US20010036859A1 - Breeding simulation apparatus for virtual creatures - Google Patents
Breeding simulation apparatus for virtual creaturesDownload PDFInfo
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- US20010036859A1 US20010036859A1US09/767,012US76701201AUS2001036859A1US 20010036859 A1US20010036859 A1US 20010036859A1US 76701201 AUS76701201 AUS 76701201AUS 2001036859 A1US2001036859 A1US 2001036859A1
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
- G06N—COMPUTING ARRANGEMENTS BASED ON SPECIFIC COMPUTATIONAL MODELS
- G06N3/00—Computing arrangements based on biological models
- G06N3/004—Artificial life, i.e. computing arrangements simulating life
- G06N3/006—Artificial life, i.e. computing arrangements simulating life based on simulated virtual individual or collective life forms, e.g. social simulations or particle swarm optimisation [PSO]
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/40—Processing input control signals of video game devices, e.g. signals generated by the player or derived from the environment
- A63F13/44—Processing input control signals of video game devices, e.g. signals generated by the player or derived from the environment involving timing of operations, e.g. performing an action within a time slot
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/55—Controlling game characters or game objects based on the game progress
- A63F13/58—Controlling game characters or game objects based on the game progress by computing conditions of game characters, e.g. stamina, strength, motivation or energy level
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/80—Special adaptations for executing a specific game genre or game mode
- A63F13/825—Fostering virtual characters
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/80—Special adaptations for executing a specific game genre or game mode
- A63F13/833—Hand-to-hand fighting, e.g. martial arts competition
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/90—Constructional details or arrangements of video game devices not provided for in groups A63F13/20 or A63F13/25, e.g. housing, wiring, connections or cabinets
- A63F13/92—Video game devices specially adapted to be hand-held while playing
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
- G06N—COMPUTING ARRANGEMENTS BASED ON SPECIFIC COMPUTATIONAL MODELS
- G06N20/00—Machine learning
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
- G09B5/00—Electrically-operated educational appliances
- G09B5/06—Electrically-operated educational appliances with both visual and audible presentation of the material to be studied
- G09B5/065—Combinations of audio and video presentations, e.g. videotapes, videodiscs, television systems
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
- A63F2300/20—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterised by details of the game platform
- A63F2300/204—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterised by details of the game platform the platform being a handheld device
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
- A63F2300/60—Methods for processing data by generating or executing the game program
- A63F2300/63—Methods for processing data by generating or executing the game program for controlling the execution of the game in time
- A63F2300/638—Methods for processing data by generating or executing the game program for controlling the execution of the game in time according to the timing of operation or a time limit
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
- A63F2300/60—Methods for processing data by generating or executing the game program
- A63F2300/65—Methods for processing data by generating or executing the game program for computing the condition of a game character
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
- A63F2300/80—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game specially adapted for executing a specific type of game
- A63F2300/8029—Fighting without shooting
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
- A63F2300/80—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game specially adapted for executing a specific type of game
- A63F2300/8058—Virtual breeding, e.g. tamagotchi
Definitions
- the present inventionrelates to a simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature by performing a treatment in respect of a call from the virtual creature, or even if there is no call or request from the virtual creature, by a player voluntarily taking care of the virtual creature.
- a light emitting element and a light receiving elementare installed to a main body of an apparatus and infrared ray emitted from the light emitting element is reflected by hand or the like and received by the light receiving element by noncontact operation of a user (player). Further, data of a plurality of patterns of dog characters and biorhythms of dog characters are stored in a memory and accordingly, data of the dog characters in correspondence with a number of times of the noncontact operation and a biorhythm of the day are selectively read from the memory and are displayed. Thereby, a character image in correspondence with physical condition of the dog character can be selectively displayed.
- a light emitting element and a light receiving elementare installed to a main body of an apparatus and infrared ray from the light emitting element is reflected by hand or the like and received by the light receiving element by noncontact operation of a user by which a noncontact operation distance is detected.
- a plurality of kinds of dog character data where motion of a dog is changedsuch as a looking-back dog or a paw-raising dog or the like and effective sound data are stored in a memory and accordingly, the dog character data are selectively read and displayed in correspondence with the noncontact operation distance and the effective sound thereof is emitted from a speaker. In this way, the character image in compliance with a gesticular order by the hand of the user can selectively displayed.
- the present inventionhas been devised in view of the above drawbacks and it is an object of the present invention to provide a simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature where a player responds to call or request from a virtual creature in a screen and conducts treatment in correspondence thereto, or even if there is no call or request from the virtual creature, a player voluntarily takes care of the virtual creature, by which the virtual creature is disciplined or the virtual creature is grown while performing a training thereby breeding the virtual creature.
- a simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creaturewhere the following conditions are provided to achieve the above-described object.
- the present inventionis constituted by:
- control unitis provided with a setting means for setting 1 or more of growth stages in accordance with growth of the virtual creature;
- the storing unitstores a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures having at least different appearances in respect of each of the growth stages;
- control unitis provided with determining means for determining the contents of the treatments in respect of breeding the virtual creature in the growth procedure until then when virtual creature reaches one of the growth stages;
- control unitis provided with selecting means for selecting one virtual creature from the plurality of kinds of virtual creatures stored based on a result of determination by the determining means;
- control meansis provided with changing means for changing the virtual creature which has reached one of the growth stages to the selected virtual creature.
- a simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creaturewhere the following conditions are added to the above-described first aspect of the present invention.
- the present inventionfurther includes the following conditions:
- the storing unitstores a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures having different appearances and personalities at each of the growth stages;
- the inputting meansis provided with a means for taking care of the virtual creature with the content necessary for growing the virtual creature and a means for conducting a discipline;
- the determining meansdetermines a degree of care and a degree of discipline.
- a simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creaturehaving the following conditions.
- the present inventioncomprises:
- control unitis provided with setting means for setting 1 or more of growth stages in accordance with growth of the virtual creature;
- the storing unitstores a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures having at least different appearances at each of the growth stages
- control unitis provided with determining means for determining the contents of the treatments in respect of breeding the virtual creature in a growth procedure until then when the virtual creature reaches one of the growth stages;
- control unitis provided with selecting means for selecting one virtual creature from the plurality of kinds of stored virtual creatures based on a result of determination by the determining means;
- control unitis provided with changing means for changing the virtual creature which has reached the one of the growth stages into a selected virtual creature;
- control unitis provided with win or lose determining means for determining win or lose of the war.
- a simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creaturehaving the following conditions in addition to the conditions of the above-described fourth aspect. That is, the present invention further includes the following conditions:
- the storing unitstores a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures having different appearances and powers at each of the growth stages;
- the inputting meansis provided with a means for taking care of the virtual creature with the content necessary for growing virtual creature and a means for conducting a training with the content necessary for promoting the power;
- the determining meansdetermines a degree of the care and a degree of the training.
- FIG. 1is a block diagram of essential portions of a simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature according to the present invention
- FIG. 2is a plane view of a simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature according to the present invention.
- FIG. 3is an explanatory view showing an example of a liquid crystal screen of a display unit in FIG. 2;
- FIG. 4is a circuit diagram of the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 5is a flowchart showing a main control treatment in the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 6is a flowchart showing a control treatment of a second growth stage in the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 7is a flowchart showing the control treatment of the second growth stage in the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 8is a flowchart showing the control treatment of the second growth stage in the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 9is a flowchart showing the control treatment of the second growth stage in the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 10is an explanatory view showing input reception times in the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 11is an explanatory view showing branches of character images in the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 12is a block diagram of essential portions of a simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature according to other embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 13is a plane view of the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature illustrated by FIG. 12;
- FIG. 14is an explanatory view of a display unit of the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature illustrated by FIG. 12;
- FIG. 15is a circuit diagram of the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature illustrated by FIG. 12;
- FIG. 16is a flowchart showing a main control treatment in the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature illustrated by FIG. 12;
- FIG. 17is a flowchart showing a warring treatment in the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature illustrated by FIG. 12;
- FIG. 18is an explanatory view showing branches of character images in the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature illustrated by FIG. 12;
- FIG. 19is an explanatory view in a warring operation in the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature illustrated by FIG. 12.
- a simulation apparatus 1 for breeding a virtual creatureincludes mark display units 17 and 19 each for displaying a plurality of kinds of treatments in respect of breeding a virtual creature individually by marks.
- a plurality of marks of a food mark 17 a , an illumination mark 17 b , a game mark 17 c and an injection mark 17 dare displayed in the mark display unit 17 .
- a plurality of marks of a rest room mark 19 a , a check meter mark 19 b , a discipline mark 19 c and a call mark 19 dare displayed in the mark display unit 19 .
- Switch SW 1 , SW 2 and SW 3 installed at the lower side of the mark display unit 19are switches for conducting treatments in respect of breeding a virtual creature, which constitute inputting means for inputting a corresponding treatment by selecting a specific one from the plurality of marks.
- the key switch SW 1is a switch for selectively displaying a desired mark from the mark display units 17 and 19 and at every time of pushing down the key switch SW 1 , the food mark 17 a , the illumination mark 17 b , the game mark 17 c , the injection mark 17 d , the rest room mark 19 a , the check meter mark 19 b and the discipline mark 19 c are switched and displayed in this order.
- the key switch SW 2is a switch for finally determining a selected mark and the key switch SW 3 is a switch for canceling a displayed mark.
- the food mark 17 aWhen, for example, the food mark 17 a is selected by operating the key switches SW 1 , SW 2 and SW 3 , meal or sweet can be given to the virtual creature.
- the illumination mark 17 bWhen the illumination mark 17 b is selected, illumination of a room can be put off when the virtual creature takes a sleep.
- the game mark 17 cWhen the game mark 17 c is selected, the user can play the game with the virtual creature.
- the injection mark 17 dis selectively displayed, an injection can be administered if the virtual creature gets ill. Thereby, the virtual creature can be treated.
- the rest room mark 19 aWhen the rest room mark 19 a is selected, if the virtual creature evacuate droppings, they can be cleaned by flushing water.
- a treatment other than the above-describedmay be displayed by a mark and the mark may be inputted by the key switches SW 1 , SW 2 and SW 3 .
- An apparatus main body 11includes a storing unit 22 for storing control data in respect of breeding the virtual creature.
- the apparatusincludes a control unit (CPU 23 ) where, when a treatment in respect of breeding the virtual creature is inputted by operating inputting means, the control data in correspondence thereto is read from storing unit 22 and a control treatment in respect of breeding the virtual creature is conducted based on the read control data.
- An image display unit 15is installed at the front face of the apparatus main body 11 and the image display unit 15 is a virtual creature display unit for displaying the fostered virtual creature.
- the simulation apparatus 1 for breeding a virtual creatureis small-sized, for example, the apparatus is formed compactly such that it is portable, ROM, EEPROM, SRAM or the like is installed fixedly or attachably and detachably as the above-described storing unit 22 .
- a pertinent record mediumfor example, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic disk, photomagnetic disk, DVD or the like is used as the storing unit 22 .
- the simulation apparatus 1 for breeding a virtual creatureincludes a setting means for setting 1 or more of growth stages in accordance with growth of the virtual creature.
- the setting meansis installed in a control apparatus 21 shown by FIG. 4.
- a virtual creature having a first character image KT 1 of a first generationwhen grown and reaches a first growth stage, it changes into a virtual creature of a character image KT 2 of a second generation. Further, when the virtual creature is grown and reaches a second growth stage, the virtual creature of the character image KT 2 of the second generation is changed into a virtual creature of either of character images KT 3 , KT 4 , KT 5 and KT 6 of a third generation. Further, when the virtual creature is grown and reaches a third growth stage, the virtual creature of the character image of the third generation is changed into a virtual creature of either of character images KT 7 through KT 12 of a fourth generation. Furthermore, the virtual creature is changed into a virtual creature of a character image KT 13 of a fifth generation with a certain probability.
- the programis set such that the virtual creature reaches the first growth stage after, for example, 60 minutes have elapsed since the virtual creature of the character image KT 1 of the first generation was born and a virtual creature of a certain character image is set to reach the second growth stage after, for example, 23 hours have elapsed from the first growth stage. Further, a virtual creature of a certain character image is set to reach the third growth stage after, for example, 4 days have elapsed from the second growth stage and a virtual creature of a certain character image is set to reach the fourth growth stage, for example, 6 days have elapsed from the third growth stage. In this way, time periods required for the virtual creature to reach the growth stages, can be set to pertinent time periods which differ depending on the respective character image.
- the present inventionis not limited thereto but a single growth stage or growth stages of an arbitrary number of 5 or more may be set.
- a plurality of kinds of the virtual creatures having at least different appearances in respect of each of the growth stagesare stored in the storing unit 22 .
- the virtual creatures of 4 kinds of the character images KT 3 , KT 4 , KT 5 and KT 6 having different appearancesare stored as the virtual creatures of the third generation.
- the virtual creatures having 6 kinds of the character images KT 7 through KT 12 respectively having different appearancesare stored in the third growth stage as the virtual creatures of the fourth generation.
- a pertinent memory apparatus of ROM, SRAM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, RAM or the likeis fixedly, or attachably and detachably installed as the storing unit 22 .
- ROM, EEPROM, SRAM or the likeis fixedly or attachably and detachably installed as the above-described storing unit 22 .
- ROM, EEPROM, SRAM or the likeis fixedly or attachably and detachably installed as the above-described storing unit 22 .
- a pertinent record mediumfor example, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic disk, photomagnetic disk, DVD or the like is used as the storing unit 22 .
- the key switches SW 1 , SW 2 and SW 3are provided as inputting means for conducting a treatment in respect of breeding the virtual creature.
- Pertinent switches or noncontact type switchesmay be used as the inputting means.
- the apparatusis provided with determining means for determining the contents of treatments in respect of breeding a virtual creature in the growth stages until then when the virtual creature reaches a certain growth stage and selecting means for selecting one grown virtual creature from a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures in consideration of a result of determination by the determining means.
- the selecting meansfor example, selects one grown virtual creature from a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures in accordance with a number of times of feeding the virtual creature.
- the determining means and the selecting meansare installed in the control apparatus 21 illustrated by FIG. 4.
- the virtual creatures of 4 kinds of the character images KT 3 , KT 4 , KT 5 and KT 6 respectively having different appearances and personalitiesare stored as the virtual creatures of the third generation at the second growth stage.
- the virtual creature of the character image KT 3has a disposition of being hard to get ill although it has a little selfish personality.
- the virtual creature of the character image KT 4has a disposition of being hard to get ill although it has a very selfish personality.
- the virtual creature of the character image KT 5has a disposition of being liable to get ill and it has a little selfish personality.
- the virtual creature of the character image KT 6has a disposition of being liable to get ill with a very selfish personality.
- each character imageis set with a rise time, a retire time, a time period of one generation, a frequency of calls, a number of times of injection against illness, a minimum weight and the like.
- the virtual creatures of 6 kinds of character images KT 7 through KT 12 respectively having different appearances and personalitiesare stored as the virtual creatures of the fourth generation at the third growth stage.
