AU2014233569B2 - Information bearing medium and information processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

An information processing system includes an information bearing medium (2) and an information reading unit (3). The information bearing medium (2) has a two dimensional array of unit data zones (11). Marks (13) are provided on some of the unit data zones (11) so as to form a digital code. Mark patterns of any two Y-directional adjacent unit data zone strings (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) based on the arrangement of marks (13) in an X-direction differ from each other. The information reading unit (3) generates a data string on the basis of a unit signal formed from a plurality of signals output from a group of detection units (21) that detect the marks (13) in synchronization and recognizes the digital code of the information bearing medium (2) on the basis of a group of the data strings sequentially obtained from the array of the unit data zones (11). 1/6 FIG. 1 3 41 12

Description

1/6

FIG. 1

3

41

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to an information bearing

medium and an information processing system.

2. Description of the Related Art

Information bearing media that bear a plurality of

identification information items usable in a game in the

form of a corresponding concave-convex portion have been

developed. When the information bearing medium is mounted

in a mount unit of a game machine, switches provided in the

mount unit read a concave-convex pattern on the basis of

whether each of the switches is depressed by one of the

concave-convex portions. In this manner, the game machine

can acquire identification information corresponding to the

concave-convex pattern.

The concave-convex portion of the information bearing

medium may include a data signal section and a synchronous

signal section arranged in parallel. Each of the data

signal section and the synchronous signal section may be

formed from a combination of concave portions and convex

portions. If the information bearing medium is inserted

into the game machine, each of the convex portions depresses

one of the switches.

The synchronous signal section of the concave-convex

portion of such an information bearing medium indicates only the timing at which the convex portion of the data signal section depresses the switch. Accordingly, the synchronous signal section does not provide any effective information.

Therefore, if the synchronous signal section can be removed

and a second data signal section can be provided instead,

the amount of information provided by the concave-convex

portion can be increased. However, if a plurality of the

convex portions are sequentially arranged, the border

between the preceding convex portion and the following

convex portion is indicated only by a switch being off.

Accordingly, if the moving speed of the concave-convex

portion relative to the switch is high, the preceding convex

portion and the following convex portion may be mis

recognized as a single convex portion.

It is desired to reduce the occurrence of mis

recognition of the bearing information, address or

ameliorate one or more disadvantages or limitations

associated with the prior art, or to at least provide a

useful alternative.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the present invention provides a non

transitory information bearing medium comprising a media

substrate and a plurality of unit data zones arranged on the media substrate in an array comprising a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction. A mark is provided on at least one of of the unit data zones in the array of the unit data zones so as to form a code.

The presence or absence of the mark provides for binary data

for the unit data zones. The media substrate comprises a

groove provided in the second direction. The plurality of

unit data zones are provided in the groove.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the present invention are

hereinafter described, by way of example only, with

reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates the configuration of an example of

an information processing system according to an exemplary

embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 illustrates the configuration of an information

bearing medium illustrated in Fig. 1;

Figs. 3A and 3B illustrate an example of a mark pattern

formed in an array of unit data zones of the information

bearing medium illustrated in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 illustrates the configuration of an information

reading unit illustrated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram of the information

reading unit illustrated in Fig. 1; and

Fig. 6 illustrates the flow of a process performed by

the information reading unit illustrated in Fig. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In some embodiments, an information bearing medium includes

a media substrate and a plurality of unit data zones formed

on the media substrate in an array having a first direction

and a second direction that crosses the first direction. A

mark is provided on each of some of the unit data zones in

the array of the unit data zones so as to form a digital

code. The array is formed from unit data zone strings each

extending in the first direction, and mark patterns of any

second-directional adjacent two of the unit data zone

strings based on an arrangement of marks in the first

direction differ from each other.

The unit data zone string can include at least one mark.

According to another embodiment of the present

invention, an information bearing medium includes a media

substrate and a plurality of unit data zones formed on the

media substrate in an array having a first direction and a

second direction that crosses the first direction. A mark

is provided on each of some of the unit data zones in the

array of the unit data zones so as to form a digital code.

