JP2003205178A - Toy, its control method, virtual character control system, its control method and toy control system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a toy enabling a user to have interest and a sense of closeness, its control method, a virtual character control system, its control method and a toy control system. <P>SOLUTION: This toy is equipped with a bar code reader 104 for reading bar code data in a digital form from bar codes put on goods; a bar code information storage part 110 for storing the bar code data and data on the corresponding goods in a database; a central processing part 112 including a function of comparing the read bar code data with the bar code data stored in the bar code information storage part 110, to determine whether the read bar code data is in the bar code information storage part, and generating reaction data on the basis of the determined result; and a voice synthesizing part 116 for synthesizing a voice on the basis of the reaction data; and a voice output part 117 for outputting the synthesized voice. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a toy using a bar code reader, a control method therefor, a virtual character control system, a control method therefor, and a toy control system. The present invention relates to a toy and a control system and control method thereof which can control interactive patterns by learning various patterns related to clothing, food, and living, making various gestures and outputting voices based on the patterns, and recognizing barcode data, and Internet. The present invention relates to a virtual character control system capable of growing a virtual character such as an avatar that is the above cyberpet, and a control method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a toy has been developed which recognizes a user's voice, outputs a voice in response to the voice, and expresses by action. This type of toy tends to be developed to give the user a more intimate feeling and to have more various functions.

However, the current toys have a limit in the nurturing system for recognizing the user's voice, and learning and reacting it, so that it is not possible to make the user feel familiar. In addition, since it does not have an update function or the like that meets the needs of the user, there is a problem that the user tends to get tired of it.

Further, since the conventional toys cannot analyze the consumption trend of the user's clothing, food, and shelter, the information obtained from the toys cannot be utilized in other industries at all.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and is only applicable to computers, PDAs, mobile phones, pet breeding game machines (eg, Tamagotchi (registered trademark)). However, in fancy toys, instead of the input buttons provided on existing equipment, the input buttons displayed on the screen by a program, or the method of giving a dull feed by command input, foods that are normally sold are sold. By scanning the barcodes of items and daily necessities, it is possible to obtain the effect of actually giving various kinds of food or medicine, which makes it possible for users to have an interest in the product and feel like they actually keep it. Provided are a toy that gives an intimate feeling, a control method thereof, a virtual character control system, a control method thereof, and a toy control system. It is an object of Rukoto.

Further, according to the present invention, when food or the like is fed by using a barcode attached to a real drink or food as an input means,
It is another object to provide a toy, a control method therefor, a control system for a virtual character, a control method therefor, and a control system for a toy that react to this and entertain the user.

In the present invention, a user such as a maker collects information indicating a consumption trend of a user by allowing a user to input a barcode attached to an actual product and grow a toy or a virtual character. It is still another object to provide a system capable of doing the above.

[0008] The present invention is a toy, a virtual character, and a control system for them that can provide a business model of promoting the sale of goods of a specific company and obtaining a profit related to the advertisement and sales support from the company. Another object is to provide a control method.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, the toy according to the present invention comprises a bar code reader for reading bar code data in a digital format from a bar code attached to a product, and the bar code. A bar code information storage unit that stores data and product data corresponding to the bar code data in a database, and compares the read bar code data with the bar code data stored in the bar code information storage unit. Then, it is determined whether or not the read barcode data exists in the barcode information storage unit, and a central processing unit including a function of generating reaction data based on the result of the determination, and the reaction data. It is characterized by comprising a voice synthesizing unit for synthesizing a voice on the basis, and a voice output unit for outputting the synthesized voice.

Here, a voice input unit for receiving a voice input from a user and a voice recognition unit for converting the voice from the voice input unit into recognition data which can be identified by a computer are further provided, and the center is provided. It is desirable that the processing unit has a function of generating the reaction data based on the recognition data.

Further, it is desirable to further include a learning data storage section for storing the recognition data, learning data representing a user's preference pattern, and a learning program for generating the learning data.

Further, a motor drive unit for receiving a control signal included in the reaction data generated by the central processing unit and driving a motor provided in each part of the toy based on the control signal is further provided. Is desirable.

Further, a PC interface for connecting to a client personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a client PC) for updating the data of the product stored in the bar code information storage unit as a database is further provided. Is desirable.