- a pertinent memory apparatussuch as ROM, SRAM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, RAM or the like is fixedly or attachably and detachably installed as the storing unit 22 .
- the apparatusis provided with inputting means for conducting a treatment in respect of breeding a virtual creature.
- the inputting meanshas a means for taking care of a virtual creature with a content necessary for growing a virtual creature and a means for conducting a discipline.
- a playercan prepare a meal with a content necessary for growing a virtual creature, play a game or put off illumination by operating the key switches SW 1 , SW 2 and SW 3 . Also, the player can conduct a discipline by selectively displaying the discipline mark 19 c by operating the key switches SW 1 , SW 2 and SW 3 in respect of a selfish content from a virtual creature.
- the apparatusdetermines the contents of treatments in respect of breeding the virtual creature during the growth procedure until then, that is, the contents of cares and disciplines by the determining means and selects one grown virtual creature from a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures in consideration of a result of determination by the determining means, by using selecting means. Accordingly, when a player diligently takes care of the virtual creature and conducts pertinent discipline therefor, a virtual creature having a good personality is selected from the plurality of kinds of virtual creatures and accordingly, much care is not needed thereafter.
- the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature according to the third aspect of the present inventionis provided with setting means 53 for setting 1 or more of growth stages in accordance with growth of a virtual creature. For example, as shown by FIG. 18, when a virtual creature of a character image N 1 of a first generation is grown and reaches a first growth stage, it changes into a virtual creature of a character image N 2 of a second generation.
- the virtual creature of the character image N 2 of the second generationis changed into either of virtual creatures of character images X and Y of a third generation.
- the virtual creature of the character image of the third generationis changed into either of virtual creatures of character images A 1 , A 2 , B 1 , B 2 , C 1 , C 2 and D of the fourth generation.
- the virtual creature of the character image of the fourth generationis changed into either of virtual creatures of character images S 1 , S 2 and S 3 of a fifth generation.
- the apparatusis set such that the virtual creature of the character image N 1 of the first generation reaches the first growth stage after, for example, 60 minutes have elapsed since the virtual creature of the character image N 1 was born and a virtual creature of a certain character image reaches the second growth stage from the first growth stage after, for example, 47 hours have elapsed. Also, the apparatus is set such that a virtual creature of a certain character image reaches a third growth stage after, for example, 3 days have elapsed from the second growth stage and a virtual creature of a certain character image reaches a fourth growth stage after, for example, 5 days have elapsed from the third growth stage. In this way, arbitrary time periods which differ depending on the respective character images, can be set for time periods required for a virtual creature to reach the growth stages.
- the present inventionis not limited thereto but a single growth stage or growth stages of 5 or more may be set.
- the apparatusis provided with a storing unit 55 for storing a plurality of kinds of grown virtual creatures having different appearances at each of the growth stages.
- a storing unit 55for storing a plurality of kinds of grown virtual creatures having different appearances at each of the growth stages.
- the virtual creatures of 2 kinds of the character images X and Y respectively having different appearancesare stored as the virtual creatures of the third generation at the second growth stage.
- the virtual creatures of 7 kinds of the character images A 1 , A 2 , B 1 , B 2 , C 1 , C 2 and D respectively having different appearancesare stored as the virtual creatures of the fourth generation at the third growth stage.
- the virtual creatures of 3 kinds of character images S 1 , S 2 and S 3are stored as the virtual creatures of the fifth generation at the fourth growth stage.
- a pertinent memory apparatus of ROM, SRAM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, RAM or the likeis fixedly or attachably and detachably installed as the storing unit 55 .
- the apparatusis provided with inputting means for conducting a treatment in respect of breeding the virtual creature.
- inputting meanspertinent switches of the key switches SW 1 , SW 2 and SW 3 or the like or noncontact type switches are used.
- the apparatusis provided with determining means 57 for determining the contents of treatments in respect of breeding the virtual creature in the procedure of growth until then when the virtual creature reaches a certain growth stage and selecting means 58 for selecting one grown virtual creature from a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures in consideration of a result of determination by the determining means 57 .
- One virtual creatureis selected from a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures, by the function of the determining means 57 and the selecting means 58 , in accordance with a number of times of serving meals to the virtual creature.
- the apparatusis provided with changing means 60 for changing the virtual creature to a selected virtual creature when the virtual creature is grown and reaches the above-descried growth stage.
- the apparatusis also provided with connecting means 52 for electrically connecting to other simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature.
- connecting means 52a system of fittedly connecting the both simulation apparatuses, a system of connecting the both simulation apparatuses by simply bringing them in contact with each other, a system of connecting the both by connectors or the like is adopted.
- the apparatusis also provided with warring means 54 for making a war based on battle data from the other simulation apparatus inputted via the above-described connecting means and battle data of the simulation apparatus of its own and win or lose determining means 59 for determining win or lose of the war.
- the setting means 53 , the storing means 55 , the determining means 57 , the selecting means 58 , the changing means 60 , the warring means 54 and the win or lose determining means 59are installed in a control apparatus 71 illustrated by FIG. 15.
- the apparatusis provided with a storing unit 55 for storing a plurality of kinds of grown virtual creatures having different appearances and powers (rates of win) at each of growth stages.
- virtual creatures of character images A 2 , B 2 and C 2have a rate of win of 80% in respect of virtual creatures of character images X and Y and a rate of win of 30% in respect of virtual creatures of character images A 1 , B 1 and C 1 .
- the virtual creatures of the character images A 1 , B 1 and C 1have a rate of win of 70% in respect of the virtual creatures of the character images A 2 , B 2 and C 2 and a rate of win of 20% in respect of virtual creatures of character images S 1 , S 2 and S 3 .
- a virtual creature of a character image Dhas a rate of win of 60% in respect of the virtual creatures of the character images X and Y, a rate of win of 30% in respect of the virtual creatures of the character images A 2 , B 2 and C 2 , a rate of win of 20% in respect of the virtual creatures of the character images A 1 , B 1 and C 1 , and a rate of win of 5% in respect of the character images S 1 , S 2 and S 3 .
- a pertinent memory apparatus of ROM, SRAM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, RAM or the likeis used as the storing unit 55 .
- the apparatusis also provided with inputting means for conducting a treatment in respect of breeding a virtual creature. Further, the inputting means is provided with a means for taking care of the virtual creature with the content necessary for growing the virtual creature, and a means for conducting a training with the content necessary for promoting a power.
- a playercan feed food or put off illumination by operating the key switches SW 1 , SW 2 and SW 3 in respect of the content necessary for growing the virtual creature. Also, the player can conducts a training by selectively displaying the training mark 67 c by operating the key switches SW 1 , SW 2 and SW 3 in respect of the content necessary for promoting a power.
- the contents of treatments in respect of breeding a virtual creature in the growth procedure until then, that is, the contents of cares and trainingsare determined by the determining means 58 and one grown virtual creature is selected by selecting means 57 from a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures in consideration of a result of determination. Accordingly, when a player diligently takes care of the virtual creature and conducts a training of the virtual creature pertinently, a virtual creature having a high initial value of a power is selected from a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures.
- the apparatus main body 11is formed portable with the shape of a total thereof in an egg-like shape.
- a display unit 13is installed at the central portion of the main body apparatus 11 and a plurality of key switches SW 1 , SW 2 and SW 3 are arranged at the lower side of the display unit 13 .
- the display unit 13is constituted by an image display unit 15 for displaying character images of virtual creatures, a mark display unit 17 installed above the image display unit 15 and a mark display unit 19 installed below the image display unit 15 .
- the image display unit 15is formed by a liquid crystal screen of horizontal 32 dots and vertical 16 dots.
- a plurality of marks of a food mark 17 a , an illumination mark 17 b , a game mark 17 c and an injection mark 17 dare displayed in the mark display unit 17 .
- the food mark 17 ais selectively displayed, the virtual creature can be fed with meal or sweet. Thereby, every time the virtual creature eats 1 cup of meal, a hungriness parameter is increased by +1. Also, every time the virtual creature eats 1 piece of sweet, a humor parameter is increased by +1.
- the illumination mark 17 bis selectively displayed, illumination of a room can be put off when the virtual creature takes a sleep.
- the game mark 17 cis selectively displayed, the player can play a game with the virtual creature.
- a parameteris increased by +1.
- injection mark 17 dis selectively displayed, injection can be administered if the virtual creature gets ill. Thereby, the virtual creature can be treated.
- a plurality of marks of a rest room mark 19 a , a check meter mark 19 b , a discipline mark 19 c and a call mark 19 dare displayed in the mark display unit 19 .
- the rest room mark 19 ais selectively displayed, if the virtual creature evacuates droppings, they can be cleaned by flushing them by water.
- the check meter mark 19 bis selectively displayed, respective values of age, weight, humor parameter, hungriness parameter and discipline degree of the virtual creature can be confirmed by a meter display.
- the discipline mark 19 cis selectively displayed, a discipline may be conducted in respect of a selfish call of the virtual creature requiring no emergency.
- the call mark 19 dis a mark displaying a call from the virtual creature.
- the call mark 19 dconstitutes a portion of calling means whereby the virtual creature makes a call in the procedure of growing the virtual creature.
- the key switch SW 1is a switch for selectively displaying a desired mark from the mark display units 17 and 19 and every time the key switch SW 1 is pushed down, the food mark 17 a , the illumination mark 17 b , the game mark 17 c , the injection mark 17 d , the rest room mark 19 a , the check meter mark 19 b and the discipline mark 19 c are switched and displayed in this order.
- the key switch SW 2is a switch for determining the selected mark.
- the key switch SW 3is a switch for canceling the displayed mark.
- the apparatus main body 11includes a clock and the key switch SW 1 , SW 2 and SW 3 are used for adjusting a time of the included clock.
- the key switches SW 1 , SW 2 and SW 3constitute portions of the inputting means for conducting a treatment in respect of a call from a virtual creature.
- the virtual creaturemakes a call in the procedure of growth of the virtual creature, CPU 23 and a buzzer buzzed by an instruction from CPU 23 , a speaker, a winking light emitting element, LED or a pertinent mark display body is used.
- the content of a callincludes a content necessary for growing the virtual creature and a content that is selfish requiring no emergency.
- the content necessary for growing the virtual creatureis needed, for example, in the case where a call is made for requesting a meal when the virtual creature gets hungry (a value of hungriness parameter is below a value of MAX). Also, the content is needed in the case where a call is made for requesting a game for improving the humor when the humor of the virtual creature is bad (a value of humor parameter is below a value of MAX). Also, the content is needed when a call is made for requesting to put off illumination such that the virtual creature can take a sleep.
- the selfish content where no emergency is needed in respect of a call from the virtual creatureconcerns the case where a call is made even if the value of the hungriness parameter and the value of the humor parameter are both at values of MAX. Also, the selfish content concerns the case where the virtual creature does not take a meal after making a call even if the value of the hungriness parameter is below the value of MAX. Also, the selfish content concerns the case where the virtual creature does not play a game after making a call even if the value of the humor parameter is below the value of MAX.
- a reset switch SW 4is installed at the back face of the apparatus main body 11 .
- the simulation of growing the virtual creaturecan be restored to an initial setting by operating the reset switch SW 4 .
- the above-described display unit 13is connected to a control apparatus 21 .
- the control apparatus 21is formed by one chip of an integrated circuit.
- the above-described key switches SW 1 , SW 2 , SW 3 and the reset switch SW 4are connected to the control apparatus 21 .
- Condensers CC 1 through CC 12 , resistors RR 1 , RR 2 , RR 4 and RR 5are connected to the control apparatus 21 .
- a buzzer BZ 1is connected to the control apparatus 21 via the resistors RR 4 and RR 5 and an oscillator XL is connected thereto.
- the control apparatus 21includes a storing unit 22 for storing software programs and various control data in respect of the growth simulation for breeding and growing a virtual creature, CPU 23 for reading the software programs and the various control data stored in the storing unit 22 and executing various control processings based on the control data, working memories of the CPU 23 and the like.
- control apparatus 21includes setting means for setting 1 or more of growth stages in accordance with growth of the virtual creature, the storing unit 22 for storing a plurality of kinds of grown virtual creatures having at least different appearances for each of the growth stages, calling means whereby a virtual creature makes a call in the procedure of growing the virtual creature and selecting means for selecting one grown virtual creature from the plurality of kinds of virtual creatures in consideration of the contents of treatments in respect of calls in the growth procedure until then when the virtual creature reaches one of the growth stages.
- the control apparatus 21also includes such circuits as a drive circuit for driving a display unit 13 , a buzzing circuit for buzzing the buzzer BZ 1 , a clock pulse forming circuit for forming clock pulses at predetermined periods of time based on the oscillation pulses from the oscillator XL, a clock circuit for outputting clock information based on the clock pulses and a timer circuit for outputting timer information based on the clock pulses.
- step SP 1whether the reset switch SW 4 is operated is determined and when the reset switch SW 4 is operated, the operation proceeds to step SP 3 and time setting is conducted by operating the key switches SW 1 , SW 2 and SW 3 .
- the life time of a virtual creatureis determined hereinafter based on this time. Accordingly, the virtual creature acts in accordance with a real time. For example, a life time where the virtual creature starts acting by rising from bed at 9 o'clock in the morning and retires to bed at 8 o'clock in the evening, is set.
- An initial screenis successively displayed at step SP 5 .
- an image having, for example, a shape of an eggis displayed, the egg is cracked after a predetermined time period and a new born baby of a virtual creature of a character image KT 1 in the first generation is born and displayed.
- treatments in respect of the first growth procedureare executed at step SP 7 .
- a playertakes care of the virtual creature by feeding meal or sweet by operating the key switches SW 1 , SW 2 and SW 3 .
- the playercan conduct rest room cleaning or treatment of illness in respect of a call from the virtual creature.
- step SP 9when approximately 60 minutes have elapsed since the virtual creature of the character image KT 1 of the first generation was born, the virtual creature is changed into a virtual creature of a character image KT 2 of a second generation and the operation proceeds to the second growth procedure.
- the playertakes care of the virtual creature in respect of a call with a content necessary for growing the virtual creature when a call is made from the virtual creature similar to the above-described first growth procedure.
- the playercan also conduct a discipline in respect of a call with a selfish content from the virtual creature.
- step SP 11Successively, at step SP 11 , whether the virtual creature reaches a second growth stage is determined. When it is determined that the virtual creature does not reach the second growth stage at step SP 11 , the operation returns to step SP 9 and conducts treatments of the above-described second growth procedure. When it is determined in step SP 11 that the virtual creature reaches the second growth stage, the operation proceeds to step SP 13 .
- one grown virtual creatureis selected from a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures, that is, virtual creatures of character images KT 3 , KT 4 , KT 5 and KT 6 of a third generation in consideration of the contents of cares and disciplines in the second growth procedure.
- a virtual creature of the character image KT 6is selected.
- the virtual creature of the character image KT 6is changed into a virtual creature of a third generation and grown thereafter.
- step SP 15the operation proceeds to a third growth procedure at step SP 15 and when a call is made from the virtual creature similar to the above-described second growth procedure, care can be taken in respect of a call with a content necessary for growing the virtual creature and discipline can be made in respect of a call with a selfish content from the virtual creature.
