WO2006022398A1

WO2006022398A1 - Entertainment apparatus, entertainment system and information processing apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2006022398A1
Application number: PCT/JP2005/015594
Authority: WO
Inventors: Katsuya Nakagawa; Hiromu Ueshima
Original assignee: Ssd Company Limited
Priority date: 2004-08-24
Filing date: 2005-08-22
Publication date: 2006-03-02
Also published as: JP2008510496A

Abstract

The entertainment apparatus 1 comprises the dual optical disk unit 19 which includes the first CD-ROM drive 27a and the second CD-ROM drive 27b. The processor 11 generates a video signal VD and an audio signal AUM corresponding to the designs printed on the two trading cards 100 on the basis of the information recorded on the trading cards 100 put in the dual optical disk unit 19.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Entertainment Apparatus, Entertainment System and Information

Processing Apparatus

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an entertainment apparatus using a card-type optical recording medium as a trading card, and the related art.

Background Art

The business card which is about the same size and thickness of a business card and records sound information and image information is described in a patent publication (Jpn. unexamined utility model publication No. 06-42224) . More specifically, the business card recording information is made of a rectangular polycarbonate plate. A circular hole is made at the center of the card, and an optical recording portion is concentrically formed around the hole. Sound information and image information is recorded on the optical recording portion and an owner's name, place of work and a telephone number are printed on the backside of the card. It is possible to reproduce the business card recording information by a CD-ROM player. This kind of card-type optical recording medium can be used as a trading card as well as a business card. "Trading card" is a card with pictures (sometimes includes letters) on its surface to correct by trading (exchanging) cards with others. There are various kinds of cards. Some cards are sold in a package which contains several different combination of cards and is made in such a manner that can not be seen from outside. Some cards are in the box of a product as a free gift.

The purposes of the trading cards are also very different.

Some cards are only for enjoying correcting and looking at. Some cards are for enjoying a battle game (i.e., a trading card game) .

The general trading cards have limits of amount of information (e.g., design) to be printed therein because of their restriction on the size of the surface area. However, if a card-type optical recording medium is used as a trading card, it is possible to record more information (e.g. image information, text information, sound information, and so on. ) in the card. Therefore, correctors can enjoy more. Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide an entertainment apparatus operable to provide various kinds of application programs and enhance enjoyment of the trading card which is made of a card-type optical recording medium, and the related techniques thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus operable to provide various kinds of application programs and provide various kinds of contents, and the related techniques thereof.

In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, an entertainment apparatus is operable to be put a plurality of trading cards therein each of which has an optical recording portion where information related to a design printed on the trading card is recorded, and to reproduce the information recorded on the trading card, and comprises: a plurality of reproducing units which are all set in a same housing and each of which operable to reproduce the information recorded on the trading card put therein; and an information processing unit which is set in the housing, and displays, on a television monitor, an image related to the designs printed on the trading cards put in said reproducing units on the basis of the information reproduced by said reproducing units in accordance with a loaded program. In accordance with this configuration, the entertainment apparatus comprises the plurality of reproducing units, and the information processing unit can arbitrarily access any of the reproducing units. Namely, the information processing unit can arbitrarily access any necessary trading card when needed and obtain necessary information. Therefore, since it becomes possible to process information recorded on several trading cards, it also becomes possible to design an application program including more contents. Consequently, more enjoyable contents can be provided to users . On the other hand, in the case where there is only one reproducing unit, it becomes necessary to use a large capacity storage device such as a hard disk if processing of using information recorded on several trading cards needs to be performed, Consequently, the production cost will be high. Also a user needs to change trading cards in accordance with the demand of the program. This might be troublesome for a user.

In addition, since the trading card is made of an optical recording medium, large capacity of information can be recorded and the trading cards can be manufactured at low cost. Especially, in case of using an optical recording medium as a trading card, relatively large capacity of image information which is related to a design on the trading card is often recorded in the optical recording medium. Therefore, an optical recording medium is very suitable for a trading card. On the other hand, it is possible to use an IC card as a trading card. However, the cost becomes high and the surface area of the trading card becomes too large if an IC card has same amount of recording capacity as the optical recording medium. Therefore, an IC card is not suitable for the trading card. As has been discussed above, it is possible to make the production cost lower and provide various kinds of application programs by providing a plurality of the reproducing units and using an optical recording medium as a trading card. Consequently, the trading card becomes more enjoyable. In addition, since the entertainment apparatus has the several reproducing units, images displayed on the screen are different depending on a combination of the trading cards put in the reproducing units. This also makes the trading cards more enjoyable.

The entertainment apparatus as described above is connected to a plurality of controllers which receive input from operators and output signals corresponding to the inputs to said information processing unit, and wherein said information processing unit operable to display the image including objects corresponding to the designs printed on the trading cards put in said reproducing units and change the objects corresponding to the respective controllers in response to the signals from the controllers.

In accordance with this configuration, each of operators can operate the object corresponding to the controller by operating the controller. Therefore, it is possible to design an application program where, for example, a plurality of operators can be involved with each other in the game (e.g., a game application where several players battle, compete, and/or cooperate) . Consequently, the trading card becomes more enjoyable.

The entertainment apparatus as described above is connected to a controller which receives an input from an operator and outputs a signal corresponding to the input to said information processing unit, and wherein said information processing unit operable to display the image including an object corresponding to the design printed on the trading card put in said reproducing unit, change an attribution of the object in accordance with the information recorded on the other trading card put in other said reproducing unit and also change the object in accordance with the signal from the controller.

In accordance with this configuration, the operator can change attributions of the object by changing said other trading card. Therefore, it is possible to operate the object in many variations. For example, in the case of executing an application where an object operated by the operator and an object operated by a computer (i.e., the information processing unit) battle and/or compete against each other, the operator can battle and/or compete against the computer in various patterns by changing a combination of the trading cards.

Also, it is possible to change the object itself which is operated by the operator by changing the trading card. In this way, the operator can change the object itself and/or its attribution by changing the trading card. Consequently, the trading card becomes more enjoyable.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, an entertainment system comprises: a plurality of trading cards each of which is rectangular with a design printed on its surface and has an optical recording portion where information related to the design is recorded; a plurality of reproducing units which are all set in a same housing and each of which reproduces the information recorded on the trading card put therein; and an information processing unit which is set in the housing, and displays, on a television monitor, an image related to the designs printed on the trading cards put in said reproducing units on the basis of the information reproduced by said reproducing units in accordance with a loaded program. In accordance with this configuration, the information processing apparatus includes the plurality of reproducing units, wherein the information processing unit can arbitrarily access any of the reproducing units. Namely, the information processing unit can access a necessary optical recording medium when needed and obtain necessary information. Consequently, since processing of information recorded on the several optical recording mediums becomes possible, a program including more contents becomes possible to be designed. Therefore, more enjoyable contents can be provided. In addition, since an optical recording medium is used as a recording medium, large capacity of information can be recorded and low production cost can be realized.

