U.S. patent application number 12/985673 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-14 for racing toy.
This patent application is currently assigned to TOMY COMPANY, LTD.. Invention is credited to Kenji Horikoshi, Takashi ICHIKAWA.
Application Number | 20110171878 12/985673 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43416636 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110171878 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ICHIKAWA; Takashi ; et
al. |
July 14, 2011 |
RACING TOY
Abstract
A racing toy including: a running body including, a driving
mechanism for automatic running, and a running control section to
enhance running ability of the running body and to reduce running
ability of a competing running body; a signal storing section to
store a plurality of running control signals regarding the running
ability of the running body; and a selection control section to
randomly select a running control signal from among the running
control signals stored in the signal storing section, wherein the
running control section enhances the running ability of the running
body and/or reduces the running ability of the competing running
body according to the running control signal selected by the
selection control section.
Inventors: |
ICHIKAWA; Takashi;
(Tochigi-shi, JP) ; Horikoshi; Kenji; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Assignee: |
TOMY COMPANY, LTD.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
43416636 |
Appl. No.: |
12/985673 |
Filed: |
January 6, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/454 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 30/04 20130101;
A63H 17/26 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/454 |
International
Class: |
A63H 30/00 20060101
A63H030/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 8, 2010 |
JP |
2010-002619 |
Claims
1. A racing toy comprising: a running body including, a driving
mechanism for automatic running, and a running control section to
enhance running ability of the running body and to reduce running
ability of a competing running body; a signal storing section to
store a plurality of running control signals regarding the running
ability of the running body; and a selection control section to
randomly select a running control signal from among the running
control signals stored in the signal storing section, wherein the
running control section enhances the running ability of the running
body and/or reduces the running ability of the competing running
body according to the running control signal selected by the
selection control section.
2. The racing toy according to claim 1 further comprising: a
display section to display a function of the running control signal
selected by the selection control section; and a display control
section to control the display section to display the function of
the running control signal selected by the selection control
section.
3. The racing toy according to claim 2 comprising a plurality of
the display sections, the display sections including: a plurality
of display windows, respectively, each of which displays a function
of each of the running control signals; and a plurality of light
sources, respectively, each of which emits light, wherein the
display windows correspond to the light sources, respectively, so
that the light emitted from each of the light sources passes
through each of the corresponding display windows, and the display
control section controls the light sources to emit the light in
such a manner that when the selection control section starts to
select the running control signal, the light sources sequentially
emit the light, and after a predetermined period of time elapses,
only the light source emits the light, the light source which
corresponds to the display window displaying the function of the
selected running control signal.
4. The racing toy according to claim 1 comprising: a plurality of
the running bodies including a first running body and a second
running body, wherein the first running body includes, an
obstructing signal transmitting section to transmit an obstructing
signal at least forward and/or backward by radio, the obstructing
signal which obstructs the running ability of the second running
body competing with the first running body, and the second running
body includes, an obstructing signal receiving section to receive
the obstructing signal, and an obstruction control section to
control an obstructing operation of the driving mechanism of the
second running body according to the obstructing signal received at
the obstructing signal receiving section.
5. The racing toy according to claim 1, wherein the running control
signals include an obstructing signal which obstructs the running
ability of the competing running body.
6. The racing toy according to claim 5, wherein the obstructing
signal includes a signal which moves the competing running body
backward.
7. The racing toy according to claim 5, wherein the obstructing
signal includes a signal which spins the competing running
body.
8. The racing toy according to claim 5, wherein the obstructing
signal includes a signal which decelerates the competing running
body.
9. The racing toy according to claim 1, wherein the running control
signals include a signal which accelerates the running body.
10. The racing toy according to claim 1, wherein the running
control signals include a signal which invalidates the obstructing
signal transmitted from the competing running body.
11. The racing toy according to claim 1 further comprising: a
trigger providing section to provide the selection control section
with a trigger to start to select the running control signal.
12. The racing toy according to claim 11 further comprising: a
clock section to measure a lapse time from a start of the running
ability of the running body, wherein the trigger providing section
provides the selection control section with the trigger based on
the lapse time measured by the clock section.
13. The racing toy according to claim 11 further comprising: a
detecting section to detect arrival of the running body at a
predetermined position, wherein the trigger providing section
provides the trigger based on the arrival of the running body
detected by the detecting section.
14. The racing toy according to claim 11 further comprising: a
controller to perform an operation of the running body by using a
radio signal, wherein the selection control section and the trigger
providing section are disposed to the controller.
15. The racing toy according to claim 11, wherein the selection
control section and the trigger providing section are disposed to
the running body.
16. The racing toy according to claim 11 further comprising: a
course on which the running body runs, wherein the selection
control section and the trigger providing section are disposed to a
side of a running path of the course or to a structure disposed to
the course.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a racing toy.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Racing toys in each of which a plurality of running bodies,
two running bodies for example, are competed with one another are
known.
[0005] In general, in such racing toys, attack signals are
transmitted, for example, from a first running body to a second
running body to stop and/or overturn the second running body which
receives the attack signals, so as to obstruct running of the
second running body. Consequently, the first running body may win.
(Refer to Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open
Publication No. S54-79747 and Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent
No. 3791773, for example.)
[0006] However, in the racing toy described in the Patent Document
1, the first running body, which is a user's running body, has the
only one kind of technique to obstruct the second running body,
which is a competitor's running body. The technique is to emit the
only one kind of light from a light emitting device of the first
running body toward a light receiving device of the second running
body. That is, the only one kind of attack can be made, and the
attack is made with the user's own will.
