DE20109595U1 - Mobile phone, data processing system or game computer and real, movable toy - Google Patents

Abstract

The mobile phone (10) or games computer has a connector (28) to a moving toy (12) with automatic or manual control and display (32) of the virtual parameters of the toy.

Description

PATENT ATTORNEYS EUROPEAN PATENT AND TRAD'e"IÜIARK ATTORNEYS

PO BOX 26 02 51 TELEPHONE: 089/22 18 06 HERRNSTRASSE 15

D-80059 MUNICH FAX: 089/22 26 27 D-80539 MUNICH
5

8431 ll/mk

&iacgr;&ogr; Andreas Stadibauer

Stanzingstr. 7/11
A-5061 Elsbethen

Mobile phone, data processing system or gaming computer and real, movable toys

The invention relates to a mobile telephone according to the preamble of claim 1, a data processing system according to the preamble of claim 2, a game computer according to the preamble of claim 3 and a toy according to the preamble of claim 17.

Toys that can be moved using appropriate controls or remote controls are becoming increasingly popular among children, as such toys allow for more and more realistic reenactment of real-life situations.

On the other hand, computers and especially game computers or game consoles, such as the so-called Game Boy, are now an indispensable part of children's rooms. Even mobile phones are now equipped with game software and are used by children as game consoles to pass the time. The game is intended to promote the mental and physical development of the child. In particular, playing prepares children for their later independent life and trains their mental and physical abilities. Therefore, toys for children should be versatile and designed to support the child's development.

However, some toys are often too one-sided in their requirements and only train certain motor skills or certain mental skills, for example. Furthermore, children often want an even greater sense of realism when reenacting real situations that they may have experienced themselves.

The invention is based on the object of providing a toy which challenges and trains children in many different ways.

&iacgr;&ogr; This object is achieved by a mobile telephone of the above-mentioned type with the features characterized in claim 1, by a data processing system of the above-mentioned type with the features characterized in claim 2, by a game computer of the above-mentioned type with the features characterized in claim 3 and by a toy of the above-mentioned type with the features characterized in claim 17. Advantageous embodiments of these are described in the further claims.

For this purpose, it is provided according to the invention that a mobile phone of the above-mentioned type has a device for connecting it to a real toy that can be moved via a control device, that the mobile phone with the operating system is designed as a manual control device of the moving toy that can be controlled via user inputs on the input device and/or as an automatic control device, and that the mobile phone and the operating system are designed in such a way that a simulation of a virtual environment and/or virtual parameters of the moving toy combined with a game sequence for the user to play through is made available on the output device, wherein the game sequence takes place as a function of user inputs and/or feedback from the moving toy via the input device and includes real movements of the moving toy.

In a data processing system of the above-mentioned type, it is provided according to the invention that it has a device for connecting to a real toy that can be moved via a control device, that the data processing system

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with the data processing program as a manual control device of the moving toy that can be controlled via user inputs on the input device and/or as an automatic control device, and that the data processing system and the data processing program are designed in such a way that a simulation of a virtual environment and/or virtual parameters of the moving toy combined with a game sequence for the user to play through is made available on the output device, wherein the game sequence takes place as a function of user inputs and/or feedback from the movable toy via the input device and includes real movements of the movable toy.

In a game computer of the above-mentioned type, it is provided according to the invention to achieve the above object that an interface is provided for connecting to a real toy that can be moved via a controller, wherein the game computer and the game program are designed in such a way that they provide the control function for the moving toy automatically and/or manually through user inputs on the game computer and that the moving toy is part of the game sequence carried out by the game program with the inclusion of user inputs and/or feedback from the moving toy with a virtual environment and virtual parameters of the moving toy.

According to the invention, a toy of the above-mentioned type is equipped with a control in the form of a mobile telephone as described above, in the form of a data processing system as described above or in the form of a game computer as described above.

