Remote control toy system, and controller, model and accessory device to be used in the same
A remote control toy system includes a plurality of sets. Each set includes a controller, and a model controlled based on data transmitted from the controller so as to correspond to an operation of a user. An accessory device is provided as a device independent from the controllers and models. The accessory device can conduct data communication with the controllers and models. Each of the controllers, the models, and the accessory device includes a radio communication module serving as a device for executing the data communication and can conduct bilateral data communication based on the Bluetooth standards, and a control device for implementing various controls based on data communication conducted through the radio communication module.
Latest Patents:
- METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR RNA-GUIDED TREATMENT OF HIV INFECTION
- IRRIGATION TUBING WITH REGULATED FLUID EMISSION
- RESISTIVE MEMORY ELEMENTS ACCESSED BY BIPOLAR JUNCTION TRANSISTORS
- SIDELINK COMMUNICATION METHOD AND APPARATUS, AND DEVICE AND STORAGE MEDIUM
- SEMICONDUCTOR STRUCTURE HAVING MEMORY DEVICE AND METHOD OF FORMING THE SAME
The present invention relates to a remote control toy system utilizing radio communication, and a controller, a model and an accessory device to be used in the remote control toy system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONIn typical remote control toys, there is prepared a mechanism for definitely associating a controller with a model to be controlled by the controller by using an identification device, such as carrier frequencies or ID codes, in order to prevent false action of the model from being caused by jamming or the like against user's will. Even in a play form, such as a race or a battle game, premised on the assumption that there are a plurality of models, each model can be controlled accurately by only a controller associated with the model, owing to preparation of such a mechanism.
In Japanese Patent Publication No. 2713603, there is disclosed a remote control toy system including tank models associated with a plurality of controllers in one-to-one correspondence, a signal generation device for periodically sending IDs uniquely assigned to respective tank models, in a time division manner, and a management device mounted on each tank model to determine whether the tank model has been shot by a beam gun of another tank model and discriminating the other party who has shot on the basis of an ID signal supplied from the signal generation device, in which shot information is fed back from the tank model to the controller. According to such a system, an interaction that cannot be obtained in control restricted to the limit of one-to-one correspondence between a controller and a model associated therewith can be generated in the play, and consequently the interest of the game can be enhanced.
In the system of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2713603 described above, however, a radio wave is used for communication between the controller and the model, whereas infrared rays are used for communication between models and communication between the signal generation device and the model. In addition, as for infrared ray communication, it is necessary to prepare two kinds of modules in each model: a module for emitting infrared rays narrowed down for beam gun and detecting it, and a module for detecting nondirectional infrared rays sent from the signal generation device. Therefore, the number of communication modules to be mounted on the model is large, and size reduction of the model is limited. Since each communication module consumes electric power, it is necessary to set the capacity of a battery to be mounted on the model to a large value. As a result, size reduction of the model is further limited. In the case where dry cells are actually used as power supply, their consumption is fast and the user's burden is also heavy.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONTherefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a remote control toy system that is advantageous in size reduction of models and that can implement colorful plays, and a controller, a model and an accessory device that are to be used in the remote control toy system.
A remote control toy system of the present invention includes a plurality of sets, each set including a controller, and a model controlled in action on the basis of data transmitted from the controller so as to correspond to an operation situation of a user, and an accessory device provided as a device independent from the controllers and the models, the accessory device being capable of conducting data communication with the controllers and the models. And each of the controllers, the models, and the accessory device includes a radio communication module serving as a device for executing the data communication and capable of conducting bilateral data communication based on a same standard, and a control device for implementing various controls based on data communication conducted via the radio communication module. As a result, the above described object is achieved.
According to the present invention, each of the controller, the model and the accessory device has a radio communication module based on the same standards. Therefore, it is not necessary to mount a plurality of communication modules on the model, and consumption in the battery is also suppressed. Therefore, the size of the model can be advantageously reduced. In addition, since bilateral data communication among the controller, the model and the accessory device is possible, it is possible to exchange various data among them and implement various controls. As a result, the interest of the play implemented by remote control of the models can be enhanced.
In the remote control toy system of the present invention, controllers may be associated with models in one-to-one correspondence to form sets. Sets may be formed by associating controllers with models in one to a plural number correspondence, a plural number to one correspondence, or a plural number to a plural number correspondence. As for the accessory device, an accessory device that is linked to at least a controller or a model, or that cooperates with at least a controller or a model to implement a specific function is preferably used. A single accessory device may be used, or a combination of a plurality of accessory devices may be used. For example, when implementing such a play that a plurality of models compete with each other, the accessory device can have a function of exerting some action, such as exerting an influence on superiority or inferiority in the play, and conducting the situation of the play.
