JP2002159738A - Game device, information storage medium, toy and toy system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] Is it possible to obtain the information that one wants to know without impairing the immersive feeling and operability of the game, the attachment to the toy, and the like? Also, is it possible for a player to make a game or a toy more interesting using the information obtained? An object of the present invention is to solve this point. SOLUTION: A parameter setting unit 430 changes a value of a parameter for determining a mode of an object (or a game situation) according to external world information received from a communication unit 200. Then, the image generation unit 420 generates a game image representing an object (or a game situation) that changes according to a change in the value of the parameter, and causes the display unit 300 to display the generated game image.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game apparatus for determining an object to be drawn (or a game situation) based on parameters, an information storage medium storing information for causing the game apparatus to function, a toy for performing an action, And a toy system including the toy.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there are known games in which a player character grows or a parameter or an item of the player character changes. For example, a main game known as growth of a player character is a training game, and a main game known as a change in parameters or the like is a role playing game (hereinafter, referred to as RPG).

[0003] In these games, it is usual that a player character grows or a parameter changes according to a certain rule. If the player character grows randomly or changes parameters without following certain rules, the player will not know how to operate the player character, and it will be difficult to establish a game. This is an extremely appropriate measure. However, this method has the disadvantage that it can result in a game that lacks change and is not very interesting.

[0004] The same applies to toys as well as games. That is, conversational toys in which the number of generated voices change, toys that perform a certain action, and the like are known, but since their growth degree and actions follow certain rules, they are the same as in the above game. I can say that.

Now, in today's advanced information society,
By using the Internet or the like, it is possible to immediately obtain necessary information. For example, current news, sports results, interest rates, stock quotes, weather, etc. As long as a personal computer, a mobile phone, or the like is connected to the Internet and browses a home page on which necessary information is posted, it is possible to immediately obtain desired information.

[0006]

Then, is there any means to obtain the information that one wants to know by using a game device or a toy? Simply, a means for displaying such information as a separate screen during the game, or a toy that directly utters such information can be considered, but this would lose interest in the game and the like. Isn't it possible to get the information you want to know without impairing the immersiveness and operability of the game, the attachment to the toys, etc.? Also, is it possible for a player to make a game or a toy more interesting using the information obtained? An object of the present invention is to solve this point.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game apparatus for determining a mode of an object to be drawn based on a parameter of the object to generate a game image. A device,
Associating means for associating the parameter with external information (for example, one function of the parameter setting unit 430 in FIG. 4)
And parameter changing means for changing the value of the parameter according to the external information associated with the association means (for example, one function of the parameter setting unit 430 in FIG. 4)
And the following.

The information storage medium according to claim 13 is
Means for determining an aspect of an object to be drawn based on the parameters of the object for a device that is to execute a given game by calculation and control by a processor, and associating means for associating the parameter with external world information (For example, one function of the parameter setting unit 430 in FIG. 4) and a parameter changing unit (for example, the parameter setting unit in FIG. 4) that changes the value of the parameter according to the external information associated with the association unit. 430), and stores information that can be executed by the processor in order to cause the function to function.

Here, the outside world information is information irrelevant to the game device, such as temperature, humidity, light quantity (illuminance), sports results, interest rate, stock price information, or weather information, and varies with time. Information that has a value. Also,
This is information that can be obtained by the player regardless of the use of the game device. An aspect is an appearance such as a size, a color, and a shape.

According to the first or thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the value of the parameter for determining the aspect of the object is changed according to the external world information, and the aspect of the object is changed. This allows the player to know the change in the outside world information without impairing the enjoyment of the game. Furthermore, by predicting a change in the external world information, that is, a change in the form of the object, it is possible to enjoy a more interesting game in which, based on this prediction, the game development is determined or the operation of the character is important. Can be.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the game apparatus according to the first aspect, the object is a character appearing in a game, and the parameter is at least one of an ability, a character, a characteristic, a body, and a display form of the character. It is characterized in that it is a value representing one.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the character is associated with the character according to the change of the external world information.
The value of a parameter representing at least one of ability, personality (eg, kindness, affection, etc.), characteristic (eg, occupation, etc.), physical condition, and display form can be automatically changed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the game apparatus according to the second aspect, the character is an operation character of a player.

According to the third aspect of the invention, it is possible to automatically update the value of the parameter of the character operated by the player (player character) according to the change of the external world information. As a result, the player can predict a change in the parameter associated with a change in the external world information. Therefore, the player can operate the player character under the prediction and enjoy a more interesting game.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game apparatus for storing a game situation and a parameter in association with each other and determining a situation of a game to be executed in accordance with the parameter. An associating means (for example, the parameter setting unit 430 in FIG. 4) and a parameter changing means (for example, the parameter setting in FIG. 4) for changing the value of the parameter in accordance with the external information associated with the associating means. 430).

Further, the information storage medium according to claim 14 is:
A means for causing a storage device to store a game state and a parameter in association with each other for a device that is to execute a given game by calculation and control by a processor (for example,
4 (parameter setting unit 430 in FIG. 4) and means for determining the situation of the game to be executed according to the parameters (for example, FIG.
Parameter setting unit 430), associating means for associating the parameter with external information (for example, the parameter setting unit 430 in FIG. 4), and the parameter setting unit 430 according to the external information associated with the associating means. A parameter changing unit (for example, the parameter setting unit 430 in FIG. 4) for changing a value stores information which can be executed by the processor to execute the function.

Here, the game situation means, for example, a change in the game stage, a change in the appearance frequency and location of the enemy character, and the weather and environment in the game space.

According to the invention described in claim 4 or 14, the value of the parameter is changed in accordance with the change of the external information, and the situation of the game is changed. As a result, the player can predict a change in the situation of the game due to a change in the external world information, and can enjoy a more interesting game under the prediction.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the game apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the game situation includes a plurality of situations that are different in stages, and parameter values corresponding to the respective stages are set. Features.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the value of the parameter can be changed stepwise according to the stepwise change of the external world information, and the state of the game can be changed stepwise.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth or fifth aspect, the situation is space information for setting a game space in which the game is developed (for example, weather in the second embodiment). The spatial information and the parameter values are stored in association with each other.

Here, the space information is information for defining a game space other than a character.
Game stage, race course, weather, etc.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the parameter values are updated according to the change of the external world information, and the space information for setting the game space, for example, the weather, can be automatically changed. it can.

8. The game device according to claim 1, wherein the association unit associates the parameter with external information in accordance with an input instruction.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the player can freely set the external world information to be associated with the parameters that determine the aspect of the object and the situation of the game. Therefore, it is possible to know a desired change in the external information while playing the game, and further, it is possible to change the external information set in accordance with the change in the external information, and to enjoy a more interesting game.

[0026] The game apparatus according to claim 8 is the game apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the communication with at least one information processing system that manages and provides the outside world information is automatically performed, so that the outside world information is controlled. Receiving means (for example, the communication unit 200 in FIG. 4), wherein the parameter changing means changes the value of the parameter according to the external information received by the receiving means.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, external information can be received from an information processing system outside the apparatus, and the parameter values can be updated in accordance with a change in the received external information.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the game device according to the eighth aspect, the receiving means automatically receives the external information at a given timing.