[0007] In the racing toy described in the Patent Document 2 as
well, the only one kind of attack can be made, and the attack is
made with the user's own will, by operating a shooting button or
the like.
[0008] Thus, the racing toys described in Patent Documents 1 and 2
may make the play therewith tedious and monotonous while being
played for a long period of time, and may cause a user thereof to
feel short of fun and excitement.
[0009] The present invention is made to solve the problems
described above. An object of the present invention is to provide a
racing toy which makes up the shortage of fun and excitement and
which can be enjoyed more for a long time by a user thereof without
boredom compared with a conventional racing toy.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] An aspect of the present invention is a racing toy
including: a running body including, a driving mechanism for
automatic running, and a running control section to enhance running
ability of the running body and to reduce running ability of a
competing running body; a signal storing section to store a
plurality of running control signals regarding the running ability
of the running body; and a selection control section to randomly
select a running control signal from among the running control
signals stored in the signal storing section, wherein the running
control section enhances the running ability of the running body
and/or reduces the running ability of the competing running body
according to the running control signal selected by the selection
control section.
[0011] Preferably, the racing toy further includes: a display
section to display a function of the running control signal
selected by the selection control section; and a display control
section to control the display section to display the function of
the running control signal selected by the selection control
section.
[0012] Preferably, the racing toy includes a plurality of the
display sections, the display sections including: a plurality of
display windows, respectively, each of which displays a function of
each of the running control signals; and a plurality of light
sources, respectively, each of which emits light, wherein the
display windows correspond to the light sources, respectively, so
that the light emitted from each of the light sources passes
through each of the corresponding display windows, and the display
control section controls the light sources to emit the light in
such a manner that when the selection control section starts to
select the running control signal, the light sources sequentially
emit the light, and after a predetermined period of time elapses,
only the light source emits the light, the light source which
corresponds to the display window displaying the function of the
selected running control signal.
[0013] Preferably, the racing toy includes: a plurality of the
running bodies including a first running body and a second running
body, wherein the first running body includes, an obstructing
signal transmitting section to transmit an obstructing signal at
least forward and/or backward by radio, the obstructing signal
which obstructs the running ability of the second running body
competing with the first running body, and the second running body
includes, an obstructing signal receiving section to receive the
obstructing signal, and an obstruction control section to control
an obstructing operation of the driving mechanism of the second
running body according to the obstructing signal received at the
obstructing signal receiving section.
[0014] Preferably, in the racing toy, the running control signals
include an obstructing signal which obstructs the running ability
of the competing running body.
[0015] Preferably, in the racing toy, the obstructing signal
includes a signal which moves the competing running body
backward.
[0016] Preferably, in the racing toy, the obstructing signal
includes a signal which spins the competing running body.
[0017] Preferably, in the racing toy, the obstructing signal
includes a signal which decelerates the competing running body.
[0018] Preferably, in the racing toy, the running control signals
include a signal which accelerates the running body.
[0019] Preferably, in the racing toy, the running control signals
include a signal which invalidates the obstructing signal
transmitted from the competing running body.
[0020] Preferably, the racing toy further includes: a trigger
providing section to provide the selection control section with a
trigger to start to select the running control signal.
[0021] Preferably, the racing toy further includes: a clock section
to measure a lapse time from a start of the running ability of the
running body, wherein the trigger providing section provides the
selection control section with the trigger based on the lapse time
measured by the clock section.
[0022] Preferably, the racing toy further includes: a detecting
section to detect arrival of the running body at a predetermined
position, wherein the trigger providing section provides the
trigger based on the arrival of the running body detected by the
detecting section.
[0023] Preferably, the racing toy further includes: a controller to
perform an operation of the running body by using a radio signal,
wherein the selection control section and the trigger providing
section are disposed to the controller.
[0024] Preferably, in the racing toy, the selection control section
and the trigger providing section are disposed to the running
body.
[0025] Preferably, the racing toy further includes: a course on
which the running body runs, wherein the selection control section
and the trigger providing section are disposed to a side of a
running path of the course or to a structure disposed to the
course.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The present invention will be more fully understood by the
detailed description below and the accompanying drawings. However,
these are not intended to limit the present invention, wherein:
[0027] FIG. 1 schematically shows a racing toy according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a running body;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an internal structure
of the running body;
[0030] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the
running body;
[0031] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a steering mechanism;
[0032] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the steering mechanism;
[0033] FIG. 7 shows a part of a coil electrification circuit;
[0034] FIG. 8 shows directions in which obstructing signals and a
barrier signal are transmitted, and shows a range in which the
running body can receive the obstructing signals;
[0035] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a controller;
[0036] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the
controller;
[0037] FIG. 11A is an illustration for explaining a function of an
obstructing signal;
[0038] FIG. 11B is an illustration for explaining a function of an
obstructing signal;
[0039] FIG. 11C is an illustration for explaining a function of a
power-up signal;
[0040] FIG. 12A is an illustration for explaining a function of an
obstructing signal;
[0041] FIG. 12B is an illustration for explaining a function of a
barrier signal; and
[0042] FIG. 13 is an illustration for explaining selection of a
running control signal according to a modification of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0043] Embodiments of the present invention are described below
with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is noted that,
although various limitations which are technically preferred to
carry out the present invention are given to the embodiments below,
the scope of the invention is not limited to the embodiments and
the drawings.
