Simulation device for fostering a virtual creature

With a purpose of providing a simulation device for fostering a virtual creature where the virtual creature is disciplined, the virtual creature is grown and fostered when a player conducts a corresponding treatment in response to a call or a request from the displayed virtual creature, the simulation device is provided with mark display units for displaying treatments for fostering the virtual creature by marks, and key switches for inputting a corresponding treatment by selecting a specific mark from a plurality of marks, the simulation device is provided with a storing unit for storing control data for fostering the virtual creature and a control unit where, when a treatment for fostering the virtual creature is input by operating the key switches, the control data in correspondence thereto is read from the storing unit and a control for fostering the virtual creature is conducted based on the read control data, and the simulation device is further constituted by a detecting circuit for detecting a call from an external source, manifesting means for randomly manifesting an influencing creature effecting an adverse effect on the growth of the virtual creature and expelling means for expelling the influencing creature when a call from an external source is detected.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
 1. Field of the Invention
 The present invention relates to a simulation device for fostering a
 virtual creature by conducting a treatment in response to a call from the
 virtual creature.
 2. Description of Related Art
 In recent years, various electronic game devices for raising a pet such as
 a dog or a cat in a predetermined screen, have been proposed and sold.
 There have been known conventional electronic game devices of this kind
 disclosed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.
 JP-A-7-261962 or Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. JP-A-7-281819.
 According to the conventional example disclosed in Japanese Unexamined
 Patent Publication No. JP-A-7-261962, a light emitting element and a light
 receiving element are installed in a main body of a device and an infrared
 ray emitted from the light emitting element is reflected by hand or the
 like and received by the light receiving element by noncontact operation
 of a user (a player). Further, data of a plurality of patterns of dog
 characters and biorhythms of the dog characters are stored in a memory and
 accordingly, data of the dog characters in correspondence with a number of
 times of the noncontact operation and biorhythms of the day are
 selectively read from the memory and are displayed. Thereby, a character
 image also in correspondence with physical conditions of the dog character
 can be selectively displayed.
 According to the conventional example disclosed in Japanese Unexamined
 Patent Publication No. JP-A-7-281819 a light emitting element and a light
 receiving element are installed in a main body of a device and an infrared
 ray from the light emitting element is reflected by hand or the like and
 received by the light receiving element by noncontact operation of a user
 by which a noncontact operation distance is detected. Further, a plurality
 of kinds of dog character data where motion of a dog is changed such as a
 looking-back dog or a paw-raising dog or the like and effective sound data
 are stored in a memory and accordingly, the dog character data are
 selectively read and displayed in correspondence with the noncontact
 operation distance and an effective sound thereof is emitted from a
 speaker. In this way, the character image in compliance with gesticular
 order by the hand of the user can selectively be displayed.
 However, according to both of the above-described conventional examples, an
 instruction is issued to a character image by a unilateral order from the
 user and there has been no conventional example where a player responds to
 a call or a request from the character image.
 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
 The present invention has been devised in view of the above drawbacks and
 it is an object of the present invention to provide a simulation device
 for fostering a virtual creature where a player responds to a call or a
 request from a displayed virtual creature and conducts a treatment in
 correspondence thereto by which the virtual creature is disciplined or the
 virtual creature is grown and fostered.
 Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a simulation
 device for fostering a virtual creature where the virtual creature is
 grown and fostered in response to a call from a player.
 According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
 simulation device for fostering a virtual creature where the following
 conditions are provided to achieve the above-described object.
 That is, the present invention is constituted by:
 (a) provision of inputting means for inputting a treatment for fostering a
 virtual creature;
 (b) provision of a display unit for displaying the virtual creature;
 (c) provision of a storing unit for storing control data for fostering the
 virtual creature;
 (d) provision of a control unit whereby when the treatment for fostering
 the virtual creature is input from the inputting means, the control data
 corresponding to the treatment is read from the storing unit and a control
 for fostering the virtual creature is carried out based on the read
 control data;
 (e) provision of detecting means for detecting a call from an external
 source;
 (f) the control unit is provided with concealing means for randomly
 concealing a display of the virtual creature from the display unit; and
 (g) the control unit is provided with releasing means for unconcealing the
 virtual creature when the call from an external source is detected under a
 situation where the virtual creature is concealed.
 According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
 simulation device for fostering the virtual creature having the following
 conditions.
 That is, the present invention is constituted by:
 (a) provision of inputting means for inputting a treatment for fostering a
 virtual creature:
 (b) provision of a storing unit for storing control data for fostering the
 virtual creature;
 (c) provision of a control unit whereby when the treatment for fostering
 the virtual creature is input from the inputting means, the control data
 corresponding to the treatment is read from the storing unit and a control
 for fostering the virtual creature is carried out based on the read
 control data;
 (d) provision of detecting means for detecting a call from an external
 source;
 (e) the control unit is provided with manifesting means for randomly
 manifesting an influencing creature effecting an adverse influence on
 growth of the virtual creature;
 (f) the control unit is provided with repelling means for repelling the
 influencing creature when the call from an external source is detected
 under a situation where the influencing creature is manifested; and
 (g) further provision of a display unit for displaying the virtual creature
 and/or the influencing creature.
 According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
 simulation device for fostering a virtual creature having the following
 conditions.