On the other hand, in the toy control method according to the present invention, the reading step of reading the barcode data from the barcode attached to the product by the barcode reader, and the barcode read by the central processing unit in the reading step. A comparing step of comparing the data with the barcode data stored in the barcode information storage unit to determine whether or not the barcode data read in the barcode information storage unit is present; Section generates reaction data based on the result of the judgment in the comparing step, a voice synthesizing step for synthesizing voice based on the reaction data by a voice synthesizing section, and the voice synthesizing step. And a voice output step of outputting the voice synthesized in the above step from a voice output section.

Here, a voice input recognition step of receiving a voice input from the user by the voice input unit and converting the voice into recognition data which can be identified by a computer by the voice recognition unit, and the recognition by the central processing unit. It is preferable that the method further includes a reaction data generating step of generating the reaction data based on the data.

Further, based on the control signal generated by the central processing unit, the motor driving unit drives the motor provided in each part of the toy to operate the movable part of the toy, thereby gesturing and moving the toy. It is desirable to further include a driving expression step of expressing a reaction with a facial expression.

A learning step of driving the learning program by the central processing unit to generate learning data representing a user's preference pattern and storing the learning data in the learning data storage unit; and the central processing unit. It is preferable that the method further includes a reaction data extraction step of extracting the reaction data based on the learning data stored in the learning step and outputting the reaction data to the motor drive unit and the voice synthesis unit.

On the other hand, the present invention provides a bar code reader for reading bar code data in a digital format from a bar code attached to a product, the bar code data, virtual character data, and a nursing program for growing the virtual character. A server PC for storing and managing
The barcode that is electrically connected to the barcode reader and is connected to the server PC via a network, downloads the childcare program from the server PC, drives the childcare program, and reads the barcode. And a client PC for generating learning data corresponding to the data and growing the virtual character.

Here, instead of the bar code reader for reading bar code data from a bar code attached to a product, the client PC connected to the server PC is connected to a homepage of a manufacturer of a predetermined product, and the client is connected. It is desirable to further include a server of a maker that transmits the information on the predetermined product to the PC.

Further, it is preferable that a PC camera for taking in the image data of the barcode in order to recognize the pattern of the barcode attached to the product is provided in place of the barcode reader.

Further, in place of the client PC, P
It is desirable to have a DA.

It is desirable that a mobile telephone terminal is provided in place of the client PC.

Further, it is desirable that the bar code reader is connected to the client PC via a USB port.

On the other hand, according to the present invention, a nurturing program driving step of driving a virtual character nurturing program by a client PC, a reading step of reading bar code data from a bar code attached to a product by a bar code reader, and the reading step. The transmission step of transmitting the barcode data read by the client PC to the client PC, the barcode data transmitted in the transmission step, and the barcode data read by the nursing program are compared, and the barcode read If there is a comparison step of determining whether or not there is product data corresponding to the data, and if it is determined that there is the corresponding barcode data in the comparison step, the time, the number of times, the repetition cycle, etc. of reading the barcode data are determined. Generated as learning data, It is characterized in that it comprises a learning step for storing data.

Here, of the plurality of parenting programs relating to the virtual character stored in the server PC,
It is preferable to further include a download step of downloading the selected parenting program to the client PC.

If the bar code data is not read, connect to the home page of the manufacturer of the specified product,
It is preferable that the method further includes a product information receiving step of receiving the product information.

Further, a learning data transmitting step of transmitting the learning data generated in the learning step to the server PC, and analysis of the learning data transmitted in the learning data transmitting step to generate user trend data, It is desirable that the method further includes a user trend data transmission step of transmitting the user trend data to a server of a product maker.

The virtual character is preferably a virtual avatar or an animal.

On the other hand, according to the present invention, the parental control program is driven by the internal central processing unit, the voice input received by the voice input unit and the barcode data read from the barcode attached to the product by the barcode reader is used as a basis. The learning data and the reaction data are generated and stored in, the user trend data and the growth information data are generated based on the learning data, the voice is output from the voice output unit based on the reaction data, and the toy of the toy is output by the motor drive unit. A motor provided in each part is driven to operate a movable part of the toy, and the toy that expresses a reaction by the toy's gesture and facial expression is electrically connected to the toy. Growth information data from the toy And a client PC that receives the information, updates the state parameters indicating the state of the toy such as developmental state, nutritional state, and fatigue state and transmits the state parameter to the toy. Ianto are connected via a network on your PC, receiving the growth information data and customer information from the client PC, it is characterized in that the operating update information and a manufacturer server PC to be transmitted to the client PC.