Here, the given timing means a timing every predetermined time, a timing given by an arbitrary instruction of the player, and the like.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the value of the parameter is automatically updated in accordance with a change in the externally received information automatically in response to a given timing, and the state of the object / game is changed. Can be automatically changed.

[0031] The game device according to claim 10 is the game device according to claim 8.
In 9 or 9, the receiving means includes an extracting means for extracting information corresponding to the parameter from information provided by the information processing system (for example, the external information extracting unit 440 in FIG. 4), The means changes the value of the parameter according to the information extracted by the extracting means.

According to the tenth aspect, only necessary information can be extracted from the received external world information, and the value of the parameter can be changed.

The game device according to claim 11 is the game device according to claim 1
0, the outside world information includes related information related to the information corresponding to the parameter, and the extracting unit extracts the related information together with the information corresponding to the parameter, and is extracted by the extracting unit. It is characterized by further comprising means for outputting related information (for example, the display unit 300 in FIG. 4).

Here, the related information means, for example, advertisement information of a company's new product announcement if the information corresponding to the parameter is a stock price, or weather forecast of tomorrow if it is precipitation.

[0035] In the game device according to the eleventh aspect, the related information may be advertising information.

According to the invention described in claim 11 or 12, the player can enjoy the game, for example, obtain the advertisement information of the company with the change of the stock price, and can change the amount of the rainfall tomorrow. You can know the weather.

A toy according to a fifteenth aspect is a toy that performs an action, and automatically communicates with at least one information processing system that manages and provides external information, thereby allowing the information processing system to perform the communication with the external world. A receiving unit (for example, the communication unit 20 in FIG. 19) for receiving information, and a control unit (for example, the operation control unit 450 in FIG. 19) for controlling the execution of the action in accordance with the external information received by the receiving unit. ).

Here, the action is an operation performed by the toy,
Alternatively, it means a sound or light generated.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize a toy that receives external world information from an information processing system outside the toy and performs an action in response to a change in the received external world information. In addition, since the toy does not directly utter the change in the external information, the player can obtain the information that he / she wants to know without losing the attachment to the toy.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the toy according to the fifteenth aspect, the action includes a plurality of actions that are different in steps, and conditions of external information corresponding to each step are set. The means determines whether or not the external world information received by the receiving means matches the condition, and controls execution of the action.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the action to be performed can be changed stepwise according to the stepwise change of the received external world information.

A toy system according to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention communicates with a toy that performs an action according to a control signal input from the outside and at least one information processing system that manages and provides external information. A device that receives the outside world information and outputs a control signal to the toy according to the received outside world information.

According to the seventeenth aspect, the control device receives external information from the information processing system, and outputs a control signal corresponding to the received external information to the toy.
Further, the toy performs an action according to the input control signal. Therefore, the toy may have a function of performing an action, and can be realized at low cost. Then, for example, it is conceivable that the toy has a small shape imitating a mascot character and is connected to a PC as a control device.

[0044]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment] As a first embodiment, the present invention is applied to a role-playing game (RPG), and the parameters of a character operated by a player (hereinafter referred to as a player character) are selected. A case in which the fluctuation of the stock price of the stock issue is reflected will be described. First, with reference to a display screen example to which the present invention is applied, a relationship between a parameter of a player character (hereinafter, simply referred to as a parameter) and a stock brand to be reflected will be described.

FIG. 1A shows a screen displayed at the start of the game for selecting a stock brand to be reflected in parameters. As shown in the figure, a message is displayed that prompts the user to select a stock brand to be reflected on the parameters “attack power” and “hair color”.

This parameter “attack power”
This determines the amount of damage that the player character gives to the enemy character, and the larger the value, the more damage the enemy character can do. Further, “hair color” determines the hair color of the player character displayed on the screen, and according to this value,
The color of the hair of the player character is changed and displayed such as black, brown,..., Silver, gold and the like.

The player selects "stock A" as a stock brand to be reflected in the parameter "attack power" from a list of selectable stock brands in accordance with the displayed message on the selection screen shown in FIG. Then, FIG.
It is assumed that "stock B" is selected as a stock brand to be reflected on the parameter "hair color" on the screen displayed as shown in FIG.

Then, the value of each parameter is changed based on the current stock price of the selected stock brand. That is, the current stock price of the stock brand “stock A” is reflected in the parameter “attack power”, and the current stock price of the stock brand “stock B” is reflected in the parameter “hair color”. .

For example, if the current stock price of “stock A” is “58”
If “8”, the value of the parameter “attack power” is “55”. If the current stock price of “stock B” is “8”, the value of the parameter “hair color” is “black”, and the hair color of the player character is displayed in black.

Such a change in the value of the parameter according to the current stock price is performed by referring to the stock price / parameter correspondence table 5 shown in FIG.
70. This correspondence table is stored in the storage unit 500.
This is a data table stored in (see FIG. 4), the details of which will be described later.

The value of the parameter "attack power" can be confirmed on a status screen displaying various parameters of the player character. FIG.
It is a figure showing an example of a status screen displayed during movement or battle. In the figure, the status screen shows
The parameters of the player character such as “attack power”, “defense power”, and “life power” and their values are displayed.

The value of each parameter is updated at regular intervals (for example, every hour) based on the latest stock price of the stock brand set for each parameter. For example, after a certain period of time, the stock price of the stock “stock A” becomes “5”.
When the value changes from “88” to “620”, the value of the parameter “attack power” is updated from “55” to “60” based on the stock price / parameter correspondence table 570. Accordingly, the “attack power” displayed on the status screen shown in FIG.
Is updated from "55" to "60" and displayed.

The stock price of the stock "stock B" is
When the value changes from “8” to “13”, the value of the parameter “hair color” is updated from “black” to “brown” based on the stock price / parameter correspondence table 570. Accordingly, the hair color of the player character displayed on the screen is changed from black to brown and displayed.

Further, the stock brand set in the parameters of the player character can be arbitrarily changed even during the game according to an instruction from the player. Specifically, during the game, when the player selects “change stock brand setting” in the game command menu, the game in progress is temporarily suspended, and the stock brand shown in FIG. A screen for changing the settings appears.

As shown in the figure, a parameter to be changed (hereinafter referred to as a parameter to be changed) is displayed on this screen.
Is displayed, and the player selects a parameter to be changed in accordance with the instruction of this message.

Here, when “attack power” is selected as a parameter to be changed, subsequently, as shown in FIG.
A list of selectable stock issues is displayed. From this list, for example, a stock issue “stock D” to be newly set is selected and determined. Then, the screen shown in FIG. 9A is displayed again, and it is possible to select another change target parameter and change its setting.

When the setting change of the stock brand is ended, the “end” displayed on the screen shown in FIG.
By selecting, the game screen returns to the normal game screen, and the progress of the temporarily interrupted game is resumed.

As described above, when the parameter to be changed is selected and the stock brand to be newly reflected is changed / set, the current stock price of the newly set stock brand is added to the stock price similarly to the case of the stock brand setting described above. Based on this, the value of the parameter to be changed is updated.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing functional blocks of a game device to which the first embodiment is applied. As shown in the figure, the functional blocks include an operation unit 100, a communication unit 200,
The display unit 300 includes a display unit 300, a processing unit 400, and a storage unit 500.

