JP2016066154A - Information reading system, information reading device, information reading program, and information reading method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system, device, program, and method for reading information, which enable processing that makes use of a positional relationship between an information storage medium and a counterpart device.SOLUTION: An information reading system establishes near-field wireless communication with an information storage medium. The information reading system has an antenna unit and an information acquisition unit. The antenna unit comprises a plurality of antenna coils arranged in an intercrossing or matrix form, defining a read area for each of the antenna coils. The information acquisition unit reads information from the information storage medium in the proximity for each read area by establishing near-infrared wireless communication with the information storage medium in each of the read areas.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to an information reading system, an information reading apparatus, an information reading program, and an information reading method for performing short-range wireless communication.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a technology for performing communication between devices by short-range wireless communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In short-range wireless communication, communication is started between the information processing apparatus and the information storage medium in response to an information storage medium (so-called tag) approaching the information processing apparatus.

JP 2000-163524 A

  However, the information storage medium only allows short-range wireless communication when approaching the information processing apparatus, and cannot perform processing using the positional relationship between the information storage medium and the information processing apparatus.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an information reading system, an information reading device, an information reading program, and an information reading method that enable processing using the positional relationship with an information storage medium and a counterpart device.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention may employ the following configuration, for example. When interpreting the description of the claims, it is understood that the scope should be interpreted only by the description of the claims, and the description of the claims and the description in this column are contradictory. In that case, priority is given to the claims.

  One configuration example of the information reading system of the present invention performs short-range wireless communication with an information storage medium. The information reading system includes an antenna unit and an information acquisition unit. The antenna unit is arranged so that a plurality of antenna coils intersect with each other, and a reading area for each antenna coil is formed. The information acquisition unit reads information from the information storage medium adjacent to each reading area by performing short-range wireless communication with the information storage medium for each of the plurality of reading areas.

  According to the above, since information can be read from the information storage medium for each of the plurality of reading areas, processing using the positional relationship with the information storage medium is possible.

  The information reading system may further include a touch panel. The touch panel is provided in the vicinity of the antenna unit and detects the position of the information storage medium. In this case, the information acquisition unit may read information from the information storage medium according to the position of the information storage medium detected by the touch panel.

  According to the above, since the position is detected by the touch panel, the position of the information storage medium can be detected with high accuracy.

  In addition, the information acquisition unit may acquire the position of the information storage medium using a detection result from the touch panel, and may acquire information stored in the information storage medium by short-range wireless communication of the antenna coil. In this case, the information reading system may further include a type determination unit. The type determination unit determines the type of the information storage medium at the position detected by the touch panel based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit.

  According to the above, the position of the information storage medium can be detected with high accuracy, and the information stored in the information storage medium arranged at the position can be acquired by wireless communication.

  The information acquisition unit may read information from the information storage medium via the antenna coil corresponding to the position of the information storage medium detected by the touch panel among the plurality of antenna coils.

  Based on the above, information can be acquired using an appropriate antenna coil based on the accurate position of the information storage medium.

  In addition, the information acquisition unit may select one of the plurality of antenna coils with respect to a group of antenna coils whose reading areas intersect at or near the position of the information storage medium detected by the touch panel. The information may be read from the information storage medium via the other of the set after the information is read from the information storage medium via the other.

  Based on the above, it is possible to obtain information on an information storage medium arranged in the vicinity of the area where the reading areas intersect or in the vicinity of the area.

  In addition, the information acquisition unit may include information that overlaps between information read out through one of the sets and information read out through the other of the sets in the overlapping region where the reading regions intersect or in the overlapping region. You may acquire as information obtained from the information storage medium which exists in the vicinity.

  According to the above, by extracting overlapping information, it is possible to select information acquired from an information storage medium existing in or near the overlapping area.

  The information reading system may further include a placement unit for placing an information storage medium. In this case, the antenna coil may be provided inside the placement unit.

  Based on the above, it is possible to stably place an information storage medium for short-range wireless communication, and it is possible to cause the information reading system to function as a reader / writer device for short-range wireless communication.

  Further, the antenna unit may be formed in a matrix by overlapping a plurality of antenna coils so as to cross each other so that a reading area of the antenna coil overlaps a reading area of another antenna coil. .

  According to the above, it is possible to subdivide the reading area of the antenna coil and perform processing using the positional relationship with the information storage medium.

  A plurality of information storage media may be arranged so that the short-range wireless communication is possible. The information acquisition unit may manage information for each overlapping area from a plurality of information storage media existing for each overlapping area.

  According to the above, information can be managed from the information storage medium for each subdivided reading area.

  The information reading system may further include one communication control unit. The communication control unit performs short-range wireless communication with the information storage medium via a plurality of antenna coils. In this case, the information acquisition unit may acquire information from the information storage medium that is short-range wirelessly communicated by the communication control unit.

  According to the above, it is possible to reduce costs by controlling short-range wireless communication via a plurality of antenna coils with one communication control unit.

  Further, the information acquisition unit may detect the position of the information storage medium from which the information is read based on the reading area of the antenna coil from which the information can be read.

  According to the above, it is possible to detect that the information storage medium is arranged in the reading area by extracting the reading area of the antenna coil capable of wireless communication.

  In addition, the information acquisition unit is configured to detect a position of the information storage medium detected based on the reading area or a set of antenna coils intersecting in the vicinity of the position among the plurality of antenna coils. Information may be read from the information storage medium via the other of the set after the information is read from the information storage medium via the one of the set.

  Based on the above, it is possible to obtain information on an information storage medium arranged in the vicinity of the area where the reading areas intersect or in the vicinity of the area.

  The information acquisition unit may detect the presence of the information storage medium for each reading area of the antenna coil by polling for each of the plurality of antenna coils.

  According to the above, it is possible to detect whether or not an information storage medium is arranged for each reading area of each antenna coil by polling for each of the plurality of antenna coils.

  The information reading system may further include a display control unit. The display control unit displays an image based on the information read by the information acquisition unit on the display screen.

  Based on the above, it is possible to display an image based on information from the information storage medium read for each of the plurality of reading areas.

  The display screen may be provided in the vicinity of the antenna unit. The display control unit may display an image on the display screen according to the position of the information storage medium from which the information has been read.

  Based on the above, it is possible to display an image based on the position of the information storage medium.

  In addition, another configuration example of the information reading system of the present invention performs short-range wireless communication with an information storage medium. The information reading system includes an antenna unit and an information acquisition unit. In the antenna unit, a plurality of antenna coils are arranged in a matrix, so that a reading area for each antenna coil is formed in the matrix. The information acquisition unit reads information from the information storage medium adjacent to each reading area by performing short-range wireless communication with the information storage medium for each of the plurality of reading areas.

  According to the above, since information can be read from the information storage medium for each of the plurality of reading areas, processing using the positional relationship with the information storage medium is possible.

  In addition, the present invention is an information reading apparatus including the above-described units, an information reading program that causes a computer to function as a unit that performs an operation performed by the information acquisition unit, and an information reading method including an operation performed by the information acquisition unit. May be implemented.

  In addition, one configuration example of the information reading apparatus of the present invention includes a touch panel, an antenna unit, and an information acquisition unit. The touch panel detects the contact position when the counterpart device comes into contact with a predetermined surface. The antenna unit has a plurality of antenna coils that can be inductively coupled with an antenna coil provided in the counterpart device when the counterpart device is in proximity, and a reading area for each of the plurality of antenna coils is formed on a predetermined surface. To place. The information acquisition unit acquires the position of the counterpart device and / or information of the counterpart device using the antenna coil of the antenna unit that is inductively coupled to the antenna coil provided in the counterpart device.

  According to the above, since information can be read from the counterpart device for each of a plurality of reading areas, processing using the positional relationship with the counterpart device can be performed.

  Further, the antenna unit may be provided with an overlapping region in which the reading region of the antenna coil overlaps the reading region of another antenna coil by arranging a plurality of antenna coils so as to cross each other.

  According to the above, it is possible to subdivide the reading area of the antenna coil and perform processing using the positional relationship with the counterpart device.

  The touch panel may be capable of detecting a plurality of contact positions with respect to a predetermined surface. The information acquisition unit acquires the positions of a plurality of counterpart devices on a predetermined surface according to the contact position detected by the touch panel, and the antenna of the antenna unit that is inductively coupled to the antenna coils provided in the plurality of counterpart devices. Information on the plurality of counterpart devices may be acquired using coils.

  Based on the above, it is possible to perform processing using the positions of a plurality of counterpart devices and information on the plurality of counterpart devices.

