U.S. patent application number 11/597857 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-10 for data recording medium and game device.
Invention is credited to Toshiyuki Kaji, Kazuyoshi Kasai, Yousuke Tsukamoto, Takao Yamauchi.
Application Number | 20080085775 11/597857 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35450685 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080085775 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kasai; Kazuyoshi ; et
al. |
April 10, 2008 |
Data Recording Medium and Game Device
Abstract
A data recording medium for use in a game device comprises a
first printed layer in which a first code pattern, which is
detected by a first code pattern detecting unit of the game device,
is printed and a second printed layer in which a second code
pattern, which is detected by a second code pattern detecting unit
of the game device, is printed. The second printed layer is
overlaid on the first printed layer. Data based on a combination of
the first and second code patterns is recorded in the first and
second printed layers so that the data is recognizable to the game
device as data intrinsic to the data recording medium. The game
device detects the first and second code patterns by the first and
second code pattern detecting units to make progress of a game
according to the data.
Inventors: |
Kasai; Kazuyoshi; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Tsukamoto; Yousuke; (Tokyo, JP) ; Kaji;
Toshiyuki; (Tokyo, JP) ; Yamauchi; Takao;
(Tokyo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LADAS & PARRY LLP
224 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVENUE, SUITE 1600
CHICAGO
IL
60604
US
|
Family ID: |
35450685 |
Appl. No.: |
11/597857 |
Filed: |
May 24, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
May 24, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP05/09434 |
371 Date: |
May 9, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/43 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 13/47 20140902;
A63F 13/95 20140902; A63F 2300/206 20130101; A63F 13/73 20140902;
A63F 2001/0491 20130101; A63F 1/02 20130101; A63F 13/02 20130101;
A63F 1/04 20130101; A63F 2300/201 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/43 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 31, 2004 |
JP |
2004-161751 |
Oct 13, 2004 |
JP |
2004-299256 |
Claims
1. A data recording medium for use in a game device, comprising: a
first printed layer in which a first code pattern, which is
detected by a first code pattern detecting unit of the game device,
is printed; and a second printed layer in which a second code
pattern, which is detected by a second code pattern detecting unit
of the game device, is printed; wherein the first and second
printed layers are formed so that the second printed layer is
overlaid on the first printed layer, wherein data based on a
combination of the first and second code patterns is recorded in
the first and second printed layers so that the data is
recognizable to the game device as data intrinsic to the data
recording medium, and the game device detects the first and second
code patterns by the first and second code pattern detecting units
to make progress of a game according to the data.
2. The data recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the
first code pattern and the second code pattern are printed so that
each content of the first code pattern and the second code pattern
is respectively detectable to a code pattern reading unit using a
corresponding one of light beams having different wavelengths.
3. The data recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the data
intrinsic to the data recording medium is an ID information
identifying the data recording medium which is used for the game
device to make progress of the game.
4. The data recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the data
recording medium is a card, and the first and second code patterns
are printed on a side face part of the card so that the second code
pattern is overlaid on the first code pattern.
5. The data recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the data
recording medium is a card, and the first and second code patterns
are printed on a side face part of the card so that the second code
pattern is overlaid on the first code pattern, wherein the data
recording medium further comprises a third printed layer which is
printed with an visible ink and overlaid on the first and second
code patterns.
6. The data recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the data
recording medium is a game piece which is used for performing the
game, and the game device is provided with a play field in which
the game piece is placed, wherein the first and second code
patterns are printed and overlaid on a surface of the game piece
which faces the play field.
7. The data recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the
first printed layer and the second printed layer which are printed
and overlaid are made into a group of printed layers, and a
plurality of said groups of printed layers are provided at a
plurality of locations of the data recording medium.
8. The data recording medium according to claim 1, further
comprising one or more third printed layers in which a code pattern
is printed so that the one or more third printed layers are
overlaid on the first printed layer and the second printed layer,
and code pattern detecting methods for the one or more third
printed layers are different from each other.
9. The data recording medium according to claim 1, wherein one of
the first and second code patterns is generated based on conversion
processing of the other code pattern.
10. A game device comprising: a first code pattern detecting unit
detecting a first code pattern from among a plurality of code
patterns recorded in a detection area of a data recording medium; a
second code pattern detecting unit detecting a second code pattern
containing information different from information contained in the
first code pattern among the plurality of code patterns recorded in
the data recording medium, a printed layer in which the second code
pattern is printed being overlaid on a printed layer in which the
first code pattern is printed in the detection area of the data
recording medium; a memory unit in which a combination of the first
and second code patterns is stored as being data intrinsic to the
data recording medium, and game data corresponding to the
combination of the first and second code patterns is stored; and a
control unit adapted to detect a combination of the first and
second code patterns based on detection signals from the first and
second code pattern detecting units, adapted to compare the
detected combination of the first and second code patterns with the
code pattern combination stored in the memory unit, adapted to
read, when a match occurs, game data corresponding to the detected
combination from the memory unit, and adapted to execute a game
program based on the read game data to makes progress of the
game.
