JP2024056005A - Game device, toy usable with said game device, game program, and toy usable with a computer on which said game program is executed - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game device that enhances amusement properties of a game by more deepening relationships between input of type information by toy bodies, to each of which type information is given, and game development.SOLUTION: A game device includes: information input means capable of inputting type information on at least one toy body of two or more toy bodies to which type information for identifying each type is given; data storage means in which a plurality of pieces of character data stored in association with the type information on the toy body is stored; condition determination means for determining whether a first condition is satisfied during a game; and information input determination means for determining whether the type information on the toy body is input to the information input means within a first predetermined time from the time that the condition determination means determines that the first condition is satisfied. When the information input determination means determines that the type information on the toy body is input within the first predetermined time, the character data associated with the input type information on the toy body is read out from the data storage means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a game device, a toy object usable with the game device, a toy doll comprising the toy object, a game program, a toy object usable with a computer on which the game program is executed, and a toy doll comprising the toy object.

Patent Document 1 proposes a configuration in which identification information obtained from a product that is made up of a combination of multiple reconfigurable parts and has identification information is identified, an image is displayed based on the identification information, and an application that uses the combined product image is executed.

JP 2008-021117 A

However, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, since it is a display device and program, it provides image display of replacement or addition of multiple parts in a state corresponding to the actual product. In this case, it is applicable to applications such as games, and it proposes restrictions on unauthorized use and measures to be taken when identification is not possible while the application is running. However, it does not mention at all the conditions, timing, time constraints, etc. regarding the replacement or addition of multiple parts while the application is running.

Therefore, the present invention aims to deepen the relationship between the input of type information using toy objects, each of which has type information attached, and the game's development, thereby increasing the interest of the game.

The game device of the present invention has a data storage means for storing multiple game data, a program storage means for storing a game program, and a program execution means for reading the game data from the data storage means and executing the game using the read game data by reading the game data from the program storage means and executing the game. The game device has an information input means capable of inputting type information of at least one toy body among two or more toy bodies each having type information for identifying a type, and the data storage means stores multiple character data stored in association with the type information of the toy body as the multiple game data. The game device further has a condition determination means for determining whether a first condition is satisfied during a game, and an information input determination means for determining whether the type information of the toy body is input to the information input means within a first predetermined time from when the condition determination means determines that the first condition is satisfied, and when the information input determination means determines that the type information of the toy body is input within the first predetermined time, the program execution means reads the character data associated with the type information of the input toy body from the data storage means.

In the game device of the present invention, the data storage means stores character image data as character data stored in association with toy object type information, and the game device further includes image display means and image display control means for displaying a main character image on the image display means based on the game data stored in the data storage means, and the program execution means may control the image display control means to read character image data associated with the input toy object type information from the data storage means when the information input determination means determines that toy object type information has been input to the information input means within the first predetermined time from when the condition determination means determines that the first condition has been satisfied during the game, and to combine a character image based on the read character image data with the main character image and display it on the image display means as a combined character image.

Furthermore, in the game device of the present invention, the program execution means may be capable of using, as the main character image, a character image based on character image data associated with the toy object type information input to the information input means.

Furthermore, in the game device of the present invention, the information input means is capable of inputting type information of at least one toy doll's tortoise body and one toy doll's arm toy body among two or more toy doll's tortoise toy bodies and two or more toy doll's arm toy bodies, each of which is provided with type information for identifying its type, and the data storage means stores, as character image data, tortoise image data associated with the type information of the toy doll's tortoise toy body and arm image data associated with the type information of the toy doll's arm toy body, and the program execution means reads out from the data storage means the tortoise image data and arm image data associated with the type information of the toy doll's tortoise toy body and the type information of the toy doll's arm toy body inputted to the information input means, and the image display control means displays the read torso image data. and combine a torso image and an arm image based on the arm image data and display them on the image display means as the main character image; and further, when the information input determination means determines that new information on the type of arm of a toy doll has been input to the information input means within the first predetermined time from when the condition determination means determines that the first condition has been satisfied during the game, the program execution means may control the image display control means to read arm image data associated with the input information on the type of arm of a toy doll from the data storage means, combine the arm image based on the read arm image data with the torso image instead of the arm image displayed combined with the torso image as the main character image, and display it on the image display means as the combined character image.

Furthermore, in the game device of the present invention, the information input means is further capable of inputting type information of at least one of the leg toy bodies of two or more toy dolls, each of which is provided with type information for identifying its type, and the data storage means further stores leg image data associated with the type information of the leg toy body of the toy doll as character image data, the program execution means reads out from the data storage means the type information of the toy doll's toy body, the type information of the toy doll's arm toy body, and the tortoise image data, arm image data, and leg image data associated with the type information of the toy doll's leg toy body inputted to the information input means, and the image display control means combines the tortoise image, arm image, and leg image based on the read tortoise image data, arm image data, and leg image data, and displays them on the image display means as the main character image, The condition determination means determines whether a second condition is satisfied during the game, and the information input determination means determines whether new type information of the leg toy body of the toy doll is input to the information input means within a second predetermined time from when the condition determination means determines that the second condition is satisfied, and the program execution means, when the information input determination means determines that new type information of the leg toy body of the toy doll is input to the information input means within the second predetermined time, may control the image display control means to read out leg image data associated with the input type information of the leg toy body of the toy doll from the data storage means, and combine a leg image based on the read leg image data with the torso image and arm image instead of the leg image displayed combined with the torso image and arm image as the main character image, and display it on the image display means as the combined character image.

The present invention also relates to a toy that can be used in the game device of the present invention.

The present invention also relates to a toy doll that is made up of a toy body, toy arms, and toy legs and can be used in the game device according to the present invention.

The game program of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as a data storage means that stores multiple game data, a program storage means that stores a game program, and a program execution means that reads the game program from the program storage means and executes the game using the read game data by reading the game data from the data storage means and executing the game, and further causes the computer to function as an information input means that can input type information of at least one toy body out of two or more toy bodies each having type information for identifying a type, and causes the data storage means to function as the multiple game data, The program stores a plurality of character data items stored in association with toy object type information, and causes the computer to function as a condition determination means for determining whether a first condition is met during a game, and an information input determination means for determining whether toy object type information is input to the information input means within a first predetermined time from when the condition determination means determines that the first condition is met, and when the information input determination means determines that toy object type information is input within the first predetermined time, the program execution means causes the computer to function as follows: read out character data associated with the input toy object type information from the data storage means.

In addition, in the game program of the present invention, the data storage means may store character image data as character data stored in association with toy object type information, and the computer may function as an image display means and an image display control means for displaying a main character image on the image display means based on the game data stored in the data storage means, and the program execution means may cause the computer to function such that, when the information input determination means determines that toy object type information has been input to the information input means within the first predetermined time from when the condition determination means determines that the first condition has been satisfied during the game, the computer reads out character image data associated with the input toy object type information from the data storage means, and controls the image display control means to combine a character image based on the read character image data with the main character image and display it on the image display means as a combined character image.

In addition, in the game program of the present invention, the program execution means may be configured to cause a computer to function as being capable of using, as the main character image, a character image based on character image data associated with toy object type information input to the information input means.

In addition, in the game program of the present invention, the information input means is capable of inputting type information of at least one toy doll's toy body and one toy doll's arm toy body among two or more toy doll's toy bodies and two or more toy doll's arm toy bodies, each of which is provided with type information for identifying its type, and the data storage means stores, as character image data, torso image data associated with the type information of the toy doll's toy body and arm image data associated with the type information of the toy doll's arm toy body, and the program execution means causes the computer to function to read out from the data storage means the type information of the toy doll's toy body and the torso image data and arm image data associated with the type information of the toy doll's arm toy body inputted to the information input means, and the image display control means controls the torso image data and arm image data to be read out. The program execution means may cause the computer to function to combine a torso image and an arm image based on the arm image data and display the combined image on the image display means as the main character image, and further cause the computer to function to control the image display control means to read arm image data associated with the input arm toy body type information of the toy doll from the data storage means when the information input determination means determines that new arm toy body type information of the toy doll has been input to the information input means within the first predetermined time from when the condition determination means determines that the first condition has been satisfied during the game, and combine the arm image based on the read arm image data with the torso image instead of the arm image displayed combined with the torso image as the main character image, and display the combined character image on the image display means.

In addition, in the game program of the present invention, the information input means is further capable of inputting type information of at least one of two or more toy doll leg toy bodies each having type information for identifying the type, and the data storage means stores, as character image data, leg image data associated with the type information of the toy doll's leg toy body, and the program execution means reads out from the data storage means the type information of the toy doll's toy body, the type information of the toy doll's arm toy body, and the tortoise image data, arm image data, and leg image data associated with the type information of the toy doll's leg toy body inputted to the information input means, and the image display control means combines the tortoise image, arm image, and leg image based on the read tortoise image data, arm image data, and leg image data to display them on the image display means as the main character image, and the condition determination means determines whether or not a first character image is displayed during the game. The information input determination means may determine whether the second condition is satisfied, and the information input determination means may cause the computer to function to determine whether new information on the type of the leg of the toy doll has been input to the information input means within a second predetermined time from when the condition determination means determines that the second condition is satisfied, and the program execution means may cause the computer to function to control the image display control means to read out leg image data associated with the input information on the type of the leg of the toy doll from the data storage means when the information input determination means determines that new information on the type of the leg of the toy doll has been input to the information input means within the second predetermined time, and to combine a leg image based on the read leg image data with the torso image and arm image instead of the leg image displayed combined with the torso image and arm image as the main character image, and display the combined character image on the image display means.

