CN2935275Y - Interconnectable plural environment interactive cartoon characters simulation module - Google Patents

Abstract

A simulated character module and method of operation are presented. The simulated character module includes a processor, a display operably coupled to the processor and a communication device operably coupled to the processor. The processor is configured to control a simulated character, and an image associated with the simulated character is displayable on the display. Further, the image is displayable on a second display of a second module to simulate movement of the simulated character to the second module. The module communicates with the second module using the communication device. Further, the image is not displayed on the display of the module if the image is displayed on the second display of the second module.

Description

Can a plurality of interconnected environment interaction formula cartoon figure emulation modules

The application requires to submit on January 10th, 2005, application number is 60/642,565 U.S. Provisional Application No., and its full content all is incorporated in this.

Technical field

The present invention relates to portable electronic cartoon personage emulator.More particularly, the present invention relates to and one or more other interconnected portable electronic cartoon of portable cartoon personage's emulation module personage emulation module.The image of cartoon figure's emulator can move between any interconnected module, and can with cartoon figure's emulation interaction of any interconnected module.In addition, portable electronic cartoon personage emulation module also can comprise direction, sound, light, time and/or other sensor.

Background technology

The portable electron device of cartoon figure's emulator is housed, and for example virtual pet is especially very popular in the school-ager in approximately in the past 10 years.Typical virtual pet is (for example: the dot matrix LCD) and the hand-hold electronic device of or more buttons to have display screen.Represent an emulation cartoon figure's image (for example, illusion/abnormity is biological, dog, cat etc.) to be presented on the display screen, the user can be by button with the interaction of cartoon figure's emulator.

In a virtual pet, influence emulation cartoon figure's development and health with user's interaction.For example, the user can be by feeding the cartoon figure by feeding button.If the user does not feed the cartoon figure a certain in long-time, cartoon figure's display image may change, and expression the cartoon figure suffering from hunger or decline in health.If there is not the time long enough of nursing, the cartoon figure of emulation even possibility are dead.On the contrary, too frequent if the user feeds the cartoon figure, it is fat that the cartoon figure may become, and can not develop into next stage again, perhaps do not present required form in next stage.Similarly, the user can look after emulation cartoon figure's health, playtime, training, medical treatment and other demand.

Though hand-held cartoon figure emulator is also popular, but the user needs bigger interaction.Especially need to have the hand-held cartoon figure emulator of bigger interaction with user and user's environment.Also need to have the hand-held cartoon figure emulator of bigger interaction with other hand-held cartoon figure emulator.

Summary of the invention

The purpose of this invention is to provide a kind of and one or more other interconnected portable electronic cartoon of portable cartoon personage's emulation module personage emulation module.The image of cartoon figure's emulator can move between any interconnected module, and can with cartoon figure's emulation interaction of any interconnected module.

In one embodiment of the invention, emulation cartoon figure module comprises processor, the exercisable display screen that is connected with processor, and the exercisable communicator that is connected with processor.Processor is in order to control emulation cartoon figure, and the image relevant with the emulation cartoon figure can show on display screen.Carry out emulation for the action that the emulation cartoon figure is moved on second module, image also can be presented on second display screen of second module.Module is used the communicator and second module communication.Further, if image is presented on second display screen of second module, image just is not presented on the display screen of module so.

In another embodiment, carry out emulation for the action that the emulation cartoon figure is moved to three module, image can be presented on the 3rd display screen of three module.The direct link block of three module.

In one embodiment, emulation cartoon figure's module comprises direction sensor.In another embodiment, emulation cartoon figure's module comprises sound transducer.In yet another embodiment, emulation cartoon figure's module comprises optical sensor.In also having an embodiment, emulation cartoon figure's module comprises time device.

In another embodiment, a cartoon figure is by emulation, cartoon figure's portrait is presented on the display screen of emulation cartoon figure module, emulation cartoon figure module is operatively coupled on the second emulation cartoon figure module, and can carry out emulation to the action that the emulation cartoon figure moves on the second emulation cartoon figure module.Mobile emulation is included in the portrait that shows the cartoon figure on the display screen of the second emulation cartoon figure module.

In another embodiment, emulation is carried out in the action that the emulation cartoon figure is moved on the 3rd emulation cartoon figure module.This emulation is included in the portrait that shows the cartoon figure on the 3rd display screen of the 3rd emulation cartoon figure module.The 3rd emulation cartoon figure intermodule is connected on the emulation cartoon figure module in succession.

In one embodiment, emulation all-purpose card personage comprises from direction sensor reception input information.In another embodiment, emulation all-purpose card personage comprises from sound transducer reception input information.Also in another embodiment, emulation all-purpose card personage comprises from optical sensor reception input information.Also in another embodiment, emulation all-purpose card personage comprises from time device reception input information.