- step SP 17Successively, at step SP 17 , whether the virtual creature reaches the third growth stage is determined. When it is determined in step SP 17 that the virtual creature does not reach the third growth stage, the operation returns to step SP 15 again and the treatments of the third growth stage are conducted. When it is determined in step SP 17 that the virtual creature reaches the third growth stage, the operation proceeds to step SP 19 .
- one grown virtual creatureis selected from a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures that is, from virtual creatures of character images KT 7 through KT 12 of a fourth generation in consideration of contents of cares and disciplines in the above-described third growth procedure.
- a virtual creature 2 of a character image KT 1is selected and the virtual creature 2 of the character image KT 1 is changed into a virtual creature of the fourth generation and grown thereafter.
- step SP 2when the reset switch SW 4 is not operated at step SP 1 , the operation proceeds to step SP 2 and whether the virtual creature is at the first growth procedure is determined. When it is determined in step SP 2 that the virtual creature is at the first growth procedure, the operation proceeds to step SP 7 and treatments of the first growth procedure are conducted. When it is determined in step SP 2 that the virtual creature is not at the first growth stage, the operation proceeds to SP 4 and whether the virtual creature is at the second growth procedure is determined. When it is determined at step SP 4 that the virtual creature is at the second growth procedure, the operation proceeds to step SP 9 and treatments of the second growth procedure are conducted. When it is determined at step SP 4 that the virtual creature is not at the second growth procedure, the operation proceeds to step SP 15 and treatments of the third growth procedure are conducted.
- step SP 21 of FIG. 6whether a call is made from the virtual creature is determined and when a call is made from the virtual creature, the operation proceeds to steps SP 23 and SP 25 where the call mark 19 d is put on and at the same time the buzzer BZ 1 is buzzed for a predetermined time T 1 as shown by FIG. 10, for example, 3 seconds. Also, a timer is started simultaneously at step SP 27 and the operation proceeds to step SP 31 .
- step SP 31Successively, at step SP 31 , whether the call from the virtual creature is for taking a sleep is determined.
- the operationproceeds to step SP 41 of FIG. 7 via ( 1 ).
- step SP 41whether the player put off illumination by operating the key switches SW 1 , SW 2 and SW 3 is determined, and when the illumination is put off, the operation proceeds to step SP 43 and whether the time is within a predetermined time is determined.
- T 3as illustrated by FIG. 10 has elapsed since the call was made from the virtual creature, for example, within 1 hour, a care has been made pertinently and the operation proceeds to step SP 45 whereby a degree of care is increased by +1.
- step SP 47from step SP 41 or SP 43 whereby the degree of care is decreased by 1.
- step SP 33when it is determined at step SP 31 that the call is not for taking a sleep, the operation proceeds to step SP 33 .
- step SP 33whether a value of a hungriness parameter of the virtual creature is MAX is determined and when the value of the hungriness parameter is not MAX, the operation proceeds to step SP 51 of FIG. 8 via ( 2 ).
- step SP 51whether the player has prepared food by operating the key switches SW 1 , SW 2 and SW 3 is determined and when food has been prepared, the operation proceeds to step SP 53 .
- step SP 53whether the virtual creature has eaten the above-described prepared food is determined, and if the virtual creature has eaten food, the operation proceeds to step SP 55 .
- step SP 55whether the time is within a predetermined time is determined. If the virtual creature has eaten food in a predetermined time T 2 as shown by FIG. 10 since the call was made from the virtual creature, for example, within 15 minutes, the care has been taken pertinently and the operation proceeds to step SP 57 whereby the degree of care is increased by +1.
- step SP 59from step SP 51 or SP 55 whereby the degree of care is decreased by 1.
- step SP 37proceeds to step SP 37 from step SP 53 via ( 3 ).
- a playerconducts an operation in respect of a discipline by determining that the virtual creature is selfish since the virtual creature has not eaten food even if the value of the hungriness parameter of the virtual creature is not MAX. That is, the player selectively displays the discipline mark 19 c by operating the key switches SW 1 , SW 2 and SW 3 by which a player can conduct the discipline in respect of the virtual creature.
- step SP 37whether the operation in respect of a discipline has been conducted is determined and when the operation in respect of a discipline has been conducted, the operation proceeds to step SP 39 whereby a degree of discipline is increased by +1.
- step SP 33whether the value of the hungriness parameter of the virtual creature is MAX is determined and when the value of the hungriness parameter is MAX, the operation proceeds to step SP 35 .
- step SP 35whether a value of a humor parameter of the virtual creature is MAX is determined and when the value of the humor parameter is not MAX, the operation proceeds to step SP 61 of FIG. 9 via ( 4 ).
- step SP 61whether the player has prepared a game by operating the key switches SW 1 , SW 2 and SW 3 is determined and when a game has been prepared, the operation proceeds to step SP 63 .
- step SP 63whether the virtual creature has played the above-described game is determined and when the virtual creature has played the game, the operation proceeds to step SP 65 .
- step SP 65whether the time is within a predetermined time is determined.
- T 2as illustrated by FIG. 10 since a call was made from the virtual creature, for example, within 15 minutes
- the carehas been taken pertinently and the operation proceeds to step SP 67 whereby a degree of care is increased by +1.
- step SP 62When the game has not been prepared in step SP 61 , the operation proceeds to step SP 62 .
- step SP 62whether the player has prepared sweet by operating the key switches SW 1 , SW 2 and SW 3 is determined and when sweet has been prepared, the operation proceeds to step SP 65 .
- step SP 65whether the time is within a predetermined time is determined similar to the above-described operation. When sweet has been prepared within the predetermined time T 2 as illustrated by FIG. 10, since call was made from the virtual creature, for example, within 15 minutes, care has been taken pertinently and the operation proceeds to step SP 67 whereby the degree of care is increased by +1.
- step SP 69from step SP 62 or 65 whereby the degree of care is decreased by 1.
- step SP 63the operation proceeds to step SP 37 of FIG. 6 from step SP 63 via ( 5 ).
- the playerconducts an operation in respect of a discipline by determining that the virtual creature is selfish since the virtual creature has not played the game even if the value of the humor parameter of the virtual creature is not MAX. That is, the player can conduct a discipline in respect of the virtual creature by selectively displaying the discipline mark 19 c by operating the key switches SW 1 , SW 2 and SW 3 .
- step SP 37whether the operation in respect of a discipline has been conducted is determined and when operation in respect of a discipline has been conducted, the operation proceeds to step SP 39 whereby the degree of discipline is increased by +1.
- step SP 21When a call has not been made from the virtual creature at step SP 21 or when the operation in respect of a discipline is not conducted at step SP 37 , the operation proceeds to step SP 29 where various care treatments are conducted and thereafter, the operation returns to step SP 11 of FIG. 5 via ( 7 ).
- the playercan feed the virtual creature determining that the virtual creature is hungry when a hungriness parameter is below a MAX value.
- the playercan play a game for increasing humor of the virtual creature determining that the virtual creature is not in good humor if a value of a humor parameter is below a MAX value.
- the payercan put out the light so that the virtual creature takes a sleep determining that the current time is a bedtime.
- T 1 , T 2 and T 3can be set to pertinent values.
- a total of an apparatus main body 61 of the simulation apparatus 51 for breeding a virtual creature according to the second embodiment of the present inventionis formed in an egg-like shape, a display unit 63 is installed at the central portion as shown by FIGS. 13 and 14, a plurality of key switches SW 1 , SW 2 and SW 3 are arranged below the display unit 63 .
- the display unit 63is constituted by an image display unit 65 for displaying character images, a mark display unit 67 installed above the image display unit 65 and a mark display unit 69 installed below the image display unit 65 .
- the image display unit 65is formed by a liquid crystal screen of horizontal 32 dots ⁇ vertical 16 dots.
- a plurality of marks of a status mark 67 a , a food mark 67 b , a training mark 67 c and a battle mark 67 dare displayed at the mark display unit 67 .
- the status mark 67 ais selectively displayed, age, weight, hungriness degree (hungriness parameter), training degree (training parameter), basic physical strength (initial value of power) and battle achievement can be displayed successively.
- the food mark 67 bis selectively displayed, food or protein can be fed to the virtual creature. Every time the virtual creature is fed with food, the hungriness parameter is increased by +1 and every time the virtual creature is fed with protein, the hungriness parameter is increased by +2.
- the virtual creaturecan be made to conduct training.
- the training parameteris increased by +1 and a rate of win in battling with other virtual creature, that is, a probability of winning the counterpart of battle is increased by +1.
- the battle mark 67 dis selectively displayed, other simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature is connected to the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature of its own by which the both virtual creatures can be made to battle with each other.
- a plurality of marks of a rest room mark 69 a , an illumination mark 69 b , a treatment mark 69 c and an alarm sign mark 69 dare displayed in the mark display unit 69 .
- the rest room mark 69 ais selectively displayed, if the virtual creature evacuates droppings, they can be cleaned by flushing them by water.
- the illumination mark 69 bis selectively displayed, illumination of a room can be put off if the virtual creature takes a sleep.
- the treatment mark 69 cis selectively displayed, wound of the virtual creature can be treated.
- the alarm sign mark 69 dis a mark for displaying a call from the virtual creature.
- the call mark 69 dconstitutes a portion of calling means 56 whereby the virtual creature makes a call in the procedure of growing the virtual creature.
- the key switch SW 1is a switch for selecting and displaying a desired mark in the mark display units 67 and 69 . Every time the key switch SW 1 is pushed down, the status mark 67 a , the food mark 67 b , the rest room mark 69 a , the illumination mark 69 b , the training mark 67 c , the battle mark 67 d and the treatment mark 69 c are switched and displayed in this order.
- the key switch SW 2is a switch for determining a selected mark.
- the key switch SW 3is a switch for canceling a displayed mark.
- An apparatus main body 61includes a clock and key switches SW 1 , SW 2 and SW 3 are used for adjusting the time of the included clock.
- the key switches SW 1 , SW 2 and SW 3constitute a portion of inputting means for conducting a treatment in respect of a call from the virtual creature.
- calling means 56whereby a virtual creature makes a call in the procedure of growing the virtual creature, a CPU and a buzzer, a speaker, a winking light emitting element, LED or a pertinent mark display unit operated by an instruction of the CPU are used.
- the content of the callincludes a content necessary for growing the virtual creature and a content necessary for promoting a power.
- the content necessary for growing the virtual creatureconcerns the case where a call for requesting food is made when the virtual creature gets hungry (when a value of hungriness parameter is reduced to 1). It also concerns the case where a call is made for requesting to put off illumination such that the virtual creature can take a sleep.
- the content necessary for promoting a powerconcerns the case where a call for requesting a training is made when a value of a training parameter is reduced to 1.
- a reset switch SW 4is installed on a back face of the apparatus main body 61 .
- a growth simulation of the virtual creaturecan be returned to an initial setting by operating the reset switch SW 4 .
- the above-described display unit 63is connected to a control apparatus 71 .
- the control apparatus 71is formed by one chip of an integrated circuit.
- the above-described key switches SW 1 , SW 2 and SW 3 and the reset switch SW 4are connected to the control apparatus 71 .
- condensers CC 1 through CC 12 , resistors RR 1 , RR 2 , RR 4 and RR 5are connected to the control apparatus 71 .
- a buzzer BZ 1is connected to the control apparatus 71 via the resistors RR 4 and RR 5 and an oscillator XL is connected thereto.
- the control apparatus 71is provided with a storing unit for storing software programs and various control data in respect of the growth simulation for breeding and growing the virtual creature. Also, the control apparatus 71 is provided with CPU for reading the software programs and the various control data stored in the storing unit and executing various control processings based on the control data, working memories of the CPU and the like.
- control apparatus 71includes setting means 53 for setting growth stages of 1 or more in accordance with growth of the virtual creature, a storing unit 55 for storing a plurality of kinds of grown virtual creatures having at least different appearances at each of the growth stages, calling means 56 whereby the virtual creature makes a call in the procedure of growing the virtual creature, determining means for determining contents of treatments in respect of calls in the growth procedures until then when virtual creature reaches one of the growth stages and selecting means 58 for selecting one grown virtual creature from a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures in consideration of a result of determination by the determining means.
- control apparatus 71includes a drive circuit for driving the display unit 63 , a buzzing circuit for buzzing the buzzer BZ 1 , a clock pulse forming circuit for forming clock pulses at predetermined periods based on oscillation pulses from the oscillator XL, a clock circuit for outputting clock information based on the clock pulses and a timer circuit for outputting timer information based on the clock pulses.
- Diodes DD 1 and DD 2are connected to the control apparatus 71 via a resistor RR 6 .
- a communication terminal TA 1is drawn from a connection point of the resistor RR 6 and the diodes DD 1 and DD 2 .
- the communication terminal TA 1 and a grounding terminal TA 2constitute connecting means 52 for connecting the simulation apparatus to other simulation apparatus via the communication terminal TA 1 and the grounding terminal TA 2 .
- the control apparatus 71includes warring means 54 for making a war based on battle data from the other simulation apparatus inputted via the connecting means 52 and battle data of its own and win or lose determining means 59 for determining win or lose of the war.
- step SP 101whether the reset switch SW 4 is operated is determined and when the reset switch SW 4 is operated, the operation proceeds to step SP 103 where a time is set by operating the key switches SW 1 , SW 2 and SW 3 .
- a life time of the virtual creature hereinafteris determined based on the time. Accordingly, the virtual creature acts in accordance with a real time. For example, a life time where the virtual creature starts acting by rising from bed at 9 o'clock in the morning and retires to bed at 8 o'clock in the evening is set.
- step SP 105an initial screen is displayed.
- an image having an egg-like shapeis displayed, the egg is cracked after a predetermined time and a new born baby of a virtual creature of a character image N 1 of a first generation is born and displayed.
- a treatment concerning a first growth procedureis executed at step SP 107 .
- a playercan take care of the virtual creature by cleaning rest room or treating wound by operating the key switches SW 1 , SW 2 and SW 3 . Also, the player can feed food and put off illumination in respect of a call from the virtual creature.
- step SP 109when approximately 60 minutes have elapsed since the virtual creature of the character image N 1 of the first generation was born, it is changed into a virtual creature of a character image N 2 of the second generation and the operation proceeds to a second growth procedure.
- the playertakes care of the virtual creature when a call is made from the virtual creature or at the intention of the player similar to the above-described first growth procedure.
- step SP 111Successively, whether the virtual creature reaches a second growth stage is determined in step SP 111 .
- the operationreturns to step SP 109 again and the above-described treatments of the second growth stage are executed.
- the operationproceeds to step SP 113 .
- one grown virtual creatureis selected from a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures, that is, virtual creatures of character images X and Y of a third generation in consideration of contents of cares at the above-described second growth procedure.
- step SP 115the operation proceeds to the third growth procedure at step SP 115 where cares and trainings similar to those in the above-described second growth procedure can be conducted.
- step SP 117Successively, whether the virtual creature reaches a third growth stage is determined in step SP 117 .
