JP2025136671A - luminous toys - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a highly entertaining light-emitting toy. [Solution] A light-emitting toy (1) includes a sound detection unit (13), a light-emitting area (20) in which a plurality of light-emitting units (27) are arranged, and a control unit (15) that controls the number of light-emitting units (27) that emit light in the light-emitting area (20) based on the volume of the sound detected by the sound detection unit (13). The light-emitting area (20) includes a first light-emitting area (21) that includes a plurality of light-emitting units (27) that emit light based on a first group of sounds detected by the sound detection unit (13), and a second light-emitting area (22) that includes a plurality of light-emitting units (27) that emit light based on a second group of sounds detected by the sound detection unit (13). [Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a light-emitting toy.

Patent Document 1 discloses a light-emitting toy that includes a bat-shaped case consisting of a grip section and a head section with ventilation holes, a piezoelectric vibrator that is fixed at one end within the case and free at the other end, with a weight attached to the free end, and a light-emitting section consisting of an array of multiple LEDs that are arranged on the outer periphery of the head section and electrically connected to the piezoelectric vibrator. The case is provided with an air passage that communicates with the air passage, and impact sounds applied to the head section are diffused to the outside via this air passage, and the light-emitting section is illuminated in conjunction with the swinging of the head section.

Utility Model Registration No. 3202052

Patent Document 1 describes a toy that emits a striking sound when struck against the hand, knee, etc., and also emits a light display in conjunction with the striking sound. However, the way the light is emitted is not diverse, and it is insufficient as a light-emitting toy.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a highly entertaining light-emitting toy.

(1)
a sound detection unit;
a light-emitting region in which a plurality of light-emitting units are arranged;
a control unit that controls the number of the light-emitting units that are caused to emit light in the light-emitting area based on the volume of the sound detected by the sound detection unit.

(2)
The light-emitting toy according to (1),
The light-emitting toy includes a first light-emitting area including a plurality of light-emitting units that emit light based on a first group of sounds detected by the sound detection unit, and a second light-emitting area including a plurality of light-emitting units that emit light based on a second group of sounds detected by the sound detection unit.

(3)
The light-emitting toy according to (2),
A light-emitting toy, wherein the first group of sounds includes sounds in a first range of frequencies, and the second group of sounds includes sounds in a second range of frequencies different from the first range of frequencies.

(4)
A light-emitting toy according to any one of (1) to (3),
The control unit controls the number of the light-emitting units to be turned on based on the relative loudness of the sound detected during a predetermined period.

(5)
The light-emitting toy according to (4),
The control unit performs control to increase the number of the light-emitting units that are turned on in response to the detection of a relatively loud sound during the predetermined period.

(6)
The light-emitting toy according to (4) or (5),
The light-emitting toy, wherein the control unit performs control to cause all of the plurality of light-emitting units to emit light when detecting a sound with a maximum volume within the predetermined period.

(7)
(6) The light-emitting toy according to (6),
a storage unit that stores the maximum value detected by the sound detection unit within the predetermined period,
The sound detection unit continuously detects the maximum value,
The storage unit updates and stores the maximum value detected in the latest predetermined period.

(8)
A light-emitting toy according to any one of (1) to (7),
The light-emitting toy is configured so that the intensity of light emitted by the light-emitting unit can be changed.

(9)
The light-emitting toy according to (8),
The control unit controls the light-emitting unit to increase the intensity of light emitted when the light-emitting unit starts to emit light.

(10)
A light-emitting toy according to any one of (1) to (9),
A light-emitting toy, wherein the plurality of light-emitting units are configured as a first light-emitting row aligned in a first direction.

(11)
The light-emitting toy according to (2) or (3),
the plurality of light-emitting portions of the first light-emitting region are configured as a first light-emitting column arranged in a row in a first direction,
the plurality of light-emitting portions of the second light-emitting region are configured as a second light-emitting column arranged in a row in the first direction,
The light-emitting toy, wherein the first light-emitting row and the second light-emitting row are arranged adjacent to each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

(12)
The light-emitting toy according to (10),
the control unit performs control to change the number of the light-emitting units that emit light from one end side of the first light-emitting array to the other end side of the first light-emitting array based on the volume of the sound detected by the sound detection unit.
Luminous toys.

(13)
The light-emitting toy according to (12),
the light emitting unit is configured to be able to change the intensity of light emitted;
The control unit
When starting light emission of the light-emitting unit, control is performed to increase the intensity of light emission of the light-emitting unit;
A light-emitting toy that, when the number of light-emitting units in the first light-emitting row is increased, controls to keep the intensity of the light-emitting units on the other side lower than the intensity of the light-emitting units on the one side.