The array is formed from unit data zone strings each extending in the first direction, and a mark pattern of a beginning unit data zone string in the second direction based on the arrangement of marks in the first direction differs from each of the mark patterns of a terminal unit data zone string based on the arrangement of marks in the first direction and a direction opposite to the first direction.

The mark pattern of the unit data zone string other

than the beginning unit data zone string and the terminal

unit data zone string based on the arrangement of marks in

the first direction can differ from the mark pattern of the

terminal unit data zone string based on the arrangement of

marks in the first direction.

The information bearing medium can further include a

guided portion provided on the media substrate, the guided

portion extending in the second direction.

The guided portion can be in the form of a groove, and

the unit data zones can be formed in the groove.

The mark can be a convex portion formed on a surface of

the media substrate.

According to still another embodiment of the present

invention, an information processing system includes the

above-described information bearing medium and an

information reading unit configured to read a digital code

formed in an array of the unit data zones of the information bearing medium. The information reading unit includes a mount unit that allows the information bearing medium to move relative thereto in the second direction and be mounted therein, a plurality of detection units that are provided in the mount unit so as to be arranged in a direction parallel to the first direction if the information bearing medium and that detect the marks provided on the unit data zones of the information bearing medium and output signals corresponding to a result of detection, and a processing unit that generates a data string on the basis of a unit signal formed from the plurality of signals output from the detection units in synchronization and recognizes the digital code on the basis of a group of the data strings sequentially obtained from the array of the unit data zones of the information bearing medium.

According to still another embodiment of the present

invention, an information processing system includes the

above-described information bearing medium and an

information reading unit configured to read a digital code

formed in an array of the unit data zones of the information

bearing medium. The information reading unit includes a

mount unit that allows the information bearing medium to

move relative thereto in the second direction and be mounted

therein, a plurality of detection units that are provided in

the mount unit so as to be arranged in a direction parallel to the first direction if the information bearing medium and that detect the marks provided on the unit data zones of the information bearing medium and output signals corresponding to a result of detection, and a processing unit that generates a data string on the basis of a unit signal formed from the plurality of signals output from the detection units in synchronization and recognizes the digital code on the basis of a group of the data strings sequentially obtained from the array of the unit data zones of the information bearing medium. The mark pattern of the terminal unit data zone string of the information bearing medium based on the arrangement of marks in the first direction is a particular mark pattern. Upon detecting a particular data string obtained from the particular mark pattern, the processing unit performs a process to recognize the digital code. Upon detecting a reverse particular data string obtained from a reverse particular mark pattern generated by reversing the particular mark pattern in a direction opposite to the first direction, the processing unit performs an error process.

The information bearing medium can further include a

guided portion that is provided on the media substrate and

that extends in the second direction. The mount unit of the

information reading unit can have a guiding portion that is

to be engaged with the guided portion of the information bearing medium so as to guide movement of the information bearing medium relative to the mount unit in the second direction.

The guided portion of the information bearing medium

can be in the form of a groove, and the guiding portion of

the information reading unit can be in the form of a convex

rib extending in a direction parallel to the second

direction of the information bearing medium.

The mark of the information bearing medium can be a

convex portion formed on a surface of the media substrate,

and each of the detection units can be a switch depressed by

the convex portion.

The information reading unit can further include an

operating unit and a storage unit that stores operation data

used for operating the operating unit in association with

the digital code, and the processing unit of the information

reading unit can read the operation data corresponding to

the recognized digital code out of the storage unit and

cause the operating unit to operate on the basis of the

readout operation data.

The operating unit may be capable of outputting

presentation including at least one of sound and light

emission.

According to at least some embodiments of the present

invention, the occurrence of mis-recognition of the stored information can be relatively reduced.

Fig. 1 illustrates the configuration of an example of

an information processing system according to an exemplary

embodiment of the present invention.

An information processing system 1 includes the

information bearing medium 2 having digital code assigned

thereto and an information reading unit 3 that reads the

digital code assigned to the information bearing medium 2.