The control device of each of the controller, the model and the accessory device is preferably formed as a computer having a microprocessor as its main component. It is desirable to implement various functions of each control device by a combination of the microprocessor and specific software. When using such control devices are used, the radio communication module is connected to a microprocessor via a general-purpose interface such as USB, and all that is required is to exchange data of a predetermined form between the microprocessor and the radio communication module. It is not necessary for the microprocessor to be conscious of a communication protocol used in radio communication. Such a radio communication module is desirable.
In the remote control toy system of the present invention, radio communication modules according to various standards for implementing radio communication may be used. However, the model needs to be small in size and inexpensive in price. For that purpose, it is desirable to adopt communication standards that reduce the power consumption and battery burden, raise the general-purpose property, and facilitate mutual connection. In view of such a situation, it is suitable to use radio communication modules based on the Bluetooth standards. In the case where radio communication modules based on the Bluetooth standards are used, data communication is possible not only between the accessory device and controllers and between the accessory device and the models but also between controllers or between models. As a result, various controls can be implemented. Advantages obtained when using the Bluetooth standards will be made clear more concretely in embodiments described later.
In the remote control toy system of the present invention, the control device of the accessory device may include a device for receiving data sent from the controller or the model, via the radio communication module, a device for executing a procedure based on information contained in the received data, and a device for generating data corresponding to a result of the procedure and sending the data via the radio communication module.
In the remote control toy system of the present invention, the accessory device includes an information input section for accepting a user's information input, and the control device of the accessory device includes a device for executing a predetermined procedure on the basis of information input from the information input section, and a device for generating data corresponding to a result of the procedure and sending the data via the radio communication module.
In these cases, by conducting data sent from the controller or the model in the accessory device or performing a procedure based on information that is input on the accessory device in the accessory device, it is possible to implement, in the whole of the remote control toy system, control that cannot be implemented or hardly implemented only by remote control using a controller. Especially in the case where a plurality of models are concerned in each other to implement a specific play, it becomes possible to provide a new play form while suppressing the burden increase of controllers and models, by assigning processing, which is not suitable for becoming a burden on a specific controller or model, to the accessory device. For example, in the case where models are running a race, it is conceivable to acquire information for determining the order from each model, determine on the accessory device various restrictions such as handicaps according to the order, send data for notifying of contents of the determined restrictions to a controller or a model, and conduct control so that the control device of the controller received the data or the model received the data impose the given restrictions.
In the case where the controller is made to execute control based on data supplied from the accessory device, the control device of the controller includes a device for receiving data sent from the accessory device, via the radio communication module, and a device for executing a predetermined procedure on the basis of the received data.
On the other hand, in the case where the controller is made to execute control based on data supplied from the accessory device, the control device of the model includes a device for receiving data sent from the accessory device, via the radio communication module, and a device for executing a predetermined procedure on the basis of the received data.
Furthermore, in the remote control toy system of the present invention, the sending device of the control device of the accessory device can execute a procedure of generating and sending broadcast data intended for a plurality of controllers, the receiving device of the control device of each controller can receive the broadcast data, and the executing device of the control device of each controller can execute a procedure common to all controllers for which the broadcast data is intended, as the predetermined procedure.
Furthermore, the sending device of the control device of the accessory device can execute a procedure of generating and sending broadcast data intended for a plurality of models, the receiving device of the control device of each model can receive the broadcast data, and the executing device of the control device of each model can execute a procedure common to all models for which the broadcast data is intended, as the predetermined procedure.
By thus making the controllers or models execute the same procedure by means of broadcast data, unified action and processing can be implemented in a play using a plurality of models. For example, when running a race by using a plurality of automobile models, flying can be prevented effectively if information for ordering all controllers or models to prohibit traveling, is transmitted as broadcast data until the start is permitted, and the controllers or models that have received the information execute a procedure for prohibiting driving of the models, as the common procedure. When some fault has occurred in the race, it is possible that information for restricting the maximum velocity of each model to a constant low velocity is transmitted from the accessory device as broadcast data and the control device of a controller or a model that has received the information executes a procedure for restricting the velocity of model.
