U.S. patent application number 10/579477 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-07 for toy, data transmission method, and data transmission system.
Invention is credited to Kohei Nishino, Takae Nishino.
Application Number | 20070128978 10/579477 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34587380 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070128978 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nishino; Kohei ; et
al. |
June 7, 2007 |
Toy, data transmission method, and data transmission system
Abstract
To acquire necessary contents data interlocking with contents
stored in a toy, a toy 10 stores identification data and
communication start data, and has an external connecting unit, the
personal computer 20 reads the identification data and the
communication start data when the toy 10 is connected with a
personal computer 20, the identification data is automatically
transmitted to a server 30 through a network 40 on the basis of the
communication start data, the server 30 determines whether the
transmitted identification data is registered or not, the server 30
transmits contents data to the personal computer 20 when the
identification data is registered, and the server 30 transmits
registration application data to the personal computer 20 when the
identification data is not registered.
Inventors: |
Nishino; Kohei;
(Hiratsuka-shi, JP) ; Nishino; Takae;
(Hiratsuka-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BACON & THOMAS, PLLC
625 SLATERS LANE
FOURTH FLOOR
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
34587380 |
Appl. No.: |
10/579477 |
Filed: |
November 10, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
November 10, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP04/16628 |
371 Date: |
May 15, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/484 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 13/18 20130101;
A63H 2200/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/484 |
International
Class: |
A63H 29/22 20060101
A63H029/22 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 14, 2003 |
JP |
2003-385860 |
Claims
1-12. (canceled)
13. A toy comprising a storage unit for storing data, wherein the
toy comprises an external connecting unit capable of directly
connecting with an external communication apparatus, wherein the
storage unit stores specific identification data and communication
start data for starting a communication processing of the external
communication apparatus, and wherein the identification data and
the communication start data is outputted an external through the
external connecting unit.
14. The toy as claimed in claim 13, wherein the toy further
comprises a light emitting unit and a light emission control unit,
which is for controlling light emission of the light emitting unit
on the basis of data received from the external through the
external connecting unit.
15. The toy as claimed in claim 13, wherein the toy further
comprises a voice output unit and a voice output control unit,
which is for outputting a voice from the voice output unit on the
basis of data received from the external through the external
connecting unit.
16. The toy as claimed in claim 13, wherein the toy further
comprises an operation unit and an operation control unit, which is
for operating the operation unit on the basis of data received from
the external through the external connecting unit.
17. The toy as claimed in claim 13, wherein the storage unit
pre-stores a part of contents data relating to a cartoon, an
animation, a game or a movie, where a character according to an
appearance of the toy itself appears, and wherein the part of the
contents data can be read from the external through the external
connecting unit.
18. The toy as claimed in claim 17, wherein the toy further
comprises a voice output unit and a voice output control unit,
which is for outputting a voice from the voice output unit on the
basis of data received from the external through the external
connecting unit.
19. A data transmission method comprising steps of determining
whether identification data is registered or not by a data
transmission apparatus and transmitting data to a communication
apparatus, wherein the communication apparatus detects the
connecting of the toy as claimed in claim 13, reads the
identification data and the communication start data from the toy
when the connecting of the toy is detected, and transmits the
identification data to the data transmission apparatus on the basis
of the read communication start data, and wherein the data
transmission apparatus determines whether the transmitted
identification data is registered or not, and transmits the data
according to the toy to the communication apparatus when the
identification data is registered.
20. A data transmission method comprising steps of determining
whether identification data is registered or not by a data
transmission apparatus and transmitting data to a communication
apparatus, wherein the communication apparatus detects the
connecting of the toy as claimed in claim 14, reads the
identification data and the communication start data from the toy
when the connecting of the toy is detected, and transmits the
identification data to the data transmission apparatus on the basis
of the read communication start data, wherein the data transmission
apparatus determines whether the transmitted identification data is
registered or not, and transmits data according to the toy to the
communication apparatus when the identification data is registered,
in which the data according to the toy includes data for
controlling light emission of the light emission unit, and wherein
the communication apparatus outputs the transmitted data for
controlling light emission of the light emission unit to the
toy.
21. The data transmission method as claimed in claim 20, wherein
the data according to the toy is contents data relating to a
cartoon, an animation, a game or a movie, where a character
according to an appearance of the toy itself appears, and wherein
the data transmission apparatus transmits the data for controlling
light emission of the light emission unit according to an action of
the character in a scene of the contents data to be
transmitted.
22. A data transmission method comprising steps of determining
whether identification data is registered or not by a data
transmission apparatus and transmitting data to a communication
apparatus, wherein the communication apparatus detects the
connecting of the toy as claimed in claim 15, reads the
identification data and the communication start data from the toy
when the connecting of the toy is detected, and transmits the
identification data to the data transmission apparatus on the basis
of the read communication start data, wherein the data transmission
apparatus determines whether the transmitted identification data is
registered or not, and transmits data according to the toy to the
communication apparatus when the identification data is registered,
in which the data according to the toy includes data for outputting
a voice from the voice output unit, and wherein the communication
apparatus outputs the transmitted data for outputting the voice to
the toy.
23. The data transmission method as claimed in claim 22, wherein
the data according to the toy is contents data relating to a
cartoon, an animation, a game or a movie, where a character
according to a appearance of the toy itself appears, and wherein
the data transmission apparatus transmits the data for outputting
the voice according to an action of the character in a scene of the
contents data to be transmitted.
24. A data transmission method comprising steps of determining
whether identification data is registered or not by a data
transmission apparatus and transmitting data to a communication
apparatus, wherein the communication apparatus detects the
connecting of the toy as claimed in claim 16, reads the
identification data and the communication start data from the toy
when the connecting of the toy is detected, and transmits the
identification data to the data transmission apparatus on the basis
of the read communication start data, wherein the data transmission
apparatus determines whether the transmitted identification data is
registered or not, and transmits data according to the toy to the
communication apparatus when the identification data is registered,
in which the data according to the toy includes data for operating
the operation unit, and wherein the communication apparatus outputs
the transmitted data for operating the operation unit to the
toy.
25. The data transmission method as claimed in claim 24, wherein
the data according to the toy is contents data relating to a
cartoon, an animation, a game or a movie, where a character
according to a appearance of the toy itself appears, and wherein
the data transmission apparatus transmits the data for operating
the operation unit according to an action of the character in a
scene of the contents data to be transmitted.
