JP5889355B2 - Information playback device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an alarm clock using a utterance by a character as an alarm, a sound reproducing device corresponding to a figure in which a dot pattern is formed, a game device using a card in which a dot pattern is formed, and a personal computer or game machine. It relates to an input device.

  Conventionally, an IC chip is mounted on the bottom surface, and a figure and toy that outputs sound corresponding to the IC chip, or the sound of the character is stored, and an alarm clock that utters the sound of the character at a predetermined time It has been known.

JP 2001-137559 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-179941

  In the technique described in Patent Document 1, an IC chip is built in a pedestal of a miniature doll, and when a button attached to the same pedestal is pressed, sound corresponding to the miniature doll is output. In the technology described in Patent Document 2, when a user performs voice input, a voice corresponding to the input voice is set from a plurality of voice patterns stored in a device equipped with stuffed toy, and the voice is inputted by the stuffed toy. Is output. As an example of the device, an alarm clock is disclosed in which a stuffed toy utters a set voice repeatedly at a time set by the user and stops outputting the voice when a specific word of the user is input. Has been.

  However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 lacks flexibility, and can reproduce only a specific sound or the like. The technique described in Patent Document 2 can output various sounds, but it is necessary for the user to input the sound through a microphone, which is cumbersome for the user and lacks convenience.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, forcing the user to perform complicated operations such as flexible sound output for each character, output of various sounds, and operation of the game by the movement of the figure. The present invention provides an information reproduction technique that can be performed without any problems.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following means.

  (1) An information reproducing apparatus according to the present invention reads a figure in which a dot pattern defining XY coordinates and / or code information is formed at least on the bottom, a stage on which the figure is placed, and the dot pattern Optical reading means, control means for analyzing the read dot pattern, storage means for storing multimedia information, programs and / or game parameters corresponding to the reading results, and reading from the storage means by the control means An information reproducing apparatus comprising: a pedestal comprising: output means for outputting output information such as output multimedia information, programs and / or game parameters, wherein a surface on which the figure is placed on the pedestal A single optical reading means for imaging the back side of the stage surface opposite to the stage surface, and illuminating the back side of the stage. It characterized in that it has an irradiation means for.

  (2) The information reproducing apparatus according to the present invention has a figure light having a dot pattern formed at least on the bottom, a stage on which the figure is placed, and one or more reading holes provided on the stage. And reading voice information, image information, moving picture information, character information, graphic information, symbol information, program and / or game parameters corresponding to the read result. A pedestal comprising storage means and output means for outputting output information such as voice, image, moving image, character, figure, symbol, program and / or game parameter read from the storage means. .

  By configuring the information reproducing apparatus in this way, it is possible to output different sounds for each dot pattern on the bottom of the figure, so that the user feels as if the figure character is speaking. You can make it.

  (3) In the information reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, the pedestal includes clock means and alarm setting means for setting an alarm time for the clock means. When it is detected that there is, audio information and / or image information corresponding to the dot pattern may be read from the storage means and output via the output means.

  According to this, the sound corresponding to the figure character can be reproduced at the alarm time.

  (4) In the information reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, a dot for detecting an orientation is arranged in the dot pattern, and the optical reading unit detects an angle of the dot pattern by reading the dot, Audio information and / or image information corresponding to the angle may be output from the storage means.

  According to this, it becomes possible to reproduce different voices and lines depending on the direction in which the figure is placed on the pedestal.

  (5) In the information reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, the dot pattern formed on the bottom of the figure defines XY coordinates, and the optical reading means of the pedestal has different bottoms depending on the position of the figure on the stage. The XY coordinates may be read from the dot pattern, and audio information and / or image information corresponding to the XY coordinates may be read from the storage means and output.

  According to this, it becomes possible to reproduce different voices and lines depending on the position of the figure on the pedestal.

  (6) In the information reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, two or more reading holes are provided in the stage of the pedestal, and the dot pattern is provided at the bottom of two or more figures placed on the stage. The distance between the figures on the stage may be detected by reading each XY coordinate, and audio information and / or image information corresponding to the distance may be read from the storage means and output.

  According to this, it becomes possible to reproduce different voices and lines depending on the distance between two or more figures.

  (7) In the information reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, the figure includes a plurality of figure objects provided on a single figure stage, and the optical reading unit uses a dot pattern formed on the bottom of the figure stage. By reading, audio information and / or image information corresponding to the figure object arranged at the irradiated portion of the reading light may be read from the storage means and output.

  According to this, even with a single figure, by adopting a configuration in which a plurality of figure objects are arranged on the figure stage, different sounds and lines can be reproduced for each figure object.

  (8) In the information reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, at least a portion of the figure stage where the figure object is arranged is formed of a light transmitting member, and the irradiation light emitted from the reading hole of the pedestal applies the figure object at the reading position. It may be illuminated.

  According to this, when the figure object on the figure stage emits light with irradiation light, it is possible to make the user visually recognize the coincidence between the reproduction of voice and speech and the figure object.

  (9) The information reproducing apparatus according to the present invention may use a card having a dot pattern formed on at least one surface in place of the figure.

  By using cards instead of figures, the diversity of card games can be increased.

  (10) An information input device according to the present invention is an input device having a stage for placing a figure or card having a dot pattern formed on at least the bottom or one surface on the upper surface thereof, and is provided on the stage. One or more reading holes, an optical reading means for reading a dot pattern with reflected light of reading light emitted from the reading hole, and a storage means for storing XY coordinates or / and code information corresponding to the dot pattern And XY coordinates read from the storage means and / or output means for outputting code information.

  When connected to a personal computer, portable game machine, consumer game machine, etc., the information input device can reproduce information using a figure or card with a dot pattern formed on a general-purpose information processing machine or game machine. It becomes.

