GB2364930A

GB2364930A - Interactive toy

Info

Publication number: GB2364930A
Application number: GB0112548A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Koh Katoh; Michito Oda; Tomohisa Ueno
Original assignee: Tomy Co Ltd
Current assignee: Tomy Co Ltd
Priority date: 2000-06-02
Filing date: 2001-05-24
Publication date: 2002-02-13
Also published as: JP3673449B2; GB0112548D0; JP2001340663A

Abstract

A toy has two parts, one of which is movable relative to the other. One part has an interrogator and the other has a responder, one of which is provided within the movable part. Data is transmitted between the interrogator and the responder, perhaps in a contactless manner, when the interrogator and responder approach. This may be by moving parts close together or attaching them to one another. One of the parts reacts to the is transmitted data, perhaps by generating sound, light, or an image, or moving. The part may also have a sound detector, which may bring a response, perhaps varying with the type of sound and number of times it has been detected. One of the parts may be a map or town plan 70 and have many interrogators or responders 222-1, 2, 3, 4. There may be sound to guide the second object, perhaps a vehicle, around the town. A display may be provided to output an image in accordance with the transmitted data.

Description

2364930 DISPLAY TOY

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a display toy. In detail, the present invention relates to a display toy using a data carrier system.

Description of the Related Art

In toys and models f or being played by moving them, which are formed into a shape of a human, an animal, a vehicle or the like, there are some ones which lighten, dance or talk, by mounting them on a table, touching them, or talking to them. In the concrete, when an external vibration or an external sound is detected by a sensor, the usual toy randomly selects a sound data f rom a plurality of data stored in a memory section to output a sound, or to dance by moving parts, such as an arm, a leg or a waist.

However, in order to cause each toy to take each peculiar action, it is necessary to incorporate a memory medium for memorizing a plurality of sound data and a program f or executing a peculiar action, a motor, a power supply and the like therein. Therefore, there is a problem that the above function is applied to only a toy having a size which is larger than a certain one. As a solution of the problem, for example, in order to cause 1 a small model to generate a peculiar sound and a peculiar light, it is thought that an attachment table for generating a sound, a speaker, a light and the like are provided in the model and that a sound and a light are generated by mounting the model on the table or by connecting the model with the speaker and the light. However, even though some models are of the same type, for example, when there are some varieties, such as a patrol car, an ambulance or the like, a unit for identifying each variety does not exist in the model. There are many cases that a model and a table (or a speaker) has one-for-one correspondence. Therefore, a problem that one table does not correspond to a plurality of different models, -is caused. The above toy is not very efficient.

According to a toy which takes a motion by detecting an external vibration or a sound with a sensor, and which are f ormed into a shape of a human, an animal, there are many cases that a toy takes only a constant motion in accordance with one or a plurality stimuli or that a toy takes a motion at random, which has no relation with a stimulus. As a result, a player is soon bored with a toy. Further, a player does not make an imagination while playing a toy.

There are a f ew types of toys in which when the toys carry out data communications with each other, the toys interact with each other by taking a motion in accordance with the received data or the transmitted data. Although there are a plurality of toys in which the data communications are carried out by using 2 infrared rays, it is necessary that both toys which carry out data communications should have a power supply. Therefore, if the toys do not have a certain size or a size larger than a certain one, the toys cannot have the above function. When an infrared ray sensor, a remote controller. or the like is used, fan infrared ray emitting portion or the like should be provided on a surface of the toy. As a result, there is a problem that the appearance of the toy deteriorates.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to solve the above-described problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a toy for identifying each toy or a part of the toy to take a motion in accordance with the result of the identification.

That is, in order to solve the above problems, in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, a display toy comprises: a first object (for example, a mounting table 40 shown in FIG. 5) comprising one of an interrogator (for example, an interrogator 22 shown in FIG. 2) and a responder (for example, a responder 10 shown in FIG. 1) which constitute a contactless data carrier system; and a second object (for example, a model 30 shown in FIG.

3 5) comprising the other of the interrogator and the responder; wherein a data is transmitted between the interrogator and the responder when the f irst object approaches the second object; and one object of the first object and the second object, which receives the transmitted data, executes a display in accordance with the transmitted data.

The term "data" includes a sound data, an image data, a light blinking data, an object motion data, a text data comprising a number or a character, or the like. The term "display" includes that an action in which the object which receives the data, drives a part thereof, generates a sound or a light, or outputs an image or the like in accordance with the data, is executed. The term "object" means a model of a vehicle, a model of a ground construction, one having a shape of a map mounting table, a turn table, a doll, a robot toy or the like. Preferably, the shape of the first object is related to that of the second object in case of playing the toy. That is, it is preferable that when one object is used, a player can be reminded of the other object. For example, both objects are formed into a model of a vehicle. One object is formed into a model of a vehicle, and the other is f ormed into a map mounting table or a ground construction.

According to the f irst aspect of the present invention, the object for receiving the data to execute a display can 4 execute a display peculiar to each object by transmitting a data peculiar to each object, even though there are a plurality of objects which transmit data. Because the responder for the data carrier system can supply an electric power by using an electromagnetic energy outputted from the interr6gator, the responder can be attached to a small object. Therefore, itis possible that a small object, for example, a miniature car or a model of a ship is identified by the other object and that the other object executes each peculiar display. Further, because a contactless data carrier system is adopted, the interrogator or the responder can be attached to the inside of each object. Therefore, it is possible to execute data communications without deteriorating the appearance of the object. The above data carrier system can be adapted to an object which is formed into a miniature car made by a die cast, a doll, a robot type of toy or the like.

When the ID code is transmitted in order to identify one object which transmits a data between the interrogator and the responder and the object which receives a data executes a display in accordance with the ID code, a complicated display corresponding to a condition, such as a timing or the number of times that the ID code is received, can be realized.

The data carrier system may be operated by any one of mounting the second object on the f irst object and moving the second object on the first object.

According to the invention, because data communications are executed between the interrogator and the responder by playing the toy so as to move the second object by hand on the first object, the present invention can be easily adapted to an existing toy to be played by mounting one object on the other objector by moving one object on the other object. Forexample, the present invention can be adapted to various toys, such as a set of a plurality of miniature cars and a mounting table thereof or a turn table thereof, a set of a plurality of dolls and a house thereof, a set of a Japanese backgammon and a piece thereof, or the like.

In accordance with the second aspect of the present invention, a display toy (for example, a dog type of toy 140 shown in FIG. 15A) comprises: an object comprising an interrogator and a responder which constitute a data carrier system, and a movable portion, wherein one of the interrogator and the responder is provided in the movable portion; a data is transmitted between the interrogator and the responder when the interrogator approaches the responder by moving the movable portion; and the object executes a display in accordance with the transmitted data.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, 6 f or example, in a doll or an animal type of toy, the responder is provided in a palm which is movable with respect to a body. The interrogator is provided in a stomach portion, a head portion, a back portion or the like. A data is transmitted by applying the palm to each portion in which the intelrrogator is provided, to execute a display, such as to output a sound, a light or the like. Therefore, the toy for executing various displays can be realized in one body.

In accordance with the third aspect of the present invention, a display toy comprises: an object comprising an interrogator and a responder which constitute a data carrier system, and an attachable and detachable part (for example, a cap-shaped toy 144 shown in FIG. 15B); wherein one of the interrogator and the responder is provided in the attachable and detachable part; a data is transmitted between the interrogator and the responder when the interrogator approaches the responder by attaching the part to the object; and the object executes a display in accordance with the transmitted data.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the part which is attachable to a body and is detachable from a body comprises one of the interrogator and the responder. A 7 data can be transmitted between the interrogator and the responder by attaching the part to the body having the other of the interrogator and the responder. Therefore, when a plurality of parts which are attachable to the body and are detachable f rom the body are collected in order to receive and transmit different data according to each part and the body, it is possible to realize various displays which are different according to each part. For example. when the body is a baby doll and the part is a rattle, a display can be executed (a sound can be outputted) by giving the rattle to the baby doll.