  In addition, another configuration example of the information reading apparatus of the present invention includes an antenna unit and an electromotive unit. The antenna unit is provided with a plurality of antenna coils on a predetermined surface, and a plurality of regions are formed on the predetermined surface by the plurality of antenna coils. The electromotive unit selectively feeds a plurality of antenna coils to generate an induced electromotive force in the antenna coil of the adjacent counterpart device for each region.

  According to the above, it is possible to generate an induced electromotive force in the antenna coil of the counterpart device for each of a plurality of regions.

  Moreover, the said antenna part may form the overlapping area | region where the area | region of the said antenna coil overlaps the area | region of another antenna coil by arrange | positioning several antenna coils so that it may mutually cross | intersect.

  Based on the above, it is possible to subdivide the antenna coil region and generate an induced electromotive force in the antenna coil of the counterpart device.

  The electromotive unit may include a first electromotive unit and a second electromotive unit. A 1st electromotive part produces an induced electromotive force in the antenna coil of the other party apparatus which adjoined the said antenna coil using some antenna coils. A 2nd electromotive part produces an induced electromotive force in the antenna coil of the other party apparatus which adjoined the said antenna coil using the remaining antenna coils except a part of several antenna coil. The electromotive unit operates the first electromotive unit and the second electromotive unit to feed a plurality of antenna coils to generate an induced electromotive force in the antenna coil of the counterpart device adjacent to the antenna coil. May be.

  Based on the above, it is possible to quickly perform a process for generating an induced electromotive force in the antenna coil of the counterpart device.

  According to the present invention, information can be read from an information storage medium or a partner device for each of a plurality of areas, or an induced electromotive force can be generated in the partner device. Processing using it becomes possible.

The figure which shows an example of the external appearance of the information reading system which concerns on this embodiment The figure which shows an example of a structure of the information reading system of FIG. The figure which shows an example of a structure of the communication part 11. The figure which shows an example of the external appearance of the tag 2 The figure which shows an example of the data memorize | stored in the tag 2 The figure for demonstrating an example which communicates between the information processing apparatus 1 and the tag 2 in an information reading system. The figure which shows an example which manages the contact position of the tag 2, the classification of the tag 2, and the condition using only short-distance wireless communication between the information processing apparatus 1 and the tag 2 The figure which shows the other example of a structure of the communication part 11 which can be simultaneously fed to several antennas. The figure which shows an example which has arrange | positioned the projection surface itself of each antenna in matrix form The figure which shows an example of the data area set to the memory 14 of the information processing apparatus 1 in this embodiment. The flowchart which shows an example of the first half of the communication process performed in the information processing apparatus 1 in this embodiment. The flowchart which shows an example of the second half of the communication process performed in the information processing apparatus 1 in this embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an information reading system, an information reading apparatus, an information reading program, and an information reading method according to an example of this embodiment will be described. First, the configuration of the information reading system will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of the information reading system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information reading system. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the information reading system includes an information processing apparatus 1 and a storage medium (tag) 2. The information processing apparatus 1 is capable of wireless communication (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as short-range wireless communication) with a tag 2 that is in close proximity, and a wireless communication apparatus on the initiator side during the short-range wireless communication. It is an arbitrary information processing apparatus that can function as (mainly a device that issues a command to a communication destination device). The tag 2 is capable of short-range wireless communication with the information processing apparatus 1, and a wireless communication apparatus (mainly a wireless communication apparatus on the initiator side) that is a target of the information processing apparatus 1 during the short-range wireless communication. Any information storage medium capable of functioning as a device receiving a command from

  In this embodiment, a case where communication based on the NFC standard is performed between the information processing apparatus 1 and the tag 2 will be described as an example of short-range wireless communication. Here, near field communication in this specification refers to a communication method in which an electromotive force is generated in the other device by radio waves from one device (for example, by electromagnetic induction). The other device can be operated by the generated electromotive force (the other device may or may not have a power source). In short-distance wireless communication, communication is possible when the information processing apparatus 1 and the tag 2 are close to each other (typically, when the distance between the two is less than a dozen centimeters). In short-range wireless communication, radio waves continue to be transmitted while communication between two communication devices is established (while another tag is approaching the communication device). In the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus 1 generates an electromotive force in the tag 2 by electromagnetic induction, and short-range wireless communication is performed between the information processing apparatus 1 and the tag 2.

  The information processing apparatus 1 is an arbitrary information processing apparatus capable of short-range wireless communication. In the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus 1 may be a portable (also referred to as portable) device such as a portable game device, a mobile phone, or a smartphone, or may be a personal computer or a home game machine. It may be a stationary apparatus such as a large-sized apparatus such as a commercial arcade game apparatus. For example, the information processing apparatus 1 is a portable device having an NFC reader / writer function.

  The tag 2 is an arbitrary device capable of short-range wireless communication with the information processing device 1. In the present embodiment, the tag 2 is a storage medium having an NFC tag function. That is, the tag 2 includes a circuit (IC chip) that performs short-range wireless communication and a storage unit (memory or the like) that stores data. The tag 2 is not limited to a device having only a function of storing data, and may be an information processing device (portable device) having an NFC card emulation function, for example.

  The information processing apparatus 1 includes a display unit 17 on its main surface, and short-range wireless communication is possible with the tag 2 that approaches the display screen of the display unit 17. Then, the information processing apparatus 1 is positioned on the display screen closest to (in contact with) the tag 2 (in contact with the tag 2) close to the display screen of the display unit 17 (in contact with the display screen). (Hereinafter referred to as a contact position), and information processing based on the contact position can be performed. For example, in the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the image Ia corresponding to the type of the tag 2 a is displayed on the display screen with reference to the contact position of the tag 2 a with respect to the display screen of the display unit 17. Further, on the basis of the contact position of the tag 2b with respect to the display screen of the display unit 17, another image Ib corresponding to the type of the tag 2b is displayed on the display screen. Note that the display screen of the display unit 17 can function as a mounting unit for mounting the tag 2 by making the display screen substantially horizontal. In this case, the display screen of the display unit 17 can stably place the tag 2 that performs short-distance wireless communication with the information processing apparatus 1, and causes the information processing apparatus 1 to function as a reader / writer device for short-range wireless communication. It becomes possible.

  Hereinafter, an example of the configuration of the information processing apparatus 1 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus 1 includes a communication unit 11. The communication unit 11 is an antenna used for short-range wireless communication. Further, the information processing apparatus 1 includes a communication chip 12. The communication chip 12 generates a signal (radio wave) to be transmitted from the communication unit 11 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 13 described later, and transmits the signal from the communication unit 11. The communication chip 12 is, for example, an NFC chip (NFC integrated circuit). In another embodiment, a communication module (for example, an NFC module) having functions of the communication unit 11 and the communication chip 12 may be connected (attached) to the information processing apparatus 1. This communication module may be configured to be detachable from the information processing apparatus 1.

  In addition, the information processing apparatus 1 includes a CPU 13 and a memory 14. The CPU 13 is an information processing unit for executing various types of information processing executed by the information processing apparatus 1. The CPU 13 executes the various types of information processing using the memory 14.

  The information processing apparatus 1 includes a program storage unit 15. The program storage unit 15 stores various programs (for example, communication programs and application programs) executed in the information processing apparatus 1. The program storage unit 15 is an arbitrary storage device (storage medium) accessible by the CPU 13. The program storage unit 15 may be a storage unit built into the information processing apparatus 1 such as a hard disk or a memory, or may be a storage medium detachable from the information processing apparatus 1 such as an optical disk or a cartridge. Alternatively, both the storage unit and the storage medium may be used.

  In addition, the information processing apparatus 1 includes an input unit 16 that receives instructions from the user, such as buttons and a touch panel. In addition, the information processing apparatus 1 includes a display unit 17 that displays an image generated by the information processing. For example, the input unit 16 includes an optical touch panel that detects the position of the display unit 17 on the display screen. The touch panel can perform multi-touch for recognizing two or more input positions on the input surface. As an example, the input unit 16 projects light (for example, infrared light) into a cover glass provided on the display screen surface of the display unit 17, and the cover glass when an object touches the surface of the cover glass. A touch panel using a planar scatter detection (PSD) method using a phenomenon in which light traveling while reflecting inside is scattered is provided. In addition, the touch panel with which the input part 16 is provided may not be a plane scattering detection system, but may be another optical touch panel, a pressure type (resistance film type), a capacitive type, an ultrasonic type, an electromagnetic induction type, or the like. There may be.

  The information processing apparatus 1 may be configured by a plurality of apparatuses. For example, in another embodiment, at least a part of the information processing executed in the information processing device 1 may be executed in a distributed manner by a plurality of devices that can communicate via a network (wide area network and / or local network). Good.