- the operationreturns to step SP 115 again and the above-described treatments of the third growth procedure are conducted.
- the operationproceeds to step SP 119 .
- one grown virtual creatureis selected from a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures, that is, character images A 1 , A 2 , B 1 , B 2 , C 1 , C 2 and D in consideration of the contents of cares in the above-described third growth procedure.
- step SP 121Successively, whether the battle mark 67 d is displayed is determined in step SP 121 and when the battle mark 67 d is displayed, the operation proceeds to step SP 123 where a warring treatment is executed.
- step SP 102determines whether the virtual creature is in the first growth procedure is determined.
- step SP 107treatments of the first growth procedure are conducted.
- step SP 104determines whether the virtual creature is in the second growth procedure is determined.
- step SP 109treatments of the second growth procedure are conducted.
- step SP 104When it is determined in step SP 104 that the virtual creature is not in the second growth procedure, the operation proceeds to step SP 125 and whether the virtual creature is in the third growth procedure is determined. When it is determined in step SP 125 that the virtual creature is in the third growth procedure, the operation proceeds to step SP 115 and treatments of the third growth procedure are conducted. When it is determined in step SP 125 that the virtual creature is not in the third growth procedure, the operation proceeds to step SP 127 and treatments of a fourth growth procedure are conducted.
- step SP 127treatments of the fourth growth procedure are conducted. Normally, most of the character images die since they reach average spans of lives in the fourth growth procedure, however, the operation may proceed to the following steps under specific conditions.
- step 129whether the virtual creature reaches the fourth growth stage is determined. When it is determined in step SP 129 that the virtual creature does not reach the fourth growth stage, the operation returns to step SP 127 again and the above-described treatments of the fourth growth procedure are conducted. When it is determined in step SP 129 that the virtual creature reaches the fourth growth stage, the operation proceeds to step SP 131 .
- step SP 131one grown virtual creature is selected from a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures, that is, character images S 1 , S 2 and S 3 of a fifth generation is selected in consideration of the contents of cares in the above-described fourth growth procedure.
- step SP 141 of FIG. 17whether the simulation apparatuses for breeding virtual creatures on the both sides which are about to start a war are connected to each other via the communication terminals TA 1 and TA 2 , that is, whether the apparatuses are jacked in is determined.
- the operationproceeds to step SP 143 and data of the virtual creatures of their own are transferred to the counter apparatuses.
- step SP 145whether data have been firmly transferred is determined and when the data have firmly been transferred, the operation proceeds to step SP 147 and a number of battles is set.
- a number of battlesis set.
- step SP 149win or lose of the battle is determined.
- the win or loseis determined by calculating rates of win of the respective parties in consideration of a number of trainings, a number of wounds, a number of fed proteins and the like of the both virtual creatures.
- the operationproceeds to steps SP 151 and 153 and after jacking out the apparatuses, warring screens are displayed by a number of the battles and thereafter, a screen of win is displayed. Also, in respect of the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature which is determined to lose as a result of the determination of win or lose, the operation proceeds to steps SP 155 and 157 , and after jacking out the apparatuses, warring screens are displayed by a number of the battles and thereafter, a lose screen is displayed.
- the apparatusis provided with the mark display units for displaying a plurality of kinds of treatments in respect of breeding a virtual creature individually by marks by which a corresponding treatment can simply and firmly inputted by selecting a specific mark from the plurality of marks by the inputting means.
- the apparatusis provided with the storing unit for storing the control data in respect of breeding a virtual creature and is constituted such that when a treatment in respect of breeding a virtual creature is inputted from the inputting means, the control data in correspondence thereto is read from the storing unit and the control processing in respect of breeding the virtual creature is conducted based on the read control data and the fostered virtual creature is displayed by the virtual creature display unit. Accordingly, a player diligently deals with the breeding of the virtual creature as if the player actually raised an actual creature by which a tasteful simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature can be provided.
- the apparatusis provided with the setting means for setting 1 or more of growth stages in correspondence with the growth of the virtual creature and the storing unit for storing a plurality of kinds of grown virtual creatures having at least different appearances at each of the growth stages. Further, the apparatus is provided with the inputting means for conducting treatments in respect of breeding the virtual creature in the procedure of growth of the virtual creature and accordingly, the player conducts a treatment with respect to the virtual creature in a screen by which the virtual creature can be grown while disciplining the virtual creature.
- the apparatusis constituted such that when the virtual creature reaches one of the growth stages, one grown virtual creature is selected from a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures in consideration of the contents of treatments in respect of breeding the virtual creature in the growth procedure until then. Accordingly, the player diligently deals with breeding the virtual creature as if the player raised an actual creature and can grow the virtual creature into virtual creatures having different appearances in accordance with the degree of care by the player by which a tasteful simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature can be provided.
- the apparatusis provided with the storing unit for storing a plurality of kinds of grown virtual creatures having different appearances and personalities at each of the growth stages, the inputting means having a means for taking care of the virtual creature with the content necessary for growing the virtual creature and a means for conducting a discipline. Therefore, the virtual creature can be grown while disciplining the virtual creature.
- the apparatusis constituted such that when the virtual creature reaches a certain growth stage, one grown virtual creature is selected from a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures in consideration of the contents of treatments in respect of breeding the virtual creature in the growth procedure until then, that is, the contents of cares and disciplines. Accordingly, when the player diligently takes care of the virtual creature and disciplines pertinently the virtual creature, a virtual creature having a good personality is selected from the plurality of kinds of virtual creatures and the player can grow the virtual creature into an imaginary having a good personality or a virtual creature having a bad personality in accordance with the degree of care of a player by which a tasteful simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature can be provided.
- the apparatusis provided with the setting means for setting 1 or more of the growth stages in accordance with the growth of the virtual creature and the storing unit for storing a plurality of kinds of grown virtual creatures having at least different appearances at each of the growth stages.
- the apparatusis also provided with the inputting means for inputting treatments in respect of breeding the virtual creature in the procedure of growing the virtual creature, and the selecting means for selecting one grown virtual creature from the plurality of kinds of virtual creatures in consideration of the contents of treatments in respect of breeding the virtual creature in the growth procedure until then, when the virtual creature reaches one of the growth stages.
- the apparatusis provided with the connecting means for electrically connecting the simulation apparatus to other simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature, the warring means for making a war based on the battle data from the other simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature that is inputted via the connecting means and the battle data of its own, and the win or lose determining means for determining win or lose of the war.
- the playercan grow the virtual creature as if the player actually raised an actual creature by which a tasteful simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature can be provided.
- the apparatusis provided with the storing unit for storing a plurality of kinds of grown virtual creatures having different appearances and personalities at each of the growth stages, the storing unit stores a plurality of kinds of grown virtual creatures having different appearances and powers at each of the growth stages.
- the apparatusis provided with the inputting means for conducting a treatment in respect of breeding a virtual creature at the procedure of growing the virtual creature.
- the inputting meansis provided with a means for taking care of the virtual creature with the content necessary for growing the virtual creature and a means for conducting a training with the content necessary for promoting a power and when the virtual creature reaches one of the growth stages, one grown virtual creature is selected from a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures in consideration of the contents of cares and trainings in the growth procedure until then. Accordingly, the player can grow the virtual creature into a virtual creature having a strong power in accordance with the degree of care of the player by which a tasteful simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature can be provided.
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Abstract
Description
- This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/803,197, filed on Feb. 19, 1997 and entitled “BREEDING SIMULATION APPARATUS FOR VIRTUAL CREATURES”.[0001]
- 1. Field of the Invention[0002]
- The present invention relates to a simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature by performing a treatment in respect of a call from the virtual creature, or even if there is no call or request from the virtual creature, by a player voluntarily taking care of the virtual creature.[0003]
- 2. Description of Related Art[0004]
- In recent years, various electronic game apparatuses for raising a pet such as a dog or a cat in a predetermined screen, have been proposed and sold. There have been known conventional electronic game apparatuses of this kind disclosed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. JP-A-7-261962 or Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. JP-A-7-281819.[0005]
- According to a conventional example disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. JP-A-7-261962, a light emitting element and a light receiving element are installed to a main body of an apparatus and infrared ray emitted from the light emitting element is reflected by hand or the like and received by the light receiving element by noncontact operation of a user (player). Further, data of a plurality of patterns of dog characters and biorhythms of dog characters are stored in a memory and accordingly, data of the dog characters in correspondence with a number of times of the noncontact operation and a biorhythm of the day are selectively read from the memory and are displayed. Thereby, a character image in correspondence with physical condition of the dog character can be selectively displayed.[0006]
- According to the conventional example disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. JP-A-7-28189, a light emitting element and a light receiving element are installed to a main body of an apparatus and infrared ray from the light emitting element is reflected by hand or the like and received by the light receiving element by noncontact operation of a user by which a noncontact operation distance is detected. Further, a plurality of kinds of dog character data where motion of a dog is changed such as a looking-back dog or a paw-raising dog or the like and effective sound data are stored in a memory and accordingly, the dog character data are selectively read and displayed in correspondence with the noncontact operation distance and the effective sound thereof is emitted from a speaker. In this way, the character image in compliance with a gesticular order by the hand of the user can selectively displayed.[0007]
- However, according to both of the above-described conventional examples, instruction is issued to a character image by a unilateral order from the user and there has been no example where a player breeds a creature taking the state of the character image into consideration.[0008]
- The present invention has been devised in view of the above drawbacks and it is an object of the present invention to provide a simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature where a player responds to call or request from a virtual creature in a screen and conducts treatment in correspondence thereto, or even if there is no call or request from the virtual creature, a player voluntarily takes care of the virtual creature, by which the virtual creature is disciplined or the virtual creature is grown while performing a training thereby breeding the virtual creature.[0009]
- According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature where the following conditions are provided to achieve the above-described object.[0010]
- That is, the present invention is constituted by:[0011]
- (a) provision of inputting means for inputting treatments in respect of breeding a virtual creature;[0012]
- (b) provision of a storing unit for storing control data in respect of breeding the virtual creature;[0013]
- (c) provision of a control unit for conducting a control treatment in respect of breeding the virtual creature based on the read control data by reading a corresponding control data from the storing unit when a treatment in respect of breeding the virtual creature is inputted from the inputting means;[0014]
- (d) provision of a virtual creature display unit for displaying the fostered virtual creature;[0015]
- (e) the control unit is provided with a setting means for setting 1 or more of growth stages in accordance with growth of the virtual creature;[0016]
- (f) the storing unit stores a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures having at least different appearances in respect of each of the growth stages;[0017]
- (g) the control unit is provided with determining means for determining the contents of the treatments in respect of breeding the virtual creature in the growth procedure until then when virtual creature reaches one of the growth stages;[0018]
- (h) the control unit is provided with selecting means for selecting one virtual creature from the plurality of kinds of virtual creatures stored based on a result of determination by the determining means; and[0019]
- (i) the control means is provided with changing means for changing the virtual creature which has reached one of the growth stages to the selected virtual creature.[0020]
- According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature where the following conditions are added to the above-described first aspect of the present invention.[0021]
- That is, the present invention further includes the following conditions:[0022]
- (a) the storing unit stores a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures having different appearances and personalities at each of the growth stages;[0023]
- (b) the inputting means is provided with a means for taking care of the virtual creature with the content necessary for growing the virtual creature and a means for conducting a discipline; and[0024]
- (c) the determining means determines a degree of care and a degree of discipline.[0025]
- According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature having the following conditions.[0026]
- That is, the present invention comprises:[0027]
- (a) provision of inputting means for inputting treatments in respect of breeding a virtual creature;[0028]
- (b) provision of a storing unit for storing control data in respect of breeding the virtual creature;[0029]
- (c) provision of a control unit for conducting a control treatment in respect of breeding the virtual creature based on the read control data by reading a corresponding control data when a treatment in respect of breeding the virtual creature is inputted from inputting means;[0030]
- (d) provision of a virtual creature displaying unit for displaying the fostered virtual creature;[0031]
- (e) the control unit is provided with setting means for setting 1 or more of growth stages in accordance with growth of the virtual creature;[0032]
- (f) the storing unit stores a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures having at least different appearances at each of the growth stages;[0033]
- (g) the control unit is provided with determining means for determining the contents of the treatments in respect of breeding the virtual creature in a growth procedure until then when the virtual creature reaches one of the growth stages;[0034]
- (h) the control unit is provided with selecting means for selecting one virtual creature from the plurality of kinds of stored virtual creatures based on a result of determination by the determining means;[0035]
- (i) the control unit is provided with changing means for changing the virtual creature which has reached the one of the growth stages into a selected virtual creature;[0036]
- (j) provision of connecting means for electrically connecting to other simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature;[0037]
- (k) provision of warring means for conducting a war based on battle data from the other simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature inputted via the connecting means and battle data from the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature of its own; and[0038]
- (l) the control unit is provided with win or lose determining means for determining win or lose of the war.[0039]
- According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature having the following conditions in addition to the conditions of the above-described fourth aspect. That is, the present invention further includes the following conditions:[0040]
- (a) the storing unit stores a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures having different appearances and powers at each of the growth stages;[0041]
- (b) the inputting means is provided with a means for taking care of the virtual creature with the content necessary for growing virtual creature and a means for conducting a training with the content necessary for promoting the power; and[0042]
- (c) the determining means determines a degree of the care and a degree of the training.[0043]
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram of essential portions of a simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature according to the present invention;[0044]
- FIG. 2 is a plane view of a simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature according to the present invention;[0045]
- FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing an example of a liquid crystal screen of a display unit in FIG. 2;[0046]
- FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature of FIG. 2;[0047]
- FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a main control treatment in the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature of FIG. 2;[0048]
- FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control treatment of a second growth stage in the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature of FIG. 2;[0049]
- FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control treatment of the second growth stage in the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature of FIG. 2;[0050]
- FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the control treatment of the second growth stage in the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature of FIG. 2;[0051]
- FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the control treatment of the second growth stage in the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature of FIG. 2;[0052]
- FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing input reception times in the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature of FIG. 2;[0053]
- FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing branches of character images in the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature of FIG. 2;[0054]
- FIG. 12 is a block diagram of essential portions of a simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature according to other embodiment of the present invention;[0055]
- FIG. 13 is a plane view of the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature illustrated by FIG. 12;[0056]
- FIG. 14 is an explanatory view of a display unit of the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature illustrated by FIG. 12;[0057]
- FIG. 15 is a circuit diagram of the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature illustrated by FIG. 12;[0058]
- FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a main control treatment in the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature illustrated by FIG. 12;[0059]
- FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a warring treatment in the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature illustrated by FIG. 12;[0060]
- FIG. 18 is an explanatory view showing branches of character images in the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature illustrated by FIG. 12; and[0061]
- FIG. 19 is an explanatory view in a warring operation in the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature illustrated by FIG. 12.[0062]
- An explanation will be given of an example of an embodiment of a simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature in accordance with the present invention in reference to the drawings.[0063]
- As illustrated by FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a[0064]
simulation apparatus 1 for breeding a virtual creature according to this application, includesmark display units food mark 17a, anillumination mark 17b, agame mark 17cand aninjection mark 17dare displayed in themark display unit 17. Also, a plurality of marks of arest room mark 19a, acheck meter mark 19b, adiscipline mark 19cand acall mark 19dare displayed in themark display unit 19. - Key switches SW[0065]1, SW2 and SW3 installed at the lower side of the
mark display unit 19, are switches for conducting treatments in respect of breeding a virtual creature, which constitute inputting means for inputting a corresponding treatment by selecting a specific one from the plurality of marks. - The key switch SW[0066]1 is a switch for selectively displaying a desired mark from the
mark display units food mark 17a, theillumination mark 17b, thegame mark 17c, theinjection mark 17d, therest room mark 19a, thecheck meter mark 19band thediscipline mark 19care switched and displayed in this order. The key switch SW2 is a switch for finally determining a selected mark and the key switch SW3 is a switch for canceling a displayed mark. - When, for example, the[0067]
food mark 17ais selected by operating the key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3, meal or sweet can be given to the virtual creature. When theillumination mark 17bis selected, illumination of a room can be put off when the virtual creature takes a sleep. When thegame mark 17cis selected, the user can play the game with the virtual creature. When theinjection mark 17dis selectively displayed, an injection can be administered if the virtual creature gets ill. Thereby, the virtual creature can be treated. When therest room mark 19ais selected, if the virtual creature evacuate droppings, they can be cleaned by flushing water. When thecheck meter mark 19bis selected, respective values of age, weight, humor parameter, hungriness parameter and discipline degree of the virtual creature can be confirmed in a meter display. When thediscipline mark 19cis selected, a discipline can be conducted with respect to the virtual creature. - Naturally, a treatment other than the above-described may be displayed by a mark and the mark may be inputted by the key switches SW[0068]1, SW2 and SW3.