In this way, it is possible to make whole production cost low, and develop various kinds of application programs by providing a plurality of the reproducing units and using an optical recording medium as a recording medium.

The information processing apparatus as described above is connected to a controller which receives an input from an operator and outputs a signal corresponding to the input to said information processing unit, and wherein said information processing unit generates the video signal corresponding to the signal from the controller .

In this configuration, it is possible to design an application program which executes processing which can reflect input from an operator. Incidentally, the information processing apparatus and the controller can be connected each other either with or without a cable .

The information processing apparatus as described above further comprises a detecting unit operable to detect motion of a controller moved by an operator, and wherein said information processing apparatus performs processing in accordance with the motion of the controller detected by said detecting unit.

In accordance with this configuration, it is possible to design an application program which can reflect motion of the controller.

The information processing apparatus as described above is connected to a microphone and outputs an audio signal input through the microphone.

In accordance with this configuration, it is possible to design an application program which uses input from the microphone .

Incidentally, the information processing apparatus and the microphone can be connected each other either with or without a cable .

Brief Description Of Drawings The aforementioned and other features and objects of the present invention and the manner of attaining them will become more apparent and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to the following description of a preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a block diagram the overall configuration of an entertainment system in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2A is a view showing an example of design of the trading card of Fig. 1.

Fig. 2B is a view showing another example of design of the trading card of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3A is a view showing another example of design printed on the trading card of Fig. 1. Fig. 3B is a view showing an example of design printed on the trading card which belongs to the same series but different category with the trading card of Fig. 3A.

Fig. 4A is a view showing an example of an optical recording portion (a backside) of the trading card of Fig. 1. Fig. 4B is a view showing another example of an optical recording portion (a backside) of the trading card of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a view showing the electrical construction of the entertainment apparatus 1 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the processor 11 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a view showing a process flow of the process of the boot program stored in the boot ROM of Fig. 5.

Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of software executed by the entertainment apparatus 1 of Fig. 1. Fig. 9 is a view showing another example of the electrical construction of the entertainment apparatus 1 of Fig. 1.

Best Mode for Carrying out The Invention

In what follows, an embodiment of the present invention will be explained in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Meanwhile, like references indicate the same or functionally similar elements throughout the respective drawings, and therefore redundant explanation is not repeated.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram the overall configuration of an entertainment system in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the entertainment system is provided with an entertainment apparatus 1 having a dual optical disk unit 19 (referred as "entertainment apparatus" in the following description), trading cards 100, controllers 200a and 200b, a controller 202, microphones 204a and 204b, a television monitor 301 and an AV cable 305.

The television monitor 301 and the entertainment apparatus 1 are connected with the AV cable 305. A DC power voltage is supplied to the entertainment apparatus 1 through an AC adapter or a battery. The entertainment apparatus 1 includes a housing 3, and the dual optical disk unit 19 and a processor 11 to be explained later are housed in the housing 3 (refer to Fig. 5) . A card mounting portion 7 which two trading cards 100 can be mounted at the same time is formed on the upper surface of the entertainment apparatus 1. Two discoidal chuck portions 6a and 6b constituting a part of the dual optical disk unit 19 are exposing at the card mounting portion 7.

A rectangular card-type CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) is used as the trading card 100. The trading card 100 is the size of 63.5mm (width) X 89.0mm (long) and the thickness of 1.2mm adopting the standard size of International Standard. A circular hole 105 for chucking is formed at the center of the trading card 100. The hole 105 is 15mm in diameter.

The entertainment apparatus 1 employs a top loading method. Therefore, a player presses an open button 9 and opens an upper translucence plastic cover. Then, the player respectively puts two trading cards 100 in the chuck portions 6a and 6b of the card mounting portion 7, and closes the cover 5. The interval between the chuck portions 6a and 6b are distanced not to clash with each other when the two trading cards 100 are spinning.

The entertainment apparatus 1 is provided with an Ethernet (registered trademark) terminal 4 on the right side surface. Therefore, it can be connected to a network 310 (refer to Fig. 5 explained later) by a network cable (not shown) . The two controllers 200a and 200b are connected to the entertainment apparatus 1. The controllers 200a and 200b are respectively provided with a left analog joystick, a right analog joystick, and various keys such as a direction key and a start key.

An infrared filter 26 which only transmits infrared light is attached to the front face of the entertainment apparatus 1, and four infrared emitting diodes 30 which emit infrared light are exposed from the front face around the infrared filter 26. An image sensor (not shown) is arranged behind the infrared filter 26. The infrared filter 26, the infrared emitting diodes 30 and the image sensor are included in an imaging unit 29 (refer to Fig. 5 explained later) .

The imaging unit 29 picks up an image of a retroreflective sheet 203 so that the entertainment apparatus 1 can detect motion of the controller 202. The audio signals which are output from the microphones 204a and 204b are modulated. Then, they are received and demodulated by a receiving unit 28 located inside of the entertainment apparatus 1. The demodulated audio signals are given to the television monitor 301 via the AV cable 305. There are various kinds of design (including a drawing, a picture, a block print, letters, and/or a graphic image) of the trading card 100 of Fig. 1 such as toy series (e.g., car toys and dolls) , living creature series (e.g., insects, creatures in the sea, reptiles and flowers) , vehicle series (e.g., cars and planes), soldier series, famous building series, baseball player series, famous singer series and so on. However, the design is not limited thereto. In the following, some of them will be explained.

Fig. 2A and 2B are views showing examples of a design printed on the trading card 100 of Fig. 1. The trading card 100/1 of Fig.2A is an example of a trading card of car series. A picture of a car, a name of the car and a serial number are printed on the front side surface. The trading card 100/2 of Fig.2B is an example of a trading card of baseball player series. A picture of a baseball player, a name of the baseball player and a serial number are printed on the front side surface.

The number following with "/" is indicating a series of the trading card 100. The number "1" following with "/" of the trading card 100/1 of Fig. 2A indicates a car series. The number "2" following with "/" of the trading card 100/2 of Fig. 2B indicates a baseball player series. Incidentally, if the series is not necessarily divided, cards are indicated by merely "trading card 100".