The display toy may further comprise a sound detect section for detecting an external sound; wherein when an external sound is detected by the sound detect section, the one object executes a display in accordance with the data received by the interrogator or the responder.

According to the present invention, the display can be executed in response to an external sound. For example, the interrogator and the responder are provided in a stomach portion of a baby doll and in a palm thereof, respectively. Although the data communications are carried out by applying the palm to the stomach portion, a display is not executed when an external sound is not detected. In this case, when a player talks to the baby doll with a message "Baby, what is the matter? ", or when a certain sound is made, a display, such as outputting 8 a sound "I have a stomachache.", is executed. Therefore, a player can have a feeling that a player actually talks to the display toy and can have an attachment to the toy more.

The display toy may further comprise a sound fecognizing section for recognizing an external sound; wherein when the data is received, the one object executes a display in accordance with the external sound recognized by the sound recognizing section and the received data.

According to the present invention, because the display to be executed can be determined in accordance with not only the data which is transmitted between the interrogator and the responder but also the recognized external sound, it is possible to realize a more complicated display peculiar to each object by preparing a large number of combinations between the transmitted data and the recognized sound.

The display toy may further comprise a counter for counting the number of times that the data is received.

When the data is received, the one object may execute at least one display selected from the group consisting of moving, lighting and outputting a sound, in accordance with the received data or the number of times, which is counted by the counter.

According to the present invention, for example, in case 9 that the data is an ID code, because the number of times that the ID code is received is counted, it is possible to realize a different display according to the number of times that the interrogator and the responder for receiving and transmitting the ID code approach each other. Further, because a process for counting the number of times that the ID code is received is simple and it is not necessary to use a large-scale device, the counter -is particularly ef f ective for a small toy or a cheap toy. Further, because it is not necessary to carry out a complicated calculation for determining one display from a plurality of displays in accordance with the number of times, it is possible to execute a display more simply and faster.

The f irst object may comprise a sheet type of map mounting table (for example, a map mounting table 70 shown in FIG. 8A) and one of the interrogator and the responder may be provided in the map mounting table or in a construction on the map mounting table.

According to the present invention, because the first object comprises a sheet type of mounting table on which a map is drawn, a player can enjoy playing the toy by moving the second object on the map. For example, the first object is a map of a fictitious town. The second object is a living thing which lives in the drawn town. It is possible to enjoy moving the second object on the first object by relating the first object with the second object.

A plurality of ones of the interrogators and the responders may be provided in the map mounting table or in the construction on the map mounting table; and a sound may be outputted in accordance with a position of the second object on the first object.

According to the present invention, for example, in case that the second object is a model of a bus, a sound relating to a bus stop is generated when the second object comes to a predetermined position on the map which is drawn on the first object. In case that the second object is a model of a patrol car, a sound "Patrol car is on patrol near XX now. ", or the like is generated. It is possible to generate a sound corresponding to the second object and a position of the first object. Therefore, a player can play the toy with the feeling that a player actually operates the second object in the town which is drawn on the first object, or with the feeling that a player actually becomes the second object.

A plurality of ones of the interrogators and the responders may be provided in the map mounting table or in the construction on the map mounting table; and a sound for guiding the second object to a goal point on 11 the first object may be outputted.

According to the present invention, because a sound for guiding the second object to the goal point is generated when the second object comes to a predetermined position on the map which is drawn on the f irst object, a player can learn some words, such as "right", " left" f licrossing" and the like, and can learn the way to use a map. When a speed of a sound f or guiding the second object, a tone, a voice or the like can be varied, it is possible to provide not only a play that the second object is simply guided, but also a play in accordance with a player's skill. For example, a sound "Pi" is one for guiding the second object to the right. A sound "Pipi" is one for guiding the second object to the left. A sound "PiPiPi" is one for guiding the second object straightly. By coding a sound, it is possible to execute a display for guiding the second object at a high level for a player.

The display toy may further comprise an image display section for outputting an image data in accordance with the data received by the interrogator or the responder.

According to the present invention, because an image can be displayed on the display section in accordance with the received data, more various displays can be realized. For example, each static image which is each one scene of a story 12 is memorized in a plurality of objects which transmit each data. When the object which transmits each data approaches the object which receives the data, in order, it is possible to display each static image like a paper picture show. In this case, a story peculiar to a player may be made without designating an order. In another case, a sound and an image data are memorized in the object formed into a character of an old story or an animation. The other object can display an image of a scene in which a feeling of each character is confessed.

The image data may be one f or displaying a f eature of the object which transmits the data, or a motion of the object which transmits the data.

According to the present invention, it is possible to display a feature of the object which transmits the data. For example, in case that the object which transmits the data is a model of a car, it is possible to display a catalog information of the car, such as a perspective view, the internal portion, a picture that the car drives splendidly or the like. In case that the object is formed into a character of an animation or the like, it is possible to display a feature of the character, such as a f ictitious weight, height, a hobby, a f avorite or the like. Further, it is possible to display a view showing a motion of the character.

13 The image data may be one for displaying a scenery of the object which transmits the data.

According to the present invention, because the image data to be outputted to the display section is one for displaying the scenery, for example, when the first object is formed into a stage for mounting the second object to play it and the display section for displaying the scenery is provided on a screen section attached to the back portion of the first object, it is possible to show the display toy so that the second object actually exists in the scenery by mounting the second object on the stage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention, and wherein;

FIG. 1 shows a functional block diagram of a responder; FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of a mounting table; FIG. 3A is a view showing an example of a relevant table, and FIG. 3B is a view showing an example of a relevant table 14 with a condition; FIG. 4A shows an example of a motor table, and FIG. 4B shows an example of a light table; FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a model of a car and a mounting table; 9 FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of a situation that a model is mounted on a mounting table; FIG. 7 shows an example of a stage type of mounting table; FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of a map mounting table, and FIG. 8B shows an example of a wiring of the map mounting table; FIG. 9 ls a view showing an example of a relevant table according to the second embodiment; FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of a response code; FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of a relevant table according to the third embodiment; FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of a shopping table; FIG. 13 is a view showing a protocol f low f or showing that a shopping is carried out on a map mounting table; FIG. 14A to 14C are views showing an example of each member of an assembled town; and FIG. 15A is a view showing an example of a dog type of toy, and FIG. 15B is a view showing an inside of the dog type of toy.

is PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, a plurality of preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings. First, the principle of the present invention, which is in common with each embodiment, will beexplained. Then, various functions which are applied to each embodiment, are applied will be explained. In the drawings, the same reference numeral is attached to the same element. The redundant explanation is omitted.

The principle of the present invention will be explained.

The present invention uses a responder 10 and an interrogator 22 for a contactless data carrier system. In the concrete, a user plays the toy by using a model (the second object) into which one of the responder 10 and the interrogator 22 is incorporated, and a mounting table (the first object) (which is one for mounting the model and which may be a stand type of one or a sheet type of one) into which the other of the interrogator 22 and the responder 10 is incorporated. Although the model and the mounting table will be explained in detail below, as a play using the model and the mounting table, for example, the mounting table carries out an operation (or a display) according to the model by mounting the model on the mounting table to carry out data communications between the mounting table and the model.