The operation section 100 is for the player to input operation data. The function can be realized by hardware such as a lever, a button, and a housing. Also,
When an operation such as pressing a button is performed, an operation signal is output to the processing unit 400.

The communication section 200 is for connecting to the Internet via a communication line and acquiring external world information such as stock prices from the outside of the apparatus.

The display unit 300 displays a game image and the like generated by the image generation unit 420 in the processing unit 400. The player inputs operation data (instruction, selection) according to the game progress from the operation unit 100 while watching the game image displayed on the display unit 300.

The processing section 400 performs game progress processing, score calculation processing, game image generation processing, etc., based on the operation signals and the game program 550 for executing the game stored in the storage section 500. I do. The function of this processing unit 400 is a CPU (SISC type, RISC type),
It can be realized by hardware such as a DSP, an ASIC (such as a gate array), and a memory. Further, the processing unit 400 includes:
It includes a game calculation unit 410, an image generation unit 420, a parameter setting unit 430, and an external world information extraction unit 440.

The game calculation section 410 performs a process of determining the arrangement position of an object such as a player character or an enemy character, a game progress process according to the game program 550, and the like.

The image generation section 420 has a game operation section 410
To generate an image such as a game screen or a score display screen on which objects are arranged.

The parameter setting section 430 performs processing such as setting stock issues to be reflected in the parameters of the player character, determining and changing parameter values associated with the setting, and changing parameter values at regular time intervals.

The outside world information extraction unit 440 performs a process of extracting the current stock price (latest stock price) of the stock brand set in each parameter from the outside world information downloaded from outside the apparatus via the communication unit 200. .

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the outside world information setting processing for setting the stock brand to be reflected in the parameters. This processing is performed by the parameter setting section 430 by the parameter setting section 430 at the start of the game. This is a process executed according to the setting program 510.

In the figure, first, a parameter setting unit 43
0 causes the display unit 300 to display a stock issue selection screen as shown in FIG. At that time, as shown in the figure, a message prompting selection of a stock issue is displayed, and a parameter / stock issue correspondence table 56 shown in FIG.
0, a list of stock brands that can be set (selected) is displayed for each parameter (step S11).

For example, when a stock brand to be set in the parameter “attack power” is selected, a list of selectable stock brands can be obtained by referring to the parameter / stock brand correspondence table 560 as shown in FIG. Displays “Stock A” and “Stock D”.

Subsequently, as for the parameter “hair color”, similarly, as shown in FIG. 1B, as a list of selectable stock brands, “stock B” and “stock C” are displayed on the display unit 30.
0 is displayed.

When a stock brand to be set as a parameter is selected from the operation unit 100, the parameter setting unit 430
In the set stock brand of the parameter / stock brand correspondence table 560,
The selected stock brand is stored (step S12).

For example, when “stock A” is selected as the stock issue to be reflected in the parameter “attack power”, the set stock issue of the parameter “attack power” in the parameter / stock issue correspondence table 560 is changed to “stock A”. Set. When “stock B” is selected as the stock brand to be reflected in the parameter “hair color”, the parameter setting unit 430 sets the set stock brand of the parameter “hair color” to “stock B”.

As described above, for all parameters,
When the stock brand to be reflected is selected and the data of the stock brand set in the parameter / stock brand correspondence table 560 is set (step S13: YES), the parameter setting unit 430 sets
Subsequently, a parameter change process (see FIG. 6) is executed (step S14).

By this parameter change processing, the parameter setting section 430 determines the value of each parameter based on the current stock price of the set stock brand, and ends this processing.

Here, the parameter / stock brand correspondence table 56
0 will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the parameter / stock brand correspondence table 560. As shown in the figure, a settable stock brand, a set stock brand, and values of the parameters are stored in association with each other for each parameter of the player character.

In the figure, the stock name “stock A” and “stock D” can be set as the parameter “attack power”, and the stock price of the stock name “stock A” is reflected in the parameter value. It is set to be. In addition, the stock brand “stock B” and “stock C” can be set in the parameter “hair color”, and the stock brand “stock B” is selected from among them.
Is set to reflect the stock price.

Further, the URL of a homepage on which information on the stock price of the stock brand is posted is associated with the settable stock brand. By accessing this URL, the latest stock price of the stock can be obtained. Although this homepage is a publicly available homepage, it may be a dedicated homepage for the game device to acquire the latest stock price.

Based on the settable stock issues stored in the correspondence table, a list of stock issues that can be set for each parameter as shown in FIG. 1 is displayed. In addition, the set stock brand is determined by the external information setting process described above (FIG. 5).
The parameter values are set and updated in a later-described parameter change process (see FIG. 6) in a later-described external world information change process (see FIG. 8).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a parameter changing process for changing a parameter value according to the latest stock price of a set stock brand. This process is a subroutine process in the above-described external information setting process (see FIG. 5) or the external information changing process (see FIG. 8) described later.
Alternatively, the parameter change program 5 stored in the storage unit 500 at regular intervals (for example, every hour) during the progress of the game.
20 is a process executed by the parameter setting unit 430 in accordance with No. 20.

In FIG. 6, first, the parameter setting section 43
0 acquires the stock brand set for each parameter with reference to the parameter / stock brand correspondence table 560 (step S21).

Next, the parameter setting unit 430 causes the outside world information extraction unit 440 to execute the outside world information acquisition process (see FIG. 7), thereby acquiring the current stock price (the latest stock price) of the acquired stock brand ( Step S22). As a result of the external world information capturing process, for example, the latest stock price “588” of the set stock brand “stock A” with the parameter “attack power” and the latest stock price “stock B” of the set stock brand “stock B” with “hair color” are obtained. 8 "have been acquired.

Then, the parameter setting unit 430 refers to the stock price / parameter correspondence table 570 based on the acquired latest stock prices and refers to the parameter / stock brand correspondence table 56.
The value of the parameter 0 is changed (step S23).

For example, based on the latest stock price “588” of the stock issue “stock A” and the stock price / parameter correspondence table 570, the parameter setting section 430 determines the parameter “attack power” stored in the parameter / stock issue correspondence table 560. Is changed to “55”. Similarly, the value of the parameter “hair color” is changed to “black” based on the latest stock price “8” of the stock brand “stock B”.

When the values of all parameters are changed based on the latest stock price thus obtained, the parameter setting section 430 ends this processing.

Here, the stock price / parameter correspondence table 570 will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the stock price / parameter correspondence table 570 stored in the storage unit 500. This correspondence table is prepared for each parameter,
FIG. 7A shows a correspondence table relating to the parameter “attack power”, and FIG. 6B shows a correspondence table relating to the parameter “hair color”. As shown in the figure, parameter values are stored in association with each stock price range.

By referring to this correspondence table, for example, when the latest stock price of the stock issue “stock A” is “588”, the value of the parameter “attack power” is set to “55”. The latest stock price of the stock “Stock B” is “8”.
In this case, the value of the parameter “hair color” is set to “black”.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the outside world information acquisition processing for acquiring the latest stock price of a set stock brand. This process is a process executed by the outside world information extraction unit 440 according to the outside world information acquisition program 530 as a subroutine process in the above-described parameter change process (see FIG. 6).

