WO2004020061A1

WO2004020061A1 - Game apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2004020061A1
Application number: PCT/JP2002/008667
Authority: WO
Inventors: Noriaki Yamazaki; Makoto Ohara; Hirohito Kirikoshi; Yoshiyuki Endo; Hiroko Tsuruoka; Kenji Sato; Wakana Yamana
Original assignee: Sega Toys, Ltd.
Priority date: 2002-08-28
Filing date: 2002-08-28
Publication date: 2004-03-11
Also published as: JPWO2004020061A1

Abstract

Programs can be exchanged easily and an electronic picture book can be provided at a reasonable cost. A software medium includes a printing medium where a picture and characters are printed, a base plate holding the printing medium, and a cartridge having a built-in memory medium storing video output data and audio output data at the address corresponding to the two-dimensional position information on the printing medium. The software medium is mounted on an information processing apparatus which detects a position specified by a user operation on the printing medium and outputs information corresponding to the picture and characters specified by the user operation at the address corresponding to the position. The software medium includes a holder portion (12e) for sewing sheets printed or hand-written by a user in such a manner that the sheets can be flipped and a base plate (12i) holding the holder portion and capable of being mounted on a predetermined position of the information processing apparatus. Accordingly, the sheets can easily be replaced.

Description

Specification

Game device technical field

The present invention relates to an electronic picture book device and the like for inputting instruction information by operating a touch pen or the like on a sheet on which pictures and characters are printed. Background art

Conventionally, by operating a desired portion on a sheet of paper or the like on which a picture or a character is printed with a touch pen, a video or sound corresponding to the picture or the letter designated by the operation is output to a monitor such as a television. An electronic picture book device configured as described above (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-137864) is known. The information corresponding to the position specified on the picture book is output by setting the picture book and the ROM corresponding to the picture book in the electronic picture book apparatus. This will make games and learning fun. Such an electronic picture book device is easy to operate and can be played by infants. Since the picture book and the corresponding ROM are detachable, you can enjoy various software by preparing various picture book ROM software.

However, if you want to use a new game program or learning program that is different from the picture book on hand, you can use a picture book and ROM, or a picture book and ROM integrated cartridge. Or cassette) must be purchased separately.

In addition, the program is limited by the size of the ROM, making it difficult to use large games and databases.

In addition, the electronic picture book device is suitable for single play because it uses a touch pen or the like alone, but no particular consideration is given to playing with multiple people at the same time.

In addition, such an electronic picture book device is particularly suitable for infants, but it is necessary to secure manners when infants can play with each other through the electronic picture book device. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive electronic picture book device in which programs and the like can be easily exchanged.

Another object of the present invention is to make it possible to access a virtual space with an electronic picture book device.

It is another object of the present invention to enable various games to be enjoyed and explored in a virtual space using an electronic picture book device.

Another object of the present invention is to make it easier for infants to play in a virtual space by using picture books as communication means.

The above and other objects and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings. Disclosure of the invention

In order to achieve the above object, a software medium of the present invention includes a print medium on which a picture or a character is printed, a base plate for holding the print medium, and an image output using an address corresponding to two-dimensional position information on the print medium. A software medium consisting of a cartridge in which a storage medium storing data for data output and audio output is installed is installed, the position specified by the user operation on the print medium is detected, and the position corresponding to the position is detected. A software medium that is used by being attached to an information processing device that outputs information corresponding to a picture or a character designated by the above-mentioned operation by the above-mentioned user operation. A display unit configured to hold the holder unit so as to be capable of being attached to the information processing apparatus and to be mounted at a predetermined position of the information processing apparatus. Includes a door, a.

With this configuration, a sheet created by obtaining data related to pictures and characters from a server on a network using a means such as downloading and printing it on a medium such as paper, or a sheet created by handwriting It is possible to obtain the same result as purchasing a picture book (printed book) by binding the book with a folder. By configuring an electronic picture book device using an information processing device using such a software medium, it becomes possible to realize an electronic picture book device capable of easily and inexpensively exchanging programs and the like. Also, the required system You can set the number of pages, you can correspond to the picture book page.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a container made of a transparent member for accommodating a sheet printed or handwritten by the user, and configured to be bound by the holder part turning function. As a result, it is possible to protect the sheet created by printing or the like and to prevent the sheet from being stained or damaged.

Preferably, the holder portion is detachably held on the base plate. As a result, it becomes possible to easily attach the container for accommodating the sheets to the holder portion, exchange the picture book with the holder portion, and share a relatively expensive base plate.

Preferably, the software medium is configured to be able to write and store at least one of information related to a picture or a character printed or handwritten by a user and a control program using the coordinate position on the sheet surface as an address. And a non-volatile memory.

With this configuration, it becomes possible to collect picture books and related electronic information on one software medium, and management becomes easy. It is also possible to update the contents of an electronic picture book or to change the contents of another electronic picture book.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a cartridge configured to be integral with the base plate and containing the nonvolatile memory.

Preferably, an interface for connecting to a personal computer is built in the cartridge. As a result, the software medium can be used as an input device for inputting various instructions to a personal computer, and the range of use of the software medium can be expanded.

Preferably, the interface is a USB connection interface. This enables communication between devices simply by connecting the connection cord to the USB port.

Preferably, the container is provided with a fall prevention means for preventing a sheet printed or handwritten by the stored user from falling. The fall prevention means can be formed, for example, by welding a part of the edge of the container or turning back the edge. Further, the information processing apparatus of the present invention includes a holder portion for binding a sheet printed or handwritten by a user in a turnable manner, and a base plate configured to hold the holder portion and to be attached to a predetermined position of the information processing device. And a non-volatile memory configured to be able to write and store information related to a picture or character handwritten or printed by a user using the coordinate information on the sheet surface as an address. It is configured to detect the position designated by the above user operation, and output information corresponding to the designated position on the sheet using the detected position information as an address.

In addition, if such an information processing device is used as an input device of a game device, even an infant can easily interact with a computer, play a game, and communicate with each other.

Further, the information processing apparatus of the present invention may include a plurality of sheets on which pictures and characters stitched so as to be turned over are recorded and coordinate information on the sheet surface as an address and information related to the pictures and characters and / or Alternatively, a software medium including a cartridge accommodating storage means for storing a program is mounted, and an opened page and a position of the opened page instructed by a user on a sheet are detected. An information processing apparatus configured to output information and / or a program relating to the picture or character corresponding to the designated position, using the information of the designated position and the opened page information as an address, wherein the software The medium also has an interface for connecting to an external information processing device (external information processing device), and a plurality of sheets that can be detachably bound. And a storage medium that can be written and stored, and stores information and / or a program related to the picture or character relating to the designated position and the designated page in the external information processing. The information processing device is configured to output the information to the device and to make the information processing device function as an input device of the external information processing device. And / or download the program, print the pictures and characters on the sheet from the downloaded information, attach the sheet to the holder, and then use the downloaded information to obtain the information and / or program related to the pictures and characters. Using the position information on the sheet and the page information on the sheet surface as an address. It is configured to record on the above-mentioned storage medium via a storage medium.

With this configuration, it becomes possible to use an information processing device that operates like an electronic picture book device alone as an instruction input device of a higher-performance external information processing device. In addition, the functions can be improved by exchanging cartridges or storing programs and the like fetched from an external information processing device in a storage medium. In addition, by using an external information processing device, it becomes possible to obtain a program or the like from a server on a network without providing the information processing device with a network communication function. Therefore, the configuration of the information processing device can be simplified. Furthermore, a new sheet can be created based on information downloaded from a server on the Internet, so that it is easy to obtain a new sheet.