In order to simply explain the embodiment, the model into 16 which the responder 10 is incorporated, and the mounting table into which the interrogator 22 is incorporated will be explained. Displays, such as outputting a sound or an image, operating each member by driving a motor, turning on/off a light and the like are comprehensively referred to as the term "action"'. Although a data for directly carrying out the action, such as an image data, a sound data or the like, may be transmitted between the interrogator 22 and the responder 10, in the embodiment, it is explained that the an ID code for identifying the model is transmitted and received and that the mounting table carries out the action corresponding to the received ID code. As a contactless data carrier system, an IC card (proximity type) produced in accordance with International Organization for Standardization ISO/IEC14443 is used in the responder 10.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the responder 10 which is incorporated into the model. As shown in FIG. 1, the responder 10 mainly comprises a coil 11, a power supply circuit 12, an IC 13 for response, a processing section 14, a memory section 15 and the like. The coil 11 is a wireless antenna for carrying out communications with the interrogator 22 which is incorporated into the mounting table. The power supply circuit 12 is one for rectifying, smoothing and stabilizing an induced electromotive force generated at the coil 11 by a carrier wave from the interrogator 22, to generate an electric power to be consumed in the responder 10. The IC 13 for response comprises a demodulation circuit for 17 demodulating a signal received by the coil 11, and a modulation circuit f or modulating a signal to be transmitted so as to output the modulated signal to the coil 11. The IC 13 carries out the data communications with the interrogator 22 at a predetermined timing.

The processing section 14 outputs an instruction signal to the IC 13 for response when the electric power is supplied to the responder 10 by the power supply circuit 12. The instruction signal is one for outputting an ATR (Answer To Reset) including an attributive information of the responder 10 to the interrogator 22. The processing section 14 executes a process in accordance with a command (a command signal) transmitted from the interrogator 22. For example, when a command for transmitting an ID code from the interrogator 22 is received, the processing section 14 reads out an ID code of the responder 10 from a ROM 15b of the memory section 15 to output the ID code to the IC 13 for response.

The memory section 15 comprises a RAM 15a, a ROM 15b, an EEPROM 15c acting as memories for storing data, and the like. The RAM 15a is a work area for the processing section 14 to execute each process. In the ROM 15b, a plurality of ID codes for identifying the responder 10, a program which is used by the processing section 14 to execute each process, and the like are stored. The EEPROM 15c is a memory for memorizing rewriteable data in accordance with the command transmitted by the interrogator 22. The EEPROM 15c further memorizes an 18 identification code, a response code, a point data and a gasoline data which are explained below.

The model comprising the above functional elements executes the peculiar data communications with the mounting table 20 having the interrogator 22 in accordance 7ith the ID codes. Theref ore, when the command f or memorizing the data is received from the mounting table 20, each peculiar data is memorized. Although the data to be memorized in the model is memorized in the EEPROM 15c, the data may be memorized in a memory section 23 of the mounting table 20. That is, the mounting table may have a structure that the data of each model, which relates to each ID code, is memorized in the memory section 23 of the mounting table 20.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram for explaining an interior structure of the mounting table 20 which executes an action in accordance with the ID codes and data transmitted f rom the responder 10. The mounting table 20 mainly comprises a CPU 21 f or controlling the whole mounting table 20, an interrogator 22 f or executing data communications with the responder 10, a memory section 23, and action section 24 for taking an action in accordance with the ID codes and data transmitted from the responder 10. Each section is connected with others by a bus 25. The action section 24 comprises a motor control section 24-1, a display section 24-2, a sound output section 24-3, a light section 24-4 and the like. It is possible to vary the combination of the sections in accordance with the action which 19 the mounting table 20 will execute. In the mounting table 20, a power supply circuit which is not shown in the drawing is connected with each section to supply an electric power to each section.

The CPU 21 executes a process for outputting each type of command and data to the responder 10 in accordance with a program memorized in the memory section 23. For example, when a notice signal for noticing that the ATR is received is outputted from the interrogator 22, the process corresponding to a response from the responder 10, that is, the process that a command for requesting an ID code (hereinafter, simply referred to as "ID code request command") is outputted to the interrogator 22 to transmit it to the responder 10, is carried out.

When the ID code of the responder 10 is identified, the CPU 21 commands the action section 24 to take an action corresponding to the ID code. In the concrete, the CPU 21 selects an action corresponding to the ID code, from the drive patterns of a motor, the control patterns of a light and the data f ile f or sound and image, which are memorized in the memory section 23. Then, the CPU 21 outputs a command signal in order to start an operation of each section of the action section 24. The process for determining an action corresponding to the ID code is executed in accordance with a relevant table 233 shown in FIG. 3A. In the relevant table 233, a plurality of action programs corresponding to each ID code are memorized. The action program is one for specifying an action to be executed, from a plurality of data stored in the memory section 23, such as the drive patterns of the motor, the control pattern of the light and the data f ile f or sound and image, and f or designating a timing and an order of the action to be executed.

Therefore, when the ID code of the responder 10 is identified. the CPU 21 reads out the relevant table 233 to search the action program corresponding to the ID code. The action which is designated in accordance with the program f rom various types of action patterns or various types of data files which are stored in the memory section 23, is read out. The read out action is taken by each section of the action section 24.

As a relevant table 233' shown in FIG. 3B, a plurality of action programs to be executed by one ID code may be prepared. Further, one action program is specified in accordance with various conditions. For example, the action program may be specified in accordance with the conditions except the ID code as described below. The number of times that the interrogator 22 receives the ID code of the responder 10 may be counted in order tospecify the action program in accordance with the counted number of times. When the mounting table comprises a plurality of coils 222 for executing the data communications with the responder 10, the action program is specified in accordance with the coil 222 which receives the ID code.

Therefore, it is possible to take an action which is different from another in accordance with the timing at which the model 21 is mounted on the mounting table 20 or the position in which the model is mounted on the mounting table 20, even though the same model is mounted. As a result, it is possible to provide more complicated and interesting toy.

The memory section 23 may be realized by a RAM, a ROM or the like. In the memory section 23, the relevant table shown in FIG. 3A or FIG. 3B, and a plurality of programs f or determining a command to be transmitted from the interrogator 22 to the responder 10 are memorized. Further, the memory section 23 memorizes the motor table which stores a plurality of drive patterns of a motor, the light table which stores a plurality of control patterns of a light, the data file which stores a plurality of sound data to be outputted, the data file which stores a plurality of image data to be displayed, and the like.

FIG. 4A is a view showing an example of the motor table 230. As shown in FIG. 4A, the motor table 230 stores a plurality of signals for commanding the drive of the motor in order. For example, when the motor drives (rotates) a turn plate, the instruction signals, such as M1 (900 clockwise turn), M2 (900 counterclockwise turn) and the like. are stored. FIG. 4B is a view showing an example of the light table 231. In the light table 231, a plurality of instruction signals for controlling the on/off operation of a light, are stored.

The interrogator 22 comprises an interrogator control section 220, a ROM 221 and a plurality of coils 222 acting as wireless antennas for transmitting data to the responder 10 and 22 receiving data from the responder 10. The interrogator control section 220 comprises a modulation circuit for modulating a command or data outputted from the CPU 21 to output them to the responder 10 through the coil 222 as a carrier wave having a high frequency, and a demodulation circuit for demo61ating an ID code or data received from the responder 10 through the coil 222 to output it to the CPU 21. The above data communications with the responder 10 are executed at a predetermined timing. In the ROM 221, a program for executing the communications between the interrogator control section 220 and the responder 10 and the like are memorized.

Although the CPU 21 executes a process for determining a command to be outputted to the responder 10 in accordance with the response of the responder 10, the interrogator control section 220 may determine each type of command to be outputted to the responder in accordance with the program memorized in the ROM 221. A plurality of interrogators 22 may be provided in the mounding table. In this case, a plurality of identification codes for identifying each interrogator 22 are memorized in the ROM 221. The interrogator control section 220 may output the identification code to the CPU 21 with the data received from the responder 10. Alternatively, in order to provide the mounting table at a lower cost, as shown in FIG. 2, the mounting table may comprise a plurality of coils 222-1, 222-2,..., instead of a plurality of interrogators, and a plurality of coils 222-1, 222-2, - may be controlled by one 23 interrogator control section.