Here, it is preferable that the server PC of the maker transmits data of a new product to the client PC, and the client PC transmits data of the product to the toy.

Further, it is desirable that the transmission and reception of the bar code data and the growth information data with respect to the toy and the server PC of the maker via the client PC be performed by a PDA or a mobile telephone terminal.

It is desirable that the server PC of the maker further includes a server PC of a product supplier.

Further, it is preferable that the client PC updates and transmits status parameters such as the growth status, intelligence, age, and fatigue status of the toy to the toy.

[0034]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a bar code reader used in a toy according to the embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a configuration diagram of a system for explaining a method of using the toy according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a toy control system according to the embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the toy shown in FIG. Further, FIG. 5 is a system configuration diagram for explaining a virtual character control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. And FIG.
6 is a flowchart showing an operation of the virtual character control system shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a system for explaining a virtual character control system according to another embodiment including a PC camera in place of the barcode reader in the control system shown in FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a toy control system according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the control system shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the bar code reader used in the toy according to the embodiment includes a scanner 12 for reading the bar code 10, a decoder 14, and a computer 16.

The bar code reader plays a role of reading bar code data from the bar code 10 attached to the product in a digital format that can be identified by the computer 16. This bar code reader has a main part having a function of reading a bar code pattern and data input / output (I / I).
O) and an auxiliary unit having a function of performing a process corresponding to the user.

The scanner 12 includes an optical scanning unit 18 and a light receiving unit 2.
0, an amplification and signal processing circuit 22 and a digitization circuit 24. The decoder 14 includes an element edge detection circuit 26, a microprocessor 28, a ROM 30 in which a decoding algorithm is stored, a RAM 32 for temporarily storing operation data, an I / O port 34, and
An alarm device 40 including a lamp 36 and a buzzer 38 for notifying the user of the usage state is provided.

The bar code reader used in the present embodiment further includes a data display section 42, a keyboard input section 44, an external device control section 46, an IC card, a memory card, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, and the same. It can be connected to an auxiliary storage device 48 such as a drive.

Next, the operation of reading the bar code 10 by the bar code reader shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

The light emitted from the optical scanning section 18 of the scanner 12 scans the bar code 10. Since the light reflectance differs between the bar and the space in the barcode 10, the light receiving unit 20 of the scanner 12 senses the light amount at each position,
An electric signal (photocurrent) corresponding to the intensity is generated. Since the light detected by the light receiving unit 20 is very weak, the generated current value is also low. Therefore, this is amplified and signal processing circuit 22
Amplify and perform signal processing to generate a stable analog signal (voltage). At this time, the generated analog signal is converted into a digital signal by the digitizing process in the digitizing circuit 24. That is, the boundary values that are the upper limit value and the lower limit value are defined, and when the analog signal reaches the upper limit value, the latch operation is performed and the high state is maintained, and when the lower limit boundary value is reached, the latch operation is performed and the low state is changed. To In this way, the barcode data can be read in a digital format corresponding to the barcode pattern.

The bar code data is temporarily stored in the RAM 32 and then I / O is controlled by the microprocessor 28.
It is transmitted to the computer 16 through the O port 34.
The read bar code data is the bar code data read by the computer 16 from the bar code information storage unit that stores the product data such as the product name and price corresponding to the predetermined bar code in a database. Compared to. This allows the barcode 10
A product having is identified.

With such a bar code recognition function,
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the toy 100 according to the present embodiment has a barcode reader 104 and a voice input unit 10.
6, voice recognition unit 108, barcode information storage unit 110,
Central processing unit 112, learning data storage unit 114, voice synthesis unit 116, voice output unit 117, motor 118, motor drive unit 120, and personal computer (hereinafter referred to as PC
PC interface 122 for connecting to
Is equipped with.

The bar code reader 104 is the bar code 1 attached to the product 102 such as food or daily necessities as described above.
It has a function of reading barcode data in digital form from 0.