(14)
(13) The light-emitting toy according to (13),
The control unit controls the light-emitting unit adjacent to the other end side to start emitting light after the intensity of the light emitted by the light-emitting unit currently emitting light on the one side has changed to a maximum.

(15)
A light-emitting toy according to any one of (1) to (14),
a covering portion that covers the light-emitting region;
the covering portion includes a first portion that is transmissive to light emitted from the light emitting portion and a second portion that is not transmissive to the light emitted from the light emitting portion,
The first portion is a light-emitting toy that is composed of a plurality of light-transmitting portions that are arranged in positions facing the plurality of light-emitting portions, respectively.

(16)
(15) The light-emitting toy according to (15),
the light-emitting region has a shape extending in a first direction,
A light-emitting toy comprising a plurality of first shaped objects arranged in the first direction along the light-emitting area and disposed adjacent to the second portions between the light-transmitting portions.

(17)
The light-emitting toy according to (15) or (16),
the light-emitting region has a shape extending in a first direction,
The light-emitting toy further comprises a second shaped object that is provided adjacent to one end side of the light-emitting area in the first direction and has substantially the same shape as the light-transmitting portion.

(18)
A light-emitting toy according to any one of (1) to (17),
a covering portion that covers the light-emitting region and has a transmission surface that transmits light emitted from the light-emitting portion;
the light-emitting region includes a plurality of light-emitting elements included in each of the plurality of light-emitting sections, and a plurality of light diffusion sections provided corresponding to the plurality of light-emitting elements, each of which is surrounded by a wall member that diffuses light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements;
The light-emitting toy is configured such that each of the plurality of light-emitting elements is provided such that the direction of travel of light emitted by the plurality of light-emitting elements is substantially parallel to the transmission surface.

(19)
The light-emitting toy according to (18),
A light-emitting toy, wherein a surface of the wall member facing the covering portion is configured as a curved surface that approaches the covering portion as it moves away from the light-emitting element.

(20)
(18) or (19), a light-emitting toy according to (18) or (19),
The light-emitting toy, wherein the transmitting surface is configured to be able to suppress visibility of the inside of the light diffusing portion through the transmitting surface.

(21)
A light-emitting toy according to any one of (1) to (20),
a main body that holds the sound detection unit, the light emitting region, and the control unit;
a body attachment unit that is connected to the main body unit and that attaches the main body unit to the user's body,
The light-emitting toy, wherein the sound detection unit is arranged at a position where the main body unit does not come into contact with the body when the light-emitting toy is worn on the body.

(22)
A light-emitting toy according to any one of (1) to (21),
a main body that holds the sound detection unit, the light emitting region, and the control unit;
a body attachment unit that is connected to the main body unit and that attaches the main body unit to the user's body,
The main body has a curved portion that is elastically deformable and curved so as to conform to the outer peripheral shape of the head, and ear pads that are attached to both ends of the curved portion and can face the ears,
The light-emitting area is provided on at least one outer side surface of the earmuff.

(23)
(22) A light-emitting toy according to (22),
The sound detection unit is provided in the ear pad at a position outside the curved portion when viewed from the side of the main body.

(24)
(22) or (23), a light-emitting toy according to (22) or (23),
The light-emitting toy has a simulated microphone portion provided on the earmuff portion that extends outward beyond the curved portion in a side view of the main body portion.

(25)
A light-emitting toy according to any one of (1) to (24),
A light-emitting toy is provided with an operating light-emitting part that allows the operation of the toy to be visually confirmed in addition to the light-emitting part.

The present invention makes it possible to provide a highly entertaining luminous toy.

1 is a perspective view showing a light-emitting toy according to an embodiment of the present invention; 2 is an enlarged side view showing the inside of the main body of the light-emitting toy shown in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the state in which the light-emitting toy shown in FIG. 1 is worn. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the light-emitting toy shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a covering portion and a wall member that form a light-emitting region. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion taken along line AA in FIG. 3. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing the light emitting form of the light emitting region. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing the light emitting form of the light emitting region. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing the light emitting form of the light emitting region.

Hereinafter, a toy according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the light-emitting toy 1 of this embodiment. Fig. 2 is an enlarged side view showing the inside of the main body 10 of the light-emitting toy 1 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a side view showing the light-emitting toy 1 shown in Fig. 1 in a worn state.