The motor control section 24-1 is one for controlling the motor for operating each portion of the mounting table. The motor control section 24-1 drives the motor in accordance with the command signal outputted from the CPU 21.

The display section 24-2 comprises a display device, such as a television, an LCD, a CRT or the like. The display device is used according to each embodiment which will be explained below. For example, in an embodiment in which a large display is required, a preferred display device is a television or a CRT. In an embodiment in which only a numeral or a small number of characters are displayed on the display device, a preferred display device is a small black-and-white LCD. It is not necessary that the display section is provided in the mounting table 20. Am image may be displayed on an external display section.

The sound output section 24-3 comprises a speaker and the like. The sound data outputted from the CPU 21 is outputted.

The light section 24-4 comprises a light emitting diode, a miniature bulb or the like. An on/off operation of a light set to each portion of the mounting table 20 is controlled in accordance with an instruction signal outputted from the CPU 21.

Hereinafter, an example of an operation relating to the data communications between the interrogator 22 and the responder 10 will be explained.

24 When the responder 10 incorporated into the model approaches the interrogator 22 of the mounting table to which an electric power is supplied, the responder 10 supplies an electric power to each section of the responder 10 by receiving the carrier wave generated by the coil 222 of the interrogator 22. Then, the ATR is outputted to the interrogator 22. When the ATR is received by the interrogator 22, the interrogator 22 outputs the notice signal for noticing that the ATR is received, to the CPU 21. The CPU 21 determines the command to be outputted to the responder 10 in accordance with the program memorized in the memory section 23, and outputs a signal for commanding the interrogator 22 to transmit the determined command. For example, when a signal for outputting the ID code request command is received by the interrogator 2 2 from the CPU 21, the interrogator 22 outputs the request command to the responder 10. When the request command is received by the responder 10, the ID code is read out from the memory section 15 to transmit the ID code to the interrogator 22. The interrogator 22 demodulates the received ID code to output it to the CPU 21. The CPU 21 executes a process corresponding to the received ID code in accordance with the program memorized in the memory section 23.

Next, various embodiments to which the above principle is applied will be explained below.

First Embodiment:

The display toy according to the first embodiment has a schematic structure in which the mounting table comprises the functional block shown in FIG. 2 and the model comprises the responder 10 shown in FIG. 1. The model is formed into a small car. The mounting table executes an action which is different from model to model by mounting the model on the mounting table. Thereby, a player can play the display toy. The mounting table according to the present embodiment comprises one coil 222 connected with the interrogator control section 220.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a model 30 and a mounting table 40 for playing by mounting the model 30. The mounting table 40 comprises a driving plate 41 which can rotate and vibrate, a speaker 42, a plurality of lights 43. The mounting table 40 is connected with an external display device 44. In the mounting table 40, the functional block shown in FIG. 2 is provided. Therefore, the motor control section 24 -1 controls the driving plate 41 in accordance with the instruction signal outputted from the CPU 21. The light section 24-4 controls the on/off operation of the lights 43. The sound output section 24-3 outputs a sound by using the speaker 42. The display section 24-2 outputs an image data to display it on the display device 44. The coil 222 of the interrogator 22 is attached to a back portion of the driving plate 41 toward an upper direction of the drawing. When the model 30 is mounted on the driving plate 41, the data communications with the coil 26 11 of the responder 10 are executed.

Hereinafter, an example action of the action section will be explained.

The CPU 21 judges an action program corresponding to the ID code received by the interrogator 22. In accordance with the action program, the instruction signal for instructing the light section 24-4 to turn on the lights 43 and the instruction signal for instructing the motor control section 24 -1 to rotate the driving plate 41 are outputted, respectively. The CPU 21 selects a data file for image data and a data file for sound data, which are memorized in the memory section 23, in accordance with the action program. The selected image is displayed on the display device 44 (display section 24-2). The selected sound is generated by the speaker 42 (sound output section 24-3).

FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of a situation that the model 30 is mounted on the driving plate 41 of the mounting table 40. For example, because the model 30 is mounted on the driving plate 41, the mounting table 40 recognizes the ID code of the model 30. Further, a plurality of lights 43 which are attached to an edge of the mounting table 40 are turned on. The driving plate 41 is rotated slowly. A catalog information relating to the model 30, such as "The driving type can be switched between four wheel drive and front wheel drive. ", is outputted from the speaker 42. An image (either of a static image or a dynamic image) in which the model 30 drives splendidly, 27 is displayed on the display device 44.

Therefore, a player can feel that a favorite car is exhibited in an exhibition, by mounting the model 30 on the mounting table 40. According to an earlier technology, an internal portion of a model of a car is too minute to show the internal portion in detail. However, when the internal portion (a driver's seat, a back seat, a trunk or the like) of the car is displayed on the display device 44, a player can enjoy imaging that the player drives a car actually, by showing a driver's seat of player's favorite car, such as an ambulance, a patrol car or the like.

The following action may be executed. That is, a timer is provided in the mounting table 40. Time is measured from the timing of receiving the ATD from the responder 10. A sound and an image to be outputted, an on/off operation of the light 43 and the motion of the driving plate 41 may be changed in accordance with the measured time. For example, in case that the measured time is f rom 0 to 5 seconds, an ignition sound is outputted and the driving plate 41 is strongly vibrated in upper and lower directions. In case that the measured time is f rom 5 to 10 seconds, an idling sound is outputted and the driving plate 41 is weakly vibrated in upper and lower directions. As described above, a sound to be outputted and the motion of the driving plate 41 are changed in accordance with the measured time to produce the sound and the motion when an actual car is operated. On the other hand, a counter is provided in the 28 mounting table 40. The number of times that the ID code of the responder 10 is received, is counted by the counter. The action may be executed in accordance mith the counted number and the ID code.

As shown in FIG. 7, the mounting table 45 mayo be a stage type of table having a screen section 46 and a speaker 47.

Further, a scene image may be displayed on the screen section 46. For example, when a model of a f ire engine is mounted on the mounting table 45, the scene of a fire is displayed as a scene image and a siren sound is outputted from the speaker 47. When a model of a crane is mounted on the mounting table 45, an image and a sound of a construction scene are outputted. As a result, a situation which is described above, can be expressed.

A sensor f or detecting an external sound may be provided. The action may be executed when the external sound is detected by the sensor. For example, although the action is not executed only by mounting the model 30 on the driving plate 41 of the mounting table 40, the action may be executed in accordance with the ID code by detecting a sound with the sensor. The action to be executed may be changed in accordance with the number of times that the sound detects a sound.

Various actions which are described above can be realized by preparing a plurality of driving patterns for the driving plate 41 and a plurality of sound and image data which are memorized in the memory section 23, by designating an action 29 to be executed by an action program, the timing of executing the designated action and the order thereof, and by memorizing them which is related to a plurality of ID codes in the relevant table.

Second Embodiment:

The second embodiment is one for playing the toy by mounting a model of a small car on a sheet type of mounting table and by moving the model on the mounting table.

In a schematic structure of the second embodiment, a model comprises the responder 10 shown in FIG. 1. A mounting table comprises the functional block shown in FIG. 2. The interrogator 22 of the mounting table comprises a plurality of coils 222. Therefore, the sheet type of mounting table can execute'an action in accordance with an ID code of the model and a coil 222 which receives the ID code. The action to be executed in the present embodiment is only to output a sound.