The voice input unit 106 receives voice input from the user, and the voice recognition unit 108 converts the voice input to the voice input unit 106 into recognition data that can be identified by a computer. is there. In order to identify the product 102 corresponding to the read barcode data, the barcode information storage unit 110 stores the product data such as the barcode data and the name and price of the product corresponding to the barcode data as a database. To do.

The central processing unit 112 receives the recognition data from the voice recognition unit 108 and the bar code data read by the bar code reader 104. Then, the read bar code data is compared with the bar code data stored in the bar code information storage unit 110 to determine whether or not the read bar code data is present. Alternatively, the reaction data and the learning data are generated and / or extracted based on the recognition data. The reaction data is data that is a basis of a voice output, a motion, and the like performed by the toy in response to a user input, and the learning data is data that represents a user's preference pattern.

The learning data storage unit 114 includes the voice recognition unit 1.
The recognition data, the reaction data, the learning data from 08 and the learning program described later are stored.

The voice synthesis unit 116, based on the reaction data generated and / or extracted by the central processing unit 112,
The voice is synthesized, and the voice output unit 117 outputs the synthesized voice.

The motor 118 is used to express the movement and / or facial expression of the toy 100, such as joints.
0 is provided in each part. The motor drive unit 120 receives a control signal included in the reaction data generated by the central processing unit 112, and drives the motor 118 based on the control signal.

The PC interface 122 is for connecting the above-mentioned toy to a client personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a client PC) to update the database of product data stored in the barcode information storage unit 110. Therefore, the toy 100 can recognize the barcode 10 attached to the new product.

Next, a method of controlling the toy 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, in step S200, it is determined whether or not there is a voice input by the user. If it is determined that a voice is input from the user, the process proceeds to step S202, and the voice from the user captured via the voice input unit 106 of the toy 100 is stored in the memory. After that, step S204
Then, the voice recognition unit 108 converts the voice into recognition data that can be identified by a computer. The step S202 and step S204 constitute a voice input recognition step.

Next, in the learning step S206, the learning program is driven, and based on the recognition data based on the user's voice input, or the inputted bar code data, its input time, the number of times of input, etc. by this learning program. , Generate learning data and store it. Then, while referring to the learning data representing the user's preference pattern in this way, the corresponding reaction data is generated and / or extracted.

Next, in the voice synthesis step S218,
The voice synthesizer 116 synthesizes a voice based on the reaction data generated in the learning step S206 and the reaction data generated by reflecting the result in the comparison step 214 described later. After that, the process proceeds to the voice output step S220, and the synthesized voice is output from the voice output unit 117. This allows
The user can hear the output sound from the toy.

Then, in step S222, the motor drive unit 120 drives the motor 118 based on the control signal included in the reaction data, simultaneously with or after the voice output. As a result, in step S224, the movable parts such as the joints such as the neck, jaw, and knees of the toy 120 are operated, and the reaction is expressed by the toy gesture and facial expression. The step S222 and the step S224 constitute a drive expression step.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S200 that there is no voice input from the user, step S208.
Then, it is determined whether the barcode 10 attached to the product can be read by the barcode reader 104. If it is determined that the barcode 10 can be read, the process proceeds to the reading step S210, and the corresponding barcode data is read from the barcode 10 by the barcode reader 104. Next, proceeding to step S212, after storing the read barcode data, comparison step S214
Proceed to. In the comparison step S214, the bar code data and the bar code data stored in the bar code information storage unit 110 are compared to determine whether or not there is coincident bar code data. If it is determined that the matching data exists, the process proceeds to learning step S206 to drive the learning program, whereas if it is determined that the matching data does not exist, the process proceeds to step S216, and after generating and / or extracting the corresponding reaction data. , And proceeds to step S218. The step S216 and the learning step S206 constitute a reaction data generation step and / or a reaction data extraction step.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S208 that the barcode 10 cannot be read, the process proceeds to step S226, and it is determined whether or not the barcode information storage section 110 for storing the data of the product including the barcode data is updated. If it is determined that it is updated, step S2
In step 28, the client PC downloads the bar code 10 via the PC interface 122, updates the data of the product stored in the bar code information storage unit 110, and then ends the series of processes. on the other hand,
If it is determined in step S226 that the update is not to be performed,
As it is, a series of processing is ended.