Other characteristics of the present invention and advantage describe in the specific embodiment of the present invention and the accompanying drawing below, and become transpicuous.

Description of drawings

Figure 1A and Figure 1B represent emulation cartoon figure module according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 represents three interconnected emulation cartoon figure modules according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 A and Fig. 3 B represent the set of the emulation cartoon figure module that can only couple together with certain structure according to an embodiment of the invention, have represented that these modules are connected in correct and wrong mode.

Fig. 4 is the schematic block diagram of the electrical arrangement of the emulation cartoon figure module among Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 A-E represents emulation cartoon figure's according to an embodiment of the invention image.

Fig. 6 A-I represents emulation cartoon figure according to an embodiment of the invention moving from module to module.

Fig. 7 represents the possible structure of interconnected module according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 8 A-D represents that emulation cartoon figure module according to an embodiment of the invention and direction sensor are positioned at different directions.

Fig. 9 is the process flow diagram of the operating process of the control emulation cartoon figure module that sound transducer arranged according to an embodiment of the invention.

The process flow diagram of Figure 10 cartoon figure's that to be one of emulation according to an embodiment of the invention respond to the illumination degree process.

Figure 11 is one of emulation according to an embodiment of the invention has the process flow diagram of the cartoon figure's that different reactions represents process to time and date.

Figure 12 is the process flow diagram of the process of playing games according to an embodiment of the invention, and wherein the emulation cartoon figure is the part of recreation.

Embodiment

In one embodiment of the invention, cartoon figure's emulation module and one or more other cartoon figure's emulation modules can be connected to each other.Module preferably can directly be connected to each other with other cartoon figure's module that reaches four at most, and can be connected to each other with other module of not limitting quantity indirectly, but to can be directly with the qualification of interconnected module indirectly can be any suitable quantity.

Shown in Figure 1A and Figure 1B, cartoon figure's emulation module 100 preferably comes down to cube; But module can be any suitable shape.Further, module 100 preferable suitable dimensions are to hold (for example, 40mm * 40mm * 40mm, perhaps 47mm * 47mm * 47mm), but can be any suitable dimensions.At least one surface 110 of module 100 (for example, the surface of front) comprises display screen 120.Display screen 120 is 32 * 32 pixel matrix LCDs (LCD) that preferred dimensions is approximately 25mm * 25mm, but display screen 120 can be any suitable model, resolution and size.Module 100 also has the input media 130 of user and module 100 interactions.

Communicator 140 is positioned on one or more surface 150 (for example, end face, the left side, the right side and bottom surface), and module 100 can be interconnected with other module.Best, communicator 140 and display screen 120 be not on same surface; But communicator 140 can be positioned at same surface with display screen 120.When another module and module 100 were connected to each other, communicator 140 was preferably formed as physical connection with the communicator of other module.Communicator 140 is preferably planar metal connector (flat metal connector), but can be public affairs or female connectors, and this connector both can connect two modules, and these modules are remained on by interconnective position.Perhaps, communicator 140 can be wireless (for example, by IR, RF, other light or sound transmit), and can be positioned at the inside of module 100, rather than on any surface.

As shown in Figure 2, module 100 can be connected to each other.Best, module can only adopt certain structure to connect.For example, the end face of a module can only be connected to the bottom surface of another module, rather than any other face of this module.Fig. 3 A and Fig. 3 B have represented the interconnected example of the correct and incorrect module 100 when module 100 has only a certain structure to be connected respectively.In Fig. 3 A, each illustrated interconnected structure is allowed.On the contrary, in Fig. 3 B, the illustrated neither one that is connected to each other in the structure is allowed.

Perhaps, if desired, module can be connected to each other by any structure.For example, any one side of a module can be connected to any one side of another module.Module is when being connected to each other by magnet, and its position preferably can be fixed; But module can any other suitable manner be fixed, and perhaps module can not be fixed and can free of one anotherly move.

Preferably, when module 100 and another module were connected to each other, one or input media 130 more, may be all lost efficacy or were left in the basket; But input media 130 also can keep working, and continues to allow the user can give module 100 and/or other interconnected module input information.Housing 160 can have any suitable color, decorates or design.Best, by the injected plastic color, paint or create the outward appearance of a special module housing 160 by the way of bat printing; But outward appearance can be created by any other suitable manner.Shown in Figure 1A, it is opaque in fact that housing 160 is preferably; But if desired, housing 160 can be depicted as translucent or transparent as Figure 1B.