  For example, the information processing apparatus 1 may be configured such that a plurality of programs such as an application program and a communication program can be executed by the CPU 13. The application program is a program for executing an arbitrary application that performs data communication with the tag 2, and may be a game program that reads game data from the tag 2 and performs game processing using the game data. Good. The communication program is a program for performing short-range wireless communication with the tag 2. For example, the communication program is firmware or driver software for operating the communication chip 12 and causes the communication chip 12 to perform an operation for communication in response to an instruction from the application.

  Next, a configuration example of the communication unit 11 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the communication unit 11.

  In FIG. 3, the communication unit 11 includes a plurality of antennas used for short-range wireless communication performed with the tag 2 (target wireless communication target). In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, a plurality of antennas 111 to 126 are provided along the display screen of the display unit 17 (that is, the touch panel input surface of the input unit 16). Among the plurality of antennas 111 to 126, the plurality of antennas 111 to 118 have a long and narrow shape (for example, a long and thin rounded rectangle) in which the horizontal direction (lateral direction) of the display screen is the long axis direction. The display screens are arranged in parallel from the top to the bottom. Among the plurality of antennas 111 to 126, the plurality of antennas 119 to 126 have a long and narrow shape (for example, a long and rounded rectangular shape) in which the vertical direction (vertical direction) of the display screen is the long axis direction. The display screens are arranged in parallel from the left to the right so as to intersect with the plurality of antennas 111 to 118, respectively. That is, the plurality of antennas 111 to 126 are arranged so that a matrix area is formed along the display screen of the display unit 17. Thus, the projection planes (opening planes) of the antennas 111 to 126 are subdivided by other antennas that intersect. For example, the antenna 114 arranged in the horizontal direction of the display screen includes a plurality of intersecting antennas 119 to 126 that intersect the projection plane of the antenna 114 and the projection plane of the antenna 119, the projection plane of the antenna 114, and the antenna 120. An area intersecting the projection plane, an area intersecting the projection plane of the antenna 114 and the projection plane of the antenna 121, an area intersecting the projection plane of the antenna 114 and the projection plane of the antenna 122, a projection plane of the antenna 114 and the projection plane of the antenna 123 A region intersecting the projection plane of the antenna 114 and the projection plane of the antenna 124, a region intersecting the projection plane of the antenna 114 and the projection plane of the antenna 125, and a projection plane of the antenna 126 and the projection plane of the antenna 119. It is subdivided into 8 areas of intersecting areas.

  The communication unit 11 includes an antenna changeover switch 110 for switching the antenna used by the communication chip 12 for short-range wireless communication. The antenna changeover switch 110 connects any one of the plurality of antennas 111 to 126 to the communication chip 12 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 13 (the instruction may be performed via the communication chip 13). Accordingly, the communication chip 11 generates a signal (radio wave) to be transmitted from the communication unit 11 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 13, and any one of the plurality of antennas 111 to 126 selected via the antenna changeover switch 110. Send from one. Further, when a signal is received from any one of the plurality of selected antennas 111 to 126, the communication chip 12 acquires the signal via the antenna changeover switch 110.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of the tag 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the tag 2 in this embodiment is a figure-type tag having an appearance representing a character. The character represented by the tag 2 is a character that appears in a specific application (for example, a game) that can be executed by the information processing apparatus 1. The user can make the character appear in the specific application by using the tag 2. That is, when the information processing apparatus 1 executes the program of the specific application, the information is made to appear in the virtual space generated by the program of the application by using the data stored in the tag 2. Note that the figure-type tag 2 represents an arbitrary object appearing in the application, and may represent an item in the game application as well as the character.

  As described above, the tag 2 is used in a specific application program. Although details will be described later, the tag 2 can store data (dedicated data described later) that can be used only in a specific application program. The specific application program corresponding to one type of tag may be one type or a plurality of types. For example, when a plurality of types of applications are provided as one series of applications, the plurality of types of applications may be specific application programs.

  The tag 2 can be used in a specific application program, but may be used in other application programs. That is, the tag 2 stores data that can be used only in a specific application program, and also stores data that can be used in other application programs other than the specific application program.

  A plurality of projecting portions 261 and 262a to 262c are formed on the bottom surface of the base 26 of the tag 2. The protruding portion 261 is formed at substantially the center of the bottom surface of the tag 2, and is touched by the touch panel when the bottom surface of the tag 2 is brought into contact with the display screen of the display unit 17 (that is, the touch panel input surface of the input unit 16). It is formed in a size that allows position detection. The plurality of protrusions 262a to 262c are formed in the vicinity of the outer edge portion of the bottom surface of the tag 2, and are formed in a size that makes contact with the display screen when the tag 2 is placed on the display screen and is not detected by the touch panel. ing. For example, the plurality of projecting portions 262a to 262c are provided at three equal intervals with respect to the outer edge of the bottom surface of the tag 2 so that the tag 2 can be stably placed on the display screen. When the plurality of protrusions 262a to 262c come into contact with the display screen, the protrusion 261 may have a protrusion height that comes into contact with the display screen, or the display screen capable of detecting the position by the touch panel. The height of the protrusion which does not contact may be sufficient. Hereinafter, an example of data stored in the tag 2 will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the tag 2. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the tag 2 has a read-only area 21 and a read / write area 22. The read-only area 21 is a storage area that can only read data. The readable / writable area 22 is a storage area where data can be read and written. The read-only area 21 is a storage area in which data is stored at the time of manufacturing the tag 2 and writing of data thereafter (after shipment of the tag 2) is prohibited. That is, the information processing apparatus 1 (application executed in the information processing apparatus 1) cannot write data to the read-only area 21. On the other hand, the information processing apparatus 1 (an application executed in the information processing apparatus 1) can read and write data in the readable / writable area 22. When the tag 2 is shipped, data may be stored in advance in the readable / writable area 22 or may not be stored. In any case, when communication between the tag 2 and the information processing apparatus 1 is performed, data is written and stored in the readable / writable area 22 by the information processing apparatus 1.

  In the present embodiment, roughly divided, two types of data, dedicated data and shared data, are stored in the tag 2. As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, it is assumed that storage areas (dedicated data areas and shared data areas) in which each data is stored are determined in advance, but are determined in other embodiments. It does not have to be done.

  The dedicated data is data that can be used only by the specific application program described above. In the present embodiment, the dedicated data includes save data D2f of a specific application program (see FIG. 5). As the save data D2f, for example, data indicating parameters related to the character represented by the tag 2, data indicating the progress of the game of the specific application program, and / or data regarding the player of the game of the specific application program are stored. . In the present embodiment, the dedicated data is stored in the read / write area 22 and is not stored in the read-only area 21 (see FIG. 5).

  Next, shared data will be described. Shared data is data that can be used regardless of whether it is a specific application program or not. In the present embodiment, the shared data is stored in both the read-only area 21 and the read / write area 22. The tag 2 may store shared data only in either the read-only area 21 or the read / write area 22.

  In the read-only area 21, at least unique ID data D2a, type ID data D2b, figure ID data D2c, series ID data D2d, usage ID data D2e, and the like may be stored as shared data.

  For example, the unique ID data D2a is data indicating identification information unique to the tag 2. Here, in the NFC tag such as the tag 2 in the present embodiment, identification information unique to the tag called UID (Unique ID) is stored. The unique ID data D2a is data indicating information different from the UID. The unique ID data D2a is data indicating an ID given separately from the UID so that a service provider using the tag 2 can easily manage the tag.

  The figure ID data D2c is data indicating identification information unique to the appearance (shape / color) of the figure-type tag 2. The figure ID data D2c is data indicating identification information that can uniquely specify the figure type of the tag 2. For example, when there are a plurality of types of tags with different appearances (for example, different poses and clothes) for each character, a different figure ID is set for each tag. In this case, the figure ID data D2c may include data indicating an ID unique to the character and an ID indicating a difference between pose and clothes.

  Note that the application program executable in the information processing apparatus 1 includes information on the figure ID of a tag used (available) by itself. For example, when the figure ID value included in the application program matches the figure ID value stored in the tag 2, the application program can use the dedicated data stored in the tag 2. That is, it can be said that the figure ID is identification information for managing the use of the dedicated data stored in the tag 2.

  The series ID data D2d is data indicating identification information unique to the group to which the object (character) represented by the tag 2 belongs. For example, when the character represented by the tag 2 appears in a plurality of types of applications (for example, a series of game applications), the plurality of types of applications are set in one group, and data indicating a group ID indicating the group is included. It may be set in the series ID data D2d.