In the figure, first, the outside world information extraction unit 440
Refers to the parameter / stock issue correspondence table 560 and accesses the URL corresponding to the set stock issue via the communication unit 200 (step S31). Then, the content of the home page of the access destination is downloaded and temporarily stored in the storage unit 500 (step S32). Then, the outside world information extraction unit 440 extracts the latest stock price from the temporarily stored data using the stock brand or the like as a keyword (step S33).

For example, the external world information extraction unit 440 determines the U corresponding to the set stock brand “stock A” with the parameter “attack power”.
RL "http: //www.@kabuka.co
m / kabu_a ”is accessed via the communication unit 200. Then, the content of the home page of the access destination is received, and the received content is temporarily stored in the storage unit 500.
Since the contents of the temporarily stored homepage are text documents mainly described in the HTML language or the like, a character string "stock A" is searched from the contents,
Acquire the latest stock price “588” of “stock A”.

Similarly, for the parameter “hair color”, the latest stock price “8” of the set stock brand “stock B” is acquired.

As described above, referring to the parameter / stock issue correspondence table 560 shown in FIG. 9, when the latest stock prices are obtained for all the parameters for which the stock issues are set (step S34: YES), the outside world information is extracted. Part 440
Disconnects the connected communication line (step S3).
5). Then, the acquired latest stock price is set in the parameter setting unit 4
30 and the process ends.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the outside world information change processing for changing the stock brand set in the parameter. This processing is based on an operation signal from the operation unit 100 during the game, and in accordance with the external world information change program 540, the parameter setting unit 430
Is a process executed by

In the figure, first, a parameter setting section 43
0 displays a stock issue change screen as shown in FIG. 3A on the display unit 300 (step S41). At that time, a message prompting selection of a parameter to be changed is first displayed. Then, when the parameter to be changed is selected by the operation unit 100 (step S42), a list of the settable stock brands of the parameter to be changed is displayed with reference to the parameter / stock brand correspondence table 560.

For example, if “attack power” is selected as the parameter to be changed, the parameter-stock name correspondence table 5
60, the parameter setting unit 430
Displays “Stock A” and “Stock D” as a list of selectable stock brands, as shown in FIG. 3B. Also,
Similarly, when “hair color” is selected as a parameter to be changed, a list of selectable stock brands is
Display “Stock B” and “Stock C”.

When the stock brand to be newly set as the parameter to be changed is selected from the operation unit 100, the parameter setting unit 430 changes the stock brand set in the parameter / stock brand correspondence table 560 (step S43).

For example, when “stock D” is selected as a stock brand to be newly set in the parameter “attack power”, the parameter “attack power” in the parameter / stock brand correspondence table 560 is set.
Set the stocks corresponding to the above from “Stock A” to “Stock D”
Change to Similarly, when “stock C” is selected as a stock brand to be newly set in the parameter “hair color”, similarly, the set stock brand of the parameter “hair color” is changed from “stock B” to “stock C”. Change to

As described above, when the stock brand to be newly set as the parameter to be changed is selected and the stock brand set in the parameter / stock brand correspondence table 560 is changed (step S44: YES), the parameter setting unit 430 determines Subsequently, a parameter change process (see FIG. 6) is executed (step S45).

When the values of all the parameters including the parameter for which the set stock brand has been changed are updated by this parameter change processing, the parameter setting section 430 ends the external world information change processing.

The storage section 500 stores a game program 550 for executing the game, an external information setting program 510 for executing the external information setting processing shown in FIG. 5, and a parameter changing processing shown in FIG. A parameter change program 520, an external information acquisition program 530 for executing the external information acquisition process shown in FIG. 7,
An external world information change program 540 for executing the external world information change process shown in FIG. 8, a parameter / stock brand correspondence table 560 shown in FIG. 9, and a stock price / parameter correspondence table 570 shown in FIG. 10 are stored. Further, storage unit 500 temporarily stores the content of the homepage downloaded via communication unit 200.

The function of the storage section 500 can be realized by hardware such as a CD-ROM, a game cassette, an IC card, an MO, an FD, a DVD, a hard disk, and a memory. The processing unit 400 performs various processes based on the program and data read from the storage unit 500.

Next, an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
In the device shown in FIG.
2, RAM 1004, information storage medium 1006, sound generation I
C1008, image generation IC 1010, I / O port 10
Reference numerals 12 and 1014 are connected to each other via a system bus 1016 so that data can be input and output therebetween. And image generation I
The C1010 includes a display device 1018 and a sound generation IC 100.
8 is connected to a speaker 1020, an I / O port 1012 is connected to a control device 1022, and an I / O port 1014 is connected to a communication device 1024.

The information storage medium 1006 mainly stores various programs, image data for expressing a display object, sound data, play data, and the like. The information storage medium 1006 is mainly stored in the functional units of the storage unit 500 shown in FIG. It is equivalent.

For example, in a home-use game machine, a storage section 500 for storing the game program and various processing programs shown in FIG.
A VD or the like is used, and a memory card or the like is used as the storage unit 500 for storing the parameter / stock name correspondence table 560 and the stock price / parameter correspondence table 570 in FIG.
For personal computers, CD-ROM, DV
D, a hard disk or the like is used. Further, in the arcade game device, a memory such as a ROM or a hard disk is used. In this case, the information storage medium 1006 is stored in the ROM 10
02.

The control device 1022 corresponds to a game controller, an operation panel, and the like, and is a device for inputting a result of a determination made by a player in accordance with the progress of a game to the main body of the device. This control device 1022
Corresponds to the functional unit of the operation unit 100 in FIG.

According to various programs and data stored in the information storage medium 1006, system programs (initialization information of the apparatus main body) stored in the ROM 1002, signals input by the control apparatus 1022, etc.
The PU 1000 controls the entire apparatus and performs various data processing. The RAM 1004 is a storage unit used as a work area of the CPU 1000, and temporarily stores image data and play data for one frame, a given content of the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1002, or C
A calculation result of the PU 1000 is stored. RAM100
Reference numeral 4 corresponds to a part of the function of the storage unit 500 in FIG. 4 described above, and temporarily stores the content of the home page downloaded via the communication device 1024.

Further, this type of device includes a sound generation IC 100
8 and an image generating IC 1010 are provided so that a suitable output of game sounds and game images can be performed.

The sound generation IC 1008 is the information storage medium 100
6 and an integrated circuit that generates game sounds such as sound effects and background sounds based on information stored in the ROM 1002, and the generated game sounds are output by the speaker 1020. Further, the image generation IC 1010 includes a RAM
An integrated circuit that generates pixel information to be output to the display device 1018 based on image information sent from the ROM 1002, the ROM 1002, the information storage medium 1006, and the like.

The display device 1018 is a CRT, LCD, T
V, a plasma display, a projector, and the like. The display device 1018 corresponds to the display unit 300 shown in FIG.
It corresponds to the functional part of the above.

The communication device 1024 exchanges various kinds of information used inside the game device with the outside. The communication device 1024 is connected to another game device to transmit and receive given information according to the game program. It is used for transmitting and receiving information such as a game program via a communication line. This communication device 1024 corresponds to the functional unit of the communication unit 200 in FIG.