26. A data transmission method comprising steps of determining
whether identification data is registered or not by a data
transmission apparatus and transmitting data to a communication
apparatus, wherein the communication apparatus detects the
connecting of the toy as claimed in claim 17, reads the
identification data and the communication start data from the toy
when the connecting of the toy is detected, and transmits the
identification data to the data transmission apparatus on the basis
of the read communication start data, and wherein the data
transmission apparatus determines whether the transmitted
identification data is registered or not, and transmits another
part of the contents data to the communication apparatus when the
identification data is registered.
27. A data transmission method comprising steps of determining
whether identification data is registered or not by a data
transmission apparatus and transmitting data to a communication
apparatus, wherein the communication apparatus detects the
connecting of the toy as claimed in claim 18, reads the
identification data and the communication start data from the toy
when the connecting of the toy is detected, and transmits the
identification data to the data transmission apparatus on the basis
of the read communication start data, wherein the data transmission
apparatus determines whether the transmitted identification data is
registered or not, and transmits another part of the contents data
to the communication apparatus when the identification data is
registered, in which another part of the contents data includes
data for outputting a voice from the voice output unit, and wherein
the communication apparatus outputs the transmitted data for
outputting the voice to the toy.
28. The data transmission method as claimed in claim 27, wherein
the data transmission apparatus transmits the data for outputting
the voice corresponding to an action of the character in a scene of
another part of the contents data to be transmitted.
29. A data transmission system in which a data transmission
apparatus determines whether identification data is registered or
not and transmits data to a communication apparatus, wherein the
communication apparatus comprises a connecting unit capable of
connecting with the toy as claimed in claim 13; a detecting means
for detecting the connection of the toy with the connecting unit; a
data reading means for reading the identification data and the
communication start data from the toy when the detecting means
detects the connection of the toy; and a transmitting means for
transmitting the identification data to the data transmission
apparatus on the basis of the communication start data read by the
data reading means, and wherein the data transmission apparatus
comprises a determining means for determining whether the
transmitted data is registered or not; and a data transmitting
means for transmitting data according to the toy to the
communication apparatus when the determining means determines that
the identification data is registered.
30. A data transmission system in which a data transmission
apparatus determines whether identification data is registered or
not and transmits data to a communication apparatus, wherein the
communication apparatus comprises; a connecting unit capable of
connecting with the toy as claimed in claim 14; a detecting means
for detecting the connection of the toy with the connecting unit; a
data reading means for reading the identification data and the
communication start data from the toy when the detecting means
detects the connection of the toy; and a transmitting means for
transmitting the identification data to a data transmission
apparatus on the basis of the communication start data read by the
data reading means, wherein the data transmission apparatus
comprises; a determining means for determining whether the
transmitted data is registered or not; and a data transmitting
means for transmitting data according to the toy to the
communication apparatus when the determining means determines that
the identification data is registered, in which the data according
to the toy includes data for controlling the light emission unit,
and wherein the communication apparatus further comprises; a means
for outputting the transmitted data for controlling the light
emission unit to the toy.
31. A data transmission system in which a data transmission
apparatus determines whether identification data is registered or
not and transmits data to a communication apparatus, wherein the
communication apparatus comprises; a connecting unit capable of
connecting with the toy as claimed in claim 15; a detecting means
for detecting the connection of the toy with the connecting unit; a
data reading means for reading the identification data and the
communication start data from the toy when the detecting means
detects the connection of the toy; and a transmitting means for
transmitting the identification data to the data transmission
apparatus on the basis of the communication start data read by the
data reading means, wherein the data transmission apparatus
comprises; a determining means for determining whether the
transmitted data is registered or not; and a data transmitting
means for transmitting data according to the toy to the
communication apparatus when the determining means determines that
the identification data is registered, in which the data according
to the toy includes data for outputting a voice from the voice
output unit, and wherein the communication apparatus further
comprises; a means for outputting the transmitted data for
outputting the voice from the voice output unit to the toy.
32. A data transmission system in which a data transmission
apparatus determines whether identification data is registered or
not and transmits data to a communication apparatus, wherein the
communication apparatus comprises; a connecting unit capable of
connecting with the toy as claimed in claim 16; a detecting means
for detecting the connection of the toy with the connecting unit; a
data reading means for reading the identification data and the
communication start data from the toy when the detecting means
detects the connection of the toy; and a transmitting means for
transmitting the identification data to the data transmission
apparatus on the basis of the communication start data read by the
data reading means, wherein the data transmission apparatus
comprises; a determining means for determining whether the
transmitted data is registered or not; and a data transmitting
means for transmitting data according to the toy to the
communication apparatus when the determining means determines that
the identification data is registered, in which the data according
to the toy includes data for operating the operation unit, and
wherein the communication apparatus further comprises; a means for
outputting the transmitted data for operating the operation unit to
the toy.
Description
[0001] This is a nationalization of PCT application of
International Publication No. WO2005/046823 published on May 26,
2005.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a toy comprising a
removable storage medium, a data transmission method, and a data
transmission system, where only owners of a toy can acquire various
kinds of contents data according to the toy.
[0004] 2. Description of the Conventional Art
[0005] Conventionally, a storage medium capable of directly
connecting with a connecting interface has been used, where a
personal computer has the connecting interface, such as a PC slot,
an USB connector or the like. Such the storage medium generally has
built in a storage unit of data comprising a semiconductor memory,
a hard disk or the like.
[0006] The above-described storage medium has been used by mounting
it on a case of a three-dimensional shaped object such as an
animation character, a game character or the like (Japanese Utility
Model Registration No. 3080552, Patent Document 1). Further, the
following system has been also indicated, that is, a system for
reading identification information, which is stored in the storage
medium, by a personal computer using a cradle or a reader apparatus
connected with the personal computer; accessing to a server of a
necessary provider; and thereby acquiring specific contents data
(Japanese Patent Application Laid Open No. 2003-187096, 2002-63092,
Patent Documents 2, 3). On the other hand, in addition to the
above-described storage medium and the system for acquiring the
contents data, the following apparatus has been also used, that is,
an apparatus in which a doll is connected to a personal computer,
and moving of the doll can be controlled on the basis of an
operation of the personal computer or data acquired from the
network (Japanese Patent Application Laid Open No. 2000-135384,
Patent Document 4).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] As for the storage medium according to the cited patent
document 1, it only externally appears to be a specific
three-dimensional shape, so that it does not cooperate with a
communication processing of a personal computer for receiving
specific contents data. Thus, there is a problem that the storage
medium cannot be used for acquiring data related to the
three-dimensional shape.