As shown in Figure 4, cartoon figure's emulation module (for example, module 100) also comprises processor 400, storage unit 410, power supply 420,430, one of display screens or more input medias 440 and one or more communicators 450.Processor 400, storage unit 410, display screen 430, input media 440 is connected by bus 450 with communicator, but (for example, each assembly is directly connected on the processor) connection in any suitable manner of these assemblies.Processor 400 and storage unit 410 are separated, but storage unit 410 or can be the contained part of processor 400.Similarly, power supply 420 provides power directly for each assembly, but power can offer other assembly in any suitable manner from power supply 420.Power supply 420 is preferably battery, but can be to be connected on the normal power cord of standard, perhaps the DC or the AC connector of light a cigarette tank or any other suitable power source of motor vehicle.

Processor 400 and storage unit 410 controls and storage emulation cartoon figure.Relevant with the emulation cartoon figure one or more images may be displayed on the display screen 430.Display screen 430 is preferably the virtual window of watching the emulation cartoon figure world.Emulation cartoon figure's behavior can be subjected to the influence of input media 440 and/or communicator 460 input signals.

Different emulation cartoon figure modules can comprise the different emulation cartoon figure of its visible portrait, behavior or further feature.So the emulation cartoon figure can distinguish by the image of their institute's tool or by their crawler behavior.Shown in Fig. 5 A-B, the emulation cartoon figure can have sex.What show on the display screen 510 of Fig. 5 A is the image 500 that is similar to a man's overall shape, and what show on the display screen 530 of Fig. 5 B is to be similar to wear women's dress, on the hair with the image 520 of a woman's of hair band overall shape.Perhaps, the emulation cartoon figure can not have sex, those emulation cartoon figure, the cartoon figure of rod shape image 540 representatives that show on the display screen 550 of Fig. 5 C for example, what perhaps show on the display screen 570 of Fig. 5 D holds rattan, the cartoon figure of rod shape image 560 representatives of rod or rod.Further shown in Fig. 5 E, the cartoon figure of emulation can be an animal, has for example shown the image 580 that resembles a dog on display screen 590.

Can distinguish that by cartoon figure's crawler behavior two are alike in appearance, perhaps even the emulation cartoon figure of same appearance.For example, a cartoon figure jumps everywhere, and another is walked with hand.Distinguishing characteristic also comprises, but is not limited to following behavior: do disco cartwheel, backward somersault, somersaults, tighten up muscle, passwind, have the hiccups, hold rod and dance, have on tall paper hat, be with sword, archery, lasso trick is used in shooting, nictation, airkiss, change size, fly, wave, beard is arranged, long hair is arranged, the Liu Mohuoke hair style, moustache is arranged, and in petticoats, is certain animal, is a kind of plant and reading.

Emulation cartoon figure moving between two modules

Shown in Fig. 6 A-I, emulation cartoon character image 600 can leave an emulation cartoon figure module and enter another.Like this, cartoon figure's virtual world expands to and comprises interconnected module.The image 600 relevant with cartoon figure's emulator can move between any interconnected module.When image when a module moves to another module, emulation cartoon figure's typical distinguishing feature makes the spectators can tracking image 600.But, in some cases, one or more the display screen of multimode may arrange unrest, thereby make the image 600 be difficult to follow the tracks of specific emulation cartoon figure.

Emulation cartoon figure module 602,604,606,608,610,612,614,616 and 618 is similar to an apartment housing-group with square pattern, be connected to each other, but it can any suitable structural arrangement.For instance, initial, the cartoon figure emulation relevant with cartoon figure's image 600 is kept by emulation cartoon figure module 610, and image is presented on the emulation cartoon figure module 610 in Fig. 6 E.Image 600 can move on any interconnected module.If the emulation cartoon figure jumps by climbing, to dig through, soul is transmitted or is otherwise passed the ceiling of module 610, and 600 of images show in module 604, shown in Fig. 6 B.

Similarly, if the emulation cartoon figure walks, hop jumps, and digs through, and soul is transmitted or otherwise passed the left wall of module 610, and image 600 shows in module 608 so, shown in Fig. 6 D.Pass right wall or floor if the emulation cartoon figure changes into, image just is presented in the module 612 shown in Fig. 6 F respectively, perhaps in the module shown in Fig. 6 H 616.Image 600 preferably can directly move between any two direct interconnected modules.But some situation (for example, game rule or special module) may stop image 600 directly to move between two direct interconnected modules.