  The type ID data D2b is data indicating identification information indicating the type of the tag 2. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus 1 can use a card-type tag in addition to a figure-type tag such as the tag 2. The type ID data D2b is data indicating identification information indicating whether the tag type is a figure type tag or a card type tag. In other embodiments, the type of tag that can be identified by the type ID data D2b is arbitrary. For example, a different type ID may be attached to each supplier that provides the tag 2.

  The usage ID data D2e is data indicating identification information for specifying an application program (specific application program) that can use the dedicated data stored in the tag 2. Here, a use ID is assigned to an application program that can be executed in the information processing apparatus 1. In the present embodiment, the figure ID is used to manage the use of dedicated data stored in the tag 2. However, in other embodiments, the usage ID may be used to manage the usage of the dedicated data stored in the tag 2.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, in the readable / writable area 22, initial registration data D2g and update data D2h are stored as shared data. Note that the content of the shared data stored in the tag 2 is arbitrary. For example, in another embodiment, the tag 2 may store only one of the initial registration data D2g and the update data D2h as shared data.

  The initial registration data D2g is data registered by the user when the use of the tag 2 is started in the information processing apparatus 1. The initial registration data D2g is typically stored in the tag 2 at the timing when the tag 2 is first used, but may be stored in the tag 2 at any timing. That is, registration of data for the tag 2 by the user may be performed at an arbitrary timing. For example, the initial registration data D2g may include data indicating avatar data, a nickname, a registration date and time, a region, and the like.

  Avatar data is data of a user's avatar. The avatar data includes data used for the information processing apparatus 1 to generate an avatar and display it on the display unit 17. Specifically, the avatar data includes data indicating each part of the avatar (the shape and body shape of eyes and nose). In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus 1 stores a program for generating an avatar using avatar data. In the present embodiment, a program for generating an avatar is stored in advance in the information processing apparatus 1, and an avatar can be displayed in each application program.

  The nickname is a nickname given to the tag 2 by the user. For example, when one user owns two or more tags having the same appearance, each tag can be distinguished by giving different nicknames to these tags. When the initial registration process is executed for the tag 2, the information processing apparatus 1 may cause the user to input avatar data and a nickname. In this case, the input data is stored in the tag 2 as initial registration data D2g together with the registration date and area data described later.

  The registration date / time is the date / time when the initial registration was performed. The region is a region where initial registration is performed. For example, the registration date and area data may be automatically written to the tag 2 by the information processing apparatus 1 in the initial registration process.

  Next, information included in the update data D2h will be described. The update data D2h is data whose contents are updated (under a certain condition) when communication between the tag 2 and the information processing apparatus 1 is performed. For example, the update data D2h may include data indicating the number of times of writing, the last writing device, the number of device changes, the last used application, and the last writing date and time. For example, the update data D2h stored in the tag 2 may be updated (overwritten) at the timing when the dedicated data is written.

  The number of times of writing is the number of times dedicated data has been written to the tag 2. The final writing device is an information processing device that has written dedicated data to the tag 2 last. For example, in the case where unique identification information is attached to each information processing device, the identification information of the information processing device that performed the writing and the hash value thereof may be stored as data of the writing device. The number of device changes is the number of times the information processing device that writes the dedicated data is changed. For example, after writing to the tag 2 by the user's own information processing device, the information processing device different from the user's information processing device (for example, an information processing device installed at a store in a place where the user is away or a friend of the user) When the writing to the tag 2 is performed by the information processing apparatus), the number of device changes is incremented. The final use application is an application program that lastly writes dedicated data to the tag 2. For example, as the data of the final use application, data of identification information unique to each application program may be stored instead of the use ID. The last write date and time is the date and time when the dedicated data was last written to the tag 2.

  The dedicated data and the shared data may be encrypted by a method that can be decrypted by the information processing apparatus 1. The dedicated data encryption method and the shared data encryption method may be the same or different. Therefore, even if the other data is read from the tag 2 by a device that does not have a decryption function in the above-described system, the device cannot decrypt the data contents. Thereby, the security of the data in the tag 2 can be improved. In other embodiments, one of dedicated data and shared data may not be encrypted.

  Next, operations related to communication in the information reading system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example in which communication is performed between the information processing apparatus 1 and the tag 2 in the information reading system.

  When the tag 2 is placed on the display screen of the display unit 17, the information processing apparatus 1 manages data indicating the contact position of the tag 2 and the type and status of the tag 2 (for example, shared data of the tag 2). To do. For example, the information processing apparatus 1 acquires the contact position of the tag 2 based on the position detection data from the touch panel of the input unit 16 and acquires the shared data from the tag 2 through short-range wireless communication. Get data that shows the situation. As shown in FIG. 6, when a plurality of tags 2 a to 2 f are placed on the display screen of the display unit 17, the information processing device 1 performs short-range wireless communication with each of the plurality of tags 2 a to 2 f. The contact position of each of the plurality of tags 2a to 2f and the above data are managed.

  For example, the tag 2b placed near the area intersecting the projection plane of the antenna 117 and the projection plane of the antenna 122 (hereinafter referred to as the first area) intersects the projection plane of the antenna 115 and the projection plane of the antenna 124. Consider the case of moving to the vicinity of the area to be moved (hereinafter referred to as the second area). When the tag 2b moves away from the display screen of the first area, or when the tag 2b moves from the first area along the display screen, the information processing apparatus 1 receives the position detection data output from the touch panel. To detect the movement of the tag 2b. When the tag 2b is placed on the display screen in the second area, the information processing apparatus 1 uses the position detection data output from the touch panel to confirm that some object has been placed in the second area. To detect.

  At this time, the information processing apparatus 1 tries short-range wireless communication with an object placed in the second area by sequentially feeding antennas related to the second area. For example, the information processing apparatus 1 feeds power to the antenna 115 to and from tags (in the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the tag 2a, the tag 2b, and the tag 2e) capable of short-range wireless communication via the antenna 115. Communication is performed, and the shared data is acquired from the tag. After that, the information processing apparatus 1 performs communication with tags (in the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the tag 2b and the tag 2c) capable of short-range wireless communication via the antenna 124 by feeding the antenna 124. The shared data is acquired from the tag. Next, the information processing apparatus 1 compares the shared data acquired by the communication, and determines that the tag that has transmitted the common shared data is the tag that has moved to the second area. Then, the information processing apparatus 1 determines that the tag having the shared data (that is, the tag 2b) is placed in the second area based on the shared data transmitted by the tag moved to the second area. Thus, the contact position of the tag 2b and the shared data of the tag 2b are managed.

  In the above example, the case where the tag 2b moves has been described. However, even when the tag does not move, it is possible to manage the tag contact position and the tag shared data in the same manner. For example, the information processing apparatus 1 uses the position detection data output from the touch panel to determine the contact position of each tag 2 even when the plurality of tags 2 are fixedly placed on the display screen. Can be detected. Then, the information processing apparatus 1 performs communication as described above based on the detected contact position of each tag 2 to extract common shared data, thereby placing the tag placed at each contact position. 2 types and situations can be managed.

  Further, as described above, by acquiring the contact position of the tag 2 based on the position detection data by the touch panel of the input unit 16, it is possible to manage the accurate contact position, but such an effect is expected. If not, the above-described tag management may be performed without using position detection data from the touch panel. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the contact position of the tag 2 and the type and status of the tag 2 may be managed using only short-range wireless communication between the information processing apparatus 1 and the tag 2.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7, two tags 2s and 2t are placed on the display screen of the information processing apparatus 1, and the contact positions of the tags 2s and 2t and the types and situations of the tags 2s and 2t are managed. think of. First, the information processing apparatus 1 performs a polling process for each of the antennas 111 to 130 in order to confirm the presence of the tag 2 on the display screen. As an example, the information processing apparatus 1 transmits a radio wave (polling signal (also referred to as a polling command)) for confirming the presence of the tag 2 to each of the antennas 111 to 130 via the communication unit 11. Specifically, the information processing apparatus 1 transmits a polling signal for confirming the presence of the target tag 2 for each of the antennas 111 to 130, and the influence (communication unit 11) caused by the coupling of the coil with the tag 2. The presence of the tag 2 is detected by detecting the change in the amplitude and phase of the antenna voltage. For example, the information processing apparatus 1 sets a reference magnetic field strength in a polling signal transmission state, and detects a polling signal when detecting a magnetic field change in which a change amount from the reference magnetic field strength is a predetermined amount or more. It is determined that the tag 2 is present in the vicinity of the projection surface of the antenna that has transmitted. If the tag 2 is not detected as a result of the polling process described above, the polling process via another antenna is repeatedly executed (the states shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B).