[0044] FIG. 1 schematically shows a racing toy 100 according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, the racing toy 100 includes a plurality
of automatic running bodies 1 and 2 and a plurality of controllers
3 and 4, in which the number of running bodies is equal to the
number of controllers. In the embodiment, two running bodies and
two controllers are provided. With the racing toy 100, each of two
users competing with each other holds a controller and operates a
running body to compete for speed on a course. The number of
running bodies is not limited. In the embodiment, two running
bodies 1 and 2 are included in the racing toy 100.
<Running Body>
[0046] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the running body 1, FIG. 3
is a perspective view showing an internal structure of the running
body 1, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of
the running body 1.
[0047] The running bodies 1 and 2 are different only in the design
of the surface of a body thereof, and other configurations of the
running bodies 1 and 2 including a configuration related to driving
are the same. Thus, the running body 1 is hereinafter described in
detail as a representative of the running bodies 1 and 2.
Components of the running body 2 are described by using the same
reference numerals as the numerals of the components of the running
body 1.
[0048] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the running body 1 includes a
body 10 and a chassis 11.
[0049] The body 10 is made of a resin material such as plastic, and
is modeled on a racing car with a driver sitting therein. The body
10 is removably attached to the chassis 11.
[0050] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the chassis 11 includes: a driving
mechanism 12 allowing the running body 1 to automatically run; a
forward light emitting section 13 emitting an infrared ray forward
from the running body 1, namely in the running direction (forward
direction) of the running body 1; a backward light emitting section
14 emitting an infrared ray backward from the running body 1,
namely, in the opposite direction (backward direction) to the
running direction of the running body 1; a light receiving section
15 receiving an infrared ray coming from outside; and a control
section 16.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 4, the driving mechanism 12 includes a
battery 12a as a driving power supply, a motor 12b connected to the
battery 12a, a transmitting mechanism 12d mechanically connecting
an output shaft of the motor 12b to front wheels 12c so as to
transmit rotation movement of the output shaft of the motor 12b to
supporting shaft for the front wheels 12c, and a steering mechanism
12e for steering the front wheels 12c.
(Battery, Motor, and Transmitting Mechanism)
[0052] The battery 12a is a driving power supply of the running
body 1, and may be a dry battery or a rechargeable battery.
[0053] The motor 12b is a motor connected to the battery 12a and
capable of forward and reverse rotations.
[0054] The transmitting mechanism 12d includes a gear provided on
the output shaft of the motor 12b, a gear provided on the
supporting shaft supporting the front wheels 12c, and one or a
plurality of gears meshed with both of the gear provided on the
output shaft of the motor 12b and the gear provided on the
supporting shaft supporting the front wheels 12c.
(Steering Mechanism)
[0055] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the steering mechanism 12e,
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the steering mechanism 12e, and FIG. 7
shows a part of a coil electrification circuit.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 5, the steering mechanism 12e includes
right and left knuckle arms (rotating bodies) 21 respectively
provided with the right and left front wheels 12c, and a tie rod
(coupling body) 22 mutually coupling the right and left knuckle
arms 21.
[0057] The knuckle arms 21 are provided with front wheel shafts
(supporting shaft) 21a, respectively. The front wheels 12c are set
to the front wheel shafts 21a, respectively, in such a manner that
the front wheels 12c can spin. The right and left knuckle arms 21
are supported by the chassis 11 to be rotatable around right and
left shafts 21b, respectively, as shown in FIG. 6. The upper end
portion and the lower end portion of each of the right and left
shafts 21b are fitted in the chassis 11. Free end portions of the
knuckle arms 21 and end portions of the tie rod 22 make pairs,
respectively, so as to be capable of rotating at positions of
shafts 21c, respectively, as shown in FIG. 6. As a result, when the
tie rod 22 swings from side to side, the right and left knuckle
arms 21 rotate around the shafts 21b, respectively, so as to change
directions of the right and left front wheels 12c.
[0058] A permanent magnet (not shown) is provided at the neutral
position of the tie rod 22. The permanent magnet acts to hold the
tie rod 22 at a position where the tie rod 22 does not lean toward
either the right or the left (neutral position) by magnetic
attraction with a permanent magnet 24 described below. It is noted
that the tie rod 22 may be held at the neutral position by means
other than the permanent magnets. The tie rod 22 may be held at the
neutral position by a spring or the like.
[0059] The permanent magnet 24 is provided at the center of the tie
rod 22. The permanent magnet 24 is formed in a disc shape and is
provided such that the end surfaces thereof are arranged
vertically. The permanent magnet 24 is configured to have one end
surface be the south pole and the other end surface be the north
pole. At the front of the tie rod 22, coils 26 are provided side by
side. Each of the coils 26 is a round air-core coil having no core.
One of the end portions of each of the coils 26 faces one of the
end surfaces of the permanent magnet 24 provided on the tie rod 22.
The reason for particularly using the disc shaped permanent magnet
and the round air-core coils is to achieve size and weight
reduction of the entire toy. That is, the disc shaped permanent
magnet and the round air core coils do not require or have a
core.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 7, electrification of the coil
electrification circuit is controlled by the control section 16.