The present invention also relates to a toy that can be used on a computer that executes the game program according to the present invention.

The present invention also provides a toy doll that includes a toy body, toy arms, and toy legs and can be used on a computer that executes the game program according to the present invention.

The present invention deepens the relationship between the input of type information using toy objects, each of which is assigned type information, and the game's development, making the game more interesting.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of a game device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a game device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the first embodiment of the game device according to the present invention. 4A is a front view showing an example of a toy doll according to third and fourth embodiments; FIG. 4B is a front view showing a schematic representation of some of the selectable forms of the toy doll in FIG. 4A; FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of a third embodiment of a game device according to the present invention. FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating the operation up to the start of a game in a fourth embodiment of the game device according to the present invention. FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating the operation after the start of a game in a fourth embodiment of the game device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a main game screen of an example of a game executed on the game device according to the present invention.

Below, a preferred embodiment of a game device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, as shown in FIG. 1, the game device 10 according to this embodiment comprises a housing 11, a display screen 15 that is located on the upper front of the housing 11 and serves as the image display means 8, a reader 13 that is located on the middle front of the housing 11 and serves as the information input means 1, and an operation panel 12 that is located directly below the reader 13. The operation panel 12 is provided with operation buttons 17 that allow the player to input operations during the game. The operation buttons 17 are made up of buttons 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d. There is also a connection port 19 for connecting a portable information terminal that stores the player's personal information and game results.

The game device 10 has a built-in computer, and based on a game program, the computer's CPU, memory unit consisting of ROM and RAM, and hardware such as the reader 13 and display screen 15 provided in the housing 11 all work together to function as the various means of the game device according to the present invention, thereby realizing the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the game device according to this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the game device according to this embodiment is composed of functional blocks including an information input means 1, an information input determination means 2, a program execution means 3, a program storage means 4, a data storage means 5, a condition determination means 6, an image display control means 7, and an image display means 8.

The information input means 1 includes a reader 13 and is capable of inputting toy type information, and the information input determination means 2 determines whether or not at least toy type information has been input. The program execution means 3 reads out a game program stored in the program storage means 4, and further reads out game data including necessary character data from the data storage means 5. The image display control means 7 is controlled by the program execution means 3, and displays the game status on the display screen 15, which is the image display means 8, and also displays instructions to the player.

Toys used in the game device according to this embodiment may include cards with pictures of characters or the like (so-called trading cards), figures shaped to resemble characters, and plastic models. In other words, type information can be added to each of these trading cards, figures, plastic models, and other toys. Methods for adding type information include attaching a storage medium and storing information about each toy, including the type information, in the storage medium, or directly printing a barcode or a string of alphanumeric characters representing the type information. In the case of figures and plastic models, the type information can also be written on a printed medium, such as a card, that is sold together with them.

Therefore, the reader 13, which is an example of the information input means 1, can take various forms depending on the format of the type information attached to the toy body. If the type information is written in a barcode, it is preferable to use a barcode reader. If the type information is stored in a non-contact data carrier, such as an RF tag, a corresponding reader can be used. If the type information is simply a string of alphanumeric characters, a manual input device such as a keyboard or mouse can be used instead of the reader 13. Furthermore, if the type information is stored in a storage medium, the reader 13 may be a device that reads the type information from the storage medium via a wired connection. If the toy body has a wireless communication unit such as an infrared communication unit and is capable of transmitting the type information stored in the built-in storage medium via the wireless communication unit, the reader 13 may be a communication device that communicates with the wireless communication unit and receives the transmitted type information. In other words, the information input means 1 may include a reading device that corresponds to the format of the type information.

The data storage means 5 also stores game data. The game data includes character data corresponding to at least the type information of each toy object. The character data includes, for example, character image data for displaying a character image, and data on the toy object's characteristics, operating characteristics, effects, etc. during the game. The condition determination means 6 determines whether a predetermined condition (in this embodiment, a condition that requires inputting toy object type information and reading out corresponding character data from the data storage means 5) is satisfied during the progress of the game program being executed.

First, we will explain the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the game is played by executing a game program, and the player progresses by operating the operation button 17 while watching the game situation displayed on the image display means 8.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the first embodiment of the game device according to the present invention.
First, the process starts at step S101, and at step S102, the program execution means 3 starts a game using the game data stored in the data storage means 5.

In step S103, the condition determination means 6 determines whether or not a first condition has been satisfied during the game. Various first conditions are conceivable, for example a condition that requires input of toy type information by the information input means 1 and reading out the corresponding character data. In other words, this is the case when the player is in a disadvantageous situation during the game (for example, when a strong enemy appears, or when physical strength is low, etc.). This process is constantly checked during the game.

If the condition determination means 6 determines in step S103 that the first condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S104, where the game is temporarily suspended.
Then, the process proceeds to step S105, where the information input determination means 2 determines whether or not toy object type information has been input in the reader included in the information input means 1. If it is determined that toy object type information has been input, the process proceeds to step S106, where the program execution means 3 reads out character data corresponding to the input type information from the data storage means 5, and then the process proceeds to step S108.

If the information input determination means 2 determines in step S105 that no toy object type information has been input, the process proceeds to step S107, where the information input determination means 2 further determines whether or not the first predetermined time has elapsed. If it is determined that the first predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S105, where it is again determined whether or not type information has been input. In other words, steps S106 and S107 are looped until the first predetermined time has elapsed. Then, if it is determined in step S107 that the first predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S108 without reading out new character data.

In step S108, the program execution means 3 releases the pause of the game. Then, in step S109, the game continues. After that, if character data was read in step S106, the program execution means 3 continues the game using that character data.

In other words, only when toy object type information is input to the information input means 1 within a first predetermined time after the first condition is satisfied, can character data corresponding to the input type information be used in the subsequent game. In other words, even if the first condition is satisfied during the game and it becomes possible to input toy object type information, the input is limited to within the first predetermined time. As a result, in order for the player to use character data corresponding to new toy object type information in subsequent games, the player is required to input the toy object type information from the information input means 1 within the first predetermined time, making the game more thrilling.

To explain more specifically, the first condition is that the player falls into an unfavorable situation during the game (for example, a strong enemy appears, or stamina becomes low, etc.). Then, as the toy object whose type information is input during the game, a toy object that is something to save the player from that unfavorable situation, such as a weapon, medicine, or other item, is prepared, and the character data associated with the toy object's type information is data that produces an effect during the game that saves the player from the unfavorable situation, such as data that increases attack power or restores stamina. According to this embodiment, if the player is in an unfavorable situation during the game (for example, a strong enemy appears, or physical strength is low, etc.), and can input toy object type information representing an item such as a weapon or medicine from the information input means 1 in a timely manner within the first predetermined time, character data (data that has the effect of increasing attack power or recovering physical strength) corresponding to the input type information will be read out and the player will be rescued from the unfavorable situation. However, if the timing is missed and the toy object type information cannot be input within the first predetermined time, the unfavorable situation during the game will continue, allowing the player to enjoy a thrilling game.

Next, the second embodiment will be described. The difference between the first and second embodiments is that in the second embodiment, the game played by executing the game program progresses by the player operating the character image displayed on the image display means 8 with the operation buttons 17, and character image data is used as character data read based on the input toy object type information. The character image operated by the player is the main character image referred to in the present invention, and in this embodiment is based on game data stored in the data storage means 4.

The second embodiment will be described below with reference to the flow chart of FIG.
First, the process starts in step S101, and in step S102, the program execution means 3 starts the game using the game data stored in the data storage means 5. At this time, under the control of the program execution means 3, the image display control means 7 displays on the image display means 8 a main character image (an image of a character operated by a player) based on the game data.

In step S103, the condition determination means 6 determines whether or not a first condition has been satisfied during the game. There are various possible first conditions, such as a condition in which toy type information is input by the information input means 1 and corresponding character image data needs to be read out. In other words, this is the case when it is necessary to change the main character image representing the character operated by the player during the game. This process is constantly checked during the game.

If the condition determination means 6 determines in step S103 that the first condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S104, where the game is temporarily suspended.
Then, the process proceeds to step S105, where the information input determination means 2 determines whether or not toy object type information has been input using the reader included in the information input means 1. If it is determined that toy object type information has been input, the process proceeds to step S106, where the program execution means 3 reads character data corresponding to the input type information, in this embodiment character image data, from the data storage means 5, and then the process proceeds to step S108.