The light-emitting toy 1 shown in Figure 1 is a headphone-type toy equipped with a pair of main bodies 10 that form earmuffs. The light-emitting toy 1 has a body-worn section 8 that is elastically deformable and curves to fit the shape of the head, with a main body 10 provided on each end of the body-worn section 8. The light-emitting toy 1 also has a light-emitting region 20 provided on the outer side of the main body 10. As described below, this light-emitting region 20 emits light in response to sound. When the light-emitting toy 1 is worn (see Figure 3), the light-emitting regions 20 are arranged in two rows in the vertical direction (up-down direction) of the main body 10, with the first light-emitting region 21 and the second light-emitting region 22. The two rows of light-emitting regions 21, 22 are configured so that the intensity of light emission (e.g., the length of light emission) changes in the row direction (up-down direction), as described below.

The first light-emitting region 21 and the second light-emitting region 22 are configured to change the length of their column-wise light emission, for example, by having first portions 28a, which are horizontally long (left-right in the figure) rectangular light-emitting portions, lined up at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction (see Figure 7). For example, the light from the light-emitting portion 27 (described below) inside the main body 10 is configured to pass through the first portions 28a and be visible from the outside. Then, by increasing the number of light-emitting portions in these vertically lined first portions 28a, the length of the vertical light emission is made to change.

A scale-like first figure 31 is provided on the side (adjacent position) of the first light-emitting region 21 and the second light-emitting region 22, aligned in the longitudinal direction (first direction (Y direction) in Figure 8) of both light-emitting regions 21, 22 when they are emitting light. As shown in the figure, the first figure 31 is a horizontal bar-shaped scale, and is arranged, for example, so as to be located between the first portions 28a of both light-emitting regions 21, 22.

Furthermore, below the first light-emitting area 21 and the second light-emitting area 22, two second shaped objects 32, each having substantially the same shape as the first portion 28a, are arranged one above the other. These second shaped objects 32 do not actually emit light, but because they have the same shape as the first portion 28a, they are configured to produce the effect of light emitting upward from the top end of the second shaped object 32 when the first portion 28a begins to emit light.

As shown in Figure 2, the inside of the main body 10 is provided with an annular earmuff ring 11 that follows the outer edge of the inner shape of the main body 10. Unlike the other materials of the main body 10, the earmuff ring 11 is made of a material that provides a soft feel when in direct contact with the skin of the face when worn, as shown in Figure 3.

The earmuff loop 11 does not need to be provided in advance, but can be attached as a detachable configuration according to the user's preference. Furthermore, when attached to one side of the main body 10 via an extension arm 44, as shown in Figure 3, a microphone 45 is provided at the tip of the extension arm 44, closer to the mouth than the body-worn part 8 in a side view. The microphone 45 can also be an imitation microphone that does not actually have microphone functionality.

Both sides of the main body 10 are equipped with a sound detection unit 13 consisting of a microphone, a light-emitting element 25 of the light-emitting unit 27 within the light-emitting area 20, a control unit 15 that controls the light emission of the light-emitting element 25 based on a signal from the sound detection unit 13, a memory unit 18, a power supply unit 40 with a removable battery, and other components. As shown in FIG. 2, a power switch 50 is provided on the inner side of the main body 10, and a power supply unit cover 48 is provided, allowing for battery replacement. In this embodiment, the sound detection unit 13 is located near the front side of the face when the light-emitting toy 1 is worn, and an opening 10h is provided on the outer surface of the main body corresponding to the sound detection unit 13. Thus, the sound detection unit 13 is positioned so that the main body 10 does not come into direct contact with the side of the face when the light-emitting toy 1 is worn on the body. This configuration makes it easy for the sound detection unit 13 to detect external sounds. The control unit 15 may be located anywhere, but in this embodiment, it is located, for example, near the power switch 50 and the light-emitting area 20.

The outer side of the main body 10 is provided with operational light-emitting units 41, 42, and 43 that emit light when the power switch 50 is turned on, allowing the user to visually confirm the operating state. While these operational light-emitting units 41, 42, and 43 do not change their light-emitting intensity, the operational light-emitting unit 41 above the first light-emitting unit 21 of the light-emitting area 20 and the operational light-emitting unit 42 above the second light-emitting unit 22 are aligned vertically with both light-emitting units 21 and 22, creating a vertical (up-down) row effect for both light-emitting units 21 and 22. The semicircular operational light-emitting unit 43 on the front side of the main body 10 illuminates the front side of the main body 10, clearly indicating that the light-emitting toy 1 is activated. The microphone 45 also has two rows of operational light-emitting units 46 on its outer side, creating an effect when the microphone 45 is activated.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control system of the light-emitting toy 1 shown in FIG.
4, in the light-emitting toy 1, a detection signal of a sound detected by the sound detection unit 13 is transmitted to the control unit 15. The control unit 15 controls the number of lights emitted by the plurality of light-emitting units 27 in the light-emitting area 20 based on the loudness of the detected sound. Here, the light-emitting area 20 is, for example, a first light-emitting area 21 and a second light-emitting area 22, which are provided adjacent to each other laterally (in the front-to-back direction when worn) (see FIGS. 1 and 3).