 That is, the present invention is constituted by:
 (a) provision of inputting means for inputting a treatment for fostering a
 virtual creature;
 (b) provision of a storing unit for storing control data for fostering the
 virtual creature;
 (c) provision of a control unit whereby when the treatment for fostering
 the virtual creature is input from the inputting means, the control data
 corresponding to the treatment is read from the storing unit and a control
 for fostering the virtual creature is carried out based on the read
 control data;
 (d) provision of detecting means for detecting a call from an external
 source;
 (e) the control unit is provided with operation means for having the
 virtual creature randomly conduct an action which is different from a
 normal action;
 (f) the control unit is provided with rectifying means whereby when the
 call from an external source is detected under a situation where the
 virtual creature conducts the action which is different from the normal
 action, the virtual creature is rectified to carry out the normal action;
 (g) further provision of a display unit for displaying the virtual
 creature.
 Further, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is
 provided a simulation device for fostering a virtual creature having the
 following conditions.
 That is, the present invention is constituted by the following conditions
 in addition to the conditions according to the first through the third
 aspects.
 That is, the present invention is constituted by:
 (a) the storing unit stores a plurality of kinds of virtual creatures
 having different appearances;
 (b) the control unit is provided with calling means whereby the virtual
 creature makes a call during a growth procedure;
 (c) the inputting means is provided with a means for taking care of the
 virtual creature and a means for disciplining the virtual creature in
 response to the call from the virtual creature;
 (d) the control unit is provided with selecting means for selecting one
 virtual creature from the stored plurality of kinds of virtual creatures
 in accordance with a degree of taking care of the virtual creature and a
 degree of disciplining the virtual creature during a growth procedure;
 (e) the control unit is provided with changing means for changing the grown
 virtual creature into the selected virtual creature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
 An explanation will be given of an example of an embodiment of a simulation
 device for fostering a virtual creature according to the present invention
 in reference to the drawings.
 A simulation device 1 for fostering a virtual creature according to the
 first aspect of the present invention, is provided with mark display units
 17 and 19 for displaying a plurality of kinds of treatments for fostering
 a virtual creature individually by marks as shown by FIG. 1 through FIG.
 3. A plurality of marks of a check meter mark 17a, a food mark 17b, a game
 mark 17c and a rest room mark 17d are displayed in the mark display unit
 17.
 Further, a plurality of marks of a discipline mark 19a, a treatment mark
 19b, an illumination mark 19c and a call mark 19d are displayed in the
 mark display unit 19.
 Key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3 installed at the lower side of the mark
 display unit 19 are switches for conducting treatments in response to
 calls from the virtual creature, which constitute inputting means each for
 inputting a corresponding treatment by selecting a specific one from the
 plurality of marks.
 The key switch SW1 is a switch for selectively displaying a desired mark
 from the mark display units 17 and 19 and at every time of pushing down
 the key switch SW1, the check meter mark 17a, the food mark 17b, the game
 mark 17c, the rest room mark 17d, the discipline mark 19a, the treatment
 mark 19b and the illumination mark 19c are switched and displayed in this
 order. The key switch SW2 is a switch for finally determining a selected
 mark and the key switch SW3 is a switch for canceling a displayed mark.
 When, for example, the check meter mark 17a is selected by operating the
 key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3, respective values of age, weight, a humor
 parameter, a hungriness parameter and a degree of disciplining the virtual
 creature can be confirmed in a meter display. When the food mark 17b is
 selected, the virtual creature can be fed with food such as a sweet. When
 the game mark 17c is selected, a player can play a game with the virtual
 creature. When the rest room mark 17d is selected, if the virtual creature
 evacuates droppings, they can be cleaned by flushing water. When the
 discipline mark 19a is selected, discipline can be conducted in response
 to a selfish call from the virtual creature. Further, when the treatment
 mark 19b is selectively displayed, if there is an abnormality in the
 virtual creature, the virtual creature can be treated. When the
 illumination mark 19c is selected, if the virtual creature takes a sleep,
 illumination of a room can be put off.
 Naturally, a treatment other than the above-described may be formed by a
 mark corresponding to the treatment and the mark may be input by selecting
 the key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3.
 A device main body 11 includes a storing unit 3 for storing control data
 for fostering a virtual creature. The device includes a control unit (CPU)
 5 where, when a treatment for fostering the virtual creature is input by
 operating the inputting means, control data in correspondence thereto is
 read from the storing unit 3 and a control for fostering the virtual
 creature is conducted based on the read control data. An image display
 unit 15 is installed at the front face of the device main body 11 and the
 image display unit 15 is a display unit for displaying the fostered
 virtual creature.
 Further, the main body device 11 is provided with detecting means for
 detecting a call from an external source. The control unit 5 is provided
 with concealing means for randomly concealing a display of the virtual
 creature from the image display unit 15 and releasing means for
 unconcealing of the virtual creature when the call from an external source
 is detected under a situation where the virtual creature is concealed.
 Pertinent sensors such as a sound sensor for detecting a sound or a human
 voice in a specific frequency band, a vibration sensor for detecting
 vibration applied to the main body device 11, a light sensor for detecting
 a specific light and the like are used for the detecting means.
 When the simulation device 1 for fostering a virtual creature is
 small-sized, for example, when the device is formed compactly such that it
 is portable, ROM, EEPROM, SRAM or the like is fixedly installed as the
 above-described storing unit 3. Further, the storing unit 3 may be
 installed attachably and detachably in a style of a memory cassette.
 When the simulation device 1 for fostering a virtual creature is
 large-sized, for example, when the device is integrated into a personal
 computer system, a pertinent record medium, for example, CD-ROM, CD-R, a
 magnetic disk, a photomagnetic disk, DVD or the like is attachably and
 detachably installed as the storing unit 3.