If the information input determination means 2 determines in step S105 that no toy object type information has been input, the process proceeds to step S107, where the information input determination means 2 further determines whether or not the first predetermined time has elapsed. If it is determined that the first predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S105, where it is again determined whether or not type information has been input. In other words, steps S106 and S107 are looped until the first predetermined time has elapsed. Then, if it is determined in step S107 that the first predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S108 without reading out any new character image data.

In step S108, the program execution means 3 releases the pause of the game. Then, in step S109, the game continues. After that, if character image data was read in step S106, the program execution means 3 continues the game using that character image data. More specifically, the program execution means 3 controls the image display control means 8 to combine a character image based on the character image data read in step S106 with the main character image operated by the player, and display the combined character image on the image display means 8.

More specifically, the first condition is when it becomes possible to change the main character image representing the character operated by the player. Then, as a toy object whose type information is input during the game, something for changing the character operated by the player (whose image is the main character image), for example, a toy object of a weapon or reinforcement part is prepared, and the character data associated with the type information of the toy object is set as character image data for displaying a character image imitating the weapon or reinforcement part. According to this embodiment, when it becomes possible to change the character operated by the player (whose image is the main character image) during the game, if type information of the toy object representing the weapon or reinforcement part can be input from the information input means 1 at the right time within the first predetermined time, the character image data (data of the character image imitating the weapon or reinforcement part) corresponding to the input type information is read out and combined with the main character image, so that the image of the character operated by the player can be changed to a combined character image in which the weapon or reinforcement part is attached to the main character image. On the other hand,
Conversely, if the timing is off and the toy type information cannot be input within the first predetermined time, the character operated by the player will remain as the main character image.

Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, like the second embodiment, a game played by executing a game program progresses by the player operating a character image (main character image) displayed on the image display means 8 with the operation buttons 17. However, it differs in that the main character image is based on character image data corresponding to the type information of the toy object input from the information input means 1. That is, in the game played by executing a game program in this embodiment, a character image corresponding to the toy object whose type information has been input is displayed on the image display means 8, and the player operates the character image (main character image) with the operation buttons 17.

First, a toy doll formed from the toy body according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 4(a) is a front view showing an example of a toy doll according to this embodiment, and Fig. 4(b) is a front view showing a schematic representation of some of the selectable forms of the toy doll in Fig. 4(a).

FIG. 4A shows a toy doll 30 which is made by combining toy objects used in this embodiment and is shaped to resemble a character or the like.
The toy doll 30 is composed of a toy body 31 to which the head is fixed, two arm toy bodies 33, 35, and a toy leg body 37. Two or more toy bodies, each with a different appearance and type information, are prepared for the toy body 31, the arm toy bodies 33, 35, and the leg toy body 37, and the user can combine and combine them as desired to create a toy doll 30 of his/her choice.

Another example of a toy doll will be described with reference to FIG. 4(b). The toy doll 40 has a toy body 41, and two types of right arm toy bodies 43a and 43b and two types of left arm toy bodies 45a and 45b are provided as arm toy bodies that can be detachably attached to the toy body 41. In addition, three types of leg toy bodies 47a, 47b, and 47c are provided as leg toy bodies that can be detachably attached to the toy body 41. The user can create any toy doll 40 by selecting and combining the arm toy bodies and leg toy bodies to be connected to the toy body 41. Furthermore, if the connection parts between the multiple arm toy bodies 43a, 43b, 45a, 45b and the multiple leg toy bodies 47a, 47b, 47c and the torso toy body 41 can be made connectable to torso toy bodies other than the toy body 41, for example, the toy body 31 of the toy doll 30, it will be possible to switch the arm toy bodies and the toy legs between the toy doll 30 and the toy doll 40, which will further expand the range of toy body combinations and allow users to freely create a variety of toy dolls.

As described above, type information is attached to each of the toy bodies 31, 33, 35, 37, 41, 43a, 43b, 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, and 47c shown in Figures 4(a) and (b). In this embodiment, the type information is stored in a non-contact data carrier attached to the toy body 31, 33, 35, 37, 41, 43a, 43b, 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b, and 47c, and an RF tag in an RFID system (hereinafter referred to as an RF tag). Therefore, in this embodiment, the reader 13 included in the information input means 1 is capable of reading type information from the RF tag of the toy body.

The data storage means 5 stores character data corresponding to the type information attached to each of the arm toy bodies 43a, 43b, 45a, 45b, leg toy bodies 47a, 47b, 47c, and torso toy bodies 31, 41a, 41b, 41c. This character data includes, for example, character image data for displaying a character image corresponding to the toy body, as well as data on features, operating characteristics, effects, etc., in the game. In this embodiment, the character image displayed based on the character image data imitates the appearance of the toy body to which the type information associated with the character image data has been attached.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the third embodiment.
First, the process starts at step S201. At step S202, the information input determination means 2 determines whether the reader included in the information input means 1 has read the type information from the RF tag of each toy object constituting the toy doll, i.e., whether toy object type information has been input. If toy object type information has not been input, the process proceeds to step S205, where the program execution means 3 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed, and if it is determined at step S205 that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds again to step S202, where it is determined whether toy object type information has been input. In other words, the determination of whether toy object type information has been input is continued until the predetermined time has elapsed.

If it is determined in step S202 that toy object type information has been input, the process proceeds to step S203, where the information input determination means 2 further determines whether the input type information is valid or not. If it is determined that the type information is not valid, the process proceeds to step S205, where the program execution means 3 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed.

If it is determined that the type information is valid, the process proceeds to step S204, where the program execution means 3 reads game data including corresponding character data (including character image data) from the data storage means 5 based on the type information read by the reader from the RF tags of the toy body of each part of the toy doll, and then the process proceeds to step S205, where it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed. In other words, by looping steps S202, S203, S204, and S205, the character data corresponding to the input type information is repeatedly read out within the predetermined time.

Then, when it is determined in step S205 that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S206, in which the program execution means 3 determines whether any of the type information for the torso, both arms, or the legs is invalid or not entered.
If it is determined in step S206 that the type information of the torso, both arms, and legs is valid and has been input, the process proceeds to step S208, where the program execution means 3 generates a character operated by the player (whose image is a main character image) based on the character data already read out, and starts the game. Conversely, if it is determined in step S206 that the type information of any of the torso, both arms, and legs is invalid or not input, the process proceeds to step S207, where missing character data stored in advance in the data storage means for the parts (missing parts) of the torso, both arms, and legs whose type information is determined to be invalid or not input is read out in case those parts are missing, and the process proceeds to step S208. In this case, the program execution means 3 generates a character operated by the player (whose image is a main character image) using both the character data read out in step S204 and the missing character data read out in step S207, and starts the game.

The generation of the main character image representing the character operated by the player will be described in more detail. For example, suppose that the player creates a toy doll by selecting the toy body 41 as the toy body, the right arm toy body 43b as the right arm, the left arm toy body 45a as the left arm, and the leg toy body 47c as the leg and combining them. In step S202, type information of the toy body 41, the right arm toy body 43b, the left arm toy body 45a, and the leg toy body 47c is input, and in step S204, the character image data of each of the characters is read out together with the character data corresponding to each type information, and the main character image is generated as a combination of the character images based on these read out data. The character images based on the read out data respectively imitate the toy body 41, the right arm toy body 43b, the left arm toy body 45a, and the leg toy body 47c, so that the main character image, which is a combination of them, imitates the appearance of the toy doll created by the player. In other words, in this embodiment, a player can use a character image that has an appearance that imitates a toy doll that the player has created as the main character image that the player controls.

Now, in step S209, the condition determination means 6 determines whether or not a first condition has been met during the game. There are various possible first conditions, for example a condition in which it is necessary to input toy type information using the information input means 1 and read out the corresponding character data. In other words, this is the case when an unfavorable situation occurs during the game (for example, when an arm or leg is destroyed during the game). This process is constantly checked while the game program is being executed.

If the condition determination means 6 determines in step S209 that the first condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S210, where the game is temporarily stopped.
Then, the process proceeds to step S211, where the information input determination means 2 determines whether or not toy object type information has been input in the reader included in the information input means 1. If it is determined that toy object type information has been input, the process proceeds to step S212, where the program execution means 3 reads character data (including character image data) corresponding to the input type information from the data storage means 5, and then the process proceeds to step S214.

If the information input determination means 2 determines in step S211 that no toy object type information has been input, the process proceeds to step S213, where the information input determination means 2 further determines whether or not the first predetermined time has elapsed. If it is determined that the first predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S211, where it is again determined whether or not type information has been input. In other words, steps S211 and S213 are looped until the first predetermined time has elapsed. Then, if it is determined in step S213 that the first predetermined time has elapsed, new character data is not read out and the process proceeds to step S214.

In step S214, the program execution means 3 releases the pause of the game. Then, in step S215, the game continues. Thereafter, if new character data was read out in step S212, the program execution means 3 continues the game thereafter using that character data. That is, the program execution means 3 combines a character image based on the character image data included in the newly read out character data with the main character image to form a combined character image, and controls the image display control means 7 to display the combined character image on the image display means 8 as the character to be operated by the player thereafter.