The internal circuit of the toy 100 as described above is further connected to the central processing unit 112 by a clock circuit,
Even if the user does not use the device for a certain period of time, it is preferable to configure the device so that the user can output the voice and react to the action and induce the interest of the user. Also, toys 10
As a form of 0, a doll, a robot dog, etc. are preferable.

Next, an embodiment will be described in which a virtual character of electronic data is used instead of the toy 100 described above. As shown in FIG. 5, the virtual character control system according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a barcode reader 104, a client PC 101, and a server PC 10.
3 is included. Also, although not shown,
The client PC 101 is the voice input unit 1 shown in FIG.
06, voice recognition unit 108, barcode information storage unit 11
0, a central processing unit 112, a learning data storage unit 114, a voice synthesis unit 116, a voice output unit 117, and a PC interface 122.

The bar code reader 104 is configured to read the bar code data in a digital format from the bar code 10 attached to the product 102 such as milk and sweets, and transmit the bar code data to the client PC 101. .

The server PC 103 stores and manages data of virtual characters such as avatars and animals, and a nurturing program for growing the virtual characters. Further, the server PC 103 stores various nurturing programs corresponding to the characteristics of the virtual character, and the user can download them.

The client PC 101 is electrically connected to the bar code reader 104 via a port such as USB, and is also connected to the server PC 103 via the network 107. As a result, the server PC 103
It is possible to download and use the virtual character selected by the user and the nurturing program thereof from the various virtual characters stored and managed in.

When the parenting program is driven by the client PC 101, the virtual character 105 outputs a request to output a voice through the speaker or act on the monitor screen, and the user responds to the barcode by the request. A bar code is input via the reader 104, and in response to this, the virtual character 105 reacts and grows.

In the client PC 101, if the bar code corresponding to the request of the virtual character 105 due to the driving of the parenting program cannot be input, the client PC 101 is configured to connect to the home page of the manufacturer of the corresponding product 102. The virtual character 105 grows by receiving the information.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 7, instead of the bar code reader 104, the bar code 1 is used to recognize the pattern of the bar code 10 attached to the product 102.
A PC camera 109 that takes in 0 image data is adopted. Then, the image data of the captured barcode 10 is analyzed and the corresponding barcode data is read, but the other configuration is similar to that of the embodiment shown in FIG.

In yet another embodiment,
Instead of the client PC 101, a PDA or mobile phone terminal may be adopted.

A method of controlling a virtual character using a bar code reader will be described more specifically with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 6, the user first connects the client PC 101 to the server PC 103 in step S300, and then downloads step S3.
In step 02, the selected desired virtual character 105 and the parenting program for the virtual character 105 are downloaded to the client PC 101. At this time, if the downloaded childcare program or the like already exists and there is no need to update it, there is no need to download it.

Next, a childcare program driving step S3
When the program proceeds to 04 to drive the downloaded childcare program, the virtual character 105 outputs a voice,
It shows various actions on the screen and makes various requests to the user regarding food, clothing, and shelter.

Next, in step S306, it is determined whether the barcode 10 can be read. If it is determined that the barcode 10 can be read, the process proceeds to a reading step S308, where the barcode reader 104 reads the barcode 10 attached to various products 102 such as milk and clothes, while reading the barcode 10. If it is determined to be impossible, the process proceeds to step S310,
The client PC 101 is connected to the homepage of the maker of the predetermined product 102, and the process proceeds to step S312 to read various information of the product 102 such as the price and use of the product 102 from the maker, and the process proceeds to transmission step S314. The step S310 and step S312 constitute a product information receiving step.

In the transmission step S314, the bar code data read in the reading step S308 or various information of the product 102 read in step S312 is transmitted to the client PC 101.

Next, in the comparison step S316, if the bar code data is read, it is judged whether or not the read bar code data is in the bar code information storage section 110. If it is determined that the read barcode data is present, the process proceeds to learning step S318, and the learning time of the barcode data, the number of times, the repetition period, and the like are generated and stored. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no bar code data read, step S320
Then, as reaction data, reaction data such as a message indicating that the input bar code does not exist is output, and the action indicating it is also shown.