There are various kinds of series of the trading card 100 as explained above. One series can be further divided into several categories. This will be explained accompanying with figures. Fig. 3A and 3B are views showing other examples of designs printed on the trading cards 100 of Fig. 1. The trading cards 100/3/1 and 100/3/2 of Fig. 3A and 3B are both categorized to a same demon series. However, the trading card 100/3/1 is a demon card which a demon is printed on, and the trading card 100/3/2 is an incantation card which a drawing which shows a kind of incantation is printed on. Therefore, the use of these cards is different. As described above, the trading cards 100 of the demon series are further divided into two categories. Incidentally, the number following the first (left or upper) "/" is indicating a series of the trading card 100. Namely, the number "3" following the first "/" of the trading cars 100/3/1 and 100/3/2 is indicating the demon series. In addition, the number following the second (right or lower) "/" is indicating a category of the trading card 100. Namely, the number "1" following the second "/" of the trading card 100/3/1 is indicating a demon card. The number "2" following the second "/" of the trading card 100/3/2 is indicating an incantation card. Incidentally, if there is no need to divide into series and categories, the trading cards are referred as a "trading card 100".

In what follows, the configuration of the trading card 100 is briefly explained. A bottom layer of the trading card 100 is made of transparent plastic layer (e.g., polycarbonate) . One side

(outer surface) of the plastic layer is flat, and the other side (inner surface) has concavo-convex pattern which is so-called pits. This pit pattern is coated with metal (e.g., aluminum) to reflect right. Furthermore, a protective layer which is made of resin is formed on this metal coat. The protective layer is the top layer. The various designs illustrated in Fig. 2A and 2B and Fig. 3A and 3B are printed on the surface of the protective layer. Laser beam for reproducing information is radiated from the bottom layer side. A recording layer consists of the pit pattern and the metal coat and is corresponding to each of optical recording portions 101 and 103 to be explained. Fig. 4A and 4B are views showing examples of backsides of the trading cards 100 of Fig. 1. As illustrated in Fig. 4A and 4B, the optical recording portions 101 and 103 (shaded area) can be seen via the transparent plastic layer from the backside of each trading card 100. The optical recording portions 101 and 103 are respectively formed around the center holes 105 in a spiral manner. The optical recording portion 101 of Fig. 4A is made in form of a complete circular ring. On the other hand, the shape of the optical recording portion 103 of Fig. 4B is a circular ring which both ends are cut out along the shape of the trading card 100. Information related to the design printed on the surface

(referred as design-related information in the following description) , a system program 83 to be explained, an application program 81 to be explained, and a device driver 85 to be explained and so on are recorded on the optical recording portions 101 and 103 of the trading cards 100. The design-related information includes, for example, information to display on the television monitor 301 the design printed on the trading card 100, audio information related to the design, text information related to the design and other information to be processed by the application program 81.

In this embodiment, same system program 83, same application program 81 and same device driver 85 are recorded on all trading cards 100 in the same series even though each has a different design. If the design printed on the trading card 100 is different, the design-related information is also different. Therefore, even if the trading cards are in the same series, contents of the design-related information are different if the designs are different . In addition, the trading cards 100 in the same series can be divided into a plurality of categories. For example, the trading cards 100 can be categorized in accordance with a type of the designs. In the example of Fig. 3A and 3B, the demon series is divided into two categories such as the demon and the incantation. The trading cards 100 in different categories have different design-related information. Since designs printed on the trading cards 100 are different if categories they are belonging to are different, kinds of information recorded on the trading cards 100 are different too. However, kinds of the design-related information recorded on the trading cards 100 are same if the cards 100 are in the same category.

The design-related information recorded on the trading card 100/3/1 of Fig. 3A is, for example, information related to the demon printed on the surface (e.g., image information to display the demon, audio information related to the demon, text information related to the demon, and default values of the demon such as an empirical value, a vitality value, defense value and offensive value) . On the other hand, the design-related information recorded on the trading card 100/3/2 of Fig. 3B is, for example, information related to the design of the incantation printed on the surface (e.g., image information to display the incantation, audio information related to the incantation, text information related to the incantation, and effect information of the incantation) . As explained above, different kinds of the design-related information are recorded if a category is different.

Fig. 5 is a view showing the electrical construction of the entertainment apparatus 1 of Fig. 1. As illustrated in Fig. 5, the entertainment apparatus 1 includes a processor 11, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 13, an external memory 15, a boot ROM 17, the dual optical disk unit 19, an audio mixing circuit 21, an EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable read only memory) 22, an external bus 23, a communication unit 24, a receiving unit 28, the imaging unit 29 and an AV terminal 25. The dual optical disk unit 19 includes the first CD-ROM drive 27a and the second CD-ROM drive 27b.

The processor 11 controls the whole entertainment apparatus 1 and generates a video signal VD and an audio signal AUl. The processor 11 is connected to the external bus 23. Therefore the processor 11 is possible to access the ASIC 13 and the boot ROM 17 both of which are connected to the external bus 23. In addition, the processor 11 receives input signals from the controllers 200a and 200b and reflects them to processing.

The EEPROM 22 stores user information and information related to a video game (e.g., game results such as ranking, parameters which change as the game proceeds (e.g., an empirical value, a vitality value, a defense value and an offensive value all of which are used in a battle game) ) . These kinds of information are written to the EEPROM 22 by the processor 11 or read from the EEPROM 22 by the processor 11. The first CD-ROM drive 27a reproduces information recorded on the trading card 100 which is put in the chuck portion 6a. In addition, the first CD-ROM drive 27a reproduces digital audio data recorded on the trading card 100, and converts the data into an analog signal. Then, the first CD-ROM drive 27a outputs the signal as an audio signal AU2 to the audio mixing circuit 21. The second CD-ROM drive 27b has the same functionality' as the first CD-ROM drive 27a.

The audio mixing circuit 21 mixes the audio signal AUl generated by the processor 11, the audio signal AU2 generated by the dual optical disk unit 19 and an audio signal AU3 generated by the receiving unit 28, and then output it as an audio signal

AUM to the AV terminal 25.

The AV cable 305 of Fig. 1 is connected to the AV terminal 25. The video signal VD from the processor 11 and the audio signal AUM from the audio mixing circuit 21 are transmitted to the television monitor 301 via the AV cable 305.

The ASIC 13 has a functionality of a DMA (Direct Memory Access) . Therefore, the ASIC 13 executes the DMA transfer of the information recorded on the trading card 100 reproduced by the dual optical disk unit 19 to the external memory 15.

The external memory 15 is, for example, a SRAM (Static Random

Access Memory) , and temporarily stores the information reproduced by the dual optical disk unit 19. The information stored in the external memory 15 is read by the processor 11 via the ASIC 13 and the external bus 23.