In the remote control toy system of the present invention, each model may include a detection device for outputting a signal correlated to a play situation, the control device of each model may include a device for effecting a predetermined decision concerning the play situation on the basis of the output signal of the detection device, and a device for generating data corresponding to a result of the decision and sending the data via the radio communication module, the control device of the accessory device may include a device for receiving data sent from the model so as to be associated with the output signal of the detection device, via the radio communication module, a device for determining restrictions concerning action of at least one model, on the basis of the received data, and a device for generating data corresponding to the determined restrictions and sending the generated data via the radio communication module, and the control device of the controller or the model may include a device for receiving data corresponding to the restrictions sent from the accessory device, via the radio communication module, and a device for setting a correspondence relation between operation of the controller and action of the model on the basis of the received data.
In this case, information for determining the play situation is sent from a model to the accessory device, and the accessory device can determine the play situation on the basis of the information. And according to the play situation, it is possible to impose some restrictions on action of at least some models. Upon receiving data corresponding to the restrictions, the control device of the controller or the model sets a correspondence relation between the operation of the controller and the action of the model on the basis of the data. As a result, the restrictions determined according to the play situation appears as a change of the correspondence relation between the operation of the controller and the action of the model. According to such an aspect, it becomes possible to make restrictions, such as slacked reaction of the model in response to the operation of the controller or eliminated reaction, appear. Also in the case where a specific model is treated favorably in association with the play situation, other models are subject to restrictions when viewed from the model treated favorably. The present invention includes the case where such relative restrictions are generated.
In the present invention, the play situation refers to the situation of various events associated with the play implemented by a single model or a plurality of models, such as a preparation situation, an advance situation, or an end situation. For example, in the case where an automobile race is implemented, it is considered to detect the preparation situation before the start, the progress situation, such as the order, the number of laps and the traveling position in the middle of the race, and the goal situation as the play situation. Furthermore, the detection device of each model may detect the play situation of a single model, or may detect the situation of the play implemented by a plurality of models.
The device for setting a correspondence relation between operation of the controller and action of the model may change a correspondence relation between an operation quantity of the controller concerning a specific action of the model and a control quantity concerning the specific action of the model according to contents of the restrictions. As a result, it becomes possible to make restrictions, such as the velocity that cannot be increased even if the throttle control section is operated in the automobile model, appear.
Another remote control toy system of the present invention includes a controller, and a model controlled in action on the basis of data transmitted from the controller so as to correspond to an operation situation of a user, and each of the controller and the model includes a radio communication module based on Bluetooth standards serving as a device for executing communication between the controller and the model, and a control device for executing remote control based on data communication conducted via the radio communication module.
In this case as well, various data are exchanged between the controller and the model by utilizing advantages of the Bluetooth standards. As a result, the interest of the play can be enhanced.
In another remote control toy system described above, the model includes a detection device for outputting signal correlated to a play situation, the control device of the model includes a device for effecting a predetermined decision concerning the play situation on the basis of the output signal of the detection device, and a device for generating data corresponding to a result of the decision and sending the data via the radio communication module, and the control device of the controller includes a device for receiving data sent from the model, via the radio communication module, and a device for executing a predetermined procedure on the basis of the received data.
In this case, it is possible to feedback data sent from the model to the controller and reflect the data in the control of the controller. For example, the correspondence relation between the operation of the controller and the action of the model may be influenced by the information fed back. Or a device, such as a vibrator, incorporated in the controller may be controlled on the basis of the information fed back.
A controller used in the remote control toy system of the present invention is a controller for remote controlling a model, and includes an operation input section for accepting a user's steering operation on the model, a radio communication module based on Bluetooth standards serving as a device for executing bilateral data communication between the controller and the model, and a control device for implementing various controls based on data communication conducted via the radio communication module. The control device includes a device for determining steering information so as to correspond to an operation slate of the operation input section, a device for generating data containing the determined steering information and sending the data via the radio communication module, a device for receiving data sent from outside, via the radio communication module, and a device for executing a predetermined procedure on the basis of the received data.
A model used in the remote control toy system of the present invention is a model remote-controlled on the basis of steering information that is contained in data transmitted from a controller. The model includes a driving source for implementing predetermined action, a radio communication module based on Bluetooth standards serving as a device for executing bilateral data communication between the model and the controller, a detection device for outputting a signal correlated to a play situation, and a control device for implementing various controls based on data communication conducted via the radio communication module. The control device includes a device for receiving data containing the steering information transmitted from the controller, via the radio communication module, a device for controlling action of the driving source on the basis of the steering information, a device for effecting a predetermined decision concerning the play situation on the basis of the output signal of the detection device, and a device for generating data corresponding to a result of the decision and sending the data via the radio communication module.