Best, image 600 can not directly move on the module that is connected to current display image 600 indirectly.For example, image 600 can not directly move on the module 602.And in order to arrive the module 602 shown in Fig. 6 A, image 600 must at first pass through module 604 or module 608.Equally, image 600 must move arrival module 606 from module 604 or module 612, shown in Fig. 6 C.Similarly, if image 600 is in module 616, it can move to module 614 or module 618 so, respectively shown in Fig. 6 G and 6I.

Perhaps, image 600 can directly move to module 602 from module 610, even two modules only are to connect indirectly.Image 600 can directly move between two (for example, two module neither one common edge or or even common angles) modules that indirectly connect even separate.For example, in a kind of structure of the module shown in Fig. 7 700, image 600 can directly move to module 710 from module 705.In such incident, preferably, image 600 leaves module 705 to appearing between the module 710 for some time at interval.If this time interval preferably approximates one or make when more multimode 700 is filled up space 715 image 600 move through the required typical time interval of space 715.But this time interval can be any length, and perhaps basic just do not have at interval.Also have,, can equal the image 600 what souls between its two module in office so T.T. in fact and transmit the time of using up if image 600 710 carries out soul transmission from module 705 to module.

When cartoon figure's image was mobile between module, cartoon figure's information preferably was kept in the storer of original module.In addition, the cartoon figure continues control by the processor of original module.The module that cartoon figure's image moves to will be transferred to control cartoon figure's module about the information (for example, other simulation object that module shows, the attribute of module or rule etc.) of self.The processor of that module is determined next step action of cartoon figure, and transmission information is to the module that shows the cartoon figure.Information can directly be transferred to the display screen of that module or be transferred to the processor of the module that is just showing.

Perhaps, when cartoon figure's image moved to a new module, cartoon figure's information was transferred to the storer of new module, and the storer of new module is taken over the control to cartoon figure's action.The copy of cartoon figure's information preferably for good and all is stored in the original module, separates if the original module attendant of a stage actor contains cartoon figure's module, and the cartoon figure can be reinitialized in original module.The cartoon figure preferably will persist in the non-original module, make that up to some incident (for example, having a power failure) cartoon figure stops to exist; But as the direct result that cartoon figure's original module and module that his exists are separated, the cartoon figure can stop to exist.

Perhaps, original module can be deleted the cartoon figure from storer, do not keep persistent copy.Consequently, if original module separates with the cartoon figure, the cartoon figure can not be reinitialized in original module.

Direction sensor

Shown in Fig. 8 A-D, cartoon figure's emulation module 800 is best, but is not necessary, disposes direction sensor 805.Direction sensor 800 comprises electric connector 810,815,820,825,830,835,840 and 845, also include a movably conductive component 850 simultaneously.Preferable connector quantity is eight, but can be to be greater than or equal to two any amount.When cartoon figure's emulation module 800 was placed shown in Fig. 8 A like that, gravity made conductive component 850 touch electric connector 830 and 835, made a signal by these two connectors.Thereby direction sensor 805 detects its direction.

If module 800 and direction sensor 805 counterclockwise revolve turn 90 degrees, shown in Fig. 8 B, gravity makes conductive component 850 touch electric connector 840 and 845, makes a signal by these two connectors.Similarly, if module 800 and direction sensor 805 are rotated counterclockwise 90 degree again, shown in Fig. 8 C, conductive component 850 moves by gravity again, touches electric connector 810 and 815 now, makes a signal by these two connectors.Another is rotated counterclockwise 90 degree makes module 800 and direction sensor 805 place position shown in Fig. 8 D.Conductive component 850 touches electric connector 820 and 825, makes a signal by these two connectors.

Conductive component 850 is preferably rosette or ball, but can use any suitable material (for example conducting liquid of mercury and so on).Conductive component 850 also preferably at most only touches simultaneously two electric connectors.Perhaps, conductive component 850 can contact simultaneously, thereby is electrically connected, more than two electric connector.

Direction sensor 805 makes the emulation cartoon figure change according to the direction of module 800 or change and reacts.For example, if the module 800 tendency left sides, the animation display that shows the emulation cartoon figure is for swinging to the left side, and then stands up.Similarly,, be shown as the left side that the animation that shows the emulation cartoon figure is pasting display screen, slide into the right with prevention if module 800 is tended to the right.The a series of change of module 800 directions also may trigger different animations.For example, rotary module 360 degree demonstrate the emulation cartoon list of characters and drill dizzy animation.It should be noted to have the direction sensor 805 of eight electric connectors, can distinguish different direction classifications, four be similar in fact diagram those, four direction is similar in fact by rotating the resulting direction of any illustrated direction 45 degree in addition.Other direction sensor can the solution party to the different problems of aspect.

