), the elapsed time information 204 stops displaying, and the timing of the cold bath time ends.

[0088] (Step S206) In this embodiment, upon completion of the cold bath time timer, the system automatically transitions to the rest start screen sc11 shown in Figure 9(c). This allows the user to automatically start the timer for the next rest period without any additional effort. The rest start screen sc11 in this embodiment displays a background image 202, such as a reclining chair, indicating the rest area. Other elements are the same as those on the sauna start screen c5.

[0089] When the user moves to the break area and presses the OK button 13 on the break start screen sc11 (selecting "START"), the stopwatch begins counting and the elapsed time information display 204 activates. This starts the timing of the break.

[0090] While the user is resting in the rest area, the display 12 shows a rest screen sc12 (see Figure 9(d)). The rest screen sc12 may also display visual effects 207, such as sparkling lights, around the character image 201.

[0091] (Step S207) When the user wants to end their break, they press the OK button 13 on the break screen sc12 (select "STOP"), which stops the elapsed time information 204 from displaying, and the break time is stopped.

[0092] (Step S208) When the break time is finished, a confirmation screen (not shown) is displayed, for example, containing the text "Do you want to complete this set? YES / NO". If the user selects NO, the break time is restarted. If the user selects YES, the process proceeds to step S209.

[0093] On each screen where the time measurement by the above-described stopwatch is in operation, the character image 201 may be a moving image in addition to a still image. Also, as the evolution stage progresses, the variations in the expressions and movements of the character may increase.

[0094] (Step S209) When the user selects the completion of time setting, the screen transitions to the activity result screen sc13 (see FIG. 9(e)). On the activity result screen sc13, the measurement results of the sauna bath time, the bath time in the hydrotherapy bath, and the rest time are respectively displayed. Also, it may be displayed which measurement set this is for today.

[0095] (Step S210) In the game display mode, when the determination button 13 is pressed on the activity result screen sc13, the screen transitions to the training result screen sc14 (see FIG. 9(f)). On the training result screen sc14, the status of the character to be trained (after the sauna activity time measurement) is displayed.

[0096] On the training result screen sc14, status information 208 including the character image 201 to be trained, an experience value gauge, and text indicating the number of sets required until the next evolution, character parameter information 209, etc. are displayed.

[0097] Here, the character parameter information 209 of the character will be described. In the training game of the embodiment, character parameters are set separately from the parameters for generating the character evolution event. The character parameters in this example are a total of 4 types: "Cool", "Passion", "Beauty", and "Cute".

[0098] The initial values of the character parameters may be different for each character. In the embodiment, these character parameters randomly increase every time one set of the sauna activity time measurement is completed. The character parameters are associated with the color of the aura in the final evolution form of the character, and an aura of the color corresponding to the character parameter with the highest numerical value at the time of training completion is given to the character. The motion of the character may be changed according to the given aura color.

[0099] (Step S211) If you press the confirm button 13 on the training results screen sc14, you will be taken to the sauna activity home screen sc5 if the evolution conditions have not been met (the experience point gauge is not full). If the evolution conditions have been met (the experience point gauge is full), the character evolution event will occur. At this time, if the value of the training-related parameter reaches 12 or 24, you will proceed to step S212, and if the value of the same parameter reaches 36, you will proceed to step S215.

[0100] (Step S212) If 12 sets are achieved, the first evolution event (see Figure 4) occurs. As a result, the evolution animation screen sc15 (see Figure 10(a)) is displayed on display 12. The evolution animation screen sc15 displays the image of the character being trained 210 (character A in this example).

[0101] (Step S213) When the confirm button 13 is pressed on the evolution animation screen sc15, the evolution screen sc16 (see Figure 10(b)) is displayed. The evolution screen sc16 displays the image 210 of the character to be trained in its evolved form (in this example, character AA).

[0102] (Step S214) When you press the confirm button 13 on the evolution screen sc16, the character introduction screen sc17 (see Figure 10(c)) for the evolved character will be displayed. When you press the confirm button 13 on the character introduction screen sc17, you will be taken to the sauna activity home screen sc5.

[0103] If 24 sets are achieved, a second evolution event (see Figure 4) will occur. The screen display for the second evolution event is the same as the first.

[0104] (Step S215) If 36 sets are achieved, a training completion event (see Figure 4) occurs. At this time, the clear screen sc18 (see Figure 10(d)) is displayed on display 12. On the clear screen sc18, the image or video of character AAA with the effect P is displayed as the training target character image 201.

[0105] When the confirm button 13 is pressed on the clear screen sc18, the game normally proceeds to step S216. However, in this embodiment, there is a predetermined probability that a premium effect will occur at this point, and the game proceeds to step S700. The sequence of events after step S700 (Figure 11) will be described later.

