Toy

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a highly entertaining toy. [Solution] A body section 2 has a liquid crystal monitor 22. A cover 4 can be in a first state in which the cover 4 covers at least a part of the body section 2, and in a second state in which at least said part of the body section 2 is exposed. The cover 4 also has a window 42 through which the liquid crystal monitor 22 can be viewed in the first state. A processor 20 performs display control, of the liquid crystal monitor 22, that includes displaying a first character. In the second state, the processor 20 performs display control for displaying a first effect, which is associated with the first character, on the liquid crystal monitor 22. In the first state, the processor 20 performs display control for displaying a second effect, which is associated with the first character and different from the first effect, on the liquid crystal monitor 22.

Description

Toy

[0001] The present invention relates to a toy.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an image display device including: a display unit that displays an image; a first detection unit and a second detection unit that emit light and detect reflected light when the light is reflected by a physical object; and a control unit that controls image display on the display unit according to detection results of the reflected light in each of the first detection unit and the second detection unit, where the first detection unit and the second detection unit are provided at positions where a line segment connecting both detection units crosses a display screen of the display unit.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-241047

[0004] The technology of the present disclosure aims to provide an interesting toy.

[0005] (1) A toy comprising: a main body portion having a display screen; a lid portion that can take a first state covering at least a part of the main body portion and a second state opening at least a part of the main body portion, the lid portion having an opening that makes the display screen visible in the first state; and a control unit that performs display control of the display screen including display of a first character, where the control unit performs display control to display a first effect associated with the first character on the display screen in the second state, and performs display control to display a second effect associated with the first character and different from the first effect on the display screen in the first state.

[0006] (2) The toy according to (1), wherein the first effect is an effect that changes the display of the first character in response to a first operation by the user, and the second effect is an effect that displays a predetermined display related to the first character in response to a second operation by the user.

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

[0008] (4) A toy according to either (2) or (3), wherein the first operation is an operation that changes the parameter associated with the first character, and the second operation is an operation that does not change the parameter.

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

[0010] (6) A toy as described in item (5), wherein the main body has a second operating part which is operated in response to an operation on the first operating part in the first state of the lid, and the second operation is an operation on the second operating part.

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

[0012] (8) A toy according to any one of (2) to (6), wherein the control unit performs control to display the first performance when it receives the first operation from the user while the lid is in the second state.

[0013] (9) The toy described in (8), wherein the control unit performs control to display the first performance when it receives user input while the lid is in the second state and the display screen is not shown.

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

[0015] (11) A toy as described in (10), wherein the control unit controls the display of the third effect based on the fact that the lid is in the first state and the display screen is not shown and the parameters satisfy the predetermined conditions.

[0016] (12) A toy according to (10) or (11), wherein the third performance is a performance that prompts the user to perform an operation on the lid in the second state.

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

[0018] (14) A toy according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein the control unit changes a first parameter associated with the first character in the first performance in accordance with a first operation by the user, and adds a second character to be displayed together with the first character in the display control in accordance with the change in the first parameter.

[0019] (15) The toy described in (14), wherein the control unit adds the second character multiple times in response to a change in the first parameter.

[0020] (16) A toy as described in (14) or (15), wherein the second character is a character associated with the first character.

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

[0022] (18) A toy according to any one of (1) to (17), wherein the control unit generates an encounter event with a third character different from the first character in the first performance in response to user operation, registers the third character, and makes the third character available for display in response to user operation.

[0023] (19) The toy described in (18), wherein the control unit controls the display of a fifth performance in which a plurality of the third characters appear, in response to user operation.

[0024] (20) A toy according to any one of (1) to (19), wherein the lid portion has an appearance that resembles a part of a house, and the opening portion resembles a window portion of the house.

[0025] (21) A toy as described in (20), wherein a part of the lid that mimics the window part covers a part of the display screen in the first state.

[0026] (22) A toy as described in (20) or (21), wherein the first display is a representation showing the first character in his room, and the second display is a representation showing the first character's room as seen from outside the house.