- An apparatus[0069]
main body 11 includes a storingunit 22 for storing control data in respect of breeding the virtual creature. The apparatus includes a control unit (CPU23) where, when a treatment in respect of breeding the virtual creature is inputted by operating inputting means, the control data in correspondence thereto is read from storingunit 22 and a control treatment in respect of breeding the virtual creature is conducted based on the read control data. Animage display unit 15 is installed at the front face of the apparatusmain body 11 and theimage display unit 15 is a virtual creature display unit for displaying the fostered virtual creature. - Incidentally, when the[0070]
simulation apparatus 1 for breeding a virtual creature is small-sized, for example, the apparatus is formed compactly such that it is portable, ROM, EEPROM, SRAM or the like is installed fixedly or attachably and detachably as the above-describedstoring unit 22. - Or, when the[0071]
simulation apparatus 1 for breeding a virtual creature is large-sized, for example, when the apparatus is integrated into a personal computer system, a pertinent record medium, for example, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic disk, photomagnetic disk, DVD or the like is used as the storingunit 22. - The[0072]
simulation apparatus 1 for breeding a virtual creature according to the first aspect of the present invention, includes a setting means for setting 1 or more of growth stages in accordance with growth of the virtual creature. The setting means is installed in acontrol apparatus 21 shown by FIG. 4. - As illustrated by FIG. 11, when a virtual creature having a first character image KT[0073]1 of a first generation is grown and reaches a first growth stage, it changes into a virtual creature of a character image KT2 of a second generation. Further, when the virtual creature is grown and reaches a second growth stage, the virtual creature of the character image KT2 of the second generation is changed into a virtual creature of either of character images KT3, KT4, KT5 and KT6 of a third generation. Further, when the virtual creature is grown and reaches a third growth stage, the virtual creature of the character image of the third generation is changed into a virtual creature of either of character images KT7 through KT12 of a fourth generation. Furthermore, the virtual creature is changed into a virtual creature of a character image KT13 of a fifth generation with a certain probability.
- Therefore, according to the example illustrated by FIG. 11, four kinds of the growth stages of the first growth stage, the second growth stage, the third growth stage and the fourth growth stage are set.[0074]
- Here, the program is set such that the virtual creature reaches the first growth stage after, for example, 60 minutes have elapsed since the virtual creature of the character image KT[0075]1 of the first generation was born and a virtual creature of a certain character image is set to reach the second growth stage after, for example, 23 hours have elapsed from the first growth stage. Further, a virtual creature of a certain character image is set to reach the third growth stage after, for example, 4 days have elapsed from the second growth stage and a virtual creature of a certain character image is set to reach the fourth growth stage, for example, 6 days have elapsed from the third growth stage. In this way, time periods required for the virtual creature to reach the growth stages, can be set to pertinent time periods which differ depending on the respective character image.
- Incidentally, although 4 kinds of the growth stages are set in the example illustrated by FIG. 11, the present invention is not limited thereto but a single growth stage or growth stages of an arbitrary number of 5 or more may be set.[0076]
- Also, a plurality of kinds of the virtual creatures having at least different appearances in respect of each of the growth stages, are stored in the storing[0077]
unit 22. For example, as illustrated by FIG. 11, the virtual creatures of 4 kinds of the character images KT3, KT4, KT5 and KT6 having different appearances are stored as the virtual creatures of the third generation. Also, the virtual creatures having 6 kinds of the character images KT7 through KT12 respectively having different appearances are stored in the third growth stage as the virtual creatures of the fourth generation. A pertinent memory apparatus of ROM, SRAM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, RAM or the like is fixedly, or attachably and detachably installed as the storingunit 22. - That is, when the[0078]
simulation apparatus 1 for breeding a virtual creature is small-sized, for example, when it is formed compactly such that it is portable, ROM, EEPROM, SRAM or the like is fixedly or attachably and detachably installed as the above-describedstoring unit 22. Also, when thesimulation apparatus 1 for breeding a virtual creature is large-sized, for example, when it is integrated into a personal computer system, a pertinent record medium, for example, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic disk, photomagnetic disk, DVD or the like is used as the storingunit 22. - Incidentally, although one kind of a character image is stored at each of the first growth stage and the fourth growth stage in the example illustrated by FIG. 11, the present invention is not limited thereto but a plurality of kinds of grown virtual creatures may be stored for each of them.[0079]
- Also, the key switches SW[0080]1, SW2 and SW3 are provided as inputting means for conducting a treatment in respect of breeding the virtual creature. Pertinent switches or noncontact type switches may be used as the inputting means.
- The apparatus is provided with determining means for determining the contents of treatments in respect of breeding a virtual creature in the growth stages until then when the virtual creature reaches a certain growth stage and selecting means for selecting one grown virtual creature from a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures in consideration of a result of determination by the determining means. The selecting means, for example, selects one grown virtual creature from a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures in accordance with a number of times of feeding the virtual creature.[0081]
- The determining means and the selecting means are installed in the[0082]
control apparatus 21 illustrated by FIG. 4. - Next, an explanation will be given of an embodiment of the[0083]
simulation apparatus 1 for breeding a virtual creature in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention. A plurality of kinds of grown virtual creatures having different appearances and personalities, are stored in the storingunit 22 at each of the growth stages. - For example, as illustrated by FIG. 11, the virtual creatures of 4 kinds of the character images KT[0084]3, KT4, KT5 and KT6 respectively having different appearances and personalities are stored as the virtual creatures of the third generation at the second growth stage. The virtual creature of the character image KT3 has a disposition of being hard to get ill although it has a little selfish personality. The virtual creature of the character image KT4 has a disposition of being hard to get ill although it has a very selfish personality. The virtual creature of the character image KT5 has a disposition of being liable to get ill and it has a little selfish personality. The virtual creature of the character image KT6 has a disposition of being liable to get ill with a very selfish personality. Further, other than these, each character image is set with a rise time, a retire time, a time period of one generation, a frequency of calls, a number of times of injection against illness, a minimum weight and the like.
- Further, the virtual creatures of 6 kinds of character images KT[0085]7 through KT12 respectively having different appearances and personalities are stored as the virtual creatures of the fourth generation at the third growth stage. As described above, whether the virtual creature has a selfish personality, whether the virtual creature has a disposition of being liable to get ill, a rise time, a retire time, a time period in one generation, a frequency of calls, a number of times of injection against illness, a minimum weight and the like are set to each of the character images. A pertinent memory apparatus such as ROM, SRAM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, RAM or the like is fixedly or attachably and detachably installed as the storing
unit 22. - The apparatus is provided with inputting means for conducting a treatment in respect of breeding a virtual creature. The inputting means has a means for taking care of a virtual creature with a content necessary for growing a virtual creature and a means for conducting a discipline.[0086]
- For example, a player can prepare a meal with a content necessary for growing a virtual creature, play a game or put off illumination by operating the key switches SW[0087]1, SW2 and SW3. Also, the player can conduct a discipline by selectively displaying the
discipline mark 19cby operating the key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3 in respect of a selfish content from a virtual creature. - When a virtual creature reaches a certain growth stage, the apparatus determines the contents of treatments in respect of breeding the virtual creature during the growth procedure until then, that is, the contents of cares and disciplines by the determining means and selects one grown virtual creature from a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures in consideration of a result of determination by the determining means, by using selecting means. Accordingly, when a player diligently takes care of the virtual creature and conducts pertinent discipline therefor, a virtual creature having a good personality is selected from the plurality of kinds of virtual creatures and accordingly, much care is not needed thereafter.[0088]
- Conversely, when the player does not diligently take care of a virtual creature and does not conduct a discipline therefor, a virtual creature having a bad personality is selected from the plurality of kinds of virtual creatures and accordingly, a number of calls from the virtual creature is increased thereafter and the burden on the player becomes heavy.[0089]
- Next, an explanation will be given of an embodiment of a simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature according to the third aspect of the present invention. As illustrated by FIG. 12, the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature according to the third aspect of the present invention, is provided with setting means[0090]53 for setting 1 or more of growth stages in accordance with growth of a virtual creature. For example, as shown by FIG. 18, when a virtual creature of a character image N1 of a first generation is grown and reaches a first growth stage, it changes into a virtual creature of a character image N2 of a second generation. Further, when the virtual creature is grown and reaches a second growth stage, the virtual creature of the character image N2 of the second generation is changed into either of virtual creatures of character images X and Y of a third generation. Furthermore, when the virtual creature is grown and reaches a third growth stage, the virtual creature of the character image of the third generation is changed into either of virtual creatures of character images A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 and D of the fourth generation. When the virtual creature reaches a fourth growth stage, the virtual creature of the character image of the fourth generation is changed into either of virtual creatures of character images S1, S2 and S3 of a fifth generation.
- Accordingly, 4 kinds of growth stages of the first growth stage, the second growth stage, the third growth stage and the fourth growth stage are set in the example illustrated by FIG. 18.[0091]
- Here, the apparatus is set such that the virtual creature of the character image N[0092]1 of the first generation reaches the first growth stage after, for example, 60 minutes have elapsed since the virtual creature of the character image N1 was born and a virtual creature of a certain character image reaches the second growth stage from the first growth stage after, for example, 47 hours have elapsed. Also, the apparatus is set such that a virtual creature of a certain character image reaches a third growth stage after, for example, 3 days have elapsed from the second growth stage and a virtual creature of a certain character image reaches a fourth growth stage after, for example, 5 days have elapsed from the third growth stage. In this way, arbitrary time periods which differ depending on the respective character images, can be set for time periods required for a virtual creature to reach the growth stages.
- Incidentally, although 4 kinds of the growth stages are set in the example of FIG. 18, the present invention is not limited thereto but a single growth stage or growth stages of 5 or more may be set.[0093]
- The apparatus is provided with a storing[0094]
unit 55 for storing a plurality of kinds of grown virtual creatures having different appearances at each of the growth stages. For example, as illustrated by FIG. 18, the virtual creatures of 2 kinds of the character images X and Y respectively having different appearances are stored as the virtual creatures of the third generation at the second growth stage. The virtual creatures of 7 kinds of the character images A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 and D respectively having different appearances are stored as the virtual creatures of the fourth generation at the third growth stage. The virtual creatures of 3 kinds of character images S1, S2 and S3 are stored as the virtual creatures of the fifth generation at the fourth growth stage. A pertinent memory apparatus of ROM, SRAM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, RAM or the like is fixedly or attachably and detachably installed as the storingunit 55. - Incidentally, although 1 kind of the character image is stored at the first growth stage in the example of FIG. 18, the present invention is not limited thereto but a plurality of kinds of grown virtual creatures may be stored.[0095]
- Also, the apparatus is provided with inputting means for conducting a treatment in respect of breeding the virtual creature. As the inputting means, pertinent switches of the key switches SW[0096]1, SW2 and SW3 or the like or noncontact type switches are used.