  As shown in FIG. 7C, when the presence of the tag 2 is detected by polling processing via the antenna 115, the information processing apparatus 1 performs processing (for example, data communication) for establishing communication with the tag 2. To obtain information necessary for the tag 2). The information processing apparatus 1 communicates with the tag 2 via the communication unit 11 and acquires data (for example, shared data) from the tag 2. In the example illustrated in FIG. 7C, the information processing apparatus 1 acquires shared data from the tag 2 s and the tag 2 t via the antenna 115.

  When the data communication process with the tag 2s and the tag 2t is completed, the information processing apparatus 1 continues to perform the polling process via other antennas in order (the states in FIGS. 7D and 7E). Then, as illustrated in FIG. 7F, when the presence of the tag 2 is detected by the polling process via the antenna 120, the information processing apparatus 1 executes a process for establishing communication with the tag 2. . The information processing apparatus 1 communicates with the tag 2 via the communication unit 11 and acquires data (for example, shared data) from the tag 2. In the example illustrated in FIG. 7F, the information processing apparatus 1 acquires shared data from the tag 2s via the antenna 120.

  When the data communication process with the tag 2s is completed, the information processing apparatus 1 continues to sequentially perform polling processes via other antennas. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 7G, when the presence of the tag 2 is detected by the polling process via the antenna 127, the information processing apparatus 1 executes a process for establishing communication with the tag 2. . The information processing apparatus 1 communicates with the tag 2 via the communication unit 11 and acquires data (for example, shared data) from the tag 2. In the example shown in FIG. 7G, the information processing apparatus 1 acquires shared data from the tag 2t through the antenna 127.

  When the data communication process with the tag 2t is completed, the information processing apparatus 1 continues to perform the polling process via other antennas in order (the state shown in FIG. 7H). When the polling process through all the antennas is completed, the information processing apparatus 1 determines the contact position of the tag 2 and the tag 2 based on the data acquired from the tag 2 and the antenna used when acquiring the data. Determine the type and status.

  For example, in the example of the data communication process with the tag 2 described above, the information processing apparatus 1 acquires the shared data from the tag 2s and the tag 2t via the antenna 115, and acquires the shared data from the tag 2s via the antenna 120. Have acquired. As a result, the information processing apparatus 1 determines that the tag 2 s that has transmitted the common shared data is present in the vicinity of an area where the projection plane of the antenna 115 and the projection plane of the antenna 120 intersect. In addition, the information processing apparatus 1 acquires shared data from the tag 2s and the tag 2t via the antenna 115 and acquires shared data from the tag 2t via the antenna 127. As a result, the information processing apparatus 1 determines that the tag 2t that has transmitted the common shared data is present in the vicinity of an area where the projection plane of the antenna 115 and the projection plane of the antenna 127 intersect. Then, the information processing apparatus 1 manages the positions (contact positions) of the tags 2s and 2t and the respective shared data based on the determination result.

  Note that when the contact position of the tag 2 and the type and status of the tag 2 are managed using only short-range wireless communication between the information processing apparatus 1 and the tag 2, the polling process may take a long time. It is done. In order to shorten such a polling time, a plurality of antennas may be simultaneously fed to perform the polling process efficiently. For example, FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another example of the configuration of the communication unit 11 that can simultaneously supply power to a plurality of antennas.

  In FIG. 8, another example of the communication unit 11 similarly includes a plurality of antennas 111 to 126 used for short-range wireless communication performed with the tag 2. Since the arrangement of the plurality of antennas 111 to 126 with respect to the display screen of the display unit 17 is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 3, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Another example of the communication unit 11 includes a plurality of communication chips 12a and 12b. And the communication chip 12a has the antenna switch 110a for switching the antenna used for near field communication. The communication chip 12b has an antenna changeover switch 110b for switching an antenna used for short-range wireless communication. The antenna changeover switch 110a connects any one of the plurality of antennas 111 to 114 and 119 to 122 and the communication chip 12a in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 13. The antenna changeover switch 110b connects any one of the plurality of antennas 115 to 118 and 123 to 126 with the communication chip 12b in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 13. Accordingly, the communication chip 11a generates a signal (radio wave) to be transmitted from the communication unit 11 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 13, and the plurality of antennas 111 to 114 and 119 to 122 selected via the antenna changeover switch 110a. From any one of the above. Further, the communication chip 11b generates a signal (radio wave) to be transmitted from the communication unit 11 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 13, and the plurality of antennas 115 to 118 and 123 to 126 selected via the antenna changeover switch 110b. Send from any one. Accordingly, the communication unit 11 can simultaneously transmit or receive signals from the two selected antennas by performing an operation in which the two communication chips 12a and 12b transmit or receive signals, respectively. Note that “simultaneous” used in the present specification may include a time lag. When a signal is received from at least one of the two selected antennas 111 to 126, the communication chip 12a and / or 12b acquires the signal via the antenna selector switch 110a and / or 110b. More specifically, the CPU 13 controls the two antennas that transmit signals simultaneously so that the antennas do not intersect. That is, the CPU 13 controls the antenna changeover switch 110b to select any one of the plurality of antennas 115 to 118 when the antenna changeover switch 110a selects any one of the plurality of antennas 111 to 114. When the antenna changeover switch 110a selects any one of the plurality of antennas 119 to 122, the antenna changeover switch 110b performs control so as to select any one of the plurality of antennas 123 to 126. As a result, a polling signal can be transmitted using a plurality of antennas at the same time, so that the time for performing the polling process can be shortened. Even when power is supplied to a plurality of antennas at the same time, interference between the antennas does not occur, so that accurate data communication processing can be performed.

  In another example of the communication unit 11 described above, the communication chip 12a communicates via the antenna selected by the antenna changeover switch 110a, and the communication chip 12b communicates via the antenna selected by the antenna changeover switch 110b. Although the example is used, the same communication may be performed using one communication chip. In this case, in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 13, a single communication chip 12 generates a signal (radio wave) to be transmitted from the communication unit 11, and a plurality of antennas 111 to 114 and 119 to which are selected via the antenna changeover switch 110a. It is simultaneously transmitted from any one of 122 and any one of the plurality of antennas 115 to 118 and 123 to 126 selected via the antenna changeover switch 110b.

  In the above-described example, it is determined whether or not the tag 2 exists near the projection surface of each antenna by performing the polling process. However, even if the presence of the tag 2 is determined by other communication processes. Good. For example, the information processing apparatus 1 makes a data transmission request on the assumption that the tag 2 exists without performing the above-described polling process, and receives data corresponding to the data transmission request when the tag 2 exists. The presence / absence of the tag 2 may be detected.

  Further, when managing the contact position of tag 2 and the type and status of tag 2 using only short-range wireless communication between information processing device 1 and tag 2, after the contact position of tag 2 is determined, By supplying power only to the antenna corresponding to the contact position, communication may be periodically performed with the tag 2 to confirm its presence. As described above, by setting only the antenna corresponding to the contact position with the tag 2 as a power supply target, the power saving effect in the information processing apparatus 1 can be expected.

  In the above description, an example in which a plurality of antennas are arranged so as to intersect each other to subdivide the projection plane of each antenna into a plurality of areas and the areas are arranged in a matrix is used. 11 do not need to cross the antennas. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the projection planes of the antennas may be arranged in a matrix without crossing a plurality of antennas constituting the communication unit 11. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the projection surfaces of the nine antennas 141 to 149 are arranged in a 3 × 3 matrix. As described above, even when a plurality of antennas are arranged in parallel along the display screen of the display unit 17 without crossing the antennas, the tag 2 exists for each of the divided areas of the display screen. Since it is possible to determine whether or not data is received from the tag 2 for each region, the position (contact position) of the tag 2 and the respective shared data are managed in the same manner. Can do.

  Next, an example of specific processing executed by the information reading system (information processing apparatus 1) in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data area set in the memory 14 of the information processing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment. The memory 14 stores data used in other processes in addition to the data shown in FIG. 10, but detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Various programs Pa executed by the information processing apparatus 1 are stored in the program storage area of the memory 14. In the present embodiment, the various programs Pa are communication programs for performing short-range wireless communication described above and application programs for performing information processing (for example, game processing) using the tag 2 (specific application described above). Program) and the like are stored. Note that the various programs Pa may be stored in advance in the program storage unit 15, acquired from a storage medium that is detachable from the information processing apparatus 1, and stored in the memory 14, or a network such as the Internet. It may be acquired from other devices via the storage 14 and stored in the memory 14. The CPU 13 executes various programs Pa stored in the memory 14.

  In the data storage area of the memory 14, various data used in communication processing and information processing executed in the information processing apparatus 1 are stored. In the present embodiment, the memory 14 stores position data D1a, reception data D1b, tag data D1c, game processing data D1d, transmission data D1e, image data D1f, and the like.