 The simulation device 1 for fostering a virtual creature according to the
 second aspect of the present invention, includes mark display units 17 and
 19 for displaying a plurality of kinds of treatments for fostering the
 virtual creature as shown by FIG. 1 through FIG. 3. A plurality of marks
 of the check meter mark 17a, the food mark 17b, the game mark 17c and the
 rest room mark 17d are displayed in the mark display unit 17.
 Further, a plurality of marks of the discipline mark 19a, the treatment
 mark 19b, the illumination mark 19c and the call mark 19d are displayed in
 the mark display unit 19.
 The key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3 installed at the lower side of the mark
 display unit 19 are switches for conducting treatments in response to
 calls from the virtual creature, which constitute inputting means each for
 inputting a corresponding treatment by selecting a specific mark from the
 plurality of marks.
 The key switch SW1 is a switch for selecting and displaying a desired mark
 from the mark display units 17 and 19 and at every time of pushing down
 the key switch SW1, the check meter mark 17a, the food mark 17b, the game
 mark 17c, the rest room mark 17d, the discipline mark 19a, the treatment
 mark 19b and the illumination mark 19c are switched and displayed in this
 order. The key switch SW2 is a switch for determining a selected mark and
 the key switch SW3 is a switch for canceling a displayed mark.
 When, for example, the check meter mark 17a is selected by operating the
 key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3, respective values of age, weight, a humor
 parameter, a hungriness parameter and a degree of disciplining the virtual
 creature can be confirmed in a meter display. When the food mark 17b is
 selected, the virtual creature can be fed with food such as a sweet. When
 the game mark 17c is selected, a player can play a game with the virtual
 creature. When the rest room mark 17d is selected, if the virtual creature
 evacuates droppings, they can be cleaned by flushing water. When the
 discipline mark 19a is selected, discipline can be conducted in response
 to a selfish call from the virtual creature. Further, when the treatment
 mark 19b is selectively displayed, if an abnormality is in the virtual
 creature, the virtual creature can be treated. If the illumination mark
 19c is selected, when the virtual creature takes a sleep, illumination of
 a room can be put off.
 Naturally, a treatment of a kind other than those of the above-described,
 may be formed by a mark and the mark may be input by selecting the key
 switches SW1, SW2 and SW3.
 The device main body 11 includes the storing unit 3 for storing control
 data for fostering the virtual creature. The device includes a control
 unit 5 whereby, when a treatment for fostering the virtual creature is
 input by operating the inputting means, control data in correspondence
 therewith is read from the storing unit 3 and a control for fostering the
 virtual creature is carried out based on the control data. The image
 display unit 15 is installed at the front face of the device main body 11
 and the image display unit 15 is a display unit for displaying the
 fostered virtual creature.
 The main body device 11 includes detecting means for detecting a call from
 an external source. The control unit 5 includes manifesting means for
 randomly manifesting an influencing creature for effecting an adverse
 effect on the growth of the virtual creature and repelling means for
 repelling the influencing creature when the call from an external source
 is detected under a situation where the influencing creature is
 manifested. Further, the virtual creature and/or the influencing creature
 are displayed at the display unit installed at the front face of the
 device main body 11.
 Pertinent sensors such as a sound sensor for detecting a sound or human
 voice at a specific frequency band, a vibration sensor for detecting
 vibration applied to the main body device 11, a light sensor for detecting
 a specific light and the like are used in the detecting means.
 When the simulation device 1 for fostering a virtual creature is
 small-sized, for example, when the device is formed compactly such that it
 is portable, ROM, EEPROM, SRAM or the like is fixedly installed as the
 above-described storing unit 3. Further, the storing unit 3 may be
 installed attachably and detachably in a style of a memory cassette.
 When the simulation device 1 for fostering a virtual creature is
 large-sized, for example, when the device is integrated into a personal
 computer system, the storing unit 3 may be installed attachably and
 detachably by a pertinent record medium, for example, CD-ROM, CD-R, a
 magnetic disk, a photomagnetic disk, DVD or the like.
 Next, an explanation will be given of an embodiment of a simulation device
 for fostering a virtual creature according to the third aspect of the
 present invention.
 As shown by FIG. 1 through FIG. 3, the simulation device for fostering a
 virtual creature according to the third aspect of the present invention,
 includes inputting means (key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3) for inputting
 treatments for fostering the virtual creature. For example, the player can
 take care of the virtual creature by preparing food, playing a game or
 putting off illumination by selecting some marks in the mark display units
 17 and 19 by operating the key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3.
 Further, the device main body includes the storing unit 3 for storing
 control data for fostering the virtual creature. The device also includes
 the control unit 5 whereby, when a treatment for fostering the virtual
 creature is input by operating the inputting means, control data in
 correspondence therewith is read from the storing unit 3 and a control for
 fostering the virtual creature is carried out based on the read control
 data.
 The device also includes a detecting circuit 9 for detecting a call from an
 external source. The control unit 5 includes operating means for having
 the virtual creature conduct randomly an action that is different from a
 normal action and rectifying means whereby when a call from an external
 source is detected under a situation where the virtual creature conducts
 the action that is different from the normal action, the action is
 rectified into the normal action. The display unit 13 is installed at the
 front face of the device main body and the display unit 13 is a display
 unit for displaying the virtual creature.
 When the simulation device 1 for fostering a virtual creature is
 small-sized, for example, when the device is formed compactly such that it
 is portable, ROM, EEPROM, SRAM or the like is fixedly installed as the
 above-described storing unit 3. Further, the storing unit 3 may be
 installed attachably and detachably in a style of a memory cassette.
 When the simulation device 1 for fostering a virtual creature is
 large-sized, for example, when the device is integrated into a personal
 computer system, the storing unit 3 may be installed attachably and
 detachably by a pertinent record medium, for example, CD-ROM, CD-R, a
 magnetic disk, a photomagnetic disk, DVD or the like.