[0008] As for the system according to the cited patent documents 2,
3, the cradle or the reader apparatus is necessary between the
personal computer and the storage medium. Without cradle or reader
apparatus, there is a problem that only the storage medium is not
capable of acquiring contents data. Further, as for the system
according to the cited patent documents 2, 3, a personal computer
itself mainly starts the communication processing, and the
above-described cradle or the reader apparatus is interposed. Thus,
there is a problem that processings for acquiring contents data
from a server complicated, and acquision of the contents data
requires many processings.
[0009] Further, as for the apparatus according to the cited patent
document 4, it only controls moving of a doll on the basis of an
operation of a personal computer or data acquired from the network,
and it does not have a storage unit for storing data. Thus, the
apparatus cannot cooperated with a processing for acquiring data by
a personal computer, so there is a problem that it cannot be used
for acquiring the data, like the storage medium according to the
cited patent document 1. Further, since moving of a doll is not
related to contents data, there is a problem that it does not
control for changing a state of a doll by cooperating with the
development of a story in the contents data.
[0010] The present invention solves above-described problems, and
an objective of the present invention is to provide a toy, a data
transmission method, and a data transmission system, where
identification data and communication start data are stored in a
storage medium which is in the toy, and the toy is connected with
an external apparatus comprising a communication function, such as
a personal computer, to output the identification data and the
communication start data, so that, necessary data can be acquired
by connecting with a specific destination of access.
[0011] Further, an objective of the present invention is to provide
a toy and a data transmission method, where a state of the toy can
be changed by providing a light emitting unit, a voice output unit
and/or an operation unit at the toy, and transmitting data for
operating each unit from a destination of access, so that, the toy
can have a new added value.
[0012] An aspect of a toy according to the 1st invention in order
to solve the above-described problems is as follows. That is, the
toy comprising a storage unit for storing data comprises an
external connecting unit capable of directly connecting with an
external communication apparatus. The storage unit stores specific
identification data and communication start data for starting a
communication processing of the external communication apparatus,
and can output the identification data and the communication start
data to the external thorough the external connecting unit.
[0013] An aspect of the toy according to the 2nd invention is as
follows. That is, the toy further comprises a light emitting unit
and a light emission control unit, which is for controlling light
emission of the light emitting unit on the basis of data received
from the external through the external connecting unit.
[0014] An aspect of the toy according to the 3rd invention is as
follows. That is, the toy further comprises a voice output unit and
a voice output control unit, which is for outputting a voice from
the voice output unit on the basis of data received from the
external through the external connecting unit.
[0015] An aspect of the toy according to the 4th invention is as
follows. That is, the toy further comprises an operation unit and
an operation control unit, which is for operating the operation
unit on the basis of data received from the external through the
external connecting unit.
[0016] An aspect of the toy according to the 5th invention is as
follows. That is, the toy further comprises a mounting means
capable of mounting it on an external mounted body.
[0017] An aspect of a data transmission method according to the 6th
invention is as follows. That is, the method comprising the steps
of determining whether identification data is registered or not by
a data transmission apparatus; and transmitting the data to a
communication apparatus. The communication apparatus detects the
connecting of the toy, and when detecting the connecting of the
toy, the communication apparatus reads identification data and
communication start data from the toy, and transmits the
identification data to the data transmission apparatus on the basis
of the read communication start data. The data transmission
apparatus determines whether the received identification data is
registered or not, and when the identification data is registered,
the data transmission apparatus transmits the data according to the
toy to the communication apparatus.
[0018] An aspect of the data transmission method according to the
7th invention is as follows. That is, when the identification data
is not registered, registration application data is transmitted to
the communication apparatus.
[0019] An aspect of the data transmission method according to the
8th invention is as follows. That is, the toy comprises a light
emitting unit, the data transmission apparatus transmits data for
controlling light emission of the light emitting unit to the
communication apparatus, and the communication apparatus outputs
the transmitted data to the toy.
[0020] An aspect of the data transmission method according to the
9th invention is as follows. That is, the toy comprises a voice
output unit, the data transmission apparatus transmits data for
outputting a voice from the voice output unit to the communication
apparatus, and the communication apparatus outputs the transmitted
data to the toy.
[0021] An aspect of the data transmission method according to the
10th invention is as follows. That is, the toy comprises an
operation unit, the data transmission apparatus transmits data for
operating the operation unit, and the communication apparatus
outputs the transmitted data to the toy.
[0022] An aspect of the data transmission method according to the
11th invention is as follows. That is, data according to the toy is
contents data according to a cartoon, an animation, a game or a
movie, in which a character according to the shape of the toy
appears. Further, the data transmission apparatus transmits data
for operating the operation unit corresponding to action of the
character in a scene of the contents data to be transmitted.
[0023] An aspect of a data transmission system according to the
12th invention is as follows. That is, in the data transmission
system, a data transmission apparatus determines whether
identification data is registered or not and transmits the data to
a communication apparatus. The communication apparatus comprises a
connecting unit capable of connecting with the toy; a detecting
means for detecting the connection of the toy with the connecting
unit; a data reading means for reading identification data and
communication start data from the toy when the detecting means
detects the connection of the toy; and a transmitting means for
transmitting the identification data to a data transmission
apparatus on the basis of the communication start data read by the
data reading means. The data transmission apparatus comprises a
determining means for determining whether the transmitted data is
registered or not; and a data transmitting means for transmitting
data according to the toy to the communication apparatus when the
determining means determines that the identification data is
registered.
[0024] In the 1st invention, the storage unit of the toy stores the
communication start data. Thus, the communication start data is
outputted to the external apparatus by connecting the toy with the
external apparatus, to automatically start the communication
processing in the external apparatus, and the toy cooperates with
the processing for acquiring the data. Further, the toy comprises
the external connecting unit capable of directly connecting with
the external apparatus. Thus, the toy can be connected with the
external apparatus without using an interconnecting apparatus such
as a cradle, so that the toy can be easily connected with the
external apparatus. In addition, a doll, a figure, a structure, a
vehicle, a sundry article or the like corresponds to the toy, and
the doll includes an animal, a virtual living thing, a robot, a
personified thing or the like.
[0025] In the 2nd and 8th inventions, the toy comprises the light
emitting unit which is light-emitted by the data from the data
transmission apparatus, so that the toy can be light-emitted and
can have rich expression modes to the external. In addition, when
the toy is a doll, the light emitting unit is provided at a
position corresponding to eyes, a face or the like of the doll.
Thereby, the light emission can be used as one means for expressing
emotion of the doll. Further, when the light emitting unit is
provided at the inside of the doll, it is preferable that an outer
circumference part of the doll is formed with a transparent
material in order to see and recognize the light emission from
outside.