[0027] (23) A toy as described in any one of (1) to (22), wherein the first character is a character selected by the user from among several candidate characters.

[0028] The technology disclosed herein makes it possible to provide highly entertaining toys.

[0029] This is a front view showing one aspect of toy 1. This is a diagram showing the main body 2 and lid 4 that make up toy 1. This is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of toy 1. This is a diagram showing an example of a second performance. This is a diagram showing an example of a first performance. This is a diagram showing an example of a first type of sub-character that is displayed in addition to the main character 61. This is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence between the main character and the first type of sub-character. This is a diagram showing an example of a second type of sub-character that the main character encounters. This is a diagram showing an example of a parade in which the main character and the first type of sub-character appear. This is a diagram showing an example of a parade in which the second type of sub-character appears.

[0030] Hereinafter, a toy, which is one embodiment of the technology of this disclosure, will be described with reference to the figures. Figure 1 is a front view showing one embodiment of toy 1. As shown in Figure 1, toy 1 has an appearance that mimics, for example, a part of a house or a room. Toy 1 can display images of characters, such as animals, on a display screen, and the displayed character can be cared for by the user in response to button operations, etc.

[0031] Toy 1 comprises a door section 41 that mimics a door for a character to enter and exit, and a window section 42 that mimics a window from which the inside of the house can be seen. Toy 1 also comprises a selection button 32, a confirm button 33, and a cancel button 34, which serve as controls for a user to operate when taking care of the character. The window section 42 is an example of the "opening" of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 shows the main body 2 and lid 4 that make up the toy 1. As shown in Figure 2, the toy 1 comprises the main body 2 and the lid 4 which is connected to the main body 2 so as to be openable and closable. The lid 4 is attached to the main body 2, for example, via a hinge 43, and is openable and closable relative to the main body 2. The toy 1 in Figure 2 is in the state where the lid 4 is open relative to the main body 2. In contrast, the toy 1 in Figure 1 is in the state where the lid 4 is closed relative to the main body 2.

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

[0034] The lid portion 4 is provided with a door represented by a door portion 41 and a window represented by a window portion 42. The door portion 41 is provided with a door button 51, which is an example of the "first operating portion" of the present invention. The door button 51 is provided on the back side of the door portion 41 when the lid portion 4 is closed relative to the main body portion 2 (see Figure 1). The door button 51 is mounted so as to protrude slightly from the back side of the door portion 41. The door button 51 is a button that can be operated via the door portion 41 by the user pressing and operating the door portion 41. A curtain 42a is attached to the window portion 42, and in the examples shown in Figures 1 and 2, the curtain 42a is open so that the inside of the house is visible from the outside.

[0035] The main body 2 includes a liquid crystal monitor 22, a lid detection switch 25, a main body button 31, a selection button 32, a confirmation button 33, and a cancel button 34. The liquid crystal monitor 22 displays, for example, a character animation image. The liquid crystal monitor 22 is positioned to correspond to the window 42 of the lid 4, and can be viewed from the outside through the window 42 of the lid 4 even when the lid 4 is closed. Furthermore, when the lid 4 is closed, a portion of the liquid crystal monitor 22 is covered by the curtain 42a of the lid 4.

[0036] The display image is also shown on the portion of the liquid crystal monitor 22 that is covered by the curtain 42a or the like. Therefore, when looking into the window section 42 from the outside in the left, right, up, or down directions, it is possible to see the portion of the liquid crystal monitor 22 that is covered by the curtain 42a or the like, allowing one to peek into the entire room. Furniture may be placed in the room, and by looking into the entire room, furniture placed in the corners of the room (the edges of the liquid crystal monitor 22) can also be seen. Furthermore, the bottom surface of the toy 1 is flat when viewed from the front of the liquid crystal monitor 22. Therefore, the toy 1 can be easily placed on a surface such as a desk. The liquid crystal monitor 22 is an example of the "display screen" of the present invention.