The coil electrification circuit is configured in such a manner
that the right and left coils 26 are electrified simultaneously,
and when the right and left coils 26 are electrified
simultaneously, polarities of the end portions of the right and
left coils 26 are different from each other, the end portions which
face the end surface of the permanent magnet 24. Therefore, when
the right and left coils 26 are electrified, magnetic attraction
acts between one of the coils 26 and the permanent magnet 24 while
magnetic repulsion acts between the other of the coils 26 and the
permanent magnet 24. As a result, the tie rod 22 swings. In this
case, the swing direction of the tie rod 22 can be changed by
changing the direction of the current flowing in the coils 26 by
the control section 16.
[0061] The right and left coils 26 may be configured so as to be
selectively electrified, whereby the tie rod 22 swings by the
magnetic attraction or the magnetic repulsion acting between the
electrified coil 26 and the permanent magnet 24.
[0062] The steering mechanism 12e is not limited to the above
structure, and may be a mechanism which is a combination of a rack
and a pinion, for example.
(Light Emitting Sections and Light Receiving Section)
[0063] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the forward light emitting
section 13 is arranged to transmit infrared signals by radio in the
forward direction of the running body 1. The forward light emitting
section 13 is composed of, for example, an infrared light emitting
diode (LED).
[0064] The backward light emitting section 14 is arranged to
transmit infrared signals by radio in the backward direction of the
running body 1. The backward light emitting section 14 is composed
of, for example, an infrared LED.
[0065] The light receiving section 15 receives infrared signals
emitted from the forward light emitting section 13, the backward
light emitting section 14, and the controller 3.
[0066] Infrared rays emitted from the forward light emitting
section 13 and the backward light emitting section 14 serve as
obstructing signals which obstruct running of the running body 2 as
a competing running body (second running body) running in front or
behind the running body 1 as a user's own running body (first
running body). Accordingly, the forward light emitting section 13
and the backward light emitting section 14 function as first
obstructing signal transmitting sections.
[0067] The light receiving section 15 receives obstructing signals
transmitted from the forward light emitting section 13, the
backward light emitting section 14 of the running body 2, and the
controllers 3 and 4. Accordingly, the light receiving section 15
functions as an obstructing signal receiving section.
[0068] From the controller 3, the light receiving section 15
receives instruction signals, each of which instructs the running
body 1 (first running body) to transmit an obstructing signal to
the running body 2 (second running body). Accordingly, the light
receiving section 15 functions as an instruction signal receiving
section.
[0069] The light receiving section 15 receives running operating
signals regarding running operations of the running body 1
transmitted from the controller 3. Accordingly, the light receiving
section 15 functions as a running operating signal receiving
section.
[0070] The obstructing signals are signals among running control
signals of the running bodies 1 and 2. When the control section 16
of the running body 2 receives an obstructing signal, the control
section 16 thereof controls driving of the driving mechanism 12
thereof according to the obstructing signal received at the light
receiving section 15 thereof. The obstructing signals are described
in detail below.
(Control Section)
[0071] As shown in FIG. 4, the control section 16 includes a CPU, a
ROM, and a RAM, which are publically known.
[0072] The control section 16 of the running body 1 controls an
obstructing operation of the driving mechanism 12 of the running
body 1 according to an obstructing signal received at the light
receiving section 15 thereof. In addition, the control section 16
of the running body 1 controls an acceleration or the like of the
running body 1 according to a power-up signal received at the light
receiving section 15 thereof. That is, the control section 16 of
the running body 1 increases the running ability of the running
body 1 or decreases the running ability of the running body 2
according to a selected running control signal. Accordingly, the
control section 16 functions as a running control section and an
obstruction control section.
[0073] The control section 16 of the running body 1 controls a
running operation by the driving mechanism 12 thereof according to
a running operating signal received at the light receiving section
15 thereof.
[0074] The control section 16 controls at least one of the forward
light emitting section 13 and the backward light emitting section
14 to transmit an obstructing signal in a case where the light
receiving section 15 receives an instruction signal from the
controller 3. Accordingly, the control section 16 functions as a
transmission control section.
[0075] FIG. 8 shows directions in which obstructing signals are
transmitted and a range in which the running body 2 can receive the
obstructing signals. The control section 16 of the running body 1
controls the forward light emitting section 13 to transmit an
obstructing signal A in the forward direction of the running body
1, the obstructing signal A which moves the running body 2
backward. The range in which obstructing signals transmitted in the
forward direction of the running body 1 can be received is from a
position of the running body 1 to a position about 40 cm forward
from the position of the running body 1. The range in which the
obstructing signals can be received can be appropriately set.
[0076] The control section 16 controls the backward light emitting
section 14 to transmit an obstructing signal B in the backward
direction of the running body 1, the obstructing signal B which
spins the running body 2. The range in which obstructing signals
transmitted in the backward direction of the running body 1 can be
received is from a position of the running body 1 to a position
about 40 cm backward from the position of the running body 1. The
range in which the obstructing signals can be received can be
appropriately set.
[0077] The control section 16 of the running body 1 does not
transmit to the running body 2 a power-up signal C which
accelerates the running body 1. When the power-up signal C is
received, the output of the motor 12b of the running body 1 is
increased. Driving of the motor 12b is controlled by the control
section 16 by using a known pulse width modulation (PWM) control
method so that ON/OFF control of the motor 12b is performed using
pulses. The control section 16 appropriately changes the width of
an ON-pulse. That is to say, the control section 16 modulates the
pulse width, and accordingly controls energy to be supplied to the
motor 12b. Consequently, by increasing a duty ratio, the control
section 16 increases the output of the motor 12b to accelerate the
running body 1, and by decreasing the duty ratio, the control
section 16 decreases the output of the motor 12b to decelerate the
running body 1.