FIG. 8A is an example of a view showing a sheet type of mounting table (hereinaf ter, ref erred to as a map mounting table 70) which copies a map of a town that a gas station, a police box, a fire station and the like exist. The coils 222-1, 222-2,... (hereinafter, simply referred to as coil(s) 222) are provided on a road, such as on a crossing, in front of a building and the like. Each coil 222 is connected with the interrogator control section 220 by a cable 72 in a speaker box 71. Apeculiar identification code is attached to each coil 222. In addition to the interrogator control section 220, the CPU 21, the memory section 23, the sound output section 24-3 and the like, which are shown in FIG. 2 are incorporated into the speaker box 71. FIG. 8B shows an example of a wiring between a plurality of coils 222 and the speaker box 71. The speaker box 71 comprises a speaker 73 for outputting a sound around the mounting table 70. The speaker 73 generates a sound outputted from the sound output section 24-3.

In the present embodiment, a different sound is outputted in accordance with the ID code of the model and the position of the coil 222 which receives the ID code. That is, when the model into which the responder 10 is incorporated is mounted on a portion of the map mounting table 70, in which the coil 222 is provided, the data communications between the responder 10 and the interrogator control section 220 are executed via the coil 222. When the ID code of each model is received, the CPU 21 judges the position of the coil 222 which receives the ID code (that is, the identification code of the coil 222). The action program is executed in accordance with the received ID code and the identification code of the coil 222.

FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of a relevant table 300 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of identification codes corresponding to the ID code of each model are set to the relevant table 300 as a condition. The action programs are memorized in accordance with the combination of the ID code of the model and the identification 31 code of the coil 222. Therefore, when the ID code and the identification code are outputted from the interrogator 22, the CPU 21 detects a field corresponding to the ID code from the relevant table 300. Further, the CPU 21 searches a condition corresponding to the identification code. When there is a corresponding condition, the corresponding action program is analyzed. A sound data which is designated by the corresponding action program is read out from the memory section 23 to output the sound data to the speaker 73 (sound output section 24-3) of the speaker box 71.

As described above, by arranging a plurality of coils 222 in the map mounting table 70, it is possible to generate a different sound in accordance with a type of model for playing on the map mounting table 70 and the position that the model is mounted. For example, when a sound having each meaning corresponding to the position of the map and a type of model, is outputted, a player can play the toy to make own story by moving the model on the map. For example, in case that the model is formed into a bus, a sound such as "Ping-pon, here is XX crossing. ", is outputted whenever the model is moved near the crossing. As a result, it is possible to play by moving the model with a feeling that a player becomes a conductor.

A starting point and a goal point may be set to the map mounting table 70 in each model, to navigate the model from the starting point and the goal point by attaching the coil 222 to each crossing. For example, in case that the model is formed 32 into a patrol car, the starting point is set to the police box. When the model of the patrol car is put in f ront of the police box, a sound, such as "A robber has robbed the bank. Hurry up to the bank. ", is outputted from the speaker. At the crossing near the police box, an indication, such as "turn"', "go straight", or the like is outputted as a sound. Therefore, the model finally reaches the goal point.

In this case, the responder 10 may memorize a route which the model traces, to output the route data to the coil 222 attached to the goal point when the model reaches the goal point. In the concrete, the interrogator control section 220 receives the ID code of the responder 10, outputs the identification code of the coil 222 receiving the ID code to the responder 10 and memorizes the identification code in the EEPROM 23c of the responder 10. Therefore, the responder 10 memorizes the identification codes of the coils 222 through which the model passes in order from the starting point.

When the responder 10 outputs the ID code to the interrogator control section 220 via the coil 222 attached to the goal point, the interrogator control section 220 outputs a request command for informing the CPU 21 of all of the identification codes memorized in the EEPROM 15c of the responder 10 and an instruction command f or resetting the EEPROM 15c of the responder 10. When all of the identification codes, that is, the route data of the responder 10 are received from the responder 10, it is judged whether the route data is the 33 same as the indicated one. When the route data is the same as the indicated one, for example, a narration expressing a situation that a patrol car reaches XX bank to catch a robber successfully, is outputted. When the route data is different from the indicated one, a narration expressing a situation to miss a robber, is outputted.

As described above, the route through which the model passes is memorized. It is judged whether the route of the model is different from the indicated one. When a different sound is outputted in accordance with the judgement, a player can recognize whether the model moves along the indicated route. A player can enjoy what a sound is outputted by intentionally tracing a different route from the indicated one.

In the above explanation, although the CPU 21, the memory section 23, the sound output section 24-3 and the interrogator 22 (the interrogator control section 220 and the ROM 221) are incorporated into the speaker box 71, and a plurality of coils 222 arranged in the map mounting table 70 are connected with them, the interrogator 22 comprising the interrogator control section 220, the ROM 221 and the coils 222 may be arranged in a portion in which the coil 222 is disposed. Further, the CPU 21, the memory section 23, the sound output section 24-3 and the interrogator 22 may be arranged in each portion.

Third Embodiment:

The third embodiment is one for playing the toy by 34 mounting a model of a small car on a sheet type of mounting table (hereinafter, referred to as a map mounting table 70) which copies a map of a town and by moving the model on the map mounting table 70. In the third embodiment, a player plays the toy as follows. A player is asked to go shopping by mother who lives in a house copied on the map. In a town described on the map, the shopping is carried out.

Because the internal structure of the model and that of the map mounting table 70 according to the third embodiment are the same as those of the second embodiment, the explanation thereof is omitted. In the third embodiment, like the second embodiment, the map mounting table 70 comprises the speaker box 71 having the CPU 21, the interrogator control section 220, the memory section 23, the display section 24-2 and the sound output section 24-3, and a plurality of coils 222. The coils 222 are connected with the speaker 71 by a cable 72. A display device is connected with an external portion of the speaker box 71. The map mounting table 70 generates a sound as an action corresponding to the ID code of the responder 10. Further, the map mounting table 70 asks a player to go shopping by displaying an image on the display device and carries out a shopping.

A play is carried out as follows. A player is asked to go shopping by mother who lives in a house. In the map mounting table 70, a shopping is carried out. A model returns to a house to report the shopping to mother. That is, when the model is put in front of a house, an image of mother is outputted to the display device. Then, mother asks a player to go shopping with a message, for example, "Buy a carrot at a grocery. " After the player is asked to go shopping, the model is put on one of a plurality of shops which are copied on the map mounting table 70. An image of the shop is displayed on the display device to carry out a shopping. Then, an article to be bought is designated by using a sound recognition sensor, a key board for inputting a character, a pointing device, such as a mouse, or the like. When the model is put on the house again, it is judged whether a shopping is successfully carried out. When the shopping is successfully carried out, an image of mother is displayed on the display device to praise a player with a message "You can shop very well! Great! ". On the other hand, when the player cannot buy an indicated article, a player is comforted with a message "You made a mistake! Don't worry!". In order not to ask a player to buy the same article every time, one of two types of shopping patterns is designated for one model.

In order to realize the above matter, as shown in FIG. 10, a response code is defined. The response code includes an even/odd code for indicating whether the model has access to the house even number of times or odd number of times, a shopping code for indicating whether a player is asked (requested) to go shopping, a code for indicating a shop that the shopping is carried out, that is, an identification code of a coil 222 which is disposed on the shop, and a code f or indicating a purchased article (hereinafter, referred to as "article code"). As shown 36 in FIG. 10, the even/odd code is identified by using "0" or "1". The number "1" indicates odd number of times. The number "0" indicates even number of times. The shopping code means that when the shopping code indicates "1", the shopping has been requested, and that when the shopping code indicates "0", the shopping has not been requested.