The core of the invention is to combine the popular mobile phone or the particularly popular computer or game computer with a real, movable toy, such as a doll, an RC car, a tracked car racing track or an animal replica, and to integrate this real toy into a computer game that runs on the mobile phone or computer. It is played in a particularly exciting and thrilling way.

a virtual world in the game computer is linked to the real world or real actions of the toy.

This has the advantage that the child playing is not only provided with a virtual environment, but also with a real environment for playing. This makes it possible to recreate extensive real environments very realistically, which greatly increases the toy's play value in terms of preparation for life and training skills, because the child learns to create a relationship between the virtual play environment and the real environment in a playful way. The connection to the real environment is thus maintained through the real, movable toy. The play options are multiplied by the combination according to the invention, whereby the realism that is particularly often required by children playing can be achieved. The invention can optimally fulfill the desire of children playing to recreate real situations that they have experienced as realistically as possible but without the corresponding dangers. The movable toy offers drastically expanded play options while simultaneously training the different mental and physical abilities of the child playing. The child can fully integrate his real toy into a virtual adventure world on the computer. There is an additional benefit for the mobile phone in a particularly advantageous way.

The output device is preferably a graphics screen, in particular a flat screen, liquid crystal screen or TFT screen.

The mobile phone, data processing device or game computer is designed to be portable so that you can enjoy gaming fun regardless of network or location.

In order to realistically recreate experienced or real situations, the real, moving toy recreates something that actually exists and the simulation simulates a real environment and/or real parameters of the recreated object.

In a preferred embodiment, the toy is a toy race track with movable toys on it, wherein the virtual environment is a real

Racing events are recreated or simulated and the virtual parameters recreate or simulate real parameters of racing cars.

The virtual environment includes, for example, different racing teams, different race tracks, meteorological parameters, lap counters, sponsor searches, qualifying races for racing licenses, training races, final races, pit crew, repairs to the racing vehicle and/or pit stops of the racing vehicle.

&iacgr;&ogr; Furthermore, the virtual parameters include, for example, damage to the racing vehicle, in particular engine defects, wear and tear on the racing vehicle, in particular tire wear and/or brake pad wear, consumption of operating materials by the racing vehicle, in particular gasoline consumption, oil consumption, and/or configuration of the racing vehicle, in particular with regard to brakes, engine, transmission, clutch, differential, suspension, stabilizers, tires and/or wings.

To further increase the realism, sensors are provided to record influences on the toy vehicle from the environment, in particular to record distance traveled, speed, accidents, whereby the mobile phone, the data processing device or the game computer is designed in such a way that it automatically changes corresponding virtual parameters depending on sensor data.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the toy is an animal replica, in particular a dog, wherein the virtual environment simulates a real environment of the replicated animal and the virtual parameters simulate real needs of the replicated animal.

The virtual parameters include, for example, hunger, thirst, eating, drinking, need for movement, the animal's need to relieve itself, the need to play, health and the need for sleep.

The mobile phone, the data processing device or the game computer is expediently designed in such a way that it or these, depending on

automatically triggers reactions of the animal replica corresponding to the currently simulated needs of the animal replica, in particular howling, moving the head, drinking, eating, walking, running, barking, lifting the foot to release the animal replica, wagging the tail, whining and/or sleeping.

To further increase the realism, sensors are provided for recording stimuli from the environment of the animal replica, in particular for recording noises, stroking and/or hitting, whereby the mobile phone, the data processing device or the game computer is designed in such a way that it automatically triggers corresponding reactions and/or changes in simulated needs of the animal replica depending on sensor data.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. This shows:

Fig. 1 shows a first preferred embodiment of a combination according to the invention of a mobile phone and a real, movable toy,

Fig. 2 shows a second preferred embodiment of a combination according to the invention of a mobile phone and a real, movable toy and

Fig. 3 shows a third preferred embodiment of a combination according to the invention of a mobile phone and a real, movable toy.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a first combination according to the invention of a mobile phone 10 and a real, movable toy in the form of a toy race track 12 with movable toys (not shown) on it. The toy race track 12 comprises a first guide track 14 with first electrical contacts 16 for a first toy, a second guide track 18 with second electrical contacts 20 for a second toy, a motor output stage 22 and a transformer 24 for supplying the motor output stage 22 with electrical energy. The electrical contacts 16, 20 supply a drive motor of the respective toy with electrical energy, for example

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The speed of the respective driving toys can be varied via a variable driving voltage.