Preferably, the storage medium capable of writing, storing and holding is constituted by a nonvolatile memory. Thereby, it is possible to hold information corresponding to the instruction on the print medium. Also, the game device of the present invention is a game device for developing a game by arranging a character in a virtual space. Means for determining a distance from an instruction input position; a character for moving the character to a location corresponding to the instruction input position in the virtual space; and determining an action when the character is moved based on the distance. And control means.

With this configuration, it is possible to set different actions such as walking and running for the character in accordance with the distance to the designated position when the character moves. Preferably, the position input means is a tablet and a touch pen, and the reference position is a center position of the tablet.

With this configuration, the position where the character should move can be easily indicated, and if the reference position is the center position of the tablet, the virtual character is positioned so that the position of the self-character is located at the center of the screen. Since it corresponds to setting the viewpoint of the camera, it is easy to instruct the movement of the self-character.

In addition, the game device of the present invention connects a plurality of game devices to a server device via a network, distributes data to each game device via the server device, A game device connected to a game system in which a common virtual space is formed for each game device and a character controlled by a player of each game device is arranged in the virtual space to develop a game, A game space forming means for receiving the distribution of data from the server device to form the common virtual space, arrange the characters, and develop a game, generate an instruction input in response to a pen operation, and generate a handwritten picture or Instruction input means capable of inputting characters, means for storing input handwritten pictures and characters, and self-character control for controlling a self-character under self control of the virtual space in accordance with the instruction input And transmitting means for transmitting the picture or character to the server device together with the information for specifying the self-character.

With such a configuration, it is possible to distribute the own character and the handwritten picture or character to each virtual space of a plurality of game devices connected to the network.

Preferably, the server device distributes the picture or character and the information specifying the self character to each game device to update the common virtual space.

With this configuration, it becomes possible for the server device to distribute the picture or character corresponding to the game device sharing the virtual space and the information for identifying the self-character, and to advance the game of each game device. .

Preferably, the pictures and characters are for communication between characters, and the information for specifying the self-character includes position information in a virtual space.

With such a configuration, the arrangement position of the character of each player in the virtual space is determined.

Preferably, the game space forming means includes the image or the character on or around the head of a character under the control of another player based on information specifying the picture, the character, and the character transmitted from another game device. Display characters.

With this configuration, a message from the other player can be displayed near a character controlled by another player on the monitor of the game device of the player.

Preferably, the display is a balloon display in the vicinity of the character. This makes it easy to determine from which character the message came. Preferably, the instruction input is performed by touch input on a picture book.

Preferably, the server device or the game device includes a filter unit that blocks transmission of a specific picture or a specific character stored in advance as a transmission prohibition target.

With such a configuration, it is possible to remove undesirable words and pictures, for example, discriminatory words and pictures, obscene words and pictures, and the like. It is convenient for communication check between infants.

Preferably, when a specific picture or a specific character stored in advance as a transmission prohibition target is transmitted, the server apparatus or the game apparatus replaces the picture or the character with a predetermined expression and transmits the same. Filter means.

With such a configuration, undesired words and pictures, for example, discriminatory words and pictures, obscene words and pictures, etc. are removed, and the corresponding parts are replaced with “***” or “XXX”.

Preferably, the server device distributes characters and pictures sent from one game device only to a specific game device.

This makes it possible to implement confidential communication between one-to-one and one-to-many specific speakers.

Preferably, the server device converts a character sent from one game device into voice data and distributes the data to another game device.

With this configuration, it is possible for an infant who is not yet familiar with characters to know the contents of an e-mail (message).

Preferably, when the character sent from one game device includes a character whose transmission is to be prohibited, the server device converts the character to voice and converts the prohibited character portion into a specific sound. Replace and distribute to other game devices.

By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to transmit a voice message in which a forbidden term portion includes a “beep” sound or the like.

In addition, the mail exchange method of the present invention is a method for exchanging e-mail using text data or picture data between characters that are arranged in a virtual space and controlled by a player. In the mail exchange method to be performed, the address of the electronic mail is obtained by exchanging identification information between the characters in the virtual space, and each character stores the obtained identification information to form an address book. However, each character can transmit an e-mail when its own identification information is described in the address book of the character of the transmission destination.

With this configuration, it is possible to collect friend character addresses without having to input a mail address or the like.

Preferably, the exchange of the identification information is performed by exchanging business cards between the characters. Thereby, business card collection can be enjoyed in the sense of collecting cards.

Further, the mail exchange method of the present invention is a mail exchange method for exchanging e-mails using text data or picture data between characters controlled by a player arranged in a virtual space. The address is obtained by exchanging identification information between the characters in the virtual space, each character stores the obtained identification information to form an address book, and each character is an address of a character of a transmission partner. When the user's identification information is described in the book, an inquiry is made as to whether or not to send an e-mail. If there is no response to the inquiry, a rejection of the reception is returned to the originating character.

With this configuration, it is possible to simulate a busy state or a state of being away from home, so that the game can be enjoyed.

Preferably, an audio file is attached to the text data, and the text data is synthesized and output.

As a result, voice mail can be sent.

In addition, the game device of the present invention includes: a feature extraction unit that extracts a feature of the input handwritten picture; a determination unit that determines an input picture based on the feature; And game development determining means for determining a game development to be executed.

By adopting such a configuration, a game based on a handwritten picture becomes possible, and it becomes possible to increase the interest of a child in drawing.

In addition, the game device of the present invention stores the characteristics of the handwritten picture in a database and stores them. Storage means, a feature extracting means for extracting features of the input handwritten picture, and a comparing means for comparing the features of the input handwritten picture with the features of the handwritten picture stored in the database. Game development determining means for determining the next game development in accordance with the degree of the feature difference.

With this configuration, the game can be developed based on the difference between the handwritten picture and the reference picture. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of a configuration of a game system (game device) using an electronic picture book device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control system of the electronic picture book device and the personal computer.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of functions formed on a personal computer by software.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of the entire network of the game system. FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating an electronic picture book cartridge provided with an external connection interface.

FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating the cartridge in a state where the pages of the electronic picture book are opened.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a holder portion of an improved cartridge in which a printed page can be inserted into a sheet.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the cartridge for explaining the assembly of the holder.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the cartridge for explaining the assembly of the holder.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the cartridge for explaining the assembly of the holder.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating mounting of a sheet on a transparent sheet-shaped storage member. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of use of the improved cartridge. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the cover of the electronic picture book.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a character input page of an electronic picture book.

Fig. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the "Greetings and pages" of the electronic picture book. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the “page of drawing” of the electronic picture book.

Figure 17 is a map explaining the outline of “ABC Town”.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating a partial area of “ABC town”.

FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram illustrating a system that allows a plurality of players connected to a network to play together in a virtual game space.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of conversation (chat) between characters in a part of the “ABC tower area” of the “ABC town”.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram for explaining character movement by an instruction operation.

FIG. 22 is a functional block diagram illustrating a system that enables interaction between PC characters in a virtual game space.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a chat-in cover for inputting characters. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a picture input window for inputting a handwritten picture. FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a chat character is displayed above the head of the character. FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a chat using pictograms.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a business card exchanged between characters.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a window displayed while using a mobile phone.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the “Manpuke” window.

FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the “Osaifu” window.

FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the “manpaku ichita” window.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating the outline of the drawing game.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating the storage of a handwritten picture.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating the determination of a handwritten input picture.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating an example in which a game development to be performed next is determined based on the determination result of a picture input by handwriting.

FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the handwriting input window.

FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the handwriting input window.

FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the handwriting input window.

FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the handwriting input window. FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the handwriting input window.

FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the handwriting input window.

FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the handwriting input window.

FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram illustrating character movement by an instruction operation. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of the configuration of a game system (game device) 1 using an electronic picture book device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control system of these devices.