[0026] In the 3rd and 9th inventions, the toy comprises the voice
output unit for outputting the voice by the data from the data
transmission apparatus. Thus, the toy can output the voice and can
have more rich expression modes with respect to the external.
[0027] In the 4th and 10th inventions, the operation unit of the
toy can be operated by the data from the data transmission
apparatus. Thus, the toy can have various expression modes with
respect to the external by changing an attitude, a state or the
like of the toy. In addition, as for the operation unit, an aroma
generating unit for generating an aroma, a color changing unit for
changing an appearance color of the toy, a vibration unit for
generating a vibration, and a driving unit for driving a part or a
whole of the toy are included. When the aroma is generated, it is
preferable that a material, which is a source of a smell and
generates a smell by melting with heat, is melted at a heat
generating unit. Further, when the appearance color is changed, it
is preferable that a material, in which a color is changed
corresponding to heat, is used at the outer circumference part of
the toy, and the outer circumference part is heated by the heat
generating unit. Furthermore, when a part or a whole of the toy is
driven, it is preferable that the outer circumference part is
structured by assembling a plurality of movable parts or with a
material having flexibility, and the movable part or the outer
circumference part is driven by the driving unit.
[0028] In the 5th invention, the mounting means is provided. Thus,
a user can wear the toy or attach the toy to his personal things.
Therefore, it can be contributed to prevent losing the toy, and the
toy can be used as a kind of accessories, so that the added value
of the toy can be increased.
[0029] In the 6th and 12th inventions, the communication apparatus
communicates with the data transmission apparatus using the
identification data and the communication start data stored in the
toy, so that the processing for the communication can be carried
out automatically and smoothly. Further, the data transmission
apparatus has the data according to the toy, and transmits the data
according to the toy to the communication apparatus when the
transmitted identification data is registered. Thus, the
communication apparatus can acquire the data according to the toy
by the communication processing in cooperation with the toy.
[0030] In the 7th invention, when the identification data is not
registered, the processing for the registration of a user can be
carried out smoothly because of transmitting the registration
application data. Further, since the data to be contents is not
transmitted until the registration is completed, the value of the
data to be transmitted can be increased and a security when
transmitting the data can be kept.
[0031] In the 11th invention, the data according to the toy is the
contents data of the cartoon, the animation, the game or the movie
in which the character according to the shape of the toy appears.
Thus, only a person having the toy can acquire the necessary
contents data using the toy and the communication apparatus, so
that the value of the contents data is increased. Further, the toy
has a role for acquiring the contents data, so that the new value
is added to the toy. Furthermore, the data transmission apparatus
transmits the data for operating the operation unit of the toy
corresponding to the action of the character in the contents data
to be transmitted. Thus, the toy can be operated cooperating with
the action of the character of the contents data which the
communication apparatus receives and reproduces, and the contents
data with the toy can be enjoyed from many aspects. In addition,
when the data transmission apparatus collectively transmits the
contents data to the communication apparatus, it is preferable that
it transmits the contents data which is added with data for
operating the operation unit at a part where the character acts.
Further, when the data transmission apparatus transmits the
contents data with streaming, it is preferable that it transmits
data for operating the operation unit when transmitting the
contents data at a scene when the character acts.
[0032] According to the 1st invention, since the storage unit of
the toy stores the communication start data, the communication
starts using the communication start data to obtain the necessary
data automatically and smoothly. Further, since the toy comprises
the external connecting unit capable of directly connecting with
the external apparatus, the toy can be connected with the external
apparatus without using the interconnecting apparatus such as the
cradle, so that the structure for the communication can be
simplified.
[0033] According to the 2nd and 8th inventions, since the toy
comprises the light emitting unit which can be light-emitted by the
data from the data transmission apparatus, the toy is light-emitted
when receiving the transmitted data, so that the expression modes
to the external can be increased.
[0034] According to the 3rd and 9th inventions, since the toy
comprises the voice output unit for outputting the voice by the
data from the data transmission apparatus, the toy can appeal with
the voice spect to the external, so that the expression modes of
the toy can be increased.
[0035] According to the 4th and 10th invention, since the toy
comprises the operation unit operated by the data from the data
transmission apparatus, the state or the attitude of the toy or the
like can be changed on the basis of the transmitted data, so that
the toy can have various expression modes.
[0036] According the 5th invention, since the toy comprises the
mounting means, an owner can wear the toy, or attach to his
personal thing. Thus, lose of the toy can be prevented, and the toy
can be used as a kind of accessories.
[0037] According to the 6th and 12th invention, since the
communication apparatus communicates with the data transmission
apparatus using the identification data and communication start
data stored in the toy, the communication with the specific data
transmission apparatus can be established automatically and easily.
Further, when the identification data is registered, the data
according to the toy can be acquired smoothly by the communication
apparatus.
[0038] According to the 7th invention, when the identification data
is not registered, the processing for a user's registration can be
carried out smoothly since the register application data is
transmitted. Further, the data according to the toy is not
transmitted until the registration is completed, so that the value
of the data according to the toy can be increased.
[0039] According to the 11th invention, the data according to the
toy is the contents data of the cartoon, the animation, the game or
the movie in which the character according to the appearance of the
toy appears. Thus, only a person having the toy can acquire the
necessary contents data using the toy and the communication
apparatus, and the novel value of acquiring the contents data is
increased. Further, the data transmission apparatus transmits the
data for operating the operation unit of the toy according to the
action of the character in the contents data to be transmitted.
Thus, the toy can act cooperating with the action of the character
of the contents data, so that the contents data can be enjoyed from
many sides.
BRIEF EXPLANATION OF DRAWINGS
[0040] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a data transmission system
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a toy.
[0042] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an inside structure
of the toy.
[0043] FIG. 4 (a) is a schematic view illustrating an action in the
left and right directions of a head part, and FIG. 4 (b) is a
schematic view illustrating an action in the front and rear
directions of a head part.
[0044] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an inside structure
of a personal computer.
[0045] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an inside structure
of a server.
[0046] FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating a display screen
image of a menu.
[0047] FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating a display screen
image of a registration application.
[0048] FIG. 9 is a chart illustrating a registration table.
[0049] FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating a data structure of
contents data.
[0050] FIG. 11 is a first flowchart according to a data
transmission method.
[0051] FIG. 12 is a second flowchart according to a data
transmission processing of a server.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0052] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a data transmission system 1
according to an embodiment of the present invention. As for the
data transmission system 1 of this embodiment, when a toy 10 is
connected with a connecting unit 21 provided at one side surface of
a mobile type personal computer 20 which is an external
communication apparatus, a communication connection with a specific
server 30 (Web server or FTP server) is established through a
network 40, and necessary data can be acquired from the server 30
by the personal computer 20.