According to the invention, the mobile phone 10 is provided as a control for the driving toys on the toy race track 12 and is connected in a corresponding manner to the motor driver 22. This mobile phone 10 comprises an interface by means of which a connection can be established via a link cable 28 to the motor output stage 22. An operating system of the mobile phone 10, which runs as a data processing program, is designed in such a way that it allows a driving toy to be controlled by inputs via an input device 30 of the mobile phone 10. This operating system also generates a game sequence on a display device 32 of the mobile phone 10. The toy race track 12 is optionally included in the virtual game sequence on the display device 32.

For this purpose, a virtual car race can be driven on the mobile phone using the operating system, with the driving sequences actually being driven on the two-lane toy race track 12. The mobile phone 10 can influence the driving toy's parameters of maximum speed, acceleration behavior and braking depending on the virtual game progress. In the real race, the mobile phone 10 serves as a hand controller for one driving toy at a time. The toy race track 12 provides the mobile phone 10 with appropriate feedback on the race progress, such as lap contact signals for calculating the lap time and determining the winner. In the embodiment shown, a single player can drive and, if necessary, a second driving toy is controlled virtually on the display device or actually on the toy race track by the mobile phone 10. The player then plays against the mobile phone 10.

In order to enable interaction between the mobile phone 10 and the toy race track 12, the following modules are required: A corresponding game program in the operating system of the mobile phone 10, a hardware connection in the form of the link cable 28 and an electronic connection part in the form of the motor output stage 22 of the toy race track 12. As already mentioned, the mobile phone 10 with its input device 30 serves as a control or hand controller for a driving toy on

the toy race track 12. To do this, a user can use the corresponding buttons on the input device 30 to accelerate, brake or, for example, accelerate the toy vehicle suddenly (boost function). To recreate a pit stop, a pit stop is initiated, for example, using a specific button on the input device 30.

However, it is also possible that, in addition or as an alternative, a separate manual control is provided for the driving toys.

Î The game program of the operating system of the mobile phone 10 can now recreate a real racing environment. Furthermore, parameters of the toy car can be influenced via the mobile phone 10 with the game program. For example, a selection of different real-life toy cars is possible, such as Formula 1 racing cars, touring cars, rally cars, vintage cars (various brands and types), whereby the real driving behavior of the toy car on the toy race track is then influenced by appropriate intervention by the mobile phone 10. For example, a vintage car accelerates more slowly than a Formula 1 racing car. Furthermore, a selection of a corresponding racing team is possible, such as those that exist in real Formula 1 races (Schuhmacher, Haekkinen, etc.). A specific race track can also be selected, such as Monza, Spa or Monte Carlo. The other properties of the toy vehicle can be influenced by a vehicle configuration within the game program, for example, this affects brakes, engine, transmission, clutch, differential, suspension, stabilizers, tires, wings, etc. Corresponding parameters of the toy vehicle can be modeled on real parameters of real racing cars, such as engine on/off, fuel consumption, tire wear, amount of fuel in the tank, engine defect, if necessary via random generators. This allows the game program to force a player to make a pit stop, for example to replace worn tires or to refuel, so that the toy vehicle moves better over the toy race track 12 after the pit stop under the influence of the mobile phone 10. Meteorological ambient conditions such as sun, rain or similar can also be specified or randomly introduced into the racing operation.