An accessory device used in the remote control toy system of the present invention is an accessory device used in combination with a controller and a model remote-controlled on the basis of data supplied from the controller. The accessory device includes a radio communication module based on Bluetooth standards serving as a device for executing bilateral data communication between the accessory device and the controller and between the accessory device and the model, and a control device for implementing various controls based on data communication conducted via the radio communication module. The control device includes a device for receiving data sent from the controller or the model, via the radio communication module, a device for executing a procedure based on information contained in the received data, and a device for generating data corresponding to a result of the procedure and sending the data via the radio communication module.
Another accessory device used in the remote control toy system of the present invention is an accessory device used in combination with a controller and a model remote-controlled on the basis of data supplied from the controller. The accessory device includes a radio communication module based on Bluetooth standards serving as a device for executing bilateral data communication between the accessory device and the controller and between the accessory device and the model, a control device for implementing various controls based on data communication conducted via the radio communication module, and an information input section for accepting a user's information input. The control device includes a device for executing a predetermined procedure on the basis of information input from the information input section, and a device for generating data corresponding to a result of the procedure and sending the data via the radio communication module.
By using the controller, the model or the accessory device, a remote control toy system of the present invention can be formed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The controller 2 includes a steering control section 2a for ordering a steering angle of the automobile model 3 and a throttle control section 2b for ordering a traveling velocity. The control sections 2a and 2b can be provided in various forms, such as a lever form or a dial form, in the same way as well-known remote control controllers. The automobile model 3 includes a steering motor, a traveling motor, and a gear box for converting movements of respective motors to desired movements. Since details of those mechanisms are not the purport of the present invention, however, they are not illustrated. The management machine 4 is provided to manage the progress of the race. The management machine 4 includes an information input section 4a for the user to operate in order to input various kinds of information, and an information display section 4b using a liquid crystal monitor or the like. The position of the management machine 4 may be altered suitably. The course 5 defines a traveling route of the automobile model 3. The course 5 includes a main course 5a taking the shape of an ellipse, and a pit lane 5b. Bar images 5c and 5d are provided on the main course 5a and the pit lane 5b, respectively. The bar images 5c and 5d are used for lap management of the automobile model 3. The bar images 5c and 5d have mutually different patterns. For example, the bar images 5c is different from 5d in the number of bars. The layout of the course 5 may be altered arbitrarily.
As the controllers 2A to 2D, the automobiles 3A to 3D, and the management machine 4 conduct communication bilaterally according to the Bluetooth standards, the system 1 of the present invention implements various kind of control procedures after mentioned. The Bluetooth standards are a kind of radio communication standards settled on under the management of a standardization organization “Bluetooth SIG”. The Bluetooth standards are standards for implementing bilateral radio communication optimized for short distances.
One of features of the Bluetooth standards is that the power consumption is reduced by taking short distances as a target. For example, in class 1 taking a transmission distance of approximately 10 m as its target, power consumption at the time of transmission is in a range of approximately 20 to 30 mW. If the automobile model 3 has at most such a size, for example, that it can be placed on a palm (for example, a scale of {fraction (1/43)} as compared with an actual automobile), then a communication distance of 10 m is necessary and sufficient. And since the power consumption becomes lower, a module that conducts communication according to the Bluetooth standards is also reduced in size and the battery to be mounted on the automobile model 3 can also be reduced in size. Therefore, it is extremely advantageous in size reduction of the automobile model 3. On the other hand, in exchange for low power, the transmission rate is approximately 1 Mbps in theoretical value and approximately 433.9 Kbps in effective value. It is also a fact that the transmission rate compares unfavorably with the theoretical value 11 Mbps of IEEE 802.11, which is standards of the radio LAN. However, in the case where it is used in data communication between devices that form the remote control toy system 1, it is a sufficient transmission rate.