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

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

[0039] The selection button 32 is a button that allows you to select any menu from among several menus. The confirmation button 33 is a button that allows you to switch to the mode of the menu selected by the selection button 32. The cancel button 34 is a button that allows you to deselect a menu if one is selected.

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

[0041] The LCD monitor 22 displays, for example, a performance image of a predetermined character, according to the control of the processor 20. The speaker 23 outputs, for example, sound effects corresponding to the character's performance and sound effects corresponding to the user's button operation, according to the control of the processor 20.

[0042] The pressing buttons 24 include a main body button 31, a selection button 32, a determination button 33, and a cancel button 34. The pressing buttons 24 transmit the pressing signals of the buttons that have been pressed to the processor 20. The lid detection switch 25 transmits a lid detection signal indicating the open / closed state of the lid portion 4 with respect to the main body portion 2 to the processor 20.

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

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

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

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

[0047] Also, for example, the first effect is an effect in which the main character reacts according to the first operation, and the second effect is an effect in which the main character does not react according to the second operation. Also, for example, the first effect is a display indicating that the main character is in his / her room, and the second effect is a display indicating, for example, the state of viewing the main character's room from the outside of the house.$

[0048] Also, for example, the first effect is an effect in which care icons (for example, items 91a to 91j shown in FIG. 5) are displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 22, and the second effect is an effect in which the care icons are not displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 22. When the care icons are displayed, some of the furniture and the like arranged in the room are not displayed by the care icons, so in the second effect where the care icons are not displayed, the design of the room including the furniture and the like is more visible.$

[0049] Furthermore, both the first and second presentations display both the main character and the room in which that main character resides, allowing viewers to enjoy watching the main character, who is the object of care, spend their time in the room through both the first and second presentations.

[0050] "User operation" refers to care operations, such as taking care of the main character. Care operations include, for example, "petting" the main character, "feeding" the main character, "cleaning" the room where the main character lives, "bathing" the main character, and "going out" with the main character. The user performs these operations by operating, for example, the push buttons (select button 32, confirm button 33, cancel button 34) provided on the main unit 2. "Main character reaction effects" refer to interactive effects between the user and the main character. "Main character non-reaction effects" refer to non-interactive effects between the user and the main character.

[0051] "Main character reactions" include, for example, reactions where the main character is happy, reactions that change the main character's appearance, and reactions that output the main character's voice. "Predetermined displays" refer to displays selected from pre-set options, such as the main character's dance animation, the main character's pop-out animation, and animations specific to each character appearing. Multiple candidate main characters are available for the user to care for. The user can select the main character to care for during gameplay from among the candidate characters.

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

[0053] "Parameters" include, for example, the "friendship level" between the user and the main character, the main character's "satiety level," and the main character's "mood level." "Friendship level," "satiety level," and "mood level" increase as the user's care for the main character increases. "Satiety level" and "mood level" also change over time. "Satiety level" and "mood level" decrease the longer the user neglects the main character.

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

[0055] The processor 20 performs display control to display the first effect when the lid 4 changes from a closed state to an open state. The processor 20 performs display control to display the first effect when it receives a first operation from the user while the lid 4 is in the open state. The processor 20 performs display control to display the first effect when it receives a user operation while the lid 4 is in the open state and the liquid crystal monitor 22 is in a non-display state. "Non-display state" refers to, for example, a sleep state. The non-display state may also be a state where a uniform image is displayed, for example, a completely black image is displayed.

[0056] The processor 20 performs display control to display a third animation, which is different from the first and second animations, when parameters associated with the main character meet predetermined conditions. For example, the processor 20 performs display control for the third animation when the main character's "hunger level" or "mood level" drops to "0 (zero)". The "third animation" is, for example, a calling animation in which the main character calls the user to inform the user that the main character's hunger level has become zero.