In other words, only when toy object type information is input to the information input means 1 within a first predetermined time after the first condition is satisfied, can the character data (including character image data) corresponding to the input type information be used in the subsequent game. In other words, even if the first condition is satisfied during the game and it becomes possible to input toy object type information, the input is limited to within the first predetermined time. This makes for a thrilling game, as the player is required to input toy object type information from the information input means 1 within the first predetermined time.

To explain more specifically, the first condition is that the right arm of the character (whose image is the main character image) operated by the player is destroyed during the game. Then, right arm toy body 35 and right arm toy body 43a are prepared as toy bodies whose type information is input during the game, and the character image data associated with the type information of the toy bodies is for displaying character images imitating right arm toy body 35 and right arm toy body 43a. According to this embodiment, when the right arm of the character operated by the player is destroyed during the game, if the type information of the right arm toy body 35 or the right arm toy body 43a can be input from the information input means 1 in a timely manner within the first predetermined time, character image data (character image data simulating the right arm toy body 35 or the right arm toy body 43a) corresponding to the input type information is read out, and the character image simulating the right arm toy body 35 or the right arm toy body 43a is combined with the main character image to generate a combined character image, and thereafter, the combined character image in which the right arm has changed to a character image simulating the right arm toy body 35 or the right arm toy body 43a can be used as the character operated by the player. On the other hand, if the type information of the right arm toy body 35 or the right arm toy body 43a cannot be input within the first predetermined time due to a timing error, the game must be continued with the main character image whose right arm remains destroyed.

The fourth embodiment will be described as a modified example of the third embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the toy bodies are prepared as the torso toy bodies 31 and 41 shown in FIG. 3 as the toy bodies, the arm toy bodies 43a, 43b, 45a, and 45b shown in FIG. 3 as the arm parts, and the leg toy bodies 37, 47a, 47b, and 47c as the leg parts, and the player can select any toy body toy body, arm toy body, or leg toy body to create a desired toy doll, as in the fourth embodiment. In addition, the data storage means 4 stores torso image data, arm image data, and leg image data for displaying torso images, arm images, and leg images that imitate the appearance of each toy body as character image data included in the character data associated with the type information of each toy body.

Figure 6 is a flow chart that explains the operations up until the start of the game in the fourth embodiment. Figure 7 is a flow chart that explains the operations after the start of the game in the fourth embodiment.

First, a description will be given based on FIG. 6. It starts with step S401. In step S402, the information input determination means 2 determines whether the reader included in the information input means 1 has read type information from the RF tag of the toy body constituting the toy doll, i.e., whether type information of the toy body has been input. If type information of the toy body has not been input, the process proceeds to step S404, where the program execution means 3 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed, and if it is determined in step S404 that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds again to step S402, where it determines whether type information of the toy body has been input. In other words, the determination of whether type information of the toy body has been input is continued until the predetermined time has elapsed.

If it is determined in step S402 that type information of the toy body has been input, the process proceeds to step S403, where the program execution means 3 reads out corresponding torso image data from the data storage means 5 based on the type information of the toy body read by the reader from the RF tag of the toy doll's torso body, and the process proceeds to step S405.
It should be noted that even if it is determined in step S404 that the predetermined time has elapsed, it is considered that the type information of the toy body has not yet been input, and the process proceeds to step S405.

Next, in step S405, the information input determination means 2 determines whether the reader included in the information input means 1 has read type information from the RF tag of the arm toy body that constitutes the toy doll, i.e., whether type information of the arm toy body has been input. If type information of the arm toy body has not been input, the process proceeds to step S407, where the program execution means 3 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed, and if it is determined in step S407 that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds again to step S405, where it determines whether type information of the arm toy body has been input. In other words, the determination of whether type information of the arm toy body has been input or not continues until the predetermined time has elapsed.

If it is determined in step S405 that arm toy body type information has been input, the process proceeds to step S406, where the program execution means 3 reads out corresponding arm image data from the data storage means 5 based on the arm toy body type information read by the reader from the RF tag of the arm toy body of the toy doll, and the process proceeds to step S408.
Incidentally, even if it is determined in step S407 that the predetermined time has elapsed, it is considered that the type information of the arm toy has not yet been input, and the process proceeds to step S408.

Next, in step S408, the information input determination means 2 determines whether the reader included in the information input means 1 has read type information from the RF tag of the leg toy body that constitutes the toy doll, i.e., whether type information of the leg toy body has been input. If type information of the leg toy body has not been input, the process proceeds to step S410, where the program execution means 3 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed, and if it is determined in step S410 that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds again to step S408, where it is determined whether type information of the leg toy body has been input. In other words, the determination of whether type information of the leg toy body has been input or not continues until the predetermined time has elapsed.

If it is determined in step S408 that the type information of the leg toy body has been input, the process proceeds to step S409, where the program execution means 3 reads out the corresponding leg image data from the data storage means 5 based on the type information of the leg toy body read by the reader from the RF tag of the leg toy body of the toy doll, and the process proceeds to step S411.
Incidentally, even if it is determined in step S410 that the predetermined time has elapsed, it is considered that the type information of the leg-type toy body has not yet been input, and the process proceeds to step S411.

In step S411, the program execution means 3 judges whether any of the type information of the torso, arms, or legs has not been input.
If it is determined in step S411 that type information for all of the torso, both arms, and legs has been input, the process proceeds to step S412, where the program execution means 3 combines a torso image, an arm image, and a leg image based on the torso image data, arm image data, and leg image data read in steps S403, S406, and S409, to generate a main character image representing the character controlled by the player.

If it is determined in step S411 that any of the type information has not been input, the process proceeds to step S413, where the missing part image data stored in advance in the data storage means for the torso, both arms, and legs for which type information has not been input (missing parts) is read out in case those parts are missing, and the process proceeds to step S412. In this case, in step S412, the program execution means 3 combines an image based on the image data associated with the input type information with the missing part image based on the missing part image data to generate a main character image representing the character operated by the player character. When the main character image is generated in step S412, the process proceeds to step S414, where the program execution means 3 controls the image display control means 7 to display the main character image generated in step 412 on the image display means 8 as the character operated by the player, and the game begins.

An example of the generation of a main character image representing a character operated by a player will be described. For example, assume that a player creates a toy doll by selecting the torso toy body 41 as the torso, the right arm toy body 43b as the right arm, the left arm toy body 45a as the left arm, and the leg toy body 47c as the leg and combining them. In step S402, type information of the torso toy body 41 is input, and in step S403, torso image data based on the input type information is read. The torso image displayed by the read torso image data imitates the appearance of the toy body 41. Next, in step S405, type information of the right arm toy body 43b and the left arm toy body 45a is input, and in step S406, arm image data based on the input type information is read. The arm image displayed by the read arm image data imitates the appearance of the right arm toy body 43b and the left arm toy body 45a. Finally, in step S408, type information of the leg toy body 47c is input, and in step S409, leg image data associated with the input type information is read out. The leg image displayed by the read leg image data is modeled after the leg toy body 47c. The main character image representing the character operated by the player is generated as a combination of the torso image, arm image, and leg image based on the read torso image data, arm image data, and leg image data. Therefore, the main character image is generated by combining the torso image, arm image, and leg image modeled after the torso toy body 41, the right arm toy body 43b, the left arm toy body 45a, and the leg toy body 47c. Therefore, the main character image is modeled after the appearance of a toy doll (the torso is the torso toy body 41, the right arm is the right arm toy body 43b, the left arm is the left arm toy body 45a, and the legs are the leg toy body 47c) created by the player. In other words, in this embodiment, a player can use a character image that has an appearance that imitates a toy doll that the player has created, as the main character image that represents the character that the player controls.

The operation after the start of the game in the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG.
Now, when the game is started, the process proceeds to step S415. In step S415, the condition determination means 6 determines whether or not a first condition has been met during the game. In this embodiment, the first condition is a condition that requires input of new arm toy type information by the information input means 1 and reading out of the corresponding arm image data. In other words, this is a case where an arm is destroyed or damaged during the game and needs to be replaced. This process is constantly checked during execution of the game program.

If the condition determination means 6 determines in step S415 that the first condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S416, where the game is temporarily stopped.
Then, the process proceeds to step S417, where the information input determination means 2 determines whether or not type information of the arm toy body has been input in the reader included in the information input means 1. If it is determined that type information of the arm toy body has been input, the process proceeds to step S418, where the program execution means 3 reads out arm image data corresponding to the input type information from the data storage means 5, and then the process proceeds to step S419.

In step S419, the program execution means 3 controls the image display control means 7 to display an arm image based on the arm image data read out in step S418 on the image display means 8, instead of the arm image of the main character image (if the first condition is that the arm is destroyed, an arm image with a destruction expression applied). That is, the arm image based on the arm image data read out is combined with the torso image and leg image constituting the main character image to generate a combined character image, and the image display control means 7 is controlled so that the combined character image is displayed on the image display means 8 as an image representing the character operated by the player, and then the process proceeds to step S420, where the pause of the game is released. After the pause of the game is released, the process proceeds to step S421, where the game continues.