Different levels of difficulty (beginner/professional) are provided. Different types of races can also be run, such as a certain number of laps or a time trial. A speed indicator is provided if necessary. A vehicle sound (matching the vehicle) and/or ambient noises (audience, background music, etc.) can be generated by the mobile phone 10. Before the actual race, as in reality, various organizational things or processes can be carried out, such as the search for sponsors, the qualification for a racing license, the composition of the pit team, the

&iacgr;&ogr; Search for the racing team, free training to optimize the vehicle, etc. When the actual race starts, the original course with starting lights, starting sound and early start is recreated by the mobile phone 10. Depending on the type of race, a training session, a qualifying race or a duel is carried out using the mobile phone 10. The race is run in reality on the toy race track 12, with the previously mentioned game program settings having a direct effect on the vehicle(s) on the toy race track 12. During the race, the mobile phone 10 shows the following information, for example: selected vehicle, current lap, placing in the race, speedometer, best lap time, current lap time, remaining fuel display, tire wear, damage display and/or pit light.

If fuel consumption, tire wear or vehicle damage make a pit stop necessary, a pit stop in the next lap is announced via a specific button on the input device 30. If the driving toy drives over the lap contact in the next lap, it is braked and comes to a stop in the "pit lane". A paddock screen is called up and all actions in the pit are visible to the player. After the pit stop, the driving voltage for this driving toy is released again and the race continues for this driving toy. At the end of the race, the winner is determined, race times and lap times are displayed and an award ceremony is held. After the race, as in reality, an analysis of the race can be planned by racing engineers who try to optimize the vehicle based on the race data. Prize money can be used to buy better tuning parts, the driver can either carry out further test races or

or go on holiday, etc. There are no limits to the approach to the reality of a real Formula 1 racing event, for example.

To control the driving toys on the toy race track 12, the mobile phone 10 calculates the corresponding parameters for the virtual game and for controlling the driving toys on the toy race track 12 from manual inputs via the input device 30 by a player. Corresponding signals are transmitted serially via the link path (link cable 28) of the mobile phone 10 to the motor output stage 22 on a track connector and control a corresponding output stage of the vehicle motors. In the opposite direction, the lap contact signals are transmitted from the track connector to the mobile phone 10. Each connector of the toy race track 12 contains two output stages and two lap contacts, which enables the connection of a second mobile phone 10, which then controls the vehicle on the second track. This alternative embodiment is shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. 3 illustrates a further preferred alternative embodiment of a combination according to the invention of a toy that can be moved by means of a control device with a mobile phone 10. In Fig. 3, the real, movable toy is an animal replica in the form of a dog 34. This dog 34 can be remotely controlled via a remote control connection 36. In this case, the game program of the operating system of the mobile phone 10 does not run a race as in the previous example, but a real environment of the dog 34 is virtually simulated, as are the corresponding needs of the dog, for example analogous to the well-known "Tamagochi" game. Here, the dog expresses special needs that must be satisfied by a user. Depending on how well or badly the user does this, the dog reacts positively or negatively. The mobile phone 10 is connected to the dog 34 via the bidirectional radio link 36. The dog 34 reacts interactively to game actions or actions in the mobile phone 10. Depending on the virtual game, the mobile phone 10 can control the dog 34 in the parameters of walking/running, drinking/peeing, barking/whining, turning the head/wagging the tail. The dog 34 can react to movements in the room, to clapping noises, to touching/stroking and to lack of food. This data is sent to the

Mobile phone 10 is transmitted via radio link 36 and thus actively introduced into the game flow of the game program. If necessary, a camera is provided in the dog 34 and a corresponding representation from the dog's perspective is shown on the display device 32.

The virtual game according to the game program includes, for example, the following functions: is hungry; is being fed; wants to go for a walk; has to pee; wants to play; is sick; is sleeping. The dog 34 then reacts to these in a program-controlled manner as follows: howls, moves its head; drinks from

&iacgr;&ogr;bowl; walks/runs, moves head, barks; lifts foot and off we go; is pressed, stroked, wags tail; howls/whines; is inactive (can be woken up by various sensors). The virtual game is controlled by appropriate feedback from the dog 34, for example as follows: If the dog has drunk (sensor), it is full in the virtual game. If the dog has finished peeing, it wants to go home in the virtual game. If the dog has been played with (push button), it is happy in the virtual game. If a watchdog function is switched on (motion detector), the dog reports visitors, for example by barking. If a corresponding clapping sound (microphone in the dog 34) wakes it up in the virtual game and barks, whereby the real dog is then controlled accordingly. When the camera is active, an image appears on the display 32.