[0078] The control section 16 does not transmit to the running body
2 a barrier signal E which invalidates obstructing signals
transmitted from the running body 2 to the running body 1. When the
barrier signal E is received, the control section 16 sets a flag in
the RAM thereof so as to ignore the obstructing signals A and B
transmitted from the running body 2 even when such signals are
received. When the barrier signal E is received, the control
section 16 controls the forward light emitting section 13 and the
backward light emitting section 14 to transmit the obstructing
signals A and B in the forward direction and the backward direction
of the running body 1, respectively.
<Controller>
[0079] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the controller 3, and FIG. 10 is a
block diagram showing a configuration of the controller 3.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 9, the controller 3 operates running of the
running body 1, and instructs obstruction to running of the running
body 2. Signals are transmitted by radio between the running body 1
and the running body 2.
[0081] The controller 3 includes a case 30 held by a user, a
forward/backward input key 31, a right/left input key 32, a light
emitting section 33, a signal storing section 34, a signal
transmission inputting section 35, display sections 36, a speaker
37, a sound storing section 38, a band switching section 39, and a
control section 40.
(Case and Input Keys)
[0082] The case 30 is formed approximately in a rectangular shape
in a planar view, and is formed to have a thickness sufficient to
be held by hands. The case 30 includes the following sections and
the like.
[0083] The forward/backward input key 31 is provided such that an
operation part of the forward/backward input key 31 is exposed from
the top surface of the casing 30. The forward/backward input key 31
is a key for inputting an operation to run the running body 1
forward or backward. Accordingly, the forward/backward input key 31
functions as an input section. The running body 1 runs forward when
the upper key of the forward/backward input key 31 in FIG. 9 is
pressed, and the running body 1 runs backward when the lower key
thereof is pressed. This can be done by rotating the motor 12b in
the forward or reverse direction thereof depending on the pressed
key.
[0084] The right/left input key 32 is provided so that an operation
part of the right/left input key 32 is exposed from the top surface
of the case 30. The right/left input key 32 is a key for inputting
an operation to change the running direction of the running body 1
toward the right or the left. Accordingly, the right/left input key
32 functions as an input section. The running body 1 runs in the
left direction when the left key of the right/left input key 32 in
FIG. 9 is pressed, and the running body 1 runs in the right
direction when the right key thereof is pressed. This can be done
by driving the steering mechanism 12e to change the directions of
the right and left front wheels 12c depending on the pressed
key.
(Light Emitting Section)
[0085] The light emitting section 33 is provided on the side
surface of the case 30. The light emitting section 33 is composed
of, for example, an infrared LED. The light emitting section 33
transmits infrared signals to the running body 1 and the running
body 2.
[0086] One of the infrared signals transmitted from the light
emitting section 33 to the running body 1 is a running operating
signal according to an input from the forward/backward key 31 or
the right/left input key 32. Accordingly, the light emitting
section 33 functions as a running operating signal transmitting
section.
[0087] One of the infrared signals transmitted from the light
emitting section 33 to the running body 1 is an instruction signal
which makes an obstructing signal transmitted from the running body
1 to the running body 2. Accordingly, the light emitting section 33
functions as an instruction signal transmitting section.
[0088] In addition, the light emitting section 33 can transmit an
obstructing signal by radio directly from the controller 3 to the
running body 2 without transmitting an instruction signal to the
running body 1, which depends on the kind of the obstructing signal
transmitted to the running body 2. Accordingly, the light emitting
section 33 functions as a second obstructing signal transmitting
section. More specifically, the light emitting section 33 can
directly transmit to the running body 2 an obstructing signal D
which stops all the functions on running being activated by the
running body 2.
(Signal Storing Section)
[0089] The signal storing section 34 is provided inside the case
30. The signal storing section 34 stores therein programs to
transmit a plurality of running control signals regarding running
abilities of the running bodies 1 and 2. The running control
signals include the obstructing signals A, B, and D, which are
different from one another, and which obstruct running of the
running body 2, the power-up signal C which enhances the running
ability of the running body 1, and the barrier signal E which
invalidates attacks against the running body 1. The programs
executed by a central processing unit (CPU) of the control section
16 to select and transmit the respective signals are stored in the
signal storing section 34. Accordingly, the signal storing section
34 functions as a signal storing section.
[0090] More specifically, the signal storing section 34 stores
therein programs to transmit the obstructing signal A which moves
the running body 2 backward as shown in FIG. 11A, the obstructing
signal B which spins the running body 2 as shown in FIG. 11B, and
the obstructing signal D which stops a power-up effect being
activated by the running body 2 (e.g., the obstructing signal which
decelerates the running body 2 when the running body 2 is
accelerated) as shown in FIG. 12A.
[0091] The signal storing section 34 also stores therein a program
to transmit the power-up signal C which accelerates the running
body 1 as shown in FIG. 11C and a program to transmit the barrier
signal E which invalidates obstructing signals transmitted from the
running body 2 to the running body 1 and to transmit the
obstructing signals A and B as shown in FIG. 12B.
(Signal Transmission Inputting Section)
[0092] The signal transmission inputting section 35 is provided on
the side surface of the case 30. The signal transmission inputting
section 35 is a press-type switch to instruct transmission of the
running control signals (the obstructing signals A, B, and D, the
power-up signal C, and the barrier signal E) from the controller 3
to the running body 2 or the running body 1.