 Next, an explanation will be given of an embodiment of a simulation device
 for fostering a virtual creature according to the fourth aspect of the
 present invention.
 A plurality of kinds of virtual creatures having different appearances are
 stored in the storing unit 3. The control unit includes calling means
 whereby the virtual creature makes a call during a growth procedure. As
 the calling means, CPU 5 and a buzzer BZ1 or a speaker, or a winking light
 emitting element, or LED or a pertinent mark display unit or the like that
 is operated by an instruction of the CPU 5, are used.
 Further, the key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3 are provided as inputting means
 for conducting a treatment in response to a call from the virtual
 creature. Pertinent switches or noncontact type switches using optical
 sensors or the like may be used other than push-down switches as the
 inputting means.
 The inputting means includes a means for taking care of the virtual
 creature and a means for disciplining the virtual creature in response to
 a call from the virtual creature.
 For example, when the food mark 17b is selected by operating the key
 switches SW1, SW2 and SW3, the virtual creature can be fed with food such
 as a sweet. When the rest room mark 17d is selected, if the virtual
 creature evacuates droppings, they can be cleaned by flushing water. In
 such a case, the key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3 function as the means for
 taking care of the virtual creature in response to the call from the
 virtual creature. When the discipline mark 19a is selected by operating
 the key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3, discipline can be conducted in response
 to a selfish call from the virtual creature. In that case, the key
 switches SW1, SW2 and SW3 function as a means for disciplining the virtual
 creature in response to the call from the virtual creature.
 The control unit 5 includes a means for selecting one virtual creature from
 the stored plurality of kinds of virtual creatures in accordance with a
 degree of taking care of the virtual creature and a degree of disciplining
 the virtual creature during a growth procedure, and a means for changing
 the grown virtual creature into the selected virtual creature.
 Next, an explanation will be given of an embodiment of the simulation
 device 1 for fostering a virtual creature according to the present
 invention in reference to the drawings.
 An explanation will first be given of the total constitution of the
 simulation device 1 for fostering a virtual creature in reference to FIG.
 2 through FIG. 4.
 As shown by FIG. 2, the device main body 11 is formed to be portable with
 an egg-like shape. The display unit 13 is installed at the central portion
 of the main body device 11 and the plurality of key switches SW1, SW2 and
 SW3 are arranged as an operating unit 7 at the lower side of the display
 unit 13.
 The display unit 13 is constituted by an image display unit 15 for
 displaying character images of virtual creatures, the mark display unit 17
 installed above the image display unit 15 and the mark display unit 19
 installed below the image display unit 15. As shown by FIG. 4, the image
 display unit 15 is formed by a liquid crystal screen of vertical 16
 dots.times.horizontal 32 dots.
 A plurality of marks of the check meter mark 17a, the food mark 17b, the
 game mark 17c and the rest room mark 17d are displayed in the mark display
 unit 17. Further, a plurality of marks of the discipline mark 19a, the
 treatment mark 19b, the illumination mark 19c and the call mark 19d are
 displayed in the mark display unit 19.
 The key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3 are switches for conducting a treatment
 in response to a call from a virtual creature, which constitute inputting
 means for inputting a corresponding treatment by selecting a specific mark
 from the plurality of marks.
 The key switch SW1 is a switch for selecting and displaying a desired mark
 in the mark display units 17 and 19 and at every time of pushing down the
 key switch SW1, the check meter mark 17a, the food mark 17b, the game mark
 17c, the rest room mark 17d, the discipline mark 19a, the treatment mark
 19b and the illumination mark 19c are switched and displayed in this
 order. The key switch SW2 is a switch for determining a selected mark and
 the key switch SW3 is a switch for canceling a displayed mark.
 The key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3 constituting the inputting means are
 provided with a function for taking care of a virtual creature and a
 function for disciplining the virtual creature in response to a call from
 the virtual creature.
 When the check meter mark 17a is selectively displayed, respective values
 of age, weight, a humor parameter, a hungriness parameter and a degree of
 disciplining the virtual creature can be confirmed in a meter display.
 When the food mark 17b is selectively displayed, the virtual creature can
 be fed with food such as a sweet. Thereby, every time the virtual creature
 eats 1 cup of meal, the hungriness parameter is increased by +1. Also,
 every time the virtual creature eats 1 piece of sweet, the humor parameter
 is increased by +1. When the game mark 17c is selectively displayed, a
 player can play a game with the virtual creature. When, for example, the
 virtual creature wins by 3 times in 5 times of battles as a result of a
 game, the humor parameter is increased by +1. When the rest room mark 17d
 is selectively displayed, if the virtual creature evacuates droppings,
 they can be cleaned by flushing water. When the discipline mark 19a is
 selectively displayed, discipline can be conducted in response to a
 selfish call of the virtual creature. When the discipline mark 19a is
 selectively displayed, the selfishness can be corrected by praising the
 virtual creature. That is, according to the present invention, the
 discipline can be conducted and the selfishness of the virtual creature
 can be corrected by praising the virtual creature in response to the
 selfish call from the virtual creature.
 When the treatment mark 19b is selectively displayed, if an abnormality is
 in the virtual creature, the virtual creature can be treated.
 When the illumination mark 19c is selectively displayed, if the virtual
 creature takes a sleep, illumination of a room can be put off.
 The call mark 19d is a mark for displaying a call from the virtual
 creature. The switch-on of the call mark 19d is controlled by CPU 5 and
 the call mark 19d constitutes a portion of a calling means by which the
 virtual creature makes a call during a growth procedure.