In the first light-emitting area 21, multiple light-emitting elements 27 that emit light based on the first group of sounds detected by the sound detection unit 13 are arranged in the vertical direction of the main body 10 when worn, as described below. The first group of sounds here are set to sounds that fall within a low frequency band, which is a relatively low range in the audible sound range, for example. On the other hand, in the second light-emitting area 22, multiple light-emitting elements 27 that emit light based on the second group of sounds detected by the sound detection unit 13 are arranged in the vertical direction, just like the first light-emitting area 21. This second light-emitting area 22 is set to emit sounds that fall within a high-low frequency band, which is a relatively high range in the audible sound range, different in frequency from the first group of sounds.

In this way, the first light-emitting region 21 and the second light-emitting region 22 are configured to emit light based on different frequency bands, and the control unit 15 controls the light-emitting timing of both light-emitting regions 21 and 22 and the number of lights emitted by the light-emitting unit 27 independently.

The control unit 15 controls the number of light-emitting units 27 that emit light in the first light-emitting area 21 and the second light-emitting area 22 based on the relative loudness of sounds detected during a predetermined period via the sound detection unit 13. Furthermore, for example, when the control unit 15 detects a sound whose loudness is the maximum during a predetermined period, it controls all of the multiple light-emitting units 27 to emit light, and controls light emission in response to other sounds during the predetermined period using this maximum value as the maximum standard. Furthermore, when the control unit 15 starts emitting light from the light-emitting units 27, it controls the light emission intensity of the light-emitting units 27 to increase.

The memory unit 18 is also configured to store the maximum value detected by the sound detection unit 13 within a predetermined period. For example, the sound detection unit 13 continuously detects maximum values, and the memory unit 18 stores these maximum values, but the stored data is updated to the maximum value detected during the most recent predetermined period. Therefore, light emission control is performed with the maximum value during the most recent predetermined period always stored as the stored maximum value.

Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the main part of the main body 10. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the covering part and wall members that form the light-emitting region.
5, various components are arranged in the internal space formed by, for example, an upper half case 10a and a lower half case 10b of the main body 10. Openings 10c, 10d, and 10e are provided in the upper half case 10a, and cover members 41b and 43b that are permeable to light from the light source and two covering members 28 are arranged corresponding to these openings.

The light-emitting area 20 is a collection of multiple light-emitting elements 27. The light-emitting elements 27 are formed, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, as a light diffusion section that allows light to be diffused. Specifically, the light-emitting elements 25 are located within a space enclosed by wall members 26 covering the side and bottom surfaces and a covering member 28 covering the upper side of the wall members 26. The light-emitting elements 27 are recessed, with five elements arranged in two rows. For example, the light-emitting elements 27 are configured with front and rear (left and right in the figure) side wall surfaces 26a and partition walls 26b separating the bottom surface 26c and spaced at a predetermined interval. Each side wall surface 26a is composed of, for example, a single circuit board that holds the light-emitting elements 25. The light-emitting elements 25 are configured to have variable light emission intensity, and the control unit 15 controls the light emission intensity to multiple levels (e.g., three levels: strong, medium, and weak) as described below. Specifically, when light emission is initiated, the weakest light emission level, "weak," is selected, and then the light emission level is changed so that the next light emission level is a relatively strong light emission level. Additionally, when terminating the light emission, the light emission stage is changed so that the next light emission stage is a relatively weaker one, and light emission is terminated after the "weak" light emission stage, which is the weakest light emission stage.

Here, the first light-emitting region 21 and the second light-emitting region 22, where light emission is controlled, are made up of four each, for a total of eight. That is, the operational light-emitting elements 25e installed in the two upper light-emitting units 27 in the figure are the light sources of the aforementioned operational light-emitting units 41 and 42, and are not subject to blinking or light intensity control. The operational light-emitting unit 43 on the front side of the main body 10 also has two operational light-emitting elements 25e with a similar configuration, and these operational light-emitting elements 25e may be configured to emit light in a different color from the light-emitting elements 25. Furthermore, the configuration for changing the light color may be such that the light color is changed not by the operational light-emitting elements 25e, but by a cover member that covers the operational light-emitting elements 25e.

