BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to an electronic toy (including adult “toys” and “playthings”, and domestic robots) that performs control so as to move arbitrarily in accordance with external sound and contact.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Stuffed animals of dogs, cats, bears and so on have been widely used as animal toys from the past. Further, there are animal toys structured by housing a motor and speaker inside the body of a stuffed animal or a synthetic resin body in the shape of an animal, and, for example, by contacting and pressing the head portion, such animal toy would perform prescribed movements such as moving its legs or mouth, as well as generate a prescribed cry.

[0005] With this type of animal toy, since it repeats the same movement and also repeatedly generates the same cry, the user often loses interest quickly.

[0006] Contrarily, if the movement is selected randomly, the movement expected by the user will not occur, and, again, the user may lose interest soon.

[0007] In view of such conventional animal toys, development of electronic toys equipped with a microcomputer for controlling various movements so as to keep the interest of users is being promoted.

[0008] As such electronic toy, there are those which are structured to make a certain movement (e.g., generating words stored beforehand from the speaker, making a movement of swaying its body) pursuant to the command of the microcomputer when the user, for example, pats the head of the electronic toy, lifts it up, or speaks to it. Moreover, with this type of electronic toy, the number of times the head was patted, the number of times it was lifted up, and the number of times it was spoken to are counted, and, for example, the electronic toy is controlled such that the words generated from the speaker gradually change to adorable phrasing pursuant to the increase in the count value.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In the aforementioned conventional electronic toy, since the user would play with such toy after he/she turns on the power, it does not move by automatically selecting a movement in correspondence with the existence of the user (person). Further, the electronic toy itself does not determine the movement by judging the surrounding circumstances. When envisioning an electronic toy for seeking communication with the user, it is desirable that the electronic toy automatically makes movement in correspondence with the user from its activation.

[0010] Thus, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic toy that is automatically activated when the user exists nearby.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic toy having elements for seeking communication with the user.

[0012] In order to achieve the foregoing objects, the electronic toy (i.e., domestic robot) of the present invention is an electronic toy controlled so as to react to external information, comprising: a movement mechanism structuring the mechanical movement of the toy; an input means for obtaining external information; a distinction means for distinguishing whether an object body exists in the periphery; and a control means for selecting, among a plurality of control parameters, a control parameter for controlling the movement mechanism in correspondence with the external information based on the distinction result, and controlling the movement of the movement mechanism.

[0013] According to the aforementioned structure, obtained is an electronic toy that will move in correspondence with external information when a person or the like (object body) exists in the periphery. It is thereby possible for the electronic toy side to communicate to the user. This is also effective for conserving batteries (power source).

[0014] Preferably, the electronic toy further comprises an information display means for externally displaying information, and wherein the control means further selects, among a plurality of control parameters, a control parameter for controlling the information display means in correspondence with the external information, and controls the operation of the information display means.

[0015] Obtained thereby is an electronic toy capable of reacting in correspondence with external information pursuant to the mechanism movement and visual display.

[0016] Preferably, the electronic toy further comprises a sound generation means for externally outputting sound, and wherein the control means further selects, among a plurality of control parameters, a control parameter for controlling the sound generation means in correspondence with the external information, and controls the operation of the sound generation means.

[0017] Obtained thereby is an electronic toy capable of reacting in correspondence with external information pursuant to the mechanism movement, visual display, and sound output.

[0018] Preferably, the electronic toy further comprises: a means for calculating the lifestyle rhythm of a specific person; and an event detection means for detecting the occurrence of an event during such lifestyle rhythm; wherein the control means further selects the control parameter of at least the movement mechanism, the information display means and the sound generation means in correspondence with the event.

[0019] According to the foregoing structure, obtained is an electronic toy which makes communication in correspondence with the lifestyle rhythm (e.g., biorhythm) of the user.

[0020] Preferably, the electronic toy further comprises: a clock means for detecting the present time; and a detection means for detecting the occurrence of an event planned on a time base in advance; wherein the control means further selects the control parameter of at least the movement mechanism, the information display means and the sound generation means in correspondence with the event.