 The device main body includes a clock and the key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3
 are used for adjusting the time of the included clock.
 A reset switch SW4 is installed on the back face of the device main body
 11. The simulation of growing a virtual creature can be restored to an
 initial setting by operating the reset switch SW4.
 Next, an explanation will be given of the constitution of a circuit unit
 and a peripheral portion thereof integrated to the device main body 11 in
 reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 5.
 The above-described display unit 13 is connected to the control device 2
 and the operating unit 7 is connected to a control device 2. The control
 device 2 is formed by one chip of an integrated circuit. The key switches
 SW1, SW2 and SW3 and the reset switch SW4 are connected to the control
 device 2. A battery BT, an oscillator XL, capacitors CC1 through CC12 and
 resistors RR1 through RR6 are connected to the control device 2.
 A buzzer BZ1 is connected to the control device 2 via the resistors RR3 and
 RR4 and a transistor Q1 and the resistors RR5 and RR6 are connected
 thereto. The circuit unit including the buzzer BZ1 and the transistor Q1
 constitutes the detecting circuit 9 for detecting a sound or a human voice
 in a specific frequency band. The buzzer BZ1 informs a call from the
 virtual creature by buzzing when the virtual creature makes the call and
 serves to function also as the calling means.
 The control device 2 includes the storing unit 3 for storing software
 programs and various control data in respect of a growth simulation for
 fostering and growing a virtual creature, CPU 5 and work memories or the
 like of the CPU 5 for reading the software programs and the various
 control data stored in the storing unit 3 and executing various control
 treatments based on the software programs and the control data.
 CPU 5 is connected to the storing unit 3 and is connected to the operating
 unit 7 via an interface circuit 4. Further, CPU 5 is connected to the
 detecting circuit 9 via an interface circuit 6 and is connected to the
 display unit 13 via a display drive circuit 8.
 The control device 2 is provided with the calling means whereby the virtual
 creature makes a call during a growth procedure. Further, the control
 device 2 is provided with means for setting growth stages of 1 or 2 or
 more in accordance with growing the virtual creature, the storing unit 3
 for storing a plurality of kinds of grown virtual creatures having
 different appearances at each of the growth stages and a means for
 selecting one grown virtual creature from the plurality of kinds of
 virtual creatures in consideration of contents of treatments in response
 to the calls during the growth procedure preceding the growth stage.
 Further, the control device 2 is provided with a clock pulse forming
 circuit for forming clock pulses at a predetermined period of time based
 on oscillation pulses from the oscillator XL, a clock circuit for
 outputting clock information based on the clock pulses, a timer circuit
 for outputting timer information based on the clock pulses and the like.
 Next, an explanation will be given of the operation of the embodiments
 according to the present invention.
 An explanation will first be given of the main flow control in reference to
 FIG. 6. At step SP1, whether the reset switch SW4 is operated is
 determined and when the reset switch SW4 is operated, the operation
 proceeds to step SP3 and time setting is conducted by operating the key
 switches SW1, SW2 and SW3. The life time of the virtual creature is
 determined hereinafter based on this time. Accordingly, the virtual
 creature acts in accordance with real time. For example, a life pattern
 where the virtual creature starts acting by rising from bed at 9 o'clock
 in the morning and retires to bed at 8 o'clock in the evening, is set. An
 initial screen is successively displayed at step SP5. Here, it is assumed
 that an angel flies down from heaven and an image where, for example, a
 virtual creature having a shape of an egg falls down from heaven, is
 displayed and after a predetermined period of time the egg is cracked and
 a virtual creature of a character image KT1 in a first generation which is
 a new born baby of an angel, is born.
 Next, treatments in respect of a first growth procedure is executed at step
 SP7. For example, a player takes care of the virtual creature by feeding a
 meal or a sweet by operating the key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3. Also, the
 player can conduct h;w rest room cleaning or treatment of an illness in
 response to a call from the virtual creature.
 Next, at step SP9, when approximately 60 minutes have elapsed since the
 virtual creature of the baby character image KT1 was born, the virtual
 creature is changed into a virtual creature of a child character image KT2
 and the operation proceeds to a second growth procedure. In the second
 growth procedure, when the virtual creature makes a call, the player takes
 care of the virtual creature in response to the call having a content
 necessary for growing the virtual creature similar to the above-described
 first growth procedure. Also, the player can conduct discipline in
 response to a call with a selfish content from the virtual creature.
 Next, at step SP11, whether the virtual creature reaches a second growth
 stage is determined. When it is determined in step SP11 that the virtual
 creature does not reach the second growth stage, the operation returns to
 the step SP9 again and conducts treatments of the above-described second
 growth procedure. When it is determined in step SP11 that the virtual
 creature reaches the second growth stage, the operation proceeds to step
 SP13.
 At step SP13, the player selects one virtual creature from a plurality of
 kinds of virtual creatures, that is, from virtual creatures of young
 character images KT3 and KT4.
 For example, in the second growth procedure, if in the case where the calls
 are made from the virtual creature care is not taken 3 times or more in
 response to calls with contents necessary for growing the virtual creature
 and discipline is not made 2 times or more in response to calls with a
 selfish content from the virtual creature, a virtual creature of the young
 character image KT1 is selected and the virtual creature of the young
 character image KT1 is changed into a successive virtual creature and is
 grown thereafter.
 Next, the operation proceeds to a third growth procedure at step SP15 and
 when a call is made from the virtual creature similar to the
 above-described second growth procedure, care can be taken in response to
 the call with a content necessary for growing the virtual creature and
 discipline can be made in response to a call with a selfish content from
 the virtual creature.