The information reading unit 3 includes a mount unit 4

- 8a - that allows the information bearing medium 2 to be mounted therein. The mount unit 4 has an insertion port 4a that is open in a side surface of the information reading unit 3.

The information bearing medium 2 is inserted into the mount

unit 4 through the insertion port 4a and is mounted in the

mount unit 4. Thereafter, the information reading unit 3

reads the digital code of the information bearing medium 2

mounted in the mount unit 4.

Fig. 2 illustrates the configuration of the information

bearing medium 2.

The information bearing medium 2 includes a media

substrate 10 and an array of unit data zones 11. The array

of the unit data zones 11 represents the digital code. Note

that although the media substrate 10 is a rigid plate-like

member having a substantially circular shape in the example

of Fig. 2, the shape and the material of the media substrate

are not limited thereto.

A back surface 10a of the media substrate 10 has a

groove 12 formed therein. The groove 12 extends along any

one of the diameters of the media substrate 10, and both

ends of the groove 12 reach the side edge of the media

substrate 10. The groove 12 regulates a direction in which

the information bearing medium 2 is inserted into the mount

unit 4 when the information bearing medium 2 is mounted in

the information reading unit 3.

The array of the unit data zones 11 is provided on the

bottom surface of the groove 12. The array of the unit data

zones 11 is a two-dimensional array having a first direction

and a second direction that is substantially perpendicular

to the first direction. The second direction of the array

of the unit data zones 11 is the same as the direction in

which the groove 12 extends. In the example illustrated in

Fig. 2, the array of the unit data zones 11 is a 4-by-4

array. However, the number of the unit data zones 11 in

each of the first direction and the second direction is not

limited thereto.

Hereinafter, the first direction of the array of the

unit data zones 11 is referred to as an "X-direction", and

the second direction is referred to as a "Y-direction".

Each of some of the unit data zones 11 has a mark 13

formed thereon. The marks 13 are used to form the digital

code. In the example illustrated in Fig. 2, the mark 13 is

configured in the form of a convex portion having a

predetermined height. Binary data ("1" or "0") is assigned

to each of the unit data zones 11 in accordance with the

presence/absence of the mark 13. In this manner, the array

of the unit data zones 11 represents digital code.

Figs. 3A and 3B illustrate an example of a mark pattern

formed by the array of the unit data zones 11. More

specifically, Fig. 3A illustrates a mark pattern using the physical layout of the marks 13, and Fig. 3B illustrates the mark pattern using the digital code obtained by converting the presence/absence of the marks 13 into binary data "1" and "0".

Each of unit data zone strings 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d

formed from four unit data zones 11 arranged in the X

direction includes at least one mark 13.

In addition, the mark patterns of any Y-direction

adjacent two of the unit data zone strings 14a, 14b, 14c,

and 14d based on the arrangement of marks in the X-direction

differ from each other. For example, the mark pattern of

the unit data zone string 14a based on the arrangement of

marks in X-direction is "mark, no-mark, mark, mark", and the

corresponding data string is "1, 0, 1, 1", while the mark

pattern of the unit data zone string 14b based on the

arrangement of marks in X-direction is "no-mark, mark, mark,

no-mark", and the corresponding data string is "O, 1, 1, 0".

Thus, the two mark patterns differ from each other.

Furthermore, the mark pattern of the unit data zone

string 14d located at one end of the unit data zone strings

14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d in the Y-direction based on the

arrangement of marks in the X-direction is a particular mark

pattern that is common to a plurality of types of digital

code. The particular mark pattern and a corresponding data

string indicate the terminal end of the digital codes formed in the array of the unit data zones 11. In the example illustrated in Figs. 2A and 2B, the mark pattern of the unit data zone string 14d based on the arrangement of marks in the X-direction is "mark, no-mark, mark, no-mark", and a corresponding data string is "1, 0, 1, 0".

Hereinafter, the unit data zone string 14d located at

one end is referred to as a "terminal unit data zone string",

and the unit data zone string 14a located at the other end

is referred to as a "beginning unit data zone string".

In addition, the mark pattern of the beginning unit

data zone string 14a based on the arrangement of marks in

the X-direction differs from each of the mark patterns of

the terminal unit data zone string 14d based on the

arrangements of marks in X-direction and the -X-direction.