[0021] According to the foregoing structure, obtained is an electronic toy which makes communication in correspondence with the temporal lifestyle activity pattern of the user.

[0022] Preferably, the distinction means detects peripheral sound and/or movement.

[0023] Preferably, the distinction means detects peripheral sound and/or brightness.

[0024] Preferably, the distinction means comprises a microphone for collecting sound and/or a camera for photographing the periphery.

[0025] According to the foregoing structure, it is possible to sense that the user is near the electronic toy by detecting the peripheral sound or brightness, existence of a moving body, or the like.

[0026] Preferably, the movement mechanism is structured in the shape of a humanoid robot, and the movement thereof is controlled so as to express at least one of a human emotion of “delight”, “anger”, “sorrow” and “pleasure”.

[0027] Preferably, the control means selects the control parameter for a predetermined solo play operation when it is judged that a person does not exist in the periphery. The operation of a solo play is activated irrespective of the input made by the user, and, for example, includes the display of a solo play game on the display unit of the electronic toy.

[0028] Preferably, the electronic toy is in the shape of a human, and the information display means is provided to a part corresponding to the face and displays expressions of the face and symbols such as text.

[0029] Preferably, the electronic toy further comprises a storage means for recording the voice of a person. This will enable voice memos and impersonation (voice imitation).

[0030] Preferably, the input means includes at least one of a touch sensor, microphone, light sensor, camera, ∘× switch and condition sensor.

[0031] Preferably, the electronic toy further comprises a means for detecting the output of a battery, which is the source of power of the movement mechanism; and wherein the control means further generates a warning with the information display means for externally displaying information or the sound generation means for externally outputting sound when the output of the battery becomes weak.

[0032] Further, the electronic toy of the present invention is an electronic toy controlled so as to react to external information, comprising: a human-shaped structure; a control means for controlling the movement of the structure in correspondence with external information; a miniature camera provided to the structure and for photographing the external situation; and a communication means for externally transmitting the photographed image.

[0033] According to the foregoing structure, it is possible to comprehend the peripheral situation as image data, and grasp the existence of the user (person) from the movement of the subject.

[0034] As the communication means, for example, infrared (IR) communication, PHS, mobile phone, wired communication, general telephone circuits and so on may be used.

[0035] Moreover, the electronic toy of the present invention comprises: a basic frame disposed at the torso portion of the human-shaped toy; first and second sub-frames respectively provided at both sides of the basic frame and rotatably mounted on the basic frame; first and second rotational axes respectively provided to the first and second sub-frames; a cam mechanism provide to a third rotational axis driven by a first motor; a link for connecting the cam mechanism between the first and second sub-frames and oscillating both sub-frames; a gear mechanism driven by a second motor; and a transmission mechanism disposed across the basic frame and between the first and second sub-frames and for transmitting the output of the gear mechanism to the first and second rotational axes.

[0036] According to the foregoing structure, the shoulder, arm and wrist become movable, and simulated humanlike movement can be represented.

[0037] Preferably, the transmission mechanism is structured of a gear train formed of a plurality of gears, and each of the gears on both ends are respectively disposed in the first and second sub-frames and respectively engage with the first and second rotational axes via a bevel gear.

[0038] According to the foregoing structure, the arm can be rotated simultaneously together with the rotation of the shoulder.

[0039] Preferably, a first clutch mechanism for protecting the member from an overload is provided between the first motor and third rotational axis.

[0040] Preferably, a second clutch mechanism for protecting the member from an overload is provided to the gear mechanism.

[0041] Further, the electronic toy of the present invention is an electronic toy in the shape of a human or an animal comprising a display unit at a face-corresponding portion of the head portion capable of displaying text and symbols, and which is structured such that the information input pursuant to the operation of the input unit, which is formed of a plurality of input switches provided on the body, can be visually confirmed with the display unit provided on the face-corresponding portion.