[0057] The processor 20 performs display control to display a third effect when the lid 4 is closed, the liquid crystal monitor 22 is not displayed, and the parameters associated with the main character meet predetermined conditions. The third effect is an effect that prompts the user to perform operations with the lid 4 open. For example, the processor 20 performs an effect that prompts the user to open the lid 4 and operate the buttons on the main unit 2 (select button 32, confirm button 33, cancel button 34).

[0058] The processor 20 performs display control to show the third effect, provided that it is within a predetermined time period. An example of a "predetermined time period" is the time from 7:00 to 20:59. The time from 21:00 to 6:59 is set as the main character's sleep period. The processor 20 performs the third effect during the time from 7:00 to 20:59 when the main character is awake.

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

[0060] The processor 20 controls the display to show a fourth scene featuring the main character and a predetermined number of sub-characters of the first type, provided that a predetermined number of sub-characters of the first type have been added. When all (the predetermined number) of sub-characters of the first type have gathered, a lottery is held, and if the lottery result is a win, for example, a tea party (fourth scene) is held. The probability of winning the lottery may vary depending on parameters such as the main character's mood level (1 to 16), which can motivate the player to perform the first operation of changing the parameters associated with the main character. As an example of different probabilities depending on the parameters, the probability of winning the lottery can be set to 5% when the mood level is between 1 and 12, and to 10% when the mood level is between 13 and 16.

[0061] In the first scene, the processor 20 generates an encounter event in response to user input, giving the main character a chance to meet a sub-character of the second type. The processor 20 registers the character encountered in the encounter event as a sub-character of the second type in a correspondence table (see, for example, Figure 7).

[0062] The processor 20 can display the second type of sub-character encountered in the encounter event on the LCD monitor 22 in response to user operations. The encounter with the second type of sub-character in the encounter event will be described later in Figure 8. The processor 20 also performs display control to display a fifth performance in which the second type of sub-character appears in response to user operations. The fifth performance may be a performance in which multiple second type sub-characters appear, provided that multiple second type sub-characters are registered. The fifth performance is, for example, a parade event. The processor 20 also performs display control to display a fifth performance in which the main character and the first type of sub-character appear in response to user operations. The parade event will be described later in Figures 9 and 10.

[0063] Figure 4 shows an example of the second effect. As shown in Figure 4, the second effect is performed when the lid 4 is closed. The second effect is an effect in which an image representing, for example, the inside of a house is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 22 through the window 42. The second effect is an effect that is displayed when the door 41 is pushed while the lid 4 is closed, and the main body button 31 is pressed via the door button 51 on the door 41.

[0064] For example, when the door section 41 is pressed while the lid section 4 is closed, a chime sound (ding-dong) is emitted, and an image of the main character 61 is displayed through the window section 42, as shown in Figure 4. The main character 61 displayed is the main character that the user is currently taking care of. The displayed image shows the main character 61's current state. In this example, the image shows the main character 61 looking out the window section 42. For example, if the main character 61 is napping, the image of them napping will be displayed. The displayed image may also show a sub-character of the first type of friend along with the main character 61. Note that the chime sound will not be emitted if the door section 41 is pressed again while the second performance is being displayed. Also, when the lid section 4 is closed and the second performance is in progress, the operation of the selection button 32, confirm button 33, and cancel button 34 on the main unit 2 is disabled. In other words, it is not possible to take care of the main character 61 during the second performance, and parameters (friendship level, satisfaction level, mood level) cannot be changed.

[0065] <Other effects when the lid 4 is closed> If the lid 4 is closed while some screen (for example, a care screen) is displayed on the LCD monitor 22 with the lid 4 open, the displayed care screen will fade out and become a uniform (black screen). Then, an image representing the inside of the house, such as Figure 4, will fade in, and the device will soon enter sleep mode. Also, if the lid 4 is closed while the lid 4 is open and in sleep mode, the device will maintain sleep mode. When the lid 4 is closed, the door unit 41 becomes ready to be operated, and when the door unit 41 is pressed, a chime sound will be heard and the second effect will be displayed as described above.