11. The game device according to claim 10, wherein the first code
pattern is printed with an ultraviolet-light emission ink on a
detection surface of the data recording medium and the second code
pattern is printed with an infrared-light absorption ink by
overlaying the second code pattern on the first code pattern,
wherein the first code pattern detecting unit is provided to emit
ultraviolet light to the detection surface of the data recording
medium, and the second code pattern detecting unit is provided to
emit infrared light to the detection surface, so that an image of
the detection surface of the data recording medium is captured to
detect a corresponding one of the first and second code patterns
respectively.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to data recording media and
game devices for performing a card game or the like.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In a card game, a card with a figure, such as a game
character, printed thereon is used, and card information indicating
the kind or strength of the card concerned is printed as a code
pattern to a part of the card. The card is inserted in a card slot
of a card game device, or the card is placed on a play field
wherein a card pattern detecting unit for reading the card pattern
is provided. The code pattern is read from the card, and the card
game is performed according to the card information read from the
card. For example, see Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No.
2002-301264.
[0003] In another card game device, a plurality of cards are
inserted in the card game device in a state where they are made
into a card bundle. In this card game device, reading of a code
pattern from the card bundle is permitted without separating the
plurality of cards. It is possible to prevent the cards from
suffering from damages or dirt due to the conveyance of the cards,
and it is possible to shorten the time for reading of the code
pattern. For example, see Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No.
2002-143367.
[0004] In a board game, a game piece in which information
indicating the kind, strength, etc. of the game piece is recorded
is placed on the game board which is used as the play field, and
the board game is performed according to the information recorded
on the game piece. For example, see Japanese Published Utility
Model Application No. 63-024941.
[0005] In the card of the card game or the game piece of the board
game mentioned above, a large number of cards or game pieces are
used in playing the game, in view of the user-friendliness at the
time of game playing and the ease of collection, conveyance, etc.,
it is desirable that the size of the cards or game pieces be made
into an appropriate size which is not so large. Especially when a
code pattern is printed in a narrow area, such as a card side face
or a game piece surface, the amount of data that can be recorded
therein is limited. It is desirable that the amount of recordable
data be increased.
[0006] Some of the cards used in card game devices are purchased on
the basis of a package, and other cards are paid out by coin
insertion at the time of start of playing the game. There are also
rare cards whose amount of purchase is very small. Such rare cards
serve as a special role different from that of the usual cards, and
players have the greatest concern in acquiring the rare cards. And
forgery of the rare cards is often conducted.
[0007] One of the methods for preventing forgery of such cards is
to use an electronic device, such as an IC tag, provided in each of
such cards and acquire the card information from the IC tag.
However, the cost of the cards with the IC tags becomes too high,
and it is much higher than the cost of the normal paper-based
cards. Thus, such method is not realistic.
[0008] The above-mentioned problems are not restricted to the cards
for card game devices. The problems also arise in the items (for
example, game pieces) accompanied by other printed matter and such
printed matter on which the game data is printed can be the
counterfeit target.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided
an improved game device in which the above-mentioned problems are
eliminated.
[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided
any of a data recording medium and a game device which are adapted
to increase the amount of recordable data, without increasing the
cost steeply, and prevent forgery of the data recording medium
effectively.
[0011] In an embodiment of the invention which solves or reduces
one or more of the above-mentioned problems, there is provided a
data recording medium for use in a game device, the data recording
medium comprising: a first printed layer in which a first code
pattern, which is detected by a first code pattern detecting unit
of the game device, is printed; and a second printed layer in which
a second code pattern, which is detected by a second code pattern
detecting unit of the game device, is printed; wherein the first
and second printed layers are formed so that the second printed
layer is overlaid on the first printed layer, wherein data based on
a combination of the first and second code patterns is recorded in
the first and second printed layers so that the data is
recognizable to the game device as data intrinsic to the data
recording medium, and the game device detects the first and second
code patterns by the first and second code pattern detecting units
to make progress of a game according to the data.
[0012] The above-mentioned data recording medium may be configured
so that the first code pattern and the second code pattern are
printed so that each content of the first code pattern and the
second code pattern is respectively detectable to a code pattern
reading unit using a corresponding one of light beams having
different wavelengths.
[0013] The above-mentioned data recording medium may be configured
so that the data intrinsic to the data recording medium is an ID
information identifying the data recording medium which is used for
the game device to make progress of the game.
[0014] The above-mentioned data recording medium may be configured
so that the data recording medium is a card, and the first and
second code patterns are printed on a side face part of the card so
that the second code pattern is overlaid on the first code
pattern.
[0015] The above-mentioned data recording medium may be configured
so that the data recording medium is a card, and the first and
second code patterns are printed on a side face part of the card so
that the second code pattern is overlaid on the first code pattern,
wherein the data recording medium further comprises a third printed
layer which is printed with an visible ink and overlaid on the
first and second code patterns.
[0016] The above-mentioned data recording medium may be configured
so that the data recording medium is a game piece which is used for
performing the game, and the game device is provided with a play
field in which the game piece is placed, wherein the first and
second code patterns are printed and overlaid on a surface of the
game piece which faces the play field.