Except triggering animation, perhaps do not trigger animation, direction changes or the change of a series of direction can trigger recreation, change the attribute of simulated world, make one or the inefficacy of more input medias, input from one or more input medias is left in the basket, and the closing module display screen perhaps begins any other reaction.In addition, being changed the reaction that triggers by one or more direction also can be according to the state of module, and the world of emulation is connected to each other the quantity of module, and the structure of interconnected module and/or any other condition change.Should be noted that different cartoon figures can make different reactions for same condition.

Sound transducer

Emulation cartoon figure module preferably has sound transducer, and this sensor has the processor of the sound that reception imports from modular environment; But, sound transducer for module not necessarily.Sound transducer can make the emulation cartoon figure that sound is reacted.For example, if playing back music (for example, come from radio, stereophonic sound system, computing machine, musical instrument strikes sound such as finger on the table), the cartoon figure begins to dance, and is preferably closing the beat of music and is dancing; But the cartoon figure can not conform to the beat of music to dance.

In addition, except making the cartoon figure dances, the cartoon figure is danced, the sound input (for example, speech, applause, whistle, tone etc.) can trigger recreation, change the attribute of simulated world, one or more input medias were lost efficacy, the input from or more input medias is left in the basket, the display screen of closing module perhaps begins any other suitable reaction.Can also be by the reaction that sound import triggers according to the state of module, the world of emulation is connected to each other the quantity of module, and structure and/or any other appropriate condition of being connected to each other module change.Should be noted that different cartoon figures can make different reactions for identical condition.

Fig. 9 is an operating process with emulation cartoon figure module of sound transducer.In step 900, determine whether sound transducer has detected sound.If sound transducer does not detect sound, the process of repeating step 900.If sound transducer has detected sound,, determine whether sound is relevant with the action of emulation cartoon figure module to step 910.The action of emulation cartoon figure module comprises, but be not limited to: make the cartoon figure show a kind of behavior, trigger a recreation, change the attribute of simulated world, make one or the inefficacy of more input medias, make input be left in the basket closing module display screen or any suitable reaction from one or more input medias.If sound and the action of emulation cartoon figure module are irrelevant, repeat this process in step 900.If sound is relevant with the action of emulation cartoon figure module,, carries out action and repeat this process at step 900 place to step 920.

Emulation cartoon figure module preferably has sonorific device, for example piezo buzzer or loudspeaker; But module can have any other suitable sonorific device, and any suitable vibrating device does not perhaps have the sound generating ability.One or detection of more sound do and reaction that emulation cartoon figure module preferably can produce the cartoon figure's module by another emulation.

Optical sensor

Similarly, emulation cartoon figure module preferably has the device that produces light, LED for example, flashbulb or laser instrument; But module can have the device of any other suitable generation light, does not perhaps produce the ability of light.Emulation cartoon figure module preferably can be done to detect and reaction to the light that is sent by other emulation cartoon figure module.

Emulation cartoon figure module preferably has optical sensor, and this sensor provides visual input from modular environment to processor; But for module, optical sensor is optional.Optical sensor preferably can detect light in the modular environment and/or bright brightness; But optical sensor can be more complicated (for example, video camera) or be any other suitable light detection input media.Optical sensor can make the emulation cartoon figure react for the visual input from environment.For example, if light bright (for example, daytime or opening the room of lamp), the cartoon figure comes to life, if light is dull or do not have light (for example, night or turn off the room of lamp), the cartoon figure will sleep.Should be noted that the cartoon figure can be engaged in any other suitable behavior according to the input information that optical sensor provides.Different cartoon figures can also make different reactions to identical condition.

The input of optical sensor can also trigger recreation, changes the attribute of simulated world, and one or more input medias were lost efficacy, and the input from or more input medias is left in the basket, and the display screen of closing module perhaps begins any other suitable reaction.Also can be by the reaction that optical sensor triggers according to the state of module, simulated world is connected to each other the quantity of module, and structure and/or any other appropraite condition of being connected to each other module change.

Figure 10 represents the process that cartoon figure of emulation reacts to the brightness of light.In step 1000, the brightness of light sensors emulation cartoon figure module surrounding environment light.In step 1010, determine whether the brightness of light is relevant with emulation cartoon figure's behavior.Emulation cartoon figure behavior comprises, but is not limited to: sleep, play, and pray, dance, have a meal, sing, work, mating is had a bath, shower, dressing is worn the clothes, and shrinks back, and blocks cartoon figure's eyes, changes facial expression or any other suitable reaction.If the brightness of light and emulation cartoon figure behavior are irrelevant, the process of repeating step 1000.If the brightness of light is relevant with emulation cartoon figure behavior, enter step 1020, act of execution and repeat this process in step 1000.