(Display Section)
[0093] The display sections 36 are provided on the top surface of
the case 30. The display sections 36 are provided for the
respective running control signals. Each of the display sections 36
includes an LED 36b arranged behind a display window 36a (shown in
FIG. 10) formed on the top surface of the case 30. Light emitted
from each of the LEDs 36b passes through each of the corresponding
display windows 36a, so that a user can visually recognize the
light. Beside each of the display windows 36a, a symbol, an
illustration, or the like which explains a function of the
corresponding running control signal is printed. In the embodiment,
the obstructing signal which moves the running body 2 backward is
indicated as A, the obstructing signal which spins the running body
2 is indicated as B, the power-up signal which accelerates the
running body 1 is indicated as C, the obstructing signal which
stops all the functions being activated by the running body 2 is
indicated as D, and the barrier signal which invalidates
obstructing signals transmitted from the running body 2 to the
running body 1 is indicated as E. Accordingly, each of the display
sections 36 functions as a display section. The LED 36b
corresponding to a selected running control signal emits light
under the electrification control of the control section 40. Here,
for a predetermined period of time after start of selection of a
running control signal, the LEDs 36b are controlled by the control
section 40 so as to emit light in turn and one by one, and
controlled in such a manner that the LED 36 emitting light stops
emitting the light right before its adjacent LED 36b emits light.
Subsequently, only the LED 36b corresponding to a selected running
control signal emits light. In other words, the control section 40
functions as a display control section, and consequently, starts to
control light emission of the LEDs 36b in such a manner that the
LEDs 36b sequentially emit light when the selection of a running
control signal starts, and after a predetermined period of time
lapses, starts to control light emission of the LEDs 36b in such
manner that only the LED 36b behind the display window 36a
corresponding to a function of a selected running control signal
emits light. This enables a user to visually recognize that the
selection of a running control signal is performed in a roulette
manner.
(Speaker and Sound Storing Section)
[0094] The speaker 37 is provided inside the case 30. An opening
30a through which a sound generated by the speaker 37 propagates to
outside is formed at a part of the case 30 opposed to the speaker
37.
[0095] The sound storing section 38 is provided inside the case 30.
The sound storing section 38 stores therein sound data
corresponding to each running control signal so that a different
sound is generated from the speaker 37 according to a running
control signal. When the control section 40 selects a running
control signal and the signal transmission inputting section 35
instructs transmission of the selected running control signal, the
control section 40 reads sound data corresponding to the selected
running control signal from the sound storing section 38 and
reproduces the sound data. With this operation, the selected
running control signal can be aurally recognized by a user.
Accordingly, the speaker 37 and the control section 40 function as
a sound generating section, and the sound storing section 38
functions as a sound storing section.
[0096] Also, the sound storing section 38 stores therein sound data
for start sounds (a fanfare and a countdown) of a game and sound
data for a roulette sound during the selection of a running control
signal.
(Band Switching Section)
[0097] The band switching section 39 is provided on the top surface
of the case 30. The band switching section 39 is configured to be
switched to a position for turning power of the controller 3 off
when the controller 3 is not in use, a position for turning the
power of the controller 3 on and performing a running operation of
the running body 1, or a position for turning the power of the
controller 3 on and performing a running operation of the running
body 2. That is to say, the band switching section 39 functions as
a power switch of the controller 3 too. By switching the positions
of the band switching section 39, the control section 40 changes
the wavelength of an infrared signal to be transmitted from the
light emitting section 33 so as to enable only the selected running
body to be operated.
(Control Section)
[0098] The control section 40 is provided inside the case 30. The
control section 40 controls light emission of the light emitting
section 33 to transmit a running operating signal for the running
body 1 to the running body 1 when the control section 40 determines
that there is an input from the forward/backward input key 31 or
the right/left input key 32. The control section 40 controls light
emission of the light emitting section 33 to transmit a running
control signal to the running body 1 or the running body 2 when the
control section 40 determines that there is an input from the
signal transmission inputting section 35.
[0099] The control section 40 is connected to a clock circuit 41
measuring a lapse time from the start of running of the running
body 1. When the lapse time measured by the clock circuit 41
reaches a predetermined lapse time, the control section 40 randomly
selects a program corresponding to one running control signal from
among a plurality of kinds of running control signals stored in the
signal storing section 34. That is to say, the clock circuit 41
provides a trigger for starting the selection of a program for a
running control signal for the control section 40. Accordingly, the
control section 40 functions as a selection control section, and
the clock circuit 41 functions as a trigger providing section. That
is, in the embodiment, the selection control section and the
trigger providing section are provided in the controller 3.
[0100] During the selection of a program, the control section 40
controls the LEDs 36b of the display sections 36 to sequentially
emit light so as to make a user visually recognize that a running
control signal is being selected in a roulette manner. Also, during
the selection of a program, the control section 40 reproduces sound
data for a roulette sound stored in the sound storing section 38
and generates its sound through the speaker 37. The control section
40 also reproduces sound data for a fanfare sound stored in the
sound storing section 38 and generates its sound through the
speaker 37 when a race is about to start. The control section 40
further reproduces sound data for a countdown sound, the countdown
which is a countdown to the start of the race, and generates its
sound through the speaker 37, subsequent to the fanfare sound.
[0101] The selection of a running control signal by the control
section 40 is performed by generating a random number by a known
random number generation program so as to randomly select one
running control signal. After the selection, the control section 40
controls the LED 36b of the display section 36 corresponding to the
function of the selected running control signal to emit light.