Furthermore, the mark pattern of each of the unit data

zone strings 14b and 14c based on the arrangement of marks

in the X-direction differs from each of the mark patterns of

the terminal unit data zone string 14d based on the

arrangements of marks in the X-direction and

the -X-direction.

The information bearing medium 2 is inserted into the

insertion port 4a of the information reading unit 3 with the

beginning unit data zone string 14a first and is mounted in

the mount unit 4.

Fig. 4 illustrates an exemplary configuration of the information reading unit 3.

The mount unit 4 of the information reading unit 3 has

two convex ribs 20 formed thereon. The two convex ribs 20

are formed so as to extend in a direction parallel to the Y

direction of the array of the unit data zones 11 when the

information bearing medium 2 is mounted in the mount unit 4.

The convex ribs 20 are engaged with the two side surfaces of

the groove 12 formed in the media substrate 10. Thus, a

direction in which the information bearing medium 2 is

inserted into the mount unit 4 is regulated to be the Y

direction.

In addition, the mount unit 4 includes the detection

units 21 that detect the marks 13 formed in the array of the

unit data zones 11 of the information bearing medium 2 and

output a signal in accordance with the result of detection

of the marks 13. The number of the detection units 21 is

the same as the number of the unit data zones 11 that

constitute one unit data zone string. The detection units

21 are arranged between the two convex ribs 20 in a

direction that is parallel to the X-direction of the array

of the unit data zones 11 when the information bearing

medium 2 is mounted in the mount unit 4.

In the example illustrated in Fig. 4, the detection

units 21 are configured to serve as switches that can be

depressed by the marks 13. When the information bearing medium 2 is inserted into the mount unit 4 or is removed from the mount unit 4 and, thus, the marks 13 pass over the detection units 21, the detection units 21 are depressed by the marks 13. After the mark 13 pass by, the detection units 21 automatically rise. When being depressed, each of the detection units 21 outputs a signal of a High level.

When the detection unit 21 stays at a raised position, the

detection units 21 outputs a signal of a Low level.

When the information bearing medium 2 is inserted into

the mount unit 4 or is removed from the mount unit 4, the

unit data zone strings 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d sequentially

pass over the detection units 21 arranged in a line. Each

time one of the unit data zone string passes over the

detection units 21 arranged in a line, the signals are

output from the set of the detection units 21 in

synchronization.

Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram of an information

reading unit 3.

The information reading unit 3 includes a processing

unit that acquires a signal output from a group of the

detection units 21, recognizes the digital code of the

information bearing medium 2, and performs a variety of

processes and a power supply unit 22 that supplies

electricity to all the units of the information reading unit

3. In addition, the processing unit includes an operating unit 23, a memory unit 24, and a control unit 25.

The operating unit 23 is configured so as to be capable

of outputting audio and visual presentation including at

least one of sound and emission of light. In the example

illustrated in Fig. 5, the operating unit 23 includes a

speaker 26 so as to be capable of outputting representation

based on sound.

Examples of the memory unit 24 include a storage medium,

such as a read only memory (ROM) and a random access memory

(RAN). Thus, the memory unit 24 stores, for example, a

program executed by the control unit 25 and a table having a

variety of digital codes assigned to the information bearing

medium 2 in association with a variety of sound data items

to be output to the operating unit 23.

The control unit 25 includes a processing unit (e.g., a

microprocessor). Thus, the control unit 25 operates in

accordance with the program stored in the memory unit 24 and

performs overall control of the information reading unit 3.

The control unit 25 considers a group of signals output

from a group of the detection units 21 in synchronization as

one unit. Thereafter, the control unit 25 assigns digital

data to each of the signals that constitute the unit signal

group. By arranging the assigned digital data in accordance

with the arrangement of the detection units 21 in the X

direction, the control unit 25 generates a data string.

In this example, each of the detection units 21 outputs

a High-level signal when it is depressed by one of the marks

13. When the detection unit 21 stays in the raised position,

the detection unit 21 outputs a Low-level signal. The

control unit 25 detects the signal level of a signal output

from the detection unit 21. If the signal level is High,

the control unit 25 assigns data "1" to the signal level.