Next, in the learning data transmitting step included in S322, the generated learning data is stored in the server P.
The user trend data is transmitted to C103, the process proceeds to the user trend data transmission step included in S322, the learning data transmitted to the server PC 103 is analyzed to generate user trend data, and the user trend data is transmitted to the server of the product maker. Thereby, the administrator of the server PC 103 can know the consumption trend such as the food, clothing and shelter pattern from the barcode data used by the user. Next, in step S324, the user trend data is provided to the manufacturer of the product 102. Thereby, the manufacturer of the product 102 can utilize the user trend data as a reference material.

Next, an embodiment using both the toy 100 and the virtual character 105 of electronic data will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the toy and virtual character control system according to the embodiment of the present invention is
It is configured to include a toy 100a, a client PC 101, and a manufacturer's server PC 111.

The toy 100a is driven by the internal central processing unit to drive the child-rearing program and read from the voice data from the user captured through the voice input unit 106 and the barcode attached to the product by the barcode reader 104. Learning data and reaction data are generated based on the barcode data, the learning data is stored in the learning data storage unit in the toy 100a, and the user's movement pattern and growth are analyzed based on the learning data. Information data is generated and a voice output unit 117 is generated based on the reaction data.
Sound is output from the toy 100a and the motor drive unit 120 drives the motor 118 provided in each part of the toy 100a to operate the movable part of the toy 100a.
The reaction is expressed by gestures and facial expressions.

The client PC 101 uses the P port of the toy 100a via the USB port of the client PC 101.
The toy 1 is electrically connected to the C interface.
00a to receive the growth information data and the read bar code information, and the toy 100 by the parenting program.
The virtual character 105a whose motion is synchronized with a is displayed on the monitor screen and is controlled.

The client PC 101 is the toy 1
00a for updating the product data in the barcode information storage unit 110, and the client PC 101
Transmits the growth information data to the toy 100a, and the toy 10
State parameters of 0a such as developmental state, intelligence, age, nutritional state, and fatigue state are updated and transmitted to the toy.

In yet another embodiment, as the client PC 101, a PDA 130, a mobile telephone terminal 132 or the like can be used as shown in FIG. 8 instead of a general personal computer. Further, the PDA 130 or the mobile phone terminal 132 may transmit / receive the barcode data and the growth information data to / from the toy 100a and the manufacturer's server PC 111 via the client PC 101.

The manufacturer's server PC 111 is connected to the client PC 101 via the network 107, receives customer information such as growth information data and input bar code data from the client PC 101 via the network 107, The operation update information is transmitted to the client PC. The received information can be used as a material for manufacturing and marketing products, and can be used as a material for purchasing flow and market research. Based on such materials, new product data and update information such as various software are transmitted to the client PC 101. The client PC 101 transmits this to the toy. The manufacturer's server PC 111 may further include a product supplier's server PC.

Next, the information transmission operation between the toy and the maker will be described in more detail.

As shown in FIG. 9, first, step S4
At 00, the toy is operated. Then, step S
Proceeding to 402, the growth information data from the user is sent to the toy 10
0a to the client PC 101, and step S
Proceeding to 404, the client PC 101 transmits the growth information data to the maker's server PC 111, then proceeds to step S406, transmits the customer information, and then proceeds to step S408, where the input product information is transmitted to the maker. To the server PC 111. The manufacturer uses this as a material when manufacturing or marketing the product.
The manufacturer analyzes this, then proceeds to step S410, transmits the updated bar code to the client PC 101, the client PC 101 transmits this to the toy, and then proceeds to step S412, where the data of the product as a database is stored. Update. Then, step S41
After transmitting the growth information to step 4, step S416
Go to and update the toy behavior.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the rights of the present invention is not limited to these, and those substantially equivalent to the embodiments of the present invention are described. Belongs to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0083]

As described above, the toy according to the present invention goes beyond the dimensions of a simple toy, and feeds or the like using a bar code attached to an actual product such as drink or food. Will react to this. Therefore, there is an excellent effect that it is possible to provide a toy, a control method therefor, a control system for a virtual character, a control method therefor, and a control system for a toy that can entertain and make the user feel close to each other.