The boot ROM 17 stores a boot program. When a power switch 8 which is provided to the front side of the housing 3 of Fig. 1 is pressed, the processor 11 loads and performs the boot program stored in the boot ROM 17. The communication unit 24 is a network adapter and has a functionality of connecting to LAN (Local Area Network) via the Ethernet (registered trademark) terminal 4. The network 310 includes LAN and Internet. Therefore, the entertainment apparatus 1 can access, via the communication unit 24, various servers and terminals connected to the network 310.

The communication unit 24 is controlled by the processor 11, and the processor 11 temporarily stores, via the external bus 23 and the ASIC 13, data which the communication unit 24 obtains from the network 310 in the external memory 15. The imaging unit 29 comprises the infrared filter 26, the infrared emitting diodes 29 and an image sensor (e.g., a CMOS image sensor) , and is controlled by the processor 11.

The infrared emitting diodes 29 intermittently emit infrared light. Therefore, the image sensor of the imaging unit 29 picks up images of the retroreflective sheet 203 of the controller 202 with and without light emitted. The processor 11 calculates a difference between the images with and without light emitted, and specifies a position of the retroreflective sheet 203, i.e., the position of the controller 202. In this way, the position of the controller 202 held and moved by the player is detected. The processor 11 can reflect the position information of the controller 202 on processing. Namely, it is possible to design an application program which can reflect motion of the controller 202.

Each of the microphones 204a and 204b converts voice into an electronic signal, i.e., an audio signal, and modulates and transmits it to the receiving unit 28. The receiving unit 28 demodulates the audio signal and outputs it as the audio signal AU3 to the audio mixing circuit 21 and the processor 11. The processor 11 performs processing such as process of adding an echo effect to the audio signal AU3, and mixes it with an accompaniment of Karaoke, and outputs it as the audio signal AUl. Incidentally, the receiving unit 28 is controlled by the processor 11.

Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing internal configuration of the processor 11 of Fig. 5. As shown in Fig. 6, this processor 11 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 31, a graphics processor 33, a pixel plotter 35, a sound processor 37, a DMA (direct memory access) controller 39, a first bus arbitrator 43, a second bus arbitrator 44, a backup control circuit 45, an main memory 47, a timer circuit 49, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 50, an input/output control circuit 51, an external memory interface circuit 53, a clock driver 59, a PLL (phase-locked loop) circuit 57, a low voltage detection circuit 55, a first bus 61 and a second bus 63. In the present embodiment, the main memory 47 and the external memory 15 are generally referred to as the "memory MEM" in the case where they need not be distinguished. The CPU 31 performs various operations and controls the overall system in accordance with a program stored in the memory MEM. The CPU 31 is a bus master of the first bus 61 and the second bus 63, and can access the resources connected to the respective buses. The graphics processor 33 is a bus master of the first bus 61 and the second bus 63, and serves to convert image information stored in the memory MEM into graphic data, and generate a video signal "VD" to be output to the television monitor 301 on the basis of the graphic data. In this case, the graphic data is generated by synthesizing a background screen(s), a sprite (s) and a bitmap screen. The background screen which covers entirety of the screen of the television monitor 301 comprises a two-dimensional array. And each array element comprises of a rectangular set of pixels. The sprite consists of a rectangular set of pixels which can be relocated in any position of the screen of the television monitor 301. The bitmap screen consists of a two-dimensional pixel array of which the size and location as displayed can be freely designated.

The graphics processor 33 is controlled by the CPU 31 through the first bus 61, and capable of issuing an interrupt request signal "INRQ" to the CPU 31.

The pixel plotter 35 is controlled by the CPU 31 through the first bus 61, and capable of drawing pixel data as given from the CPU 31. In this example, the drawing operation can be performed with individual pixels. Pixel data is data representing the display color of one pixel by M bits (M is one or a larger integer) . Also, the pixel plotter 35 is a bus master of the first bus 61 and the second bus 63.

The sound processor 37 is a bus master of the first bus 61 and the second bus 63, and serves to convert sound information stored in the memory MEM into sound data, and generate and output an audio signal "AUl" on the basis of the sound data. The sound data is synthesized by pitch conversion and amplitude modulation of PCM (pulse code modulation) data serving as the base data of tone quality. For the amplitude modulation, a function for reproducing waveforms of a music instrument is provided in addition to the volume control function performed in response to an instruction of the CPU 31.

Furthermore, the sound processor 37 is controlled by the CPU 31 through the first bus 61, and capable of issuing an interrupt request signal "INRQ" to the CPU 31.

The DMA controller 39 controls data transfer from the external memory 15 connected to the external bus 23 via the ASIC 13 to the main memory 47. On the other hand, the DMA controller 39 has the function of outputting, to the CPU 31, an interrupt request signal "INRQ" indicative of the completion of the data transfer. Particularly, the DMA controller 39 is a bus master of the first bus 61 and the second bus 63, and controlled by the CPU 31 through the first bus 61. The main memory 47 may be implemented with one or any necessary combination of a mask ROM, an SRAM and a DRAM in accordance with the system requirements. In the present embodiment, the main memory 47 is composed of an SRAM. The backup control circuit 45 deactivates the main memory 47 when the low voltage detection circuit 55 to be described below detects a low voltage condition. On the other hand, the main memory 47 is supplied with a power supply voltage from the battery 65. Accordingly, the data stored in the main memory 47 composed of an SRAM can be maintained even after the power supply voltages VccO and Vccl are taken away. The first bus arbiter 43 accepts first bus use request signals from the respective bus masters of the first bus 61, performs bus arbitration among the requests, and issues a first bus use acknowledge signal to one of the respective bus masters for each bus cycle . Each bus master is permitted to access the first bus 61 after receiving the first bus use acknowledge signal. In this example, the first bus use request signal and the first bus use acknowledge signal are illustrated as first bus arbitration signals "FAB" in Fig . 6. The first bus 61 includes a data bus, an address bus and a control bus (not shown in the figure) .

The second bus arbiter 44 accepts second bus use request signals from the respective bus masters of the second bus 63, performs bus arbitration among the requests, and issues a second bus use acknowledge signal to one of the respective bus masters for each bus cycle or each sequence of a predetermined number of bus cycles corresponding to the number of bytes as required. Each bus master is permitted to access the second bus 63 after receiving the second bus use acknowledge signal. In this example, the second bus use request signal and the second bus use acknowledge signal are illustrated as second bus arbitration signals "SAB" in Fig. 6.