 Successively, at step SP17, whether the virtual creature reaches a third
 growth stage is determined. When it is determined in step SP17 that the
 virtual creature does not reach the third growth stage, the operation
 returns to step SP15 again and the above-described treatments of the third
 growth procedure are conducted. Further, when it is determined in step
 SP17 that the virtual creature reaches the third growth stage, the
 operation proceeds to step SPl9.
 At step SP19, a virtual creature is selected from a plurality of kinds of
 virtual creatures, that is, from virtual creatures of adult character
 images KT5 through KT10 in consideration of contents of cares and
 disciplines in the above-described third growth procedure.
 For example, in the third growth procedure, when in the case where calls
 are made from the virtual creature care is not taken 3 times or more in
 response to calls with a content necessary for growing the virtual
 creature and discipline is not made 6 times or more in response to calls
 with a selfish content from the virtual creature, a virtual creature of
 the adult character image KT5 is selected and the virtual creature of the
 adult character image KT5 is changed into a successive virtual creature
 and grown thereafter. Further, when the character image KT7 is smoothly
 grown, it changes into a character image KT11. Or, when a certain
 character image is grown, it changes into a character image KT12 with a
 predetermined probability.
 Further, when the reset switch SW4 is not operated in step SP1, the
 operation proceeds to step SP2 and whether the virtual creature is at the
 first growth procedure is determined. When it is determined in step SP2,
 that the virtual creature is at the first growth procedure, the operation
 proceeds to step SP7 and treatments of the first growth procedure are
 conducted. When it is determined in step SP2 that the virtual creature is
 not at the first growth stage, the operation proceeds to step SP4 and
 whether the virtual creature is at the second growth procedure is
 determined. When it is determined in step SP4 that the virtual creature is
 at the second growth procedure, the operation proceeds to step SP9 and
 treatments of the second growth procedure are conducted. When it is
 determined in step SP4 that the virtual creature is not at the second
 growth procedure, that is, when it is determined that the virtual creature
 is at the third growth procedure, the operation proceeds to step SP15 and
 treatments of the third growth procedure are conducted.
 Next, a detailed explanation will be given of the second growth procedure
 representatively among the respective growth procedures.
 At step SP21 in FIG. 7, whether a call is made from the virtual creature is
 determined and when a call is made from the virtual creature, the
 operation proceeds to steps SP23 and SP25 where the call mark 19d is put
 on and at the same time the buzzer BZ1 is buzzed for a predetermined time
 T1 as shown by FIG. 11, for example, 3 seconds. Further, at the same time,
 the operation starts a timer at step SP27 and proceeds to step SP31.
 Successively, at step SP31, whether the call from the virtual creature is
 for taking a sleep is determined. When it is determined in step SP31 that
 the call is made for taking a sleep, the operation proceeds to step SP41
 of FIG. 8 via 1. At step SP41, whether a player puts off illumination by
 operating the key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3 is determined, and when the
 illumination is put off, the operation proceeds to step SP43 and whether
 the time is within a predetermined time is determined. When the
 illumination is put off within a predetermined time T3 as illustrated by
 FIG. 11 since the call was made from the virtual creature, for example,
 within 1 hour, a care has been made pertinently and the operation proceeds
 to step SP45 whereby a degree of care is increased by +1.
 Conversely, when even if the call was made from the virtual creature, the
 care therefor has not been taken or when the illumination is put off after
 the predetermined time T3 has elapsed, for example, if 1 hour or more has
 elapsed, the care has not been taken pertinently and the operation
 proceeds to step SP47 from step SP41 or step SP43 whereby the degree of
 care is decreased by 1.
 Referring again to FIG. 7, when it is determined in step SP31 that the call
 is not for taking a sleep, the operation proceeds to step SP33. In step
 SP33, whether a value of the hungriness parameter of the virtual creature
 is MAX is determined and when the value of the hungriness parameter is not
 MAX, the operation proceeds to step SP51 of FIG. 9 via 2. At step SP51,
 whether the player has prepared food by operating the key switches SW1,
 SW2 and SW3 is determined and when food has been prepared, the operation
 proceeds to step SP53. At step SP53, whether the virtual creature has
 eaten the above-described prepared food is determined, and if the virtual
 creature has eaten food, the operation proceeds to step SP55. At step
 SP55, whether the time is within a predetermined time is determined. If
 the virtual creature has eaten food in a predetermined time T2 as
 illustrated by FIG. 11 since the call was made from the virtual creature,
 for example, within 15 minutes, the care has been taken pertinently and
 the operation proceeds to step SP57 whereby the degree of care is
 increased by +1.
 Conversely, when even if the call was made from the virtual creature, the
 care therefor has not been taken at all, or if even in the case where the
 care of food has been taken, the virtual creature is fed with food after a
 predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the call was made from the virtual
 creature, for example, 15 minutes or more have elapsed, the care has not
 been taken pertinently and the operation proceeds to step SP59 from step
 SP51 or SP55 whereby the degree of care is decreased by 1.
 Further, in the case where even if the player has prepared food in step
 SP51, the virtual creature does not eat food, the operation proceeds to
 step SP37 of FIG. 7 from step SP53 via 3.
 Here, the player conducts an operation in respect of a discipline by
 determining that the virtual creature is selfish since the virtual
 creature has not eaten food even if the value of the hungriness parameter
 of the virtual creature is not MAX. That is, the player selectively
 displays the discipline mark 19a by operating the key switches SW1, SW2
 and SW3 by which the player can conduct the discipline in respect of the
 virtual creature. In step SP37, whether the operation in respect of a
 discipline has been conducted is determined and when the operation in
 respect of a discipline has been conducted, the operation proceeds to step
 SP39 whereby a degree of discipline is increased by +1.