  The position data D1a is data output from the input unit 16, and particularly data indicating an input position detected by the touch panel. The reception data D1b is data received from the tag 2 during the data communication process described above. The tag data D1c is data managed for each tag whose existence is confirmed, and includes tag contact position data D1c1, tag shared data D1c2, and the like. The tag contact position data D1c1 is data indicating the position on the display screen where the tag is arranged. The tag shared data D1c2 is data indicating shared data of the tag received from the tag. The game process data D1d is data used when playing a game using a tag. The transmission data D1e is data for transmission to the tag 2 during the above-described data communication processing. The image data D1f is data for displaying an image on the display unit 17 during the game.

  Next, a detailed example of communication processing in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the first half of communication processing executed in the information processing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the second half of the communication processing executed in the information processing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the series of processing shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is performed by the CPU 13 executing a communication program and predetermined application programs included in various programs Pa. Moreover, the timing at which the communication process shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is started is arbitrary. 11 and 12, each step executed by the CPU 13 is abbreviated as “S”.

  Note that the processing of each step in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is merely an example, and if the same result is obtained, the processing order of each step may be changed. In addition (or instead), another process may be executed. In the present embodiment, the processing of each step in the flowchart is described as being executed by the CPU 13. However, the processing of some steps in the flowchart may be performed by a processor or a dedicated circuit other than the CPU 13. Good.

  In FIG. 11, the CPU 13 performs initial setting in information processing (for example, game processing) using the tag 2 (step 41), and proceeds to the next step. For example, in the initial setting, the CPU 13 initializes parameters for performing the following processing (for example, game processing using the tag 2).

  Next, the CPU 13 acquires data related to the operation instruction position (contact position) on the display screen of the display unit 17 from the input unit 16 (touch panel) (step 42), and proceeds to the next step. For example, the CPU 13 acquires data indicating the input position with respect to the touch panel from the touch panel provided on the surface of the display screen of the display unit 17, and updates the position data D1a using the data indicating the input position.

  Next, the CPU 13 performs reception processing according to the position of the tag 2 (step 43), and proceeds to the next step. For example, when the CPU 13 acquires data indicating an input position that is not managed in step 42, the CPU 13 receives data from the tag 2 arranged with the input position as a contact position, and receives the received data. Processing to store the data D1b is performed. For example, the CPU 13 sequentially feeds an antenna related to the newly detected contact position (an antenna that can communicate with the tag 2 disposed at the contact position), thereby sequentially placing an object (for example, the contact position). , Try short-range wireless communication with tag 2). For example, as described with reference to FIG. 6, when a position where communication is possible using the antenna 115 and the antenna 124 is detected as a new contact position, the CPU 13 supplies power to the antenna 115 and the antenna 124 in turn. Then, communication is performed with the tag 2 capable of short-range wireless communication via the antenna 115 and the antenna 124, and the shared data is acquired from the tag 2 and stored in the reception data D1b.

  Next, the CPU 13 sets the tag data acquired in the short-range wireless communication (step 44), and proceeds to the next step. For example, the CPU 13 compares the shared data acquired by the short-range wireless communication in the step 43, and determines that the tag 2 that has transmitted the common shared data is a tag arranged at the contact position. Then, the CPU 13 determines that the tag 2 having the shared data is disposed at the contact position based on the shared data transmitted by the tag 2 disposed at the contact position, and determines the contact position of the tag 2 and The shared data of the tag 2 is stored and managed in the tag data D1c. When the tag contact position data D1c1 currently managed in the position data acquired in step 42 disappears, the CPU 13 deletes the tag data D1c managed by the tag contact position data D1c1 in step 44. It may be erased. On the other hand, if there is no tag 2 that has transmitted common shared data in the short-range wireless communication, the CPU 13 proceeds to the next step without updating the tag data D1c.

  Next, the CPU 13 determines whether or not to start the game (step 45). For example, the CPU 13 refers to the operation data acquired from the input unit 16 and determines that the game is started when the user performs an operation to start the game using the input unit 16. And CPU13 advances a process to step 46, when starting a game. On the other hand, if the game is not started, the CPU 13 returns to step 42 and repeats the process.

  In step 46, the CPU 13 acquires data related to the operation instruction position (contact position) on the display screen of the display unit 17 from the input unit 16 (touch panel), and proceeds to the next step. For example, the CPU 13 acquires data indicating the input position with respect to the touch panel from the touch panel provided on the surface of the display screen of the display unit 17, and updates the position data D1a using the data indicating the input position.

  Next, the CPU 13 determines whether or not there is a change in the data indicating the input position acquired in step 46 (step 47). For example, the CPU 13 compares the input position acquired in step 46 with the contact position of each tag 2 managed by the tag contact position data D1c1, and if there is a difference between the two, the data indicating the input position is displayed. Judge that there is a change. Then, if there is a change in the data indicating the input position, the CPU 13 advances the process to step 48. On the other hand, if there is no change in the data indicating the input position, the CPU 13 advances the process to step 63 (see FIG. 12).

  In step 48, the CPU 13 determines whether or not the data indicating the input position acquired in step 46 indicates a decrease in the input position. For example, the CPU 13 compares the input position acquired in step 46 with the contact position of each tag 2 managed by the tag contact position data D1c1, and if the input position acquired in step 46 is small, the input It is determined that the data indicating the position indicates a decrease in the input position. If the data indicating the input position indicates a decrease in the input position, the CPU 13 proceeds to step 49. On the other hand, if the data indicating the input position does not indicate a decrease in the input position, the CPU 13 advances the process to step 50.

  In step 49, the CPU 13 deletes the tag data relating to the reduced input position, and proceeds to step 50. For example, the CPU 13 extracts a contact position that is not included in the input position acquired in step 46 from the contact position of each tag 2 managed by the tag contact position data D1c1, and is arranged at the contact position. The tag data D1c of the tag that has been set is deleted.

  In step 50, the CPU 13 determines whether or not the data indicating the input position acquired in step 46 indicates an increase in the input position. For example, the CPU 13 compares the input position acquired in step 46 with the contact position of each tag 2 managed by the tag contact position data D1c1, and if there are many input positions acquired in step 46, the input It is determined that the data indicating the position indicates an increase in the input position. Then, when the data indicating the input position indicates an increase in the input position, the CPU 13 advances the process to step 51. On the other hand, if the data indicating the input position does not indicate an increase in the input position, the CPU 13 advances the process to step 61 (see FIG. 12).

  In step 51, the CPU 13 performs reception processing according to the increased input position, and proceeds to the next step. For example, the CPU 13 performs a process of receiving data from the tag 2 arranged with the increased input position as the contact position. Since the reception process performed in step 51 is the same as the reception process in step 43 described above, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the CPU 13 adds and manages the tag data acquired in the short-range wireless communication in step 51 (step 52), and advances the process to step 61 (see FIG. 12). For example, the CPU 13 determines that the tag 2 having the shared data is arranged at the contact position based on the shared data transmitted by the tag 2 arranged with the increased input position as the contact position, and the tag 2 And the shared data of the tag 2 are added to the tag data D1c and managed. If there is no tag 2 that has transmitted common shared data in the short-range wireless communication, the CPU 13 proceeds to the next step without adding the tag data D1c. Further, when it is assumed that the tag 2 arranged with the increased input position as the contact position is a tag erased in the process of the previous step 49, the CPU 13 uses the erased tag data (tag contact). Tag data may be added (by changing the position data D1c1).

  Proceeding to FIG. 12, in step 61, the CPU 13 determines whether or not the data indicating the input position acquired in step 46 indicates movement of the input position. For example, when the input position acquired in step 46 indicates that any one of the contact positions of each tag 2 managed by the tag contact position data D1c1 is moving (for example, dragging the touch panel) When the operation is performed), it is determined that the data indicating the input position indicates the movement of the input position. If the data indicating the input position indicates movement of the input position, the CPU 13 proceeds to step 62. On the other hand, if the data indicating the input position does not indicate the movement of the input position, the CPU 13 advances the process to step 63.

  In step 62, the CPU 13 updates the contact position of the tag 2 using the moved input position, and advances the process to step 63. For example, the CPU 13 extracts the contact position determined to be moving in step 61 from the contact position of each tag 2 managed by the tag contact position data D1c1, and inputs determined to be moving. The position is set as the contact position, and the tag data D1c of the tag 2 is updated.

  In step 63, the CPU 13 determines whether or not the present time is a timing for periodically checking the tag data. Then, the CPU 13 advances the process to step 64 when the current time is the timing for periodically checking the tag data. On the other hand, if the current time is not the timing for periodically checking the tag data, the CPU 13 advances the process to step 67.