To implement this game arrangement, a bidirectional radio unit (transmitter-receiver) is integrated. For example, transmission in the 434 MHz or 868 MHz ISM band is provided for this, using highly integrated components in IC form. A connection with Bluetooth (ISM band 2.45 GHz) is also possible. Alternatively, the radio unit is provided to be separated from the mobile phone 10, with the mobile phone 10 being placed in a type of shell that establishes a connection to a serial port of the mobile phone 10 and contains the radio unit. The data from and to the radio unit are then transmitted to the mobile phone 10 via the serial port. The radio unit is also supplied with power from the mobile phone 10 via the port. This shell could be designed as a shoulder bag or integrated into a doghouse, for example, depending on the application. The following is integrated into the dog 34: radio transmitter and receiver.

Receiving unit (matching the remote control unit in the mobile phone 10), microcontroller for evaluating and processing the radio signals - detection of sensors and switches - switching of motors and noise generators, passive infrared motion detector, microphone for recording noises, additional motors (e.g. tail wagging), buttons - switching contacts (press, stroke), water level detector, storage container and/or camera.

The invention has been explained above using a mobile phone as an example. This mobile phone can also be a data processing system, a game computer or a Game Boy with a program cartridge.

Claims (17)

1. Mobile telephone ( 10 ) with an input device ( 30 ) for user inputs, an output device ( 32 ) for outputting data to the user and with an operating system running as a data processing program, characterized in that the mobile telephone ( 10 ) has a device ( 28 ; 36 ) for connecting to a real toy ( 12 ; 34 ) that can be moved via a control device, that the mobile telephone ( 10 ) with the operating system is designed as a manual control device of the moving toy ( 12 ; 34 ) that can be controlled via user inputs on the input device ( 30 ) and/or as an automatic control device, and that the mobile telephone ( 10 ) and the operating system are designed in such a way that a simulation of a virtual environment and/or virtual parameters of the moving toy ( 12 ; 34 ) combined with a game sequence for the user to play through is made available on the output device ( 32 ), the game sequence in Dependent on user inputs and/or feedback from the movable toy ( 12 ; 34 ) via the input device ( 30 ) and includes real movements of the movable toy ( 12 ; 34 ). 2. Data processing system for executing a data processing program, in particular a game console, computer, game computer ( 10 ) or Gameboy, with an input device ( 30 ) for user inputs and an output device ( 32 ) for outputting data to the user, characterized in that the data processing system has a device ( 28 ; 34 ) for connecting to a real toy ( 12 ; 34) that can be moved via a control device, that the data processing system with the data processing program is designed as a manual control device of the moving toy ( 12 ; 34 ) that can be controlled via user inputs on the input device ( 30 ) and/or as an automatic control device, and that the data processing system and the data processing program are designed in such a way that a simulation of a virtual environment and/or virtual parameters of the moving toy ( 12 ; 34 ) combined with a game sequence for the user to play through are made available on the output device ( 32 ). wherein the game play is dependent on user inputs and/or feedback from the movable toy ( 12 ; 34 ) via the input device ( 30 ) and includes real movements of the movable toy ( 12 ; 34 ). 3. Game computer ( 10 ), in particular a game console or Gameboy, with an input device ( 30 ) for user inputs and an output device ( 32 ) for outputting data to the user, for executing a game program, characterized in that an interface ( 28 ; 36 ) is provided for connecting to a real toy ( 12 ; 34 ) that can be moved via a controller, the game computer ( 10 ) and the game program being designed in such a way that they provide the control function for the moving toy ( 12 ; 34 ) automatically and/or manually by user inputs on the game computer ( 10 ) and that the moving toy ( 12 ; 34 ) is part of the game sequence carried out by the game program with the inclusion of user inputs and/or feedback from the moving toy ( 12 ; 34 ) with a virtual environment and virtual parameters of the moving toy ( 12 ; 34). ) is. 4. Mobile telephone ( 10 ), data processing system or game computer according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the output device ( 32 ) is a graphics screen, in particular a flat, liquid crystal or TFT screen. 