When only the barcodes attached to a limited number of products can be identified, the sales of the products of a specific company can be promoted, and the profit related to the advertisement and the sales support can be obtained from the company. It is possible to provide a toy that can provide such a business model, a control method thereof, a virtual character control system, a control method thereof, and a toy control system.

Further, the user can grow the toy or virtual character by using the bar code attached to the actual product. Further, by receiving the bar code data read via the network, there is an effect that the manufacturer of the product can collect information indicating the consumption trend of each user.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a bar code reader used in a toy according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a system for explaining a method of using the toy according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a toy control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of the toy shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a system for explaining a virtual character control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the virtual character control system shown in FIG.

7 is a system configuration diagram for explaining a virtual character control system according to another embodiment including a PC camera instead of the barcode reader in the control system shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a toy control system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a flowchart of the control system shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 bar code 12 scanner 14 Decoder 16 computers 100 toys 104 barcode reader 106 voice input section 108 Speech recognition unit 110 Bar code information storage unit 112 Central Processing Department 114 learning data storage unit 116 Speech synthesizer 117 Audio output section 118 motor 120 motor drive

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (71) Applicant 502166570             Kim Life             921, Hoho-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea             −23 No.301 (72) Inventor Lee Tai ▲ Kyun ▼             43, 1 Yeong-dong, Itoyama-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea             Sensei Apartment 301 Building No.602 (72) Inventor Takatoshi Kin             1 Dongyang, Yabunai, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea             Chimura Nishiki Apartment 602 No. 1201 (72) Inventor Kim Shu             921, Hoho-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea             −23 No.301 F-term (reference) 2C001 AA13 BA07 BA08 CA07 CA09                       CB08 DA04                 2C150 AA14 CA01 CA02 CA04 DA05                       DA24 DA26 DA27 DA28 DF03                       DF04 DF06 DF33 DK02 ED10                       ED42 ED47 ED52 EF07 EF09                       EF16 EF17 EF22 EF23 EF29                       EF33 EF36                 5B058 CA40 KA02 YA13

Claims (25)