  In step 64, the CPU 13 acquires data related to the operation instruction position (contact position) for the display screen of the display unit 17 from the input unit 16 (touch panel), and proceeds to the next step. For example, the CPU 13 acquires data indicating the input position with respect to the touch panel from the touch panel provided on the surface of the display screen of the display unit 17, and updates the position data D1a using the data indicating the input position.

  Next, the CPU 13 performs reception processing for all the input positions acquired in step 64 (step 65), and proceeds to the next step. For example, the CPU 13 performs a process of attempting to receive data from the tags 2 arranged with all the input positions acquired in step 64 as contact positions, respectively. For example, the CPU 13 is placed at the contact position by sequentially feeding an antenna related to the contact position corresponding to one of the input positions (an antenna that can communicate with the tag 2 disposed at the contact position). Short-distance wireless communication with an object (for example, tag 2) is attempted, and the short-range wireless communication is performed for every input position acquired in step 64 above. Note that the reception process performed for each input position in step 65 is the same as the reception process in step 43 described above, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, the CPU 13 updates the tag data D1c using the data acquired in the short-range wireless communication (step 66), and advances the process to step 67. For example, the CPU 13 compares the shared data acquired by the short-range wireless communication in step 43 for each input position (for each contact position), and the tag 2 that has transmitted the common shared data is in the input position (contact position). It is determined that the tag is placed. Then, the CPU 13 determines that the tag 2 having the shared data is disposed at the contact position based on the shared data transmitted by the tag 2 disposed at the contact position, and determines the contact position of the tag 2 and The shared data of the tag 2 is stored and managed in the tag data D1c. Such determination and data management are performed for every input position acquired in step 64, and finally, the tag data D1c for every input position acquired in step 64 is updated. Note that if there is no tag 2 that transmits shared data that is common in the short-range wireless communication to a certain input position, the CPU 13 does not set the tag data D1c corresponding to the input position.

  In step 67, the CPU 13 performs a game process based on the managed tag data, and proceeds to the next step. For example, the CPU 13 uses the contact position (tag contact position data D1c1) and shared data (tag shared data D1c2) of each tag 2 stored in the tag data D1c to arrange the position, type, and status of each tag 2. The process of proceeding with the game is performed according to the above.

  Next, the CPU 13 performs display control processing based on the managed tag data, and proceeds to the next step. For example, the CPU 13 uses the contact position (tag contact position data D1c1) and shared data (tag shared data D1c2) of each tag 2 stored in the tag data D1c to arrange the position, type, and status of each tag 2. A game image corresponding to the above is generated and displayed on the display unit 17. For example, the CPU 13 generates an image indicating a character or the like corresponding to the type of the tag 2 that is arranged, and causes the image to appear at a position corresponding to the contact position of the tag 2 on the display screen of the display unit 17.

  Next, the CPU 13 determines whether or not to transmit data to the tag 2 (step 69). For example, the CPU 13 advances the process to step 70 when it is time to transmit data indicating a game result or situation to at least one tag 2 according to the game progress situation. On the other hand, if it is not time to transmit data to the tag 2, the CPU 13 proceeds to step 71.

  In step 70, the CPU 13 performs processing for generating transmission data to be transmitted to the tag 2 and transmitting the transmission data to the tag 2, and proceeds to step 71. For example, the CPU 13 generates transmission data to be transmitted to the tag 2 and stores it in the transmission data D1e. And CPU13 refers to tag data D1c, acquires the contact position of tag 2 used as the transmission place which transmits generated transmission data, and feeds the antenna which can be transmitted to tag 2 of the contact position by supplying electric power. Transmission data is transmitted to the tag 2 as a transmission destination. The transmission data stored in the transmission data D1e may be stored in the transmission data D1e before executing step 70.

  In step 71, the CPU 13 determines whether or not to end the game. The conditions for ending the game in step 71 include, for example, that the game result has been confirmed, and that the user has performed an operation to end the game. CPU13 returns to the said step 46, and repeats a process, when not complete | finishing a game, and complete | finishes the process by the said flowchart, when a game is complete | finished. Thereafter, a series of processing from step 46 to step 71 is repeatedly executed until it is determined in step 71 that the game is to be ended.

  As for data transmitted from the information processing device 1 to the tag 2, only the transmission data addressed to the own device may be selected on the tag 2 side. For example, when the information processing apparatus 1 assigns an ID (for example, a unique ID) for specifying a transmission destination and transmits transmission data to the tag 2, and the same ID as the unique ID of the own device is given on the tag 2 side Only get the transmitted data. In this way, by selecting transmission data on the tag 2 side, even when there are a plurality of tags 2 within a range where communication can be performed with one antenna, only the tag 2 selected from the plurality of tags 2 is included. It is possible to transmit transmission data. In order to perform the process of selecting the transmission data on the tag 2 side, for example, a processing unit, that is, a CPU or the like may be mounted in the tag 2.

  In the above-described embodiment, when short-range wireless communication is performed between the information processing apparatus 1 and the tag 2, the information processing apparatus 1 is a wireless communication apparatus on the initiator side that generates electromotive force in the tag 2 by electromagnetic induction. Although the example has been used in which the tag 2 functions as a wireless communication device that is a target of the information processing device 1 in short-range wireless communication, the short-range wireless communication may be performed according to other modes. For example, the tag 2 may be a device having a power supply and NFC card emulation function, or only the tag 2 or both the information processing apparatus 1 and the tag 2 may be devices having a card emulation function. In this case, since the tag 2 can function as a wireless communication device on the initiator side, the contact position of the tag 2 that transmitted the data is determined based on the data transmitted from the tag 2, and the data indicates A mode of managing information and contact positions is also possible.

  In the above-described embodiment, short-range wireless communication (proximity non-contact communication) that performs wireless communication based on the NFC standard by bringing the information processing device 1 and the tag 2 close to each other is used as an example. You may apply to the information reading system which performs short-distance wireless communication based. For example, in the non-contact type short-range wireless communication, the present invention can be applied to an information reading system that performs wireless communication at a communication distance classified into a proximity type, a remote type, a short-range type, etc. in addition to a proximity type. Can be applied. The information processing device 1 and the tag 2 may be any device, and may be a stationary game device, a portable game device, a general personal computer, an arbitrary portable electronic device (PDA (PDA ( In addition to a personal digital assistant, a mobile phone, a personal computer, a camera, and the like, an information reading system that performs wireless communication using a combination of an apparatus and an electronic key may be used.

  In the above description, an example in which communication processing and information processing are performed by the information processing apparatus 1 and the tag 2 is used. However, at least a part of the processing steps may be performed by another apparatus. For example, when the information processing device 1 is configured to be able to communicate with another device (for example, another server, another image display device, another game device, or another portable terminal), the above processing step further includes You may perform by the said other apparatus cooperating. In this way, by performing at least a part of the processing steps with another device, processing similar to the processing described above can be performed. Further, the above-described communication processing and information processing can be executed by cooperation between one processor or a plurality of processors included in an information reading system including at least one information processing apparatus. In the above embodiment, the CPU 13 of the information processing apparatus 1 can perform communication processing and information processing by executing a predetermined program. Part or all may be performed.

  Here, according to the above-described modification, the present invention can be realized even in a so-called cloud computing system form, a distributed wide area network system form, and a local network system form. For example, in a distributed local network system configuration, the above-described processing is performed in cooperation between a stationary information processing device (stationary game device) and a portable information processing device (portable game device). It is also possible to do. In these system forms, there is no particular limitation as to which apparatus performs the above-described processing, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be realized regardless of the processing sharing.

  In addition, it is needless to say that the processing order, setting values, conditions used for determination, and the like used in the information processing described above are merely examples, and that the present embodiment can be realized with other orders, values, and conditions.