 As described above, at step SP33, whether the value of the hungriness
 parameter of the virtual creature is MAX is determined and when the value
 of the hungriness parameter is MAX, the operation proceeds to step SP35.
 At step SP35, whether a value of the humor parameter of the virtual
 creature is MAX is determined and when the value of the humor parameter is
 not MAX, the operation proceeds to step SP61 of FIG. 10 via 4. In step
 SP6l, whether the player has prepared a game by operating the key switches
 SW1, SW2 and SW3 is determined and when the game has been prepared, the
 operation proceeds to step SP63. In step SP63, whether the virtual
 creature has played the game is determined, and when the virtual creature
 has played the game, the operation proceeds to step SP65. In step SP65,
 whether the time is within a predetermined time is determined. When the
 virtual creature has played the game within a predetermined time T2 as
 shown by FIG. 11 since a call was made from the virtual creature, for
 example, within 15 minutes, a care has been made pertinently and the
 operation proceeds to step SP67 whereby the degree of care is increased by
 +1.
 When the game has not been prepared in step SP61, the operation proceeds to
 step SP62. At step SP62, whether the player has prepared a sweet by
 operating the key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3, is determined and when the
 player has prepared sweet, the operation proceeds to step SP65. In step
 SP65, whether the time is within the predetermined time is determined
 similar to the above-described operation. When a sweet has been prepared
 within the predetermined time T2 as illustrated by FIG. 11, since the call
 was made from the virtual creature, for example, within 15 minutes, the
 care has been taken pertinently and the operation proceeds to step SP67
 whereby the degree of care is increased by +1.
 Conversely, in the case where even if the call was made from the virtual
 creature, the care therefor has not been taken at all, or even if in the
 case where the care of the game has been taken, the game has not been
 played within the predetermined time T2 since the call was made from the
 virtual creature, for example, 15 minutes or more have elapsed, the care
 has not been taken pertinently and the operation proceeds to step SP69
 from step SP61 or SP62 whereby the degree of care is decreased by 1.
 Further, in the case where the virtual creature has not played the game at
 step SP63 even if the player has prepared the game, the operation proceeds
 to step SP37 of FIG. 7 from step SP63 via 5.
 Here, the player conducts an operation in respect of a discipline by
 determining that the virtual creature is selfish since the virtual
 creature has not played the game even if the value of the humor parameter
 of the virtual creature was not MAX. That is, the player can conduct a
 discipline in respect of the virtual creature by selectively displaying
 the discipline mark 19a by operating the key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3. In
 step SP37, whether the operation in respect of a discipline has been
 conducted is determined and when the operation in respect of a discipline
 has been conducted, the operation proceeds to step SP39 whereby the degree
 of discipline is increased by +1.
 When a call has not been made from the virtual creature at step SP21 or
 when the operation in respect of a discipline is not conducted at step
 SP37, the operation proceeds to step SP29 where various care treatments
 are conducted and thereafter, the operation returns to step SP11 of FIG. 6
 via 7.
 Incidentally, the operations in other growth stages are the same as the
 operation of the second growth stage and a detailed explanation thereof
 will be omitted.
 Next, a detailed explanation will be given of the operation when an
 influencing creature is manifested in the growth stages in reference to
 FIG. 12.
 CPU 5 conducts a control treatment for randomly manifesting an influencing
 creature effecting an adverse influence on the growth of the virtual
 creature and when an influencing creature of, for example, a satan or a
 bat is manifested by the CPU 5, an abnormality is caused in the virtual
 creature in accordance with conditions at that time and a certain
 probability (steps SP70 through SP72). At this moment, CPU 5 starts
 counting an input receivable time of a call from an external source by
 starting a timer (step SP73). When a call from an external source is made
 in a predetermined time, that is, when the detecting circuit 9 detects a
 human voice emitted by the player or a sound from knocking the main body
 device 11 (step SP74), the abnormality can be avoided and an image of the
 pleased virtual creature is displayed in the display unit 13 (steps SP75
 and SP76).
 Further, when a call from an external source is not made in the
 predetermined time, that is, when a human voice emitted by the player or a
 sound cannot be detected by the detecting circuit 9 (step SP77), the
 abnormality cannot be avoided and an image showing the virtual creature
 which becomes abnormal is displayed in the display unit 13 (steps SP78 and
 SP79). In this case, the player can treat the virtual creature by making a
 treatment by selectively displaying the treatment mark 19b (step SP80).
 Further, the constitution where an influencing creature effecting an
 adverse effect on the growth of the virtual creature is randomly
 manifested and the influencing creature is expelled when the call from an
 external source is detected under a situation where the influencing
 creature is manifested as described above, is provided with pertinent
 variations.
 For example, the constitution may be such that an influencing creature such
 as a bat snatching food when the virtual creature is eating food is
 manifested and the influencing creature is expelled when a call from an
 external source is detected.
 Next, an explanation will be given of the operation in the case where the
 virtual creature conducts an action which is different from an action at a
 normal time in the growth stages in reference to FIG. 13.
 CPU 5 executes an operational control for having the virtual creature
 randomly conduct an action that is different from a normal action. For
 example, CPU 5 carried out a control whereby the displayed virtual
 creature is concealed from the screen and is brought out of existence,
 that is, a control for concealing the virtual creature (steps SP81 through
 SP85).