The second bus 63 includes a data bus, an address bus and a control bus (not shown in the figure) . The timer circuit 49 has the function of repeatedly outputting an interrupt request signal "INRQ" to the CPU 31 with a configured interval. The setting of the time interval and so forth is performed by the CPU 31 through the first bus 61.

The ADC 50 converts an analog input signal to a digital signal . This digital signal is read by the CPU 31 through the first bus 61. In addition, the ADC 50 has the function of outputting an interrupt request signal "INRQ" to the CPU 31.

Incidentally, analog signals as output from the analog joysticks of the controllers 200a and 200b are input to the ADC 50.

The input/output control circuit 51 serves to perform the input and output operations of input and output signals to enable the communication with external input/output devices and/or external semiconductor devices. The read and write operations of input and output signals are controlled by the CPU 31 through the first bus 61. Also, the input/output control circuit 51 has the function of outputting an interrupt request signal "INRQ" to the CPU 31. Incidentally, the input and output signals are input and output, for example, through programmable input/output ports "IOO" to "1023" (not shown in the figure) .

Incidentally, signals from various keys of the controllers 200a and 200b are input to the input/output control circuit 51 via the input/output ports and read by the CPU 31. The communication unit 24, the receiving unit 28 and the imaging unit 29 are controlled by the CPU 301 via the input/output ports and the input/output control circuit 51. The low voltage detection circuit 55 monitors the power supply voltages VccO and Vccl, and issues a reset signal to the PLL circuit 57 and so forth and a reset signal "RSET" to the other circuit elements of the entire system when either the power supply voltage VccO or Vccl falls below corresponding one of reference voltages which are determined in advance individually for the respective power supply voltages VccO and Vccl. In this case, the power supply voltage VccO is supplied mainly to digital circuits in the processor 11. On the other hand, the power supply voltage Vccl is supplied mainly to analog circuits and I/O circuits in the processor 11.

The PLL circuit 57 generates a high frequency clock signal by multiplication of the sinusoidal signal as obtained from a crystal oscillator 67. The clock driver 59 reinforces the high frequency clock signal as received from the PLL circuit 57 to a sufficient driving capability to supply the respective blocks with the amplified high frequency clock signal as an internal clock signal "ICLK".

The external memory interface circuit 53 has the function of connecting the second bus 63 to the external bus 23. Next, the data transfer paths within the processor 11 shown in Fig. 6 will be explained. When accessing the main memory 47, a bus master outputs write data to the first bus arbiter 43 for writing the write data to the main memory 47 and the first bus arbiter 43 transmits the write data to the main memory 47 after arbitration through the first bus 61. On the other hand, a bus master outputs a first bus use request signal to the first bus arbiter 43 for reading data from the main memory 47 and receives the read data from the main memory 47 after arbitration through the first bus 61 and the first bus arbiter 43. Also, when accessing the external memories 15, a bus master outputs write data to the second bus arbiter 44 for writing the write data to the external memory 15 and the second bus arbiter 14 transmits the write data to the external memory 15 after arbitration through the second bus 63, the external memory interface circuit 53, the external bus 23 and ASIC 13. On the other hand, a bus master outputs a second bus use request signal to the second bus arbiter 44 for reading data from the external memory 15 and receives the read data from the external memory 15 after arbitration through the ASIC 13, the external bus 23, the external memory interface circuit 53, the second bus 63 and the second bus arbiter 44.

Fig. 7 is a view showing a process flow of the processor 11 of Fig. 5 when executing the boot program. The processor 11 loads and executes the boot program from the boot ROM 17 when the power switch 8 is turned on. In this case, the processor 11 performs initial setting of the system in step Sl. In step S2, the processor 11 determines whether or not an execution stand-by counter is "0". If the execution stand-by counter is not "0", the processor 11 proceeds to step S18 and decrements the counter and then proceeds to step S2. On the other hand, if the execution stand-by counter is "0", the processor 11 proceeds to step S3.

In step S3, the processor 11 sets a value to the execution stand-by counter. In step S4, the processor 11 transmits a check command to the ASIC 13, and makes the ASIC 13 check whether or not a trading card 100 is put in the first CD-ROM drive 27a.

In step S5, if the processor 11 is informed that the status is ready (i.e., a trading card 100 is put) by the ASIC 13, the processor 11 proceeds to step S6. On the other hand, if the processor 11 is informed that the status is not ready (i.e., a trading card 100 is not put) by the ASIC 13, the processor 11 proceeds to step SlO.

In step S6, the processor 11 turns on a first ready flag indicating whether or not a trading card 100 is put in the first CD-ROM drive 27a. In step S7, the processor 11 checks a system flag and if the system flag is turned on, i.e., the system program 83 is read from the trading card 100 and stored in the external memory 15, the processor 11 proceeds to step SIl. On the other hand, if the system flag is turned off, i.e., the system program 83 is not read from the trading card 100, the processor 11 proceeds to step S8.

In step S8, the processor 11 transmits a read command to the ASIC 13. Then, the ASIC 13 makes the first CD-ROM drive 27a reproduce the system program 83, and executes the DMA transfer of the reproduced system program 83 to the external memory 15. The processor 11 loads and executes the system program 83 stored in the external memory 15. In step S9, the processor 11 turns the system flag on.

On the other hand, the processor 11 turns the first ready flag off in step SlO since a trading card 100 is not put in the first CD-ROM drive 27a.

In step SIl, the processor 11 gives a check command to the ASIC 13 and makes the ASIC 13 check whether or not a trading card 100 is put in the second CD-ROM drive 27b.

In step S12, if the processor 11 is informed that the status is ready (i.e., a trading card 100 is put) by the ASIC 13, the processor 11 proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if the processor 11 is informed that the status is not ready (i.e., a trading card 100 is not put) by the ASIC 13, the processor 11 proceeds to step S17. In step S13, the processor 11 turns on a second ready flag indicating a trading card 100 is put in the second CD-ROM drive 27b. In step S14, the processor 11 checks the system flag, and if the flag is turned on, the processor 11 proceeds to step S2, otherwise proceeds to step S15. In step S15, the processor 11 gives a read command to the ASIC 13. Then, the ASIC 13 makes the second CD-ROM drive 27b reproduce the system program 83, and executes the DMA transfer of the reproduced system program 83 to the external memory 15. The processor 11 loads and executes the system program 83 stored in the external memory 15. In step S16, the processor 11 turns the system flag on, and then proceeds to step S2.