The various processes described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 are shown in the external information setting program 510 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5, the parameter change program 520 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, and the flowchart of FIG. The external world information acquisition program 530, the external world information change program 540 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8, the object data, the parameter / stock brand correspondence table 560 shown in FIG. 9, and the stock price / parameter correspondence table 5 shown in FIG.
Storage medium 1006 storing the image 70, the CPU 1000 operating according to the program, the image generation IC 101
0, the sound generation IC 1008 and the like. CPU
1000 and the image generation IC 1010 are the processing unit 4 of FIG.
The CPU 1000 mainly corresponds to the game calculation unit 410, the parameter setting unit 430, and the external information extraction unit 440, and the image generation IC corresponds to the image generation unit 42.
It corresponds to 0. Note that the image generation IC 1010 and the sound generation IC
The processing performed by 1008 or the like may be performed by software using the CPU 1000 or a general-purpose DSP. In this case, the CPU 1000 corresponds to the processing section 400.

Next, FIG. 12A shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to an arcade game device. The player
The user enjoys the game by operating the lever 1102, the button 1104, etc. while watching the game image projected on the display 1100. Various processors, various memories, and the like are mounted on a built-in system board (circuit board) 1106. Information (program, data) for executing the present invention is stored in the system board 1106.
The information is stored in the memory 1108 as the information storage medium.
Hereinafter, this information is referred to as storage information.

FIG. 14B shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to a home game machine. The player enjoys the game by operating the game controllers 1202 and 1204 while watching the game image projected on the display 1200. In this case, the storage information is stored in a CD (DVD) 1206, a memory card 1208, 1209, or the like, which is an information storage medium detachable from the main unit.

FIG. 14C shows a host device 1300, a host device 1300 and a network 1302 (LAN).
1304 connected via a small-scale network such as the Internet or a wide-area network such as the Internet.
An example in which the present embodiment is applied to a system including 1 to 1304-n will be described. In this case, the stored information is, for example, an information storage medium 1306 such as a magnetic disk device, a magnetic tape device, or a memory that can be controlled by the host device 1300.
Is stored in Terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n
However, when a game image and a game sound can be generated stand-alone, a game program and the like for generating a game image and a game sound are distributed from the host device 1300 to the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n. You.
On the other hand, if it cannot be generated stand-alone, the host device 1300 generates a game image and a game sound, and transmits them to the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n to output them.

In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 12C, each processing of the present invention may be executed in a distributed manner between the host device (server) and the terminal. Further, the storage information for executing each process of the present invention may be distributed and stored in an information storage medium of a host device (server) and an information storage medium of a terminal.

The terminal connected to the network may be a home game device or an arcade game device. When the arcade game device is connected to a network, the portable information storage device is capable of exchanging information with the arcade game device and exchanging information with the home game device. (A memory card, a portable game device) may be used.

With the above configuration, it is possible to change and set the parameters of the player character according to fluctuations in external information such as stock prices. For this reason, the player knows the fluctuation of the external world information such as the stock price, so that the player can pre-read the change in the parameter of the player character and enjoy the game development. In addition, by reflecting the fluctuating external information on the parameters, the user can enjoy the game with different parameters every time the game is played.

In the present embodiment, the parameter values of the player character are determined based on the latest stock price of the set stock issue. It is also possible to configure so that the value of the parameter is changed according to whether the value has increased or decreased only (that is, the displacement).

[Second Embodiment] Next, as a second embodiment, the present invention is applied to a racing game, and a place where a race course is assumed (for example, "Suzuka" or "Fuji") "Weather" in the game space, which is a real place, hereinafter referred to as "real space".
Will be described. In addition, “real space” is “Suzuka”, and the current weather in “Suzuka”
It shall be reflected in the weather in the game space.

As parameters relating to the weather,
There are "weather" and "precipitation". Parameter "weather"
Has one of the following values: "sunny", "sunny", "cloudy" or "rainy", and is determined by the apparent ratio of the cloud-covered part to the whole sky in the real space. is there. Then, the number of clouds arranged on the sky in the game space is determined by the value of the “weather”.

In this case, the cloud objects prepared in advance are arranged in the sky by the number determined by the value of “weather”, so that the “weather” in the game space is obtained.
To express. For example, if the value of “weather” is “clear”, no cloud object is placed on the sky in the game space, and if “clear”, four cloud objects are placed.
If it is "cloudy", eight cloud objects are arranged respectively. If the value of "weather" is "rain", ten cloud objects are arranged so as to cover the entire sky.

As described above, the number of cloud objects to be arranged on the sky in the game space can be obtained from the weather correspondence table 5 shown in FIG.
90. This weather correspondence table 590 is
This is a data table stored in the storage unit 500 (see FIG. 4), the details of which will be described later.

The parameter “precipitation amount” represents the amount of rainfall per hour in the real space as an integer in millimeters (0 to 0).
..), and "0" indicates a situation where it is not raining. And, the larger the value, the more the heavy (strong) rain is represented.

The situation in which it is raining is represented by the movement of a plurality of rain particles arranged in the game space.
These rain particles are individually controlled in their movement, and move from a source (for example, a cloud placed in the sky) to a disappearing source (for example, an object such as a race course or a racing car) over time. , When they reach the disappearance source.

Then, the number of rain particles generated per unit time at the generation source is determined in proportion to the value of “precipitation amount”. That is, assuming that the value of “precipitation amount” is “X”, the number Y of rain particles generated per unit time from the generation source is expressed as Y = A × X (1). However, in the above equation, A is a positive constant.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen during a game. FIG. 7A is a diagram showing the weather where “weather” is “clear” and “precipitation” is “0 (mm)”. Also,
FIG. 6B shows a state after a certain time (for example, 1
5 minutes later), where “weather” represents “rain” and “precipitation” represents “12 (mm)”. Compared to FIG. 7A, the number of cloud objects arranged on the sky is increasing and the situation is raining.

As described above, the weather in the game space reflects the weather in the real space and is changed and displayed at regular time intervals (that is, the parameter relating to “weather” has been changed). .

The functional blocks of the game device to which the second embodiment is applied have substantially the same configuration and functions as the functional blocks described with reference to FIG. 4 in the first embodiment. Therefore, a detailed description of the same functional unit will be omitted, and only different functional units will be described.

In the functional block shown in FIG. 4, a parameter setting section 430 included in the processing section 400 is a processing for reflecting the weather in the real space to the weather in the game space at the start of the game or at regular intervals during the game. I do.

The outside world information extraction unit 440 performs processing for extracting information relating to the weather in the real space from outside world information downloaded from outside the apparatus via the communication unit 200.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the weather determination processing for determining the weather in the game space according to the parameters relating to the weather in the real space. This process is a process executed by the parameter setting unit 430 in accordance with a weather determination program (not shown) in the storage unit 500 at regular time intervals (for example, every 15 minutes).

In the figure, first, a parameter setting unit 43
0 indicates that the external world information extraction unit 440 performs the external world information fetching process (FIG. 7).
(See step S5) to obtain the value of the parameter relating to the current weather in the real space.
1).

By this external world information fetching process, for example, a value “sunny” of “weather” and a value “0 (mm)” of “precipitation amount” of “Suzuka”, which is a real space, are obtained, respectively. 1
As shown in FIG. 5A, it is assumed that the parameter value is stored in a parameter value setting table 580 (details will be described later).