In FIG. 1, 10 is an electronic picture book device, 20 is a keyboard, 30 is a personal computer (personal computer), and 40 is a monitor of the personal computer. Although not shown, a speaker is connected to the personal computer 10.

The electronic picture book device 10 includes a first operation panel 11-1, a second operation panel 11-12, and a touch pen 13. The first and second operation panels are provided with tablets (or touch panels) 14-1, 14-2 for position detection, respectively. Each of the tablets 141-1 (book area sensor) and 14-12 is composed of a plurality of tablets arranged crosswise in the vertical and horizontal directions as described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-137864. A panel constituted by these electrodes is embedded, and the X-Y coordinate data is obtained by detecting signals sequentially applied to the electrodes with the touch pen.

Picture book placement part for placing picture books (1st operation panel) 1 1-1 and 2nd operation panel 1-1-2 provided with tablets 14-1 2 are electrically and physically connected so that they can be folded open and closed. When the electronic picture book device 10 is used, the second operation panel is placed on a horizontal plane, and the first operation panel is opened to face the user. Picture book mounting section

(Tablet 14-1, part 1 provided on the first operation panel 11-1) is configured such that the picture book cartridge 12 is placed at a predetermined position. Although not shown, the picture book placement section is not shown. At the lower end, a connector mounting portion for inserting the connector 12d of the picture book cartridge is provided. Also, for example, a page sensor is located at the upper right end of the picture book 15 are provided.

As will be described later, the cartridge 12 according to the present invention has a configuration in which a sheet 121 made of a medium such as paper is exchangeably bound. The page sensor 15 can be formed, for example, by a photosensor array that detects a notch in an edge provided on each page of the sheet 121. When the tip of the touch pen 13 approaches the area 16 on the opened page, for example, the antenna provided at the tip of the touch pen 13 detects electromagnetic waves radiated from the XY electromagnetic panel. By processing the electromagnetic waves electronically, the coordinate value of the position indicated by the touch pen 13 can be obtained.

Inside the cartridge 12, a USB interface 12a for connecting the electronic picture book apparatus 10 and the personal computer 30 and a non-volatile memory for storing programs and audio and video data corresponding to the picture book, for example, data can be updated Flash memory (FROM) 12b is arranged. The program, audio, and video data are recorded in the non-volatile memory as data representing the page of the picture book and addresses associated with the data representing the X-Y coordinate values of each page.

A USB port (connector) 12c is provided at a lower portion on the front side of the cartridge 12. By making the cartridge 12 compatible with the USB, connection with the personal computer 30 becomes possible, and the data of FROM12b can be updated by the data supplied from the personal computer 30. As described later, the personal computer 30 can obtain data from the server device via a communication network such as the Internet.

Inside the casing of the first operation panel 111 of the electronic picture book device 10, a controller 17 and a video / audio unit (video) 18 shown in FIG. 2 are arranged. The controller 17 (comprising a CPU and a DSP) can execute a program stored in the FROM 12b and perform a process corresponding to a user's pen operation. That is, when the picture book of the cartridge 12 is opened and the touch pen 13 is brought close to the icon (picture display) printed on the opened page (the tip of the touch pen 13 in the case of a touch pen having a switch at the tip). The antenna switch is turned on by lightly pressing on the picture book), and the antenna of the touch pen 13 is detected. The image data and audio data stored in FROM 12b are converted to video based on the data on the X-Y coordinates of the operated position and the data output on the open page of the picture book detected by the page sensor 15. · The video and audio can be displayed on the TV monitor 50 by giving it to the audio section 18. As will be described later, when the electronic picture book device 10 is used as an input device (or an instruction input device) of the personal computer 30, the TV monitor 50 is unnecessary.

The computer 30 has a known configuration, including a CPU 30a for processing data, a ROM 30b for storing a startup program, etc., a CD—ROM drive for reading ROM data, and a CD—ROM drive 30. c, RAM 30 d to temporarily store data, HD (hard disk) 30 e to store large amounts of data, input interface 30 f to process input such as keyboard 20, electronic picture book device 10. USB interface 30 g that performs data communication with the PC, communication interface 30 h that performs data communication with an external network, video interface 30 i that supplies video data as video signals to the monitor 40, and audio data It is composed of an audio interface 30 j that converts the audio signal to a monitor signal and supplies it to a monitor, an output interface 30 k that outputs data to a printer 60 and the like.

As shown in FIG. By installing a game program, various functions such as game space forming means, character control means, transmission / reception means, and picture / character storage means can be realized in the computer 30. Also, means for realizing various functions are formed as needed by the control program of the CPU realizing various operation modes. The game space forming means forms a virtual game space for developing a game in the computer, and displays an image viewed from the viewpoint of the virtual camera set by the game program on a monitor. In this game space, various objects forming the game field such as buildings, roads, trees, and characters are arranged.

The picture / character storage means stores a message such as a hand-drawn picture or character input from an electronic picture book device or the like as an instruction input means. The transmission / reception means performs data communication with the server via a communication network such as the Internet to update game data (progress the status of the virtual space) and exchange messages. The character control means determines the movement and movement of the character placed in the virtual game space based on the player's instruction input. And controls the character of another person based on the game data sent from the server. The electronic picture book device can be used alone, but in the present invention, its use is expanded by using it as an operation input means to a personal computer.

As shown in FIG. 4, the personal computer 30 of the game system 1 configured as described above has a communication line 2 including a telephone line, a communication line such as an ISDN, an ADSL, an optical fiber, and a telephone office. Connected to Internet Service Provider (ISP) 3 via. Then, the game server 5 is connected via a communication network such as the Internet 4. The game system 1 can be connected to the Internet 4 directly, or to the Internet 4 via LAN or the like. The network is also connected to a speech synthesis server 6 that performs data processing for converting text data into speech as needed.

The game server 5 provides, for example, game data to the personal computer 30 of the game system 1 and controls data communication between a plurality of participants in a virtual game space described later. Thereby, data of a plurality of characters under the control of the player of another game device is given to each game device, and the movement, motion, and the like of the character of another person in the virtual game space of the game device are updated. In addition, messages can be exchanged using pictures and text.

FIG. 5 shows a front view of an electronic picture book cartridge 12 holding and binding a sheet 12 1. FIG. 6 shows a state in which a picture book page is opened. At the lower right of the front of the cartridge 12, a port 12 c for USB connection is arranged. At the lower end of the cartridge 12, a mounting portion (connector) 12 d which is inserted and mounted to the connector portion of the electronic picture book device (main body) 10 is provided. A bus connector and the like for connection are provided. Inside the cartridge 12, the above-described USB interface 12 a and the nonvolatile memory FROM 12 b are arranged.

FIGS. 7 to 11 illustrate an example in which the above-described electronic picture book cartridge 12 is further improved, and the above-described sheet 121 can be easily replaced. In this example, the sheet 1 2 1 is not directly bound as shown in Fig. 6, but is inserted and held in a transparent bag-shaped container 1 2g as shown in Fig. 11. (File). As shown in Fig. 7, the container 12g is provided with an engagement hole on one side, and is bound to the "reverse: N-shaped ring portion" of the holder 12e. The container 1 2 g is held by the holder 1 2 e by being closed by the spacer 1 2 f. Therefore, addition and change of the container 12 g can be easily performed. With the container 1 2 g bound to the holder 1 2 e, the engaging hook 1 2 h formed on the left end side of the base plate 1 2 i of the cartridge 12 is attached to the back end of the holder 1 2 e (reverse L) (not shown). Engage the protrusions. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the holder 12e is attached to the base plate 12i by pressing down the holder 12e downward as shown in FIG. A plurality of through-holes are provided in an edge portion of the sheet on the upper right of the base plate 12 i, and allow passage of sense light of the page sensor 15 arranged in the main body 11.