As shown in Figure 6, the covering portion 28 is formed with 16 light-transmitting first portions 28a arranged in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction). The remaining portions are configured as second portions 28b that do not transmit light. These first portions 28a are arranged in groups of four, with levels L1, L2, L3, and L4 corresponding to each light-emitting portion 27. In other words, each group of four first portions 28a is configured to be illuminated simultaneously by the light-emitting elements 25 in the light-emitting portion 27. The light-emitting elements 25 emit light in levels L1, L2, L3, and L4, increasing in number from level L1 to level L4 as the sound volume increases, as described below.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion taken along line AA in FIG.
The light-emitting element 25 is provided on the side wall surface 26 a of either the front or rear light-emitting portion 27 (left or right in the drawing), and irradiates light toward the front or rear inside the light-emitting portion. That is, the light-emitting element 25 irradiates most of its light in a direction substantially parallel to the surface of the covering portion 28.

The bottom surface 26c of the light-emitting portion 27 is configured as a curved surface that approaches the covering portion 28 as it moves away from the light-emitting element 25, with the bottom surface 26c facing the light-emitting element 25. This curved surface shape allows light that strikes the bottom surface 26c on the side farther from the light-emitting element 25 to be directed toward the covering portion 28. This makes it possible to equalize the light intensity on the side of the light-emitting element 25 and the side farther from the light-emitting element 25 when the first portion 28a of the covering portion 28 is viewed from the outside.

8 to 10 are schematic side views showing enlarged views of the outer surface of the main body 10 to illustrate changes in the light-emitting state of the first light-emitting region 21 and the second light-emitting region 22 in the light-emitting region 20. FIG.
As described above, the light-emitting area 20 shown in Figures 8 to 10 represents a change in the light-emitting length of the first light-emitting row 21L and the second light-emitting row 22L, which are lined up in a row in the first direction Y (vertical direction), from one end side (lower end side 20a) to the other end side (upper end side 20b), increasing, and conversely, a change in the light-emitting length decreasing.

Figure 8(a) is a side view of the light-emitting area 20 showing a state in which light emission control is not being performed, and Figure 8(b) is a side view showing the light-emitting area 20 in an initial state after light emission of the light-emitting area 20 has begun. The light-emitting toy 1 is used by wearing it on the body as shown in Figure 3 with the power switch 50 turned on.

Before the power switch 50 is turned on, or when the sound detection unit 13 is not detecting sound, the first portion 28a is not illuminated, and no change in the light effect of the light-emitting area 20 is observed, as shown in Figure 8(a). However, when sound is detected after the power switch 50 is turned on, for example, when sound in both the low-pitched range of the first light-emitting area 21 and the high-pitched range of the second light-emitting area 22 is detected at the lower end side 20a, as shown in Figure 8(b), both levels L1 are illuminated. At this time, light emission begins at the weakest light intensity, "weak."

After that, when sound is continuously detected, for example, when the device is used in an environment where music is being played continuously in the surroundings, at a certain point, as shown in FIG. 9(a), in the first light-emitting area 21, level L1 passes through the "weak" and "medium" light-emitting stages to reach the "strong" light-emitting stage, and then level L2 passes through the "weak" light-emitting stage to reach the "medium" light-emitting stage. In this way, after the light-emitting stage of a certain group reaches its strongest light-emitting stage, the light emission of the next level group begins. Meanwhile, at the same time, in the second light-emitting area 22, level L1 passes through the "weak" and "medium" light-emitting stages to reach the "strong" light-emitting stage.

Figure 9(b) shows a case where the sound then increases in both the bass and treble ranges. The state shown in Figure 9(b) represents a state in which, in the first light-emitting area 21, level L2 reaches the highest light-emitting stage, "strong," and then light emission begins at level L3, eventually reaching the weakest light-emitting stage, "weak." As with the state shown in Figure 9(a), light emission is controlled so that, after a group reaches its strongest light-emitting stage, the next group begins emitting light at level L2. In the second light-emitting area 22, light emission begins at the weakest light-emitting stage, "weak," and progresses to the next light-emitting stage, "medium." The first light-emitting column 21L is controlled to emit light up to level L3, while the second light-emitting column 22L is controlled to emit light up to level L2.