The emulation cartoon figure preferably also can and/or change frequency to the change degree of the brightness of light and react.For example, if the brightness of light increases sharply (for example, have in the dark room of module turn on light), module may make the emulation cartoon figure wipe one's eyes or carry out any other suitable reaction.Similarly, if the brightness of light descends rapidly, module can make the logical personage of artificial card fall blindly everywhere to stumble or carry out any other suitable reaction.If the brightness of light is fluctuateed brokenly (for example, unique light source scintillation in thunderstorm rain), module can make emulation rain take place in simulated world, perhaps carries out any other suitable reaction.Similarly, if the brightness of light is fluctuateed regularly (for example, light source is little stroboscopic lamp), module can make the logical personage of artificial card dance or carry out any other suitable reaction.

The input of optical sensor preferably can be used for producing more complicated module and/or emulation cartoon figure reaction with other input pickup; But optical sensor also may be used solely to produce required any appropriate module and/or emulation cartoon figure reaction.For example, when the time device demonstration time of module was night, if the brightness of light increases suddenly, module can make leave behind emulation shade or shut the window shutter of emulation of the emulation cartoon figure on the display screen, perhaps carries out any other suitable reaction.Similarly, other input media can be separately or is used for producing required any appropriate module and/or emulation cartoon figure's reaction jointly.

Time device

Emulation cartoon figure module preferably has time device or clock, and it provides according to time sequence information to processor; But for module, time device is optional.Best, time device is a standard time clock, can be set up and writing time and/or date; But time device is complicated (for example, clock is provided with by atomic clock signal) more, perhaps is any other suitable time device.Optical sensor can make the emulation cartoon figure that the time in day and/or year is reacted.For example, at night, the cartoon figure is active in doings, and the cartoon figure goes work by day.Similarly, July 4, the cartoon figure can be put fireworks, and perhaps in the New Year's Eve, the cartoon figure can wear lampshade, dances all through the night.Should be noted that the cartoon figure can be engaged in any suitable behavior according to the time in day and/or year.Different cartoon figures can also make different reactions to identical condition.

The input of time device can also trigger recreation, changes the attribute of simulated world, and one or more input medias were lost efficacy, and the input from or more input medias is left in the basket, and the display screen of closing module perhaps begins any other suitable reaction.The reaction that time device input triggers also can be according to the state of module, and the world of emulation is connected to each other the quantity of module, and structure and/or any other appropriate condition of being connected to each other module change.

Figure 11 represents a cartoon figure's of emulation process, and this cartoon figure has the reaction of different behaviors according to time or date.In step 1100, time device provides according to time sequence information to processor.In step 1110, determine whether time or date be relevant with emulation cartoon figure behavior.Emulation cartoon figure's behavior includes, but are not limited to: sleep, play, and pray, dance, have a meal, sing, work, mating is had a bath, shower, dressing is worn the clothes, and sings, and drinks, put fireworks, wave flag, lampshade is worn as cap, wear national costume, fasting is gone to church, and marries, and shoegaze and/or song are (for example, taps), the thing of giving a present, parade, barbecue or any other suitable reaction.If time and date is not relevant with emulation cartoon figure behavior, repeat this process in step 1100.If time or date are relevant with emulation cartoon figure's behavior, in step 1120, act of execution and repeat this process in step 1100.

Emulation cartoon figure interaction

Best, can be interactive from two of different interconnected modules or more emulation cartoon figures.For example, two cartoon figures can participate in a recreation, dance, and fight, race, exchange message enters the lists, and exchanges virtual present or service, becomes friend, and appointment exchanges presents with each other, and bears children, and perhaps carries out any other suitable interaction.Feel better the most logical personage's of artificial card feature of interactive type, type of module, one or the feature of multimode more, and/or the influence of input environment; But interactive type can be determined by any suitable manner.

The user preferably can be by providing input information to control or influencing interaction to module.The user can make sound by using one or more buttons, and flash of light changes the direction of module, increases or removes module, and perhaps any other suitable manner provides input information to module.But the user also can not influence or control interactive.

Game interactive can be any appropriate games type.For example, when two or more emulation cartoon figure modules are connected, the emulation cartoon figure can be in a recreation facing to playing (for example, following Chinese checkers, Chinese chess, combat game or any other appropriate games are played cards in race).Perhaps, the cartoon figure can become the chip in the recreation that or more user play.