[0017] The above-mentioned data recording medium may be configured
so that the first printed layer and the second printed layer which
are printed and overlaid are made into a group of printed layers,
and a plurality of said groups of printed layers are provided at a
plurality of locations of the data recording medium.
[0018] The above-mentioned data recording medium may be configured
so that the data recording medium further comprises one or more
third printed layers in which a code pattern is printed so that the
one or more third printed layers are overlaid on the first printed
layer and the second printed layer, and code pattern detecting
methods for the one or more third printed layers are different from
each other.
[0019] The above-mentioned data recording medium may be configured
so that one of the first and second code patterns is generated
based on conversion processing of the other code pattern.
[0020] In an embodiment of the invention which solves or reduces
one or more of the above-mentioned problems, there is provided a
game device comprising: a first code pattern detecting unit
detecting a first code pattern from among a plurality of code
patterns recorded in a detection area of a data recording medium; a
second code pattern detecting unit detecting a second code pattern
containing information different from information contained in the
first code pattern among the plurality of code patterns recorded in
the data recording medium, a printed layer in which the second code
pattern is printed being overlaid on a printed layer in which the
first code pattern is printed in the detection area of the data
recording medium; a memory unit in which a combination of the first
and second code patterns is stored as being data intrinsic to the
data recording medium, and game data corresponding to the
combination of the first and second code patterns is stored; and a
control unit adapted to detect a combination of the first and
second code patterns based on detection signals from the first and
second code pattern detecting units, adapted to compare the
detected combination of the first and second code patterns with the
code pattern combination stored in the memory unit, adapted to
read, when a match occurs, game data corresponding to the detected
combination from the memory unit, and adapted to execute a game
program based on the read game data to makes progress of the
game.
[0021] The above-mentioned game device may be configured so that
the first code pattern is printed with an ultraviolet-light
emission ink on a detection surface of the data recording medium
and the second code pattern is printed with an infrared-light
absorption ink by overlaying the second code pattern on the first
code pattern, wherein the first code pattern detecting unit is
provided to emit ultraviolet light to the detection surface of the
data recording medium, and the second code pattern detecting unit
is provided to emit infrared light to the detection surface, so
that an image of the detection surface of the data recording medium
is captured to detect a corresponding one of the first and second
code patterns respectively.
[0022] According to the data recording medium and game device in
the embodiment of the invention, it is possible to increase the
amount of recordable data, without increasing the cost steeply, and
it is possible to prevent forgery of the data recording medium
effectively.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the composition of a card to
which an embodiment of the invention is applied.
[0024] FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C are diagrams for explaining the
way an ultraviolet-light emission ink appears.
[0025] FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C are diagram for explaining the
way an infrared-light absorption ink appears.
[0026] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the way a code pattern
printed on a side face part of a card appears when it is irradiated
with ultraviolet light, infrared light, and visible light,
respectively.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the way a code pattern
printed in an infrared-light absorption ink or an ultraviolet-light
emission ink on a genuine card appears.
[0028] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an infrared light
absorption spectrum of an infrared-light absorption ink.
[0029] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the way a code pattern,
which is printed on the card using the infrared-light absorption
ink shown in FIG. 6, appears.
[0030] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the way a code pattern
appears.
[0031] FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B are diagrams showing the composition of
a card to which an embodiment of the invention is applied.
[0032] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the composition of a card to
which an embodiment of the invention is applied.
[0033] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a third printed
layer formed on a card surface in a visible ink.
[0034] FIG. 12A, FIG. 12B and FIG. 12C are diagrams showing the
composition of a game piece to which an embodiment of the invention
is applied.
[0035] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the composition of a game
device in an embodiment of the invention.
[0036] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the composition of a code
pattern reading unit which reads a code pattern on a side face part
of a card.
[0037] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a card
bundle.
[0038] FIG. 16A, FIG. 16B and FIG. 16C are diagrams showing the
composition of a code pattern reading unit which reads a code
pattern on a surface of a card or a bottom of a game piece.
[0039] FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the composition of a code
pattern reading unit.
[0040] FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining processing of forgery
detection.
[0041] FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining how a code pattern data
is generated.
[0042] FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining how a code pattern data
is generated.
[0043] FIG. 21A and FIG. 21B are diagrams showing examples of a
code pattern given to the surface of a card.
[0044] FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining how a code pattern is
detected at the time of card reading.
[0045] FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining how a code pattern is
detected at the time of card reading.
DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0046] 10 card [0047] 10P card bundle [0048] 10a side face part
[0049] 11 first layer [0050] 12 second layer [0051] 15 third layer
[0052] 20 game piece [0053] 21 mounting [0054] 22 figure [0055] 23
code pattern [0056] 24 first layer [0057] 25 second layer [0058]
100 game device [0059] 101 CPU [0060] 102 program memory [0061] 103
data memory [0062] 104 interface [0063] 105 code-pattern reading
unit [0064] 106 ultraviolet-light detecting unit [0065] 107
infrared-light detecting unit [0066] 108 visible-light detecting
unit [0067] 109 input device [0068] 110 display circuit part [0069]
111 monitor [0070] 112 sound circuit part [0071] 113 speaker [0072]
114 communication interface [0073] 121 reading light irradiating
unit [0074] 122 camera [0075] 131 play field [0076] 132 glass plate
[0077] 133 reading light irradiating unit [0078] 134 reflection
plate [0079] 135 reflection plate [0080] 136 camera [0081] 141
reading light irradiating unit [0082] 142 visible light LED [0083]
143 ultraviolet light LED [0084] 144 infrared light LED [0085] 145
camera [0086] 146 image processing device [0087] 147 memory [0088]
148 output device [0089] 200 game device [0090] 300 network [0091]
400 server
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0092] A description will now be given of an embodiment of the
invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0093] FIG. 1 shows the composition of a card to which an
embodiment of the invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the
card 10 in this embodiment is a data recording medium which is
formed in the rectangle of paper, a plastic, etc., and this card 10
includes a side face part (card edge) 10a. As indicated by the
dotted line in the lower part of FIG. 1, the side face part 10A
comprises a first layer 11 in which a first code pattern is printed
in a colorless ultraviolet-light emission ink (UV ink), and a
second layer 12 in which a second code pattern is printed in a
colorless infrared-light absorption ink (IR ink).
[0094] The first and second code patterns may be formed so that
they are printed and overlaid fully throughout the length of the
side face part. Alternatively, the first and second code patterns
may be formed so that they are partially printed and overlaid, if
needed in consideration of the length of the code pattern and the
size and area of the recording part.
[0095] The sequence of the first layer 11 and the second layer 12
may be reversed, and the number of layers in the side face part may
be increased further. Even in such cases, it is necessary that the
printing be performed using the inks having different
characteristics, in order to make the detecting methods for the
respective layers different from each other. The amount of
recordable data and the number of the kinds of data usable for an
ID or the like can be increased by increasing the number of layers,
and it is possible to prevent forgery of the data recording medium
more effectively.
[0096] Alternatively, the card may be formed such that the first
layer 11 and the second layer 12 with the code patterns formed
therein which are overlaid in the same position are made into a
group of printed layers, and a plurality of groups of such printed
layers may be formed at various locations of the card 10 (the long
side or the short side of the side face part, the card surface,
etc.). By such alternative embodiment, it is possible to further
increase the amount of recordable data, and the kind of data which
can be used for an ID etc.
[0097] In the above embodiment, a combination of the
ultraviolet-light emission ink and the infrared-light absorption
ink are used as painting materials. Alternatively, a combination of
other painting materials may also be used. The types of painting
materials may be divided into infrared light type, ultraviolet
light type, etc. according to the light wavelength, and the
reactions of painting materials to light may be divided into
absorption, reflection, and luminescence. Furthermore, among the
luminescence painting materials, there are one the luminescent
color of which is fixed regardless of the wavelength of emission
light, and one the luminescent color of which differs according to
the wavelength of emission light. The use of any combination of
such painting materials is conceivable.
[0098] For example, in addition to the ultraviolet-light emission
ink and the infrared-light absorption ink mentioned above, a light
reflection ink which reflects in response to only the light of a
specific wavelength, a luminescent ink which emits light only in
response to not only ultraviolet light but also the light of a
specific wavelength, a luminescent ink which emits light in a
different color according to the wavelength in response to the
light of a specific wavelength, a light absorption ink which
absorbs not only infrared light but the light of a specific
wavelength, etc. can be used.
[0099] On the other hand, there are the case in which the panting
materials of different kinds as in the above embodiment are used as
a combination of the painting materials printed and overlaid to the
respective layers, and the case in which the panting materials of
the same kind which react in response to a different wavelength of
the light are used. Among the cases of using the panting materials
of the same kind, there may be the case of using infrared-light
absorption inks which absorb infrared light of a different
wavelength respectively, and the case of using light absorption
inks which are different from infrared-light absorption inks but
absorb light of a different wavelength respectively. In addition,
other recording methods (by magnetism, etc.) which do not use
printing of the panting materials reactive to light but use a
different detecting method can also be used.
[0100] FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C are diagrams for explaining the
way an ultraviolet-light emission ink in the first layer 11
appears. As shown in FIG. 2A, a pattern 13 in the shape of a star
is printed in the ultraviolet-light emission ink on the card
surface, not on the side face part of the card. In this case, when
only ultraviolet light is applied, only the portion of pattern 13
emits light and other portions of the card surface remain dark as
shown in FIG. 2B. When only the ordinary visible light is applied,
nothing appears on the card surface as shown in FIG. 2C.
[0101] FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C are diagrams for explaining the
way an infrared-light absorption ink appears. As shown in FIG. 3A,
a pattern 14 in the shape of a star is printed in the
infrared-light absorption ink on the card surface, not on the side
face part of the card. In this case, when only infrared light is
applied, only the portion of pattern 14 remains dark, and other
portions of the card surface look bright by reflection as shown in
FIG. 3B. When only the ordinary visible light is applied, nothing
appears on the card surface as shown in FIG. 3C.