The state of the first light-emitting area 21 in FIG. 10(a) is a state in which the level L4 of the first light-emitting area 21 has reached the "strong" light-emitting stage due to the detection of the maximum value of the low-frequency sound over a predetermined period after the state shown in FIG. 9(b). In other words, as shown in FIGS. 8(a) to 10(a), the control unit 15 can control the light emission in the first light-emitting area 21 so that light emission starts at "weak," the weakest light-emitting stage at level L1 of the first light-emitting area 21, and progresses to "strong," the strongest light-emitting stage at level L4 of the first light-emitting area 21. The control unit 15 can also control the light emission in the second light-emitting area 22 in a similar manner. Meanwhile, the state of the second light-emitting area 22 in FIG. 10(a) is a state in which the light emission at level L2 has ended and the light emission at level L1 has weakened to "medium" due to the detection value of the high-frequency sound decreasing from the state shown in FIG. 9(b). Specifically, this is the state in which the second light-emitting area 22 passes through the weakest light-emitting stage, "Weak," and then stops emitting light at level L2, passing through the strongest light-emitting stage, "Strong," at level L1, and then moving on to the light-emitting stage, "Medium," at level L1. In this way, when controlling to reduce the number of groups that emit light, control is performed to weaken the light-emitting stage for a certain group, and after that group has passed the weakest light-emitting stage and stopped emitting light, control is started to weaken the light-emitting stage for the next group.

10(b) shows a state in which the detection value of low-pitched sounds decreases from the state in FIG. 10(a) and the detection value of high-pitched sounds suddenly increases, causing the first light-emitting area 21 to change to a "weak" state at level L3 and the second light-emitting area 22 to a "medium" state at level L4. When light-emitting control is performed to increase the number of illuminated groups by a relatively large amount, as in the second light-emitting area 22 of FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b), it is desirable to control the change in light-emitting state to proceed more quickly than when light-emitting control is performed to increase the number of illuminated groups by a relatively small amount, as in the first light-emitting area 21 of FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b). On the other hand, when light-emitting control is performed to decrease the number of illuminated groups, as in the first light-emitting area 21 of FIGS. 10(a) to 10(b), the rate of change in light-emitting state may be constant regardless of the number of groups decreased. Furthermore, if no sound is detected and light emission control for all groups is terminated, the group that will continue to emit light until the end (level L1) can be controlled to continue emitting light for a certain period of time even after sound is no longer detected, thereby preventing any discomfort caused by flickering stimuli.

In this way, the lighting effects of the first light-emitting area 21 and the second light-emitting area 22 are controlled independently. When a relatively loud sound is detected, the light is emitted in an increasing manner, increasing the length of the lighting column by one group (one level) from the bottom end side 20a toward the top end side 20b. On the other hand, when a relatively quiet sound is detected, the length of the lighting column decreases by one group (one level) from the top end side 20b toward the bottom end side 20a.

As described above, the light-emitting toy 1 of this embodiment controls the number of lights emitted by the multiple light-emitting elements 27 provided in the light-emitting area 20 based on the volume of the detected sound, thereby providing a light-emitting toy 1 that moves the light-emitting area 20 in response to the sound, for example, creating a light-emitting effect that mimics the display of an equalizer.

The light-emitting toy 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a first light-emitting area 21 that emits light based on the detection of a specific frequency group (first group of sounds), and a second light-emitting area 22 that emits light based on a second group of sounds that is different from the first group. This allows light to be emitted based on multiple ranges of frequency groups, and the way the light-emitting area 20 emits light (movement) can be made more complex. As a result, it is possible to create an exciting light-emitting effect in which the rhythm and tempo of the light emission are matched to, for example, music.

In this embodiment of the light-emitting toy 1, the control unit 15 controls the number of times the light-emitting unit 27 emits light based on the relative volume of the sound detected within a predetermined period, enabling stable light-emitting effects regardless of the environment in which the sound is generated.

In this embodiment of the light-emitting toy 1, the memory unit 18 constantly updates and stores the latest data on the maximum sound value, and by controlling the maximum number of lights emitted by the light-emitting unit 27 to match the maximum sound during a specified period, the light-emitting state can be changed significantly even in an environment where only small sounds are detected.

