Method and apparatus for communicating with a character

Abstract

A language is defined so as to comprise only syllables each of which corresponds to an operation button of a controller. A player inputs a sentence in the language by operating the buttons. An entertainment apparatus outputs a sound corresponding to the inputted sentence as lines of a player character. Other characters speak lines in the language, and thereby, a conversation by means of sound can be achieved. According to the present invention, a new means for communication between a player and a character is provided in an entertainment apparatus.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A recording medium readable by an entertainment apparatus, the recording medium recording a program executable in the entertainment apparatus connectable with a sound output device and a controller provided with a plurality of operation buttons for inputting an instruction from a user, comprising 
 an area recording a group of sound data for generating a plurality of syllables,    wherein the program allows the entertainment apparatus to execute:    a process for assigning each syllable to the operation button;    a process for, upon detecting the pressing of any of the operation buttons, generating a syllable corresponding to the pressed operation button on the basis of the sound data, and outputting the generated syllable from the sound output device.    
     
     
         2 . A recording medium readable by an entertainment apparatus, the recording medium recording a program executable in the entertainment apparatus connectable with SC 1634  a sound output device and a controller provided with a plurality of operation buttons for inputting an instruction from a user, comprising 
 an area recording a group of sound data for generating a plurality of syllables,  
 wherein the program allows the entertainment apparatus to execute:  
 a process for assigning each syllable to the operation button;  
 a process for, as a sound information from the entertainment apparatus, generating a sound comprising a combination of the syllables on the basis of the sound data, and outputting the generated sound from the sound output device.  
 
     
     
         3 . A program executable in the entertainment apparatus connectable with a sound output device and a controller provided with a plurality of operation buttons for inputting an instruction from a user, wherein the program allows the entertainment apparatus to execute: 
 a process for referring to a group of sound data for generating a plurality of syllables;    a process for assigning each syllable to the operation button;    a process for, upon detecting the pressing of any of the operation buttons, generating a syllable corresponding to the pressed operation button on the basis of the sound data, and outputting the generated syllable from the sound output device.    
     
     
         4 . A program executable in the entertainment apparatus connectable with a sound output device and a controller provided with a plurality of operation buttons for inputting an instruction from a user, wherein the program allows the entertainment apparatus to execute: 
 a process for referring to a group of sound data for generating a plurality of syllables;    a process for assigning each syllable to the operation button;    a process for, as a sound information from the entertainment apparatus, generating a sound comprising a combination of the syllables on the basis of the sound data, and outputting the generated sound from the sound output device.    
     
     
         5 . An entertainment apparatus connectable with a sound output device and a controller provided with a plurality of operation buttons for inputting an instruction from a user, comprising a recording area, wherein, 
 a group of sound data for generating a plurality of syllables is stored in the recording area,    each of the syllables is assigned the operation button, and    upon detecting the pressing of any of the buttons, a syllable corresponding to the button is generated on the basis of the sound data, and thereby outputting the generated syllable from sound output device.    
     
     
         6 . An entertainment apparatus connectable with a sound output device and a controller provided with a plurality of operation buttons for inputting an instruction from a user, comprising a recording area, wherein, 
 a group of sound data for generating a plurality of syllables is stored in the recording area,    each of the syllables is assigned the operation button, and    a sound comprising a combination of the syllables assigned to the buttons is generated, as a sound information from the entertainment apparatus, on the basis of the sound data, and thereby outputting the generated sound from the sound output device.    
     
     
         7 . A method for communicating with a character created in a virtual space by an entertainment apparatus, wherein the method comprises: 
 a step for storing a group of a plurality of words, which respectively comprise marks selected from a group of a plurality of predetermined marks and which are defined as words each having a special meaning understandable by the entertainment apparatus, sound data for generating an inherent element sound corresponding to each of the marks, and assigning information for uniquely assigning a mark belonging to the group of marks to a plural kinds of input signals externally;    a step for receiving any of one or more marks, which are belonging to the group of marks, inputted externally;    a step for receiving one or more instructions corresponding to a special sound to be externally outputted in relation to the character in the virtual space; and    a step for, with respect to one or more marks, input or instruction of which has been received, generating a signal for outputting an element sound corresponding to the mark to have been received by referring to the assigning information, and thereby outputting the signal.