If the information input determination means 2 determines in step S417 that no arm toy type information has been input, the process proceeds to step S422, where the information input determination means 2 further determines whether or not the first predetermined time has elapsed. If it is determined that the first predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S417, where it is determined again whether or not arm toy type information has been input. In other words, steps S417 and S422 are looped until the first predetermined time has elapsed. Then, if it is determined in step S422 that the first predetermined time has elapsed, no new arm image data is read, and the process proceeds to step S420, where the pause of the game is released. After the pause of the game is released, the process proceeds to step S421, where the game continues.

In other words, only when arm toy type information is input to the information input means 1 within a first predetermined time after the first condition is met, the arm image based on the arm image data corresponding to the input type information is combined with the main character image to generate a combined character image, and the combined character image can be used as the character operated by the player thereafter. In other words, even if the first condition is met during the game and it becomes possible to input arm toy type information, the input is limited to within the first predetermined time. This makes for a thrilling game, as the player is required to input arm toy type information from the information input means 1 within the first predetermined time.

To explain more specifically, the first condition is that the right arm of the character operated by the player, represented by the main character image, is destroyed during the game. Then, right arm toy body 35 and right arm toy body 43a are prepared as toy bodies whose type information is input during the game, and the arm image data associated with the type information of the toy bodies is for displaying arm images imitating right arm toy body 35 and right arm toy body 43a. Let us suppose that the right arm image of the main character image representing the character operated by the player is based on arm image data associated with type information of right arm toy body 43b. When the right arm is destroyed during the game, if the type information of the right arm toy body 35 or the right arm toy body 43a can be input from the information input means 1 at the right time within the first predetermined time, the arm image data (data for displaying an arm image simulating the right arm toy body 35 or the right arm toy body 43a) corresponding to the input type information is read out, and the arm image simulating the right arm toy body 35 or the right arm toy body 43a is combined with the torso image constituting the main character image to generate a combined character image in place of the arm image simulating the right arm toy body 43b, and thereafter, the combined character image in which the right arm image has changed to the arm image simulating the right arm toy body 35 or the right arm toy body 43a can be used as the character operated by the player. On the other hand, if the type information of the right arm toy body 35 or the right arm toy body 43a cannot be input within the first predetermined time due to timing issues, the game must be continued with the main character image whose right arm remains destroyed.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 7, a case will be described where the condition determination means 6 determines in step S415 that the first condition is not satisfied. In that case, the process proceeds to step S423, where the condition determination means 6 determines whether or not the second condition is satisfied during the game. In this embodiment, the second condition is a condition that requires input of leg toy body type information by the information input means 1 and reading out the corresponding leg image data. In other words, this is a case where the leg is destroyed or damaged during the game and requires replacement.

If the condition determination means 6 determines in step S423 that the second condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S424, where the game is paused. If the condition determination means 6 determines in step S423 that the second condition is not satisfied, the process returns to step S415, where it is determined whether the first condition is satisfied. In other words, during the game, it is constantly being determined whether the first condition or the second condition is satisfied.

The process proceeds to step S424, where the game is paused, and then to step S425, where the information input determination means 2 determines whether or not type information of the leg toy body has been input in the reader included in the information input means 1. If it is determined that type information of the leg toy body has been input, the process proceeds to step S426, where the program execution means 3 reads out leg image data corresponding to the input type information from the data storage means 5, and then proceeds to step S427.

In step S427, the program execution means 3 controls the image display control means 7 to display on the image display means 8 a leg image based on the leg image data read out in step S426, instead of the leg image of the main character image (or a leg image with a destruction effect if the second condition is that the legs are destroyed). That is, the program execution means 3 controls the image display control means 7 to combine the leg image based on the read leg image data with the torso image and arm image constituting the main character image, and display it on the image display means 8 as a combined character image, and then proceeds to step S420, where the pause of the game is released. After the pause of the game is released, the program proceeds to step S421, where the game continues.

If the information input determination means 2 determines in step S425 that no leg toy body type information has been input, the process proceeds to step S428, where the information input determination means 2 further determines whether or not a second predetermined time has elapsed. If it is determined that the second predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S425, where it is determined again whether or not leg toy body type information has been input. In other words, steps S425 and S428 are looped until the second predetermined time has elapsed. Then, if it is determined in step S428 that the second predetermined time has elapsed, new leg image data is not read, and the process proceeds to step S420, where the pause of the game is released. After the pause of the game is released, the process proceeds to step S421, where the game continues.

In other words, only when type information of the leg toy body is input to the information input means 1 within a second predetermined time after the second condition is satisfied, a leg image based on the leg image data corresponding to the input type information is combined with the main character image to generate a combined character image, and the combined character image can be used as the character operated by the player thereafter. In other words, even if the second condition is satisfied during the game and type information of the leg toy body can be input, the input is limited to within the second predetermined time. This makes for a thrilling game, as the player is required to input type information of the leg toy body from the information input means 1 within the second predetermined time.

To explain more specifically, the second condition is that the legs of the character operated by the player, represented by the main character image, are destroyed during the game. Then, leg toy body 37, leg toy body 47a, and leg toy body 47b are prepared as toy bodies, and the leg image data associated with the type information of the toy bodies is for displaying leg images imitating leg toy body 37, leg toy body 47a, and leg toy body 47b. For example, the leg image of the main character image representing the character operated by the player is based on the leg image data associated with the type information of leg toy body 47c. Then, when a leg is destroyed during the game, if type information of any of the leg toy bodies 37, 47a, or 47b can be input from the information input means 1 within a second specified time in a timely manner, leg image data (data for displaying a leg image imitating any of the leg toy bodies 37, 47a, or 47b) corresponding to the input type information is read out, and the leg image imitating any of the leg toy bodies 37, 47a, or 47b is combined with the torso image constituting the main character image in place of the leg image imitating the leg toy body 47c to generate a combined character image, and thereafter the combined character image in which the leg image has changed to the leg image imitating any of the leg toy bodies 37, 47a, or 47b can be used as the character operated by the player. On the other hand, if the timing is off and the type information for any of the leg toy body 37, leg toy body 47a, and leg toy body 47b cannot be input within the second specified time, the game will have to be continued with the main character image whose legs remain destroyed.

Next, an example of a game executed by the game device according to the present invention will be described. In this game, the player operates the operation buttons 17 to give instructions to his/her own character, which is displayed as a main character image on the image display means 7 (display screen 15), and plays against an enemy character controlled by the program execution means 3 based on a game program.

Figure 8 shows the main game screen that is primarily displayed on the image display means 7 during the game.

On the left side of the main game screen, a player's own character 801 is displayed as a main character image, and on the right side, an enemy character 802 controlled by the program execution means 3 based on the game program is displayed.

In addition, at the top of the main game screen, a player's own vitality gauge 803 indicating the vitality of the player's character 801 and an enemy vitality gauge 804 indicating the vitality of the enemy character 802 are displayed. The player's own vitality gauge 803 decreases (shortens) when attacked by the enemy character 802, and when it runs out, the player's defeat is confirmed. The enemy vitality gauge 804 decreases (shortens) when the player's own character 801's attack is successful, and when it runs out, the player's victory is confirmed. In other words, the player's objective in this game is to win by depleting the enemy vitality gauge 804 before the player's own vitality gauge 803 runs out by issuing instructions to the player's character 801 using the operation buttons 17 to attack the enemy character 802 or by moving to avoid the enemy character 802's attacks.

Next, a detailed description will be given of instructions given by the player to the player's character 801. There are three types of instructions that the player can input to the player's character 801: attack, move, and counter. The player can input these instructions to the player's character 801 by pressing the buttons 17a, 17b, and 17c of the operation buttons 17, respectively.
8, an attack icon 805, a movement icon 806, and a counter icon 807 are displayed on the main game screen so as to overlap with a main character image representing the player's own character 801, and the relative positions of these icons match the relative positions of buttons 17a, 17b, and 17c. Therefore, while looking at the display screen 15, the player can easily press the button corresponding to the icon he or she wishes to instruct.

The diamond displayed at the bottom left of the main game screen is the player's special move gauge 811. The player's special move gauge 811 is divided into four parts: an upper left part, a lower left part, a lower right part, and an upper right part. The program execution means 3 lights up the player's special move gauge 811 in the order of the upper left part, the lower left part, the lower right part, and the upper right part each time the player fails to input an instruction, which will be described later. In FIG. 8, the player's special move gauge 811 is lit up to the upper left part, the lower left part, and the lower right part, and if the player fails to input an instruction one more time, the upper right part will also light up. When all parts of the player's special move gauge 811 are lit, the player can input an instruction to use a special move on the player's character 801 by pressing the button 17d. In other words, if the player continues to fail to input an instruction, it is predicted that the player will be in a difficult situation in the game, but in that case, the player can use a special move, so that the situation can be turned around by using the special move. Incidentally, the enemy character 802 also has an enemy special move gauge 812 with a similar configuration, which is displayed at the bottom right of the main game screen. The enemy special move gauge 812 lights up like the player's special move gauge 811 each time an instruction to the enemy character 802 by the program execution means 3 described later fails, and when all the gauges are lit, the program execution means 3 can select a special move as an instruction to the enemy character 802 in addition to attack, movement, and counter. Therefore, if an instruction to the enemy character 802 fails, on the other hand, the player's instruction input is successful, so the enemy character 802 is in a difficult position in the game, but at that time, the enemy character 802 may be in a state where it can use a special move, and the situation may be reversed, making the game more thrilling. Incidentally, the state shown in FIG. 8 is a state in which all the enemy special move gauges 812 are lit, and at this time, the program execution means 3 can select a special move as an instruction to the enemy character 802 in addition to attack, movement, and counter.