[0042] Moreover, the electronic toy of the present invention is an electronic toy in the shape of a human or an animal having a head portion and a torso portion and comprising a display unit at a face-corresponding portion of the head portion capable of displaying text and symbols, an input unit formed of a plurality of input switches is provided to the torso portion, and which is structured such that the operation results of the input unit can be visually confirmed with the display unit provided on the face-corresponding portion.

[0043] Further, the electronic robot of the present invention is an electronic robot in the shape of a human or an animal comprising a display unit at a face-corresponding portion of the head portion capable of displaying text and symbols, and which is structured such that the information input by the operator operating the input unit provided to the body of the robot can be visually confirmed with the display unit provided on the face-corresponding portion.

[0044] Moreover, the electronic robot of the present invention is an electronic robot in the shape of a human or an animal comprising a display unit at a face-corresponding portion of the head capable of displaying text and symbols, and which is structured such that the information input by the operator operating the input unit provided to the body of the robot is displayed on the display unit provided on the face-corresponding portion so as to form the expression of the robot.

[0045] Preferably, an emotion parameter is included in the control parameter, and the emotion parameter is represented as the biorhythm of a specific person or the biorhythm of the robot. Expressions based on the emotions of the robot itself are thereby realized.

[0046] Preferably, the emotion parameter is affected by the occurrence of an event. Emotions thereby change on a case-by-case basis pursuant to the situation.

[0047] Preferably, the response to a question inquired by the electronic toy to the user is included in the event. Emotions can be changed depending on the response to the question.

[0048] Preferably, defined beforehand in the question are changes in the emotion parameter against the anticipated response to the question. Influence on the respective responses to the question may thereby be made to differ.

[0049] Preferably, the control unit further selects the information to be externally displayed and/or selects the sound to be externally output based on the emotion parameter. Obtained thereby is information and sound to be externally output based on emotions.

[0050] Preferably, the control means further stores the response to the question, and forms a standard sentence by using data relating to the response. That is, the response results are used (reflected) in the control.

[0051] Further, the electronic toy of the present invention is an electronic toy in the shape of a human or an animal, comprising: a display unit capable of displaying text and symbols on the face-corresponding portion of the head or torso-corresponding portion; an input means provided on the body for performing input operations; a storage means for storing a plurality of words; and a control means having a function for outputting emotion parameter values representing self emotions, and which selects the words based on the emotion parameter value and displays the words on the display unit.

[0052] According to the foregoing structure, it is possible to output words based on the emotions of the robot.

[0053] Moreover, the electronic toy of the present invention is an electronic toy in the shape of a human or an animal, comprising: a vocalization means for outputting sound data as a voice; an input means provided to the body for performing input operations; storage means for storing a plurality of sound data; and a control means having a function for outputting emotion parameter values representing self emotions, and which selects the sound data based on the emotion parameter value and makes the vocalization means vocalize the sound data.

[0054] According to the foregoing structure, it is possible to output words based on the emotions of the robot.

[0055] Further, the electronic toy of the present invention is an electronic toy in the shape of a human or an animal, comprising: a display unit capable of displaying text and symbols on the face-corresponding portion of the head or torso-corresponding portion; a vocalization means for outputting sound data as a voice; an input means provided on the body for performing input operations; a storage means for storing a plurality of words and a plurality of sound data; and a control means having a function for outputting emotion parameter values representing self emotions, and which selects the words and the sound data based on the emotion parameter value and supplies the words and the sound data to the display unit and the vocalization means, respectively.

[0056] According to the foregoing structure, it is possible to output words and sound based on the emotions of the robot.

[0057] Preferably, the emotion parameter value temporally changes between the maximum value and minimum value.

[0058] Preferably, the control means further inquires questions with text or sound, and changes the value of the emotion parameter in accordance with the input operation in response thereto. The emotion of the electronic toy will thereby change depending on the user's response to the question.

[0059] Preferably, a plurality of questions are stored in advance, and changes in the emotion parameter are defined against the anticipated response to the respective questions. This is amusing in that the degree of change in the emotion per question will differ.