In addition, by putting the controllers 2A to 2D and the automobile models 3A to 3D to a pico-net formed of Bluetooth and a scatter-net, not only communication from a controller 2 to a corresponding automobile model 3 but also communication from the automobile model 3 to the controller 2 can be implemented. Furthermore, it also becomes possible to implement communication exceeding the limit of the relation of association of the controller 2 with the automobile model 3, such as communication from the controller 2A to other controllers 2B to 2D or communication from the controller 2A to the automobile models 3B to 3D. In addition, by putting the management machine 4 separate from the controller 2 and the automobile model 3 to the pico-net or scatter-net, it is possible to conduct bilateral communication between the management machine 4 and each controller 2 or each automobile model 3. Consequently it is possible to implement general control, such as advance management of a race. In a conventional remote control toy using a radio wave transceiver, the frequency band of the carrier is altered according to the relation of association of a controller with a model, and consequently the control exceeding the limit of the association relation cannot be implemented. Furthermore, in the case where infrared ray communication represented by IrDA is used, the transmission rate is slow. In an environment having a large number of devices as in the system 1 of
According to the Bluetooth standards, communication is conducted by using the frequency hopping spread spectrum technique, and devices are divided into masters and slaves in order to attain synchronization of a hopping pattern of that frequency. One master exists in one pico-net, and up to seven slaves are connected to one master. Communication is executed always between a master and a slave. Communication between slaves is implemented by intervention of a master on the way. However, the relation between a master and a slave does not mean superiority or inferiority among devices accommodated by the pico-bet. If one of devices functions as a master, other devices synchronize with the master as slaves. In
Configurations of control system of respective devices will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4.
The control device 10 is formed as a computer obtained by combining a microprocessor with peripheral devices, such as a clock circuit and a buffer memory, required for action of the microprocessor. The information input section 2c is provided in a suitable position of an outside surface of the controller 2. The user can input various kinds of information from the information input section 2c. For example, the user can input information for notifying a travelling impossibility state described later or the like from the information input section 2c. The ID setting switch 11 is provided to set an ID number. The ID number is information for identifying the relation of association of a controller 2 with an automobile model 3. For example, in the case where four controllers 2 and four automobile models 3 are provided as shown in
On the ROM 12, a program (not illustrated) for making the control device 10 execute a predetermined procedure is stored and various data required for execution of the program are recorded. Execution of the program recorded on the ROM 12 conducted by the control device 10 forms a steering information control section 10a, an additional information control section 10b, a transmission data generation section 10c, a received data discrimination section 10d and a vibrator control section 10e, within the control device 10. The sections 10a to 10e are logical devices implemented by combinations of the microprocessor and software. However, at least a part of the sections 10a to 10e may be formed of a logical circuit.
The steering information control section 10a determines a steering angle and a velocity to be given to the automobile model 3 by referring to a control situation of the steering control section 2a and the throttle control section 2b and map data D1 recorded on the ROM 12. The map data D1 is data describing the relation of association of control quantities of the control sections 2a and 2b from initial positions with the steering angle and velocity to be given to the automobile model 3. The method for determining the steering angle and velocity by using the map data D1 will be described later. The additional information control section 10b generates additional information corresponding to the control situation of the information input section 2c. The transmission data generation section 10c generates data for controlling the action of the automobile model 3 associated with the controller 2, on the basis of information of the steering angle and velocity determined by the steering information control section 10a, additional information sent from the additional information control section 10b and ID information set by the ID setting switch 11. For example, as shown in
On the other hand, the received data discrimination section 10d determines whether received data delivered from the Bluetooth communication module 16 includes information that requires processing in the steering information control section 10a or the vibrator control section 10e. Information judged to be necessary is supplied to the steering information control section 10a or the vibrator control section 10e. Incidentally, information may be supplied from the received data discrimination section 10d to the additional information control section 10b as well. The vibrator control section 10e generates driving information of the vibrator 15 in accordance with information sent from the received data discrimination section 10d, and outputs the driving information to the vibrator driving circuit 14 as a driving order. The vibrator 15 is provided to vibrate the controller 2. A module having an eccentric weight attached to a rotation axis of a small-sized motor, which is used in a controller or the like of a video game, can be used as the vibrator 15.
The Bluetooth communication module 16 is connected to the control device 10 via a predetermined interface 17. The Bluetooth communication module 16 is provided to transmit/receive data to/from a Bluetooth communication module of another device in accordance with a procedure (communication protocol) based upon the Bluetooth standards. Establishment of the communication protocol based upon the Bluetooth communication standards and transmission/reception of packets are controlled by the Bluetooth communication module 16. At the time of data transmission, therefore, all that the control device 10 has to do is to create and deliver transmission data in a form requested by the Bluetooth communication module 16. At the time of data reception, all that the control device 10 has to do is to interpret received data delivered from the Bluetooth communication module 16 in a predetermined form. In both data transmission and reception, it is not necessary for the control device 10 to be conscious of the communication protocol of the Bluetooth communication standards.
In data communication based on the Bluetooth communication standards, data is divided into packets each having a predetermined bit length and transmitted as shown in
Furthermore, in the payload portion shown in
The control device 20 is formed as a computer obtained by combining a microprocessor with peripheral devices, such as a clock circuit and a buffer memory, required for action of the microprocessor. The ID setting switch 25 is provided to set an ID number in the same way as the ID setting switch 11 of the controller 2. By setting the same ID number by using the ID switch 11 of the controller 2 and the ID switch 25 of the automobile model 3, the controller 2 can be associated with the automobile model 3.