As shown in Fig. 11, the end of the bag-shaped container 12g is welded to a part of the edge to prevent the sheet from falling. 2 j is provided.

The cartridge 12 and the sheet 122 described above correspond to a software medium.

Next, an example of use of a cartridge having such a USB interface and a transparent container will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, the user sets the CD-ROM included with the purchase of the cartridge 12 into the personal computer 30 and records the download program on the hard disk 30 e. The user connects the personal computer 30 to the communication network, starts this download program, and accesses the game server 5 (S12). Thereby, the personal computer 30 is connected to the homepage of the game server 5. The user selects a desired picture book program from a game list on a homepage (not shown). The user receives user authentication in response to the inquiry from the server (S14). Payment is made by card or electronic currency as needed. Next, the computer 30 takes in the file data transmitted from the server 5 and stores it on the hard disk 3 Oe. Next, the personal computer 30 decompresses the file data transmitted in a compressed state to obtain a print data file of the picture book and a program data file (S1). 6) ₀

Next, the print data is output to the printer 60, and each sheet constituting the picture book is printed (S18). As described above, a notch dotted line for page recognition is printed on the edge of each sheet. Also, the program data corresponding to the picture book is supplied to the electronic picture book apparatus 10 via USB, and is written into FROM12b (S20). Thereafter, the USB cable is disconnected from the electronic picture book apparatus 10, the electronic picture book apparatus 10 is connected to the television monitor 50, and the controller 17 of the electronic picture book apparatus 10 executes the program stored in FROM 12b. This allows you to enjoy the game using the new picture book you downloaded.

10 In this way, the print data of the picture book and the video and audio data used for the picture book are downloaded from the game server 5 on the Internet to the personal computer 30. The printer 60 prints print data such as pictures and characters on a medium such as paper. The picture book is formed by inserting the printed sheet 121 into the container 12 g. As mentioned above, we cut off sheet 121 along the printed dotted line.

Therefore, it is possible to form a step at the sheet edge for page discrimination. The downloaded video and audio data is stored in FROM12b of the cartridge 12 via the USB connection interface. Therefore, if this cartridge 12 is used, it becomes possible to enjoy a new electronic picture book by introducing a new program from the game server 5 as appropriate.

— 20 — In addition, the data of a plurality of electronic picture books may be recorded on a CD-ROM, and the desired print data may be selected from these and printed. Also, the corresponding electronic data may be written to FROM 12b.

Next, an example of a game device using the electronic picture book device 10 using the CPU of the personal computer 30 will be described.

25 The electronic picture book device 10 for infants usually uses a CPU having a lower processing capacity than the personal computer 30 in order to make it inexpensive. Also, since the capacity of FROM12b is not large, there is a certain limit to the content of the game.

Therefore, in the electronic picture book apparatus 10 of the present invention, the electronic picture book apparatus 10 and the personal computer 30 are connected by the USB connection using the cartridge 12, and the electronic picture book apparatus 10 is connected. Activate the personal computer 30 according to the instruction. This will make use of the higher V and processing power of the personal computer 30 and will make it easier for infants to use the personal computer.

As an example of such a large-scale game, an example of a game in a virtual game space, for example, “ABC Town” will be described. The game programs and data in the virtual game space are provided by, for example, a CD-ROM and stored in the hard disk 30 e of the personal computer 30. The CPU 30a of the personal computer 30 executes the game program. The electronic picture book device 10 is used as an input device for inputting an operation signal for operating the progress of the game.

On the instruction input sheet (picture book) provided with the CD-ROM, for example, pictures and characters as shown in FIGS. 13 to 16 are printed. Alternatively, the print data may be recorded on a CD-ROM and printed by a printer to obtain a sheet.

FIG. 13 shows an example of the first page of a picture book mounted on the cartridge 12. On this page, the name of the game "ABC CLUB" ^ is described. On this page, you can see the printed “play offline”, “training”, “play online”, “ABC mail”, and “play with drawing software” pictograms (equivalent to icons or symbols). Either can be selected. The selection is made by clicking on the corresponding icon with the touch pen 13. For example, if “play offline” is selected, the personal computer 30 and the game server 5 are not connected. In this case, a virtual game space provided by the CD-ROM, ABC Town II (see Figure 17), contains a player character (hereinafter “PC character”) controlled by the user (player) and a computer. In this mode, e-mails and chats that require a non-computer player (player) cannot be used.

When "Training" is selected, a screen for practicing the input device appears, and it is possible to learn touch input, communication methods, mail writing, and the like.

If "play online" is selected, the PC 30 and the game server 5 are connected. Continued. As a result, data, e-mail, and communication information necessary for drawing each participant's character in the virtual game space are distributed from the server to each game participant, and the ABC Town seen by each player is shared. .

That is, the game server 5 knows the location of each connected PC character, the flag state of each PC character, and the like. For example, each PC character has a status flag of 104 indicating the status of each character. Then, the game server 5 transmits data (character display position, flag information, chat data, etc.) relating to another PC character nearby in the virtual game space where the PC character exists, to the personal computer 30 of each player. Then, the PC characters of other players around the own PC character are displayed on the PC screen. Similarly, another PC character existing around the PC character controlled by this player is displayed on the personal computer screen of another player. This allows players to interact with one another via their PC characters. The picture book input described later is used to control this PC character. The game development in ABC Town will be described later.

If you select "ABC Mail", you can start a program to exchange mail in ABC Town.

If you select "play with drawing software", the "drawing software" described later will be activated. The computer determines the handwritten picture, and through the handwritten picture, you can enjoy game development such as dialogue with the computer.

FIG. 14 shows an example of a page for inputting characters of a picture book mounted on the cartridge 12.

When the “Hiragana” icon at the top of the right page of the figure is selected with the touch pen 13, character input is in Hiragana input mode. Select the “Katakana” icon to enter Katakana input mode. If you select the “ABC” icon, you will be in alphabet, number and symbol input mode. Character icons corresponding to "keyboards" are arranged in the upper and lower center portions of the left and right pages. For example, after selecting the “Hiragana” icon to set the hiragana input mode, and selecting the “A / a / F” icon, “A” is input to the personal computer 30. "Space" key The icon is located in the upper right corner of the right page. For input, the information of the X-Y position clicked with the touch pen 13 and the page information are transmitted to the computer 30 via the USB interface, and the CPU 30a sends these information to the input mode flag. The determination is made by referring to the corresponding information table. The result determined by the electronic picture book device 10 may be sent to the personal computer 30.

If you select the icon of “Gamen keyboard”, a virtual keyboard will be displayed on the monitor 40 of the computer 30.For example, you can use the computer mouse to perform “Picture input” in the same way. It becomes.

Change the size of the characters displayed on the screen by selecting the small area or large area of the “Large size” icon at the top of the left page and setting a flag indicating the character size on the personal computer. can do. The character display size is set by referring to the display character size in the image processing.

Click the “Mojinoiro” icon to add color to the text. As the color of the character, for example, “Irobaretsuto” shown in FIG. 16 can be used. Stamps of various colors are printed in color on the color palette. It is possible to select the corresponding color from these.

When you click on the icon of “Mumpukumita” at the top left of the left page, a fullness meter is displayed on the screen indicating the “feeling of the stomach” of the character, as shown in Figure 31. It is displayed in five levels: "Manpuku", "Paku", "Normal", "Heri", "Haraeri". For example, it can be made to change from full to hungry according to the distance traveled in the virtual space. It is possible to set the power of this character in the game with the fullness meter.

On the left side of the center part of the left page, there is provided an area for outputting “Jisakuteiken”, and icons “1” to “4” are printed and displayed. This can be used for email exchange and chat in ABC Town. In this example, up to four self-created sentences can be registered, and can be called using the icons “1” to “4”.