In addition, in this embodiment of the light-emitting toy 1, the light-emitting units 27 are able to change their light intensity, allowing for a greater number of levels of volume change to be expressed by changing the light intensity as well as the number of lights that are emitted. Furthermore, when a light-emitting unit 27 starts to emit light, the light intensity of that light-emitting unit 27 is increased, and by arranging multiple light-emitting units 27 in a row, the length of the light emitted by that row changes. Furthermore, when the number of lights increases, the increasing side (the tip of the variable light) becomes brighter while the length of the row increases. Conversely, when the volume decreases, the length of the row shortens while the tip of the variable light becomes darker, allowing for a changing light expression.

Furthermore, in this embodiment of the light-emitting toy 1, multiple light-emitting rows are provided for each sound frequency, so that the changes in the length of each light-emitting row can be enjoyed as a light effect that resembles a changing equalizer.

In this embodiment of the light-emitting toy 1, the first figures 31 are arranged to form a scale in line with the row of light-emitting areas, which can be used as decoration to create the illusion of changing light levels. Furthermore, by arranging dummy scales of the light-emitting parts as second figures 32 at one end of the row, the number of light-emitting parts can be visually increased.

In this embodiment of the light-emitting toy 1, the light-emitting section 27 is configured as a relatively large space, allowing a single light-emitting element 25 to form a large light-emitting area. Furthermore, the bottom surface 26c of the light-emitting section 27 is configured as a curved surface that approaches the covering section 28 as it moves away from the light-emitting element 25. This prevents the brightness at positions far from the light-emitting element 25 from becoming dim, even if the light-emitting element 25 is positioned in an uneven position in the light-emitting space.

Furthermore, in this embodiment of the light-emitting toy 1, the first portion 28a, which is the transparent surface of the covering portion 28, is configured to conceal its interior so that it cannot be seen. This not only makes the light-emitting structure invisible, but also blurs the boundary between the light-emitting and non-light-emitting portions, allowing the user to enjoy the dramatic change between the non-light-emitting and light-emitting states.

In this embodiment of the light-emitting toy 1, the sound detection unit 13 is positioned so that the main body 10 does not come into direct contact with the body when the light-emitting toy 1 is worn on the body, making sound detection easier and enabling accurate sound detection.

The above describes one embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention can be modified as appropriate within the scope of its technical concept. For example, in the above embodiment, each of the two main bodies 10 is configured to have a light-emitting function, but it is also possible to configure the light-emitting function to be provided only on the side with the right microphone 45.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the light emission intensity of the light-emitting unit 27 is controlled in three stages: strong, medium, and weak. However, this is not limited to this in the present invention, and control may be performed in more stages.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 light-emitting toy 8 body-worn unit 10 main body 13 sound detection unit 15 control unit 18 memory unit 20 light-emitting area 21 first light-emitting area 21L first light-emitting row 22 second light-emitting area 22L second light-emitting row 25 light-emitting element 27 light-emitting unit 28 covering unit 28a first portion 28b second portion 32 second shape 31 first shape Y first direction

(1)
a sound detection unit;
a light-emitting region in which a plurality of light-emitting units are arranged;
a control unit that controls the number of the light-emitting units that are made to emit light in the light-emitting area based on the volume of the sound detected by the sound detection unit.
a sound detection unit;
a light-emitting region in which a plurality of light-emitting units are arranged;
a control unit that controls the number of the light-emitting units that are caused to emit light in the light-emitting area based on the volume of the sound detected by the sound detection unit,
the light-emitting region includes a first light-emitting region including a plurality of light-emitting elements that emit light based on a first group of sounds detected by the sound detection unit, and a second light-emitting region including a plurality of light-emitting elements that emit light based on a second group of sounds detected by the sound detection unit;
A light-emitting toy, wherein the first group of sounds includes sounds in a first range of frequencies, and the second group of sounds includes sounds in a second range of frequencies different from the first range of frequencies.

Claims (21)