On the other hand, the processor 11 turns the second ready flag off in step S17 because a trading card 100 is not put in the second CD-ROM drive 27b, and then proceeds to step S2. Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of software (except the boot program) executed by the entertainment apparatus 1 of Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 8, the processor 11 of the entertainment apparatus 1 executes programs such as the system program 83, the application program 81 and the device driver 85. The system program 83 functions as an operating system and performs file management, memory management (i.e., management of the external memory 15) , task management, interrupt management (e.g., management of a video system synchronous interrupt) , and common resource management among tasks (e.g., management of the timer circuit 49 and the DMA controller 39) . The device driver 85 is a program designed for accessing the dual optical disk unit 19. The application program 81 is a program designed for a specific objective, and booted by the boot program.

In what follows, access from the application program 81 to the dual optical disk unit 19 will be explained. When the application program 81 needs information recorded on a trading card 100 during executing process, the application program 81 gives information such as a drive name (the first CD-ROM drive 27a or the second CD-ROM drive 27b) , a directory name and a file name to the system program 83. Then, the system program 83 specifies a location storing the file in accordance with the given information, and transmits the specified storage location information, drive name information and address information for storing reproduced data to the device driver 85. Then, the device driver 85 gives the information to the ASIC 13.

The ASIC 13 communicates with the dual optical disk unit 19, and makes the CD-ROM drive (the first CD-ROM drive 27a or the second CD-ROM drive 27b) indicated by the given drive name information reproduce data indicated by the given storage location information. Then the ASIC 13 executes the DMA transfer of the data reproduced by the CD-ROM drive to the address indicated by the device driver 85 in the external memory 15.

After the ASIC 13 transmits a transfer completion notice to the device driver 85, the system program 83 transmits address information indicating a storage location of the reproduced data to the application program 81. The application program 81 accesses the external memory 15 in accordance with the address information, and reads and processes the reproduced data.

Some examples of processing performed on the basis of the application program 81 by the entertainment apparatus 1 will be described.

[l]The entertainment apparatus 1 can recognizes whether or not a trading card(s) 100 is (are) put in the first CD-ROM drive 27a and the second CD-ROM drive 27b by checking the first ready flag and the second ready flag. Therefore, in the case where a trading card 100 is put in only one of the CD-ROM drives 27a and 27b, the process of using the design-related information recorded on one trading card 100 is executed. In the case where trading cards 100 are put in both CD-ROM drives 27a and 27b, the process of using the design-related information recorded on two trading cards 100 is executed.

[2] In the case where a trading card 100 is put in only one of the CD-ROM drives 27a and 27b, the entertainment apparatus 1 generates a video signal VD and an audio signal AUl on the basis of the design-related information recorded on the trading card 100. Therefore, since the design-related information recorded on the trading card 100 is information related to the design printed on the surface of the trading card 100, an image related to the design are displayed on the television monitor 301 and a sound related to the design are output from a speaker (not shown) of the television monitor 301.

[3] In the case where a trading card 100 is put in either of CD-ROM drive 27a or the second CD-ROM drive 27b, it is possible to provide an application program 81 which performs a process for a battle/competition game between a player operating the controller 200a or 200b and the CPU 31. For example, it is possible to provide an application program 81 which displays, on the television monitor 301, an object (referred as an operation object in the following description) corresponding to the design printed on the trading card 100 put in the drive and an object (referred as non-operation object in the following description) which is an opponent to the operation object. The player operates the operation object by the controller 200a or 200b while the CPU 31 operates the non-operation object, and the application program 81 makes the operation object and the non-operation object battle and/or compe te .

[4] In the case where trading cards 100 are put in both CD-ROM drives 27a and 27b, the entertainment apparatus 1 generates a video signal VD and an audio signal AUl on the basis of the design-related information recorded on the trading cards 100. Therefore, since the design-related information recorded on the trading card 100 is information related to the design printed on the trading card 100, an image respectively related to designs printed on the trading cards 100 is displayed on the television monitor 301 and sounds related to the designs are output from a speaker (not shown) of the television monitor 301.

In this case, it is possible to display the image related to one trading card 100 in the prescribed area of the screen of the television monitor 301 and the image related to the other trading card 100 in the other prescribed area of the screen of the television monitor 301. It is also possible to display images related to designs of both trading cards 100 without dividing the screen. Furthermore, it is possible to display the image related to the design printed on each trading card 100 by switching the screen in response to an instruction from the controller 200a or the controller 200b operated by a player.

[5] In the case where trading cards 100 are put in the both first and the second CD-ROM drives 200a and 200b, it is possible to provide an application program 81 that performs game process which allows the first player controlling the controller 200a and the second player controlling the controller 200b battle and/or compete against each other. For example, it is possible to provide an application program 81 which displays, on the television monitor 301, an object (referred as the first operation object in the following description) corresponding to the design printed on the trading card 100 put in the first CD-ROM drive 200a and an object (referred as the second operation object in the following description) corresponding to the design printed on the trading card 100 put in the second CD-ROM drive 200b and allows the first player operating the controller 200a and the second player operating the controller 200b battle and/or compete against each other .

[6] As explained above, a series of the trading card 100 can be divided into several categories. For example, it is possible to provide an application program 81 that performs game process which allows a player put two trading cards 100 belonging to different categories in the dual optical disk unit 19 and the CPU 31 battle and/or compete against each other.

For example, it is possible to provide an application program 81 which displays, on the television monitor 301, an object (referred as an operation object in the following description) related to a design printed on a trading card 100 put in the first CD-ROM drive 27a and an object (referred as a non-operation object in the following description) which is an opponent to the operation object and in which the player can battle and/or compete against the non-operation object operated by the CPU 31 by operating the operation object by the controller 200a or 200b. In this case, it is possible to change attributes of the operation object and add a new function to the operation object in accordance with information recorded on the trading card 100 put in the second CD-ROM drive 27b.

Therefore, it is possible to change attributes of the operation object and add a new function to the operation object by changing the trading card 100 put in the second CD-ROM drive 27b to other trading card 100 belonging to the same category. In addition, the player can change the operation object by changing the trading card 100 put- in the first CD-ROM drive 27a to other trading card 100 belonging to the same category. Furthermore, it is possible to change not only the operation object but also attributes of the operation object and add a new function to the operation object by changing the trading card 100 put in the first CD-ROM drive 27a to other trading card 100 belonging to the same category and also changing the trading card 100 put in the second CD-ROM drive 27b to other trading card 100 belonging to the same category.

[7] In the case where two trading cards 100 belonging to different categories are put in the dual optical disk unit 19, it is possible to provide an application program 81 that generates an image and a sound which are mixed an image and a sound based on design-related information recorded on one trading card 100 with an image and a sound based on the design-related information recorded on the other trading card 100.