[0102] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the way the code pattern
of the card 10 shown in FIG. 1 appears. In the case of a genuine
card, when only ultraviolet light is applied only the code pattern
of the first layer 11 appears, when only infrared light is applied
only the code pattern of the second layer 12 appears, and when only
the visible light is applied nothing appears.
[0103] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the way a code pattern
printed in an infrared-light absorption ink or an ultraviolet-light
emission ink on a genuine card appears when only infrared light or
only ultraviolet light is applied. In this case, each of the
respective code patterns appears and they do not interfere with
each other.
[0104] Accordingly, printing code patterns the contents of which
are different from each other on the same portion of a card without
interference and applying either infrared light or ultraviolet
light makes it possible to detect the content of each code
pattern.
[0105] Thus, the card is provided so that the first layer 11 in
which the first code pattern is printed and the second layer 12 in
which the second code pattern is printed are overlaid in the same
location. This makes it possible to increase the amount of
recordable data even when the printing area of the card is
narrow.
[0106] Since the codes the contents of which are different from
each other are overlaid in a narrow area using two or more printing
materials, it is difficult to acquire such printing materials and
it is difficult to reproduce a card which is correctly the same as
the genuine card in handwriting. It is possible to prevent forgery
of the card effectively.
[0107] In the case of a card for use in a game device, the first
code pattern and the second code pattern are combined together, the
combination is recognized as data (for example, ID information)
intrinsic to the card, and progress of the game is made in
accordance with the data intrinsic to the card.
[0108] In the above embodiment of FIG. 1-FIG. 5, the case where the
ultraviolet-light emission ink and the infrared-light absorption
ink (which are the painting materials of different kinds) are used
in the first layer 11 and the second layer 12 of the card has been
described. Alternatively, infrared-light absorption inks with
different absorption wavelengths (which are the painting material
of the same kind) may be used.
[0109] FIG. 6 shows an example of an infrared light absorption
spectrum of an infrared-light absorption ink.
[0110] As shown, an infrared-light absorption ink IR1 which has an
absorption peak at wavelength .lamda.1, and an infrared-light
absorption ink IR2 which has an absorption peak at wavelength
.lamda.2 are used. The infrared-light absorption ink IR1 can be
applied to the first layer 11 of FIG. 1, and the infrared-light
absorption ink IR2 can be applied to the second layer 12 of FIG. 1.
It is a matter of course that the relation between the inks and the
layers may be made reverse to that shown in FIG. 6.
[0111] Alternatively, instead of the infrared-light absorption inks
each having one absorption peak as shown in FIG. 6, one
infrared-light absorption ink having two or more absorption peaks
in a range inclusive of an absorption peak of another
infrared-light absorption ink may be used. For example, it is
possible to use an infrared-light absorption ink IR1 having
absorption peaks at wavelength .lamda.1 and wavelength .lamda.2,
and an infrared-light absorption ink IR2 having an absorption peak
at wavelength .lamda.2. In this case, when the infrared light of
wavelength .lamda.1 is applied, only the code pattern which uses
the infrared-light absorption ink IR1 appears, and when the
infrared light of wavelength .lamda.2 is applied, both the code
patterns using the infrared-light absorption ink IR1 and the
infrared-light absorption ink IR2 appear.
[0112] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the way a code pattern,
which is printed on the card 10 using the infrared-light absorption
ink shown in FIG. 6, appears. In the case of a genuine card, when
only the infrared light of wavelength .lamda.1 is applied, only the
code pattern of the first layer 11 appears, when only the infrared
light of wavelength .lamda.2 is applied, only the code pattern of
the second layer 12 appears, and when only the visible light is
applied, nothing appears on the card.
[0113] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the way a code pattern
appears. As shown, the code patterns are printed in infrared-light
absorption inks having different absorption wavelengths on a
genuine card, respectively. When one of the infrared lights of
different wavelengths is applied, a corresponding one of the code
patterns appears, and the code patterns do not interfere with each
other. Accordingly, printing the code patterns, the contents of
which are different from each other, in the same place of the card
without interfering mutually, and applying either of the infrared
lights of different wavelengths makes it possible to detect the
content of each code pattern.
[0114] Thus, by using the infrared-light absorption inks having
different absorption wavelengths which are the painting materials
of the same kind, the difficulty to identify the specific
absorption wavelength of the ink is further added to the difficulty
in acquiring the infrared-light absorption inks. It is possible to
prevent forgery of the card more effectively.
[0115] FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B are diagrams showing the composition of
a card to which an embodiment of the invention is applied. FIG. 9A
is a perspective view of the whole card, and FIG. 9B is an exploded
view of the code pattern portion of the card.