[0053] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of
the toy 10. The toy 10 has a shape of a doll, and a doll main body
10a which is an outer circumference part is formed by assembling a
body part 10b made from a synthetic resin and a head part 10c made
from a synthetic resin. The body part 10b is formed integrally with
a torso, arms and legs. As illustrated in FIGS. 4(a), 4(b), the
head part 10c is mounted to the body part 10b so as to be able to
move in the front, rear, left and right directions with respect to
the body part 10b.
[0054] More particularly, the body part 10b has an opening 10g
formed at an end part thereof on the mounting side of the head part
10c, and has a spherical recessed part 10f communicated with the
opening 10g at the inside thereof. Further, the head part 10c has a
neck part 10h projected on the mounting side thereof to the body
part 10b, where the neck part is thinner than an inner diameter of
the opening 10g of the body part 10b, and has a spherical rotary
part 10i at an end portion of the neck part 10h, where the rotary
part 10i is rotatably housed in the recessed part 10f of the body
part 10b. Thereby, the toy 10 can carry out a mechanical action,
i.e., the head part 10c is shaken in the front, rear, left and
right directions by the rotation of the rotary part 10i with
respect to the recessed part 10f. In addition, a lower end portion
of the rotary part 10i of the head part 10c has a metal piece 10k
which is attracted to the magnetic force.
[0055] Further, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the toy 10 has a ring
part 10e at a top portion of the head part 10c, and a string-like
strap 12 is mounted to the ring part 10e, where the strap 12 can be
tied annularly. The strap 12 has a function as the mounting means.
Thus, the toy 10 can be mounted to a neck of an owner of the toy 10
or a grip portion of a bag of an owner, corresponding to the
external mounted body. Thus, since an owner can wear the toy 10
with the strap 12, the toy 10 can be used as a kind of
accessories.
[0056] Furthermore, the toy 10 has an external connecting unit 11
which is projected from an end portion on the leg side of the body
part 10b. The external connecting unit 11 has a terminal shape
corresponding to a specification of a USB (Universal Serial
Bus).
[0057] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an inside structure
of the toy 10. The toy 10 has a control unit 13, a storage unit 14,
a light emitting unit 15, a vibration unit 16, a voice output unit
17 and a movable driving unit 18 at the inside of the doll main
body 10a, and has a structure in which each unit from 13 to 18 is
connected with an internal bus 19 for transmitting data, which is
extended from the external connecting unit 11. In addition,
although it is not illustrated in the drawings, the toy 10 has
power supply lines extended to each unit from 13 to 18 from the
external connecting unit 11, and when the toy 10 is connected with
the external communication apparatus, electric power is supplied
from the communication apparatus to each unit from 13 to 18 through
the external connecting apparatus, so that the toy 10 does not have
a power supply inside thereof.
[0058] The control unit 13 is for controlling the action of each
unit from 14 to 18, and the input and output of data, or the like.
That is, when the toy 10 is connected with the external
communication apparatus, the control unit 13 carries out the
following processing with respect to the storage unit 14, that is,
a processing for carrying out a control of the output so as to read
the data stored in the storage unit 14 by the external
communication apparatus, a processing for carrying out an address
assignment for the writing so as to store the data received from
the external in the storage unit 14, and a processing for carrying
out a synchronous control with respect to a write request from the
external, or the like. Further, the control unit 13 carries out the
following processing as a light emission control unit with respect
to the light emitting unit 15, that is, a processing for
transmitting data for light-emitting (hereinafter, it is called as
light emitting data), which is received from the external, to the
light emitting unit 15.
[0059] Furthermore, the control unit 13 carries out a processing
for transmitting data for the vibration (hereinafter, it is called
as vibration data), which is received from the external, to the
vibration unit 14 as an operation control unit with respect to the
vibration unit 16. Further, the control unit 13 carries out a
processing for transmitting data for the voice output (hereinafter,
it is called as voice data), which is received from the external to
the voice output unit 17 as a voice output control unit, with
respect to the voice output unit 17. Further, the control unit 13
carries out a processing for transmitting data for driving a neck
of the head part 10 to shake (hereinafter, it is called as driving
data), which is received from the external, to the movable driving
unit 18 as a operation control unit, with respect to the movable
driving unit 18.
[0060] A semiconductor memory is used for the storage unit 14 in
this embodiment, and the identification data and the communication
start data are pre-stored in this memory. The identification data
is data corresponding to a personal number of the toy in order to
identify the toy 10 from the other toy, and in this embodiment, a
number of "10000", "10001" or the like is used. Thereby, only one
toy 10 storing the identification data of "10000" exists in the
world, and only one toy 10 storing the identification data of
"10001" also exists in the world.
[0061] The communication start data is automatic starting type
program data in which contents for starting a communication
processing of the external communication apparatus is specified. In
the communication start data in this embodiment, the URL (Uniform
Resource Locator) of the Web page, which a server 30 illustrated in
FIG. 1 has, is specified as a connecting destination of the
communication. A processing for accessing to the Web page of the
server 30 is specified when the external apparatus establishes the
communication connecting with the server 30 through a server of a
provider to be communicated (it is not illustrated in the
drawings). In addition, the storage unit 14 keeps the free space
capable of storing the data in addition to the identification data
and the communication start data, and can store various kinds of
data received from the external.
[0062] A light emitting diode (LED) is used for the light emitting
unit 15 in this embodiment and is light-emitted when receiving the
light emitting data. In addition, two light emitting parts 15 are
mounted respectively to portions corresponding to both eyes at the
head part 10c illustrated in FIG. 2, and a state of lighting both
eyes of the toy 10 can be expressed from an appearance by
light-emitting in the light emitting part 15. The vibration unit 16
corresponds to the operation unit using a vibration element in this
embodiment, and is vibrated (operated) when receiving the vibration
data. In addition, the vibration unit 16 is provided in the body
part 10b, and a state of trembling and vibrating the body of a doll
can be expressed from an appearance by vibrating in the vibration
unit 16.
[0063] A semiconductor which emits two or more electronic sounds is
used for the voice output unit 17 in this embodiment, and emits an
electronic sound of a kind corresponding to the received voice data
when receiving the voice data. The voice output unit 17 is provided
in a body part 19b.