Next, the meaning of each of the command inputs "attack," "move," and "counter" in the game will be explained. "Attack" means to attack the enemy character 802, and if the attack is successful, the enemy's vitality gauge 804 can be decreased. "Move" means to set the distance from the enemy character 803 to an effective distance for attack, and if the movement is successful, the distance from the enemy character 803 can be set to an effective distance for attack. "Counter" means to perform a counter attack against the attack of the enemy character 802, and if the counter is successful, the attack of the enemy character 802 is avoided, and the decrease in the player's vitality gauge 803 is avoided, and furthermore, an attack is made against the enemy character 802, and the enemy's vitality gauge 804 can be decreased.

When the time comes during the game when the player can input an instruction to his/her own character 801, the player, while taking into consideration the meaning of the instruction input described above, presses either button 17a, button 17b, or button 17c to input an instruction to attack, move, or counter. At this time, the program execution means 3 also issues an instruction to attack, move, or counter to the enemy character 802 based on the game program, and whether or not the instruction input by the player is successful is determined by comparing it with the instruction issued by the program execution means 3 to the enemy character 802.

In other words, a cyclical relationship of superiority is set between the command inputs of attack, movement, and counter, with attacks being strong against movement, movement being strong against counter, and counter being strong against attack, like a game of rock-paper-scissors. Based on this relationship of superiority, the program execution means 3 judges the superiority between the command input by the player and the command given to the enemy character, and determines whether the command input by the player was successful or unsuccessful.

A more specific explanation will be given. When it becomes possible to input instructions to the player's character 801 during the game, the player presses the button 17a and inputs an attack instruction to the player's character 801. At this time, if the instruction given by the program execution means 3 to the enemy character 802 is to move, according to the aforementioned cyclical relationship of superiority and inferiority, the program execution means 3 determines that the player's input of the attack instruction has been successful, since the attack is stronger than the move, and decreases the enemy's vitality gauge 804. Conversely, if the instruction given by the program execution means 3 to the enemy character 802 is to counter, according to the aforementioned cyclical relationship of superiority and inferiority, the program execution means 3 determines that the player's input of the attack instruction has failed, while determining that the counter instruction given to the enemy character 802 has been successful, and decreases the player's vitality gauge 803. At this time, as described above, the program execution means 3 lights up one of the player's special move gauges 811 displayed on the main game screen, regarding the player's input of the attack instruction as having failed. Furthermore, if the instruction given to the enemy character 802 is also an attack, the program execution means 3 determines that it is a so-called "tie" and adds 1 to the "tie count."

Also, suppose that the player presses button 17b to input a command to move to the player's character 801. At this time, if the command given by the program execution means 3 to the enemy character 802 is a counter command, then according to the aforementioned cyclical relationship of superiority and inferiority, the move command is stronger than the counter command, so the program execution means 3 determines that the player's command input to move has been successful, and sets the distance between the enemy character 802 and the player's character 801 as a distance effective for the player's attack. Conversely, if the command given by the program execution means 3 to the enemy character 802 is an attack command, then according to the aforementioned cyclical relationship of superiority and inferiority, the program execution means 3 determines that the player's command input to move has failed, but determines that the command to attack given to the enemy character 802 has been successful, and decreases the player's strength gauge 803. At this time, as described above, the program execution means 3 lights up one of the player's special move gauges 811 displayed on the main game screen, assuming that the player's command input to move has failed. Furthermore, if the instruction given to the enemy character 802 is also to move, the program execution means 3 determines that it is a so-called "tie" and adds 1 to the "tie count."

Also, suppose that the player presses button 17c to input a counter command to the player's character 801. At this time, if the command given by the program execution means 3 to the enemy character 802 is to attack, then according to the aforementioned cyclical relationship of superiority, a counter command is stronger than an attack, so the program execution means 3 judges that the player's input of the counter command has been successful, and reduces the enemy's strength gauge 804 after avoiding the enemy character's attack. Conversely, if the command given by the program execution means 3 to the enemy character 802 is to move, then according to the aforementioned cyclical relationship of superiority, a move command is stronger than a counter, so the program execution means 3 judges that the player's input of the counter command has failed, but judges that the command to move given to the enemy character 802 has been successful, and sets the distance between the enemy character 802 and the player's character 801 as an effective distance for the enemy character's attack. At this time, as described above, the program execution means 3 lights up one of the player's special move gauges 811 displayed on the main game screen, assuming that the player's input of the counter command has failed. Furthermore, if the instruction given to the enemy character 802 is also a counter, the program execution means 3 determines that it is a so-called "tie" and adds 1 to the "tie count."

While considering the meaning of success or failure of each of the above command inputs, the player inputs one of the commands from the operation buttons 17 each time it becomes possible to input commands to the player's own character 801 during the game, and proceeds through the game in such a way as to reduce the enemy's power gauge 804 while avoiding the reduction of the player's own power gauge 803.

Next, a case where a special move is input as an instruction for the player's character 801 will be described. A special move instruction is input by pressing button 17d when all parts of the player's special move gauge 811 are lit. When a special move instruction is input, the program execution means 3 displays an image of the player's character 811 performing a special move on the display screen 15, and further displays an image of the enemy character 802's right arm, left arm, or leg being destroyed, and reduces the enemy's strength gauge 804 to a greater extent than when the attack or counter is successful.

On the other hand, a case will be described where the program execution means 3 issues an instruction to the enemy character 802 to use a special move. At this time, the program execution means 3 displays on the display screen 15 an image of the enemy character 802 performing a special move, and further displays an image of the right arm, left arm, or leg of the player's own character 801 being destroyed, and the player's own strength gauge 803 is significantly reduced compared to when the attack or counter is successful.

Next, a case where the "tie count" reaches a predetermined number during the game will be described. When the program execution means 3 determines that the "tie count" has reached a predetermined number, it executes a buzzer game of the operation buttons 17. The buzzer game requires the player to press one of the operation buttons 17 within a predetermined time, and if any button is pressed within the predetermined time, it is judged as successful, and if not, it is judged as unsuccessful. That is, the program execution means 3 judges whether any button of the operation buttons 17 has been pressed by the player within a predetermined time from the start of execution of the buzzer game, and if any button of the operation buttons 17 has been pressed within the predetermined time, it is judged as successful, and displays an image on the display screen 15 in which one of the right arm, left arm, or leg of the enemy character 802 is destroyed, and the enemy strength gauge 804 is greatly reduced compared to when the attack and counter are successful. Conversely, if it is determined that none of the operation buttons 17 have been pressed within the specified time, it is determined to have failed, and an image of the right arm, left arm, or leg of the player's character 801 being destroyed is displayed on the display screen 15, and the player's strength gauge 803 is significantly reduced compared to when the attack or counter is successful.

If the player inputs instructions during the game such that the enemy's vitality gauge 804 is depleted before the player's vitality gauge 803 is depleted, the player's victory is confirmed and the game continues. Conversely, if the player's vitality gauge 803 is depleted before the enemy's vitality gauge 804 is depleted, the player's defeat is confirmed and the game ends.

Now, we will explain the relationship between this game and the embodiments of the game device according to the present invention that have been described so far. To make the explanation easier to understand, we will explain the case where the game executed in the fourth embodiment of the embodiments of the game device according to the present invention that have been described so far is this game.

First, the main character image representing the self-character 801 is generated through steps S401 to S412 in FIG. 6. That is, it is a combination of a torso image, an arm image, and a leg image based on torso image data, arm image data, and leg image data associated with the type information of the toy toy body, arm toy body, and leg toy body that constitute the toy doll created by the player, and it imitates the appearance of the toy doll created by the player.

The first condition in the fourth embodiment of the game is when the right or left arm of the player's character 801, represented by the main character image, is destroyed by being hit by a special move from the enemy character 802 or by failing a buzzer game that is executed when the "tie count" reaches a predetermined number. The second condition in the fourth embodiment of the game is when the leg of the player's character 801, represented by the main character image, is destroyed by being hit by a special move from the enemy character 802 or by failing a buzzer game that is executed when the "tie count" reaches a predetermined number.