The image reader 26 reads the bar images 5c and 5d provided on the course 5 of
A ROM, which is not illustrated, is connected to the control device 20. By executing a program recorded on the ROM, a received data discrimination section 20a, a motor driving control section 20b, a lap decision section 20c, a damage decision section 20d and a transmission data generation section 20e are formed within the control device 20. In the same way as the case of
The received data discrimination section 20a compares received data delivered from the Bluetooth communication module 30 with an ID set by the ID setting switch 25, determines whether the received data is data associated with its own ID, and determines whether steering information and velocity information shown in
On the other hand, the lap decision section 20c monitors an output signal from the image reader 26, and supplies information corresponding to a result of monitoring to the transmission data generation section 20e. The damage decision section 20d monitors the output signal of the acceleration sensor 27, and supplies information corresponding to a result of the monitoring to the transmission data generation section 20e. The transmission data generation section 20e generates transmission data shown in
Execution of a program recorded on a ROM, which is not illustrated, conducted by the control device 40 forms a race control section 40a, a transmission data generation section 40b and a received data discrimination section 40c, within the control section 40. In the same way as the cases of
The transmission data generation section 40b generates transmission data having a form requested by the Bluetooth communication module 42 by referring to information sent from the race control section 40a, and delivers the transmission data to the Bluetooth communication module 42. For example, as shown in
A procedure whereby the control device 10 of the controller 2 determines the steering angle and the velocity of the automobile model 3 according to the operation situation of the steering control section 2a and the throttle control section 2b will now be described with reference to
As shown in
The steering information control section 10a (
In the procedure of
In the system 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of relations between the steering quantity A and the throttle control quantity B and a plurality of relations between the steering angle θ and the velocity V are prepared. Depending on the selected map data, therefore, the action characteristic of the automobile model 3 varies. For example, when the same steering quantity A is given in
The map data D1 used by the steering information control section 10a is altered on the basis of traveling restriction information sent from the outside, especially the management machine 4, or on the basis of the traveling log data D2.
After the procedure of step S22 or S23, it is determined whether pit-in information has been received (step S24). The pit-in information is information sent from the automobile model 3 as a kind of the traveling state notification information shown in
On the other hand, the lap information transmitted from the automobile model 3 is used in race management executed by the race control section 40a of the management machine 4.
At step S45, traveling restrictions are set on the basis of the race situation data D3. For example, in order to maintain the tension by setting a handicap according to the order, the traveling restrictions of each automobile model 3 are set so as to restrict the maximum velocity to a lower value as the order becomes higher. Thereafter, the transmission data generation section 40b is ordered to generate traveling restriction information based on the setting result (step S46), and the race control section 40a returns to the step S40. Upon being ordered to generate traveling restriction information, the transmission data generation section 40b generates traveling restriction information so as to be associated with the ID of each automobile model 3, and makes the Bluetooth communication module 42 transmit the traveling restriction information in order. When the controller 2 has received the transmitted traveling restriction information, the procedure of
The penalty traveling restriction information generated on the basis of the order of the step S71 is sent from the management machine 4 as a kind of the traveling restriction information shown in
A user of an automobile model 3 indisposed for traveling by a contact with another automobile model or the like is allowed to conduct operation of notifying the information input section 2c of the controller 2 that traveling is impossible. Upon operation of notifying that traveling is impossible, the additional information control section 10b of the controller 2 orders the transmission data generation section 10c that the traveling impossibility notification information should be included in the transmission data of
Return from the state in which the traveling restrictions for traveling impossibility are imposed can be effected by conducting a predetermined cancel operation on the information input section 4a of the management machine 4 or conducting a predetermined cancel operation on the information input section 2c of the controller 2. The race control section 40a of the management machine 4 conducts monitoring in the manual management procedure to determine whether such cancel operation has been conducted on the traveling impossibility state (step S74). If the cancel operation has been conducted, then the race control section 40a orders the transmission data generation section 40b to generate information for canceling the traveling restrictions caused by the traveling impossibility state (step S75). As a result, the information for canceling the traveling restrictions is transmitted to each controller 2. Upon receiving the information for canceling the traveling restrictions, the steering information control section 10a in the controller 2 switches the map data to, for example, map data used immediately before the traveling restrictions based on the traveling impossibility state were imposed, and the race is continued. Each controller 2 may be adapted to select map data set as the initial value. While the user conducts operation of notifying the controller 2 of the traveling impossibility state in the above described manual management procedure, the user may conduct such an operation for the information input section 4a of the management input section 4a.