- The apparatus is provided with determining[0097]
means 57 for determining the contents of treatments in respect of breeding the virtual creature in the procedure of growth until then when the virtual creature reaches a certain growth stage and selectingmeans 58 for selecting one grown virtual creature from a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures in consideration of a result of determination by the determiningmeans 57. One virtual creature is selected from a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures, by the function of the determiningmeans 57 and the selectingmeans 58, in accordance with a number of times of serving meals to the virtual creature. The apparatus is provided with changingmeans 60 for changing the virtual creature to a selected virtual creature when the virtual creature is grown and reaches the above-descried growth stage. - The apparatus is also provided with connecting[0098]
means 52 for electrically connecting to other simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature. As the connectingmeans 52, a system of fittedly connecting the both simulation apparatuses, a system of connecting the both simulation apparatuses by simply bringing them in contact with each other, a system of connecting the both by connectors or the like is adopted. - The apparatus is also provided with[0099]
warring means 54 for making a war based on battle data from the other simulation apparatus inputted via the above-described connecting means and battle data of the simulation apparatus of its own and win or lose determiningmeans 59 for determining win or lose of the war. - The setting means[0100]53, the storing means55, the determining
means 57, the selectingmeans 58, the changingmeans 60, the warring means54 and the win or lose determiningmeans 59 are installed in acontrol apparatus 71 illustrated by FIG. 15. - Next, an explanation will be given of an embodiment of a simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature according to the fourth aspect of the present invention.[0101]
- The apparatus is provided with a storing[0102]
unit 55 for storing a plurality of kinds of grown virtual creatures having different appearances and powers (rates of win) at each of growth stages. - For example, as illustrated by FIG. 19, virtual creatures of character images A[0103]2, B2 and C2 have a rate of win of 80% in respect of virtual creatures of character images X and Y and a rate of win of 30% in respect of virtual creatures of character images A1, B1 and C1. Further, the virtual creatures of the character images A1, B1 and C1 have a rate of win of 70% in respect of the virtual creatures of the character images A2, B2 and C2 and a rate of win of 20% in respect of virtual creatures of character images S1, S2 and S3. Further, a virtual creature of a character image D has a rate of win of 60% in respect of the virtual creatures of the character images X and Y, a rate of win of 30% in respect of the virtual creatures of the character images A2, B2 and C2, a rate of win of 20% in respect of the virtual creatures of the character images A1, B1 and C1, and a rate of win of 5% in respect of the character images S1, S2 and S3. As the storing
unit 55, a pertinent memory apparatus of ROM, SRAM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, RAM or the like is used. - The apparatus is also provided with inputting means for conducting a treatment in respect of breeding a virtual creature. Further, the inputting means is provided with a means for taking care of the virtual creature with the content necessary for growing the virtual creature, and a means for conducting a training with the content necessary for promoting a power.[0104]
- For example, a player can feed food or put off illumination by operating the key switches SW[0105]1, SW2 and SW3 in respect of the content necessary for growing the virtual creature. Also, the player can conducts a training by selectively displaying the
training mark 67cby operating the key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3 in respect of the content necessary for promoting a power. - When the virtual creature reaches a certain growth stage, the contents of treatments in respect of breeding a virtual creature in the growth procedure until then, that is, the contents of cares and trainings are determined by the determining[0106]
means 58 and one grown virtual creature is selected by selectingmeans 57 from a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures in consideration of a result of determination. Accordingly, when a player diligently takes care of the virtual creature and conducts a training of the virtual creature pertinently, a virtual creature having a high initial value of a power is selected from a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures. - Next, an explanation will be given of an embodiment of a[0107]
simulation apparatus 1 for breeding a virtual creature according to the present invention in reference to FIGS. 1 through 11 as follows. - Firstly, an explanation will be given of the total constitution of the[0108]
simulation apparatus 1 for breeding a virtual creature in reference to FIG. 2 through FIG. 4. - As shown by FIG. 2, the apparatus[0109]
main body 11 is formed portable with the shape of a total thereof in an egg-like shape. Adisplay unit 13 is installed at the central portion of themain body apparatus 11 and a plurality of key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3 are arranged at the lower side of thedisplay unit 13. - The[0110]
display unit 13 is constituted by animage display unit 15 for displaying character images of virtual creatures, amark display unit 17 installed above theimage display unit 15 and amark display unit 19 installed below theimage display unit 15. As shown by FIG. 3, theimage display unit 15 is formed by a liquid crystal screen of horizontal32 dots and vertical16 dots. - A plurality of marks of a[0111]
food mark 17a, anillumination mark 17b, agame mark 17cand aninjection mark 17dare displayed in themark display unit 17. When thefood mark 17ais selectively displayed, the virtual creature can be fed with meal or sweet. Thereby, every time the virtual creature eats 1 cup of meal, a hungriness parameter is increased by +1. Also, every time the virtual creature eats 1 piece of sweet, a humor parameter is increased by +1. When theillumination mark 17bis selectively displayed, illumination of a room can be put off when the virtual creature takes a sleep. When thegame mark 17cis selectively displayed, the player can play a game with the virtual creature. When, for example, the virtual creature wins by 3 times or more in 5 times of battles as a result of a game, a parameter is increased by +1. When theinjection mark 17dis selectively displayed, injection can be administered if the virtual creature gets ill. Thereby, the virtual creature can be treated. - A plurality of marks of a[0112]
rest room mark 19a, acheck meter mark 19b, adiscipline mark 19cand acall mark 19dare displayed in themark display unit 19. When therest room mark 19ais selectively displayed, if the virtual creature evacuates droppings, they can be cleaned by flushing them by water. When thecheck meter mark 19bis selectively displayed, respective values of age, weight, humor parameter, hungriness parameter and discipline degree of the virtual creature can be confirmed by a meter display. When thediscipline mark 19cis selectively displayed, a discipline may be conducted in respect of a selfish call of the virtual creature requiring no emergency. Thecall mark 19dis a mark displaying a call from the virtual creature. Thecall mark 19dconstitutes a portion of calling means whereby the virtual creature makes a call in the procedure of growing the virtual creature. - The key switch SW[0113]1 is a switch for selectively displaying a desired mark from the
mark display units food mark 17a, theillumination mark 17b, thegame mark 17c, theinjection mark 17d, therest room mark 19a, thecheck meter mark 19band thediscipline mark 19care switched and displayed in this order. The key switch SW2 is a switch for determining the selected mark. The key switch SW3 is a switch for canceling the displayed mark. The apparatusmain body 11 includes a clock and the key switch SW1, SW2 and SW3 are used for adjusting a time of the included clock. The key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3 constitute portions of the inputting means for conducting a treatment in respect of a call from a virtual creature. - As calling means whereby the virtual creature makes a call in the procedure of growth of the virtual creature,[0114]
CPU 23 and a buzzer buzzed by an instruction fromCPU 23, a speaker, a winking light emitting element, LED or a pertinent mark display body is used. Also, the content of a call includes a content necessary for growing the virtual creature and a content that is selfish requiring no emergency. - Here, the content necessary for growing the virtual creature is needed, for example, in the case where a call is made for requesting a meal when the virtual creature gets hungry (a value of hungriness parameter is below a value of MAX). Also, the content is needed in the case where a call is made for requesting a game for improving the humor when the humor of the virtual creature is bad (a value of humor parameter is below a value of MAX). Also, the content is needed when a call is made for requesting to put off illumination such that the virtual creature can take a sleep.[0115]
- The selfish content where no emergency is needed in respect of a call from the virtual creature concerns the case where a call is made even if the value of the hungriness parameter and the value of the humor parameter are both at values of MAX. Also, the selfish content concerns the case where the virtual creature does not take a meal after making a call even if the value of the hungriness parameter is below the value of MAX. Also, the selfish content concerns the case where the virtual creature does not play a game after making a call even if the value of the humor parameter is below the value of MAX.[0116]
- A reset switch SW[0117]4 is installed at the back face of the apparatus
main body 11. The simulation of growing the virtual creature can be restored to an initial setting by operating the reset switch SW4. - Next, an explanation will be given of the constitution of the circuit unit and a peripheral portion thereof integrated to the apparatus[0118]
main body 11 in reference to FIG. 4 as follows. - The above-described[0119]
display unit 13 is connected to acontrol apparatus 21. Thecontrol apparatus 21 is formed by one chip of an integrated circuit. The above-described key switches SW1, SW2, SW3 and the reset switch SW4 are connected to thecontrol apparatus 21. Condensers CC1 through CC12, resistors RR1, RR2, RR4 and RR5 are connected to thecontrol apparatus 21. A buzzer BZ1 is connected to thecontrol apparatus 21 via the resistors RR4 and RR5 and an oscillator XL is connected thereto. - The[0120]
control apparatus 21 includes a storingunit 22 for storing software programs and various control data in respect of the growth simulation for breeding and growing a virtual creature,CPU 23 for reading the software programs and the various control data stored in the storingunit 22 and executing various control processings based on the control data, working memories of theCPU 23 and the like. That is, thecontrol apparatus 21 includes setting means for setting 1 or more of growth stages in accordance with growth of the virtual creature, the storingunit 22 for storing a plurality of kinds of grown virtual creatures having at least different appearances for each of the growth stages, calling means whereby a virtual creature makes a call in the procedure of growing the virtual creature and selecting means for selecting one grown virtual creature from the plurality of kinds of virtual creatures in consideration of the contents of treatments in respect of calls in the growth procedure until then when the virtual creature reaches one of the growth stages. Thecontrol apparatus 21 also includes such circuits as a drive circuit for driving adisplay unit 13, a buzzing circuit for buzzing the buzzer BZ1, a clock pulse forming circuit for forming clock pulses at predetermined periods of time based on the oscillation pulses from the oscillator XL, a clock circuit for outputting clock information based on the clock pulses and a timer circuit for outputting timer information based on the clock pulses. - Next, an explanation will be given of the operation in reference to FIG. 5 through FIG. 11 as follows.[0121]
- Firstly, an explanation will be given of a main flow control in reference to FIG. 5. At step SP[0122]1 whether the reset switch SW4 is operated is determined and when the reset switch SW4 is operated, the operation proceeds to step SP3 and time setting is conducted by operating the key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3. The life time of a virtual creature is determined hereinafter based on this time. Accordingly, the virtual creature acts in accordance with a real time. For example, a life time where the virtual creature starts acting by rising from bed at 9 o'clock in the morning and retires to bed at 8 o'clock in the evening, is set. An initial screen is successively displayed at step SP5. Here, an image having, for example, a shape of an egg is displayed, the egg is cracked after a predetermined time period and a new born baby of a virtual creature of a character image KT1 in the first generation is born and displayed.
- Next, treatments in respect of the first growth procedure are executed at step SP[0123]7. For example, a player takes care of the virtual creature by feeding meal or sweet by operating the key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3. Also, the player can conduct rest room cleaning or treatment of illness in respect of a call from the virtual creature.
- Next, at step SP[0124]9, when approximately 60 minutes have elapsed since the virtual creature of the character image KT1 of the first generation was born, the virtual creature is changed into a virtual creature of a character image KT2 of a second generation and the operation proceeds to the second growth procedure. In the second growth procedure, the player takes care of the virtual creature in respect of a call with a content necessary for growing the virtual creature when a call is made from the virtual creature similar to the above-described first growth procedure. The player can also conduct a discipline in respect of a call with a selfish content from the virtual creature.
- Successively, at step SP[0125]11, whether the virtual creature reaches a second growth stage is determined. When it is determined that the virtual creature does not reach the second growth stage at step SP11, the operation returns to step SP9 and conducts treatments of the above-described second growth procedure. When it is determined in
step SP 11 that the virtual creature reaches the second growth stage, the operation proceeds to step SP13. - At step SP[0126]13, one grown virtual creature is selected from a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures, that is, virtual creatures of character images KT3, KT4, KT5 and KT6 of a third generation in consideration of the contents of cares and disciplines in the second growth procedure.
- For example, in the second growth procedure, if in the case where calls are made from the virtual creature, cares are not taken by 3 times or more in respect of calls with contents necessary for growing the virtual creature and disciplines are not made by 2 times or more in respect of calls with a selfish content from the virtual creature, a virtual creature of the character image KT[0127]6 is selected. The virtual creature of the character image KT6 is changed into a virtual creature of a third generation and grown thereafter.
- Next, the operation proceeds to a third growth procedure at step SP[0128]15 and when a call is made from the virtual creature similar to the above-described second growth procedure, care can be taken in respect of a call with a content necessary for growing the virtual creature and discipline can be made in respect of a call with a selfish content from the virtual creature.
- Successively, at step SP[0129]17, whether the virtual creature reaches the third growth stage is determined. When it is determined in step SP17 that the virtual creature does not reach the third growth stage, the operation returns to step SP15 again and the treatments of the third growth stage are conducted. When it is determined in step SP17 that the virtual creature reaches the third growth stage, the operation proceeds to step SP19.
- At step SP[0130]19, one grown virtual creature is selected from a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures that is, from virtual creatures of character images KT7 through KT12 of a fourth generation in consideration of contents of cares and disciplines in the above-described third growth procedure.
- For example, in the third growth procedure, when in the case where calls are made from the virtual creature cares are not taken by 3 times or more in respect of calls with a content necessary for growing the virtual creature and disciplines are not made by 6 times of more in respect of calls with a selfish content from the virtual creature, a[0131]
virtual creature 2 of a character image KT1 is selected and thevirtual creature 2 of the character image KT1 is changed into a virtual creature of the fourth generation and grown thereafter. - Further, when the reset switch SW[0132]4 is not operated at step SP1, the operation proceeds to step SP2 and whether the virtual creature is at the first growth procedure is determined. When it is determined in step SP2 that the virtual creature is at the first growth procedure, the operation proceeds to step SP7 and treatments of the first growth procedure are conducted. When it is determined in step SP2 that the virtual creature is not at the first growth stage, the operation proceeds to SP4 and whether the virtual creature is at the second growth procedure is determined. When it is determined at step SP4 that the virtual creature is at the second growth procedure, the operation proceeds to step SP9 and treatments of the second growth procedure are conducted. When it is determined at step SP4 that the virtual creature is not at the second growth procedure, the operation proceeds to step SP15 and treatments of the third growth procedure are conducted.
- Next, a detailed explanation will be given of the operation in the second growth procedure in reference to FIG. 6 through FIG. 11 as follows.[0133]
- At step SP[0134]21 of FIG. 6, whether a call is made from the virtual creature is determined and when a call is made from the virtual creature, the operation proceeds to steps SP23 and SP25 where the
call mark 19dis put on and at the same time the buzzer BZ1 is buzzed for a predetermined time T1 as shown by FIG. 10, for example, 3 seconds. Also, a timer is started simultaneously at step SP27 and the operation proceeds to step SP31. - Successively, at step SP[0135]31, whether the call from the virtual creature is for taking a sleep is determined. When it is determined in step SP31 that the call is made for taking a sleep, the operation proceeds to step SP41 of FIG. 7 via (1). In step SP41, whether the player put off illumination by operating the key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3 is determined, and when the illumination is put off, the operation proceeds to step SP43 and whether the time is within a predetermined time is determined. When the illumination is put off within a predetermined time T3 as illustrated by FIG. 10 has elapsed since the call was made from the virtual creature, for example, within 1 hour, a care has been made pertinently and the operation proceeds to step SP45 whereby a degree of care is increased by +1.
- Conversely, when even if the call was made from the virtual creature, the care therefor has not been made or when the illumination is put off after elapsing the predetermined time T[0136]3 or more since the call was made from the virtual creature, for example, if 1 hour or more has been elapsed, the care has not been taken pertinently, the operation proceeds to step SP47 from step SP41 or SP43 whereby the degree of care is decreased by 1.
- Referring again to FIG. 6, when it is determined at step SP[0137]31 that the call is not for taking a sleep, the operation proceeds to step SP33. In step SP33, whether a value of a hungriness parameter of the virtual creature is MAX is determined and when the value of the hungriness parameter is not MAX, the operation proceeds to step SP51 of FIG. 8 via (2). In step SP51, whether the player has prepared food by operating the key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3 is determined and when food has been prepared, the operation proceeds to step SP53. In step SP53, whether the virtual creature has eaten the above-described prepared food is determined, and if the virtual creature has eaten food, the operation proceeds to step SP55. At step SP55, whether the time is within a predetermined time is determined. If the virtual creature has eaten food in a predetermined time T2 as shown by FIG. 10 since the call was made from the virtual creature, for example, within 15 minutes, the care has been taken pertinently and the operation proceeds to step SP57 whereby the degree of care is increased by +1.
- Conversely, when even if the call was made from the virtual creature, the care therefor has not been taken at all, or if even in the case where the care of food has been taken, the virtual creature is fed with food after elapsing the predetermined time T[0138]2 since the call was made from the virtual creature, for example, 15 minutes or more has elapsed, the care has not been taken pertinently and the operation proceeds to step SP59 from step SP51 or SP55 whereby the degree of care is decreased by 1.
- Further, in the case where even if the player has prepared food in step SP[0139]53, the virtual creature has not eaten food, the operation proceeds to step SP37 from step SP53 via (3).