  The program may be supplied not only to the information processing apparatus 1 through an external storage medium such as an external memory, but also to the apparatus through a wired or wireless communication line. The program may be recorded in advance in a nonvolatile storage device inside the apparatus. As the information storage medium for storing the program, in addition to the nonvolatile memory, CD-ROM, DVD, or similar optical disk storage medium, flexible disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, magnetic tape, etc. But you can. Further, the information storage medium for storing the program may be a volatile memory for storing the program. Such a storage medium can be referred to as a computer-readable recording medium. For example, the various functions described above can be provided by causing a computer or the like to read and execute the programs of these recording media.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail above, the above description is merely illustrative of the present invention in all respects and is not intended to limit the scope thereof. It goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the scope of the present invention should be construed only by the claims. Moreover, it is understood that those skilled in the art can implement the equivalent range from description of the specific Example of this invention based on description and technical common sense of this invention. In addition, it is to be understood that the terms used in the present specification are used in the meaning normally used in the art unless otherwise specified. Thus, unless defined otherwise, all technical and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

As described above, the present invention is directed to, for example, an information reading system, an information reading device, an information reading program, and an information reading method for the purpose of enabling processing utilizing the positional relationship with an information storage medium or a counterpart device. Etc. can be used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information processing apparatus 2 ... Storage medium (tag)
21 ... Read-only area 22 ... Read / write area 26 ... Pedestal 261, 262 ... Projection part 11 ... Communication part 110 ... Antenna changeover switch 111-130, 141-149 ... Antenna 12 ... Communication chip 13 ... CPU
14 ... Memory 15 ... Program storage unit 16 ... Input unit 17 ... Display unit

Claims (28)

An information reading system that performs near field communication with an information storage medium,
An antenna unit in which a plurality of antenna coils are arranged to cross each other, and a reading area for each antenna coil is formed;
An information reading system comprising: an information acquisition unit that reads information from the information storage medium adjacent to each reading area by performing short-range wireless communication with the information storage medium for each of the plurality of reading areas. A touch panel provided in the vicinity of the antenna unit for detecting the position of the information storage medium,
The information reading system according to claim 1, wherein the information acquisition unit reads information from the information storage medium according to a position of the information storage medium detected by the touch panel. The information acquisition unit acquires a position of the information storage medium using a detection result by the touch panel, acquires information stored in the information storage medium by short-range wireless communication of the antenna coil,
The information reading system according to claim 2, further comprising: a type determining unit that determines a type of the information storage medium at a position detected by the touch panel based on the information acquired by the information acquiring unit.   The information acquisition unit reads information from the information storage medium via an antenna coil corresponding to a position of the information storage medium detected by the touch panel among the plurality of antenna coils. The information reading system described.   The information acquisition unit is configured to detect a position of the information storage medium detected by the touch panel among the plurality of antenna coils or a set of antenna coils whose reading area intersects in the vicinity of the position. The information reading system according to claim 4, wherein information is read from the information storage medium via the other after the information is read from the information storage medium via the other.   The information acquisition unit is configured such that information that overlaps between information read out through one of the sets and information read out through the other of the sets is included in the overlapping region where the reading regions intersect or in the overlapping The information reading system according to claim 5, wherein the information reading system is acquired as information obtained from the information storage medium existing in the vicinity of an area. A placement unit for placing the information storage medium;
The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the antenna coil is provided inside the mounting portion.   The antenna section includes a plurality of antenna coils arranged so as to intersect with each other, whereby an overlapping region in which a reading region of the antenna coil overlaps with a reading region of another antenna coil is formed in a matrix. The information reading system as described in any one of thru | or 7. A plurality of the information storage media are arranged so that near field communication is possible,
The information reading system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the information acquisition unit manages information from the plurality of information storage media existing for each overlapping area for each overlapping area. A communication control unit for performing short-range wireless communication with the information storage medium via the plurality of antenna coils;
The information reading system according to claim 1, wherein the information acquisition unit acquires information from the information storage medium that is short-range wirelessly communicated by the communication control unit.   11. The information acquisition unit according to claim 1, wherein the information acquisition unit detects a position of the information storage medium from which the information is read based on a reading area of the antenna coil from which the information can be read. The information reading system described.   The information acquisition unit, for the set of antenna coils that the reading area intersects at the position of the information storage medium detected based on the reading area or in the vicinity of the position, among the plurality of antenna coils, The information reading system according to claim 11, wherein information is read from the information storage medium via the other of the set after reading information from the information storage medium via the one of the set.   The information reading system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the information acquisition unit detects the presence of the information storage medium for each reading area of the antenna coil by polling for each of the plurality of antenna coils.   The information reading system according to claim 1, further comprising a display control unit that displays an image based on information read by the information acquisition unit on a display screen. The display screen is provided in the vicinity of the antenna unit,
The information reading system according to claim 14, wherein the display control unit displays an image according to a position of an information storage medium from which the information is read on the display screen. An information reading system that performs near field communication with an information storage medium,
By arranging a plurality of antenna coils in a matrix, an antenna section in which a reading area for each antenna coil is formed in the matrix, and
An information reading system comprising: an information acquisition unit that reads information from the information storage medium adjacent to each reading area by performing short-range wireless communication with the information storage medium for each of the plurality of reading areas. A touch panel that detects the contact position when the counterpart device contacts a predetermined surface;
A plurality of antenna coils that can be inductively coupled with an antenna coil provided in the counterpart device when the counterpart device is in close proximity so that a reading area for each of the plurality of antenna coils is formed on the predetermined surface The antenna part
An information reading apparatus comprising: an information acquisition unit configured to acquire the position of the counterpart device and / or information of the counterpart device using an antenna coil of the antenna unit that is inductively coupled to an antenna coil provided in the counterpart device.   18. The antenna unit according to claim 17, wherein the antenna unit is arranged with the plurality of antenna coils so as to intersect each other, thereby forming an overlapping region where a reading region of the antenna coil overlaps with a reading region of another antenna coil. Information reader. The touch panel can detect a plurality of contact positions with respect to the predetermined surface,
The information acquisition unit acquires the positions of a plurality of counterpart devices on the predetermined surface according to the contact position detected by the touch panel, and the antennas that are inductively coupled to antenna coils provided in the plurality of counterpart devices, respectively. The information reading device according to claim 17 or 18, wherein information of the plurality of counterpart devices is acquired using each antenna coil. An antenna unit provided with a plurality of antenna coils on a predetermined surface and forming a plurality of regions on the predetermined surface by the plurality of antenna coils;
An apparatus comprising: an electromotive unit that generates an induced electromotive force in the antenna coil of the adjacent device adjacent to each other by selectively feeding power to the plurality of antenna coils.   21. The antenna unit according to claim 20, wherein the antenna unit is arranged with the plurality of antenna coils so as to cross each other, whereby an overlapping region in which the region of the antenna coil overlaps with the region of another antenna coil is formed. Equipment. The electromotive unit is
A first electromotive unit that generates an induced electromotive force in the antenna coil of the counterpart device in proximity to the antenna coil using a part of the plurality of antenna coils;
A second electromotive unit that generates an induced electromotive force in the antenna coil of the counterpart device adjacent to the antenna coil, using the remaining antenna coils excluding a part of the plurality of antenna coils,
The electromotive unit operates the first electromotive unit and the second electromotive unit, thereby feeding a plurality of antenna coils and inducing an induced electromotive force in the antenna coil of the counterpart device adjacent to the antenna coil. The device according to claim 20 or 21, which produces An information reading device that performs near field communication with an information storage medium,
An antenna unit in which a plurality of antenna coils are arranged to cross each other, and a reading area for each antenna coil is formed;
An information reading apparatus comprising: an information acquisition unit that reads information from the information storage medium adjacent to each reading area by performing short-range wireless communication with the information storage medium for each of the plurality of reading areas. An information reading device that performs near field communication with an information storage medium,
By arranging a plurality of antenna coils in a matrix, an antenna section in which a reading area for each antenna coil is formed in the matrix, and
An information reading apparatus comprising: an information acquisition unit that reads information from the information storage medium adjacent to each reading area by performing short-range wireless communication with the information storage medium for each of the plurality of reading areas. An information reading program executed by a computer included in an information reading device that performs short-range wireless communication with an information storage medium,
The information reading apparatus includes an antenna unit that is arranged so that a plurality of antenna coils intersect with each other, and a reading area for each antenna coil is formed.
The computer,
An information reading program that functions as an information acquisition unit that reads information from the information storage medium close to each reading area by performing short-range wireless communication with the information storage medium for each of the plurality of reading areas. An information reading program executed by a computer included in an information reading device that performs short-range wireless communication with an information storage medium,
The information reading apparatus has an antenna portion in which a reading area for each antenna coil is formed in a matrix by arranging a plurality of antenna coils in a matrix.
The computer,
An information reading program that functions as an information acquisition unit that reads information from the information storage medium close to each reading area by performing short-range wireless communication with the information storage medium for each of the plurality of reading areas. An information reading method for performing near field communication with an information storage medium,
By performing short-range wireless communication with the information storage medium for each of the plurality of reading areas, using the antenna unit in which the plurality of antenna coils are arranged so as to cross each other and the reading area for each of the antenna coils is formed An information reading method including an information acquisition step of reading information from the information storage medium close to each reading area. An information reading method for performing near field communication with an information storage medium,
By arranging a plurality of antenna coils in a matrix, the information storage medium and the short-range wireless communication are used for each of the plurality of reading areas by using an antenna unit in which the reading area for each antenna coil is formed in the matrix. An information reading method including an information acquisition step of reading information from the information storage medium close to each reading area by performing

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