[0135] Then, the parameter setting section 430 determines the value based on the data stored in the parameter correspondence table 580.
The number of cloud objects to be arranged on the sky in the game space and the number of rain particles generated per unit time from the generation source are determined (step S52). Then, the image generation section 420 is caused to generate a game image for expressing “weather” in the game space, and is displayed on the display section 300 (step S53).

In other words, the parameter setting unit 430 determines the number of cloud objects to be arranged on the sky to be “4” based on the value “clear” of the “weather” and the weather correspondence table 590.
Further, the number of rain particles generated per unit time from the source is determined to be “0” based on the value “0” of the “precipitation amount” and Expression (1). Then, the display unit 300 displays FIG.
A screen as shown in (a) will be displayed. After performing the above processing, the parameter setting unit 430 ends the processing.

After a certain time (for example, after 15 minutes)
By executing the weather determination process again, a screen in which the weather in the game space has changed is displayed in accordance with the change in the weather in the real space.

For example, the value of “weather” in the real space has changed from “clear” to “rain”, and the value of “precipitation” has changed from “0 (mm)” to “12 (mm)”. In this case, the display unit 300 changes and displays the display screen as shown in FIG. 13A to the display screen as shown in FIG. 13B. At that time, the parameter value stored in the parameter value setting table 580 changes as shown in FIG. 15B.

Here, the parameter value setting table 580 will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the parameter value setting table 580 stored in the storage unit 500. As shown in the figure, the place name of the real space and the values of the parameters “weather” and “precipitation” relating to the weather of the real space are stored. Further, the place name of the real space is set at the start of each race, and the current value is stored as the value of each parameter by executing the outside world information fetching process (see FIG. 7) described later.

The weather correspondence table 590 will be described. FIG.
6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a weather correspondence table 590 stored in the storage unit 500. As shown in the figure, the number of cloud objects arranged on the sky in the game space is stored in association with each value of the parameter “weather”.

The outside world information fetching process (step S5) executed as a subroutine process in the above-mentioned weather determination process
1) is processing for performing substantially the same operation as the processing operation described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 7 in the first embodiment, and is processing for acquiring information on the current weather in the real space. The external world information fetching process according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In the figure, first, the outside world information extraction unit 440
Refers to the parameter value setting table 580 and acquires the place name of the real space. Then, referring to the place name / URL correspondence table 600 (details will be described later) shown in FIG. 17, the obtained URL of the real space is accessed via the communication unit 200 (step S31).

Next, the contents of the home page of the access destination are downloaded and temporarily stored in the storage section 500 (step S32). Then, the outside world information extraction unit 440 extracts information on the current weather from the temporarily stored data (step S33).

For example, from the parameter value setting table 580,
When the place name “Suzuka” of the real space is acquired, the external world information extraction unit 440 refers to the place name / parameter correspondence table 600,
“Suzuka” URL “http: //www.@ten
kou. com / suzuka ”via the communication unit 200. Then, the content of the received homepage is downloaded and temporarily stored in the storage unit 500. The contents of the temporarily stored homepage are mainly HTML
Since it is a text document described in a language, a character string such as “weather” or “precipitation amount” is searched from the contents, and the current “weather” value “clear” or “precipitation” in “Suzuka” is obtained. The value “0 (mm)” of “amount” is obtained.

As described above, when the values of the parameters relating to the current weather in the real space are obtained (step S34: YE)
S), the external information extraction unit 440 calculates these acquired values as
These are stored in “weather” and “precipitation” of the parameter value setting table 580, respectively. Then, the connected communication line is disconnected (step 35), and the outside world information extracting unit 440
This processing ends.

Here, the place name / URL correspondence table 600 will be described. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a place name / URL correspondence table 600 stored in the storage unit 500. As shown in the figure, the URL of a home page on which information on the weather of the real space is posted is stored in association with each place name of the real space. By accessing this URL, information about the weather can be obtained. In addition, this homepage is a homepage that is open to the public, but may be a dedicated homepage for the game device to acquire information on the weather.

The storage section 500 stores a game program 550 relating to the execution of the game, a weather determination program for executing the weather determination processing shown in FIG. 14, and an external world for executing the external information acquisition processing shown in FIG. An information acquisition program 530, a parameter value setting table 580 shown in FIG.
The weather correspondence table 590 shown in FIG.
And a URL correspondence table 600. The storage unit 50
0 temporarily stores the contents of the homepage downloaded via the communication line 200.

The hardware configuration capable of realizing the second embodiment is the same as the hardware configuration in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 11, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

With the above arrangement, the game at the actual location where the race course exists is reflected almost in real time on the weather in the game space, and the game can be enjoyed.

In this embodiment, the weather in the real space is reflected on the weather in the game space.
Of course, it may be configured to reflect a situation other than the weather. For example, a situation such as “season” or “time” may be reflected. In this case, the “season” of the real space is reflected in the color of the wooden object on the background of the race course (actually, textures are prepared for each season, and the texture is selected according to each season to select the wooden object. Mapping).

Furthermore, the weather in the game space may be reflected not in the place where the race course is assumed to exist, but in the place where the player currently exists or the place specified by the player. .

Specifically, the place name / URL correspondence table 600
First, a place name of a place where a player can exist (that is, a place where the game apparatus is installed, for example, all prefectures) and URLs corresponding to each place name are prepared, and the player is presently present. This can be realized by selecting a place name of a place (or a place designated by the player) to be set and setting the place name of the real space in the parameter value setting table 580.

[Third Embodiment] Next, as a third embodiment, the present invention is applied to a toy imitating a mascot character, and a “baseball game result” is performed by the “operation performed by the toy”. Will be described. At that time, the game result of the specific team (for example, the A team) such as the current win / loss and the score difference is reflected in the operation performed by the toy.

The parameters relating to the baseball game result include "current situation", "win / loss", and "score difference". The parameter “current status” indicates whether the game is still “in the middle” or has already “finished”.
Indicates whether the current situation is “winning”, “losing”, or “drawing”. The "score difference" represents the score difference at that time, and is "0".
It has the value of the above integer. And "win / loss" is "draw"
In this case, the value of the “score difference” is “0”. For example, in the current situation, "I'm in the middle of a match and I'm winning by three points"
“Present situation” is “midway”, “win / loss” is “win”, and “score difference” is “3”.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an external view of a toy to which the present invention is applied. This toy performs a predetermined operation in accordance with the result of the game of the A team. FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating an operation in a case where the A team wins, and performs a “shake tail” operation. FIG. 2B is a diagram showing an operation in a case where the A team is losing, and performs an operation of “heading over the head”.

Such an operation is performed based on the value of the parameter "win / loss". If "win", the operation shown in FIG. ) Are performed for a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds).
Do. In the case of "draw", no operation is performed.

The degree of this operation varies depending on the value of the "score difference", and the degree is determined by the value of the "score difference". Specifically, in the case of winning with a large score difference (for example, 5 points difference), the angle at which the tail is shaken is larger than in the case of winning with a small score difference (for example, 1 point difference), and the tail is greatly increased. (Fig. 1
This is the operation shown in FIG. In addition, when the player loses with a large score difference (for example, five points), the angle at which the head snarls becomes larger than when the player loses with a small score difference (for example, one point difference). This deeply “bows the head (the operation shown in FIG. 18B)”.