- Here, a player conducts an operation in respect of a discipline by determining that the virtual creature is selfish since the virtual creature has not eaten food even if the value of the hungriness parameter of the virtual creature is not MAX. That is, the player selectively displays the[0140]
discipline mark 19cby operating the key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3 by which a player can conduct the discipline in respect of the virtual creature. In step SP37, whether the operation in respect of a discipline has been conducted is determined and when the operation in respect of a discipline has been conducted, the operation proceeds to step SP39 whereby a degree of discipline is increased by +1. - As described above, in step SP[0141]33, whether the value of the hungriness parameter of the virtual creature is MAX is determined and when the value of the hungriness parameter is MAX, the operation proceeds to step SP35. At step SP35, whether a value of a humor parameter of the virtual creature is MAX is determined and when the value of the humor parameter is not MAX, the operation proceeds to step SP61 of FIG. 9 via (4). In step SP61, whether the player has prepared a game by operating the key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3 is determined and when a game has been prepared, the operation proceeds to step SP63. At step SP63 whether the virtual creature has played the above-described game is determined and when the virtual creature has played the game, the operation proceeds to step SP65. In step SP65, whether the time is within a predetermined time is determined. When the virtual creature has played the game within a predetermined time T2 as illustrated by FIG. 10 since a call was made from the virtual creature, for example, within 15 minutes, the care has been taken pertinently and the operation proceeds to step SP67 whereby a degree of care is increased by +1.
- When the game has not been prepared in step SP[0142]61, the operation proceeds to step SP62. In step SP62, whether the player has prepared sweet by operating the key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3 is determined and when sweet has been prepared, the operation proceeds to step SP65. In step SP65 whether the time is within a predetermined time is determined similar to the above-described operation. When sweet has been prepared within the predetermined time T2 as illustrated by FIG. 10, since call was made from the virtual creature, for example, within 15 minutes, care has been taken pertinently and the operation proceeds to step SP67 whereby the degree of care is increased by +1.
- Conversely, in the case where even if the call was made from the virtual creature, the care therefor has not been taken at all, or if even in the case where the care of a game has been taken, the game has not been played within the predetermined time T[0143]2 since the call was made from the virtual creature, for example, 15 minutes have elapsed, the care has not been made pertinently and the operation proceeds to step SP69 from step SP62 or65 whereby the degree of care is decreased by 1.
- Further, in the case where the virtual creature has not played the game at step SP[0144]63 even if the player prepared the game, the operation proceeds to step SP37 of FIG. 6 from step SP63 via (5).
- Here, the player conducts an operation in respect of a discipline by determining that the virtual creature is selfish since the virtual creature has not played the game even if the value of the humor parameter of the virtual creature is not MAX. That is, the player can conduct a discipline in respect of the virtual creature by selectively displaying the[0145]
discipline mark 19cby operating the key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3. In step SP37, whether the operation in respect of a discipline has been conducted is determined and when operation in respect of a discipline has been conducted, the operation proceeds to step SP39 whereby the degree of discipline is increased by +1. - When a call has not been made from the virtual creature at step SP[0146]21 or when the operation in respect of a discipline is not conducted at step SP37, the operation proceeds to step SP29 where various care treatments are conducted and thereafter, the operation returns to step SP11 of FIG. 5 via (7).
- In this way, even if there is no call from a virtual creature, since the number of times of mistake is decreased as a result of reduced number of times of calls from the virtual creature by a player voluntarily taking care of the virtual creature with respect to its breeding by operating key switches SW[0147]1, SW2 and SW3, the virtual creature can be brought up to the one with good character.
- For example, the player can feed the virtual creature determining that the virtual creature is hungry when a hungriness parameter is below a MAX value. In addition, the player can play a game for increasing humor of the virtual creature determining that the virtual creature is not in good humor if a value of a humor parameter is below a MAX value. Further, the payer can put out the light so that the virtual creature takes a sleep determining that the current time is a bedtime.[0148]
- Incidentally, the above-described times T[0149]1, T2 and T3 can be set to pertinent values.
- Next, an explanation will be given of a[0150]
simulation apparatus 51 for breeding a virtual creature according to a second embodiment of the present invention in reference to FIG. 12 through FIG. 19 as follows. - A total of an apparatus[0151]
main body 61 of thesimulation apparatus 51 for breeding a virtual creature according to the second embodiment of the present invention, is formed in an egg-like shape, adisplay unit 63 is installed at the central portion as shown by FIGS. 13 and 14, a plurality of key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3 are arranged below thedisplay unit 63. - The[0152]
display unit 63 is constituted by animage display unit 65 for displaying character images, amark display unit 67 installed above theimage display unit 65 and amark display unit 69 installed below theimage display unit 65. As shown by FIG. 3, theimage display unit 65 is formed by a liquid crystal screen of horizontal 32 dots×vertical 16 dots. - A plurality of marks of a[0153]
status mark 67a, afood mark 67b, atraining mark 67cand abattle mark 67dare displayed at themark display unit 67. When thestatus mark 67ais selectively displayed, age, weight, hungriness degree (hungriness parameter), training degree (training parameter), basic physical strength (initial value of power) and battle achievement can be displayed successively. When thefood mark 67bis selectively displayed, food or protein can be fed to the virtual creature. Every time the virtual creature is fed with food, the hungriness parameter is increased by +1 and every time the virtual creature is fed with protein, the hungriness parameter is increased by +2. When thetraining mark 67cis selectively displayed, the virtual creature can be made to conduct training. By conducting the training, the training parameter is increased by +1 and a rate of win in battling with other virtual creature, that is, a probability of winning the counterpart of battle is increased by +1. When thebattle mark 67dis selectively displayed, other simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature is connected to the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature of its own by which the both virtual creatures can be made to battle with each other. - Further, a plurality of marks of a[0154]
rest room mark 69a, anillumination mark 69b, atreatment mark 69cand analarm sign mark 69dare displayed in themark display unit 69. When therest room mark 69ais selectively displayed, if the virtual creature evacuates droppings, they can be cleaned by flushing them by water. When theillumination mark 69bis selectively displayed, illumination of a room can be put off if the virtual creature takes a sleep. When thetreatment mark 69cis selectively displayed, wound of the virtual creature can be treated. Thealarm sign mark 69dis a mark for displaying a call from the virtual creature. Thecall mark 69dconstitutes a portion of calling means56 whereby the virtual creature makes a call in the procedure of growing the virtual creature. - The key switch SW[0155]1 is a switch for selecting and displaying a desired mark in the
mark display units status mark 67a, thefood mark 67b, therest room mark 69a, theillumination mark 69b, thetraining mark 67c, thebattle mark 67dand thetreatment mark 69care switched and displayed in this order. The key switch SW2 is a switch for determining a selected mark. The key switch SW3 is a switch for canceling a displayed mark. Even if there is no call from a virtual creature, since the number of times of mistake is decreased as a result of reduced number of times of calls from the virtual creature by a player voluntarily taking care of the virtual creature with respect to its breeding by operating key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3, the virtual creature can be brought up to the one with good character. - In this way, various kinds of cares and training can be conducted on the discretion of the player. For example, when the hungriness parameter has decreased to 1, the player can feed a virtual creature determining that the virtual creature is hungry. In addition, when determining that the current time has reached a bedtime, the player can put out the light in order to have a virtual creature take a sleep. Further, when a value of the training parameter has decreased to 1, the player can make the virtual creature to do training determining that the virtual creature needs training. An apparatus[0156]
main body 61 includes a clock and key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3 are used for adjusting the time of the included clock. - The key switches SW[0157]1, SW2 and SW3 constitute a portion of inputting means for conducting a treatment in respect of a call from the virtual creature.
- As calling means[0158]56 whereby a virtual creature makes a call in the procedure of growing the virtual creature, a CPU and a buzzer, a speaker, a winking light emitting element, LED or a pertinent mark display unit operated by an instruction of the CPU are used. The content of the call includes a content necessary for growing the virtual creature and a content necessary for promoting a power.
- The content necessary for growing the virtual creature concerns the case where a call for requesting food is made when the virtual creature gets hungry (when a value of hungriness parameter is reduced to 1). It also concerns the case where a call is made for requesting to put off illumination such that the virtual creature can take a sleep.[0159]
- The content necessary for promoting a power concerns the case where a call for requesting a training is made when a value of a training parameter is reduced to 1.[0160]
- A reset switch SW[0161]4 is installed on a back face of the apparatus
main body 61. A growth simulation of the virtual creature can be returned to an initial setting by operating the reset switch SW4. - Next, an explanation will be given of the constitutions of a circuit portion and a peripheral portion thereof integrated to the apparatus[0162]
main body 61 in reference to FIG. 15. - The above-described[0163]
display unit 63 is connected to acontrol apparatus 71. Thecontrol apparatus 71 is formed by one chip of an integrated circuit. The above-described key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3 and the reset switch SW4 are connected to thecontrol apparatus 71. Further, condensers CC1 through CC12, resistors RR1, RR2, RR4 and RR5 are connected to thecontrol apparatus 71. A buzzer BZ1 is connected to thecontrol apparatus 71 via the resistors RR4 and RR5 and an oscillator XL is connected thereto. - The[0164]
control apparatus 71 is provided with a storing unit for storing software programs and various control data in respect of the growth simulation for breeding and growing the virtual creature. Also, thecontrol apparatus 71 is provided with CPU for reading the software programs and the various control data stored in the storing unit and executing various control processings based on the control data, working memories of the CPU and the like. That is, thecontrol apparatus 71 includes setting means53 for setting growth stages of 1 or more in accordance with growth of the virtual creature, a storingunit 55 for storing a plurality of kinds of grown virtual creatures having at least different appearances at each of the growth stages, calling means56 whereby the virtual creature makes a call in the procedure of growing the virtual creature, determining means for determining contents of treatments in respect of calls in the growth procedures until then when virtual creature reaches one of the growth stages and selectingmeans 58 for selecting one grown virtual creature from a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures in consideration of a result of determination by the determining means. - Further, the[0165]
control apparatus 71 includes a drive circuit for driving thedisplay unit 63, a buzzing circuit for buzzing the buzzer BZ1, a clock pulse forming circuit for forming clock pulses at predetermined periods based on oscillation pulses from the oscillator XL, a clock circuit for outputting clock information based on the clock pulses and a timer circuit for outputting timer information based on the clock pulses. - Diodes DD[0166]1 and DD2 are connected to the
control apparatus 71 via a resistor RR6. A communication terminal TA1 is drawn from a connection point of the resistor RR6 and the diodes DD1 and DD2. The communication terminal TA1 and a grounding terminal TA2 constitute connectingmeans 52 for connecting the simulation apparatus to other simulation apparatus via the communication terminal TA1 and the grounding terminal TA2. Furthermore, thecontrol apparatus 71 includes warring means54 for making a war based on battle data from the other simulation apparatus inputted via the connectingmeans 52 and battle data of its own and win or lose determiningmeans 59 for determining win or lose of the war. - Next, an explanation will be given of the operation of the second embodiment according to the present invention in reference to FIG. 16 through FIG. 19.[0167]
- An explanation will firstly given to a main control processing in reference to FIG. 16. At step SP[0168]101, whether the reset switch SW4 is operated is determined and when the reset switch SW4 is operated, the operation proceeds to step SP103 where a time is set by operating the key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3. A life time of the virtual creature hereinafter is determined based on the time. Accordingly, the virtual creature acts in accordance with a real time. For example, a life time where the virtual creature starts acting by rising from bed at 9 o'clock in the morning and retires to bed at 8 o'clock in the evening is set. Successively, at step SP105, an initial screen is displayed. Here, for example, an image having an egg-like shape is displayed, the egg is cracked after a predetermined time and a new born baby of a virtual creature of a character image N1 of a first generation is born and displayed.
- Next, a treatment concerning a first growth procedure is executed at step SP[0169]107. For example, a player can take care of the virtual creature by cleaning rest room or treating wound by operating the key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3. Also, the player can feed food and put off illumination in respect of a call from the virtual creature.
- Next, at step SP[0170]109, when approximately 60 minutes have elapsed since the virtual creature of the character image N1 of the first generation was born, it is changed into a virtual creature of a character image N2 of the second generation and the operation proceeds to a second growth procedure. In the second growth procedure, the player takes care of the virtual creature when a call is made from the virtual creature or at the intention of the player similar to the above-described first growth procedure.
- Successively, whether the virtual creature reaches a second growth stage is determined in step SP[0171]111. When it is determined in step SP111 that the virtual creature does not reach the second growth stage, the operation returns to step SP109 again and the above-described treatments of the second growth stage are executed. When it is determined in step SP111 that the virtual creature reaches the second growth stage, the operation proceeds to step SP113.
- At step SP[0172]113, one grown virtual creature is selected from a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures, that is, virtual creatures of character images X and Y of a third generation in consideration of contents of cares at the above-described second growth procedure.
- For example, if in the second growth procedure, in the case where calls were made from the virtual creature, regular cares were taken such that the cares in respect of the calls were not taken by 4 time or less and the cares were taken since the[0173]
alarm sign mark 69dhad been put on, the character image X is selected and the character image X is grown thereafter as the virtual creature of the third generation. - Next, the operation proceeds to the third growth procedure at step SP[0174]115 where cares and trainings similar to those in the above-described second growth procedure can be conducted.
- Successively, whether the virtual creature reaches a third growth stage is determined in step SP[0175]117. When it is determined in step SP117 that the virtual creature does not reach the third growth stage, the operation returns to step SP115 again and the above-described treatments of the third growth procedure are conducted. Also, when it is determined in step SP117 that the virtual creature reaches the third growth stage, the operation proceeds to step SP119.
- At step SP[0176]119, one grown virtual creature is selected from a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures, that is, character images A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 and D in consideration of the contents of cares in the above-described third growth procedure.
- For example, if in the third growth procedure, regular cares were taken, a number of trainings was 5 or more and 15 or less and a number of full stomach and hindrance of sleep was 2 or less, the character image A[0177]1 is selected, and the character image A1 is grown thereafter as the virtual creature of the third generation.
- Successively, whether the[0178]
battle mark 67dis displayed is determined in step SP121 and when thebattle mark 67dis displayed, the operation proceeds to step SP123 where a warring treatment is executed. - Further, if the reset switch SW[0179]4 is not operated in step SP101, the operation proceeds to step SP102 and whether the virtual creature is in the first growth procedure is determined. When it is determined in step SP102 that the virtual creature is in the first growth procedure, the operation proceeds to step SP107 and treatments of the first growth procedure are conducted. When it is determined in step SP102 that the virtual creature is not in the first growth procedure, the operation proceeds to step SP104 and whether the virtual creature is in the second growth procedure is determined. When it is determined in step SP104 that the virtual creature is in the second growth procedure, the operation proceeds to step SP109 and treatments of the second growth procedure are conducted. When it is determined in step SP104 that the virtual creature is not in the second growth procedure, the operation proceeds to step SP125 and whether the virtual creature is in the third growth procedure is determined. When it is determined in step SP125 that the virtual creature is in the third growth procedure, the operation proceeds to step SP115 and treatments of the third growth procedure are conducted. When it is determined in step SP125 that the virtual creature is not in the third growth procedure, the operation proceeds to step SP127 and treatments of a fourth growth procedure are conducted.