For example, the user can be directly or is connected two modules indirectly, and the emulation cartoon figure of these modules can compete.The cartoon figure of failure preferably can transfer to cartoon figure's module of triumph, some other modules that perhaps same player has; But the cartoon figure of failure can delete from its module sans phrase, and the player of triumph (for example, by improving the cartoon figure's who wins the competition personal value) in another way wins a prize, and perhaps carries out any other suitable cover action.Loser's module preferably can be restarted an emulation cartoon figure; But module can not restarted an emulation cartoon figure.It is empty that a module like this will keep, and the cartoon figure shifts into up to another emulation.The result who competes between the cartoon figure can determine, but preferably the result contains at random or pseudorandom factor.The purpose of this recreation is to gather emulation cartoon figure's valuable collection.

In the another kind recreation, each player can have the chip of a more than emulation cartoon figure as recreation.For example, module can be used to play and be similar to science fiction or other chess/card game based on theme (for example, magic wind and cloud, illuminati etc.).The player preferably can increase by one or more module in turn in interconnected module group.Cartoon figure in the module that playing games feels better most increases increases the position of module, at random or pseudorandom number generator, input (for example, the direction of player's input (for example, by button or other sensor) and/or environment, sound, light etc.) influence.But, play games and can operate in any suitable manner.

Figure 12 represents the process of playing games, and in recreation, the emulation cartoon figure is the chip of recreation according to an embodiment of the invention.Recreation is preferably two players' recreation, as shown in the figure; But if desired, recreation can have more than two players.In step 1200, the emulation cartoon figure's of player A module is connected to the emulation cartoon figure module of player B.The formation that module adopts makes that its connection can begin to play games.When the module of player A is connected with the module of player B, preferably there is not other module to be connected with them; But recreation can be operated like this: one or more other module be connected in the module that player A or player B connect one or two.

Recreation preferably includes bout, and the player can take action during this period; But recreation can be set a trap, and plays simultaneously and/or any other suitable system of playing.In step 1205, determine whether to take turns to player A.If take turns to player A, in step 1210, player A can connect another module in interconnected module group.In step 1215, the emulation cartoon figure of one or more player A can move.Emulation cartoon figure's action can be by player A (for example, by the instruction input) by one or the more input media control of multimode; But, emulation cartoon figure's action can with at random or pseudorandom mode or any other suitable manner, by the structure control of interconnected module.Action can comprise the emulation cartoon figure who attacks player B, and the mark of defending or make a bet for player A sets up defence, is played tricks, and waits for, excutes a law or any other suitable action.Some action preferably can cause the emulation cartoon figure to move between module, with other cartoon figure's interaction (for example, fight or attack).

In step 1220, determine whether to take place the Exit Game incident.If the incident of Exit Game has taken place, in step 1225, game over.If no, process repeats from step 1205.

If, in step 1205, determined not take turns to player A, in step 1230, determine whether to take turns to player B.If do not take turns to player B, in step 1205 repetitive process.If take turns to player B, in step 1235, player B can connect another module in interconnected module group.In step 1240, the emulation cartoon figure of one or more player B can move, and continues this process in step 1220.Best, in case a module is connected in the interconnected module group, module just can not move, up to game over; But if desired, module can be removed any suitable time during playing.

Recreation also can be a kind of emulation.The user can connect two or multimode more, observes action and the interaction of emulation cartoon figure in simulated world simply, is similar to and watches interconnected ant farm or mouse residence.Module can be added in order to introduce new cartoon figure in the world and/or new interactive option is provided.For example, a module can make the cartoon figure in the simulated world dance, and another module can make cartoon figure's reproduction, and other module can make the cartoon figure can be engaged in other suitable interaction.

Emulation cartoon figure's generation

Preferably, when the cartoon figure was created or produces, the user can influence or control cartoon figure's attribute; But, the attribute that the cartoon figure occurs when producing or can not influenced by the user.The attribute that occurs when the cartoon figure produces can comprise cartoon figure's appearance, interchange in simulated environment or action.In addition, the cartoon figure preferably also usually shows with the form of rod, but when the cartoon figure wants to exchange with the external world of simulated environment, and it just makes presenting of it full frame.So, facial characteristics, the details that expression or motion can be bigger shows.Such facial characteristics, expression or motion can the person of being to use can influence or control the attribute that the cartoon figure produces.The emulation cartoon figure can also exchange by text and real world (for example, user).When the cartoon figure is shown as head when full frame, text preferably shows with the form of cartoon bubble; But text can occur in any suitable manner in any suitable time.

Best, the cartoon figure has and influenced by the user and of producing or more cartoon figure's attributes (for example, appearance, body temperature, language, dialect, level of education etc.) can move in other users' the module.The cartoon figure can live together in primary module then, with cartoon figure's interaction of primary module.Module preferably comprises " clone " function, promptly allows the user that he or she creature is retained in the module, allows one or more duplicate travel in other module.Best, be used for storing that the required storage volume of cartoon figure compares with total available storage of a module is less.Like this, many emulation cartoon figures can coexist in same module.