  (11) In the information input device according to the present invention, the optical reading means is based on a movement amount, a rotation amount, a movement direction and / or a movement time obtained by moving the figure or card on the pedestal on the stage. Corresponding audio information and / or image information may be read out from the storage means and output.

  Depending on how the figures and cards on the pedestal are moved, different voices and lines can be played.

  (12) In the information reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, the pedestal includes a determination unit that detects repetition of contact and separation of the bottom of the figure with the stage through the optical reading unit. The output information may be changed according to the determination result.

  By detecting the movement of the figure on the pedestal repeatedly contacting and separating from the stage surface, that is, the action of hitting the figure on the stage surface (grid tapping), the physical strength, intelligence, magic power, etc. defined for the figure are obtained. If enhanced, the progress of the game can be changed in accordance with the action action in the game using the figure, and the fun of the game can be enhanced.

  (13) In the information reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, the determination unit may detect the speed, number of times, and / or duration of repeated contact and separation of the bottom of the figure with the stage.

  The progress of the game can be changed according to the speed, number of times and duration of the grid tapping operation, and the interest in the game can be further increased.

  (14) In the information reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, after the determination unit recognizes a code value or a coordinate value defined by the dot pattern after the optical reading unit images the dot pattern at the bottom of the figure The determination unit may detect a change in brightness from image information obtained by the optical reading unit to detect repeated contact and separation of the bottom of the figure with the stage.

  By detecting the movement of the figure on the stage surface by the change in brightness from the imaging information, it is possible to detect the movement with high responsiveness.

  (15) In the information reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, the determination unit may be configured such that the figure is inclined with respect to the stage surface due to a difference in brightness in an imaging field of view of the optical reading unit.

  When the figure is tilted with respect to the stage surface, a difference in brightness occurs in the imaging field of view by the optical reading means. By recognizing this difference in brightness, it is possible to easily detect whether the figure is tilted and in which direction it is tilted.

  (16) In the information reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, the determination unit may detect the movement of the figure along the stage surface from the afterimage of the dot pattern read by the optical reading unit.

  The movement of the figure on the stage surface is recognized as an afterimage of the dot pattern read by the optical reading means.

  Therefore, the operation of the figure can be detected by this afterimage mode.

  (17) For example, when the line connecting the start point and the end point is captured as a straight line and the straight line rotates as the afterimage of the dot, the determination unit causes the figure to move circularly on the stage surface. Can be detected.

  (18) In addition, when the line connecting the start point and the end point is imaged as a straight line and the start point and the end point of the straight line are switched as the afterimage of the dot, the determination unit displays the figure on the stage surface. It is possible to detect that the scratch operation is being performed.

  These circular movements and scratching movements can change parameters and attributes such as physical strength, intelligence, and magical power associated with the figure, broaden the range of games using the figure, and Can be increased.

  (19) In the information reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, the pedestal irradiates the back surface of the stage with a single optical reading means for imaging the back surface side of the stage surface opposite to the surface on which the figure is placed. May be provided.

  In this way, if only a single image pickup means (camera) is provided inside the pedestal and the stage back surface has a structure capable of imaging a wide range, the figure can be freely arranged on the stage surface and playability. Can be expanded.

  (20) In the information reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, the pedestal may be a pedestal of a stationary game machine.

  Thus, this invention can also be comprised as a large sized game machine installed in a game center.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to output a flexible voice and a variety of voices for each character (figure) or card without forcing the user to perform complicated operations. In addition, it is possible to increase the interest in the game by reflecting the movement of the figure and the card in the progress of the game.

It is a front view which shows the external appearance of the clock of this invention. It is a hardware block diagram which shows the structure of a clock. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the circuit of a clock. It is the perspective view which showed the state which inclined the figure so that the surface which affixed the dot pattern part could be visually recognized. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a dot pattern. It is an enlarged view which shows an example of the information dot of a dot pattern. It is explanatory drawing which shows the information dot arrange | positioned centering on a key dot. It is an example of a bit display of an information dot and data defined there, and shows other forms. It is an example of the bit display of the information dot and the data defined therein, (a) shows two dots, (b) shows four dots, and (c) shows a case where five dots are arranged. is there. It is a front view which shows the other example of arrangement | positioning of the dot pattern which changed the arrangement position of the key dot. It is the figure which showed the range used as the same coordinate value in a dot pattern. It is the figure which showed the state which reads the angle of a dot pattern. It is a figure which shows the content of the audio | voice determination table. It is the table which showed the correspondence of the value of x coordinate and y coordinate, and a parameter. It is the figure which showed the example of the combination data of a code and a coordinate. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the basic operation of a clock. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the basic operation of a clock. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the alarm setting operation of a clock. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the alarm setting operation of a clock. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the alarm setting operation of a clock. It is a front view which shows the external appearance of a clock, and demonstrates the state which emits a different sound according to the arrangement | positioning place of a figure. It is a front view which shows the external appearance of a clock, and demonstrates the state which emits a different sound according to the arrangement | positioning place of a figure. It is a front view which shows the external appearance of a clock, and shows the state by which multiple figure objects were arrange | positioned. It is a front view which shows the external appearance of a clock, and shows the other form of the state by which multiple figure objects were arrange | positioned. It is a front view which shows the external appearance of a clock, and shows the other form of the state by which multiple figure objects were arrange | positioned. It is a front view which shows the external appearance of a clock, and the several pedestal is provided in the base. It is a front view which shows the external appearance of a clock, and the several pedestal is provided in the base. It is a figure for demonstrating the calculation formula for calculating the distance of two figures on a stage. It is explanatory drawing at the time of changing the position of the figure and card | curd on a stage within predetermined time. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which connected the pedestal input device which has arrange | positioned the card | curd on the stage to the computer. It is a perspective view which shows the arcade game which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which connected to the television the pedestal input device which has arrange | positioned the card | curd on the stage. It is explanatory drawing which shows the tapping operation | movement of the figure on a stage surface. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation | movement which inclined the figure on a stage surface. It is explanatory drawing which shows the change of the captured image at the time of inclining a figure on a stage surface. It is explanatory drawing which shows the change of the captured image at the time of rotating a figure on a stage surface. It is explanatory drawing which shows the change of the captured image at the time of scratching a figure on a stage surface. It is explanatory drawing which shows the change of the captured image at the time of rotating a figure on a stage surface in a frame shape. It is explanatory drawing of the base which incorporated the imaging means (camera) by making the whole surface of the stage into the imaging range, (a) is the external view, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the internal structure. It is a top view (1) at the time of applying this invention to the game machine installed in a game center. It is a top view (2) at the time of applying this invention to the game machine installed in a game center.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a front view showing an appearance of a clock 1 according to the present invention.