A more detailed explanation will be given. During the game, if the right arm or left arm of the player's character 801 represented by the main character image is destroyed (i.e., if the condition determination means 6 determines that the first condition is satisfied), the program execution means 3 displays on the display screen 15 a message urging the player to input the type information of the arm toy from the reader 13 (information input means 1). At this time, the lapse of the first predetermined time may also be displayed on the display screen 15. If the information input determination means 6 determines that the type information of the arm toy has been input from the reader 13 before the lapse of the first predetermined time (if step S417 in FIG. 7 is Y), the arm image data corresponding to the input type information is read (step S418 in FIG. 7), and instead of the destroyed arm image of the main character image, the arm image based on the read arm image data is combined with other parts of the main character image (torso image, leg image) to generate a combined character image, and the combined character image is displayed as the player's character 801 (step S419 in FIG. 7). That is, the display will be made as if the destroyed arm of the self character 801 had been replaced with a new arm. If the first predetermined time has elapsed without the type information of the arm toy being input from the reader 13 (if step S422 in FIG. 7 is Y), the self character 801 will thereafter be displayed as a main character image with the right or left arm still destroyed. That is, the display will be made as if the replacement of the self character 801's arm with a new arm had failed, even though it had been destroyed.

Next, a case where the leg of the player's character 801 represented by the main character image is destroyed during the game (i.e., the condition determination means 6 determines that the second condition is satisfied) will be described. In this case, the program execution means 3 displays on the display screen 15 a message urging the player to input type information of the leg toy body from the reader 13 (information input means 1). At this time, the lapse of the second predetermined time may also be displayed on the display screen 15. If the information input determination means 6 determines that type information of the leg toy body has been input from the reader 13 before the lapse of the second predetermined time (if step S425 in FIG. 7 is Y), the leg image data corresponding to the input type information is read (step S426 in FIG. 7), and instead of the destroyed leg image of the main character image, the leg image based on the read leg image data is combined with other parts of the main character image (torso image, arm image) to generate a combined character image, and the combined character image is displayed as the player's character 801 (step S427 in FIG. 7). That is, the display will be made as if the destroyed legs of the self-character 801 had been replaced with new legs. If the second predetermined time has elapsed without the type information of the leg toy being input from the reader 13 (if step S428 in FIG. 7 is Y), the self-character 801 will thereafter be displayed as a main character image with its legs still destroyed. That is, the display will be made as if the replacement of the legs with new legs had failed, even though the legs of the self-character 801 had been destroyed.

When the self-character 801 is represented by a main character image with the legs destroyed, or a main character image with the right or left arm destroyed, the player may be at a disadvantage in the game. For example, it is conceivable that when the right arm is destroyed, an attack instruction cannot be input, when the legs are destroyed, an instruction to move cannot be input, and when the left arm is destroyed, an instruction to counter cannot be input. In this way, if the type information of the arm toy or leg toy cannot be input within the first or second predetermined time even if the first or second condition is met, the player will be at a great disadvantage in the game that continues thereafter, making the game more thrilling and encouraging the player to purchase and prepare many arm toy and leg toy objects.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes modifications and improvements within the scope of the present invention that can achieve the object of the present invention.
For example, in the third and fourth embodiments, the program execution means 3 stores a history of type information input during a game, and if the type information input to the information input means 31 during a game has already been input once during the game (i.e., stored as a history or used to generate a main character image), the information input determination means 2 may not determine that type information has been input, or may determine that the input has failed. In this way, it is possible to encourage the player to purchase and prepare many toys so that many types of information can be input during the game. Alternatively, if the program execution means 3 stores the type information input to the information input means 31 during a game, the program execution means 3 may process the character image data read out based on the input type information in some way, or may read out completely different character image data. Furthermore, even if the character image data is the same, a portion of the character data including the character image data other than the character image data (such as effect data that determines the effect to be exerted in the game) may be processed (e.g., the effect may be doubled). Furthermore, by deliberately having the player re-enter type information that has already been input once or more in the game (i.e., stored as history or used to generate the current main character image), the success or failure of the action in the game may be determined in parallel. For example, in the game shown in Fig. 8, even if the player's input of an attack instruction fails, if the input of type information of the right arm toy body is successful, the determination that the input of the attack instruction was successful may be overturned.
In this embodiment, type information is attached to all of the toy objects that make up the toy doll, but this information may be attached to only some of the toy objects that make up the toy doll.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Information input means 2 Information input judgment means 3 Program execution means 4 Program storage means 5 Data storage means 6 Condition judgment means 7 Image display control means 8 Image display means base 10 Game device 11 Housing 13 Scanner 15 Display screen 17 Operation button 19 Connection port 30, 40 Toy doll 31, 41 Torso toy body 33, 43a, 43b Left arm toy body 35, 45a, 45b Right arm toy body 37, 47a, 47b, 47c Leg toy body

The game device of the present invention has a data storage means storing a plurality of game data, a program storage means storing a game program, and a program execution means for reading and executing the game program from the program storage means, thereby reading game data from the data storage means and executing a game using the read game data, the game device has information input means capable of inputting type information of at least one toy body out of two or more toy bodies each having type information for identifying its type, the data storage means stores a plurality of character data stored in correspondence with the toy body type information as the plurality of game data, the game device further has condition determination means for determining whether a first condition is satisfied during a game, and information input determination means for determining whether toy body type information has been input to the information input means within a first predetermined time from when the condition determination means determines that the first condition has been satisfied, and when the information input determination means determines that toy body type information has been input within the first predetermined time, the program execution means reads out character data associated with the input toy body type information from the data storage means. Further, a game device according to the present invention has operation input means capable of inputting a plurality of operation inputs, data storage means storing a plurality of game data, program storage means storing a game program, and means for reading game data from said data storage means based on said game program, and executing a game that progresses by operation input from said operation input means using said read game data, wherein the game device has information input means capable of inputting type information of at least one toy body out of two or more toy bodies each having type information for identifying a type, and said data storage means stores a plurality of character data stored in correspondence with the type information of the toy body as said plurality of game data, and further wherein said game device further comprises condition determination means for determining whether or not a first condition is satisfied during a game, and wherein said condition determination means determines whether or not said first condition is satisfied. and information input determination means for determining whether or not toy object type information has been input to the information input means within a predetermined time from when it is determined that the first condition is satisfied, wherein a correspondence is established between the character data and a portion of a plurality of operation inputs which can be input from the operation input means, and the means for executing the game is characterized in that, when the information input determination means determines that toy object type information has been input within the predetermined time from when the condition determination means determines that the first condition is satisfied, the means for executing the game reads out character data corresponding to the input toy object type information from the data storage means, and, when the information input determination means does not determine that toy object type information has been input within the predetermined time from when the condition determination means determines that the first condition is satisfied, the means for executing the game is capable of disabling input of a portion of the plurality of operation inputs which can be input from the operation input means. In addition, in the game device according to the present invention, the data storage means stores character image data as character data stored in association with type information of a toy object, the game device further comprises image display means and image display control means for displaying a character image on the image display means based on the game data stored in the data storage means, and the means for executing the game may be configured to, when the information input determination means determines that type information of a toy object has been input to the information input means within the predetermined time from when the condition determination means determines that the first condition has been satisfied during the game, control the image display control means to read out character image data associated with the input type information of a toy object from the data storage means and display a character image based on the read character image data on the image display means. In addition, in the game device according to the present invention, the image display control means may be capable of displaying a main character image on the image display means based on the game data stored in the data storage means, and the means for executing the game may be capable of using a character image based on character image data associated with the type information of a toy object input to the information input means as the main character image.

The game program of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as data storage means storing a plurality of game data, program storage means storing a game program, and program execution means for reading the game program from the program storage means and executing the game, thereby reading the game data from the data storage means and executing a game using the read game data, and further causes the computer to function as information input means capable of inputting type information of at least one toy body out of two or more toy bodies each having type information for identifying a type, and causes the data storage means to function as information input means capable of inputting type information of at least one toy body out of two or more toy bodies each having type information for identifying a type, The program causes a computer to function as a condition determination means for determining whether or not a first condition is satisfied during a game, and as an information input determination means for determining whether or not toy object type information is input to the information input means within a first predetermined time from when the condition determination means determines that the first condition is satisfied, and when the information input determination means determines that toy object type information has been input within the first predetermined time, the program execution means causes the computer to function as follows: when the information input determination means determines that toy object type information has been input within the first predetermined time, the program causes the computer to read out character data associated with the input toy object type information from the data storage means. A game program according to the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as operation input means capable of inputting a plurality of operation inputs, data storage means storing a plurality of game data, and means for reading out game data from said data storage means based on said game program, and executing a game that progresses by operation input from said operation input means using said read out game data, and further causes the computer to function as information input means capable of inputting type information of at least one toy body out of two or more toy bodies each having type information for identifying a type, said data storage means storing a plurality of character data stored in correspondence with the type information of the toy body as said plurality of game data, and further causes the computer to function as condition determination means for determining whether or not a first condition is satisfied during a game, and a program for determining whether or not the first condition is satisfied when said condition determination means determines that said first condition is satisfied. a correspondence is established between the character data and a portion of the plurality of operation inputs which can be input from the operation input means, and when the information input determination means determines that toy object type information has been input within the predetermined time from when the condition determination means determines that the first condition is satisfied, the means for executing the game reads out character data corresponding to the input toy object type information from the data storage means, and when the information input determination means does not determine that toy object type information has been input within the predetermined time from when the condition determination means determines that the first condition is satisfied, the means for executing the game makes it impossible to input a portion of the plurality of operation inputs which can be input from the operation input means. In addition, in the game program of the present invention, the data storage means may store character image data as character data stored in association with type information of a toy object, and the computer may be caused to function as image display means and image display control means for displaying a character image on the image display means based on the game data stored in the data storage means, and the means for executing the game may be caused to function as follows: when the information input determination means determines that type information of a toy object has been input to the information input means within the predetermined time from when the condition determination means determines that the first condition has been satisfied during the game, the means for executing the game may control the image display control means to read character image data associated with the input type information of a toy object from the data storage means and display a character image based on the read character image data on the image display means. In addition, in the game program of the present invention, the image display control means may be capable of displaying a main character image on the image display means based on the game data stored in the data storage means, and the means for executing the game may be caused to function as a computer capable of using a character image based on character image data associated with the type information of a toy object input to the information input means as the main character image.