For example, in the case of using a trading card 100 which has the design-related information for generating an image and a sound of a racing car and another trading card 100 which has the design-related information for generating an image and a sound of a circuit, it is possible to provide an application program 81 which generates an image and a sound mixed them. To display various combinations of images and output various combinations of sounds, the player simply changes the trading card(s) 100.

[8] In the case where trading cards 100 are put in the both first and the second CD-ROM drives 200a and 200b, it is possible to provide an application program 81 that performs game process which allows the first player controlling the controller 200a and the second player controlling the controller 200b to battle and/or compete cooperatively against an object (referred as a non-operation object) operated by the CPU 31. For example, it is possible to provide an application program 81 which displays, on the television monitor 301, an object (referred as the first operation object in the following description) corresponding to the design printed on the trading card 100 put in the first CD-ROM drive 200a and an object (referred as the second operation object in the following description) corresponding to the design printed on the trading card 100 put in the second CD-ROM drive 200b and allows the first player operating the first operation object by the controller 200a and the second player operating the second operation object by the controller 200b to battle and/or compete cooperatively against the non-operation object operated by the CPU 31. [9] Although a single trading card 100 can function as one trading card and the entertainment apparatus 1 can generate an image and a sound corresponding to the design-related information, it is possible to provide an application program 81 which generates new an image and a sound by pairing two trading cards 100. For example", when a trading card 100 which has design related information for generating an image and a sound of a demon when used by itself and a trading card 100 which has design related information for generating an image and a sound of other demon when used by itself are put in the dual optical disk unit 19, it is possible to provide an application program which generates an image and a sound of a new demon which is not generated from only one trading card 100. In this case, the information for generating an image and a sound of the new demon is recorded on the trading card 100 in advance. [10] In the case where trading cards 100 are put in the both first and second CD-ROM drives 200a and 200b, it is possible to provide an application program which generates an image and a sound for enabling to communicate between an object corresponding to the design printed on the trading card 100 and an object corresponding to the design printed on the other trading card 100.

[11] It is possible to provide an application program 81 which can provide a game where the first player using the first CD-ROM drive 27a and the second player using the second CD-ROM drive 27b can play a game with changing their trading cards 100 one after another.

[12] Since the entertainment apparatus 1 comprises the communication unit 24, it is possible to access a server (not shown) connected to the network 310 and communicate with other entertainment apparatus 1 connected to the network 310 through the server. Also, the entertainment apparatus 1 can communicate directly with the other entertainment apparatus 1 connected to the network 310. Therefore, an online game program performed by each entertainment apparatus 1 allows a user of the each entertainment apparatus 1 which is connected to the network 310 play online games . For example, since the entertainment apparatus 1 can be connected to two controllers 200a and 200b, it is possible to provide an online game program which allows two players of the entertainment apparatus 1 as a pair and two players of other entertainment apparatus 1 as a pair battle and/or compete against each other.

Also, the entertainment apparatus 1 can access a server (not shown) which is connected to the network 310 and serves electronic commerce. Therefore, users can trade the trading cards 100 themselves on electronic commerce by using the entertainment apparatus 1.

[13] It is possible to perform processing for Karaoke by putting, in the dual optical disk unit 19, a trading card 100 which contains Karaoke data and a trading card 100 which contains background data. In this way, a user can enjoy various combinations of a Karaoke song and a background image. In another respect, it is possible to design an application program 81 which uses inputs from the microphones 204a and 204b.

[14] Instead of using the controllers 200a and 200b described in above, it is possible to use the controller 202 and/or a controller which has same configuration as the controller 202. Fig. 9 is a view showing other electrical construction of the entertainment apparatus 1 of Fig. 1. As illustrated in Fig.

9, the entertainment apparatus 1 can be comprised of the processor

11, the external memory 15, the boot ROM 17, the dual optical disk unit 19, the audio mixing circuit 21, EEPROM 22, the external bus

23, the communication unit 24, the receiving unit 28, the imaging unit 29, and the AV terminal 25. The differences between the entertainment apparatus 1 of Fig. 5 and Fig. 9 will be explained.

The processor 11 controls the overall entertainment apparatus 1 and generates a video signal VD and an audio signal

AUl . The processor 11 is connected to the external bus 23. Therefore, the processor 11 can access the external memory 15 and the boot

ROM 17 both of which are connected to the external bus 23.

In the example of Fig. 9, the dual optical disk unit 19 is controlled directly by the processor 11. The processor 11 accesses the dual optical disk unit 19 and transmits information recorded on a trading card 100 reproduced by the dual optical disk unit 19 to the external memory 15.

The external memory 15 temporarily stores the information reproduced by the dual optical disk unit 19. The processor 11 reads the information stored in the external memory 15 through the external bus 23.

In this example, the device driver 85 of Fig. 8 functions as the ASIC 13 of Fig. 5. The communication unit 24 is also controlled by the processor 11 and the processor 11 temporarily stores, through the external bus 23, data obtained via the network 310 by the communication unit 24.

As has been discussed above, the entertainment apparatus 1 comprises the dual optical disk unit 19 having the first CD-ROM drive 27a and the second CD-ROM drive 27b and the processor 11 can arbitrarily access both the drive 27a and 27b. In other words, the processor 11 can access the trading card 100 of necessity and obtains the necessary information when needed. Therefore, since it becomes possible to perform processing using information recorded on two trading cards 100, it is also becomes possible to design an application program 81 which includes more contents.

Consequently, it is possible to provide more interesting contents.

On the other hand, if an entertainment apparatus has only one CD-ROM drive, it is necessary to include a mass-storage device such as a hard disk when processing information recorded on several trading cards 100.

Consequently, the production cost becomes higher and it is troublesome for a user to change trading cards 100 one after another.

Also, since the trading card 100 is made of a CD-ROM, it is possible to record large capacity information and the production cost is cheaper. Especially, since relatively large capacity image information is needed to be recorded in the trading card 100 as information related to the design printed on the trading card 100, a CD-ROM is suitable for a material of the trading card 100.

On the other hand, it can be possible to use an IC card as a trading card. However, if same storage capacity as "a CD-ROM is required on the IC card, the production cost becomes high and the surface area of the card becomes very large. Therefore, the IC card is not suitable for a trading card.

As described above, the entertainment apparatus 1 is provided with two CD-ROM drives 27a and 27b and a CD-ROM is used for a trading card 100. Therefore, the production cost of the whole system becomes cheaper and various application programs 81 (e.g., [1] to [14] described in above) can be designed so that the trading card 100 can be more enjoyable. Also, since two CD-ROM drives 27a and 27b are provided, images to be displayed are different depending on the combination of the set trading cards 100. Therefore, the trading card 100 can be more enjoyable.