The response code is mainly memorized in the EEPROM 15c of the model. When a command for requesting the response code (hereinafter, simply referred to as "request command") is transmitted from the interrogator 22 of the map mounting table 70, the response code is outputted to the interrogator 22. When the response code is received from the responder 10, the CPU 21 of the map mounting table 70 rewrites each code of the response code in accordance with the program which is memorized in the memory section 23, to transmit each code to the responder 10 again. Therefore, the responder 10 memorizes the response code in accordance with the request command of the map mounting table 70, and carries the memorized response code to each coil 222 incorporated into the map mounting table 70.

FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of a relevant table 400 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the identification code of the coil 222 which receives the ID code, and the response code transmitted from the responder 10 are def ined as a condition which is combined with the ID code.

In the action program, a data f ile name for a sound and an image, which corresponds to the combination of the ID code 37 and the condition is stored. In the concrete, the action program is programmed in accordance with a shopping table 500 shown in FIG. 12. In the shopping table 500, the ID code and the combination of the identification code of the shop and the article code, which is related to the even/odd code for indicating the number of times that the model has an access to the house, are stored. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, when a model having the ID code "111" has an access to the house the odd number of times, it is designated that a player buys a carrot at a grocery. When the model has an access to the house the even number of times, it is designated that the player buys a horse mackerel at a fish shop.

Therefore, according to the relevant table 400 shown in FIG. 11, when the conditions that the identification code is "house", that the even/odd code is "1" (odd number) and that the shopping code is "0" (unrequested), are satisfied with respect to the ID code "111", the program A for outputting an image and a sound for requesting a shopping, is executed. On the other hand, when the conditions that the identif ication code is "house", that the even/odd code is "l" and that the shopping code is " 1 (requested), are satisfied with respect to the ID code " 111 " the program B f or outputti-ng a dif f erent image and a different sound in accordance with whether the combination of the identification code and the article code, which is stored in the response code, is coincident with the combination stored in the shopping table 500, is executed.

38 When the identification code of the coil 222 receiving the ID code, indicates a shop, such as "grocery", "fish shop" or the like, a program for outputting a sound and an image for carrying out a shopping is executed without depending on the response code. 9 Hereinafter, with reference to a protocol flow shown in FIG. 13, an operation for carrying out a shopping will be explained. In order to simply explain the operation, the responder 10 starts the operation from the situation that the shopping has not been requested, that is, the situation that the shopping code is "0".

In FIG. 13, when the model is put on the "house" of the map mounting table 70, the responder 10 of the model outputs the ID code to the coil 222 disposed on the house (Step S1). The coil 222 disposed on the house outputs the request command to the responder 10 (Step S2). When the request command is received by the responder 10, the responder 10 outputs the response code memorized in the EEPROM 15c to the coil 222 disposed on the house (Step S3).

When the response code is received by the coil 222, the CPU 21 of the map mounting table 70 reads out the relevant table 400, to search the action program corresponding to the ID code and the combination of the conditions (the identification code of the coil 222 receiving the ID code, the even/odd code and the shopping code). Because the shopping code is "0" (unrequested), the program for requesting the shopping is 39 searched. A data file for a sound and a image is read out from the memory section 23 to output the data file to the display section 24-2 and the sound output section 24-3 in accordance with the program (Step S4). For example, mother is displayed on a screen to request the shopping with a message "Please, buy a carrot at a grocery." The CPU 21 changes the shopping code " 0 " of the response code into " 1 " to output the changed shopping code to the responder 10 (Step SS). The contents memorized in the EEPROM 15c of the responder 10 is updated (Step S6).

Next, when the model is put on any one of the shops which are copied on the map mounting table 70, the responder 10 of the model outputs the ID code to the coil 222 disposed on the shop (Step S7). The coil 222 disposedon the shop outputs the request command to the responder 10 (Step S8). When the request command is received by the responder 10, the responder 10 outputs the response code memorized in the EEPROM 15c to the coil 222 disposed on the shop (Step S9). When the response code, is received, the CPU 21 reads out the relevant table 400 to search the action program corresponding to the ID code and the condition (the identification code of the coil 222). The data f ile f or a sound and an image is read out f rom the memory section 23 in accordance with the searched program. An image anda sound f or carrying out a shopping at a shop are outputted. For example, an image of a grocery is outputted to ask a player what to buy with a message "May I help you? Which would you like?" or the like.

Then, an article to be bought, that is, the article code is designated by using a sound recognition sensor, a key board for inputting a character, a pointing device, such as a mouse, or the like, to carry out a shopping (Step S10). The CPU 21 rewrites the identification code of the response cdde into the identif ication code of the coil 222 on which the model is put at present. Further, the CPU 21 rewrites the article code into the article code designated in Step S10. The changed response code is outputted to the responder 10 (Step S11), to update the code memorized in the EEPROM 15c (Step S12).

When the model is put on the house again, the responder 10 outputs the ID code to the interrogator 22 of the house (Step S13). The coil 222 of the house outputs the request command to the responder 10 (Step S14). The responder 10 outputs the response code memorized in the EEPROM 15c, in accordance with the received request command (Step S15). When the response code is received, the CPU 21 reads out the relevant table 400 to search the action program corresponding to the ID code and the conditions (the identification code of the coil 222 disposed on the house, the even/odd code and the shopping code). In this case, because the shopping code is set to ul" (requested), a program which is dif f erent from one selected in the Step S4 is selected.

In accordance with the searched program, it is judged whether the identification code and the article code which are stored in the response code are coincident with the contents 41 of the shopping table. The CPU 21 outputs an image and a sound in accordance with the above judgment (Step S16). The CPU 21 inverts the even/odd code and the shopping code of the response code to transmit the inverted codes to the responder 10 (Step S17). The codes memorized in the EEPROM 15c, are updated (Step S18). The operation for carrying out the shopping is finished.

Therefore, a player can learn a shopping and learn to act correctly as instructed. Because it is possible to display a facial expression of mother and that of a clerk in detail by using the display device, it is easy to know the feelings of mother or a clerk, such as a praise, a comfort, an anger or the like.

As described above, because a sound and an image to be outputted and a motion are set so as to change them in accordance with the route of the model on the map mounting table 70 and data inputted by an external device, it is possible to generate various output patterns. As a result, a player is not bored with the toy. Further, because a sound and an image to be outputted correspond to the motion of the model, a player can like the model and the toy more.

Fourth Embodiment:

The fourth embodiment is one for playing the toy by using a plurality of blocks to assemble a town and by put or moving a model of a car on the assembled town.

A schematic structure according to the fourth embodiment 42 is that the model comprises the responder 10 shown in FIG. 1 and a building block which is a part of the assembled town comprises the functional block shown in FIG. 2. The assembled town comprises a road block for simply making a road, and a building block for executing each action. FIGS. 14A to 14C are views showing an example of each block of the assembled town. FIG. 14A shows a road block 110. FIG. 14B shows a gas station 120 which is one of the building blocks. FIG. 14C shows a toll gate 130 which is one of the building blocks. In each building block, one coil 222 connected with the interrogator control section 220 is provided. By putting the model on a predetermined position of the building block, the communications between the responder 10 and the interrogator 22 is carried out.

The responder 10 of the model measures the mileage of the model moved by hand. A point corresponding to the mileage is added as a point data. The point data is memorized in the EEPROM 15c. A gasoline value which decreases in accordance with the mileage, that is, the added point, is memorized in the EEPROM 15c as a gasoline data. For example, one point is added to the point every ten rotations of wheels of the models. one point is subtracted from the gasoline value every twenty rotations of the wheels of the models. When the gasoline value is "0", the point is set so as not to increase even though the model moves.

The increase in the point with respect to the number of 43 rotations of the wheels and the decrease in the gasoline value with respect to the number thereof maybe different according to a type of car. For example, in case of a truck, the increase in the point with respect to the number of rotations is large and the decrease in the gasoline value is large. In case of an expensive car, the increase in the point with respect to the number of rotations is small and the decrease in the gasoline value is large. These values may be dif f erent from car to car.