 At this moment, when a call from an external source is made within a
 predetermined time, that is, when a human voice or a sound emitted by a
 player is detected by the detecting circuit 9, the virtual creature is
 gradually unconcealed and displayed (steps SP86 through SP89). Thereby,
 the virtual creature is rectified to perform a normal action.
 Further, when the call from an external source has not been made within the
 predetermined time, that is, when a human voice emitted by the player
 cannot be detected by the detecting circuit 9 (step SP90), no change is
 caused in the display unit 13 even if various commands are input by
 operating the operating unit 7 (steps SP96 and SP97).
 When a call is made from the virtual creature to the player under such a
 situation, the virtual creature per se is gradually manifested and makes a
 call to the player (steps SP91 through SP95).
 Further, the constitution where the virtual creature is made to conduct
 randomly the action different from the normal action and the virtual
 creature is rectified to conduct the normal action when a call from an
 external source is detected under a situation where the virtual creature
 conducts the action different from the normal action as described above,
 is provided with further variations.
 For example, when a call from an external source is detected under a
 situation where the virtual creature sits up late at night and plays even
 if the bedtime has expired, the constitution may be such that the virtual
 creature is put to bed and rectified to conduct the normal action.
 Further, as another variation, when the virtual creature takes a doze in
 the midst of praying, and a call from an external source is detected under
 such a situation, the virtual creature may be shaken up and rectified to
 conduct the normal action.
 As has been explained, according to the first aspect of the present
 invention, the inputting means for inputting a treatment for fostering a
 virtual creature and the storing unit for storing the control data for
 fostering the virtual creature are provided and when the treatment for
 fostering the virtual creature is input from the inputting means, the
 control data in correspondence thereto is read from the storing unit and a
 control for fostering the virtual creature is carried out based on the
 read control data. Further, the detecting means for detecting a call from
 an external source and the concealing means for randomly concealing the
 display of the virtual creature from the display unit are provided and
 when a call from an external source is detected under a situation where
 the virtual creature is concealed, the virtual creature is unconcealed and
 the virtual creature can be displayed as usual.
 In this way, the concealed virtual creature can be displayed in an original
 shape by the call of actual human voice of the player and therefore, the
 invention achieves an effect capable of providing a tasteful simulation
 device for fostering the virtual creature.
 Further, gentle mind for the virtual creature can be fostered when a player
 earnestly deals with the virtual creature as if he or she were raising an
 actual creature by which the invention achieves an effect capable of
 providing a simulation device for fostering a virtual creature that is
 suitable also in view of education.
 According to the second aspect of the present invention, the inputting
 means for inputting a treatment for fostering a virtual creature and the
 storing unit for storing the control data for fostering the virtual
 creature are provided and when a treatment for fostering the virtual
 creature is input from the inputting means, the control data in
 correspondence thereto is read from the storing unit and a control for
 fostering the virtual creature is carried out based on the read control
 data. Further, the detecting means for detecting a call from an external
 source and the manifesting means for randomly manifesting an influencing
 creature effecting an adverse effect on the growth of the virtual creature
 are provided and when the call from an external source is detected under a
 situation where the influencing creature is manifested, the influencing
 creature can be expelled.
 In this way, the influencing creature can be expelled by the call of an
 actual human voice of the player and accordingly, the invention achieves
 an effect capable of providing a tasteful simulation device for fostering
 a virtual creature.
 Further, a gentle mind for the virtual creature can be fostered when a
 player earnestly deals with the virtual creature as if he or she were
 fostering an actual creature and the invention achieves an effect capable
 of providing a simulation device for fostering a virtual creature which is
 suitable also in view of education.
 According to the third aspect of the present invention, the inputting means
 for inputting a treatment for fostering a virtual creature and the storing
 unit for storing the control data for fostering the virtual creature are
 provided and when the treatment for fostering the virtual creature is
 input from the inputting means, the control data in correspondence thereto
 is read from the storing unit and a control for fostering the virtual
 creature is conducted based on the read control data. Further, the
 detecting means for detecting a call from an external source and the
 operating means for having the virtual creature randomly conduct an action
 that is different from the normal action are provided and the invention
 achieves an effect where when a call from an external source is detected
 under a situation where the virtual creature conducts an action different
 from the normal action, the virtual creature may be rectified to conduct
 the normal action and the virtual creature can be fostered as if it were
 taken care of actually.
 Further, the invention achieves an effect where a player can foster a
 virtual creature as if he or she were raising an actual creature whereby a
 tasteful simulation device for fostering a virtual creature can be
 provided.
 Further, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a
 plurality of kinds of virtual creatures having different appearances are
 stored in the storing unit and the means for taking care of the virtual
 creature and the means for disciplining the virtual creature in response
 to a call from the virtual creature when the call is made from the virtual
 creature during a growth procedure are provided. Further, when the virtual
 creature is grown, one virtual creature is selected from the stored
 plurality of kinds of virtual creatures in accordance with the degree of
 taking care of the virtual creature and the degree of disciplining the
 virtual creature achieved during the growth procedure and the grown
 virtual creature is changed to the selected virtual creature.
 In this way, the virtual creature is changed into an unexpected virtual
 creature in accordance with the degree of care and the degree of
 discipline of the player and therefore, the invention achieves an effect
 capable of providing a tasteful simulation device for fostering a virtual
 creature with no loss of interest.
 There has been disclosed the simulation device for fostering a virtual
 creature by the above description. A skillful person can execute the
 present invention in cases other than the above-described preferable
 embodiments described with a purpose of exemplifying the present invention
 and with no purpose of limiting the present invention and the skillful
 person will understand that the present invention is not limited only by
 the following claims.