- Also in the case where the[0180]
battle mark 67dis not displayed in step SP121, the operation proceeds to step SP127 and treatments of the fourth growth procedure are conducted. Normally, most of the character images die since they reach average spans of lives in the fourth growth procedure, however, the operation may proceed to the following steps under specific conditions. - In step[0181]129, whether the virtual creature reaches the fourth growth stage is determined. When it is determined in step SP129 that the virtual creature does not reach the fourth growth stage, the operation returns to step SP127 again and the above-described treatments of the fourth growth procedure are conducted. When it is determined in step SP129 that the virtual creature reaches the fourth growth stage, the operation proceeds to step SP131.
- In step SP[0182]131, one grown virtual creature is selected from a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures, that is, character images S1, S2 and S3 of a fifth generation is selected in consideration of the contents of cares in the above-described fourth growth procedure.
- Next, a detailed explanation will be given of the warring treatment in the above-described step SP[0183]123 in reference to FIG. 17.
- In step SP[0184]141 of FIG. 17, whether the simulation apparatuses for breeding virtual creatures on the both sides which are about to start a war are connected to each other via the communication terminals TA1 and TA2, that is, whether the apparatuses are jacked in is determined. When the both simulation apparatuses for breeding virtual creatures are connected, the operation proceeds to step SP143 and data of the virtual creatures of their own are transferred to the counter apparatuses. At step SP145, whether data have been firmly transferred is determined and when the data have firmly been transferred, the operation proceeds to step SP147 and a number of battles is set. Here, when both warring powers are at an equilibrium, a large number of battles is set. Successively, at step SP149, win or lose of the battle is determined.
- In respect of the determination of win or lose in this case, the win or lose is determined by calculating rates of win of the respective parties in consideration of a number of trainings, a number of wounds, a number of fed proteins and the like of the both virtual creatures.[0185]
- In respect of the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature which is determined to win as a result of the above-described determination of win or lose, the operation proceeds to steps SP[0186]151 and153 and after jacking out the apparatuses, warring screens are displayed by a number of the battles and thereafter, a screen of win is displayed. Also, in respect of the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature which is determined to lose as a result of the determination of win or lose, the operation proceeds to steps SP155 and157, and after jacking out the apparatuses, warring screens are displayed by a number of the battles and thereafter, a lose screen is displayed.
- As has been explained, according to the invention of this application, the apparatus is provided with the mark display units for displaying a plurality of kinds of treatments in respect of breeding a virtual creature individually by marks by which a corresponding treatment can simply and firmly inputted by selecting a specific mark from the plurality of marks by the inputting means.[0187]
- The apparatus is provided with the storing unit for storing the control data in respect of breeding a virtual creature and is constituted such that when a treatment in respect of breeding a virtual creature is inputted from the inputting means, the control data in correspondence thereto is read from the storing unit and the control processing in respect of breeding the virtual creature is conducted based on the read control data and the fostered virtual creature is displayed by the virtual creature display unit. Accordingly, a player diligently deals with the breeding of the virtual creature as if the player actually raised an actual creature by which a tasteful simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature can be provided.[0188]
- Further, when the player actually deals with breeding of a virtual creature as if the player actually raised an actual creature, a gentle mind in respect of creatures can be fostered by which a simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature that is appropriate in view of education can be provided.[0189]
- According to the first aspect of the present invention, the apparatus is provided with the setting means for setting 1 or more of growth stages in correspondence with the growth of the virtual creature and the storing unit for storing a plurality of kinds of grown virtual creatures having at least different appearances at each of the growth stages. Further, the apparatus is provided with the inputting means for conducting treatments in respect of breeding the virtual creature in the procedure of growth of the virtual creature and accordingly, the player conducts a treatment with respect to the virtual creature in a screen by which the virtual creature can be grown while disciplining the virtual creature.[0190]
- That is, even if there is no call from a virtual creature, since the number of times of mistake is decreased as a result of reduced number of times of calls from the virtual creature by a player voluntarily taking care of the virtual creature with respect to its breeding by operating key switches SW[0191]1, SW2 and SW3, there is an effect that the virtual creature can be brought up to the one with good character.
- Further, the apparatus is constituted such that when the virtual creature reaches one of the growth stages, one grown virtual creature is selected from a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures in consideration of the contents of treatments in respect of breeding the virtual creature in the growth procedure until then. Accordingly, the player diligently deals with breeding the virtual creature as if the player raised an actual creature and can grow the virtual creature into virtual creatures having different appearances in accordance with the degree of care by the player by which a tasteful simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature can be provided.[0192]
- Also, when the player diligently deals with breeding a virtual creature as if the player raised an actual creature, a gentle mind in respect of creatures can be fostered by which a simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature that is appropriate in view of education can be provided.[0193]
- According to the second aspect of the present invention, the apparatus is provided with the storing unit for storing a plurality of kinds of grown virtual creatures having different appearances and personalities at each of the growth stages, the inputting means having a means for taking care of the virtual creature with the content necessary for growing the virtual creature and a means for conducting a discipline. Therefore, the virtual creature can be grown while disciplining the virtual creature.[0194]
- The apparatus is constituted such that when the virtual creature reaches a certain growth stage, one grown virtual creature is selected from a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures in consideration of the contents of treatments in respect of breeding the virtual creature in the growth procedure until then, that is, the contents of cares and disciplines. Accordingly, when the player diligently takes care of the virtual creature and disciplines pertinently the virtual creature, a virtual creature having a good personality is selected from the plurality of kinds of virtual creatures and the player can grow the virtual creature into an imaginary having a good personality or a virtual creature having a bad personality in accordance with the degree of care of a player by which a tasteful simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature can be provided.[0195]
- In this way, the virtual creature is changed into an unexpected virtual creature depending on the degree of care and discipline of the player and accordingly, a tasteful simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature can be provided.[0196]
- The player diligently deals with breeding a virtual creature as if the player raised an actual creature and therefore, a gentle mind in respect of creatures can be fostered by which a simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature that is appropriate also in view of education can be provided.[0197]
- According to the third aspect of the present invention, the apparatus is provided with the setting means for setting 1 or more of the growth stages in accordance with the growth of the virtual creature and the storing unit for storing a plurality of kinds of grown virtual creatures having at least different appearances at each of the growth stages. The apparatus is also provided with the inputting means for inputting treatments in respect of breeding the virtual creature in the procedure of growing the virtual creature, and the selecting means for selecting one grown virtual creature from the plurality of kinds of virtual creatures in consideration of the contents of treatments in respect of breeding the virtual creature in the growth procedure until then, when the virtual creature reaches one of the growth stages. Also, the apparatus is provided with the connecting means for electrically connecting the simulation apparatus to other simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature, the warring means for making a war based on the battle data from the other simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature that is inputted via the connecting means and the battle data of its own, and the win or lose determining means for determining win or lose of the war.[0198]
- In this way grown virtual creatures can be made to war easily and the win or lose is automatically determined and therefore, the interesting degree is multiplied.[0199]
- Further, the player can grow the virtual creature as if the player actually raised an actual creature by which a tasteful simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature can be provided.[0200]
- According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the apparatus is provided with the storing unit for storing a plurality of kinds of grown virtual creatures having different appearances and personalities at each of the growth stages, the storing unit stores a plurality of kinds of grown virtual creatures having different appearances and powers at each of the growth stages.[0201]
- Further, the apparatus is provided with the inputting means for conducting a treatment in respect of breeding a virtual creature at the procedure of growing the virtual creature. The inputting means is provided with a means for taking care of the virtual creature with the content necessary for growing the virtual creature and a means for conducting a training with the content necessary for promoting a power and when the virtual creature reaches one of the growth stages, one grown virtual creature is selected from a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures in consideration of the contents of cares and trainings in the growth procedure until then. Accordingly, the player can grow the virtual creature into a virtual creature having a strong power in accordance with the degree of care of the player by which a tasteful simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature can be provided.[0202]
Claims (4)
1. A simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature comprising:
inputting means for inputting treatments in respect of breeding the virtual creature;
a storing unit for storing a control data in respect of breeding the virtual creature;
a control unit whereby when one of the treatments in respect of breeding the virtual creature is inputted from the inputting means, the control data in correspondence with the treatment is read from the storing unit and a control processing in respect of breeding the virtual creature is conducted based on the read control data;
a virtual creature display unit for displaying the fostered virtual creature;
wherein the control unit is provided with setting means for setting 1 or more of growth stages in accordance with growing the virtual creature;
wherein the storing unit stores a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures having at least different appearances at each of the growth stages;
wherein the control unit is provided with determining means for determining contents of the treatments in respect of breeding the virtual creature in the growth procedure until then when the virtual creature reaches one of the growth stages;
wherein the control unit is provided with selecting means for selecting one of the virtual creatures from the stored plurality of kinds of virtual creatures based on a result of a determination by the determining means; and
wherein the control unit is provided with changing means for changing the virtual creature which has reached the one of the growth stages into a selected one of the virtual creatures.
2. The simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature according to
claim 1
wherein the storing unit stores a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures having different appearances and personalities at each of the growth stages;
wherein the inputting means is provided with a means for taking care of the virtual creature with the content necessary for growing the virtual creature and a means for discipline; and
wherein the determining means determines a degree of care and a degree of discipline.
3. A simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature comprising;
inputting means for inputting treatments in respect of breeding a virtual creature;
a storing unit for storing a control data in respect of breeding the virtual creature;
a control unit whereby when one of the treatments in respect of breeding the virtual creature is inputted from the inputting means, the control data corresponding to the one of the treatments is read from the storing unit and a control processing in respect of breeding the virtual creature is conducted based on the read control data;
a virtual creature display unit for displaying the fostered virtual creature;
wherein the control unit is provided with setting means for setting 1 or more of growth stages in accordance with growing the virtual creature;
wherein the storing units stores a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures having at least different appearances at each of the growth stages;
wherein the control unit is provided with determining means for determining contents of the treatments in respect of breeding the virtual creature in a growth procedure until then when the virtual creature reaches one of the growth stages;
wherein the control unit is provided with selecting means for selecting one of the virtual creatures from the stored plurality of kinds of virtual creatures based on a result of a determination by the determining means;
wherein the control unit is provided with changing means for changing the virtual creature which has reached one of the growth stages into a selected one of the virtual creatures and further comprising:
connecting means for electrically connecting the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature to other simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature;
wherein the control unit is provided with warring means for making a war based on a battle data from the other simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature inputted via the connecting means and a battle data of the simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature per se; and
wherein the control unit is provided with win or lose determining means for determining win or lose the war.
4. The simulation apparatus for breeding a virtual creature according to
claim 3
wherein the storing unit stores a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures having different appearances and powers at each of the growth stages;
wherein the inputting means includes a means for taking care of the virtual creature with the content necessary for growing the virtual creature and a means for conducting a training with the content necessary for promoting the power; and
wherein the determining means determines a degree of the care and a degree of the training.
Priority Applications (4)
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| US09/767,012US20010036859A1 (en) | 1997-02-19 | 2001-01-22 | Breeding simulation apparatus for virtual creatures |
| US10/440,563US6832955B2 (en) | 1997-02-19 | 2003-05-16 | Breeding simulation apparatus for virtual creatures |
| US11/007,991US7104884B2 (en) | 1997-02-19 | 2004-12-08 | Breeding simulation apparatus for virtual creatures |
| US11/497,741US20060287032A1 (en) | 1997-02-19 | 2006-08-01 | Breeding simulation apparatus for virtual creatures |
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| US08/803,197US6213871B1 (en) | 1997-02-19 | 1997-02-19 | Nurturing simulation apparatus for virtual creatures |
| US09/767,012US20010036859A1 (en) | 1997-02-19 | 2001-01-22 | Breeding simulation apparatus for virtual creatures |
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| US08/803,197Continuation-In-PartUS6213871B1 (en) | 1997-02-19 | 1997-02-19 | Nurturing simulation apparatus for virtual creatures |
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| US10/440,563ContinuationUS6832955B2 (en) | 1997-02-19 | 2003-05-16 | Breeding simulation apparatus for virtual creatures |
Publications (1)
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| US20010036859A1true US20010036859A1 (en) | 2001-11-01 |
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| US09/767,012AbandonedUS20010036859A1 (en) | 1997-02-19 | 2001-01-22 | Breeding simulation apparatus for virtual creatures |
| US10/440,563Expired - LifetimeUS6832955B2 (en) | 1997-02-19 | 2003-05-16 | Breeding simulation apparatus for virtual creatures |
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| US08/803,197Expired - LifetimeUS6213871B1 (en) | 1997-02-19 | 1997-02-19 | Nurturing simulation apparatus for virtual creatures |
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| US10/440,563Expired - LifetimeUS6832955B2 (en) | 1997-02-19 | 2003-05-16 | Breeding simulation apparatus for virtual creatures |
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| US (3) | US6213871B1 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0860789B1 (en) |
| JP (4) | JP3043561U (en) |
| CN (2) | CN2300436Y (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2207721A1 (en) |
| DE (2) | DE69707259D1 (en) |
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- 2000
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- 2001
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Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20110124412A1 (en)* | 2008-08-08 | 2011-05-26 | Takehiro Ando | Media reproduction device |
| US8690672B2 (en)* | 2008-08-08 | 2014-04-08 | Square Enix Co., Ltd. | Media reproduction device |
| US20100041312A1 (en)* | 2008-08-15 | 2010-02-18 | Paul King | Electronic toy and methods of interacting therewith |
| US20210166077A1 (en)* | 2019-11-29 | 2021-06-03 | SideChef Group Limited | Crowd-sourced data collection and labelling using gaming mechanics for machine learning model training |
| US11712633B2 (en)* | 2019-11-29 | 2023-08-01 | SideChef Group Limited | Crowd-sourced data collection and labelling using gaming mechanics for machine learning model training |
| US12064697B2 (en)* | 2019-11-29 | 2024-08-20 | SideChef Group Limited | Crowd-sourced data collection and labelling using gaming mechanics for machine learning model training |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP2002360923A (en) | 2002-12-17 |
| CN1191149A (en) | 1998-08-26 |
| EP0860789B1 (en) | 2001-10-10 |
| US20030216160A1 (en) | 2003-11-20 |
| DE69707259D1 (en) | 2001-11-15 |
| JP3043561U (en) | 1997-11-28 |
| EP0860789A1 (en) | 1998-08-26 |
| US6213871B1 (en) | 2001-04-10 |
| CN2300436Y (en) | 1998-12-16 |
| DE29710637U1 (en) | 1997-09-04 |
| JPH10232595A (en) | 1998-09-02 |
| CA2207721A1 (en) | 1998-08-19 |
| CN1171651C (en) | 2004-10-20 |
| US6832955B2 (en) | 2004-12-21 |
| JP2000296272A (en) | 2000-10-24 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| AS | Assignment | Owner name:KABUSHIKI KAISHA BANDAI, JAPAN Free format text:ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:YOKOI, AKIHIRO;REEL/FRAME:011904/0735 Effective date:20010530 Owner name:KABUSHIKI KAISHA WIZ, JAPAN Free format text:ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:YOKOI, AKIHIRO;REEL/FRAME:011904/0735 Effective date:20010530 | |
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