[0116] As shown, the card 10 in this embodiment is provided so that
the first layer 11 in which the first code pattern is printed and
the second layer 12 in which the second code pattern is printed are
overlaid on the surface of the card 10, not on the side face part
of the card 10. In this case, the first and second code patterns
may be formed so that they are printed and overlaid fully
throughout the length of the card. Alternatively, the first and
second code patterns may be formed so that they are partially
printed and overlaid, if needed in consideration of the length of
the code pattern and the size and area of the recording part. The
code pattern is not limited to the illustrated one and
two-dimensional code patterns and other code patterns may be also
usable. The number of layers in which code patterns are printed may
be increased, and printing may be performed using the inks having
different characteristics in order to make the detecting methods
for the respective layers different from each other.
[0117] Moreover, it is possible that the first and second layers
which are printed and overlaid in the same position be made into a
group of printed layers, and a plurality of groups 16-19 of printed
layers be formed at respective locations of the card 10 (e.g., the
respective locations of the card surface, the long side or the
short side of the side face part, etc.), as shown in FIG. 10. This
makes it possible to increase the amount of recordable data
further, and makes it possible to increase the kinds of data which
can be used for an ID, etc.
[0118] Moreover, a third layer 15 may be printed in the visible ink
on the first layer 11 and the second layer 12 of the card 10 of
FIG. 9 or FIG. 10 as shown in FIG. 11. In this case, a graphic
pattern as shown in FIG. 11 may be formed in the third layer 15, in
order to make the code patterns of the first layer 11 and second
layer 12 formed under the third layer 15 difficult to be noticeable
to the naked human eyes. Thus, it is possible to prevent forgery of
the card more effectively.
[0119] Moreover, it is possible to have a significant code pattern
included in the third layer 15 and to perform recognition of a
combination of the first through third code patterns by the card
game device. This makes it possible to increase the amount of
recordable data per unit area further, and it is possible to
prevent forgery of the card still more effectively.
[0120] FIG. 12A, FIG. 12B and FIG. 12C are diagrams showing the
composition of a game piece to which an embodiment of the invention
is applied. FIG. 12A shows the appearance of a game piece 20. As
shown, a FIG. 22, such as a game character, is fixed onto a
mounting 21.
[0121] FIG. 12B shows the back surface of the mounting 21. As
shown, a code pattern 23 is formed on the back surface of the
mounting 21 such that a plurality of code patterns are printed in
the multiple layers to form the code pattern 23.
[0122] FIG. 12C is an exploded view of the portion of the code
pattern 23 in the game piece. As shown, the first layer 24 in which
the first code pattern is formed and the second layer 25 in which
the second code pattern is formed are overlaid to form the code
pattern 23 on the back surface of the mounting 21. In this case,
the first and second code patterns may be formed so that they are
printed and overlaid fully throughout the length of the mounting.
Alternatively, the first and second code patterns may be formed so
that they are partially printed and overlaid, if needed in
consideration of the length of the code pattern and the size and
area of the recording part. The code pattern 23 is not limited to
the illustrated one. The code pattern 23 may be formed in the shape
of a seal so that it is attached to the back surface of the
mounting 21, in order to make the manufacture easy.
[0123] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the composition of a game
device in an embodiment of the invention.
[0124] As shown in FIG. 13, the game device 100 in this embodiment
is connected to a server 400 via a network 300 and at the same time
it is connected to another game device 200. Alternatively, the game
device 100 may be configured as being a stand-alone device.
[0125] The game apparatus 100 is provided with the following: a CPU
101 which controls the whole device; a program memory 102 in which
a program is stored; a data memory 103 in which data is stored; an
interface 104 which connects the game device 100 with the
peripheral device; a code pattern reading unit 105 and an input
device 109 which are connected by the interface 104; a display
circuit part 110 which displays an image on a monitor 111; a sound
circuit part 112 which outputs a voice to a speaker 113, and a
communication interface 114 which enables the game device 100 to
communicate with the server 400 via the network 300.
[0126] In order to read a plurality of code patterns from the card
10 (FIG. 1, FIG. 9A or FIG. 10) or the game piece 20 (FIG. 12), the
code pattern reading unit 105 serves as a code pattern detecting
unit. The code pattern reading unit 105 comprises an
ultraviolet-light detecting unit 106 which reads a code pattern by
emission of ultraviolet light, an infrared-light detecting unit 107
which reads a code pattern by emission of infrared light, and a
visible-light detecting unit 108 which reads a code pattern by
emission of the visible light.
[0127] When the infrared-light absorption inks having different
absorption wavelengths and using the painting materials of the same
kind shown in FIG. 6-FIG. 8 are printed on the card 10 or the game
piece 20, both the detecting units 106 and 107 are provided as
being infrared-light detecting units. Each of such infrared-light
detecting units is provided to emit the infrared light of a
corresponding wavelength respectively, so that the code pattern is
read.
[0128] During operation, the game device 100 reads a plurality of
code patterns from the card 10 or the game piece 20 using the code
pattern reading unit 105 under the control of the CPU 101. The game
device 100 acquires the intrinsic data from the card 10 or the game
piece 20 based on the combination of the plurality of code patterns
read.