Further, when the match is over, that is, “current situation”
Is "end", the toy performs the above operation (the operation shown in FIG. 18A or FIG. 18B) and then "walks" as shown in FIG. The operation is performed for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds).

Such an operation performed in accordance with the match result is performed based on a parameter / operation correspondence table 620 shown in FIG.

FIG. 21 shows this parameter / operation correspondence table 6.
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence table 20. This correspondence table is prepared for each parameter. FIG. 12A shows a correspondence table relating to the parameter “current situation”, and FIG. 14B shows a correspondence table relating to the parameter “win / loss”. The “operation” to be performed is associated with each parameter value. Stored.

FIG. 23C shows the parameter “score difference”.
This table shows a correspondence table for determining the degree of the operation performed in accordance with FIG. 6B (that is, the operation performed in accordance with the value of “win / loss”).

More specifically, when the “win / loss” is “win” and the “score difference” is “3”, the toy is at an angle of 60 ° for each of the left and right sides (total angle of 120 °), as shown in FIG. ), A “shake tail” operation is performed. Also, "win / loss"
If "losing" and "score difference" are "4", the toy
At an angle of 80 °, a “browsing head” operation as shown in FIG. 18B is performed.

The operations shown in FIG. 18 are performed at predetermined time intervals (for example, every 15 minutes) in accordance with the current game result. You can now know.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of a toy to which the third embodiment is applied. As shown in the figure, the toy is configured by a communication device 20, a CPU 40, a drive control device 70, a ROM 50, and a RAM 60, and each unit is connected to be able to input and output data.

The communication device 20 is for connecting to the Internet via a communication line and acquiring external information such as game results from the outside of the toy. Therefore, the modular cord 20a attached to the toy needs to be connected to a telephone line. Then, in accordance with an instruction from the external information extraction unit 440, the communication device 20 connects to the Internet via a telephone line and accesses a predetermined HP. Also,
Of course, the telephone line may be a dedicated line for accessing a predetermined homepage.

The CPU 40 includes an operation control unit 450 and an external world information extraction unit 440. Operation control unit 450
Performs a process of outputting, to the drive control device 70, a control signal for causing the toy to perform an operation as shown in FIG. 18 to the drive control device 70 based on the information regarding the match result acquired by the external world information extraction unit 440.

The outside world information extracting section 440 performs a process of extracting information on the game result of the A team from the outside world information downloaded from the outside of the toy via the communication device 20.

[0168] The drive control device 70 performs control for moving the tail, head, and legs of the toy by the control signal input from the operation control section 450. Its function is
It is realized by a motor or the like.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an operation control process for controlling the operation performed by the toy according to the result of the game. This process is performed at regular intervals (for example, every 15 minutes).
The process is executed by the operation control unit 450 in accordance with the operation control program 610 in the ROM 50.

In the figure, first, the operation control unit 450
By causing the outside world information extraction unit 440 to execute the outside world information fetching process (see FIG. 7), parameters relating to the current game result of the A team are acquired (step S61).

Then, the operation control section 450 refers to the parameter / operation correspondence table 620 based on the acquired values of these parameters, and controls the drive control device 70 to perform an operation according to the game result. A signal is output (step S62).

That is, when "win / loss" is "win", a control signal for moving the tail at an angle corresponding to the value of "score difference" is used, and when "win / loss" is "losing". Outputs a control signal for moving the head at an angle corresponding to the value of the "score difference".

For example, as a result of the process for taking in the outside world information in step S61,
It is assumed that “current status” is “intermediate”, “win / loss” is “win”, and “score difference” is “3”. Then, the operation control unit 450 refers to the parameter / operation correspondence table 620, and thus, the left and right sides (60 ° in total)
A control signal for moving the tail at the angle of ゜) is output to the drive control device 70.

If the value of “current status” is “end” (step S 63: YES), the operation control section 450
Outputs the control signal for moving the legs to the drive control device 70 in order to perform the "walking" operation after performing the above operation (step S64).

The drive control device 70 to which the control signal has been input moves each part of the toy such as the head, the tail, and the legs in accordance with the control signal, so that the toy operates in a predetermined manner according to the game result. The operation is performed (step S65).

As described above, when the operation according to the parameters relating to the acquired match result is performed, the operation control unit 450
Ends this processing.

The outside world information fetching process (step S61) executed in the operation control process is a process of performing substantially the same operation as the processing operation described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7 in the first embodiment. This is a process of acquiring information on the current match result. The external world information fetching process according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In the figure, first, the outside world information extraction unit 440
Is the URL "http: // stored in the ROM 50.
/ Www. 〇〇yakyu. com / a-team "
(This URL is a URL of a homepage on which information on the current match result of the A team is posted.)
Access via the communication device 20 (step S3
1).

Then, the contents of the accessed home page are downloaded and temporarily stored in the RAM 60 (step S32). Since the contents of the temporarily stored homepage are text documents mainly described in the HTML language, a character string such as “win / loss” or “score difference” is searched from the contents to obtain the current game of the A team. The value of the parameter relating to the result, that is, “current status”, “winning / losing”, “winning”, and “score difference” obtaining “3” are obtained (step S33).

As described above, when the information on the current game result is obtained (step S34: YES), the outside world information extraction unit 440 outputs the obtained information to the operation control unit 450, and disconnects the connected communication line. Yes (Step S3
5). Then, the present process ends.

The ROM 50 mainly stores various programs, data, and the like. The ROM 50 executes an operation control program 610 for executing the operation control processing shown in FIG. 20, and executes the external information acquisition processing shown in FIG. 530, a parameter / operation correspondence table 620 shown in FIG. 21, and the above URL.

In accordance with various programs and data stored in the ROM 50, the CPU 40 controls the entire toy and performs various data processing. The RAM 60 stores the CPU 40
Storage means used as a work area for the
The given content of 0, the calculation result of the CPU 40, and the like are stored. Further, the RAM 60 temporarily stores information on the downloaded homepage.

With the above-described configuration, a change in external world information such as a baseball game result can be reflected almost in real time in an operation performed by the toy. Can be easily grasped.

In the present embodiment, the toy performs a predetermined “action” in accordance with the result of the game of the specific baseball team. However, for example, in response to a change in the situation such as “scored”. Thus, it may be configured to perform a predetermined “operation”. In this case, by comparing the information on the current game result with the information on the previously obtained game result, the change in the situation is detected, and the control signal for performing a predetermined operation is realized. I can do it.

The "operation" performed by the toy is not limited to the above-described operation, but may be configured to generate not only "operation" but also "sound" or "light". it can. In that case, the internal configuration shown in FIG.
A speaker for outputting the generated "sound" or "light"
This can be realized by adding hardware such as an LED for generating the above.

Furthermore, in the internal configuration diagram shown in FIG.
The same effect can be obtained by configuring the functions of each device other than the drive control device 70 in an external device such as a PC (personal computer). At this time, the control signal output from the PC (CPU 40) to the drive control device 70 can also be realized by means such as infrared communication.