[0066] <Transition to sleep mode and recovery from sleep mode> For example, if no operation is performed on toy 1 for, say, 60 seconds, it will enter sleep mode. Also, when the second performance ends, it will enter sleep mode. Furthermore, if the lid 4 is open and the confirmation button 33 is pressed and held for, say, about 1 second, it will enter sleep mode.

[0067] If the lid 4 is closed and the device is in sleep mode, a short press of the door button 51 will wake it from sleep mode (second effect). If the lid 4 is open and the device is in sleep mode, a long press of, for example, 1 second of the confirm button 33 will wake it from sleep mode (first effect). If the lid 4 is closed and the device is in sleep mode, opening the lid 4 will wake it from sleep mode. If the lid 4 is closed and the device is in sleep mode, a call from the main character 61 will wake it from sleep mode.

[0068] <Call Occurrence (Third Stage)> When the satiety or mood level of main character 61 drops to "0 (zero)", a call will be issued from main character 61 to the user. The status check of main character 61's parameters (satiety, mood) is performed, for example, every two hours. When the parameters (satiety, mood) become zero, the call occurrence flag is turned "on".

[0069] When the lid 4 is closed, if a call is made by the main character 61, the call animation (third animation) on the LCD monitor 22 begins. First, when a call is made, a call sound is output from the speaker 23. Then, the main character 61 with a sulky expression is displayed in the window 42, and an animation is performed prompting the user to open the lid 4 and take care of the main character 61. Taking care of the main character means, for example, feeding them meals or snacks, or giving them accessories or clothes as gifts. When both the satisfaction level and mood level of the main character 61 rise to 1 or higher after taking care of them, the call flag is "cleared". Note that calls from the main character 61 occur during the time when the main character 61 is awake, from 7:00 to 20:59.

[0070] Figure 5 shows an example of the first performance. As shown in Figure 5, the first performance is performed with the lid 4 open. The first performance is a performance in which an image representing the main character 61 in the room is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 22. The first performance is a performance that is displayed by taking care of the main character 61 by operating the select button 32, confirm button 33, and cancel button 34 with the lid 4 open.

[0071] For example, when the lid 4 is opened, the main character 61 currently being cared for is displayed on the LCD monitor 22. The LCD monitor 22 also displays multiple menu items (for example, items 91a to 91j). These items include, for example, "Parameters," "Pet," "Feed," "Cleaning," "Bath," "Game Center," "Go Out," "Treasures," "Move In," and "Settings."

[0072] When the selection button 32 is pressed, item 91a (for example, "Parameters") is selected. Each time the selection button 32 is pressed, the selection moves in the order of item 91a, item 91b, item 91c, ..., item 91j, item 91a. After selecting an item with the selection button 32, pressing the confirm button 33 switches to the mode of the selected item. For example, if you select "Parameters" and press the confirm button 33, you will switch to the parameter display screen mode and be able to check the "Satisfaction Level" and "Mood Level" of the main character 61.

[0073] Additionally, selecting options such as "petting," "feeding," "cleaning," and "bathing" and then pressing the confirm button 33 will switch to the corresponding care screen mode. When switching to the "feeding" mode, the main character 61's "satisfaction level" increases each time. When switching to the "petting," "feeding," "cleaning," and "bathing" modes, the main character 61's "mood level" increases each time.

[0074] If no operation is performed for 10 seconds while an item is selected, the selection will be canceled. Also, if the cancel button 34 is pressed while an item is selected, the selection will be canceled. When returning from any mode, the item from the previously selected mode will remain selected. If the selection is canceled, pressing the select button 32 again will select the default item 91a "Parameter".