[Claims] 1. A bar code reader for reading bar code data in a digital format from a bar code attached to a product, and bar code information for storing the bar code data and the product data corresponding to the bar code data as a database. The storage unit compares the read bar code data with the bar code data stored in the bar code information storage unit to determine whether the bar code information storage unit has the read bar code data. Central processing unit including a function of determining whether or not it is generated, and generating reaction data based on the result of the determination, a voice synthesizing unit that synthesizes a voice based on the reaction data, and a voice output that outputs the synthesized voice. A toy characterized by having a section. 2. A central processing unit, further comprising: a voice input unit that receives a voice input from a user; and a voice recognition unit that converts the voice from the voice input unit into recognition data that can be identified by a computer. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the part has a function of generating the reaction data based on the recognition data. 3. The toy according to claim 2, further comprising a learning data storage unit that stores the recognition data, learning data representing a user's preference pattern, and a learning program for generating the learning data. 4. A control signal included in the reaction data generated by the central processing unit is received, and based on the control signal,
The toy according to claim 1, further comprising a motor drive unit that drives a motor provided in each part of the toy. 5. A PC interface for connecting to a client personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a client PC) that updates the data of the product stored in the database in the barcode information storage unit. The toy according to claim 1, wherein: 6. A reading step of reading bar code data from a bar code attached to a product by a bar code reader; a central processing unit storing the bar code data read in the reading step in a bar code information storage unit; A comparison step of comparing the stored barcode data with that of the barcode data stored in the barcode information storage section to determine whether or not the barcode data read in the barcode information storage section; A reaction data generating step of generating reaction data based on the result; a voice synthesizing step of synthesizing a voice based on the reaction data by a voice synthesizing section; and a voice output section of the voice synthesized in the voice synthesizing step. And a voice output step of outputting from the toy. 7. A voice input recognition step of receiving voice input from a user by a voice input unit and converting the voice into recognition data which can be identified by a computer by a voice recognition unit; and the recognition data by the central processing unit. 7. The method of controlling a toy according to claim 6, further comprising a reaction data generation step of generating the reaction data based on the above. 8. Based on the control signal generated by the central processing unit, a motor driving unit drives a motor provided in each part of the toy to operate a movable part of the toy, thereby gesturing and moving the toy. 7. The toy control method according to claim 6, further comprising a drive expression step of expressing a reaction with a facial expression. 9. A learning step of driving a learning program by the central processing unit to generate learning data representing a user's preference pattern and storing the learning data in a learning data storage unit; 7. The toy according to claim 6, further comprising: a reaction data extracting step of extracting the reaction data based on the learning data stored in the learning step and outputting the reaction data to the motor drive unit and the voice synthesizing unit. Control method. 10. A bar code reader for reading bar code data in a digital format from a bar code attached to a product, and storing and managing the bar code data, virtual character data, and a parenting program for growing the virtual character. And a server PC that is electrically connected to the bar code reader, is connected to the server PC via a network, downloads the childcare program from the server PC, drives the childcare program, A virtual character control system, comprising: a client PC that generates learning data corresponding to the read barcode data and grows the virtual character. 11. A bar code reader for reading bar code data from a bar code attached to a product,
11. The server according to claim 10, further comprising: a server of a maker that connects the client PC connected to the server PC to a homepage of a maker of a predetermined product and transmits information of the predetermined product to the client PC. The described virtual character control system. 12. A bar code reader, in place of the bar code reader, comprising a PC camera for taking in image data of the bar code for recognizing a bar code pattern attached to a product. Virtual character control system. 13. A PD instead of the client PC
The virtual character control system according to claim 10, further comprising A. 14. The virtual character control system according to claim 10, further comprising a mobile telephone terminal in place of the client PC. 15. The virtual character control system according to claim 10, wherein the bar code reader is connected to the client PC via a USB port. 16. A nurturing program driving step of driving a virtual character nurturing program by a client PC, a reading step of reading barcode data from a barcode attached to a product by a barcode reader, and a bar read in the reading step. A transmitting step of transmitting code data to the client PC, the barcode data transmitted in the transmitting step,
A comparison step of comparing the barcode data read by the parenting program to determine whether or not there is data of a product corresponding to the read barcode data, and the barcode data corresponding to the comparison step is If it is determined that the bar code data is read, a learning step of generating the learning time, the number of times, the repetition period, etc., and storing the learning data is included. . 17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising a download step of downloading, to the client PC, a selected child care program out of a plurality of child care programs related to the virtual character stored in the server PC. Control method of control system of virtual character. 18. The virtual computer according to claim 16, further comprising a product information receiving step of connecting to a homepage of a manufacturer of a predetermined product and receiving information of the product when the barcode data is not read. Character control system control method. 19. A learning data transmitting step of transmitting the learning data generated in the learning step to the server PC, and analyzing the learning data transmitted in the learning data transmitting step to generate user trend data, 17. A user trend data transmission step of transmitting the user trend data to a server of a product maker, further comprising:
A method for controlling the described virtual character control system. 20. The control method of a virtual character control system according to claim 16, wherein the virtual character is a virtual avatar or an animal. 21. A training program is driven by an internal central processing unit, learning data and learning data are obtained based on the voice input received by the voice input unit and the barcode data read from the barcode attached to the product by the barcode reader. Generates and stores reaction data, generates user trend data and growth information data based on the learning data, outputs voice from the voice output unit based on the response data, and is provided to each part of the toy by the motor drive unit. And a toy that drives a movable motor to operate a movable part of the toy and expresses a reaction by a toy's gesture or facial expression, and is electrically connected to the toy, receives growth information data from the toy, A client PC for updating and transmitting to the toy a state parameter indicating the state of the toy such as a growth state, a nutritional state, and a fatigue state, and the client P. And a server PC of a maker that receives the growth information data and customer information from the client PC and transmits operation update information to the client PC. system. 22. The toy according to claim 21, wherein the server PC of the maker transmits data of a new product to the client PC, and the client PC transmits data of the product to the toy. Control system. 23. The transmission and reception of barcode data and growth information data to and from the toy and the server PC of the maker via the client PC are performed by a PDA or a mobile telephone terminal.
The toy control system described. 24. The server PC of the maker further includes a server PC of a product supplier.
The toy control system according to 1. 25. The toy control system according to claim 21, wherein the client PC updates and transmits status parameters such as a growth status, intelligence, age, and fatigue status of the toy to the toy. .