Emulation cartoon figure attribute generator preferably can allow the easy mistake storage resources of uC system (embedded system) effectively used aspect cartoon figure's generation and the storage.Attribute preferably is made of element, increases in the archives that advance the cartoon figure, is similar to " photo amalgamation " system of police.Cartoon figure's archives can produce simultaneously with any and/or user's input.Perhaps, cartoon figure's archives can be the acquiescence archives.

Best, one or more attribute can show as the pattern of pixels that storage address is arranged in the Embedded ROM; But attribute can show by any suitable device in any suitable manner.In addition, the cartoon figure is the elfin preferably, can enough simple internal code orders allow them move around screen; But the cartoon figure can be shown as the diagram plots picture of any kind, can be handled in any suitable manner.

Best, constitute the generator engine of " virtual world " by firmware, this engine has a certain amount of synergistic available programs database; But if desired, the generator engine can be hardware or software, needn't comprise any database.Best, specific cartoon figure's (for example, cartoon figure's individual character/behavior is very important or valuable) attribute is further changed these programs, thereby changes the pattern of playing.

The cartoon figure who produces can be stored among system register/RAM, perhaps preferably is stored in the flash memory, and power supply is turned off them and also can be survived for a long time in flash memory; But the cartoon figure can any suitable memory device stores.

Cartoon figure's attribute can be any suitable variable or fixing size is arranged.For example, each attribute can be one 8 bit (1 byte).Use such attribute, a typical single cartoon figure can use 5 bytes store, however, is to be understood that single cartoon figure can use bytes store more or still less, and this depends on the size and the quantity of attribute.On behalf of hair style/head, typical case cartoon figure's byte 1 decorate (for example, cap) information.Byte 2 is represented facial information.Byte 3 is represented biological information.Byte 4 is represented the type information of arms and legs, represents the arm type for preceding 4, back 4 types of representing leg.Preceding 4 vocabulary of representing the cartoon figure, dialect and/or the language abilitys of byte 5.Represent cartoon figure's individual character/behavioural information for back 4 of byte 5.

Best, the geographic area can use the specific part of byte to represent themselves regional attribute change.For example, the 00h of facial information byte can represent to the 64h position and have the U.S./facial characteristics of Britain's feature.Similarly, 65h can represent the facial characteristics with Asia feature to the C8h position.Consequently, preferably can not produce the feature in east for the module of U.S./English user (perhaps the user is in U.S./English main flow area) distribution; But if desired, module can be allowed the formation any kind feature in any district suitably.Best, can also be in sight from the cartoon figure of foreign lands, be stored and pass all modules, just cartoon figure's generator function can not be searched the foreign lands' particular community in the database.Consequently, the cartoon figure that can not produce in a territory can become the cartoon figure who allows the people collect very valuable and/or very rare in that territory, that be difficult to obtain.

Be to be understood that the various changes and modifications for current preferred embodiment described herein are conspicuous for the person of ordinary skill in the field.Such changes and improvements can not break away from the spirit and scope of the present invention, do not reduce under the situation of the advantage that it will reach and make.Therefore, the scope of claim has contained these changes and improvements.

Claims (6)

1. One kind can a plurality of interconnected environment interaction formula cartoon figure emulation modules, it is characterized in that comprising:

   Processor;

   Be operably connected to the display screen of above-mentioned processor; With

   Be operably connected to the communicator of above-mentioned processor, wherein above-mentioned processor is used for controlling the emulation cartoon figure, wherein relevant with emulation cartoon figure image is presented on the above-mentioned display screen, wherein, the emulation cartoon figure carries out emulation on second module for being moved to, image is presented on second display screen of second module, wherein module is used the above-mentioned communicator and second module communication, if wherein image is presented on second display screen, above-mentioned display screen stops display image.
2. 2. module according to claim 1 is characterized in that carrying out emulation on the three module for the emulation cartoon figure is moved to, and image is displayed on the 3rd display screen of three module, and wherein three module is connected with module indirectly.
3. 3. module according to claim 1 is characterized in that also comprising:

   Be operably connected to the direction sensor of above-mentioned processor.
4. 4. module according to claim 1 is characterized in that also comprising:

   Be operably connected to the sound transducer of above-mentioned processor.
5. 5. module according to claim 1 is characterized in that also comprising:

   Be operably connected to the optical sensor of above-mentioned processor.
6. 6. module according to claim 1 is characterized in that also comprising:

   Be operably connected to the time device of above-mentioned processor.

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