In addition, the ROM 50 may be, for example, a CD-RO
By using a removable storage medium such as M, the CD-ROM can be exchanged and the contents of the parameter / operation correspondence table 620 and the URL can be easily changed.

Further, in the first to third embodiments, other information related to external information to be reflected on the parameter may be notified.

[0189] Specifically, in the functional block shown in FIG. 4, the external world information extraction unit 440 includes the set stock price of the stock and the advertisement information of the company, or the set real space weather and precipitation. Along with the weather forecast for tomorrow,
Each is extracted (corresponding to step S33 in FIG. 7). Then, the parameter setting unit 430 sets the external information extraction unit 44
The advertisement information or weather forecast extracted by 0 is displayed on the display unit 300 (executed after step S23 in FIG. 6, or corresponds to step S53 in FIG. 14).

With this configuration, the advertisement information of the set stock brand as shown in FIG. 22 or the weather forecast of tomorrow as shown in FIG. 23 is displayed on the game screen. . FIG. 22 (a) shows a case where the set stock brand is “stock A”, and FIG. 22 (b) shows a case where “stock D” is set.
Each display screen is shown.

Further, in the internal configuration diagram shown in FIG.
The outside world information extraction unit 440 extracts the game result of the set team (A team) and the match schedule of the team tomorrow. Then, the CPU 40 realizes the configuration by causing the sound generation IC (not shown) to generate the game schedule extracted by the external information extraction unit 440 so that the game schedule can be output by a speaker (not shown). it can.

[0192]

According to the present invention, it is possible to know a change in external information without impairing the enjoyment of the game. Furthermore, by predicting a change in external world information, that is, a change in the form of an object or a change in a game situation, it is possible to enjoy a more interesting game such as predicting the development of the game or predicting the operation of the player character. . Further, it is possible to realize a toy that performs an action in response to a change in external world information. Since this toy does not directly utter the change of the external information, the player can obtain the information that he wants to know without losing his attachment to the toy.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a stock issue selection screen.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a status screen.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a stock brand change screen.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating external world information setting processing.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a parameter change process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating external world information acquisition processing;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating external world information change processing.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a parameter / stock brand correspondence table.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a stock price / parameter correspondence table.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration capable of realizing the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of various types of systems to which the first embodiment is applied.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a game screen.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a weather determination process.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a parameter value setting table.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a weather correspondence table.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a place name / URL correspondence table.

FIG. 18 is an external view of a toy.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a toy.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an operation control process.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a parameter / operation correspondence table.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a game screen on which advertisement information is displayed.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a game screen on which a weather forecast is displayed.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 game device 100 operation unit 200 communication unit 300 display unit 400 processing unit 410 game calculation unit 420 image generation unit 430 parameter setting unit 440 external world information extraction unit 500 storage unit 510 external world information setting program 520 parameter change program 530 external world information acquisition program 540 external world information change program 550 game program 560 parameter / stock brand correspondence table 570 stock price / parameter correspondence table 580 parameter value setting table 590 weather correspondence table 600 place name / URL correspondence table 2 toy 20 communication device 40 CPU 440 external world information extraction unit 450 operation Control unit 50 ROM 530 External information acquisition program 610 Operation control program 620 Parameter / operation correspondence table 60 RAM 70 Drive control device

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (Reference) G06T 13/00 G06T 13/00 C (72) Inventor Hideaki Yamamoto 2-8-5 Tamagawa, Ota-ku, Tokyo NAMCO Corporation (72) Inventor Mitsuru Ogata 2-8-5 Tamagawa, Ota-ku, Tokyo Namco Corporation (72) Inventor Yoshihiro Nagasaki 2-8-5 Tamagawa, Ota-ku, Tokyo F-Term Namco Corporation (Reference) 2C001 AA00 AA09 AA17 BA02 BB00 BB01 BB02 BB10 BC00 BC05 BC06 BC10 CA00 CA09 CB01 CB06 CB08 CC02 CC08 DA00 DA04 2C150 CA02 CA08 CA25 DA06 DA23 DA28 DF01 DG01 DG13 DK02 EA02 ED42 CA ED49 ED52 ED52 ED52 ED52 ED52 ED49 FA13

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A game device that determines a mode of an object to be drawn based on parameters of the object and generates a game image, wherein the associating unit associates the parameter with external world information, and the associating unit. And a parameter changing means for changing a value of the parameter according to external information associated with the game device. 2. The object according to claim 1, wherein the object is a character appearing in a game, and the parameters are the ability, character, characteristics, and the like of the character.
A game device characterized by a value representing at least one of a body and a display form. 3. The game device according to claim 2, wherein the character is an operation character of a player. 4. A game device which stores a game situation and a parameter in association with each other, and determines the situation of a game to be executed according to the parameter, wherein: an associating means for associating the parameter with external world information; A game device comprising: parameter changing means for changing a value of the parameter in accordance with external world information associated by the association means. 5. The game device according to claim 4, wherein the game situation includes a plurality of situations that differ in stages, and parameter values corresponding to the respective stages are set. 6. The system according to claim 4, wherein the status is space information for setting a game space in which the game is developed, and the space information is stored in association with parameter values. Characteristic game device. 7. The game device according to claim 1, wherein the association unit associates the parameter with external information in accordance with an input instruction. 8. A receiving means according to claim 1, wherein said external information is received by automatically performing communication with at least one information processing system for managing and providing said external information. A game device, wherein the parameter changing unit changes a value of the parameter in accordance with external world information received by the receiving unit. 9. The game device according to claim 8, wherein the receiving means automatically receives the external information at a given timing. 10. The information processing system according to claim 8, wherein the receiving means includes an extracting means for extracting information corresponding to the parameter from information provided by the information processing system. A game device, wherein the value of the parameter is changed according to the information extracted by the extraction means. 11. The external world information according to claim 10, wherein the external world information includes relevant information related to information corresponding to the parameter, and the extracting unit extracts the relevant information together with information corresponding to the parameter, A game device further comprising a unit for outputting the related information extracted by the extraction unit. 12. The game device according to claim 11, wherein the related information is advertisement information. 13. A means for determining an aspect of an object to be drawn based on a parameter of the object for an apparatus which is to execute a given game by operation and control by a processor; And a parameter changing unit that changes the value of the parameter according to the external information associated with the associating unit. An information storage medium characterized by the following. 14. A device for executing a given game by calculation and control by a processor, means for storing a game situation and parameters in a storage means in association with each other, Means for determining according to the parameter, associating means for associating the parameter with external information, and parameter changing means for changing the value of the parameter according to the external information associated by the associating means. An information storage medium for storing information that can be operated by the processor to function. 15. A toy for performing an action, wherein receiving means for receiving the external world information from the information processing system by automatically performing communication with at least one information processing system for managing and providing external world information. And a control means for controlling execution of the action in accordance with external world information received by the receiving means. 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the action includes a plurality of actions that differ in steps, and conditions of external information corresponding to each of the steps are set. Determining whether or not the external information received by (1) satisfies the condition, and controls execution of the action. 17. Communication between a toy that performs an action according to a control signal input from the outside and at least one information processing system that manages and provides external information, and receives the external information from the information processing system. And a device for outputting a control signal to the toy in accordance with the received external world information.