[0129] On the other hand, the game data intrinsic to all the cards
10 or the game pieces 20 used in performing the game are stored
beforehand in the data memory 103. The stored game data
corresponding to the read intrinsic data is read from the data
memory 103 by retrieving the data memory 103 with the read
intrinsic data. The game program is executed based on the read game
data so that progress of the game is gone on.
[0130] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the composition of a code
pattern reading unit which reads a code pattern on a side face part
of a card. As shown in FIG. 14, the game device 100 is provided so
that a card 10 or a card bundle 10P shown in FIG. 15 may be
inserted into a card slot which is provided in a portion of the
game device 100. A reading light irradiating unit 121 emits reading
light (any of ultraviolet light, infrared light, and visible light)
to the side face part of the card 10 or the card bundle 10P. A
camera 122 captures an image of the side face part of the card 10
or the card bundle 10P, which is irradiated with the reading light
from the reading light irradiating unit 121.
[0131] FIG. 16A, FIG. 16B and FIG. 16C are diagrams showing the
composition of a code pattern reading unit which reads a code
pattern on a surface of a card or a bottom of a game piece. FIG.
16A and FIG. 16B show the game device 100 when viewed from the
upper part thereof. As shown, the game device 100 is provided with
a play field 131 in which the card 10 or the game piece 20 is
placed. FIG. 16C is a cross-sectional view of the game device 100
taken along the line A-A indicated in FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B. As
shown, the card 10 or the game piece 20 is placed on a glass plate
132 which constitutes the play field 131, and a reading light
irradiating unit 133 emits reading light, such as infrared light,
ultraviolet light, or visible light, to the card 10 or the game
piece 20. The reflected light from the glass plate 132 (play field
131) is reflected to a camera 136 by reflection plates 134 and 135,
and the image is captured by the camera 136.
[0132] FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the composition of a code
pattern reading unit. As shown in FIG. 17, the code pattern reading
unit comprises an reading light irradiating unit 141 which includes
a visible light LED (light emitting diode) 142 which emits visible
light, an ultraviolet light LED 143 which emits ultraviolet light,
and an infrared light LED 144 which emit infrared light. The
reading light irradiating unit 141 emits the reading light to the
read object, such as a card. The code pattern reading unit further
comprises a camera 145, an image processing device 146, a memory
147, and an output device 148. The camera 145 captures an image of
the read object, such as a card. The image processing device 146
controls light emission of the reading light irradiating unit 141
and processes the image captured by the camera 145. The memory 147
is used as a work area of the program and data. The output device
148 is provided to output the reading result from the image
processing device 146.
[0133] When the infrared-light absorption inks of the painting
materials of the same kind but having different absorption
wavelengths as shown in FIG. 6-FIG. 8 are used in the card 10 or
the game piece 20, each of the LEDs 143 and 144 is set to the
infrared light LED, and each LED is provided to emit an infrared
light of a corresponding different wavelength, respectively.
[0134] FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining processing of forgery
detection performed by the above-mentioned code pattern reading
unit. A description will be given of the processing of forgery
detection with reference to FIG. 18.
[0135] After the card of the read object is inserted in the game
device, the processing starts (step S101). The ultraviolet light
LED 143 of the reading light irradiating unit 141 is turned on
(step S102). The image is captured by the camera 145 (step S103).
The ultraviolet light LED 143 is turned off (step S104). And the
image processing device 146 determines whether the code pattern
obtained from the captured image matches the standard format (step
S105). When the code pattern (the captured image by the ultraviolet
light) does not match the standard format, it is regarded as a
counterfeit card (step S114). And the processing is ended (step
S116).
[0136] On the other hand, when the captured image by the
ultraviolet light matches the standard format, the visible light
LED 142 of the reading light irradiating unit 141 is turned on
(step S106). The image is captured by the camera 145 (step S107).
The visible light LED 142 is turned off (step S108). And the image
processing device 146 determines whether the code pattern obtained
from the captured image matches the standard format (step S109).
When the code pattern (the captured image by the visible light)
does not match the standard format, it is regarded as a counterfeit
card (step S114). And the processing is ended (step S116).
[0137] On the other hand, when the captured image by the visible
light matches the standard format, the infrared light LED 144 of
the reading light irradiating unit 141 is turned on (step S110).
The image is captured by the camera 145 (step S111). The infrared
light LED 144 is turned off (step S112). And the image processing
device 146 determines whether the code pattern obtained from the
captured image matches the standard format (step S113). When the
code pattern (the captured image by the infrared light) does not
match the standard format, it is regarded as a counterfeit card
(step S114). And the processing is ended (step S116).
[0138] On the other hand, when the captured image by the infrared
light matches the standard format, it is regarded as a genuine card
(step S115). And the processing is ended (step S116).
[0139] According to the above processing, it is possible to
distinguish between a genuine card and a counterfeit card
correctly. In the processing of FIG. 18, the image capturing and
judgment are performed in order of ultraviolet light, visible
light, and infrared light. However, the sequence of performing the
image capturing and judgment for ultraviolet light, visible light,
and infrared light may be changed.