In the fourth embodiment, the condition (with reference to the relevant table 233' shown in FIG. 3B) for specifying an action program by combining it with the ID code is the point to be added in accordance with the mileage of the model. The action program includes not only a program for starting the action section 24 in accordance with the ID code and the condition (point), but also the command for increasing or decreasing the value of the point data and that of the gasoline data, which are memorized in- the model. In the concrete, the model is moved by hand to store the point. The stored point is used in the assembled town. That is, the point of the model is used as a money, a license, a right or the like in the assembled town.

Hereinafter, an example of use of the point will be concretely explained when the assembled town comprises a plurality of building blocks, such as a toll gate, a gasoline station, a traffic signal, a police station and the like.

In FIG. 14C, the toll gate is used as a side gate of the 44 assembled town. The toll gate comprises a display device 131 having a small LCD and a speaker 132. When the model is put on a predetermined position, the CPU 21 of the toll gate receives the ID code. Then, the request command for informing the CPU 21 of the point data and the gasoline data is outpu-ted to the responder 10. When the point data and the gasoline data are received from the responder 10, the CPU 21 reads out the relevant table to search the field of the corresponding ID code.

The CPU 21 of the toll gate judges whether the point is not more than " 0 " on the basis of the received point data. When the point is not more than "0", the alarm is generated by the speaker 132 and a massage "Because of no points, you cannot drive in the town." is displayed on the display device 131. On the other hand, when the point has a positive value, the point and the gasoline value received by the display device 131 are displayed and a sound corresponding to the ID code is outputted by the speaker 132. For example, in case that the model is f ormed into a patrol car, a sound such as, "Pee-pow, pee-pow, patrol car is on patrol in town. ", is outputted.

In FIG. 14B, the gasoline station is one f or adding the gasoline value of the model and for subtracting the point. The gasoline station comprises a speaker 121. For example, when the model is put on the predetermined position, the CPU 21 of the gasoline station receives the ID code of the responder 10. The interrogator 22 transmits the request command for informing the CPU 21 of the point data, to the responder 10. Further, when the point data is received from the responder 10, the CPU 21 reads out the relevant table to search the field of the corresponding ID code.

When the received point is larger than a predetermined value A, the CPU 21 outputs an instruction command for subtracting the value A from the point and an instruction command for adding a value B to the gasoline value, to the responder 10. Further, the speaker outputs a sound, such as "Your tank is full." When the received point is smaller than the value A, the speaker outputs a sound, such as "Excuse me. Your point is not enough to supply a gasoline." The values A and B are different according to the ID code.

The traffic signal comprises a timer. The traffic lights turn every predetermined period of time. The interrogator 22 is attached to a stop line portion. In case that the responder 10 is detected when the traf f ic light is red, that is, in case that the ID code of the responder 10 is received, an instruction command for subtracting ten points from the point is outputted in response to the ID code. Further, the subtraction of the point is different according to each type of car. For example, when the ID code of the model formed into a patrol car or an ambulance is detected, the point is not subtracted.

The police station has a speaker and carries out a recovery process for the point. For example, when the model is put on a predetermined position to receive the ID code, an instruction command for informing the CPU 21 of the point data 46 is outputted to the responder 10. When the received point is not more than "0", an instruction command for recovering the point to the predetermined point is outputted. Further, a sound, such as "The point is not enough. The point is recovered to XX. ", is outputted. When the point is not less than 'x 0 ", a sound corresponding to the ID code is outputted. A value to be recovered is different according to the ID code.

As described above, when the mileage of the model is treated as a point and the point is used in the assembled town, the player can play the toy not only by moving the model but also by using the point well in the assembled town. When various types of data communication units are provided in the assembled town, a more complicated, private assembled town can be made. It is possible not only to make a town but also to have a feeling that a player actually lives in the town.

Not only the point which increases and decreases, but also a total point which is added in accordance with the mileage of the model may be memorized in the EEPROM 15c of the model. When the model is put on the toll gate, the total point may be displayed on the display device. Thereby, it is possible to compete with others about the total point obtained by using the point well. The number of times that the point is recovered at the police station may be recorded to display it on the display device of the toll gate. Therefore, it is possible to compete with others about not only the total point but also who uses the point the most effectively.

47 The assembled town may comprise not only the building and the road, but also a rail, a station, a railroad crossing and the like. The model may be one formed into a train.

Fifth Embodiment:

The f if th embodiment is one f or playing the toy by moving a part of toy formed into a dog (hereinafter, referred to as a dog type of toy), such as a hand, a leg, or the like, and by applying a part of the dog type of toy to a head of the dog type of toy, a stomach thereof, or the like in order to take an action.

A schematic structure according to the f if th embodiment is that a hand of the dog type of toy comprises the responder 10 shown in FIG. 1 and the functional block shown in FIG. 2 is provided in a body part of the dog type of toy. The interrogator 22 comprises a plurality of coils 222 and is provided in the dog type of toy.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are views showing an example of the dog type of toy comprising the interrogator 22 and the responder 10. FIG. 15A is a view showing an appearance of the dog type of toy 140. FIG. 15B is a crosssectional view of the dog type of toy 140 shown in FIG. 15A, which is taken along line a-a'. As shown in FIG. 15B, a speaker box 141 having the CPU 21, the memory section 23 and the sound output section 24-3 and a plurality of coils 222 are connected via a cable 142. These elements are incorporated into the dog type of toy 140. Each coil 222 is provided in the head portion and the stomach portion 48 of the dog type of toy 140. The speaker box 141 provides a speaker 145 for generating a sound data to be outputted from the sound output section 24-3, on one surface thereof.

The responder 10 is attached to a palm 143. When the palm 143 is put on the portion in which the coil 222 A provided, the coil 222 recognizes the ID code of the responder 10 to output it to the CPU 21 of the speaker box 141. The CPU 21 reads out the relevant table memorized in the memory section 23 to search the program corresponding to the received ID code. The CPU 21 outputs a designated sound data to the soundoutput section 243. For example. when the palm 143 is put on the stomach portion, a sound, such as "I am hungry.", is outputted. When the palm 143 is put on the head portion, a sound, such as "I have a headache. ", is outputted. The number of times that the ID code is recognized, may be counted to change a sound to be outputted in accordance with the counted number of times.

As described above, the action is completely executed with one toy. However, an attachment toy having the responder 10 may be attached to the dog type of toy 140 shown in FIG. 15A. For example, the responder 10 is incorporated into a cap-shaped toy 144. When the cap-shaped toy 144 is put on the head portion of the dog type of toy 140, the interrogator 22 provided in the head portion recognizes the ID code of the responder 10 of the cap-shaped toy 144. A sound data corresponding to the ID code is read out from the memory section 23 to output a sound.

Therefore, it is possible to play with only the dog type of toy 49 or to play the toy by collecting the attachment toy of the dog type of toy 140 to output a sound corresponding to the attachment toy.

Further, it is possible to execute a different action by interacting one toy with another. For example, a cat type of toy having the same structure as the dog type of toy shown in FIG. 15A faces to the dog type of toy. By putting a palm of the cat type of toy, into which the responder 10 is incorporated, on the head portion of the dog type of toy, the coil 222 provided in the head portion of the dog type of toy receives the ID code of the responder 10 of the cat type of toy. As a result, a corresponding sound is outputted. Therefore, because a different sound is outputted in accordance with a portion in which each responder 10 is provided. it is possible to enjoy outputting various sounds by purchasing different toys each player and by facing one toy to another.