  The clock 1 includes a figure 2 and a pedestal 3. The figure 2 includes a figure main body 4 having a shape such as a character, and a figure stage 5 to which the figure main body 4 is attached. A stage 6 on which the figure 2 is placed is formed on the pedestal, and a reading hole (not shown) for transmitting irradiation light from the sensor is provided at the center of the stage 6. On the front is a liquid crystal display 7 for displaying time and the like, alarm setting buttons 8a and 8b to be pressed when the user sets an alarm, and an M button 9 to be pressed when the user sets the minute in time setting and alarm time setting. An H button 10 is formed to be pressed when setting the time. A sensor switch 11 for operating the sensor is formed in the lower part, and various circuits are formed in the interior as described later.

  FIG. 2 is a hardware block diagram showing the configuration of the clock 1, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the circuit.

  As shown in the figure, the inside of the clock is composed of a sensor unit 12, an audio circuit 13, a volume circuit 14, a switch panel 15, an LCD unit 16, a snooze switch 17, an amplifier 18, and a speaker 19.

  The switch panel 15 is provided with four buttons “1”, “2”, “H”, and “M”, which function as alarm 1, alarm 2 selection buttons, time setting buttons, and minute setting buttons, respectively. . The LCD unit 16 is a 7-segment liquid crystal display unit and may have a backlight. The snooze switch 17 is a switch for restarting the output from the audio circuit 13 again after a predetermined time has elapsed after the output from the audio circuit 13 is turned off once. The volume circuit 14 is a circuit that controls the output from the audio circuit 13 to the amplifier 18, and controls the volume from the speaker 19.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the internal configuration of the sensor unit 12 is connected to a reset circuit 20, an SRAM 21, an EEPROM 22, and a control circuit (PAC 107) 23 around a bus. Further, the control circuit 23 is provided with a reading unit (not shown) provided with an optical element IR-LED 24 which is an illuminating means and an image pickup element made of CMOS. When the sensor switch 11 is turned on, the IR-LED 24 emits light and irradiates a dot pattern. The reflected light is read by the image pickup device of the reading unit via the lens, and is temporarily held in the SRAM 21 by the control circuit 23 according to the program of the EEPROM 22 as a read signal, and then output to the audio circuit 13. Yes.

  The voice circuit 13 that has input the read signal via the interface (PIO) 25 converts the coordinate value or code corresponding to the read signal under the control of the central control unit (MPU) 26 and corresponds to the coordinate value or code. The audio data to be read is read from the flash memory 27 and output from the speaker 19 via the amplifier 18. The flash memory 27 is provided with an audio determination table shown in FIG. This voice determination table will be described later.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the figure 2 is tilted. A sticker 29 on which a dot pattern is printed is attached to the bottom of the figure 2. The seal 29 is laminated on the upper layer with a dot pattern printed on one side, and has an adhesive layer on the other side. As described above, a voice corresponding to the character of FIG. 2 is emitted by reading this dot pattern with a sensor.

  5 to 15 describe the dot pattern described above.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the dot pattern of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view showing an example of a dot pattern dot and a bit display of data defined therein. FIGS. 7A and 7B are explanatory diagrams showing information dots arranged around key dots.

  The information input / output method using a dot pattern according to the present invention includes generation of a dot pattern 30, recognition of the dot pattern 30, and means for outputting information and a program from the dot pattern 30. That is, the dot pattern 30 is captured by the camera as image data, first the grid dots 33 are extracted, then the key dots 31 are extracted by the fact that no dots are originally placed at the grid dots, and then the information dots The information area is digitized by extracting 32, the information area is extracted to digitize the information, and the information program is output from the dot pattern 30 based on the numerical information. For example, information such as voice or a program is output from the dot pattern 30 to an information output device, a personal computer, a PDA, a mobile phone, or the like.

  The dot pattern 30 of the present invention is generated by arranging fine dots, that is, key dots 31, information dots 32, and lattice dots 33 in accordance with a predetermined rule in order to recognize information such as voice by a dot code generation algorithm. To do. As shown in FIG. 5, the block of the dot pattern 30 representing information has a 5 × 5 grid dot 33 arranged around the key dot 31, and is surrounded by a virtual point at the center surrounded by the four grid dots 33. An information dot 32 is arranged at the position. Arbitrary numerical information is defined in this block. In the illustrated example of FIG. 5, a state in which four blocks (inside the thick frame lines) of the dot pattern 30 are arranged in parallel is shown. Of course, the dot pattern 30 is not limited to four blocks.

  One corresponding information and program can be output to one block, or one corresponding information and program can be output to a plurality of blocks.

When the dot pattern 30 is captured as image data by the camera, the lattice dots 33 can correct distortions such as camera lens distortion, oblique imaging, paper expansion / contraction, media surface curvature, and printing. . Specifically, a correction function (X _n , Y _n ) = f (X _n ′, Y _n ′) for converting the distorted four-point lattice dots 33 into the original square is obtained, and information is obtained using the same function. The dot is corrected to obtain a correct vector of information dots 32.