[0140] When the infrared-light absorption inks of the painting
materials of the same kind but having different absorption
wavelengths as shown in FIG. 6-FIG. 8 are used in the card 10 or
the game piece 20, the processing of steps S102-S105 is set to a
format checking processing using the infrared light of a first
absorption wavelength, and the processing of steps S110-S113 is set
to a format checking processing using the infrared light of a
second absorption wavelength.
[0141] FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 are diagrams for explaining how a code
pattern data corresponding to a code pattern printed or attached to
a card or the like is generated.
[0142] There are two cases for first and second code patterns: a
case in which each of the first code pattern data and the second
code pattern data represents a numeric value equivalent to a
sequence of bits corresponding to a one-dimensional code (bar code)
or a two-dimensional code, and a case in which each of the first
code pattern data and the second code pattern data represents a
formula of a straight line or a curve corresponding to a
two-dimensional graphic figure.
[0143] In the case of the code pattern given to the side face part
10a of the card 10 as shown in FIG. 1, a one-dimensional code
containing a sequence of bits based on a numeric value is
appropriate. In the case of the code pattern given to the surface
of the card 10 as shown in FIG. 9, a two-dimensional graphic figure
based on a straight line/curve formula or a two-dimensional code
containing a sequence of bits based on a numeric value is
appropriate. It is a mater of course that a one-dimensional code is
also applicable to the surface of the card 10.
[0144] As shown in FIG. 19, a conversion unit 31 converts the
numeric value or formula of the first code pattern data using a
predetermined formula (function) so that the numeric value or
formula of the second code pattern data is obtained.
[0145] When the second code pattern data is a numeric value, the
numeric value of the second code pattern data can be acquired by
applying a suitable function to the numeric value or the
coefficient of the formula of the first code pattern data. When the
second code pattern data is a formula, computation is performed for
the numeric value or the coefficient of the formula of the first
code pattern data, and the result of the computation is
substituting for the coefficient of a formula which represents a
straight line or a curve. And a unique straight line/curve formula
of one or a plurality of lines is derived, so that the second code
pattern data can be obtained.
[0146] As shown in FIG. 20, a pre-conversion unit 32 is provided in
front of the conversion unit 31 mentioned above, and this
pre-conversion unit 21 performs encryption or conversion using a
conversion table with respect to the numeric value or the
coefficient of the formula of the first code pattern data. And
based on the result of encryption or conversion received from the
pre-conversion unit 32, the conversion unit 31 obtains the second
code pattern data. This embodiment makes it possible to make
decoding of the relation between the first code pattern data and
the second code pattern data by the third party much more
difficult.
[0147] FIG. 21A shows an example of the code pattern given to the
surface of the card 10. As shown, the code pattern of the first
layer 11 is a one-dimensional code containing a sequence of bits
based on a numeric value. The code pattern of the second layer 12,
which is printed and overlaid on the first layer 11, represents a
two-dimensional graphic figure which is based the formula obtained
by conversion of the numeric value of the code pattern of the first
layer 11. FIG. 21B shows an example of the code pattern given to
the surface of the card 10. As shown, the code pattern of the first
layer 11 is a two-dimensional code containing a sequence of bits
based on a numeric value. The code pattern of the second layer 12,
which is printed and overlaid on the first layer 11, represents a
two-dimensional graphic figure which is based the formula obtained
by conversion of the numeric value of the code pattern of the first
layer 11. The combination of code patterns is not limited to these
illustrated ones.
[0148] FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 are diagrams for explaining how the code
patterns of FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 are detected at the time of card
reading. The diagram of FIG. 22 corresponds to the code pattern
generation of FIG. 19, and the diagram of FIG. 23 corresponds to
the code pattern generation of FIG. 20.
[0149] In the embodiment of FIG. 22, a conversion unit 33 creates
an estimate value of the second code pattern data based on the
first code pattern data read from the card. The conversion
processing of the conversion unit 33 is essentially the same as
that of the conversion unit 31 in FIG. 19, and a description
thereof will be omitted. A comparison unit 34 compares the second
code pattern data read from the card with the above-mentioned
estimate value from the conversion unit 33. When a match occurs,
the card of the read object is recognized as a genuine card. When
no match occurs, it is recognized as a counterfeit card.
[0150] The above-mentioned comparison of the comparison unit 34 is
performed in the form of code pattern data. This comparison may be
performed in the form of a recognition image. For example, the
recognition in such a case may be performed based on whether a
recognition image of the second code pattern read from the card has
the features according to the estimate value obtained by the
conversion unit 33.
[0151] In the embodiment of FIG. 23, a pre-conversion unit 35 is
provided in front of the conversion unit 33, and this
pre-conversion unit 35 is provided to perform encryption or
conversion using a conversion table with respect to the numeric
value or the coefficient of the formula of the first code pattern
data. And other composition of this embodiment is essentially the
same as that of the embodiment of FIG. 22, and a description
thereof will be omitted.
[0152] The present invention is not limited to the above-described
embodiments, and variations and modifications may be made without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
* * * * *