[0064] The movable driving unit 18 corresponds to the operation
unit. The movable driving unit 18 is formed in a box shape, and
provided facing to the rotary unit 10i of the head part 10c, as
illustrated in FIG. 4 (a). The movable driving unit 18 comprises a
first electromagnetic coil 18a and a second electromagnetic coil
18b on the left and right sides, and a third electromagnetic coil
18c and a forth electromagnetic coil 18d in the front and rear
sides, as illustrated in FIG. 4 (b). When receiving the driving
data, the movable driving unit 18 carries out an action for
supplying a current to the first electromagnetic coil 18a to the
forth electromagnetic coil 18d in this order and exciting those. By
this exciting, a metallic piece 10k of the head part 10c is
attracted to the first electromagnetic coil 18a to the forth
electromagnetic coil 18d in this order, and as a result of this,
the head part 10c is inclined in the left, right, front, and rear
directions.
[0065] According to the toy 10 in this embodiment, the light
emitting, the vibration, the voice output and the inclination of
the head part 10c becomes possible on the basis of various kinds of
data for the light emitting, the vibration, the voice output and
the driving from the external. Thus, the appearance and state as
though the doll expresses feeling become possible.
[0066] On the other hand, FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an
inside structure of a personal computer 20 connected with the toy
10. The personal computer 20 has a structure in which a CPU 23, a
hard disk 24, a RAM 25, a ROM 26, a display interface unit 27, a
voice interface unit 28 and a communication unit 29 are connected
with an internal bus 20c (for PC) which is extended from a
connecting unit 21 provided in a casing 20a. In addition, the
personal computer 20 has power supply lines (these are not
illustrated in the drawings) for supplying electric power to each
unit from 21 to 29, where these power supply lines are connected
with an external commercial power source. Thereby, electric power
can be supplied to the apparatus connected with the connecting unit
21.
[0067] The connecting unit 21 is formed in a terminal shape
corresponding to the USB specification, and can be directly
connected with the external connecting unit 11 of the toy 10.
Further, the connecting unit 21 can output various kinds of data by
the control of the CPU 23 to the external, and can receive various
kinds of data from the external. The hard disk 24 is for storing
various kinds of data and programs, and stores a communication
program and a contents reproducing program in addition to a program
according to an operating system and various kinds of application
programs in this embodiment.
[0068] The communication program is for specifying the following
processings, that is, a processing for connecting with a server of
a provider relating to the communication of the personal computer
20 according to a pre-set communication protocol, and a processing
for accessing to various kinds of servers connected with a network
40 through the provider. As for the general communication program,
the personal computer 20 receives an operation of a user and makes
the CPU 23 execute the above-described processings. However, as for
the communication program in this embodiment, the communication
connecting with the server 30 is established automatically by the
CPU 23 on the basis of the communication start data stored in the
toy 10. Further, in the communication program, processing up to the
process for transmitting the read identification data to the server
30 can be automatically carried out by the CPU 23, as described
below.
[0069] Further, the contents reproducing program is a program for
specifying the contents for reproducing the contents data received
from the server 30 by the personal computer 20, as described below.
The contents reproducing program specifies the following
processings, that is, a processing for displaying data according to
an image included in the contents data on a display screen 20b, and
a processing for outputting data according to a voice of the
contents data from a speaker 22. Further, as for the contents
reproducing program, as described below, the contents data in this
embodiment is suitably attached with light emitting data, vibration
data, voice data and driving data, which are described below, and
making the CPU 23 to carry out the following processing is also
specified, that is, a processing for outputting each data to the
external through the connecting unit 21.
[0070] The CPU 23 is functioned as a detecting means for detecting
whether the toy 10 is connected with the connecting unit 21 or not
on the basis of an operating system stored in the hard disk 24 in
this embodiment. Further, the CPU 23 is functioned as a data
reading means for reading the identification data and the
communication start data stored in the toy 10 when connecting the
toy 10 with the connecting unit 21 is detected. Furthermore, the
CPU 23 is functioned as a transmitting means for starting the
communication program on the basis of the read communication start
data and transmitting the identification data to the server 30.
[0071] Further, when the register application data is transmitted
from the server 30 as described below, the CPU 23 carries out a
processing for receiving data for the registration inputted by a
key board, a mouse and the like (these are not illustrated in the
drawings) and transmitting the received data to the server 30 on
the basis of the communication program. Further, when menu data is
transmitted from the server 30 as described below, the CPU 23
carries out a processing for receiving data having contents
selected by a key board, a mouse and the like (these are not
illustrated in the drawings), and transmitting a transmitting
request for requesting contents data to the server 30 on the basis
of the communication program.
[0072] The display interface unit 27 is connected with the display
screen 20b, and carries out a processing for displaying the data
received through the internal bus 20c (for PC) on the display
screen 20b. The voice interface unit 28 is connected with the
speaker 22, and carries out a processing for outputting the data
received through the internal bus 20c (for PC) as the voice from
the speaker 22. Further, the communication unit 29 is for
connecting a communication cable with the network 40 such as
Internet, and carries out a processing for transmitting and
receiving data according to the communication. In addition, the RAM
25 is for temporarily storing various kinds of data according to
the processing of the CPU 23, and the ROM 26 is for storing the
processing contents independent of the operating system of the CPU
23.
[0073] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating main parts of the
inside of a sever 30. The server 30 corresponds to a data
transmission apparatus for transmitting data. In this embodiment,
the server 30 transmits following contents data and data using a
server computer, that is, contents data according to anyone of a
demonstration image of a cartoon, an animation, a game, a movie and
a soft ware, and an image according to a help guide of a soft ware,
where the demonstration image appears as a character according to a
shape of the toy 10, and data according to the toy 10, such as the
light emitting data, the vibration data or the like of the toy 10.
The sever 30 has a structure in which a communication connecting
unit 31, a CPU 32, a RAM 33, a ROM 34 and a hard disk 35 are
connected with an inside bus 36 (for a sever).
[0074] The hard disk 35 stores various kinds of programs, data or
the like. In this embodiment, the hard disk 35 stores a server
communication program, a determination program, menu data, register
application data for the register application, a registration table
and various kinds of contents data. In addition, contents data
which is newly produced is stored at any time to the hard disk
35.
[0075] The server communication program has a specification making
the CPU 32 to carry out the following processings, that is, a
processing for carrying out a communication with the external, and
a processing for transmitting various kinds of data corresponding
to the access from the external. More particularly, the server
communication program has a specification making the CPU 32 to
carry out the following processings, that is, a processing for
receiving the identification data from the external, a processing
for transmitting the menu data or the register application data to
the access source on the basis of an instruction of the
determination program, and a processing for transmitting various
kinds of contents data to the access source on the basis of the
contents selected according to the menu data.