However, the signal level is Low, the control unit 25

assigns data "0" to the signal level. Accordingly, if the

mark pattern of the beginning unit data zone string 14a

based on the arrangement of marks in the X-direction is

"mark, no-mark, mark, mark", a data string "!1, 0, 1, 1!! is

generated (refer to Fig. 3).

At that time, as described above, each of the unit data

zone strings 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d includes at least one

mark 13. The mark patterns of any two adjacent unit data

zone strings based on the arrangement of marks in the X

direction differ from each other. Accordingly, when the

mark patterns of two adjacent unit data zone strings based

on the arrangement of marks in the X-direction are detected

by two group of the detection units 21, at least one of the

signals output from the detection units 21 varies between

the two adjacent unit data zone strings.

The control unit 25 detects switching of a signal

output from at least one of the detection units 21. If a signal is switched, the control unit 25 acquires the signals output from the group of the detection units 21 in synchronization and generates a data string. In this manner, the control unit 25 can accurately recognize a border between adjacent two of the unit data zone strings 14a, 14b,

14c, and 14d without receiving any timing indication so as

to acquire signals output from a group of the detection

units 21 and, thus, generate a data string for each of the

unit data zone strings.

The memory unit 24 reserves memory space for three data

strings. The control unit 25 stores, in the memory space

reserved in the memory unit 24, the data string sequentially

acquired for each of the unit data zone strings when the

information bearing medium 2 is inserted into the mount unit

4. For example, the information bearing medium 2 is

inserted into the mount unit 4 with the beginning unit data

zone string 14a first, three data strings sequentially

acquired from the unit data zone strings 14a, 14b, and 14c

are stored in the memory space reserved in the memory unit

24.

Subsequently, if the control unit 25 detects a data

string "1, 0, 1, 0" corresponding to the particular mark

pattern "mark, no-mark, mark, no-mark" of the terminal unit

data zone string 14d based on the arrangement of marks in

the X-direction, the control unit 25 recognizes the digital code on the basis of the data strings stored in the memory unit 24 and performs a process corresponding to the recognized digital code.

Hereinafter, the pattern of the data string "1, 0, 1,

", which corresponds to the above-described particular mark

pattern "mark, no-mark, mark, no-mark", is referred to as an

"end data string pattern", and a mark pattern "no-mark, mark,

no-mark, mark" obtained by reversing the particular mark

pattern is referred to as an "reverse particular mark

pattern". In addition, a pattern of the data string "!O, 1,

, 1" corresponding to the reverse particular mark pattern

is referred to as an "reverse end data string pattern".

Fig. 6 illustrates the flow of a process performed by

the control unit 25.

If the information reading unit 3 is powered ON, the

control unit 25 reserves memory space for three data strings

in the memory unit 24 and clears data in the memory space

(step Si).

If the information bearing medium 2 is inserted into

the mount unit 4 or is removed from the mount unit 4,

signals are output from a group of the detection units 21

that detect the mark pattern of each of the unit data zone

strings. The control unit 25 acquires the signals output

from the group of the detection units 21 and generates a

data string (step S2).

Subsequently, the control unit 25 determines whether

the data string matches the above-described reverse end data

string pattern (step S3).

For example, if the information bearing medium 2 is

inserted into the mount unit 4 with the beginning unit data

zone string 14a first, the mark pattern of the beginning

unit data zone string 14a based on the arrangement of marks

in the X-direction is detected by the group of the detection

units 21 first. The mark pattern differs from the above

described reverse particular mark pattern and, thus, the

data string differs from the above-described reverse end

data string pattern.

In contrast, if the information bearing medium 2 is

inserted into the mount unit 4 with the terminal unit data

zone string 14d first, the mark pattern of the terminal unit

data zone string 14d based on the arrangement of marks in

the X-direction is detected by the group of the detection

units 21 first. The mark pattern matches the reverse

particular mark pattern and, thus, the data string matches

the reverse end data string pattern.