a sound detection unit;
a light-emitting region in which a plurality of light-emitting units are arranged;
A light-emitting toy comprising: a control unit that controls the number of light-emitting units that are made to emit light in the light-emitting area based on the volume of the sound detected by the sound detection unit. The light-emitting toy according to claim 1,
A light-emitting toy, wherein the light-emitting area includes a first light-emitting area including a plurality of light-emitting elements that emit light based on a first group of sounds detected by the sound detection unit, and a second light-emitting area including a plurality of light-emitting elements that emit light based on a second group of sounds detected by the sound detection unit. The light-emitting toy according to claim 2,
A light-emitting toy, wherein the first group of sounds includes sounds in a first range of frequencies, and the second group of sounds includes sounds in a second range of frequencies different from the first range of frequencies. The light-emitting toy according to claim 1,
The control unit controls the number of the light-emitting units to be turned on based on the relative volume of the sound detected during a predetermined period. The light-emitting toy according to claim 4,
The control unit performs control to increase the number of the light-emitting units that are turned on in response to the detection of a relatively loud sound during the predetermined period. The light-emitting toy according to claim 4,
The control unit controls all of the plurality of light-emitting units to emit light when it detects a sound with a maximum volume within the predetermined period. The light-emitting toy according to claim 6,
a storage unit that stores the maximum value detected by the sound detection unit within the predetermined period,
The sound detection unit continuously detects the maximum value,
The storage unit updates and stores the maximum value detected in the latest predetermined period. The light-emitting toy according to claim 1,
The light-emitting toy is configured so that the light-emitting unit can change the intensity of light emitted. The light-emitting toy according to claim 8,
The control unit controls the light-emitting unit to increase the intensity of light emitted when the light-emitting unit starts to emit light. The light-emitting toy according to claim 1,
A light-emitting toy, wherein the plurality of light-emitting units are configured as a first light-emitting row aligned in a first direction. The light-emitting toy according to claim 2,
the plurality of light-emitting portions in the first light-emitting region are configured in a first light-emitting column aligned in a first direction,
the plurality of light-emitting portions in the second light-emitting region are configured as a second light-emitting column arranged in a row in the first direction,
The light-emitting toy, wherein the first light-emitting row and the second light-emitting row are arranged adjacent to each other in a second direction that intersects with the first direction. The light-emitting toy according to claim 10,
the control unit performs control to change the number of the light-emitting units that emit light from one end side of the first light-emitting array to the other end side of the first light-emitting array based on the volume of the sound detected by the sound detection unit.
Luminous toys. The light-emitting toy according to claim 12,
the light emitting unit is configured to be able to change the intensity of light emitted;
The control unit
When starting light emission of the light-emitting unit, control is performed to increase the intensity of light emission of the light-emitting unit;
A light-emitting toy that, when the number of light-emitting units in the first light-emitting row is increased, controls to keep the intensity of the light-emitting units on the other side lower than the intensity of the light-emitting units on the one side. The light-emitting toy according to claim 13,
The control unit controls the light-emitting unit adjacent to the other end side to start emitting light after the intensity of the light emitted by the light-emitting unit currently emitting light on the one side has changed to a maximum. The light-emitting toy according to claim 1,
a covering portion that covers the light-emitting region;
the covering portion includes a first portion that is transmissive to the light emitted from the light emitting portion and a second portion that is not transmissive to the light emitted from the light emitting portion,
The first portion is a light-emitting toy that is composed of a plurality of light-transmitting portions that are arranged in positions facing the plurality of light-emitting portions, respectively. 16. The light-emitting toy according to claim 15,
The light-emitting region has a shape extending in a first direction,
A light-emitting toy comprising a plurality of first shaped objects arranged side by side in the first direction along the light-emitting area and disposed adjacent to the second portions between the light-transmitting portions. 16. The light-emitting toy according to claim 15,
The light-emitting region has a shape extending in a first direction,
A light-emitting toy comprising a second shaped object that is provided adjacent to one end side of the light-emitting area in the first direction and has substantially the same shape as the light-transmitting portion. The light-emitting toy according to claim 1,
a covering portion that covers the light-emitting region and has a transmission surface that transmits light emitted from the light-emitting portion;
the light-emitting region includes a plurality of light-emitting elements included in each of the plurality of light-emitting sections, and a plurality of light diffusion sections provided corresponding to the plurality of light-emitting elements, each of which is surrounded by a wall member that diffuses light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements;
The light-emitting toy, wherein each of the plurality of light-emitting elements is provided so that the direction of travel of light emitted by the plurality of light-emitting elements is substantially parallel to the transmission surface. 19. The light-emitting toy according to claim 18,
A light-emitting toy, wherein a surface of the wall member facing the covering portion is configured as a curved surface that approaches the covering portion as it moves away from the light-emitting element. 20. The light-emitting toy according to claim 19,
The light-emitting toy, wherein the transparent surface is configured to be able to suppress visibility of the inside of the light diffusion portion through the transparent surface. The light-emitting toy according to claim 1,
a main body that holds the sound detection unit, the light emitting area, and the control unit;
a body attachment unit that is connected to the main body unit and that attaches the main body unit to a user's body,
The light-emitting toy, wherein the sound detection unit is arranged at a position where the main body unit does not come into contact with the body when the light-emitting toy is worn on the body.