In the area below “Jishakuteibu”, there is a “Kishigomu” area. Erase a part of the entered characters and diagram "Kesu" icon and Erase all "All" The icon is provided.

At the bottom of the left and right pages, various icons for moving to a specific page or shifting to a mode are arranged. For example, "ABC Town Chizu", "Echiyato", "Greetings", "Tatefuda", "Meishikokan", "Friends", "Keidaiden", "Mankei", Icons such as "Okane", "Mochimono", "Aimu Mukuro", "Manshiyon", "End", "Heru" etc. are prepared.

Clicking the “ABC Town Chizu” icon above displays a map of ABC Town (see Figure 17) on the monitor screen. Clicking the “Echiyatto” icon displays a screen where you can chat with each other using pictograms. When you click the icon of "greeting", a screen for greeting the characters is displayed. When you click on the "Tatefuda" icon, a screen for drawing characters and pictures on the billboard is displayed. This tag can be left in an allowed place in the virtual game space. When you click the icon of "Meishikokan", a screen for exchanging business cards between characters is displayed. Click the "Friends" icon to display a screen with a collection of business cards. Click the icon for Keitai-Denwa to display the screen for using Keitai-Denwa. Click the icon of "Manbokei" to display the pedometer screen. When you click on the "okane" icon, a screen showing the contents of your wallet (money) will be displayed. Clicking on the “mochimono” icon will display the contents of the item bag on the screen. Click on the icon for "Aimu Mukankan" to display the item exchange screen. Clicking on the icon of "Manshiyon" displays the screen of the room assigned to the player. Click the “End” icon to end the game. Clicking on the icon of “Hello” displays an appropriate guidance screen according to the current scene. The operation when these icons are clicked will be described later. The icon row is similarly arranged at the bottom of other pages of the picture book and can be selected at any time, and the selectable items are displayed at the bottom of the monitor screen.

FIG. 15 shows an example of a page for inputting “greeting” and “action” of the picture book mounted on the cartridge 12. On the left side of the figure, icons indicating the operation of characters are arranged. For example, if you click on a rock-paper-scissor action such as “Goo”, “Chiyoki”, “Par”,...

On the right-hand page, icons related to greeting / communication are arranged. For example, icons such as "my name", "my name", "·", "bye bye!" In addition, when registering the game, the gender of the gamer is registered, so if the gamer is a woman, "My name", "My name", "My name", "My name" You can switch to

FIG. 16 shows an example of a page for inputting “drawing” of a picture book mounted on the cartridge 12.

In the “Shadow” area on the left page, there are “pencil” icons, “pen” icons, “brushes”, “crayon”, “suzure” as writing tools for specifying the thickness and type of lines to be drawn. Icon is arranged. In the area of “slim”, icons of “slim” to color the part determined by the diagram and “slim to all” to dispose the entire screen are arranged. In the area of “Kesu”, there are icons of “Kesugomi” to erase partly and “Everything” to erase everything drawn on the screen. In the "Tokubetsu" area, there are icons for "Tokubaku", which displays other tools for "Drawing", "Return" to return to the previous state, and "Sakuhin" to save as a work. In the area of “Stan ぷ”, there are icons of “face” for displaying various expressions on a monitor, “〇” for outputting figures, “mouth”,..., “◊”.

On the right page of Fig. 16, icons of various face stamps painted in various colors are arranged. In the color selection mode, the color of the selected icon becomes the specified color. In the color selection mode, the color of the selected icon becomes the specified color. In the face stamp mode, the face of the selected icon becomes the designated face. Next, a virtual game space in which an infant or the like plays using such an electronic picture book device 10 will be described.

Figure 17 is a pin map that outlines ABC Town, an example of a virtual game space. This map is the icon of the picture book "ABC Town Chizu" Click to display it on the screen. This game space is provided by CD-ROM because of the large amount of data, but it can also be downloaded online. By looking at the map of ABC Town, the player can know the relationship between the location of the PC character under his control and the whole, and the direction of the target location. If you draw a “〇” on the relevant part using the tablet 14 and the touch pen 13, the state of the area will be displayed in the monitor screen size. It is possible to move to the corresponding area by a specific instruction input operation that is not disclosed.

Figure 18 shows the area of the ABC Tower, which is part of ABC Town. The ground of the area is mapped with a diamond grid. Various types of information are embedded in each grid to form map information. One character occupies one grid. Tile information, object information, and attribute information can be set (defined) for each grid. The tile information is a picture representing the ground. The object information is information of an installation object placed on the ground. There are information such as the picture of the installation, the size, the information of the auction, the information about the scenario, and the drawing priority. Attribution information is information defined at the position. Examples include terrain information, moving floor information, effect types, reserves information, and event numbers. On the moving floor, when the PC character gets on the dalid for which moving floor information is set, the PC character automatically moves in the direction set. When the moving floor is a track or a river, the PC character can be transformed into a vehicle such as a train or a ship. The terrain information can specify whether the vehicle can enter or not depending on the state of each vehicle. For example, when a PC character is a human, he cannot enter the water, but when he is transformed into a ship, he can move above the water. Buried items can be obtained by digging the ground on the map. The reserves disappear when dug out, but return after a certain time.

The character can perform actions such as “walk”, “run”, “jump”, “sit on a chair”, “touch”, and “eat” in the virtual space. These operations are performed by inputting an instruction on a picture book page (not shown), or by defining a scenario, which is a program for generating a series of character motion events, at the position of the above-described tile-defined ground. Is performed when a character enters this position. FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram illustrating a system that allows a plurality of players connected to a network to play together in a virtual game space.

As described above, the virtual game space is formed on the personal computer 30. The player uses the electronic picture book device 10 to control a PC character that operates according to his / her own control in the virtual game space (C12). A plurality of pieces of information indicating the state of the character are set in the PC character. For example, 1024 status flags are set. The location and flag information of the PC character in the virtual game space are sent from the personal computer 30 to the game server 5 as character data (C14). The personal computer 30 is a game device. The game server 5 sequentially receives character data from each game device 1 (personal computer 30) connected to the server and updates the database (C16). The game server 5 stores data of all PC characters existing in the virtual game space in a database (C18). Further, the game server 5 transmits data of one or a plurality of PC characters in the field of view of the virtual camera of the game device to each game device (C16). Therefore, in the virtual game space of each game device 1 connected to the server, the status of another person's PC character operated by the player of the other game device is reflected and displayed (C20 to C24).

FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 illustrate such a state by way of example.

FIG. 20 shows an example in which various characters are arranged in the area of the “ABC tower” in the virtual game space. The player selects a character at the beginning of the game. Characters that can be selected by the player are boy and girl characters. A plurality of types are prepared for each, from which the player selects. The color of the character's hair and clothes can be changed. As described above, characters include a PC character controlled by a player and an NPC character controlled by a computer. There are two types of PC characters: one under their control and another under the control of another player.

In the case of Fig. 20, the PC character controlling the player's control is surrounded by a dotted line in the figure, and the state of the virtual game space is usually viewed from the viewpoint of the virtual camera located at the center of the monitor screen. The coordinates are transformed and displayed. Secondary of virtual game space Techniques generally known for conversion to the original coordinate system and monitor output can be used.

FIG. 21 and FIG. 43 are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of moving the own PC character. The program is controlled to control the position of the pointer on the monitor screen according to the position information detected by the tip of the touch pen 13 operated on the tablet 14-1 or 14-12 of the electronic picture book device 10. Can be set. When a desired position on the screen is clicked (input) using this setting, the designated position (the designated position on the two-dimensional coordinates) is read by the electronic picture book device 10 and sent to the personal computer 30 ( S80).