  If the grid pattern 33 is arranged in the dot pattern 30, the image data obtained by capturing the dot pattern 30 with the camera corrects the distortion caused by the camera. Therefore, it is a popular camera with a lens having a high distortion rate. Even when the image data of the dot pattern 30 is captured, it can be accurately recognized. Further, even when the camera is tilted and read with respect to the surface of the dot pattern 30, the dot pattern 30 can be accurately recognized.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the key dot 31 is a dot in which one grid dot 33 located substantially at the center position of the grid dots 33 arranged in a rectangular shape is shifted in a certain direction. The key dot 31 is a representative point of the dot pattern 30 for one block representing the information dot 32. For example, the lattice dot 33 at the center of the block of the dot pattern 30 is shifted upward by 0.2 mm. When the information dot 32 represents the X and Y coordinate values, the coordinate point is a position where the key dot 31 is shifted downward by 0.2 mm. However, this numerical value is not limited to this, and can be changed according to the size of the block of the dot pattern 30.

  The information dot 32 is a dot for recognizing various information. The information dot 32 is arranged around the key dot 31 as a representative point, and is arranged at the end point expressed by a vector with the center surrounded by the four grid dots 33 as a virtual point. It is a thing. For example, the information dot 32 is surrounded by the lattice dots 33, and as shown in FIG. 6, the dot away from the virtual point by 0.2 mm has a direction and a length expressed by a vector, so that the clockwise direction Are rotated 45 degrees each and arranged in 8 directions to represent 3 bits. Therefore, 3 bits × 16 pieces = 48 bits can be expressed by one block dot pattern.

  In the illustrated example, 3 bits are expressed by arranging in 8 directions. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and 4 bits can be expressed by arranging in 16 directions. is there.

  The dot diameter of the key dot 31, information dot 32, or grid dot 33 is preferably about 0.1 mm in consideration of appearance, printing accuracy with respect to paper quality, camera resolution, and optimal digitization.

  In addition, in consideration of a necessary amount of information with respect to the imaging area and misidentification of the various dots 31, 32, 33, it is desirable that the interval between the grid dots 33 is about 1 mm in length and width. In consideration of misidentification of the grid dots 33 and the information dots 32, the shift of the key dots 31 is preferably about 20% of the grid interval.

  The interval between the information dot 32 and the virtual point surrounded by the four lattice dots 33 is preferably about 15 to 30% of the distance between adjacent virtual points. This is because if the distance between the information dot 32 and the virtual point is closer than this distance, the dots are easily recognized as a large lump and become unsightly as the dot pattern 30. On the other hand, if the distance between the information dot 32 and the virtual point is longer than this distance, it is difficult to identify which information dot 32 has the vector direction around the adjacent virtual point. is there.

For example, the information dot 32, as shown in FIG. 7 (a), the lattice spacing of placing the _{I 16} around the key dot 31 from _{I 1} clockwise is 1 mm, 4 mm × 4 mm by 3 bits × 16 = 48 bits are represented.

In addition, subblocks that have independent information contents and are not influenced by other information contents can be further provided in the block. FIG. 7B illustrates this, and sub-blocks [I ₁ , I ₂ , I ₃ , I ₄ ], [I ₅ , I ₆ , I ₇ , I ₈ composed of four information dots. ], [I ₉ , I ₁₀ , I ₁₁ , I ₁₂ ], [I ₁₃ , I ₁₄ , I ₁₅ , I ₁₆ ] are independent data (3 bits × 4 = 12 bits) expanded into information dots. It is supposed to be.

  It is desirable that the vector direction (rotation direction) of the information dots 32 is determined uniformly every 30 to 90 degrees.

  FIG. 8 is an example of the bit display of the information dot 32 and the data defined therein, and shows another form.

  Further, if two types of information dots 32 are used which are long and short from the virtual point surrounded by the grid dots 33 and the vector direction is 8 directions, 4 bits can be expressed. At this time, it is desirable that the longer one is about 25 to 30% of the distance between adjacent virtual points, and the shorter one is about 15 to 20%. However, the distance between the centers of the long and short information dots 32 is preferably longer than the diameter of these dots.

The information dot 32 surrounded by the four grid dots 33 is preferably one dot in consideration of appearance. However, if it is desired to ignore the appearance and increase the amount of information, one bit is assigned to each vector, and a large amount of information can be obtained by expressing the information dots 32 with a plurality of dots. For example, the vector of concentric eight directions, an information dot 32 surrounded by the lattice dots 33 at four points can represent information of 2 ^8, and 2 ⁸ 16 information dots of one block.

  FIG. 9 is an example of the bit display of the information dot 32 and the data defined therein. (A) shows two dots, (b) shows four dots, and (c) shows five dots. Is shown.

  Note that the dot pattern 30 shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 shows an example in which 16 (4 × 4) information dots 32 are arranged in one block. However, the number of information dots is not limited to 16 arranged in one block, and can be variously changed.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another arrangement example of the dot pattern 30 in which the arrangement position of the key dots 31 is changed.

  The key dot 31 is not necessarily arranged at the center of the block of the grid dots 33 arranged in a rectangular shape. For example, it can be arranged at the corner of the block of lattice dots 33. In this case, it is preferable that the information dots 32 are arranged in parallel starting from the key dot 31.

  FIG. 11 shows a range having the same coordinate value in the dot pattern 30, and the same coordinate value is registered in the dot pattern 30 in a square area having a side of 2 mm.

  FIG. 12 illustrates the angle of the dot pattern 30, and the angle (orientation) of the inclination of the dot pattern 30 in the planar direction can be detected by detecting the position of the key dot 31 described above. It has become.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a voice determination table showing correspondence between characters, angles, and voices.