Accordingly, if the data string matches the reverse end

data string pattern, the control unit 25 determines that the

information bearing medium 2 is mounted in the mount unit 4

the other way around. Thus, the control unit 25 performs

error processing (step S4) and clears the data in the memory space reserved in the memory unit 24 (step S5). Examples of the error processing include a process to activate the operating unit 23 on the basis of audio data, such as an error message, stored in the memory unit 24.

However, if the data string does not match the reverse

end data string pattern, the control unit 25 determines

whether the data string matches the above-described end data

string pattern (step S6).

In addition, if the data string does not match the end

data string pattern, the control unit 25 stores the data

string in the memory space reserved in the memory unit 24

(step S7).

For example, if the information bearing medium 2 is

inserted into the mount unit 4 with the beginning unit data

zone string 14a first, the mark patterns of the unit data

zone strings 14a, 14b, and 14c based on the arrangement of

marks in the X-direction are sequentially detected by the

group of the detection units 21. At that time, each of the

mark patterns of the unit data zone strings 14a, 14b, and

14c based on the arrangement of marks in the X-direction

differs from the particular mark pattern and, thus, each of

the data strings obtained from the unit data zone strings

14a, 14b, and 14c differs from the end data string pattern.

Accordingly, data strings sequentially obtained from the

unit data zone strings 14a, 14b, and 14c are stored in the memory space reserved in the memory unit 24.

However, if the data string matches the end data string

pattern, the control unit 25 determines whether the memory

space reserved in the memory unit 24 is empty (step S8). If

the memory space is not empty, that is, if a data string is

stored in the memory space, the control unit 25 recognizes

the digital code on the basis of the data string stored in

the memory space (step S9). Thereafter, the control unit 25

determines whether the digital code is valid on the basis of

whether the digital code is contained in a table stored in

the memory unit 24 (step S10).

For example, when the information bearing medium 2 is

inserted into the mount unit 4 with the beginning unit data

zone string 14a first and, thus, the data strings

sequentially obtained from the unit data zone strings 14a,

14b, and 14c are stored in the memory space reserved in the

memory unit 24 and if mounting of the information bearing

medium 2 in the mount unit 4 is completed, the end data

string pattern is detected in the data string obtained from

the terminal unit data zone string 14d. At that time, the

data strings obtained from the unit data zone strings 14a,

14b, and 14c are stored in the memory space reserved in the

memory unit 24. Thus, the digital code is recognized on the

basis of these data strings. The digital code is contained

in the table in the memory unit 24 as one of the digital codes assigned to the information bearing medium 2. Thus, the digital code is determined to be valid.

If the digital code is valid, the control unit 25

performs an audio and visual presentation process when the

information bearing medium 2 is mounted in the mount unit 4.

In the audio and visual presentation process, the control

unit 25 reads, from the memory unit 24, audio data stored in

association with the digital code and activates the

operating unit 23 to operate on the basis of the read audio

data (step Sl). In addition, the control unit 25 clears

the data in the memory space reserved in the memory unit 24

(step S12).

However, if the recognized digital code is not valid,

the control unit 25 performs error processing (step S13) and

clears the data in the memory space reserved in the memory

unit 24 (step S14).

For example, the digital code is not valid if the

information bearing medium 2 is moved back and forth during

insertion of the information bearing medium 2 into the mount

unit 4. At that time, the beginning unit data zone string

14a or the unit data zone string 14b are detected by the

group of the detection units 21 a plurality of times and,

thus, the data strings obtained from the beginning unit data

zone string 14a and the unit data zone string 14b are

duplicately stored in the memory space reserved in the memory unit 24.

If, after the information bearing medium 2 is mounted

in the mount unit 4 and the presentation process at the time

of mounting (step Sl) or the error process (step S13) is

performed, the information bearing medium 2 is removed from

the mount unit 4, the mark pattern of the terminal unit data

zone string 14d based on the arrangement of parks in the X

direction is detected by the group of the detection units 21

first. The end data string pattern is detected in the data

string obtained from the terminal unit data zone string 14d.