The personal computer 30 that has received the designated position calculates the distance between its PC character and the designated position (S82). Next, the personal computer 30 determines the movement at the time of movement according to the distance between its own PC character and the indicated position (S84), and moves its own PC character to the indicated position (S84). 8 6). As the movement at the time of movement, for example, it is possible to increase or decrease the number of steps the character walks according to the distance, and to select whether the character moves by walking or running.

The mouse of the personal computer 30 can be used in place of the touch pen 13. The new position of the PC character and the state of the character are transmitted to the game server 5 and distributed from the game server 5 to the personal computer 30 (game device 1) of another player, and the position of the character on each monitor screen is displayed. Is reflected to move. This is done for all PC characters. Therefore, it is possible to make it appear as if the PC characters representing the player are communicating with each other in the virtual game space.

Players can enjoy pictures, text chat, virtual mobile phones, e-mail (e-mail), etc. in the virtual space. To achieve this, communication functions as shown in Fig. 22 are realized under the network.

First, the player selects one of the following modes: text chat, mobile phone (confidential chat), picture chat, e-mail, etc. with a picture book or on-screen icon. When the character chat is selected, the user opens the page of the character with his / her own electronic picture book device 10 and inputs the character by touching the pen (P12). FIG. 23 shows a character input bar displayed at the top of the screen at this time. If you select the picture chat, use the tablet and pen to write and draw the picture by hand. FIG. 24 shows an example of the picture input window displayed at this time.

The personal computer 3◦ transmits the input character string information or picture information to the game server 5 together with the information of the PC character address and the attribute (chat mode). The pictogram data can be sent together with the character operation information described above. Attributes include chat for all PC characters in the virtual space, mobile phones for private communication with specific people (P14).

The game server 5 receives picture and character data from each game device (PC 30) connected to the game server 5. If words or pictures that should not be displayed in the virtual game space are included in the characters or pictures, they are removed by the filter function. This is done by registering prohibited words in the database in advance and checking the characters. In addition, prohibited images are also registered in the database in advance, and as a result of comparison with a handwritten input picture, if it is determined that they are substantially the same as the prohibited images, they are deleted from the transmission data. The prohibited term part can be replaced with “***”, “X X X”, etc. and transmitted. In addition, the display time of the image displayed in the virtual game space may be shortened instead of the filter of the prohibited image (P16).

Further, if necessary, the received character (text) data is sent to the speech synthesis server 6, and the text data is converted into speech signal data (P18). This is useful for infants who do not yet understand the language.

The game server 5 stores the received picture / character data and voice data in the chat database. As described above, the game server 5 stores data of all PC characters existing in the virtual game space in the database (P22). In addition, the game server 5 distributes the picture / character data to the game device corresponding to the attribute of the chat. For example, in the case of text chat, the virtual camera set by the program installed on the game machine of the caller The picture / character data or voice data is transmitted to one or more PC characters (personal computer) within the visual field of (P20).

Therefore, in the virtual game space of each game device 1 connected to the game server 5, as shown in FIG. 20, a message of another PC character issued by a player of another game device includes “character” and “handwriting”. Is output as a picture or voice (P24-P28). In the case of confidential communication such as mobile phone mode, the picture / character data is delivered only to the specified person.

FIG. 25 shows an example of the character chat described above. In this example, based on the data sent by the character code using the character chart, the character "Konchiwa" is displayed using a large font above the character.

FIG. 26 shows an example of the picture chat described above. Select the picture chat icon from the picture book and display the picture chat window shown in Figure 24. The player operates the touch pen 13 on the tablet 14-2 to write characters in the picture chat window. As a result, handwritten characters are displayed in a balloon.

In this way, “characters” and “pictures” input by each player from the electronic picture book device 10 are displayed in a balloon above or near the corresponding PC character in the virtual space of the user's personal computer, and the game server 5 Is sent to another player's personal computer in the same area, and is displayed in a balloon above or near the relevant PC character in the virtual space of the personal computer.

Next, the above-described simulated mobile phone will be described. The mobile phone here refers to the function of exchanging information between specific individuals using the configuration shown in Fig.22.

Players play games in ABC Town to make friends and exchange business cards. Business card exchange is performed with the consent of another player (PC character). In particular,

(1) Click on the partner to select it. Send a message to the other party that you want to exchange business cards c

(2) Exchange the business card data when the consent is obtained from the opponent player. If rejected, no exchange takes place.

(3) When business card data is exchanged, mobile phone items can be used.

The obtained business card is registered in the friend book (file). FIG. 27 shows an example of a business card. By exchanging business cards, you can use mobile phone items and chat anywhere in ABC Town. On the business card, the name of the person who passed the business card, face (character picture), mobile phone icon, icon for registering the business card in the friend book, and icon for closing the business card are displayed. Business cards can be stored for, for example, 100 people.

The player can send to only the player (specific speaker) registered in the friend book. It is also possible to call from shortcut registration (for 3 people). The procedure for using a mobile phone is as follows.

(1) The player selects a friend to be sent from the friend book and displays the business card. (2) When the player clicks the "mobile phone icon" on the business card, the message "Do you want to make a phone call?" Is displayed, and the "Yes" and "No" icons are displayed below it. If the player selects the "Yes" icon, a ring will sound. If your friend is logged in (accessing ABC Town), a message "Danwa tsu ga tsu tatsuta" is displayed. If your friend is not logged in, the message "My friend is not in town" is displayed. If the player selects the “No” icon, the window is closed and the mobile phone mode is terminated.

(3) If your friend is logged in, "Let's get to chat" is displayed.

(4) The player writes and sends it to the chat bar (see Fig. 23) as in a normal chat. This writing is performed by a specific personal computer via the game server 5.

(Game device).

(5) The far-field chat text and the sender's business card are displayed at the bottom of the screen of the other party's PC.

(6) If the other party wants to reply, click the “Keitai Denwa” icon and follow the steps (2) to (6) above to chat over a long distance.

(7) While using the mobile phone, the mobile phone icon, the name of the call partner, and the face are displayed as shown in Fig. 28. During this time, you can continue chatting.

(8) Click the mobile phone icon to return to normal chat (end). In this way, if you select a friend from the friend book and press the mobile phone icon, you can chat if that friend is logged in. If you are not logged in, you cannot chat. When using a mobile phone, the name and face of the other party are displayed on the mobile phone icon. Click the mobile phone icon to exit the mobile phone.

The sent text is displayed at the bottom of the screen, and the business card is displayed at the same time. If you want to reply to the other party, click on the mobile phone button on the business card and it will be sent to the other party.

FIG. 29 shows an example of a pedometer indicating the walking distance of the player. Clicking on the pedometer icon on the picture book or screen will bring up this window. The pedometer counts and displays the number of steps taken by the character. It is used for event generation, ranking, etc. based on the number of steps. The number of steps is counted up to 99, 99, 999.

FIG. 30 shows the life window. Money earned at events, etc. is counted. The monetary unit of money in the virtual game space is "pico". This money can be used for shops and events. For example, it is possible to count up to 99, 99, 999 pico.

(1) Click the "Osaifu" icon from the menu.

(2) A window appears.

(3) Reduced when used in shops and events.

(4) Click the “Stop” icon to close the window. Clicking the “mochimono” icon on the picture book page displays the item bag of your PC character as shown in Figure 20. You can know the items that the character has. Characters can use their own items. The player opens the item window and selects the item to be used with the tablet 14 and the touch pen 13. Some items disappear when used, and others can be used multiple times. Items can be obtained by buying from the shop's NPC character, digging the ground, obtaining it by touching the object, and so on.