[0106] (Step S216) Once the training of one character is complete, the confirmation screen sc19 shown in Figure 10(e) will be displayed. If you select "Continue Sauna Activities" on this confirmation screen, you will be taken to the sauna activity home screen sc5, where you can continue timing your sauna activities. In this case, since a new character to be trained has not been decided, the parameters of the training game will not increase due to timing. If you select "Start New Training" on this confirmation screen, you will be taken to the character selection screen sc2 (see Figure 6(b)), where you can play the game from step S105 shown in Figure 5.

[0107] Here, the sequence of events after the aforementioned premium effect occurs will be explained with reference to Figures 7 and 11.

[0108] (Step S700) As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, when the confirm button 13 is pressed on the clear screen sc18 after the completion of training one character, a premium animation occurs with a predetermined probability (10% in this embodiment), and the premium animation screen sc20 (see Figure 10(f)) is displayed. When a premium animation occurs, it is possible to train a premium character that is different from the characters that can be selected on the character selection screen sc2 (see Figure 6(b)).

[0109] (Step S701) When the decision button 13 is pressed on the premium production screen sc20, a premium character introduction screen (not shown) is displayed. On the premium character introduction screen, an image of the premium character, explanatory text, etc. are displayed.

[0110] (Step S702) When the decision button 13 is pressed on the premium character introduction screen, it transitions to the club activity home screen sc21 (see Fig. 10(g)) where the premium character is displayed as the character image 201 to be trained.

[0111] (Steps S703 to S711) As shown in Fig. 11, the timing flow of the sauna activity is the same as that for ordinary characters, so the explanation is omitted. Note that in the premium character training mode, the character image 201 to be trained on each screen during timing is the image of the premium character.

[0112] (Step S712) The training of the premium character in the embodiment is completed when 12 sets are achieved. When the decision button 13 is pressed on the training result screen (not shown), if the evolution condition is not met, it transitions to the club activity home screen sc21 in Step S702, and if the evolution condition is met, it proceeds to Step S713.

[0113] (Step S713) When the 12-set timing operation is completed, a clear screen (not shown) is displayed. In the embodiment, the form of the premium character itself does not change upon training completion, and a colored aura is added to the background of the premium character. Note that it is not limited to this specification, and it may also be configured such that the premium character evolves with a change in form.

[0114] (S714, S715) The flow after training completion is the same as that for ordinary characters, so the explanation is omitted. Note that when "New Training" is selected, it transitions to the normal character selection screen sc2, and the training of the premium character ends.

[0115] Here, the "Return" operation during each timing operation in the training game will be described with reference to Fig. 10.

[0116] As described above, in the embodiment, when the user presses the OK button 13 on the screen where the stopwatch function is available, the timer can be started or stopped. When the user presses the select button (left select button 15 in the embodiment) on the screen where the stopwatch function is available, the confirmation screen sc7 (see Figure 8(c)) is displayed and the user can return to the previous screen.

[0117] (Step S202-a) For example, when the OK button 13 is pressed on the sauna start screen sc6 (see Figure 8(b)), the timing for the sauna bath starts.

[0118] (Step S202-b) For example, pressing the left selection button 15 on the sauna start screen sc6 (see Figure 8(b)) will transition to the confirmation screen sc7 (see Figure 8(c)).

[0119] (Step S202-c) If you select "YES" on the confirmation screen sc7, you will return to the sauna home screen, and if you select "NO", you will return to the sauna start screen sc6.

[0120] (Step S202-d) Also, if you press the left selection button 15 while timing is being done using the stopwatch function, you will be taken to the confirmation screen sc7 (see Figure 8(c)).

[0121] (Step S202-e) If you select "YES" on the confirmation screen sc7, you will return to the sauna start screen sc6 and be able to restart the timing. If you select "NO", the interrupted timing will be restarted.

[0122] (Steps S202-f to S204) To end the sauna bath, press the OK button 13 while the stopwatch is timing, the timing will stop, and the screen will transition to the cold bath start screen sc9.

[0123] Similarly, when measuring the time spent in the cold bath or resting period, you can also select "Return" (explanation omitted).

[0124] Next, referring to FIG. 13, an example of the operation of the sauna game device 10 in the simple display mode will be described.

[0125] (Step S800) When "Simple Mode" is selected in step S103 shown in FIG. 5, it becomes the simple display mode in which the game production images of the breeding game are not displayed. In the simple display mode of the embodiment, character images, evolution effects, etc. are not displayed on the display 12 during or after the timing of the sauna activity.