  The voice determination table includes character code, angle, angle No. It consists of a voice address. When the dot pattern 30 is read by the sensor, the character code recorded in the dot pattern 30 is read and the character code is first determined. Next, when the angle of the dot pattern 30 is calculated based on the key dot 31, the angle No. is calculated from this angle. Is determined. The character code and the angle No. Thus, the corresponding voice address is determined. Voice address and are associated to the voice, for example, if the voice address is a "Hello", in the case of b is output voice as "good bye".

FIG. 14 is a table showing the correspondence between x-coordinate and y-coordinate values and parameters. As shown in the figure, the dot pattern 30 may include coordinate values and codes. That is, the coordinate values of the dot pattern 30, if for example x = 2, y = 3, the parameter (code information) is defined by _{P 32.}

  FIG. 15 shows an example of code and coordinate combination data in this way. In the figure, a company code and xy coordinates are stored together with a header and a parity code.

  16 to 17 are processing flows showing basic operations of the clock 1.

  First, the control unit of the sensor unit 12 determines whether or not the sensor switch 11 has been pressed (step 1601). Specifically, the control unit determines whether the sensor switch 11 is pressed by the user, that is, whether an interrupt signal from the sensor switch 11 is detected. When an interrupt signal is detected, the control unit shifts the process to step 1602, and when not determining that the interrupt signal has been detected, the control unit performs the process of step 1601 again.

  In step 1602, the reading mode is turned on. In this process, the control unit sets the reading flag to “1”.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the figure 2 is placed on the stage 6 (step 1603). Whether or not the figure 2 is placed is determined by whether or not the sensor unit 12 is in a state in which the dot pattern 30 on the bottom surface of the figure 2 can be read for a predetermined time or more (10 seconds or more). When the figure 2 is placed by the user, the dot pattern 30 read by the sensor is transmitted to the control unit.

  Next, the control unit extracts code information from the read image information by an image processing algorithm (step 1604).

  Next, the control unit calculates the angle of the dot pattern 30 from the position of the key dot 31 (step 1605). More specifically, the control unit measures the angle between the imaging axis of the camera and the vertical axis of the dot pattern portion from the positional relationship between the lattice dots 33 and the key dots 31 of the read dot pattern 30, and stores this. Store in the department.

  Next, the voice to be output is determined (step 1606). Here, the voice determination table stored in the storage unit is referenced, and the voice information corresponding to the angle calculated by the code information extracted by the process of step 1604 and the process of step 1605 is determined.

  Next, the voice of FIG. 2 is output (step 1701). The control unit causes the A / D converter 28 to output voice data corresponding to the voice address determined in the process of step 1606. The audio data output to the A / D converter 28 is converted into an analog audio signal, and then output from the speaker 19 via the amplifier 18.

  Next, FIG. 17 illustrates how to play by changing the sound data by changing the direction of the figure 2 on the pedestal and outputting various sounds.

  First, the control unit determines whether or not the orientation of the figure 2 has changed (step 1702).

  Specifically, the determination is made based on whether or not 10 seconds have passed since the direction of the figure 2 was changed with reference to the key dot 31 after the voice output of the figure 2 ended. The control unit reads the timer value and determines whether or not the timer value has reached 10 seconds (step 1703). If it is determined that 10 seconds have been reached, the process proceeds to step 1704. If it is not determined that 10 seconds have been reached, the process of step 1703 is performed again.

  In step 1704, the reading mode is turned off. In this process, the control unit sets the reading flag to “0” and ends this process.

  18 to 20 are processing flows showing the alarm setting operation for the clock 1.

  First, it is determined whether or not the alarm buttons 8a and 8b have been pressed for a long time (step 1801). When the alarm button 8a or 8b is long pressed by the user, an interrupt signal is generated and transmitted to the control unit. When the interrupt process is applied as described above, the control unit turns on the alarm setting mode (step 1802). Specifically, at this time, the control unit sets the alarm setting flag to “1”.

  Next, the control unit determines whether or not the H button 10 has been pressed (step 1803). When the H button 10 is pressed by the user, the number of times the H button 10 is pressed is set as the time. Note that the user may set the time by clicking and long pressing the H button 10 to add the time value over time and stop at a desired time. Here, the control unit stores the value input from the H button 10 as hour setting data (step 1804).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the M button 9 has been pressed (step 1805). Here, the user may set the minutes by pressing the M button 9 or by clicking and holding the M button 9 to add numerical values for minutes and stop at a desired amount. In this way, the control unit stores the value input from the M button 9 as minute setting data (step 1806).

  Next, the alarm time is determined based on the processing of step 1804 and step 1806 (step 1807). Based on the time data stored in step 1804 and the minute data stored in step 1806, the control unit determines the alarm setting time and stores it as alarm time setting data.

  Next, the control unit determines whether the figure 2 has been placed on the stage 6 (step 1901). When the figure 2 is placed by the user, the sensor detects the dot pattern 30 and transmits a detection signal to the control unit.

  In step 1902, it is determined whether or not the sensor switch 11 has been pressed. The control unit determines whether the sensor switch 11 is pressed by the user, that is, whether an interrupt signal from the sensor switch 11 is detected.

  When the sensor switch 11 is pressed and interrupt processing is applied to the control unit, a sound corresponding to the figure 2 is reproduced (step 1903). In this process, by performing the process from step 1604 to step 1606 described above, the sound scheduled to be output at the alarm setting time is reproduced from the speaker 19. Then, after this process is terminated, the process proceeds to step 1904.

  Although left unattended in this state, the control unit repeatedly determines whether it is an alarm set time (step 1904). That is, the control unit reads the value of the timer and determines whether or not it matches the value of the data stored in the processing of step 1807, that is, the time set for the alarm. If they match, that is, if the alarm set time is reached, the voice of the figure set above is output from the speaker 19 (step 1905).