At that time, data in the memory space reserved in the

memory unit 24 is cleared and, therefore, the memory space

is empty (step S12 or S14).

As described above, when the data string matches the

end data string pattern and if the memory space is empty,

the control unit 25 performs a presentation process for

removal of the information bearing medium 2 from the mount

unit 4 (step S15) and clears data in the memory space

reserved in the memory unit 24 (step S16). Examples of the

presentation process for removal of the information bearing

medium 2 includes a process to activate the operating unit

23 to operate on the basis of audio data, such as sound

effects, stored in the memory unit 24.

Note that the above-described presentation process for

removal of the information bearing medium 2 is also performed if the information bearing medium 2 is removed from the mount unit 4 after the information reading unit 3 is powered ON with the information bearing medium 2 mounted in the mount unit 4.

While the above embodiment has been described with

reference to the information processing system 1 that has

the marks 13 each formed from a convex portion having a

predetermined height and that has binary data assigned to

the unit data zones 11 of the information bearing medium 2

in accordance with the presence/absence of the marks 13, the

data assigned to the unit data zone 11 is not limited to

binary data. For example, by using marks having different

heights, data with three or more values can be assigned to

the unit data zone 11 in accordance with the

presence/absence of the mark and the height of the mark. In

addition, any mark 13 having a plurality of discrete values

for a particular physical quantity can be employed. For

example, by painting the unit data zones 11 with colors

having different reflectance ratios, the marks 13 may be

formed.

Throughout this specification and the claims which

follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word

"comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and

"comprising!, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a

stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference in this specification to any prior

publication (or information derived from it), or to any

matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an

acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that

that prior publication (or information derived from it) or

known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in

the field of endeavor to which this specification relates.

The reference numerals in the following claims do not in

any way limit the scope of the respective claims.

Claims (7)

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A non-transitory information bearing medium

comprising:

a media substrate; and

a plurality of unit data zones arranged on the media

substrate in an array comprising a first direction and a

second direction different from the first direction,

wherein a mark is provided on at least one of the unit

data zones in the array of the unit data zones so as to form

a code, and the presence or absence of the mark provides for

binary data for the unit data zones,

wherein the media substrate comprises a groove provided

in the second direction, and

wherein the plurality of unit data zones are provided

in the groove.

2. The information bearing medium according to Claim 1,

wherein the array is formed from unit data zone strings

each extending in the first direction,

wherein each of the unit data zone strings includes at

least one mark.

3. An information processing system comprising:

the information bearing medium according to Claim 1; and an information reading unit configured to read a code formed in an array of the unit data zones of the information bearing medium, wherein the information reading unit includes a mount unit that allows the information bearing medium to move relative thereto in the second direction and be mounted therein, a plurality of detection units that are provided in the mount unit so as to be arranged in a direction parallel to the first direction of the information bearing medium and that detect the marks provided on the unit data zones of the information bearing medium and output signals corresponding to a result of detection, a processing unit that generates a data string on the basis of a unit signal formed from the plurality of signals output from the detection units in synchronization and recognizes the code on the basis of a group of the data strings sequentially obtained from the array of the unit data zones of the information bearing medium.

4. The information processing system according to

Claim 3, wherein the information bearing medium further

includes a guided portion that is provided on the media

substrate and that extends in the second direction, and wherein the mount unit of the information reading unit has a guiding portion that is to be engaged with the guided portion of the information bearing medium so as to guide movement of the information bearing medium relative to the mount unit in the second direction.

5. The information processing system according to

Claim 4, wherein the guiding portion of the information

reading unit is in the form of a convex ridge extending in a

direction parallel to the second direction of the

information bearing medium.

6. The information processing system according to

Claim 3, wherein the information reading unit further

includes an operating unit and a storage unit that stores

operation data used for operating the operating unit in

association with the code, and

wherein the processing unit of the information reading

unit reads the operation data corresponding to the

recognized code out of the storage unit and causes the

operating unit to operate on the basis of the readout

operation data.

7. The information processing system according to

Claim 6, wherein the operating unit outputs presentations including at least one of sound and light emission.