[0075] Furthermore, if the lid 4 is opened while it is closed and in sleep mode, the device will wake up from sleep mode and an image representing the main character 61 of the room (Figure 5) will fade in onto the LCD monitor 22. Also, if the lid 4 is opened while any screen (for example, a screen showing the inside of a house) is displayed with the lid 4 closed, the currently displayed screen will fade out to a uniform (black) screen. After that, an image representing the main character 61 of the room (Figure 5) will fade in. Also, if the device is in sleep mode with the lid 4 open, pressing and holding the select button 33 for, for example, about 1 second will wake it up from sleep mode and an image representing the main character 61 of the room (Figure 5) will fade in. The device will then be ready to be cared for when the display screen shown in Figure 5 appears.

[0076] Figure 6 shows an example of a first-type sub-character that is displayed in addition to the main character 61. The first-type sub-character is a character that is displayed in response to the user's caregiving actions towards the main character 61. As the user's caregiving actions increase the friendship level between the user and the main character 61, the first-type sub-character is displayed when the friendship level exceeds a threshold.

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

[0078] When the main character 61 is cared for and all of the first-type sub-characters associated with the main character 61 are displayed, a tea party scene (fourth scene) involving all of the first-type sub-characters becomes available. The tea party is held after a lottery is held, and the winner of the lottery is the one who wins. However, the tea party may be held automatically without a lottery once all of the first-type sub-characters are displayed.

[0079] Figure 7 shows an example of the correspondence between the main character and the first type of sub-character. As shown in Figure 7, the correspondence between the main character 60 and the first type of sub-character 70 is stored in the correspondence table 100. The main character 60 has multiple candidate characters, such as character A, character B, ... Character A and character B are each associated with multiple types of the first type of sub-character 70.

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

[0081] Figure 8 shows an example of a second-type sub-character that the main character has encountered. When "Go Out" is selected from the menu items, the main character 61 can encounter other new characters at the place they have gone out to (for example, a park). Then, it is possible to make a character that the main character has become friends with from among the other characters that they have encountered into a second-type sub-character. As shown in Figure 8, the second-type sub-characters 81 that the main character 61 has encountered can be displayed on the LCD monitor 22. For example, if the "Show Encountered Friends" item is selected, the second-type sub-characters that have been encountered can be displayed on the LCD monitor 22.

[0082] Figure 9 shows an example of a parade featuring the main character and the first type of sub-characters. After "Go Out" is selected from the menu items, for example, "Dreamland" is selected as the destination, and then "Parade" is selected as the area to visit, the character parade performance (fifth performance) is displayed on the LCD monitor 22. The parade performance is, for example, as shown in Figure 9, a parade performance in which the main character 61 and the first type of sub-characters 71 to the third type of sub-characters 73 appear together in a vehicle.

[0083] Figure 10 shows an example of a parade featuring a sub-character of the second type. When the "Go Out" item described in Figure 9 is selected, and for example "Parade" is selected as the area to visit, the parade performance (fifth performance) of the sub-character of the second type is displayed on the LCD monitor 22. In this parade performance, for example, as shown in Figure 10, the sub-character of the second type 81 appears riding in a car.

[0084] <Other Effects> If "Move In" is selected from the menu items, the moving effect will be displayed on the LCD monitor 22. When "Move In" is selected, the reserve main characters other than the main character currently being cared for will be displayed. When the next main character to be cared for is selected from among them, the selected main character will be displayed in the room and the moving effect will begin. If the main character is changed, the first type of sub-character that appears in the effect will also be changed to the first type of sub-character associated with the changed main character (see Figure 7).

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

[0086] Furthermore, according to this embodiment of toy 1, by continuing to perform care operations on the main character 61, the first type of sub-characters (first type of sub-character 71, second type of sub-character 72, etc.) can be made to appear in the main character 61's room as a reward, and a scene of them all having fun together can be displayed. In addition, once all the first type of sub-characters associated with the main character 61 have gathered, a tea party scene (fourth scene) in which the main character 61 and the first type of sub-characters participate can be displayed as another reward. This further enhances the user's interest in toy 1.