[0060] Preferably, a plurality of questions are stored in advance, and the degree of intimacy between the electronic toy and user is defined against the anticipated response to the respective questions.

[0061] Preferably, the control means further stores the response to the question, and forms a standard sentence by using data relating to the response.

[0062] Preferably, the control unit further accumulates the degree of intimacy obtained pursuant to the respective questions and, when this exceeds a prescribed value, supplies data for expressing a specific emotion to the display unit and/or the vocalization means. The electronic toy is thereby able to make affectionate expressions to its user.

[0063] Preferably, the aforementioned questions include questions that will affect and questions that will not affect the emotion parameter.

[0064] Preferably, a plurality zones are defined in advance between the maximum value and minimum value of the emotion parameter and the words and the voice data are distributed in the respective zones, and wherein the control means selects words and sound data of the corresponding zone depending on to which zone the current emotion parameter value belongs.

[0065] Preferably, the control means, in a special zone, further selects the control for performing a special movement accompanying the mechanical movement of the components structuring the human shape or animal shape. The overall movement will have a large impact on the user.

[0066] Preferably, the control means further comprises an exhibition mode for changing the emotion parameter value between the maximum value and minimum value thereof in short cycles. The characteristics of the electronic toy in the show window can thereby be introduced in a short period of time.

[0067] Preferably, the electronic toy further comprises a connection means for connecting the electronic toy to a network, and wherein at least one of the words and sound data is downloaded to the storage means from a server device connected to the network. Data of words and sound as well as control data can thereby be updated.

[0068] Preferably, the downloaded words and sound data are current affair terms. This is amusing in that the electronic toy will be contemporary.

[0069] Preferably, downloaded words and sound data are terms corresponding to the characteristics of the user. Words befitting the user can thereby be selected.

[0070] Preferably, the electronic toy further comprises a connection means for connecting two electronic toys, and wherein at least one of the words and sound data stored in the connected electronic toy of the opponent is received by the storage means. Data exchange between toys is thereby possible.

[0071] Preferably, the connection means includes at least one of a communication cable, PHS, mobile telephone and personal computer.

[0072] Preferably, text data is exchanged between the electronic toys, and simulated conversation is conducted by incorporating the exchanged data in standard sentences. It is thereby possible to make it look like the electronic toys are having a conversation.

[0073] Moreover, the electronic toy of the present invention is an electronic toy in the shape of a human or an animal, comprising: a sound detection means for detecting peripheral sound; a display unit capable of displaying text and symbols on the face-corresponding portion of the head or torso-corresponding portion; a storage means for storing a plurality of expressions; and a control means having a function for outputting emotion parameter values representing self emotions, and which selects the expression based on the emotion parameter value and displays the expression on the display unit, and sets the emotion parameter to an unpleasant state when the sound exceeds a prescribed level and continues beyond a prescribed time.

[0074] According to the foregoing structure, reluctant expressions and gestures are made if a loud sound is continuously provided to the electronic toy.

[0075] Further, the electronic toy of the present invention is an electronic toy in the shape of a human or an animal, comprising: a display unit capable of displaying text and symbols on the face-corresponding portion of the head or torso-corresponding portion; a storage means for storing a plurality of expressions; an input means provided on the body for performing input operations; and a control means having a function for outputting emotion parameter values representing self emotions, and which selects the expression based on the emotion parameter value and displays the expression on the display unit, and selects an expression corresponding to the emotion parameter when the input means is continuously operated for a prescribed time or a prescribed number of times.

[0076] According to the foregoing structure, when pounding or patting the electronic toy, expressions and movements corresponding to the emotion at such time can be expected.

[0077] Preferably, an expression of anger is displayed on the display unit during the unpleasant state.

[0078] Preferably, the expression selected in correspondence with the continuous operation is a painful expression upon being pounded, or a delightful expression upon being patted.