In ABC Town, each player has his own room (mansion) Can be. Inside the apartment, you can have your own private space. Here, you can chat with specific friends, set up item boxes, exchange emails, and so on. Entering an apartment requires a key (password), and you can be invited to a room by giving a password to certain friends. In addition, others cannot enter unless there is a master of the room in the apartment. If you chat in this room, you can enjoy the conversation without the knowledge of a third party. You can store your important items in Item Bottas. In the room, you can store furniture purchased from the town store. Also, the interior of the room can be changed.

Inside the apartment, you can write emails to friends outside of ABC Town. Files can be attached like ordinary mail software. It is also possible to draw like a picture chat and attach it to an e-mail and send it. It is also possible to expand the specific file received. The content of the email can be filtered as described above.

Next, “drawing software” will be described. Clicking the “play with drawing software” icon on the cover page of the picture book shown in Fig. 13 will execute the drawing game program.

Preferably, as shown in FIG. 32, the program includes a process of registering a handwritten picture and a process of developing a game using a handwritten picture.

As shown in the figure, when the icon of "drawing software" is clicked, a guidance screen for selecting either "getting the game" or "playing a game" is displayed (S52). When "registration" is selected, registration processing is performed (S54; "registration"). In this process, as described later, a picture input window is displayed on the screen to guide the player to write a picture (S62). When the player draws a picture using the tablet 14 and the touch pen 13, the characteristic of the picture is determined (S 64). The player listens to the picture drawn and stores it in a memory, for example, a hard disk, together with the discriminated picture and its features (S66). The database stores in advance a database for discriminating handwritten pictures, for example, "pictures drawn by infants", "pictures for which transmission is prohibited", and the like. If there is another picture to be registered, steps S62 to S66 are repeated to register a handwritten picture. If there is no other picture to register, finish.

If "play a game" is selected (S54; "game"), a picture input window is displayed on the screen, and the player is instructed to write a picture (S72). When the player draws a picture using the tablet 14 and the touch pen 13, the feature of the picture is determined and the feature parameters are extracted (S74). The computer determines the game development based on the parameters of the feature of the picture in the game program (S76). A game development example will be described later.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart for more specifically describing the picture registration procedure (steps S62 to S66) described above.

As described above, when "registration" is selected, a picture input window as shown in FIG. 36 is displayed on the screen (S622). A character controlled by the CPU guides the player to write a picture, for example, "Please do something." The player uses the drawing tool shown in Fig. 16 to draw a picture in the drawing area with the tablet 14 and the touch pen 13. When the player has completed the picture, he clicks “Done”. The CPU reads this picture (S622) and performs normalization processing to make it a fixed size in order to facilitate mutual comparison (S641). The features of the normalized picture are extracted. The characteristics of the picture include parameters such as the size, color, and shape of the picture. The feature of the shape may be obtained, for example, by following the trajectory of the touch pen 13 as a unit vector and based on a change tendency of this vector, or may be obtained based on a change in a distance (coordinate) from a predetermined reference point. good. Also, other known appropriate methods can be used. After the features are extracted, a name input window is displayed as shown in FIG. 37, and the player is asked "What is this?" And the player is requested to write the name of the handwritten picture (S661). When the “Done” icon is clicked from the window, the written name, for example, “cake” is identified by the handwritten character recognition algorithm, and the diagram, feature parameters, and name are stored in the database (S 662).

FIG. 34 is a flowchart for more specifically explaining the procedure (S72, S74) of determining a handwritten input picture in order to perform the above-described game development with a handwritten picture. For example, as shown in Fig. 38, a window prompting the user to enter a picture is displayed during the drawing program. For example, the character balloon displays “Hey Hey, Yukichiyan! I'm hungry! When the player draws a picture of the cake and clicks the “done” icon, the CPU reads this picture (S722). Similar to steps S 641 and S 642 described above, normalization processing of the read picture (S 741) and feature parameter extraction are performed (S 742). The approximate picture is extracted by referring to the database based on the characteristic parameters, and the name of the picture is determined (S743). Compare the picture for which the input was requested with the drawn picture and evaluate it. The result is output by setting the flag group (S744). This result is used, for example, in a game program.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing an example of determining the next process based on the determination result (S744).

First, the state of the handwriting picture discrimination flag is read (S761). It is determined whether or not the state of the determination flag satisfies predetermined condition 1. For example, if a parameter that is substantially the same as the previously registered feature parameter of the cake is extracted (S762; Yes), the first process (process 1) is performed. For example, as shown in Fig. 39, the character in the drawing window is asked to say "Thank you very much!" (S763).

If the state of the determination flag does not satisfy the condition 1 (S762; No), it is determined whether the state of the determination flag satisfies the predetermined condition 2. For example, if the color is significantly different from the previously registered cake feature parameters, or if a color that is not predicted is used for the cake (S 764; Yes), the second processing ( Perform processing 2). For example, as shown in Fig. 40, make the character in the drawing window speak with a surprised expression, “This is a strange cake.” ₀

Similarly, when the state of the discrimination flag indicates the condition 3, for example, the state of a large cake, as shown in FIG. 41, the character in the drawing window has a full expression of “Wow, big, stomach!” Try to talk to at.

Similarly, if the state of the determination flag is the condition n, for example, the input “handwritten cake” If the degree of difference between the characteristic parameter and the characteristic parameter of “cake” registered in advance is large, and is close to the characteristic parameter of “acorn” instead of the cake (S766), processing n is performed. For example, as shown in Fig. 42, the character in the drawing window is made to speak with a troubled expression, "Is it an acorn?" (S766).

Note that the example of the game development corresponding to the recognition of the handwritten picture is not limited to the above. For example, if the character in the picture input window asks you to write, "Samuiyo, I don't know," and if a picture of a hat of an appropriate size is drawn, the character wears this hat Thank you! Yukichiyan Thank you! " If the hat drawn is small, the character wears this hat and displays “Hakushon!

Also, the handwritten picture can be used as a “key” to enter the next game stage. The game stage to be developed can be determined by a picture input by handwriting.

In this way, the reaction of the computer (game development) differs depending on the state of the picture drawn by the infant, which is interesting.

As described above, the invention made by the inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

For example, the touch pen position detecting mechanism may be configured to transmit an electromagnetic wave from the touch pen side and detect a position where the electromagnetic wave is received on the tablet side. Further, as the position detecting mechanism of the touch pen, it is also possible to arrange a large number of pressure-sensitive switches on the tablet and detect the selected position by pressing the finger with the touch pen.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example is described in which a cartridge in which a picture book and a non-volatile memory are incorporated in a body is used. Simultaneous download of image information and program information with addresses associated with picture and character position information (page information and X-Y coordinate information on each page), and printing based on the downloaded data The sheet and the data corresponding to the sheet may be stored in a non-volatile memory, and the obtained sheet and the non-volatile memory may be configured and used together in an electronic picture book device. This embodiment is inconvenient in terms of storage management of sheets and non-volatile memory as compared with the above-mentioned integrated type cartridge, but can be applied as necessary because a general-purpose non-volatile memory cartridge can be used. .

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a description has been given of the holder configuration in which the printing is performed on paper and the resultant is stored in a transparent sheet-shaped container. However, it is possible to print downloaded pictures and characters on this surface and bind them to the holder of the cartridge. It is also possible to provide a binding hole in the left end of the cardboard or the opaque plastic sheet in advance, and to bind it to the holder after printing. Industrial applicability

As described above, according to the present invention, the printed matter and the programs and data related thereto can be changed, so that the contents of the electronic picture book can be easily changed to the contents of another picture book. This change is also possible online.

Further, according to the present invention, since the electronic picture book device is used as an input device of a personal computer, even a small child can easily operate the personal computer. Use a personal computer to realize a large-scale game environment or educational environment that is difficult to achieve with an electronic picture book device, and to communicate with other game participants by networking the electronic picture book device. It is also possible to do so.