Incidentally, a user does not have to buy both the trading card 100 and the entertainment apparatus 1 at the same time. This is because the trading card 100 itself can be used as a normal trading card. Therefore, the user can collect trading cards 100 and buy the entertainment apparatus 1 when the user gets interested. In addition, if the trading card 100 is enabled for a personal computer to read and execute information recorded on it, a user can use a personal computer which the user already owns instead of using the entertainment apparatus 1 at first. In this way, the user can buy the entertainment apparatus 1 when needed unlike other general game machine.

Incidentally, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and a variety of variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, as described in the following exemplary modifications. (1) In above explanation, the card-type CD-ROM is used as an example of a card-type optical recording medium which is used as a trading card 100. However, the optical recording medium is not limited thereto. For example, a DVD-ROM (digital versatile disk) can be used instead.

Also, for example, a CD-R (compact disk-recordable) , a CD-RW (compact disk-rewritable) , a DVD±R, a DVD±RW or a DVD-RAM (digital versatile disk-random access memory) can he used instead of using a CD-ROM. In this case, since the trading card 100 is writable, it is possible to record information related to a user and/or a game in the trading card 100. Also, it is possible to provide an application program 81 which allows exchanging a part of/all information recorded on the two trading cards 100 put in the dual optical disk unit 19. (2) In above explanation, the entertainment apparatus 1 is provided with two CD-ROM drives 27a and 27b. However, the number of the drives is not limited thereto. It is possible to provide more than two CD-ROM drives.

(3) In above explanation, the system program 83, the application program 81 and the device driver 85 are recorded on the trading card 100. Instead of recording these programs on the trading card 100, they can be recorded on a semiconductor memory (e.g., ROM) by providing the semiconductor memory in the entertainment apparatus 100. (4) In above explanation, information recorded on the trading card 100 is reproduced and executed by the entertainment apparatus 1. However, it is possible to reproduce the information by a CD-ROM drive of a personal computer and execute an application program on the personal computer. In this case, for example, an application program designed to work on a browser on the personal computer is recorded on the trading card 100. It is possible to use a keyboard and/or mouse and/or a special controller.

(5) In above explanation, only one controller 202 which is imaged and detected by the imaging unit 29 is used as an example. However, it is possible to use more than one controller.

(6) In above explanation, each of the controllers 20a and 200b is connected to the entertainment apparatus 1 with a cable. However, it is possible to connect them without a cable (wireless connection) . In addition, each of the microphones 204a and 204b is connected to the entertainment apparatus 1 without a cable. However, it is possible to connect them using a cable.

(7) In above explanation, the shape of the optical recording medium used as a trading card 100 is rectangular. However, the shape is not limited thereto. The shape can be circle, polygon other than rectangular, shape imitating an object, and shape of varied type.

(8) In above explanation, the trading card 100 is used as an example. As has been discussed above, the card 100 is sold as a trading card rather than as an optical recording medium. However, the card 100 is sold as an optical recording medium, but people might buy them for trading. Therefore, the present invention can be applied no matter how the optical recording medium which can be reproduced by the entertainment apparatus 1 is sold.

(9) In above explanation, information related to the design printed on the surface of the trading card 100 is recorded on the optical recording portions 101 and 103. However, information to be recorded on the trading card 100 can be information which is not related to the design.

Still, the processor 11 can arbitrary access both the CD-ROM drive 27a and 27b. Namely, the processor 11 can access the CD-ROM drive 27a and/or 27b and obtain necessary information when needed. Therefore, it becomes possible to perform processing using information recorded on both two CD-ROMs. Consequently, a program including various contents can be designed, and more enjoyable contents can be provided. Also, since a CD-ROM is used for a recording medium, large capacity of information can be recorded and the production cost is cheaper. Needless to say, the optical recording medium is not limited to a CD-ROM, and various disks explained above can be used.

The invention has been described in detail above based on the embodiment, but it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the embodiment described in the present application. The invention can be embodied in modified and changed modes without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Accordingly, the description of the invention is intended for purposes of illustration and is in no way intended to limit the invention.

Claims

1. An entertainment apparatus to be put a plurality of trading cards therein each of which has an optical recording portion where information related to a design printed on the trading card is recorded, and to reproduce the information recorded on the trading card, said entertainment apparatus comprising: a plurality of reproducing units which are all set in a same housing and each of which operable to reproduce the information recorded on the trading card put therein, and an information processing unit which is set in the housing, and displays, on a television monitor, an image related to the designs printed on the trading cards put in said reproducing units on the basis of the information reproduced by said reproducing units in accordance with a loaded program.

2. The entertainment apparatus as claimed in claim 1 which is connected to a plurality of controllers which receive input from operators and output signals corresponding to the inputs to said information processing unit, and wherein said information processing unit operable to display the image including objects corresponding to the designs printed on the trading cards put in said reproducing units and change the objects corresponding to the respective controllers in response to the signals from the controllers.

3. The entertainment apparatus as claimed in claim 1 which is connected to a controller which receives an input from an operator and outputs a signal corresponding to the input to said information processing unit, and wherein said information processing unit operable to display the image including an object corresponding to the design printed on the trading card put in said reproducing unit, change an attribution of the object in accordance with the information recorded on the other trading card put in other said reproducing unit and also change the object in accordance with the signal from the controller.

4. An entertainment system comprising: a plurality of trading cards each of which is rectangular with a design printed on its surface and has an optical recording portion where information related to the design is recorded; a plurality of reproducing units which are all set in a same housing and each of which reproduces the information recorded on the trading card put therein; and an information processing unit which is set in the housing, and displays, on a television monitor, an image related to the designs printed on the trading cards put in said reproducing units on the basis of the information reproduced by said reproducing units in accordance with a loaded program.

5. An information processing apparatus where each of a plurality of optical recording media storing corresponding prescribed information are put in; said information processing apparatus comprising: a plurality of reproducing units which are all set in a same housing and each of which reproduces the information recorded on the trading card put therein, and an information processing unit which is set in the same housing, generates a video signal on the basis of the information reproduced by said reproducing units in accordance with a loaded program and outputs the video signal to a display device.

6. The information processing apparatus claimed in claim 5 is connected to a controller which receives an input from an operator and outputs a signal corresponding to the input to said information processing unit, and wherein said information processing unit generates the video signal corresponding to the signal from the controller.

7. The information processing apparatus claimed in claim 5 further comprising: a detecting unit operable to detect motion of a controller moved by an operator, and wherein said information processing apparatus performs processing in accordance with the motion of the controller detected by said detecting unit.

8. The information processing apparatus claimed in claim 5 is connected to a microphone and outputs an audio signal input through the microphone.