[0076] The menu data is data according to the contents displayed on
the display screen 20b of the personal computer 20 illustrated in
FIG. 7, and has the contents for displaying the following buttons
on the display screen 20b, which can be selected by a keyboard, a
mouse or the like. That is, a first selection button 50a of "SEE
FROM THE FIRST STORY", a second selection button 50b of "SEE FROM
THE LAST CONTINUATION", a third selection button 50c of "SEE THE
UPDATED PART", and a forth selection button 50d of "GAME". The
register application data is data according to the contents
displayed on the display screen 20b of the personal computer 20
illustrated in FIG. 8, and has the contents for displaying the
following items which can be inputted by a keyboard, a mouse or the
like. That is, "NAME", "ADDRESS", "TELEPHONE NUMBER", "MAIL
ADDRESS", and "SET TRANSMITTING PROPERTY" which enables data
transmission to the personal computer 20.
[0077] Further, the determination program has a specification of
the following contents, that is, the contents making the CPU32 to
carry out a processing, which is for updating the contents of a
registration table 51 illustrated in FIG. 9 on the basis of the
identification data and the data for the registration which are
transmitted from the external, and the contents making the CPU32 to
carry out a processing, which is for determining whether the
transmitted identification data is registered or not on the basis
of the contents of the registration table 51. Further, when it is
determined that the transmitted identification data is registered,
the determination program makes the CPU32 to carry out a
processing, which is for transmitting the instruction to the server
communication program to transmit the menu data. Furthermore, when
the it is determined that the transmitted identification data is
not registered, the determination program makes the CPU 32 to carry
out a processing, which is for transmitting the instruction to the
server communication program to transmit the register application
data.
[0078] FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating a data structure of
contents data stored in the hard disk 35. The contents data in this
embodiment has the contents, in which when the contents are a
cartoon, for example, the toy 10 illustrated in FIG. 2 appears as a
character and takes various actions corresponding to developement
of a story. The contents data has a structure that the light
emitting data, the voice data, the driving data and the vibration
data are suitably added to data positions from P1 to P6
corresponding to scenes where the character (the toy 10) takes
actions from "the beginning" to "the end" of a story.
[0079] Fir example, the light emitting data is added to the data
position P1 corresponding to the scene where the character is
surprised in the story of a cartoon, and the light emitting data,
the vibration data, the voice data and the driving data are added
to the data position P3 corresponding to the scene where the
character is pleased. Since the contents data has such the
structure, the toy 10 can be suitably carried out the light
emission, the voice output, the vibration and the moving of the
head part 10c, which cooperates interlocked with the actions of the
character in the story of a cartoon, so that a user can enjoy the
digitalized contents of a cartoon from many aspects.
[0080] In addition, in the case that a whole or a needed part of
the above-described contents is transmitted collectively to which
date the personal computer 20, when added positions such as the
light emitting data, the voice data and the like are added are
reproduced corresponding the course of to reproduction of the
contents data in the personal computer 20, the light emitting data,
the voice data and the like are outputted to the toy 10 on the
basis of the specification contents of a contents reproduction
program, and the contents of the contents data are certainly
cooperates with light-emitting, outputting the voice or the like of
a doll. On the other hand, in the case that the contents data are
transmitted to the personal computer 20 in a streaming manner, the
added light emitting data, the voice data and the like are
transmitted with the necessary positions of the transmitted
contents data, and the reproduced contents of the contents data to
be reproduced cooperates certainly interlocked with light-emitting,
outputting the voice and the like of a doll.
[0081] Further, the CPU 32 updates the contents of the registration
table 51 illustrated in FIG. 9 with data for the registration,
which is transmitted from the external, on the basis of the
above-described determination program. In the registration table
51, the identification data ("10000", "10002" or the like) of the
toy 10 to be produced is pre-written, and a section of
"Registration" is pre-written with the number of "0". The CPU 32
overwrites the number of "1" at the section of "Registration" of
the identification data, in which the data for the registration is
transmitted. Further, the CPU 32 suitably writes the sections of
"Name", "Address" and the like on the basis of the data for the
registration, and writes a transmitting state of the data up to the
last time of the registered user at a section which is not
illustrated in FIG. 9.
[0082] Further, the CPU 32 is functioned as a determining means for
determining whether the transmitted identification data is
registered or not, and a processing for this determination is
carried out by identifying whether the section of "Registration" of
the registration table 51 is the number of "1" or "0". Further,
when it is determined that the transmitted identification data is
registered, the CPU 32 is functioned to transmit the menu data on
the basis of the above-described communication program, and data
transmitting means for transmitting the contents data corresponding
to the transmission request, which returned back corresponding to
the contents selected by the menu data. Furthermore, when it is
determined that the transmitted identification data is not
registered, the CPU 32 carries out a processing for transmitting
the register application data on the basis of the above-described
communication program.
[0083] The communication connecting unit 31 of FIG. 6 receives
various kinds of data by connecting with the network 40, and
receives the identification data as a data receiving means.
Further, the communication connecting unit 31 also carries out an
output processing for transmitting the contents data, the menu data
and the registration application data. In addition, the RAM 33
temporarily stores various kinds of data for the processings, and
the ROM 34 stores the necessary data.
[0084] Then, a series of processings for transmitting data in a
data transmission method according to the data transmission system
1 having the above-described structure will be described on the
basis of a first flow chart illustrated in FIG. 11.
[0085] The CPU 23 of the personal computer 20 detects connecting of
the toy 10 with the connecting unit 21 at first (S1). When
connecting of the toy 10 is not detected (S1: NO), the CPU 23 waits
until connecting the toy 10. Further, when connecting of the toy 10
is detected (S1: YES), the CPU 23 of the personal computer 20 reads
the identification data and the communication start data from the
toy 10 (S2). Then, the CPU 23 establishes the communication
connection with the server 30 on the basis of the communication
start data, and transmits the identification data to the server 30
(S3).
[0086] The server 30 determines whether the transmitted
identification data is registered or not (S4). When the
identification data is not registered, the server 30 transmits the
register application data to the personal computer 20, and the
personal computer 20 transmits the necessary data for the register
application (the registration data) which is inputted to the
register application by a keyboard, a mouse and the like to the
server 30 (S5). The server 30 completes the registration with
respect to the unregistered identification data with the
transmitted registration data (S6). Further, when it is determined
that the identification data is registered in the registration
determining step of the identification data (S4), or when the
above-described registration of the identification data is
completed (S6), the server 30 transmits the necessary contents data
to the personal computer 20, and the personal computer 20 receives
and reproduces the transmitted contents data (S7). When the server
30 transmits the above-described contents data, the added light
emitting data, voice data and the like are also transmitted.