[0079] Moreover, the electronic toy of the present invention is an electronic toy in the shape of a human or an animal, comprising: a display unit capable of displaying text and symbols on the face-corresponding portion of the head or torso-corresponding portion; a storage means for storing a plurality of expressions; a light sensor for detecting the peripheral brightness; and a control means for selecting an expression corresponding to the self emotion and selecting the expression of closing the eyes when the light sensor detects a dark state beyond a prescribed time.

[0080] According to the foregoing structure, the state of falling asleep can be represented.

[0081] Preferably, the control means further moves the mechanical components structuring the human shape or animal shape so as to express a reluctant expression of going to sleep.

[0082] Preferably, the initial value of the function for outputting the emotion parameter value expressing the emotions is set randomly.

[0083] According to the foregoing structure, the state of commencing movement in the respective electronic toys will differ. This is amusing in that the each electronic toy will be individualized.

[0084] The electronic toy of the present invention is an electronic toy in the shape of a human or an animal, comprising: a display unit capable of displaying text and symbols on the face-corresponding portion of the head or torso-corresponding portion; movably structured mechanical components structuring a human shape or an animal shape; and a control unit for distinguishing the message and control information from a file attached to an e-mail, displaying the message on the display unit, and moving the mechanical components in correspondence with the control information.

[0085] Preferably, the attachment file is a sound file.

[0086] Preferably, the sound file is reproduced as a sound signal by a computer, and the sound signal is supplied to the control unit.

[0087] Preferably, the control information designates the movement stored beforehand in the control unit.

[0088] Preferably, the control information designates to the control unit a series of control procedures of the mechanical components.

[0089] Preferably, when the control information is not attached, the control unit selects adequate movement of the mechanical components.

[0090] Preferably, the control information expresses emotions such as delight, anger, sorrow and pleasure of the robot.

[0091] The e-mail method of the present invention comprises: a step of converting the input message to be displayed on the electronic toy of the receiving side and the movement to be made by the electronic toy into a sound signal; a step of converting the sound signal into a sound file and making this an attachment file of an e-mail; a step of transmitting the e-mail with the sound attachment file from the terminal device of the transmitting side to the terminal device of the receiving side; a step of forwarding the reproduced sound signal from the terminal device of the receiving side to the electronic toy; and a step of making the electronic toy display the message and perform the movement.

[0092] The electronic toy of the present invention is an electronic toy in the shape of a human or an animal, comprising: a leg structure structuring a pair of movable legs in the shape of a human or an animal; and a control unit for controlling the movement of the legs in correspondence with sound to be output.

[0093] Preferably, the control unit sets the speed of movement of the legs in correspondence with the volume of the sound and rhythm.

[0094] Preferably, the movement of the pair of legs is a movement of opening/closing the legs in the horizontal direction.

[0095] Preferably, a slide prevention means is provided to the sole of one of the legs, and sliding means is provided to the sole of the other of the legs.

[0096] Preferably, the leg structure comprises: a waist portion frame provided with a pair of hip joint portions rotatable at least in one direction; a pair of leg portions respectively connected to the pair of hip joint portions; a pair of drive shafts in which one end portion thereof is mounted on the leg portion and the other end portion thereof extends inside the waist portion frame beyond the hip joint portion of the leg portion; a link member for mutually connecting the respective other end portions of the respective drive shafts; a cam mechanism interjacent between the other end portion of at least one of the drive shafts and the link member, and for changing the respective one end portions of the drive shafts to become wide or narrow; and a motor built in one of the leg portions and for rotatably driving one of drive shafts.

[0097] Preferably, the other end portion of the drive shaft and the link member, or the cam and the link member, are connected via a spherical engagement member.

[0098] Preferably, the electronic toy further comprises a sliding means provided on one end portion of the other drive shaft among the pair of drive shafts so as to slide on the ground surface or floor surface.

[0099] Preferably, the other of the leg portions comprises an above-knee portion connected rotatably in the cross direction to the hip joint portion, a below-knee portion connected rotatably in the cross direction with the above-knee portion, and a ground portion connected rotatably in the horizontal direction with one end portion of the other drive shaft among the pair of drive shafts; and wherein the electronic toy has a structure in which a protrusion is formed at the lower face of the below-knee portion, an inclined face to which the protrusion contacts is formed on the upper face of the ground portion, the protrusion is pushed up pursuant to the opening/closing movement of the leg portions, and the connection of the above-knee portion and the below-knee portion bends thereby.