As a toy which provides the responder 10 and the interrogator 22 in one toy, or as a toy which takes an action by executing data communications with a plurality of attachment toys having a responder 10, the toy is not limited to an animal type of toy. A doll may be applied to the above type of toy. Any one of vehicles, such as a plane, a ship, a train, and a car, a plant, a f ictitious living thing or the like may be applied to the above type of toy. The toy may not only output a sound but also emit eyes or a nose. An image corresponding to the ID code may be displayed by connecting with an external display so device. An image corresponding to the received ID code may be outputted by providing a display device on a back portion, a stomach portion, a face portion or the like.

As explained in the first to the fourth embodiments, it is possible to command the model 40 (shown in FIG. 5) for rotating, vibrating or outputting a sound or an image, the map mounting table 70 (shown in FIG. 8) for executing a different action according to a position that the model is mounted, or a plurality of toys, such as an assembled town for showing a different response according to the mileage of the model, to execute an action peculiar to each model by incorporating the responder 10 used in a data carrier system into the small model. When the use of the request command and the instruction command which are outputted from the mounting table, the map mounting table, the assembled town which comprise the functional. block shown in FIG. 2, is standardized, it is possible to.play the toy by using one model in various mounting tables. The toys can be made more efficiently.

As described in the fifth embodiment, when one toy comprises the responder 10 shown in FIG. 1 and the functional block shown in FIG. 2, it is possible to play with only one toy. Therefore, a problem that a player cannot play a toy to which the data carrier system is adapted, because one portion for carrying out the data communications does not exist, is not caused. Further, it is possible to increase varieties of 51 actions by using attachment toys. When one toy f aces to another toy comprising the same structure as the one toy, a play having a story can be unfolded.

Although only the responder 10 is incorporated into the model in the above explanations, the action section, such as a speaker, a light, a drive section or the like may be provided in the model to operate the action section in accordance with the command outputted from the interrogator 22. Then, an electric power may be supplied from the power supply circuit 12. By incorporating a power supply (such as a buttery) into the model and by adding a switching function f or the power supply to the CPU 21 of the responder 10 so as to turn on the power supply in accordance with the command outputted from the interrogator 22, an electric power may be supplied to a speaker, a light, a vibration section or the like. The interrogator 22 shown in FIG. 2 may be provided in the model. The responder 10 may be provided in an external toy, that is, the mounting table, the map mounting table 70 or the like.

The model is not limited to a model of a car. The model may be one formed into a doll, an animal, a ship, a train or the like. Further, the mounting table is not limited to a box type of one, a cylindrical one or the like. Like the model, the mounting table may be formed into a human, an animal, a vehicle, such as a car, a ship or the like, a fictitious living thing, such as a monster, or the like. An image to be displayed may directly have no relation to the model. For example, a 52 static image which is one scene of a story may be related to a plurality of ID codes. A scene may be unfolded in accordance with the variation of the received ID code like a paper picture show.

Although it is explained that the map mountifig table is used as a sheet type of mounting table in the second and the third embodiments, the mounting table is not limited to one copying a map. The mounting table may be one that an internal structure of a doll's house or that of a building is drawn on a plane, or be one having a three-dimensional structure.

Although it is explained that a town drawn on the map mounting table is f ixed as shown in FIG. 8A, a plurality of constructions having the functional block shown in FIG. 2 may be attachable to a sheet type of mounting table. A player can play the toy so that one construction is replaced with another according to a player's favorite.

Although an action executing side memorizes each type of action to determine an action to be executed in accordance with the received ID code in the above embodiments, the action executing side may output a sound or an image data transmitted from a data transmitting side. That is, the data transmitting side may memorize each peculiar sound or image data. Theaction executing side may directly. output the received data to a speaker or a display device without processing the received data. Therefore, it is not necessary that the action executing side memorizes a plurality of data. Because a burden that each 53 action is executed is small, the action can be fast executed. This toy which is different from the case that the ID code is transmitted or received, is not limited to a communication partner. It is possible to execute the transmitted data as an action without processing the transmitted data.

Although it is explained that a system produced in accordance with International Organization for Standardization ISO/IEC14443 is used as a contactless data carrier system in the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to this. The size of the display toy comprising the interrogator and the responder is not limited. Any type of contactless data carrier system, such as close-coupled type, vicinity type, microwave type or the like, may be adopted according to the toy form.

According to the present invention, in the contactless data carrier system, the responder 10 and the interrogator 22 are incorporated into the model or the toy so as to execute data communications. It is possible to execute an action peculiar to each toy. By incorporating the responder 10 into a small model, the peculiar action can be executed. Therefore, it is possible to provide various playing methods as well as seeing, touching or assembling the toy. Because the ID codes are adopted for the toy, it is possible to not only identify each toy or each model, but also execute a complicated action by adding various conditions to be combined with the ID codes.

54 Further, because one toy comprises both the responder 10 and the interrogator 22, it is possible to play by using only one toy. By combining one toy with another having the same function as one toy, it is possible to increase variations of the actions.

Because the contactless data carrier system Is adopted, it is not necessary to attach a communication portion to a surface of the toy. The appearance of the toy does not deteriorate. The toy is excellent in vibration proof and durability.

The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. Tokugan 2000166090 filed on June 2, 2000 including specification, claims drawings and summary are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A display toy comprising:

a first object comprising one of an interrogator and a responder which constitute a contactless data carrier system; and a second object comprising the other of the interrogator and the responder; wherein a data is transmitted between the interrogator and the responder when the first object approaches the second object; and one object of the first object and the second object, which receives the transmitted data, executes a display in accordance with the transmitted data.

2. The display toy as claimed in claim 1; wherein the data carrier system is operated by any one of mounting the second object on the first object and moving the second object on the first object.

3. A display toy comprising: an object comprising an interrogator and a responder which constitute a data carrier system, and a movable portion; wherein one of the interrogator and the responder is provided in the movable portion; a data is transmitted between the interrogator and the responder when the interrogator approaches the responder by 56 moving the movable portion; and the object executes a display in accordance with the transmitted data.

4. A display toy comprising: an object comprising an interrogator and a responder which constitute a data carrier system, and an attachable and detachable part; wherein one of the interrogator and the responder is provided in the attachable and detachable part; a data is transmitted between the interrogator and the responder when the interrogator approaches the responder by attaching the part to the object; and the object executes a display in accordance with the transmitted data.

5. The display toy as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4; further comprising a sound detect section for detecting an external sound; wherein when an external sound is detected by the sound detect section, the one object executes a display in accordance with the data received by the interrogator or the responder.

6. The display toy as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4; further comprising a sound recognizind' section for recognizing an external sound; 57 wherein when the data is received, the one object executes a display in accordance with the external sound recognized by the sound recognizing section and the received data.

7. The display toy as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6; further comprising a counter for counting the number of times that the data is received.

8. The display toy as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7; wherein when the data is received, the one object executes at least one display selected from the group consisting of moving, lighting and outputting a sound, in accordance with the received data or the number of times, which is counted by the counter.

9. The display toy as claimed in claim 2; wherein the first object comprises a sheet type of map mounting table, and one of the interrogator and the responder is provided in the map mounting table or in a construction on the map mounting table.

10. The display toy as claimed in claim 9, wherein a plurality of ones of the interrogators and the responders are provided in the map mounting table or in the construction on the map mounting table; and a sound is outputted in accordance with a position of the 58 second object on the first object.

11. The display toy as claimed in claim 9, wherein a plurality of ones of the interrogators and the responders are provided in the map mounting table or in the conAruction on the map mounting table; and a sound for guiding the second object to a goal point on the first object is outputted.

12. The display toy as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising an image display section for outputting an image data in accordance with the data received by the interrogator or the responder.

13. The display toy as claimed in claim 12, wherein the image data is one for displaying a feature of the object which transmits the data, or a motion of the object which transmits the data.

14. The display toy as claimed in claim 12, wherein the image data is one for displaying a scenery of the object which transmits the data.

15. A display toy substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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