  On the other hand, if the sensor switch 11 is not pressed in step 1902, the sound corresponding to the figure 2 placed on the pedestal 3 in step 1901 is not reproduced and placed on the pedestal 3 before that. The sound of the figure 2 that has been played is reproduced. Specifically, when the control unit detects that it is an alarm time (step 1906), the previously registered voice (for example, the voice corresponding to the figure 2 stored by pressing the sensor switch 11 last time) is output. (Step 1907).

  On the other hand, if the sensor switch 11 is pressed without the figure 2 itself being placed on the pedestal 3 in step 1901 (step 2001), when the sensor switch 11 is pressed, the BGM stored in the storage unit is reproduced ( Step 2002) When the alarm set time comes (Step 2003), the BGM is reproduced from the speaker 19 (Step 2004).

  Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  21 to 22, miniatures (figure objects) 34 a and 34 b such as houses and mountains are formed on a pedestal. When the position of the figure 2 on the pedestal 3 is shifted in the plane direction, the miniature (figure object) at that position is displayed. (Object) 34a and 34b, voices and lines corresponding to the sound are emitted.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 21, when the figure 2 is placed in the vicinity of a mountain miniature (figure object) 34a, a speech related to the mountain such as “I want to go to the mountain” is uttered from the speaker 19. To do. As shown in FIG. 22, when the figure 2 is moved to the vicinity of the house miniature (figure object) 34b, a speech related to the house such as “I am right now” is uttered.

  Specifically, the dot pattern 30 is registered as a coordinate value on the bottom surface of the figure 2, and the sensor reads the dot pattern 30 on the bottom surface of the figure 2 from the reading hole 35, and indicates the coordinate value and angle (orientation). By detecting, the position of the figure 2 on the pedestal 3 can be detected, so that it is possible to output audio information corresponding to the miniatures (figure objects) 34a and 34b on the pedestal 3.

  In FIG. 23, the figure 2 itself is composed of a plurality of miniatures (figure objects) such as a person and a house as a figure stage. Different voices corresponding to

  In FIG. 23, dogs, women, men, and house miniatures (figure objects) are arranged on the figure stage 5 of the figure 2. When the figure 2 is placed so that the dog is positioned on the reading hole 35, a voice related to the dog such as “One One” is emitted. Similarly, when the figure 2 is placed so that the male is positioned on the reading hole 35, the voice corresponding to the male, when the female is positioned on the reading hole 35, the voice corresponding to the female, the house is positioned on the reading hole 35. When it is done, the sound corresponding to the house is emitted.

  24 to 25 show another embodiment in which the figure 2 itself is composed of a plurality of miniatures (figure objects), and an LED 36 for irradiation is built in the clock 1.

  The irradiation LED 36 is provided with, for example, a red LED for visible light separately from the IR-LED 24 for dot pattern reading in the sensor unit 12, and the red LED emits light in synchronization with the irradiation of the IR-LED 24. The illumination effect of the miniature (figure object) itself is obtained by irradiating the irradiation light of the LED upward from the reading hole 35 and irradiating the inside of the miniature (figure object). It is desirable that the red LED emits light in synchronism with reproduction of audio information corresponding to the dot pattern 30 read by the IR-LED 24 from the speaker 19.

  In addition, it is preferable that the bottom surface of the figure 2 forms the dot pattern 30 on a transparent plastic film surface.

  In FIG. 24, the figure 2 is placed so that the cat is positioned on the reading hole 35. In this case, a sound corresponding to the cat such as “Nyanya” is emitted, and the red LED emits light to irradiate the cat. In FIG. 25, the figure 2 is placed so that the dog is positioned on the reading hole 35. In this case, a sound corresponding to the dog such as “One One” is emitted, and the red LED emits light to irradiate the dog.

  Of course, the LED for irradiation is not limited to red, but may be any color such as blue, green, and white. Further, it is not necessary to maintain the light emission state, and it may be blinked. Such a production effect enables the user to visually recognize the coincidence between the reproduction of voice and speech and the miniature (figure object).

  26 to 27 show a case where a plurality of (two in this case) sensors are incorporated in the clock 1 body. Thus, the two reading holes 35a and 35b are opened with a predetermined distance corresponding to each sensor position.

  As shown in FIG. 26, when two figures 2 are brought close to each other, a voice saying “I love you” is emitted. As shown in FIG. 27, when the two figures 2 are moved away, a voice saying "Goodbye" is emitted. Thus, when the distance between the two figures 2 is changed, different sounds are emitted.

  FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram of a calculation formula for calculating the distance l between the figures 2a and 2b from the positions and orientations of the two figures 2a and 2b.

Coordinate value in the coordinate system A consisting of a dot pattern of the bottom of the figure 2a is _{(1 x,} 1 _y), the coordinate values in the coordinate system B comprising a dot pattern on the bottom of the figure 2b is a _{(2 x,} 2 y) To do.

When the dot patterns 30 of both figures are read by the respective sensor units 12, the coordinates of the imaging center of the sensor unit 12 in the coordinate system A and the coordinate system B are obtained. The control unit of the sensor unit 12 changes the coordinate system to a coordinate system based on the imaging center, and corrects the coordinate value. The corrected coordinate values of the figure 2a are ( ₁ x ', ₁ y'), and the coordinate values of the figure 2b are ( ₂ x ', ₂ y'). At this time, if the distance l between the centers of the figures 2a and 2b is a, the distance between the imaging centers of the two sensor units 12 is a.
l = √ {(a + ₂ x′− ₁ x ′) ² + ( ₂ y′− ₁ y ′) ² }
It becomes. Thereby, the distance between the figures 2a and 2b on the base is calculated.

  FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing changes in parameters when the position and angle of the figure 2 are changed over a predetermined time.