Accordingly, the control section 40 functions as a display control
section. In a case where there is no input from the signal
transmission inputting section 35 within a predetermined period of
time after the end of the selection of the running control signal,
the control section 40 resets the selected running control signal
and re-selects a running control signal.
[0102] Further, the control section 40 directly transmits to the
running body 2 the obstructing signal D which stops all the
functions being activated by the running body 2.
<How to Play with Racing Toy>
[0103] Two users competing with each other respectively hold the
controllers 3 and 4. Each of the users operates the band switching
section 39 to select the running body 1 or 2 which the user
operates.
[0104] After each of the users selects the running body 1 or 2, the
control section 40 generates the fanfare sound through the speaker
37 and subsequently generates the countdown sound.
[0105] After a race starts, each of the users operates the
forward/backward input key 31 and the right/left input key 32 of
the controller 3 or 4 to operate running of the running body 1 or
2.
[0106] With regard to each of the controllers 3 and 4, when a
predetermined lapse time is reached by a lapse time measured by the
clock circuit 41 after the start of the race, the selection of a
running control signal by the control section 40 in a roulette
manner starts. During the selection, the LEDs 36b of the display
sections 36 sequentially and repeatedly emit light and stop
emitting the light, and eventually, one running control signal is
selected randomly. Then, the LED 36b of the display section 36
corresponding to the function of the selected running control
signal emits light.
[0107] After a running control signal is selected, the user (here,
the user holding the controller 3) presses the signal transmission
inputting section 35 to allow the light emitting section 33 to
transmit to the running body 1 the selected running control signal
which is one of the obstructing signals A and B, the power-up
signal C, and the barrier signal E, with an instruction signal
therefor as infrared signals. In a case where the obstructing
signal D which stops all the functions being activated by the
running body 2 is selected, the light emitting section 33 directly
transmits the obstructing signal D to the running body 2.
[0108] In the running body 1 which receives the obstructing signal
with the instruction signal, the control section 16 makes the
selected obstructing signal transmitted to the running body 2 from
the forward light emitting section 13, the backward light emitting
section 14, or both of the light emitting sections 13 and 14
depending on the signal. An instruction signal is not always
necessary. An instruction signal does not need to be transmitted to
the running body 1 when the running body 1 is capable of
determining the kind of a received obstructing signal, and
transmitting the obstructing signal to the running body 2.
[0109] In the running body 2 which receives the obstructing signal
A or B, the control section 16 of the running body 2 limits the
operation of the driving mechanism 12 thereof according to the
received obstructing signal so that the running operation of the
running body 2 is obstructed by means of backward movement,
deceleration, spin, or the like.
[0110] The running body 1 which receives the power-up signal C
accelerates itself to enhance the running ability thereof according
to the received power-up signal C.
[0111] The running body 1 which receives the barrier signal E
invalidates obstructing signals transmitted from the running body 2
and transmits the obstructing signals A and B toward the running
body 2 in the forward and backward directions of the running body
1, respectively.
[0112] The same can be said for the running body 2. The running
bodies 1 and 2 compete with each other in order to reach the goal
first by transmitting obstructing signals each other and by
enhancing their own running abilities by receiving power-up
signals, for example.
[0113] Consequently, there is always a possibility that the
positions of the running bodies 1 and 2 are reversed depending on a
selected running control signal. Therefore, users can have a race,
enjoying gamesmanship until their running bodies reach the
goal.
[0114] As described above, in the racing toy 100, the forward light
emitting section 13 and the backward light emitting section 14
provided in the running body 1 transmit obstructing signals by
radio in the forward and backward directions of the running body 1,
respectively, the obstructing signals which obstruct running of the
running body 2. The light receiving section 15 provided in the
running body 2 receives the obstructing signals, and the control
section 16 controls an obstructing operation of the driving
mechanism 12 of the running body 2 based on each of the received
obstructing signals.
[0115] Thus, even when the running body 2 is running in front of
the running body 1 or is approaching the running body 1 from
behind, the running body 1 can obstruct running of the running body
2. In other words, even when the running body 1 is about to
obstruct running of the running body 2 which is running behind the
running body 1, the running body 1 does not need to turn around to
merely obstruct the running body 2.
[0116] Consequently, according to the racing toy 100, the reality
of an actual racing car is not impaired, the play therewith becomes
diversified, and the shortage of fun and excitement is made up.
Accordingly, the racing toy 100 can be enjoyed more for a long time
by a user thereof without boredom compared with a conventional
racing toy.
[0117] In addition, when the user performs an input regarding a
running operation of the running body 1 through the
forward/backward input key 31 or the right/left input key 32 of the
controller 3, the light emitting section 33 of the controller 3
transmits a running operating signal according to the input
performed through the forward/backward input key 31 or the
right/left input key 32 to the running body 1. At the time, the
control section 16 of the running body 1 controls the running
operation of the driving mechanism 12 of the running body 1 based
on the running operating signal received at the light receiving
section 15 thereof.
[0118] When the light emitting section 33 of the controller 3
transmits to the running body 1 an instruction signal which makes
an obstructing signal transmitted from the running body 1 to the
running body 2, the control section 16 of the running body 1
controls the light emitting section 13 or 14 to transmit the
obstructing signal based on the instruction signal received at the
light receiving section 15.
[0119] Thus, a running operation of the running body 1 and
transmission of an obstructing signal to the running body 2 can be
performed by operations of only the controller 3.