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment heretofore described, but it can be embodied in various forms. For example, the following variants are considerable.
(1) It is possible to omit the management machine 4, and implement various kinds of processing by communication between the controller 2 and the automobile model 3.
(2) In the case where each controller 2 has received traveling impossibility notification information, each controller 2 forcibly selects the velocity map N. As a result, the same traveling restrictions as those described above can be implemented.
(3) A posture detection device such as a slope sensor is provided in the automobile model 3. The control device 10 of the automobile model 3 determines whether a fault such as lateral turning has occurred. When a fault has occurred, the automobile model 3 is made to send traveling impossibility notification information. Upon receiving the information, each controller 2 selects the velocity map N. In this case as well, traveling restrictions similar to those of (2) can be implemented.
(4) Traveling log data is recorded in the management machine 4. Traveling restriction information based on the traveling log data may be transmitted from the management machine 4 to the controller 2.
(5) Traveling restriction information sent from the management machine 4 is received by the automobile model 3. A change of the action characteristic according to the contents of the restrictions may be generated by the control device 20 of the automobile mode 13. For example, the motor driving control section 20b of the control device 20 of the automobile model 3 may compute the product of a velocity specified by the controller 2 and a predetermined ratio as an actual velocity, and control the traveling motor 22 on the basis of the computed velocity.
Besides, various forms are included in the present invention. The model is not limited to the automobile model, but the present invention can be applied to various models such as tanks, trains, ships, airplanes and robots. The accessory device is not limited to the management machine. For example, a device that is disposed on a field on which tanks travel or on a track on which trains travel and that conducts various actions is included in the concept of the accessory device.
As heretofore described, according to the present invention, each of the controller, model and accessory device has a radio communication module based on the same standards. Therefore, it is not necessary to mount a plurality of communication modules on the model, and consumption of the battery can be suppressed. Therefore, the size of the model can be advantageously reduced. In addition, bilateral data communication among the controller, the model and the accessory device is possible. Therefore, various data can be exchanged among them and various controls can be implemented. As a result, the interest of the play implemented by the remote control of the model can be enhanced.
Claims
1. A remote control toy system comprising:
- a plurality of sets, each set including a controller and a model controlled based on data transmitted from the controller, the transmitted data corresponding to an operation of the controller; and
- an accessory device, provided separately from the controllers and the models, for conducting data communication with the controllers and the models,
- wherein each of the controllers, the models, and the accessory device separately comprises:
- a radio communication module for executing the data communication and for conducting bilateral data communication; and
- a control device for implementing various controls based on data communication conducted through the radio communication module.
2. The remote control toy system according to claim 1, wherein the control device of the accessory device comprises:
- a device for receiving data sent from the controller or the model, through the radio communication module;
- a device for executing a procedure based on information contained in the received data; and
- a device for generating data corresponding to a result of the procedure and sending the data through the radio communication module.
3. The remote control toy system according to claim 1, wherein
- the accessory device comprises an information input section for accepting input from the controller, and
- the control device of the accessory device comprises:
- a device for executing a predetermined procedure based on information input from the information input section; and
- a device for generating data corresponding to a result of the procedure and sending the data through the radio communication module.
4. The remote control toy system according to claim 2, wherein the control device of the controller comprises:
- a device for receiving the data sent from the accessory device, through the radio communication module; and
- a device for executing a predetermined procedure based on the received data.
5. The remote control toy system according to claim 4, wherein
- the sending device of the control device of the accessory device is configured to generate and send broadcast data intended for a plurality of controllers, and
- the receiving device of the control device of each controller is configured to receive the broadcast data, and
- the executing device of the control device of each controller is configured to execute a predetermined procedure common to all the controllers for which the broadcast data is intended.
6. The remote control toy system according to claim 2, wherein the control device of the model comprises:
- a device for receiving data sent from the accessory device, through the radio communication module; and
- a device for executing a predetermined procedure based on the received data.
7. The remote control toy system according to claim 6, wherein
- the sending device of the control device of the accessory device is configured to generate and send broadcast data intended for a plurality of models, and
- the receiving device of the control device of each model is configured to receive the broadcast data, and
- the executing device of the control device of each model is configured to execute a predetermined procedure common to all the models for which the broadcast data is intended.