Claims (14)

A game device having a data storage means for storing a plurality of game data, a program storage means for storing a game program, and a program execution means for reading the game program from the program storage means and executing the game program, thereby reading the game data from the data storage means and executing a game using the read game data,
The toy device has an information input means capable of inputting type information of at least one of two or more toy objects each having type information for identifying a type of the toy object,
the data storage means stores, as the plurality of game data, a plurality of character data items stored in association with type information of the toy object;
Furthermore, the game device
a condition determination means for determining whether or not a first condition is satisfied during a game;
and information input determination means for determining whether or not type information of the toy object is input to the information input means within a first predetermined time from when the condition determination means determines that the first condition is satisfied,
when the information input determination means determines that toy object type information has been input within the first predetermined time, the program execution means reads out character data associated with the input toy object type information from the data storage means.
A game device comprising: the data storage means stores character image data as character data stored in association with type information of the toy object;
The game device further comprises image display means and image display control means for displaying a main character image on the image display means based on the game data stored in the data storage means,
when the information input determination means determines that toy object type information has been input to the information input means within the first predetermined time from when the condition determination means determines that the first condition has been satisfied during the game, the program execution means reads out character image data associated with the input toy object type information from the data storage means;
controlling the image display control means to combine a character image based on the read character image data with the main character image and display the combined character image on the image display means;
2. The game device according to claim 1. The game device according to claim 2, characterized in that the program execution means is capable of using a character image based on character image data associated with toy type information input to the information input means as the main character image. the information input means is capable of inputting type information of at least one toy doll's torso toy body and one toy doll's arm toy body among two or more toy doll's torso toy bodies and two or more toy doll's arm toy bodies each having type information for identifying the type;
the data storage means stores, as character image data, body image data associated with type information of the body of the toy doll and arm image data associated with type information of the arm of the toy doll;
the program execution means reads out from the data storage means the torso image data and the arm image data associated with the type information of the toy doll's torso body and the type information of the toy doll's arm body inputted to the information input means;
the image display control means combines a torso image and an arm image based on the read torso image data and arm image data, and displays the combined image as the main character image on the image display means;
Furthermore, when the information input determination means determines that new type information of the toy doll's arm toy body has been input to the information input means within the first predetermined time from when the condition determination means determines that the first condition has been satisfied during the game, the program execution means reads out arm image data associated with the input type information of the toy doll's arm toy body from the data storage means;
controlling said image display control means so as to combine an arm image based on said read arm image data with said torso image in place of the arm image combined and displayed as said main character image with said torso image, and displaying the combined character image on said image display means;
4. The game device according to claim 3. The information input means is further capable of inputting type information of at least one of the leg toy bodies of two or more toy dolls, each of which has type information for identifying a type attached thereto;
the data storage means further stores, as the character image data, leg image data associated with type information of the leg toy body of the toy doll;
the program execution means reads out from the data storage means torso image data, arm image data, and leg image data associated with the type information of the toy doll's torso body, the type information of the toy doll's arm body, and the type information of the toy doll's leg body inputted to the information input means;
the image display control means combines a torso image, an arm image, and a leg image based on the read torso image data, arm image data, and leg image data, and displays the combined images as the main character image on the image display means;
the condition determination means determines whether or not a second condition is satisfied during the game;
the information input determination means determines whether or not new type information of the leg part of the toy doll is input to the information input means within a second predetermined time from when the condition determination means determines that the second condition is satisfied,
when the information input determination means determines that new information on the type of the leg of the toy doll has been input to the information input means within the second predetermined time, the program execution means reads out leg image data associated with the input information on the type of the leg of the toy doll from the data storage means;
controlling said image display control means so as to combine a leg image based on said read leg image data with said torso image and said arm image and display it on said image display means as said combined character image in place of the leg image displayed as said main character image combined with said torso image and said arm image;
5. The game device according to claim 4. A toy object that can be used in the game device described in any one of claims 1 to 5. A toy doll consisting of a toy body, a toy arm body, and a toy leg body that can be used in the game device described in any one of claims 4 and 5. A program for causing a computer to function as a data storage means for storing a plurality of game data, a program storage means for storing a game program, and a program execution means for reading the game program from the program storage means and executing the game program, thereby reading the game data from the data storage means and executing a game using the read game data,
Furthermore, the computer is caused to function as information input means capable of inputting type information of at least one of two or more toy objects each having type information for identifying a type of the toy object;
The data storage means stores, as the plurality of game data, a plurality of character data items stored in association with type information of a toy object;
and making the computer function as a condition determination means for determining whether or not a first condition is satisfied during the game, and an information input determination means for determining whether or not toy type information is input to the information input means within a first predetermined time from when the condition determination means determines that the first condition is satisfied,
The game program causes a computer to function such that, when the information input determination means determines that toy object type information has been input within the first predetermined time, the program execution means reads out character data associated with the input toy object type information from the data storage means. The data storage means stores character image data as character data stored in association with type information of the toy object;
and causing the computer to function as an image display means and an image display control means for displaying a main character image on the image display means based on the game data stored in the data storage means.
when the information input determination means determines that toy object type information has been input to the information input means within the first predetermined time from when the condition determination means determines that the first condition has been satisfied during the game, the program execution means reads out character image data associated with the input toy object type information from the data storage means;
9. The game program according to claim 8, further comprising: controlling said image display control means to combine a character image based on said read character image data with said main character image and display the combined character image on said image display means. The game program according to claim 9, which causes a computer to function as if the program execution means is capable of using a character image based on character image data associated with toy type information input to the information input means as the main character image. the information input means being capable of inputting type information of at least one toy doll's torso toy body and one toy doll's arm toy body among two or more toy doll's torso toy bodies and two or more toy doll's arm toy bodies each having type information for identifying the type;
The data storage means stores, as character image data, body image data associated with type information of the body of the toy doll and arm image data associated with type information of the arm of the toy doll;
said program execution means causes the computer to function so as to read out from said data storage means toner image data and arm image data associated with type information of the toy doll's torso body and type information of the toy doll's arm body inputted to said information input means;
the image display control means causes the computer to function so as to combine a torso image and an arm image based on the read torso image data and arm image data and display the combined images as the main character image on the image display means;
Furthermore, when the information input determination means determines that new type information of the toy doll's arm toy body has been input to the information input means within the first predetermined time from when the condition determination means determines that the first condition has been satisfied during the game, the program execution means reads out arm image data associated with the input type information of the toy doll's arm toy body from the data storage means;
A game program as described in claim 10, which causes a computer to function to control the image display control means to combine an arm image based on the read arm image data with the torso image in place of the arm image displayed in combination with the torso image as the main character image, and display it on the image display means as the combined character image. the information input means is further configured to be capable of inputting type information of at least one of the leg toy bodies of two or more toy dolls, each of which has type information for identifying the type of the leg toy body;
The data storage means stores, as character image data, leg image data associated with type information of the leg toy body of the toy doll;
the program execution means reads out from the data storage means torso image data, arm image data, and leg image data associated with the type information of the toy doll's torso body, the type information of the toy doll's arm body, and the type information of the toy doll's leg body inputted to the information input means;
the image display control means combines a torso image, an arm image, and a leg image based on the read torso image data, arm image data, and leg image data, and displays the combined images as the main character image on the image display means;
the condition determination means determines whether or not a second condition is satisfied during the game;
The information input determination means causes the computer to function to determine whether or not new type information of the leg part of the toy doll is input to the information input means within a second predetermined time from when the condition determination means determines that the second condition is satisfied, and
when the information input determination means determines that new information on the type of the leg of the toy doll has been input to the information input means within the second predetermined time, the program execution means reads out leg image data associated with the input information on the type of the leg of the toy doll from the data storage means;
The game program of claim 11, which causes a computer to function to control the image display control means so as to combine a leg image based on the read leg image data with the torso image and arm image instead of the leg image displayed in combination with the torso image and arm image as the main character image, and display it on the image display means as the combined character image. A toy object that can be used on a computer that executes the game program according to any one of claims 8 to 12. 13. A toy doll comprising a toy body, toy arms and toy legs which can be used in a computer on which the game program according to claim 11 or 12 is executed.

Images