Further, according to the present invention, the game development is determined by the state of the handwritten picture, which is interesting.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. A print medium on which a picture or a character is printed, a base plate holding the print medium, and image output data / audio output data stored at an address corresponding to the two-dimensional position information on the print medium. A software medium including a cartridge in which a storage medium is incorporated is mounted, a position indicated by a user operation on the print medium is detected, and an instruction is given by an operation of the user at an address corresponding to the position. A software medium that is used by being attached to an information processing device that outputs information corresponding to pictures and characters.

A software medium comprising: a holder unit for binding a sheet printed or handwritten by a user so as to be able to be turned; and a base plate configured to hold the holder unit and to be mounted at a predetermined position of the information processing apparatus.

2. The software medium according to claim 1, further comprising a container that is formed of a transparent member that stores a sheet printed or handwritten by the user, and that is configured to be bindable to the holder unit.

3. The software medium according to claim 1, wherein the holder section is detachably held on the base plate.

4. The apparatus further includes a non-volatile memory configured to be able to write and store at least one of information related to a picture or a character printed or handwritten by a user and a control program, using the coordinate information on the sheet surface as an address, The software medium according to claim 1.

5. The software medium according to claim 4, further comprising a cartridge configured to be integrated with the base plate, the cartridge containing the nonvolatile memory.

6. Connect to a personal computer inside the cartridge. The software medium according to claim 5, wherein the software medium has a built-in software.

7. The software medium according to claim 6, wherein the interface is a USB connection interface.

8. The soft medium according to claim 2, wherein the container is provided with a fall prevention means for preventing a sheet printed or handwritten by the stored user from falling.

9. The software medium according to claim 8, wherein the fall prevention unit is configured by partially welding an edge of the container.

10. A holder unit for binding a sheet printed or handwritten by a user so as to be able to be turned, a base plate configured to hold the holder unit and to be attached to a predetermined position of the information processing apparatus, and A software medium including a nonvolatile memory configured to be able to write and store information related to a picture or a character handwritten or written by a user using the coordinate information of the user as an address, and a user operation on the sheet An information processing apparatus configured to detect a position specified by the information processing apparatus, and output information corresponding to the specified position on the sheet using the detected position information as an address.

11. A game device that develops a game using the information processing device according to claim 10.

1 2. A plurality of sheets on which pictures and characters stitched so as to be turned over are described, and storage means for storing information and / or a program related to the pictures and characters using coordinate information on the sheet surface as an address. A soft medium including a cartridge to be accommodated is mounted, and the opened page and the position of the opened page designated by the user on the sheet are detected, and the information of the detected designated position and the detected The opened page information is associated with the picture or character corresponding to the designated position as an address. An information processing device configured to output information and z or a program, wherein the software medium further includes an interface for connecting to an external information processing device, and a plurality of sheets detachably bound. And a storage medium capable of writing, storing and holding,

Outputting information and / or a program related to the picture or character relating to the designated position and the designated page to the external information processing apparatus, and the information processing apparatus functions as an input device of the external information processing apparatus And downloads information and / or Z or program relating to pictures and characters from a server on the Internet to the external information processing apparatus, and prints pictures and characters from the downloaded information on a sheet. Then, the sheet is attached to the holder portion, and information and pictures or programs relating to the picture or character are converted from the downloaded information to the interface using the position information on the sheet and the page information on the sheet surface as addresses. An information processing apparatus configured to record the information on the storage medium via the storage medium.

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the storage medium capable of writing and storing the information is configured by a nonvolatile memory.

14. A game device for developing a game by arranging characters in a virtual space, comprising: a position input means for instructing and inputting a position on two-dimensional coordinates; a reference position on the two-dimensional coordinates; Means for calculating a distance to the virtual space, and a character control means for moving the character to a position corresponding to the instruction input position in the virtual space, and determining an action at the time of movement of the character based on the distance. And a game device comprising:

15. The game device according to claim 14, wherein the position input means is a tablet and a touch pen, and the reference position is a center position of the tablet.

16. A plurality of game devices are connected to a server device via a network, data is distributed to each game device via the server device, and a common A game device connected to a game system which forms a virtual space and arranges a character controlled by a player of each game device in the virtual space to develop a game. A game space forming means for receiving the distribution to form the common virtual space, arranging the characters and developing a game, and generating an instruction input in response to an on-screen operation and enabling input of a handwritten picture or character Command input means, storage means for storing the input handwritten picture or character, self-character control means for controlling a self-character under self control of the virtual space according to the command input, A transmitting unit that transmits a picture or a character to the server device together with information for specifying the self-character.

17. The game device according to claim 16, wherein the server device distributes the picture or character and information specifying the self-character to each game device to update the common virtual space.

18. The game device according to claim 16, wherein the pictures and characters are for communication between characters, and the information for specifying the self-character includes position information in the virtual space.

19. The game space forming means may include the picture or the character above or around the character under the control of another player based on the information specifying the picture or the character and the character transmitted from another game device. The game device according to claim 16, wherein the game device is displayed.

20. The game device according to claim 19, wherein the display is a balloon display in the vicinity of the character.

21. The game device according to claim 14, wherein the instruction input is performed by a touch input on a picture book.

22. The server device or the game device is stored in advance as a transmission prohibition target. The game device according to claim 16, further comprising: a filter unit configured to prevent transmission of the specific picture or transmission of the specific character.

23. The server device or the game device, when a specific picture or a specific character stored in advance as a transmission prohibition target is transmitted, replaces the picture or the character with a predetermined expression and transmits the filter. The game according to claim 16, comprising means.

24. The game device according to claim 16, wherein the server device distributes characters and pictures sent from one game device only to a specific game device.

25. The game device according to claim 16, wherein the server device converts characters sent from one game device into voice data and distributes the data to another game device.

26. When the character sent from one game device includes a character whose transmission is to be prohibited, the server device converts the character to voice and converts the prohibited character portion into a specific sound. 17. The game device according to claim 16, wherein the game device is distributed to another game device.

27. A mail exchange method for exchanging e-mail between characters arranged in a virtual space and controlled by players using text data or picture data, wherein an address of the e-mail is stored in the virtual space. Each character obtains the identification information by exchanging the identification information between the characters, and each character accumulates the obtained identification information to form an address book. Each character has its own identification information described in the address book of the character of the transmission partner. An e-mail exchange method that enables the delivery of e-mail when in use.

28. The mail exchange method according to claim 27, wherein the exchange of the identification information is performed by exchanging business cards between the characters.

29. A mail exchange method in which characters arranged in a virtual space and characters controlled by a player exchange emails using text data or picture data, wherein an address of the electronic mail is stored in the virtual space. Each character obtains the information by exchanging the identification information between the characters, and each character stores the obtained identification information to form an address book. Each character has its own identification information described in the address book of the character of the transmission partner. A mail exchange method for inquiring whether or not to send an e-mail when there is no response, and if there is no response to the inquiry, a rejection of reception is returned to the character of the sender.

30. The mail exchange method according to claim 29, wherein a voice file is attached to the text data, and voice data is synthesized and output.

31. Feature extracting means for extracting the features of the input handwritten picture, discriminating means for discriminating the input picture based on the feature, and game development to be executed next based on the discrimination result of the picture A game device comprising: game development determining means for determining the game development.

3 2. A storage means for storing the characteristics of the handwritten picture in a database, a feature extracting means for extracting the characteristics of the input handwritten picture, and a feature for storing the characteristics of the input handwritten picture and the data stored in the database. A game device comprising: comparison means for comparing the characteristics of a hand-drawn picture, and game development determination means for determining the next game development according to the degree of difference between the two characteristics.