[0100] Preferably, the sliding means is a roller.

[0101] Preferably, the degree of opening/closing of the pair of legs is adjustable pursuant to the position in which the engagement member is mounted on the cam mechanism.

[0102] The electronic toy of the present invention is an electronic toy comprising a walking mechanism for performing bipedal locomotion by moving both legs back and forth, wherein the movement mechanism of one leg comprises: a waist portion frame; an above-knee portion connected rotatably to the waist portion frame; a below-knee portion connected rotatably to the above-knee portion; a ground portion connected rotatably to the below-knee portion; a rotatably driven cam pulley provided to the waist portion frame; a first cam provided to the cam pulley; a second cam provided to the cam pulley; a long member for vertically oscillating the ground portion with the first cam; and a short member for oscillating the below-knee portion with the second cam. in the cross direction.

[0103] According to the foregoing structure, it is possible to lift and move the tip (toe) or back end (heel) of the ground portion (feet) in an appropriate angle upon moving both feet alternatively and advancing forward or retreating backward.

[0104] Further, the electronic toy of the present invention is an electronic toy comprising a walking mechanism for performing bipedal locomotion by moving both legs back and forth, wherein the movement mechanism of one leg comprises: a waist portion frame; an above-knee portion connected rotatably to the waist portion frame; a below-knee portion connected rotatably to the above-knee portion; a ground portion connected rotatably to the below-knee portion; a rotatably driven cam provided to the waist portion frame; a long member for vertically oscillating the ground portion with the cam; and a short member for oscillating the below-knee portion with the cam in the cross direction.

[0105] According to the foregoing structure, it is possible to lift and move the tip (toe) or back end (heel) of the ground portion (feet) in an even larger angle upon moving both feet alternatively and advancing forward or retreating backward.

[0106] Preferably, the long member comprises a guide hole to be engaged with a guide member and a pushdown plate in contact with the cam. The pushdown plate pushes down the ground portion and sets the upper limit of the long member. It is thereby possible to prevent a larger inclination and excess lifting of the ground portion.

[0107] Preferably, the electronic toy further comprises an energization means for energizing the tip of the ground portion in the pushdown direction.

[0108] Preferably, the size of the electronic toy is approximately 30 cm.

[0109] Preferably, an oblique direction drive means is provided to the ground portion for driving the electronic toy in an oblique direction against the advancing direction by the bipedal locomotion mechanism.

[0110] Preferably, the oblique direction drive means is structured by comprising a rotatably driven drive roller or drive belt.

[0111] Preferably, a plurality of driver rollers or drive belts are provided.

[0112] Preferably, the oblique direction drive means is respectively provided to the respective ground portions of both legs, and the respective drive directions of each of the oblique direction drive means exist on the circumference of an approximate curvature.

[0113] Preferably, the oblique direction drive means is provided at the toe side of the ground portion, and a sliding roller is provided at the heel side of the ground portion.

[0114] The present invention is an electronic toy comprising a walking mechanism for performing bipedal locomotion by moving both legs back and forth, and is provided with an oblique direction drive mechanism for driving the electronic toy in an oblique direction against the advancing direction by the bipedal locomotion mechanism.

[0115] Preferably, the oblique direction drive mechanism is structured by comprising a rotatably driven drive roller or drive belt.

[0116] Preferably, a plurality of driver rollers or drive belts are provided.

[0117] Preferably, the oblique direction drive mechanism is respectively provided to the respective sole portions of both feet, and the respective drive directions of each of the oblique direction drive means exist on the circumference of an approximate curvature.

[0118] Preferably, the oblique direction drive mechanism is provided at the toe side of the sole portion of the feet, and a sliding roller is provided at the heel side of the sole portion of the feet.