[0087] Thereby, in the personal computer 20, any one of contents of
a cartoon, an animation, a movie or a game is suitably displayed on
the display screen 20b by the reproduction of the contents data,
and the necessary voice is outputted from the speaker 22. Further,
the personal computer 20 outputs the light emitting data, the voice
data and the like to the toy 10 corresponding to advance of the
story, in which these data are added to the transmitted contents
data. Thus, the toy 10 connected with the personal computer 20 is
carried out the light emission, the voice output and the like
according to the action of the character corresponding to advance
of the contents, so that a user can enjoy the production in which
the toy 10 is interlocked with the contents.
[0088] FIG. 12 is a second flow chart illustrating a detailed
procedure of processings in the server 30 with respect to the
processings from (S4) to (S7) in the first flow chart in FIG.
11.
[0089] When the server 30 receives the identification data (S10),
the server 30 determines whether the identification data is
registered or not on the basis of the registration table 51 in FIG.
9 (S11). When it is determined that the identification data is not
registered, that is, when the space of "Registration" is written
with the number of "0" (S11: NO), the server 30 transmits the
registration application data according to the displayed contents
in FIG. 8 to the personal computer 20 (S12), and determines whether
the registration data is received from the personal computer 20 or
not (S13).
[0090] When the registration data is not received (S13: NO), the
server 30 waits until receiving the registration data. When the
registration data is received (S13: YES), the server 30 writes the
received registration data into the registration table, and
registers the identification data (S14). Further, when the
identification data is registered (S11: YES), or after the
identification is registered (S14), the server 30 transmits the
menu data according to the displayed contents in FIG. 7 to the
personal computer 20 (S15).
[0091] Then, the server 30 determines whether the menu data
receives the contents (selected data) from the personal computer 20
or not (S16), in which the selected data are selected as the
transmission request in the personal computer 20. When the selected
data is not received (S16: NO), the server 30 waits until receiving
the selected data. On the other hand, when the selected data is
received (S16: YES), the server 30 transmits the contents data
corresponding to the selected contents to the personal computer 20
(S17).
[0092] Thereby, as for the data transmission system 1 according to
the present invention, the communication connecting with the server
30 can be automatically established by only connecting the toy 10
with the personal computer 20, so that a user's burden for
communication can be reduced. Further, the contents data can not be
acquired when the registration is not carried out, so that the
security when transmitting the contents data can be kept. Further,
a user cannot acquire the contents data if not having the toy 10,
so that scarcity and availability restriction of the contents data
can be increased. Furthermore, a user can easily acquire the
necessary contents data by transmitting the menu data to the user
side.
[0093] In addition, the data transmission system 1 is not limited
to the above-described embodiment, and various changed examples can
be applied. For example, as for the toy 10, both or one of the body
parts 10b and the head part 10c are made from a transparent
synthetic resin. When these are transparent, the light emitting
unit 15 may be provided at the inside of the toy 10 in order to
recognize from the appearance. Further, the toy 10 can have a
structure, in which parts other than the head part 10c can be
assembled not integrally with the body part 10b but movably with
respect to the body part 10b, and can be moved by the movable
driving unit 18. Further, the toy 10 can have a data structure, in
which the voice output unit 17 can output different voices
corresponding to two or more voice data, and the contents data
comprises different kinds of voice data corresponding to the
scene.
[0094] Furthermore, the toy 10 is not formed by assembling two or
more parts, but a doll main body may be formed with a synthetic
resin or a synthetic rubber having flexibility. Further, a
mechanical function such as a motor and a cam function may be used
for the movable driving unit 18, and a doll may be operated by
moving flexibly apart of the doll main body. Further, a metal
material may be used for a part of the toy 10, and this metal part
can be operated. Further, a source of a smell, which generates a
smell when melting, and a heating unit for melting the source of a
smell on the basis of melting data from the external may be
provided, and the melting data is added to a necessary position of
the contents data. Thereby, a smell can be generated from the toy
10 interlocking with the contents. Furthermore, as for the toy 10,
a material in which a color is changed according to a temperature
of the outer circumference part may be applied, and a heating unit
for heating the outer circumference part on the basis of color
changing data is provided, and further, the color changing data is
added to a necessary position of the contents data. Thereby, a
color of the appearance of the toy 20 can be changed interlocking
with the contents.
[0095] Further, the toy 10 can use a mounting means, such a key
holder, a chain or the like, other than the strap 12. On the other
hand, the mounting means can be omitted. Further, the external
connecting unit 11 projected from the toy 10 may be projected from
the other positions other than the foot part. Furthermore, the toy
10 can be applied to various kinds of communication apparatuses
other than the personal computer 20, where the communication
apparatuses are PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a portable
telephone, and a telephone corresponding to the PHS, which comprise
the communication function. When the toy 10 is connected with the
other kinds of communication apparatuses, it is necessary to change
a specification of the external connecting unit 11 to a
specification (the PC card specification according to PCMCIA, the
IEEE 1394 or the like) corresponding to the connection. Further,
the toy 10 can has a structure, in which the storage unit 14 of the
toy 10 pre-stores the first half of the contents data or data of
first several histories of the contents data comprising two or more
stories, and when toy 10 is connected with the personal computer 20
and reproducing the stored data is completed, the second half of
the contents data or data of residual several histories is
transmitted from the server 30. In this case, the first half of the
contents data or the data of the first several histories can be
reproduced by only connecting the toy 10 with the personal computer
20, without communicating with the server 30. Further, the toy 10
may be formed to have a shape of a doll of an animal, a virtual
living thing, a robot, a personified thing, and may be formed to
have a shape of a figure, a structure, a vehicle, a sundry article
or the like other than the doll.
[0096] Furthermore, the server 30 may add the operation data such
as the light emitting data, the voice data or the like to the menu
data according to the displayed contents illustrated in FIG. 7 and
the registration application data according to the displayed
contents illustrated in FIG. 8, and transmit those. In this case,
the toy 10 is operated even at the time of the menu screen or the
registration application screen, so that selecting or inputting a
matter is urged. Further, the server 30 may transmit an image
according to demonstration contents, an image according to help
contents of a soft ware or the like as the contents data. In
addition, in the above-described embodiment, it is described that
the communication is carried out between the personal computer 20
and the server 30. However, the present invention can be applied to
an embodiment, in which two communication terminal apparatuses (a
personal computer, PDA or the like) connected each other by various
kinds of networks such as the LAN or the WAN are used, and the toy
10 is connected with one communication terminal apparatus to
thereby carry out the communication with another communication
apparatus.
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