[0120] The light emitting section 33 of the controller 3 can
directly transmit an obstructing signal to the running body 2
too.
[0121] Further, when the control section 40 of the controller 3 is
triggered to start the selection of a running control signal by the
clock circuit 41 which measures a lapse time from the start of
running of the running body 1, the control section 40 randomly
selects one of the running control signals stored in the signal
storing section 34.
[0122] Then, the control section 40 of the running body 1 enhances
the running ability of the running body 1 or reduces the running
ability of the running body 2 according to the selected running
control signal.
[0123] Consequently, the running states of the running bodies 1 and
2 can be changed variously, and the play becomes diversified. Also,
since the selection of a running control signal by the control
section 40 is not determined by a user but in a roulette manner,
which uses a random number, by the control section 40 randomly, the
user can play while looking forward to how the running bodies 1 and
2 run next during the race. Also, by making each of the running
bodies 1 and 2 run in a different way, the positions thereof can be
reversed and re-reversed in the middle of the race.
[0124] Accordingly, the racing toy 100 can make up the shortage of
fun and excitement which a conventional racing toy causes, and can
be enjoyed more for a long time by a user thereof without boredom
compared with a conventional racing toy.
[0125] The control section 40 of the controller 3 also controls the
display section 36 to display a function of a selected obstructing
signal.
[0126] Since the display section 36 displays the function of the
selected obstructing signal in such a manner that a user can
visually recognize how the running bodies 1 and 2 run next, the
user can enjoy the race with alternate hope and fear by looking at
the display.
[0127] Further, the control section 40 of the controller 3
reproduces sound data corresponding to a selected obstructing
signal and generates a sound through the speaker 37.
[0128] Since a user can aurally recognize how the running bodies 1
and 2 run next, the user can enjoy the race with alternate hope and
fear by listening to the sound.
[0129] The obstructing signals are signals to move backward, spin,
and decelerate the running body 2, respectively. Accordingly, the
obstructing signals can put the running body 1 in a better position
than the running body 2. Also, the power-up signal is a signal to
accelerate the running body 1, and the barrier signal is a signal
to invalidate obstructing signals transmitted from the running body
2 so that the running of the running body 1 is not obstructed by
the running body 2. Accordingly, the power-up signal and the
barrier signal can put the running body 1 in a better position than
the running body 2.
[0130] Since the control section 40 selects a running control
signal and controls the running body 1 or 2 according to the
selected running control signal every time a lapse time measured by
the clock circuit 41 reaches a predetermined lapse time, the
running states of the running bodies 1 and 2 can be changed several
times during the race.
<Others>
[0131] The present invention is not limited to the above
embodiments, and the design of the present invention can be changed
freely without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
[0132] For example, obstructing signals may be transmitted not only
in the forward and backward directions of the running body 1 but
also in the right and left directions thereof.
[0133] Although some of the aforementioned obstructing signals are
obstructing signals which are transmitted only in the forward
direction or only in the backward direction of the running body 1,
it is not necessary that the obstructing signals are transmitted
only in one direction, and may be transmitted in both of the
forward and backward directions thereof regardless of the kinds of
the obstructing signals. The obstructing signals in the above
embodiments are merely examples, and the functions, the
transmission directions, the signal reception ranges, and the like
of the obstructing signals can be appropriately changed.
[0134] Also, as shown in FIG. 13, a metallic gate 50 may be
provided on a course 70 on which the race is held, and a proximity
sensor which detects the gate 50 when the running body 1 approaches
the gate 50 may be provided with the running body 1, and the
selection of a running control signal may be performed by the
control section 16 in a roulette manner every time the running body
1 passes the gate 50. In this case, the control section 16 of the
running body 1 is provided with a roulette function and makes the
selected running control signal transmitted to the running body 2.
Accordingly, the proximity sensor functions as a detecting section
to detect the arrival of the running body 1 at a predetermined
position. Also, since the running body 1 passing through the gate
50 provides a trigger for the selection of a running control
signal, the gate 50 and the proximity sensor function as the
trigger providing section. That is, in this case, the selection
control section and the trigger providing section are provided with
the running body 1.
[0135] The selection control section and the trigger providing
section are not necessarily provided with the controllers 3 and 4
or the running bodies 1 and 2 but may be provided with the gate 50
on the course 70, a side of the running path of the course 70, or a
structure on the course 70 (a model of a building, for
example).
[0136] In addition, the duty ratio in the PWM control of the motor
12b may be increased by keeping pressing the forward/backward input
key 31 from a predetermined timing during the countdown to the
start of the race so that the running body 1 is rapidly accelerated
right after starting. With such a configuration, the running body 1
can be put in a better position than the running body 2 by using a
kind of tricky technique.
[0137] Further, when no competing running body is present, a
one-person mode may be available by powering the controller 3 on
while keeping pressing any key such as the signal transmission
inputting section 35. In this case, the one-person mode may be
informed by a sound through the speaker 37, and the race is held in
a time attack mode. In the one-person mode, it is preferable to
allow only the power-up signal which accelerates the running body 1
itself to be selected.
[0138] The entire disclosure including the specification, claims,
drawings, and abstract of Japanese Patent Application No.
2010-002619 filed on Jan. 8, 2010 is hereby incorporated by
reference.
[0139] Although various exemplary embodiments have been shown and
described, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments
described above. Therefore, the scope of the present invention
shall be limited only by the following claims.
* * * * *