It is assumed that the figure 2 is moved from (a) to (b) by a user operation. At this time, it is assumed that the coordinate value of the key dot 31 in the dot pattern 30 in the coordinate system C is ( ₁ x, ₁ y). When the figure 2 is moved, the coordinate system is moved from C to D, and the key dot 31 is also moved. The moved key dot 31 has a coordinate value ( ₁ x, ₁ y) in the coordinate system D, but a coordinate value ( ₂ x, ₂ y) in the coordinate system C. Accordingly, the movement amount X of the figure 2 is {square root} {( ₂ x- ₁ x) ² + ( ₂ y- ₁ y) ² }.

Further, when the angle between the vertical axis of the figure 2 and the vertical axis of the pedestal 3 in (a) is θ ₁ , and the angle in (b) is θ ₂ , the angle changed by the movement, that is, the rotation amount θ is θ ₂ −θ. ₁

  The direction (vector) in which the card is moved is α.

From the above, by moving the figure from (a) to (b), the coordinate values ( ₁ x, ₁ y) in (a), the coordinate values ( ₂ x, ₂ y) in (b), the movement amount X, angle theta ₁ at _(a), so that the angle theta _2, the moving direction of the figure 2 alpha, 7 pieces of parameters is obtained in (b). Further, if the time at the position (a) is t ₁ and the time at the position (b) is t ₂ , the movement time t = t ₂ −t ₁ can also be a parameter.

  In this way, moving the figure or card on the pedestal changes the distance and direction of the movement and the deviation of the rotation angle between them as a parameter, or changes the content of the speech or audio playback, or determines the superiority or inferiority by this parameter You may improve game nature.

  FIG. 30 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment shown in the figure, the pedestal input device 37 is connected to a general-purpose computer 38 using a USB cable or the like.

  Thus, the present invention can be used only as an input device. In such a case, the pedestal input device 37 performs only time input and alarm time input by a user's button operation, and the basic operation processing, alarm setting processing, and clock display described above may be performed by the computer 38. .

  Further, as a use other than the clock, a moving image or sound may be reproduced on the computer 38 in accordance with the position or movement of the two figures on the pedestal.

  FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which the present invention is used as an arcade game. A plurality of reading holes 35 are formed on the base 40 of the game machine 39. The figure 2 may be placed in the reading hole 35, or the card 41 having the dot pattern 30 formed on one surface may be placed instead of the figure 2.

  In this case, when the player inserts coins and places the surface on which the dot pattern 30 is provided on the reading hole 35, the corresponding parameters are read by the dot code, angle and position of the card 41, A game is played by determining superiority or inferiority with an opponent or a computer by a combination of parameters. The winning / losing result is displayed on the liquid crystal screen 42.

  FIG. 32 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in the figure, two pedestal input devices 37 are connected to the video game machine main body by a cable or the like, and the video game machine 43 and the television (or display device) 44 are connected by a video / audio cable or the like. . In this state, when the card 41 is placed on the reading hole 35 of the pedestal-shaped input device 37 with the surface on which the dot pattern 30 is provided facing down, depending on the dot code, angle and position of the card 41, parameters corresponding to them are set. Is read out. The control unit of the video game machine 44 determines the superiority or inferiority based on the parameters of the cards 41 based on the program and plays the game. The winning / losing result is displayed on the television screen.

  Next, a technique for changing the progress of the game using the figure by operating the figure on the pedestal will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 39, an IR filter is provided on the stage on the upper surface of the pedestal, and a glass plate is provided thereon.

  The player plays a game by placing a figure owned by the player on the glass plate.

  A sensor unit 12 as an optical reading unit is provided inside the pedestal. However, since these configurations are as shown in FIGS.

  Note that a determination program for causing the control circuit 23 or the central control unit (MPU) 26 to function as a determination unit is stored in the SRAM 21, the EEPROM 22 of the sensor unit 12, or the flash memory 27 on the audio circuit side. This determination program is for determining the movement of the figure on the stage surface. For example, the figure is tapped on the stage surface (an operation that repeats separation and contact from the stage surface), and sliding (moves on the stage surface). Operation), scratch (operation to reciprocate linearly in a narrow range on the stage surface) and the like are detected based on a change in the read signal from the sensor.

  FIG. 33A is an explanatory view showing a state where the figure is continuously hit on the stage surface of the pedestal, and FIG. 33B shows an image taken by the sensor (optical reading means).

  The determination program recognizes that the figure is continuously tapped on the stage surface when the field of view of the image captured by the sensor repeats the bright and dark state at predetermined intervals as shown in FIG.

  That is, the left figure of FIG. 33 (b) is a captured image in a state where the bottom of the figure is installed on the stage surface, and the right figure is a state where the bottom surface of the figure is separated (floating) from the stage surface. It is a picked-up image.

  As described above, in the case of the tapping operation, the determination program (determination unit) only needs to detect the change in brightness of the image captured by the sensor. In the state of the left diagram in FIG. There is no need to read the dot pattern.

  When detecting the tapping operation, the figure is temporarily placed on the stage. At this time, the sensor reads the dot pattern formed on the bottom surface of the figure, and the figure ID that the dot pattern means is detected. Etc. may be read.

  Thereafter, since the determination program (determination unit) only needs to detect a change in brightness of the captured image obtained from the sensor, the tapping operation can be identified efficiently and reliably.

  FIG. 34 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the figure is tilted on the stage surface. FIGS. 35A and 35B show the direction in which the figure is tilted and the captured image at that time.

When the figure is tilted on the stage surface, the portion near the stage surface in the imaging field is bright and the portion away from the stage surface is dark. Using this characteristic, the determination program detects the direction in which the figure is tilted by analyzing the image obtained from the sensor.
For example, when viewing the stage surface in the field in a role playing game or the like and changing the scenery displayed on the display device according to the direction of the figure, the display can be changed in accordance with the operation of the figure as follows.