[0126] An example of the home screen sc22 in the simple display mode is shown in FIG. 14(a). In the home screen sc22 of the embodiment, only the function information 203 of the determination button 13 is displayed in the main display area 200, and the same display as in the game display mode is made in the sub-display area 300. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and the sub-display area 300 may also be set not to display game elements.

[0127] (Step S801) When the determination button 13 is pressed (select "MENU") on the home screen sc22, the screen transitions to the menu screen. Since the menu screen and subsequent setting screens in the simple display mode are the same as those in the game display mode, the description thereof is omitted.

[0128] (Step S802) When "Sauna Activity" is selected on the menu screen and the determination button 13 is pressed, the screen transitions to the sauna activity home screen sc23 (see FIG. 14(b)) in the simple display mode.

[0129] (Step S803) When the determination button 13 is pressed (select "Start Sauna Activity") on the sauna activity home screen sc23, the screen transitions to the sauna start screen sc24 (see FIG. 14(c)). On the sauna start screen sc24 in the simple display mode, the function information 203 of the determination button 13 and the elapsed time information 204 are displayed. On the sauna start screen sc24, text such as "Sauna" may be displayed so that it can be understood that the sauna bathing time is being measured.

[0130] (Steps S804 to S810) The flow during the time measurement is the same as in the game display mode, so the description is omitted. The basic configuration of each screen during the time measurement is the same as that of the sauna start screen sc24.

[0131] (Step S811) When the measurement of the rest time is completed, a confirmation screen of "Do you want to complete this set? YES / NO" is displayed. If YES is selected, it will transition to the sauna activity result screen sc25 (see Fig. 14(d)). When the decision button 13 is pressed on the sauna activity result screen sc25, it will return to the sauna activity home screen.

[0132] As described above, in the simple display mode, the cultivation result screen sc14 (see Fig. 9(f)) after the set is completed and the evolution effect screen after the evolution condition is achieved are not displayed. Also, the lottery for premium characters is not executed during the simple display mode. However, even when the sauna activity is timed in the simple display mode, the parameters related to the cultivation of the character increase, and the cultivation game can be advanced. As a result, when the game display mode is selected next, the increase amount of the parameters accumulated during the simple display mode is reflected in the game.

[0133] In the embodiment, when the cultivation of one character is completed while the sauna activity is being timed in the simple display mode and the game is cleared for that character, and the simple display mode is also selected at the next startup, the next cultivation target character is randomly selected and the cultivation proceeds. Note that it is also possible to configure such that the parameter increase stops until the user selects a character instead of randomly selecting the next cultivation character.

[0134] If it is configured to have two display modes as described above and the cultivation game can be advanced in any display mode, the convenience of the user is improved.

[0135] The sauna game device 10 of the present invention can contribute to enjoying the sauna activity including a series of sets such as sauna, hydrotherapy, and rest in a fun manner.

[0136] The present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be configured in various ways. For example, it may be configured to include detection means such as a temperature sensor and to reflect data from the external environment in the progress of the game. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0137] 10 Sauna game devices 11 Housing 12 displays 13. Select button 14 Right Select Button 15 Left Select Button M Vibration Motor B Battery 110 Control Unit 111 Timing section 112 Display Control Unit 113 Game Progression Control Unit 114 Settings Management Department 120 Storage section 130 Display section 140 Input section 150 RTC 160 Means of Notification

Claims

1. A housing having waterproofness and heat resistance, A display unit that displays a timekeeping screen on which a stopwatch function can be used, A timekeeping start means for starting timekeeping, a timekeeping end means for ending timekeeping, and a control unit, The timekeeping screen is Includes a time display indicating the elapsed time measured by the stopwatch function, The time display is It is activated by the operation of the timekeeping start means and stopped by the operation of the timekeeping end means, The control unit is A sauna game device that executes a process of growing a character by changing parameters set for the character on the condition that a series of timekeeping operations in which a user measures the elapsed time using the timekeeping start means and the timekeeping end means have been performed a predetermined number of times.

2. The control unit is The sauna game device according to claim 1, further comprising a display control unit that automatically displays a new timekeeping screen until a predetermined number of times is reached when a series of timekeeping operations by the user are performed.

3. The display control unit is A timekeeping screen including a display indicating that it is in a sauna bath, A timekeeping screen including a display indicating that it is in a hot spring bath, A timekeeping screen including a display indicating that it is during a break time are displayed in order according to a series of timekeeping operations by the user, The control unit is The sauna game device according to claim 2, wherein the parameter is increased on the condition that the series of timekeeping operations are performed on these three timekeeping screens.

4. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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