5. Mobile telephone ( 10 ), data processing system or game computer according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that it is designed to be portable. 6. Mobile telephone ( 10 ), data processing system or game computer according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the real, moving toy ( 12 ; 34 ) replicates something that actually exists and the simulation simulates a real environment and/or real parameters of the replica. 7. Mobile telephone ( 10 ), data processing system or game computer according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the toy is a toy race track ( 12 ) with toy vehicles that can be moved thereon, the virtual environment simulating a real racing event and the virtual parameters simulating real parameters of racing cars. 8. Mobile telephone ( 10 ), data processing system or game computer according to claim 7, characterized in that the virtual environment comprises various racing teams, various racing tracks, meteorological parameters, lap counters, sponsor search, qualifying races for racing licenses, training races, final races, pit team, repairs of the racing vehicle and/or pit stop of the racing vehicle. 9. Mobile phone ( 10 ), data processing system or game computer according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the virtual parameters include damage to the racing vehicle, in particular engine defect, wear and tear on the racing vehicle, in particular tire wear and/or brake pad wear, consumption of operating materials by the racing vehicle, in particular gasoline consumption, oil consumption, and/or configuration of the racing vehicle, in particular with regard to brakes, engine, transmission, clutch, differential, suspension, stabilizers, tires and/or wings. 10. Mobile phone ( 10 ), data processing system or game computer according to at least one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that sensors are provided for recording effects on the toy vehicle from the environment, in particular for recording distance traveled, speed, accidents, wherein the mobile phone ( 10 ), the data processing system or the game computer is designed in such a way that it or these automatically changes corresponding virtual parameters depending on sensor data. 11. Mobile telephone ( 10 ), data processing system or game computer according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the toy is an animal replica ( 34 ), in particular a dog, wherein the virtual environment simulates a real environment of the replicated animal ( 34 ) and the virtual parameters simulate real needs of the replicated animal ( 34 ). 12. Mobile telephone ( 10 ), data processing system or game computer according to claim 11, characterized in that the virtual parameters comprise the following: hunger, thirst, eating, drinking, urge to move, relieve the animal, need to play, health, need to sleep. 13. Mobile phone ( 10 ), data processing system or game computer according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the mobile phone ( 10 ), the data processing system or the game computer is designed in such a way that it or these automatically triggers corresponding reactions of the animal replica ( 34 ) depending on the currently simulated needs of the animal replica ( 34 ), in particular howling, moving the head, drinking, eating, walking, running, barking, lifting the foot to release the animal replica, wagging the tail, whining and/or sleeping. 14. Mobile phone ( 10 ), data processing system or game computer according to at least one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that sensors are provided for recording stimuli from the environment of the animal replica ( 34 ), in particular for recording noises, stroking and/or hitting, wherein the mobile phone ( 10 ), the data processing system or the game computer is designed in such a way that it or these automatically triggers corresponding reactions and/or changes in simulated needs of the animal replica ( 34 ) depending on sensor data. 15. Mobile telephone ( 10 ), data processing system or game computer according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the movable toy ( 12 ; 34 ) is a mechanical toy, in particular a doll or a remote-controlled vehicle, for example an RC car. 16. Mobile telephone ( 10 ), data processing system or game computer according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interface or the device ( 28 ; 36 ) for connecting to the toy comprises a wired and/or radio-based data connection. 17. Toy ( 12 ; 34 ), in particular a mechanical toy, which is connected to a control device by means of which the toy ( 12 ; 34 ) can be moved by a user, characterized in that the control device is designed as a mobile phone ( 10 ), data processing system or game computer according to at least one of the preceding claims.