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

[0088] Furthermore, according to the toy 1 of this embodiment, when the satiety level or mood level of the main character 61 being cared for by the user drops to "0 (zero)", a third effect can be displayed that prompts the user to receive a call from the main character 61 and take care of the character. This can, for example, remind a user who has forgotten to take care of the main character 61 of the character 61. As a result, the user's interest in the toy 1 is increased.

[0089] Furthermore, according to the toy 1 of this embodiment, in the first performance in which the main character 61 is cared for, it is possible to display a performance in which the main character 61 can encounter a second type of sub-character 81 when it goes out, or a parade performance (fifth performance) in which the first type of sub-character and the second type of sub-character appear. This enables a variety of user operations in the care operation and can further enhance the user's interest in the toy 1.

[0090] 1 Toy 2 Main body 4 Lid 20 Processor 21 Memory 22 LCD monitor 23 Speaker 24 Push button 25 Lid detection switch 26 Bus 31 Main body button 32 Select button 33 Confirm button 34 Cancel button 41 Door 42 Window 42a Curtain 43 Hinge 51 Door button 60, 61 Main character 70-73, 81 Sub-character 91a-91j Item 100 Corresponding table

Claims

1. A toy comprising: a main body having a display screen; a lid capable of taking a first state in which at least a part of the main body is covered and a second state in which at least a part is left open, and having an opening that allows the display screen to be viewed in the first state; and a control unit that performs display control of the display screen including the display of a first character, wherein the control unit performs display control to display a first performance associated with the first character on the display screen in the second state, and performs display control to display a second performance associated with the first character and different from the first performance on the display screen in the first state.

2. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the first performance is a performance that changes the display of the first character in response to a first operation by the user, and the second performance is a performance that displays a predetermined display related to the first character in response to a second operation by the user.

3. The toy according to claim 2, wherein the first operation is a care operation of the first character, and the second operation is an operation on the first character that is different from the care operation.

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

5. The toy according to claim 2, wherein the lid portion has a first operating portion that enables the second operation by the user.

6. The toy according to claim 5, wherein the main body has a second operating part which is operated in response to an operation on the first operating part in the first state of the lid, and the second operation is an operation on the second operating part.

7. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs control to display the first performance when the lid changes from a first state to a second state.

8. The toy according to claim 2, wherein the control unit performs control to display the first performance when it receives the first operation from the user while the lid is in the second state.

9. The toy according to claim 8, wherein the control unit performs control to display the first performance when it receives user input while the lid is in the second state and the display screen is not displayed.

10. A toy according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs control to display a third performance different from the first and second performances based on the fact that the parameters associated with the first character satisfy predetermined conditions.

11. A toy according to claim 10, wherein the control unit performs control to display the third performance based on the fact that the lid is in the first state, the display screen is not displayed, and the parameters satisfy the predetermined conditions.

12. The toy according to claim 10, wherein the third performance is a performance that prompts the user to perform an operation on the lid in the second state.

13. The toy according to claim 10, wherein the control unit performs the display control of the third performance on the condition that it is within a predetermined time period.

14. A toy according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes a first parameter associated with the first character in the first performance in response to a first operation by the user, and adds a second character to be displayed together with the first character in the display control in response to the change in the first parameter.

15. The toy according to claim 14, wherein the control unit adds the second character multiple times in response to a change in the first parameter.

16. The toy according to claim 14, wherein the second character is a character associated with the first character.

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

18. A toy according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, in the first performance, generates an encounter event with a third character different from the first character in response to user operation, registers the third character, and makes the third character available for display in response to user operation.

19. The toy according to claim 18, wherein the control unit controls the display of a fifth performance in which a plurality of the third characters appear, in response to user operation.

20. A toy according to claim 1, wherein the lid portion has an appearance that resembles a part of a house, and the opening portion resembles a window portion of the house.

21. A toy according to claim 20, wherein a part of the lid that mimics the window part covers a part of the display screen in the first state.

22. A toy according to claim 20, wherein the first display is a display showing the state in which the first character is in the first character's room, and the second display is a display showing the state in which the first character's room is viewed from outside the house.

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

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