  For example, when the figure is tilted to tilt forward (tilde down), the lower side of the field may be displayed with the viewpoint viewed from the figure downward.

  In addition, when the figure is tilted backward (tilde up), the upper side of the field may be displayed with the viewpoint viewed from the figure upward.

  Similarly, if the figure is tilted to the right, the viewpoint seen from the figure is moved to the right. If the figure is tilted to the left, the viewpoint seen from the figure is moved to the left. Good.

  The change in the output information (here, the image information) when the figure is tilted is not limited to the above, and any change may be made.

  For example, in the case of a shooting game, the figure may be used as an operation lever to avoid a missile attack from an enemy from side to side.

  FIG. 36 shows the locus of dots on the captured image when the figure is rotated with the direction kept constant on the stage surface.

  The output information can be changed by an operation (grid sliding) of moving the figure along the stage surface.

  FIG. 36 (a) illustrates the movement of the figure on the stage surface at this time, and FIG. 36 (b) illustrates the afterimage trajectory of the corresponding dot pattern. An image focusing on the locus is (c).

  In other words, the determination program moves the figure on the stage surface as shown in FIG. 5A when the locus of the linear afterimage having the start point and the end point changes as shown in FIG. Identify what is being done.

  Thus, by rotating the figure on the stage surface, it is possible to change the attribute values such as the physical strength, intelligence, and magic power of the character defined in the figure and to input a command.

  FIG. 37 shows the locus of dots on a captured image when the figure is reciprocated (scratched) at a short distance in the front-rear or left-right direction while keeping the direction constant on the stage surface.

  FIG. 37 (a) illustrates the movement of the figure on the stage surface at this time, and FIG. 37 (b) illustrates the locus of the afterimage of the dot pattern corresponding thereto.

  That is, the determination program determines that the figure is scratched in the front-rear direction on the stage surface when the locus of the linear afterimage having the start point and the end point changes as shown in FIG. Identify.

  By scratching the figure on the stage surface in this way, it is possible to change the attribute values and parameters such as the physical strength, intelligence, and magic power of the character defined in the figure and to input a command.

  The attribute values and parameters may be further changed by detecting the number, speed, duration, etc. of the scratch operation.

  FIG. 38 shows the locus of dots when rotated in a frame shape around the axis of the figure main body on the stage surface.

  FIG. 38 (a) illustrates the movement of the figure on the stage surface at this time, and FIG. 38 (b) illustrates the locus of the afterimage of the dot pattern corresponding thereto.

  That is, the determination program identifies that the figure has rotated right or left on the stage surface when the locus of the linear afterimage having the start point and the end point changes as shown in FIG. .

  In this way, by rotating the figure on the stage surface like a frame, it is possible to change the attribute values and parameters of the character defined in the figure, such as physical strength, intelligence, and magic power, and to input commands. it can.

  The attribute values and parameters may be further changed by detecting the number of rotations, speed, duration, etc.

  Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment.

  For example, the pedestal has been described assuming a portable type such as a clock, but it may be a large pedestal installed in a game center or the like.

  In addition, a camera as an imaging unit attached to the pedestal may be configured such that a single or a small number of cameras are arranged so as to face the back surface of the stage so that almost the entire back surface of the stage can be imaged (FIG. 39 (a ) And (b)).

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 39 (b), the infrared LED as the irradiation means for irradiating light is arranged inside the side wall of the pedestal so as not to interfere with the reading light of the camera. Can do.

  In this way, almost the entire back surface of the stage can be imaged with a single camera or a small number of cameras, so that the dot pattern at the bottom of the figure can be reliably read even if the figure is freely arranged on the stage surface. Is possible.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 40, the stage may be provided with a plurality of reading holes for each stage, and a figure is placed on each of the reading holes. In this case, a monitor (display device) is disposed on the opposite side of the stage where the player is located, and the game may be advanced by the video displayed on the monitor.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 41, a single camera (optical reading means) may be arranged in each pedestal, and the entire stage surface may be imaged by this camera. In this way, the figure can be freely arranged on the stage surface.

  The present invention provides an alarm clock whose utterance is an alarm by a character, a sound reproducing device corresponding to a figure in which a dot pattern is formed, a game device using a card in which a dot pattern is formed, and a personal computer or game machine. Applicable to input devices.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Clock 2 Figure 3 Base 4 Figure body 5 Figure stage 6 Stage 7 Liquid crystal display part 8 Alarm setting button 9 M button 10 H button 11 Sensor switch 12 Sensor unit 13 Audio circuit 14 Volume circuit 15 Switch panel 16 LCD unit 17 Snooze switch 18 Amplifier 19 Speaker 20 Reset circuit 21 SRAM
22 EEPROM
23 Control circuit 24 IR-LED
25 Interface 26 Central Controller 27 Flash Memory 28 A / D Converter 29 Seal 30 Dot Pattern 31 Key Dot 32 Information Dot 33 Grid Dot 34 Miniature (Figure Object)
35 Reading hole 36 LED for irradiation
37 pedestal input device 38 computer 39 game machine 40 pedestal 41 card 42 liquid crystal screen 43 video game machine 44 television

Claims (2)

An object on which a dot pattern defining XY coordinates and / or code information is formed at least on the bottom;
A stage for the mounting object is placed, an optical reading means for reading the dot pattern, and a control means for analyzing the read dot pattern, multimedia information corresponding to the reading result, program and / or game parameters, etc. A pedestal comprising: storage means for storing information; and output means for outputting output information such as multimedia information, programs and / or game parameters read from the storage means by the control means;
An information reproducing apparatus comprising:
The pedestal is irradiated with a single or a small number of optical reading means for imaging the entire bottom surface of the above-mentioned object from the back surface side of the stage surface opposite to the surface on which the object is placed, and the back surface of the stage. An information reproducing apparatus having an irradiating means.   The information reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the figurine is a figure or a card.

Images