8. The remote control toy system according to claim 1, wherein
- each model comprises a detection device for outputting a signal correlated to a play situation of the system,
- the control device of each model comprises:
- a device for effecting a predetermined decision concerning the play situation based on the output signal of the detection device; and
- a device for generating data corresponding to a result of the decision and sending the data through the radio communication module,
- the control device of the accessory device comprises:
- a device for receiving data sent from the model to be associated with the output signal of the detection device, through the radio communication module;
- a device for determining restrictions concerning an action of at least one model, based on the received data; and
- a device for generating data corresponding to the determined restrictions and sending the generated data through the radio communication module, and
- the control device of the controller or the model comprises:
- a device for receiving data corresponding to the restrictions sent from the accessory device, through the radio communication module; and
- a device for setting a corresponding relationship between the operation of the controller and the action of the model based on the received data.
9. The remote control toy system according to claim 8, wherein the device for setting a corresponding relationship between the operation of the controller and the action of the model changes a corresponding relationship between a quantity of an operation of the controller concerning a specific action of the model and a quantity of control concerning the specific action of the model according to the restrictions.
10. The remote control toy system according to claim 1, wherein the radio communication module is based on Bluetooth standards.
11. A remote control toy system comprising:
- a controller; and
- a model controlled based on data transmitted from the controller, the transmitted data corresponding to an operation of the controller; and
- each of the controller and the model comprises:
- a radio communication module based on Bluetooth standards, the module serving as a device for executing communication between the controller and the model; and
- a control device for executing remote control based on data communication conducted through the radio communication module.
12. The remote control toy system according to claim 11, wherein
- the model comprises a detection device for outputting a signal correlated to a play of the system,
- the control device of the model comprises:
- a device for effecting a predetermined decision concerning the play based on the output signal of the detection device; and
- a device for generating data corresponding to a result of the decision and sending the data through the radio communication module,
- the control device of the controller comprises:
- a device for receiving data sent from the model, through the radio communication module; and
- a device for executing a predetermined procedure based on the received data.
13. A controller for remote-controlling a model, the controller comprising:
- an operation input section for accepting a steering operation of the controller on the model;
- a radio communication module based on Bluetooth standards, the module serving as a device for executing bilateral data communication between the controller and the model; and
- a control device for implementing various controls based on data communication conducted through the radio communication module,
- wherein the control device comprises:
- a device for determining steering information to correspond to a state of the operation input section;
- a device for generating data containing the determined steering information and sending the data through the radio communication module;
- a device for receiving data sent from outside, through the radio communication module; and
- a device for executing a predetermined procedure based on the received data.
14. A model remotely controlled based on steering information transmitted from a controller, the model comprising:
- a driving source for implementing a predetermined action;
- a radio communication module based on Bluetooth standards, the module serving as a device for executing bilateral data communication between the model and the controller; and
- a detection device for outputting a signal correlated to a play of the model,
- a control device for implementing various controls based on data communication conducted through the radio communication module,
- wherein the control device comprises:
- a device for receiving data containing the steering information transmitted from the controller, through the radio communication module;
- a device for controlling an action of the driving source based on the steering information;
- a device for effecting a predetermined decision concerning the play based on the output signal of the detection device; and
- a device for generating data corresponding to a result of the decision and sending the data through the radio communication module.
15. An accessory device used in combination with a controller and a model remotely controlled based on data transmitted from the controller, the accessory device comprising:
- a radio communication module based on Bluetooth standards, the module serving as a device for executing bilateral data communication between the accessory device and the controller and between the accessory device and the model; and
- a control device for implementing various controls based on data communication conducted through the radio communication module,
- wherein the control device comprises:
- a device for receiving data sent from the controller or the model, through the radio communication module;
- a device for executing a procedure based on information contained in the received data; and
- a device for generating data corresponding to a result of the procedure and sending the data through the radio communication module.
16. An accessory device used in combination with a controller and a model remotely controlled based on data transmitted from the controller, the accessory device comprising:
- a radio communication module based on Bluetooth standards, the module serving as a device for executing bilateral data communication between the accessory device and the controller and between the accessory device and the model;
- a control device for implementing various controls based on data communication conducted through the radio communication module; and
- an information input section for accepting an information input from the controller,
- wherein the control device comprises:
- a device for executing a predetermined procedure based on information input from the information input section; and
- a device for generating data corresponding to a result of the procedure and sending the data through the radio communication module.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 24, 2003
Publication Date: Mar 10, 2005
Applicant:
Inventor: Takashi Yamaguchi (Tokyo)
Application Number: 10/502,462